I'm so so sorry for the wait guys but I promise it's been worth it. This is the longest chapter ever and I hope you will love it as much as I do. And a big thanks to my wonderful beta Courtney! And another thing, there are only two chapters left of this story, it's crazy!
Granny hummed as she heard the timer go off in the kitchen, signaling that the lasagna was ready. She knew she wasn't supposed to help, but Cora seemed to be elsewhere.
As she stood up and went to the kitchen to tend to the lasagna, her eyes scanned the garden through the window. She froze when she noticed that Emma was all by herself with Cora.
Her first thought was to run out to make sure her daughter was okay, but then Granny shook her head, knowing both her daughters could take care of themselves. She also knew Cora wasn't doing any harm. The ex mayor was probably just taking her advice and speaking to Emma.
The old woman smiled at that thought. Then she felt her heart skip a beat as Granny realised where Cora and Emma actually were. Henry's tombstone.
Regina had been watching her mother and girlfriend from her bedroom window, when she noticed them stop by her father's tombstone.
She held her breath and wondered, Is she actually showing Emma where it is? What is she talking to her about? What is even happening right now? Regina shook her head.
She closed her eyes for a second, praying for a distraction. It came in the form of squealing and excited noises downstairs.
As Regina arrived there, she found Ruby and Belle bursting with excitement. They were causing quite the commotion. She smiled like a child in a toystore when she remembered Belle's plan for the night.
"What is all the fuss about?" Regina asked with a knowing twinkle in her eye, as Ruby showed her the ring on her finger.
"I'm almost a married woman! Fuck yes!" Ruby grinned, and Regina embraced her friend in a tight hug. Belle got a big hug from Granny, along with a wink and wide smile.
"Welcome to the family officially, my dear Belle."
Emma listened to Cora as she told her about her upbringing, and the blonde couldn't believe her ears as Cora told her about how her parents had handled the fact that Cora had been fooling around with a girl. Emma didn't know what was most shocking though, hearing how Coras parents had behaved or that Cora had fooled around with a girl…
The story about being sent to a priest to be "Cured" made Emma sick to her stomach either way.
And hearing all this made Emma wonder and question herself if she'd been wrong about Cora all this time? She reminded her of herself in a way. Only, Emma was never sent away…. Instead, she had lived with the priest that tried to beat the "sin" out of her.
Emma shook her head at that thought. She never wanted to revisit that.
"Wow. I.. Cora. I'm sorry….I don't know what to say." Emma stated honestly as she met the woman's gaze.
"Please don't apologize, because you have done nothing wrong, Emma. It's me. And this is my way of telling you why I have been so mean, and I want to say that I'm so sorry. I don't expect your forgiveness….
Hell, I'm not even asking for forgiveness. I just want a chance to get to know you, and in turn, Regina as well.
I see how you care for each other, and I really think that everything will go much smoother if we are all civil towards one another." Cora explained honestly.
The blonde tugged her bottom lip between her teeth, and wondered what she should say, but it didn't take long before Cora continued to talk, much to Emma's surprise. She had never spoken this much around Emma, so her head was spinning.
"And I can't show my gratitude enough, for the way you've stood by Regina this whole time! You're even offering to help her with the baby. Believe it or not, I'm completely overjoyed by that, Miss Swan. I want you to know that." As Emma's eyes met Cora's, the blonde simply shrugged as she still struggled for words.
She was still suspicious of all this, and it wasn't even personal. It was because Emma was used to people lying to gain her trust, and when they had, they just stomped on her.
"Cora I...I have had a real difficult time trusting new people, or people in general, and it has nothing to do with you as a person, and if you're actually trying to change, that's awesome. But.."
Emma took a deep breath and leaned closer.
"I will not back down if you snap back, and I will not leave, or be pushed away by anyone but your daughter. Because she's the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Helping her raise a baby is something I'm looking forward to doing. Because I mean it when I say she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Along with Ruby and Granny, of course.
I need you to understand that I won't forgive how you've treated me and everyone I love, in the past." Emma took a deep breath and ran her fingers through her hair as she straightened up.
"I've recently discovered some things about myself that I would also like to change. So, while I won't forgive you, I also won't stop you from trying to get to know your family. I never had one till a few years ago, and they're pretty great." Emma paused as Cora let out a short laugh. Emma smiled slightly at that.
I guess Regina gets her laugh from her mom….
"Anyway, I think it might help the healing process if I just let you do as you see fit, and see what happens.
That's pretty much what Granny and Ruby did for me, and it seems to be going well. Things are changing for me. I'm actually living for the first time in my life, and not just….existing, you know?"
"Henry would have absolutely adored you." Cora said in a gentle and calm tone. Emma shrugged, not really knowing how she should reply. She was still confused about Cora's change in behavior. She guessed she was happy to hear it though.
"Henry was a wonderful father, and Regina loved him to pieces. I hope she has told you a bit about him, so he won't be forgotten."
"Yeah, she has. And I hope she has many more stories to tell me. The old man seemed amazing." Emma replied carefully, as she looked up and spotted Regina in the bedroom window.
"I guess it's time for us to go inside. Or else Regina will probably burst with curiosity." the blonde added with a chuckle. Cora nodded with a small smile.
"I think that would be wise, Miss Swan."Emma was shocked when Cora embraced her in a light hug, before the blonde walked upstairs.
Regina smiled when she opened the door and smashed their lips together.
"I've missed you" Regina said with a small, playful smirk.
"I've only been gone a few minutes, not hours, you know?" Emma smiled and got a playful glare from her girlfriend.
"Don't make your pregnant girlfriend upset, that's not smart, Miss Swan." the brunette smirked again as she grabbed Emma's shirt and dragged her to bed with her.
Emma laid down behind Regina, then embraced her and pressed a gentle kiss to her neck.
"I guess you survived the talk with, mother, easily enough..."
"Yeah, she seems…different. Or different from the way I've always imagined she'd be. Like she's actually trying to change. So I hope she means it.. " Emma said as Regina turned around. It was then she noticed how tired her girlfriend actually looked.
"You need rest, Emma." Regina said as she sat up, and her overprotective girlfriend was about to do the same, but was pushed back down.
"Can't you sleep with me, too? " Emma asked but the brunette shook her head.
"I have done nothing but rest today, and it's starting to get boring. So I'll go downstairs and help with dinner. You, on the other hand, need to rest."
Emma rolled her eyes, but knew deep down, that Regina was right. She was so incredibly tired. So when she heard the door close shut, she fell asleep within minutes.
Emma had just been sent back to the group home, after the Swans had decided they couldn't keep her.
"Keep her" Emma snarled to herself.
It made it sound like she was a damn dog or something. The blonde threw her duffle bag at an empty bed with a big sigh.
She had been so happy with them. Felt so wanted. She had belonged, for the first time ever, but as usual, life had bitten her in the ass.
"I'm sorry it didn't work out." the tall red headed girl named, Zelena, said. She was almost 15 and had, just like Emma, bounced around the system.
Even though she was older than Emma, they connected on a deeper level than others. Plus, Emma had always behaved like she was older than her age, at 10.
"Guess it didn't work out for you either, huh?" Emma frowned and Zelena shook her head.
"Nah it was, what was the thing they said, oh yeah. They felt they couldn't connect to a foster kid. What a joke, huh?" Zelena said with a smirk but Emma saw the sadness in her eyes.
Zelena and Emma had met each other through the years in different group homes, and both of them had the same problems, so they understood each other pretty well.
"Yeah, people are….quite stupid." Emma shrugged.
"I suppose," Zelena said and sat down beside the blonde. "but at least you have a better chance of actually finding a good home, Emma. I'm gonna rot in this group home until I hit 18 and they throw me out into the streets.."
Emma bit her lip, because Zelena was probably right. Not the part about Emma having a better chance of getting adopted, but that Zelena would probably end up in the streets in the end.
Foster kids often did. They grew up in a fucked up system, and when they turned 18 they were tossed away and expected to take care of themselves.
But How? Most of them had never had a stable home, and those who had, were still living there.
Kids like Emma and Zelena were the ones who would end up as homeless drug addicts on the streets, fighting to stay alive. Even whoring themselves out to survive.
Emma shivered at the thought. A ten year old shouldn't even have thought about stuff like that. It was too true, but extremely terrifying.
To ten year old Emma, it was normal. For a foster kid, it was the life they had to 'look forward to', because as they got older, the chances dwindled that they would ever get adopted.
Emma snapped her eyes open and felt her heart in her throat. Regina had just stepped into the room to see if Emma was awake, when she heard Emma whining and gasping in her sleep.
She waited a few seconds for Emma to wake up naturally. She knew not to get too close, and especially not to touch her. That could trigger an old memory or something. Once she was finally awake, Emma noticed Regina standing in the doorway.
"You ok?" She asked in concern. Emma just nodded. Regina nodded in return, and moved closer, then kissed her.
"Ok, I'm gonna give you a few minutes. Dinner is ready, and just let me know if you need anything."
Emma smiled slightly and nodded in understanding.
Sometimes when Emma was trying to process something new, like the conversation with Cora, it was easier if she didn't speak at all. Of course, that was frustrating, but Regina seemed to always read her and understand immediately.
Emma just sat up in bed for a few minutes.
She figured Cora had already driven back to town before dinner.
From the sounds of it, Granny and the girls were downstairs celebrating the engagement between Belle and Ruby, with some Champaign.
Emma groaned and felt terrible that she wasn't downstairs with them, but she felt off in some weird way.
She suddenly noticed a little black spiral notebook and reached for it. She had so many things floating around in her head, and since Regina had set up an appointment with Archie as soon as they came home, she thought it would be a good idea to start writing down a bit about her life, and her odd dreams. Maybe he could provide some insight.
Maybe if I write it all down, it will be on the paper, instead of my head. Emma thought, and hoped it was true. She decided it was definitely worth a shot!
Cora had bid farewell to everyone after her talk with Emma. She decided to go to the house tonight, and actually try to stay there. To the empty house that held so many memories. More bad than good, now. Surely she would be fine as long as she made it to Henry's study.
She decided to speak with Regina about selling it, or possibly renting it out. Hell, she wouldn't even mind having it demolished or burned to the ground if Regina so wished!
Cora parked the car as her mind raced, but in a good way. She had taken an enormous step forward today, by talking with Emma. She really hoped the conversation would help, Regina and Emma, believe her will to change.
She was also somehow relieved, to hear that Regina shared a few stories about her late husband.
She was actually feeling happier than she had in years. It was as if a weight was lifted off of her shoulders. She then remembered the words Emma had said earlier.
I'm actually living for the first time in my life, and not just….existing.
As Cora finally entered the house, and went upstairs to Henry's study, she felt his presence in a way. Like she often did, and she grabbed their wedding picture. Her fingers brushed across her late husband's young, excited face.
"I miss you so much, Henry. I'm so sorry I have let you down…by treating our daughter the way I have…
but I'm going to make it up to you both. I'm going to be the best mother I can.. " Cora said and put down the picture and glanced around the room at all the other photos, then she continued to speak.
"And I won't ever forget you, Henry, I promise! I'm not trying to replace you, but I think….
I think I may be ready to move on soon…. Just know, that you will always be my one true love." she stated with tears in her eyes.
As Cora closed the door to Henry's study, she felt like she, in some way, closed the door on her past.
Now, she felt like she was ready to open the door to her future, as the thought of Mal came to mind.
She went downstairs, and shook her head to clear it, as she grabbed her keys and purse, then left the house.
If Henry wasn't really there, then this wasn't their home anymore. No. This was a house. A house with new, horrible memories in it.
Cora decided to stay at the hotel instead, so she just took a detour. After all, it wouldn't be that odd to stop by and check on the other person involved in the car accident.
Right? She second guessed herself as she stepped into the hospital.
She stood still, nervously fidgeting her hands as doubt set in. She must have stood there for too long, because a tiny brunette, no older than three or four, poked her leg.
"Scuse me ma'am, I gotta clear the way so we can spring my mommy!" Cora snapped out of it with a chuckle.
"Pardon me, tiny lady. Is your mommy being held hostage here?" she asked with mirth behind her eyes. The girl shook her head with a shrug.
"I dunno. I think so though! My Aunty said she couldn't come home last night and this is where she was. So I sume they won't let her go…" she squinted her eyes towards Cora.
"She ALWAYS comes home! You don't know anything, do ya? You look kinda spicious. Do you work here?" she crossed her little arms.
"Where is she?" she asked impatiently and Cora smiled
"No. I don't work here." Cora scanned the area around her and there were no adults around, aside from the receptionist behind the desk.
"Did you drive yourself here?" Cora was actually concerned, but tried for a joke to make the girl smile. It worked and the girl laughed loudly.
"No way, Jose!" she looked around, then her eyebrows rose into her hairline "Hey, where's my Aunty?" she asked getting upset, as she looked in every direction.
Cora shrugged and looked just as lost as the little girl. "Where did you see her last?" she asked and the girl shrugged
"I think…..we were going to the bafroom, then I was gonna wait for her, but I was firsty after I peed….cause I had to dehydrate….and I membered I saw a water fountain round the corner…"
Cora had to use restraint during the girl's story, to keep from laughing at her pronunciations.
"Well, how about we go back to the bathroom. I'm sure she's very worried about you." Cora offered her hand to the girl, who took it, then smiled wide.
"Good idea!"
"Also, after you…..peed, I think you meant rehydrate." Cora smiled and the girl raised an eyebrow as the two walked.
"Yeah, that's what I said….dehydrate." she stated and Cora chuckled with a nod.
"Ok, was it this bathroom?" she asked and the girl nodded happily. "What's your aunty's name?" she asked and the girl squinted her eyes again
"Aunty Roar, duh! She's my favorite aunty! Well, cept for Aunty Urcy...but Aunty Roar can never ever know that!" she stated with urgency and Cora raised an eyebrow with a broad smile.
"You're adorable, sweetheart, but I don't understand what you're saying. How old are you?" Cora asked, and the brunette smiled as she held up three fingers
"I'm four!" she stated happily and Cora smiled as she held up four fingers
"This is four. See, one two three, and four."
"Oh yeah, then I dunno. One of those though…."
"Ok." Cora opened the bathroom door.
"Is anyone in here named Aunty Roar….?" she asked tossing the nodding girl a questioning look. "Or is anyone missing a feisty three...possibly four year old?" she called and heard a groan.
"Ugh, yes." a pregnant petite blonde exited the bathroom and the girl laughed happily.
"Aunty Roar! I thought they captured you too!" she stated and the woman laughed as she gently picked the girl up.
"I knew it was too quiet in that bathroom. You can't just leave without telling me! What if someone kidnapped you?"
"I'll get a phone and call 999." the girl stated with a shrug. The blonde sighed.
"No...that's not….nevermind. We can revisit that later." she turned her eyes towards the helpful adult and smiled. "I'm sorry….Madam Mayor?" she asked caught off guard and Cora shook her head.
"She was no bother, she simply got lost after rehydrating at the water fountain." Cora explained and the woman smiled.
"Yep," she girl signaled that she wanted to get down "I peed and dehydrated, now we gotta spring mommy!" she looked around "Now which way is she?" she asked the blonde, who smiled.
"She's fine, Lil. She just went for tests, and it will be a few more minutes before she gets back to her room." She explained as she set the girl on her feet.
"How long has she been here, dear?" Cora asked the little girl.
"Too long! I miss her!" the small brunette answered with tears building in her eyes.
"She came in yesterday afternoon, and has been instructed to rest. So I suggested not bringing Lily to see her until today.." she trailed off as the girl gave her the stink eye.
"Anyway, I'm Aurora. My sister got into a car accident yesterday. She's fine, but they want to do a head scan before they release her."
"Really?" Cora asked surprised "Is her name Mal?" she asked and the blonde went pale.
"Oh my god. You're the bombshell she hit when her brake line ruptured?" she asked and Cora raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"I'm the what?" she asked and Aurora laughed
"Nevermind. Are you ok? She said you seemed fine yesterday, but if you're here. So you must not be!" she stated and Cora shook her head
"No, no I'm fine. I was actually just coming to check on her." she explained and the other two looked surprised
"I talked to her on the phone last night!" the smaller one stated helpfully "She said she was ok, but she just had a cushion…whatever that is." the girl explained as she grabbed Cora's hand.
"Well, thank you." Cora smiled. I'll just leave you to it, then."
"You don't wanna come see her neymore?" Lily asked confused. Cora smiled.
"I just wanted to check on her. If she's ok, I'm happy." Cora explained gently.
"She just texted. She's back in her room." Aurora stated and Lily gripped Cora's hand tighter.
"Now you hafta come see her!" Lily stated excited "She really likes visitors!"
"It's really ok, dear. I just wanted to make sure they were taking good care of her." She squeezed the little girl's hand. "You'll have to take care of her when you go home though."
"Yeah! Me and aunty Roar and Unca Phil! We just moved into the baby's room, but mommy says we will have our own house again soon! And I can have my own room! I'm so tired of sharing with mommy!" the girl huffed. "She snores really loud and wakes me up all the time!"
"Ok, Lil, leave the poor lady alone. You've bothered her enough." Aurora joked and Lily huffed again as Cora smiled.
"You're not a bother, sweetheart. You Need to go check on your mommy for me."
"But you gotta come wiff us!" she stated and Aurora laughed
"I promise, Mal wouldn't mind…" she trailed off suggestively. Cora stood there confused again, but shrugged and nodded.
"I suppose I can pop in. Just to say hi.."
"Yes! Mommy will be so su-prised!" the girl spoke as the blonde lead them towards the room.
As they approached, the girl dropped Cora's hand and held her finger over her mouth. "Be very quiet, so I can introduce you." she whisper-yelled and Cora had to cover her laugh.
"Hey! There's my munchkin!" Mal stated as she put on her shoes.
Cora noticed she was fully dressed, and figured they were letting her go home today, after all.
"Yes! And I brought Aunty Roar! And I made a new friend! And I brought you a su-prise!" she stated and all three adults chuckled.
"Ok, what's my surprise? Ten million dollars?" she asked sarcastically and the girl shook her head in reply. "A puppy?"
"It's a person! It's…." the girl paused and whisper yelled to the older woman "What's your name again?" she asked and Cora fumbled for words.
"Umm, Cor..Cora Mills." she answered slightly and the girl nodded excitedly
"It's Corna Mills!" she introduced and grabbed Cora's hand, leading her inside the spacious room.
"Oh." the blonde replied with a small smile. A minute of awkwardness passed and Mal broke the silence.
"Well, Corna Mills, it's very nice to meet you." she said with a small chuckle. She stood slowly and held her hand out to shake Cora's.
"Actually it's Cora…"
"No, I know." Mal interrupted with a dopey smile, but straightened her face quickly.
"They told me you were paying the medical bills…" she trailed off defeatedly "I really appreciate it, but that's not necessary." she stated and Cora shrugged apologetically.
"Right." Cora said dejectedly, then looked at Lily "Well, Lily, it was a pleasure meeting you!"
As Cora spoke to the little girl, Aurora threw her sister a death glare, then gestured wildly towards Cora.
"Aww, do you really hafta go? We were gonna take mommy for a su-prise family dinner tonight!"
Aurora gave her sister another look and Mal's shoulders sagged. She nodded then stepped over to where the little girl was standing.
"Yes. I'm sorry. I was being rude earlier. Please, accept my apology, and join us for my, very super secret, surprise dinner." Mal offered and the little girl's hands flew to cover her mouth.
"I tolded the secret.." she whispered to Aurora, who smirked back.
"I know." she whispered back with a wide smile. Mal held out her hand to Cora. Cora smiled slightly as she shook it.
"Hi." Mal started, transfixed by something familiar in Cora's eyes.
"I'm Mal Page…" the woman awkwardly stated. She just wasn't sure what to say. Cora suddenly looked kind of amused, but ashamed at the same time.
"Yeah," Cora finally responded "I know."
"I really am sorry for being so….brash, just now. I would really love it if you could join us, but if you can't I understand. Maybe some other time?"
"Um, sure. Yes. I don't want to intrude on your family time, but perhaps another time."
Cora was awestruck by this woman. Her physique was toned and in shape, without being bulky. Her face was naturally beautiful, with perfectly shaped eyes and full lips.
But her eyes.. Cora thought her eyes told so many stories.
Cora noticed love, tenderness, compassion, even loss. She definitely noticed the defeated look. What really transfixed her though, was the look of survival. She could tell this woman had to overcome a lot in her life.
"Yeah, definitely. We should exchange numbers." Mal stated then Aurora cleared her throat. Both women noticed they were awkwardly holding hands, and released at the same time.
"Right. Yes! Yes, let's do that! Maybe I could take you out sometime." Cora spoke quickly and Lily huffed
"What about me? I thought you was my friend!" she stated and Cora smiled at the girl as she handed her an old business card.
"You, can mean only one person, or more than one. I could take both of you out, sometime!" Cora explained and the girl smiled happily at this.
"This card has my home and cell phone number on it, maybe if your mom lets you, you could call sometime…" she trailed off as she looked over at Mal, who nodded with another dopey smile.
"Cool! Mommy, can we call Corna right now?" she asked excited.
"Lil, she's right here. Why on earth would we call her, right now?" Mal asked.
"So she will have our number, and she can call us too!"
"How about after, the super secret surprise family dinner, if you're not too tired, you two could call me." she looked back at Mal, but avoided her eyes at all costs. She knew she would be transfixed. So she kept her gaze on her lips. "You can call me anytime." Cora stated and saw Mal smirk.
The smirk caused strange things to happen to her body. Things that haven't happened in years.
Deciding her lips were way worse than her eyes, she looked up again, and was instantly a puddle. She bit her bottom lip and noticed those eyes light up even more.
"Really, anytime you want to call, I'll answer." she trailed off and her mouth felt dry.
"Ok, so you promise you'll come see us sometimes?" Lily asked, breaking the spell. Cora shook her head and smiled.
"I promise to try!" she stated and the girl smiled brightly.
A very awkward goodbye, and a short time later, Cora was headed to her car. The only three things that were stuck on repeat in her head were;
One, that damned attractive smirk.
Two, how truly captivating those eyes were.
And three, Really, anytime you want to call, I'll answer…
Cora cringed, as she thought to herself. Could I be more pathetic and awkward?
Probably not…
She didn't get that far though, before she heard Mal call out for her. The older woman stopped and turned around to meet the younger woman's beautiful eyes.
"Hey wait, are you sure you can't join us for dinner? Lily almost threw a tantrum when you left, so ehm... She really seems to like you, and believe it or not, that's not something that happens very often, so please reconsider?"
Cora chuckled at Mal, and shrugged. She felt torn. She didn't want to push herself too hard, but at the same time, she wondered what she was even afraid of.
"Please?" Mals voice made her snap back to reality, and she finally nodded timidly.
"Well, what don't we parents do for our children, huh?"
Mal gave Cora a curious look.
"Do you have a kid, as well?"
"Actually, I do. Her name is Regina."
"Well, feel free to bring her tonight, if you want, that is." Mal said, and once again the two women were holding hands, without realizing it. Cora pulled back and her shoulders sagged.
"Um…"
"Ehm, sorry. I didn't mean to push. I just.. Ugh, nevermind." Mal added, and turned around to leave, but Cora grabbed her hand and half twirled the woman back.
"My relationship to my daughter is...a bit complicated, at the moment." Cora sighed, and suddenly felt like she should go. As if she could read her thoughts, Mal took Cora's shaking hands in hers.
"I don't want you to feel like I'm forcing you to do something you're not ready for, Cora, but would you at least join me for a coffee in the Cafeteria, before we say goodbye?" she asked, then followed up quickly with "Aurora took Lily to the gift shop, so we would have a few minutes."
"Ok." Cora finally agreed and Mal smiled.
"So… " Mal spoke as she and Cora sat down in the empty cafeteria. "If it's ok to ask, what's going on between you and your daughter?" she asked.
The older woman sipped from her coffee, and wondered what she should say, or rather more so, where she should start.
Coras head was spinning, but at the same time, she felt calm. Like she had with Henry. What was this woman actually doing to me?
"Cora?"
"Hm?" Cora hummed as she snapped back to reality.
"You just disappeared into your own world there for a second. Are you ok? We don't have to talk about that, if don't you want.." she added and Cora smiled.
"I'm more than alright dear, I just.. I was thinking about my husband, and well, my daughter."
"Oh…" Mal said, with a hint sadness in her voice. It intrigued Cora. "I didn't know you were married."
"I'm not. Well, I was. For a long time. To a wonderful man, but sadly, he passed away a few years ago. He had cancer." Cora replied and Mal seemed to scold herself for making her tell her that.
She saw the pain shine in Cora's eyes, even though the older woman kept her appearance nonchalant.
"I'm sorry.. and I'm sorry for being so curious. I don't have that many friends.. I just have my small family… and well, my daughter, of course."
There it was again, that look of defeat.
Mal seemed to have darkness in her past, just as Cora did. That helped Cora to finally find the courage she needed to open up to someone for the first time in so, so many years.
"I don't have many friends either.. I hardly know if I have people to call my friends, but I can't blame anyone but myself for that….and I almost lost my own daughter, due to my… idiotic behavior." Cora said as she let out a small sigh.
This was not gonna be easy, but at the same time, she wanted to be as honest as she could. "I'm just not someone that people want to have around." she added.
"I'm happy I met you though, and to me, you seem to be a wonderful woman, Cora. And seeing Lily's twinkling eyes when she looked at you, well, that's beautiful." Mal said after a full minute of silence.
"I'm not a good human being Mal, believe me. I'm quite the opposite." Cora stated as she leaned back in her chair, avoiding Mal's eyes.
"When my husband died, a part of me died as well. I was left with a teenage daughter, and I just couldn't cope. I just… fell apart.
Then she came out as gay, and I simply snapped. I couldn't accept it. I almost pushed away the last thing I loved, because I was afraid of what people would say about my daughter.
I didn't have a good upbringing, but I don't want to blame my behavior on that, even if it was a big part of my behavior. Really though, it started long before my husband's death."
"Everyone makes mistakes, Cora."
"Well of course, but not mistakes like I made. I pushed away my daughter's only friends, and refused to talk to her about her father.. Because I couldn't bare to even think about him..
I was hurting so bad that I punished my own daughter with that sadness… a sadness I turned into anger.." Cora paused to catch her breath. She was amazed that Mal hadn't got up and left, so she continued.
"I felt like I had to make my daughter normal, because I had everyone's eyes on me. Or at least, that's what it felt like. So I tried to force my daughter to marry a man, I saw fit. A man who turned out to be a monster."
Cora couldn't bare to tell Mal about Regina's abuse or her pregnancy. Not yet.
That was way more than she could handle right now. But she knew she had told Mal more than she had told anybody in years. Aside from her actual daughter.
After a refill, Cora spoke up once again.
"I'm trying my best to mend my relationship with Regina, but I still have a long way to go."
"But you're willing to change, Cora, and that takes a lot. That should count for something" Mal said with a small smile.
"I suppose, but I'm worried it's too late." Cora admitted, feeling the tears sting in her eyes.
"It's never too late to change for the better. Believe me." Mal said carefully and Cora couldn't help but smile.
Even though they hardly knew each other, Cora knew the words she had heard, were sincere and honest.
You remind me so much of Henry. In some mysterious way. Cora thought to herself, before they suddenly heard a familiar voice call out to them.
"Mommy! Corna, auntie Roar says we have to go, now!" Lily stated as she ran up to her mother, then jumped up into Cora's lap, and gave her a hug. The move surprised both Cora and Mal. Mal's jaw dropped.
"I have to go home, my dear, but I promise you, I will join you next time." Cora said as the little girl looked up at her.
"But Corna.. I wanted you to come now! Pretty please!" Lily said with a small pout, and she reminded Cora so much of Regina, when she had been her age.
"Lily, come on now. Please." Mal said, and tried to get her daughter's attention, but it failed miserably.
"Pinky promise?" the young girl asked and Cora quickly held up her hand, then nodded with a chuckle, as their pinkies intertwined.
"Ugh, I don't wanna go back to reality tomorrow." Belle pouted. She really didn't. She actually really liked being here. Away from all the stress and commotion. It was a different kind of air out here.
Even though it was just a couple hours outside of Storybrooke, and it reminded her of how she had grown up. Suddenly, Belle remembered the house that was waiting for the nearly newlyweds, when they got home.
"Not everybody's rich." Ruby teased and gave Regina a wink. Ruby did this quite often in the past, but hadn't really done so in the past few months.
She brought up that Regina was, in her own word, 'loaded', and Regina groaned at the words, as she left the couch. She slammed the door shut behind her. Ruby just looked confused.
"Did I say something wrong? I was joking. It was just a joke!"
"Idiot." Belle sighed. "Can't you just, for once, think before you speak?"
Regina didn't know why she reacted as strongly as she had to Ruby's joke. Usually she just brushed it off and shot her friend a glare, but this time it almost felt like a slap to her face.
It was probably her pregnancy hormones that were making her behave like this, and she didn't like it one bit.
Regina let out a big breath and whistled for Rocinante, who came galloping to the fence in just a matter of seconds. He nudged her with his head and Regina couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, my beautiful boy." she said with a gentle tone and the horse nibbled her hair. "I wish my life could be as simple as yours."
Regina was quietly examining her surrounding for a minute before speaking again.
"So, what do you think, is mother really trying to change? After all, she wore Daddy's wedding ring again today." Rocinante neighed at the word Daddy, as he always had, and it brought tears to her eyes.
People could ramble on as much as they wanted, about horses being just animals without souls, memories, or feelings, but Regina disagreed.
Rocinante may be a unique horse, but nonetheless, he remembered her Daddy, and he always sensed her anxiety and sorrow.
Regina quickly snapped back to reality when she felt Rocinante lick away her tears and scratched his head. "I know boy, I miss, Daddy, too."
"Is it possible to miss someone whom you haven't even met?" Emma asked and Regina turned around to meet the most beautiful eyes she knew.
Emma gave her a small smile, and it was like all her fears, anxiety, and sorrow immediately vanished.
Regina laughed when Rocinante neighed, also happy to see Emma. As long as I have you by my side, everything's gonna work out fine. Regina thought to herself and dragged Emma into a deep kiss.
They pulled apart as they heard Regina's phone ring, though. Regina pulled her phone out as she gave Emma a questioning look.
Emma just rolled her eyes with an odd smile, then nodded. Regina chuckled as she finally saw that it was Cora calling.
"Mother? Hello? Are you ok?" Regina asked alarmed, and Emma suddenly panicked as well. Cora had left around an hour ago, but there was no telling what could have happened.
"I'm fine, dear." Cora spoke with a small smile at her daughter's concern.
"No, I'm not calling with an emergency. I just wanted to discuss something with you, if you're available to talk. If not, we can discuss it some other time. Even in person, if you'd like."
Regina smiled as she held the phone to her chest.
"She's fine, but this does sound important."
"Ok. Yeah, do you need some privacy?" Emma asked politely. Regina smiled and nodded.
"Ok, I'm gonna be hanging with the engaged couple, that will most definitely be annoying me until they're on their honeymoon." she explained and Regina chuckled, then pecked Emma's lips quickly before she walked off.
"Sorry, mother. I'm all ears."
"Yes. Ok, I suppose we're doing this now. Um, right." Cora seemed taken aback by Regina's decision to discuss this now.
"Ok, I must admit, that I haven't spent any time at the house recently. I've actually been staying at a hotel. I just..I can't stay there. Not with…..everything.." Cora trailed off with a gulp, and Regina took a deep breath. "I was thinking we should discuss selling….or possibly demolishing it."
"Mother.." Regina started to speak as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"I know." Cora began "I know. I have wonderful memories of your father, and l us as a family in that house, but….it's not a home for me anymore." Cora stopped to dry her own eyes
"I understand if you want to completely destroy it, or leave it standing, but I wanted to leave it up to you."
"I…. Mother, I really.." Regina trailed off as she saw Emma giving her a concerned look through the window. Regina smiled.
"I actually have an idea. I don't know if it's even possible, but I think it's an option. Regina looked out into the woods as she spoke. "Perhaps, we could do something else with it…."
"Like rent it out?" Cora asked confused and Regina smiled again, shaking her head.
"Mother, who could afford that? Plus, do you really want to be a landlord?" Regina asked in jest and Cora chuckled
"I have always wanted to Lord over people, but landlord doesn't sound as fun.. So, what are you suggesting, exactly?"
"Well, Emma and I once spoke about opening up a refuge for women and children of abuse. So many children end up on the street or in foster care, simply because they are running from an abuser." Regina stated and Cora thought for a few seconds.
That's a wonderful idea, is it possible? Would the house be up to code? Perhaps I should call a building inspector tomorrow… the more Cora thought about it, the better it sounded.
"It only has five bedrooms, but they should be big enough to separate. Does ten rooms sound like enough? Would we need to be registered with the state? Would we charge people?" at this point Cora was thinking out loud.
"No, that's crazy! We wouldn't charge them, but they shouldn't feel like everything is being handed to them. Then they won't feel like they deserve anything!" Regina smiled to herself and chuckled at her mother's rambling.
"Mother, I think you should give an inspector and a contractor a call tomorrow. After that, we'll go from there." Regina stated and Cora chuckled as well.
"Ok, dear. Thank you for your input." Cora stated sounding almost gleeful.
"No problem, Mother." Regina replied with a laugh.
"Also," Cora hesitated. "Thank you for answering." she sounded so relieved that it broke Regina's heart.
"I will always answer. I promise." Regina said with a small smile.
"Ok. Well, thank you. Have a good night, Regina."
"You too, mother. Also, don't forget to get yourself something to eat. You missed out on your own lasagna.."
"Right! Yes, that's a good idea! Have a goodnight, dear."
"Goodbye, mother." Regina smiled as she hung up. She made her way to the house and smiled when she saw Emma and Belle talking animatedly about something.
"So, is everything ok?" Ruby asked and Regina smiled with a chuckle.
"Yes, everything is..," she looked around the room "Perfect." she stated as her eyes connected with Emma's. Ruby found Belle's eyes as well.
"Yeah." Ruby agreed with a smile "Yeah, it really is."
Cora smiled as she drove away from the hospital. She was relieved that Regina didn't want to just burn the house to the ground, but excited about the idea Regina did have for it. It truly was brilliant.
She was also happy that Regina seemed to actually care for her. It was something….different. Good, but different.
She decided to head back to the hotel she had stayed at the previous couple of nights.
Cora really had tried to stay at the house on Mifflin the first day, but she just couldn't force herself to walk through the door.. It was to painful as she only thought about that monster, Daniel, and what he had done against Regina…
Coras stomach suddenly alerted her that she was hungry. Skipping multiple meals wasn't any better than substituting them with whiskey.
So she decided to stop by a deli she had frequented the last time she came home. It was on the way to the hotel anyway, and she figured she could stop in and grab something to take with her.
It was small, and pretty obviously family owned. It was called Cru's Deli, and they served all fresh veggies and meats for sandwiches. They had all kinds of salads and soups to choose from, as well.
She noticed that they were as busy, as they normally were about this time of year, and smiled. She was glad they were doing well.
As Cora stepped up to the counter to place a to go order, the familiar woman at the register smiled.
"Hi, welcome to Cru's, what can I get you today?" she asked politely and Cora scanned the menu quickly with a smile.
"Hi, I think I would just like a grilled cheese and some tomato soup. To go, please." her order was simple, but the woman behind the counter smiled wide.
"You know...that's Actually on the kid's menu" she was teasing the older woman and Cora chuckled.
"I suppose a child at heart doesn't count?"
"Nope, I'm afraid that only works in cases of head injury."
"And how do you know it isn't for a child?" Cora asked as she pulled a ten dollar bill from her wallet.
"Well, in that case, you should also order yourself something." the woman added as she made change and handed Cora the receipt.
"Ah, well, it's too late now isn't it?" Cora joked and the other woman laughed. Abby normally broke character first, but Cora followed shortly after.
"So, how are you today, dear?" She asked and the slightly younger black woman answered.
"I'm good. Got money coming right out of my ears!" she stated and both women chuckled as a teenage boy brought Cora's order over.
"Yes! Business seems to be going well!" Cora replied "Thank you, Sam."
"No prob, Ma'am!" she boy winked and Cora rolled her eyes.
"When will he learn?" Cora asked with a chuckle and Abby laughed back
"Oh, I think you have bigger problems, honey" she stated and thoroughly confused Cora.
Abby gestured to a little brunette girl waving her arms wildly to get Cora's attention.
"I hear we have some friends in common…." she trailed off as Cora smiled at the girl, then frowned as she realized this is where they were having the 'super secret surprise family dinner'. Cora waved when she noticed Mal smile at her.
"Oh, you meant the flailing toddler over there? No, I haven't had the pleasure." she lied and Abby rolled her eyes with a laugh.
"You had no idea that I had a little white niece? She's practically always here…" she trailed off and Cora actually looked perplexed.
"I suppose she never really stood out to me before." she stated, trying to recall ever seeing the girl before. She got sidetracked though, when her eyes connected with Mal's.
"Oh, you mean before you had the hots for her mom?" Abby asked and Cora snapped her attention back.
"Mal is your sister?" Cora asked shocked and Abby laughed out loud.
"No, actually Lily's other mom was our adoptive sister. Her name was Cru, hints Cru's Deli." she smiled wide and gestured towards the name on the bag. Cora nodded in understanding
"Other mom?" she choked out and Abby nodded with a smirk.
"Are you asking me if my sister in law dates women, or are you asking what happened to my sister?"
"Huh?" Cora was dumbfounded. She didn't mean any offence. The woman across the counter laughed at her expense this time.
"Relax, I'm just yanking your chain! Mal will answer those questions, but between you and me… I think you have a pretty good chance." she stated with a wink and Cora paled. Seemingly out of nowhere, Mal was behind her.
"Hi, are you stalking me now?" Mal asked with a smirk and Cora tried to laugh, but it came out choked.
"I'm… No. I was just….I'm… food." she tried and the woman behind the counter snickered as Mal nodded.
"Well, Food, I apologize for getting your name wrong earlier." she smirked and Cora laughed.
"Yeah, just don't get it wrong again." Cora stated and Mal smiled as she grabbed the bag of food, then headed toward the table, where an impatient little girl was waiting.
"Come say hi to Lily!" she called and Cora followed with a smile.
"Hello Lily, dear. "
"Corna! I thought you wasn't coming! Did you want to su-prise us?" she asked excited and Cora laughed.
"I suppose I surprised all of us." she stated and nodded to everyone at the table.
"Right," Mal began "these horrible people are Aurora, Phil, Ursula, and….wait," she paused as she got the the tiny brunette "who are you again?" she joked and the girl looked exasperated.
"Mommy! Dat's not funny! Aunty Urcy, Mommy is tending like she doesn't know me again." she stated with an eyeroll. The slim light skinned girl at the table smiled.
"Just pretend like you don't know her back. That way you can come live with me forever and ever and ever."
"And ever and ever and ever?" she whispered and Mal rolled her eyes
"Yep!" Ursula popped her lip, and Lily smiled happily.
"My name is frounder, and I'm a fish that lives in da sea! You prolly just never met me before." the girl lied and Mal raised an eyebrow towards the other woman.
"What? She wants to move in with Aunty Ursy since her mean mommy always forgets who she is…" she explained with a smirk. Mal rolled her eyes
"Anyway, we were just about to eat. Would you like to join Flounder and I for a bite to eat, Food?" she asked and Cora chuckled as Mal dangled the bag over an empty spot.
"Seems I don't have much choice anyway." she smiled and took the seat.
"So, Corna, how are you?" the girl asked as she placed an elbow on the table, then placed her chin in the palm of her hand. Cora smiled.
"I'm afraid I'm not much different from when you last saw me." she explained but Lily wasn't satisfied with that.
"You look happier though, did something funny happen on the way here?"
"Um," Cora paused for a second. "Actually, yes. Something….kind of fun happened. I have an old house that I was thinking of selling, but my daughter gave me a much better idea." Cora began.
Lily looked excited and nodded for her to continue. "Well, you may not actually find this exciting, but we will try to convert our old home into a new home, for other people."
"Like renovating?" Ursula asked and Cora shrugged.
"Sort of. She suggested we convert it into a type of refuge. But I'd like to add more rooms. I have to call an inspector to make sure it's even possible." Cora stated and was interrupted by Phil.
"How many rooms are we talking?" he asked and Cora thought about it.
"Well, there are 5 bedrooms, a study, and a lounge. I was thinking I could just split the rooms in half somehow, and possibly change a couple of closets into bathrooms.
Each original room has its own bathroom and walk in closet. The bathrooms have a closet someone could hang clothes in so…"
"So possibly ten to twelve rooms, all separated with their own bathrooms?" the man sounded excited and Mal laughed.
"It's not even been inspected yet, maybe there's too much plumbing work to be done, or electrical.
Rewiring one of these old houses is a nightmare!" Mal dismissed the man's excitement, as well as Cora's.
"Well, I know for sure the wiring is up to code. Once, when my daughter was ten, she tried to use a hair dryer and set the bathroom on fire." Cora smiled
"She was ok, but it scared me. The funny part is that it was caused by a bad breaker, but my husband still had someone rewire the entire house. She and I got to share the responsibility of remodeling the entire house together."
"I want to model a house too, Mommy! It sounds like so much fun!" Lily stated and Mal smiled.
"Good idea, Lil. I say we remodel Aunty Roar's house while she's asleep."
"Yes! That's a great idea! I can decorate it purple and red!"
"No, you most certainly cannot." Aurora stated seriously and Lily laughed
"Got ya!" she stated and everyone chuckled as Aurora tickled the girl a little. "So, how old is your little girl, Corna?" she asked and Cora smiled wide.
"Well, she's not as little as you." she answered mysteriously and Lily squinted.
"Is she funny? Does she like purple, or red more? Will she play race cars with me? Can we go fishing? Like, all of us?" she asked in rapid succession and Cora smiled
"Well, first of all she's almost 18. Yes, I think she's funny. I'm pretty sure she prefers purple, but likes all colors.
And I'm sure she would love to play race cars with you. And I suppose we could all go fishing someday, but I haven't been in a number of years, and I was never very good at it."
Cora tried to answer all the girl's questions. Lily nodded, obviously satisfied with the answers, as everyone finished their meals.
"So," Phil began with a wink "let me know when you get with that inspector. I'm sure there won't be any problems, and I can get you approved through the city for the boarding permits." he stated and Cora raised an eyebrow.
"Do you have an inspector or contractor in mind? I'm starting from scratch, and have no idea what I'm doing. So I would appreciate all the help I can get."
"Oh yeah, I know someone you coul..Oof! Oww Ror! Gah, I was kidding!" he chuckled as he rubbed over his arm, and everyone at the table laughed...except for Cora. She just looked confusedly at everyone, until her eyes landed on Mal.
"He meant me." Mal explained with a smirk. Cora couldn't speak, but luckily an impatient, yet tired, three year old spoke for her.
"Yeah! Mommy, we can go stay at Corna's house! And you guys can model it while I sleep!" she suggested and Ursula snickered.
"Oh, it's much too late to start construction tonight. Perhaps another day though?" she suggested and the girl nodded with a small yawn.
"Come on squirt, let's get you home to bed." Aurora suggested and nodded to Phil to pick her up. "See you at home, Mal!"
"Bye, Mommy. Love you." the girl called as the two had already made it to the door.
"Goodnight, baby girl. I love you too." Mal called back and smiled at the girl, then rolled her eyes at a crude gesture her step sister made before leaving.
Ursula and Abby laughed as they both got up and walked behind the bar. The deli had only gotten busier as the hour went by.
"So, can you really come by sometime for an inspection, or were they just.."
"No," Mal chuckled. "they were serious about that. I actually used to be a building inspector for the city.
And I was a contractor before that. Before that I was in college. Anyway, I've been out of the game for a little bit, but I could give you a rough estimate on costs, and give you some numbers to call."
"Oh! That would be wonderful! When could you come by?"
"Pfff oh anytime, really. Right now even, I mean if you're going that way. I wouldn't mind the ride." Cora was trying to see if she was serious, then it dawned on her…
"Aurora and Phil were your ride home." Cora stated with a chuckle and Mal smiled in reply.
"So, how about we go back to your house...Not like that….and I'll have a look around. I know it's probably late for children….and the elderly," she challenged with a smirk and Cora made a face.
"but we're young. So let's live a little." she stood, putting her jacket on. She held her hand out to Cora.
"Yes, I suppose that would be ok. I wasn't actually planning to stay there…" Cora took Mal's hand and stood.
"That's perfect, cause I also need a ride home afterwards." Mal stated and Cora smiled.
Regina and Emma went down to the beach that night. They lit a fire and were cuddling under a blanket. The air was getting cold as the autumn was here now.
"I can't believe all this." Regina said out of the blue. "We're about to be parents, Miss Swan."
"Yeah." Emma grinned as she laid her hand on Regina's stomach, where she felt the baby kick over and over again.
This was gonna be life changing, but she was looking forward to it. For the first time in her life, it felt like she had a purpose.
Especially now that she didn't have to worry about Cora plotting anything.
"We're gonna be the best parents ever." Emma stated and met Regina's eyes.
Who would have thought this would happen when Emma stumbled into Granny's almost 3 years ago? It was truly a dream come true for the former orphan. She not only felt wanted, but also accepted and loved.
Cora had taken Mal through a tour of the entire house. In a few of the rooms Cora would tell her about Henry surprising her with a pearl necklace, then losing it, and surprising himself when he found Cora's surprise a month later.
Or about reading to Regina when she was a baby. Or how Regina would sneak into the basement late at night sometimes when she wanted to listen to Cora's records.
"So, what are my chances?" Cora asked, leaning against the island, nervously waiting for Mal's reply. Mal simply smirked and moved to the refrigerator. She opened it and pulled out a half empty bottle of wine.
"You been partying by yourself?" she joked and Cora chuckled
"I haven't actually been staying here. I'm sure the girls got into it before Regina found out she was pregnant." she chuckled "Actually it was probably Ruby."
Cora laughed as she uncorked the bottle and grabbed a glass, then moved to sit on the sofa in the living room. Mal grabbed a glass as well, and followed suit.
"Hold on a sec." Mal suddenly spoke as she held up her hand to stop Cora. "Earlier, at the hospital, you told me something brief about some man that you pushed on your daughter?"
"That's correct." Cora replied with a small stutter, but she turned her attention to pouring them wine, and not meeting the eye of the puzzled woman.
"So, I guess since your daughter is pregnant, that man… Whoever he is, that's irrelevant, ehm but... Did he force himself on your daughter, and you know.. Knock her up?"
The choice of words made Cora drop the bottle of wine, and as it connected with the floor, it cracked into thousands of pieces.
Along with it, Cora seemingly fell apart as well. Her legs just disappeared from underneath her. Mal reacted quickly though, and caught her before she actually fell.
Cora's first instinct, was to push away the other woman, but she didn't. Instead, she broke down in tears, and let the woman pull her close.
"I'm sorry Cora. I didn't mean to snoop. Fuck.. I'm so stupid.. " Mal said as she rocked Cora in her arms.
"I told you I'm not a good person… " Cora said between sobs. "I don't deserve people being kind to me… I just… I'm as much of a monster as that man…"
After a few glasses of water, and cleaning up the kitchen, Cora felt a little better, but she still didn't feel… Good.
She had tried to urge Mal leave a couple of times, but she had refused to leave Cora in such a state of mind.
Cora was embarrassed by her behavior, and her break down, but in some way, she was happy about it. Happy she had someone there who wouldn't judge her for her mistake.
"Are you feeling better?" Mal asked carefully, as she took the liberty of making them some coffee.
"A little. I'm sorry for having a breakdown like that."
"Don't worry. You needed to get that out of you, and it will make you heal faster. Believe me."
"You're a bit smarter than you look." Cora teased, as she poured them coffee, and walked into the living room again.
"Don't take a tone against me, you old gal!" Mal chuckled and followed suite.
"So, if we could go back to the reason you came here in the first place…" Cora said and Mal nodded.
"Okay, back to business than. So, I think this will take a little work, and a lot of drywall, but….
I think we could get everything how you want it in a month or so. I'm sure Phil have a few people that are ready and willing to move in. He works at a youth outreach center."
"That's amazing!" Cora stated and Mal smiled
"Yeah. If you leave the finished basement for whoever the adviser would be, you're probably gonna be able to do 17 rooms." Mal stretched out and looked at the ceiling.
"Now, as far as putting those bathrooms in the closets...I'll have to look in the morning to be sure, but it shouldn't be a problem. I mean there's plenty of room for a commode, and small shower cubicle." she took a sip of wine then looked over at Cora.
"Probably fifteen minimum, and twenty-five maximum."
"Right…" Cora nodded slowly and Mal smiled "So, what's the difference in minimum and maximum?" Cora asked and Mal just chuckled.
"You're adorable." Mal just said at Cora's far away look. "Oh, minimum means no problems, maximum means a few problems. If it exceeds max, it's not worth it to change." Mal explained as Cora topped both of their glasses off with a smirk.
"I'm adorable, huh?" Cora asked and Mal smiled.
"You really are. It's almost ridiculous. See, when I first met Cru, you were the mayor. I had seen pictures of you, and she would tell me horror stories she heard around town about you."
Cora frowned at that and Mal smiled a little.
"I guess I've just always had this, ten feet tall and bulletproof image of you in my head. I literally had no idea who you were. Just some knockout that I almost killed…."
Mal paused and sat her glass down. She noticed Cora drain her glass before sitting it beside the other one slowly. "I'm glad you weren't hurt though."
"I'm just sorry that you were hurt." Cora stated and Mal nodded.
"I shouldn't have waited so long. I should have just taken that stupid truck to the shop as soon as I suspected, but I didn't. It's ok though, I mean I met you, Corna Mills." she joked and Cora beamed.
"I'm happy I met you as well." She replied and Mal smiled. They just stared into each other's eyes until Mals phone rang.
"Hey, Roar. Is she ok?" Mal asked and rolled her eyes. Apparently, her sister said something obscene and Mal chuckled. "Yeah yeah, as long as I'm sober I'll be home." she stated and hung up.
"So, I guess that wasn't Lily calling to tell you to hurry up?" Cora joked and Mal smirked.
"No. As a matter of fact, Aurora wanted to tell me she was locking the door at nine, so I'm stuck here all night."
"Is that…" Cora sat up a little straighter "Was she serious?"
"Of course not! Phil would be pissed off if I took the frame off of the house again. So no worries, but I could hang out a little longer." Mal stated and Cora had that dopey smile on her face again.
"Are you sure? I mean I just don't want you to be too tired...or drunk, to tell me your address.." she stated with a small smile and Mal moved a little closer.
"Well I suppose I could tell you the address now." she began as her hands went to Cora's shoulders, then slowly moved up her neck.
"It's…" she paused as she pulled Cora's head toward her lips, so that she could whisper in her ear. "210...Mifflin" she whispered, then kissed Cora's earlobe with a chuckle.
"Oh…..wow. You could walk there.." Cora stated breathily.
"Yep, I could walk there, in the morning." Mal stated before their lips actually connected.
The kiss felt amazing. Cora felt her entire being spinning and stretching tightly, like a rubberband.
Her entire world melted away, until Mal's hand moved down to her waist. Coras body responded, as if on reflex, or some muscle memory. Her hands went to the hem of Mal's shirt, and lifted the shirt over her head.
"Wait!" they Both pulled apart at the same time. They shared a confused look as Mal put her shirt back on.
"So," Mal started awkwardly "Why did you stop?" she whispered and Cora shrugged.
"Honestly, I don't….I'm not used to this anymore. I don't… I haven't been able to be with anyone since Henry. I don't even know what was in control when I ...took your shirt off." Cora stammered and Mal chuckled
"That, would be the lesbian instinct." Mal remarked and Cora smiled.
"So, what about you?" she asked and Mal sat back further.
"I….haven't had sex in a while also, but it's more about….you, I guess." she sighed and tried to shrink into herself.
"I think, I know exactly how you feel." Cora stated "You wanna talk about it?" she asked and Mal shrugged.
"I just...I know I haven't really told you about Cru, but she was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I mean she gave me Lily, she was a philanthropist. She used to work with habitat for humanity. That's actually how we met." Mal smiled wide.
"She asked to borrow my hammer, and I told her no. So she threw a rock at me….well, it was more of a pebble. It just annoyed me, and she just kept on and kept on. So I eventually let her use it. She came back five minutes later, and it was broken." Mal laughed and Cora smiled confused.
"How on earth did she break a hammer? Was she some superhuman?" Cora asked and Mal smiled brightly
"No. She was a hundred pounds soaking wet back then. She did everything to put on weight when she was pregnant, but she had bouts of anxiety and depression.
Mix that with hormones and random ass mood swings, and it was hell for her. We spent a little over two hundred thousand dollars before in vitro actually worked.
It took us three years, but when she found out she was actually pregnant, she was the happiest person!" a tear fell from her eye as she thought back.
"I don't know if you have any experience with that type of thing, but hers was just...always severe. When she was up, she was on cloud nine. When she was down, she was in the seventh circle of hell."
Cora nodded with a small smile, then pulled Mal into her arms as she cried and continued to talk.
"She tried to act like everything was ok, but I could always tell when she was lying. She grew up in foster care, but Abby and Urs's parents adopted her when she was 12.
They bonded with her through cooking. Most of the items at the Deli, were originally Cru's idea. The craziest part though, was that she prefered something simple like broccoli and cheddar soup, over something she created."
"She sounds amazing." Cora stated and Mal laughed
"She really was. We all, kind of knew she wouldn't survive giving birth, about a week before she died.
She had been starved and abused so much that she couldn't gain weight and her organs were, out of order." Mal paused and buried her face in the cushions.
"When we found out…..we made videos for Lily. For when she was little, and for when she gets older, but it's just not the same."
"I know. I am so happy Regina actually got to meet her father before he died, but she didn't really have the chance to know him, you know?" Cora was crying now too, but she laughed slightly. "I think though, as long as they know that they loved them, I think that's what matters."
"I agree." Mal smiled "I feel like, as long as I support Lily, in every single aspect, Cru would be happy. Proud even." Cora smiled back
"I wish I felt the same. I just….I can't feel his pride. When he was still alive I could predict his mood. His feelings. I knew what he was going to think or say, because I could feel it."
Cora was silent as Mal ran her fingers through her hair. After they both calmed down, Cora spoke again.
"For the longest time, I didn't feel anything. And I didn't want to. Because all I felt was sadness and pain. I just….I hate it. I hate feelings." Cora swallowed as Mal rested her head on Cora's chest.
"That's because he's not out here." with her head it the crook of Cora's neck, she laid an open palm over Cora's heart. "He's here, you just have to listen. I promise you'll feel the pride, and compassion, and forgiveness." Mal calmed and slowed her breathing. Cora followed suit.
"Oh…" Cora stated as Mal's hand moved under her shirt, to make skin to skin contact. Suddenly, Cora felt terrible, and sobered with a chuckle
"Ok, maybe we should stop.." she suggested and Mal chuckled as well.
"Nah, can't we just sleep like this?" she asked seriously, and Cora smiled to herself.
"Sure." Cora answered and They fell asleep sitting up on the couch with Mal's hand in Cora's shirt. Covering her heart, as if protecting it.
As Cora drifted off to sleep, she almost could swear she felt Henry again, and he was smiling at her. It had to be some sort of a sign, that all this would work out, and maybe even, that Mal would be her next chapter?