Hello everyone. I'm going to be honest here and say that this is going to be a shorter, filler chapter. I really have no idea where to go next with this, so if you have any suggestions, I'm open! Otherwise, I'll probably end this one soon. So, hit me up!
Chapter 9
The next day, Emma wasn't surprised when she woke up and saw it was almost noon. However, she was surprised that she was the first awake. Part of her was tempted to go back to bed, but the other part of her knew she wouldn't fall back to sleep. Her body hurt but in that good way she learned she loved. Seeing how out of it the other two were, she decided to carefully climb out of the tangle of arms and legs she was in and headed into the bathroom. Looking between the shower and the tub, the blonde started filling the tub with hot water and bubbles-the ones from Regina's bottle, not the kids bottle.
Emma wasn't sure what mind frame she was in right now, but when she sank into the water, she could feel her muscles melting. She closed her eyes and sat back, resting her head against the cool ceramic of the tub.
"You're a stupid, worthless little bitch!" Serina was yelling at her as she kept pushing Emma back to the floor.
Emma's tears were blinding but she tried to look up at her. "I'm sorry! I was trying to do it right. I don't know how to do it right."
"You better fucking learn if you want to be any good to anyone." The woman growled at the girl quivering in front of her. She then gently touched Emma's cheek, reeling her in just like she always did. "You could be so special, Emma. You could be the most special and amazing girl in the world…if you weren't so damned stupid." She said, slapping her cheek at the end.
"Please let me try again. I promise I'll do better." Emma cried, her hand over her cheek.
"I'll do better. I promise I'll be better." Regina heard Emma whimper as she watched the blonde with her eyes closed in the tub. She had thought the woman was just relaxing, but when she hadn't answered her and now tears started falling from closed eyes, she knew Emma was either sleeping or so far into her head, she couldn't get out. It broke Regina's heart.
"Emma, sweetheart. Come back to me. I'm right here, my sweet girl, come back to me."
Slowly Emma opened her eyes, locking them on chocolate ones so full of love. Love for her. More tears fell as she reached out and pulled Regina into the tub with her – silky negligée and all. "I tried to be so good for Serina."
Regina held Emma, stroking her back, wiping her tears. "You are so good, Emma. You're amazing. You're not with that woman anymore, Emma. You're with women who love you so much, who love Little Emma, Big Emma, whatever version of Emma we get. We love all of you and always will."
"What if I mess up? What if, one night, I can't…" She blushed and looked down into the bubbles. "I can't…get you off?" She mumbled.
Regina's heart skipped a beat before she raised Emma's chin. "Is…is that why she got mad at you, Emma? Did she say you weren't good enough because you couldn't get her off? You were a fucking child!"
Emma shrank back, feeling like she was in trouble. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Regina once again melted at the scared look from one of the women she loved. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm not mad at you, my love, I'm furious with her. She never should have put you through that back then and she never should have talked to you here. She's a horrible, vile woman. It's not your fault."
"I just wanted her to love me." Emma sniffed. "No one loved me ever and she had me believing that if I did things right, she would love me. Sometimes, I thought she did, but then I'd mess something up again."
"How do you mean you'd mess things up?" Regina asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Emma blushed more, keeping her eyes on the bubbles. "I'd touch her wrong or forget where she liked to be kissed. The next thing I'd know is I'd be dragged back to my room, thrown inside, and the door locked, all the while she'd be telling me how worthless and stupid I am." Emma looked at Regina. "I was eight years old, Regina. Eight. I just wanted to be loved."
"This right here is why we want you to get therapy, Emma. You were fucking eight years old, and this woman was abusing, manipulating, neglecting, and using you in ways no adult ever should, and you still blame yourself. It was never your fault, or your responsibility and I'll be damned if I let you live the rest of your life thinking that way." She shifted and held Emma's arms, looking at her. "You are so special and so amazing, my love."
"Regina's right, Emma. One day, and I hope it's one day soon, you'll see you through our eyes." Mal said, standing in the doorway. "I just talked to Sara, and we all agreed that today, we'd spend time just us and she and Anna will spend time together. I ordered us a late breakfast and I want you two dried off, naked, and in that bed in the next ten minutes." She smiled softly at Emma. "We'll eat breakfast in bed and just talk, cuddle, listen, whatever you need baby girl. Today, I think it's best we just show our love."
Emma smiled softly. "I think I'd like that."
"I would too." Regina agreed and looked at Emma. "I think our baby girl needs a day with love and tenderness after the hardcore fun we've been having."
"I like what we did last night but…" Emma bit her lip. "I do miss the more tender side of things sometimes."
"I do too." Mal said, putting her robe on. "The food is here. You two have about three minutes."
Regina chuckled as Mal left and carefully got out of the tub, helping Emma out after her. They both dried off and got into the bed just as Mal brought the food in.
After the three enjoyed a full breakfast, they turned on the tv more for background noise and cuddled, talked, napped, and tenderly made love throughout the day.
"I'm not sure I'm ready for the outside world again." Emma sighed as she packed her suitcase. "It's been nice being Little and not having to worry about who's watching."
"Well, we're not exactly going back just yet. We're going to my sister's house, remember?"
"Your childhood home, right?"
"Yes. Mother finally kicked the bucket and Zelena wants me to make sure I don't want anything. She also wants to catch up and meet the loves of my life."
"She knows about my Little side?"
"She does and she can't wait. You can be whomever you feel like being, Emma, and she will not judge you."
"Even if I showed up with a collar, leash, and leather strips for clothes?"
Mal smirked as Regina cleared her throat. "Well…she wouldn't outwardly judge. She'd be a bit surprised but accepting."
Emma smirked. "Don't worry, I'm not planning on dressing that way."
Once they were all packed, they met Sara and Anna in the lobby. "I won't be on the same flight as you." Emma said to Anna, holding her hand. "I'm gonna see Mommy's sister Zelena."
"Do you like her?" Anna asked, sucking her sucker.
Emma shrugged. "I don't know her, but Mommy likes her so I'm sure I will."
"Maybe she will spoil you." Anna said with a grin.
"Mama thinks she will." Emma smiled innocently. "I'll see you when we get back." She then hugged Anna, followed by Sara and watched them go to their gate as they still had time for their flight. She went over and sat by Mal who was now in the middle. "I'm bored." She said, kicking her feet.
"I'll be right back." Regina said suddenly and grabbed her purse, heading around the corner.
"What's Mommy doing?"
"I don't know, but I think we're better just staying here." Mal said, having seen exactly who Regina was following and knowing it was better that it was Regina and not her.
"Serina, a word please." Regina said, crisply.
"I have nothing to say to you other than I hope you enjoy Emma as I'm the one who trained her." The woman said, smugly looking at Regina.
"Train her? You took an eight-year-old child and forced her to perform sexual acts on you and when you couldn't get off by said child, you beat her and locked her in her room, starving and neglecting her for days. You abused that child over and over and had her believing terrible things about herself. You fucked that child up and I am putting her pieces back together."
"She's not a child anymore and shouldn't be telling such lies."
"She's nt a child, you're right, but she's not lying. She WAS a child when you hurt her. I'm not going to stand here and argue what you've done wrong but let me tell you one thing; if you EVER come near her, reach out to communicate with her, or touch her again, your life is ruined. Your story will get out and while you may not get charged, you'll be known as what you are: a child molester and abuser. Do you want that reputation following you?"
"Just who do you think you are that you can…"
"I am Mayor Regina Mills and I have friends in high places." Regina hissed. "Stay the fuck away." With that, Regina turned and headed back to her girls. She put on a smile as she kissed first Mal's cheek and then Emma's. "I think we have time for some ice cream before the flight takes off."
As they were eating, Emma looked at Regina. "What did Serina say?"
"How did you know?" Mal asked.
"I saw her before Regina left to follow her."
"She didn't say much, but that's because I didn't let her. I told her to never try to contact you and to stay away or else I'm turning her in." Regina admitted. "She's going to be a bit surprised when she gets home though."
"Why?" Emma asked.
"I'm a mayor. I'm required to report if I think there is or has been any kind of child abuse. I didn't use your name out of respect for you, but apparently others had reported her as well, so she's in trouble."
Emma was quiet for a moment. "I…Regina I…" She sighed, frustrated.
Regina softly put her hand on Emma's. "Take your time, dear."
"I just…Regina it's my story and I'm just not sure I want everyone to know. I don't want to talk to the police and all those people." Emma said, starting to breathe harder. "I know that's wrong because what she did was wrong, but I just…"
Mal looked at Regina and then shifted so she was in front of Emma. She put her hands on Emma's cheeks. "In two three four, out two three four." She said, calming the blonde's breathing. "Now darling, who am I talking to?" By the look in Emma's eyes, she knew she had a mix of big and little Emma. "Okay baby girl, Mommy said she didn't tell anyone your name."
"That's right, sweetheart." Regina concurred. "I didn't use your name and because it was so long ago, all they could do was take the report. No police or other officials will come looking to talk to you. I'm sorry I upset you."
Emma shook her head. "No, no you didn't. I'm sorry I just got scared." Emma said and sighed, slumping in her chair. "I honestly wish I hadn't seen her this weekend. It's bringing back so much."
Mal rubbed Emma's back. "I'm sorry, sweetheart."
"I was thinking." Emma said, biting her lip. "I want to see if we can find a therapist who will help but…I can't pay for it and I know it's expensive."
"Then you'll just have to make up for it in other ways." Regina said with a wink. "Emma, I've been able to get insurance for you and it'll be fine. Please don't worry about the cost; you're worth every single penny." Regina said, tapping Emma's nose with the last three words.
"Okay my loves, we better get to our gate."
The flight wasn't as long as the one out of Storybrooke, so Emma didn't have time to nap, but she stared out the window the whole time. Once they got their baggage and into a rental car, Regina turned around. "Emma love? Let's try to put that all behind us. I'm excited for you and Mal to see where I grew up."
Emma smiled at that. "Okay, I'll try."
Regina pointed out little shops and restaurants along the way and Emma could feel herself slipping into the child headspace and didn't fight it. "Mommy? Was that your school?" Emma asked, pointing out the window.
"No sweetheart. That is this towns elementary school, but Zelena and I were sent away to boarding school."
Emma's eyes were wide. "You didn't live with your mommy and daddy? Weren't you scared?"
"I was more scared at home than I ever was in school." Regina stated darkly. "I'm sorry my sweet girl, but I don't like talking about my childhood."
"It's okay, mommy. Neither do I." Emma said, returning to gaze out the window.
"The next right?" Mal asked as she turned her blinker on.
"Yes. Right and then the last house up the long drive."
"Wow mommy! This looks like a museum!" Emma said excitedly as they parked in front of the grand house. "Or even a small castle!"
"Really?" Regina asked, unbuckling herself. "I always thought it looked like a prison."
"You always felt that way, anyway." Mal said, leaning over and giving Regina a kiss. "But the warden is dead and you're safe."
Emma got out of the car and stretched before she squealed. "It's a kitty!" She said and started chasing it.
"Emma, stop. You don't know if that…and she's gone." Regina said, though she thought Emma looked adorable. "Gods you know, if she wasn't so amazing in bed, I'd think about asking her if she wanted to be a kid again. She's so damn cute."
Mal chuckled, grabbing their suite cases. "She is, but she's one of us, Regina. Maybe one day, she'll be okay with us having kids."
"Would you like that?" Regina asked casually.
"I didn't used to, but now, I think I would like that actually. What about you?"
"Well obviously we'd all have to sit down and discuss it…"
"Regina." Mal interrupted. "First answer. Would you like kids one day?"
"Yes."
Mal smirked. "Never thought I'd hear you say that."
"Me neither. But yes, I think I would like it."
"Gotchya!" Emma called as she gently picked up the kitten. "You are so cute!"
"That's Snowy." A woman behind Emma stated. "She must like you because she doesn't normally let strangers near her."
Emma turned around and realized she wasn't in the driveway anymore. The woman seemed nice though and, in a way, reminded her of Regina. "Are you Zelena?"
"I am. Are you Mal or Emma?" Though really, Zelena could tell this was Emma.
"I'm Emma. My momm…Regina said you was nice and wouldn't think I'm stupid."
Zelena smiled softly. "I don't think you're stupid at all, Emma. I think you're adorable and have a right to feel however you want to." She lowered her voice. "Don't be scared to be little around me, Emma." She said with a wink.
Emma smiled brightly at that and Zelena could see the thin veil slip as she went back into her headspace. "Is her name Snowy because she's white?"
"It sure is. Also, I found her in the snow when she was very little. I took her in and nursed her back to health, but she prefers to be outside."
"She's got a big yard to play in." Emma said, stroking the cat. "She's lucky."
"She sure is. I think this is when she usually finds something to eat though. Maybe we can let her go for a bit and once you're all settled in the house, she'll come in."
"She will?" Emma asked, not sure she wanted to put the now squirming kitten down.
"Yes. See over there?" Zelena pointed to the back door. "She has a cat flap. She likes to come in as the sun is setting and cuddle with someone."
"I'll cuddle her!" Emma said, excitedly. She then crouched down. "You go eat now, Snowy and I'll see you later." Once the cat was free, it shot off into the tall grass.
Zelena chuckled. "I think she saw a mouse."
Suddenly, Emma felt a bit shy. "I should find my mama and mommy."
Zelena held her hand out. "Want me to take you to them? I won't bite."
Emma chewed at her lip and then nodded, taking Zelena's hand. Other than Regina, Mal and Sara, Emma had never really interacted much with adults when she was in her kid space, so this was new to her. "You don't think I'm silly?"
"Of course I don't." Zelena stated. "I think everyone has different things that make them happy and you, my dear, are happy being like this and I know you make my sister happy."
"I do?" Emma asked as the headed around to the front.
"Yes, you do. And Regina needs that right now."
"There's our girl." Mal said, holding her arms out as Emma ran over to her. "We thought we lost you."
"I found a kitty! She let me hold her but Aunty Zee said I had to put her down so she could eat. But then she said Snowy will come in later and cuddle."
Regina smiled at her sister and hugged her. "It's so good to see you."
"I've missed you, Regina." Zelena said, hugging her back. "Let me help you get your things inside."
"First, let me introduce you to Mal and Emma…well you've met Emma."
Zelena smiled and accepted Mal's hug. "It's nice to meet you. Thank you so much for coming."
"Thank you for having us and for…well accepting us. It honestly means a lot."
"It's nothing to thank me for." Zelena said happily. "Come on inside."
"So, will we be staying in my old room or is that gone?"
"It's there, Regina, but um…well mom kinda…well she…" Zelena rubbed the back of her neck. "She packed all your things away and set it as a guest room. I found the boxes in the attic though, so she didn't throw anything."
"Oh, that's okay. I haven't been here since I was seventeen anyway. I don't think there's anything I'd want after all these years."
"I um…don't mean to be rude, but I had no idea if you all slept in the same bed, so I do have two other guest rooms ready just in case."
"This will probably surprise you sis, but I've come to love cuddling both my girls at night."
"No shit?"
"Oooh, you said a naughty word! You're gonna get a spanking!"
Mal chuckled. "Emma, you only get spankings because you like them."
Emma blushed a bit. "Well, they're better than those time outs mommy likes to give."
Regina chuckled at that and picked up a suite case. "Come on girls, let me show you my old room."
Zelena watched the three go and instantly felt happy for her sister. It was obvious just how much these three loved each other and she was glad her sister had found that. "Come down when you're ready. I've got dinner already going, but there's no rush."
"Thank you Auntie Zee." Emma called and Zelena smiled, waving back before going to the kitchen. It felt right to have her sister back and she was going to enjoy her time.
