Look who's back!
Emma was taping her foot, nervously, on the carpet of Dr. Archibald's Hopper office. She was restless and anxious and, of course, Regina,who was sitting next to her, reading a book, had noticed but she chose not to comment on it. However, with each passing minute, Emma's tapping was becoming faster and more restless, so much so that made Regina stopped what she was doing and put her hand on her wife's knee. The gesture thankfully made Emma stop her motion and she turned her eyes towards Regina's direction, looking at her quizzically.
''You won't get anything out of it.'' Regina simply said, making Emma sigh.
''I know and honestly I'm not even completely sure why I'm so nervous.'' Emma admitted.
''Well you were never good at sharing personal details with others.'' Regina countered.
''Are you sure that this will help?'' Emma asked ignoring Regina's comment.
''No.'' Regina said bluntly and at Emma's hurt expression she elaborated; ''But it's the best we can do at this point.'' at which Emma nodded and relaxed considerably.
Not ten minutes had passed when the doctor's office opened once again revealing a ginger-haired man, around his mid-thirties, dressed in a mismatched suit, round glasses decorating his face. As he eyed the couple a warm smile spread on his face, and he approached them calmly.
''You must be Regina, Dr. Mills's daughter. It's so nice to meet you.'' Dr. Hopper said as he extended his hand for the brunette woman to shake.
''The pleasure is all mine Dr. Hopper. My mother has told me a lot about you.'' Regina said, smiling equally warmly to the taller man.
''All good I hope.'' He joked, making Regina chuckle.
''And you must be Emma.'' Archie continued, finally acknowledging the other woman.
''Ah yes, that's me.'' Emma said awkwardly, shaking the doctor's still extended hand.
''Well please do come in.'' Archie said indicating his door's office.
As they entered the doctor's office, the two woman opted to sit on the bigger couch, forcing the other man to sit on the couch opposite to them. Taking off his glasses and wiping them with a small cloth he pulled from his jacket pocket, he grabbed his notepad from the coffee table, along with a pen and sat more comfortably on the couch.
''So first of all, in order for this to work; I would like for you to be honest and always voice your concerns. I'm not here to judge you so I hope you feel comfortable enough to speak out whatever bothers you. Also whatever we discuss in this room stays in this room. Thus meaning that whatever quarrel or fight might take place here, will also end here. Now, in order to warm up and feel more comfortable I would like you to tell me a few things about you and your relationship. Regina would you like to start?"
Regina after glancing at both Emma and Dr. Hopper she cleared her throat and started speaking.
''I'm Regina, I'm 33 years old and I'm working as a vet. Emma and I have been together for almost 13 years and married for ten years.''
''I see.'' Dr. Hopper nodded.
''What about you Emma?''
''Hum. I'm Emma, I'm 32 years old and I'm a lawyer. As Regina said before we've been married for ten years and we have three sons: Henry, Colin and Ezra.
''Are they adopted or either of you carry them?''
''Henry is my biological son from a previous relationship. Regina carried Colin and Ezra.'' Emma explained as she was watching Archie scribbling down notes on his pad.
''As much as I'd love to hear more about your sons, I think that we can keep this conversation for another time. Now, you both said that you've been married for ten years. And seeing you here, I imagine means that there has been some turbulence? What is that urged you to visit me?''
''Emma cheated on me.'' Regina replied as she had been waiting the question, making Emma cringe.
''It's not only that.'' Emma added
''Oh so there's more?! Do tell dear!'' Regina sassed, not being able to keep her anger at bay.
''Come on Regina, there's no need for you to be sarcastic.'' Emma said in an exasperated tone ''All I'm saying is that there were problems way before that.''
''No Emma, it all started with that damn promotion of yours, everything before that was just fine.'' Regina snapped.
''So you're calling 'fine' the fact that we had almost zero sex life and your insane manipulative nature, which by the way, you totally got from mommy dearest.'' Emma quipped.
''Do not try to blame my mother for this, this is your doing Emma. You screwed your boss Emma, not my mother. And yes Dr. Hopper you heard that right, Emma slept with her boss.'' Regina said, raising her voice.
''So, that was your idea of trying once more Regina? Bringing me to a marriage counselor to humiliate me? If so, then I'm done.'' Emma said as she stood up from the couch. Archie was ready to reason with her but Regina's voice cut him off.
''Of course Emma Swan chooses the easy way. When everything gets rough you run away. Why am I not surprised?''
''Tell me one time that I ran away.'' Emma sadistic replied her back turned to the others.
''You were this close to giving Henry up.'' Regina gestured with her finger and thumb barely a millimeter from each other. She knew that this was a low and she was saying things that she shouldn't but she oh-so-needed for Emma to feel her pain. Yes she was being a real bitch right now but she felt she needed to get it out to get better and even try again with Emma.
''That was a new low Regina. Even from you.'' Emma whispered her voice breaking and Regina fully realized that she really had hurt Emma. However, she wouldn't be the one to back down.
''You were playing house with me, while you were fucking her.'' Regina replied in an icy tone.
''For fuck's sake Regina I said I was sorry. And I know that's the last thing you want to hear from me, but right now attacking me, how will it help you?'' Emma said in a barely audible voice.
''You hurt me Emma.'' Regina said, not able to hold her tears anymore. ''I want to make you hurt too.'' She confessed making Emma feel like she has been stubbed.
Dr. Hopper had been watching this tennis match of insults without interrupting. He knew that this was something they needed to get through, and the more open a discussion they had, the more he started to understand about these two complicated women. One thing that was entirely sure, was the fact that they still loved each other madly. He could see it on their faces, on how hurt both were from Emma's actions. He partially blamed Emma's mistake on carnal desires but he was sure that there was also more to it. Not love, but something more that he would coax out of the woman soon. Another thing that he noticed during their fight was that both women's best defense was attack. They didn't have walls raised up, they didn't try to protect themselves. They were trying to hurt each other. Blame it on the fact that they were both stubborn and proud women, neither of them backed out when the other was throwing verbal punches. A contest, if he were to name it, between two lovers, the winner be the one that would hurt the other most. A difficult match indeed as they were equal opponents. Each verbal bullet would either find resistance on the blonde's thick skin or would be counteracted by the brunette's fiery comments. They came here without the pretenses of a happy family but to draw blood. He could also see something else in their eyes. No, not hatred or anger. But lust. A desire not only for each other's bodies but souls too. He knew that if he were to leave them alone they would ravish each other. Physically and mentally. Part of him wanted to just stand up and leave them to their fate but that wouldn't be helpful in the long run. They would satisfy their desires for a little while but after that the war would be more bloodlust and their marriage and love beyond saving. And this was why he cleared he throat, drawing both women's attention.
''Oh-kay, I'm glad you're comfortable having such an open discussion but I really think that we should take just a little break, don't you think?'' He suggested and felt relieved when he saw Emma sit on the couch again while Regina took a big breath to collect her thoughts and the rein in the monster she has just unleashed.
After a couple minutes of utter silence Dr. Hopper decided to speak again.
''Alright now that we appear more calm, why don't we talk a little bit more about the beginnings of your relationship? Beginnings tend to be a sweet memory, a reminder of love and we can use it as a tranquilizer, let's just say, to calm you both. What do you say?''
The response of this request, a request he had made often but never had this reaction.
Both women were laughing, not a simple small laugh but a bark of laughter that brought tears to both of their eyes. At his clearly confused expression Regina elaborated, trying not to choke on her laughter, as she wiped her eyes clean of the tears.
''Let's just say that our first meeting wasn't something that you could call a 'sweet memory'.''
''Do you want me to tell the story or do you?'' Emma asked, still chuckling.
''You can do the honors dear.'' Regina said, giving Emma a genuine smile, which Emma reciprocated.
''Okay this was how I and Regina met...''
Emma was leaning over the bar, her third glass of wine already in hand, as she was looking in front of her towards the big ballroom, where her dad and his colleague Mr. Gold decided to have their annual gala. Truth to be told Emma had zero interest in attending this charade but her brother's date had bailed on him at the last minute and after too much begging and persuasion on his part she decided to escort him. The thought that she had to spend even a minute with her dad had given her chills but thankfully there had been only one encounter at the beginning of the gala. After that Nate had left Emma all alone at the bar, as he was speaking to a good looking woman; so much for him desperately needing her company, Emma thought bitterly as she chucked the last bit of her wine before asking for another. The bartender was looking at her as if he would try to stop her but a death glare from her was enough for him to pass her the next glass without comment. As she was drinking, her thoughts went to her baby boy. He was all alone at home probably crying because he was missing his mother. Okay, he wasn't alone as Ruby had offered to babysit him and he definitely wasn't crying as Ruby would have called. But guilt had already started creeping through her body. She was an idiot for leaving Henry so as to accompany Nate only to end up alone at the bar. With one last gulp of her fourth and final glass of wine Emma stood up abruptly and started to sprint towards the door. She was only a few meters away when she felt another body colliding with her, and a liquid, seeping through her white shirt.
''Watch where you're going!'' A voice hissed and Emma took a step back to face the other person.
''Hey lady, if you were walking like you didn't own the place maybe this wouldn't have happened.'' Emma snapped as she jerked her wet shirt away from her body.
''Well I see they've become very lax about the guest-list now, these galas used to be very exclusive." The other woman snapped back. ''And you ruined my dress,'' she whined, making Emma roll her eyes. Watching the other woman closely, she noticed that she indeed had ruined the white dress but she wouldn't admit defeat just yet.
''Easy there princess, this is not your prom, chill a little.''
''This dress cost more than you'll earn in a year.'' Regina huffed as she tried to clean as much as she could the dress.
''You don't even know who I am.'' Emma defended. This woman had really started to get on her nerves.
''If I don't then you're no-one important. If you excuse me now I have to save this dress as much as I can.'' Regina sassed.
''You know if you weren't such a stuck up bitch maybe I would help you. Take this princess dress of yours and shove it right in you a-''
''Emma! I see you've met Regina Mills'' her dad said as she approached them, with a big smile. Great, Emma thought. Now she was trapped between her father and this woman. ''Her parents are good friends of Bobby and well respected clients of our firm. Regina, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Emma Swan.''
And the realization would hit her in three, two, one...
Emma would have laughed, seeing the other's woman eyes open widely as realized that she insulted the daughter of one of the firm's partners, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment.
''Nice to meet you, Miss Swan.'' Regina said in an authoritative tone, once she regained her posture.
''Miss Mills, the pleasure is all mine.'' Emma replied with a smug grin, giving her hand for Regain to shake.
''I trust you can keep Miss. Mills company while she sorts out her dress?'' Dave asked as he pecked quickly Emma's cheek something that make the blonde cringe.
"Of course.'' Emma said as she watched her father's retreating figure. Once David was out of eyeshot she turned her gaze to Regina who was still very much red.
''Still no one important?'' Emma asked smugly.
''You hate your father.'' Regina said bluntly ignoring Emma's question.
''What?''
''I saw you when he kissed you; how you cringe and fend off from him.'' Regina said with a raised eyebrow.
''And you know this how?'' Emma asked trying to gain some leverage towards the other woman. She had to admit that Regina was a tough nut to crack, something that might have intrigued Emma, had the other woman not being so damn stubborn.
''I know a few things about psychology.'' Regina shrugged her shoulders. ''So are we even now?'' Regina inquired.
The response was a soft ''bitch'' by Emma before leaving her alone.
''Idiot.'' Regina mumbled as she left for the restroom.
''She was so infuriating!'' Emma said as she wiped her eyes clean of tears. ''If she weren't that damn gorgeous I would have strangled her!'' Emma commented making both Archie and Regina chuckle.
''And after that, what happened?'' Archie asked curiously
''Well fate kept throwing Emma on my path,'' Regina added. ''After that I bumped into her multiple times, mostly at the firm or at the nearby coffee shops but we kept ignoring or insulting each other. The last time I bumped into her we decided that we are both adults and we could have a civilized conversation. So one day, she asked me out for a coffee and she brought Henry along. This was the moment I fell in love, not only with him but with Emma too.'' Regina said smiling at the memory.
''Me too.'' Emma said also smiling. ''I mean I could see how attractive she was and I had a crush on her but when I saw her playing with Henry so genuinely caring and loving, it was the moment that I knew that she was the one.'' The last comment made Archie grin as she looked at his wrist-watch.
''Well I'm afraid ladies that this is all we have time for today. Thank you for coming and sharing this with me. I will expect you both next Thursday.'' Archie said as he stood up, prompting the other two woman to do the same.
''Give my regards to your mother please, Regina.'' Archie added as he shook Regina's hand.
''Will do.'' Regina said with a small smile as the couple left the office.
After their appointment with Dr. Hopper, Emma stopped the car outside her and Regina's house. She wanted so badly to go in there and play video games with her boys, with Regina sitting on the couch, reading her book and occasionally commenting or helping the boys. But if she didn't get the green light from her wife she wouldn't suggest such a thing.
''So today...'' Regina begun.
''Yeah'' Emma chuckled.
''I'm glad we did this.'' Regina said honestly.
''I'm glad we did it too. And I'm totally in for further appointments in the future. Dr. Hopper seemed like a decent guy and pretty easy to talk to so it was cool.''
''Yeah, mother said that he was the best in his class. He has such an intuitive understanding of human relationships, that even mother hasn't grasped so naturally.''
''Yeah he's great. Anyway, I should get going.'' Emma said as she waited for Regina to open the passenger's door. She did so but stopped mid-way, turning to face Emma.
''Actually, would you like to come inside? The boys would be delighted to see you and there's still some time before their bedtime.''
''Uh, yeah, sure.'' Emma decided slowly. She didn't actually need time to think of it but she didn't want to seem desperate.
Εmama parked her car where she used to, when she still lived in the house and stepped out of the car along with Regina.
As they entered the house, Emma helped Regina out of her coat and put both hers and Regina's in the small closet next to the front door. Walking further inside the house the couple found their sons in the living room; Henry playing the piano along with Ezra while Colin was cradling his guitar accompanying his brothers. The two mothers stood leaning on the door frame, admiring their sons playing music. They would rarely play all together as when they were all home they would prefer to play some video games or read books. Colin was the first to notice his mothers. He stood up from the floor where he was sitting and ran towards Emma.
''Mama.'' The boy exclaimed as Emma lifted him in her arms, kissing his cheek.
''Hey there lil'man. How are you doing?''
''I'm good! Mama, will you play board games with us?''
''Of course I will baby.'' Emma said as she entered the living room, scooping Ezra up from the piano stool and ruffling Henry's hair.
''Mommy will you play with us too?'' Colin asked Regina who was still standing by the door frame.
''No sweetheart, I have some paperwork I have to do for the clinic tomorrow.''
Colin just nodded and Regina used this as her cue to leave the living room.
An hour later Regina emerged from the study where she had been completing her paperwork. Emma along with the boys were still playing board games, all laughing and having a good time.
''Alright boys, time to say good night to mama.''
''Won't mama stay here?'' Colin asked confused
''No lil'man'' Emma said apologetically.
''But I want mama to stay here with us. Why won't she stay here with us?'' Colin asked petulantly.
''Colin.'' Regina sighed. ''Please say good night to Emma. She has to go.''
''No.'' he spitted angrily.
''Colin Matthew Swan-Mills!'' Regina warned.
''No, Colin's right.'' Henry quipped, wanting to know the truth. ''Why doesn't mom live with us anymore? Colin and Bubbah might be younger but I understand that something's up.''
''We'll discuss this another time.'' Regina pressed but Henry was having none of it any longer.
''No, now is perfect, we are all here and we deserve the truth. So come on, tell me what she did!'' He said, jabbing his finger accusingly to Emma.
''Why are you so sure that this is my doing?'' Emma asked hurt.
''Because it's always your fault mom!'' Henry said in a raised voice. ''So tell me what you did? Hit her, get bored of her, and cheat on her?'' At this he noticed Emma shifting her balance from one foot to another.
''Oh god you cheated on her?!'' He asked shocked.
''Colin, please take Ezra upstairs'' Regina ordered. They had to come clean to Henry, there was no point denying it any longer.
''No I'm staying!'' Colin yelled, stamping his foot on the floor, angrily.
''God, Colin for once do as I say!'' Regina growled her patience wearing thing. She looked at Emma pleadingly to help her.
''Lil'man, go upstairs, please'' Emma said calmly crouching to Colin's height for a better eye contact.
''Why don't you stay here?'' He said, sniffing his nose.
''Because...'' she looked at Regina and at her nod she continued "Mommy and I needed some time away from each other. When we were both at this house we were fighting and we agreed that if we want for this to stop, someone had to move out for a while.''
''Don't you love mommy anymore?" Colin's asked, his eyebrows scrunched with concern.
''Of course I love her darling, but we need this little time out to calm down and get back to our senses.'' Emma explained looking once again towards Regina who was listening to the conversation intently.
''Now can you please take Bubbah and go upstairs? Mommy, Henry and I have something really important to discuss.''
''Kay.'' Colin nodded and kissed Emma's cheek.
''Goodnight mama.'' Colin said, dragging Ezra from his hand, stopping in front of Emma so she could kiss him and then left for their bedrooms.
Once the younger boys were out of ear shot Emma and Regina shifted their attention to Henry who was pretending to looking at his phone.
''Henry.'' Emma begun but was cut off by him
''Don't talk to me! Mom loves you and you slept with someone else!'' Henry shouted.
''Henry, lower your voice, please.'' Regina warned as she sit beside him.
''How can you be so calm about the whole thing mom? And why are you even talking to her? She's ruined everything. How can your forgive her?"
''Henry, I never said I forgave her but I'm doing this for you. And yes you may understand what cheating is and why Emma doesn't live here but Colin and Ezra don't and would be very confused and hurt if they didn't get to see Emma at all.''
''I'm fine with not getting to see her.'' Henry spitted, making Emma's heart break a little.
''Henry…'' Regina sighed.
''Look, if you want to talk to her and pretend that everything is okay in front of the boys be my guest. But don't expect the same from me; she hurt you and for that I'll never forgive her. Now if you excuse me I'm going to bed. Goodnight mom, goodnight Emma.'' Henry said as she left their living room. Emma's heart was shattered but she had to be strong for her wife.
Regina was cradling her head, in her hands, silently sobbing. Emma tried to reach out to her, but when she put her arm around Regina's back, she flinched away.
''I think you should go.'' She said in an icy tone.
''Regina, let me help you.''
''I think you've done quite enough.'' Regina said as she wiped her eyes motioning Emma to the front door.
''I'm sorry Regina.'' Emma said once they were in the front door.
''Me too, Emma, me too.'' And with that Regina closed the door, finally plopping to her knees and letting herself cry once again.