Who's in for a weekend treat? No one? Okay I guess I won't post a new chapter then.
Nah I'm kidding. So here's chapter 20
Warning: I know you might think Regina as weak but don't rush to make assumptions. We have 7 more chapters until the story ends so don't take anything for granted.
Thank you in advance and enjoy!
PS. Again don't get used to this! Or just do it I'm not that evil apparently :/
Another two weeks had passed and the dust was starting to settle, but not at all in the way Emma had so desperately hoped it would. Emma, after the whole scene with Regina, Nate and Jane at the firm, had decided to take Gold's offer and take some time off work. It was something altogether new to her, since she had never taken so much time off work without being with her family. After the revelation of the reason why Regina and Emma weren't living together anymore; the news had travelled fast to both the Swan and Mills family, and as a result both families had cut ties with Emma. Her father had kicked her out of the house and her brother refused to let her crash at his apartment. She didn't even entertain the idea of asking any of Regina's family for help; they had made it explicitly clear they wanted nothing to do with her. So Emma spent the days off closed in a dank hotel room, or with her sons, when Regina was in a generous enough mood to allow her to the house. She would occasionally visit Ruby and Belle but even that had become less frequent and it wasn't only because of the barely lukewarm reception Ruby was willing to offer her; Ruby and Belle were working all the time in order to cover the expenses of their impeding wedding.
Regarding Jane, when the affair was made known to everyone and after a few days following her resignation, she left Boston and went to live with her brother in New York. During her last day in Boston she met with a reluctant Emma, to say goodbye.
''So, you're really leaving huh?'' Emma asked the blonde who was sitting opposite to her. She and Jane had arranged to meet at a coffee shop near Jane's house, somewhere that they wouldn't bump into anyone that knew them. She was over hiding her fuck up, but didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea, that she might still be seeing Jane, but she needed to say goodbye.
''Staying here would be too complicated and painful.'' Jane admitted as she wiped her eyes from the tears that she couldn't longer keep.
''I'm so sorry for everything Jane.'' Emma whispered.
''It's not your fault Emma, really. I brought this on myself. I should've just stayed away but I didn't.''
Emma gave a small but hopeless smile. ''So what now? I mean what's the plan for you?''
''I'll go to New York, to my brother's place. My uncle said he can arrange a meeting for me with a friend of his. If that goes well, I might settle there for a bit, or maybe just go back to Philadelphia.''
''Despite everything, I hope everything works out for you.'' Emma said sincerely, smiling at the other blonde.
''No please, let's just…not do this all mushy crap.'' Jane implored gesturing, and Emma chuckled.
''You're right.'' Emma agreed still chuckling at the other's woman comment.
''Anyway I should get going. I need to pack a few last things before leaving, and then I've got to return the keys to the landlord. I must admit that I really started to love my apartment.'' At which both woman laughed. As they stood up, Emma approached the shorter blonde and took her right hand in hers; as if she was going to shake it but instead just held it.
''I'm going to miss you, Jane.'' Emma confessed. ''Not so much…what happened between us… I'm sorry" she looked up apologetic; she didn't want to hurt her feelings any more than she already had. "I just mean, you were a great friend Jane, and a pretty great boss. I wish we hadn't screwed that up.''
''Me too.'' Jane said and hugged the other blonde tightly. The hug lasted a few moments before they pulled back.
Jane moved to speak but then paused; wondering if she dared to say what her mind offered, but she decided to be brave.
''I hope Regina forgives you.'' Jane said ''I think you two are meant to be and I do believe that your story doesn't have to end like this.''
Emma flinched a little at the mention of Regina's name but replied anyway.
''It's Regina's call, not mine.'' Emma pointed out, and her lips pressed together. ''But anyway you should go. Call me when you're settled?'' Emma asked hopefully.
''I will'' Jane reassured as she kissed Emma's check.
''Goodbye Emma.'' she said before leaving the coffee shop.
''Goodbye.'' Emma whispered to no one.
Regina was in the living room along with her mother, sipping from a cup of tea, as Ezra was playing happily with his toys. Now that Regina was alone with three kids, Cora and Zelena would visit quite often to help her, something that was slightly irritating her but she wouldn't say no to their well-meaning help. Her mother in law had also offered to help but Regina had politely declined saying that she had everything under control. She also didn't want for Emma to find out that she was struggling since she had her dignity to uphold.
''Do the boys know?'' Cora asked after sipping from her cup.
''About what? The reason why Emma doesn't live here or about the divorce?''
''Both'' Cora shrugged.
''No and no. I mean they know that Emma's not living here with us anymore and up until now I don't think Colin or Ezra has really noticed to be honest." She replied sadly. "At least they haven't given me a hard time about it. Henry is older though and understand things better. He knows that Emma did something, but I haven't gone into details with him. I'm worried if he finds out the truth he might not forgive her and I don't want to hurt her like that. Thankfully he's been smart enough not to push me, yet and from Emma's expressions, when I see her, I can tell that he hasn't asked her either. We still haven't talked to the boys officially about this arrangement because it all sort of happened so fast; we will though, explain it.''
''Are you talking to Emma?''
''Not much. We exchange a few words when she comes to take the boys for the weekend but that's all.''
''And what about the divorce? Are you still going ahead with it?'' Cora asked intrigued. She could see that Regina was having second thoughts and she was more than willing to help her.
''I dunno. I filed the divorce that day I went to the firm, but I haven't pushed for progress.'' Regina admitted.
''And why is that dear?''
''Because on one hand I think about Emma's adultery and her having sex with someone else and my blood boils. And it's not only that. The whole time she's been chasing after that promotion things were difficult; we weren't happy. I couldn't see it clearly then but I can now. We were fighting and we were pretending." Regina sighed and bit her lip a little, the thoughts rushing through her head. "But… on the other hand I still love her so much and I don't want to let her go. I know she made a mistake, and I really don't think I'll ever be able to completely forgive her but I don't want to do this without her.'' Regina sniffed as she gave up holding back the tears. Cora squeezed her daughter's hand.
''Do you want my opinion?'' Cora asked tentatively
''I don't know. Do I?'' Regina chuckled, making Cora do the same. She wiped the back of her hands across under her eyes, and focused on her mother. She knew that this moment her mother would talk more like a doctor than a mother and she wasn't sure if that was the kind of opinion she wanted right now.
''I believe that your decision to divorce was a bit rushed. Yes, you did what it felt right that moment but that doesn't mean it's the right thing in the long haul. Emma loves you and you clearly still love her. My advice is that you try again. And I'm not saying that you should let her come home and pretend that everything's is back to normal, because that will do more harm than good. But I'm talking about visiting a counselor. Talk about everything that concerns you, not only about Emma's affair but everything that might have triggered that. When an injured animal comes into your clinic; your first thoughts are about what you can do to help it survive, and only after exploring all the options would you ever make the decision to put it down. I believe the same applies for marriage. You have been with Emma for ten years. You helped her when she was in a bad place and she did the same for you. You saved each other from your demons Regina. Do you want to throw away that?''
''I didn't know you liked Emma so much.'' Regina mumbled and Cora snorted
''Oh no dear don't get me wrong; I'll never think she (or any woman) is completely worthy of my darling daughter, and I have so much hate for what she did to you... but it's not about what I believe about Emma. It's about you and the boys. I want to stop you doing something you'll regret. And I know you would have regretted it if you had proceeded with the divorce before even trying. We've all been through rough patches, Regina, hell even your father and I have been through that but we didn't give up.''
''Has daddy..?'' Regina trailed off not wanting to believe that her father would have been capable of something like that.
''No mija, your father has always been a faithful man. And I don't believe it's in his blood to even look at someone else.''
''Have you?'' Regina asked curiously.
''No, at least not as long as I've been with your father. But there has been times that I, we wanted to give up. Between raising three kids, our shifts at the hospital and teaching at the university, we barely had any time for each other. I almost gave up. You were too young to remember but Zelena and Graham probably do. I was too tired of all this and I tried to leave him, and you, but I couldn't go through with it. What kind of wife abandons her husband and children when it starts to get a little difficult? Certainly not a Mills. So I came back, we talked and we visited a marriage counselor. It was difficult at the beginning; we both tried to blame each other for what happened. But we worked it out. We opened up to each other, we saw our mistakes and we somehow fixed them. But we both tried and we didn't give up.''
''Did you ever regret it? Coming back?''
''Of course not! Regina; you, Zelena, Graham and your father are everything for me. If I had left your father I would have lost you forever, you never would've forgiven me, and I wouldn't have forgiven myself either. ΑND I'm really glad I didn't in the end.'' Cora smiled at her daughter while cupping her cheek.
''Anyway, the other two will be back anytime soon and they will be both starved. I should go and make something for them to eat.'' Regina said as she stood up, taking Ezra from the floor and balancing him at her one hip.
''And I should get going. Graham came back from Seattle and he said something about a girl and how 'she's changed his life'.'' Cora rolled her eyes and Regina chuckled. Cora kissed both her daughter and grandson and was ready to leave when Regina's voice stopped her.
''Mama, thank you for everything'' Regina said, smiling shyly at her mother.
''You're most welcome dear. Oh and sometime during the day I will send you the phone number of a former student of mine who specializes in marriage counselling. He's a real professional and he will do well with both of you.'' Cora said, as she opened the door and left the Swan-Mills household.
The next day, Regina, after having contemplating everything that Cora had said to her, decided to pay a visit to a certain blonde. She had easily found out where Emma was staying as the boys had stayed there for the past two weekends with Emma. Upon entering the hotel Regina was impressed. At least it's not some motel, Regina thought and thanked her lucky stars that her sons were staying somewhere respectable, and safe. Not that Emma would really have stayed anywhere not suitable for boys but it was nice to know she hadn't lost all of her brain power. Taking the elevator she reached the 16th floor where Emma's room was. After taking a deep breath she knocked the door and waited a few minutes but Emma never opened the door. Wondering if Emma had something else to do and had already left, she knocked for a second time. Thankfully this time the door did open revealing a barely awake Emma wearing a blank tap top and red boy shorts. Regina licked her lips unconsciously at the sight, she couldn't deny that she was still very much attracted to Emma's body, something that didn't go unnoticed by Emma. With a smirk on her face the blonde opened the door without a word, allowing her wife to enter the room.
''So, to what do I owe the pleasure?'' Emma asked amused as Regina was taking the surroundings. Emma had chosen a suite room with two rooms, a living room and a small kitchen so she could comfortably accommodate her and her boys' staying.
''I think it's time we talked.'' Regina said seriously and Emma nodded as she motioned for them to sit on the couch. Regina was the first to sit, being closer to the sofa, and as Emma was walking towards her Regina raised an eyebrow which made Emma stop dead in her tracks. It didn't take long for realization hit her; and she excused herself as she went to her bedroom to change into something a little less distracting. When Emma was ready, she reentered the living room, this time wearing grey sweatpants and a black hoody.
''Do you want something to drink? I don't have really anything but we can order something up?'' Emma offered.
''No, I'm okay, you can sit.'' Regina said and Emma nodded.
''So...'' Emma begun but Regina cut her off.
''I decided to give our marriage another try.'' Regina admitted, and it caught Emma completely by surprise.
''What?'' Emma asked unable to contain the smile that was spreading across her face.
''Don't get your hopes up,'' Regina warned her ''But I do believe that I was acting on impulse and I was ready to take the risk of ruining our family based on that. It was completely immature of me, the fact that I didn't even give you a chance to explain yourself. I'm willing to try again as long as you are.''
''I am and I will do whatever you want me to do.'' Emma replied, and Regina herself struggled to hide a small smile at the prospect.
''I was hoping you would say that. And seeing that we're on the same page I took the liberty of calling one of my mother's former students; he specializes in marriage counselling and he's more than happy to help us. I've made an appointment this Thursday at 6.'' Regina said and waited for Emma to process this condition.
''That's not exactly what I had in mind,'' Emma admitted ''…but of course, let's do it. If that's what you want I'm completely in.'' Emma said sincerely making Regina smile.
She hesitated a little, unsure if her next suggestion would be moving too fast…
''And since it's at six," she shrugged, "maybe you'd like to stop by for an early dinner first? You know to see the boys and then we can just take the one car.'' Regina offered making Emma give her a toothy grin.
''I would love to Regina.'' Emma said as she squeezed Regina's hand. Regina was ready to reply her phone buzzed. As she retraced her phone from her purse and saw who the caller was a frown was formed on her face.
''Who is it Regina?'' Emma asked confused
''It's from the boys' school.'' Regina said before answering the phone.
''Hello?''
''Mrs. Mills, I'm sorry for interrupting but there has been an incident.'' At this point Regina felt a strong sense of deja vu as not a month ago the principal had called her again informing her about Colin's accident.
''Is Colin okay?'' She asked cutting off the principal.
''Yes, Colin is fine, he's not the one I'm calling you about. This time is Henry.''
''Henry?! Is he okay?'' Emma's eyes widened at Regina's reply.
''Yes he is, but there has been a fight, one that allegedly your son started as he punched one of his classmates.''
''He did what?!'' Regina exclaimed, and Emma's eyebrows scrunched in the middle in concern.
''Mrs. Mills I would really appreciate if you could come down here. The other's boy's parents have been informed and they would like to talk to you and your wife as the strike was pretty bad.''
''Yes we will come down immediately. Thank you for informing me.'' Regina said as she hung up, and turned to Emma, shock and concern plastered on her gorgeous face.
''What happened?'' Emma asked worried, reaching her hand out to rest on Regina's; and her heart elated when Regina didn't flinch away.
''Henry punched one of his classmates.'' Regina responded as he pinched the bridge of her nose with her free hand.
''What? Why?''
''I don't know Emma. The principal has asked that we go down to discuss it, the other child's parents aren't happy.''
''Okay, of course. Let me put something more presentable on and we can go.'' Emma said squeezing her hand, and Regina simply nodded.
Not an hour later Emma and Regina were outside the principal's office were they were met by Henry who was holding a pack of ice to his bruised cheek.
''Oh Henry! What happened?'' Regina asked as she pulled him up to her, her hands tracing his face; she took the ice pack from his hand to examine the bruise. "Oh my darling," she exclaimed as her fingers softly traced around the bruise, careful not to hurt him more.
''It was nothing.'' Henry mumbled, turning his head so as to avoid his mothers' gaze.
''Henry, this doesn't seem like nothing.'' Emma pointed out, reaching out to stroke his hair but he shifted his head out of the way.
''Why do you even care?'' Henry spat at Emma who was taken aback.
''Henry-'' Regina sighed.
''It's nothing, you shouldn't even have come here.'' He huffed and moved away from both mothers.
Regina crossed her arms and fixed him with her best mother 'I am your mother, Henry Swan-Mills' stare and chided: ''Well your principal requested our presence and said the other's boy's parents were quite upset. So am I asking you again: what happened?''
Henry sighed deeply, his shoulders dropping in defeat and was ready to reply, but the door next to him started to open and he shut his mouth again.
''Mrs. Swan, Mrs. Mills, please come in.'' The secretary announced and both women along with Henry entered the office. Inside was the school principal with the boy that Henry had punched, and his parents. Emma winced when he saw the other's boys face which was much more bruised than Henry's. Damn Henry has a mean right hook, Emma thought and she would have been proud of that if it wasn't landing on another boys face.
''Mrs. Swan, Mrs. Mills, these are Mr. and Mrs. Andrews and their son Kevin. Kevin would you like to tell us what exactly happened?''
''I was just sitting with my friends in the cafeteria, eating my lunch when Henry came over and asked if he could it with us. We said no and he started getting all angry and he just stood up and attacked me! He pushed me down, straddled me and starting punching me. I didn't do anything.''
''His lying.'' Emma said without missing a beat.
''Emma.'' Regina implored under her breath.
''No Regina, I know Henry and he wouldn't act like that if there wasn't a good reason. He must have said something to provoke him.'' Emma said indicating the other boy.
''Mrs. Swan please.'' The principal said in an authoritative tone, making Emma shut her mouth.
''Henry, did Kevin say something more to provoke you?'' The principal asked Henry.
''N-no.'' Henry stuttered. Regina at this point slid gracefully from her chair and crouched next to Henry, lifting his chin so as to make eye contact.
''Henry why don't you tell us the truth?'' Regina asked confused.
''The truth is that your son is a bully and can't control his temper, which he's clearly gotten from you.'' Mr. Andrews exclaimed rudely towards Emma. Emma was ready to respond when Henry put his hand on her wrist stopping her.
''He called my moms' dykes and me a…" he scrunched his face up at having to swear in front of so many adults, "…son of a bitch. That I am bastard and that my mothers have taught me to punch like a girl and that's why I don't take part in fights because I'm a pussy.'' Henry revealed making Regina put her hand over her mouth with shock and Emma clenched her fists. So much for her child being a bully, this guy's kid was just horrible.
''Is that true, Kevin?'' The principal asked, but the boy didn't speak, which more or less confirmed his guilt.
''I see. Well in that case there is one thing I can do: Mr. Andrews and Mr. Swan-Mills; you are both suspended from the school, for one week. I believe it the right thing to do seeing as both boys were very much involved.''
As any of the parents didn't have any objections the Swan-Mills family left the office, leaving the Andrews still inside.
''Are you okay Hen?'' Regina asked as she touched Henry's cheek earning a wince from the brunet boy, who nodded telling that everything was fine.
''You made us so worried.'' Regina admitted hugging her son.
''You-you're not mad?''
''Of course not kiddo.'' Emma reassured ''We knew that it wasn't your fault; it's completely not like you to be getting into fights." She smiled down at him with nothing but love. She glanced up and saw Regina's eyes narrowing and her head nodded towards Emma suggestively. Emma understood and continued; "I'm not saying that the way you handled the whole thing was right though. Fighting and punching another person is unacceptable, and we are going to have to punish you for that."
''Henry, we're going to ground you for one week. No video games and no hanging out with your friends.'' Regina added and Henry growled.
''Come on mom, at least not the video games.'' Henry whined and Regina chuckled.
''Fine, you're allowed to play, but only with your brothers.'' Emma offered and Henry nodded. This was the best he was going to get and he wasn't about to complain. In fact, seeing his mother's together, and working together kind of made it all seem less upsetting.
''Moms, thanks for coming.'' Henry said sincerely.
''Of course bud. We will always be here for you, both of us.'' Emma said, hugging Henry too.
''Alright enough with the soppy-ness. We are still at school and I have a reputation to maintain.'' Henry grinned earning a laugh from his mothers. After that the three Swan-Mills left the school premises. Regina was hopeful that no matter what might happen between her and Emma they would always be a family.