Chapter 2

Regina sighed as she sat on the sofa, looking at the pictures around the room. She had been seven when her parents were taken from her in a horrible car accident. All she really remembered was being sad, but feeling safe with her Auntie Mal. Her and Zelena were inseparable for at least the first four months and refused to go into a car. Maleficent catered to them, nurtured them, and got them through their grief. Now, she was back at home with her sister, and not exactly sure she wanted to be there.

She knew Zelena worked hard to prove she could care for Regina and that her sister wanted to be back home, but if she were honest, she missed being with Mal in a house that wasn't full of memories she'd long forgotten. She had tried calling Maleficent earlier, but it went to voicemail. Sure, she lived just down the street, but now that Regina didn't live with her, she felt like showing up would make her a pest.

When her phone rang, she smiled as she answered. "Hey Aunt Mal."

Maleficent had her own smile. "Hey to you, Regina. I'm sorry I missed your call earlier. Is everything okay?"

Regina sighed, hating that she worried her aunt. "We're good; I just missed you and wanted to say hi."

"Oh sweetheart, I miss you too. I know it's only been a few days, but it sure is different here without you girls."

"Can I maybe come over for a little bit?" Regina asked, biting her lip.

Mal hesitated at first, but then answered. "You can, but I want you to know that I did take in a foster child. She was in a bit of an accident last night, so she's probably going to sleep all day, but I don't want you to be surprised if she comes out while you're here."

Regina was surprised since Maleficent had never done foster care before her and her sister. "Oh, that's…well that's cool. How old is she?"

"She's fifteen. I can't share much, but she's not from Storybrooke."

"Was she the one who had the motorcycle accident? Zelena heard about it when she went to Granny's this morning."

"Well I suppose since people are talking about it, I can say yes, she was."

"I don't want to bother her if she's recovering. Maybe I'll come another day."

"Regina really, it's okay. She's all tucked in bed in the study and will probably be asleep for a while.

"Why is she in the study?"

"She was feeling a bit too sore to go upstairs. I'm hoping after some rest, she'll be up to it later."

Regina felt bad for the girl she hadn't yet met. "I suppose you can't say much about her?"

"I don't know much about her, Gina." Mal said softly. "I can't give details, but she's had a rough go of it. I know she's younger than you and you don't know her, but she may be able to use a friend. Though, right now, she's not too social."

"She was just in an accident and is in a new home. I can see why she wouldn't be, but maybe one day she will be. So…I can come over?"

Mal chuckled. "You better be here soon."

Regina smiled as she ended the call and went to the stairs. "Zee? I'm going to Auntie Mal's for a bit."

Zelena, who had been painting her room, came to the top of the steps. "Okay. Hey, maybe ask her if she wants to come for dinner tomorrow. I'm gonna work on a new dish."

"I will, but she has a new foster daughter, so I don't know if she'll be able to. Bye!" She said, rushing out the door before her sister could stop her.

"Wait…what?" Zelena asked, shaking her head. She got her phone out and called Mal. "You have a foster kid?"

"Good afternoon, Zelena. How are you doing today?" Mal asked with a chuckle.

"Sorry I…how are you, Auntie Mal?"

"I'm fine and yes I do. I take it Regina told you?"

"More like she shouted it before slamming the door as she left. She's been acting a little weird lately."

"Give her time, love. Remember, she was younger than you when everything happened and this is a big change after ten years."

"I know." Zelena sighed. "I just don't want to find out that I'm doing the wrong thing by bringing her back here."

"Oh Zee, you can't think like that. I know it's hard, it was hard for me as well, but you're doing great. I think she just wanted to get here, so she rushed off so you didn't ask a million questions she couldn't answer."

"That makes sense. Well, I wanted to invite you over for dinner tomorrow night, but if you have a new kid, maybe you can't."

"Can I let you know tomorrow? It'll all depend on how Emma's feeling."

"Is she okay?"

"I can't say much, but you heard about her accident today. She's sore, but nothing a little rest won't help."

"They said it was a little kid on the motorcycle."

"She's fifteen, but she is a bit small for her age. She needs some good food, good sleep, and some TLC."

Zelena smiled. "You can give her all three. Well, let me know by one, so I know how much to make."

"I will. And Zelena? Don't be a stranger. I'm always here for you."

"I won't, Auntie Mal."

Maleficent hung up and quickly peaked in at the sleeping blonde before going to open the door for Regina. She hugged her niece and brought her inside. "I know it's not been long, but I miss you so much."

"I miss you, too. Don't tell Zelena this, but sometimes I wish we were still here." Regina said, hugging her and coming inside.

"Honey, if that's how you feel, we can talk to your sister about you coming back, but I do think you should give it a bit more time."

"I will. It's nothing Zelena's done." Regina said, sighing as she sat on the sofa. "It's the house. All it is for me is a place with almost forgotten memories. It's too big and nothing changed inside it, and Zelena refuses to change the common areas and I get that it works for her, but I don't like it."

"I can see both sides to that. How about we set a time for the three of us to talk about it?"

"You don't have to; we're not your…"

"You're my nieces and if I can make things better, I want to." Maleficent said softly. "Regina, I love you girls and my 'job' isn't over just because your sister has custody of you and it won't be over even when you're thirty five."

Regina smiled and hugged her. "Thank you. Yes, I'd like that."

Meanwhile, Emma had heard someone come into the house, but when she went to get up, she found it hurt too much. She looked around and saw the glass of water on the table and couldn't help but smile at just the little touches that showed Maleficent cared. As she once again tried to get up, she involuntarily let out a yelp of pain and then pressed her lips shut, hoping Mal hadn't heard.

"What was that?" Regina asked, worry filling her eyes.

"That's probably a stubborn Emma trying to get up without help." Mal said, standing. "I need to check on her."

Regina nodded and then curiosity got the better of her as she stood in the hall, watching the door. Mal knocked softly and then opened it. "Emma? Sweetheart, you should call when you need help."

"I was just trying to stand and use the bathroom. I didn't mean to yell out like that." Emma said, embarrassed. She let Mal help her up. "I'm sorry. I know you have company and I didn't mean…"

"Oh it's fine. No need to be sorry, Emma. If you need me, you call for me, no matter what."

Emma gave a nod and stepped into the hall. She stopped when she saw Regina staring at her. The girl was beautiful and Emma was stunned. Then she realized the girl was staring and she felt a bit angry. "What? Never seen a foster kid before?"

Regina blinked, taken back as the girl spoke. "I…"

"It's rude to stare." Emma said as she went to the bathroom. She knew she was being rude herself, but she was in pain. She closed the bathroom door and hated the tears in her eyes, not even knowing why they were there.

Regina was shocked and looked at Mal. "I wasn't trying to be rude."

Mal came over and put her hand on Regina's back. "I know, honey. She's in pain and probably in a fog from the medicine. Why don't you maybe wait in the living room? Let me talk to her."

Regina went and sat down, holding her glass of apple juice. She felt bad, but hadn't at all meant to be rude. She was just surprised at how stunning Emma was - even with the bruises - and was trying to deal with her feelings, her attractions. She'd questioned before, but after seeing Emma, she knew she was attracted to her.

Mal went back and when Emma came out, she looked at her. "Are you hungry or anything? You can come sit out here if you'd like. Meet my niece Regina."

Emma looked down, tears still in her eyes. "You're gonna send me back, aren't you? I was rude to your niece, and now I'm getting sent away."

Mal gently rubbed Emma's upper back. "No, sweetheart, not at all. I'm not sending you anywhere. I don't want you to feel locked up, and I would really like to get to know you. I know you're in pain, so if you'd rather sleep, I get that too,"

Emma wiped her eyes. " Can I sit out here for a bit?"

"Yes. Come on. Want some juice or anything?"

Emma shook her head and came out. She saw Regina and stopped. "I'm sorry I was rude." She mumbled. "I felt like you were staring at me."

"I was, and I'm sorry." Regina said, moving over in hopes Emma would sit by her. "I didn't mean to be rude at all. I just…" She looked down and blushed a bit.

Mal watched and figured she knew what was going on. "Regina isn't used to me taking other kids. You're also a bit of the talk of the town with your accident last night."

Regina sighed. "I'm sorry, Emma. I really didn't mean to be rude."

Emma sat by Regina and shrugged. "It's fine. I am sort of used to it; I just haven't been in foster care for a while." She kept her arms around herself and looked at Mal. "When can I take another pill? My ribs hurt so bad."

Mal looked at the clock. "In about an hour. You will need to eat with it though. I know you're not super hungry, but what about some tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches?"

Regina smiled softly. "Mal makes the soup and then cans it, and she makes the best grilled cheese."

"I haven't had grilled cheese in forever." Emma said softly. "That sounds good, but not too much please." She looked at Regina. "Are you staying?"

Regina looked at Mal who smiled. "Call Zelena and ask if it's okay and then invite her as well." Mal said softly. When she left the room, Mal looked at Emma. "If it's too much, I can make yours up now."

"It's fine. I really didn't mean to be rude. It's hard to be a foster kid always thinking people are staring and judging." She said, picking at her pants. "I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of stares in a small town. I'm new, I was in an accident, and I'm a foster kid." She looked at Mal. "Oh, and I'm supposed to wear glasses, but mine broke a long time ago."

Mal smiled softly. "We'll get you to the eye doctor and maybe try out some contacts if you'd like."

Emma looked at her. "Really? I don't even remember what it's like to see clearly."

"Yes, really. As a foster parent, it's my job to make sure you get in to see a doctor, an eye doctor, and a dentist within your first month here."

"Is that new? I've never had that before."

Maleficent sighed. "No, but I assume your past social workers didn't keep track of it."

Emma looked down. "I wasn't worth their time. One of them told me that once." She stopped talking when Regina came back into the room.

"Zelena said she's too into her painting to stop, but asked if I can bring a jar of soup home." She then looked between them. "I've interrupted something, haven't I?"

Emma shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'm really hungry." She looked at Mal who took the hint.

"I'll get it started." Mal said and stood. Before she left the room, she looked back at Emma. "You're worth it, Emma."

Emma smiled softly, watching her go to the kitchen. "Is she really this nice or is she waiting until I'm comfortable?"

Regina wasn't sure what Emma meant, but she gave a shrug. "She's really nice. She cares, you know?"

"Why? She knew you, but never met me before."

"I mean, why would she not be nice?" Regina was genuinely confused and Emma realized just how naive she was.

"In Boston, a lot of foster parents just want the money. Or, they want someone to take out their anger on, or someone to basically be their slave. Very few actually cared or were nice." She looked at Regina. "You're lucky." When she saw Regina's face she quickly put her hand on her leg. "I don't mean…I mean obviously you'd rather be with your parents. Gods, I didn't mean you're lucky they died."

Regina smiled softly. "I guess we're even now."

Emma smiled back. "Yeah. I am sorry."

"It's okay. You're right though. I am lucky I had Mal and wasn't sent to strangers at the worst time of my life."

"And that you and your sister weren't separated. There's so many siblings that never see each other again, or not for many years. It's heartbreaking watching them get torn apart."

"I never really thought about that before." Regina admitted. "I guess I never had a reason to." She then felt really guilty, but before she could say anything, Emma put her hand up.

"Don't tell me you're sorry. One thing I can't stand is pity. I know you mean well, but don't say it." She took a deep breath. "What smells so good."

"Come on girls, soup is done and sandwiches are almost there." Mal called out.

Regina got up and was halfway to the kitchen when she realized Emma wasn't right there with her. She turned and felt bad when she saw the blonde wince, slowly getting up. She went back but wasn't sure if she should hold a hand out or what. "Do you need help?"

Emma shook her head. "I'm fine. I've been in worse pain before."

Regina wanted, but didn't ask what could be worse than a motorcycle accident. Maybe she didn't really want to know. "Mal will take real good care of you."

Emma gave a small nod. "That's what everyone keeps saying."

The two came in and Mal looked at Emma. "Would you be more comfortable on a bar stool or a chair? Or shoot, I should have brought it to you."

"It's fine, Mal. The table would probably be better." Emma said, practically falling into the chair. "Gods it hurts to heal."

"I'm sure it does." Mal said, placing the soup on the table and sitting at her own spot. "Eat as much as you want; I have plenty. Oh, and here's your pill."

Emma took her pill and then inhaled the scent of the soup. "I haven't had warm food in so long." She was halfway through her sandwich, dunking it in the soup, when she realized the other two weren't eating and instead, were staring at her. Her head went down and she wiped her mouth. "I'm sorry."

Mal shook her head, her hand going on top of Emma's. "Don't be sorry, Emma. I'm sorry you obviously haven't had anything to eat in a long time. I know it's hard to believe anything I say, but I promise that you will always have access to food. Emma, you don't have to even ask. If you're hungry or thirsty, you help yourself."

Emma could see tears in Mal's eyes and hated the pity, but she loved that Mal seemed to understand. She cleared her throat. "I've been in many foster and group homes. One thing they all had in common were that if you didn't eat right away, it got taken from you. Some homes, I didn't get to eat until everyone else was done, and then all I got were their scraps." She looked down. "One home even made me eat it from a dog bowl on the floor." She cleared her throat, the ball of emotion heavy. "I only say that because I was never taught table manners. I'm so sorry I'm rude. I don't mean to be."

Regina felt horrible and a part of her wanted to just take Emma in her arms, but she knew it would be weird. "Emma, you're not being rude."

Mal smiled softly, though her heart was broken for Emma. "She's right. Now, let's eat."

Emma missed Mal's touch when she pulled her hand away. She kept her head down. "Will you teach me?" She asked quietly.

"Teach you what, sweetheart?"

Emma felt the heat and knew her face was red, so she kept it down. "Table manners? And maybe other stuff." She gave an uncomfortable shrug. "I…I don't know much. I don't know how to act around people and maybe if I did, I wouldn't be sent away all the time."

Regina felt like she maybe shouldn't be there as this was personal, but she stayed politely quiet. Mal got on her knees in front of Emma, taking both her hands and looking into her eyes. "Emma, I don't know why anyone would do foster care, only to send a child away. It makes no sense to me, and I won't be doing it. But if you want me to teach you anything, I will. But please know this, Emma Swan, I am not sending you back. No matter what you do, what you say, I will not send you back."

Emma sniffed and for the first time in such a long time, she leaned forward and let herself hug and be hugged. For the first time she could remember, she felt safe and maybe even something close to love. Maybe.