A/N: Hello lovelies,

surprise...Update!

I thought of keeping this to myself for a little while longer, but then again...it's my b-day today and since I am not celebrating and even went to help out at a friend's, because they are totally understaffed at the moment...I thought you deserve a treat as well.

And here we are...with Chapter 21 of "Take me to Wonderland".

A HUGE THANK YOU to all followers, favorites and reviewers...all readers in , it means so much. You have no idea.

My whole heart is in this story...so, thanks for supporting and sticking with me and the girls.

Thanks for all the love.

I have no words...

Much love to every single one of you,

Raven

Ps.: LSutcliff
When I read your comment I had to laugh...and once you read the chapter you'll know why ;) Have you been spying on me? O.o

LOL

Pps.: I will answer reviews and messages tomorrow when this whole madness here is over :)


TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

Chapter 21

Emma wanted to puke.

Her father knew Regina.

Oh God.

Oh God...

No.

No, no, no.

That could not be true.

Regina on the other hand felt like fainting any second.

Roger Swan knew her?

That could only mean one thing, right?

And the more she looked at him, the more familiar his face seemed to be.

She just could not tell if it was a "I've seen your picture on the news" kind of familiar or "I've did a lap dance for you at The Rabbit Hole" familiar.

There were way too many clients over the years to remember them all properly.

Of course her past was coming back to haunt her, to ruin the one good thing in her life.

God damnit!

Somebody cleared their throat and Regina and Emma were out of their thoughts instantely.

Christine Swan looked at both of them for a second, "I could take the dog for a walk while you talk to your father..."

Emma nodded in understanding.

"Would it be alright if I came with you?" Henry asked shyly, completely overwhelmed by the tension in the room. He had no idea what was going on, but obviously it was nothing good.

"Of course...it's Henry, right?" Christine Swan smiled at him and he nodded, "Yes, ma'am."

"Take Regina with you", Emma commented before she made a gesture to signalize her father to follow her to her home office.

"Very well", she heard her mother say, but Emma was too lost in thought to care.


Emma took a seat behind her desk and her father took the one on the opposite side, where clients would be seated occasionally if she invited them to her home office, which rarely ever happened.

She watched her father closely, debatting whether she wanted to cry or vomit.

Maybe both.

Her father knew Regina.

Most likely from The Rabbit Hole.

Worst case he would have had Regina doing a lap dance for him.

God, she really wanted to puke.

She could not even look Roger Swan in the eye, because she was so disgusted.

Not by Regina though, but by him.

And she was so disappointed.

She had always seen him as a man of honor, had always looked up to him, but now...

Did her mother know?

But then another thought krept up in her mind.

What if Regina had known who she was all along?

If she knew her father it would be quite possible, right?

No, Regina would not do that to her.

She would not play her like that.

Right?

Right.

"Emma, would you please talk to me? It's not like I did something wrong", her father sounded worried all of a sudden.

"You did nothing wrong? How dare you say that? You're married...and you paid for someone to..."

"Stop! You've got a completely wrong idea, Emma. I would never step a foot into an establishment like The Rabbit Hole. And neither should you", her father warned.

"I was there for Mary Margaret's bachelorette party...Ruby had organised it by the way, not me", Emma defended herself when her father's words finally sunk in, "Wait, what? You weren't one of Regina's clie..."

"Don't be ridiculous, Emma. Of course not", her father assured her and she let out a breath she had not even been aware of holding, "Oh, thank God!"

Roger Swan sighed, "Now that that's out of the way would you care to explain why you bring someone like her into our family? Why you would rent your apartment to a stripper of all people? Why you put your reputation and everything you've worked for so hard at risk over some affair?"

Emma was confused, "Why do you know about all that? Did you spy on me?"

But then the anger took over, "And don't talk about Regina like that. She's an amazing person...besides...we are not a couple. We're just friends."

And while the admission stung a little, Emma was glad that it was the truth in that moment. Her father could not use that against her.

And he seemed genuinely surprised, "You are not involved?"

"No. Just friends. Some sort of a family even...depends on how you define a family. But we are not a couple or have an affair or anything of the sorts", Emma confirmed, "So, how come you know all this things...and Regina?"

Roger Swan sighed again, "It's my job to know who she is, Emma. I'm your father. I never said I knew her personally...I just said I know who she is. And I know what you did to get her out of that...establishment...I saw the pics of Graham's gallery opening and there she was...this strange woman...and when I heard that she was with you at his funeral...well, that got my attention."

Emma wanted to say something, but Roger held up a hand to silence her, "Let me finish, please. I'm sorry for your loss, Emma. I know how much Graham meant to you. You lost someone and that makes you even more vulnerable. After that unfortunate incident with Jade I had all your friends checked out...because I don't want anyone breaking your heart again. It was really hard to see you suffer like that. We don't want you to go through that again. And this...well, Regina Mills...she is a stripper for Heaven's sake! Emma, what were you thinking?"

"Regina never asked for anything, dad...I offered my help and she would not even take it. She only came to me when she had no other option left...she's a good person. And a great mom. She never lied to me...she told me everything about her past and believe me it wasn't pretty. She trusts me and I trust her...it's that simple. Somebody had to do something, somebody had to help her...and I could. So I did", Emma explained.

"That's very noble of you, Emma. But you can't trust her. I've talked to this Mister Gold...and he told me about her drug record and..."

"You talked to Gold? You know that asshole?" Emma was furious now.

"I don't know him. We have no business relations or whatsoever, but he is quite well known here. I've seen him at a few events. But that's beside the point...I have reason to believe that Regina Mills is using you..." Roger Swan continued, but this time he was shot down by his daughter.

"Save it. Rigth this second. Regina told me about the drugs...she told me about all the nasty things, about all the ugly shit of her past. I know what she's been through and what she has done. I know. That does not make her a bad person. She's a fighter. She got clean, she managed to raise a smart kid, so don't you dare tell me she is using me. The first night we met she made it absolutely clear that she is not interested in women or any kind of relationship or anything...so, how could she ever fool me? This is not what you think it is, dad. You got it all wrong. And if you would have seen her place, would have seen how bad Gold treated her...you would see it from a different perspective. You might not trust her, but I do. And Regina has to be protected at all costs. Same goes for Henry. No matter what it takes. And I don't need your permission for that."

Emma looked her father straight in the eye to show that she was deadly seriousy and he sighed, "Your last word?"

"Absolutely. I really don't want to fight, dad...and I'm really grateful that you try to look out for me, but if I have to fight you on this...I will."


Regina could barely breathe.

She stumbled forward, trying to keep up with Henry and Tamotsu, at the same time avoiding to look at Christine Swan at all costs.

What if Emma's father really had been one of her clients?

Oh God...

"Miss Mills, I have a question..."

Christine Swan's voice made Regina cringe.

Here it comes...

"How is Emma? We've just heard about Graham's death a few days ago and I know how close they were..."

Regina was surprised by the question. Not what she had expected.

But on the other hand Christine Swan was a mother as well, of course she would worry about Emma.

And as much as she dreaded it, Regina knew she had to look at Christine Swan to answer that question.

For one because it was the polite thing to do and second, because she could not assure her that Emma was okay without doing so.

She was way out of her comfort zone, especially since the Swans had appeared without notice and she had no time to prepare herself for this, but there was nothing she could do about it now.

But the second Regina finally looked at the older woman she realized there was no judgement, no disgust in her eyes.

What the hell?

Regina cleared her throat twice, her insecurities getting the best of her anyway, "Well, honestly, Miss Swan...it's been really hard for Emma...it took her a while to come to terms with...with Graham's death. She's still not too well...but she...I guess work helps her a lot."

"I take it you had something to do with that as well...that she's feeling better now I mean", the tall, blonde woman said.

If Regina would not know better she could think that Christine Swan was Emma's biological mother. They did not look quite the same, especially since Christine Swan was at least twenty years older, but she was a beautiful woman still.

Her elegant dark blue costume showed her grace and her wealth and yet she had this decent smile. And piercing blue eyes.

"I tried to help Emma as much as I could. She's my friend after all. The best friend one could imagine in fact. She has helped me and my son so much...I'll be forever grateful", Regina stated and looked to the floor, "I wish I could pay her back or something. I just don't know how...because what she did for me can't be bought with money. She's given me...a home. A family really."

"A family?" There was surprise in Christine Swan's voice.

"Yeah. We are part of Emma's family now too. Isn't that awesome?!" Henry asked, completely excited, "My mom and Emma are like...best friends. And there's David and Mary Margaret...and Ruby...she is so cool! And Killian...who is my mom's new boss...and he always wears this funny make up...and I beat him on the X-Box all the time...oh, and I almost forgot Belle. She's nice too..."

"I see", Christine smiled at Henry and nodded her approval, "Looks like you've found yourself a family indeed."


On their way back to the penthouse Regina became more and more nervous with every step, sure that her lucky days were over.

When they were standing in the elevator back up Christine Swan caught up on her distress and wanted to put a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Regina backed away and as soon as the doors opened she stormed off into her own apartment.

"Sorry, ma'am", Henry apologized, "My mom doesn't trust easily. She's been through a lot and...well, she can't handle it if someone tries to..."

"I get it", Christine Swan gave him an understanding smile, but she could not hide the sadness she felt.

Obviously Emma was not the only one with a broken heart.

"I'll go and check on my mom real quick. Can you bring Tamo-tsu back to Emma, please?" Henry asked all of a sudden and Emma's mother nodded.

"It was nice meeting you, Misses Swan. Emma is so awesome...I really like her. And so does my mom. I'm glad they are friends."

And with that Henry stormed off and was out of sight before Christine Swan could have said a good bye of her own.


Henry had managed to calm his mother down and now she was on her way over to face the Swans.

Not that she wanted to, but she was aware there was no prolonging the inevitable, so she would rather get it over with and clean up the pieces once they were done with her.

While Christine Swan had seemed to be a nice and caring woman, Regina was sure that she had no such luck when it came to her husband.

She had no clue if he had been her client or anything, but what else could it be?

Regina was prepared for the worst case scenario or at least she would have to deal with the consequences if it came to it and she was really glad that Henry had not even asked if he could join her. He had went straight to his room to read and Regina was relieved.

She did not want to have this conversation in front of her son, because he had nothing to do with it.

And she knew full well that things could get pretty ugly and she wanted to save Henry the embarrassment.

Standing in front of the penthouse door she did not know whether to unlock the door with the spare key Emma had given her a while back or if she should knock.

God, she was not ready for this.

She was not ready to lose Emma.

But it had been too good to be true.

The Swans would never accept her as a part of Emma's life. At least Roger Swan never would. She could tell only from the way he had looked at her when he had caught sight of her once he had entered Emma's home.

She could take Henry and just leave, but the thought alone was unbearable.

And she would knock.

The Swans already despised her – no point in provoking them more by letting herself in and interrupting some family thing.

But when she had finally worked up the courage to do so the door opened all of a sudden and Christine Swan looked at her, baffeled, "Miss Mills...we were wondering why the dog had gotten so excited. He must have smelled your presence. Come on in."


Emma smiled as soon as she saw the brunette enter her penthouse, but Regina seemed too caught up in her thoughts and worries to notice.

The blonde was pretty sure she knew what Regina was thinking and fearing, but she did not dare to walk straight over, because she did not want to startle her.

Tamotsu on the other hand appeared right beside Regina and when Roger Swan took a look at the slightly shivering brunette the dog even made a protective step forward.

Emma noted it with pride and nodded her approval. Graham had chosen the perfect dog for them.

"Till when do we have to move out?" Regina asked all of a sudden and Emma's jaw dropped.

Did Regina really think they, or better she, would kick her out? Just because her father did not like her?

She finally made the few steps over to Regina and took her shaking hand, "Regina, look at me..."

It took a while until the brunette finally managed to look at her friend, but Emma waited patiently, but once she had Regina's attention she gave her a warm smile, "You are not going anywhere, okay? I appreciate my parents concern, but that doesn't mean I don't make my own decisions. I want you here and they will not change that."

"Emma..." her father tried, but Emma shook her head vehemently, "No, dad. I told you before...if the need arises I will fight you on this. Regina and Henry are staying. There's no discussion about that. And tell your spies to back off...I'm good. I'm safe. In fact...if it would not be for Regina I might have dropped dead the day of Graham's funeral. I had a panic attack and if she wouldn't have come to look for me...God knows what would have happened. So please, leave her alone. She means no harm...I trust her."

Roger Swan shared a look with his wife and nodded, "Fine. For now I will. But I won't lie, Miss Mills. I'm not too fond of you being a part of my daughter's life. I'll watch you...closely. Don't screw up the chance you've gotten thanks to Emma. And you better not play stupid games with her or anything...because I'd make you regret it. Emma might trust you, but I don't."

Regina could not say anything. She was too intimidated by Roger Swan to get a word out.

So she only nodded her understanding and looked to the floor once again.

Obviously he had not been one of her clients – thank God – but that did not make the situation any better.

Why Emma still had her back was beyond her, but she was more grateful than ever.

"I'd say we leave them alone now, Roger...it's been quite a lot to take in for everyone", Christine Swan announced and turned to face her daughter, "Emma, will you join us for brunch next Sunday?"

Emma hesitated, looking back and forth between Regina and her mother, not sure what to make of her behavior, of the whole situation in general, "I..."

"Bring Regina and Henry along if you want. They are welcome as well...as far as I understood they are family now", Christine added with a smile, which brought a smile to Emma's face as well.

Only Roger Swan seemed not convinced.

"I'll call you on Wednesday and let you know, okay? It's quite hectic at work at the moment", Emma replied, not wanting to make a decision without discussing it with Regina first.

"Fine by me", her mother agreed and the Swans made their way to the door, but Emma did not bother to say Good bye to her parents.

She was too worried about Regina and the brunette's unexpected encounter with her parents.

She had not seen Regina so miserable and in so much distress in a long time, but she had no idea what to do.

It was then that Emma realized that she was still holding Regina's hand and she squeezed it gently, "Regina, it's okay. Everything's fine. You're going nowhere...you're staying here...with me."

And before she could lose her courage Emma pulled Regina into her arms, careful to give the brunette enough time to back away, but it never happened.

Regina simply put her arms around her and buried her head in the crook of Emma's neck, tears running down her face and eventually hitting the blonde's skin as well.

Emma wrapped her arms round Regina protectively and let her cry, the tension finally disappearing from the brunette's body.

"It's okay, Regina. Nothing is going to happen to you. You're safe."

When Emma felt Regina nod against her shoulder she sighed in relief, because she knew that, no matter how much pain her father had caused Regina, the two of them would be okay.


"I still think this is a mistake", Roger Swan growled while he stepped out into the corridor.

"I don't", Christine countered , sure that her husband was wrong about Regina.

She had realized right away that the brunette was an honest woman, that she was not one for playing games. She did not know why she was so convinced of it, she just knew.

Obviously Regina Mills had been through a lot. Had been through some sort of hell if her son's words were anything to go by.

And while Christine Swan shared her husband's opinion on a lot of things, first of all that Emma's safety was a priority, she did not share his opinion on their daughter's new friend.

Appearantly Regina was a truly broken soul, who did not open up to people easily, but at least Emma had found a way to deal with that.

And right when Christine Swan wanted to close the penthouse door she caught sight of Regina, who stepped into the embrace of her daughter as if Emma would be able to shield and protect her from the world.

And that was probably exactly how Regina felt.

Henry's words form earlier came rushing back once again and Christine Swan realized that Emma obviously managed to give Regina a certain feeling of safety, that Regina did trust Emma as much as Emma trusted her and a smile appeared on Christine's face.

It was like Regina had said – they had found a home with Emma.

And a family.