We're back! There's going to be a bit of a time hop in this chapter because…well honestly, I don't want to keep them so young for too long haha. It's nothing major, but keeps the story moving.

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 6

The rest of the break went by fast for Emma, while Regina noticed some small changes with her mother. She would catch her staring at her or would hear her in her office talking to their lawyer. Finally, Regina couldn't take it anymore as she once again noticed her mom in her doorway. "What? Mom, you've been staring at me the last couple days and it's freaking me out."

Cora sighed and came in, closing the door. She sat on Regina's bed and took her hand. "I have to ask you something and I am begging you to trust me enough to be honest with me. If what I think is true, I want you to know that I am here for you and will always be here."

Regina felt her heart pounding and thought she was going to be sick. She started shaking. "Wh..what is it?"

Cora saw the fear and tears formed in her eyes. Her daughter was terrified of her and that killed her. She squeezed Regina's hands and looked into her eyes. "I love you no matter what, Regina. You and Zelena are everything to me and I have come to realize that I have never shown that. I took being a mother for granted. Emma and her mother made me realize that and made me realize how important you are to me. Regina…please know that what ever your answer is, my love for you will not change. Are you attracted to other girls?"

Regina froze, her whole body just froze. She couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't do anything. She knew what her mom just said, but she also knew how her father felt and she couldn't help but be terrified that this was a trap. If she said yes, she'd be sent away and get shock treatment and…no, she couldn't say yes. Breathe…she needed to breathe. She sucked in a large breathe but then couldn't let it out. She was having the biggest panic attack she'd ever had and didn't know what to do. "I…I…I can't…can't…bre…"

Cora hated herself in this moment and she pulled Regina to her, holding her tightly. She then put her hands on Regina's shoulders, her forehead touching her daughters. "Breathe with me, baby girl. Deep breath in through your nose and slowly out of your mouth." She took her own deep breaths, hoping Regina would copy her.

Eventually, her daughter did and after a few more moments, Regina's body started shaking with sobs. "Please don't send me away, mom. Please don't make me get shock treatment. I'll try to stop liking girls. I'll try to be good." She cried, clinging to her mother out of fear.

Cora held her, her own tears falling as she rocked them back and forth. "Hush my child. Please don't fret so much. I would never send you away or make you get shock treatment." She pulled back and cupped Regina's face. "You are a good girl; Regina and I love you. If you like girls, I still love you. I am so sorry that I ever made you feel so scared to be yourself. Please baby girl, please believe me."

Regina couldn't believe it, but she looked into her mother's eyes and the way she was pleading with her made her realize this was really happening. "What about daddy?" She whispered. "I'm scared for what he'll do."

"I know." Cora said, holding Regina close to her again. "We're not going to tell him just yet, Regina. I need to get some things in order first. You and Zelena are going to go back to school and you're not going to worry about what's going on here."

Regina held her mom, feeling a mixture of relief and fear flooding her. "What are you going to do?"

Cora sighed, rubbing her daughter's back. "I'm going to make sure that once I leave him, he cannot touch you or Zelena. It's not going to be easy, but I can't make a stand and risk him having custody or visitation with you. Maybe I'm being dramatic, maybe he wouldn't do anything, but I will not risk that. We all know what he's like, what he says." She sighed and kissed Regina's temple. "I love you, Regina Coraline Mills, don't you ever forget or wonder about that."

Regina wrapped her arms tighter around Cora. "I love you too, mom. Thank you. Thank you for being okay with me for me."

Cora cupped Regina's cheek and looked into her honey brown eyes. "You are a wonderful, beautiful person, Regina. Never let anyone make you think otherwise."

After that chat, things between Cora and her girls were different, closer, better and the girls almost didn't want to go back to school. However, once back, Regina felt lighter than ever and when Emma came (since her parents dropped her off) she smiled and hugged her tightly before kissing her. Emma smiled back, liking the change, but still curious. "What's got you so happy?"

Regina grinned. "Mom knows."

"But…isn't that bad?" Emma asked, her face full of concern.

"I thought it would be, but it's not." Regina told Emma all about their conversation and the blonde couldn't help but smile for her girlfriend.

"I'm so happy for you, Regina. It must be nice to be able to be open with at least one parent."

"It really is. I mean, I'm trying not to worry about my father, but at least my mom is on my side."

January, February, and March flew by and when it came to Easter break, Emma called her parents and asked them if they would get upset if she stayed. She had so much homework, projects, and tests to study for and they understood and agreed. Regina also stayed, but Zelena went home, wanting to see her parents.

It was mid-April and the weather was still cool, but the air was fresh, so Emma and Regina spent a lot of time doing their work outside. It was the third day of the four-day weekend, and they were both reading their books when Regina's phone rang. "It's Zelena." She answered and smiled. "Hey sis."

"Hey. How's everything going?"

Regina sat up more. "I'm fine, what's wrong with you?"

Zelena sighed. "Mom and dad had a fight to end all fights. Dad found out that mom has been talking to her own lawyer behind his back and that she purchased an actual house in only her name without him knowing."

Emma could tell Regina was terrified from whatever she was hearing, so she reached over and held her hand. Regina swallowed. "Do…does he know?"

"No. Mom's kept that quiet, but she did let it slip that she's leaving him and seeking full custody. He's pissed and is threatening to take all her money, but we both know she's got her own and he can't control it. Regina, I wish you were here to see this, to see mom. She's finally standing up to him and she's so strong, Regina. It's…it's amazing."

Regina let out a breath and smiled softly, squeezing Emma's hand. "Really? Do you think she'll really leave him?"

"Yes. You should see her house. I mean, it's no mansion, but it's on the other side of town, just a block away from Emma's flat, close to the bay. We're there now and we each have our own room, but Regina, it feels more like a home than a house. You're going to love it."

"I can't wait. Is mom okay? I mean really?"

Zelena chuckled. "Yes. She said she feels freer than she ever has before."

"Good. I just hope dad doesn't do anything to hurt her."

"I don't think he can, Regina, but maybe I'll ask David to keep an eye on her."

"That's not a bad idea."

"I have to go. I'm making dinner while mom's talking to her lawyer about us getting our stuff out of the house. Love you, Gina."

"Love you too." Regina said and hung up. She looked at Emma and told her what was going on.

"Your dad won't take you and Zee out of school, will he?"

"I doubt it. He cares more about appearances than anything. I'm just glad mom didn't say anything about me." She kissed Emma's hand. "I'm not ashamed of you, Emma, I just want to be sure I'm safe before he knows."

Emma smiled. "I know that, Regina, and I've told you I'm willing to wait for as long as it takes. Now, let's go get dinner and eat in our room. A nice little date."

Regina smiled and agreed and the two had an innocent and sweet date night. Both girls wanted to do more, but they were young and knew they should wait. Neither was going anywhere…at least that's what they thought.

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"Oh Swan, I'm going to miss you! You better call and email me this summer!" Mal said, hugging Emma who hugged her back.

"I will, and if you can, you're more than welcome to come visit."

"Oh, I will!"

Emma said goodbye to all the others and then smiled as Regina came over and took her hand. "We've got to get our seats. My dad isn't here yet, which is probably a good thing, though I feel bad for Zelena if he doesn't come."

Zelena was graduating and while Emma was glad her parents were there, she felt bad for Zelena if her own father didn't come. Emma saw Cora sitting two seats down from her own parents and smiled, knowing those two seats were for her and Regina. She went over and hugged her parents. "I've missed you guys so much."

"We've missed you too, Em." David said as they sat back down.

"Thanks for coming today. It means a lot to Zelena."

"We're happy to be here." Mary said and lowered her voice. "Cora and I have become great friends and I think it meant a lot to her to have us here in case Henry does come."

Emma chewed her lip. "But he's dad's boss. Is that causing any issues?"

"Actually, there's been some changes." Mary said, but then the ceremony was starting. "We'll talk later."

After the ceremony, the group gathered for pictures and Emma felt honored to be included with Regina and Zelena in one. Zelena looked around and tried to act like she wasn't disappointed, but Emma could tell. She gave her an extra hug. "It's his loss, Zelena."

She smiled softly. "Thanks. Thanks for loaning me your parents." She said, smiling over at David and Mary.

Emma grinned. "They love you."

"I know, and I love them." She looked at Emma. "Thanks for making my last year of school such an amazing one, Em. It's all thanks to you. My sister is free within herself, my mom is free from my dad, and I now know what love is."

Emma hugged her again and then the group headed out, Cora and her girls following the Swans. Emma loved sitting between her parents in her dads' truck and she leaned over, resting on her mother's shoulders. "You said things have changed. What changed?"

"Well, first I want you to know the only reason we didn't tell you is because Cora wanted a chance to tell her girls first. Since Cora filed for divorce, a lot of things have come out about Henry and because of that, he stepped down from being mayor. He's no longer your father's boss as well."

"What?" Emma asked, both shocked and amused. "What came out?"

Mary looked across at David and then cleared her throat. "It seems he's been secretly funneling money to help white supremacy organizations, and anti LGBTQ organizations including a 'center' in Pennsylvania that specializes in 'reparative therapy'."

"Also known as conversion therapy?" Emma asked, her hands balling into fists. "So, he took taxpayer money to fund these hate groups?"

"Yes. He's under investigation, but of course he's got a team of lawyers making things move slowly." David said, putting his hand over Emma's. "Our new mayor is so much better and has already made some great changes."

"Who is it?"

"Ingrid Frost." He said with a grin and Emma smiled wide.

"The 'left wing liberal lesbian' that should have won the last election? I mean, not that I think anyone should be all one side or the other, but it's better than the hate-filled views of Henry."

"The very same. They did also find out there was voter fraud there as well." Mary said.

"I'm glad all these things are coming out because maybe Regina doesn't have to be scared to have to go see her dad." Emma stated. "She's terrified of what he'd do if he found out about her."

"I know, poor thing." Mary said sadly. "I'm so glad Cora is there for her. I had envisioned us hiding Regina and moving to another state to keep her safe."

Emma looked at her. "You'd have done that?"

"In a heartbeat. Zelena too. I love those girls." Mary said and then took Emma's hand and kissed it. "Of course, I love this girl the most."

"I love you too, Mom. I've missed you."

"Tell us about classes. How did your finals go?"

"I think they went well. I feel like I studied enough for them and was ready, but I won't find out for a week or two." She grinned. "However, the teachers all told me they can't wait to see me next year. Mr. Jacobs even said they picked the perfect student to get a scholarship when they picked me."

"That's my girl." David said and then smiled as Emma's eyes got droopy. "Tired?"

"Yeah. We had a last night together party last night with some other girls and I was up way late."

"Well, there's a few more hours to drive, why don't you cuddle up with me and close your eyes." Mary said shifting a bit so Emma could lay on her lap and in her arms comfortably.

Emma did just that and it didn't take long until she was out.

"Dad did what?!" Zelena asked as Cora told her girls about their father. Regina was quiet, her heart breaking that her daddy was full of so much hate.

"I'm sorry girls, but I thought you'd want to hear it directly from me." Cora said, glancing at Regina in the rearview mirror. "He's being investigated and has stepped down from being Mayor."

"My how the mighty hath fallen." Zelena said and sat back, her head resting on the window. "That why he didn't come today?"

Cora reached over and took her hand. "I don't know why he didn't come, but I'm very sorry for you that he didn't."

Zelena shrugged. "It's okay. You came and Mary and David. That's all I care about."

"Well we're still going to have a party for you next weekend. Maybe he'll show up then."

Zelena sighed and looked back at her sister and then Cora. "I hope he doesn't. In fact, I will un-invite him."

Regina reached forward and put her hand on Zelena's arm. "Don't do that, Zee. He's still our dad."

Zelena turned, tears in her fiery blue eyes. "He gave money to assholes to shock and torture people just for who they are and who they love. People as amazing as you and Emma who have done nothing wrong. More than likely it's a place for minors since parents can sign permission to have their child abused that way. I do not want to be anywhere near him, Regina, and I don't want him anywhere near you."

Regina wiped at a tear and leaned forward to kiss her sister's cheek. "Thanks, Zee."

"You're my sister, Gina, and I only want to see you happy. Seeing you so free and happy at school with Emma has been so amazing. Watching you find yourself and be who you were always meant to be has been one of my favorite things about this school year. I refuse to let him take all that away from you."

Cora smiled softly as she drove. "I'm so glad you girls are stronger than I ever was."

Regina sat back and Zelena put her hand on Cora's arm. "You got there, mom. I'm proud of what you've done in the last few months. I'm proud of who you've become and I know Regina loves that you accept her."

"I do." Regina said quietly. "It's been such a relief."

The next weekend, Cora smiled as she looked around the park and saw both her girls were happy. She went over to David at the grill and handed him more burger patties. "Thank you so much for doing this today. I wish you'd let me pay you."

David waved her off. "It's fine, Cora. We're family and I'm more than happy to spend a few hours grilling."

"And I'm ready to step in if he gets called into the office." Mary said, holding and empty plate ready for the burgers that were done. "It's so nice to see everyone here celebrating with Zelena. The girls sure do have some great friends."

"They do." Cora agreed. "I love that they all get along. For years it was as if we were all separate people living in the same house. It wasn't a home and we weren't a family. Hell, the girls were barely sisters. So much has changed this last year and in my opinion, all of it is positive and all of it is thanks to Emma and her family."

Mary smiled, but shook her head. "Not all of it, Cora. You don't give yourself enough credit." She put her hand on Cora's arm and gave a little squeeze. "You're a good mother, Cora. We may not always agree with our children's choices, but we love them anyway."

"I wish Henry thought like that. I mean, honestly he and I were never in love, but those girls did love their daddy once and it saddens me that he can so easily go on without them."

"He hasn't reached out at all?" David asked, flipping more burgers.

"Nope. I don't think Regina has tried, but I know Zee has, but he won't answer or return her calls." She sighed and looked at David. "Thanks for kind of stepping in. It means a lot to all of us."

"It's honestly no problem, Cora. They're good girls and even if things don't end up working for Regina and Emma, which I hope isn't the case, I'll still be here."

"They're young, but what do I know about love?" Cora asked with a chuckle.

"I think they're actually being very smart and mature about it." Mary stated. "I mean, they're not labelling anything, not making anything 'official', and not pressuring each other. I'm sure part of that is because they both are just realizing their sexuality, but also because they don't want to jump in too fast and I give them credit for that."

Zelena, Regina, Emma, Kathryn, Lilly, and one of Zelena's friends from school Sara were all eating, talking, and laughing when they heard a car door shut and Zelena looked over. "I told him not to come. He can't answer my phone calls, but he can go against my wishes?"

Regina took her hand from Emma's and sat straight, starting to breathe just a little heavier. Mal put her hand on Regina's back. "It's okay. Just breathe."

Zelena grit her teeth and marched over to her father. "Leave."

"Is that any way to talk to your father?"

"Please leave." She said, crossing her arms. "I told you in many voicemails that I don't want you here. I never want to see you again and can't wait until they put you in jail."

Henry glared at her. "How dare you speak to me like that? Your mother is spoiling you, little girl, and you are forgetting your place." He then looked towards Regina. "I came to see if the rumors are true." He said before walking towards his other daughter. He saw Mal's hand on Regina's back and glared at his daughter. "So it's true? You're a lesbian?" Regina didn't say anything, but he could see she was scared and that was answer enough for him. He pulled Regina up by her arms and shook her, looking at her. "How dare you?! You are an abomination and disgusting! Change your ways, you disgusting child, or I will change them for you."

Emma stood and pulled Regina away from her father, standing in front of her. "You have no right to treat her like that! You're a monster!"

Henry lifted his hand and smacked Emma's cheek so hard she fell. David was there in a flash, pulling him back and getting in his face. "How dare you touch my daughter?! I'm calling the police and pressing charges! You're lucky there are kids here or I'd be beating your ass right now." He growled low, doing everything he could to keep his anger down.

Cora called the police as Mary helped Emma up and took the girls away. Regina was shocked and it wasn't until they were in the park shelter that she let out her breath. "Emma…my gods Emma. I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Emma said and looked at Regina. "Are you okay?"

Regina was shaking in fear and felt numb and hadn't realized she had lost control of her bladder until Zelena was tying her sweatshirt around her waist. She looked down and tears started falling as she sunk into her sister. "I'm sorry."

Zelena held her tight and rubbed her back. "Don't be sorry, Gina. You have nothing to be sorry for."

Cora came in and hugged Regina before going to Emma, lightly cupping her cheek. "Are you okay?"

Emma had tears, but they were for Regina, not herself. "I'm fine. I don't think Regina is though."

Mary and Emma left the Mill's girls to give them some privacy and watched as Henry was arrested. David's partner Thomas was assigned to take statements as Graham took Henry to the station. Pictures were taken of Emma's face and she reassured everyone that she didn't need medical attention.

After Cora comforted and calmed her girls down, they too gave their statements and once done, David went and hugged Zelena tight. "I'm sorry he ruined your day."

She hugged him back, not for the first time wishing he was her father. "He didn't. I'm not letting him ruin it."

Regina was embarrassed, but David didn't let that stop him from hugging her as well. "Regina, we'll keep you safe. I promise. After what he did to you today, there's no way in hell they're giving him custody or even visitations."

"I don't know if that will stop him." She said quietly, sniffing. "I only feel safe at school."

"After today, he will have a restraining order, Regina." Thomas said. "Maybe you'll feel better once he's in jail."

"Maybe." Regina looked around. "Where's Emma? Does she hate me now?"

"Of course I don't." Emma said coming over with a bag in her hands. "Come on." She took Regina's hand and led her to the bathrooms. "I went and got you some clothes. They're mine since my place is closer, but I promise they're clean."

Regina smiled and kissed Emma's cheek. "Thank you so much." She went in and washed up and changed, throwing her soiled clothes away. She came out and sighed. "I feel so stupid. I've not wet myself since I was a child."

Emma hugged her tight. "You were terrified, baby, and your body does things when you're scared. There's nothing to be ashamed of." She cupped Regina's face and looked her in the eye. "You are not an abomination or disgusting. You are wonderful and beautiful and amazing and so fucking better than him."

Regina smiled with tears in her eyes and kissed Emma, pulling her closer. "Thanks." She said when they broke, foreheads touching. "Emma, I know we said we'll take things slow but right now, and probably for a long time, I love you."

Emma smiled and wrapped her arms around Regina, lifting and twirling her around. "I love you, too."

Across the park in a black car with tinted windows, pictures were being taken. Sure his boss was now in jail, but he still had his orders and he wouldn't let the boss down.