A/N: Hello everyone,

updating early today (I think I'll stick with the current pace...to update on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hope that works for everyone).

This chapter might raise some questions and I promise they will get answered in the following chapters.

But we all know how life can be - sometimes beautiful, sometimes sad, sometimes outright funny, sometimes a complete mess.

What life definitely is - almost all the time - is unpredictable.

The pace, the dynamic changes in a heartbeat.

Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

Thanks again for all the support - you have no idea how much this means to me and I don't have the words to explain it.

Anyway - enjoy Nr. 17 and have a great weekend!

much love xoxo


TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

Chapter 17

Dinner at Emma's the next day was a blast.

Everyone enjoyed being together, especially now that David was "back from the dead".

There was so much laughter and some of them had even shared some happy tears over some of their most ridiculous memories.

Regina was surprised what a truly crazy group they were, but not necessarily in a negative way.

She found Emma's friends quite entertaining if she was honest and she was glad that they made it so easy for her to become a part of all this.

Graham demanded that they would take a group photo, because it was a rather epic evening and some moments in time should be conserved forever.

To Graham's surprise everyone had agreed without whining and so he had taken some of the most hilarious pictures of the whole group by using the timer on his camera.

He had caught all of them laughing, smiling, having a good time.

Feeling free.

What a precious memory that would be one day.


Killian had offered to do Graham's make up, because he still did not look rested and once that was done the photographer left to check in on everything at the gallery.

The others would join him in about two hours.

Regina did the dishes and to her surprise Mary Margaret had offered her help and so they stood next to each other now – Regina cleaning and Mary Margaret drying.

Emma eyed them suspiciously, but shrugged in the end when David came over to her, "Well, hello Prince Charming...you having fun?"

"More than you could ever imagine", he gave her a decent smile and looked over at his fiancé and Henry's mother, "Regina is a keeper. And so is that kid of hers."

"Yeah, they are wonderful", Emma agreed and David patted her on the shoulder, "It was the right decision to help her get out of that place. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, David. And you're right. I'd do it again without so much as a blink...it was one of the best decisions I've ever made...I don't regret it for a second."

At the same time Mary Margaret cleared her throat and turned to face Regina, "I...I wanted to thank you..."

"Thank me for what, dear?" Regina was startled at the words and furrowed her brows.

"Well, for allowing Henry to spend time with David...it means a lot to him...to us. And I know how protective you are of your son...which is understandle...what mother would not be? It's just...David cares about Henry...and I think having him around...it helps him, you know...to recover faster...so, thank you", Mary Margaret smiled shyly while her cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

Regina nodded in understanding, "It's alright. Henry likes David a lot...he never had a father...I think it's good for him to have a male...role model in his life."

Mary Margaret considered to pick up on the topic for a second, but decided against it, because Regina and her were not exactly friends and Henry's mother seemed to be a very closed off and private person. Overstepping her boundaries would only get her in trouble, so she decided for another, safer topic, "Is it okay if I keep picking Henry up from school when you or Emma are busy? I know Emma tries her hardest to be there...but she seems so busy lately..."

"That's alright...thanks for that anyway...because I don't want to see Emma burdening herself even more", Regina answered and could not hide the guilt in her voice.

"It's not your fault, Regina. Emma has always been a workaholic...like Graham...it's who they are."

"Probably, but..."

"No but, Regina. Emma made a decision and she was fully aware of the consequences...she can handle it...have faith", the pixie haired woman smiled at her and Regina nodded in understanding.

But it was hard for her to accept that wild, untamed part of Emma since she was a person, who needed to be in control at all times.

Both women were silent for a moment, both focusing on their deeds, but then Regina focused on Mary Margaret again, "Please don't hurt my son."

The smaller woman seemed to be confused, "I'm sorry? What do you mean?"

Regina cleared her throat, "Don't take this the wrong way...but I know what kind of life you are living...you don't have to worry about anything and if you get bored of something...you throw it away...like an old toy...and replace it with something new, something better..."

Mary Margaret shook her head immediately, "Oh no, Regina. You don't have to worry about that...I promise you. Henry is such a precious kid...I understand where you are coming from...I do...but I swear...Henry is not some experiment or something...he is an amazing kid...he made me understand that you don't need money to do a great job raising a kid...because you clearly have done an extraordinary job...with the little you had back then...and that says a lot about you, Regina. I admire your strength..."

Regina laughed bitterly at that, "There's nothing to admire about me."

"And that's where you are wrong...I admit...when Belle told me what Emma had done...well, I thought she had finally lost it. But then I got to know you...and Henry...and that made me realize that Emma probably had never seen more clearly before. I get what she sees in you...at least I think I do..."

Since Regina was not ready for continuing the conversation, because she was too overwhelmed, she decided to take it into a different direction, "So, are you and David planning on having kids?"

Mary Margaret's face fell instantly, "I wish we could have children, but I...I can't..."

"I'm sorry", Regina did not need to hear more and from one moment to the next she saw the pixie haired woman in a different light. There was a lot more to her than she had ever thought possible. Mary Margaret Blanchard wore a mask to the world like she did – to protect their vulnerable sides, to cope with their pain. They were not so different after all, "You could adopt a child?"

"We're considering it...but it's not so easy...not even for people with money. Not when you want to do it right and not buy the next best kid...but right now I can't worry about it anyway...all that matters now is that David gets better", Mary Margaret replied with a small smile.

"Of course."


Her conversation with Mary Margaret had given her some peace and Regina even felt sorry for the woman.

While her past was horrible it had given her Henry and no matter what she had to endure – she would go through all of it again just to have him.

There was nothing more precious than a child after all.


The group of six arrived at the Gallery just in time and flashes started to go off immediately, because Emma and her friends were part of Boston's finest after all.

Regina was completely startled, because she had not expected anything like that, but Mary Margaret sensed her discomfort right away and led her away from the persistent journalists and their cameras.

She was not fond of all the attention either. At least not tonight.

It would be a different story if David would be here, because with her Charming by her side she felt a lot more self confident than without him.

Graham welcomed them with a glass of champagne and showed them around, explained his work to Regina mostly, who kept to look at all his photographs with a lot of interest.

Most of his photos were black and white, but really intense – touching pictures of all kinds of people, rich and poor, happy and sad, but Graham clearly had an eye for the right motive at the right time.

When Emma and the rest finally joined them, the blonde seemed to be slightly annoyed with the reporters, but of course she could not say anything since they were writing about the hopefully successful gallery opening.

But one journalist seemed to be quite persistent like some paparazzi, because he was following her every step.

And when he caught Emma and Regina chatting he made an appearance once again, "Miss Swan! Who is the stunning lady that is here with you tonight?"

"She's a friend."

"Just a friend?"

"Listen...for one my private life is none of your concern...and second we are here for my friend Graham's photography tonight", Emma needed all her strength not to snap at the man.

But the journalist did not even think about leaving her alone, "Is it true that you are planning the celebratory campaing for 'The Rabbit Hole'?"

Emma's eyes went wide at the question.

How the hell did he know about that? She had not announced anything officially yet.

"How do you know about that?" she asked, feeling quite irritated.

"Mister Gold announced it at a press conference earlier today", the journalist shot back, "So, is it true?"

Gold, that damned weasel.

Of course he would do something like that. Of course he would use her name to promote this whole thing even further.

And of course he would let her face it completely unprepared.

Emma searched the room for Ruby and signaled her to bring Regina away from her once their eyes met.

Thankfully the leggy brunette understood immediately and came to Regina's rescue only a second later.

If one of the reporters would figure out who Regina was, if any of them would pay here more attention, this whole thing would totally blow and Regina would end up on the front cover of every newspaper the next day.

And the headlines probably would not be very positive.

Once Ruby and Regina, who seemed to be kind of shocked, were gone Emma turned back to the journalist, who eyed her intensely, "So?"

Emma straightened her back.

There was no escape anyway.

"Yes, it is true that I have accepted a job from Mister Gold according to his festivities at The Rabbit Hole this year."

"Now why would you do that? You seemed awfully picky about the jobs you took in the past? Your reputation has been flawless, but I'm afraid it will be ruined once this gets public."

"While I agree that I am picky when it comes to my work I'm always open for a challenge. And yes, Mister Gold and his establishment don't fit my usual clientele...I don't see why my decision to accept his offer could possibly ruin my reputation though", Emma answered, her voice firm, her expression professional and serious.

"It's a strip club."

"And? What is wrong with that? Are you one of these people, who believe strippers are unworthy, who say that they are nothing, but a piece of dirt? Because then you are clearly mistaken, Mister..."

"Glass...Sidney Glass."

Emma cleared her throat, her gaze fixed on the annoying man, "Mister Glass. A lot of people frequent The Rabbit Hole...which is a highly exclusive club by the way. If somebody has a problem with my decision...well, there is nothing I can do about it, now is there? But I assure you that my work is professinal as always and that should be the only thing that matters. And if you show up at the festivities you might as well see for yourself that it is not as salacious as you would think it is. And now excuse me, Mister Glass...I'm here for my friend Graham, not to talk to some narrow minded reporter who tries to come up with a scandal where there is none."


"Emma, I'm so sorry..."Regina started, completely embarrassed, but Emma waved her off, "Don't worry about it. It's fine...I mean it would have come out sooner or later anyway...and it's nothing I couldn't handle."

"I should have never let you do this...this deal with Gold", Regina countered, her eyes sad and lost.

Of course Regina would beat herself up for this when it was Gold's fault and Emma was mad as hell.

Not even because he told the press about their working relationship, but because he had managed to make Regina miserable once again.

She took Regina's hand carefully and gave it a gentle and reassuring squeeze, "Hey...look at me...please."

It took a moment for Regina to regain her composure, but when she finally met Emma's eyes she saw nothing, but kindness and it took her by surprise.

How could Emma not be angry with her? How could she not be mad at the world?

"Regina, this is not your fault. I should have known that Gold would come up with something...to test me...and my patience...it's alright. I agreed to his terms and I was aware of the consequences when I did so. And I would do it again...I would have agreed to a worse deal than the one he offered...if that would have been what it would have taken to assure your freedom...I'd still do it."

Emma sounded so serious, so convinced, so sure about this whole situation – it truly blew Regina's mind.

"Everything will be fine, Regina. Have faith", Emma stated, well aware that she could not be sure about that herself, but she too had to have faith.


Graham's speech had provided the needed distraction and once the buffet had been presented the incident with the annoying reporter had been forgotten, because there was nothing Emma could do about it anyway.

She would face the outcome of her collaboration with Gold head on, no matter what.

It might cost her, it might even cost her dearly, but it did not matter.

The thing that did matter though was Regina. And Henry.

And the two of them were safe.

Everything else she could handle.

There always was a way after all.


When Regina had seen how relaxed Emma was some of her own tension had faded away, but she could not help, but to worry.

And once most of the guests had went home Graham had brought another bottle of champagne, just for his friends and they had celebrated his success, they had celebrated life.

Because that was what his work was all about – life in all its tragedy and beauty.

While he was a famous fashion photographer he had chosen completely different motives for the photos in his gallery.

They were beautiful, provoking, sad and angry, they were full of love and passion, but also tragic and lonely.

He had taken pictures of models, of strippers, of a homeless man, a fighting couple, a fleeing horse, some wealthy business mogul, of strangers on the bus or in the street and a lot more.

There was so much contrast in his work, so much passion behind every picture – Regina had truly enjoyed the opportunity to take a look at his fabulous work and his amazing talent.

All in all, despite that one incident, it was a great and memorable dinner and night out with friends, simply a day none of them would ever forget.

When Emma and Regina were ready to leave Graham came over to them and addressed the brunette right away, surprising both women, "Regina, is there a chance you could meet me for coffee tomorrow?"

"Uhm...sure..." she answered, unsure what else to say.

What was this about?

"Great. Would it be okay if I'd come by to pick you up around three?" He asked carefully.

"That would be great, dear."

"That's settled then..." he turned to look at Emma, who watched him suspiciously, causing him to raise his hands in defense, "I have no intention of stealing her from you, promise."

Emma rolled her eyes at that, knowing that she could trust Graham. He would never betray her confidence, he would never tell Regina anything she had confessed during their conversations, "It's okay...but she has to be home by six...because we promised Henry to take him to the movies..."

Graham could not stop himself from laughing out loud. How were domestic that sounded. As if they would be an old married couple, but he clearly could not point that out to the two of them, "Noted. I'll bring her back in one piece too."

"You better", Emma shot back playfully.

"You know me, Em...I'd never let anything happen to anyone you care about...but what I wanted to say is...I did book that Hawaii vacation we've been talking about...make sure you are available the first week in May."

Regina's chest tightened at the mention of Emma going on vacation and she did not even know why.

If someone deserved a vacation then it was Emma.

Definitely.

But the thought of not seeing the blonde for a whole week was somehow disturbing.

Why was a mystery to her though.

Emma glared at Graham in disbelief, "You didn't?! Are you mad? Why am I even asking...oh my God, this is going to be sooo awesome!"

Graham nodded and pulled her into his arms, "It's about time for a real vacation, not just business trips. It's been way too long."

"I agree...thanks, Graham...I owe you."

"Nonsense. And now get out of here before I get you completely drunk and wasted", he joked.

"Night, Graham...maybe you find the time to come by tomorrow night for a drink..."

"I'd love that, especially since I will be very busy the next weeks. I sold pretty much every photograph..." he explained with a huge smile.

"That's great, Graham. I'm so proud of you", Emma hugged him again.

"Thanks, Em. Good night."


David had already been awaiting for them when they returned to the penthouse, Mary Margaret in tow, because the pixie haired woman had texted him first thing once they had sat in the cab.

Henry was sound asleep in the guestroom and Regina could barely hold her eyes open any longer, which had not stayed unnoticed by Emma, "Just go...and get some rest. I'll see you and Henry in the morning."

Regina had nodded appreciatively, "Thank you, dear...good night and sleep well."

"Good night, Regina."

And with that the brunette had disappeared into the guestroom, leaving Emma and a slightly confused Mary Margaret and David behind.

"Why is she sleeping here when her apartment is only a few feet away?" the pixie haired woman asked once she was sure Regina could not hear her anymore.

"Because she is more comfortable if she sleeps in the same apartment as Henry...and it's not like I wouldn't have the space, right?" Emma stated the obvious.

"I get it", David said simply, "I don't know much about Regina, but I guess she had a rather difficult life...not that I could tell much from the few bits of information Henry has given me...but he is so protective of Regina..."

"Yeah", Emma agreed, "People like us had it a lot easier, but she is a hell of a mother...that kid is amazing."

"He is", David nodded, "He truly is. I've never met a kid like him...Regina did a fabulous job as a mother."

"That's what I told her earlier", Mary Margaret admitted and earned a disbelieving glare from Emma and David, "What? You act like I'd hate her...I don't. It's just...her and me...we don't necessarily share the same opinion on everything."

Emma sighed, "You didn't...I don't know...insult her or anything, right?"

"No, Emma...I didn't. I swear. I know Belle and her had a bad start...and we haven't warmed up to her as much as the others...but I did nothing to offend her...I guess I understand her a lot better now that we actually talked..."


Regina was a bit nervous over her meeting with Graham, because she had no clue what he could probably want from her.

Probably he wanted to give her a lecture about this whole debacle with the reporter and Gold.

But when the photographer showed up, a huge smile on his face, Regina did not feel as scared anymore.

Maybe it was something completely different.

And it was.

They had grabbed two coffees to go at the cafe round the corner and had went for a walk in the park till they had arrived at a beautiful wooden gazebo and Graham motioned for her to sit down.

"What are we doing here, Mister Hunter?" Regina eyed him suspiciously.

"It's Graham...and I just wanted to get to know you a litte...since you are so important to Emma", he explained with a warm smile.

"I see."

Regina took a sip of coffee and sighed.

This was worse than a lecture, because she would not, under no circumstances, talk about her past. Not to Graham, not to anyone else.

Except for Emma.

"What do you want to know, Graham?"

"Only what you are willing to share...don't feel pressured or anything..."

At this Regina sighed even more.

What could she probably tell him? Without giving too much about herself away?

Without leaving her comfort zone?

"Well, I guess everybody assumes that I have a shitty past...and it's true. But it gave me my son and I love Henry more than anything", Regina began and Graham nodded in understanding.

He was aware that Regina was not a person to share and that's why he appreciated the effort even more.

"I've never met anyone like Emma...she is...without her I wouldn't have stood a chance in hell...to get away from this humiliating life...and from what I've heard you had a say in that too...so, thank you! You have no idea how much this chance, this new life...all your support...means to me", Regina continued.

"You're welcome."

"I never thought I would have friends...or someone like Emma...someone I consider family...she's one of a kind...and she has become so important to my son...to me...but I'm feeling so incredibly guilty that she had to go to such lengths...to help me...I owe her so much...I..."

"You truly care about her, don't you?" Graham watched Regina closely. He knew that she was not using Emma, that she did not care about her money, but he had to make sure that she cared. That she really cared. He just had to know.

"I do. And it's not because I am supposed to be grateful for what she did for me...I mean I will forever be grateful...but that's not it...I really like her...as a person. She gets me and I get her...we just...it's...I don't know how to explain it", Regina admitted.

"You click", Graham offered and Regina nodded, "I guess we do. Having her in my life, having her as a friend...as family...it's truly a blessing."

"I know what you mean, " the photographer replied, "She's been a savior for all of us at some point. She's helped everyone out at least once...one way or another."

It was Regina's turn to nod.

She understood perfectly.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course", Graham agreed.

"Why are we here...and where are we exactly? Has this place some sort of a meaning to you?" Regina looked at Graham expectantly and he smiled, "It has indeed a meaning...it's Emma's hiding place. There are hardly any people here...not even in summer...she comes here a lot...to think...to clear her head...when something is bothering her."

Regina was not sure she understood, "Why are you telling me that?"

"Because someone has to look out for her and you seem to be very close...as you know...I'm rather busy at the moment...and there's a lot ahead...so, I'd appreciate it...if you could have an eye on her when I'm gone...and you'll most likely find her here when she's really upset or something."

"Of course I'll have an eye on her in your absence. I promise", Regina assured without hesitation.

It had to be hard to be so busy, to be travelling so much, because she figured that everyone of them would miss out on a lot in the life of the others.

Sure, they could catch up on the phone or when they found the time to meet up, but it was not the same as experiencing it together.

"Thank you."


Emma, Henry and Regina had talked Graham into joining them for their trip the theatre to watch "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" and they had spent a great evening together and Henry had kept talking about how awesome and smart dogs were all the way home in an attempt to convince his mother to get one.

Needless to say that Regina had seen right through his little scheme and had told him that right now was not the time to get a dog, but maybe one day he could have one.

In the very distant future Reginahad added in her thoughts.

"I think it would be a great idea", Graham commented, "Kids should grow up surrounded by animals...and dogs are the most loyal friends one could ask for."

Emma took a sideways glance at him and smiled. It was the first time Graham had mentioned dogs since his father's death.

He had avoided the topic ever since, but now he seemed to finally be able to face it again.

Good for him.

When they arrived at the penthouse Regina told Emma that she wanted to spend some time with Henry and go to bed early, because she had a long day at work ahead.

She squeezed Emma's hand on the way out and surprised everyone by doing the same with Graham.

Yes, Regina was definitely making progress.

Henry hugged Emma and Graham good night as well and only a second later the two friends were left to themselves.

"Want some wine?"

"I'd prefer a glass of water...I had more than enough drinks for a while...that gallery opening brought me to my knees", Graham stated and chuckled causing Emma to chuckle as well.

Once they were seated on the couch Emma glared at Graham, "Spill it...why did you want to meet Regina?"

"Because I wanted to get to know her a little."

"And, what do you say, dad...good choice of new family member?"

"Perfect choice", Graham replied and smiled, "I get why you are so taken by her...she is an extraordinary woman."

"That she is."


The next few days went by without any nameable occurances or incidents.

Life was busy, but good.

On Thursday night Emma and Regina finally managed to have dinner together with Henry, because the two of them had been able to leave work early.

Henry was glad that they got to spend some time together – all three of them – because most of the time it just happened on the weekends lately.

But he understood that both, his mom and Emma, were incredibly busy at work at the moment, but Emma had assured him that it would only be temporary, that things would get better in a few weeks – after her first event with Gold would be over since the second one would not happen before November, probably even December.

Once dinner was finished Henry asked Emma if he could use her computer, because he had to check something for one of his school projects and she allowed him to use her home office.

The pride in Henry eyes was unmistakable and Emma could not stop herself from smiling – that boy was quite something.

Like his mother.

"Kid, just call me when you need help...I'm right outside in the living room."

"Kay. And thanks, Emma."

"You're welcome."


Emma was pouring some red wine into two glasses when her phone rang.

A glimpse onto the screen told her that it was Ruby and she picked up with a smile, but that smile died only a second later.

Regina headed over to her immediately, sensing that something had to be wrong, but Emma did not even react to her presence.

She was frozen to the spot and Regina was not sure if she even registered what the person on the other end of the line was telling her, because Emma seemed to be completely zoned out.

Until she dropped her phone and fell to her knees, hiding her face in her hands.

"Emma, what's wrong?"

But the room stayed silent, except for the voice that came out of the cell phone, which was lying on the floor, only a few feet away from Emma.

Regina hurried over and picked it up, "Hello?...yes, Ruby...it's Regina..."

"Thank God you are there...Regina, you have to listen to me...you have to stay with Emma...please...I'm coming as soon as I can."

"Sure, no problem...take all the time you need...but Ruby...what happened?"

Regina was prepared for a lot, but definitely not for what she heard next.

"Graham is dead."