I had intended to leave The Apology as a one-shot but thanks to some encouragement from some kind reviewers, I am now extending the story.

I don't always get much time to write so I plan to make the chapters shortish - that way I'm more likely to be able to post new ones in a timely manner.

Reviews are much appreciated.

Regina stared out of her bedroom window, down at her beloved apple tree as the first rays of morning light reached out over the hedge to caress the fruit tree's leaves. This didn't really register with Regina as her mind was overflowing with memories of the night before. The churning of the whens, whys and whos had kept her awake for much of the night and even now, after hours of tossing and turning, she was no closer to understanding her unconscious reaction to Emma's statement and especially not her physical reaction to the kiss. The kiss! Regina's lips still tingled from the memory of Emma's soft lips pressing against her own.

Leaning slightly forward, she pressed her forehead against the cool of the window glass but it did nothing to soothe the fever raging in her brain. She sighed heavily. It was all so overwhelming – a condition Regina was definitely not used to experiencing. She was the one in control, she was the one who decided what people should do and would do – she was the Queen or Mayor or whatever, damn it! Her shoulders slumped as she realised that all the power that she wielded amounted to nought when it came to this situation.

Moving away from the window, Regina sat on the edge of her bed. Closing her eyes wearily she tried to get her thoughts into some semblance of order. There was so much to try and work out and there also seemed to be something else nagging at her, some other thought that was clamouring for her attention in the back of her mind.

"Focus Regina," she instructed herself. "Start at the beginning. One step at a time."

She hadn't hated Emma when she first met her – she had hated the idea that this woman might take Henry away from her. It was a mother's instinct that had led her to doing everything that she could to prevent this from happening. But then, at the same time she hadn't been able to stop herself from admiring this feisty blonde who was so determined to do what was right and wouldn't back down from confrontation with anyone. They had occasion to cross verbal swords again and again and, while she would never admit it to anyone, she had come to look forward to those sparring sessions. And she had felt a great contentment settle on her soul when they at last forged their friendship. It had been as if it was their destiny.

And Robin? Regina frowned slightly at her mental image of the likeable vagabond. She had thought that she had loved him – that he had been destined to be her true love. But now, now, she wasn't certain. She had most definitely enjoyed being with him but, now that she thought about it, there had been no time when his kisses had sparked the same fire that Regina had felt surge through her body when Emma kissed her. She had never woken up the next morning with her lips still tingling with the memory of his lips upon hers.

It was true that Tinkerbell had identified Robin as being her True Love but that was long ago and in another realm. Time and circumstance changed people, sometimes dramatically, and maybe what would have been true then was now nothing but a lie. If Regina and Robin were meant to be each other's true love in this time and place, then why had he been so quick to abandon her and rush back to Marion's side?

Regina opened her eyes and stared out at the sky as the pieces started to fall into place. She had never really thought of being in love with another woman but that was only because of the manner in which she had been raised. Now that she allowed for that possibility, that freedom, she realised that her feelings of friendship towards Emma were really something deeper. She had fallen in love with the blonde as naturally as breathing – so naturally she hadn't realised what had happened – not until Emma's kiss had awoken her passions.

Regina stood and grabbed her mobile from her bedside table. She had to talk to Emma as soon as possible – to let her know that the feelings were reciprocated. Yes, yes, they had a lot to talk through as, to be honest, Regina had been quite a bitch towards Emma after Marion's return. That was when she had been blind to reality and her true emotions so she now had lots of apologising to do. Regina gave a small cheeky smile as she thought how much she would enjoy making up for her behaviour with Emma. And she was certain Emma would enjoy it too.

She hit Emma's speed dial number and waited, anxiously. She wasn't quite sure what she would say but she was certain it wouldn't matter in the end. She listened to the phone ring a number of times before it went to voicemail. Regina hung up immediately. What she had to say couldn't be left as a brief message that would be heard who knows when.

It was Saturday so Emma would be with Henry down at Granny's. If Regina had a quick shower she could be down there in about twenty minutes. After all, she did want to look her best for Emma. Throwing her phone on the bed, Regina rushed into the bathroom to get ready.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Emma and Henry were occupying one of the booths in the diner. They had been having a latish breakfast and talking about matters of no real consequence. Just stuff that resulted in lots of laughing by both parties.

When Emma's phone rang, she fished it out of her coat and the smile that had been occupying her face fled to parts unknown as she saw that the caller was Regina. Rejecting the call, she slipped the phone back into her pocket and returned her attention to her son.

"Was that Mom?" he asked.

"What?" Emma was a little flustered – she hadn't expected that Regina would try and get in touch with her.

"Mom?" Henry repeated, "You know, the one who's mayor."

"No," Emma insisted, perhaps a little too forcefully. "Why would she suddenly start ringing me?"

Henry shrugged and grinned sheepishly. "It was just how you reacted that made me think, you know..."

Emma smiled weakly. "Good detective work kid, but I'm afraid you've read the clues incorrectly." She thought quickly. "It was just about work. Something's come up so I won't be able to spend the day with you like we planned."

"Maybe tomorrow then," Henry suggested hopefully.

Emma pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Sounds like an excellent idea kiddo." She put some money on the table and got up. "Have another hot chocolate on me."

"Cool. Thanks." Henry picked up the money.

"I'll catch up with you later Henry. I'm not sure how long this will take but I'm hoping it won't be too long."

"Sure thing Mom. Bye." Henry slipped out of the booth and started towards the counter to order his chocolate.

Emma smiled fondly at his back and then quietly left the diner.