A/N: Hello everyone!

What can I say? I was so overwhelmed by all the new followers, favorites and reviews. THANK YOU!

You are awesome - all of you.

A very warm welcome to everyone who recently joined the Wonderland crew :) It's good to have you on board :)))

What else can I say?

As I said...the pace is changing slowly...I think it's safe to say Regina becomes more confident and sassy. At least a little.

Which is good, because there are some obstacles ahead and keeping the faith is not always easy. I guess we all know that.

And now on with the story...hope you'll enjoy chapter 20!

Especially with the new family member ;)

Have a great Sunday everyone...see you soon!

xoxo

R.


TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

Chapter 20

Emma was sitting in the gazebo, tears streaming down her face.

She was so angry at Graham for not telling her and in so much pain because she lost him.

God, her life was such a mess.

She was such a mess.

It made her sick that the feeling of betrayal would not go away, because she did not want to be angry at Graham.

Not when he was gone.

Not when he would not come back to talk it through.

Why had he not said anything?

How could he let her walk into this unprepared?

While Emma feared not much, there was one thing she could not handle, one thing that kept her awake at night.

It was her only fear, her biggest nightmare – to lose someone she loved and cared about.

And Graham knew that.

So why did he not say a word?

Why had he decided to leave her like that?

Emma dropped her head and buried it in her hands, trying to keep the sobs at bay, but she failed miserably.

Graham was the only one who knew about her feelings, he was the only one who could have helped her through this, but he was gone.

He would not come back.

He would never come back.

She was alone with this. Alone again.

All this years, since her days in the foster system, she had felt abandonded, left behind. Not good enough, but it had gotten better once the Swans had adopted her.

And yet it had never fully gone away.

Even with all her friends around there had always been a void in her heart.

A void she had not been able to fill, at least not completely.

Emma had thought that empty spot in her heart would disappear when she had met Jade, but in the end she had only left an even bigger hole, had added even more pain.

But she had had her friends and they had kept her going.

Graham was such an important part of her life, had been such an important part for so long and now that she was finally healing with Regina and Henry around, he had ripped a new hole into her already fragile heart.

How should she recover from that? Could she recover from that?

What if she could not?

What if she had finally reached her breaking point?

What if she dragged everyone else down with her?

Emma knew she had to calm down, but her mind was torturing her and sent her thoughts straight into a circle of chaos, panic and disaster.

She would destroy everything she loved before they would walk away from her eventually.

Or died.

And as hard as Emma tried to stay in control she failed and she realized only when she could not breathe anymore.


Regina hurried through the park, praying that Emma would indeed be at the gazebo, because she had some sort of a feeling that something was not quite right.

And once she caught sight of it and saw Emma kneeling on the floor, fighting for her next breath, Regina's eyes grew wide in horror.

Emma had another panic attack.

She stormed forward, her own lungs on fire, but Regina managed to ignore it and threw herself right in front of Emma, a sharp pain shooting through her knees the moment they hit the wooden floor of the gazebo.

But it did not matter.

"Emma..."

There was no reaction from the blonde, not even a blink.

"Emma!" Regina's voice had gotten louder, harsher even.

Nothing.

Hoping that she would not make a mistake she grabbed Emma's shoulders and shook her twice, "Emma, look at me..."

What should she do? She had no idea how to act in a situation like this? All she had were her instincts, but what if they failed her?

No, she could not think like that. Emma needed her.

"Emma...look at me. It's okay. I'm here..." Regina tried again and shook Emma once more, careful not to hurt her and this time the blonde did meet her eyes.

"Try to calm down...can you do that for me, Emma? Focus on me...and breathe slowly...in and out...in and out", Regina's voice had become soft and comforting within a heartbeat and she started to rub circles over Emma's back to soothe her.

Regina tried her hardest to stay calm herself, she was close to freaking out after all. Simply because she was so scared that she would not be able to help Emma and she was not sure if she could handle another disaster at this point.


It had taken a while, but in the end Regina had succeeded and Emma's breathing had slowed down, the blonde had calmed in general.

But now Emma was sitting on one of the few steps that led up to the gazebo, staring into the sky, her gaze completely lost and all Regina could do was to sit beside her and wait for Emma to say something.

Or whatever.

She was not sure what she was waiting for, but Regina was aware that Emma needed time to sort her thoughts.

Hell, she needed time to wrap her head around everything that had happened only today herself.

And so they sat in silence, watching the clouds in the sky and Regina was glad that she had grabbed her thick coat on the way out, because while it was not the hardest winter the city had ever seen, it was still pretty cold.

When she least expected it Emma suddenly broke the silence with a mere whisper, "What if it's me?"

If Regina had not sat right next to Emma she would not even have noticed that the blonde had said anything, but thankfully she had. That did not mean Emma's words made any sense to her, so she turned to face her friend and looked at her in confusion, "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I understand."

Emma's haunted eyes met Regina's and the brunette was taken aback by the pain and the doubt that shone back at her, "What if it's me? I mean...everyone I care about...d...di...dies. My parents...Nancy...Ruby and David barely survived...and Graham..."

Emma struggled to keep her composure and lost when a heavy sob escaped her lips, "Maybe something is wrong with me...or I'm cursed or something...maybe you should...should...stay away from...m...m-e. I couldn't...if something would happen to you...or Henry...I couldn't..."

Regina had heard enough. She could not believe that Emma would beat herself up like that, especially when nothing of it was her fault.

She took Emma's hand in hers and squeezed it gently, "Stop. Nothing is wrong with you, Emma. You are a wonderful person and you don't deserve any of this. And if you think I'll leave you...now...or ever...you are highly mistaken. Is that clear, Miss Swan?"

That provoked at least a small chuckle from Emma. She simply loved how Regina always used a certain tone and adressed her as "Miss Swan" when she was deadly serious and wanted to make a point.

Well, point taken.

"Okay...I'm sorry that I'm such a mess lately", Emma replied weakly and shrugged helplessly.

"No need to be sorry, dear. We all have dark days...but they'll pass. Just don't push me away. Don't push your friends away...we'll help you through it."

Silence fell over them once again, but it did not take long this time till Regina broke it, because she had to get it off her chest, "I should have known that something was up...the day Graham and I met...I should have known..."

It was Emma's turn to be confused, "What are you talking about?"

"He brought me here...told me that it was your hiding place when everything got too much...he made me promise that I would look out for you...when he would be gone...I didn't think anything of it back then, but when I heard...that...well, he said when...instead of while...I should have...I don't know."

Regina dropped her head and sighed when she felt Emma squeeze her hand, "Regina, how could you have known? I spent a lot of time with him lately and I didn't even realize something was wrong. He was pale, yes, but he often was when he was working too much...and didn't get enough sleep. There is no way you could have known when not even his closest friends caught up on it."

"Still..."

"Regina, there is no way you could have known. No way at all", Emma insisted and Regina nodded in understanding.

"Nancy took me here for the first time when I was about ten I guess...and I loved this park ever since...it's so calm and peaceful. Like a secret world, hidden from the crazyness outside...only a few people come here...and when Graham's dad died...I took him here...that's why he knew...I took him here...God, we spent hours...nights here that summer...just looking at the stars...talking about anything really..."

"I'm so sorry, Emma. I know you miss him terribly."

Emma wiped a lone tear from her cheek, "I just don't understand why he hasn't said anything. I mean...Graham...he knew...he was the only one I could talk to about..."

As soon as she realized what she had just said Emma closed her mouth and and eyes, praying that Regina had not listened to her, but she had no such luck.

"Talk about what?" Regina looked at Emma, full of concern for the blonde.

"It's...you know...Graham has...had", she swallowed hard, "he had the ability to read me like no one else. He caught up on stuff everyone else was oblivious to...and he figured something out that should have stayed a secret...but he knew...and he also knew how hard it was for me to deal with it...he knew that he was the only one I would ever talk to about it as well...so, why on earth didn't he tell me that he...that he was about to...why did he leave me alone like that?"

"I wish I had an answer for you, Emma, but I don't. But know that you can always talk to me...if you ever feel ready to...no matter what it is..." Regina assured the blonde.

Emma shook her head, "I'm sorry...I can't. It's nothing personal, Regina...I swear...and you have no idea how much I wish I could just tell you...but..."

"I get it. And it's fine, Emma. You don't have to say anything...just know you could."

Emma looked at Regina for a long moment, wishing that things would become less complicated, because then she could probably work up the courage to tell Regina.

One day.

But she was well aware that she was only kidding herself, because Regina could never know.


When they had finally returned to the penthouse Ruby had greeted them with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate and while Regina would have preferred tea she had accepted it thankfully and she had not missed the amused expression on Emma's face when she had taken her first sip, because the blonde was well aware that she was no fan of Emma's favorite.

Emma's friends left about an hour later and Henry sneaked off into the guestroom, because he was tired as well and he doubted that his mom would go anywhere this night. Clearly Emma needed her.

Both women smiled when they caught sight of Henry in his pajamas only a few minutes later, on his way to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

This scene had become so utterly familiar over the months. It had become quite comforting as well.

"Thanks for looking for me today...you saved my life."

"You are welcome, dear. Sometimes The Evil Queen has to save her Savior. Nobody can expect The White Knight to be strong all the time", Regina replied with a wink.


The next few days had been more or less uneventful.

Everyone had returned to their jobs, had returned to their routine and since the first event for Gold came closer and closer Emma was extremely busy with work, but it was exactly what she needed.

Two weeks after Graham's death they learned about his Last Will, but nobody was surprised by his generosity – except for Regina.

All his friends had gotten some of his possessions, precisely the ones they had always loved the most – so Killian had gotten the Ford Mustang, Emma had gotten Graham's cabin, Ruby his apartment, Belle his gallery and he had been cryptic about what he had in mind for David and Mary Maragret, but his Last will had said that they would find out eventually.

He had made sure that Henry got his favorite camera and he had set up a 250 000 dollar trust fund for the boy to help Regina with his college education and everything.

Henry should get his best shot and he had made sure of that.

The rest of his money as well as the salary of his photographs from the gallery opening had to be donated to the local animal shelter.

That had not surprised anyone.

Emma and Ruby had went to check Graham's apartment that day and they had found everything neatly packed up in boxes.

Except for some photos of the night when Regina had met Emma's friends for the first time.

Pictures of all of them laughing, having a good time and when Ruby counted the copies she realized there were some for all of them.

Emma stared at another photo though. It was a picture of a dog, a large dog in fact. Dark face, a lot of fur, but his eyes were so warm and gentle.

She flipped it around and realized that Graham had taken it at the local animal shelter only days before he died.

What was that supposed to mean?

It did not make sense to her, but she was eager to find out, especially since she had volunteered to take the donation cheque over there on the weekend.

That was when Ruby showed up with a letter in hand – clearly Graham's hand writing.

Tears were running down her face and she handed the piece of paper to Emma, who flew over the few lines quickly.

'Dear Ruby,

I know you always loved my place so you might as well have it.

Don't feel guilty about it, we can't change what's in store for us, now can we?

I am gone by the time you read this, so I don't need this place anymore.

But you always wanted it. I dare to say you wouldn't have wanted it under this circumstances, but Ruby...it's not your fault.

So, please have a great time here. I sure loved the view.

Thanks for being a great friend all this time...please take good care of the others.

I'll watch over you.

Love,

Graham'


Killian and Regina had a job on Saturday so Henry was staying with Emma and they both enjoyed their time together.

Since Emma was so busy they did not see each other that often lately, but today would be only for them and so the blonde had taken Henry for a walk.

Regina had told her that he had been more quiet since Graham's death, which was not too surprising , but Emma had promised to talk to Henry if something was bothering him.

One never knew.

When they reached the harbor Emma stopped and took a seat on a bench and Henry followed suit without asking.

She smiled at the boy, who was watching the ships with fascination.

"You could totally be my kid, you know that, right?!" Emma joked and nudged Henry's shoulder playfully.

He turned his head and looked at her, "Well, I wouldn't mind having you as my mom. I mean...I don't want to get rid of my mom, because she is the best...but you could be kind of my...second mom or something...that would be awesome."

Emma swallowed hard. She should have kept her mouth shut.

"You don't have to...I just..." Henry dropped his head.

"No, kid. That's not it. I'd love to be your mom...but your mom and I...we are not...you know...a couple or anything like that", Emma tried to explain.

"Yeah, I know...it would be nice to have a second parent though...since I don't have a dad..."

Emma felt the bile rising at the bare thought of Henry's father, but she managed to stay focused on the boy. God, she was so not ready for a discussion like that, "Is that what's bothering you lately?"

"No. Well, kind of..." Henry admitted.

Emma sighed internally, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not yet."

"Okay."

Relief. She felt so relieved.

"It's just...I miss Graham...I don't understand what happened...why he is gone...I've never lost anyone before...and I am so glad that I have David...he is so cool...but he is not..." Henry tried to explain his inner turmoil.

"I get it, kid. I can't remember my parents, so I understand...and if you ever feel up to talking about it...we will. I promise."

Emma hugged him close, praying that this day would not come anytime soon.

She had to tell Regina about this, but she had no idea what to say or how. The brunette would probably get a heart attack.

But for now she needed to focus on Henry. She needed to find something to get his thoughts out of this lost and dark place and then an idea popped up in her head.

"Kid, what would you say to a visit at the animal shelter?"


Emma and Henry entered the animal shelter and were greated by a smiling red head, who introduced herself as Ariel.

As soon as Emma showed her the photo of the dog she had found at Graham's the woman's face fell, "So, he's really gone."

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I take it you knew?" Emma was confused by this information. Graham had told a stranger that he was dying, but not his friends. Why?

Ariel nodded her head, "He did not mean to tell me, but he had an episode with his heart once when he was here and my mother had a heart condition when I was younger, so I figured it out."

Understanding washed over Emma and she felt the rising anger subsiding as quickly as it had appeared and handed the cheque over to Ariel, "He wanted you guys to have this."

When the red haired woman saw the huge amount of money Graham had left to the shelter her eyes grew wide, "Oh my God...I don't know what to...say. The girls will freak out...we can help so many animals with that money...that's... thank you!"

She pulled a very surprised Emma into her arms and hugged her tight, "I'm so sorry for your loss, Emma. Graham was such a wonderful man..."

The blonde pulled back and eyed Ariel warily, "How do you know my name? I haven't told you yet."

Ariel laughed, obviously amused, "Graham said you'd come. You are Emma Swan, right? And this is Henry I take..."

"Yes. I am Henry Mills", the boy confirmed proudly.

"Nice to meet you, Henry Mills", Ariel gave him her best smile and turned back to Emma, who looked skeptical still.

"What else did Graham tell you?"

Ariel laughed out loud at the look of the clearly distressed blonde, "That you'd come to take a look at Tamo-tsu."

Emma must have looked like a deer caught in headlights, because even Henry started to giggle and Ariel pointed at the photograph in Emma's hands, "The dog."


As they walked past the kennels loud barking could be heard everywhere around them and Emma had trouble to concentrate on walking.

Henry tried to catch a glimpse at all the dogs, but it was pointless.

Some were running around hysterically, others were jumping like crazy – every single one trying to get their attention and Emma regretted bringing Henry with her.

It would be so hard for him to accept that they could not take one of them with them. Hell, it was hard for Emma herself, so how could she expect the boy to understand.

When they reached the last kennel Emma caught sight of the dog Graham had taken pictures of.

It was the only dog not barking like a maniac, but when Ariel wanted to unlock the door Emma held her back anyway, "Are you sure that's a good idea? I don't want anything happening to Henry."

"Don't worry about it. He's a great dog. You'll see."

Once they had gotten the dog out of the kennel Ariel led them into the animal shelter's garden so the impressive dog could run around for a bit, Henry watching him like a hawk.

"Graham was fascinated with him the second he saw him. He offered to take pics of the dogs once...professional pics...to help them find forever homes. He and Tamo-tsu...they had become friends I'd say...and Graham considered adopting him, but he was worried what would happen to Tamo-tsu once he would...die. He didn't want him to get back to the shelter", Ariel told and Emma watched the dog that eyed her curiously.

"What does his name mean?" Emma wanted to know and Ariel smiled at the blonde's obvious interest in the dog.

"It's written Tamotsu...but spoken Tamo-tsu...and it's japanese and means defender, protector as far as I'm informed. He is an American Akita", the red head explained.

Emma nodded. She had read an article about the breed once and they were supposed to be pretty loyal to their owners.

When she took a look at the mostly dark brown dog with white legs, white chest and dark, almost black face again, she recognized that he was sitting next to Henry, nudging the boy with his nose and she had to smile.

Henry had made fast friends with Tamo-tsu it seemed.

"Why is he here anyway?" Emma thought about all the possibilities why dogs ended up at the animla shelters or on the streets and shuddered.

Ariel sighed, "The family bought him for their children, but the kids where teenagers by the time they got him and they lost interest in him quickly. He's only one and a half years old, but nobody dares to adopt him, because he is huge. And people say he looks dangerous with his dark face...the truth is he is such a gentle soul and we are really desperate to find him a family. He deserves that."

Emma went over to Henry, who was petting the dog and knelt down in front of Tamotsu to look into his warm eyes, "So, you knew my friend Graham, huh?"

The dog looked at her as if he would understand every single word and licked over her face as if he wanted to comfort her, causing Emma to smile.

Henry looked at her with pleading eyes and Emma sighed heavily. Regina would kill her.

"Theoretically speaking...could he stay alone for a certain amount of time...or let's say someone would want to take them to the office...would that be a problem?" Emma wanted to know and Ariel's smile grew wider, "I don't see a problem with that. He spends quite a lot of time in the office with Mulan. He's always at his best behavior. He is a protective dog, but usually ignores strangers if he doesn't get a bad vibe from them or anything."

"Your mom is going to kill me...you know that, kid", Emma warned, but Henry only giggled, "No, she won't. She cares too much about you and you know that, Emma."

Emma took a deep breath, "Fine. So, Ariel...the way I see it we are taking this monster with us."


Emma had filled out all the paperwork and had insisted on paying the adoption fee for the dog although Ariel had tried to tell her she would not have to do that with the huge cheque and all, but to no avail.

She had given them an old leash and Emma had told Henry that they would need to do some shopping, because Tamotsu needed bowls, a dog bed, a new collar, toys and some other stuff.

And when she caught sight of her Mercedes she mumbled that she should probably get a bigger car too, which had Ariel chuckling.

"Before you leave...I have something else for you", Ariel announced all of a sudden and disappeared, just to return a minute later with an envelope in hand, "Graham told me to give you this."

Emma took it with a shaking hand and nodded in understanding, "Thank you."


Emma had spent a fortune on dog stuff that day, but she did not care. Tamotsu deserved the best and so they had returned with bags full of toys, dog food, collars, leashes, a dog bed and bowls.

She had even called her car dealer and had told him she needed an SUV, because clearly Tamotsu was too big to be comfortable on the backseat of her black Mercedes.

Henry was overjoyed and offered to give Tamotsu a tour through the penthouse and his own appartment and Emma was thankful for a few minutes of alone time, because she wanted to read Graham's letter.

Now that she held it in her hands she was not sure if she could read it though.

But she had to know what Graham had wanted to tell her before he...she had to know.

And so she opened the envelope to reveal the pages with Graham's last words.

'Dear Emma,

I know you are mad as hell, because I didn't tell you.

Because I told no one.

Please understand that it was the most difficult decision in my entire life.

Yes, it was the most egoistic decision as well and I'm aware of that, but Emma...I didn't want to spend my last days looking into sad and teary eyes.

I didn't want to be pitied or anything and I wanted you, all of you, to remember me the way you knew me, not like a sick and withering shadow of myself.

I know you don't understand that now, and you probably never will, but I wanted to enjoy life to its full extent, I wanted to leave happy and with a smile on my face.

I wanted your smiling faces to be the last thing I would see and remember – that was my priority and that was what helped me to stay calm after I got the diagnosis.

I hope you will be able to forgive me one day, because Emma...you are the best friend I've ever had. You've always been good to me and we've had such a great time together.

I wish you joy and happiness, because you deserve it more than anyone else I know.

Your tickets for Turtle Bay should arrive within the next few days – as I told you I booked some vacation – for Regina, Henry and you.

Killian knows about it – about the vacation I mean – so no worries. Regina will get the time off without any trouble.

I promise to look out for you from "up there" and protect that little family of yours.

You are one amazing woman, Emma Swan.

Take good care of yourself.

And Emma...I do love you. Always have, always will.

You've been my one True Love – maybe not in a romantic way, but in a "friends forever" way.

I'll never forget you, Emma.

And know I'll never be really gone – I'll live on...through all of you.

Graham

Ps.: Thanks for giving my buddy Tamotsu a home.

Don't look like that...I know you better than anyone else after all. Of course you'd take him home.

Congrats on this decision – he's amazing.

And he'll protect you.

All of you.'

Emma was crying heavily, but she did not care.

Only when Henry and the dog returned to the penthouse she tried to regain her composure, but the boy understood without an explanation when he saw the letter on the table and hugged Emma close to give her the comfort she needed.

Tamotsu jumped onto the couch and lied down next to Emma, his head resting in her lap, which obviously was his way of showing support and giving comfort.


Henry had fallen asleep in the dog bed, right next to Emma's new pet, but Emma did not bother to wake him up, because she was busy cooking dinner anyway.

She was completely lost in thought so she did not recognize the door to her penthouse being unlocked.

It was Regina's voice that brought her back to reality in the end, "Miss Swan! Care to tell me why my son is lying on the floor with a bear?"


To say Regina had been not amused would be an understatement, but the moment Emma had handed her the letter she had understood better.

Graham had chosen that dog for her, for them and obviously Henry and Tamotsu had bonded instantly.

That did not mean she liked the dog, because she did not.

Her son and his new friend had woken up to her voice and the dog had went over to take a closer look at her right away.

The huge animal staring at her had made her nervous as hell, but she would never admit that.

As soon as Henry had appeared next to her and had explained to Tamotsu that everything was okay and that she was his mom the dog had stepped back and had let her sit down on the couch, but Regina was wary.

She did not trust easily after all.

Tamotsu on the other hand had taken to her right away, because he had kept following her around the whole evening, almost driving her insane, much to Emma's and Henry's amusement.


By Sunday evening Regina had given up her attempts to drive to dog away and had accpeted her fate, because Tamotsu was quite pig headed and would not leave her alone.

They were his family now, so she had to find a way to get along with him anyway.

Monday morning Regina was the first to leave, because she had to be at work early.

Emma and Henry were still sitting at the breakfast table when they heard someone unlocking the penthouse door hectically.

"What has she forgotten now?" Henry groaned.

Emma chuckled, "Just wait...her wrath will be directed at me anyway."

At that Henry buried his face in his hands, "What have you done this time?"

"Miss Swan!"

Regina stormed back into the penthouse, glaring daggers at the blonde, who smiled sweetly, "Yes, Regina?"

"Where is that deathtrap of yours? I need to go to work...I'll be late...and I'm never late", Regina was furious.

"The bug is back in the family garage...I think he deserves a little break", Emma answered simply.

"Fine. Whatever. Can you call me a cab then?" Regina tried to calm down and be polite. Emma had every right to take the car back after all.

"Why would you need a cab? There's a car in your spot, isn't there?" Emma looked at Regina, slightly confused.

"Your Mercedes is parked there, because some big, black thing is parking in your spot..." Regina countered, completely oblivious to the fact that it had been Emma, who had arranged that to begin with.

"Oh, I know. That's my new SUV...or do you suggest I drive Tamotsu around, squeezed in the backseat of my Mercedes?" Emma looked at Regina expectantly.

When realization finally hit the brunette she frowned, "You can't be serious. I can't accept that...I..."

Emma grinned like the chesire cat itself, "I'd say you better leave...you don't want to be late, Miss Mills, now do you?"


The next few days were busy for all of them.

Emma was busy with work, mainly with the upcoming party for The Rabbit Hole and some other big project, Henry was busy with school and Regina was working hard as well.

At least life had gotten back to normal for the most part.

Everyone missed Graham terribly, but they had found a way to deal with the loss, especially since Graham had left notes for almost everyone.

They would always miss him, but Graham had been right – he would live on through them.

The next Saturday Emma invited all her friends over for dinner – home made by Emma and Regina – and everyone had a great time with a few trips down memory lane.

After all they were slowly recovering from the loss and life was showing its bright side again.


Emma, Henry and Regina went for a walk through the city with Tamotsu on Sunday, enjoying their family time, everyone glad that they had gotten over the drama of the last few weeks in the end.

Sure, there were dark hours still, for all of them, but everyone had found a way to deal with it.

Killian had been a great help for Regina as Regina had been for him and they had grown closer by the day, much to Emma's delight.

It was great that Regina started to socialze a bit.

Emma had met Ruby for lunch pretty much every day and had been so relieved that her best friend had forgiven her for her shitty behavior.

And now that the unique little family of four was out in the real world they realized that they had made it through the worst.

They had sticked together and had gotten over the horror of losing a friend, a part of their family.


The sun was already going down when they returned to the penthouse and Emma went to make some tea while Regina and Henry started a discussion about what movie they would watch when there was a knock on Emma's penthouse door.

The blonde was confused, because she did not expect anyone, but went to open the door anyway. It had to be someone familiar or the receptionist would have called to ask for permission to send someone up.

When she opened the door Emma was surprised though.

She had not expected that, had not expected them, "Mom, Dad...what a lovely surprise. We were about to watch a movie, but come on in..."

She had not seen her parents in a while, because they had been travelling again, but Emma was thrilled to have them here.

Only when she saw the stone cold expression on her father's face Emma realized that something had to be up and she hoped it would not be too bad.

Tamotsu's appearance by her side reminded her of her manners and she looked over at the brunette and her son, "Regina, Henry...these are my parents...Christine and Roger Swan."

"It's nice to finally meet you. We've heard a lot about you", Regina replied politely, all color gone from her face.

Emma eyed her father, but his expression had not change. Nope, this could not mean anything good.

She continued her introduction anyway, "Mom, Dad...this is Henry and his..."

But her father interrupted her with a dismissive gesture of his hand, his face completely emotionless now.

There was an awkward tension in the room for a minute until he finally spoke up, obviously struggling to stay calm, because his voice was trembling, "Don't bother, Emma. I know exactly who she is."