A/N: Hello everyone!

I wanted to thank everyone once again - for the love and the growing support for my story.

It means so much, you have no idea.

Let me tell you that writing this is a real emotional challenge for me, but seeing that my lovely readers are just as invested in the story makes it "easier" to write it.

A warm welcome to the new followers and thanks to everyone, who follows, favorited that story or me.

You are amazing and I love you all!

Here is the new chapter - I hope you'll enjoy it...

Much love xoxo


TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

Chapter 14

The thing with storms was that the scope of the catastrophe could only be seen afterwards.

And now that the truth, the cruelty of the past had hit Regina and Emma with full force their hearts and their souls were fallow.

They were vulnerable, defenseless.

Both of them.

Emma, for her part, had not been able to sleep once she had returned to her penthouse – images of her own past had mixed with ones of Regina in pain, screaming, begging for her life as soon as she had closed her eyes.

This would haunt her for a long time, probably forever.

But that was what friends did, right? They did not let you carry the burden alone.

Regina on the other side had slept like a stone, much to her own surprise, because she had been plagued with nightmares since the day her father had left her. And they had only gotten worse with time and due to the horror she had experienced.

Sure, they had not happened as frequently anymore, after all this time, but they were still there, lurking in the darkest corners of her soul, ready to get to her whenever she felt a bit "better".

As if she would not be allowed to be happy.

But this time she had not dreamt, not at all.

The conversation with Emma where she had faced an re-lived the most terrible of hours of her life had given her some kind of a weird peace.

At least for the moment.

She had woken up shortly after 5 am and since Henry was still asleep Regina had gotten into her pajamas and had went to sleep some more – in her bed.

If Henry would find her on the couch, still in her clothes from the day before, he would only worry again and she would avoid that if she could. Her son had been through enough.


After Emma had decided that sleep was no option she had went back to read through all the documents Gold had sent her, because she had to get prepared for that meeting anyway.

He surely would not tolerate anything less than onehundred percent at all times and she could not afford to piss him off.

There was too much at stake.

She took a hot shower around six in the morning, grateful for the relaxation it provided her tense muscles.

Once she was fully dressed for the day she went to make some coffee when she heard someone impatiently knocking at her door.

It had to be Regina.

Would something be wrong?

Probably she had some nightmare or something. Emma for sure would have had one if she had decided to go to sleep.

She was highly worried that the aftermath of their conversation would be at least ten times worse for Regina, but even if that was the case they would find a way to deal with it.

But the second Emma opened the door she had to chuckle. In fact she could barely contain her laughter.

Right in front of her stood Henry, bouncing with excitement and next to him an obviously sleepy Regina Mills – in her pajamas.

Eyes only half open, her hair a total mess and yet Regina looked adorable as ever.

"Merry Christmas, Emma!"

"Merry Christmas, kid..."

"I woke up and dragged mom right over", Henry announced proudly.

Emma chuckled again, "I can see that. Please, come on in."

Regina let herself fall onto the couch, not nearly awake enough to realize what was going on – at least not until Emma handed her a cup of coffee.

The smell let her eyes go wide and once she took in the blonde in front of her, all dressed and ready to face the day, Regina almost jumped.

She was still in her pajamas!

How had Henry managed to get her over here?

She could barely remember that he had shown up in her bedroom.

"Emma, you have to change clothes..." Henry announced with a grin, causing the blonde to frown in confusion, "Why is that? Is something wrong with my outfit?"

The boy rolled his eyes and chuckled, "It's Christmas morning...everyone should be in their pajamas..."

"Uh...o-okay...but I usually don't wear...I mean...I sleep in a tank top and..." Emma shut her mouth closed when she realized that she was rambling, hoping that she had not made Regina uncomfortable, but when she caught sight of the smile on the brunette's lips she shrugged, "You know what...you are right. I'll change into something more comfy and then we make breakfast."

Henry nodded his approval and Regina let out a chuckle.

A flustered and blushing Emma Swan was quite the sight and to Regina's own surprise she had not felt uncomfortable about Emma's attempt to explain her sleep attire.

Not at all.


Emma returned to the living room wearing black sweatpants and a white tank top and more at ease than before.

She had feared that it would be awkward to see Henry after everything she had learned the night before, but there was something about that kid that always comforted her.

His appearance always changed the dynamic of a situation – always for the better.

Thank God.

And while Emma and Henry were preparing breakfast Regina sneaked over to the penthouse door, about to leave when her son yelled, "No changing out of your pajamas, Mom!"

She jumped at being caught and sighed in defense, "Fine. But I'm allowed to get Emma's christmas gift, right? Because I forgot to grab it when you dragged me out of bed mid-sleep."

Henry giggled at his mother's words and nodded, realizing that she probably could not see him, "Okay. But you have to be back in a minute."


Regina had considered changing into something presentable for a minute, but had given up on the thought right away, because Henry clearly would have forced her to go back and change into her pajamas again and she would save herself the embarrasment, especially since Emma had already seen her in her current state.

And so she had only brushed her teeth and combed her hair in a hurry and had rushed back into the penthouse, a small, purple giftbox in hand.


Once everyone was seated Regina put the giftbox in front of the blonde and smiled, "Merry Christmas, Emma."

The blonde's eyes went wide in surprise, "You shouldn't have gotten me anything."

"Nonsense! I should get you something every day...for everything you've done..." Regina started, but Emma interrupted her, "Stop it, please. I know you feel like you owe me so very much, but you don't. Regina, having you and Henry in my life has probably been the greatest gift...ever. I mean...we are family...kind of. And family sticks together...we help each other. That's what families do, so please...stop feeling so guilty, okay?"

Regina could not say anything, so she just nodded while tears were welling in her eyes.

Emma had rendered her speechless once again.

What had she done to deserve this when life had been nothing, but cruel to her before?

Had her luck really changed?

It definitely looked like it, but she was still wary.

She would always be.

But she would try to enjoy it while it lasted, because Regina was aware that everything could be taken away from her within a heartbeat.

She nudged the box in Emma's direction once again and smiled at her, "Open it."

Emma did as she was told and revealed a silver necklace with a ring pendant, "Oh my God, Regina...it's beautiful...but I..."

The brunette only shook her head and placed a hand on Emma's, "It's a gift. It's a good memory actually...not long before my father died...we've been visiting one of his friends...a jeweler...and he made this for me...well, he helped me make it...explained everything to me...and daddy and I crafted it with his instructions...daddy and I...we chose to make a circle...because circles have no beginning and no end...and you pointed it out yourself...we are a family...and families support each other, are there for one another...always. And that is why I want you to have it. It's my way of saying...that...for the first time...in forever...I have hope. I have hope that we'll always be a family...that this will last."

Regina squeezed Emma's hand, who was too overwhelmed to form a coherent sentence and Henry jumped up to get the necklace in place, smiling brightly.

Yes, he was happy.

Truly happy.

And obviously his mother was too.

And if the smile on Emma's face was any indication – they all were.

Best Christmas ever.


Once they had finished breakfast Henry had stormed back into their apartment, eager to open his Christmas gifts and had been overjoyed that he had gotten all the books he had wished for and even one about dogs that had not even been on his list.

And there was another gift under the small Christmas tree – a gift he would have never expected, because they never had enough money to afford much, but he had never minded.

His mother had done her best and he was aware of that and while Regina might not have been able to buy him all the cool stuff, he could not have asked for a better mother.

But when he unwrapped the digital camera he was ecstatic.

From the moment he had taken his first picture with Emma's camera weeks ago he had been obsessed with taking pictures, with documenting family moments and happy times.

His whole room was decorated with pics of Regina, Emma and himself.

He hugged his mother repeatedly, who whispered a silent 'Thank you' to Emma, because Regina was completely aware that she would have never be here today if it would not have been for Emma Swan and her persistence.

Emma just smiled at them, content for the moment, knowing full-well that the current peace would probably not last.


They had gone for a walk through the park after everyone had gotten dressed and Henry had taken tons of photos of them and he had even asked a few people if he could take pictures of their dogs and both, Emma and Regina, had not been able to contain their laughter while the kid had tried to get a proper shot of an English Bulldog, that refused to look into his direction.

Afterwards they had watched "The Polar Express" and "Frozen" and then Henry had talked them into ordering pizza.

Regina had frowned at the mere suggestion, because not only was she not too fond of the greasy food, but because it was Christmas after all.

But Henry had insisted and Emma had told her, Christmas or not, pizza would always be a great choice.

And so Regina had given in and had enjoyed their unusual Christmas dinner more than she would ever admit, but Emma and Henry had figured it out anyway and a new tradition had been born in that moment.

When the boy had darted off to the guestroom with his camera – to check his pictures one more time – Regina and Emma had known that he would fall asleep eventually and they had been right.

They went to check on him about ten minutes later and Henry was out like a light, a huge smile on his face.

Emma closed the door, careful not to wake the kid and turned to face Regina, "Do you want some tea?"

"Yes. Tea would be nice."


Once they were seated on the couch Emma and Regina sat there in silence, sipping from their mugs, both of them waiting for the other to say something.

It was Emma, who spoke up in the end, "Would it be okay if Killian would stay with Henry when you have your last performance?"

Regina was startled by the unexpected question, but on the other hand it was not that much of a surprise – of course Emma had her own appointments at times, "I think it would be quite alright. Henry had a lot of fun with him...and the video games."

"Yeah, he had. He kicked Killian's ass. And you don't have to worry. Ruby and Graham will be here as well...and I would not suggest this if I wouldn't trust them to...you know...take good care of Henry."

"I know", Regina smiled at Emma and took a sip of tea.

"Great...so, uh...I'd say we'll leave here around eight...what do you think?" Emma offered and watched Regina expectantly.

"I'm sorry? I'm not sure I understand..."

"Right! I should have started at the beginning...sorry. When I made that deal with Gold...I insisted that I could be there...during your last shift. I'm not taking any chances with that creep."

Now Regina was really surprised, "Oh Emma...you don't have to do that. It will be okay. Gold might be an asshole, but he is also a business man, who takes his deals very seriously. He won't do anything to..."

"He better stick to his word...or God help me. But I'm coming with you. I'm making sure that you'll be able to leave for good", Emma announced, her tone as sincere as she felt.

And while Regina would never admit it, she was so glad and grateful for the blonde's support – it would be so much easier to get that last shift over with with Emma by her side.

"Thank you", the brunette said simply, just to take another sip of her tea, "That reminds me...I could help you with those events you have to plan...for Gold. I mean...I know his taste and his preferences ..."

"That would be great. Maybe we can sit down tomorrow and talk this through?" Emma suggested and shrugged.

"We can do that, dear", Regina approved and took a deep breath, "Do you think Mister Jones' offer still stands? About hiring me..."

"I'm pretty sure it does, but Regina...you don't have to do that if you don't..."

But the brunette waved her off, "I actually do. I'd love to work in the field. I don't know why I have said what I said...when we fought. I was a coward."

"No, you weren't. You felt cornered and you paniced. And it was partially my fault...but if you really are interested in the job...just talk to Killian when he comes over."

"I'll do that."

And then they fell silent once again.

While Emma had managed to keep the awkward tension at bay during the day – while Henry was around to be specific – it became quite obvious now that something was off.

And of course it did not stay unnoticed by Regina.

"I take it you haven't slept much last night", she stated quietly and looked Emma straight in the eye.

Emma was caught completely off guard, "Uhm...no. I...I've been...you know...working...all night. Checking stuff for...for Gold."

Regina's stare became even more intense. She knew she should stop right here, should drop it, because she had her suspicions according Emma's sleepless night, but she could not do that.

Emma was her friend.

"Please, don't lie to me, Emma. We are better than that...at least I hope we are. What's bothering you so much that it keeps you from sleeping?"

Emma sighed.

Regina was right. They should talk about this.

About all of this.

But how much could she reveal without scaring her off?

What if Regina wanted explanations?

Explanations she did not have, explanations she was not ready for.

But she had to say something, right?

There was no escape.

"I'm sorry", Emma dropped her head and took a deep breath before she looked back up to meet Regina's eyes again, "It's just...after our conversation yesterday...it's hard to take it all in...it might take a day or two...for me to...calm down...right now I'm a little...overwhelmed...I guess."

"I shouldn't have told you", Regina sighed heavily, "I should have never gotten you into this mess...I'm so..."

"No!" Emma shook her head vehemently, "No, Regina. Don't...don't feel guilty about this. I'm glad we talked...I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me...it's just...the bare thought of what you had to endure...I'm so sorry...you have no idea how sorry I am..."

Regina expected to see pity in Emma's eyes, but she did not. All she found there was understanding and a hit of the pain the blonde must be feeling. And honest concern.

"I mean, Regina...I can't even imagine...and Henry", Emma stopped dead right then – only for a second though – and then she whispered, "Doesn't it hurt to look at him sometimes?"

Regina gulped and closed her eyes when the uncomfortable silence filled the room once again.

And it stayed there for what seemed like an eternity.

When the brunette finally opened her eyes again Emma could see the tears welling in the familiar brown eyes and Regina did nothing to stop them from falling.

Her voice was low and raw when she answered at last, "He has these warm and gentle eyes. The eyes of my father...that's what makes it bearable...but I won't lie to you...the older he got...the harder it became...to...to look at him. I love Henry...with all my heart...I do. And nothing of what happened to me is his fault. But there were times when...when I couldn't...I had to force myself...to look at him..."

A sob escaped Regina's lips and Emma's heart broke for the woman next to her, because clearly Regina had never spoken about this before and it had to be torture to admit such feelings.

She offered Regina her hand like she had done the night before and this time it did not surprise her when the brunette took it instantly.

Emma squeezed it as gentle as she could manage, aware that Regina could feel caged and cornered by the simply gesture, but Regina made no attempt to pull her hand back, but let it rest in the comfort of Emma's instead.

"One night...I came home from work...and I had gotten into a fight with Gold...I don't even remember why...but I had this split lip...all swollen...and some ugly bruises...Henry was about six I guess...maybe seven...Eugenia had been baby sitting him...and I was so sure that he was sleeping...but as soon as I collapsed on the couch...he came rushing from the bedroom...and he looked so worried and scared...and he helped me get cleaned up, put some ointment on my lips and everything...and he told me that...", tears were streaming down Regina's face now, the memory almost too much to bear, "He told me that everything was going to be fine...that he loved me...that I...that...that I was...was beautiful."

Regina sobbed heavily, a painful cry escaping her lips, but then she squeezed Emma's hand again, holding onto it as if it were her lifeline and it that moment it probably was, "I realized...right then...in that moment...that Henry...that he was nothing like his father. And since that day...it doesn't haunt me as much anymore."

Emma nodded in understanding, "He is a great kid...and I know that you love him...as much as he loves you."


They had kept sitting in the living room until Regina had calmed down completely and then Emma had sent her to sleep in the guestroom together with Henry – there was no point in waking the kid up at an ungodly hour.

Unfortunately Regina had been plagued with a nightmare in the early morning and that was how she had ended up bumping into Emma in the kitchen – when she had wanted to get herself some water.

Emma had not slept well either, so they had sat down to work on the project for Gold – to get some distraction and it had turned out just fine.

By the time Henry had woken up they had been almost done and he had been thrilled when Emma had suggested that they could go to the harbor and looked at one of her family's ships.

It had been a nice day in the end, a day that had given Emma and Regina some much needed peace.


The next few days had been rather uneventful, because Emma had been occupied with work and Regina had helped Henry with some school project.

Emma's first business meeting with Gold had went better than she had expected and Regina had been right – he was a clever business man with massive ambitions.

Emma did not trust him one bit and she never would, but working with him, working for him would possibly turn out to be managable.

But of course she hated that man with every fibre of her body for everything he had done to Regina – even if it was "not that bad" compared to some of the other stuff she had suffered through.


Killian and Ruby arrived early on December 30 and Emma was glad that they did, because Regina had been tense and on edge since the morning.

Clearly she expected something to go wrong, expected that probably Gold would change his mind.

But Emma would not let that happen.

Come hell or high water – this would be Regina's last day in that hell hole.

She would make sure about that.

When Graham finally showed up Emma fixed everyone some spaghetti and the friends enjoyed a rather entertaining conversation over dinner – about some mess Ruby had created on set while designing a new costume for one of the actresses.

Once they had finished dinner Regina disappeared to get ready for her last shift and Henry and Killian started to play on the X-Box with Ruby cheering in the background.

That gave Emma some time to take a deep breath out on the balcony, where Graham showed up a few minutes later.

"Em, are you alright?"

He sounded as worried as he looked.

"Yeah, I'm good...just not sleeping much lately", she shrugged casually, "But I guess you don't get much rest either...you are awfully pale."

Graham sighed, "Well, you know how it is, sweetheart...I'm this famous photographer and everybody wants me...to take pictures of course."

Emma laughed out and slapped him on the arm - playfully, "Graham Hunter...are you saying that you've met someone?"

"No, it's really just work...sorry to disappoint you...but tell me, Emma...how are things in paradise?"

Her gaze grew distant immediately, "Well, everything's fine I suppose..."

But Graham did not buy it, of course not. He furrowed his brow and watched her closely, "Have you and Regina gotten into another fight?"

Emma shook her head, never meeting his eyes though, "That's not it, Graham...Regina and I...we are okay...we...we talked...a couple of nights ago...about...about everything."

"Oh."

When Emma finally found the strength to face him he could see the terror, the pain in her eyes and he pulled her into a hug without hesitation, "That bad?"

"Worse", Emma mumbled against his shoulder and wrapped her own arms around his body to seek the comfort only Graham could provide for her.

He knew better than to ask for details, because Emma would never betray Regina's trust – she would never betray anyone's trust in fact.

Secrets had always been safe with her.


By the time Regina returned Killian was outright frustrated that he could not beat Henry and Ruby and Graham were laughing hysterically on the couch.

Emma was leaning against the kitchen counter, lost in thought, wearing a black suit, a white shirt and a black tie.

A single braid highlighted her ponytail and the black heels completed a rather stunning outfit and Regina was quite taken by the sight.

"Before I forget it, Em...what about the photoshoot for the campaign? Do you have a date yet?" Graham interrupted all of a sudden and brought Regina back to reality.

"Uh...no. Can we look into that somewhen soon?" Emma looked at him expectantly.

"What photoshoot?" Ruby asked, because she had no idea what they were talking about when Emma usually told her about all of her bigger projects.

The blonde shared a look with Regina, who nodded her approval, so Emma explained, "It's Regina's last day at 'The Rabbit Hole'. I got Gold to agree to let her go...and in exchange I have to plan two events for the club...Graham offered to take the promotion pics."

"Oh wow", Ruby stated, "Aren't you afraid that this could ruin your reputation?"

Regina cringed at the words, because she did not like this deal Emma had made one bit. There was too much at risk for the blonde and she could not wrap her head around the fact that Emma had done that.

"No, I don't", Emma responded firmly, but it was just partially true, because she knew quite well that she could lose important clients over this, "If someone has a problem with my decision...well, then they have a problem with it. There's nothing I can do about it. But even if that would be the case...there will be a way to use this job to my advantage."

"I absolutely agree, love. You are great at your job and you'd find a way", Killian encouraged and Graham nodded his approval. It was the first time the two men agreed on something since they had broken up.

Henry listened to every word of the conversation, but decided to stay silent – not that he had much to say anyway.

He was just glad that his mother would be out of Gold's reach after tonight.

Graham pulled his phone out of his jeans pocket and checked his calendar, "What about the sunday in two weeks? We could start in the early morning and shoot the pics for both events in one go..."

Emma thought about it for a moment to make sure she did not have any appointments and when she was positive that she would be free she nodded, "You know what, Graham...that sounds like a perfect idea."

"It does indeed", Killian annouced, "I'm free as well."

Everyone looked at him, quite surprised, but he only shrugged, "What? I'm pretty sure you need someone to do the make – up...no? I might be able to help with the location as well."

A genuine smile grew on Emma's face, "Thanks, Killian. You're the best."

Ruby tiped something into her phone before facing the others, "Nothing on my list either. Except for brunch with Belle...but I texted her and told her that we have to re-schedule...so, count me in...for the costumes and stuff."

"Thanks so much. I love you guys...I hope you know that", Emma stated simply while Regina stood there, speechless once again.

She never had experienced anything like this – people standing up and supporting one another and she was more than a little overwhelmed.

"Em, you've always been there for us...you've always helped us out...it's nice that we can give something back for once", Graham replied and went over to hug Emma once again.

Regina cleared her throat loudly, "I know that you don't do this for me, but for Emma...but I'm grateful none-the-less. And I'd love to cook dinner for everyone tomorrow."

"Awesome!" Ruby practically bounced on the couch, "And you are wrong, Regina. We are doing this...because Emma considers you family...and that means you are family to us as well."

"Exactly", Graham agreed and gave Regina a decent smile.

Regina was completely shaken by the statement and a single tear made it down her cheek, but for once it was a tear born out of happiness and that itself was a miracle.

"Anyway...we have to go", Emma interrupted the rather intimate moment with her friends, "We can't afford to be late."

Henry stormed over to hug Regina and his mother and say his 'Good bye', but when Emma headed for the door the brunette held her back and turned to face the others once more. There was something she had to do before they could leave, "Mister Jones, I was wondering..."

He stopped her mid- sentence with a gesture of his hand, "You'll start on 6th of January...I'll pick you up at eight."

"Well, I...thank you, Mister Jones", Regina did not know what else to say.

"It's my pleasure, love...and it's Killian."

He smiled brightly and Emma whispered a silent 'Thank you' in his direction, causing him to wink at her.

"Now that that is settled...we really have to leave", Emma demanded only seconds later and turned to look at Regina, "You ready?"

"As ready as I can get, Miss Swan", the brunette teased in an attempt to cover her nervousness, "Take me to Wonderland."