Regina Mills was nervous.

Regina Mills is almost never nervous, but today she was.

As she drove in her black Mercedes she gripped the steering wheel a bit. A million thoughts swimming in her head.

What if they don't like me?

What if I a horrible mother?

What if something goes wrong?

What if?

Regina's palms began to sweat as she gripped the wheel even tighter. She pulled into the parking lot of the Boston adoption agency and parked her car. For a moment she just sat there wondering if this was a good idea to begin with, wondering if she should just turn back. Her mind drifted to when she met Owen and how she felt. That feeling, that joy, she wanted to experience that everyday. So she finally took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

She was ready.

She could do this.


"Well, Ms. Mills your application is outstanding. I mean your references are impeccable. And this town you live in- Storybrooke,Maine-your the mayor?"

"Third term. All unopposed.", Regina smiles

"Well, I've gone over your rights and responsibilities, but there is one thing I'd like to go over in detail. The child your adopting...only has one leg."

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Well, we don't know all the specifics, but there was an accident resulting in an amputation... I hope that doesn't change anything"

"Um, no of course not. I am concerned with my child's future, not her past.", Regina answers

"Then congratulations. Ready to meet your daughter?"

"Yes", Regina is unable to contain her emotions; nervousness, happiness, excitedness. The agent pushed a button on his the intercom and no sooner does a woman appear with a girl about 13 years old. Regina looks her over. Blonde curly hair, beautiful green eyes, smooth pale skin and a slight limp.

"I'm Emma.", The girl says meekly

"Hi. I'm Regina."

" Are you my new mom?", The girl asks suddenly and with a hint of distaste.

Regina gives a nervous smile," Yes, yes I am."

Emma hums in response and grabs her bag from the floor. That is when Regina finally notices it...Emma's leg. A combination of metal and flesh, she felt rude for staring, but she couldn't look away until Emma spoke again.

"Hello? Did you hear me?"

"Excuse me? I'm sorry what was that?", Regina asked breaking out her trance

" I said I'm ready to go."

"Well then, shall we?"


The pair made their way to Regina's car in silence. When they reached the vehicle Regina opened the trunk motioned for Emma to put her bag in it.

"Um, I'd rather hold onto it.", she said and walked to the passenger side of the car. Regina bit her lip in worry, hoping that Emma wouldn't resent her for some unknown reason. Regina calm down she is 13 and just got adopted. She needs to adjust. Regina thought and relaxed a bit. She closed the trunk and climbed into the car.

Soon after they left the parking lot they got stuck in a traffic jam and Regina thought it would be a good time to talk to Emma. Get to know her a bit.

"So, Emma...tell me about yourself.", Regina awkwardly started

"Nothing to tell", she bluntly replied

"What about a favorite color? Mine is red.", Regina pressed

"Look, cut the crap already! I know you don't really care, you're just like the rest. You pretend that you want me and then the first chance you get you throw me away like a piece of garbage.", Emma snaps angrily.

"You don't really care", Emma says again in a whisper

Regina remains silent surprised by Emma's outburst. She thinks carefully about her next words before she speaks again.

"I do care"

"What?", Emma asks irritated

"When I signed those adoption papers you became my daughter and I do care about. you-", Regina paused and glanced at Emma's face, but her expression was hard to read so she continued.

"-and I don't know what happened with your previous guardians, but I assure you...I won't throw you away.", Regina finished. For a long time there was silence which was eventually broken by Emma.

" My favorite color is purple"

Regina smiled as she drove past the 'Welcome to Storybrooke' sign.


Hope you like it. Until next time :)

-Randomness99