A/N: not completely happy with this chapter but I hope you like it! Thanks for all the follows/favs and reviews so far! :)
Chapter 2
"How did Henry get that mark on his cheek?"
Looking across the uncomfortable room at the woman sat on a chair, Emma bites her lip with a small glare at the hidden accusation while gripping tightly to the boy sat on her lap before responding. "He fell and knocked against the coffee table.."
Raising an eyebrow, the woman appears intrigued. "Was he alone?"
"No of course he wasn't alone! I thought you were suppose to be helping me with a job interview..you're not the social services" the blonde remarks while holding out Henry's teddy for him to take.
"You're right it's not part of my job description but I'm looking at the welfare of my client and if you cannot look after yourself, there is no way you can care for a child and then the social services would be contacted" watching for a moment, the patronising woman stares down to her clipboard. "I have managed to set up an interview for you waitressing, however you will not be handling the money given your record"
Rolling her eyes, Emma mumbles. "Expect it wasn't me who stole..I didn't know my ex was gonna plant one on me and do a runner did I.."
"Either way you have the weekend to prepare yourself. It's on Monday"
Looking to her son, the young woman takes hold of his free hand before realising. "And my son? As you were so concerned on his welfare a moment ago..what am I to do with Henry while I am at the interview? Or work might I add?"
Peering through her notes again, the woman smiles sweetly. "If I recall, you were left a car when you were released from prison yes?"
Nodding, Emma frowns at where the conversation is headed.
"The job I've lined up for you is around the corner to your apartment. I know the government has helped set you up with a small portion of money but my advise? Sell the car and put him into daycare then once you have the job, you can continue to pay for daycare. Simple" clasping her hands together, the woman looks rather smug.
Turning away rather sadly, the blonde runs a hand through Henry's hair. "..Henry loves the bug..."
"I think he would love to socialise more and food in his tummy.."
Gritting her teeth, the young woman stands up, taking the boy with her who automatically waves at the woman opposite. "I'll see what I can do.." Moving towards the door, Emma heads outside then exhales sharply, relieved that it is all over with, for now anyway. Walking down the corridor, the blonde pushes through the double doors before pausing outside the building. Lifting her son up to eye level gaining a small laugh, the young woman smiles. "Shall we go to the park Henry? Would you like to see the ducks?"
Attempting to grab at her glasses, the small boy claps and squeals as he is settled once again on his mother's hip.
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Having observed the scene from her car, Regina pulls out onto the road in order to follow the pair to the park. After leaving abruptly yesterday as to not cause suspicion, especially as Emma had noticed her parked outside the prison gates, the former Queen had to rely once again on Sydney's location as to where the blonde was. She was yet to know of her address but the former mirror managed to track her time schedule for her parole officer. Yes it was on the verge of stalking but since yesterday's brief glance, Regina couldn't get the young woman out of her head, more so the woman herself than the actual focus she was originally there for, her curse.
Leaving her car parked near the open gates, the brunette strolls along the pathway while shoving her hands in her coat pocket to keep off the chill. Peering over the grass and along to the lake, Regina cannot help but smile at the sense of freedom as she walks along. It reminded her of a time she used to spend with her father when her mother was dealing with business long before her marriage to the King. Spotting the blonde in the distance, the former Queen carefully strolls along the path in her direction watching once again with a smile.
"Come on Henry, get those legs moving! You can do it!" Sat upon her jacket on the grass, Emma holds her son out at arms length trying to encourage the small boy to walk towards her. Henry however simply bounced with a squeal at his mother's excited voice while gripping tightly to her fingers. Dropping himself down on top of the blonde, the small boy then pouts before opening and closing his mouth eagerly.
Biting her lip, Emma settles the boy in the middle of her crossed legs to then check what money she has on her to buy him something. "I suppose I could stretch to a bag of rusks until we get home..." Tilting her head down towards Henry who is attempting to munch on her hand, the blonde raises an eyebrow as his interest is peeked elsewhere. Following his gaze, the young woman looks up to see the brunette sitting on a nearby bench, first offering the boy a small smile then one to his mother. Noticing her genuine, non judgemental look, Emma goes coy before also offering a smile in return. Glancing down to Henry, the blonde laughs a little as the boy clasps his hand frantically in front of him trying to give the other woman a wave. Taking a chance, the younger woman then stands, scooping her son up before making her way up to the bench, suddenly frowning as she approaches.
Looking up at the blonde, Regina stares curiously as to what the young woman was going to do.
"I know this may sound out of the blue but have I seen you before? You look familiar.."
Not wanting to lie, the former Queen bites her lip having been somewhat caught. "Yes you may have. I was at the prison yesterday...visiting.." Internally cringing at the small white lie, Regina watches as Emma's face drops.
"Oh..okay. Well I take it you don't need to guess why I was there..you must have seen me leave.."
Shrugging to show she's not really bothered as to why, the former Queen smiles then looks towards Henry. "He looks like you.."
Smiling proudly as she kisses the boy's cheek, the blonde replies. "Thanks.." Intrigued by the newcomer, Emma then decides this is her best chance of having any type of friend. "..I'm Emma..and my son is Henry.."
Trying to mask her shocked features at the tots name, the former Queen nods in acknowledgment. "..Regina, it's nice to meet you" noticing Henry trying to lean over to her with his hand, the brunette chuckles and accepts, rubbing her thumb gently across his knuckles. "And Henry of course"
Giving a squeal, Henry looks up to his mother. "..mama.." Pointing to his mouth, the small boy then pulls his top up to show his tummy to explain what he wants. Tickling softly, Emma pulls his top back down. "Okay Henry, we will go get some food.."
Realising that the pair are going to leave, Regina panics and shifts forward to stand from the bench. "Do you know of anywhere nice around here to eat? I only arrived here yesterday and I'm still adjusting to the area.."
Sniggering, the blonde raises an eyebrow. "Well me too..you know, having been..away. However I have tried a diner down the street that has a good variety"
Looking towards the direction in which Emma gestures to, the older woman nods. "I take it you're going there now? I mean if Henry is hungry.."
Feeling herself get embarrassed, Emma shakes her head. "..erm..no I have a certain limit..with..we are just going to get something at home..he likes his porridge.."
"Oh..well I hope to see you around Emma.." Smiling at the woman, Regina then takes hold of Henry's hand again causing him to belly laugh. "And Master Henry.." Clapping his hand lightly, the brunette then strokes his cheek. "You are just too cute.."
"I think you've made a friend kid.." Emma bounces him as he smiles at Regina while reluctantly letting go of her hand. "You gonna say bye.."
Waving frantically, Henry grins. "Ba..ba.."
Biting her lip, the blonde looks to the older woman. "We're working on that.."
"I'm sure he will pick it up in no time.."
"Yeah, hopefully then I can at least get something done right.."
Seeing the young woman deflate, Regina hesitantly touches her arm. "I, having just met you, do not know what it is that exactly happened for you to take a bad turn but from what I can see, you are doing best by your son..don't be too hard on yourself"
Staring at the brunette in disbelief, Emma gulps. "I..I'm trying but right now it doesn't seem enough for certain people.."
"Don't bother yourself over what others think. Henry is clearly happy and healthy.."
"Aside from that.." Pointing to the boys bruised cheek, the blonde looks down having failed.
"Accidents happen. He's not only a baby but also a boy believe me, you will have your hands full with much more than a bruised cheek when he is older. Broken bones, the lot. It's all part of life" the former Queen explains in the hopes of making Emma feel better. "Listen if you ever need a friend..or just a stranger to talk to..here's my number. I know what it's like to be judged and brought down..unfortunately I had no one to cover my back..but hopefully you do" shoving her hand in her coat pocket, Regina pulls out a business card and hands it over.
Accepting it, the blonde gives a small smile before reading it out. "Regina Mills..guessing by this business card you must be a lawyer or something?"
Laughing a little, the brunette shakes her head. "Not quite..but I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you"
Smirking at the playfulness, the young woman states boldly. "Try me"
Taking a deep breath, the older woman answers. "I'm...a mayor..of a small town"
Eyes widening slightly, Emma then frowns. "Then why are you here?"
"I'm trying to find something.."
Feeling Henry tug on her jacket, the blonde glances down. "Aren't we all?"
"Anyway, the boy is getting persistent..you better go get his porridge" Regina smiles over at him again.
"Yes, I better had..plus I have to get myself prepared for an interview Monday.."
"You'll get it" the brunette announces completely sure of it then winks at her reassuringly.
Biting her lip with a smile, Emma nods. "Thanks..I'll see you around or you know talk soon or whatever"
"I hope so.."
Turning to leave, Henry gives one last wave. "Ba!"
Waving back him, Regina chuckles then moves off in the direction of her car.
Pausing in her step, the blonde glances over her shoulder to watch the brunette go, completely enthralled by her and also amazed to the fact that she was so open to the older woman and felt comfortable. Something Emma hadn't felt in a long time.
