A/N: For those wondering, the Restorative Justice program does exist. I didn't make it up (it was actually suggested to me as a storyline by a reader) and I hope I'm accurately reflecting how it works based on my Googling…
The room was silent, an air of anticipation as the trio waited. They had arrived early; nervous, unsure what to expect. And now the person they were due to meet was late. So they waited.
Henry pulled out his cell phone when it vibrated against his leg, indicating an email from the office, and switched it off. He didn't want any distractions. It was Friday afternoon; business could wait until Monday. Cora was examining her fingernails, freshly painted after her standing manicure appointment from that morning. Regina's left leg bobbed up and down, a physical representation of her nerves.
"Sweetheart," Henry said quietly, reaching over and placing his palm atop his daughter's jittery thigh.
"Sorry," Regina said, swinging her right leg over the top in an attempt to pin down the traitorous limb.
In fact, perhaps it wasn't nerves. At least, not about what was about to happen. It was more excitement. This was the first step. After today, she would be one step closer to seeing Emma again. It had been over a week since the phone call had come for Regina, asking about her willingness to participate in the Restorative Justice Program. She had said yes at once and arranged the meeting they were now due to have. Already Regina was frustrated at the system. How long would it take for her to see Emma again? How many hoops did they each have to jump through?
At last, the door opened and a tall man with a scruffy beard appeared. "Hi," he grinned as Henry and Cora got to their feet. "Sorry I'm late. Traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge was a nightmare. August Bailey," he added, holding out his hand to shake theirs, "I'm the senior case coordinator."
"Henry and Cora Mills," the father introduced. "And this is our daughter Regina."
The teenager had got to her feet too, her manners always impeccable, and smiled as she held out her hand for August to shake.
"Lovely to meet you, Regina," August smiled, his piercing blue eyes twinkling. "Please, take a seat and we'll get started." Once all four of them were settled, he continued. "So today is just an introductory meeting to provide you with some important information about the Restorative Justice Program, what it involves and what the future processes are. But remember, you are under no obligation to commit to anything today."
All three Mills nodded their understanding. Cora and Henry were both wondering whether the words they heard today would change their mind when it came to meeting with Emma. Regina, however, knew that there was nothing in the world which could stop her signing up to take part in the program. She had been shocked when her mother told her that she and her father wanted to be involved as well. At first, she had been resistant. She didn't want to talk to Emma in front of her parents. But when it had been explained to her that there would be two sessions; one for just her and Emma and one family one, she realised it might be a good idea. Perhaps this was an opportunity for her parents to get to know the real Emma. Perhaps it would help them accept and forgive her.
"So," August continued, "I believe we're looking at two separate programs here, right? Regina will be meeting with the offender, a Miss Emma Swan, and then you also want a family session, correct?"
"Yes," Regina nodded. "Um, have you seen Emma?"
"Not yet," August replied, glancing at his notes. "I'll be meeting with Miss Swan next week. The first step is always to meet with your side of the crime."
"The victims?"
Regina winced at her mother's harsh choice of words but August nodded. "Indeed. And once I've spoken with you about the program and you've made your decision, then I'll speak with Emma and we'll begin the process."
"So, who goes first? Me or the family thing?"
"You, probably," August replied. "We tend to find it most effective to get an open dialogue between those most closely affected by the crime before bringing other people into the mix. Of course, as her parents, I have no doubt that you have also been deeply affected," August added, nodding at Cora and Henry.
"We have," Cora said tersely.
A sympathetic smile accompanied the next words. "Which is why we believe that offering you the opportunity to speak with Miss Swan is also beneficial. It should go a long way towards healing Regina as well as your family."
"I don't need to be healed," Regina snapped defensively.
Bushy eyebrows rose. Henry glanced at his wife. "You don't?" August asked. "May I ask why you are taking part in this program then?"
Regina bit her lip. She knew she shouldn't lie to August but she also got the feeling that telling him she and Emma were emotionally involved was a bad idea.
"I think we all feel that we could benefit from understanding more about the young lady who was responsible for those events," Cora said, jumping in to save her daughter after the pause stretched for several seconds. "Could you talk us through the process and give us some information about how these meetings usually are structured?"
August hesitated for a moment before turning away from Regina, upon whom his curious eyes had lingered, and smiled at Cora. "Of course. So the primary purpose is to provide a safe space in which the victim can tell the offender how the crime has affected them and the impact the events have had on their lives. You will then have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. While Miss Swan is not obligated to answer, she is encouraged to engage in an honest dialogue with you. Either myself or Miss Swan's case officer will be with you both at all times. It's likely that we'll both be present for the family meeting which is very similar in layout."
"So Henry and I can tell Emma about how her actions impacted Regina?" Cora asked.
"I'd recommend you discuss how Regina's experiences impacted you and your family as a whole. Regina will be present herself so she can tell Miss Swan in her own words how the events have affected her. The family meeting should be about your individual perspective, really," August supplied.
"And what about Emma? What does she have to do?" Cora pressed.
"Well, the Restorative Justice Program is named such because its main aim, aside from repairing the damage to victims is to try and reduce the chance of Miss Swan becoming a repeat offender. We find that the best way to minimise recidivism rates is to address the factors which played into the original crime being committed in the first place. Miss Swan will speak about what happened in the lead up to that day to help her and us identify them."
"Excuses, you mean?" Henry interrupted.
"Reasons," August corrected. "We're not trying to justify anything here, Mr Mills. We're trying to understand it. By understanding what went wrong in Miss Swan's life and placing this knowledge alongside a face to face interaction with how those events affected and hurt others, we hope to deter her from any future involvement in criminal activities."
"Does it work?" Cora asked.
"Of course it works," Regina replied, even though the question wasn't directed at her. "Emma isn't going to do anything like that again."
Once more, August's curious gaze rested on the brunette. "The Restorative Justice Program has been proven to lower recidivism rates, yes. It's used around the world and we find that both offenders and victims benefit from this unique form of mediation. But … Regina, may I speak with you in private please?"
"Why?" Cora said quickly.
"Standard procedure," August said smoothly. "She will be the first to take part in this program and since she'll be in the room without you, we find it best to prepare victims who are of age without their parents if they are happy with this. Often they are more open with us without family members present. Is that ok?"
Regina glanced at her mother and father. "Yes, that's fine."
Henry opened his mouth to say something but Cora laid a hand on his arm and got to her feet. "We'll wait outside, dear," she said, smiling at her daughter.
The two Mills left the room quickly. August offered a reassuring nod as they passed, a silent promise that their beloved daughter was in safe hands. Once the door had clicked shut behind them, he turned back to look at Regina. He was suddenly struck by how young she was. He usually only did adult cases but his father's connection to the police department had meant he had been personally requested. His reputation was indeed excellent but he had limited experience working with youths. It was also why Emma's case officer would work alongside him; a Ruby Lucas he had yet had the pleasure of meeting.
"So, Regina," August said smiling at him. "It's been a month or so since the day of the attack. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," Regina replied, crossing her leg and folding her arms.
August took in the defensive posture and continued. "And you are interested in this program, correct?"
"Clearly."
"May I ask why?"
"Does it matter?"
"Honesty does," August nodded. "I'm on your side, Regina. But in order for me to do my job and make sure that this program is not only beneficial for you but that you're prepared correctly, I need to know the truth. Is there something in particular you want to tell Miss Swan?"
Regina's cheeks flushed red and she dropped her gaze to the floor. August waited patiently as the brunette gathered her thoughts.
"I know you'll think I'm mad," she began, "but Emma and I like each other. We're sort of trying to date."
"Date?"
"Well, I mean, not exactly but we want to see each other and this is the only way that's possible while she's in a juvenile centre apparently."
August frowned. "So you're using this program just to gain access to her?"
Regina bit her lip. That didn't sound good. "No, I mean, I think this will be good for Emma too. I think it will help her with that whole recidivism thing you were talking about."
"And what about you? Will it help you heal?"
"I don't need to heal, Mr Bailey. I'm fine."
"You were held hostage."
"Yes, but I'm fine now. I know everyone thinks I'm crazy and I know it doesn't make sense but Emma is a good person and I really like her."
"You know," August said gently, "often victims find that they become dependent on their attacker to the point that they feel protected and -"
"I don't have Stockholm," Regina shot back. "I know what the papers wrote but it was bullshit. And stop calling me a victim. And stop calling Emma my attacker while you're at it."
The final statement was said with a snarl. August's eyebrows rose at the glare he received from the teenager. "Regina, you do realise that in order for me to approve your participation in this program, you're going to need to actually participate, right?"
Regina swallowed. Did that mean he was going to recommend that the Mills family didn't complete the process? Did that mean she couldn't see Emma?
"What does that mean?" she asked, nerves coiling in her stomach at the thought.
"It means that the RJP isn't a dating service. If you and Miss Swan have feelings for each other, fine. That's none of my business. What is my business is that when you meet in that room you are both going to need to complete certain elements of the program. For the purpose of this, you are a victim and she is an offender. You will need to speak with her about how you felt that day, truthfully, and she will need to listen and respond."
"I'm ok with that," Regina nodded. "I know we need to talk about how we met."
"Yes, it's not your typical Hollywood meet-cute, is it?" August grinned, trying to lighten the mood slightly.
Regina couldn't help but smile back at him. "No, I guess not."
"Look, even if you and Miss Swan are now something other than victim and offender, at some point that day, you were on two different sides of a violent crime, right? When you first met, for example, how did you feel?"
An involuntary shiver ran through Regina's body as she remembered how she had been paralysed by fear when Emma had first appeared. The fear hadn't dissipated until she was in her parents' arms on the airfield but other feelings had joined the fray. Stronger feelings, happier feelings, feelings she hadn't felt before. And even when she had been in danger and the terror had resurfaced, the sensation of Emma by her side had been more powerful.
"Yeah, I was scared," Regina admitted in a whisper.
"Emma scared you?" August switched to using Emma's first name for effect, wanting to hammer home the memory of the blonde and her role in the bank robbery.
Regina hesitated and then nodded, eyes now sparkling with tears. She knew hearing those words would crush Emma.
"Did Emma hurt you?"
"She didn't mean to," Regina defended.
"Did Emma hurt you?" August repeated.
Regina's bottom lip trembled as she remembered the way the rope Emma had tied cut into her wrists. She nodded again.
"Will you tell her this? Will you speak with her about that whole day?"
"I … yes," Regina agreed.
"Will you listen to Emma?"
"Of course," Regina replied.
"Even if she's telling you something you might not want to hear?" August added.
"Like what?"
"I don't know," August admitted. "But this program is about Emma as well as you. It's designed to help both sides. Even if you say you don't need to heal, perhaps speaking with Emma in this environment will make you realise there are some emotions from that day you haven't addressed. And it is also designed to help Emma; to help her understand what went wrong before that day so she can make sure it doesn't happen again."
"That's what I want," Regina said quickly. "I want to help Emma."
"You need to help yourself too, Regina. I get the feeling that you've not really given much thought to the trauma you went through that day. Before we meet with Miss Swan, you're going to need to do that. Are you willing to work with me on that?"
"If I do, can I meet Emma?"
"If I think it won't do more harm than good, yes," August nodded.
"Ok," Regina nodded. "Whatever you need me to do for Emma, I'll do it."
"No, Regina, this isn't for Emma. This is for you."
It took several moments for the words the counsellor had said to sink in. Emma blinked several times, trying to process what she had heard. Eventually, she found her voice.
"Her parents?" Emma gawped.
"Yes," Ruby nodded. "August just called me and said he met with all three of them. Apparently there's some more preparation work they need to do but Mr and Mrs Mills want to meet you too."
"Do I … have to?"
Ruby cocked her head. "Didn't we talk about this, Emma? You don't get to pick and choose. If Regina wants to meet you then her parents are entitled to a meeting too. And anyway, if you think you and Regina have any sort of future together, I'm pretty sure you're going to need to face them sooner or later."
"Can't it be later?"
Ruby laughed. "Well, it sounds like it's going to be a month or so before these meetings begin so you've got some time. I'll be there, remember? We'll prepare together."
The blonde slumped back in her chair and nodded. The counsellor was right. She did have to meet with the Mills and perhaps it was better to get it over and done with. She wasn't naïve enough to think that Regina's parents were going to welcome her with open arms but perhaps this program was the best place to take the first step towards … whatever sort of relationship they might have in the future."
"Fine," Emma nodded. "Has anyone else signed up?"
Ruby nodded and referred to her list. "Three of the people who were customers of the bank, one of the tellers, the receptionist and the family of the man who was shot."
"What? His family?"
Ruby nodded. "They were offered the opportunity too, Emma, I told you this."
"Yeah but I didn't think they'd want to meet me. I mean, I didn't shoot him. I wasn't even in the room."
"Perhaps they just want to sit face to face with someone who was involved in some way," Ruby shrugged. "Neither Lily nor Peter have signed up for the program."
"So I'm the only idiot who has to do this?"
Ruby sighed. "Firstly, Emma, you're not an idiot. Please don't use such language to describe yourself. And secondly, what you're doing is brave and commendable. You are offering these people an opportunity to heal and from experience I can tell you that you'll feel better afterwards. More than that though, this is part of an initiative to reduce recidivism rates. It will help you get your life back on track."
"Regina has helped me get my life back on track," Emma replied.
"And what if Regina isn't there for you one day?"
Emma's blood ran cold at the thought. What if Regina left her? What if Regina woke up one day and realised she could do a hell of a lot better than an orphaned street girl like Emma? What if she ended up alone again?
"I ... don't know."
"None of us do," Ruby offered kindly, a twinge of guilt having shot through her when she saw the pain her comment had caused Emma. "If my wife left me, I'd be devastated. But that's the risk you take when you put your heart in someone else's hands. My point is, Emma, you need to do some inner searching so that you can identify what led you to do what you did and therefore you will learn how to avoid those situations in the future when life gets tough."
"Don't make friends with liars," Emma grumbled. "I think I can manage that now Neal's dead."
"You can't pin all the responsibility on Neal," Ruby reminded her. "And before any of these meetings happen, I'm going to need you to see a grief counsellor."
"What? Why?"
"Because of Neal."
While the words were spoken gently, Emma bristled. "I'm not grieving for Neal. He betrayed me."
"He did, about an hour before he died. But you two had been friends for a year. Just because you were angry at him when he died, doesn't mean you can't still be sad and hurt that he's gone."
"But -"
"This is not a negotiation, Emma," Ruby said firmly. "I've been doing this a long time. I know when I'm right. You will need to meet with Archie, our specialist psychologist, before any of these meetings happen, with Regina or anyone else. Understand?"
Emma hesitated and then nodded. She couldn't argue. If she wanted to see Regina, she'd do anything, even if it meant addressing those painful emotions she'd been trying to ignore for over a month.
A/N: I know everyone wants Emma and Regina together again but I can't just make it happen yet! Next chapter will be both girls in their respective sessions and then I hope to get them breathing the same air in Chapter 30 … The next chapter will discuss Emma's sexual relationship with Neal. It's not non-consensual but it isn't a loving relationship either, just a warning.