A/N: A late, but long chapter is being delivered! :) As promised. I kept getting interrupted, which kept me from writing but despite having work tomorrow, I did not want to sleep until this chapter was posted for you all. I hope you all enjoy it, and that it brings a smile to your lives as it did to mine. Tomorrow work appears it will be a little busier than today, therefor, I will not be posting anything tomorrow, but come Friday and the weekend, A LOT more will be delivered. Stay tuned and happy reading!
Please, I kindly ask that you DO NOT ask to translate this story or any of my other works into other languages simply to use them in other fandoms. This story specifically is STRICTLY OFF LIMITS. Thanks!
Chapter 50:Regina
Dinner with Emma's parents. That's all that crossed my mind for the entire afternoon that Emma and I were out and about. It was a good kind of strange, being here with Emma, in her hometown. Hand in hand as an official couple. She took me sight-seeing a little and she was right. Portland was another kind of town. I couldn't really compare it to another small town, given that I wasn't a woman who ever traveled the world, but I loved what I saw.
It was a little strange, walking so freely with Emma, hand in hand. My eyes would constantly look around to find Audrey turning the corner. Eventually however, Emma assured me that there was no danger in having a run-in with my daughter. I trusted Emma, even if in the pit of my stomach my nerves churned more and more.
Of course, dinner with Emma's parents this evening also had my stomach on a whirlwind. I had never met anyone's parents before that I was romantically involved with. I never even met Leopold's parents, given that they had passed somewhere along when he was in his early twenties. And he never liked talking about them. I always imagined that some part of him was even glad they were gone.
But, Emma's parents were very much alive and I wanted to make a good impression. Especially since our obvious age difference between Emma and I would be staring them in the face for the entire evening. Perhaps I could have Emma drive me to the nearest store to pick up a bottle of wine that we could all enjoy during dinner. One thing my father always taught me that stuck with me since I was old enough to know better, was that you never show up to someone's home empty handed.
'Flowers are a nice touch, but wine is the embodiment of an evening.' My father would always say.
I never forgot that.
I can't help but look down at our joined hands as we walk side by side, and smile at how familiar and fresh it felt to be walking along with Emma as a couple. Being married to Leopold, I would often find myself looking at other couples, seeing the love in their eyes and wondering if I would ever be lucky enough to find such a thing as love.
And once Emma came into my life, that answer was quickly provided for me.
I must admit, being in a new relationship, behind my husband's back- and with someone sixteen years younger than I was- was not ideal, but it felt every bit exciting. Let me correct myself. Emma made our relationship feel a lot better than I could ever possibly have imagined.
When Emma looked at me, I could see the embodiment in her words every single time she would tell me she loved me. She didn't even have to say the words for me to know that she was in love with me. The way her eyes sparkled and her face lit up whenever she looked at me in this simple dress that I found myself wearing made me believe that I was the most beautiful woman in the world. Even if I didn't see myself that way. Emma was the beautiful one.
Emma made me feel like it was okay to be myself around her without an ounce of judgment in her eyes or trail of it in her voice. Emma had a way of looking at life and a way of expressing herself that reassured me that no matter how bad a situation could turn, it would all be okay. With Emma, it was okay to be afraid or have doubts. She understood it all, making twenty-five and forty-one be no more than numbers around us.
That is until Emma would do such child-like, yet adorable things that would still bring a smile to my face. For example, like taking me for ice cream around ten in the AM.
"First pancakes at two am in my kitchen, now we are having ice cream for breakfast?" I smiled as we stopped in front of Emma's favorite ice cream spot.
"Hey, come on. Live a little." She said. "Besides, you have to trust me on this, no one makes ice cream like Elsa." Emma tugs gently on my hand, pulling open the glass door to the ice cream shop, allowing me to walk in first. I loved how a simple thing such as holding a door open for me could make me smile.
I don't think I could ever get used to such a small yet very big gesture.
"Emma!" Elsa, as Emma called her, waves from behind her crystal/icey counter. Her bright blue eyes resemble two snowflakes that went very well with her icy white smile. Her blonde hair was picked up by several pins and the golden color of it was brought out very well by her light blue uniform. No blonde hair would ever be as gorgeous as Emma's, but Elsa's came close.
"Hey, Elsa." Emma greets her with a wave and smile of her own. She guides me through a couple of round tables until we reach the front of the icy counter. Her beautiful sea-green eyes eagerly scanning the menu, although judging from Emma's eagerness, I suspected she already knew what she wanted.
"Your mother told me you would be coming back soon. How was your summer away from school?" Elsa asks Emma, her smile never leaving her lips.
"Oh, it was wonderful." Emma's smile reached her eyes, and as she looked right into my eyes she said, "Definitely marked down as one of the best summers I could have had."
My cheeks flush knowing that despite Emma having to constantly be on guard because of Leopold, and jumping into a pool to save me from making what I now realize would have been the biggest mistake of my entire life; I am happy to know that this past summer meant a lot to her just as it meant a lot to me.
"How wonderful." I hear Elsa say. After coming back from my lost journey into Emma's eyes, I could see Elsa's clear blue eyes staring at us both.
"I'm sorry. Elsa; this is my Regina." A small blush settles along Emma's cheeks as my blush only becomes stronger at being introduced as hers. I was Emma's now. Despite this obvious ring on my finger which I tried my best at hiding from Elsa's view as she looked down at us- it dawned on me that now that Emma and I were an official couple that made me hers. And she was mine.
The very feeling sent butterflies into my stomach. Emma was mine by my own choice and mutual feelings. I wasn't forced into this relationship with her. I was never kissed against my will or thrown onto a bed, forced to do unspeakable acts. I was loved. Really loved.
"Hello, Regina. I'm Elsa, as you might've already heard." Elsa leans down along the two-inch tall counter and I shake her hand firmly. "It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine, Elsa." I smile kindly. It was safe to say I liked Elsa on the spot.
"So… What choice of my many delicious ice cream treats will be tickling your taste buds today?" Elsa grinned, waving her hands over the menu above her. She had a streak of confidence about her that I instantly found likable. Not at all like Emma's, but it was close.
Emma allowed me to look over the menu and choose whatever I wanted while Elsa happily read over it out loud. Ultimately Emma and I decided on the biggest banana split I had ever seen in my entire life. It was topped with nuts, cherries, extra chocolate syrup, and whip cream. Really, this was the type of ice cream that you could only imagine from the pages of a book.
Emma carried the banana split over to our table, one that was far from earshot and near a wall.
Ice cream for breakfast. Who knew I would ever be experiencing such a thing and with someone who was far more beautiful than I had ever imagined for anyone to be Someone sixteen years younger than myself. Ice cream for breakfast. I never thought I'd see the day. My mother wouldn't even let me have ice cream as a child. I could recall my father and I enjoying it maybe once, and I remember it being the best thing I had ever tasted in my entire life. Of course, there was the fact that being here, with Emma, away from those four walls that had turned into my prison for twenty-five years- it made everything a whole lot better.
"Only you would make me have ice cream this early in the morning." I chuckle, unable to help myself.
"It's almost eleven." Emma said casually after looking down at her watch. "Try to deny this is the best ice cream you've ever had. It tops the one we shared by the fountain. Remember that?" She asks, and I instantly smile.
"How can I forget? I remember the song we danced to." I replied, using my spoon to scoop up some ice cream before placing it in my mouth.
Emma's eyes and mine meet and lock for a split second as we both enjoy another scoop of ice cream together. She really was beautiful. Her eyes were like a light source that would just light up her soul. And it shined for me. But it also made me wonder if it ever shined for anyone else the way Emma allowed me to see it. Did Emma ever charm anyone else like this or just me?
"So," I said out loud, gaining Emma's attention. "Just how many girls have you brought here?" I dared to ask.
The spoon was just about to reach Emma's mouth when she stopped and stared wide-eyed at me. Her lips are partially open. "Uh…" She clears her throat, her spoon clattering along the glass bowl once she drops her spoon to wipe away at her mouth with a napkin. I know then I must have embarrassed her with such a question because she tries so hard to hide that blush settling along her cheeks. She holds up a single digit, answering with all honesty, even though I've embarrassed her.
"One?" I lift my brow and Emma nods.
"You sound so surprised." Emma's brow arches next into a perfect arch. And now it's me that feels embarrassed for even asking such a stupid question. Because what did it matter if she brought someone here to enjoy what I was enjoying now?
"I mean no disrespect to you," it's my cheeks turn to turn beet red on me. "I just figured…" I take a scoop of ice cream into my spoon. "Given your history of… Relationships, that you would have brought more than one."
To my surprise, Emma isn't even upset by my uncalled for curiosity about her past relationships. Instead she says, "I can understand how you might think that." She places a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, works her way through it. I can see a small speck of whip cream along the corner of her mouth before she wipes it away and it saddens me. Because to add to my day of surprises, my mind was thinking about cleaning off that speck of whip cream some other way. "And you have nothing to be sorry about." Emma's lovely and understanding voice pulls me away from my inappropriate thoughts. Are they really inappropriate if Emma and I were dating now? "You can ask me anything. I just don't want you feeling uncomfortable." She said ever so sweetly.
"I appreciate your concern, Emma." I smile, unable to look away at Emma's own welcoming and warm smile toward me. She was so different from Leopold. I couldn't even remember the last time I ever saw him smile over something or for no reason at all.
"And…" I look up from our shared ice cream, my eyes locking onto Emma's beautiful ones. "So you know. It wasn't Audrey." I hate to admit it, but hearing Emma confirm that Audrey wasn't the one she brought here calmed me.
Emma had no business telling me who she brought here, and yet she felt the need to assure me that it hadn't been my daughter. How pathetic I must seem to Emma. Jealous over my own daughter. I still couldn't believe it myself. But now that Emma and I were a couple, a wave of something so unfamiliar and extraterrestrial washed over me.
I nod, and feel another question lingering on the tip of my tongue. "Did you ever…" There's that extraterrestrial feeling again, dancing in the pit of my stomach. "Did you ever take her to your friend's apartment?"
The image of Audrey and Emma in August's apartment churned my stomach, or anywhere for that matter. But, I kept my composure. The last thing I wanted to appear as before Emma was controlling or ridiculous for that matter. I didn't want to give her a reason to end what we were just beginning to enjoy together.
However Emma did say I could ask her anything.
"Not to stay." Emma shook her head. I could hear every ounce of truth in her reply. "She came over with me, once or twice, whenever August would invite us over for drinks or because he had a small gathering of friends wanting to get together. You know, stuff like that."
My reason behind asking was not just jealousy, but curiosity as well. I never really knew what Audrey did while away from home. She was like her father that way. They never really talked about their lives away from home unless asked. And I wasn't one to pry with either of them. I tried not to, anyway.
Although, I know that if I dared ask, I would have a better chance at getting something out of Audrey than I would out of Leopold. I always compared getting something out of him being very much like being buried in quicksand. The more you struggle the harder it becomes for you to get anything out of it. I nod in response, wishing to say nothing else of the sort.
"Is this making you uncomfortable?" Emma asks, pulling me away from my many thoughts.
I shake my head, "No. I did ask." I said.
"Doesn't mean it can't make you uncomfortable." Emma replied. How was she always so understanding about every little thing that happened around me? I would never know.
"Fair point, Ms. Swan. But, trust me, you'll know when I'm uncomfortable." I smile, letting Emma know that I was okay.
Emma reaches across the table, taking my hand into hers, and I feel myself melting away just with that simple gesture. I look down to see her thumb dancing along my knuckles. "You have nothing to worry about with all those other girls, Regina." My eyes lock onto Emma's. "It's only you now. And you are all I could ever want."
I couldn't hold back a smile, followed by a slight blush. I believed Emma with all my heart. I knew now that Emma had no reason to lie to me about anything. Especially not about how she felt about me. That much was clear simply by looking into her sea-green eyes. However, I did find myself wondering and fearing- now more than ever- what if I wasn't enough for her? What if our age difference could eventually doom what we had? What if she grew tired of me and decided by tomorrow morning that she made a mistake? Worse… What if she goes back to Audrey?
I wondered that a lot, but I also accepted that was possibly something I would never come to know.
For the remainder of our day, Emma and I decided on spending time back in August's apartment. As much as I never imagined myself having ice cream in the morning, I had to admit, Emma was right. There was no better time of day to have ice cream. I began to realize that no matter what Emma and I did as a couple, no matter how big or small, everything with her was becoming a beautiful experience that I would always carry with me in my heart and in my memories.
And for the rest of our day, to add to my memories with Emma, we had both decided to watch a movie together to kill time while dinner with her parents approached its hour. Before heading back here, Emma had suggested we had a light lunch to hold us over before dinner.
As soon as we arrived at the apartment, Emma marched straight into the bedroom to change the bed sheets. She had made August buy new ones just for me. I don't believe that was necessary, but Emma had insisted, just like she insisted on making the bed herself, absolutely refusing my help. So, while Emma busied herself making the bed, I decided to explore the apartment a little more on my own. I walked over to the TV stand and explored the collection of films August had at his disposal. They were mostly old films, mostly horror, which I wasn't huge on. I didn't mind a horror novel now and again, but at the end of the day, I liked engraving myself in a book with a happy ending for the two people who found love.
I felt the same way with films, even though I haven't watched many of them in my lifetime.
I couldn't help but notice that August was a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan.
I run the tips of my nails along the spines of the films, stopping at one in particular. Young Frankenstein. I pull out the case, seeing actors on the cover that I don't recognize before flipping it to the back and reading the summary. It was a black and white film that was more of a comedy than a horror. I wasn't opposed to comedies, nor to black and white films. This film certainly seemed like something I could enjoy with Emma.
"Okay," I hear Emma's voice, followed by seeing her appearance as she enters the living room. "So, what's the verdict on a film?" She asks. Her eyes look down to Young Frankenstein as I hold it before her. "Young Frankenstein?" She nods, reaching for the DVD. "Good choice."
"Everything else seemed to-"
"Gory." Emma jumped right in, placing the film into the DVD player. "Yeah." She stands. "I'll try to borrow some movies from my mom tonight. She's more on the lighter, comedy, romance side of the film industry." She motions toward the couch, and I welcome myself by removing my jacket before taking a seat. Emma reaches for the remote to turn on the television as she joins me, and the film begins to play.
"She won't mind?" I asked, not wanting to bother anyone while I was here.
Emma smiled and shook her head in reassurance. And that was our perfect afternoon. We watched a black and white film, letting out a chuckle or a full laugh once something humorous happened on screen. Out of the corner of my eye, as engraved as I had been in the film, providing it all of my attention, I could still catch Emma staring at me every now and again. Sometime during the film, I looked down to the feel of her hand snake its way into my own, our fingers falling perfectly into place with one another. It's amazing how holding someone's hand that you loved made you feel so much all at once. It was like a volcanic eruption.
"I never thanked you," I turned to the sound of Emma's soft voice, finding her eyes trained on me. "For coming to spend a couple of days with me here. That's a brave move on your part."
Me, brave? "I don't know about brave." I chuckle, losing myself in Emma's loving stare. "But I'm glad I'm here. I'm glad we're daring to do this, even if we have to hide from certain people."
The corner of Emma's lip tilts into that small smile I grew to quickly adore. Her eyes sparkled dreamily as they locked into mine and I knew she would say something that would just take my very breath away. "Someday, Gina…" She carried on, "We won't have to hide at all. We will be able to live freely, wherever we please and come and go as we please. Together."
Together. That had a nice ring to it. My heart was floored, right by my feet. "You sound so serious when you talk about us, Emma." I breathed.
The amount of confidence and positivism in Emma's voice took every ounce of oxygen I had in my lungs.
"I am." She said.
"But, how can you possibly be so sure of that?" I look at our joined hands for a minute, focusing on the gentle strokes Emma's thumb provides my knuckles. It never stopped moving. "How can you know that we'll still be like this after a year or two?" I ask.
My eyes look up, finding Emma's eyes instantly locked onto my own. She says, "Because unlike everyone else I've been with, I am determined to make us last forever."
Forever was a long time. "You say that after three days together?" I chuckle, seeing a smile stretch along Emma's lips.
"So, today's three days. Tomorrow it'll be four, and soon it'll be a week- two weeks- a month- a year." Emma's body shifts a little, settling more on August's surprisingly comfortable couch until we are face to face. "You have to believe me when I tell you, Regina, that I've never felt this before in my entire life. With anyone. Some say you only find love once in your life. Others say you can fall in love as many times as it takes until you find the one."
She said the most wonderful things I never thought I could hear an actual non-fiction person say.
"What do you believe?" I asked Emma, taking in that gentle sparkle in her eye, committing it to memory.
Emma waits for three seconds before she says, "I believe that many people can come into your life, some even hold a special place in your heart. But they simply become a part of your life to help you shape it the way it's meant to be. To prepare you for when you finally meet the one your heart chooses you to be with."
Once again, my heart stops, going completely numb inside of my chest. "You make it all sound like a dream, or something only a character from a book would say." I chuckle, and hear a small laugh escape Emma. "I can't believe you didn't talk to my daughter like this at some point in your relationship with her."
"Well, believe it." Emma's voice is softer now. She draws in a slow breath and releases it slowly, like a calm, dreamy sigh. "If you must know… Audrey's relationship with me was… It was great on so many levels. I mean, she certainly likes to have as much fun as I do, but," suddenly, Emma's cheeks turn a shade of red.
"But, what?" I ask, curious to know.
I hear her chuckle through her clear evidence of embarrassment. As if she had leaped ahead without realizing where she would land with this. I couldn't blame her. I was Audrey's mother at the end of the day.
"Well," Emma clears her throat. "To be totally honest with you, I always felt that Audrey's and my connection was stronger in- in bed, than romantically."
"Oh." I look away, feeling a blush of my own make its way up my neck and settle along my cheeks. I settle myself a little more along the couch, fighting the possible images that want to sneak into the depths of my mind of Emma and my own daughter in bed together. One image in particular of the night Emma was still sick, with Audrey settled along her lap, began playing in my mind.
Both Emma and I turn back to give our attention to the film still playing before us. Our hands remained joined- thank God- despite the awkward turn of events our conversation suddenly took.
"I'm sorry." Emma breaks the silence.
"No. You're fine." I shake my head, avoiding all eye contact with Emma out of pure embarrassment. She was seriously apologizing to me after it was my fault our romantic and tender moment took such an awkward turn?
"No, I'm- I'm very sorry about that-"
Stop apologizing, Emma. Please. "No, don't- don't worry about it. It's a conversation like any other." I dare to give Emma a small smile, hoping that will be enough to end this awkwardness settled between us before turning back to the film once again.
But the look on Emma's face tells me otherwise. "I made things awkward by bringing up Audrey like that." She said. This time her eyes don't leave me.
"And I asked." I nod. "So, it's on both of us."
"Fair enough." Emma nods in agreement and we can finally go back to watching the film.
As much as I attempted not think of Emma being sexually involved with someone. With Audrey. I did wonder with just how many other girls did she ever have sex with. I couldn't help but think that every girl Emma had ever been with- sexually- would never make her wait for as long as I have. But I wasn't like every girl Emma ever dated. That much was clear and possibly a joke in itself. Which brought me to my next thought, what would happen if Emma wished to take things a little further? Especially with the way Emma and I would kiss. Kissing Emma made me feel things that I never imagined feeling.
It would cross my mind, especially ever since I was 'brave' enough to spend a long weekend with Emma here, what if Emma liked intimacy a certain way that I would be horrible in? What if I couldn't satisfy her by the time I was ready to take that next, gigantic step?
With Leopold, I never had a say or a decision when it came to intimacy. Leopold always introduced me to sex as something unpleasant, something that would cause me nothing but pain and not pleasure as a lot of people rave about it. Did I wonder about what it would be like to be with Emma in the most intimate of ways? Of course, I did. Did I wonder if Emma would enjoy being with me in that way? Of course, I did. Did I wonder what it would feel like to make love to someone willingly, and not just have sex? Of course, I did. I wondered that ever since Emma showed up outside my window after breaking up with my daughter simply to be with me.
But what tormented me more was if I would be good enough for Emma.
"You're here!" David answered the door, greeting us with a beaming smile that I couldn't help but notice it matched Emma's just a little bit. Proof that you didn't have to be biologically related to someone to be similar.
David was a handsome man. His eyes matched Emma's, which surprised me. He was tall, with broad shoulders, clean shaved and very family friendly. I guess you can say that I liked David from the start. Although, I must admit, that giving David's stature did make me feel a little intimidated. But I was happy to know that someone out here in the town of Portland was taller than Leopold.
"Come on in." David beckons Emma and I inside the house, stepping away from the door. I feel Emma's hand brush against the small of my back, and it sends chills along my spine. A huge change from the crawling feeling Leopold would make me feel whenever he touched me.
Emma attempted to usher me inside, but to my own surprise, I discovered I couldn't move. I couldn't dare to set foot inside her parent's house. This wasn't like her introducing me to August for the first time. This was different. I wasn't Audrey's mother, but Emma's girlfriend. Her much older girlfriend.
"It's okay. I promise we don't bite." David said, throwing another smile my way that I can't help but return with a smile of my own.
It's not the bite that I dreaded. It was witnessing having Emma's feelings hurt by anything her mother might say. Just like Emma couldn't see me hurt, I couldn't bear to see her hurting. And I wouldn't allow it, if that was what was destined to happen here.
"It's okay." Emma nods, stretching her hand out for me to take. Her fingers are quick but gentle to wrap along mine, holding me to the ground, once I take her offered hand. I allow Emma to guide me inside the house, which feels very homey and warm. The scent of freshly cooked pot roast hits my nostrils as I walk in. "David, this is Regina."
David extends his hand to me and I shake it firmly. "Regina. Emma has told me a lot about you. It's wonderful to meet you."
"It's wonderful to meet you, Mr. Nolan." I reply, being as formal as I know how to be when meeting someone new. Although, from how much Emma has talked to me about David, I feel like I know him from a long time.
"Please. None of that. You can call me David." He smiles.
"David." I smile, testing his name out. "Thank you for inviting me to dinner." I handed him the bottle of wine I had been nursing along my arm. "This is for you. It's to enjoy with dinner."
"Oh." David takes the bottle from me, reads the label and stares back up at me. "Well, thank you. You surely didn't have to-"
"Regina insisted." Said Emma. I see Emma's smile slightly disappear, and following her line of sight, I notice it's because her mother has entered the room. The room grew quiet. I could feel Emma's hand squeezes mine a little too firmly, but not enough to hurt me. Despite her nerves, I knew she was letting me know that we were here whether her mother liked it or not. And if we were asked to leave at some point during dinner, she would happily leave with me.
"Mom," Emma leans in, placing a kiss along her mother's cheek. I can see the kiss being returned before Emma's eyes land back on me. "This is Regina." She introduces me.
I give her mother a curt nod and a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Emma's talked wonders about you."
We don't say anything else after that. Her mother just stares at me, and there is something behind the woman's eyes that tells me she knows. And I'm not talking about the fact that I was Audrey's mother, but about Leopold. About my situation with him. It didn't bother me. In fact, if anything, it made me feel a little understood from someone else other than Emma. I recalled Emma's story about how her mother suffered the same situation I was destined to suffer in Leopold's hands, and as I looked into her eyes, I could see it. The hurt. The ghost of the pain that man had endured on her. Lines of a rough life lived mapped out along her features, although now they could be lines of well lived happiness by David's side.
"Not more than me, I hope." David chuckles, breaking the small silence that surrounded Emma's mother and I.
"Stop it, David." I see her shake her head, take a final step toward me and extend her hand in greeting. "Please, excuse my husband. He likes to joke. Sometimes, a little too much." Her eyes look over my shoulder to her husband.
I smile nervously, but shake her hand firmly. "It's quite alright. I don't mind it at all." My eyes land on Emma as I say, "Now I know where Emma gets her wicked sense of humor."
An adorable blush settles along Emma's cheeks as she smiles shyly. It surprised me how much I wanted to kiss her right now, simply by that sight alone.
"Wicked," David chuckled, seeming amused by my choice of word.
"Well, when you're guilty, you're guilty." Mary Margaret smirks directly at David before she turns back to me. "Well, why don't you all sit down? Take a spot at the table. Everything is ready."
"Oh, here, let me take your jacket." David is quick to help me remove my jacket, and I allow it to fall gracefully off my shoulders. "Wow." I turn, surprised by David's flabbergasted state. A state I could tell Emma took direct notice in. "I hope you don't mind me saying, but that is a great dress."
"Thank you." I give a shy smile and brush a strand of hair behind my ear.
"You can put your tongue back in now, David." Said Emma. She hurries to walk beside me, pulling out a chair for me right next to where she would be sitting.
I exchange a warm and loving smile with Emma in gratitude, while David sits at the head of the table after hanging my jacket behind my chair. Emma takes her seat next to me, and I feel her hand slither within my own from underneath the table. I give it a gentle squeeze as soon as our fingers wrap together.
"Here we go." Mary Margaret comes back in, setting down the perfectly cooked pot roast right in the middle of the table with the rest of its companions.
"Oh, that looks delicious. Mary Margaret makes the best pot roast around." David smiles proudly, reaching for the platter of carrots, serving himself.
It made me smile to see how proud he was of his wife. How in love they clearly were. This is what a marriage was supposed to be like. And I for one, was happy that Emma's mother had found herself a great life after the hell Emma's real father must have put her through.
"So, I've heard." I look over to Emma with a smile and she smiles back at me.
"Regina makes one mean pot roast. Maybe next time, we can all try hers, and you guys can judge for yourselves." As Emma says this, I detect the same amount of prideness in Emma's words, directed right at me. So that's how it felt.
"Do you?" Mary Margaret looks at me as she takes her seat next to David. She smiles in my direction. "My, well, I sure would love to try yours someday. That sounds lovely."
"It would be my pleasure." I nod.
"Audrey has mentioned that you are quite the chef in the kitchen." Before we all know it, we all fall dead silent to Mary Margaret's words. David's fork clatters along his plate, as does Emma's. Her eyes glaring directly at her mother. "Oh, well… She talked about you." Said Mary Margaret.
"Mom." Emma murmurs under her breath, and I could feel her body stiffen next to me.
"No, it's-" I shake my head, and turn to Emma, giving her a reassuring smile. Underneath the table, I am sure to give her hand another gentle squeeze while my attention turns back to her mother. "Please, don't feel out of place. After all, we are all adults, and as adults I'd like to start by being blunt." I turned to meet Emma's eyes, giving myself the courage so desperately needed right now. Since I stepped foot in here, as welcoming as Mary Margaret and David were, I could sense there was a small wave of awkwardness in the air that needed- and would be- cleared out right now. "I can understand how it might've been quite a shock to you to learn the truth. For both you and your husband. And the fact that I am Audrey's mother doesn't help." Emma's hand moves on top of the table before me and I reach for it without an ounce of hesitation. "Also the fact that I'm a married woman. Now, Emma," I give a quick glance in Emma's direction before continuing. "Knows better than anyone that I don't like making promises." I see a tiny little smile on Emma's lips. "Especially when you don't know if you can keep them." I turn to Emma's parents, locking eyes with mainly her mother from across the table. "But, before you today, I can promise you this. That as long as Emma wants to be with me, I'm going to see to it that we are happy. And we will be. Because she believes we can be, and…" I stare back into Emma's beautiful, mesmerizing eyes and I don't think twice of what comes out next. "And because as crazy as it might sound to everyone else, I've found myself falling in love with your daughter."
That was my very first promise to Emma that I knew I would keep. And I wanted her to know it. Emma's smile grew before me, so wide it reached her eyes. There were tears there, but she held them back, possibly not wanting to break down into a sob and ruin my whole speech, which frankly, I wouldn't mind. Truth be told, I wanted to burst into tears as well from having heard my own honest confession. I was in love. For the first time in my forty-one years of life- I was actually in love with a wonderful woman that deserved nothing but my love in return.
Even confessing my love to her, Emma never pushed me to say those three little words. But it was time. And thanks to Emma, I've quickly come to learn that there was no better time like the present. And Emma had become my present, and hopefully somewhere along the line of our relationship- she would become my future.
"And I'm in love with her, too." Emma blinked away her tears, facing her parents. "Of course, you already knew that. Mom, if anyone knows what true love looks like- it's you. Well, see for yourself."
There's a moment of silence before Mary Margaret speaks, "Well, this certainly… Has become one of the most interesting dinners that I've had in my home." As she laughs, we all feel a whole lot better after laughing along. And I knew that whatever wave of awkwardness had surrounded us was vanishing. "But, Emma is right. And Regina is right." She nods in my direction. "I won't deny I was shocked at first, when Emma told me about your relationship, but," she looks to Emma. "All that's ever mattered to me is that Emma is happy. And looking at her now… I believe that she is." She blinks away a few tears, sharing an equal smile with Emma and myself before she decides to move past this. "Now, let's all dig in, or it'll get cold and you two know how much I hate reheating the food once I've cooked it." She points to Emma and David with her fork.
"That's true." David said, reaching for the mashed potatoes. "Let's crack open that bottle of wine." He grins.
"I got it." Emma stretches across the table, reaching for the bottle that sits right in the middle. Once she sits back down, we share an equal smile that speaks volumes between the two of us. Emma couldn't believe that I had finally said I loved her, and I knew she was as happy as I was right now.
I knew at that moment that I wasn't going to hide my feelings for Emma anymore. Come what may, come hell or high water, if Audrey or Leopold would ever find out about our relationship, I would be ready and willing to stand before them and admit it. As frightened as I might feel, because I don't think I would ever stop being afraid of Leopold, if the time came to come clean to them, I would happily do it.
After what turned out to be a lovely dinner, we sat around for a while, listening to Emma's childhood stories from her mother, which while Emma found some of them embarrassing, I found them quite endearing.
After dinner, while David and Emma talked among themselves, I volunteered to help Mary Margaret around the kitchen. Another life value I learned from my dear father. She refused at first, but I was happy I had won her over.
"You honestly didn't have to wash anything. I could have handled these dishes." Said Mary Margaret.
"I don't mind. You worked so hard to prepare this delicious meal and welcome me into your home despite the circumstances- it's the least I could do." I give a smile, immediately turning back to scrubbing the very last plate that had been picked up. Emma's plate.
"Well, in that case the least I could do is refill your glass." Mary Margaret smiles, kindly reaching for my empty glass of wine. She turned toward her fridge which was behind me to withdraw the bottle of wine.
"Thank you." I could see my glass being placed near me. Once I'm done with dishes, I dry my hands and reach for it, taking a much needed sip. I was feeling pretty relaxed and wondered if she was, too.
As my eyes fall on Mary Margaret's, I not only take notice of what her eyes were staring at, but I take notice of the frown that thins out along her lips. I turn to the faint bruising along my forearm and I can see the sadness take over her eyes again. I frown.
"I'm sorry," Said Mary Margaret, releasing a sigh. "My husband warned me not to make things awkward and what do I do."
"It's quite alright." I replied. "To be completely honest, it feels quite revealing to be able to admit it to someone, and not have to hide. And I say that regarding my daughter not knowing that Emma and I are now together."
"I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you, to see your daughter go through that heartache." Said Mary Margaret and that heartache she so mentions is right back, piercing through my own heart.
"It was." I nod. I drown the ache inside my chest by taking another sip of my wine.
"I must be frank." Said Mary Margaret.
"I would appreciate it if you would be." I replied.
"I can't say I approve of the fact that your husband can hurt you, as well as hurt Emma if he were to find out."
I could understand that mother's fear very well. Would Audrey be the one to be dating someone older, married, who's spouse could possibly kill them if they found out about her secret relationship, I would be in Mary Margaret's situation as well. Worrying with no end. It was part of being a mother. But another promise I could and would gladly make, not just to her, but myself- here and now- was that I would let no harm come to Emma.
"Neither am I." I begin, "But, if Leopold were to ever find out, I am willing to pay for the consequences- no matter what they might be. And I can promise you that before he does anything to Emma, he will have to kill me first." I hold my chin up, proudly and to quote Emma, bravely.
"Well, I'm no one to judge what you and Emma have. And as surprised as I was before… After dinner, everything settled clearly. And if you truly meant what you said, about loving my daughter-"
"I do." I nod without an ounce of hesitation.
I never thought I'd live to see the day where; as relaxed as I was, thanks to the courtesy of the wine to loosen things up, I was untangling a knot of nerves that settled in my stomach due to having this conversation with Emma's mother. Two grown women, around the same age.
Mary Margaret gives a small smile. "Well, then as a mother I think you can agree with me that that's all any mother wants for their child."
How right she was. "It is." I nod.
"Then, who am I to stand in the way? And don't worry-" Mary Margaret lifts her hands. "David warned me about absolutely everything. Audrey will never know from us."
"I appreciate that." I smile a little more, feeling free to do so. "And I assure you, as hard as it is for me to feel like a good mother lately to Audrey, I've always thought to have done a good job with her. Except maybe this."
And then, just when I was reaching a low point in my heart for my daughter, Mary Margaret said something to me that quickly made me see things in a different perspective. "Love happens in the most unexpected of ways, Regina. And if there's one thing I've learned from being with my first husband and David, is that no matter how much you try to fight against it. Mutual feelings will always win in the end."
It was as beautiful as hearing Emma talk about love. My eyes threatened to tear up on me but I refused to give them that glory. Not in front of Emma's mother. Who would have thought that living through a traumatic experience with a man for twenty-five years would bring me here? Finally being understood and seen in ways I never thought possible.
"Well," Mary Margaret blinks away tears of her own. "Let's not keep David and Emma waiting, shall we? They'll probably worry that the sink swallowed us both."
I chuckle as I reach for my glass of wine and follow Mary Margaret into the living room. As soon as Emma saw me, she stood from where she sat with David, forcing him to stand as well. We still had to go dancing tonight.
"So, what are your plans for the rest of the evening?" David asked, turning to Emma.
"Well, actually," Emma stands beside me. "We better get going. I promised Regina I'd take her dancing tonight."
"Dancing!" I love how quickly Mary Margaret's eyes light up as she turns to her husband. I recall Emma telling me that they loved dancing. "Oh, David, remember when we used to go out and dance the night away?"
David smiles, his arms wrapping lovingly along his wife's waist. And for the first time, I am not envious of such signs of affection. Not when I had Emma who provided it for me. "She loves dancing." He tells me, unaware that I already knew.
"I've told her that." Emma smiles.
"Why don't you join us?" I finally speak up.
"Are you serious?" David asks, taken aback.
"Really?" Emma leans into me with surprise lingering in her voice.
"Well, Emma, they're your parents. How can I refuse to take them dancing when your mother wants to dance?" I smile. "I'll give us more time to get to know each other a little more."
"That is true." Mary Margaret turns to David. "What do you say, David?"
"Well, I'd love to, but we wouldn't want to impose on your night." He replied, looking at me, then at Emma.
"You wouldn't be imposing." I assured him.
Emma shrugs and smiles. Emma. My Emma was as happy as could be right now. And I wanted that to continue for her.
"I'll just go get changed." David smiles, scattering into the direction of what I could only assume was their bedroom.
"Oh, me, too!" Mary Margaret followed close behind with a pep in her step, but not before pulling Emma into the tightest hug that Emma was more than happy to return.
Once Emma and I are alone for a moment, Emma turns to me, "Are you sure you don't mind them tagging along?" She asks me.
"Emma," I smile, locking eyes with Emma. "If I minded, I wouldn't have invited them. I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time."
Emma's eyes grow with a glow. I feel her arms wrap along my waist and how they carefully pull me in in the way that only Emma could make it feel so full of love and not something forced. I can't help myself as I allow my arms to cradle and rest along her shoulders, holding her equally to me. "You are absolutely amazing, you know that?" She said to me.
"So, you keep telling me." I chuckle.
Emma looks into my eyes with that glow that hasn't left. "Did you mean it?" She asks, her voice as gentle as her arms along my waist.
"What?"
"When you said that you found yourself falling in love with me. Did you mean it?"
Without an ounce of hesitation, without removing my eyes from Emma's, or changing any corner of my smile, I nod. "Yes. I meant it. I meant every word I said tonight, and I want you to know that there's never been any doubt about my loving you." My hand cradles along Emma's cheek, as if holding her in place. "I love you, Emma. I don't know how or when it happened, but I love you."
To describe Emma's smile in that moment was indescribable. But I hope to say that it matched my own, judging from how much my cheeks were hurting at that moment. Our heads dipped, slowly meeting halfway and before I knew it, I was floating on air with Emma being the only to keep me from falling. Normally, I wouldn't be caught making out like a teenager in her girlfriend's parents house. A part of me was nervous about getting caught by Emma's parents, as pathetic as that sounded at my age. But, thanks to Emma, I was finally getting to live and experience a side of life that I had been kept from.
And if Emma and I loved each other. I knew we weren't going to stop now.
I wanted more. We wanted more.