Chapter 35

When Emma opened the front door she didn't even have the chance to greet Ruby, before she burst out in laughter.

"Oh my god, Ruby, what the hell are you wearing?"

"It's Henry's old fishing cap, I found it in the guesthouse. So don't let Regina hear you laugh like that..." Ruby shot back with a smirk as Emma rolled her eyes at her sister.

"So we're going… fishing?" Emma frowned while Ruby studied her sister's sudden change in body demeanor.

"Yeah? I thought it would be good for us to have a day to ourselves. You know, get closer to nature and all that. Drink some beer, talk and of course…. get a hell of a lot of fish!"

"Ehm.. I don't know.. I feel like we're already pretty close to nature… Plus," Emma shrugged and started to fidget her hands. "I don't actually know how to, you know, fish..."

Ruby saw how ashamed Emma seemed, as she said that. Sometimes, Ruby realized, she seemed to forgot how hard Emma's life had been before.

The reason Ruby did that, was because Emma had made so much progress over the few years she had been with her and Granny. Also since meeting Regina.

Ruby offered Emma a timid smile. Because her sister looked so utterly afraid, almost like she was waiting to get punished for not knowing how to fish.

"Swan, I'll show you. It's not a problem. Henry taught me, so I've been taught by a pro! Besides, lots of people don't learn till their adults.." Ruby grinned and Emma looked up and met her sister's eyes, with a small smile on her lips.

"Ah, there she is! Come on, I know the perfect place. Let's get this day started!" Emma silently followed.

Ruby looked back toward her sister and spoke teasingly. "It's probably good that you don't know. That makes you the rookie. So you can just sit back, and watch how it's done!"

Regina smiled when they finally reached the little village like town. It had been years since she had been here the last time with her Daddy, but it hadn't changed a bit.

The people were still as friendly as before, and took off their cowboy hats and offered them a smile in greeting when they passed them by.

This place was a huge tourist attraction, but the summer season hadn't quite started again yet, so it was calm and quiet.

The Mills were known throughout the town, so people recognized Regina immediately, and her big brown steed of course.

"Well, if it isn't little Regina Mills!" a man grinned and Regina pulled Rocinante's reins to a stop. "And the most beautiful stallion in the old wild West." the bald man added as he patted the horse's neck

"Mr. Gepetto." Regina smiled broadly, then gave him a tight hug after he helped her down. Rocinante neighed at the man, because the horse remembered all the treats he had given him in the past.

Mr. Gepetto just laughed as he reached down into his pockets, and offered the eager horse a carrot that had been tucked away for his own horse. The man just smiled and patted the horse's neck again before he glanced back at Regina.

"Miss Mills, it has been too long since I last saw you! And by god, look at you! You're pregnant! Who's the father?"

Regina took a deep breath before she answered his question. This was a question she knew she would hear many more times throughout the years, but she wished she wouldn't. Thankfully though, she knew Mr. Gepetto wouldn't push if she told him not to.

"It's a long story, but he's not around anymore. However, I do have a girlfriend that's gonna help me raise the baby." she stated with a smile.

"Well, at least you have someone to support you along the way. That's really all that matters." He stated with a gentle tone. "also, my deepest condolences for your father. We all miss him around here."

"Thank you for your kindness" Regina replied as Belle climbed down from the carriage.

"You know, we've all missed you around here too." he added offhandedly with a cot smile. Regina smiled slightly at him.

"I've missed this place too. It was just hard after he passed. I'm still struggling with it, but" she took Belle's hand as she trailed off "my family is helping me with everything." the two shared a meaningful smile. When they looked back at the man he seemed confused.

"And this is, Hm, let me see if I remember correctly, Miss French?"

"Yes that's me" Belle replied before she received a hug as well.

"Hm, I kinda thought you and little Red had something…" he trailed off

"Oh! Yes! Ruby and I are still together." Belle explained as they all three chuckled.

"Ruby's adopted sister, Emma, is the one who is helping to raise Regina's baby. So we are just a growing family." she explained and the man nodded

"Well, I didn't mean to pry, but congratulations! You really didn't have to explain all that…. Next time just tell the old man to drop it..

Anyway, welcome back, girls! Do your shopping in peace, and let me pamper your special boy, Miss Mills." Gepetto smiled and Regina gave him Rocinante's reins.

She was relived and happy the old man still tended to the horses around here, because Rocinante didn't let many people handle him, but he had known him since Rocinante was a foal.

Plus, had it not been for Mr. Gepetto, Regina's Daddy wouldn't have bought him in the first place.

Emma felt so utterly ashamed over the fact that she didn't know how to fish. Even though Ruby told her she would show her how, Emma felt so worthless.

The blonde had missed out on so many things in life, even those important milestones. Especially so!

She had barely gotten through school for instance. Emma had missed so much that she had nearly not been allowed to move on, to her senior year.

It had been all thanks to Granny, and her refusal upon giving up on her, something Emma would always be thankful for.

Maybe the fucked up foster kid had a future after all, despite everyone that had always told her the opposite.

Emma just shook her head at her thoughts as Ruby led them down a small trail through the woods. When they emerged from the trail, she saw a bridge that was built in crystal clear water. The blonde couldn't help but gasp.

"Wow this is…. breathtaking! " Emma said quietly and she couldn't put into words how beautiful it actually was.

"Yeah, it's quite fantastic, ain't it?" Ruby grinned.

"This was the last thing Henry completed before he got sick. Me, Belle and Regina sat here so many summer nights. We used to call it our blue, or little Hawaii."

"I love it." Emma grinned as she looked around. She could see her future son, and her bade here. Ruby's voice brought her back to the present though.

"Oh, this reminds me about one of the first times we went fishing down here without Henry… Belle caught this big ass fish, which actually dragged her down in the waters! But she refused to let it go… my stubborn girl..

Anyway, she stood up in the water and kept on till he was worn out. I will never forget how damn proud Belle was of that fish. But like I said, it was freaking huge, so it took all three of us to carry it back tough!" Ruby laughed and Emma joined in.

It felt so good to be a part of something like this. Emma loved the feeling of being apart of this family.

Her family.

"Thanks, Rubes." Emma suddenly said.

"For what?" Ruby asked curiously.

"you know.. For always having my back, I guess. I'm still not used to it." Emma shrugged as they walked to the end of the bridge where they sat down, and Ruby handed her a fishing rod.

Emma bit her lip and felt the anxiety rise in her chest. She absolutely hated to do things that were new, because she didn't have the control she wanted.

She was also afraid that she would fail miserably and be ashamed, once again, but Ruby sensed that as she opened the bait box and took out two worms, then put one on the end of each line.

"And then you just cast out over there, or really anywhere you want, and hope some fish are hungry." Ruby explained as she cast out and Emma imitated her. She nodded impressed.

"You know Swan, I'll do anything for my little sister." Ruby smiled and Emma felt tears of happiness sting in her eyes.

She was fishing! For the first time in her life. This was nothing big really, but to Emma it was.

Every time she got to try something new, and actually succeeded at it, she felt herself burst with pride. Hearing Ruby's kind words just made her even happier.

"Aside from that, you can actually teach me something in the future..." Ruby smiled and nudged Emma's shoulder.

"Yeah? What?" she asked confused

"How to be a mom." Ruby smiled and Emma nodded as she felt a big smile begin to grow on her lips.

"So..." Regina started curiously, as she met Belle's eyes. "What are we looking for?"

"Hm?" Belle frowned, feigning ignorance.

"Miss French, I know that look on your face. You're planning something, aren't you? My gut tells me it's something quite big."

Before Belle had the chance to respond they had reached the shop with rings and necklaces, which made Regina gasp..

"Oh my god! You, you're gonna ask Ruby to marry you, aren't you?"

"Yepp!" Belle replied with a goofy smile.

"That's wonderful! Congratulations!" Regina said and wrapped her arms around Belle in a tight hug. She had just waited for this day.

"so, do you want me to help you pay for the rings?"

Regina knew how little money Belle actually had, but also knew she was too proud to ask for help.

It was how she had been raised. As was Regina. Pride over all. So when Belle shook her head at her question, Regina shouldn't be surprised, but she was.

"Actually, I have worked extra at that restaurant next to campus, and I've saved every penny I've could. So I think I have just enough to buy Ruby a ring she would love."

"That's amazing, dear! But what do you think Granny will say about this? You two are still quite young." Regina said carefully, hoping she wouldn't destroy her friend's good mood.

Although, considering Granny's acceptance of Regina and Emma raising a baby together, she knew the old woman couldn't say no to Belle and Ruby.

Simply because they're made for each other.

"That's already taken care of since I talked to Granny this morning, before coming here, and she gave us her blessing!"

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's look for rings!" Regina smirked when she suddenly received a chuckle in a reply

"You're gonna have a baby with Emma, isn't that crazier than me asking the girl I've loved since forever to finally marry me?"

"You have always been the smartest, haven't you? " Regina said as she rolled her eyes.

"Yepp, that's me! " Belle responded proudly. "Now come on, we have an important mission to take care of! "

"Mrs. Lucas?" a voice called and the old woman groaned before she opened her eyes slowly.

She hated to be awakened surfing a nap, especially since she hardly had a chance like this to relax.

Suddenly, she saw a blurry image of Cora In front of her, which made her snap her eyes open quickly, as she reached for her glasses at once and stood up.

"Cora.. Oh ehm.. Hi." Granny just greeted shortly, trying her best not to sound angry.

She knew the woman in front of her was trying to change, but Granny was still suspicious.

"Are the girls out on an adventure?" Cora asked confused, and Granny couldn't understand her behavior. I can't get a good read of you!

"Well, yes. Belle and Regina went into town with Rocinante, while Emma and Ruby went down to the lake to fish." Granny replied, watching Cora with a close eye.

"Oh, I see. Good to hear that the girls are enjoying the outdoors to the fullest. It's also nice to see you relax, as well. It isn't something you're used to, Hm?"

"Cora…" Granny started with a dangerous growl in her voice.

"let's skip the small talk, shall we? I don't know what to think of this sudden change in your behavior. And just so you know, I'm still suspicious, but that's only because I care about my girls, and that includes Belle and your daughter."

"Let's take a seat dear, shall we?" Cora replied with a sigh, not even taking a tone with the older woman.

Well, maybe a regretful tone.

Granny was on edge. She was studying Cora, and leaned back in her chair, waiting impantantly to hear what the ex mayor had to say. And it took quite a while before she actually spoke up.

"Mrs. Lucas, I know we haven't been the best of friends through the years.." Cora said and received a glare.

"That's a understatement." Granny said under her breath.

"I know you and Henry were good friends. Actually, at one point I thought the two of you were more than friends…." she stated and Granny tried to deny this as she shook her head immediately.

"No, I know now, but back then…. I was bitter. I wanted to find faults in any and everyone. Alas, I never have actually found anything to hate in you.

What happened with your daughter Anita wasn't your fault. She was already an adult when she got into drugs, and the fact that you took care of Regina as if she were your own.. Is admirable at least.. But I was always very jealous, and I know I have been a terrible parent.." Cora said and took off her glasses, then dried her eyes.

"So that's it? Am I supposed to feel sorry for you now?" Granny snapped and flew up from the chair.

"Henry would roll over in his grave if he knew how you have treated his daughter. His beloved Regina! You were jealous, that's your excuse? You have got to be kidding me!"

Cora looked down at her hands in shame, and started to fidget them. Granny recognized that behavior from Emma. She was still on guard towards Cora, but she sat down again and took a deep breath.

If Emma turned out to be the type of person Cora had, she wouldn't want anyone treating her bad when it was abundantly clear that she was trying to say something important.

"You've got one chance, Mrs. Mills, to explain this whole roller-coaster, and I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for Regina and Henry. So speak." she said calmly and Cora looked thankful.

She was so ready to be turned away, or thrown out. Just like she had been before Henry.

"Yes, Mrs. Lucas." Cora replied, and timidly met her eyes.

"Cora Mills?" an old woman called out loud with a cold voice, and the frightened 15 year old Cora raised her hand.

She was standing in a group with a few more girls, and some boys, everyone looking just as afraid as her in the big, cold church.

"Speak up! Cora Mills?" the woman growled as Cora swallowed hard, before she took a step forward.

"Here, Miss." She spoke quietly, and the old woman smirked as she grabbed her arm, so hard Cora almost started to cry.

She was surtain it would leave a scar as she felt the woman's ring literally press into her skin, as she was dragged with her.

The old nun suddenly stopped outside of a big wooden door in the back of the church. Cora didn't dare look up. She just stood still, and held her breath as the old woman knocked on the door.

"Come in." A manly voice shouted back, and the nun pushed Cora inside, then closed the door behind her with a bang.

"Well, well, looks like we have yet another one of you, unnatural beings!" he spat as he started to walk around the young Cora.

"Look at me when I speak to you!"

Cora snapped her eyes up to the mans, and she felt absolutely terrified. The man in front of her had the same darkness in her eyes that her alcoholic and abusive father had.

She flinched as the priest took a step closer to her. The young girl was so close to tears.

The priest seemed lack any kind of feelings, as he pushed her backwards up against the wall, and she just waited for him to hit her.

"I'm priest Leopold. I've known your father since school, and I've promised to take care of you, personally. So Miss. Mills, do you know why are you here, Hm?" The man spoke with a dangerous tone in his voice and the young girl started to shake like a leaf.

"Because, I.. I. I. I like girls?" Cora stuttered as she continued to shake.

"First thing's first, girl, you either address me as priest or sir. Nothing less. I demand absolute respect!"

"Yes, sir." Cora replied, and felt her eyes tear up even more.

The only reason she was here, was because her father had found her messing around with Lilith, a girl from school in the barn.

He had become absolutely crazy, and had gripped his daughter's neck, almost choking her.

He had beat her senseless, and the girl that she had shared just a few small kisses with, was never seen again.

Cora had her necklace though, which she kept safe and secure around her neck.

People could beat everything out of her, but Lilith was someone she would always carry with her.

No matter how far apart they may be.

Granny just examined Cora. She couldn't believe the story she had just heard.

"I... I didn't have a clue." Granny stuttered as she reached for Cora's hand.

The old woman's suspiciousness was still there, but now she actually saw a real human being in front of her.

With actual feelings.

"Nobody knows about this, Mrs Lucas. I didn't even tell Henry when we met… I just told him that my parents threw me out." Cora explained and dried her eyes as she spoke again. "and as the gentleman he was, he never pushed for more information."

"How.. How long were you there… At That terrible place…? "

"Oh, it's all a blur Mrs. Lucas, maybe a Year? I have blocked out so many memories of that awful place.

I was just so broken down when I was let go, as I was told I wasn't treatable. And my parents didn't even look at me. They just threw me out. Without a word. They even threw my clothes out in a trash bag."

Granny frowned and felt how her heart broke, but still it didn't add up.

"I'm not the one for labeling people, Cora, but what does this all mean? I mean you married Henry in the end. So you like both sexes?"

"Yes, Mrs Lucas, I think the correct term for me nowadays is pansexual. But it's a part of me, that I have denied my entire life. Simply because I was taught it was wrong. So when Regina finally came out as gay, something happened inside of me.

I become like my own parents. I snapped. I pushed away her friends, even pushed away my daughter in the end, and became absent.

And when Henry died… my whole world crumbled… and I guess… Regina and I never really had a good relationship, but it was so wonderful sometimes when Henry was alive. He was really the parent every kid deserves and he was wonderful in every way possible, unlike me.."

"Cora, I didn't even care when my Ruby told me she liked girls. I may be old, but I just want my daughters to be happy. That's the only thing that really matters..."

"I guess that's one of the biggest reasons I have had my difficulties with you, Mrs Lucas… Your understanding and acceptance for your daughters, even your non-biological one." Cora said as she dried her eyes.

Granny was almost speachless by now. She was so shocked that Cora had opened up like this.

But slowly the pieces were coming together, and Granny was starting to understand why Henry had fallen for Cora, something she had wondered about for years.

"I actually admire you Mrs Lucas, even if it's hard for you to belive that, but it's the truth.

You took in Emma without as much as hesitation and you have made such a wonderful work with her..

And regarding Anita, I'm so sorry about what happened to her, but you always loved and accepted her!

You're always there when they need you, to give them advice and comfort. And you give them space when they need it…

I honestly don't know how to do such things. I don't even know if I could be capable of such…

You though, you're a great role model! It's admirable." Cora said with a gentle smile.

"I'm so sorry for the way I've treated you, and your family. Can you please forgive me?"

*****,

Granny took a long breath, then looked out to the fields, the main house, the beach, then the pasture. She thought about what Henry would have said about all this, before she looked back to Cora.

"I don't give my forgiveness so lightly, Cora. But I will give you one last chance to prove that you've actually changed, but if I see the slightest glimpse of the ex mayor I know, I will, and trust me I will, tear your heart out." her eyes connected with Cora's.

"Through your throat."