Holy cow mistress, am I conflicted! I'm sure my dog is counting down the seconds until I shut up. A huge thanks to Juliette101, who lit the dark path with lovely ideas! xo
Regina shut the door and sped down the drive. She made sure the house was well out of view before she allowed herself to slam the brakes. Her emotions were all over the place, she was bordering a breakdown in all the best ways. Her heart rate was up a million beats, she because it was all she could hear. She ran her tongue over kiss-swollen lips and relished at the faint taste of liquor and Emma. She regained her emotional balance and gave leeway to the pedal, the car urged forward. The drive home took longer than she would have liked, she had to wash away the feeling of hands across her that still lingered. Car safely in the garage, she jammed the button and it roared shut. She didn't even realize how fast she moved until she was in her shower, fully clothed. She slid down the walls and sat staring into the cool drops falling down on her. Her body ached and sobs racketed through her, uninvited. She fought them at first, but allowed them to consume. It had been a long time since she had cried quite so violently. She screamed at the top of her lungs, no longer able to handle herself.
The cries of a banshee echoed throughout the empty house, reminding her that she was alone. Alone, she repeated in her mind until it no longer was coherent. She'd always be alone, she'd accepted this after the death of her beloved.
"Daniel" Her voice broke. "I'm so sorry, I just can't be better." She cried into the confession. "I know you're the only one that could ever truly love me." She eyes the ring he'd given her before his death. "I'm too broken now, Emma will leave once she see's that." She buried her face in her knees, and thought of all her regrets. A new addition being the heated kiss she'd just shared with the blonde. "I'm such a fool." She croaked.
Regina lay unmoving in the shower, water continually falling over her to the break of day. She must have fallen asleep because when she stood, soaked and heavy, the sun was in the midst of the horizon. She shut off the water and peeled off her garments. The clock read 10:30 I've been in there for 5 hours she told herself and glared at the clock in disgust. She unceremoniously dressed herself for a day of lessons, when she remembered that she'd have to see the blonde today. She cringed and nearly let a tear fall, but stopped herself.
"Enough, you are to do your job, and do it right. This woman will not affect you in such a way any longer." She warned her reflection. She stomped out of the room and down the stairs. Grace was expecting her, was all she needed to paint a picturesque smile on her face. Let's get this over with, she said internally and journeyed the the ring.
It was 11:00 when Emma woke to an unwelcome, but expected hangover. She covered hr head to block out the light, and maybe catch a few minutes more of sleep. Henry, was the only thing she needed to bring her racing, against her body's heavy protests, to the shower. She was out lightening fast and began the two mile walk to Mary Margaret's. She would usually be more appreciative of the beautiful landscape around her, but she just wanted to get Henry and go home. Her brain developed a rhythm to which it throbbed against her skull, almost to the point of unbearable but not quite.
When she finally stepped up to Mary Margaret's door, she could already hear laughter. She felt her mood improve as she knocked twice. The door opened to a perky Mary Margaret, who looked at Emma with dismay after she saw her sunken eyes.
"That bad?" She asked, concern lacing chocolate irises.
"Oh, hell yes." Emma replied slipping past her. It wasn't long before Henry took notice to her arrival and jumped on her. She almost vomited, almost. "Hey, kid, how was your night with David?" She asked with fake cheeriness.
"We played video games, and ate popcorn!" He replied, beaming. "I kicked his butt." He added.
"He took advantage of me, I haven't played Super Mario in years!" David defended. "I know I could beat you, if I just had a little time to practice."
"Keep dreaming!" Henry said and giggled at David's expression of mock defeat. The energetic boy padded into the kitchen where Mary Margaret was preparing pancakes. "Can I have blueberries?" He asked with his signature cute voice and batting eyelashes. MM nodded in response.
"Oh, no." Emma let out after seeing the exchange. "You're already under his spell." She said to MM in an attempt to sound disappointed.
She gave her a surprised look. "Blueberries are good for a growing boy." She defended. "Do you want blueberries, too?" She asked Emma.
"Please." She answered and watched as her friend added blueberries to the mix. The woman poured two perfect pancakes that caused the pan to sizzle and crack. Emma was so hungry that the pain in her head didn't even phase her. Ten Minutes later, the four of them sat around the table with stacks of pancakes, and a side of bacon. Emma dove in to the feast and wasn't surprised when the pancakes were cooked to perfection.
"Is there anything you can't cook?" Emma asked between bites.
"No, I don't think so." The brunette answered sheepishly. They finished their meals and went to clearing the table. Emma and Henry did their part before saying their thanks and goodbye's. MM showed them out and moved to close the door.
"Oh, Emma!" She called to the blonde halfway down the steps. "Are going to be up for a Girl's Night next week?" She finished after gathering the blonde's attention.
"I'll answer that if this hangover ever goes away." She answered, turning to walk the rest of the stairs with a grin. She turned to her son who held his overnight bag to his chest. "What's wrong?" She asked him.
"Nothing, I'm just tired. Mary Margaret and David kept me up. They must have been moving furniture." He answered innocently.
Emma's jaw dropped then she closed it so he didn't see her shock. "I'll have to discuss that with her, some other time." She said with a shake of her head. Not that she was mad about their actions, she was just shocked that Mary Margaret wasn't a virgin. So much had been clear, but she was the picture of innocence. Apparently not, Emma thought as she opened the door to her bug. She turned the engine over, and only then noticed that Henry wasn't next to her. She freaked, but only from a moment. Outside, Henry was talking to the girl from the stable, Grace, still clad in riding attire. They were both smiling and having a cute conversation that Emma wasn't tuned in to. She got out of the car and saw the man standing by Grace. He noticed her and gave a tight smile.
"You're Henry's mom?" He asked striding towards her. He offered his hand which she shook. "I'm Jefferson, Grace's father."
"Emma Swan." She told him. "I've seen your daughter in lessons with Regina, she has a lot of talent."
"Ah, yes. She mentioned Henry was starting lesson with Miss Mills. Beware, she's kind of a bitch." He said quietly so the kid's didn't hear.
Emma's teeth clenched at the derogatory remark. "Hm. I didn't get that impression." She claimed.
"Maybe you're the lucky one." He said and gave her a friendly wink. "Henry and Grace are seeming to get along. Maybe a play date is in order?" He suggested.
Though Emma didn't appreciate the man's opinion of Regina, he seemed okay, and Henry was enjoying the company of Grace. "I would say the same." She agreed.
"We were headed to the park, care to join?" Jefferson asked, nodding towards the park.
"That'd be nice. We'll follow you." She finished and sat back in her car, joined soon by Henry. She watched as the gray BMW sped ahead of her. She followed it to a small park by the coastline. It was quaint, with a swing set, seesaws, and a rickety structure that was probably once a jungle gym. Henry and Grace ran to the swings and battled for the most air. Emma sat with Jefferson, occasionally indulging in small talk.
Henry followed Grace under 'her castle' and sat in the sand. She pushed a few layers of sand aside to reveal a rusty box.
"What is it?" He asked eyeing the unopened box. She grinned and opened it revealing a storybook.
"My dad and I made it. We made everyone in town to a different character." She answered and flipped the book open. They looked through the pictures, Grace let him know who was who. Henry was delighted to hear that David and Mary Margaret were Snow White and Prince Charming. He was not as happy to hear about Miss Mills being The Evil Queen.
"Why is she The Evil Queen, she's good." He asked the girl who eyes him suspiciously.
"She's not good, she's the meanest lady in town. You don't know, you haven't lived here long enough." The girl said matter-of-factly.
"Oh, then why do you ride with her everyday?" Henry asked.
"Because, she's the best rider in like all of Maine, have you seen all of her awards? I can only dream to be as amazing as her. So if dealing with The Evil Queen is what it takes, I can take it." She answered and returned the book to it's box under the sand. Henry didn't know how to reply, he'd really like Regina, but he also liked Grace so he kept his mouth shut. "Now that I've showed you this, you can never, ever tell. And this will be our Castle." The girl ordered suddenly.
"All hail Queen Grace and King Henry!" He exclaimed, and they both laughed. Henry stood up from the sand and Grace followed him back to where Emma and Jefferson sat.
"Hey, kid, ready to go?" She asked him. He nodded and she stood, turning her attention to Jefferson. "So, you have my number. Let me know, and we can set something up for the kids."
"I will, have a nice day, Emma." He replied, he put this arm around his daughter.
"Okay, you, too." She answered and they both went their separate ways. Emma glanced over at Henry who was looking conflicted. "What happened? Don't you like Grace?"
"It's not that it's just," He began. "You can't tell anyone, promise." She crossed her heart. "Grace and her dad made a fairy tale book, and everyone in town is a different character. It was cool at first, but I didn't really know anyone. I only knew MM, David, and Miss Mills." She smiled at his formal addressing of the woman, even in private.
"That's cool, kid. Who were they?" She asked, interested.
"Snow White, Prince Charming, and," He hesitated. "The Evil Queen." Emma laughed.
"They see Regina as an Evil Queen?" She asked and he nodded. "I don't think it's anything personal, I can tell that Regina and Jefferson aren't exactly friendly."
"I guess not." He replied dully. The sat in silence a majority of the ride, the sound of 'Sweet Girl' by Fleetwood Mac filled the surrounding space. "Don't tell Regina about Grace thinking she's The Evil Queen, her feelings might get hurt." Henry said as they pulled up to the house.
"Okay." She answered simply. The walked to the door together and as Emma sat of the couch her son retired to his room to rest before his lesson.
The Swan family arrived at 5:30, since Henry would have to prepare Patch for his ride alone. The trekked the the stable in the back to find Patch waiting in the cross-ties. Regina had taken time to get everything Henry needed together. The actions brought a smile to the blonde's face.
"Welcome back, Henry." Regina greeted him from inside Patch's stall. "You can begin remember the order, yes?" She asked and he nodded picking a hard brush from the bucket. Emma stood awkwardly against the far wall, since she had no use here. Regina watched will a small smile as Henry brushed down Patch. He did it all himself, except the hoof picking and swinging the saddle atop tall withers. In a matter of twenty minutes the three headed to the ring. Emma could see a difference in the older woman since she arrived, she seemed tense and avoided Emma at all costs. She is the one who came on to me, so this cold shoulder is totally uncalled for. Emma's negative thoughts continued as she tried to focus on what Henry was doing. It all looked the same to her, so her eyes wandered around, the property's superior height allowed for a stunning view all the way to the coast. She admired until a thump and cry of pain escaped from Henry. She stood, ready to rush in and grab him, but Regina held her hand up to stop her.
Henry had been doing well this lesson, already showing great improvement. The only thing he couldn't seem to keep up was pushing his heels down. Regina asked if he was ready to move up to a canter. He nodded and she urged to horse up to the faster gait. He maintained perfect posture and kept his heels down for a few rounds, but he reverted focus and his foot slipped from the stirrup. She watched in slow motion as he slipped to the right.
"Ow!" He cried. Regina stopped the horse and held her hand up to stop a worried Emma from entering the ring. She approached Henry who was clutching his knee with tears streaming down reddening cheeks.
"Where does it hurt?" She asked, thought she knew the answer. He pointed to his knee and sniffled. "Can you move it?" He extended it, and she stood up straight. "Come on, then." She extended a hand to him which he took, and she pulled him to his feet. "I can give you a leg up, or we can go to the block."
Tears fell faster and he shook is head. "I can't get back on." He deadpanned.
"I thought you were uninjured." She asked confused.
"I'm not, I just can't." He wiped a tear. "I'm afraid."
"Afraid to fall again?" She asked and he nodded. "Well, there will always be a time when you fall down, but what kind of person does it make you if you just give up, and stay on the ground?"
"I can always ride again on Wednesday." He attempted to bargain, but Regina wasn't having it.
"No, you will get back on, now. Or I will tell your mother you do not have what it takes to learn from me." She told him, and was mad at herself for being so harsh because a fresh tear fell from under his helmet. "Now, I will ask you once more; do you want a leg up, or do you need the block?" Just as she finished he reached up and grabbed the pommel and cantle of the saddle with both hands. She smiled at his cooperation and lifted him up into the seat. She returned to her spot and let Henry continue at a walk until she felt he was ready. She gave him another taste of the two faster gaits, then concluded he'd had enough, judging by the pout he still wore. She helped him dismount and handed him the reins. They walked out on either side of Patch to be joined by Emma, who surprisingly didn't ask about the fall.
Regina left Henry to finish what he started and made way to where his mother stood, evil eyeing a pony called 'Buddy'. When she noticed the woman's increasing proximity, she glanced away from the pony and smiled at her.
"I don't think he likes me." She joked, her smile fading when she saw the question forming inside the brunette.
"Why didn't you ask me about Henry's fall?" She began. "Most parent's go crazy and run not the ring despite my protests."
"Because I trust you." She answered.
"Thank you." Regina replied, the simple response meant so much to her. This woman whom she'd barely met trusted her, with the likes of her son, no less. She smiled and began to walk away. She was stopped by Emma grabbing her hand and pulling her into a tight hug.
"Thank you." The blonde whispered in her ear. Flashes from the previous night dug into her eyes, and she broke contact with the woman. She glared at the ground and walked back to Henry,w ho'd finished with Patch.
"I'll see you soon." She said to the pair and sped out the back. Hoping that neither were aware of the tears that stung her eyes.
There really wasn't too much I could do with this, but I think I got some good points in. xo
