The Bet

- Part II

Regina Mills opened the door and was greeted by a shyly smiling Emma Swan, who held two cups of coffee in hand.

To the mayor's surprise the blonde was punctual for once.

Who would have guessed?

Emma had been late for a whole damn year and now on her last day in Storybrooke she was punctual? Now why was that?

"You ready to go, Madame Mayor?"

Regina sighed heavily, quite sure that it was a mistake to go with the blonde, but nobody had forced her to agree on spending the day with Emma Swan now that the Sheriff had lost their bet. Regina had put this on herself and she knew it, she just had no idea why she had done it, "As ready as I can get."

Emma had handed the brunette a cup of coffee and Regina had accepted it with a nod, but as soon as they were heading in the direction of the blonde's car, the mayor started to rant, "Don't think I'll get into that deathtrap of yours, Miss Swan."

"I wouldn't dream of it. We'll walk", Emma announced with a smile. The mayor acted exactly the way she had expected and she knew things would not go easy today, but she would try to stay positive. It was her last day in town and Regina would not ruin it.

"Walk?" The brunette looked at Emma in disbelief and the blonde could not stop herself from chuckling, "Sure. You have two healthy feet. And remember…you have to be nice today."

About half an hour later they arrived at the harbor and Regina rolled her eyes in annoyance.

They had walked forever, in complete silence, to get here and watch the waves? That was Emma's big plan?

But then she realized that Emma was heading for one of the sailing boats and Regina stopped dead in her tracks, "I won't set a foot onto a boat, just so you know."

Emma turned round to face the mayor, recognizing the fear in the brunette's eyes. What was that about?

"What? Afraid of water…or are you scared I might kill you?"

Regina cringed at the statement and the blonde's eyes widened in shock, "I want to take you sailing, not drown you. Why is it that you always assume the worst…from everybody?"

When the brunette did not respond, Emma went back to hand Regina her phone, "Henry is at Kathryn's, right? Call her and let her know that we are about to go sailing. And tell her that…if you don't get back to her within few hours…she should send someone to check on you. I'll send her the coordinates of our destination too…if you want."

Regina was so taken aback by the statement that she did not know what to do or say for the matter, but from what the brunette could tell, Emma seemed to be absolutely serious and honest about her intentions.

Could that be possible? That the blonde truly wanted to spend time with her without an ulterior motive? Simply because she wanted Regina's company?

How absurd that sounded and yet it seemed to be the truth.

And so Regina stepped forward and allowed Emma to help her to get onto the small sailing boat, but the mayor could not stop wondering why the blonde was doing all of this.

It did not make sense, now did it?

It had taken Emma a while to maneuver the boat out of the harbor, but once the sail was set and they were headed into the right direction, she turned to face Regina, who was standing next to her.

In fact the brunette had watched her every move like a hawk.

"Do you want something to drink?" Emma asked carefully, hoping that Regina would start to relax at some point.

"No, thanks, dear. But you could answer one question for me", Regina commented dryly.

"Only if you'll answer one of mine."

The mayor stood there, obviously debating with herself, "Maybe."

Emma was aware that this would be the best answer she would get and so she nodded, "What do you want to know?"

"Why are you doing this, Miss Swan? Why was it so important to you to spend a day with me? I mean you could have gotten rid of me by winning that bet…if you would have set different rules…and if you would have won…but still…all you asked for was a day with me…of all people."

Regina eyed the blonde intensely, searching for an explanation in Emma's eyes, but could not find one. Emma Swan was a closed book to her after all. She could not read her like other people and Regina did not like it one bit. It made her uncomfortable, because Emma was unpredictable and she had no idea what to expect from the infuriating blonde.

"Well, for one…you are working all the time and I thought you could use some time off. Everybody needs a break from time to time…and", Emma took a deep breath, "And I wanted to get to know you…the real you. All the time. But you were so caught up in fighting me…so I never got the chance."

"Now why would you want to get to know me?" Regina was surprised again, she could not understand what the blonde could possibly want from her. Nobody was interested in her, nobody had ever cared to ask why she was who she was, why would Emma Swan be any different?

"You're raising my son. That's why. I wanted to know whom he has ended up with", Emma stated quickly, cursing herself that she could not find the courage to tell Regina the whole truth.

"So, this is all about Henry?"

"No, Regina. I came to realize that you are a great mother, that you truly love Henry. You are a different person whenever he is around. You're loving and kind and caring. But when you are by yourself you are cold and unapproachable…that's no way to live. I know that you are lonely, no matter what you might say…I just don't get why you refuse to give someone a chance…to let somebody in." Emma knew she had taken it too far, she could tell by the expression on Regina's face.

This whole thing was going so wrong.

Regina had shut down completely.

Emma's words had cut deep, a lot deeper than she would ever admit.

Letting people in was no option, at least not for her. Not after what had happened with Daniel.

Opening up was something, that requested a lot of trust and the truth was, that Regina Mills trusted no one. At times not even herself.

And so Regina stood next to Emma, silent.

There was no point in letting someone in, especially not Emma – since the blonde would leave town in a few hours.

For a while neither Regina, nor Emma said a word and the mayor watched the blonde navigating the sailing boat with curiosity.

Where had Emma learned to sail? And why did she even care?

She needed time. She needed a bit of privacy and so Regina made it to the bow, her hands on the railing, her hair moving in the wind. Her eyes darted on the waves Regina began to relax, began to breathe in the fresh air and she felt a certain kind of freedom she had not felt in a long time, she was not even sure if she had ever felt like that before.

But then, all of a sudden, the boat got hit by a larger wave and Regina slipped, which caused her to lose her balance and she tried to prepare herself for the fall, for the pain, but to her surprise it never happened, because strong arms grabbed her from behind and the next thing Regina knew, was that she was pressed against Emma's body.

It was then that the blonde whispered into her ear, "I've got you."

For a moment Regina was so startled that she could not move, not even blink.

No one had ever caught her, had ever helped her, had ever been there for her and she was not able to process what had happened just a minute ago.

Emma Swan had saved her.

And Regina did not know what to think of it.

Not long after the little incident Emma recognized the bay she had been looking for and she began to maneuver the sailing boat into that direction. When she saw the disbelieving expression on the mayor's face, Emma began to smile brightly.

It was possible to surprise Regina Mills after all.

The second they were close enough to the shore Emma dropped the anchor and jumped off the boat, right into the water.

"Can you hand me the two bags, that are standing right behind you, Regina?"

The mayor did as she was told and it did not take long and Emma had set everything on the beach, when she came back to the boat and looked at Regina expectantly, "You coming?"

"Are you delusional, Miss Swan? I've asked you before, I know…but I won't jump into the water like a dog…"

"I'm aware of that, Madame Mayor. That's why I am here. I'll carry you over." Emma chuckled as soon as she saw the weird expression on the brunette's face. Yes, she had managed to confuse Regina a little and she enjoyed every second of it.

Regina Mills had debated for a while, but in the end she had allowed the blonde to carry her over to the beach and Emma had done it with pride.

Because she had been able to hold the brunette in her arms again, because she had managed to convince Regina to trust her a little.

It was just a small step, but a step forward none-the-less.

Maybe there was still hope.

Emma had insisted that Regina would call Kathryn and tell her that she was okay and meanwhile the blonde had lit a small campfire and had spread a blanket next to it.

Regina sat down without a word and Emma joined her, careful not to invade the mayor's private space.

For a while both women watched the waves in silence, but Emma knew it was now or never. If she would not act soon it would be too late and so she cleared her throat nervously, "My mother died when I was thirteen, did you know that?"

When Regina did not answer she continued, "We used to go sailing every summer…until she died. After that everything went out of control. My father became an alcoholic and me…well, I've been on my own…met the wrong people, made the wrong choices and became a drug addict."

"Why are you telling me all this, Miss Swan?" Regina could not see the point of that conversation.

"I'm trying to make you see that I'm not a bad person. I want you to know why I gave Henry up for adoption", Emma explained quickly.

"Because you had a drug problem…and I already knew that", the mayor's voice was harsh, but Regina could not ignore the urge to reach out and squeeze Emma's hand. She did not do it, of course not, but it did not change the fact that she wanted to. And that confused the brunette more than she was willing to admit.

"When I met Neal…well, he made me stop…he helped me with the whole rehab crap…helped me to get back on track. But then I got pregnant…and he left", a single tear made it down Emma's cheek, "I had no job, no money, no place to stay…nothing. And that's how I ended up in jail…because I got caught stealing stuff…more than once," Emma dropped her head, because she felt so ashamed and embarrassed, "That's why I thought Henry would be better off without me…and obviously I did the right thing. I could have never given him the life you are providing him. Thanks for thanking such good care of my son."

Regina nodded, but she was not able to say a word. Emma had rendered her speechless.

The blonde had been so sincere, so serious and the mayor knew that Emma had told the truth, about everything. Even about being glad that Henry was the brunette's son now.

And yet Regina did not feel up to revealing her own past, "If you think I'll tell you anything private in return…then you are wrong. Especially since you are leaving tonight."

"You would never tell me anything, Regina. No matter if I stayed or not. I've been here for a year and you did not give me a chance. You accused me of stealing away your son…before you even talked to me. You don't know who I am…you never tried to get to know me. You don't give anyone a chance. I think that's sad…but it is who you are. And I respect that, because believe it or not…I respect you", Emma commented, more serious than ever, "And if you ever cared to share one of your secrets with me…you would have been safe. Now more than ever…because whom should I tell a thing…since I'm leaving…I don't even get to see anyone other than you today."

The sound of the waves had been the only audible thing for a while, but then Emma had poured Regina a glass of wine and had opened some containers of food, because it had been time for lunch.

Everything had been truly delicious and the mayor had been surprised to hear that Emma had prepared every dish on her own.

And during their lunch the blonde had managed to Regina to talk – nothing deep, but they had indeed shared a conversation about their favorite books and music, about movies and art.

Needless to say that they had not much in common since Regina was all about opera and classic, whether it was about books or movies or anything else. And Emma Swan, well she was most likely the opposite. She preferred everything modern over "the boring, old crap", but at least they had come to agree that Meryl Streep was the best actress of all time.

And so they had shared a nice afternoon with some arguing and a lot of laughter, although Regina clearly had been more amused than Emma, simply because the blonde's ignorance had led to more than a playful banter.

But all good things came to an end at some point and once Emma had carried Regina back over to the sail boat the brunette realized that the day had went a lot better than she would have ever imagined.

When the sail was set and the boat was in motion to bring them back home Regina sat down next to Emma, feeling a sudden urge to explain to the blonde why she acted how she acted, "My father left my mother when I was eight, because she wasn't exactly a nice person. She was cold-hearted and strict. And she was the mayor of Storybrooke. The only important thing for her was power and how to gain more. I wasn't allowed to play outside or anything, so I guess it's needless to explain that I didn't really have friends. My life was about obedience and discipline...I was sad and I was lonely, but there was no escape for me. And then…one day…after my riding lesson…I was almost nineteen…I met Daniel at the stables. He was the new stable boy and he had this nice and charming way. He was such a handsome boy and I couldn't believe that he liked me, that he could be interested in me, but I fell in love with him none-the-less."

Emma stood there, listening, aware that what was happening at the moment, was practically magical, because Regina Mills was the most private person she had ever met. She did not dare to say a word, because she was scared she would break the spell by speaking up.

And it seemed that she had done the right thing, because after a minute and a deep breath the mayor continued, "We were in love. Or that was what I believed, but then…one day my mother caught us kissing at the stables. I've never seen her that mad before. A stable boy had been way beyond her standards and she had gotten so furious, she broke both of my arms that day. And I got that scar on my upper lip as well, because she threw me against a wall. But that wasn't even the worst…I heard Daniel blackmailing her…that he would tell everyone about our little affair and mother paid him a lot of money to keep him quite. The next day he left Storybrooke and I never saw him again. Turned out that I had went straight into his little trap…he had wanted nothing, but to leave. And I had been his ticket out. So, the one time somebody had been interested in me…the one time I had dared to trust somebody…I had gotten stabbed in the back and betrayed. And that day I swore to myself that I would never let that happen again. So when my mother died…about two years later…because of a heart attack…I left and went to college in Boston and when I came back I ran for the Mayor's office. I promised that I would never become such an unapproachable bitch than she was…seems I've failed."

Tears were running down Regina's face and Emma could not resist to cup the mayor's cheek with her hand, "I'm so sorry, Regina. That's horrible and nobody should get treated this way. Nobody deserves that. And you are wrong…look at Henry…you have never hurt him and you've been a great mom. He loves you…he might not show it all the time, but he does. You always did right by him. You have huge trust issues, which I totally understand…because for one…I have them too…and second, who would be able to trust easily after what you've been through."

Regina nodded and turned away, not able to handle being so close to somebody, so open, vulnerable and exposed, but Emma Swan had it made so easy for her to open up, to talk about all her pain. And to her own surprise she felt relieved, felt as if somebody had lifted these huge weight from her shoulders.

If Regina was honest she almost felt free – for the first time in years.

By the time they returned to Storybrooke the sun was already going down.

Once Regina had actual ground under her feet she started to pace, because she was confused. If someone would have told her that she would spend a day with Emma Swan, a day she enjoyed, she would have called them crazy, but it had become reality none-the-less.

But now the blonde would leave town. Forever.

Sure, she could ask Emma to stay, but why would she do that? One day of fun did not make up for a year of arguing and nightmares, now did it?

Of course at least the half of it had been her own fault, but still. Emma could have made an attempt to make peace earlier, but would she have listened then?

Regina shook her head, because she was afraid that she would lose her mind. Her thoughts were one big jumble and she did not even understand why.
Probably because of all the heavy talk earlier?

Their walk back to the mansion had been a silent one again, because both women had been too lost in thought to actually talk.

Now that Emma was standing in front of her bug, Regina recognized the suitcase and the few boxes of the blonde's belongings and she felt a lump in her throat.

Emma Swan would stick to her word and would leave town – although they had shared a beautiful day together, although they had this moment of closeness, this moment of showing their true selves.

"Thank you for today, Regina. It meant more to me than you'll ever know", Emma announced all of a sudden, sounding pretty insecure, "I…uhm…better get going…it's a long drive…"

"Where are you going?"

Emma gave Regina a sad smile, "Honestly? I have no idea. I gave up everything when I moved to Storybrooke…a year ago. So nobody and nothing is waiting for me…I'll just drive and see where I'll end up."

The brunette nodded, but she did not know what to say. A part of her wanted to ask Emma to stay, but she could not bring herself to actually say it out loud, "Well, then…Miss Swan. Have a safe trip to wherever you go. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort…after all that has happened between us…to…to actually get to know me. A little."

It was Emma's turn to nod and she felt awkward, because she wanted to hug Regina, wanted to hold her in her arms one last time, but she did not dare to move.

And so they stood there for a while, staring in the eyes of one another, caught up in them.

Until the first rain drop fell.

"I should go. Good bye, Regina. Tell Henry that I love him."

Before the mayor could have responded anything Emma had gotten into her car and had started the engine, which left Regina standing in the rain, watching the yellow bug disappear in the distance only a few minutes later.

Regina had fled to her study and had poured herself a glass of cider the moment she had entered the mansion.

She was shaken by the sudden realization that getting rid of Emma Swan did not feel half as good as she had thought, especially not after today.

What had happened, what had changed within a single day?

She could not understand it, not even name it, but Regina Mills knew that Emma leaving Storybrooke was all kinds of wrong.

But it was too late.

Emma had thought about turning round, about going back to the mansion, about confessing her love for Regina, but she had not found the courage to do so.

She had tried to say it all day long, but the right moment never came and so Emma had stayed silent about her feelings.

Maybe it was better this way anyway.

Because now she had a few truly precious memories with Regina and she would keep them in her heart forever. She had found a way to end this whole drama on a somehow good note and that meant everything to Emma.

If she would have told Regina that she was in love with her, the mayor probably would have laughed about her, would have called her crazy or worse.

So it was definitely better to leave like this.

But that did not mean that it did not hurt, because in fact it did. It hurt like hell.

She was not a person to cry a lot, but when Emma Swan crossed the town line and left Storybrooke, her first tear fell.

"Mom?!" Henry entered the mansion, but Regina was nowhere to be seen. He had expected dinner to be ready by now, but obviously that was not the case.

So he made his way to the study and knocked without success. No answer.

But Henry was pretty sure that Regina was in there and that made him open the door carefully, but once he caught sight of his mother, he stopped dead.

Regina was sitting in her chair, eyes closed, an empty glass in hand and Henry sensed that she was feeling miserable, "Mom, are you okay?"

At the sound of her son's voice, the mayor jumped up, dropping the glass in the progress, but she did not care. Eyes wide she glared at Henry, who was eyeing her closely, "Yes. I am okay. Seems I forgot time. I better start cooking."

She headed towards the door, passed her startled son, but Henry made her stop before she could have disappeared in the kitchen though, "Where is Emma?"

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry, but Miss Swan left town about an hour ago."

"Why? Didn't you have a nice day together?" His face had fallen at his mother's comment and he tried his hardest not to cry.

"We did. We actually had a great day together." Why she had admitted that so easily was beyond Regina, so she added, "But Miss Swan and I had an agreement and she kept her promise."

"I see", Henry countered rather devastated, but then he looked his mother straight in the eyes, "I'm truly sorry for you."

"Excuse me? Why are you sorry for me?" Now Regina was really confused. What was going on?

Henry sighed, "I'm sorry, because you did not find the courage to ask her…to stay. Emma wanted to tell you that she is in love with you, but I guess you know that, right?!"