Late night update, all mistakes are my own. Gratitude to Gravity In The Air for helping with this chapter.
Enjoy my awesome nerds!
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
E. Swan residence...2209 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York...[Thursday, January 29th...2:01 am]
Unable to sleep, Emma found herself standing in front of her double door stainless steel refrigerator looking for something...anything—in a black tank top and red boy shorts. She wasn't especially hungry but she was craving a snack. Closing the refrigerator, Emma moved to her walk in panty in search of what she wanted the most but of course...living with a damn wolf, the beef jerky supply she kept on the top shelf was completely depleted. Of course. Emma rolled her eyes and stalked back upstairs to her bedroom.
She was working on two hours of sleep and all she wanted was some beef jerky, and she couldn't even have that. Ruby was her best friend and she loved her, but she had to stop eating all of the goddamn food.
After the interview and Regina's visit yesterday, Emma had just packed up her stuff and went home for the rest of the day. Working from her home office was less stressful...no one could really bother her at home. Emma threw herself into work to avoid Googling her name or Regina's—she did not need to see what bullshit was circulating about them, hell even TMZ caught wind of it and was spinning their own little story. However as soon as her head hit the pillow, a new worry hit her...Henry. Her truest believer. She tossed and turned but deep sleep wasn't coming to her because her mind was too wrapped around the fact that maybe she could try to repair his hearing but she had no idea the price of such an action would cost.
There were plenty of witches in New York and she was positive someone knew or better yet, had a book on such great spells. It was just a matter of finding them. But in the meantime, Emma was putting on a pair of gray sweats and a dark blue hoodie because she was going to Wal-Mart to get more jerky. It was a thirty minute drive but it would be completely worth it.
"Emma?"
The blonde closed her fist over her Ferrari key fob, other hand on the garage's door knob. So close. "Yeah Ruby?"
The wolf came down the stairs, her sleepy confusion slowly morphing into awareness and suspicion. "Emma it's two in the morning, where are you going?"
Santa was starting to wonder just who the hell as in charge here. This was her house and she go in and out how many times she damned well pleased, at whatever time. Johanna never said anything to Emma, and that's the way she liked it. There was trust but Ruby was hovering and Emma was starting to regret allowing Ruby to come live with her.
"Well, I wouldn't have to go anywhere if you hadn't eaten all of my beef jerky, my ice cream, my left overs...you need to get a job."
"I live with the richest person in the world and you're complaining about food?"
"No. I'm complaining about you being a pain in my ass Ruby."
"I'm your best friend, it's my job to annoy you besides, I'm also your protector...the same protector you grounded to this house so yeah, I ate all your food. Sue me."
Emma shook her head at Ruby, "What's wrong with you Rubes? Why are you acting like this?"
"I'm the same Em, it's you who's being weird and careless. Since when did you model? Expose yourself to the modern world like that? You don't age, or did you forget that...do you not care anymore?"
"Ruby, I've been around for a little over a millennium and I've been surviving just fine before you and granny and everything else. Have a little trust in me."
"I can't. Not when you're getting yourself involved with a mortal." the taller woman growled, eyes flashing angrily and a bit of jealously, but Emma could care less about any of that.
"Ruby, we broke up. Two hundred years ago to be exact. We weren't working out then, and we won't work out now."
"You can't know that if you don't even try Emma!" Ruby took a small step forward and Emma held her ground, "I am willing to give my life for you Emma, doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Emma stared hard at Ruby, knowing what the younger woman was doing...and there was a time when Emma would have fallen for that, as she had many times before but she knew better now. "As a friend, yeah Rubes...it means a lot but that's about all. Go back to bed, I'll be back in an hour."
"Fine." Ruby stared down at her bare feet sadly, "Be careful."
Emma sighed deeply, "Yeah, I know. I will be...um, anything you want from the store?"
"Nah, just double on everything you're getting."
Emma nodded and walked into the garage, slipping on her uggs that were sitting by the door. She slid into her yellow Ferrari LaFerrari. She didn't trust Ruby not to follow her to the store, so Emma reactivated the binding spell and she could feel Ruby's irritation as she took off into the night. In the mood to take the scenic route, Emma had her phone sitting in her lap and was humming along to the radio. Of course no matter what time is was, there was always traffic in New York—nothing heavy but enough to annoy Emma. The phone in her lap began to buzz which, unfortunately, cut off her music since her phone was connected to the radio.
Emma smiled when she saw who was calling her, "Tiana! I didn't think I'd hear from you so soon."
"I was catering Charlotte's wedding all day and you know how wild that girl can get!" Emma smirked, oh she knew alright—she's gotten Charlotte's Christmas wish list a handful of times to know that girl was not as innocent as her father would like to think she was, "Anyway, I was just callin' to let you know that I got the book y'all looking for. I have to go down to the bayou to get the damn thing but it's here."
Emma sighed with relief, putting the car into gear when the light turned green. "Awesome! Listen I can come get it sometime next week, I'll let you know when I'm in town Tiana."
"I suppose you ain't gonna tell my why Santa, the most powerful sorceress to ever exist, wants the ancient spell book of healing?" Emma could hear Tiana's smile through the phone but the seriousness of her curiosity was ever present.
"Trust me Tiana it's a long story but when I get down there, I'll tell you if you have some of those famous beignets hot and ready for me?"
"Of course I will Emma, and ya know Naveen and Charlotte are goin' to be there too. It's been a while since you brought your frosty ass to hell's kitchen!"
Emma laughed out loud, taking her eyes off the road momentarily. "Yeah, yeah...just make sure Charlotte doesn't eat all the beignets before I get there."
"She couldn't if she tried...now her daddy on the other hand? Ha! I have to lock my kitchen up at night now. I'm headin' off to bed now, have a breakfast party tomorrow for Naveen's parents. Call me later Emma?"
"Of course Tiana and thank you."
"Anytime honey, be safe in the big city!"
Emma gave Tiana her word before hanging up and she put her phone down and waited almost impatiently for this next light to turn green. She was the only one at the light, the rest of the pack were stuck behind her at another light. Emma's fingers thrummed lightly on the steering wheel. When the light finally turned green, Emma shot off—she barely had time to react when another vehicle slammed into her.
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
Mayor Mills Manor...2108 Mifflin Ave, Brooklyn, New York...[9:17 am]
Regina had gotten out of bed at her usual time but she wasn't going into the office today, she used the excuse that her son was unwell and that she'd be working from her home office. She rescheduled all of her meetings, but phone calls would be directed to her office land line.
She's been up all morning holed up in her office all morning, on the phone with Henry's school. She had politely, but firmly resisted their pleas and offers and withdrew her son from their program. They didn't know of his sudden misfortune but Regina had read through their handbook thoroughly and she would not have her son placed in special education and treated unfairly. He,and any other child, in his position deserved the best. Until Henry got a hold of sign language, and adjusted to his new way of living—Regina was going to have him home schooled, but she had no idea where to start.
She planning on asking Emma later when she stopped by for dinner—Regina never had anyone over for dinner and honestly, she was nervous...she wasn't sure what Emma liked to eat, but she was sure she wasn't going to serve the woman alcohol given what the Mayor has discovered Emma and alcohol are best friends.
She sent Emma a text almost an hour ago, but there wasn't a response yet and Regina found that strange since Emma always answered immediately. In such a short time, Emma had managed to warm her way into Regina's good graces enough to be called a friend and though Regina was still waiting for that other shoe to drop—having a friend, a real friend, was the best feeling in the world.
Regina heard little feet running through the hall towards her office—she opened her mouth to tell Henry to stop running but of course. She was going to have to get used to that. She wasn't surprised when he came bouncing in still in his pajamas's—he hasn't been to school since last Friday.
"Hi mommy!" Regina smiled softly, they were still working on his volume but in due time she knew everything would get better. She pulled her son into her lap, giving him a tight hug.
"Good morning sweetheart." She kissed the top of his head sweetly, she didn't care if he couldn't hear her anymore...she would never stop talking to her son. Regina picked up the small white board she picked up from the store the other day and drew what she hoped looked like pancakes. Before she could show her son, he was yelling her name and pointing to the TV across the room—his anxious bouncing in her lap caused her to drop the white board and marker.
"Henry!" Regina set her hands on his little shoulders, "What in the world..." Regina trailed off when she looked at what caught his attention on the TV and her blood ran cold. Even if Emma's picture wasn't sitting at the top right hand corner of the screen—she would recognize that yellow Ferrari anywhere even if half of it was now a yellow mangled mess in the middle of the street.
Regina picked up the remote and turned up the volume as Henry turned around in her arms for another hug, "Oh my god." Regina mumbled, rubbing Henry's back.
Breaking news [Serious accident shuts down parts of the Bayonne Bridge]
"A serious accident has shut down parts of the Bayonne bridge around 2 am this morning. Two cars were involved in this crash."
"The pictures look awful and the officers on the scene have already reported that one of the drivers was well over the legal alcohol limit for driving. As you can see from the live feed, both cars are all smashed up; debris covering the road and sidewalks. Both cars were totaled. The police say that there were several people in the SUV which crashed into a brick wall; and the Ferrari, which Wall Street's own, Emma Swan was in, was flipped over."
Regina put a hand over her mouth when the camera's began showing live feed of the accident and she could see just how bad the accident was—no one could survive that. No one. She held Henry's head closer to her chest, unaware that she was rocking them back and forth.
"Just thirty minutes ago Paramedics and firefighters have finally managed to get Emma Swan out of her vehicle and rushed her to the hospital but her current status is unknown. The drunk driver who is in critical condition was rushed to the hospital hours before but his five passengers, sadly, did not make it."
Regina closed her eyes tightly, trying to calm her beating heart but it would not be tamed, it could not be tamed. The Mayor pulled Henry away gently and looked into his watery wide brown eyes, she tried to smile for him but she wasn't sure she could even smile for herself.
"Henry sweetheart, can you go get dressed for mommy? Please?" she talked slowly in hopes that he could read her lips like he has been for the past few days—it was touch and go, but it worked until Emma could teach...Emma. Regina felt a hand tightening around her heart and her stomach churned at the possibility that Emma could very well be dead right now.
Henry frown as he stared at his mother's lips, trying to figure out what she was saying. Regina repeated herself patiently, but this time gesturing at her own clothing and Henry perked up slightly, "Clothes? Change clothes mommy?"
Regina sighed with relief, and nodded encouragingly. "Yes sweetheart, yes." she set him down and watched as he ran out of his room as if the wind was carrying him. Regina rubbed her face and followed him upstairs, preparing herself for the worst.
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
New York Methodist Hospital...Brooklyn, New York...[10:00 am]
Due to the added traffic from the closed sections of the Bayonne bridge and people attempting to take short cuts, it had taken Regina's driver longer than expected to get them to the hospital was brought to (after Regina made a few phone calls ). Regina's patience was wearing thin and by Henry's constant fidgeting—Regina suspected his was as well.
She supposed she should have told the idiot to pull around back because she knew the press would be flocking near the entrance of the hospital—and she was right, but honestly...she shouldn't even had to say anything to her driver. She was the Mayor, it was common sense to pull around back. Regina reached over to her son, and pulled his hood over his head and pulled him into her lap. She kissed his cheek just before her door was opened by a police officer, he helped Regina out of the vehicle and pushed through the crowd of vultures who were yelling out question after question all at once while taking dozens of photographs. Thankfully, the officers on the scene were prepared for her arrival and she and her son were given plenty of breathing room...with the obscene questions being yelled, part of Regina was grateful that her son wasn't able to hear any of it—even if it were for just a moment.
On the eighth floor...
The police officer who had opened her door escorted her all the way to the elevator, and kindly told her which floor Emma was on. With Henry securely in her arms, Regina stormed towards the station as if she owned the entire building. The nurse that was on the phone, did a double take when she saw who was approaching with fire in her eyes. The young woman quickly hung up in her boyfriends face and stood, earning strange looks from her colleagues, but she wasn't sure what else she should do—the Mayor had her sights on her.
"M-Mayor Mills, what can I do you for ma'am? I-I mean how can I—"
"Emma Swan." Regina snapped, ignoring the stares directed her way followed by the hushed whispers, "Where is she?"
"I'm, I'm sorry Mayor Mills but Ms. Swan's assistant ordered no guests. So you're not allowed b-back there." the poor girl looked like she was about to pass out, yet none of her friends jumped in to help her out when Regina's piercing gaze narrowed.
"Excuse me?"
"Room 815."
Regina put Henry down and held his hand as they both walked into Emma's hospital room...the curtains were drawn to keep the sunlight out, giving the room an eerie feeling...the heart monitor was steady but it did nothing to ease Regina's heart. She felt Henry's hand tighten within her own, and she wanted nothing more than to tell him it was okay, that Emma was okay but it'd quite literally fall on deaf ears.
Belle looked up, surprised to see the Mayor but in fact she really shouldn't have been—she was more surprised that it wasn't Ruby that came running through the door, given how in love she seemed to be with Emma.
"Mayor Mills, hello. Ah, Henry...hi." Belle dabbed at her tears frantically, almost embarrassed. "How are you both?"
Regina ignored Belle's question as she moved closer to Emma's unoccupied bedside, with Henry close behind her—almost scared to approach. Emma didn't look as bad as she should have been considering what rescue officials had to dig her out of. Emma had lacerations all over her exposed skin that they could see, and the wrap that was peeking out near her neck from beneath her hospital gown suggested that she had some broken ribs and—
"What happened to Santa mommy?"
Belle looked at Henry in confusion but he was staring up at his mother, "Santa? Who is...oh...he thinks Emma is Santa?"
"It's a fantasy of his." Regina sighed, "Do you mind giving us some privacy?"
Belle hesitated for a moment, but reluctantly and quietly left the room. Regina wondered what the young woman's problem was but she couldn't bring herself to actually care about Belle and her strange behavior.
"Mommy? Is Santa gonna be okay?"
Regina didn't have the heart gesture for Henry to lower his voice, but a part of her, a very selfish part, wanted Emma to wake up. She wanted to see those beautiful green eyes that were so open and guarded at the same time—eyes, that mirrored her own. The woman who worked her way around Regina's armor who had quickly gained her trust and become a true friend—Regina wanted Emma to tell her that everything would go back to normal...that Regina wasn't going to lose another part of herself to tragedy or betrayal.
Regina ran her hands through his thick brown hair, and smiled down at him reassuringly but she wasn't even sure. She didn't even know what was wrong with Emma in the first place.
Henry leaned forward on the bed railing, stretching on his tippy toes—he traced the necklace that had miraculously survived the wreck and whispered something Regina didn't quite catch, but he kept whispering and kept whispering and when the brunette leaned down to catch what her son was saying...Emma groaned groggily, eyes blinking open. Regina was so surprised, she completely missed the way the crystal snowflake's glow beneath her sons hand disappearing—but Henry didn't. It only confirmed his suspicions about Emma.
"My truest believer..." Emma rasped, smiling somewhat but Regina has seen better from the woman. "Hi kid..." Henry had no idea what Emma said, but he returned her smile excitedly.
"Emma? I'm calling a nurse."
Fast as lightening, Emma caught Regina's hand before she could reach for the call button. Emma may be in a weakened state, but she was still stronger than the average mortal, "Wait..no, I'm okay. I'm fine, I promise Regina."
Regina frowned down at Emma, the woman was clearly out of her mind if she thought she was fine...it might have been the morphine they had her on, "Ms. Swan you are most certainly not okay. You should be..." Regina took a deep, calming breath and tried to take her wrist back but Emma wasn't having it. "Emma, let me go right now."
The blonde didn't release Regina but she allowed her eyes to slip closed once more, the morphine was fighting her back and she knew she didn't have much time before she was rendered unconscious once more. "Regina...listen to me...Henry, I found help."
Regina stopped struggling and looked down at Emma with wide eyes, while Henry went to the corner of the room where the remote was and began flipping through the channels looking for cartoons. "What?" Mayor Mills leaned down until she and Emma were cheek to cheek, Regina's hear close to the executives mouth. "Emma?" she whispered, voice full of concern and confusion.
"Louisiana...down by the bayou...I found help for Henry..." Regina involuntarily shivered when Emma's warm breath washed over her ear, "How, Emma, how?"
Emma took a deep breath, turning her head towards Regina's—her lips were moving against the brunette's smooth skin but no sound escaped the CEO's lips and it took Regina a moment to realize that Emma was knocked out. She reached behind her to pull the hospital chair closer so she could sit down...
She may not have heard what Emma wanted her to hear, but she felt it...Regina felt what Emma wanted her to hear.
"Magic."
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
As usual I'm not overly satisfied with this chapter, but here is it...and it is what it is I suppose. Hmm, wonder how the next chapter will turn out...few things happened here, including a massive accident...but that accident had a purpose to this story. Swan Queen is burning but I ain't tryna be all day nor am I trying to rush it...I think I found a perfect balance with Regina to reach my goal now so yay to that.
I thoroughly appreciate your kind reviews, favorites and follows. I appreciate them...but anyway, gonna go work on my other stories that need a little dusting so goodnight, and good morning to some of y'all.
Oh yeah, and Emma's accident really was just an accident, you guys...don't freak out, *they* haven't found her...or have they?
Monster Galore