Regina Mills
The blades of green grass are so vibrant one would assume they were painted green. The sky is a bright shade of blue with a few white fluffy clouds swimming across the endless wonder. White chairs with lavender bows are lined in perfect order with a gorgeous white arch laced with purple orchids for Belle and her husband to say their vows. The weather, the atmosphere, couldn't be more perfect in this moment yet all of that doesn't compare to the gorgeous blonde standing by my side.
Emma's long golden locks fall to the middle of her back with bouncing curls just at the ends. Our dresses are a bright orange, with thin straps at the top and flows elegantly to our mid-thigh. I have to stop for a brief moment because in this dress, with the sun shining a beautiful glow all around her, she takes my breath away.
I stand back, watching my girlfriend straighten Henry's tie once more before we begin to walk down the aisle. I am so in love with both of them that I'm rendered speechless in this moment.
"Are you staring again Miss Mills?" I love the way she says Miss Mills in her drawn out, seductive tone. One hand is holding onto her bouquet firmly but her free hand snakes its way onto my hip possessively while her smile grows wickedly.
"You are absolutely stunning," I whisper as she hovers over my lips. Her warm breath tingles as it brushes against my lips.
"You are absolutely breathtaking," she whispers back as she leans forward to steal a kiss but I'm quick to pull away.
"That can wait until after Miss Swan, I don't need you smearing my lipstick," I demand.
"Just a quick peck," she pouts as she stretches her delectable lips to connect with mine, but I deflect the kiss once more.
"It's never just a quick peck with you," I tease while she smiles in return and nods along.
"True," she giggles just as a woman approaches and orders us to line up.
Ruby leads the way down the aisle, followed by Emma and then myself. Once we are at the front, Henry and one of Robert's nieces walk down the aisle together. Henry and the little girl sit down next to my sister as we wait for Belle to walk down next.
The beautiful melody of the wedding march begins. Belle is absolutely stunning with the sun shining brightly behind her. Emma shifts ever so slightly into my personal space distracting me from the bride.
"I can't wait for that to be us."
Emma doesn't allow me any time to reply before she falls back into her place. My heart slams against my chest and I cannot control the sappy smile that plasters across my face.
By the time I turn my attention back to the bride, she has made her way to the front and the ceremony begins. All of that was quickly ruined by a strange man sneaking his way into the back row while his hands fumble with straightening his tie. My eyes widen while my whole body starts tingling with fear.
No, that can't be...can it?
I glance over at Emma, but she is smiling proudly as she focuses on Belle. My heart thumps angrily in my chest as my eyes flick back at the man. It's him. My head snaps over to Henry who is cuddling into Zelena's side.
Oh my god he looks just like him.
All this time I thought Henry looked just like Emma, but no, he looks exactly like Neal. The little hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention while a cold shiver runs down my spine. What is Neal doing here? Did he honestly come back just to see Belle get married? I glance back at Emma.
Ugh please turn around!
Emma is too consumed with Belle and the ceremony to pay any attention toward me or anything else for that matter. I glare back at Neal to find his eyes locked onto my girlfriend, with nothing but unconditional love in his eyes. My stomach turns causing a burn of bile to claw its way up my chest.
Neal isn't paying any attention to the bride and groom, just my girlfriend. I sneak another glimpse of Emma, I can't really blame Neal for staring, she really is beautiful. My thoughts are quickly interrupted when everyone surrounding me starts clapping loudly.
I sigh knowing I missed the whole ceremony staring at that loser. I lead the bridesmaids back up the aisle, but my feet are scurrying a lot faster than the rest of the girls. I rush over to Zelena and Henry and pull my son into a tight hug.
"Regina darling, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," Zelena accuses.
"I think I did," I mumble my reply as I release my son.
Emma startles my mind when she sneaks up behind me and plants a loving kiss to my cheek. As soon as she sees my face she grows serious.
"Gina, what's wrong? You don't look so good."
My mouth pops open to answer but I am immediately cut off.
"Hey you!" Neal playfully coos as he pulls Emma into his arms.
Everyone around us falls completely silent. My girlfriend's face drains from any color as she stays frozen in her ex's embrace. She doesn't even lift her arms to hug him back. The only acknowledgment are her eyes doubling in size.
Now that Neal is up close, I can see he's aged well. He's not the dirty, scruffy man he once was. His hair is neatly cut with product holding it into place. His facial hair is neatly trimmed, and I have to admit he's actually quite handsome.
"Neal?" Emma's voice trembles and cracks as she tries to muster up something to say. "Wha-what are you doing here?"
"This wedding is double special for me," he says just as Belle approaches with her new husband. "Pops!" Neal exclaims as he releases Emma and pulls Belle's new husband into a bear hug. I tilt my head to the side as my mind tries to play catch up on the awkward situation.
"Neal? Isn't it risky to be here?" His so-called father inquires as he hugs Neal back.
"I figured it's been long enough. I don't think I'm still top priority," he smiles with a lopsided grin and then proceeds to hug Belle. "Congratulations, girl!"
"I just married your father?" Belle squawks in pure shock. Neal chuckles to himself while everyone else stands dumbfounded.
"Yeah, I guess so," Emma's ex confirms as he continues to laugh but nobody else is joining him.
"Mommy? Who's that man?" Henry curiously asks, peering up at me as he slips his tiny hand into mine. My heart sinks.
I think I'm going to be sick.
"Mills! You had a kid? Who's the lucky guy?" Neal questions as his head whips around in search for some man that doesn't even exist. Emma groans along with everyone else making an audible sound of uncomfortable fear.
"My dad is in another country. I have two moms," Henry states proudly with his award-winning smile on full display.
Neal's brows furrow but slowly rise when Henry's free hand slips into Emma's. My tongue suddenly feels way too big for my mouth as I try to swallow down my anxiety.
"How old are you kid?" Neal softly inquires causing Emma to hold up her hand.
"Neal, stop," she states.
"No I want to know," he insists.
"Henry lets go get something to drink," I suggest firmly while I squeeze his little hand.
"But mom, who's that man?"
"A friend of your mom's," I simply reply, pulling him away from the awkward tension.
"Gina, wait," I hear Emma call out as I rush away. I just need to get away, so I can have a moment to breathe. Despite being outside I feel as though all the walls are closing in on me, slowly suffocating me. I need space, so I can think clearly without everyone's eyes on me, waiting for some sort of reaction. "Gina."
The sincerity in her voice causes my feet to stop dead in my tracks. I hold onto Henry's hand for dear life until Emma steps in front of me.
"We need to discuss this, and we need to talk to Neal together," she gently explains, "Let Henry go with your sister so we can figure this all out."
I'm at a loss for words at this point. My brain is fuzzy with unanswered questions and the thought of losing both Henry and Emma at this point. I nod along feeling completely dazed and not able to respond verbally.
"Henry you're going to hang out with Aunt Zelena for a few minutes," Emma informs our son as she gently pulls him from my hand.
I watch my girlfriend slowly walk our son to my sister. She places Henry's hand inside of Zelena's, then proceeds to kiss him on top of his head. Everyone is as still as statues, watching the scene unfold before them. I feel a pang of guilt as I glance over at Belle, we must be ruining her big day.
I didn't even realize Emma is back, next to me until I feel her warm, delicate, lips on mine. My eyelids fall closed as I relish in her touch, finally allowing Emma to wash away my fears. As she pull away, I can see Neal's eyes burning on us.
"Let's go talk about this in private," Emma insists as she slips fingers in between mine.