Chapter 2

Yeah, the school start and the season doesn't fit together but for the sake of the story it it like that:D

5 years and a few months later...

"Mama?" Little Rose called for her mother. "I'm here, Rosie." Regina said and stepped out of her room. She was dressed in a bright red top,a thick black winter coat and a black jeans. She picked her up. "What's up, my little school girl." She asked her and kissed her cheek. "We are late." Rose whined and Regina chuckled. "Don't worry, Rosie." Miri entered their living room with a school bag.

"Ready?" She asked them and both, mother and daughter, nodded. They left the apartment and walked to the school together while Rose chattered the whole way. When they arrived there were tons of people and Rose became nervous. "Mama? I'm scared." She whispered and clutched her mother's hand. "It will be alright." Miri assured her. They were introduced to her teachers and then put in class.

Regina was proud. Her little sweet daughter walked confidently to her class and greeted a few of them. She adapted to them within the whole introduction and waved a last time at her mother before she went with her class in the building. "It's done. She is in school." Miri said and Regina smiled with watery eyes. "Coffee?" "Yes, please." Regina answered and they walked to a coffee shop.

Regina and Miri entered the coffee shop and sat down at a table a bit more secluded. "I had the dream about Emma again..." Regina said and burrowed her head in her hands. Miri took her hand shortly and patted it. When a shoulder long blonde young woman stood next to them. "What can I get you?" She asked and Miri looked at her with a bright smile. "I think my sister and I will take both a coffee. Black." "Milk or sugar?" The woman asked her and looked at Regina who lifted her head up to meet her gaze.

Both were taken back. "No, thank you..." Regina said and looked at the little employer card. "Tanya." "Well, Two black coffees. Coming right your way." Tanya said and smiled at her slightly shyly. Regina watched how Tanya went away and Miri smirked. "See something you like, Sis?" Miri asked and Regina looked back at her. "Doesn't matter. She is probably straight, in a relationship and just around 20 and I'm in my late 30s... and she wouldn't want to be with a woman with a little child even if she would be gay and single." Regina said and sighed. What she hadn't thought about was that Tanya was still in her hear range and had listened closely.

The mysterious woman found her interesting enough. Tanya smiled to herself and made the two coffees. She walked back to them but slipped and accidentally spilled the coffees on Regina's top. "Shit... shit..." Tanya cursed who sat on her ass with half of the coffee wetting her shin. Miri laughed at Regina's shocked look but quiet down when she saw the death glare. "I'm so sorry...I slipped and..." "It's alright, dear." Regina said and shook her head. She stood up. "Where are the restrooms?" Tanya stood up and led her to the restroom.

"Let me help you." Tanya said and grabbed a few papers and lifted the top away from the skin and started to rub. "You don't have a second top? Have to get my daughter from school and wouldn't want to embarrass her at her first day." Regina said and Tanya pulled her own shirt over her head and handed it Regina. Regina studied Tanya's body and blushed when she saw that she got caught. She pulled her own top over her head.

Tanya took it and put it on and then tied her apron around her neck too, so that the mark was hidden. "Tada." Tanya said grinning. Regina chuckled and put the shirt on. Tanya saw the long scar at Regina's left side and touched it without thinking about it. Regina gasped and Tanya quickly retreated her hand. "I... sorry..." Tanya stuttered and suddenly felt Regina's lips on her own. She never had kissed so soft lips. She felt like on heaven and stepped a bit more confident closer to Regina.

They parted again and locked eyes. "I'm not in a relationship, I'm gay and I don't mind a little child or a woman in her late 30s." Tanya said and Regina gasped. "You... you heard that?" She asked her and Tanya nodded. "But I'm 26. Not 20 like you assumed." Tanya answered with a cheeky grin. "Still 13 years younger than me..." Regina said and Tanya shrugged. "Don't care. Older women mostly are more experienced." Tanya said. "I'm broken." Regina answered. "Me too."

Regina felt herself getting lost in the bright blue eyes. "You never told me what your name is." "Regina... Regina Mills." Regina breathed out. "Tanya Smith." Tanya answered and smiled. "Well, would you like to go out with me? Drink a coffee or going to a restaurant? Today, 8pm?" Regina opened her mouth a few times before she nodded. Tanya gave her her phone and Regina quickly saved her number and address. "Until tonight." Regina whispered and walked out of the restroom. Tanya touched her lips and smiled brightly. She would have a date with an absolutely hot woman.

Miri waited for Regina to come back. "I need to go. I tell you later." She said and Regina nodded. "No problem." She said and sat down again. Tanya came back and placed a coffee in front of her. "It's on the house after I ruined your top." "You didn't ruined it." Regina said with a smile. She drank it while she watched Tanya serving the other people. When it was time to collect Rose from school Regina felt anxious and made a quick leave. What if the other pupils just pretended to be nice but weren't? What if Rose didn't liked her school? She sighed and waited for her daughter to leave the building after she had arrived 5 minutes early.

Rose smiled brightly and ran to her mother when the school bell rang. Regina picked her little daughter up and hugged her tightly. "How was your first day?" She asked her lovingly. "Great! Our teacher played a game with us so that we know each other." Rose said and Regina put her down and walked with her home. Rose told her everything they did in the 3 hours and Regina clung at every word from her daughter.

"That sounds like you had a really nice first day." Regina said and kissed her daughter's head. "It was. But I'm the only one who can read so it's rather boring. The others tried the alphabet today..." Rose said and Regina laughed. "Be happy. It's easier for you and you can write better marks and you know what good marks mean. More..." "More candy." Rose finished the sentence and Regina nodded laughing. "Yeah, more candy. So. Just listen to your teacher and answer her questions." Rose nodded and they arrived at home.

"I'm going in my room." Rose said and Regina nodded. Miri came from the bathroom with her hair wrapped in a towel. "So. How was her first day?" Miri asked her. "And sorry that I had to go so suddenly. Mr. Finnigan had a problem and I had to check on him." "No problem." Regina said and spotted a large brown envelope. "Is that for me?" Regina asked and took the envelope. "Yes, arrived when I came back." Miri answered and looked over Regina's shoulder. Regina ripped the envelope open and read the letter.

"I...I did it... I'm a lawyer..." Regina said happily. "Congratulations." Miri said and hugged her. "I did it... I really did it, Miri..." Regina whispered and hugged her back. "I'm a lawyer without cheating through the curse..." She sat down and reread the letter. Miri sat down next to her and looked at her smirking. "So. What happened on the toilet?" Miri asked her and Regina turned her head. "We talked..." "And?" "And I might have kissed her..." Regina said and blushed. "And? Is she good?" Miri asked her and Regina got redder. "Miri!" "What? I just want to know if I should be jealous of your good catch." She said and Regina giggled.

"She wanted to go on a date with me tonight..." "I'll watch Rose." Miri said. "And buy earphones." "I won't sleep with her yet! We didn't even go on a date..." Regina declared and Miri chuckled. "Mama?" Rose asked her from the door frame and Regina looked up to her. "Yes, sweetheart?" "I'm hungry..." She said and Regina chuckled. She patted her lap and Rose rushed over to her and sat down on it. "Tell me. What do you want to eat?" She asked her daughter and Rose thought about it. "Pizza?" "Rosie..." She warned her daughter. "Pasta?" Rose asked her innocently. Regina kissed her head and stood up.

Rose shifted on Miri's lap and hugged her. "Aunt Miriiiiiii." "Yes, Rosiiiiiiiie?" She answered back. "I love you." Rose snuggled closer and closed her eyes. "I love you too, Rosie." Miri whispered and Regina smiled. She looked at her little family and started cooking when she felt her phone vibrating in her jeans pocket. She pulled it out and saw an unknown number.

"It's me. Tanya :D Thought you might wanted my number if you couldn't make it tonight, what I don't hope :*" Regina chuckled and saved the number and wrote back. "Very thoughtful from you:) No, my sister will babysit my daughter. I'll definitely be free tonight ;)" "That's good to hear ;) How are you doing after my little coffee attack :D" Regina chuckled. "Fine. Just cooking." "I'm such a bad cook..." "I could teach you ;)", Regina pictured them in the kitchen making out heatedly. She shuddered and shook her head. "Really? That sounds interesting ;) But sadly I have to return to work now. See you tonight:*" ":( okay, until tonight :*", Regina put the phone away and finished cooking.

After they had eaten dinner Regina wrote with Tanya and played with Rose until the latter fell asleep and she tucked her in. At 7.50pm Miri got a call from the hospital. Regina watched how Miri got ready for work and hurried away. She changed back in her normal clothes and wanted to cancel the date when she heard a knock. Regina opened the door and saw Tanya standing there with a to-go-bag and a bouquet of roses. "Your sister wrote me that she couldn't babysit. So I guessed and bought pizza, brought a DVD with me and roses." Tanya said and Regina gasped.

"Wow..." She said and let Tanya enter. "Can I be honest?" Regina asked her after they sat down on the couch and put the DVD in. "Sure." Tanya answered and lit some candles. "That's my first date..." Regina said and Tanya gasped. "And then it's just here..." Tanya said and bit her lip. "It's alright." "No it's not... If I would have known we could have met earlier and taken your daughter with us to the ice rink in the central park..." Tanya said and Regina smiled at her. "It's really alright. You did all the things I wanted for my first date. Roses. Food. Candles. And an area where I feel safe." Regina smiled at her and Tanya smiled back.

"It's a child friendly movie so if your daughter comes out during the movie it won't give her nightmares." Tanya said when the movie started. They ate their pizzas and then sat closer next to each other. Somewhere during the movie Tanya had laid her arm around Regina's shoulders and pulled them closer. Around 11pm both fell asleep on the couch. Miri came back not long after it and smiled. She took a picture and covered them softly with a blanket before she checked on Rose.

The next morning Regina woke up in Tanya's arms. She groggily lifted her head and looked at Tanya who looked back at her with a smile. "Morning..." Regina mumbled and sat up. "Good Morning!" Tanya answered cheerfully and Regina smiled at her. "Great. I'm not the only morning person." She said and they chuckled. Rose's bedroom door opened and Rose came out. "Mama?" Rose asked and Regina lifted her hand.

"I'm here, Rosie." She said and Rose came to her. She looked feverish, pale and had a red nose. "I'm not feeling well, Mama." Rose said and Regina laid her hand on Rose's forehead. "You are warm. Better go back to bed." Regina said. "Can you stay with me? I don't want to be alone." Rose sniffed. "Sure, baby." Regina helped her on her lap and held her close. Tanya looked at Regina in wonder.

"You are very good at it." She said after Regina had tucked the really ill and sleepy Rose in bed. "I had a son once... Adoptive. He was taken from me by his biological parents. Never could meet him without permission after their reappearance. We still did and they threatened me out of town back to my sister... Because of them I had to get Rose in the backseat of my car..." Regina answered hurt. "Oh... And do you still have contact to your son?" "Yes. But it's more like a monthly phone call. He maybe gets a girlfriend soon." Regina said with a smile on her face.

Tanya wrapped her arms around Regina and hugged her. Their faces were just inches apart and they shared the same air. Tanya slowly closed the gap between their lips. Their lips moved slowly and Regina cupped the other woman's cheeks and deepened the kiss slowly. Regina felt how Tanya's hands slid down to her lower back and pulled her closer until they heard someone clearing his throat. They broke apart and looked over to Miri. Regina blushed and Miri chuckled. "You need something from the store?" Miri asked her and Regina nodded.

"But I'm going myself soon." Regina said and Miri nodded. "Alright. Then I won't bother you anymore. I'm going to work." Miri answered and left with a small wave. Tanya grinned widely at Regina who still was blushing. "She can be soooo embarrassing sometimes." Regina said and Tanya shrugged. "She is funny." Regina smiled and they kissed again. They hadn't heard the bedroom door of Rose. Just the surprised gasp of Rose and they stepped apart hastily. "Rose... Eh..." Regina looked shocked and afraid at her daughter.

The last time someone had caught her kissing she was hated and almost killed by everyone. She felt Rose little body crush in her and tiny arms wrapping around her. "I'm so glad that you finally are happy." Rose whispered and Regina picked her up. "I always was happy..." Regina said but Rose shook her head. "You are always crying in your dreams..." Rose said and Regina hugged her closer. "It's alright, Rose..." Regina paced with her little child in her arms and rocked her softly. "I love you, Mama." Rose mumbled before she fell asleep again.

"I'm sorry... You weren't supposed to hear that..." Regina said and Tanya smiled at her sympathetically. "It's alright. We already talked about being broken. I don't mind." Tanya said and helped Regina to bring Rose back in her room. "Thank you, Tanya..." "You're welcome." Tanya answered and after Regina had tucked Rose back in she dragged Tanya in the living room and made out with her. She just wanted to feel the heat and the hands of another person. "Tanya..." Regina moaned and pulled her more down on her. Tanya smirked. She had assumed that Regina also had a naughty side on her but she never would have dreamed of seeing it so soon.

2 months later...

"Merry Christmas, Gina." Tanya whispered and flopped down next to Regina. She had a present in her hand and gave it to Regina. "Present time is tomorrow, Jay." Regina said chuckling but kissed her lovingly. "Unwrap it." Tanya urged her on and placed kisses on her neck. Regina unwrapped the present and gasped when she saw it. It was a beautiful necklace. "That surely costed too much..." Regina said and touched it carefully. "Just the best for my love." Tanya answered and they kissed a few times.

Rose came into the apartment with Miri and her new boyfriend behind her. "Mama? Can we go now?" Rose asked her impatiently and Regina nodded. "Just putting on my warmer clothes." Regina said and went into her room. Tanya put on her coat and scarf before she helped Rose in her warmest things and waited with her for Regina who came out of her room in a almost whole black attire. She wore a dark blue jeans, black sneakers and a thick coat. She put her gloves and scarf on too before they headed out. "See you later, Miri!" Regina called out and closed the door.

Tanya and Regina walked hands holding with Rose clinging at Regina's other free hand. "Can we buy almonds or candy canes?" Rose asked her mother. "Why don't we drink some hot chocolate?" Regina asked her back and heard Tanya chuckling. Rose jumped excited and forced herself between the two of them. Regina and Tanya let her swing back and forth between their arms and both laughed about the delighted squeals of Rose who looked in awe at the booths. "That's really beautiful, Mama." "I know." Regina whispered. She herself was amazed. She never had dared to go on the christmas market and now with a little child she just had to.

Tanya looked at Regina with pure love. "Beautiful like you." She said and Regina looked to her. They kissed softly before they finally arrived at the hot chocolate booth. Regina picked Rose up and kissed her cheek. They sat down on the chairs and got three hot chocolates. They talked and laughed together when suddenly Regina heard a familiar voice and then someone touched her shoulder. Regina and Tanya turned their heads and looked in Henry's happy face. "Mom..." He breathed out and Regina gasped. "Henry..." Tanya took Rose in her lap and Regina quickly turned completely and hugged Henry.

"You are so grown up..." Regina said amazed and cupped his cheeks with her hands. "And you are getting old, Mom." He said with a smirk and she playfully punched his arm. "I don't have that many happy news." He whispered then and Regina shrugged. She hugged him tightly to her body and just enjoyed the feeling to be reunited with him again. "What's the problem?" "Emma and the idiots... they are searching for me and Ruby..." "Ruby is here too?" Regina asked surprised and then she firstly saw the wolf again.

"Ruby..." She breathed and hugged her too. "You don't know how much trouble you got me in." Ruby said with a grin and hugged her back. "What did they do to you?" She asked her. "They threw me in prison for 2 years... for helping you escape." Ruby said sighing. "Can I introduce you to my new family?" Regina asked them with a smile and turned to Tanya and Rose. Ruby and Henry smiled. "That is my daughter Rose and that my girlfriend Tanya." Regina said and both grinned at them.

"That is my adoptive son Henry and my old good friend Ruby." Regina was beyond happy now. "We maybe should get going... they are searching for us here I think." Ruby said and tipped her nose discreetly. Regina nodded. "Could we shorten our visit Rose?" She asked her daughter who shrugged and nodded. She picked Rose up and they walked back home. "How did it come that you settled in New york?" Ruby asked her. "My sister is living here." Regina answered and they entered the apartment building.

After Regina had led the group in the apartment she prepared some cocoas and Tanya got some cookies. They ate some and told Regina about what had happened in a not so weird way. They left out the magic and the most horrible things. Then they started talking about the good times. Or about Regina's pregnancy cravings. "Don't make fun on me." Regina pouted and Tanya kissed her cheek laughing. "But really, who wants a pizza with jam?" Tanya asked her and Regina started giggling too until the door bell rang.

Regina got up and walked over. When she opened the door she gasped. In front of her was the woman she had dreamed about the last 5 almost 6 years. "Emma..." She whispered and everyone but Rose froze. Rose slowly walked next to Regina. She knew everything about Regina's past life and had seen a picture of her second mother but she never had heard her voice or seen her for real. She stood next to Regina now and looked up. That was her. That was the person who had never fought for her real mother. "Go away. We don't want you here." She snapped at Emma who looked at her wide eyed.

"Is that... is that our..." "Yes... yes she is..." Regina answered and pulled Rose closer to her. "H-hi..." Emma stuttered and reached for the child when Tanya suddenly was between them and slapped her hand away. "Don't touch her." She hissed. She had hated this woman the second she had knocked on the door. "Who are you?" Emma asked surprised. "I'm Regina's girlfriend." Tanya hissed. "Can I come in? I think we need to talk." Emma said to Regina who stepped to the side although the protest of the group.

TBC?