Emma Swan
The warm evening air wraps around my limbs like a cozy security blanket. I sigh feeling content and stare up into the evening sky. The sun was slowly descending turning everything in its path into a warm pink and orange hue. I fight against my instincts, trying to still my bouncing legs but I am too anxious.
After we spent the evening together at the carnival, I asked Regina again at the end of the night if I could take Henry out for ice cream. I swore I would never reveal my true identity and I was more than thrilled to just have him apart of my life, just the same as Ruby and Belle. I even offered for her to come along that way she was there and could keep an eye out for her son. The way her face paled and fear flashed across her eyes, I had an inkling that maybe she didn't want to be alone with me just yet. Either way, she agreed to the outing.
I check my phone for the time yet again and note it is five to seven. We agreed to seven but if I know Regina, she we will be here any second. I find it endearing that she had suggested the home town ice cream parlor that her and I always went to, from the first time we met and all throughout my pregnancy.
The sound of rolling tires against the street catches my attention. My head snaps up to find her familiar black sedan pulling up next to the sidewalk. Without another thought I jump to my feet and skip to the edge of the sidewalk, not being able to contain my excitement.
Regina steps out of her car and walks behind the vehicle to the door behind the passenger's side. She opens the door and holds out her hand for support, so Henry can jump out of his booster seat.
"Hey kid!"
My heart flutters so fast I thought the damn thing might actually leap from my chest. A tingling warm sensation courses through my veins when I see Henry's wide goofy smile slip across his face. The little boy charges into my legs and wraps his tiny arms around my waist.
"Hi Emma! Thanks for finally taking me for ice cream!"
I rub his back gently as I return the hug through misty eyes.
"You're welcome. You should really thank your mom for letting you come!"
Henry pulls away as Regina bends down so they can be eye level. My former friend anxiously sweeps his hair to one side and fakes a smile. I can tell this whole situation is making her a little skittish, I just wish I could comfort her like I used to.
"Thanks mom!"
"You're welcome sweetie. Now you be good for Emma. Remember your manners. I'll be back in one hour to pick you up."
"Okay mommy," he nods as she pulls him into a hug.
Regina holds his head in both her hands and gazes deep into his eyes before she places a small kiss to his forehead.
"I love you my little prince," she whispers while her lips linger just a little bit longer.
"I love you too mommy!" He beams as she stands back up.
"I will be back at eight. Please call me if you need anything," she pleads as I smile in return. I can't help but love the way she's so protective over him.
"I promise he will be just fine. It's only an hour and if he wants to come home early, I will call you," I assure her.
A curt nod and she is rushing back into her car. Henry and I wave goodbye as she drives away. I hover my hand near Henry's until he happily accepts the gesture. We turn to one another with bright smiles as I lead him into the ice cream parlor.
"Hello ma'am, what can I get for you two today?"
I take a long gander at the young man, instantly remembering his familiar face. My jaw almost hits the floor as I gape at the man in shock. The same frazzled man from all those years ago. The young boy I thoroughly embarrassed for scolding because he called me ma'am.
"Rocky Road!" Henry squeaks as he stands on his tippy toes to peer over the counter.
"What do you say Henry?" I ask firmly, knowing all too well how strict Regina is with manners.
"Rocky Road, pleeeeeeease!" I smile down at the excited young boy before me and nod.
My stomach tosses and turns while we sit down to enjoy our ice cream. I am so nervous, but Henry is oblivious to the tension building around us. I really don't know what to say to him. We spent some time together, but we were never really alone, beside the one time on the Ferris Wheel.
"You should try getting some of that into your mouth," I tease as most of the chocolate treat is smeared across his face. He giggles but never stopping his forceful licks.
"Are you and Aunt Ruby close?" I ask not really knowing what else to say.
"Mmhmm."
"And Aunt Belle?"
"Mmhmm."
Hmmm what do I say to him?
"Robin?" He stops mid lick, his eyes shifting back and forth before he shrugs his shoulder.
"He's nice," he simply replies and resumes his attack on the cold treat.
"Why did you shrug your shoulders like that?"
"I don't know. He's nice, I just don't think my mommy likes all his kisses," he shrugs again prompting me to turn my head and cover my mouth to keep from laughing.
"Are you close with your grandparents?"
"I don't know them. They live far away. I've never met them," he confesses.
This answer catches me off guard. I know Regina's parents only live twenty minutes away. How have they never met their grandson? Henry's named after Regina's father. She was so ecstatic about bringing Henry to meet her father.
"Auntie Zelena is fun! She always brings me toys!"
Well at least Zelena visits.
"That's wonderful. I always liked your Aunt Zelena. She's so much fun."
He smiles and nods along as his tongue sweeps across the Rocky Road as if the dessert might disappear before him.
"Did you know my daddy too?" He questions with his big green eyes glued to my face.
Shit! I don't know what Regina told him about his father. I should have asked her more about him, so I was better prepared.
"What did your mom tell you about him?"
"Not much, just that he lives in another country. They weren't married."
I feel like he is pushing me for answers, by the way he is holding my gaze. His curious green eyes are burning holes right through my mind, waiting for me to finally surrender and divulge all my crucial information.
"Yes. I knew him when your mom did."
"My mom said he was very nice."
He glares at me with such force I wish the floor would just open up and swallow me whole.
"Yeah, he was a very nice guy. He always made me laugh."
I didn't want to reveal too much and end up pissing off Regina therefore her not trusting me and revoking my time with Henry before it even began.
The little boy takes the last bite of his ice cream and wipes his face with a napkin.
"Come here kid, you didn't get it all," I laugh as I dip a napkin in my water and wipe his face.
"Can I have your water? I'm thirsty!" He complains.
"Manners?" I tease while he rolls his eyes in return.
"Please!"
I hand over my water and watch as he slurps the entire drink down.
"Are you going to hang out with my mom a lot more now?"
I search his eyes wondering what I should say. I would love to spend as much time as possible with both of them but I'm not quite sure how this will all work out. I don't even know if this is a one-time thing or if she's willing to allow some more time with Henry.
"Well...would you like me to hang around more?"
"I like you Emma!"
"I like you too kid," I excitedly announce while ruffling his hair just a little bit.
I escort the young boy outside of the ice cream parlor just as they were closing at eight o'clock. Regina's car is already parked outside waiting for us. My heart instantly sinks knowing I have to say goodbye once again.
Regina's door flies open, exposing the angsty brunette, hurrying to our side. I could only assume how worried she was during this past hour.
"Did you have fun?" Regina inquires, bending down to face her son.
"Yes!" Henry beams, practically glowing, "I really like Emma. We should hang out with her more." He attempts at whispering but fails miserably inspiring carefree laughs to erupt from Regina and I.
She glances over her son's shoulder successfully evaporating any oxygen left in my lungs. Those enchanting brown eyes that I fell in love with so many years ago, lock onto mine. So much pain is hidden in those orbs and I know I am fully responsible, yet there is a small glint on hope shining through and I swear I see a faint smirk cross her lips. She is quick to throw up her professional mask, denying herself from her true emotions.
"Jump in Henry, its bed time."
The cheerful little boy turns around and crashes into my body one last time for a hug. I do my best to indulge in every second of this hug. The warmth of his skin, the smell of his familiar shampoo, the way his tiny arms are squeezing with all his might, but most importantly the way this one hug in filling the rotting hole in my heart when I left him behind five years ago. I'm really unsure when Regina will grant me time with her son again so I soak it all up.
"Thank you, Emma, for the ice cream! You're the best!"
He runs back to the car and jumps inside, buckling his seatbelt without being told. Whether I'm just being bias or not, I know he's so smart and so well behaved and that has everything to do with Regina.
"Sleep well kid!"
Regina shuts the door and departs toward her side of the car without another word or glance in my direction.
"Thank you, Regina," I call out while rocking nervously on my heels. She cranes her neck to offer me a simple smile and curt nod in return. "Would you like to maybe have dinner this Saturday?" I blurt out and mentally kick myself for how forced that sounded.
"Are you asking me out...on a date? I'm with Robin. That's highly inappropriate," she snaps easily slipping back into her snippy persona from the first time I met her.
"Oh um, no. Just two friends, catching up."
"I don't-"
"Please?" I sway back and forth with my hands shoved deep into my front pockets. "I want to gain your trust again. Strictly friends."
"I will think about it."
"That's good enough for me. Have a good night and thanks again!"
I watch as she scrambles into her car expressing just how uncomfortable she is with our situation. My lips can't decide if I want to frown or smile in this moment. I can stand here and pout about the poor decisions I made in my past and drown in self-pity about losing the love of my life and son.
Instead, my face morphs into a giddy grin as I watch her car drive away. She was nervous. Regina Mills was acting exactly like she did when we were first met and that alone is sending my heart soaring. After all these years, I still have that effect on her. I know I have a lot to make up for, but I will do everything I can to prove, I will never hurt those two ever again.