The sun was high in the sky, and the trail was quiet; the only sound came from David's horse snorting lightly. Suddenly Calista shifted forward in her saddle, breaking the silence. "So Regina, Emma says you're a really good rider. Wanna race?" she asked with an excited glint in her eye.
Regina smiled mischievously as she patted her chestnut mare's neck and said, "Think you can keep up?" She turned to look over her shoulder at Calista, her gaze full of challenge.
Calista grinned and nodded her head, eager to accept the challenge. She shifted in her saddle and patted Nemesis' flank. "Let's see what my girl here can do," she said confidently as she gave a slight cluck of encouragement to the black female Mustang beneath her.
It was true that despite appearances, Nemesis wasn't just any horse; she was a racehorse through and through— bred for speed with carefully selected lines across generations of equine athleticism running back many years. Already having been trained by one of America's best racing stables on sophisticated tracks from California to Florida at two years of age, Nemesis knew how to handle herself on a course more than most riders ever would fathom possible – especially when presented with such an opportunity as today against Regina.
Nemesis' jet black coat shimmered in the sunlight as if crafted of pure silk, her mane and tail perfectly groomed. Calista took a moment to admire her before giving an enthusiastic kick with the heels of her boots and gripping tightly onto the reins as she gave a firm command: "Let's go, Nems!" In response, Nemesis surged forward like an arrow released from its bow. Even if Regina had been expecting it, nothing could've prepared for such raw power unleashed! Meanwhile, Regina's mare galloped much more clumsily – uncoordinated movements laced together roughly, causing dips up and down compared to Nemesis' measured strides. The wind whipped through Calista's hair as she galloped side-by-side with Regina. Being one with her trusty steed, Nemesis had become more than just a simple riding partner since Calista discovered her love of horseback riding.
Regina felt her heart swell with joy. It was an exhilarating sensation that filled her whole being, and it seemed like nothing in the world could slow them down. Her horse struggled to keep up with Nemesis galloping at full speed, their hooves working together to create a rhythm of thrill as they raced down the trail – leaving David and his mare in their dust. She laughed out loud - giddy with a childlike joy she had not felt in ages. The air was crisp as they spurred on, even faster now that it had become a full-on race between them. Regina gave one last nod of assurance to her mare before digging her heels against its flanks to catch up with Nemesis – and suddenly, both Calista & Regina were neck and neck.
The sun beat down on both horses' backs, its warmth enfolding them as if wrapping each one in a comforting embrace. With smiles brighter than either had ever known before present on both of their faces, together, they enjoyed every second that passed by. They raced through fields drenched with bright colors from sweeping flowers underfoot, surrounded by lush green trees serving as nature's protective barrier over these open grounds beneath wide blue skies.
The terrain changed, and the open fields gave way to meadows dotted with wildflowers and trees surrounding them here and there, providing lovely shade from the sun. As a light breeze stirred up their sweat-coated manes, Regina and Calista agreed it was time to stop and allow the horses to rest.
Emma and Ruby entered the house, their footsteps echoing through the silence. Mary Margaret sat waiting in the living room; her hands clenched together tightly.
"Hey, Snow," Ruby said as she sank onto the couch beside her, and Emma mirrored her movement on the other side. Emma took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold.
"Mom, I think you should take a pregnancy test," the blonde said gently but firmly.
Mary Margaret's eyes widened in surprise as she looked from Ruby to Emma. For her part, Ruby held out the bag of tests to the other brunette encouragingly.
"I-I don't understand," Mary Margaret stuttered nervously.
"It's just that we have noticed you've been very erratic lately," Ruby began carefully.
"Your emotions have been all over the place, and you haven't seemed like yourself," Ruby said gently, with concern.
Mary Margaret's eyes filled with tears as Emma reached out to touch her hand across the small space between them.
"Mom, I know this is probably a touchy subject for you, but I have a gut feeling, and I need you to trust me," pleaded Emma earnestly. Mary Margaret nodded slowly as Emma squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Mary Margaret's voice was barely a whisper as she muttered an agreement, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the bag with the pregnancy tests in her hands. She rose slowly from her seat and left the room without looking back, her footsteps heavy as she headed toward the guest bathroom.
Ruby watched her go and sighed deeply before turning her questioning gaze toward Emma,
"What now?" asked the red-streaked brunette.
"Now, "Emma began, her voice weary with worry. "We wait."
With that, they sat together in the living room and embraced a companionable silence.
Meanwhile, Regina and Calista were situated beneath a shady tree as their horses grazed nearby. They leaned against the oak trunk with content smiles as both breathed heavily from exerting themselves during their race. The sun had shifted, so its rays filtered through branches above them before caressing their skin delicately; it created an atmosphere of peace between them, soon punctuated by conversation.
"So, Calista," Regina began cautiously. "I've been meaning to ask... are you seeing anyone? Any boys or girls?"
Calista paused momentarily and then raised her gaze from the meadow before turning it upon Regina. She tilted her head sideways as she considered what she wanted to say, choosing each word carefully before speaking again.
"I am seeing someone," Calista said slowly and deliberately. "Her name is Erica."
Regina felt her eyes widen slightly in surprise before she regained her composure and smiled, nodding attentively for Calista to go on.
"Erica is a wonderful person," Calista continued with obvious affection. "Erica was actually a cheerleader at our school until recently," she started, fondness evident in her tone of voice despite her measured and neutral words, "but after she realized that she was unhappy with the leadership, she quit to join our competitive dance squad."
Regina leaned in, feeling suddenly intrigued. "Competitive dance squad? What is that like?" she asked, eager to hear more about Calista's life outside of Storybrooke.
Calista smiled, her eyes brightening as she spoke about a topic close to her heart.
"It's amazing," Calista said with assurance. "I'm the captain and choreographer, so I make up all of our routines- which can be challenging but rewarding when we put it all together." Calista smiled and shifted to be more comfortable against the tree trunk before continuing her explanation.
"It's tough, though," Calista admitted with a laugh. "We practice four days a week for three hours," she finished.
"That seems excessive," Regina says with a raised brow.
Calista laughed, feeling Regina's genuine interest. "It's great! We practice hard to perfect our skills in three dance styles: contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. We travel all around New England competing against other teams," she replied. "We compete against other high schools in the area and raise charity funds."
Regina's brows rose into her hairline at that. The older woman had to admit that her adoptive daughter was impressive.
Calista laughed at the look of surprise on Regina's face.
"I know. It's a lot of work, but it's all worth it in the end," she said with a smile. "And Erica is the best partner I could ever ask for. She's always there for me, no matter what."
Regina smiled warmly at Calista's words. "I'm glad you have someone like that in your life," she said softly.
Calista leaned back against the tree trunk and closed her eyes, feeling content and at peace. "Yeah, me too," she murmured.
Regina couldn't help but smile at Calista's enthusiasm for Erica and the dance team. It was clear that dancing was a huge part of Calista's life, and she was truly passionate about it. She felt a sudden pang of sadness that she hadn't been able to share these experiences with Calista earlier in her life - but now, finally having this time together, Regina promised herself that she would make up for lost time.
"I'm so glad you have these pursuits and someone special in your life," Regina added, looking at Calista affectionately.
Calista blushed and looked away momentarily before turning back to face Regina with a grin. "Thanks, Regina. You're the best," she said, bumping her shoulder against Regina's playfully.
Regina chuckled and squeezed Calista's hand. "You're pretty great yourself," she replied fondly.
They sat there in companionable silence for a while, enjoying each other's company and the peaceful surroundings. Eventually, they broke apart, again mounting their horses to return home.
Ruby and Emma sat silently in Emma's living room, waiting as time seemed to drag on ever so slowly. Minutes felt like hours, and finally, after what seemed an eternity, Mary Margaret returned from the bathroom. Her eyes were glassy but determined, and she walked steadily towards them - face composed - though they could see she was fighting not to cry.
A moment of silent communion passed between all three women until Mary Margaret spoke softly: "I'm pregnant."