It was four in the morning when Emma woke up unable to fall back asleep. She looked over at Regina who was sleeping peacefully next to her. The blonde smiled at how beautiful the woman was and then slipped out of bed quietly as to not disturb her. She grabbed a piece of paper and left the woman a note placing it on her pillow. She explained that she was unable to sleep and was going to hit the gym before work and would call on her lunch hour.

After an intense gym session and shower Emma made it to school and was arranging papers on her desk for the school day. She groaned when she looked at the clock and saw that school wouldn't be starting for another two hours. She came across Henry's recent writing assignment and shook her head. They were supposed to write about their goals for the school year. Henry wrote three words, "to be happy," and Emma's eyes filled with tears. She realized that was why she couldn't sleep. Even though she and Regina had an amazing night last night her mind continued to wander to Henry and the conversation that they had in her Jeep.

Emma was desperate to learn more about the boy and why he said the things he did. Why did his sister not trust him to be home alone? Was it simply because he was a twelve year old boy or was there something deeper? Why did he say his parent's died so cold like that? Emma's mind was racing with questions and she wished that someone could provide her with answers. She was wondering if it would be out of line to approach his sister at the diner. Yes, Emma, it probably would be.

"What are you doing here so early dear?"

Emma's head turned to see Julie standing at the classroom door with a gentle smile on her face.

"I couldn't sleep so I thought I would come in and catch up on some grading," Emma smiled at the woman whose company she often missed.

"I see. Having trouble sleeping again? I thought you had worked through all that?" Julie asked as she walked in and sat at one of the desks in the front of the class.

"No, I haven't been. I just couldn't get back to sleep this morning. I gave a student a ride home yesterday and he said some things that have me upset."

"Is it something we need to report?" Julie asked concerned.

"Oh no, it's nothing like that." Emma said, "You know Henry Barnes? He is a new student this year."

"The brown haired kid? Keeps to himself?" Julie asked.

"Yep, that's him. Well I gave him a ride and he had me drop him off at this diner where his older sister works."

"Right, his sister is his legal guardian."

"Yeah, he said that his parent's were killed in a car crash. But then he said that his sister was stuck with him and that she didn't trust him. It just didn't sit well with me."

"Emma, dear, he's twelve. He is probably just annoyed that he has to sit in a diner after school and be watched. Plus he had to move from clear across the country. He lived in New York before he came here. He's the new kid. All kinds of reasons the boy is quiet. I really wouldn't worry too much. I met his sister when she enrolled him here. She is a really nice girl. She's young and overworked…stressed out from taking on her brother but all in all a good egg."

Emma felt a little bit of a relief but still something just didn't feel right.

"Look, if you are that worried about it just call her in for a meeting. You are his teacher, she is his guardian, call her in to discuss his progress."

Duh Emma!

"Right, I will do that. Thank you." Emma smiled at the woman who smiled back as she saw some of the worry leave the blonde's expression.

"You're welcome. I'm glad that I am still able to help you when you have a problem dear. I was afraid that you were avoiding me…afraid that I was going to find out about you and Miss Mills." Julie raised her eyebrows at Emma.

Emma sank down in her chair and gulped.

"No need to worry dear. Although I have yet to meet Miss Mills I did see her in the hallway yesterday and I must say she is quite beautiful."

"I…um…how did you know?"

"Darling, I have known you a very long time. I have known you happy and I have known you miserable and to see you happy again is the sweetest thing in the world." Julie smiled sincerely.

Emma took a deep breath. "Thank you Julie."

"You're welcome pumpkin. So, I expect before the fundraiser starts you two will be here early so I can have a proper introduction?"

"You can count on it!" Emma replied standing up and walking around her desk.

"Good," Julie stood up and embraced the young woman into a hug.

…..

Regina woke to the sound of her phone ringing and fumbled for it on the nightstand. She frowned when she didn't recognize the number.

"Hello?"

"Regina! Hi! It's Mary…Emma's mom…"

"Oh, hi Mrs. Swan, how are you?"

"I'm good dear and please call me Mary."

"Okay, Mary, what can I do for you?" Regina sat up quickly taking a sip from the glass of water sitting next to her.

"I was wondering what your plans for the day was?"

"Well not much I was just going to…"

"Okay good because I was wondering if you would like to meet me for lunch and discuss some business plans? I know that you know about Charming and I would be flattered if you would let me help get your thoughts in order to launch your restaurant. I love my daughter but she doesn't have a business mind. But, I do dear; I launched a multimillion dollar business."

"Oh Mrs. Swan that is really nice of you…"

"Mary dear…"

"Right, Mary, that is such a nice offer but I couldn't impose…"

"You're not dear. I want to help you. I love my husband but ever since we retired I think we are spending a bit too much time together. If I have to watch another medieval movie I think I will scream."

Regina laughed, "Okay then, what time would you like to meet?"

"Does noon work for you? I can meet you at Bella's that Italian restaurant on the corner just down the street from Emma's?"

"Sure, sounds lovely."

"Or would you prefer something closer to where you live?"

Shit Emma hasn't told them yet.

"Um, no, Bella's is perfect. I will see you then."

"Okay, see you then!" Mary hung up the phone and Regina glanced the time. Three hours to prepare herself for lunch. She took a deep breath and then climbed out of bed.