A/N: Hello everyone,

Yes, I'm back with the next chapter of Wonderland already ;)

Who would have thought...

I'm almost done with the next one too – so it won't take too long till the next update.

Sorry for not answering messages and reviews yet – one of my dogs is sick, so yeah. It's a bit stressful at the moment and I'm all in "mom" mode.

Hate it when one of my babies is not feeling well :-/

Anyway...thanks to everyone for the support.

You guys are the best! For real.

Much love xo

Ps.: TW for language and some mention of violence in this chapter, but it's not too bad. Promise.


TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

Chapter 23

Emma was a nervous wreck.

Tonight was the night.

The night were everything could go down if she failed.

She had not been able to get any sleep last night.

The burden, the pressure was simply too heavy.

She had worked herself into the ground to make sure this event would become a success and as far as her own work was concerned everything was perfect.

But there were so many other factors – the staff, delivery, technics and much more.

She had no control over that, at least not completely.

And everyone knew that the more people were involved in a project, the higher the chance that something would go wrong.

And no matter if it would be her doing or not she was pretty sure Gold would it blame on her.

Regina had tried to talk to her about it on last Sunday, after Henry's birthday, had tried to tell her that, no matter what would happen tonight, it would be fine.

That it was not about the success, that the gesture that Emma was willing to do all this for her, was worth more than anything.

But not for Emma.

All that counted for her was that Regina was out of this hellhole for good, everything else was simply unacceptable.

And that was why she stood here now, welcoming the guests of The Rabbit Hole herself, together with Jefferson, who seemed awfully understanding, because he had not tried to joke once since her arrival about an hour ago.


It was close to 10 pm and Emma felt sick to the stomach.

The celebrations would start in a few minutes, so her time was running out.

That was when she caught sight of a familiar car out of the corner of her eye.

Ruby was coming.

To her big surprise her best friend had Mary Margaret and Belle in tow, all of them smiling confidently and the sight gave Emma a second to breathe.

"You didn't think we'd let you go through this by yourself..." Ruby mocked and hugged her close, "I'm sure everything will go fine."

Emma held onto her for a minute, not able to let go. She had never been so happy to see the leggy brunette than in that moment, "Thank God you're here. I'm losing my mind..."

Ruby stepped back to allow Belle and Mary Margaret to say 'Hi' and to greet Jefferson, whom she had not seen in a while, because she had been busy with work and living in Graham's apartment had taken quite the toll on her.

"Emma, listen", Mary Margaret took her hand and squeezed it, "I'm sure everything will be okay. You've did your best...and that's all that matters. Nobody can ask more from you."

"I know...but...if something goes wrong...and Gold decides to break the deal...or something", Emma dropped her head.

She was usually so convinced of her talent when it came to her job, but today.

Today she felt as insecure as she ever had and it drove her crazy.

"If...and I don't say something will go wrong...but if it does...we'll figure something out, okay? We won't let Regina go back to this...place. I promise."

Mary Margaret sounded so convinced, so sincere, causing Emma to stare at her in disbelief, "It's not your problem. I brought this on myself."

"Emma, you are our friend...and while Regina and I are not really close...we are all not blind. We know how much she means to you. And Henry...David and I...we love Henry so much...we'd do everything for him...and his mom. There is no way Gold will get her back...I promise you that. And if I have to kick his ass myself...it won't happen."

At that Emma raised an eyebrow.

Sweet little Mary Margaret, who was not even able to kill a fly, had not just threatened to kick someone's ass, had she?

But when Emma looked straight at her friend she reconised how serious the pixie haired woman seemed to be and she nodded, "Okay."

"I might not have been Regina's biggest fan in the beginning...but who can blame me? After all the shit we've been through...I've become a little bit paranoid I guess", Belle admitted, "But Mary Margaret is right. We'll have your back...you have ours all the time, Em. And that means we'll watch out for Regina as well...she's family after all."

Emma sighed in relief, "I love you, girls. Really, I do."


Everyone was inside already, the show had started and everything was running smoothly so far and yet Emma stood in front of the entrance, trying to breathe.

She was close to having a panic attack and she knew it.

Why was she so damn anxious?

Especially since Gold had seemed pleased so far.

A roar cut through the night and caused her to jump, speeding up her heart rate immediately, but before Emma could blink Graham's Mustang rounded the corner and stopped right in front of her and she caught sight of a laughing Killian, accompanied by none other, but Regina herself.

"What the hell are you doing here? I thought you have a night shoot today?" Emma was completely confused.

"That we do, love. That we do. The location is not far from here...about ten minutes drive...out in the woods. And the damn bitch of a model is quite in the mood...she demanded a one hour break so we thought we could as well check on you", Killain explained while he exited the car.

All Emma could do was nod, but she was so unbelievably glad to see him.

And Regina.

The brunette seemed tense, but all in all she was in a better condition than Emma.

"You don't mind if I go inside and take a look around, do you, love?"

Emma shook her head, "No, just go. Be my guest."

Killian hugged her quickly and disappeared.

As soon as they were alone Regina stepped closer to take Emma's hand, "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay. Stressed out, but okay", Emma admitted, "Better now that everyone is on and running. It's good to see you though."

"Please stop worrying so much. You did what you could", Regina answered, "I know how hard it is to satisfy Gold...and he is known for tricking people...so, really. Whatever happens is not your fault. I meant it when I said that."

Emma shook her head, "Don't think he'll get you back. Ever. I won't let that happen...and if I have to keep working for him till I'm old and grey..."

"Emma, stop! You are not selling your soul over to that devil completely. I'm not worth it", the brunette pleaded, aware that Emma would do just that. The blonde was stubborn enough to pull a stunt like that, definitely.

"No, you stop. That's not up for discussion", Emma replied vehemently, "And it would be my choice to make anyway."

Regina grabbed her second hand as well and squeezed them both, "You've did so much for me already, Emma. You wouldn't be in this position if it wouldn't be for me. You've gotten me out of here...you've given me a home and family. It's enough, really. Promise me that you won't do anything stupid in case Gold is not happy..."

"Regina, I..."

"Promise me."

Emma dropped her head in defeat, "I...I promise."

And then she pulled Regina into an embrace, because she could not bear to think about their conversation any longer.

Regina could not go back to this life, because Emma would not let her.

At this point she was not even sure if she could let Regina go anymore, at least not without losing her heart in the process.


Sidney Glass snickered happily.

He was on his way to find Emma Swan to ask her a few questions about the event when he had overheard her conversation with this mystery woman he had kept wondering about since he had first seen her at Graham Hunter's gallery opening.

Regina something.

And clearly there was a quite interesting story to tell, he only had to find out who she was and what Emma Swan had to do with it.

But how hard could it be when this brunette woman was obviously connected to the very club he was at right now.

He headed back inside and caught sight of a green painted woman, who stood behind the stage and looked bored out of her mind, "Excuse me, Miss...my name is Sidney Glass and I'm writing an article about tonight's event. Could I ask you a few questions?"

"Of course", she perked up immediately, aware of her chance to get her fifteen minutes of fame, "My name is Zelena. What do you want to know?"

"Do you, by any chance, know the brunette woman Emma Swan is talking to...outside?"

Zelena scoffed, "How on earth would I know whom she is talking to without seeing the woman?"

"Her name seems to be Regina and from what I've understood she is at least part of the reason why Emma Swan took this job in the first place", Sidney stated and watched Zelena's face darken.

"Oh, you mean Regina Mills..."

Sidney took notes on his notepad eagerly, "What do you know about Miss Mills?"

"Well, first of all...people here know her as The Evil Queen..."


Emma sighed in relief.

The event was over, the last guests were leaving.

Everything had went fine as far as she could judge, but now that the adrenaline was wearing off she felt like collapsing.

After Regina and Killian had left she had become a bit calmer and with Ruby, Mary Margaret and Belle there it had been bearable at least.

But now she really needed to go home and sleep.

"Here...drink something", Jefferson announced and held out a glass of water.

"Thanks. And thanks for your help tonight", Emma mumbled and took a sip.

"You're welcome, darling. I'd say it was a success...you definitely gave this place a lot more style. I really like what you did with the decoration and everything. Classy", he commented with a smile.

"Thank you. We'll see what Gold has to say about it...he has the last word after all", Emma sighed and took another gulp.

"He says you did a fabulous job, dearie."

Emma had not even seen him coming, but here he was, standing right in front of her, awfully pleased if his grin was anything to go by.

That man creeped her out.

"So...you liked it?" Emma asked carefully, not willing to get her hopes up just yet.

"I did. I'd say you've outdone yourself, Miss Swan. My establishment has never looked so...classy...before. But I take it you are tired and want to get some rest...maybe we can set up a meeting for next week, because I have some questions for you...I have plans to expand my establishment and I'd love to contact your interior designer...if that is not a problem."

"Of course not, Mister Gold. Give me a call on Monday and we'll make an appointment", Emma nodded her approval.

"Very well, dearie, very well. Good night then, Miss Swan. It was a pleasure."

And with that he turned around and left, a huge weight disappearing from Emma's shoulders, "Oh, thank God!"

Jefferson chuckled, "Better get out of here before he decides to keep you."

Emma nodded again, too tired to respond, kissed Jefferson on the cheek and headed out of her personal hell.

One event down, one to go.


Mary Margaret had waited at her car, because Emma had offered to take her home with her since David had been watching Henry with Regina and Emma both at work.

And she had been glad that the pixie haired woman had been there, because Emma was not sure if she would have found it in her to drive home, she was simply too tired.

By the time they arrived at the penthouse Emma was completely exhausted, but as soon as she caught sight of a tail wagging Tamotsu, who came to greet her, she felt ten times better.

"How did it go?" David wanted to know, concern written all over his face.

"Everything's fine", Emma mumbled and plopped down on the couch.

"That means Regina is safe, right?" he replied quickly.

"Yes, that means Regina can stay away from that hellhole", Emma groaned and David let out a breath he had not even been aware of holding, "That's great. I'm so happy to hear that."

"Me too. You have no idea", Emma commented sleepily, "How was Henry?"

"Fine. He's such a great kid. Went to bed around ten and has slept in the guestroom like a baby since", David stated and Emma nodded her approval, "Thanks for staying with him."

"Anytime, Em. Anytime."


By the time Regina returned from the night shoot Emma was passed out on the couch and although she was dying to know how it went she was aware that the blonde needed rest, so she covered her with a blanket and sneaked off to the guest room to get some sleep as well, none of them aware of the massive storm that was brewing in the office of a local newspaper at the very same time.

A storm that would hit soon.


Emma woke up to the ringing of her cell phone.

She had ignored it the first two times, but it had kept ringing, so obviously it had to be important.

Opening one eye to take a glimpse at the display she realised it was barely eight.

What the hell?

She had not even slept for four hours.

And then she recognized the number and gulped.

Gold.

"Mister Gold, what can I do for you?" she groaned loudly.

God, she needed coffee.

"Miss Swan, we need to meet up immediately. This is a disaster."

That had her wide awake in a heartbeat, "But I thought you were..."

"This is not about your work...this is about that article in the newspaper...from a journalist named...Sidney...Sidney Glass."

"Okay...I have no idea what you are talking about...can I call you back in a few?"

"Of course, dearie. But don't take too long if you want to control the damage...if there's a way to control it...that is..."

And then the line went dead and left Emma confused and wondering.

She had not even talked to Sidney Glass last night although she had bumped into him twice.

Weird.

But before she could decide what to do there was a knock on the door, causing Emma to sigh.

What now?

She got up and stumbled through the room to answer, revealing an obviously worked up Mary Margaret, newspaper in hand and Emma's eyes grew wide in realisation, "That bad?"

"Worse", the pixie haired woman entered, put the newspaper in Emma's hands and headed for the coffee machine, "You might want to sit down."

Emma did as she was told and looked at the front cover of the newspaper, her jaw dropping immediately.

'The wealthy Heir and the Stripper

A real life fairytale or simply a way to catch a billionaire?

By Sidney Glass'

Shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Her eyes roamed over the lines in anger.

How the hell had he found out?

Her first thought was Gold, but he had not seemed amused himself, so she was not sure.

'A lot of people have wondered why the well known event manager and daughter of the Swans would agree to work for Gold and his salacious establishment and now we have the answer...

...Regina M., former stripper at The Rabbit Hole, danced herself out of Gold's reach and right into the arms of Emma Swan...

According to an insider they are living and raising Regina M.'s son together...

...the question remains what Regina M.'s motives are...sources tell that she has never been interested in women before...

...but we all know how tempting money can be...

...the insider also told that there had been agreement between Mister Gold and Miss Swan about M.'s leave...and good hearted Emma Swan has agreed to his terms to get Regina M. out of his establishment...

...while the event was surprisingly decent for a location like The Rabbit Hole, definitely Emma Swan's hand writing, this new revelations make you look at the whole thing in a different light...'

Emma could not read more.

She had left out every second sentence anyway, because she felt sick.

She wanted to puke.

This was a disaster indeed.

Regina.

God, how would Regina take it?

She dropped her head onto the desk in an attempt not to scream out loud, because she did not want to wake Henry.

And Regina.

She needed a plan first.

But what was she going to do?

"David and Ruby are out to find out how many issues have been printed...and Belle and Killian are on their way over", Mary Margaret announced and put a mug of coffee in front of Emma, who nodded in understanding.

"You should probably call your lawyer...and your parents", the pixie haired woman added and Emma's eyes grew wide.

Her parents.

Her father would probably freak out.

In that moment Emma's phone started ringing again and she sighed, "It's Carol...from the Gazette...and here comes the madness."

Mary Margaret grabbed the phone, "Take my phone and make your calls. I'll take care of yours...now, Emma!"


Her lawyer would meet her at The Rabbit Hole in two hours, Mary Margaret was doing a hell of a job at barking all the calling reporters away and Killian and Belle had arrived as well and were currently plotting how to kill Sidney Glass without leaving evidence.

And Emma finally found the courage to call her parents, because if they had not read the newspaper by now they would soon.

Her heart was beating out of her chest when her mother picked up the phone, "Mom? I need to talk to you...yeah...so, you already saw it...I don't know what to do...yes, I called him...we'll meet with Gold in two hours...okay...sure...what did dad say?...I'm so sorry for this mess...I don't know who...this will break Regina...and Henry...I could rip Glass into pieces...no...nothing stupid...I can't calm down!...this is my family...I...I understand...mom? Thank you!"

The others looked at her expectantly, but Mary Margaret was the one who asked in the end, "What did she say?"

"My mother said that my father knows the guy who owns the newspaper Glass is working for...and that my father is not too fond of this Sidney Glass either...he'll see what he can do. And my father's assistant is obviously working on a press statement already", Emma explained with a sigh.

"I have to call Archie...and then I have to get ready for my meeting with Gold", she added, concern written all over her face now, "And I have to tell Regina."


Archie had assured Emma that they had his full support, but what could he really do?

Kids were cruel and everyone knew it.

Not to mention how the parents' reaction would be once the news got around.

Emma was dressed and ready to leave when Regina and Henry made their way out of the guest room, completely surprised by all the people in the blonde's living room and Emma's heart broke the minute she caught sight of the fear in Regina's eyes.

Henry's innocent smile only made it worse.

"Hey, Em...I called Locksley and he got a warrant...no more copies of that bloody paper and the delivery has been stopped as well...but obviously I owe him dinner", Belle announced proudly.

"And I owe you...big time", Emma replied with a nod, but then made a gesture for Regina to follow her.

Once in her office the blonde wanted to cry. Or scream.

Possibly both.

"Emma, what's going on?"

Regina's fragile voice cut through the room, through Emma, like a knife.

She barely managed to look at the brunette, "I...I'm...God, Regina...I'm so sorry."

"It's alright, dear. I told you..." Regina struggled to keep her composure.

"No, you don't understand. This is not about Gold", Emma started, "Someone talked to that creepy reporter from Graham's gallery opening...do you remember him?

Regina nodded, but she was confused.

What did that mean?

"Someone...I assume from The Rabbit Hole...spilled the beans...who you are...why I work for Gold...there's an article about us...on the front page of the freaking newspaper...implying...that you are after my money...and shit like that."

At that Regina's eyes grew wide in realisation.

Her happy bubble had irrevocably burst.

And now everyone knew about her past. Well, not about everything, but they knew.

"I'm so sorry, Regina...I don't know how that happened...and I wish I could stay with you...but I have to go...Gold wants to see me and I have to talk to my lawyer...and meet with my parents and..." Emma was close to getting hysterical, "I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?!"

All Regina could do was nod robotically.

What could one say anyway – when one's whole world came crashing down?

Emma squeezed Regina's hand on her way out, but knew that it was not enough.

It was nowhere near enough.


Killian promised to stay with Regina and Henry till she came back and he would make sure to keep the kid away from the news – it would be hard enough to explain to Henry what was going on in the evening, but Emma did not want him to hear it from someone else.

"I'm driving you", Mary Margaret announced and her tone made it clear that it was not up for discussion.


"You did this!" Gold barked, pointing at the newspaper and Zelena winced.

It had taken him all of five minutes to figure out who had talked to Sidney Glass and he was furious as hell, "Who do you think you are, you stupid bitch! You could ruin me with this!"

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to...", her hands were trembling.

"I don't care what you meant! I got you off the streets, you ungrateful whore...because even Anastasia threw you out...everyone is sick of your bullshit...and yet I gave you another chance...but this time you outdid yourself, Zelena...enough is enough."

Gold's eyes sparkled darkly and the woman started to sob, "Please, don't send me back...I'll make it up to you..."

He only giggled like a maniac, "How? How are you going to do that? When you owe me so much already...so much more than you could ever pay back..."

"Please don't make me go back...I can't go back."

"You are of no use to me anymore, Zelena...we're done."

He was about to leave the room, but she jumped forward and held onto him, just to be thrown to the floor.

When she reached for him once again he hit her straight in the face – with his cane.

"I said enough. You'll go back to work for Anastasia...I already talked to her...and you'll screw every guy she throws at you...till the end of your days."

"No! You can't do this!" she shrieked, blood running out of her obviously broken nose.

"The hell I can't".

That said Gold left the room and instructed Jefferson to take Zelena back to The West End.


In the presence of her lawyer Emma and Gold had come to an agreement quickly, because they both knew the news were completely destructive.

Their reasons might be different, because while Gold feared for his reputation and establishment, Emma wanted to protect Regina, but the solution was one and the same.

And so Emma had made her way over to her parents to discuss how to go on from there with hanging shoulders, but much to her surprise her father had already taken care of it.

He had handed her the press statement that would be released later that evening and she had found nothing wrong with it.

In fact it had been way better than she would have anticipated, especially since she knew that her father was not necessarily fond of Regina.

By the time she returned to her apartment David and Ruby had arrived as well.

Killian and Henry were playing on the X-Box, but Regina was nowhere to be seen.

Before Emma could ask though her phone rang once again and the display said that it was her secretary.

What did Virgina want now?

Sighing she picked up and her face fell instantely.

After the day she had that was the last thing she needed.

"What happened?" Mary Margaret asked the second Emma hung up.

"Virginia quit on me. Said something about she has enough of my escapades."

"What?! That's ridiculous...this was not your fault!" David was by her side within a heartbeat, but Emma only shrugged, "Whatever. I'll find someone new...or...it doesn't matter."

"Can I talk to you for a second? Alone?" Mary Margaret grabbed Emma by the arm and dragged her with her – straight to Emma's home office.

Once she had closed the door behind them she turned to face Emma, "You can't do everything on your own! You are completely overworked already...and without a secretary or assistant or whatever she was...Emma, you can't do this alone..."

"I know...but it's not like I could magic myself a new employee..."

Mary Margaret's eyes dropped to her feet, "You...could hire..me."

Emma was not sure if she had heard right, so she glared at the petite woman in front of her, eyeing her closely, "You want to work for me?"

"I...well...I'm good...at organising...making appointments and stuff...and I kind of enjoyed taking your calls today...handle part of the drama...I just wish the occasion would have been a happier one...but yes...I think I would love to try...David is busy with rehab...and sitting home all day...is kinda boring...besides...there are only so many new things you can buy till you run out of items you want...or need...so yeah..." Mary Margaret gave her a shy smile.

"Well, let me tell you that the payment is not that great", Emma stated dryly, causing Mary Margaret to slap her shoulder playfully, "We both know I don't do it for the money...so, is that a 'yes?"

"Yeah, why not...we'll start Monday at 10...because I really need some rest before I return to work."


Regina was sitting on the floor of her bedroom, tears running down her face.

The newspaper was resting on her lap, covered by Tamotsu's head.

Her life has been too good to be true.

Of course it would not last.

She should have known.

And she had.

She had always known that this could not be forever.

Why had she stopped to listen to her inner voice?

Everyone knew now.

People would start asking question.

Henry.

Oh God, her poor little boy.

What would happen to him in school?

Would he get bullied?

Her colleagues at work had never been too fond of her, but now they had something to use against her for real.

Would she be able to handle that?

But the worst about it was that Emma would lose her reputation completely.

The blonde had done nothing wrong, she had just tried to help her, but now she would pay the price for her sins.

What was she supposed to do?

Was there something she could do?

This would ruin everyone's life.

Hers, Henry's, probably Killians for hiring her and for sure Emma's.

The Swans would hate her..

And Emma would too – eventually.

The moment she would lose all of her clients Emma would finally realise that she had made a mistake.

A huge mistake.

And Regina could not blame her.

Emma should not have tried to safe her in the first place.

It would kill Henry to lose the only family he had ever known. Hell, it would kill her too.

Tamotsu nudged her palm with his nose, causing her to sob even harder, "I'm so sorry, boy...I'm afraid our ways will separate soon..."

The dog sat up and licked over her face to offer his comfort and while she normally would be disgusted she did not mind the gesture this time.

The unconditional love he offered was balm for her haunted soul and broken heart.

"I love you too, little bear...but don't tell anyone" she joked through her tears while a decision formed in her mind.

She could not do this.

She had to stop this madness.

For Henry.

For Emma.


"Guys, where is Regina?" Emma asked once she returned to the living room, her new employee in tow.

"She said she needed a minute", Belle answered and glanced at her watch, "But that was a while ago."

"We were so busy making plans how to eliminate Glass...we kind of forgot time", Ruby apologised.

Emma nodded, "I'll go look for her then."


On her way over to Regina's apartment she finally found a minute to breathe.

That was not the day she had planned, but she was so thankful for her friends' support. They had proven once again that they were worthy of her trust as she was worthy of theirs.

And her parents were simply amazing.

Even though her father did not trust Regina he had ensured that the damage would be kept as little as possible.

Sure, the next fews days would be rocky, but things would calm down eventually.

It was always the same with the news – what was worth a headline one day, was already history the next.

And then a new scandal would make it on the front page and they could go back to live their lives.

Emma was aware that another storm had hit them, but they had survived worse.

They would come out of this too – stronger than ever.

But as soon as she opened the apartment door and took in the scene that greeted her, her heart shattered into a million pieces.