Hey guys, here's chapter 3. It's not super long, but chapter 4 will be longer and will pick up the pace of the story a bit.

"It's just for the weekend," Emma said for the tenth time as she packed her overnight bag while a disappointed Kate watched.

"I know," she sighed, trying to be cool with it, "it's just that our band is playing at the new club tomorrow night and I really wanted you to be there."

"I know," Emma answered, as she debated packing the hair dryer, "but Regina never asks me for anything and I don't want her thinking I'm unreliable."

Kate pulled out the shirt that Emma had just stuffed in her bag and folded it properly. "Just promise me one thing?"

Emma smiled at the sweet gesture. "Anything."

"Don't get cursed."

Emma laughed heavily. "Baby, no one curses people there anymore. Everyone's adjusting to this world."

"Yeah," Kate rolled her eyes, "that's why your dad freaked out on the train last time he visited because he thought it was a magical portal."

"You'll get used to it," Emma said, kissing her shoulder. "I did."

"I'll never have to get used to it," she answered. "That's why you moved back to Boston—to be away from magic and fantasy."

It was true. After things hadn't worked out with Regina, Emma wanted to take a break from it all in the real world. But she had always thought that maybe she'd go back after enough time had passed. She missed her son and her parents. They were the family she'd waited twenty-eight years to find.

"I better be on my way if I want to avoid traffic," Emma said finally. "I'll call you when I'm there."

The ride up to Maine was relaxing. Emma had come to really enjoy these trips. Driving was a release for her and she didn't often have the pleasure of doing so in the city. It was late summer, but the leaves were beginning to turn yellow. The change became more noticeable the further north she was.

She smiled when she saw the Storybrooke sign. It felt like home. Nowhere else had ever had that effect on her—not even Tallahassee. As she drove through the town center, her smile grew upon seeing familiar faces. Even though it was just for the weekend, the town was small enough to run into everyone.

As she pulled up to the white mansion on Mifflin Street, a place she had called home for a short time, Emma sighed. She pitched her cigarette before getting onto the property and turned into the driveway. She walked up the front path, much like she had done many days after work. But this time, she was a visitor and the feeling was different. Before she could ring the bell, Regina had opened the door and gave her a scowling look.

"Really Ms. Swan," she said, glaring at Emma, "you couldn't have avoided that awful habit?"

"How did you know?"

Regina rolled her eyes. "I was watching the window, waiting for you, when I saw you get rid of it." She shook her head. "It better have not landed on my property."

"No," Emma laughed, "I made sure of that."

"This is no laughing matter, Emma!" Regina paused for a moment. Her eyes grew wider for a mere second as she raised a brow in what could have been mistaken for concern. "When did you start smoking anyway?"

Emma looked down. "After I left…". She quickly added, "Storybrooke. After I moved to Boston."

Regina squinted her eyes for a moment to reprimand her ex for the nasty habit. "Well, you reek." She turned away to grab a bottle from an end table. "Here," she said, spraying the blonde with the perfume, "I don't want Henry to smell it."

Emma breathed in the scent. Apples and vanilla. Regina's classic perfume.

"Where is Henry, anyway?" she asked, stepping inside.

"He's upstairs finishing packing."

"Oh, well he doesn't have to pack a lot," Emma said. Regina looked confused, so Emma clarified. "I figured we'd stay with my parents for the weekend. It'd be a lot of driving to head back to Boston. Plus, I don't see them enough."

"Oh," Regina said, surprised that Emma would want to stay, "well then, I'm sure they'll be happy about that." After a short silence, Regina motioned to the study. "Would you like a drink while you wait?"

"I'm good, thanks."

Another silence. Regina, feeling the awkward tension, called up to Henry to see what was keeping him. Shortly thereafter, they heard the excited romping footsteps of their son.

"Emma!" he cried, throwing his bag to the floor and leaping into her arms for a hug.

"Hey Kid," she said, ruffling his hair. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah!" he answered with enthusiasm. "Are we going to meet up with Neal at all this weekend?"

"Actually, Henry, I was just telling your mom that we're going to stay with Snow and David this weekend. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, totally cool!"

Emma picked up his bag and prepared to head out. Regina quickly put her arm on her shoulder to get her attention. "He has a school project to work on this weekend. Don't let him forget."

"Got it."

"And make sure he doesn't eat junk food."

"Yep."

"And have him take his vitamins with breakfast."

"Sure thing."

"And…"

Emma turned around and stopped her from continuing. "Regina, I used to live here. I know his routine."

Regina gave a somber smile and nodded her head. Emma returned the gesture, both of them allowing the silence to reflect on the past.

"Come on Henry," Emma finally said, hoisting his bag onto her shoulder. "Let's go!"

"Have him home Sunday at 8 pm!" Regina yelled out the door as they walked down the path.

Emma just shook her head and raised her hand in a half-hearted wave.