Chapter Six: The Girl With the Opal Necklace
Emma waited anxiously at the diner. She had asked her parents to have lunch with her, solely for them to see the new woman in her life. Not that she'd technically met her yet, but still. She needed them to witness this. As her mother went on and on about how thankful she was that Emma was moving past things, the blonde kept watching the door. Finally, just after the lunch rush, in walked the beautiful woman. She wasn't nearly as beautiful as Regina's true form, of course, but still. The curly brown hair, the light green eyes, and the beautiful smile, it was Regina under it all.
"Hey, who is that?" Emma asked, playing her mother perfectly.
"I'm not sure, but she's pretty." Emma saw the wheels start turning in her mother's head. "You should go say hello, after all, you're the sheriff."
Emma pretended to hesitate, and let her mom convince her more. Eventually, Emma couldn't wait another moment. She needed to approach the woman. She walked up to her, unsure why she felt nervous.
"Uh, hey," Emma said. "I'm Emma Swan. The sheriff of Storybrooke. I was just uh, coming to introduce myself. I don't think I've seen you around."
"I'm Pippa, I was a handmaiden to the queen. Under the curse, I lived close to the woods. I was a forest worker." Regina's new voice was soft, care free, young, and beautiful. Emma smiled at her.
"It's nice to meet you, Pippa." Emma said.
"I'm afraid I don't know many people around here. I lived in the castle for so long, I didn't have a chance to meet many people."
"Well, you know me now." Emma grinned. She looked back at her parents who were smiling at her, encouragingly. "Maybe you'd like to get dinner together sometime?"
"That would be nice." Pippa smiled.
"How's tomorrow? I live on Mifflin street, the biggest one on the block."
"The mayor's old place?" Pippa's voice had a faux fear that Emma applauded.
"No need to worry, she's gone." Emma pretended to be soothing and reassuring.
"Okay, tomorrow then." Pippa said.
Step one of the plan was complete.
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Snow had been so excited to see Emma branching out. She even helped her find a recipe to make Pippa for dinner. Emma almost felt bad for the lie, but then she remembered why Regina had to wear a glamor spell, and she decided she wasn't sorry at all.
Emma tried to play things off to Snow, and she was certain it was working. Snow had offered to watch Henry, but Emma knew Regina wanted to see him, so she insisted on keeping him home. When Snow finally left, Emma got ready to see her love. She hadn't told Henry yet, she wanted to surprise him. When 'Pippa' knocked on the door, Emma raced to answer it. She pulled the woman inside, and immediately fused their mouths together.
"I missed you," Emma said. "So damn much."
"I missed you too, my darling," Regina cooed.
Before Emma could kiss her again, they heard their son's feet on the stairs. Emma could feel the nerves kick in for Regina. What would Henry think of this plan? Emma knew he'd be happy to have his mom back, no matter what form she had to take. But she knew Regina was still insecure about Henry's feelings toward her. She was worried he'd go back to hating her.
"Who is this?" Henry asked his mom, giving 'Pippa' the once over.
"This is-"
"Why is she standing so close to you?" Henry asked again, this time in a more angry tone. His face started to look much like his adoptive mother. "Wait…are you dating someone?"
"I am Henry, I want you to meet Pippa." Emma said. Henry stood frozen, glaring at them.
"Hello, my little prince." Regina said. Emma saw the look on Henry's face when he realized who his birth mother was dating. A grin spread across his face. He threw himself into Regina's arms.
"Mom!" He exclaimed against her. Tears were soaking her top, but she didn't care. "It's you!"
"It's me," She confirmed, kissing the top of his head. "I missed you, so very much."
"I missed you too. How is this possible?" He asked as he pulled out of the hug so they could move to the kitchen.
"Glamour spell." Emma stated. Henry's face scrunched up as they walked. He still believed all magic to be bad.
"Henry, listen to me. Magic is not all good or all bad. It depends on the intent, and who is using it. When I woke Emma up from the curse, that was light magic. I don't want to go back to being the Evil Queen, but right now, magic is the only way we can be a family." Regina told him. He thought for a moment, and then nodded. "This is our secret, okay?"
"Maybe grandma and grandpa will change their minds if they see how good you are as Pippa." Henry wondered. Emma gave Regina a worried look.
"Henry, that would be great, but I don't see it happening. If they know the truth, they will kill her." Emma warned.
Henry was having a hard time navigating his feelings with Snow and David. He loved having a family, and he thought it was so cool that the famous princess and her prince Charming were his grandparents. Still, if they were the good guys why would they threaten to kill his mom? Shouldn't they believe that people can change? He knew the history between his mom and grandparents was complicated, but he thought when the curse broke, everyone would see how different his mom was. She wasn't a villain anymore. She was just someone who had always wanted to be loved. Now that she was, she was good.
"I won't tell anyone." Henry promised.
He wouldn't be like Snow. He would keep his word because he knew what would happen if didn't. Right now, the only thing that mattered was that he and his moms could be together. He was glad they had thought of a way. And now, maybe Pippa would allow them to all be happy. No one would know Regina was back, and they wouldn't come for her. Maybe, this was for the best.
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Regina made sure to be back at the cabin when Snow or David arrived. Luckily, their random visits were not a secret. Henry and Emma always knew when they'd be going to check in on the Evil Queen, so Regina had plenty of time to return to her isolation.
Emma was doing her best to keep her new romance with 'Pippa' far away from her parents. She didn't want them to find out the truth, and she was worried if they spent time together, they'd uncover the truth. But, after three weeks of dating, Snow insisted on meeting the new girl in Emma's life. The savior was terrified to let this happen, but it was inevitable. Not letting Snow and David meet Pippa would cause more suspicion.
Emma invited David and Snow to the mansion for dinner with Pippa. Regina had agreed, even if she was also worried about it. They were happy in their bubble. Emma felt like they were back to where they'd been before the curse broke. She could almost pretend nothing had changed. Until, of course, her fairytale parents appeared.
"Come on in, Pippa will be here soon." Emma said, ushering her parents into the living room. Regina had been practically living at the mansion as Pippa, but to keep up the appearance, she'd left. They agreed it would be best for her to pretend to not be there so much. Afterall, the relationship was new as far as Snow and David knew.
"We're so happy that we get to meet her!" Snow gushed in excitement.
Emma had been a little surprised that her being into women wasn't weird for her parents. Apparently, as long as she wasn't dating their mortal enemy, they didn't care who it was. She was relieved by this, but still, shocked. Under their cursed personas, David and Mary Margaret were chill with Regina and Emma, so it made sense. But, Emma was used to rejection, so she was expecting that.
"How do you like her, buddy?" David asked his grandson who was perched on the arm of the sofa.
"She's cool! Pip lets me win at board games, and she makes really good snickerdoodles." Henry said just as he'd rehearsed.
"Not as good as mine, right?" Snow winked.
The doorbell rang, and Emma hurried to answer the door. She left Henry to entertain his grandparents for a few moments. She was trying to push down the nerves. She didn't want Regina to feel her worry.
Emma was surprised to see her girlfriend standing there with Snow's favorite flowers, and David's favorite beer. She looked at her questioningly, and the brunette quickly explained she wanted them to believe their charade. If this was truly a new person in Emma's life, they'd want to win over her parents. Emma was impressed with Regina's thinking. She led her lady into the lion's den, praying that this worked.
"I want you guys to meet Pippa," Emma said, holding onto Pippa's hand as they entered the living room. "Pippa, this is my mother, Snow, and my father, David."
"It's so lovely to meet you both." Pippa said with a smile.
"Pippa, you do look familiar. I feel as though we've met before." Snow said, staring the woman down. Before Emma could panic, her girlfriend was ready with a polite response.
"I was the Queen's handmaiden after the King's untimely passing." Emma knew those words about the queen had to have felt like bile in Regina's throat.
Regina had told Emma recently about her horrible marriage to the king, and how he had high, unreachable expectations for his young bride. Emma couldn't say she felt bad for her grandfather's death. In fact, she'd kill him herself if she could. He'd hurt Regina for years, and no one could help her. Emma wondered if Snow considered how young Regina had been when she was forced to share a bed with a man who was so much older than her. Surely her mother wasn't that naive now.
"So, dinner is ready, shall we eat?" Emma asked.
They made their way to the table. Emma and Regina had whipped up a simple dinner for everyone. Emma knew her parents would grow suspicious if she made anything too extravagant, so they settled for spaghetti. Plus, it was David's favorite, which Emma knew would help win him over.
David and Snow thanked Pippa for their gifts. Emma could see it had worked. They were impressed with her new lover already. It was going smooth, and Emma started to relax as they ate. She was even enjoying herself for a moment, until Snow had to ask Pippa what Emma knew she'd been holding in.
"So, how did you manage to survive being Regina's handmaiden?" Snow asked. Emma nearly dropped her fork.
"Snow," She warned. "Pip doesn't want to talk about that."
"It's okay, Em," Pippa replied, covering Emma's hand with her own. "The queen was very kind to me. I escaped an abusive husband, and had nowhere to go. She let me live in the castle and work for her. I was lucky to get a fair life under the curse. I know of the evil acts she's done, but I didn't personally experience any of them."
"Did Emma tell you about her relationship with Regina?" Snow asked, narrowing her eyes at the woman.
"She did," Pippa confirmed. "And I understand that Emma has to overcome a lot of feelings. But, I'm not planning on going anywhere. Regina is gone. I want to be Emma's future, if she'll allow it." This seemed to please David. Snow, though, was not through.
"Did you know she was trying to kill me?" Snow continued.
"I did, I didn't know why, but I knew she had warrants for you all over. I was in no position to turn down shelter and a safe place to stay, though." Pippa explained.
"She hated me because she thought I ruined her life." Snow stated.
"I think she was confused, I won't excuse her acts by any means, but she was lost. I don't think many people tried to understand her, but I listened to her. And honestly, I don't think she hated you. I think deep down, she even cared for you, but at the same time, she was overcome with darkness."
Pippa's words surprised even Emma. This was Regina talking, not her alter ego. Emma squeezed her hand, knowing this must be a hard revelation for the queen to come to. They didn't talk much about Regina and Snow's relationship, but Emma suspected these words were true. Despite everything, Regina had still cared for Snow. It was no wonder she was never able to kill her.
"I see you and Emma both had some rose tinted view of Regina," Snow said. "I hope this isn't your demise."
"It won't be, I am someone Emma and Henry can talk to about her that doesn't see Regina only as a villain." Pippa insisted.
Snow didn't ask more questions after that. Emma was worried that her mother was suspicious, but as dinner carried on, it seemed Snow began to like Pippa more. Maybe, just maybe, she was glad someone could understand Emma. Snow's vision of her former step mother was tainted, and she couldn't talk to Emma about Regina. But, it seemed Snow was glad to have someone else take this responsibility off her hands.
After dinner, Snow and David got ready to head out for the night. They helped clean up, packaged up some leftovers, and headed to the door. They bid goodbye to their grandson and Pippa. Emma quickly offered to walk them to their car, wanting to know what they thought of Pippa.
"She's a bold one, it seems she can hold her own." Snow commented.
"You need someone like that." David chuckled. Emma smiled.
"So, you like her?" She asked hopefully.
"I do, she makes you and Henry smile, and we haven't seen that in a while." David told his daughter. Emma turned to Snow.
"I think she's good for you, and I hope it works out for you both. I just want you to be happy." Snow told her.
"She makes me happy," Emma confirmed. "After Regina's sentencing I didn't think I'd ever find happiness again, but you were right. I just needed to see things differently, and now that I do, I'm finally able to move on. Pippa is great, and I'm so glad I found her."
"We're so thrilled to hear that, honey." David smiled.
As her parents hugged her, Emma smiled. She couldn't believe they were actually pulling this off.
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Emma, Regina and Henry spent the rest of the night watching a movie together. Emma loved nothing more than cuddling up with her true love and son after a long day. Now that they had Snow and David believing them, it seemed like anything was possible;e. They were going to be happy.
The two women tucked their son into bed before making their way to their own bed. Emma had missed being able to hold Regina during their separation. Now, she found it impossible to sleep without Regina in her arms. She wished Regina could be in her true form when no one else was around, but it was too risky, so she stayed in disguise the entire time.
"Ugh, I am glad that's over. I can't believe Snow brought you up to you." Emma groaned as the pair sniggled under the covers.
"She didn't know she was bringing me up to me," Regina chuckled. "But, yes it was very awkward."
"Well, it doesn't matter because they both loved Pippa," Emma smiled, facing Regina in the dark. "We did it."
"We did." Regina smiled, kissing the tip of Emma's nose.
"While we're on the subject, and tell me if this is off the table to discuss right now, did you mean what you said to Snow?" Emma asked. Regina sighed, but she still answered Emma's question.
"In a way, yes. I did still care about Snow, but I was so blinded by the rage. It wasn't just Daniel. It was the king, and my mother and Rumple, and everything building up. I snapped. I didn't know how to get back," Regina said. "I know she'll never forgive me, and she probably shouldn't. But, I am sorry for the things that happened. I wouldn't change them because I got you and Henry as a result, but it doesn't mean I don't wish things could have been different."
"I wish she'd hear you out," Emma said sadly. "She wanted to believe in you for so long, and now she's just given up?"
"I had a lot of chances, Emma." Regina reminded her.
"Well it doesn't matter, we're together now," Emma said, holding Regina closer. "I love you."
"I love you too." Regina smiled.
Emma leaned in and kissed her. They hadn't had a peaceful moment since the curse broke. Now, they just wanted to soak up their new found happiness. All they needed was each other and Henry.
In the morning Regina got up and made them all breakfast. Henry had missed his mother's cooking and had been excited to see the french toast waiting for him. He heaped some onto his plate with strawberries and powdered sugar.
The three of them enjoyed the feeling of domesticity, hoping nothing would come and break them up again. The family had always wanted this, and now that they had it, they knew they could never let it go again. Even if they had to start a war, moments like this reminded them all how worth it it would be.
"Mom, are you moving back in?" Henry asked.
"Is that okay?" Regina asked, afraid he'd turn her away.
"Of course! I missed you so much, and I'm happy you're home now."
"Me too, sweetheart." Regina smiled.
They could keep this charade for as long as it took.
A/N Here is the newest chapter. I have two directions this could go and I am trying to decide what I should do next. I feel like if I include Cora, it would get a complicated, but also I feel like it could be an important storyline. I'm a sucker for SQ stories set around The Cricket Game timeframe, but I think this is focused on other things. What do you think?