When Regina put away her phone, she couldn't help but smile. She had been so worried about telling Emma about the pregnancy, fearing the worst, and now it seemed like all of the worry was for nothing. She laid her head down on the pillow and placed her hands on her little baby bump.
"This is gonna be okay. This is gonna be fine" she said to herself as she closed her eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.
The next day Emma awoke with a smile. She had dreamed about Regina and her little baby. No, their little baby. The blonde had something to look forward to, and even though a part of it was scaring the living shit out of her, she didn't overanalyze the fear this time. Possibly for the first time in her entire life, the happiness she felt was stronger than the fear. It was an odd but fantastic feeling.
She happily got dressed and headed out for her run. Only this time she didn't run into the forest. No, she actually ran straight to Regina's house first. She wanted to surprise her, and hoped that she was as happy as she was about the baby.
Regina was sitting in the kitchen, eating breakfast, when she suddenly heard a knock on the door. She was just about to answer it when Rosita kindly stopped her.
"Sit Miss Mills, I get it, I get it." the maid smiled and Regina nodded, even though she felt it was unnecessary for Rosita to stop doing her usual chores, to do such a simple task like open the front door for her.
Regina knew that Rosita was used to doing that sort of thing for her mother, but that was because her mother was…. Different. Regina didn't really have the word for it, and she didn't even bother to think of one. She was far too happy to even bother to think of her mother for the moment.
Emma was greeted by the maid by the door. She wasn't sure what to do or say, but when the maid gave her a smile, she imminently relaxed.
"Miss Swan, welcome. Miss Mills is in the kitchen. Come. "
"Ehm, thanks!" Emma replied and followed suite.
Regina smiled when her girlfriend entered the kitchen. She had her running clothes on and regina just chuckled.
"Hi sweetie." Emma grinned as she leaned in and placed a kiss to Regina's lips. When she sat down next to her and started to pour herself a glass of water, Regina reached for Emma's hand and the touch made the blonde meet her eyes.
They were so beautiful, but looked so afraid in some way. Which made Emma suddenly feel confused and slightly nervous. Isn't she happy about the baby? She thought to herself.
"Are you really okay with….this, Miss Swan?" Regina asked anxiously, thinking about the conversation they had been having outside the clinic the day before. Even though Emma had been supportive, Regina suddenly wondered if the blonde really wanted this. Her. The baby. Or if she had said all those things to just make her happy in the moment.
"So" Regina said when they walked outside the clinic. "Are you okay.. With this?" Regina asked and laid her hand on her stomach. The blonde met her girlfriend's eyes and just smiled.
"It's gonna be tough, but I'm gonna be the best mom to the baby as I can." Emma stated without even thinking. "Ehm, well, if you want me to be I mean.."
"You just keep surprising me, Miss swan, do you know that?" Regina chuckled as Emma shrugged with an embarrassed blush. She leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I was afraid this would be too much for you to handle. For us to handle really."
"It's okay. I understand why you didn't. I have quite the reputation of running away when things get tough, so..." Emma shrugged and bit her lip. "Besides that, don't forget I actually followed you here like a spy."
"I say we're even then?" Regina smirked.
"Yeah, I guess" Emma grinned. "Have you told anyone about this?"
"Granny knows," Regina shrugged. "but I guess we should tell her about us keeping it, huh?"
"Regina?" Emma spoke and the gentle voice made Regina snap back to reality. She met her girlfriend's green and honest eyes, then let out a big sigh. "Talk to me baby, please?" the blonde pleaded.
"I'm scared… " Regina admitted, because she was. She was worried that her body wouldn't let her carry this child to term, considering her diagnosis. She was also afraid that she wouldn't be a good mother if she did get to meet this baby.
She was afraid of what her own mother would think of all this. Afraid of what people would say about her. But the thing that made her most afraid, was the fact that she wasn't sure Emma would really stick around, even if she had said so. When will this fear leave me alone?!
Emma studied her girlfriend for awhile in total silence. She could feel the anxiety she felt, and she knew Regina was probably worrying about if Emma would really stay by her side through all of this. Of course she's doubting me. Who wouldn't? I would probably have done the same if the roles had been reversed… The blonde shook her head at her own thoughts.
"I know you're wondering if I'm gonna run a away from you or not, and Regina, I understand why you're having your doubts. Just please trust me when I say I'm gonna stay with you, please?" the Happiness Emma had woken up with this morning was gone in an instant, and the anxiety was slowly taking control of her body. Is it too much to ask? Being happy for just one freaking day?! Emma thought to herself as she stood up. She saw the fear in Regina's eyes only grow stronger with that move, which wasn't Emma's intention at all. She was just too restless to be still.
"Regina, I.. This is not gonna be easy. That, we can at least agree on, right?" the blonde asked openly and her girlfriend nodded carefully in response. "I have never, in my whole life felt like this, like I feel for you. It's like I actually feel...you." the truth behind her statement had Emma confused, but somehow sure of herself as she continued."So, I want you to just trust me, okay? I'm not gonna run away from you. I love you." Regina noticed the tears that slowly began to roll down Emma's cheeks, because she knew how hard it was for her to talk about stuff like this. So she stood up and dragged Emma into a tight hug.
"I love you too, and I trust you Emma." she whispered. "I trust you with my life."
A few hours later they went to the diner. They had decided they had to tell Granny about the decision about the baby. Plus, it was lunch time and they were hungry, but as they reached the door to the building, Regina froze on the spot. Emma threw her a questioning look and realized why she had stopped. She's frozen in fear..
"Hey Regina, don't be scared. Granny isn't gonna be angry with you, I promise." Emma tried to sooth the brunette, and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I mean, was she angry when you told you about the pregnancy?"
"No, but.. " Regina began to say when Emma interrupted her.
"Then she will not be angry now either. Come on, Granny needs some good news." the blonde smiled as she opened the door to the diner. She was relieved to see that Elsa didn't work today.
Granny was tired. She was usually always full of energy and life, but this tragic situation with Belle had drained her. Though she didn't have time to be sad. She had to be strong for Ruby, and felt bad for not being able to be strong for Emma as well. She knew Emma was used to taking care of herself. She had never had anyone to rely on in her life, and knowing that, only made the old woman feel worse.
Though, as she saw Emma and Regina enter the diner hand in hand, sharing a brave, but timid smile, it made her imminently feel a little happier. Granny figured Regina must have finally told Emma about her being pregnant. She knew Regina had an appointment and the family planning clinic yesterday.
Of course she had offered to go with Regina, but the brunette insisted that she do this alone. It didn't really matter anyway, just seeing her adoptive daughter accompanied by her girlfriend, made her heart burst emotion.
"Hi Granny." Emma greeted happily then gave her a tight hug. The move took the old woman totally by surprise, since Emma wasn't much for psychical contact. Regina is good for her. Granny thought to herself as she received a hug from Regina as well. They are good for each other.
"So... Ehm," Emma began and tugged in her lower lip. "we have something to tell you. We have news."
"Oh?" Granny replied, even though she had a hunch about what the news was. She didn't want to push Emma, or Regina for that matter, so she waited patiently for her to continue.
"Ehm this is a bit hard for me to say, but….you know, Regina is pregnant, and well... I know too. So, Ehm." Emma didn't feel able to form the words properly, so when Regina squeezed her hand she knew she didn't have to tell Granny. Regina would do it for her. She would be her strength for this conversation.
"I...or I mean, we have decided to keep the baby Mrs. Lucas." Regina appeared confident as she spoke, but Eugenia and Emma could both tell that Regina was using Cora's trademark false confidence.
"You have?" Granny grinned, and the both girls shared a quick look before they glanced back at her.
"Yes, so It appears that you're gonna be a grandmother now. I mean for real, you know? You don't have to raise this one. Just help us to.." Emma's rambling was cut off as she was pulled in tightly against Granny.
"Oh, I am so happy for you, and I'm so proud of you! Both of you!" the old woman explained
"Thank you, Mrs. Lucas" Regina replied breathlessly when the old woman gave out a small chuckle.
"We're really family now Regina, so you don't have to call me Mrs. Lucas. Okay dear?" the old woman smiled before she turned her attention back to her adoptive daughter. Regina almost felt like she was intruding, but decided to stay put. For Emma's sake, of course.
"I'm so proud of you, Emma. You have grown up to be a wonderful person, and you're gonna make such a good mother!"
"You really think so?" Emma asked carefully and Granny nodded.
"I know so Emma, and I know these couple of weeks have been hard on us all, and I haven't really been there for you as much as I should be." Emma moved and was about to interrupt the old woman. She obviously understood that Granny had good reason. Granny shook her head and continued "No, let me finish. But I know you're so strong and I love you." Emma released her grip on Regina's hand and dragged her adoptive mother into another tight and long hug. Emma was honestly speechless right then.
Emma had never heard such beautiful words from any foster parents throughout her life. Though, if she had, none had meant them like Granny just had.
She was so happy to have her in her life, and suddenly realized she wanted to call Eugenia something she had never dared to call any one who had fostered her before.
She knew it was the perfect time now, and she didn't care if it was only gonna be a one time thing, because she wanted to say it. So when they parted, Emma looked right into the older woman's eyes and said "I love you too... Mom."
Granny told the girls to sit down as she disappeared into the kitchen to cook them some lunch. When the girls were alone again, Emma smiled at Regina.
"She took it a lot better than you expected, huh?" Emma asked with a cocky smirk and her girlfriend just rolled her eyes, then turned serious.
"I'm so incredibly proud of you" Regina purred and Emma just raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because, I know you have never in your entire life called any of your previous foster parents Mom or Dad, but you called Eugenia Mom! For that, I'm so proud of you." Regina said with a fond smile and Emma just shrugged.
It had always been an important title for Emma, to call someone Mom or Dad. Calling Eugenia, Mom, had felt so surprisingly easy and natural.
"Yeah, I guess I am too." Emma smiled. "I just hope it doesn't take our kid almost 18 years to call me Mom." it was meant to sound fun, but Regina noticed the sadness in her eyes. So she kissed Emma's knuckles, and placed one kiss each on the scars Emma had on her arms.
"Wow, I just said our kid, didn't I?" Emma sounded more amazed than scared this time
"Yes Miss Swan, but I like the ring to it. And it's going to be our kid. Our own little miracle."
Granny was standing in the kitchen, not meaning to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help herself. She heard every word, and saw all the small secret smiles and the small touches.
It made her tear up, and when Teresa walked up beside her, the old woman got so startled she almost dropped the plates.
"Didn't mean to scare you, boss." Teresa chuckled. "Just checking that you didn't have a stroke or anything" she spoke quietly with a smile and Granny rolled her eyes
"Shush." Granny replied with a smirk as she turned around to face her headchef.
"It's good to see you smile again, Eugenia. You're not you when you're sad." Teresa stated carefully. "So please, tell me what's gotten you in such a good mood."
"My daughter and her girlfriend" Granny smiled and pointed at them. "are gonna have a kid soon, meaning I'm going to be a grandmother."
"Aren't they a bit young for that?" Teresa asked, not meaning to say that aloud. The question didn't make the old woman angry though.
"No, age doesn't matter. I got pregnant with Ruby's mother, Anita, when I was about Regina's age, and I was on my own since her father walked out on me. They have each other though, and most importantly, they have me." Granny stated and the headchef nodded at her.
"Congrats then, Granny." Teresa smiled and patted the older woman on her shoulder. "Now, I gotta go back to the dishes." she explained with a chuckle. The old woman's good mood seemed to be infectious.
A couple of days later Ruby felt how her back was killing her. Sitting all day long and sleeping in a armchair was not something her back appreciated, but she refused to leave Belle's side more time than was necessary.
Though Granny had convinced the doctor to actually bring up a cot for Ruby, the redhead still slept in the armchair next to Belle, stroking her hand. Sometimes talking with her, even though she knew Belle wouldn't answer her.
"Wake up baby, I can't live without you. I miss you so much. Just come back to me, please? I'm sorry for this. Just. Come back to me.. " Ruby whispered with tears rolling down her pale cheeks.
The statement was so true. Ruby couldn't see a life without Belle by her side. They had been inseparable already as kids. Always getting into trouble and being best friends. Regina had also been a part of their group, but Belle had always been the closest to Ruby. Always. And that would never change. Never!
The beeping from all machines connected to Belle didn't even bother Ruby anymore. She had heard them for so long now, that she didn't care.
The only thing she cared about was seeing Belle's chest move up and down, up and down, to see her breathing. Ruby knew there was a 50 percent chance that Belle would never wake up again. That was the biggest reason Ruby couldn't sleep at night. I can't live with myself is you don't wake up from this, Belle.
Even though Granny was there daily, as well as Emma and Regina who were there often, Ruby felt so incredibly alone. She hardly spoke with any of them when they visited.
The only time she spoke was when she was alone with Belle. Ruby guessed it had to do with her bad conscience. It was her fault all this had happened.
Ruby realized then, that the reason she felt alone was because part of her was was gone, or missing, or…..asleep.
Regina was down at the stables, enjoying watching the horses gallop in the summer pasture. Since Daniel had left, Regina was in charge of the horses, but it didn't bother her. It never had. Especially not now, in the summer, when they had everything they needed in their big pasture.
She had always loved to be with the horses. Her Daddy and herself had always thought it was unnecessary to pay a stable boy. It had always been her mother who had insisted upon having one.
Meanwhile, when Regina was outside, Emma was inside the stables, brushing Rocinante and getting him ready for a ride.
The blonde had insisted on taking riding lessons, so she could be the one to exercise Rocinante, since Regina had decided to keep the baby.
Emma was already a mother, and was so protective of Regina. It made the brunette fall in love with her over and over again.
Rocinante nibbled on Emma's shirt, and the blonde just laughed. The stallion behaved like a kid sometimes, and she couldn't understand how she could have been so afraid of him in the beginning. He was such a sweetheart .
"You have hay to eat, and still, you're eating my clothes? You're not as smart as you look" Emma chuckled and scratched his neck. The stallion neighed and the blonde just rolled her eyes at him. "You know Rico, I'm the one that's gonna ride you from now on, because your mom is gonna have a kid. So I guess you're about to be a big brother, huh? What do you think about that?" Rocinante nudged her shoulder and licked her face, making Emma laugh again. "I'll take that as you're looking forward to it as much as me, huh?"
"Are you ready dear? " Regina asked as she walked into the stables. She patted her stallion's neck and pecked her girlfriend's lips.
"Yeah, as ready as I can get, I guess." Emma shrugged and noticed how Regina checked out her body. The brunette had insisted on buying Emma proper riding clothes, and the blonde didn't even want to know how much they had cost, but she really liked them. "So, stop checking out my ass, and let's go." Emma grinned and grabbed the stallion's reins.
She didn't mount the horse as smoothly as Regina did, but she was getting better and better. Especially compared with the first couple of times, when Emma had fallen backwards or that time when she had jumped over the horse, and landed on the ground on the other side.
As she made sure everything was in order, Regina studied her girlfriend without her noticing it. Emma looked so proud sitting on Rocinante's back. She looked fearless, and God was she looking absolutely stunning in the riding gear that Regina had bought for a her..
Regina laid her hands on her small baby bump, and smiled even more at the thought that maybe she would be able to teach her and Emma's kid to ride one day. A little bit of sadness washed over her though, as her Daddy entered her mind. You should have been the one to teach my baby to ride. Regina thought to herself. Your first grandchild.
"Good job today, Emma. You're a natural. Daddy would have loved to see you ride. I think you're ready to hit the forest by yourself soon." Regina smiled and kissed her girlfriend when she had dismounted Rocinante. "And you're such a good one too, my boy!" Regina smiled and gave her stallion a big red apple. The horse bowed and ate his treat eagerly.
"Thanks." Emma smirked. "Do you mind taking him from here? I gotta hit the showers before work."
"Not a problem." Regina replied and Emma kissed her cheek, and was just about to leave when Regina grabbed her arm. Emma raised an eyebrow and looked curiously at her. "Miss swan, thank you. For being so supportive through all of this. I'm so happy and thankful for that."
"I'm always gonna stand by you." Emma smiled. "Besides that, I wanna give this kid the upbringing and life I never had." Regina sensed the sadness in her girlfriend's voice and dragged her into a hug.
"You're gonna be a such wonderful mother, Emma. I love you."
"Love you too, baby." the blonde grinned and ran inside to the shower.
"Ems Hi!" Elsa smiled when the blonde showed up at the diner. "You never answered my text messages I sent you the other day, about a coffee…."
"Oh sorry," Emma shrugged. "I've been busy"
"Yeah? With?" Elsa asked curiously and the blonde sighed.
"Elsa look, I'm sorry if I haven't been honest with you, but I actually have a girlfriend. Me leading you on was wrong, I just….it was just a mistake." Emma stated with a low voice, making sure, Granny, who was standing by the counter, pouring some coffee to a customer, didn't hear them. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene and worry the old woman.
"So? I don't care about that. I can be your little secret.." Elsa said with an seductive voice, almost freaking Emma out.
"Elsa, I'm not interested and that's it. Okay?" Emma growled and headed back into the kitchen, not even acknowledging Granny. The old woman frowned and followed her foster daughter into the kitchen.
"Emma, Hi!" Teresa tried, but the blonde just walked straight by her and reached for her shirt and put it on.
"Emma Swan, you stop and tell me this instance what is going on! " Granny stated and the blonde groaned as she turned around.
"What?" Emma snapped, regretting her tone imminently. She visibly winced.
"Emma, what is something wrong?" Granny asked and took a step closer, then lowered her voice. "Is there something wrong with the baby?"
"No everything's just fine with both Regina and the baby, it's just.. Something else." Emma sighed and dragged her fingers through her hair. "Please Granny, I don't want to talk about it right now."
"I'll let you off the hook, for this time. But only if you promise me that you're gonna be nice to the guests my dear, okay?" Granny suggested with a crooked smile and Emma just nodded. "Teresa is in charge for now, I'm going to visit Ruby at the hospital"
"Tell Ruby I said hi." Emma said over her shoulder as she headed out into the kitchen.
"Any new news about Belle?" Teresa asked and Granny met her eyes, then shook her head.
"No, it's just the same. But I'm still sure she's gonna push through. Belle's strong. I just know it." I hope I'm right. Ruby can't lose you Belle. Neither can I.