I'm back! It's weird to be writing about Thanksgiving in August, but oh well haha. After the 'Holidays' things may speed up a little…I don't want to keep them Freshmen/Sophomores forever.
Read~Enjoy~Review
Chapter 4
Thinking about spending the Holiday with the Mills sisters and then actually doing it seemed to be two different things for Emma. She was excited, but now that she was in their hired car and heading to the train station, she was also nervous. Would they like her parents, her apartment or would they count down the days until they could leave? Would her dad tell his stupid dad jokes that he always thinks are funny but that make Emma and Lilly groan? Would Lilly be nice? Would her mom embarrass her by kissing her before going to bed? Ugh, why hadn't she talked to her parents before about how they should act? Because that would be wrong. It would be wrong to tell her dad not to be himself and to tell her mom not to kiss her when she missed those little kisses on her forehead at night. So what if Regina and Zelena decided they didn't like her after this? She'd have her family and that was all she needed.
"Emma! Hello!" Zelena called from outside the car. "You spacing on us?"
"Shit, sorry." Emma said as she got out. "I was lost in another world." She stretched and then started to go towards the trunk when Regina grabbed her arm.
"He'll get the bags." Regina said quietly, nodding towards the driver who was going to the trunk. "That's part of his job."
"Oh, right. Sorry." Emma said with a blush.
"It's okay." Zelena chuckled. "It's refreshing to see someone not used to that kind of service. He'll take them up to the counter for us and we can decide if we want them checked."
"I didn't do that last time because I was scared my bag would be lost." Emma admitted. "Plus, I didn't have much."
"Well, I think for this trip we'll be fine." Zelena stated and the three headed towards the counter.
Regina sighed when she saw the line, but Emma just shrugged. "Let's just go to one of the kiosk machines."
Regina blinked at her. "What's that?"
Emma looked between both sisters who both looked confused. "Seriously? Do you guys ever travel by train?"
"Rarely." Zelena said, shrugging. "Show us."
Emma went over to the machine and tapped on the screen. "Do you have the confirmation email?" Regina nodded and got her phone out, handing it to Emma. "Okay, so you put in the confirmation number and then verify the last four of your credit or debit card." She stood back and let Regina do that and then looked at the screen. "Okay, three tickets for the 5pm, looks good." She then paused. "Wait…Regina did you know you got first class? I'm sure we can trade them if that was a mistake."
"It was supposed to be a surprise." Regina said. "So…surprise!"
"You didn't have to do that. Wow, thanks. I've never travelled first class." She printed off the tickets and handed one to Regina and one to Zelena. "Now, we just go wait on the platform."
They walked over and sat as they waited. "Emma, Zelena and I were talking, and we don't want you to give us your bed. We'll take the sofa sleeper."
Emma shook her head. "No, that's okay. Honestly, Lilly and I will be fine on the sofa sleeper. You'll have more privacy upstairs in my room anyway."
"But Emma, you're already letting us into your home, we don't want to take your bed too." Zelena stated, but Emma firmly shook her head.
"Too bad. Mom's already getting it ready for the both of you." She couldn't stop herself and side smirked a bit. "Don't worry, it doesn't smell like dog."
Regina looked mortified, but Zelena – who knew the story – bust out laughing. "Lighten up, Regina she's joking with you."
"Sorry." Emma said and nudged Regina. "Too soon?"
"I just…feel terrible that I ever said that." Regina admitted.
"It's fine. Anyway, it's already settled and you're staying in my room." Emma said as the train pulled up. "No more arguing."
"I guess we'll just see what happens." Regina said, determined that Emma would not sleep on the sofa bed.
Once the train was ready to be boarded, Emma led the way to one of the conductors. They presented their tickets and he pointed them in the right direction. "Wow, this is fancy." Emma said as they got to the first-class cabin. Each section had four plushy chairs facing a table and Emma found their section and sat on a chair. She noticed how Zelena put her bag in the seat across from her and sat next to it, leaving Regina no choice but to sit next to her. "I won't bite, Regina." She said when she noticed the brunette's hesitation.
"I know I just…don't want to put my bag on the floor." She said, sitting down.
"Put it by mine." Zelena said, taking it from Regina.
Emma put hers on the floor and took out her notebook. "So, we have about a two-hour ride. I um…I don't mind if we do the trip in silence, but I do have some cards if we get bored."
Zelena grinned and put her hand on Emma's hand. "Don't be so nervous to be around us. I have a project to work on for a bit, but maybe later. But Emma, you don't have to entertain us."
Regina looked at her sister's hand on Emma's and felt a pang of jealousy. It wasn't fair that she could be so calm and natural around her while Regina was a ball of nerves. "She's right. I think I'm going to watch a movie, but maybe after we eat? They serve around six."
"Serve?" Emma asked as she sat back and Zelena got her things out of her bag. "I don't have any cash."
"Don't need it. It's included with the ticket. I don't know for sure how good it is, but the ratings for their prime rib is five stars." Regina said as she got her laptop out.
"Sounds good." Emma said as she opened her notebook. "What are you going to watch?"
"Well actually…" Regina blushed. "I was going to catch up on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." She said, flinching as she waited for Emma to laugh at her.
"Seriously? I LOVE that show! I watch them, the OC, and the New Jersey housewives."
Regina smiled. "Me too! I quit watching New York and Atlanta a while ago."
"Same. Could I maybe watch with you?"
"Sure. I have an extra earphone port."
"Great." Emma got her earphones out and plugged them in before curling up on her chair and leaning towards Regina. Because of where the laptop was and where the ports were, Regina had no choice but to lean towards Emma as well as they watched.
A bit later, Zelena looked across the table and smiled as the two finally seemed relax and were making comments about the ridiculous reality show her sister loved. She noticed how Emma's hand was gently touching Regina's arm and how Regina's knee was against Emma's. She wished her sister would just get over her fear and go for it, but she was glad they were at least friends at this point.
"Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt but we will be serving diner in a bit and I was wondering what you'd like for your sides and how you like the cook of your prime rib?"
Emma took her headphone out and looked at the menu card on the table. "I'll do medium rare with the fries and salad with ranch please. Oh, and where can I get a coke?"
"That button there will call one of us and we'll get you a beverage. I'll put it on your order, miss."
"Thank you." The sisters then put in their order and they packed their things up as the smell of food reached them. "It smells amazing." Emma said as she put her hair up in a messy bun.
They ate and then it didn't take long for them to get to the station in Maine. Once there, they we met by a limo, making Emma stand in shock. She had never been in one before and felt rather special as they drove to Storybrooke. Her stomach filled with butterflies the closer she got to their loft. She was excited to see her parents, but she was also nervous about Regina and Zelena being with them for so long. They pulled up and Emma smiled wide to see her mother and father outside waiting.
"Your parents are so cute." Zelena said, smiling at them. "Ours have never come to greet us like that."
"Well, I've never been away from home before." Emma said, waiting for the car to stop before she opened the door and got out, running to her parents. She hugged them tight, feeling her dad's hand cup the back of her neck as it always did. "I've missed you guys so much!"
"We missed you, Emma." Mary said, kissing all over Emma's face.
"Mom…stop it." She moaned, but secretly loved the attention. "Regina and Zelena are here."
"I know." She said and then went to the girls, hugging each of them. "Welcome to the Swan's."
David went over and grabbed all the bags. "It's not much, but we're happy."
"I'm sure it'll be perfect." Zelena said. "Thank you so much for inviting us."
"Yes, thank you. We're really looking forward to a family holiday with a real family. Just please don't go out of your way for us, okay? Really, you don't have to do anything special."
"We're really happy to have you. I won't do anything special per say, but if there's anything you guys like and don't like as far as food goes, just let me know. David's going shopping tomorrow, so we thought we'd figure out ideas for meals this next week."
"Can we go in?" Emma asked. "I'm freezing. Where's Lilly?"
"Yes, let's go on in. Up the stairs to the third-floor girls." Mary said, letting the sisters go first. She put her arm around Emma. "She's coming on Sunday, honey. She wanted to be here, but her aunt…well she had a bit of a relapse and Lilly wants to stay with her for a couple nights until her friend gets to town."
"Oh, that's too bad. Is Lilly okay? I know last time Ingrid relapsed, they threatened to take Lilly away."
"Because it's been so long and because Ingrid was honest about it, they are giving her until New Years to sober up again. Lilly said she's fine, but that she's sorry she didn't call you."
"She's probably busy so I get it." Emma said as they reached their loft.
"Go on in girls." Mary said. "It's open."
Regina opened the door and stepped in, taking her shoes off with Zelena following suite. "Oh, this is so cute." Zelena said as she looked around. "I love the exposed bricks and stuff."
"Thank you." Mary said, closing the door after David came in with the bags. "It's a bit smaller than the house we used to have, but…well we did what we had to do."
Emma came over and hugged her mother. "We wanted you, not the house."
"Thanks, Em. Anyway, are you girls hungry?"
"I'm not, thank you." Zelena stated. "We treated Emma to first class, and they had amazing prime rib."
"Wow, thank you girls." David stated.
"It's the least we can do after you're all letting us stay here." Regina stated.
"Come on. I'll show you where you two will be staying." Emma said and headed up the stairs to the loft section. She wanted to make sure there wasn't anything embarrassing laying around but wasn't surprised to see it had been all cleaned up. She flipped the light switch on and smiled as her fairy lights also came on along the wall by her headboard. "It's not much, but it's a queen bed and there's places for your phones and whatever." She went to one of the wardrobes in the room. "Good, my mom emptied this out for you, so you don't have to live out of your suitcases. I'm afraid we only have one-bathroom downstairs, but we're all pretty good about not taking too long to get ready and we very rarely run out of hot water."
"Emma, this is perfect." Zelena said, going to the blonde and hugging her. "Thank you so much for letting us stay over."
"Yes, thank you." Regina said, giving a shy smile. "Is Lilly here?"
"No. She'll be here Sunday, I guess. Oh, and mom said if you have anything that needs washing, she will be doing laundry on Sunday and she will do more next Sunday before we go on Monday."
Regina chuckled and took Emma's hand, pulling her to the bed to sit. "Breathe and calm down." She said, surprised she was able to finally act like she wanted. "Emma, we're here to have fun, not to have you worried the whole time."
Zelena came and sat next to them. "She's right. So, what does Emma Swan do for fun when she's at home?"
Emma chuckled and tried to relax. "Not much. I mean I have a PlayStation, but we only have the one tv downstairs. Oh, let me show you something…well no, maybe that's stupid."
"Show us." Regina said, giving a smile. "Nothing is stupid."
Emma looked out the window. "Okay, I guess the lighting should be good." She got up and opened her window. "Come on but be quiet. My mom hates when I do this." She climbed out and Zelena was first to follow. When the three of them were out on the rooftop, Emma smiled. "Look up."
They did and both girls gasped. "Wow. I've never seen stars like this before." Zelena stated. "Even over our house they don't look like this."
"It's because your house is closer to town and there's always streetlights on. This apartment is on the edge of the woods, so there's less outside lighting. Not to mention the fact that no one is in the loft behind us."
"This is beautiful." Regina said, still in awe, but looking at Emma and her hair in the moonlight.
Zelena looked over and gave a little smile. "Thanks for showing me this, but I really need the bathroom. I'll be back." She said and went back inside.
Emma looked over at Regina and gave a soft smile. "Come on. The last tenants left some stuff out on their balcony." She reached out and took Regina's hand, leading her over to the balcony that was pretty much just a flat area of roof. There were some chairs and a patio table and Emma sat down on one of the benches, Regina sitting next to her. "Regina, I'm really glad you came. I hear you and your sister make these comments about your parents and stuff and I just hope we can give you a Thanksgiving to remember."
Regina smiled softly and, feeling bold, took Emma's hand, lacing their fingers. "I'm sure I'll never forget, Emma."
That night, Emma won the battle and was camped out in the living room when they all went to bed. It didn't take long for Mary to come out and lay by her daughter, cuddling her. "I'll get up before they see me, Emma, but I missed you so much."
Emma smiled and turned to face her mother, snuggling in with her. "I missed you too, mom. I'm so happy for this break because I was so homesick."
"You were? You didn't tell me."
"I didn't want to worry you. I…I kinda broke down to some girls at school and was crying. I just wanted my mommy"
"Aww baby. I've cried so much since you've been gone because I've missed you. I've even slept in your bed a few times." She admitted and kissed Emma's forehead. "However, I know this is good for you to experience, so I'm willing to miss you from time to time."
"I love you, Mama. I love you so much."
"I love you too, my little Princess."
Regina lay on her side and wiped at a tear as she listened to the whispers coming from downstairs. Emma was so damn lucky to have the kind of parents she did, and Regina was both happy for her and jealous. She felt Zelena shift and then felt her sister's arm around her. "Wish mom was like that with us." Zelena whispered.
"Me too." Regina whispered back. "I wonder what it feels to be loved for just being you."
Zelena pulled her sister closer, cuddling with her. "I love you, Gina. No matter what, I love you so much."
Regina smiled and cuddled back against her sister. "I love you too, Zee."
By Sunday, Zelena and Regina were very comfortable with the Swans and had built a report with them. Regina loved having Mary teach her how to cook while Zelena was totally fascinated with sports and having David teach her how football worked. When Lilly came over, she and Emma went for a walk so they could catch up and Emma didn't feel guilty like she thought she would. The Mills sisters felt at home and didn't mind Emma leaving.
On Monday, the four girls decided they'd take a hike and somehow, Zelena and Lilly broke away from Regina and Emma; Regina wondered if it was on purpose or not. "Well they're in a hurry." She said and looked at Emma. "Sorry, I'm not used to hiking."
"It's okay, Regina. I prefer to go slower anyway and take in the view." They walked a bit before Emma took Regina's hand. "Come here." She led her off the path and through some bushes. "Careful, but it's worth it." She said and stepped aside to show they were on a cliff and the town was below them.
"Wow. Emma you have the best views." Regina said, looking at Emma. "You're beautiful."
Emma blushed and looked down. "You mean the view is beautiful."
"No, I mean you're beautiful. Emma I…I really like you. I'm sorry, I can't keep quiet anymore, but I also can't let anyone know. My parents…"
Emma reached forward and put her finger over Regina's lips. "Shh. No one has to know. Regina, I like you too, but I'm fine with keeping it quiet. Hell, I don't even know how to date or anything." She said with a chuckle. "Maybe for now, we just say we like each other and then see what happens?"
"I like that. We don't have to label it or anything like that. I do want you to know that I'm not ashamed of you though, Emma, it's just that my dad is so against same sex relationships."
"I get it, Regina. I swear I totally get it." She bit her lip. "Is this why you were so mean to me before? You liked me and you were scared?"
Regina nodded and looked down. "Yeah. I'm so sorry, Emma."
"Don't be. I get it and now that it's out, you don't have to be so scared."
"Or so mean." Regina said, giving a sad smile. "Gods but I was awful to you. I'm still shocked you gave me so many chances."
Emma shrugged. "I guess it was because I could tell that something more was going on." She took Regina's hand. "Look, I meant it when I said we don't have to tell anyone. We just say we're friends and that way, your parents won't find out. I have no problem with that."
"Thanks, Emma. I feel better just getting it out, to be honest."
"Good." Emma smiled and pulled Regina's arm, so they were back on the trail. "I want you to feel better."
The two walked for a bit and caught up with Zelena and Lilly. "Hey slow pokes." Lilly said with a smirk. "I was showing Zee what their house looks like from up here."
"I was showing Regina another view." Emma said and then blushed when Lilly and Zelena busted out laughing. "Not like that!"
Regina rolled her eyes. "So mature."
By the end of Thanksgiving, everyone was stuffed and happy. Regina was the Scrabble queen and Zelena was just as much into the game as David was. Everyone went to bed happy and the rest of the week just flew by. When it was time to go, Emma felt a heaviness in her heart to be leaving her parents.
"Emma, we will see you in a little less than a month for winter break and you'll have the whole month here."
Emma wiped at her eyes. "I know. I just…I miss you guys so much. I didn't think it would be this hard."
Regina and Zelena respectfully stepped away, grabbing their bags as they waited for the car. David hugged his daughter tight. "We're always here, Emma. You can call us any time day or night. I know it's not the same, but it's better than nothing."
"Baby girl, you have no idea how badly I want to tell you to stay, but this school is so good for you and I know you do like it." Mary tucked some of Emma's hair behind her ear. "You can do this, baby girl."
Emma gave a nod and hugged her parents again as the car came and parked. "I love you both so much."
"We love you, too."
They walked over to the car where Mary hugged first Regina and then Zelena. "I'm so glad you girls came. I had such a good time with you."
They hugged her back and then David. "Thank you so much for letting us come. I honestly had the best Thanksgiving ever." Zelena said, her eyes filled with emotion. "I totally get why Emma has a hard time leaving here. You guys are literally the perfect parents."
"We're far from perfect, Sweetie, but we do try our best." Mary said, giving Zelena another hug. "We're family now; you are welcome here any time." She then slid a piece of paper into her hand. "And here's my number if you ever need to talk."
"Thanks." Zelena said and stepped aside.
"Regina, don't you be a stranger either." Mary said, handing her a piece of paper as well. "I mean it, I expect to see you girls sometime over the winter break."
"I'm sure you will be." Regina said with a smile. "Thanks for taking us in."
"Thank you for watching over our Emma." David stated, putting his arm around his daughter.
Regina looked down. "I haven't exactly…"
"She's been great." Emma said, giving Regina a smile. "We started off a bit shaky, but once we got to know each other, it's been great." Sure, Emma rarely lied to her parents, but she just didn't think they needed to know all of what happened.
"Oh, I know." David said with a grin. "Lilly told me and don't worry, I get it."
"Wait, Lilly told you what?" Emma asked. She was scared of what all Lilly said.
"Just that you two didn't get along at first because of all your differences and all that, but that you're the best of friends now." David said, growing a bit concerned. "Am I missing something?"
"No, no not at all." Emma said, feeling a bit relieved. David's boss's boss was Regina's dad and she didn't need anything getting to him. "Sorry, I was just confused."
The trip back was quiet, each girl lost in their own thoughts and once back to the dorms, Zelena split from the other two as they went to their room. Emma's phone went off and she chuckled as she read the message. "Mom says thanks for the thank you card and said she'll be sending your money to you in a 'you're welcome' card."
Regina chuckled softly. "I'll text her." She got her phone out and composed a message. "Mary, please don't send the money back to us. You honestly have no idea how much this holiday has meant to my sister and me. We felt like we actually belonged to a family for the first time in a very long time. You and David were amazing, and that money is the very least we can do to thank you. Please, please accept it, Mary, because we have no way, we could ever fully repay you for everything you both did."
She didn't have to wait long before there was a reply. "Okay, fine. We'll accept it this once, but honestly your words alone are thanks enough. I'm glad we could make the holiday such a special one for you. Like I said earlier, you and your sister better come see us on winter break."
Regina smiled and sent back. "Thank you. I'm sure you will see us." She then looked over at Emma as the blonde was laying in her bed on her stomach reading a book. "You're so lucky, Emma. Honestly. I can't believe I ever looked down on people like you; it's you who have everything, not me."
Emma sighed softly and closed her book. "Regina, my life isn't perfect."
"Maybe not, but it's great. You can't deny it."
Emma shrugged. "I don't deny it. I have amazing parents and while we may not have much as far as material things go, we have so much more in love. As corny as that sounds." She said with a chuckle. "Will I ever meet your parents?"
Regina let out a long breath as she shifted on her bed. "They want to meet you over winter break. Actually, they are going to send a formal invite to your parents to have you all over."
"You don't seem too excited about that."
"I'm not." Regina said and then noticed the look on Emma's face. "No, not…Emma not like that. I love your parents and spending time with your family was amazing. I just…my parents are so prim and proper, and it comes off as arrogant. I just think it'll be a stuffy dinner where no one is comfortable, and I don't want them to say anything that would offend you or your parents."
Emma got up and went to sit next to Regina. "It takes a lot to offend us, Regina. Besides, my dad knows your dad, so I'm sure it won't be too terrible. Try to relax, okay? I promise you that my parents will not judge you based on your parents." Though, even as she said that, Emma was already worried about what they'd wear and how they'd look to the Mayor and his wife. "It's going to be just fine."
The month between Thanksgiving and winter break was mostly filled with revisions and reviews as they had finals the last two days before break. Emma felt like she did pretty well, while Regina was sure she failed her Latin exam. Zelena came over more often and Emma honestly liked the friendship she had with her, though she was a bit jealous when she found out that she and Lilly had been talking as well. It's not that she wanted to keep them from each other, it was just that Lilly was her friend. She tried hard to get over it when she remembered how she had kind of taken Mal from Regina for a while without meaning to. The girls all got on well together as a group and often had Ms. Blue on them about so many people in one dorm, though the woman was happy to see Regina and Emma getting along so well.
The Mills' had insisted that Emma get a ride with the girls in the limo they sent as a thank you for the Swans' having them for thanksgiving, and the ride was actually kind of fun. They got to Emma's place and smiled when they saw her parents outside waiting yet again. Hugs were given all around and then the sisters were off to go home as David carried Emma's suitcase upstairs. "We've been invited for dinner at the Mayor's place next week." Mary said as they went up the stairs, mother's arm around her daughter.
"Regina said we would be. Mom, she's so scared her parents are going to offend us. Please, if that happens, don't judge Regina and Zelena by how their parents are."
David chuckled. "Emma, we wouldn't do that. I know how Henry is based on my dealings with him at work. It's going to be okay." He put her suitcase down and smiled. "I'm going to go get dinner. We ordered your usual, I hope that's okay."
"Just fine." Emma said, giving him another hug. After he left, Emma cuddled with her mother on the sofa, the tv on for background noise. "I'm so glad to be home."
"I'm glad to have you home, sweetheart." Mary said, kissing Emma's temple. "It's not the same without you here."
Emma rest her head on her mother's chest. "I love school, but I do wish it was closer."
"It'll get easier." Mary stated, running her fingers through Emma's hair. "So, you and Regina?"
Emma turned red. "Me and Regina what?"
"Oh, Emma, it was blindingly obvious that you two have such crushes on each other."
Emma sat up straight, fear in her face. "Mom, you can't say that. You can't even joke about it!"
Mary was startled. "Emma, calm down. What's going on?"
"Has dad said anything? Oh shit, mom she could be in trouble!"
"Language, Emma. What are you talking about?"
Emma chewed on her lip. "Mom, her parents – well specifically her father – is so against LGBTQ that he is in support of conversion camps. He cannot even think that Regina may have a crush on me, or Regina would be sent away. Regina's terrified that he'll find out; I mean she has had panic attacks over it."
Mary rubbed Emma's back. "Okay. Calm down, baby girl, calm down. Your father hasn't said anything even to me, so he probably didn't notice like I did. Don't worry honey, Regina's secret is safe."
Emma looked to her – tears in her eyes. "It has to stay a secret, mom. I'm scared for her if they find out."
"If who finds out what?" David asked and Emma sighed. She stood and started telling them most of the story and by the end, both parents promised they wouldn't say anything, but also assured her that they supported her and loved her.
Emma was so glad to be home and sleeping in her own bed, though she did miss having a roommate and having her friends around. Lilly came over quite often, but it wasn't the same. When the night of the dinner came, Emma took a bit longer to curl her hair and apply very light make up before getting into the dress her mother had bought her. She had insisted she didn't need new clothes, but her mom said it was a good excuse for them to go shopping together. The three got in David's pick-up truck and made there way over to the mansion.
The door was opened by Zelena who had a bright smile. "Welcome!" She said, letting them in and taking their coats.
"Mom, Dad, their here." She called as she hung the coats up.
"Zelena, darling, we don't shout like that." Cora said with an obvious warning smile to her daughter. "Hello and welcome. I'm Cora. You must be the famous Swans we keep hearing about."
David had to fight not to roll his eyes as he had met the woman a dozen times through the years. "I'm David, this is my wife Mary Margaret, and our daughter Emma."
Emma gave a small wave, looking around for Regina. "Nice to meet you."
"You as well, dear. Come into the sitting room where the others are. Dinner should be ready shortly." She led them down the grand hall and into a big, yet comfy looking room where Henry, Regina, and Zelena were sitting, the two sisters quietly chatting.
"Ah David, good to see you." Henry said, standing to shake his hand. "I had no idea we had daughters the same age. And now they're friends, how wonderful." He then shook Mary Margaret's hand. "And Mary, you're looking well. I was so happy when I heard you went into remission."
"Thank you." Mary said with a smile. "We were pretty happy as well."
"And you must be Emma. Congratulations on your scholarship, young lady. I know it's not easy to get; you should be very proud of yourself."
Though it seemed he meant it as a compliment, Emma didn't exactly know how to take it. However, she's not rude, so she smiled. "Thank you, Sir. I was surprised I got it."
"I wasn't." Mary said, smiling proudly. "I read her submission essay and it was amazing."
"I'm sure it was." Cora stated, not wanting to be left out. "It's a hard process to get accepted through scholarship. Harder than those who can afford it, which is honestly a bit disheartening. In my opinion, everyone should have to apply, not just those that need a scholarship."
"Quite right." Henry stated. "I can say that because I know my girls would get in no matter what."
Emma looked over and saw Zelena gesturing for her to come over. She did and sat down, smiling at them.
"Where are my manners?" Cora said, waving her hand. "Can I offer anyone a drink? We have wine, brandy, sparkling water, oh Henry has some homemade apple cider. It has a bit of a kick to it."
"I'll just have a water please." Mary said politely.
"I could go for some cider. One glass though, I've heard stories of your cider." David said with a chuckle. "Thank you."
"Emma? Anything for you?" Cora asked with a smile.
"Just a water please. Thank you."
Cora went to fetch the drinks and a silence fell over the group. Henry then smiled. "So, my girls just couldn't stop talking about how great their Thanksgiving break was. If I didn't know any better, I'd say they'd rather be at your place for all breaks."
Mary smiled kindly. "They were great guests. Regina helped me cook and Zelena kept David pretty entertained watching football."
Henry chuckled. "Yes, she's now an avid football fan I hear." He said with a smile. "I do hope they remembered their manners."
"They did." David said. "They were fantastic and are welcome any time."
Cora came in with a tray and handed out drinks. "I still don't know how you did it. A one bedroom with a loft and you had four teens there? It must have been crowded."
"Sure, but it was comfortable and fun." Mary said, not taking offense.
"Mom, that was rude." Zelena said, biting her lip. "It's a very cool home they have."
"Oh, I don't doubt that, dear. I'm sorry if I offended you, I didn't mean to."
David gave a smile. "No offense taken. Our place certainly isn't this grand, but it's our home and we like it."
Small talk was made and then they all went into the dining room when dinner was ready. "I don't usually have a chef, but I wanted to be sure we had something edible." Cora said with a chuckle.
"Oh, you should have Regina cook something for you. She was really great when I was showing her how to do it. She made breakfast better than I do by the end of our week together." Mary stated as she sat.
Cora smiled at her youngest. "That's good to know. She hardly gets up in time for breakfast when she's here."
Regina looked down and blushed. "I'm up, I just stay in my room." She mumbled.
The food was brought out and enjoyed by all with pleasant conversation when necessary. When they were done, they all went back to the sitting room.
"Emma, you must come over during break." Cora stated. "It's nice to have someone that both my girls enjoy being around."
"Thank you. I'd like that. I also hope they can come to mine at some point."
"Of course, they can, should they want to." Henry stated. "Unfortunately, Cora and I will be out of town for at least a week and a half of their break."
"Yeah, right over Christmas." Zelena said with a bit of a pout.
"We will celebrate the holiday when we come back, Zelena, we've discussed this." Henry said, giving her a look.
Mary frowned and looked at the girls with sympathy. "You can't be alone for Christmas. You must come over and join us."
Cora shook her head. "Oh no, they will be fine. We can't impose on such an important holiday. They'll be fine alone; they've done it before."
Emma shook her head. "Well they don't have to be alone this year." She looked at Regina and Zelena. "Please come over for Christmas. We do hour devours on Christmas eve and go downtown for the Christmas show. Then on Christmas morning we get up early and just spend the whole day in our pajamas and playing games or watching movies. Please join us."
Cora gave a small huff. "I believe I already said they will not be intruding on your family for yet another holiday."
Emma grit her teeth, fighting back words she wanted to say. She stood up and gave a rather fake smile. "Thank you for the dinner and the invite. It was nice meeting you, but I think I'll be going now."
David closed his eyes for a moment before standing. "I think we all need to get going. It was a lovely dinner and thank you for the hospitality."
Mary, like Emma, wasn't ready to drop the whole Christmas thing. However, she silently decided she'd take a page from Cora's book and would send a formal invite to the girls. She went to her daughter and took her hand, squeezing it to try and calm her down. She looked at Cora. "Yes, thank you for tonight. It was lovely."
Cora glanced at Henry who let out a breath and gave a smile. "I'm sorry you have to go so soon, but I do understand girls with their hormones."
Regina groaned and everyone seemed to step back from him. Emma scoffed at him. "Excuse me?" Mary squeezed Emma's hand again and Emma swallowed her words. "Never mind. Thank you for a great dinner." She then marched out of the room, Regina and Zelena quickly following murmuring about getting their coats.
"Emma, I'm so sorry." Regina said as she caught up to her.
Emma closed her eyes. "No, I'm sorry. I just…they'd rather have you guys be alone for Christmas than go where you're more than welcome. I just…I'm sorry, maybe I am hormonal or something, but that really bothers me."
Zelena hugged her. "It's okay, Ems. Honestly, we're used to this. Who knows, maybe by Christmas we'll change their minds." She bit her lip. "Though, I'm not sure you storming out is helping…"
"Not but it's fun." Regina said with a grin. "No one has ever come close to questioning my parents."
Emma let out a small laugh. "Yeah, but now I feel bad for my parents, especially my dad. I don't want his job at risk."
"Don't worry about that." Zelena said, laughter coming from the room. "You dad is good."
The drive home was quiet, both Swan women thinking about the conversation that was had. Mary couldn't fathom how parents would opt to be without their children on Christmas of all days. Sure, they weren't religious, but it was the biggest family holiday there was. Emma couldn't believe they wouldn't let the girls come over and hated to think of them alone. Mary put her hand over Emma's. "Don't worry, Princess. Everything will work out."