A/N: I want to start by thanking all of you who have read this story before in third-person and are still here for the first-person point of view's of Emma and Regina. It means a lot to me that this story has captivated you and continues to do so. I hope to continue getting reviews from familiar readers and new ones. Lastly, I will say (yes, again) if you haven't read the third-person version of this story yet. DO SO FIRST before reading this one. Each version contains differences that you won't see in the other. Happy reading! :)
On a side note: To my reviewer who for some reason thinks I didn't add Emma and Regina's first time meeting on here. I assure you, I did. Go back and read Emma's POV in the first chapter, you will see it there. As for what Regina thinks of their first time meeting, I advice you to be patient. I will include that in a much later chapter.
Chapter 6: Regina
Not my fault. As much as I try to bring myself to believe that this incident with Rocky wasn't my fault, I can't. It is my fault. I should have been more cautious of the situation. I should have been a better teacher. You would think with all those years riding, you would be. I shake my head at myself as Emma walks beside me for that promised tour. I figured I owed her that much after-
"So how much is a house like this worth?" Emma's question snaps me back, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Pardon?" My head tilts as my eyes blink a couple of times. "I'm sor- I- I was gone for a minute."
By this time, my dear husband already would have been scowling at me for what happened earlier. For my mistake. My fault. He would have waited for the room to be entirely cleared to find some way to punish me for it. Even now. For being lost in my own thoughts. But as I look over to Emma with yet- another apologetic glance, all I can see is a kind smile stretching out at the corners of her lips.
"Your house," she nods in particular direction. "How much is it really worth?"
"Oh, um-" I shake my head as my eyes take in the sight of her almost empty glass of lemonade. "Far more than you can ridiculously imagine." I put on a smile, extending my hand out toward the glass in what I hope will be another peace offering on my part. "Would you care for some more?"
"Oh, no." Emma shakes her head, pushing the glass along the island counter as we both stand near it. "I'm afraid if I have some more, I'll just want a third and a fourth, but thank you."
I feel free to smile and give a small nod as I take her fogged up glass, the cold and wetness of it coating the palm of my hand as I immediately dump the remainder of the melted ice down the drain and quickly wash it and leave it to dry out against a rack. I can feel Emma watching me. As to why, I do not know, but given my living situation for years to come, I've grown accustomed to having eyes in the back of my head. My body's brought it upon itself to pick up on a feeling when someone is standing behind me and just watching.
I didn't like people standing behind me. Because I've come to learn that as soon as you turn your back, that's when someone can hurt you the most. I could feel my shoulders tense once again.
That's when I catch a glimpse of Emma moving over toward the counter, right beside me where I stood. And suddenly, my shoulders relax. Not entirely but, catching sight of a private smile happening at the corner of the girl's lip somehow does a good enough trick to make my body face her. Face to face.
"Excuse me," I politely say, reaching over for a kitchen towel that Sidney would leave along the rack to dry my hands with. She moves, but not far enough as I could feel my arm brush slightly with hers as I pull back. Say something! "You're welcome." Is all I can muster up, and I've never felt so stupid in all my life. "You know for the- the refreshment. Feel free to come in here and help yourself to another glass later, if you'd like. Or anything else."
Emma smiles again. Her voice is soft and kind as she says, "Thank you. But, I really wouldn't want to impose-"
"It's no imposition, dear. I'm offering." My eyes stare into Emma's and I smile. And I can feel my smile being offered as a kind and sincere smile. As I look into the girl's green eyes, I come to realize that she wasn't at all like Leopold. She didn't see the malice in my actions or didn't see my failed intention at teaching her to ride as something that was done on purpose. "Shall we continue the tour of the house?" I offer, trying to drown my thoughts out.
Emma nods and waves her hand before her, "After you." She tells me, and I'm surprised as I begin to guide her through our journey how much that simple, gallant action makes me smile.
"I presume you've seen the upstairs," I say, looking at Emma slightly over my shoulder as she catches up with me. And once she does, I stand before two double doors that find themselves shut just behind me. "But has Audrey shown you the best room in the house?"
Emma's eyebrow lifts quizzically as she says, "I can't say that she has, no. That depends on what the best room in the house is."
I grin at her words as I part open the doors, leaving them open as I can feel her walk right in with me into the only room that brings me peace of mind in this entire house. And that was saying something in the matter.
This library was where I could escape my dark reality, even if just for a moment. I could spend hours lost in a good book and I wasn't ashamed of it. After all… What more was there for me to do, when I wasn't tending to my husband's needs hand and foot, and preparing dinner? I could never leave the house, not really, except when I opened the pages of any one of these books… There was no stopping my adventures. There was no stopping the many glimpses into all the lives I stepped in, wishing with my eyes closed how much I wanted it to be my own. And they were. Each story printed within the pages of these books were lives I lived through my mind's eye.
Why, I could step into the life of a teacher who was just starting out her day at a new school and found love, and an unexpected friendship with a fellow teacher of the same sex. And in the end find the happiness I had been looking for all my life.
Funny that- ever since I was a young girl, I always thrived to be a teacher in the literature department. But that was a dream long gone.
"No way." Emma's eyes are as bright as mine are, I assume. I could spot a book lover when I see one, and that is confirmed as she turns to gawk at me. "You have your own library?" She asked with enthusiasm in her voice.
So much enthusiasm it warmed my heart. Just as much as this floor to ceiling covered library also warmed my heart. I take in the sight of the thousands of books that coat this room as I nod proudly.
Apart from Audrey, this is the one place I am thankful Leopold decided to keep. But it wasn't so much to give me pleasure out of, but to give pleasure to Audrey. Either way, I was thankful.
"Leopold wanted to turn it into a gym, but, luckily, he decided to leave it alone once Audrey fell in love with it." My eyes scan the spines of endless books, spotting some of my favorite titles before I turn my attention back to Emma.
"Thank God for Audrey," She tells me. Thank God, indeed. I smile once more as I think to myself before I hear Emma ask, "So, is this the part where you show me a secret door somewhere in this library?"
I can't help but let out a small laugh, taking a mental note to myself at how strange and new that action is for me. "Unfortunately, no. But, wouldn't that be something." I replied.
If there was such a thing as a secret room, I'd live there. I'd go to the ends of the Earth, if it meant Leopold couldn't find me.
"You could always have one made." Emma innocently shrugs as I watch her drag her fingertips, delicately along the spines of a few books along one of the shelves.
Sunlight oozed through the windows of the library, providing us with natural lighting, and I caught a glimpse of just how bright her blonde hair becomes as the sunlight hits it. Her hair is still tied up in that messy ponytail I had placed it in, and my mind travels back to how surprisingly soft her hair had felt as I was tying back for her. My fingers prickle at the memory. My eyes marvel in the memory of how green and gentle her eyes appeared as they looked into mine.
"That's a good one." I nod at The Odyssey by Homer once Emma's fingers stop right on it. What were the odds that she happened to stop on one of my favorite books?
Emma turns to the book, her fingers gripping along the top of it before dragging it out of the shelf with ease. She studies the cover up close before turning to me. "The Odyssey?" I can see the curiosity in her eyes as she read the title out loud.
"It's one of my personal favorites. Have you read it?" I say with a hint of excitement.
"I can't say that I have." Said Emma.
"You'd like it. Well, if you like stories about a Greek King who gets lost at sea, where he faces against sea monsters, and a witch that holds him captive, yearning to get back home to his beloved wife and son. Audrey mentioned you are quite the romantic."
I'm not sure what possessed me to give up Audrey like that in front of Emma, but it was a complement. After all, I always felt that a person who was romantic would appreciate a good book on the topic.
"I do love books and romance, and a bit of everything in it." I catch a shade of pink coat along Emma's cheeks and mine threaten to mimic after.
Of course that moment is soon washed over by a ping of regret as my eyes catch sight of the bruise coating along her eye, all the way to her temple. Rocky really did a number on her. And I was responsible. I frown.
"What's wrong?" Emma asked me, obviously noticing my guilt.
"I'm sorry about the whole-" I motion to my own eye as reference, and Emma cuts in.
"Don't say anymore." She stops me. "I already told you, this wasn't your fault. Accidents happen. Besides, it's just a bruise that will heal in no time. No big deal." She shrugs like someone without a care or worry in the world.
"No," I scoff more at myself than at her words. "That's the thing, Ms. Swan. It is a big deal. To me."
And it would be a big deal to Leopold once he would see the bruise for himself and find out how that happened.
"Alright, I'll tell you what," She says to me. "I'll accept your unnecessary apology, if- and only if- you start calling me just Emma."
Was I being too formal or did she just not like formalities after a while? I shake my head as I chuckle. "You do realize you are dating my daughter, don't you?"
"Come on. What's that have to do with anything?" Emma fidgets on her feet, and judging from her body language I could tell that she so desperately wanted to roll her eyes at me. "Come on, you clearly don't like me calling you Mrs. White." There's a small cringe on my part, because she was right. I detested being called Mrs. White, by all means. "You are obviously trusting me enough to call you Regina, so what's wrong with you calling me Emma?"
I did like the name Emma. In fact, I always thought that if I had been able to give Audrey another sister, I would most likely call her Emma. Then again, to have another child with Leopold would have just bound me more to him. Luckily though, I no longer had to worry about that.
And truth be told. For whatever unknown reason, I did trust Emma.
"Well, you have a point, I suppose." Now it's my turn to shrug.
"I know I do. Or maybe I'm just very persuasive and charming." Emma grins at me and again I can't help but grin along. I wondered to myself, why was her smile contagious enough that it made me smile without a struggle?
"Alright," I roll my eyes at her playfully, and watch as her grin grows impossibly larger. "Now, you're just being a little cocky."
"If you don't believe me, ask your daughter. She fell for my charms just by a glance across a crowded room."
I chuckle, "Is that really how you two met?"
"Yeah, my friend August was throwing a party in honor of his birthday. Audrey was invited by him and his girlfriend at the time." Emma shakes her head as she continues her fascinating tale. It was fascinating to me. "But I don't want to bore you with that stuff."
"You're not." I am quick to assure her, hoping that my stare urged her to go on.
Fact of the matter was, I loved hearing stories from people, as much as I loved reading them. Especially when I could never have an experience of my own. It was miraculous enough that I was able to convince Leopold to allow me to assist and finish college to achieve my teaching degree. I remember Audrey was just a little girl, and it took me time and time again to convince him. I couldn't do anything after my degree of course, because to him it was absurd that I had any type of life of my own. I was a wife and a mother. And that's all he wanted me to be.
Also, when I met Emma, I knew she was the type of person that would have stories to tell. I quite envied that. And for whatever unknown reason, we seemed to enjoy each other's company as well as fascinate each other. At least I hope the feeling was mutual. Because usually, I don't click with a lot of people.
"Well," Emma invites herself to one of the chairs near a tea table that had been placed by one of the library windows. I feel free to join her, sitting opposite her, and I feel an excited smile stretched across my lips as I listen attentively. "I had arrived first," Emma places The Odyssey book along the table to continue with her story. "Audrey actually arrived late that night. I was actually ready to head back to my dorm room, but August wouldn't have it."
I chuckle at this, "He's one of those, huh?"
"Oh, definitely. 'It's do or die time, Em!' That's what he always says to me." Emma grins.
I look into Emma's eyes as my own smile widens. And I don't know if it's the way the sunlight is beaming in through the window directly at her. Or maybe I just didn't notice before how her eyes go light green when she smiles, and how beautiful her smile shines directly at me.
"Audrey mentioned that you chose not to work?" Emma's question takes me off guard a little, but I refocus on her smile. And suddenly something in me wants to snap.
More like I was obligated to stay home. "My husband…" Forced me. Say it! My mind yells at me, willing whatever wants to snap inside of me to speak out. But in the end, I go with, "Leopold makes enough," Coward. I scowl at myself. "I married young, met him when I was sixteen- married him."
It wasn't a secret that Leopold was much older than me. And no one ever questioned it. Or probably never dared to.
"At sixteen?" Emma's eyebrows however spoke volumes on the surprise in her voice regarding my revelation. I could count the number of times on my own fingers, how many people that shocked over the years. Mostly wives of Leopold's friends. But, Emma's reaction threw me for a loop, causing my cheeks to turn warm and I couldn't understand why.
"It wasn't by choice," I hear myself say, and keep it at a murmur, hoping Emma didn't pick up on a revelation I wouldn't have shared with anyone. Especially not someone I had just met.
But Emma's head tilt, plus the crease that formed in between her brow gave me my answer. She had heard.
"We should see if Audrey is back." I abruptly stood, deciding to put a stop to our conversation before I said something I would surely regret saying later. I will never forget the look on Emma's face as I stood.
"Right," I hear her murmur. She had become baffled by my sudden change of mood- I know it. Her eyes never left me, even as I stood.
"Don't forget your book." I nod toward the book, watching her pick it up from the table.
"I'll return it as soon as possible. Intact, of course." Emma said to me.
"Take your time, dear." I offer her a smile. A smile that vanishes as soon as I take in the bruise that has taken place along her face once again. I frown and I see Emma frown along with me. At that moment, I know she knows the source of my worry.
"How does it look?" Emma and I stop walking, and she stands perfectly still for me to inspect her injury. "Does it look bad?" She asked me.
I take a step forward, for better inspection. Miraculously, Daniel's steak pulled off its trick of disappearing all of the swelling around her eye. It was still purple, but it would heal.
My hand comes up slowly, my fingers brush back a strand of her fallen blonde hair and I take in the softness of it as I tuck it behind her ear. Our eyes lock as I say, "Not at all." My voice was almost a whisper that I decided to give her a reassuring smile for better comfort. And as I smile, so does Emma.
I couldn't understand why my heart began to pound inside of my chest at that moment. Harder than I've ever felt it beat in all my forty years of life. Maybe it was Emma's beauty- because even I had to admit- Ms. Swan was quite beautiful. And she had appeal.
"I'm home!" Audrey's voice echoed through the house, followed by the door slamming shut. It startles us both a little, but I was willing to bet that I was the only one who jumped to a quick composure. "Ugh," Audrey gives an eye roll of annoyance as she says, "You wouldn't believe the line at that pharmacy. But," she holds up a white paper bag, rattling it playfully as she grins at Emma. "I finally got your medicine."
I watch them share a quick kiss. "Well," I breathe out a flashed smile, directed at my daughter. "I'll go see to lunch now. I'm sure after today's events, you two must be hungry."
"You don't have to do that." Emma shakes her head, and I see a frown form along her lips in a thin line.
"Em, don't you worry about a thing." Audrey smiles, placing another quick kiss against her girlfriend's thin lips. "I'll go help my mom, you just rest, okay?"
"Audrey-" Emma looked at her pleadingly, and I smile.
"Just for today. Please? It'll really give me some peace of mind. And I'm sure my mom feels horrible, even though this was in no way her fault," I frown- smile gone- as I see Audrey flash an understanding smile my way before her eyes turn back to Emma. "Come on. It would help her ease her mind as well."
I give Emma a small smile as she turns to me. Hoping I was giving her the same pleading look she had just given Audrey. "Okay." Said Emma, following us into the living room where she plopped down on the couch as Audrey and I continued our destination right into the kitchen.
I can tell Emma was not a girl to be sitting for long. And as I turn my head before following Audrey into the kitchen, I smile as I see her opening up the first page of The Odyssey.
Lunch was a delight, as was dinner. Which Audrey helped me prepare. Audrey had accompanied Emma outside to sit by the pool for a while after lunch, while I cleaned up. For dinner, we chose to make a pot roast that if I do say so myself, came out absolutely perfect. And it sure tasted as good as it looked. Emma certainly enjoyed it from the looks of it.
"I'm telling you, Em. If someone knows her way around everything in the kitchen," Audrey points at me quite proudly. "It's my mom."
"I wouldn't say everything." I chuckle, shaking my head. Audrey was always one to exaggerate.
"It's true," Audrey grins, her eyes glancing at Emma. "And, she can bake, too. My dad really won the lottery with you, mom." They turn back to me.
I shift in my seat, deciding to reach for my glass of wine to help me hide my frown behind it. My eyes turn to Emma. "How's your headache?" I ask her.
"A little better." Emma replied, taking a sip of her water. Knowing that her headache had slightly vanished certainly made me feel better. So much that I gave her a small smile, which judging by her eyes, they quickly noticed it from across the table.
I could feel my eyes glance down, finding my glass of wine a little more interesting than to stare into the girl's eyes for too long.
"Thank you for dinner. It certainly was delicious." Emma smiled at me once more, and I caught her attempting to reach for her plate as she stood from her chair. Audrey, who was also quick on her feet, immediately put a stop to her.
"Um, whoa!" My eyes follow Audrey's hand as it grabs Emma's wrist. Then I watch Emma, whose eyes are wide but rather in a quizzical manner.
Of course, I knew that Audrey simply didn't want Emma doing anything strenuous. I didn't either, in fact. In case of a concussion. But when one's endured abuse almost every day of her life- like me- well, you tend to jump at every little thing. Even by how quick some people moved, even if they didn't mean you no harm. Not that Audrey would ever hurt Emma, or vice versa- I certainly hope not- but, unfortunately it was a habit hard to break.
I have thought about the possibility of having a slight case of PTSD. Which I wouldn't be at all surprised if I did.
I did endure beatings almost every day for any little thing. Consequences of my wrong doings, if you will.
"What are you doing? There's no way you are cleaning up after yourself." Said Audrey as she took the plate away from Emma.
"Audrey, come on," Emma's shoulders slump before she turns to me, as if asking me to back her up. But I couldn't.
"No, she's right." I quickly stand after wiping my mouth with a napkin, and pick up my plate along with my empty wine glass. I move along the table, collecting another wine glass. "As much as I appreciate you wanting to help, Audrey's right. It's better to not strain yourself, at least for today."
"How is washing my own dishes straining myself enough to possibly pass out?" Asked Emma in a stubborn tone.
"It's just for today, Em." Said Audrey, placing a quick peck along Emma's lips before giving her a kind smile. "You just worry about heading upstairs and taking a nice warm shower, okay? I'll be up in a minute after I'm done helping my mom in the kitchen."
It took her a moment, no doubt wanting to continue to be stubborn. But, seeing as she had no other choice in the matter, Emma gave up.
"Alright, fine." She nods, and I smile. She and Audrey shared another kiss before her eyes turned to me and she smiled as I gave her a nod before heading into the kitchen with Audrey.
"You've helped me enough, dear," I say to Audrey, looking over my shoulder at her as she wiped down the counter top. She always loved helping me in the kitchen, and I didn't mind the company one bit. But it was getting late, and someone needed to check on Emma. "Why don't you go on to bed now? Check up on Emma." I suggest.
"And leave you with these dishes when you've always seemed to beat me at cleaning up almost the entire kitchen in just under five minutes? I swear, it's like you're made of magic." Audrey shakes her head as she takes over in washing the dishes for me.
Made of magic. I chuckle as I murmur, "If only."
How I wish I was made of magic. I would have cast a spell on Leopold years ago. Maybe gave him a tail, or took away his voice so that I wouldn't have to hear it anymore. No. That would be too merciful of me. Making him vanish into thin air actually sounded much better.
My dear husband didn't only thrive on perfection. He wanted everything spotless. And over the years, I had plenty of practice, becoming pretty good at being fast around the kitchen. I wasn't sure at what time Leopold was expected to come home. Hopefully no time soon. Maybe tonight I could get a good night's sleep. But, knowing my luck-
"While we're here, and finally alone," My daughter's voice pulls me from my many thoughts. Especially after she leans up against the other side of the counter to stand closer to me. "Tell me." She looks at me expectedly.
My eyes turn to her, and my head tilts quizzically, but my hand never stops wiping down the counter top. "Tell you what?" I ask.
"What do you think of her?" I know immediately that she's asking for my approval of Emma.
"Well, I've only spent a few minutes with her today, but from what I can tell she's a very well brought up young woman. Certainly well mannered," I flash a warm motherly smile at Audrey. Obviously giving her my approval of liking Emma.
"She is. And she's very talented, mom. You should see some of the pictures she takes." Audrey's eyes beam with excitement as does her voice as she talks about Emma and her passion for photography.
"I'm sure I'll have a chance to see them." I sure would love to. I look into Audrey's eyes for a moment as I say, "But, you know that all that truly matters to me is that she treats you right. Which, I can see that she does. And she certainly cares a great deal for you."
"You really think so?" Audrey smiles. Her eyes beaming with love.
"I do." I give her a reassuring nod before reaching my daughter's hand and give it a firm but gentle squeeze.
Suddenly an unnerving feeling settled in the pit of my stomach at that moment. Of course, I knew Emma didn't seem like the type to beat on Audrey, but as Audrey's mother, and given my harsh life experiences, I needed to ask then and there.
"Emma…" I paused for a beat, my tone settling in in a more serious manner. "She does treat you right, doesn't she?" I make sure to look directly into Audrey's eyes as I ask this.
"What do you mean?" Audrey's eyes look quizzically back into mine. She knew my tone well.
I draw in a small breath before I try again, "She doesn't-" No. That's not right. My head shakes as I compose myself before trying one more time. "She would never hit you. Would she?"
For a moment, a feeling of regret comes over me, almost like I've just asked a big question that I shouldn't have. The type of question I wished time and time again, someone would ask me. I've thought about what I would possibly begin to say if anyone ever dared to ask me the question I had just asked Audrey. Sadly, my thoughts leading to that question always end in the same conclusion. That I would probably be too much of a coward to speak my mind. Let alone the truth.
God, I was so pathetic!
The look on Audrey's face, regarding my sudden question will forever be engraved in my motherly heart. It was a look of pure shock that I would even dare to ask her such a question. That's when I knew for certain- Emma was nothing like Leopold.
"Of course not." Audrey's response to me came out in small pauses. Not of hesitation, but of surprise. "Why- why would you ask such a question?"
A crease forms along Audrey's brow. I suddenly realize that while we are here, alone in this very kitchen, that I could bring myself to tell Audrey the truth. Be brave for once, and muster all my strength to tell her once and for all my reason behind my concern that at least one of us found herself in a healthy, stable relationship.
But my question raised inside my mind and inside my heart: Would she believe me if I dared to breathe a word of what happened inside every corner of this house when her back was turned?
Once again, I find myself cowering out. I find myself remembering that Audrey loved her father dearly, and she had never once seen him act in anger toward me. Not in front of her, anyway. Leopold would never allow that to happen. Because the last thing he wanted was to lose his daughter's love, let alone her respect.
Was I wrong for trying to protect her this way? Keeping her naive instead of preparing her for the truth, hidden underneath my harsh reality?
Of course I was. But as her mother, there was no possible way I could ever bring myself to break Audrey's heart with this. I hated myself for that, and for many other things.
"Mom?" Once again, my daughter's voice startles me out of my own thoughts, causing me to quickly put on my best smile.
"I'm just being your mother, dear. I didn't mean anything by it. I simply…" I pause for a beat and shake my head. "I wanted to discard that wild card off the table about Emma. From what little I've come to know of her, I've taken a liking to her, and it would be a shame if the image I have of her would be washed away by a violent act toward you."
Audrey chuckles, placing a hand against my arm in a gentle manner. Which I am thankful for. "Well, you don't have to worry, because Emma is the most gentle soul you could meet. I promise."
As much as I hate for anyone to make any type of promise, I believe in Audrey's. I am quick to pull her into a loving motherly hug. A hug I had been needing for a very long time. And when I feel my daughter's embrace wrap around me in return, it almost makes me want to cry, but I hold back.
"I can't say this enough," my eyes are closed as I murmur along Audrey's shoulder. They open as I draw in Audrey's face, cupping her cheeks with both of my hands as I deliver a sad smile and say, "But, I am so happy to have you home."
I find myself referring to myself as a coward once again.
While Audrey just flashes a smile back at me. "I've missed you, mom. I really, really have. And, hey- we have some shopping to catch up on."
I chuckle. The idea of shopping with Audrey warmed my heart. "That we do. Perhaps this weekend we can do just that, hm?"
"We better." Audrey held up a single digit before me in a playful warning manner, which helps me laugh a little before I'm embraced in another hug by my daughter.
I could never get enough of Audrey's hugs. Even if she'd never know what went on inside this house, her hugs gave me a reason to keep facing another day.
"We will." I gin, my hands pressing along Audrey's back before we face each other again. "Go rest now. I don't want you to leave Emma alone any longer, especially after today's events."
"You're right." Audrey leans in for the last time tonight to place a kiss along my cheek. My lips return the favor along hers. "I'll see you tomorrow. Rest up."
"You, too, dear."
I smiled and turned to finish up wiping the counters. My head whips around as I hear footsteps approaching me. "Sidney. You startled me." I say as I see Sidney entering the back door of the kitchen.
"My apologies, ma'am." He gives me a kind smile. "I was throwing out the trash."
"Thank you." I smiled at him kindly.
"If you don't need me for anything anymore, I shall head to bed."
I shake my head. "No, thank you. I'm just going to make myself a cup of tea before calling it a night myself."
"Very well. Have a good night, ma'am." He nods at me and goes on his way.
"You, too." I reply, and fill up the kettle with water and place it along the burner of the stove. I walk over to the pantry and pull out the box of chamomile teas, drawing out a single bag. Next I reach for a cup, followed by a small plate, setting them all down along the counter top. I place the bag inside, followed by just a drop of honey.
It didn't take long for the water to boil. I carefully reach for the pot and pour the steaming water inside the cup, setting back along the stove after. I reach for a spoon and stir. My nerves were already on edge. My mind was on edge with thoughts of what Leopold might do or say once he found out about Emma's accident. Because it was an accident. At least that's what I try to make myself believe.
How could Emma even think it was an accident? She was in no way, shape or form angry over what happened. Instead of blaming me for my mistake of not speaking up sooner, Emma gifts me with a kind and understanding smile. Not to mention that humor of hers that I couldn't quite understand why- even when I didn't want to- it always made me laugh.
I stand in the kitchen, stirring my spoon inside of my tea, loosening the thickness of the honey, and I'm grinning. I am actually grinning as I silently recall Emma's humor. As I recall that gentle color of sea green in her eyes as they looked back at me.
Honestly, I had never seen a smile as kind and eyes as gentle as Emma Swan's.
There was just something about the girl that made me feel so… Relaxed. But scared all at once. Those were two conflicting feelings that I couldn't understand as to why they had to mix.
I quickly shake my head and turn on the heels of my feet. Gasp! It actually escapes my parted lips and my eyes grow wide at the sight of Leopold, standing before me. Glaring down at me. He was angry. And if the look on his face didn't give his anger away in that moment, the backhand deliverance of a hard earned slap given to me across the face definitely did.
My head whipped to the side and I could feel my cheek burning. I looked down at the floor beneath my feet to see my prepared cup of tea had shattered into a million pieces before me.
"How many times, Regina?" I could hear his voice ringing in my ears. My hand cupped my cheek as I stood absolutely still, hoping to turn invisible. "How many times have I told you to get rid of that ridiculous place? But, you won't listen." He grabs me by the face, forcing me to look at him. My cheeks hurt. "And now, you go and put the one person that means the world to Audrey in danger?"
"Victor came to check on her, and he said everything would be fine-" That was all I managed to get out as far as an explanation, given that his voice liked towering over mine. And it did.
"I don't care what Victor says." His grip tightens around my jawline, causing me to grunt in pain. "I don't even care that this little riding lesson idea was Audrey's. You should have been more careful."
"It was nothing more than an accident. It happens to a lot of first riders, you know that." I hissed, trying to escape his grip which only tightens around my jaw before a direct blow is delivered right to my stomach.
My knees hit the cold marbled floor, and I am gasping for air. My hands cup along my stomach as my body rolls to the side, right next to the puddle of spilled tea and shattered glass.
I never saw Leopold grab a hold of the rag that I had left on the counter top, but he must have, since the next thing I knew, he had tossed it directly at my face. Not feeling any remorse or having any consideration for my lack of breath. "Clean that up before you come to bed." He said coldly.
And all I could recall at that moment was how blurry my vision turned on me as I could see a faint image of his feet disappearing from the kitchen.
Once I am sure he is gone, that's when I let out an exasperated gasp, drawing in as much air as I can. I remain on the floor for a while until I gather enough strength to help me begin to stand. As I'm cleaning, my hand lands along my stomach, and my forehead rests along the cold tiled floor, my lungs letting out a few shuddering breaths. Just taking another moment.
After cleaning up the mess on the kitchen floor and having had another cup of tea. I decided that I wasn't heading to bed yet. The last thing I needed or wanted was to give Leopold another reason to throw in a punch to my stomach or anywhere else on my body. My stomach is still reeling from that right hook it fell victim to earlier.
I decided to sit in the library, not bothering to turn on any lights. I would be very well hidden in here and could be alone without anyone to see I was crying.
I'm so sorry, daddy. That's what I always felt the need to tell my father, because my life didn't go exactly how he saw it going for me. I'm sure by now, even if he wasn't around to say it, I had become nothing short of a disappointment to him. Just like I had become one for myself. My eyes close and I can feel tears sliding past my cheeks.
Ugh! I readjust the bag of ice I had gathered from the kitchen and place it back along my cheek. It was beginning to hurt.
"Hello?" I hear a voice that startles me. And as I whip my head around, the silhouette that belonged to that voice catches me off guard. I stare at it for a moment, until I finally see Emma come into the gleam of light shining through the window that the moon provides.
"What the hell are you doing lurking around at this hour of the night, Ms. Swan?" My tone bites sharply in a snarl. I quickly turn my head and take advantage of the darkness that surrounds me to wipe away my tears before Emma could see them, all while standing on my feet.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." Said Emma, her voice gentle. I see her take two more steps toward me, and I take a quick step back, holding the bag of ice behind my back. "I was just coming down here to read for a while, that's all. Audrey is asleep and I didn't want to disturb her by keeping the lamp on in the bedroom."
So considerate. Even that thought of Emma being possibly the nicest person in the world angered me right now. I needed to get out of here.
"A- are you okay?" She asks me, and I see her take another step forward.
"Have a good night, Ms. Swan." I reply as coldly as possible. And before I know it, I am brushing past her so fast and so hard, my shoulder bumps along with Emma's as I exit the library.
"Hey- Regina?"
I hear Emma call out my name, but I never turn around. I didn't stop. I keep walking as fast as I can to get away. My eyes sting with tears that I refuse to let out.