ACT 3: SPRING

Hey guys! Thanks for your patience. I know I said I'd be done with this by Saturday but I really don't think that's possible! Too many holiday plans to do serious writing, the kind that you all deserve! However, I promise to work hard in my free time and get the rest of this story out before 2017! Hopefully the two lengthy chapters make up for my slacking! I want to start out by thanking each and every person that has reviewed/favorited/followed this story! I never expected this type of response on my very first one, and your encouraging words have made me so happy to share this with you. Thank you for your unfailing support and kind words!

Second, HOLY CRAP it's ACT 3! Big plot lines and character development in this one! I can't wait to share all of this with you! I'm introducing new characters all the while exploring the backstories of some of the already known characters. Please be advised, it could get confusing haha. I hope I did all of you readers justice! Please review or PM and let me know what you think please! I love hearing from all of you!

It was the night before Emma had to fly to Atlantic City with her ex. She was exhausted and dreading this whole ordeal since the time Gold had introduced her to it. Of course, Emma hadn't started packing yet and was panicking. She invited Ruby over, mostly because she wanted her to help her get packed up, but also so she could calm her nerves about the following weekend.

"What's the big deal Em? It's just three days."

"Ruby, it's three days with my ex girlfriend…"

"Or it's three days with your future wife" Ruby said excitingly

"Do you hear yourself when you speak or is it just like a big roaring in your ear?"

"Of course I hear myself, I sound perfectly sane and open minded."

"Open minded sure, but I'm wavering on the sane part."

"Rude."

"Look Rubes, I know you wanted us both to work out, I did too believe me, but I seriously don't see that happening."

"Yeah well, just because you can't see it, doesn't mean everyone else can't."

"What does that even mean? That other people can see the future?"

"No, I'm just simply saying don't give up on her."

"In case I need to remind you, she gave up on us. So maybe we can start packing my shit instead of defending the girl who dumped me."

"Emma, you know why she did what she did."

"Yes I know but that doesn't change the fact,"

"That she hurt you, yeah we know, but she was scared and was trying to protect you which is all I could have asked of her. She loves you Em otherwise she would've been selfish about this whole thing. Stop playing the victim and start understanding where she's coming from, and maybe then you'll see what everyone else sees."

"Which is what?"

"That despite you're little act, you love her too."

Emma hesitated and stopped talking for a moment. "Of course I do," she thought to herself. However, that wasn't something she was willing to admit nor deny out loud yet.

"Can we just pack?"

"Sure, you pick out some clothes and shoes, I'll head for the lingerie drawer."

"RUBY!"

"Okay, can you honestly tell me that nothing is going to happen."

"Yes, nothing will happen."

"Even when you two have a couple of drinks, start talking about old times, and fall into bed."

"…I hate you."

"Black or red?"

"Red."

Ruby threw some undergarments in the suitcase and then flopped on the bed.

"So, are you even somewhat excited? I mean this is your first time really alone with her since like 20 years ago, it's like a honeymoon!"

"Stop, no. This isn't a honeymoon because we are not married. Hell, I'm not sure we're even friends right now. To be honest, I'm excited to get this over with. You're taking me to the airport right?"

"Sure Em, anything you need, I got you."

"Thanks Rubes, for being an amazing friend."

"No problem, it's what I'm here for."

Emma was sitting at the diner, waiting to get coffee to take to Regina. She sat in a booth and took in all the noise and people. She didn't have anything negative to say about it this time. She just watched in awe as families came in, couples made eyes at each other, and children laughed. The smell of hot cocoa filled the room and it was the most heavenly smell she had ever encountered. It was her last semester before graduating, she had her own place, and she had Regina. She had taken another one of her classes, creative writing, just to see her again. Regina insisted she was going to get sick of seeing her all the time, but Emma knew that was impossible. She loved seeing Regina, no matter where, she loved holding her hand, running her fingers through her hair, she loved kissing her. She knew she could never get tired of those lips against hers. Regina's kisses sent her to a whole new world. They were magic together. They somehow found a way to make all their burdens belong to each other. They gave each other freedom and honesty, they didn't keep anything from each other. It was truly the most selfless relationship Emma had ever experienced. As she continued looking around, this time outside, she noticed the birds chirping, flowers beginning to bloom, and the prettiest blue sky she had seen in a while. It was spring, she was in love, and she was happy. Nothing could take that away; or so she thought.

She noticed a man outside hopping off of his motorcycle. He took off his helmet, placed it on his bike, took what looked like a piece of paper and entered the diner. Emma couldn't help but notice his dirty blonde hair and blue eyes, he looked older, wiser probably late thirties and he started walking around the place, weaving in and out of people holding up a picture and asking questions. He went to almost everyone in that diner. He finally went up to Granny, the diner's owner, and asked her and when she pointed over at Emma her heart started racing. "What could he want?" She thought. Could it be from state? Could he be upset that I left and got my own place? What could he want? Emma asked as the man approached her.

"Excuse me miss, but are you Emma Swan?"

"Yes, who are you?"

Pure joy overtook this stranger's face. It was like a little boy who searched for treasure and finally found it. His eyes watered, he tried to ignore them. He threw his hands on top of his head and took a deep breath. He started stumbling over his words and smiling like a fat kid who just got some cake. Emma, still looking confused and uneasy, handed him a tissue and said, "If I knew you were going to cry about it, I wouldn't have told you."

"I'm sorry Emma; I just can't believe it's you."

"Well, I could start to believe it's you if I had a name."

"I'm David Nolan, I'm your father."

Sirens went off in her head, her body froze, and she wasn't blinking. She felt like she couldn't breathe. She felt anger rise up in her, venom filled her veins as she spat back, "Which one are you, because I've had 12 by the time I was 17."

"Emma I know you hate me and you're angry but please, please hear me out."

"Hear you out? Why should I bother with anything you have to say? You didn't want me, now who says I want you?"

"Emma I didn't know about you."

"Order for Emma," rang the waitress at the counter. Emma stood up, walked over, and grabbed her order, hesitating before she went back over to David.

"What do you mean you didn't know about me? Where you drunk or did you forget you slept with someone and impregnated them?"

"No, I was not drunk and I didn't even know I got Mary pregnant."

"Mary? Is that my mom?"

"Yes, she was."

"Why isn't she with you? Did you break her heart? Did you leave her and that's why she left me? She couldn't deal with single motherhood. God, why are you such a dick already?"

"Emma, yes I did leave, I had a job to get back to, but I would've stayed if I would had known. I loved your mother."

"Where is she?"

David stopped in his tracks, knowing his daughter deserved the truth, but not knowing how to tell her.

"She's dead Emma, she died."

Emma took a deep breath and sat back down in the booth; setting the coffee on the table as she did.

"How? When? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"She died after giving birth to you."

"I killed her?"

"No Emma, she was sick to begin with, she just didn't know. Giving birth to you took all the strength she had."

"So why couldn't you take care of me why did you get rid of me?"

"Emma, I didn't know. I didn't know about you or your mother until I came looking for her last year."

"Last year? Why couldn't you make an effort before then?"

"I couldn't find her. She moved to California when she found out she was pregnant, it took me forever to get that out of her former roommate."

"So what happened?"

"It's complicated Emma and it will take a lot of explaining."

"I can keep up."

"Can we start from the beginning?"

"I don't have time right now, I'm supposed to be somewhere."

"Well we can get together later. Here," he said while giving her his card, "this has my number on it, call me when you feel like talking and I promise I will tell you everything."

"Okay, thanks."

"It's the least I could do Emma, I don't want you thinking I never wanted you"

Emma smiled and nodded, taking the card and the coffee with her and exited the diner.

She was stressed. She hadn't been able to sleep at all the past three nights. Anticipating what today had in store for her, she finally rose up and decided to get this day over with. She brushed her teeth, got dressed, threw on some make up and exited her room. She was beginning to fix breakfast, something quick so she wasn't late for her flight with Emma. Then suddenly, the door bell rang.

Regina wiped her hands off and made her way to the door. She opened the door to a beautiful young woman. She was about the same height as Regina, small figure, and auburn hair. She was dressed casually with a yellow shirt with designs all around it, jeans, and a light brown cardigan. Her hair was wrapped in a side ponytail. Regina stood silently, not saying anything, but asking with her eyes who this young person was.

"Hi, you don't know me. We've never met, but I know who you are."

"Uh, okay?" Regina said uneasy.

"I'm Meg. I'm Zelena's daughter."

With that, Regina closed her eyes and practically wished she could be anywhere but here right now.

"I know what you're thinking, and while I can't make up for any pain that my existence has caused you, you should know that I'm not like my mom, I'm not like your sister. I would never do anything like that to you."

"Why are you here Meg?"

"I just wanted to meet you. Mom is currently obsessed with boys and my father doesn't want anything to do with me."

"Well, you're not by yourself on that one."

"I'm sorry for all the hurt I've caused."

"It wasn't your fault. We both were unhappy, just failed to see it. You can't keep going through life blaming yourself."

"I just don't want you to hate me."

"I can't hate you, I've never met you."

"You can still resent me. You can hold grudges against me. You could do anything in your power to avoid me and act like I don't exist."

"Yes well, that wouldn't make me a very good aunt now would it?"

"No offense, but you haven't been. I mean, I know the circumstances have been less than ideal, but you know Zelena, she's not mom material. She doesn't even want me I think she just kept me to make you upset."

Regina sighed, knowing that what Meg was saying was possibly true. She stepped back into her house and began opening the door wider to allow Meg access, "Would you like to come in Meg?"

"Yes, I would very much. Thank you." Meg answered as she made her way inside the woman's mansion.

They both sat on the couch and Regina handed her a drink. It was awkward and uncomfortable. Regina was about to make an excuse to get her to leave when Meg asked, "Why haven't you been involved in my life?"

"It wasn't my place."

"It was, you're my aunt. 20 years have gone by Regina, were you not ever curious about me or worried?"

"Of course I was! You had Zelena as a mother and a cheating bastard for a father. Of course I was concerned."

"Then why?"

"I couldn't. "

"Because of Raelynn?"

"I see my sister's big mouth hasn't changed."

"Would you have honestly expected it to?"

"Ha. No. That's not my sister."

"True."

"And to answer your question…yes, but I don't wish to talk about this any further."

"Okay, I understand that. I just wanted to come by and see you. I wanted to tell you that I don't agree at all with what they did and I don't speak to either one of them anymore. But, this life is scary and I need someone to care about me. I know it's a lot to ask, but if you could find it in your heart to let go of the past and learn how to love me, I promise you won't regret it."

"Wow, you don't have much expectations do you kid?"

"I'm a realist, but I'm also an optimistic person. If you're anything like the stories my mom has told me about you, you've got a huge heart and so much love to give. I just want to be apart of it. Robin hurt me too you know, maybe we can go to dinner one day and think of ways to make his life miserable."

"Ah, a tempting offer I assure you, but I just need to digest this. It's a lot to take in."

"I understand that. Take all the time you need. I'll give you my number if you ever need to talk or have any questions, is that okay?"

"It's perfect. I'll give you mine just in case of an emergency, if anything happens and your parents aren't around, feel free to call me, I'll be there."

Meg smiled up at her as they exchanged numbers.

"What?" Regina asked.

"Nothing, it's just, there's that big heart we were talking about."

"Yeah yeah, don't go serenading me yet."

"If this does turn into friendship, no promises, plus I have a horrible voice so you're in for a real treat."

Regina laughed as she walked the younger woman to the door of her mansion and opened the door for her to exit.

"Meg?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for coming by and doing what I should've done. You're a very beautiful young woman and I'm sure you're going to go places in this scary world. Don't worry."

"Thanks Aunt Gina." Meg said as she walked away.

Regina couldn't tell if that made her happy or sorrowful. She was torn on how to feel. On one hand, this is the girl that changed her whole world, but on the other hand, that might just be what she needed. That's when she fell for Emma. Robin's cheating led her to fully act on her feelings, and maybe she had Meg to thank for that. She closed the door and began making her way back to her drink.

Regina thought about Emma and how she had been alone in the world before Regina. She thought about all she had to go through and Meg now going through something similar. She couldn't imagine going through life without someone, she'd been doing it for the past 20 years, but she was already established and making a good living; she couldn't imagine being 20 and having to figure out everything on her own. So she decided she would give this friendship a try, it didn't seem like Meg would take no as an answer anyway; much like Emma wouldn't. Besides, Regina could use a friend too.

Emma was nervous. She had called David after school was over and she returned to her apartment. She asked him over to dinner and when he agreed, she was both ecstatic and mortified. If she was honest, she was freaking out. She was happy because he had agreed to it and this could be a big deal for them; they could finally be the family they were supposed to be. However, there was also the issue of Emma not knowing how to talk to him or host a dinner for that matter. She wouldn't be able to stay somewhat sane if it wasn't for Regina. She had agreed to cook for all of them, knowing Emma's cooking skills topped at spaghetti and cereal. She was constantly reassuring Emma that this was going to be a good thing and to just relax. Emma was thankful Regina had talked her into this; this opportunity is probably like once in a life time, to build the relationship once lost between a father and daughter.

Regina put on oven mitts reached down and grabbed things out of the over. First, the broccoli casserole, then chicken pot pie, and finally peach cobbler. Emma smiled knowing how great of a cook her girlfriend is. She really outdid herself, Emma thought to herself. When Regina was done, she walked over to Emma, who was facing the counter, smelling the food, and wrapped her arms around her. She placed her head on her shoulder and said, "It's going to be fine, you're going to be great, and he's going to love you."

Emma turned around to face her, still captivated by Regina's arms. She kissed her softly, a silent thank you passing her lips.

"What if he's not everything I dreamt him to be?"

"No matter what he is, he is your Father, and that's more than you had before."

Emma nodded, understanding where the brunette was coming from. The doorbell rang and Emma's eyes widened, shooting to Regina's.

"Emma, babe, it's going to be alright I promise. Go answer the door and I'll set the table."

Emma nodded and began to walk over to her front door. She stopped, took a deep breath, and opened it. David stood there, dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt, holding a dozen flowers, all different colors.

"I wasn't sure if chocolate or flowers were the proper etiquette for having dinner with your daughter for the first time in 18 years."

"I'm partial to chocolate, but thank you, they're lovely."

They both laughed and Emma move to let David come inside.

"Mmm, that smells amazing!"

"Yeah well, that's Regina's doing not mine."

"Regina? Who is that, your roommate?"

"No, she's well, come here."

Emma was going to lie, she wasn't going to drop this bomb on him this early, but she realized if she wanted a true relationship with this man, she was going to have to be honest with him. David followed Emma into the kitchen, where Regina was finishing setting the table.

"David, Regina, Regina, David."

The brunette and David exchanged smiles and handshakes; both of them greeting one another.

"Regina cooked all of the food tonight, she's amazingly talented; David, this is my girlfriend."

That took David by surprise. He was not a judgmental person, he mostly stayed in his lane and just let other people live their own life. He believed love was love, no matter what form it came in. He didn't expect Emma to be gay, but then again, he didn't expect her to call him either. His smile just grew wider as he turned back to Regina and said, "Nice to meet you Emma's girlfriend. I'm her father."

Regina had packed everything she could think she was going to need. She went every where from toiletries, to clothes, to shoes, to everything else. Her heart was racing and she was a prisoner to her mind at the moment. She was thinking of how this trip would go; on one hand it could be amazing if they rekindled their relationship and started over; however, there was the possibility of this trip just making things worse than what seemed possible. Regina had thought in the supply room, Emma was going to kiss her. She couldn't get Emma's gazing look out of her mind. If Gold hadn't have interrupted, what would have happened? Surely they wouldn't have let it take them too far, but it had been 20 years and she wasn't quite sure she could stop herself if said moment arose. Not that she would take advantage of Emma, she could never even dream of that. But, if it was mutual and they both wanted, Regina wouldn't be objected to the idea.

She shut her thoughts down for a moment and brought her suitcase down the stairs so that it sat in front of the door. She looked around her house one more time, ensuring she hadn't left anything. Returning from her conquest, happy with the results, she grabbed her purse, keys, suitcase, and jacket and began walking to the car. Once she reached her car, her phone began to ring. Regina began to curse at herself, because her hands were full and she couldn't answer it. She put the suitcase in her trunk, and hurried into the front seat, where her phone lay.

She didn't even bother to check who was calling before answering it with, "Hello?"

"Darling, am I interrupting something, you seem out of breath."

"Very funny Mal, I was just loading up my car for the trip."

"Trip? What trip? Are you coming to visit me?"

"Humble as always Mal. No, I'm going on a teacher's conference to Atlantic City."

"New Jersey? All by yourself?"

"No, not exactly."

"Who's going with you?"

"Well dear, by a twist of fate, Emma Swan is."

"WHAT?"

"I suppose we haven't really talked lately have we?"

"Uh, no I think I would've remembered you telling me that you and the hot blonde were back together."

"We're not together Mal."

"Then I'm officially confused."

Regina started up her car, beginning to feel the first stages of frost bite. She switched her phone to the other ear and began driving to the airport. She began telling Mal about how Emma had gotten a teacher's position not too long ago at StoryBrooke Prep and their encounters afterwards: the classroom, the teacher's lounge, and the supply room.

"Holy shit Regina. That's like…intense."

"Yeah, you're not kidding."

"So what now? Why the trip?"

"I don't know, Gold suggested it on some BS excuse that it's for 'training' although, I'm sure it might be something else."

"You think he knows about your past with Emma?"

"Doubtful, I don't know Mal, all I know is this is like a cruel joke played by the universe."

"Well don't stress about all of this, you might have fun," Mal said, already knowing she would because herself and Ruby would make sure of it.

"Maybe, I hope so, but I'm worried this won't help things."

"Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but you won't know until you try. And if this makes things better, then all of this was worth it right?"

"I suppose."

"There's that enthusiasm I've grown accustomed to."

"Ha! Sorry Mal. Thank you for being a good friend to me."

"Anytime darling, that's what I'm here for."

"Okay, well I'm here at the airport now; I'll let you know when we've landed."

"Okay darling, sounds good, take care and have fun!"

As they hung up, Regina placed her phone into her jacket pocket. She turned the key in the ignition, turning it off, and places her keys into her purse. She grabbed her purse so that it was now sitting on her lap, applied some last minute lipstick, and placed it back in her bag. She took one last look in the mirror, assuming this was as good as it was going to get, and took a deep breath, opening the door as she did.

She hadn't seen the yellow bug that the blonde was infamously famous for, so she decided she would just wait in the waiting room for her. She weighed her bag, got through security, and was walking to the waiting room. Upon entering the room, she saw a familiar blonde haired girl in a red leather jacket and Regina's heart started racing. She walked over to her, asked if she could join her, and Emma nodded.

They tried small talking and making nice, avoiding the subject of what exactly went on in the supply room just a few days ago.

"Did you grab your ticket?" Emma asked.

Raising up her hand to show Emma her ticket, "I did, thank you."

"No problem. I'm sorry you got dragged into this; I was perfectly capable of going to this alone."

"It's not your fault, and I know you were. It might be nice to get out of this town for a little while anyway."

"I second that."

"Do you not like it here anymore?"

"I love it; it just gets a little close and personal for me."

"Yeah, that's definitely part of the town's uh, charm, yeah we'll go with that."

"What about you? Do you not like it anymore?"

"I mean, this place was never my dream, it was Robin's. I just kind of existed until well you know."

"Until I came along."

"Yes, the funny thing is, I could never see myself anywhere else now. It's grown on me."

"Well, I'm sure a lot of people would miss you if you were to disappear. You've made an impact on a lot of lives Regina."

"Thank you Emma. I'm glad your back."

"What?"

"I never really told you, but I'm glad you're back; no matter what circumstances we are under. I'm glad to see you."

"Thanks. It's good to see you too."

Regina was about to say something else when the announcement came on that their flight was ready. Regina gathered up her purse and jacket, and then reached down to pick up her suitcase, but it wasn't there. She looked all around until she looked up and saw Emma holding Regina's suitcase as well as her own.

"Are you coming?" Emma asked.

"Uh, yes, I'm right behind you."

Regina wasn't sure what came over Emma or if she thought it was one of hers, but the sweet gesture brought her butterflies.

"I can get that if you want." Regina finally said.

"It's all good, I don't mind," Emma said flashing back a smile.

Regina returned the smile as she followed the blonde to the airplane.