I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I hope that comes through.
Enjoy this one!
The frustrated mayor glances at the digital clock on her phone. 7:39, it displays. If she had known that her friend would be running late this morning, Regina Mills would have chosen to remain in the company of a particular blonde for a few minutes longer, instead of racing out the door eleven minutes earlier for the scheduled rendezvous.
They began the tradition of meeting regularly nearly four years ago, not long after that terrible day when Mary Margaret's daughter crossed the town line. In Emma's absence, the younger woman had become Regina's life raft in a seemingly endless sea of sorrow and self-loathing. In order to keep her friend from withdrawing, for she had witnessed the tendency's dangers, Mary Margaret suggested that Regina meet with her frequently, often for breakfast, sometimes lunch. Regina resisted, at first, insisting that she was too depressed to eat. Though, after some time, her appetite returned, partly due to Granny introducing her to a certain customer's standard order, smothered with cheese.
Since Emma's homecoming, as soon as Regina decided to go back to work, the friends chose to resume their routine, limiting their meetings to only once each week. Regina's schedule had become more rigid, now that she was balancing a family. Lunch was strictly set aside for Emma and Charlie. Respecting her soon-to-be-daughter-in-law's boundaries, Mary Margaret gladly settled for the breakfast slot.
Over the years Regina had grown accustomed to the younger woman's punctuality. Mary Margaret made a habit of arriving early, so the queen didn't expect today to be any different. As she sparingly sips her coffee—still on her first cup—her awaited friend opens the door to the establishment and immediately spots Regina sitting in their reserved booth next to the window.
Mary Margaret struggles to catch her breathe. "Hi, sorry I'm late." She removes her coat before taking the seat across from the aloof woman.
"That's quite alright," Regina lies. "I already ordered for you."
"I can't believe how difficult it is to get two children ready in the morning. I can only imagine what it's going to be like for you and Emma…"
Regina feels sheepish for not considering the fact that Mary Margaret and David were responsible for her child this morning, in addition to their own son. The grandparents had graciously volunteered to keep Charlie overnight in order to give the little girl's parents some much needed time alone.
"Let's not think about that now," is the queen's timid response. In an effort to appease her guilt, she hands over an envelope, clearly the shape of a greeting card. "Emma wanted me to give you this."
As she removes the envelope's contents Mary Margaret cheerfully narrates, "It's a Thank You card."
"Actually, it's from both of us," Regina off-handedly replies, signaling the waitress for a refill.
"So, I take it, you had a good night?"
"Here we are: Egg-white omelette for you Mary Margaret. And for Regina: The house special with a short-stack." Granny sets the appropriate plates in front of the former enemies.
"I don't think I've ever seen you consume that much in one sitting."
"The only person I've ever seen put all that away is a ravishing blonde." The diner's owner prided herself on remembering her customer's eating habits and diet restrictions.
"My ravishing blonde, perhaps?" Regina's smile is telling.
Appreciative of the queen's good humor, Granny states her observation. "Looks like someone had a good night." Her tone is suggestive. "I'd know that smile anywhere."
Regina wiggles her eyebrows in confirmation.
Before departing, the elderly woman adds, "This one's on me."
Regina turns her attention back to her friend. The younger woman has the appearance of a kicked puppy.
"I wish everyone didn't know about my daughter's sex-life."
"Relax, it's just Granny." Regina takes a sip from her replenished mug. "Besides, I don't mind." Shoveling a forkful of pancake into her mouth, she follows with, "I just got us free breakfast." Perhaps it was Emma's influence that made her comfortable talking with her mouth full, she considers. The regal woman is carefree with Emma back in her life. "Despite what you might think, I'm not trying to rub it in your face."
"I still say you enjoy it." Mary Margaret watches the distracted woman's features soften when she reads a new text message. She knows only one person has the power to make the infamous queen melt. "Is that Emma?"
"She's thinking about me."
"Didn't you leave the house only twenty minutes ago?"
"Fourteen minutes ago," Regina corrects. "I wasn't even dressed twenty minutes ago." She inhales another forkful. "What?"
"I'm happy for you Regina. I really am."
"Then do me a favor and tell your face."
"I'm sorry. I guess I just can't remember when I last felt that way."
"Surely you and David felt that intensely for each other at some point."
She begins awkwardly, which isn't much of challenge for Snow White. "Well, I mean, yes—right after the curse broke. But, it was difficult to find time to be alone because Emma was living with us—and Henry, for part of the week."
"Then you know what we're going through."
"I still don't remember us being that…" Words fail Mary Margaret. "I don't know." The queen's attention is once again diverted. "Will you stop texting her?" She is growing annoyed.
"I certainly will not," the older woman articulates with the poise of a monarch. Her demeanor makes an immediate shift upon receiving another message. "She's the cutest thing ever." She turns the screen for her friend to see the line of fluffy emojis sent by her fiancée.
"Help me," is the younger woman's flat response.
"What…?" Regina is visibly growing tired of her company's incessant whining.
"I love David," Mary Margaret clarifies, "but we don't have what you and Emma have."
The older woman rests the phone next to her on the table in order to give necessary attention to what remains of her meal. "I'm sure you do," she mumbles through another mouthful of breakfast. "You're Snow and David."
"How is it possible that you are almost finished with that?"
"I'm hungry." At least, that's what Mary Margaret thought she'd heard.
"That's right, your passionate night of love-making…"
"Nooo," Regina drawls. She suddenly remembers her napkin. After daintily wiping away the evidence of breakfast and fishing out her compact mirror, she ever-so-casually releases another blow. "The morning was also rather eventful." She begins reapplying her lipstick. "Emma took full advantage of not having a toddler in the house. She even joined me in the shower."
"Really?" Mary Margaret wonders if it's appropriate for her to be intrigued, considering the fact that she's Emma's mother. Part of her hopes that Regina will elaborate.
Returning the makeup to her purse, Regina follows with an honest question. "Have you never tried it?"
"Goodness, no…" She is astonished that her friend would even think to ask such a scandalous question.
"Why not?" Regina's inflection suggests that this type of behavior in a monogamous relationship is expected.
Snow White didn't exactly grow up under a rock, but, because of being raised in her father's castle, she was sheltered. After all that they've endured as a family, Mary Margaret believes that she is safe with Regina and voices her curiosity. "What's the appeal?"
In a deep register the older woman's intones, "Have you seen my fiancée wet?"
"Isn't it dangerous? What do you hold on to?" When she is met with an all-too-familiar eyebrow arch, Mary Margaret adds, "Please don't answer that."
The queen is snapped out of the moment. "I've got to take this." She doesn't even have to say a name for her friend to know the identity of the caller. "Hi." Regina's manner is soft and inviting. "Oh, my darling, I love you too. I'm glad you like them. Wherever you want, they're yours. I miss you too. Yes, she's here now. I already thanked her for watching Charlie. Is that my baby I hear? Okay." Her behavior changes again. "Hi Charlie!" Mary Margaret becomes conscious of her own smile as she listens to the conversation taking place. "Oh, wow! Uh-huh. That's great! Be a good girl for Mommy and I'll see you at lunchtime. Bye, sweetheart. I love you." Fluidly, her voice matures. "I'm here. That's good. Maybe she'll take a nap. You can always drop her off with me if you need a break. I love you too. I'll see you later. I will. Call me if you need anything. Bye, my love."
"Is everything alright?"
"David just dropped off Charlie." She is solemn.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." She knows that will never work with her friend. This family believes in talking out their feelings. Retrieving a tissue from her purse, she considers disappearing since their meal is complimentary, but she fights the instinct. "Emma found the gardenia plant I left her."
"That's sweet." Mary Margaret's sentiment is genuine.
Still unable to meet the younger woman's eyes, Regina explains her reasoning. "I wanted to send her an arrangement, but,"—she winces at the thought—"cut flowers make her sad."
"Was she upset about the gardenias?"
"No," her voice cracks. She dabs the corners of her eyes. "She loved them."
"Why doesn't she like cut flowers? Do they remind her of him?"
Without meeting the younger woman's eyes, the queen nods. "I was nervous about giving her anything, because I don't want to bring back bad memories. He used to send her flowers, as though that would somehow make up for the way he treated her."
Mary Margaret feels a sudden rush of adrenaline through her veins. "Regina, that's not you!" She places a reassuring palm over the startled woman's hand. She is mildly embarrassed by her own outburst. "You can't compare yourself to that monster."
"She still has these painful memories and there's nothing I can do to change what happened."
"She's with you now. She's safe and she's happy."
"I hope she's happy."
"She is. Trust me." Mary Margaret lightly squeezes her friend's hand before resting back in her seat. "Well, that was probably the cutest phone conversation I've ever heard." She detects a weak smile tugging at the corners of the older woman's crimson lips. "Are you okay?"
Uncomfortable with being the topic of conversation, Regina brings the focus back to the previous. "Do you ever send David messages throughout the day just to let him know that you're thinking about him?"
"I know I've sent him messages before. But, they were usually about what groceries we needed or who was going to pick Neal up from nursery school. But, I don't believe I've ever texted him just to say that I was thinking about him."
"Do you think about him?"
"Yes, of course…"
"Well, next time…send him a text." Regina's phone alerts her to a new message. "Or a picture," she adds, tilting the device toward her friend.
Emma had taken a selfie with her flowers.
"Regina, they're beautiful," she swoons. "Did she just send you that?"
Still beaming at the image of the enchanting woman, Regina nods. Returning to the conversation, she throws out another scenario. "You know, a naughty photo wouldn't hurt if your goal is to spice things up."
"Would you ladies like anything else?" The waitress in the trademark red and white uniform holds up the pitcher in her hand. "More coffee?"
"I'm good."
"I'll take some more coffee," Regina volunteers.
"Your bill's already been taken care of. But if there's anything else you need, please let me know."
"Thank you," both women reply.
Regina takes a sip of the soothing beverage. "It sounds as though you and David just need to get that newness back. And, someday, you'll need to remind me how to get it back with Emma."
"You and Emma will never need a reminder," Mary Margaret affirms. "You're Regina and Emma."
Regina appreciates the vote of confidence and smiles fondly. "I have a lifetime of making up to do." The contents of her heart remain hidden.
"What do you two have planned for tonight?"
"After last night and this morning, I believe we're both too tired to do anything."
Mary Margaret seizes the opportunity. "Would you," she hesitates, "mind watching Neal this evening?"
Regina's eyes widen in surprise, though she appears receptive to the prospect. "After what you did for us, of course I wouldn't mind and I'm positive that Emma wouldn't either. I'll check." She quickly types out the message. "Are you thinking about heating things up tonight?"
"Maybe…"
"Do what I suggested, text him throughout the day. It builds anticipation." Being in an especially romantic mood, Regina trawls for information. "When does he get home from work?"
"He probably won't be home before nine," Mary Margaret grumbles. "He typically works late Thursday through Saturday."
"Emma said she'd be happy to watch Neal." A brilliant idea strikes. "Why don't you pay David a visit down at the station?"
"I could bring him dinner." She is thoroughly pleased with herself for catching on so fast.
Normally Regina would delight in pointing out Snow White's naiveté. Feeling particularly generous, she gently steers her friend in the right direction. "Yes—but, let's think a bit more PG-13."
"Oh."
"You deliver his dinner wearing nothing,"—she pauses for dramatic effect—"but a trench-coat." She finds it necessary to add for clarification, "And stilettos."
"Wait." She's beginning to understand. "Did Emma…?"
"She knows I've fantasized about it more than a thousand times. And, apparently, she has too. Unfortunately my sheriff won't be working for a while, so I can't make this fantasy a reality."
"There are some things a mother doesn't need to know."
Dismissing the comment Regina continues her line of questioning. "Do you own any sexy lingerie?" When she is met with only a blank stare, the queen spots her error. "Why do I even ask?"
"Help me…" Mary Margaret pleads.
"Okay." The queen is decided. "It's the least I could do." She lets out an audible sigh. "I'm taking you shopping after work."
The younger woman's shock is evident. "You're going to help me pick out underwear?"
"I want to get something for myself too," the queen confesses. "Well…really a present for Emma."
"I don't think I can help you with that." Mary Margaret doesn't know if she'll ever be ready to know what her daughter's fiancée wears in the bedroom. Regina's phone chimes. "Let me guess. My daughter has another suggestion." Hoping Regina will take the hint, Mary Margaret carefully places emphasis on the word 'daughter'.
A mischievous smile claims the older woman's expression. "Do you and David ever play games?"
Mary Margaret's innocence is glaring as she considers the inquiry. "We haven't had a game night in a while." Almost overcome with excitement, she announces, "We should do that next Sunday, when you and Emma come over for dinner."
Regina has to pinch the bridge of her nose to maintain sanity. "Please tell me you're not serious."
"What?"
"I wasn't referring to board games," she exhales.
The younger woman hides her face in her hands. "Why are we so boring?" Another message arrives. "Do I want to know?"
"Probably not, but I'm going to tell you anyway. We highly recommend Strip Hide-and-Go-Seek. Though it would probably be a short game, considering that your apartment is so small. Our games never last long because Emma likes to make up her own rules to get me naked faster. Not that I'm complaining. I would always let her win even if she didn't cheat."
"Why do you tell me these things?"
"Married doesn't have to equal boring. Have some fun." When Mary Margaret sends her a weary look, Regina withdraws her proposition. "Okay, you're too vanilla for that."
"I am not." Mary Margaret suddenly recognizes that she doesn't know why she needs to be offended. "What does that mean?"
"Trust me on this, Snow White. You're as vanilla as they come." She takes another swig of coffee before continuing. "Alright, so no games." Another brilliant idea strikes. "Do you and David always have sex in the same place?"
"Our bed. Where else?"
"Try somewhere different tonight."
"Are you texting her again?"
"Oh yeah…"
"Alright, where do you two suggest?"
"The shower, obviously. And if you're at the station, that's incredibly convenient. I can't wait until Emma's working again—as long as she wants to return to work." He eyes linger on the device in her hand, as she grows increasingly distracted. "I would never pressure…," she trails off.
"Regina?"
"Handcuffs…"
"Regina, you're drooling."
Fortunately, the napkin was right where she left it. "Where was I?"
"On top of the washing machine." Granny happened to be passing by in that moment. "You'll thank me later."
"That's a good suggestion." Becoming over-stimulated, Regina decides that she should probably ease up on the caffeine—though the realization comes a little too late. "Oh! The kitchen counter's a favorite of ours."
"Please don't say the dining room table."
"Ookaaay," Regina drawls. "I won't." Judging by her friend's reaction, Regina's eyes successfully convey the "R" rated memory she is replaying. She knowingly arches an eyebrow and smiles in amusement before moving to the next delightful scenario. "Up against a wall is incredibly hot too. Once, Emma even…" She is cut off.
"Regina…"
"I'm sorry. You're my friend." The queen is aware of the fact that she can sometimes get carried away when it comes to her favorite activity with her favorite person. Up until this point she hadn't considered how much this erotic imagery involving Emma might disturb the young woman's mother. "I guess I'm just used to sharing everything with you, I sometimes forget she's your daughter." Apologies never were her strong suit. If she is being honest with herself she enjoys the awkwardness of Snow White. Though, creating the uncomfortable situation never was her intention. Conflicted, Regina sighs in defeat. "I'm not saying these things to upset you."
Mary Margaret is moved by her friend's candor and smiles genuinely. "I don't think that." She reaches across the table. "I'm glad you feel comfortable sharing with me and I treasure our friendship. I really do."
In all the time that she's known her, Snow White's warmth and understanding continues to amaze the guarded queen. This woman taught her that part of loving another person is accepting their love, whether she believes herself deserving or not. "I treasure our friendship too. I don't know what I would've done without you after she left." She inhales deeply, preparing to make a vulnerable confession. "I've only been back to work for a few weeks and already I feel as though I made a mistake. I miss Emma before I even leave the house in the morning. I worry about her all day. I vowed to spend the rest of my life making sure that she would never be lonely, or tormented, or feel worthless again." Her voice dwindles. "I'm afraid I'm going to let her down."
Mary Margaret holds the older woman's hand more securely. "I know you Regina. You won't let her down. You couldn't let her down."
"Mommy!" A bouncing three-year-old had zero difficulty spotting her brunette mother through the breakfast-rush crowd.
The queen immediately slides out of the booth to welcome her angel. "Hi, baby!" She lifts the tiny child and places a kiss upon Charlie's cheek before resting the little girl on her hip. She is instantly chilled. Her baby's flesh reflects the drastic difference of the outside temperature.
At that same moment, an alluring blonde reaches the smiling pair. "Hey." Without conscious thought Regina reaches her free hand down, lighting covering the younger woman's swollen belly through Emma's open coat when she leans in—the gesture was so subtle that only the expectant grandmother noticed. Their lips meet. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," the older woman assures. "But, I'm so much better now..."
"Hi Mom."
Mary Margaret stands to greet her daughter. "Hi sweetie."
Since she had already finished breakfast, Regina continues to hold her baby, instead of requesting a booster seat. Honestly, even though she is grateful for the near twelve hours spent alone with the woman she loves, Regina desperately missed her baby girl. She welcomes the much-needed cuddles from the tiny child nestled in her lap. "What are you two doing here?"
Removing her coat and settling into the empty space next to her mother, Emma answers, "We wanted to surprise you." She is wearing a black turtleneck and, in order to disguise her growing belly, she has paired it with a navy blue knit poncho, accented with a silver chain with a lotus pendant and matching earrings that Regina had given her on her birthday, plus, extra comfy, elastic waistband, maternity jeans from one of her favorite stores. A pair of dressy slacks probably would have allowed enough stretch at this stage, but she appreciated the comfort provided by the limber waistband. Almost at the end of her first trimester, the growing bump is becoming increasingly difficult to hide; especially at home. She's not sure how much longer she can use the excuse that she ate too much pizza, when questioned by her curious daughter.
"I'm so glad you did." If Regina didn't know that her fiancée was pregnant, she wouldn't be able to tell given the younger woman's wardrobe choice. She looks forward to the day when Emma is comfortable showing off her pregnancy curves and patiently waits.
"Plus, it sounded like an epic conversation."
"Indeed." She knows she's staring, but she doesn't even care. Regina imagines that her partner couldn't be any more attractive if she tried.
Always efficient, Granny approaches the newly seated guests, pen and pad at the ready. "What'll it be?"
"Nothing for me, thanks."
Charlie implores her brunette mother. "Can I have French-fries?"
Emma knows this game well. Understanding that Regina is a total softy where her babies are concerned, she is prepared to combat their daughter's not-so-innocent request. "You already had breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa's, baby-girl."
Regina pets her precious angel's head, smoothing the little girl's hair in the process. "It's alright, Emma. I'll get her some French-fries."
Granny settles the score. "Nonsense. I'll take care of this little nugget."
Regina smiles in appreciation, whispers next to her baby's ear, "Can you say 'Thank You' to Granny?"
"Thank you."
"You are very welcome." She remains impressed, but not surprised, by the sweetness of Emma and Regina's child. "Anything to drink?"
Regina mediates. "Charlie, would you like some juice?" Sometimes an option is necessary, as the little girl is known to be indecisive.
"Pink milk." The shy response was difficult to understand to the un-trained ear.
"I didn't get that." The elderly woman thought that perhaps her perspective made hearing the child's request a challenge.
"It's okay," Mary Margaret informs, to Regina's great relief, "She drank her orange juice this morning at breakfast."
Regina turns to relay instructions to Granny, sounding not at all authoritative. "Do you have some strawberry syrup that you could mix in a glass of milk to turn it pink?"
Perhaps she is becoming senile, the proprietress reasons. She sends a nervous glance in Mary Margaret's direction.
"It tripped me up too, at first."
A moment of clarity strikes. "Oh! Pink milk? Sure. I can handle that." She jots down the child's order. Lifting her eyes above half-moon spectacles, Granny announces, with added enthusiasm, "I'm going to make you the best pink milk you've ever tasted."
The pleased child claps her approval, her dimples becoming even more prominent.
"Wow, that's exciting!" Regina, secretly, loves spoiling her children. They are, after all, so well mannered, she would prefer not deny them anything.
"Are you sure I can't get you anything?" Granny uses Emma's hesitation to her advantage. "Everything's on me this morning." She observes that Emma appears especially radiant today. Her joy is unmistakable.
"Well, in that case, could I have some pancakes?"
"Short stack or full?"
"Short stack, please."
"You got it. Anything to drink?"
"Decaf would be great."
Granny visibly suppresses a smile. "I'll be right back with your drinks."
Oblivious to what her fiancée just witnessed, Regina follows dining etiquette. "Thank you."
"You guys." Mary Margaret and Regina follow the younger woman's lead, leaning in to hear Emma's hushed voice. "I think she knows."
Regina is the first to voice concern. "How?"
"She gave me a look…" Emma does her best to mimic Granny's glance and restrained smile, but fails miserably. "Ugh! Why did I order decaf?"
"Emma, lots of people order decaf." Leave it to Snow White to find the positive in a less-than-ideal situation. "Maybe not before nine o'clock…"
The weary woman hides her face in her hands.
Regina reaches across the table, gently grasps Emma's wrist. "I'm sure it's fine." She knows it's not the most brilliant pep-talk, but she hopes to instill confidence in her beloved.
Emma slowly removes her hands from her face, revealing a grateful smile.
Their eyes communicate the unspoken words between them, the language of soul-mates, as they join hands.
In that moment, Mary Margaret forgets all of the unnecessary detail that Regina disclosed about her and Emma's sex-life. She is truly touched by the genuine care and concern displayed between the two most important women in her life. She bows out of conversation. "I should get to work." As tends to happen, her daughter and future daughter-in-law had forgotten that she was even there.
"You don't have leave," Emma protests.
"I need to get going," Mary Margaret insists. "You girls enjoy your breakfast."
Emma stands to let her mother out of the seat.
"Bye Grandma."
"Bye Charlie." Mary Margaret waves back to the well-behaved child seated on Regina's lap as she dons he hat and coat.
"Bye Mom."
"Bye honey." She embraces her daughter. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Regina rises to bid goodbye to her friend. "I'll call you later."
The blonde woman's deeply rooted paranoia returns. "Regina, I'm sorry. You probably need to go to work too."
As if they had rehearsed, Regina grasps the younger woman's hand in support. "I set my own hours," she reminds. "Plus, spending time with my family is more important."
Emma knows that there is no reason for her to doubt her fiancée's sincerity. A shy smile claims her expression. "Sounds like you guys had an interesting breakfast."
"Yes." She lightly squeezes Emma's hand before releasing it. "It was interesting."
"That was fun." She is growing more comfortable.
"It was fun." Regina lowers her voice as if sharing a secret. "I think we scarred your mother for life."
"It's not that difficult."
"Tell me about it."