As promised Chapter 19 is here!

Emma and Colin's first stop after leaving the mansion was the new tennis court that had opened a few weeks ago near Emma's childhood house. Parking the car in the designated parking lot Emma had realised that they really hadn't done this in months. In fact, since Colin had started playing tennis, two years ago, there hadn't been a lot of times that Emma suggested she play with him and then actually followed through; there was always something at work that always seemed so urgent at the time. Remembering what Colin had said earlier in the house, she shifted around in her seat to face her son.

''I'm sorry for promising you we'd play tennis and then not doing so.'' Emma apologised sincerely.

''It's okay ma'' Colin shrugged and then continued ''I wasn't so good then so I probably wouldn't have been able to beat you.'' He said giving her a cheeky grin, something that made Emma laugh.

''Oh! So you think you'll be able to beat me today?'' She teased unbuckling her belt and opening the door.

''Yeah!'' the boy replied as he moved to the trunk to retrieve his tennis equipment.

''You do realise that you only have one working arm right now, right?'' Emma continued teasing her son.

''Great players like me can't be stopped by minor setbacks like that'' he sassed and then ran towards the court leaving a laughing Emma behind.

They had only started and Emma was already cursing herself for even thinking of underestimating her son. Even with a broken arm the boy could play better than her and she was already far behind in score.

''What's up mama? Are you tired?'' The boy teased seeing Emma bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.

''Never.'' she growled and stood up defiantly to make her point, making Colin laugh even harder.

''Tell you what,'' Emma began ''Whoever wins the game, is buying the burgers.''

''I'm only eight! I don't have money!'' Colin defended.

''You think I didn't see the money your grandma gave you yesterday at papa's birthday?'' Emma winked.

''I already spent that!'' Colin admitted and continued ''I gave it to Hen to buy me a video game.'' he shrugged, making Emma roll her eyes.

''Ha, alright. I guess I'm paying for the burgers, but I get to play your new video game with you! Do we have a deal?''

The boy thought about it for a minute before replying in a true Regina Mills tone ''You're such a child ma.''

''Αnd you're completely your mother's child, mini Regina!'' She laughed at her own joke but Colin wasn't that understanding. He simply raised his eyebrow and prepared to serve.

Man I'm so screwed… Emma thought and got ready for Colin's move.

It was Saturday evening and Regina along with Mal were in the living room sharing a bottle of wine while talking and putting the world to rights. They had spent the whole day together, first with Henry and Ezra, who had shockingly took a shine to Mal, at the park. Later, after a small lunch at a nearby diner, they all returned home to prepare the boys' bags for their weekend with Emma. When she had made sure that she had packed everything the boys might need, Regina and Mal had opted for another outing as Regna wasn't sure she could face seeing Emma for a second time that day. Mal had been the best friend she could ask for and went along with it all without issue and in full support. They went for coffee and talked, a lot, which had been continued at Regina's home, switching up the caffeine for alcohol. The one bottle had turned into a second and then into a third. Regina was well on her way to drunk, as she was not used to drinking so much. Mal on the other hand, after so many glasses of wine but much experience, was a bit tipsy but still aware of her surroundings. They hadn't intended to drink so much but Mal knew that Regina needed to talk about everything that had happened the last few days and the only way to get her comfortable enough to do so was by drinking; it wasn't pretty but it was the truth. They were sitting on one of the two couches, their legs sprawled on the coffee table, and Mal's arm around Regina's shoulder.

''I want to hate her so much Mal. After everything we've been through and she cheats on me. How could she? I always thought we'd go down fighting if it ever ended, I never thought she'd just…find someone else to screw. How pathetic is that? Cheating?'' Regina was now sobbing, the alcohol clearly had lowered any inhibitions.

''She certainly doesn't seem the type, to be honest. But I don't know sweetheart. Maybe there was something else going on, in your marriage that you both hadn't acknowledged?'' Mal suggested, hoping to help Regina understand Emma's behavior.

''We were good! I mean we did fight, but just like any other couple, and we would always make up afterwards.'' Regina said.

''What about your sex life?'' Mal bluntly asked, making Regina blush a little but she answered anyway.

''It was good. Not like the first years' good," Regina's lips gave away a bashful smile as she remembered, "…but we would always find sometime for each other. And with Emma's teenage libido it wasn't something that could stop even if we wanted too. Which is why it bothers me so much. It wasn't like she had feelings for her, I can tell. But the fact that she chose to screw her makes me think that I'm not enough for her, that she doesn't 'want' me anymore. She doesn't think I'm attractive…" Regina shook her head.

''Or maybe Emma likes attention.'' Mal offered and at Regina's frown she elaborated. ''You told me that Emma knew about Jane liking her. So maybe she liked having that attention from her and she acted upon it.''

''She's not a narcissist.'' Regina defended.

''I'm not saying she is." Mal shifted in her seat to face Regina face on. "If someone attractive told you that she liked you, how would you react?'' She questioned.

''Well…'' Regina countered ''I suppose, I'd feel flattered but I wouldn't fuck them as a way to say thanks for the compliment!''

''Maybe she was caught up in the moment?''

''A month worth of fucking isn't 'caught up in the moment'. Okay, the first time maybe it might have been like that, but this doesn't excuse her later actions. And please don't try to defend her. She hurt me and us. I always thought she was the one; she was my happy ending.'' At this point Regina had started crying again making Mal ease closer to hug the brunette. When they broke apart, they remained somewhat close. Regina eyed the other's woman lips then eyes and then again lips. Taking a deep breath she tried to minimize the distance but a finger on her lips stopped her doing so.

''Regina this is not what you want, trust me.'' Mal reasoned, shuffling back a little, out of Regina's reach.

''You don't know what I want.'' Regina growled and tried again but Mall's hands stopped her again.

''Regina, dear, you are drunk and hurt. You want to hurt Emma, I can tell, but this is not the way. Do you think she's worth ruining the friendship we have?''

''I just want to not hurt anymore.'' Regina admitted and cupped her face with her hands.

'I know but it will get better, I promise.'' Mal cooed as she ran soothing circles on Regina's back.

''I don't know how to do this.'' Regina confessed.

''Do what, dear?'' Mal asked confused.

''The whole divorce thing. I don't know if I can.''

''Who said anything about a divorce? It's too early for such a move and in my opinion I think you should try first without the lawyer's involvement. You have been together for ten years. Surely you can work this out, somehow.''

''What she did… I don't know if I can even let her touch me again. Or even be next to me.''

''This is your pain talking Regina. You love Emma. Yeah she made a big mistake but you can't divorce her just like that. You haven't even properly talked to her about all this, have you?''

''You're already divorced so you do not get to tell me how tp manage this.'' Regina snapped but Mal was unfazed by this sudden burst.

''Regina, I'm talking by personal experience right now. Me and Ursula… we tried for far longer than you can imagine. We'd been visiting a marriage counselor for a whole year.''

''Then why did you divorce?''

''Because we thought it would be better for Lily and for us. We weren't happy anymore. We weren't in love. We just kept pretending. But it was something that we agreed on together. I didn't decide in one day of pain just to divorce her. Emma has as much say as you have in this. And even after what she did, you still love each other.'' At which Regina scoffed.

''Humor me Regina, I can see it. This morning she gave me a vice grip, when I shook her hand. If she didn't care at all she wouldn't demand so obviously that I know you are hers.''

''Emma is possessive with everything that she thinks that belongs to her, so I wouldn't count on that. She did the same with my brother too. She didn't know of course who he has back then so when he introduced himself Emma gave him a grip that strong it cut his circulation.'' Regina laughed at the memory of Graham's hand going purple

''She loves you Regina.'' Mal whispered ''And you still love her. That's why I suggest you think this through a little more.'' Mal sighed making Regina nodding in understanding.

The rest of the weekend after Regina's heart to heart with Mal that Saturday night had gone real quick. Sunday morning Regina had called Mal saying how sorry she was for her behavior and for putting Mal in that awkward position but Mal just brushed it off, telling her that it was nothing and she was glad to help Regina with this rough patch, as she knew from personal experience how hard this could be. Regina thanked her once again for being patient and understanding and Mal had tried to gauge Regina's decision as if she still wanted the divorce but Regina avoided the topic by making an excuse. The rest of the day, Regina was alone in the house, choosing to do some chores, to calm her nerves. The boys weren't to arrive before 5 that evening so she had plenty of time to tidy the house, bake and even do some paperwork for the clinic. When the clock struck 5 she was still in the study complementing if she wanted to exit the room and face Emma as she brought the boys back or it would be better to stay there and pretend not to have heard anything. She finally opted for not exiting the room and to stay where she is. She couldn't deal with Emma right now and if the blonde was thinking that she was avoiding her then so be it, hell, it was the truth.

The boys arrived at home a little after 5 and thankfully they were alone as Emma had some last minute call at the office and couldn't come inside. Regina wondered for a moment if this emergency was fucking Jane but she quickly brushed the thought away, assuring herself that she didn't care. If Emma had still the nerve to cheat on Regina then she could be her guest.

Seeing her boys again made Regina realize that she had missed them very much and if this was to become a regular thing she would have to miss them even more, as she couldn't forbid Emma to see her children. Shaking her ranging thoughts from her head, Regina welcomed her sons home, asking them all about their weekend with their other mother and grandparents. The boys clearly had a great time with the Swans as they wouldn't stop talking about the endless games they had played with Emma and David, and the innumerable amount of food Mary Margaret had cooked for them. Regina, as she was listening her boys, made a mental note to remind Emma of their healthy diet. She might not live in the same house but the healthy eating was for the good of both her sons and Emma.

The following day, Regina had made her mind about whether she wanted a divorce or not and she decided to act upon it. Upon getting up she was dressed in her best black pantsuit along with her black pumps. Her makeup was impeccable and her hair styled in curls. After her morning routine she went downstairs to prepare breakfast for the boys. Half an hour later Henry and Colin had left for school and Ezra was with Ashley in the living room, playing the piano. Making sure that everything was in place, she left the home with one destination in mind. The Gold and Swan law firm.

Her first stop, when she arrived at the firm was the family's lawyer's and old friend's office; Mr. Gold's. Taking a deep breath she knocked the door. After a few moments of waiting the soft ''come in'' was heard from the other side of the door, which Regina opened, without further hesitation.

''Regina, dear, I wasn't expecting you here!'' Gold said both surprised and confused.

''Yeah, to be honest it's the last place I want to be, but look how the tables turn.'' Regina mumbled the last part as she sat opposite to Gold.

''To what do I owe this surprising but, very pleasant visit?'' Gold asked curiously.

''I wouldn't exactly say 'pleasant'.'' Regina said, biting her lip a little, and at the man's confused face she elaborated. ''I want to discuss filing for a divorce.'' Regina admitted and Gold's eyebrows raised to his hairline.

''Well I wasn't expecting to hear that, that's for sure.'' He stated.

''Me neither.'' Regina whispered.

''May I ask why?'' Gold asked, leaning his elbows on his desk and steepling his fingers.

''It's something I've spent a lot of time thinking about. Emma and I, well we agreed to take some time apart but I don't think it's going to be enough, for me.''

''I see'' Gold said but narrowed his eyes at her, unsure. ''Don't you think you're rushing a little bit. I heard about your separation from David and but that was barely a week ago. Have you really managed to make up your mind, about something so important, in one weekend?''

''As I said before, I've been thinking about it for a long time.'' Regina said curtly. "I just never really admitted it to myself I guess."

''Well if you are so sure about it then I'm afraid I can't do anything to stop you. However, I can't take your case.''

''What? Why?'' Regina snapped.

''Because David is a long-time friend of mine and my partner, the same goes for Emma. Taking your case is a complete conflict of interest, not to mention a violation of my own moral code; Emma is pretty much family to me Regina. I can't get involved with this situation.'' Gold explained and Regina sighed; of course.

''However, I can point you to a very good colleague of mine; Mr. Jones. He specializes in family law so he will be much more help than me. You can find his office, on the floor below us, office 12.''

''Thank you so much Bobbie.'' Regina said as she stood up, giving her hand to the other man.

''If you want my opinion though, I think you should wait a little longer Regina. You can't throw away ten years of marriage, just like that.'' at which Regina simply nodded and left the room.

Her next stop, upon Gold's suggestion was Mr. Jones office. Regina had heard of him from Emma and knew that he was a bit of a man-whore. However, Gold had said that he was really good at his job and Regina was willing to be impartial and not be prejudiced, especially by her wife's comments. She didn't have to knock the door as Jones himself was exiting his office and almost bumped into her.

''Mrs. Mills!'' He exclaimed as he allowed his eyes to roam over her entire body, lingering a little more time than necessary on her cleavage making Regina roll her eyes.

''You do remember that I am married. To a woman.'' Regina sassed making him look her in the eyes, his cheeks a little red from embarrassment. With a nod of his head, he guided her, inside his office as he closed the door behind him.

''So, what can I do for you Mrs. Mills? Well besides offering my charming looks for your perusal.'' He said smugly at which Regina raised her eyebrow.

''Again, I'm still a lesbian in case you didn't understand the first time. And this is pointless.'' She said as she stood up to leave the office.

''Wait, I'm sorry.'' He apologised, making Regina wonder at how quickly he could turn from a smug bastard to a puppy; that must be how he got all the women to fall at his feet. She raised her eyebrow again at his tone, making him explain himself.

''Swan doesn't like me as it is. If she finds out I hit on her wife she might actually beat me, like physically.'' He said clearly embarrassed, earning a laugh from Regina.

''I can see everyone is afraid of her in this place.'' She teased and Jones' cheeks became even redder.

''Anyway'' he said trying to change the subject ''Is there any particular reason for your visiting me?'' He asked.

''As a matter of fact yes. I'm thinking of filing for a divorce.'' She said bluntly making Jones this time to raise his eyebrow.

''Trouble in paradise?''

''This is none of your business'' She snapped and Jones raised his arms in surrender.

"Well Regina, it actually will be if I agree to take this."

''Are you?" She asked. "Are you willing to take this case?''

''And crash Swan in court? Count me in!'' He said excitedly.

''I don't want to start a conflict with Emma.'' Regina explained ''We both know that she's better than you so taking her to court will only hurt both your reputation and my interests. What I want from you is making this divorce as quick as possible. Are we clear?''

''Yes ma'am.'' He said but continued. ''However, I have to ask. Is a divorce really what you want? Don't get me wrong I'd love to take Swan on head on, but this is serious." He sighed, his eyes trying to read Regina but she was more or less a brick wall, right now, stoic and fierce.

"I know you and Emma have been married for a long time. This is going to be hell for probably more than a few months and it's going to affect more than just the two of you."

Regina held his gaze firmly, she already knew all of it, and of course she was worried about it all, about her boys especially, but she really couldn't imagine ever allowing Emma back in her bed again.

Killian sat back, and sighed. "Whatever she's done; is it worth this? Are you absolutely sure that this is what you want?''

''Yes Mr. Jones, I'm completely sure. And now if you excuse me'' Regina said, standing up and shaking the man's hand. After that she left his office.

While Regina was inside Jones' office, a completely oblivious Emma was outside, talking with a very tired-looking Jane.

''Emma, for the umpteenth time, my resigning from this firm is the best for all of us.'' Jane sighed as she tried to make the blonde understand.

''Yeah and then Gold will be accusing me of your resignation! Because you were that stupid to tell him!'' She hissed.

''I didn't tell him anything! He figured it out himself; do you think he got to where is he not able to see through bullshit? God Emma you gave me a headache!'' Jane hissed back as she tried to pass by the blonde. But Emma was having none of it. She grabbed Jane's wrist and the other blonde spun back round to face her.

''Let me go!'' She said through gritted teeth, pushing Emma away from her, but not really succeeding as Emma was much stronger than her. This was the moment that the door a few feet away opened to reveal Regina stepping outside. Both Emma's and Jane's eyes were wide as they broke apart.

''God Emma, don't you have an iota of self-control at all?'' Regina snapped, wanting nothing more than to cause Emma to burst into flames right there in the office and take every last one of these bastard lying lawyers with her.

''It wasn't what it looked like!'' Emma said quickly before realizing that that's exactly what someone who cheats says.

''Regina.'' Jane tried but it was cut off my Regina

"Don't you dare think you can say even a single word to me let alone call me by name.'' Regina yelled loudly making Jane wince.

''What are you doing here?'' Emma asked, trying to stop any potential quarrel between these two.

''That's none of your business Mrs. Swan.'' Regina said coldly as she tried to leave. But Emma was quicker, grabbing her shoulder gently hoping her touch alone would stop any further movement.

'''Let me go Emma, or I'll call security.'' Regina warned but Emma didn't let go.

''What were you doing on Jones' office?'' Emma asked unfazed by Regina's warnings and death glares.

''This is none of your business. Let. Me. Go'' Regina tried again.

''No! It is my business Regina, I'm your wife and this is my job.'' Emma said angrily.

''No Emma, you lost that title when you fucked her!'' Regina yelled, something that make Emma loosen her grip.

"What? Emma asked, frozen to the spot. "Regina, what does that mean?"

''You slept with Jane?'' A voice was heard from behind, startling the three woman. Turning their heads the two blondes and the brunette were met with Nate who was clenching and unclenching his fist.

''You motherfucker!'' He shout as he approached Emma, his fist colliding violently with her jaw. Regina was almost sure she heard a snap. Emma didn't have the time to recover from the punch before Nate grabbed her by the lapels of her jacket, thrusting her roughly against the wall.

''You knew that I liked her and you fucked her!'' He yelled and he was ready to punch Emma again but a voice and a hand on his arm stopped him from doing so.

''Nate!'' Regina yelled yanking Nate back and throwing him off away from Emma.

"Regina, let me at her!'' He shouted again pulling his arms from Regina's embrace. ''How could you defend her after doing this to you?''

''Nate please'' Regina implored, making the blond relent a little, but the rage was still evident all over his face.

''What the hell is going on here?!'' another voice was heard and everyone turned to meet David's concerned face.

''You should ask them.'' Nate spat, as he indicated Emma and Jane. Emma was wiping her lip clean of the blood with her shirt sleeve and Jane was besides her trying to contain the blonde from punching her brother back.

''Emma what happened?'' David asked in an authoritative voice but Emma refused to say anything, she just shook her head and kept her eyes on the floor.

''What's up sis, pussy got your tongue?'' Nate sneered and dropped his guard long enough for Emma to launch towards him.

''Hey, hey! Are you both insane?'' David shouted at both of his kids as he stepped in the middle to prevent any more fighting.

'''Will someone tell me what the hell has happened?'' David was starting to become impatient and Nate decided to put him out of his misery.

''Emma slept with Jane.'' Nate confessed, and the hallway fell into deathly silence.

''You did what?'' He turned to face Emma and Jane who was looking at the floor, completely lost. David had gone completely speechless.

''I'm leaving.'' Regina said calmly and started to leave when Emma's hand stopped her once again.

''No, you started all of this'' Emma said angrily

''No Em-ma…'' She said pulling her arm free of Emma's grip "…you started this." She turned sharply and marched her heels down the corridor, refusing to look back.

''Okay all of you. Gold's office. Now.'' David ordered and Nate and Jane complied silently.

''Dad-'' Emma begun but David cut her off.

''Don't. You've screwed everything up, I'm not going to defend you, not to the firm, not to our family. You are on your own.'' David said, leaving a teary Emma alone.

Inside Gold's office, a deafening silence pervaded the room. Gold had been informed of what happened and had a brief meeting with David as to how to proceed with the matter. Emma had left for a while in order to put some ice on her bruised lip and was now standing in one corner of the office, the other corner was occupied by her brother who had also an angry bruise on his cheek, and settled on the small couch near Gold's desk was sitting Jane who was fidgeting with her hands. As Gold re-entered the room the three blondes snapped their head to their direction.

''I have to admit that I've never found myself in such a situation. Mr. Swan has chosen to not be directly involved but he has helped me decide on how to handle this. Well, a few days ago Miss Smith handed her resignation and in that moment I was reluctant to concede. However, given the situation, I believe that is appropriate so Miss Smith, you will have the papers ready by next week. As for Mr. and Mrs. Swan I didn't want to go as far as to formally suspend either of you both so I offer an alternative. You can of course refuse, but I believe is for the best if you 'choose' to have some time off work; take a vacation. It will help you to clear your mind and I can tell that you both need it. So, what will it be?''

''I'm not taking it. Agreeing to that is admitting fault and it's absolutely not mine; Emma's the one who should be paying.'' Nate said firmly.

''Nate.'' Gold sighed but Nate was adamant.

''No, I'm done with this conversation.'' Nate said and to make his point he left the office.

''I'm not going to take it either.'' Emma admitted and she was ready to follow her brother's example when Gold's voice stopped her.

''Emma, listen to me, please.'' He looked at Jane silently dismissing her so as to leave the two of them alone.

''Emma, I believe that you should take some time off. If you don't I will have to formally insist on it; you know what I'm saying here.''

''No, I'm not leaving this office and I'm not letting him get the satisfaction of my leaving.'' Emma said angrily and Gold sighed again.

''Emma you're emotional right now and you're not thinking straight. You're hurting because of what happened between you and Regina and you're lashing out at others. Now that Jane's position is free I'm willing to make you a partner, but absolutely not before you take this time off. I need you with a clear mind if you are to take such an important position.''

"I'm not sure I'm interested in that anymore." She muttered.

''You don't have to decide right now Emma. But think about the good of the firm as well as yourself. You are an excellent lawyer and I won't watch you throw that away because of difficulties in your personal life.''

''Fine, I'll think about it." Emma whispered, rising from her seat and looking Gold in the eyes. He was seriously offering her the position that caused all of this in the first place.

''What was Regina doing here?'' she asked quietly.

''Emma-.''

''Please just tell me.'' She implored.

''She came to discuss filing for divorce.'' Gold admitted and Emma nodded wordlessly, pulling her bottom lip into her mouth and biting hard to stop herself from crying out. With one last glimpse at Gold she left the office, the tears already spilling from her eyes.