Chapter 8

'Regina before you start I know' Regina raises her hand to stop Emma going any further.

'You know I tried, I tried so hard to hate you, but I cant. I cant fight with you anymore Miss Swan' she says pinching the bridge of her nose.

'What? I was just going to say sorry for bringing Henry home late' Emma says confused by Regina's statement.

'Oh. Right. Yes, well where is he? Is he okay?' Overcome with concern not only for his welfare but also because, for a moment, she had forgotten he was with his blonde mother.

Henry steps out from his place just behind Emma.

'I'm okay Mom. I'm still mad at you' he says staring at floor as he walks past his brunette mom and into the house. Regina steps to the side allowing Emma in.

Henry looks up as her guest appears at the door to the living room.

'SEE I TOLD YOU' he shouts at Emma. 'SHE THINKS I'M CRAZY, I DON'T NEED TO SEE DOCTOR HOPPER' storming to his room, not even giving Regina a chance to explain.

'Do you see why I called you Dr Hopper? He wont even allow me to talk before he is gone'

'Archie?' Emma asks as if unsure why he is there.

'Regina called me' he said

'Yes for me. To help me. Not Henry' she says to Emma. 'Thank you Dr Hopper. I think I know what I need to do now' she says moving to open the door again.

He tilts his head as a goodbye to Emma and whispers to Regina, not so quietly that Emma didn't hear, 'good luck'.

'Thank you again Dr' she says closing the door behind him. She stays with one hand on the door knob, the other palm flat against the door, as she takes a breath to calm her nerves.

'Miss Swan.' She started. Still facing the door.

'Come on Regina, we have a kid together. Why cant you call me Emma?' She says with slight annoyance at having to ask the brunette, again, to use her name. Still expecting to have to ask again the next time they speak.

'Can you tell Henry Dr Hopper was here for me and not him, I would but I doubt he will listen to me right now, please?' Regina states.

'Sure' Emma goes upstairs to fulfil the request. Somewhat confused.

Regina takes this opportunity to go to kitchen and make some fresh coffee. Opting to make a cafetière instead of cups. Taking the cafetière and two mugs into the living room, she is just about to sit when she goes back for cream and sugar, knowing Emma prefers her coffee with both. She settles in the same spot on the sofa that she was in talking to Dr Hopper, she waits for the tell tale sound of Someone coming down the stairs. She was surprised to hear Emma coming down the stairs but then the sound of the door opening makes Regina panic and rush out of the room.

'Emma?' She calls.

It gave her goosebumps when Regina said her name. It sounded so foreign but also so familiar. She sure was glad she still had her jacket on.

'Yeah' she says, turning towards the Mayor, catching the look of worry and slight panic Regina had.

'I thought you'd want me to leave, now Henry's home'

'Actually' she sighs. Taking a breath 'we need to talk'