A slight rustling sound had Emma turning her head. She had been staring at nothing for the past… well, she wasn't quite sure for how long, but at least a while.
The sound of rustling was the blanket sliding onto the floor. It was Regina moving that had sent the blanket onto the floor.
Regina blinked slowly as to adjust.
"Hey there," Emma softly greeted. Not for the first time. Regina had alternating between dozing off and being awake for a while now.
"Hola," Regina rasped. "Do you know what time it is?"
"It is…" Emma quickly glanced at her phone. "Six in the morning. Wow."
"And this started at twelve, right?"
"Yeah," Emma said, confirming Regina's question. "It did. That's six hours."
"It sure is. You good?"
"Ask me again in about sixty-ish seconds," Regina joked as she unfolded her legs and stood from the couch.
She started wandering back and forward and huffed out a breath, bringing a hand to her lower back and going: "ouch."
Emma chewed on her bottom lip. Regina had gone 'ouch' when she had a contraction for the past hour at least. Which meant that the contractions were getting more intense and painful. Things were progressing, and all though that of course a good thing, Emma wasn't particularly fond of this.
At first, she and Regina had talked and laughed and joked together. Regina hadn't been affected by the contractions at all. Quite the reverse, she'd quipped every time she felt a slight twinge of something, and she'd had great fun with taking Emma's hand and placing it on her belly so she could feel how rock hard it became every time she experienced a contraction.
But the joke was definitely wearing thin now. There were fewer smiles.
"Urgh, this is no fun at all!" Regina complained as she trotted up and down the living room floor.
Emma quite agreed. Watching Regina being in pain was never fun. And it always was something she avoided at all costs. But this time, there was literally nothing she could do about it. Regina was in pain, and all Emma could do was sitting here and watching. It was aggravating. She felt utterly helpless. And knowing that it would only get worse from here, didn't exactly help the matter.
Regina took deep breaths and massaged her lower back. Muttered something in Spanish Emma couldn't quite hear, but she was sure it was some sort of complain. Which she completely understood.
Just then, Henry came back to the living room. He had been outside giving Granny an update about the situation, but now his attention was entirely focused on Regina.
"Cielo. Estas despierto," he said softly.
"Sí, sí," Regina said halfheartedly and gave a meek thumbs up. "This one's really nipping, but-" she straightened her posture. "Sí, it's over now. Thank god."
"That one was a biter, wasn't it?" Emma murmured.
"Sí, very much a biter." She cleared her throat and reached up to touch the rather crooked bun on top of her head. "I think I'm going to do something about this mess."
"Do you want me to grab the hairbrush for you?" Emma offered. There was no reason why Regina should trouble herself with going upstairs.
"That would be nice. Thank you, querida."
"No reason to thank me." Emma smiled as she got up from the couch. She quickly left the room and skipped up the stairs.
In the bathroom, she grabbed the hairbrush on the sink, and with the item in her hand, she hastily went back downstairs.
Regina had gotten company when Emma returned to the living room. Emma's dad had arrived on the scene and now he was chitchatting with Regina who still was standing on the floor.
"Oh hey, dad," Emma greeted. "Did you get it sorted out?"
"Yes, I have cancelled everything," he replied. "Told them that we're currently awaiting the arrival of my grandchild, so I can't come into work today. But of course that wasn't a problem. Graham was more than willing to take over."
"That's good," Emma said and smiled. She knew that her mom also currently was in the middle of cancelling her appointments for the day.
Regina had of course claimed that that wasn't necessary, but naturally, nobody had paid attention to that.
Everyone was gathering around Regina. And it was extremely cute.
"I have the hairbrush," Emma said, holding up the item as proof.
"Great. My hair is such a rat's nest."
"It is not. Can I brush it?"
"You want to brush my hair?" Regina chuckled a bit. "Emma, I'm not a porcelain doll." She turned to Emma's dad. "David, tell her."
"Emma, she's not a porcelain doll," Emma's father sad solemnly and made Regina laugh.
"I know you're not a porcelain doll," Emma huffed. "Believe me, I know you're anything but that. But I still want to brush your hair. So, can I? Pretty please?"
Regina rolled her eyes and asked her father-in-law: "what am I supposed to do with her?"
"Believe me, I've been asking myself the same question for twenty nine years."
"Heyyyy!" Emma complained. "Not fair! Quit ganging up on me!"
"But we can't help it, querida," Regina cackled. "You're so fun to gang up on."
Even Henry chuckled at that.
Emma grumbled under her breath and pretended to be deeply unsatisfied. But her grumpy façade only lasted until Regina sat down on the couch and told Emma: "fine. You can brush my hair, querida. But only because I'm entirely too lazy to do it myself."
With that, she reached up and freed her hair from the bun. Raven-black tendrils fell past her shoulders and settled against her lower back.
Emma immediately went to work and began brushing Regina's hair. It was indeed fairly tangled, and she cringed when she came across a particularly knotty part.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did that hurt?"
"No, this I can definitely handle. Don't worry."
"Ha," Emma said under her breath. "That's hilarious."
She brushed Regina's hair until she had gotten rid of the very last tangle and all of Regina's hair felt silky soft and smooth. "There. Want me to braid it too?"
"Yes, that would be great. Thank you, mi amor."
"Anytime." She leaned in and pecked Regina's cheek lightly. Did not care that both their fathers were present.
Regina gave a satisfied little hum and made herself comfortable as Emma began braiding her long hair.
Braiding Regina's hair was quite the lengthy affair. Emma mused about it slightly as she twisted the long locks into a braid. It had been long when they first got to know each other, but now it was crazy long. Regina could almost sit on it. She told Regina this, and Regina hummed in agreement.
"Perhaps I should have a haircut," she speculated. "After the birth. Isn't that the sort of things all new moms do?"
"I don't know. But if you want to cut your hair, you definitely should do so."
"Do you think I'd look good with shorter hair?"
"I think you would look nice no matter what hairstyle you have."
Regina laughed. "Then perhaps I'll get it cut shorter."
"Cool. Can't wait to see what you decide. There. All done." She was fairly satisfied with herself. Regina's locks were now gathered in a thick, long braid going down her back.
"Perfecta. Gracías, querida."
"You're welcome, babe."
"You look very nice, mija," Henry interjected.
"Thanks, daddy. But I think you're flattering me," Regina softly accused and smiled at her father.
Henry never got the opportunity to confirm nor denying it, because just then, Emma's mother came into the living room.
"Oh, Regina, you're awake." She flashed Regina a kind smile. "Are you feeling alright, dear?"
"Sí, I am okay, but I just had a biter."
"Oh dear." Emma's mother scrunched up her forehead. "Things are getting a little more intense now, aren't they?"
"They sure are."
Mary Margaret walked over and patted Regina's shoulder softly. "We're all here for you, Regina, honey. You just let us know what you need."
"I will. Thank you, Mary Margaret. You are being very kind."
"Anything for you and the little one." She glanced at her watch. "I see that we're nearing six thirty. How about some breakfast? David?"
"I can cook up whatever you're in the mood for, Regina," David said proudly.
"Thanks, but I'm not that hungry," Regina admitted. "I think it's the anxiety."
Emma instinctively moved a bit closer to her girlfriend and patted her knee.
"That's alright. Breakfast can wait. But you do need to get some liquid. Otherwise you'll get all lightheaded, and we can't have that. How about some hot cocoa?"
Regina perked up. "That sounds nice."
"Excellent. Emma? Would you like a cup too?"
"I'm not the one having contractions."
"Indeed not. But we can't have you going lightheaded either."
That was a fair point. "Cocoa sounds nice."
"Tell you what, I think I'll make cocoa for everyone," Mary Margaret decided. "Nice and cozy."
With that, she disappeared into the kitchen, and it didn't take long before Emma heard her roam around in her usual 'mom-way'. It felt very safe and comfortable.
Regina took the opportunity to check her phone. "Oooh, look at that, Lily texted me," she reported. "It's not like her to be up so early."
"Maybe Malaina spilled the beans?" Emma suggested.
"Sí, maybe she did."
"And what does Lily have to say, mija?" Henry asked.
"She's wishing me good luck and asking if she can have a picture of the 'bundle of joy' when she's here. I think Lily is the only person on the planet who thinks the baby is a girl."
"Well, who knows, maybe she'll be the one who has the right answer," Emma said.
"I suppose it's possible. I guess we'll have to wait and see until-" she stopped talking abruptly and drew in a half-sharp breath.
Emma didn't ask any stupid questions. She didn't need to. She could damn well see what was going on. Regina was experiencing another contraction. And it sure seemed like it was another 'biter'.
Emma's hands instinctively went to Regina's lower back, and she began to gently rub it.
"Mmm," Regina groaned. "Bit more pressure."
Emma applied slightly more pressure.
"Mmm, yes, that's nice. Thanks." She leaned forward, cradling her large belly and dropping her head. Her breath became slower and deeper. Quite controlled.
"Look at you going," Emma murmured as she drew circles on Regina's lower back. "You're doing so well." She had learned that being praised and told that she was acing this, was really helpful to Regina. It made her feel strong and confident.
She didn't react to the praise, but Emma hadn't expected her to either.
As the contractions had progressed and gotten more intense, she had gotten more quiet. Had shifted more into herself. Preferred focusing on her breath rather than chitchatting. Which made perfect sense to Emma.
Emma's mom came into the living room, carrying a tray with five cups of cocoa.
Emma shook her head rapidly behind Regina to indicate that her mom shouldn't say anything right now. Regina liked silence when she was going through a contraction.
Emma's mom sat the tray down very, very quietly and smiled reassuringly at Henry who looked quite nervous and had gotten a little pale.
Emma ignored everything and only focused on rubbing Regina's lower back in those soothing circles Regina so loved. She remembered the first time she had done that. On their last morning together the first time she had been in Madrid. Now she could see that the gesture probably had been much too intimate for a summer fling.
But that just proved that Regina right from the start had been so much more than 'just' a summer fling. She had been The One right from the get-go. From the moment Emma had stumbled inside her dressing room in the bar.
Regina made a little sound of complain.
Emma upped the pressure. She was fairly certain that Regina wasn't dissatisfied with the massage, but she knew that Regina loved deep pressure massage, so it couldn't do any harm to up the pressure.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that her mom had her gaze glued to her watch. Emma understood why. The contractions were definitely getting lengthier. And more painful. Fuck that. Why isn't it possible to give birth without it being painful? She naively thought to herself. It wasn't fair that Regina had to be in pain.
Nor was it fair that they hadn't even seen the worst yet. Emma so dreaded it. If these 'mild' contractions were already amping up, how bad would the real ones be? Double fuck.
"That one sucked," Regina complained and lifted her head. She blew out a breath. "This has to be the longest one so far, right?"
"It was," Emma's mom confirmed.
"Dios," Regina grumbled. "That one was really…. Intense."
"Lo estás haciendo muy bien, Cielo," Henry praised.
"Gracías, old man," Regina meekly quipped. "I guess you're one step closer to getting a grandchild now…" she reached for her cup of coca, and Emma noticed that her girlfriend's hands were shaking a bit. Yep, this was definitely one of the most intense contractions so far!
Regina took a sip of her cocoa and went: "mmm. This is really good. Thank you so much, Mary Margaret. This is just what I need right now."
"Good. There's still more on the stove. You can have as much as you want, my dear."
"Sois todos tan dulces," Regina said a bit croakily. But then she cleared her throat. "Lo siento, I'm getting all mushy for some reason. I thought hormones were a thing after the birth."
Emma chuckled softly. "I think hormones are a thing pretty much throughout it all, beautiful girl. How are you feeling now?"
"Well, the pain's gone, so I'm thriving," Regina quipped. She then sipped her cocoa. Was clearly needing the sweet liquid. She drank half of it in one go and had to take a deep breath when she lifted her head.
Emma shifted to sit next to her rather than behind her. She could sense that Regina didn't need her to rub her back right now.
"I feel like I could drink gallons of this," Regina mumbled. "I am so thirsty."
"Good. Drink up, Cielo," Henry said. "We don't want you to dehydrate on top of everything else."
"Mary Margaret, I think this is the best cup of cocoa I ever had," Regina told Emma's mother. Then she glanced at her dad. "But don't tell your girlfriend I said that…"
Emma grinned. It was nice to see that Regina hadn't lost her sense of humor.
"Your secret is safe with me, Reggie," Henry chuckled. "I shan't tell her anything."
"Good," said Regina. Then she emptied her cup of cocoa. Setting the now empty cup down, she eyed Emma's cup. Perhaps she thought she was being discreet, but she wasn't. Not at all.
"You can have mine," Emma said softly gently pressed before Regina could get the chance to say no. "You heard my mom, there's plenty on the stove. Take it."
And Regina did just that…
It was about an hour later when Regina declared that she needed air.
"Can we go for a walk?" she asked Emma. "I could really need to stretch my legs. They're all stiff."
"Mom?" Emma turned her head and looked at the woman who patiently had been sitting in the chair since last night. "Walk? Yay or nay?"
"Definitely yay," her mom replied and closed the book she had been in the middle of reading. "Walking and getting fresh air is extremely important. And it's good for Regina to switch things around and do something that isn't sitting down."
"Yay is the verdict," Emma said and turned her attention back to Regina. "Should we do it?"
"Definitely." Regina unfolded her legs and got on her feet with a little grunt. She pressed her hands to her lower back and arched backwards in an attempt to stretch things out. Then she frowned. "But I think I might need to go to the bathroom first."
"Again," Emma chuckled. Regina's frequent bathroom visits after downing the two cups of cocoa so rapidly, was turning into somewhat of a joke between them.
Regina shrugged and gave a little grin. "Wait for me?"
"I shan't budge from the spot until you're back, Milady."
"You really are an expert in making me feel like the most important woman on earth," Regina said softly. She waddled back to Emma, bowed her head and kissed her cheek. Then she turned and waddled out of the room.
Like a cute little penguin, Emma thought to herself. She had a profound weakness for Regina's waddling walk.
"It is getting more and more painful," Henry said hoarsely and shook his head. "I feel so… helpless when she's in pain."
"Yeah, me too," Emma agreed.
"It is hard to watch her be in pain," Emma's mom nodded. "Very hard indeed. But we have to remember that it means that things are progressing and that she's getting closer and closer to the actual birth."
"Yeah." There was that prickling sensation again. It damn nearly had Emma shivering. The word 'birth' was a trigger point. Had her going all weird when she heard it.
"Emma? Honey?"
"Yep?" Emma quickly snapped out of it.
"I was just saying that I think Regina is taking it very well," her mom gently repeated. "She's very good at remembering her breath already. I think that's a good indicator of how things will go later."
"I just hope the birth will go like this." Emma snapped her fingers. "Minimal pain, and the baby out in the world in a flash."
"Well, we can't know anything about that for sure. It's different for everyone. Especially first time moms' experiences variates a lot, sweetie."
"I know that," Emma sighed. "I'm pretty sure I've read every single pregnancy book in the world, mom."
Her mom laughed. "I'm sure you have too. You've been very dedicated. And you're being very dedicated right now. You're good at identifying Regina's needs. I'm proud of you."
"Mom, stop. You're embarrassing me," Emma groaned.
Henry chuckled softly.
"Good," her mom said happily. "As your mom, it's my job to embarrass you every now and then."
"Dad, mom is bullying me," Emma claimed when her dad chose this moment to walk inside the room.
"Is she?" he tilted his head and looked at his wife. "Mary Margaret, are you bullying our daughter?"
"No," Emma's mom said innocently.
"Well then." He looked at Emma and chuckled. "Your mom says no, kiddo."
"And what? You just believe me?" Emma pretended to groan and complain. "Not fair!"
"¿Qué no es justa?" Regina asked as she came waddling into the living room again.
"My mom and dad are just bullying me, so that's-" Emma stopped talking when she looked at Regina's face. Her jaw was set and tense and the look in Regina's eyes was more than an indicator of what was going on. She'd just had another contraction in the bathroom.
"Should we go?" Regina asked.
"You still wanna?" it didn't hurt to check.
"Sí, absolutely."
"Alright. That's what we'll do then."
"Good. And you-" Regina eyed her father. "Should try and get some rest while we're done."
"Reggie-"
"Don't 'Reggie' me, daddy. You've been up since late last night, and I will not have you get sick due to lack of sleep. Get some rest. I mean it."
"My daughter, the dictator," Henry said fondly.
"Sí," Regina said satisfied. "And if you don't get some rest while I'm gone, I'll turn into your worst nightmare. We're talking seven year old Regina painting the walls with nail polish…"
Emma laughed. She had no idea Regina had done that when she was a kid…
The weather was crisp and fresh and being outside did feel good after having been cooped up inside for so many hours.
"Where should we go then?" she asked Regina. "Any particular destinations in mind?"
"No, not really. I figured we could just sort of… wander around."
"Sure. There's nobody I'd rather want around with than you," Emma said sweetly.
"Look at you being all gooey," Regina said fondly. She then tugged at her coat and frowned. "I thought this was supposed to be a maternity coat or whatever. Look how it's gaping, querida!"
There was indeed a bit of a gap between button number three and four in Regina's coat, Emma could see that. The coat was straining to fit around Regina's big belly.
"Want me to run back and grab something else for you?" she offered. "My dad's coat might not be the prettiest, but it's warm. And it'll fit you. Twice."
"That's a very cute way to assure me that I am big but not that big," Regina joked and winked at her. "No, it's fine. This coat will just have to suffice a bit longer." She tugged at it. "Hopefully, I'll soon shrink enough to be able to wear it again!" Another tug.
But that exact tug turned out to be the famous last straw. The straining button came loose and went flying through the air. Emma heard it land somewhere further down the street with a soft pling.
"Oh," said Regina. "Well then. I guess the coat is trying to tell me that it had enough of me being pregnant."
"Very symbolical," Emma said and tried not to laugh at the button's flight through the air.
"I wonder where the button even went…?"
"Down the street, I think. Do you want me to go looking for it? I'm sure my mom can sew it back on."
"No, that's fine." Regina shook her head. "I can live without the button. Let it be free."
"The straining button was searching for freedom," Emma joked.
Regina laughed. "Indeed so, querida. Indeed so."
They linked arms as they walked down the street. Emma made sure to match her stride with Regina's. She was in no way in a hurry. Hurrying was not the point with this walk.
"It sure is nice to be outside," Regina commented. "My brain needed the fresh air. New perspective and all that."
"Yeah, I get it," Emma said and thought to herself that this undoubtedly was the most unusual walk she had ever been on.
Their walk in no particular direction brought them down Main Street. The shops were starting to open, and Regina stopped and sniffed into the air. "Mmm. Freshly made bread. Do you smell that?"
"I do. Do you want some?" Emma hadn't actually brought any money, but as the Mayors daughter, she had some privileges.
"No, that's fine. I'll eat something when we get home."
"Do you promise? You really have to eat something."
"I promise, querida. I'll eat first thing when we get back."
"Good." Emma was satisfied with that.
Regina hooked her arm under Emma's as they walked down the street. "What do you think the weather is like in California right now?"
"I don't know. Probably hot and sunny," Emma said longingly.
"I hope it'll be like that when we move there."
"I'm sure it will." The sun had better be shining when they moved into their new home! Emma would be sorely disappointed if it didn't.
They reached the corner. Granny's Diner came into view, and outside the diner, Ruby was busy trying to get a sign to stand without tilting.
"That looks difficult," Regina commented when they were close enough.
Ruby's head whipped up and she looked in their direction. "Oh my gosh, hi!" she said, grin spreading on her face.
"Hey," Emma greeted her friend. "I don't think you're gonna win over that sign, Rubes."
"You don't know that," Ruby said. "The sign might have won the fight, but I could still win the battle." She looked at Regina. "You're up and about."
"Sí, I couldn't really stay cooped up in the house all-" she never finished the sentence. Instead she doubled over the littlest bit and groaned.
Emma immediately took her by the elbow to assure that Regina didn't fall over while experiencing yet another contraction.
"Shit," Ruby said, eyes widening slightly. She looked very much like a woman getting a taste of the real world. She looked at Regina and grimaced sympathetically.
"Hijo de puta," Regina said through gritted teeth and shifted uneasily. "Ow!"
Emma gathered her a little better in her arms and supported her, so she didn't accidentally fall over.
"Jesus Christ," Ruby said quietly. "I had no idea that it was this bad already!"
Before Emma could get the chance to answer, Regina gave a strangled laugh and gritted out: "oh, it is bad, it is- ow!"
Emma strongly considered picking Regina up bridal style and carry her back to the house. She rubbed Regina's back and told her how awesome she was. How epic she was at having contractions. She even became that annoying type of partner who reminded her to breathe.
Regina didn't snap at her, though. And when it was over, she straightened her posture and gave Ruby a sheepish smile. "Sorry, what was I saying?"
"Uhh… Something about not wanting to be cooped up in the house?" Ruby suggested.
"Oh yes. That's right. Sorry about the interruption."
"That's absolutely fine," Ruby said. "That looked… intense."
"It was." Regina looked at Emma. "And it lasted longer, didn't it, querida?"
"It sure did," Emma confirmed and didn't tell Regina that she felt a little rattled. They were away from home, and even though they were still close, it felt very vulnerable that Regina was in pain here. It made Emma want to take her back to the house immediately. It suddenly didn't seem right that Regina was out in the cold.
"That one really hurt," Regina said and huffed out a breath.
"Yeah," Emma said plainly. "You did good, though. Didn't she, Ruby?"
"So good!" Ruby said eagerly.
Regina laughed heartedly. "You're both very sweet, but the real deal hasn't even started yet. This is just the beginning. Aren't I lucky…"
"I'm sure it doesn't feel like it right now, but I bet you're gonna feel real lucky when you're holding the little one in your arms," Ruby said.
"That's right." Regina smiled softly. "I am looking forward to that. And for this to just be over."
"He could be here tonight, beautiful girl." Emma gave her a very gentle squeeze. "Imagine that."
"At what time tonight?" Regina asked, displaying that dry humor Emma so loved. "Because this has already been going on for a while."
That was true. Regina had been at it for roughly eight hours now.
"Oooh!"
Emma raised an eyebrow at Ruby. Found that that was a strange exclamation to let out in the middle of a conversation.
"I have something for you!" Ruby said eagerly. "I just remembered! Stay put!" she turned around and ran back inside the diner.
"What was that about?" Regina asked confused.
"I have no idea." Emma was just as much in the darkness as her girlfriend was.
But they soon found out! As quickly as Ruby had disappeared, she came back. Carrying a basket packed to the brim with cinnamon rolls.
"From Granny," she said with a grin as she handed Emma the basket. "To the mommies-to-be. Made with love and with lots of good luck. Mainly for Regina."
"¡Eso es tan dulce!" Regina beamed. "Oh, my goodness, those looks so good! And that smell! Tell Eugenia thank you from me!"
"From us," Emma corrected and silently thanked the higher powers. It looked like Regina's appetite was coming back. Thank god.
"We better head home with these," she said to Ruby. "It would be great to eat them while they're still hot. And tell Granny that she's awesome."
"She already knows that," Ruby quipped.
"I know. But tell her anyway, okay?"
"I will. Pinky promise!"
"Thanks, Rubes."
They parted ways with Ruby. She went back inside the diner, and Emma and Regina turned around and walked in the same direction they came from. It was time to head home. With the hot cinnamon rolls.
They were walking slowly. Emma was carrying the basket while Regina was carrying herself. And her phone. It had just made a tingling sound, and she could report that it was Cora. Again.
"She sure does text me a lot," Regina murmured.
"Yeah, I bet she does. I think I'd do the same if it was me."
"Mmm. She wants to know how bad it is. Should I be honest or give her a moderated version?"
"Be honest. Definitely be honest. She's asking. She genuinely wants to know, honey."
"Sí, tienes razón. I'll tell her how I actually feel."
"I think that's a good decision, beautiful girl."
Once Regina had concluded her text message to Cora, they continued walking, but as they reached Emma's parents house and was about to walk up the steps, Regina stopped abruptly and grabbed Emma's arm tightly.
Emma immediately sat the basket of cinnamon rolls down. "I'm here. What do you need?"
"H-hold me," Regina croaked. "This one ba-aad! Ouch! Son of a-" she didn't finish the sentence and would probably have swayed if it hadn't been for Emma wrapped her arms gently around Regina's waist and keeping her upright. She rubbed Regina's lower back and silently counted to herself as the contraction just… kept happening. Closer together and lasting longer, she thought and felt a new round of goosebumps pebble in the back of her neck.
"God!" Regina groaned against her chest. "This is not fun!" she huffed out a breath and wiggled slightly in Emma's arms. "¡Esto duele!"
"I know, sweetie, I know. I'm here, just breathe, okay? You're doing so good. You're amazing at this!"
"I don't feel… very amazing," Regina croaked as she lifted her head. "Between this and waxing my armpits, I think I'd prefer that."
Despite feeling sorry for her girlfriend, Emma huffed out a little laugh. "Do you actually know how it feels to wax your armpits?"
"Sí, I tried it when I was fifteen," Regina said tiredly. "It was not a success, as you can imagine."
"It definitely sounds bad." Emma cringed slightly. Waxing your armpits? No thanks!
"And it was. But I'd still prefer it. This is… My back…" she shook her head. "Es malo."
"Yeah, I can imagine so." Emma tenderly kissed her forehead. "Let's get you inside and curled up with a cinnamon roll. Or two."
"Or maybe even three if I'm feeling frisky," Regina joked.
Emma laughed. "I like when you feel frisky."
"I know you do, querida."
The door was opened abruptly, and Henry stepped out on the porch. "Is everything alright out here?"
"Sí, daddy. I was just having another contraction."
"The second one on this walk," Emma quietly added.
"Aha." Henry too could do the math. Of course he knew that the contractions were closer together now.
"We met Ruby. She gave us cinnamon rolls," Regina told her father. "From Eugenia. Did you know about that, daddy?"
"I might have." Henry smiled now. "She told me that she had prepared a little treat for you, Cielo."
"Not just for me," Regina insisted. "There's plenty of cinnamon rolls for everyone. It's awfully kind of her. I'm glad you and she found each other. And not just because of the cinnamon rolls."
Henry chuckled. Came down the steps and kissed the top of Regina's head. He then picked up the basket with one hand and gently took his daughter by the arm with the other. "Ven, cielo. Vamos a llevarte adentro. No quiero que te enfríes."
"Sí. Look at you being so concerned about me," Regina giggled softly as she willingly let her companions take her inside. "All of you worry too much when there's nothing to worry about. I'm just going to have a baby. That's all."
"Yep, that's all," Emma said and tried to sound joking. "No big deal at all."
"That's right," Regina laughed. "Easy breezy, lemon squeezy.
Emma of course had to comment on the 'squeezy' thing, and they both laughed…
Later on, as morning became afternoon and three o'clock rolled by, there were fewer laughs, though. Way fewer laughs. The contractions were amping up, meaning that so was the pain. Over the span of the hours, Regina had gone from curling up on the couch to walking up and down the living room floor. After a particularly bad contraction, she had mumbled something about wanting to take another bath, and naturally, Emma had dashed upstairs and prepared a nice, hot bath for her girlfriend. With plenty of bubbles.
Watching Regina go upstairs had been painful. She had staggered and swayed and huffed. But she had insisted upon walking without any help. So Emma had settled for walking behind her. Closely, so she could reach out and catch Regina if a disaster should happen.
"Is the water warm enough, honey?" Emma asked once Regina had gotten settled in the bath.
"It's fine, but…" she groaned again and grabbed onto the edge of the tub. Her knuckles turned white. She mumbled in Spanish and rested her head on the tub.
"Do you want something to drink, sweetie?" Emma asked, already reaching for the glass of water she had brought in here with her.
Regina gave a meek nod, and Emma held the glass out towards her. There was a straw in it to make it easier for her, and Regina drank eagerly.
"Good," Emma praised. "Plenty of liquid, honey. That's the way to do this."
The only type of answer Regina gave was another groan, and after a moment she turned her head away.
Emma took that as a hint and sat the glass of water aside.
"Hell," Regina croaked. She plonked her head down on the edge of the tub again. It was a good thing that Emma had just placed a towel there. Otherwise Regina potentially would have hurt herself.
Emma inched closer and thrusted a hand into the bubbles. She lightly scratched up and down Regina's naked back. Had learned that Regina liked that as well.
"That feels… nice. Thank you."
"You're welcome, beautiful girl. You don't need to thank me, you know that."
"Can you…" Regina managed to lift her head slightly. "…Please tell the baby that h-he or she has overstayed their welcome?"
"Oh, honey, I wish I could. I wish there was something I could do to help you. Anything." She kissed the top of Regina's head.
"You're scratching my b-back. That's… nice."
Emma wanted to say that a bit of back scratching didn't feel like much in the grand scheme, but before she could say anything, Regina tensed up, and Emma only had to look into her eyes to see that she had just been hit by a new round of contractions.
There was a gentle knock on the door and Emma's mom poked her head in.
"Regina, the midwife is here," she said gently. "Can I show her in?"
"W-wait," Regina said strangled. "Just… wait. Please."
"Of course, my dear. She'll wait," Mary Margaret assured.
"T-thank y-" another round of pain stole the rest of the sentence, and Regina squirmed in the water, desperately searching for a comfortable position that did not exist.
Emma stood helpless and unable to do anything as Regina struggled. She looked at her mom, but her mom merely shook her head and indicated that now was not the time for Emma to say anything.
"Ow, ow, ow!" Regina chanted and bit her lip. Her fingers curled around the edges of the tub. "Ow! Oh, god!"
She is in pain. She is in agony. And there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. Emma curled her hands into fists and bit the insides of her cheeks harshly. It definitely wouldn't help the situation if she started weeping. This wasn't about her. It was about Regina. Only her.
She huffed out another breath. Then lifted her head slowly and peered up at Emma and her mom. "H-hi. You mentioned…" another deep breath. "Something about a midwife?"
"Yes, Nova is here to check up on you, Regina," Emma's mother said kindly. "Are you comfortable with her coming in?"
"Y-yes," Regina answered and smiled bravely. "She can come in."
Mary Margaret nodded and disappeared briefly. When she came back, Nova was with her.
"Hello, Regina," the midwife said kindly. "Things are progressing, I see."
"Mmm," was all Regina said.
Emma stepped aside so Nova could get closer.
The midwife crouched down next to the tub and slipped on a pair of gloves. She spoke gently and kindly to Regina whose smile seemed to become a tad more genuine. When Nova asked if she could examine her, Regina agreed.
First she listened to the baby's heartbeat, and despite being worried about Regina, Emma smiled when she heard that familiar swooshing sound of their baby's heartbeat. Blueberry was thriving.
Regina wasn't when being examined. She grimaced and clearly wished to be anywhere else but here.
Emma kept her distance. She had learned that Regina preferred that when she was being examined by the midwife. She was all about touching and affection. Just not right now. And Emma totally understood that.
"I'll be very gentle," Nova assured Regina.
"T-thanks," Regina croaked.
"I know it's uncomfortable, trust me."
"It is… necessary," Regina said and closed her eyes.
"That's right. It is."
"You are just doing your job."
"That's right too."
Emma smiled a little. Typical Regina to be so practical in the midst of it all.
Regina's chest rose and fell steadily. She kept her eyes closed. Emma wondered what she was thinking about.
"Good news," Nova said a few seconds later as she withdrew her hands from the water and slipped off her gloves. "You are five centimeters dilated, Regina."
"¿E-en serio?" Regina whispered.
"That means its hospital time, right?" Emma croaked.
"Yes," Nova confirmed. "Regina is ready for the next phase."
Emma's mother promptly found her phone and began tapping on it. Emma knew what she was doing. She was texting her dad to get him to move the car from the garage so they could make a quick getaway.
"I will alert Doctor Whale that you are on your way," Nova said as she picked up her little black bag and left the room.
As soon as the door had closed behind the midwife, Regina complained: "b-but I had just gotten into the tub…"
"I know, beautiful girl, but there's gonna be a tub in the hospital room too. A real big one where there's much more room than in this one."
Regina muttered something again. Then her eyes clouded over with pain. She moaned and gripped the edge of the tub once more and her shoulders bunched. "E-Emma…"
"I'm here," Emma rushed forward and knelt down by the tub. "I'm here, beautiful girl, I'm right here." She thrust a hand into the water and rubbed Regina's back.
"H-hurts," Regina whimpered. "Emma, it hurts…"
"I know, baby, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry." Emma turned her head and exchanged a look with her mom.
Her mom didn't look panicked in anyway. Just sad.
Emma had a feeling that they were thinking the same thing. That it was absolutely heartless to expect Regina to get out of the tub.
"M-mom…"
"What?" immediately, Emma turned her attention back to her struggling girlfriend.
Regina whimpered and mumbled something.
"What did you say, honey?"
More mumbling.
"Regina? I didn't hear what you said," Emma gently pressed. She was fearing that she had just missed some kind of request. Something Regina wanted her to do.
"M-mom," Regina whimpered.
"She's right here, sweetie," Emma said, assuming that Regina was trying to communicate that she wanted Mary Margaret by her side as well.
But Regina shook her head furiously and whispered: "I want… my mom to be here…"
"Oh," Emma breathed. Regina wanted Cora!
"I can't… do this without her," Regina whimpered, and when she blinked, tears spilled from her eyes. "P-please." She dropped her head and groaned into the edge of the bathtub.
Emma felt a hand on her shoulder, and when she looked up, her mom was standing next to her.
"Emma, go into the bedroom and call Cora," she said firmly. "I'll stay here with Regina."
Emma scrambled to her feet and dashed out of the bedroom, mind only focusing on the mission. Call Cora. Tell her that Regina needed her. No question asked. No hesitation whatsoever. Regina's needs came first, and if Regina wanted her mother, well, Emma would do everything in her power to make that happen.
She nearly tripped over the threshold and stumbled into the bedroom. Grabbed her phone and dialed Cora's number. She had seen it enough times on Regina's screen to be able to memorize it. She brought the phone to her ear and waited.
"Cora Mills speaking, who is this?"
"Cora!" Emma said, ridiculously relived that Cora was so quick to pick up.
"Miss Swan," Cora said in the other end. "Has my daughter given birth? Or is there… something wrong?" there was a clear hint of panic in her voice, and Emma faintly heard Malaina ask who it was. She also heard Cora hiss 'it's Emma!' and then rapidly shush Malaina.
"Nothing has happened yet," Emma said quickly. "Not the birth or anything bad. We're on our way to the hospital right now. Regina's ready for the next phase!"
"Oh, I see. Will you tell her that-"
"The thing is," Emma interrupted. "Regina's asking for you, Cora. She wants you to come. She needs you here."
Silence in the other end.
"Cora?" Emma half-snapped, impatience and nerves getting the best of her. "Cora, did you hear me?! Regina needs you. She needs her mom!"
A little gasp.
Silence.
A ragged breath.
Then…
"Will you tell her-" Cora's voice broke and was thick with barely conceived emotions when she spoke again: "will you tell her that I am on my way and will be there as soon as possible?"
To Be Continued….