Snow feels insulted and leaves the women, finding some interesting company at a nearby club.

The Langham, New York

It was seven in the morning and Emma hadn't slept for worrying about her mother.

She'd checked hourly with the reception desk, left messages on her cell phone and even gone down to her room twice to bang on her door, earning a fairly loud rebuke from a previously-sleeping guest next door. And she now sent her fifth email of the night:

Emma: Mum, I know you're angry with me, but pick up the goddam phone and call? Let me know you're okay!

Then after further consideration:

Emma: I'm sorry you thought we were poking fun at you! It was the drink talking.

Then her final text, at around seven thirty:

Emma: Mum, if I don't hear from you soon, I'll have to assume something is seriously wrong and call the police. For god's sake, call me?

She then tried to get her head down to catch at least an hour's sleep, but it was no good. She thought about calling the police as she promised. Had it come to that?

In the cold light of day, she now felt bad for helping Regina belittle her mother, yet again, but this time in front of Robin's sister and cousin. Why did she always have to side with Regina over her own mother? Even after all the apologising of two weeks ago, the pair still tended to treat Snow as some sort of mild irritation.

Even worse was the fact the four women had split up, two drinks later, without even realising Snow was no longer with them. "Jeez, how could I forget my own mother?" she groaned, annoyed with herself.

She nearly jumped when the phone rang, waking Regina in the process. "Any news?"

"It's Colin at the Front Desk, Mrs. Swan-Mills. I put the word out, as I promised. The door key system indicates Mrs. Nolan definitely didn't return to her room last night. You said she was wearing a pale-green cocktail dress and you were last together at Petrus? I know Malcolm the manager there, so I put the word out. He thinks she left just after you settled your tab. As she was alone, I also checked Diva's. That's the club opposite the hotel and lots of single women use it, as it's safer when they're alone."

Emma recalled last night's conversation. When they'd ridiculed her. She's alone…but definitely not single!

"Well I took the liberty of asking my friend Chrissy on the front desk. She said a lady answering your sister's description went in there early evening. She was quite the life and soul of the party, apparently! Also spent a long time at the bar talking to Imogen, the manager on duty. She checked the videos several times, and she said she has your sister going in, but not coming out again."

Because nobody would believe Snow was old enough to be her mother, Emma had pretended she was her concerned sibling. "Not coming out? Then where would she go?"

"I go there regularly. They have a couple of spare bedrooms for rent…" He stopped himself, realising he may have said too much.

Emma's face blanched at the implication. Mum? No, surely not? She'd never do that to dad! Would she?

"Erm…thanks Colin. That's great news. At least I now know she's safe!" Emma knew from her days as a bailbondsperson, that concierges and door staff were often the best source for information when tracking people. "Thanks for doing all that digging. I'll see you before we check out." In other words, I'll make sure to leave you a fat tip.

"All part of the service, Mrs. Swan-Mills. You have a nice day now!" They hung up.

"I take it they've found her?" Regina now sat upright in bed. She immediately noticed how white Emma's face had gone. "Problem?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe."

"Well, if you know she's safe, perhaps you could come back to bed?" She fluttered her eyes. "I wouldn't mind having some more...practise…with our new little friend?" she looked at the feeldoe on the side.

"Er, could I pass on that? Just for the moment? I…I…think I want to go down to breakfast."

Normally, Regina would have been hurt by Emma declining sex, but seeing the anxious look, she slid over the sheets to take her hand. "You're worrying me. What is it?"

"Oh, nothing. At least I hope not. I just really need to eat." Without another word, she stepped into the bathroom, freshening up before heading down to the ground floor.

~oOo~

The hotel always served breakfast in its ground floor restaurant, situated to the right of the main entrance. Residents could see everyone coming and going, which was why Emma situated herself at a table close to the full height, smoked glass windows. Serving herself a large cooked breakfast, fruit, orange and a flask of coffee, she sat and waited. And waited. And waited some more.

It was a good hour later when Regina finally came down, seeing her wife at a table close to the window.

"Clearly you've had enough of my company this weekend, Swan? Why else would you spend an hour and a half down here, rather than in a warm bed?"

Emma looked up, sporting a guilty expression. "Sorry. I was just…waiting…"

"Waiting for what? Snow? Is that it? You didn't tell me where she's been?"

"I'd rather not say, just yet. But if I'm right, I need to have a serious talk with my mother!"

The previous evening...

Snow had seethed with anger at her daughter's patronising putdown. Now sitting in a cubicle in the ladies room of the bistro after she'd left them, she remembered the sneering comments from Regina and Emma, alluding to her past life. Their condescension. As though she knew nothing about life!

It had only been a matter of weeks since Emma, full of tears, had come to the farm to apologise for avoiding them. Avoiding her. How her daughter had cried in her arms, asking forgiveness for past slights. Then Regina too, hours later, for a lifetime's suffering inflicted on her. And now, two weeks later, here they were at it again, sniping at her. Putting her down. Making her feel like she knew nothing!

As she sat there, her anger turned to upset, and she couldn't stifle her sobs. Unfortunately she wasn't quiet enough to be heard by someone in the next cubicle.

"You okay in there, honey? You don't sound so good!" Came a soft voice. "The toilet tissue in here is crap. You need Kleenex? I'll push 'em under the door if you want?"

"Oh. Thanks!" she said picking up the small packet, taking a few and sliding the rest back.

"What's upset you, hon? Don't tell me, a man?"

"No. My man is just perfect. It's my dau-" then she remembered where she was. How admitting she had a daughter nearly her own age would attract too many questions. "My little sister. And her wife. I felt like they were ganging up on me."

"Yeah? Men, women, we're all as bad as each other! Never you mind, honey. You stayin' in there till you feel better, or coming out so you can freshen your face up?"

"I think I'll stay here for the moment. I'll need to fix my make-up once I'm out. Thanks for the tissues erm, sorry I didn't catch your name?"

"Imogen. I manage the club nearby. Diva's? Billy, the boss here, is a friend of mine and sorts me out with food of a night. I'm on duty tonight, so if your sister's still being a bitch, come over to my place? Food and drinks nothing on this place, but the dancin' and music's good!"

"Diva's? That's the gay club near the Marriott, right?"

"Yeah, that's what it's known as, but in reality, we let in most couples. Just not groups of straight or single guys looking for action! It's a place where mostly single women can feel safe, have a drink and dance, without any unwanted attention, know what I mean? We throw that sort straight out! Come in and ask for Immie. I'll be the tall Nordic blonde usually serving at the bar."

"Thanks, I might just do that! I'm Mary-Margaret, by the way. I'll be the little crop-haired brunette in the green cocktail dress."

"Then I look forward to seeing you, Mary-Margaret. I'll stand you the first beer."

"It's a date!" Did I really just say that?

~oOo~

It was a good half-hour later when Snow finally plucked up the courage to leave the bathroom, still not wanting to face the others. Though as she walked into the bar, she soon realised they'd already gone. "Oh that's nice! Thank you Emma!" she groaned to herself.

The effects of the alcohol earlier had largely worn off, so she decided to head back to the hotel, albeit alone. However, seeing the green neon lights of the club nearby, she remembered Imogen's words and decided to head there instead. Go on, treat yourself Snow? A couple more drinks before bed would be nice…

Before she stepped closer, seeing two large nightclub bouncers on the door, she pulled out her phone to call David.

"Hi, my love! How are you getting on? Good day?" Just hearing his voice made her feel better already.

"Hello, darling. It was nice. How are my boys? You been okay?"

"Bit tired, to be honest. Neil and I took Honour and Margot on the Jolly for a cruise around the bay. Robin stayed back with the babies."

"Killian's still there? I thought they would have sailed by now."

"Nope. Apparently, Merlin's coming next week, So Rosie's wanting to spend time with him. Anyway, how's Emma? Has she chosen her wedding dress yet?"

"We're supposed to be going shopping tomorrow. Though we had a bit of a falling out this evening. They said something, and I felt they were picking on me. I probably over-reacted. They've gone off somewhere else without me, though I'm not sure where. I'm outside a club by the hotel."

"I'm sorry to hear that, though I'm sure it'll blow over by morning. They went off without you? That seems rude. But you're safe?"

"More than safe. Erm, David, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah?"

"Have I become a little bit too...safe…to you? Have I become a little too 'vanilla'?"

"The woman who fought ogres for breakfast? The woman who scaled castle walls to steal a ring? The woman who persuaded a kingdom to unite against an evil dictator? The woman I fell in love with? Vanilla? Don't be silly!"

Snow sniggered. "Thanks, I think I needed that! But I meant more…personally? Perhaps sexually? Have I become a bit too...I don't know, predictable?" This was her love on the line. If she couldn't ask him, who could she ask?

"Where on earth has this come from, Snow? Why would you think that? Are you in any way unhappy with our love life? Do you want to do other things in the bedroom?"

"Absolutely not! David, you're everything to me, and I am more than happy, you know that! No-one knows me like you do! It's just…earlier this evening, we were talking about going on to a night club. It seems it's also a gay club and Emma, Regina and the girls ridiculed me, saying I had no idea. I kinda got angry, and told them I had been with another woman before. And…in my anger, I also let slip about the threesome we had a couple of times. I'm sorry!"

There was now silence from the other end of the line, and Snow worried she may have hurt his feelings by breaking their confidence. "David? David, talk to me? I'm sorry, I never had any intention of-"

"Did you tell them who you had been with? Who we had been with? Because if so, she may have been single, but she's married now, Snow. I'm not sure her husband even knows? You do know that Emma's going to keep going on at you until you tell her who it was, don't you?"

"Well I'm not going to say anything! I'll just have to ride it out."

"Me too. Though, purely between ourselves, if you ever feel you want to repeat the experience with someone else? I have no particular wish too, but if it's something you fancy, I'll support you."

"You always do," she smiled. "That's why I'm so totally in love with you!" The phone made an odd blip. "Oh sod it! The battery's about to die. David, I'll call you in the morning, okay? Love you!"

"Love you t-" But the phone died.

"Right then, let's try this club!"

~oOo~

After mentioning Imogen's name to a very large yet kindly looking guy on the door called Arthur, Snow was shown the way down into the cellar.

Fortunately, it wasn't too noisy and from the steps, she scanned the room. There were about fifty or so people dancing, some alone, some in couples, and one group of four.

"Ladies bathroom's down in that left-hand corner over there?" Arthur pointed. "Bar's over to the right. Now if anyone starts to bother you, man or woman, just yell up to me and if I don't hear you, you see that girl with the red top and the bandana?" He pointed to a shorter, Asian-looking girl who slightly resembled Mulan. "That's Kimmie. She'll help you out. Have fun!" And with that the kindly man bounded up the metal stairs back to the front door.

The music was loud, but not too loud, and the place seemed to have a happy hubbub of noise. A little like Robin's pub, but modern, with music. As she stepped nearer the bar, a voice hollered out. "Short crop hair and green cocktail dress? Gotta be Mary-Margaret, right?"

"Immie!" Snow grinned, stepping up and shaking her hand. "Nice to put a face to a voice! Thanks for the hankies, by the way?" She looked into the soft, pale-blue eyes of the woman. Imogen was even taller than Ruby, probably David's height, but her face reminded her of Queen Elsa. A strikingly beautiful woman with a kindly face.

"Glad to help! I promised you a first drink, so what'll you have?"

"I'll take whatever's in that hand pump. I recently got a taste for darker, draught beer. My daughter's fiancé owns a pub near us. They seem to have got me hooked!"

"Daughter's fiancé? Girl, you're never old enough to have a grown-up daughter? If you have then, damn! You're looking far too good on it, lady!"

Snow giggled but realised she had revealed too much. "I meant sister. I call her 'daughter' because she acts like a child sometimes! But thank you for the compliment."

"Is that the one who said mean things to you, and got you upset? I thought you said 'her wife' earlier. I must have misheard."

"It's complicated. Still, nice club!" she took a swig of a dark beer placed in front of her "Hmm, you were right, this is good! So you own this place?"

"Nah, there's a brother and sister who actually own it. Both gay, like me. I manage it for them. Pays well, and you get to meet a lot of nice ladies..." she fluttered her eyelashes at Snow. "Mind you, I remember you saying your man was 'perfect'? So you clearly bat for the other team…"

"Sorry, bat? Other team?" she said confused, which just made Imogen chuckle.

"You're straight! Heterosexual."

"Oh, I see! Well before I met my future husband, I suppose I would have been considered a bit bisexual. Like my…sister. I have had experiences with women, but you know…"

"Well then, we'd call you bi-curious. Or you were."

"I guess," she started to pull her cell phone out to show her David's photo, before realising her battery was dead. "Oh, dammit, I forgot,"

"Give it here? There's a charger plate behind the bar!" She handed it over without question. As Imogen set the phone to charge, Snow couldn't help but open up a little more to this kindly stranger.

"That's what I got upset over, actually! I mentioned coming to this place and Emma said I would run a mile if a lesbian ever went near me! Her wife said something similar. I got upset and walked out."

"You came here. Why didn't you tell her about your past? If she'd known that, she wouldn't have dissed you!"

"I kind of did," she chuckled. "I stormed off, but not before telling them all not only had I been with a woman before, but that I'd also had a threesome with my husband!"

"Damn, girl, that's hilarious! You're ahead of me! A three-way is definitely on my 'to-do' list."

"I thought you said you were gay?"

"Three girls can get it on too, you know? Perhaps not often, but it happens. Friend of mind did once. Said she could hardly walk, or move her jaw, the next day!"

Snow roared with laughter at that. As she did, she heard her partly recharged phone buzz into life, texts coming in. "You wanna take them?"

"No. Hand it over and I'll put it on airplane mode?" Imogen did and as she flicked the necessary slider, she saw the photos icon. She opened it up to one of her favourites. "This is David, my husband!" She said proudly, showing it to the other woman. Imogen studied the picture for a moment.

"Damn, girl, he is seriously fuckin' hot! Jeez, even I'd go rub-a-dub with him! You play at a high-level, babe."

Snow chuckled loudly. "Thank you. Are you sure you're really gay?"

The tall blonde laughed back. "Well, ninety nine percent of me is, but a girl's gotta keep all her options open, you know? Hell, if you and him ever want to repeat your threesome, you come right over here and see Immie!"

"Thank you for the compliment! I'd never cheat on him though, but I will mention this to him! If I ever 'batted for your team', as you put it, you would definitely be on my 'to-do' list."

"Can't say fairer than that! Now, if you're getting on the dance floor, just stay clear of that really short-haired one in the corner with the Carrion T-shirt? She's looking a bit predatory tonight. Any problem, just holler!"

~oOo~

The next two hours flew by. Snow got on the dance floor and danced the night away, stepping back to the bar to refuel in between.

Forgetting about her earlier clash with her daughter, she watched the rest of the dancers with interest. Two guys, who seemed so good they were almost professional, gyrated and moved together seamlessly, at one point one clinging to the other's back as they curled together. As the music changed from rock and pop to more slow ballads, more couples came together, and she watched as two of the women held each other tightly, gently rolling their hips together as one, never once taking their eyes of each other, all others oblivious to them. She was reminded of Emma and Regina, when they first admitted their feelings for each other publicly. Some of the couples were clearly more interested in after-club activities of a more basic nature, and she watched as the more assertive and aggressive ones sought their quarry.

When the Bee Gees 'Staying Alive' came on, Snow got back onto the dance floor to bop to a favourite from her Red Cross cardio lesson. Immediately before her on the floor, wearing a short, dark-blue party dress, was a strikingly pretty auburn-haired woman, of similar height and build to herself. She smiled shyly at Snow, before closing her eyes, swaying to the music. Snow noticed a taller, close-shaven-haired girl, several tattoos on a bare arm, suddenly appear behind the woman, pressing herself into her backside.

"Hello, love, like some company?" She spoke with a leer on her face. But was clear the shorter woman didn't like the attention. "No thanks!" she said nervously, a hint of panic now appearing on her face.

"Come on, gorgeous..." The taller woman's's arms snaked around her waist. "Just a little dance?" The shorter woman's eyes flew open in panic. How dare she?

As the music switched to the band's much more romantic How Deep is Your Love track, Snow was about to step forward to intervene on the woman's behalf, when she felt a pair of hands appear on her own hips, as a head came down to rest on her shoulder. "Hi babe! Never seen you in here before. You alone?" She felt the girl press herself hard into Snow's back. She couldn't believe the audacity of the woman! She looked straight ahead, into the equally disgusted eyes of the woman in front of her.

"No actually! What does it look like? I'm with my beautiful girlfriend here!" she moved her hands forward to the other offended woman's waist.

Fortunately, the other woman realised what Snow was doing, and pulled herself into her arms. Snow rested a chin on her shoulder. "Now fuck off you two! Or I'll ask them to throw you out!"

"Alright, alright, no need to be a bitch about it? Never even saw you in-" The shaven-headed girl's voice switched to an "Ow!", as the Asian girl with the bandana Arthur had mentioned earlier, pulled her arm behind her back, forcing her away from the dance floor. "I told you before, Josie, if you misbehaved again, you'd be out! And you are so out!" She frogmarched the struggling young woman to the staircase.

Snow continued to dance slowly to the romantic ballad with her new partner, neither wishing to pull away. As she didn't see what had happened to the second girl, she decided to stay in character. "Thanks for that!" the other woman whispered in her ear. "It happens a lot in these sorts of places. Shame, when all you want is a nice dance, good company and nothing else?" Both women swayed gently to the music, still holding each other, eyes closed. "This is nice though."

"I agree. I'm Mary-Margaret, by the way. Though some call me Snow."

"Because of the beautiful black hair, I guess? It's Julia, by the way. Thanks for the dance, Snow. And getting me away from that asshole!" The shortened music switched to yet another romantic ballad, Too Much Heaven. Snow pulled herself in just a little tighter. Neither woman had opened their eyes yet.

"You're very welcome Julia." Both women seemed to adjust into each other comfortably and Snow completely forgot herself as she lightly pressed her hips into her new partner's. She enjoyed the warmth of Julia's chest pressing softly against her own through the thin fabric, chins now resting on one another's shoulders.

"Hmm. You smell nice. Chanel?"

"Yep. A present. Erm…Snow?" she breathed in her ear. "Don't get me wrong. I'm really enjoying this, but I'm not actually gay. I'm happily married to a guy. I just…like the company of women too. Not to have sex with, just…the romance. Girls tend to be better at this stuff."

Julia felt Snow's responding chuckle rumble through their chests. "We're more alike than you think, Julia! I'm also happily married, to a wonderful man who knows me like no other. David's extremely romantic and I'd never be unfaithful for a moment But I agree, this is nice!" They continued holding each other till the end of the song. When she finally opened her eyes, a small blush appeared on both sets of cheeks.

"Thanks for my dance, Snow." She said, before placing a light peck on the other woman's lips. "Can I buy you a drink before I head off?"

"I'd like that!"

~oOo~

The two women raised a toast to romance. A few minutes later, Julia looked up to see a handsome clean-shaved man approach the bar.

"And here's my Paul! Snow, it's been lovely meeting you. I hope to see you again sometime?" Even though her husband was standing close, she leant over to place another soft peck on the other woman's lips. "Safe journey back."

As the woman disappeared, Imogen appeared back by her side. "That was interesting. For a bi-curious girl, you seemed a lot 'gayer' than you think. You were really into her, weren't you?"

"Not in that way, Immie. I enjoyed the romance. I liked holding her, and I know she did too, but we're both definitely straight and happily married. It was very nice though. I do see why so many women find love in each other, but my David is my one and only true love!"

"That sounds like something out of Hollywood? Like Snow White and her, um…"

"Prince Charming? Snow White's Prince Charming? Yes, it does, doesn't it?"

~oOo~

Two hours later, and Diva's was ready to close. Snow had danced a few more times, only had a couple more drinks, yet she'd virtually collapsed, fast asleep, on the lounge seats near the bar.

"So where's she staying, Immie?" Arthur asked, staring at the reclining woman. "Do you want to look in her bag, or her phone? May be a key card or something?"

"Let her sleep it off, Art. You could put her in the room next to mine? There's an adjoining door, so if she wakes and panics, I'll hear her."

"Alright." He said, gathering up the woman in his arms like she was a feather. "You go first and open the doors. I'll just lay her on the bed and take her shoes off? Don't want her freaking out or anything. You can change her."

"No, I'll just leave her be. I'll drop a spare towel and nightie if she needs it."

~oOo~

And so it was that Snow woke up in an unfamiliar bed.

Relieved she was still in her clothes, albeit crumples, and underwear, with her phone, bag, a towel and shampoo on the table next to her, plus a large glass of water and headache tablets. Feeling slightly embarrassed, she quickly slipped her shoes on, ready to go over the road and into her hotel room.

But as she crept out, a voice called. "Good to see you awake!. You want breakfast?"

"Oh, no thank you Immie, but thanks for the room. I don't actually remember coming up here?"

"Arthur carried you up. You were too far gone to send home, wherever you're staying?"

Snow chuckled. "You could have, I'm virtually opposite! So I'll go shower and change there. Thank you again, Imogen. It's lovely to have met you!"

"No problem. Come back sometime? And bring that super hunk husband with you!"

"You know, I may just do that!"

As Imogen led her down the stairs, through the back room, out the side door and into the morning light, the tall blonde looked down at her.

"Well it's been a pleasure meeting you too, Mary Margaret! Now don't be a stranger, I mean it!"

~oOo~

Unfortunately, as Snow was saying her goodbyes, a certain smaller blonde and her wife were looking at her from behind smoked glass windows.

Silently watching as the pair embraced, kissing each other on the cheek, Emma stood waiting for her mother to walk into reception.

A minute later, and heading to the front desk to collect her room key, Snow was stopped by a scowling Emma.

"And where the hell have you been?" The younger woman growled.

"Emma! What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for my mother! Who we lost last night, and I subsequently discovered had spent the evening, and the night, in a notorious gay bar!"

"Oh! Well, I wouldn't call it notorious. Different, certainly…"

"WHY DIDN'T YOU ANSWER ANY OF MY BLOODY TEXTS?" she yelled. "I'VE BEEN WORRIED SICK!"

"Lower your voice! We're in public."

"Never mind the fucking public! I want to know what the hell you were doing in there?"

Snow looked at her red, swollen face. But she refused to be intimidated this time. "Emma, you will lower your voice when you speak to me. I'm your mother, and-"

"DON'T YOU 'MOTHER' ME? What the fuck were you playing at? After what you told me last night, you spent the entire night in a damn gay bar? Then you stroll in here first thing, as though nothing's happened? I just saw you over there, snogging some woman! What the hell were you playing at? And WHO the hell were you with? Who is she? How could you do that to dad?"

At the mention of her husband, Snow's change was instant!

"DON'T YOU DARE BRING YOUR FATHER INTO THIS, EMMA SWAN!" she growled, Emma taken aback by her venom. "OF COURSE HE KNOWS! HE ALSO KNOWS YOU BELITTLED ME IN FRONT OF YOUR FRIENDS LAST NIGHT! YOUR FATHER ALSO KNOWS WHAT UPSET ME, AND KNEW WHERE I'D GONE! I RANG HIM AFTER YOU ABANDONED ME!"

"Who were you with?" Emma continued, trying to regain control of the conversation.

"None of your business! And don't you DARE imply anything! I have never, and would never, disrespect your father, or my marriage! I may have saved your life in the past, Emma, but you've made it more than clear you and your wife have little regard for my opinions. Or me! You all went off without me last night, after mocking me! That fucking hurt, Emma, and I don't forget easily! Now if that's all, I'm going to freshen up."

Emma just wasn't expecting that! An angry, spitting alley-cat instead of a guilty, embarrassed mother. "I just needed to know what you were?"

"Emma, hear this!" Snow's voice went even deeper. "I expect your respect, or we will have no relationship! Unlike your wife's continued inferences to the contrary, I am no halfwit. I am no idiot. I am no weak-minded spoilt princess. I am Snow White! Your father and I ran an entire fucking kingdom, before you were even born! And without magic! We killed ogres, fought kings and queens and even stopped your fucking wife in her more psychotic phase, from destroying an entire nation!"

Regina now joined them, attempting to calm the situation getting even more out of hand. "Snow, stop!"

"AND YOU CAN FUCK RIGHT OFF, REGINA MILLS? I'M DONE WITH YOU! Two weeks ago you begged forgiveness for all the horrible and vile things you've done! I forgave you. Yet the moment you get the chance, you're sniping right back and making bitchy, asinine comments yet again! I heard you last night. Clearly your words to me meant nothing. Why did you even invite me, Regina? You still hate me, despite what you said, and you always will! I'm done here! I'm gonna pack and go home."

Snow turned and stormed up to the reception desk.

"Mum!" Emma called, but she snatched the room key from the waiting receptionist and headed upstairs without looking back.

"Shit! I've done it again, haven't I?"

Snow showered and changed.

She knew she'd overreacted, but having Emma imply she'd been unfaithful at the club had been one step too far! David was her absolute rock, and anyone hinting otherwise always got short shrift from the princess.

As she picked up her phone to check in with him, she noticed the device was still set on Airplane Mode. "Dammit!" she muttered, disabling it. Moments later, the texts and voice messages started arriving. She looked at the flood of messages that came in, ignoring the accusing ones sent by Emma last night. Now looking at the ones sent in the last hour, she felt slightly guilty for her harsh reaction to her daughter:

Emma: Sorry, mum.

Emma: I never really thought you'd be unfaithful to dad!

Emma: I'm sorry I made fun of you

Emma: I still want you to help me pick my wedding dress! We need to leave for Kleinfeld at 12.00

That irritated her, so she typed in a reply, which Emma read immediately:

'You mean 'just nod my head and agree with whatever Regina says,' surely?'

Meanwhile, in her own room, Emma smiled at that. It was a start. At least she was talking! She typed a reply

Emma: Come on, don't be like that? I need you there.

Though her smile ceased the moment she saw the next text:

'No, Emma. I learnt a while ago that my daughter always does what her wife tells her. You obey! With all your power and strength, I never imagined you'd become a Stepford wife! You know she'll choose your dress. And your venue. The bridesmaid outfits. The page boys. Everything. Run along and do what she wants now. You always do, in the end'

That stung! A lot more than she would like to admit! A Stepford wife? Is that what she really thought of her? A tear bloomed in her eye, as she remembered the last few years with Regina. After Robin's death. Her move into the mansion. Roland returning. Honour's birth. The wedding in Boston, when Regina had suggested it. The dresses they wore. All organised and chosen…by Regina. Even the plan not to tell Emma's parents till after they returned, married, was Regina's. And she had gone along with it, knowing it would probably upset them. The more she thought it through, the more she realised, painfully, there was some truth in her mother's barbed text.

Emma: Do you even want to come to my wedding?

It took a few minutes before the reply came, which she'd been dreading:

'You're already married. There's nothing any mother wants more than to see her only daughter get married. To help her plan it. To help choose the dress. The food. The catering. The reception. I missed all of that, and not because I couldn't make it but because my daughter didn't even choose to invite me! Have you any idea how much that hurt, Emma? Probably not. Your mind was only on your wife. I pray it never happens to you!'

She slumped against the wall, now feeling thoroughly ashamed. Nonetheless, a final text arrived:

'I'm not needed here. I'm taking a five o'clock coach back. Your father can pick me up from the nearest halt. See you back in Storybrooke, whenever you choose to visit.'

That was the final nail in the coffin! It felt like her mother had just let her go. And all because she chose to tear her off a strip for staying out all night? Her mind was in a whirl as sobs turned to tears. Finally, she reached out to her phone, before dialling the only person she truly trusted, when it came to her own mother:

"Dad? It's me. I think I may have screwed up!"

~oOo~