One last burst of fluff before I get onto the angst of this story. But before that, enjoy the fluffiest of fluff with a side of cuteness!
"Regina Mills, where are you going dressed like that?" demanded Cora as she stepped out of the living room to find her daughter coming down the stairs in jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. "And where did you even find such a hideous sweater in your closet."
Regina gripped the soft cotton protectively. It was Emma's. She still hadn't given her it back since their first camping trip, now almost five months ago. "I'm going to help Ruby with decorating one of the rooms in the B and B," she lied. "I thought it would be practical."
"Is there any particular reason why Granny cannot simply get a decorator in to refurbish the room?" asked Cora. "Of course, were she to do that, it would no doubt end up too tasteful for that shabby little establishment," she went on, answering her own question with a response she liked.
Thinking on her feet, as had become second nature to Regina when speaking to her mother, she spoke. "Granny has offered us free lunches for helping."
"Oh, well I suppose with your horrendous habit of frequenting that place almost daily that will save some of your allowance," sneered the older woman. "Might I suggest spending the money on replacing that sweater."
Sliding behind the wheel of her car, Regina sighed. Her mother really was capable of being foul some days. She acted as though she was so proud to be Mayor of the tiny town, and yet disparaged every inhabitant of it. Her loss, Regina decided as she pulled out of the driveway, heading towards the hardware store.
"Regina, you're here early!" said Mary Margaret in lieu of a proper greeting as she opened the door to the girl.
"Yes!" smiled Regina. "I am. Am I too early? We did agree today?"
The pixie haired woman smiled at the uncharacteristic uncertainty of the girl. "Yes we did. And for most of us, no, but I'm afraid Emma is still asleep. Would you like to wake her?" At seeing Regina's hesitancy at the suggestion, she offered, "Or you could come in for a cup of tea until she emerges? I can always rattle around a few pots and pans to hurry her up."
"That would be great," smiled Regina as she stepped inside. She followed Mary Margaret to the small kitchen area. "You're sure you don't mind me doing this? I mean, it is your house after all."
"Of course I don't. It may be my house, but as far as I'm concerned, that is now Emma's room. It's only right it reflects her," said the older woman as she busied herself, rather noisily with the kettle and mugs.
"Do you think it's an awful idea, to surprise her with it?"
Mary Margaret turned to face the girl, perched nervously at her table. "I think it's a great idea. She might be a little overwhelmed by it, but I think she'll really appreciate it."
"I hope so," said Regina. Since asking Mary Margaret about the possibility of decorating Emma's room, she had spent the last fortnight trying to subtly drag details from Emma about how her ideal room would look. Everything she could gather about the colours and decor the girl liked had been mentally noted until today, when she had been at the hardware store in time for it opening, to make the necessary purchases. She had also arranged for Katheryn and Ruby to come over around lunch time, bringing lunch of course, to help.
"I think you're getting yourself far too worked up," said the older woman, placing a cup of tea in front of the nervous girl. "She's going to love it. And if she doesn't, I'm going to smack her around the head until she learns to!"