Regina Mills turned out to be a formidable enemy, and Emma's first week of school was a trainwreck. It even managed to top last year's chaos, and that's saying something, considering a student had stabbed another with a pencil on day one.
"Miss Swan! Help!" A student waved her math book frantically. The cover detached, hanging by a thread.
"Is it art time yet?" another student shouted over the din.
"This is a disaster," Emma muttered as three more kids simultaneously clamored for a bathroom break. She snapped the math book shut, and dust wheezed out from the pages, making Emma and the entire front row of students cough.
Temptation to scream, walk out, and cry threatened to overwhelm her. Emma even mentally scheduled a trip to the crying closet in the teacher's lounge once the kids headed to their special.
Henry Mills, her dependable ally, had even started side conversations. Emma was hurt but pushed it down, reminding herself of her motto never to take kids' behavior personally. If Henry couldn't handle this lesson, maybe she really was the problem.
Emma longed for some help—a normal room parent would have been a godsend. They could have split the high and low math kids and done focused activities or stations. But her room mom was Regina Mills, who was hell bent on destroying Emma's career.
Emma hadn't seen Regina since that disastrous meeting or her impulsive email, but the entire week had been one pitfall after another. The school board decided to deny Emma's request for a class aide "due to funding," and three of her brightest students transferred to Mother Superior's class. When Emma asked David about it, he just shrugged and said the parents were adamant. Emma knew Regina was behind all of it, but she wasn't about to fold under the pressure.
Emma tried her last resort: turning off the lights. "Okay, heads down, deep breaths. We can get through this together," Emma encouraged the fifth graders. They obeyed, clearly needing the break. For two blissful minutes, silence reigned, and her head stopped vibrating.
"I could hear your kids from the other end of the hallway," Mr. Geppetto grumbled, arriving to take them to art.
"Finally!" Lilo yelled. "Save us, Mr. Geppetto!" Some kids' heads popped up, and they started cheering. A stern look and folded arms from Mr. Geppetto silenced them instantly.
"Sorry we aren't ready," Emma said, cringing at her lack of classroom control.
"No, I approve," Geppetto dismissed her concern. "Take your time. If they aren't behaving, no papier-mâché."
"We're doing papier-mâché?!" Lilo cried. A few boys, catching the 'break the rules' vibe, started screaming. Things were devolving. Emma turned to Mr. Geppetto for help.
"Lilo, demerit," he barked. "You two, hallway. Now."
The boys, instantly subdued, obeyed. Lilo put her head down, and Henry stared at Emma. The class stilled, the energy sucked out.
"Miss Swan, may I please use the restroom?" Henry asked, hand raised, mouth set in defiance.
Emma admitted defeat, exhausted from this proxy war with Regina Mills. "Go ahead," she said weakly. Henry crossed to the door, upset.
Geppetto returned with the boys at the absolute worst moment. "Sit down, Henry. We're getting ready to leave," he ordered, blocking the exit.
"She said I could go," Henry argued, looking at Emma.
Before she could respond, Geppetto loomed over Henry. "That's a demerit for you too, Mr. Mills. Sit down."
"This is so dumb," Henry hissed, storming back to his seat and slamming his head down, copying Lilo. Emma felt like she'd failed him.
"Alright," Geppetto said, heaving out a sigh. "Let's go to art."
As soon as the class left, Emma dashed to the teacher's lounge and broke down in the closet.
The next day wasn't better. They had professional development, meaning Emma's alarm blared an hour and a half earlier.
Snow and Emma sipped their coffee, too tired to talk. Emma felt like she could fall asleep at the wheel, and every few minutes, Snow's whack kept her from drifting off. Lately, sleep evaded her, and she was plagued by nightly teaching nightmares. Her anxious brain just wouldn't shut off.
They arrived at the library, where Snow immediately joined Ms. French and Mother Superior in the front row. Emma joined her usual table of problem gays in the back. Mulan slapped her back so hard she reeled forward.
"Swannie! Haven't seen you in the gym lately," she grinned. "You doin' okay?"
"Ye look like shite," Merida raised an eyebrow.
"That's not nice," Elsa scolded. "But seriously, you look like you haven't slept in weeks."
From another table, Emma saw two teachers she didn't recognize whisper, one pointing at her. Her blood ran cold. "Are people spreading rumors about me?" she demanded to know. Mulan and Elsa looked away, and Merida stayed silent. Ruby sighed.
"Yes. They're saying a parent pulled their kid from your class because you've done prison time," she said reluctantly. Ruby's ability to hear everything was uncanny, but Emma imagined it was a superpower in the classroom.
"What?" Emma gasped, ready to confront the gossipers, but Merida grabbed her shoulder, flipping her around with brute strength. "Calm down, lass," she warned.
Emma was seething. "Who is spreading rumors like that —" and then it hit her. "Regina." The others at the table nodded.
Ruby stared at Emma like she'd lost her mind. "I can't believe you picked a fight with the queen of Storybrooke. Girl, what were you thinking?"
"I don't know," Emma groaned, rubbing her temples. "I can't stand losing to her, but she's making my life hell. The worst part? I wish she'd show up as my room mom. I'd take her sneering, hateful comments if it meant I didn't have to come here at 5 AM to make copies or waste my lunch break cutting out letters."
"Yeah, and she's kind of a MILF too," Mulan added, unhelpfully. They all did their best to keep their faces respectfully blank, though Emma secretly agreed.
"Our 8th-grade room mom, Ariel, is amaaazing! She baked my entire class mermaid-themed cupcakes after their test on our summer reading book The Odyssey," Ruby bragged, changing the subject.
"Not helping," Emma muttered, but David had stepped up to the podium, signaling the start of the meeting. Emma spotted Mary Margaret snapping upright, looking head-over-heels and eager. It was adorable.
"I have good news and bad news," David began, and they all groaned.
"Bad news first," the shop teacher they all just called Grumpy shouted, earning some chuckles from the veteran teachers.
"Bad news," David began. "With the support of the PTA, the school board voted on changing teacher evaluations to link them to student test scores. To prepare, we're launching new and rigorous benchmark tests for reading and math."
The entire staff room looked grim. Some older teachers barely resisted their groans and eye rolls. It was the beginning of the year when most of them were still developing class routines and management strategies. None of them needed this extra pressure.
"Thanks a lot, Ms. Mills," Mulan muttered.
"I've seen the math test," Elsa whispered. "It's incredibly difficult, and the new methods confuse the kids." Ruby buried her face into her hands in dismay.
Despite the weariness permeating the crowd, David continued, radiating leadership and calm. "The PTA wants STEM and technology as a focus in all classes, so we need to be on our game. The school board is even discussing cutting electives if we don't score well on the benchmarks, but I'm pushing back. That means, I need all your help to save our specials because we know how much our kids need them."
David glanced at Snow, who looked back, grateful but nervous. Mr. Geppetto nodded in agreement. Kids like Henry and Lilo would be lost without music and art.
"What's the good news?" Grumpy called.
"Well, none of us have quit," David joked. Moans and weak smiles emerged from the crowd.
"Yet," Emma quipped, and her table snickered. The teachers gossiping before the meeting laughed too.
David's eyes zeroed in on her, and Emma caught his frown. She felt a pang of guilt. David had defended her decision to keep Henry. He was probably the only reason she still had a job, despite Regina's attempts to steamroll them with the PTA and school board. Emma resolved to apologize after the meeting. Thankfully, she didn't have to go out of her way. As soon as the professional development session ended, David approached her.
He looked tired. "Emma, can I see you in my office?" David asked. Bracing for the worst, Emma followed him.
"Is this about Ms. Mills again?" Emma groaned as the door closed behind. "Please not another student being transferred?"
David adjusted his standing desk and plopped down, motioning for her to sit, too. His office exuded humility and nerdiness with its simple décor and history memorabilia. Paintings of knights, swords, and monarchs adorned the walls, hinting at David's previous career as a high school history teacher. The room felt safe and inviting, filled with stuffed armchairs and colorful bean bag chairs for the kids. The whole room smelled like a dad.
Emma slumped into a bean bag chair. "... Sorry about my smartass comment during your meeting. I didn't mean it. I've just been incredibly stressed out."
David's unwavering eye contact might have been unsettling from anyone else, but his gentle gaze radiated warmth and reassurance. He waved off the apology.
"I know," he said, offering a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry about it."
"I appreciate your support," Emma hurriedly added, not wanting any doubt to creep in. "Despite what Ms. Mills says, I'm doing my best."
David rocked back and forth in his chair, avoiding her gaze as he contemplated how to deliver the inevitable bad news.
"Let's not beat around the bush," he said finally. "No, there haven't been any transfer requests from parents, but Mother Superior's class is already at capacity. This is serious, Emma, and I need to address it as your principal."
"Okay," Emma replied, jaw clenched in anticipation. She sat up.
David slid a manila folder across the desk. Emma rose to grab it, immediately spotting the stamp from HR on top. This was it.
"I'm being fired," she whispered.
"You're not being fired," David clarified quickly, his gaze drifting to the window where the sounds of students at play filtered in. "Regina Mills filed a formal complaint with HR yesterday. Something about a FERPA violation during your parent-teacher conference?"
Emma strained to recall the incident but couldn't. Opening the folder, she skimmed through the complaint, feeling a surge of regret spotting Lilo Pelekai's name. She did remember divulging information to Regina and could have kicked herself for the lapse in judgement.
"She's my room parent," Emma said instead, defending herself. "She asked about a disciplinary issue, and I explained."
"I know," David reassured her. "But HR will need to conduct a formal investigation, and I have to follow protocol. Until then, it's business as usual. No retaliation against Ms. Mills or anyone involved."
Angry tears welled up, bitterness coating Emma's tongue. She hastily wiped them away, refusing to break down in front of David. It all felt profoundly unjust. Emma had fought tooth and nail for her teaching degree, working multiple jobs to afford college, overcoming a tumultuous past with no one's help. Losing her teaching job, which brought light into her life and allowed Emma to help kids like her, would be too devastating to bear.
"I wanted you to hear it from me first," David said softly. His hand patted Emma's as tears fell onto the folder, staining its beige surface.
"I can't lose this job," Emma murmured, voice barely audible, so it didn't catch.
"Perhaps it's time to let Henry switch?" David suggested, switching from principal to dad. "I'm sure we can make an exception—" But Emma cut him off with a resolute head shake.
"No. Hell, no, David. I'm not letting her win," she declared, determination unwavering. "Regina is pulling all these strings just to make me switch Henry." Emma's voice turned deadly. "But no one messes with me."
Rage had always come easier than grief. It energized Emma, extinguishing her tears as she became resolute. "Just watch. My class is going to get the top scores in reading and math, even though Regina and Mother Superior stacked her class with high-achieving kids."
David sighed. "Emma, you know I'll always have your back. But the students aren't pawns in a game. This isn't personal—"
"It is," Emma shot back. "It is personal. I know what happens to kids like Henry when no one sees or hears them. His light will be snuffed out in the other class, just like mine was."
"Oh, Emma," David murmured.
"I'm fine," Emma composed herself, clearing her throat obnoxiously loudly to cover her slip into vulnerability. "Sorry, it's just... I need to fight this battle, David. Yes, for myself, but for Henry too. I need to help him. And I'm not going to sit here and take Regina's bullshit just because she thinks she can walk all over me."
"I won't stand in your way, but remember your limits," David advised. "I'll support you however I can, but Regina does have the influence to take your job. You don't have tenure. Be careful, Emma."
"I will," Emma lied. She ignored the furrow in David's brow and excused herself.
"Woah, hold your horses!" Snow caught Emma's arm before she left the main office. "Hey, what happened in there? You okay?"
"I need a minute," Emma replied, pushing past her. Seeing the worry on Snow's face, Emma recalled David's words about how all this would affect her. Guilt nudged at Emma, so she turned back and allowed Snow to envelop her in a bone-crushing hug.
"Take your minute," Snow whispered into her shoulder, giving Emma one last squeeze. "But come have lunch in my room. It'll be private and quiet, and you can tell me what happened."
"Okay," Emma agreed. She wondered if having a mother's love like Snow's as a child might have changed her own path.
Emma fumbled for the key to her classroom but noticed the door was already unlocked and the lights were on. Frowning, she pushed the door open and spotted Henry, sitting alone at his desk.
"Henry? What are you doing here?" Emma looked around in confusion. "How did you get in?"
Henry turned and waved a greeting, but his energy was low, and dark circles shadowed his eyes. "Hi, Emma. I waited for you. The custodian let me in. I wanted to check on Lil… on Killian."
"Who?" Emma's stomach dropped before she remembered she was the idiot who named the gecko after her ex. "Oh, yeah. Lilo was supposed to feed him this morning." Emma checked the clock. They had a few minutes before the bell rang, but Lilo still hadn't shown up. Odd, Emma thought, wondering if Lilo had forgotten.
"You look a bit tired, kid," Emma remarked, as Henry yawned widely.
"I asked Mom to drop me off early," Henry said with a shrug. His eyes drifted sleepily to his desk. "I'm fine."
"Mmm, not buying it," Emma said dryly. "C'mere. Let's see if we have any snacks in here to help wake you up."
Henry popped out of his seat, clearly excited for human interaction, and followed Emma to the tiny classroom storage closet that smelled of dust and mothballs. She rummaged through some drawers, avoiding the caked in foul-smelling substances, and found a couple of packets of instant coffee and hot cocoa. She quickly checked the expiration dates; thankfully, they were still good.
"Maybe some hot cocoa will give you a little extra pep," Emma said, smiling as she handed Henry the packets. "I bet if you ask Ms. Rose nicely, she'll give you a styrofoam cup and let you use the hot water machine."
Henry beamed at her and disappeared out the door. While he was gone, Emma set up the morning lesson, writing the objectives and date on the board. She peeked through the blinds, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lilo. For some reason, she had a sneaking suspicion something terrible had happened to her.
Henry returned with two steaming cups and a granola bar packet in his mouth. He greeted Emma, his words muffled by the package, making them both laugh.
"Careful—you don't want to spill," Emma said hurriedly, taking the cups. "Then your mom would really kill me."
Henry quickly unwrapped the granola bar and devoured it. Emma raised an eyebrow. "Alright, talk. You're a mess this morning."
Henry took a mischievous sip of cocoa. "Mr. Hopper thinks it's puberty."
Emma blanched. "Never mind. Stop talking. Immediately."
Henry laughed, a playful smile on his face. He handed her the coffee. "You look tired too. Early morning?"
"Yeah," Emma said, taking a grateful gulp. "Thanks for the coffee, Henry."
"Thanks for the loaner," he said, holding out his cup. Emma clinked hers against his. It felt good to see him happy. Throughout the week, Henry had seemed a little down. Emma tried to remember if she had ever seen Henry walking the halls with anyone, but he always seemed alone.
"Maybe bring a friend next time you come to my class early, huh?" Emma teased, but Henry looked away.
"I don't have any," he said. "Can I feed Killian?"
"Sure can," Emma said, though her heart fell at his admission. She tried not to let it show, in case it wounded Henry's pride.
They returned to the storage closet, and Emma showed Henry how to pick up a healthy cricket from the container with tongs and lightly dust it with a shake of calcium powder inside a bag. Henry jumped excitedly when the gecko snapped up the breakfast he held out for him. They exchanged happy grins.
"Well done, kid!"
"That was awesome," Henry said, unable to hold back a smile.
The bell rang, and they cleaned up as students started trickling into the class.
"Tea—cher!" The tell-tale sing-song voice of the tattler rang out. "Lilo got in trouble on the bus, and I think she's suspended!"
Shock and pain washed over Emma in quick succession. She glanced at Henry, whose entire demeanor darkened. The inklings of a crush had clearly started to bloom there, but Emma decided to keep that to herself.
Needing to act fast to resolve the situation, Emma first address the tattler. "It's not nice to tattle or spread gossip," she said seriously. "Unless the teacher needs to know something to keep everyone safe, keep it to yourself. How would you feel if someone ran around the school laughing about every time you made a mistake?"
"I wouldn't like it," the student said, looking up fearfully. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry," Emma smiled. "Be informed." Their class motto. The tattletale nodded and rushed to her seat.
"Henry, I need your help," Emma called. He perked up, always happy to have a special job. "Collect all the homework and bring it to the office at the end of the day for Lilo."
He nodded eagerly. "Yes, Em— Miss Swan."
Morning reading and writing lessons flowed by as Emma waited to talk to Snow. She looked forward to it, needing adult time, and couldn't help watching the clock.
Neither could Henry. Despite their bonding time that morning, Henry still seemed bored and disengaged from the lessons. Even during reading, which was usually his favorite. He hadn't done any of the homework packet either. Emma fretted over Henry's wellbeing and the possibility of having to call Regina about his grades slipping. She would rather die than do that.
Lunch and recess finally arrived, and as soon as the last child was out the door to the playground, Emma beelined to the music room.
Mary Margaret, dressed in a crisp white blouse, blue cardigan, and tiny daisies in her hair, was still talking to a group of middle school girls. Emma hung back, letting them finish. Two of the older grade teachers walked by. One cackled as they passed.
"…Hear she's sleeping with the boss."
"No wonder he made such a big deal of saving specials."
"What do they even do in music anyway?"
Emma glared as they tittered down the hallway. When she turned back, the students had left, and Snow looked furious.
"They're gossiping about me now?" she cried.
Emma felt awful. "I hope it's not because we're friends. They were gossiping this morning too."
Snow led her inside, and Emma let out a surprised laugh when Snow immediately locked and bolted the door to the music room.
"No student enters my sanctuary unless I'm being paid," she said sagely.
Snow had packed Emma a lunch, and Emma gratefully crammed half a turkey sandwich into her mouth, sighing in contentment.
"Did you really go to prison?" Snow asked, squinting.
Emma nearly choked on her bite, protesting weakly as Snow grabbed her arm tensely. "C'mon! I got busted as a teenager for shoplifting. Give me a break. I was a stupid kid." Emma finished the sandwich, grumpily. "My record should have been sealed when I turned 18. How the hell did Regina find out?"
"How does she know about me and David?" Snow wondered.
Emma looked at her dryly. "Everyone knows about that, Snow."
"Not that we're…. you know," she trailed off, blushing.
"Fucking?"
"Emma!" Snow rushed to grab her arm again, shushing her. Snow looked around frantically, but they were the only ones in the giant music room. Then she smiled, a wicked gleam in her eye.
"But yes, that." Snow opened her tupperware of salad and stabbed a carrot with a plastic fork, looking overly innocent. "A little birdy told me you may have the hots for someone yourself." Snow gave Emma a knowing look. "A queen, even."
"Ugh, Mulan," Emma groaned, leaning back. Her ears felt hot. She would never tell her anything again.
"It would be totally cute if she wasn't trying to, y'know, get you fired," Snow said. "I can totally picture you with an older woman. Just… anyone but her." Snow shuddered.
"I can't even think about that right now," Emma said, slumping. "I'm really worried about Henry. He's not paying attention in class or doing any homework either. You're right, he does seem depressed."
"God, don't tell Regina that," Snow warned, eyes flashing. Then she grew thoughtful. "You know, Henry has a cool special interest. I discovered it one time when I was subbing for his fourth-grade teacher. Wow, that guy is a real piece of work."
Emma thought about the note he wrote in Henry's file and agreed.
Snow set aside her barely touched salad and rifled around her shelves. After a moment, she pulled out a giant book with gold-edged pages and a prince and princess on the cover.
"Fairytales?" Emma wondered, smoothing her hand over the glossy cover.
"Yeah, he loves them," Snow said fondly. "You should take it and read some. Maybe you can use it in your reading class or something."
"Thank you, Snow," Emma said, giving her a hug around the shoulders. She grinned. "Maybe I should tell Henry the nickname I give you and Prince Charming."
"Just make sure he doesn't find out you have the hots for his mom," Snow teased, and Emma whacked her.
Emma and Mary Margaret's lunch flew by, interrupted too soon by the afternoon bell. Emma's ensuing math and science classes went as dreadfully as ever, but her heart lightened thinking about tomorrow's class with the book of fairytales.
That evening, Emma flipped through the book and planned a reading lesson around Snow White and the Evil Queen, as that story had captured her interest right away for some reason. She designed a rigorous lesson where the students would tease out subtle inferences about each character. Confident in her planning, Emma finally looked forward to going to work. She hoped that even HR's observation of her class would go smoothly with Henry engaged.
Before heading to the gym, Emma made a quick call to Nani, Lilo's older sister, whose voice sounded both surprised and relieved at the positive news from the school for once. Learning that Lilo's suspension was only three days and that she would return the following week lifted a weight off Emma's shoulders, and she knew it would bring relief to Henry as well.
As the classroom filled the next day, Emma faced an unexpected audience: stern-faced men and women in business suits wielding clipboards. Sweating profusely in her own suit, Emma passed out reading packets and ignored her nerves. Henry's sudden attentiveness at the sight of the Evil Queen's illustration brought Emma a fleeting sense of triumph amidst the chaos.
The HR representatives left before the lunch bell rang, giving Emma encouraging smiles as they departed. One even gave her a thumbs up before the others shooed him out the door. Emma desperately hoped that would put to rest all the complaints about her teaching abilities. Her students had focused and worked exceptionally hard.
Henry approached her desk as the rest of the fifth graders packed up for recess. "Who were all those weird people?"
"They were, uh… here to make sure I'm a good teacher, Henry," Emma answered him honestly. Henry could detect lies just like Emma.
"Oh, well that must have been easy," he said. He bounced on the balls of his feet. "Can we read more stories like that?"
Emma smiled at his enthusiasm and nodded. Henry's wistful gaze fixed on Mary Margaret's book prompted Emma to hand it to him. "Why don't you take this home over the weekend? You can find some stories that the other kids will like too," Emma suggested. Henry's face lit up and he enveloped her in a grateful hug.
"I'll take really good care of it," he promised.
As Henry joined the line for recess, he cradled the book protectively to his chest, a sight that tugged at Emma's heartstrings. Despite the trials Regina had put her through this month, seeing Henry's joy felt like a small victory.
Emma arrived at school early that day, spirits high. After checking her mailbox and signing in, she couldn't resist snagging a donut from the box on Secretary Aurora's desk, who smiled sweetly as she walked by. While making copies, a furious voice emanated from David's office.
Donut dangling from her mouth, Emma turned and saw Regina and David through the glass walls. Regina was pointing a finger at David, who had his hands up in a defensive gesture. Emma sighed, instinctively knowing the meeting was about Henry, and left her sugary treat on the table outside David's office.
"Oh sorry," Emma feigned ignorance as she entered, letting the door swing halfway closed behind her. "Should I come back, or?"
"No, stay," David waved her in. "This meeting has been a long time coming."
Emma stepped into the office. Her breath caught at the sight of Regina, who was clad in a black sleeveless turtleneck sweater dress that accentuated her perfect figure. With effort, Emma dragged her eyes to the back of the room so they didn't linger places they shouldn't.
"Good morning, Ms. Mills," Emma greeted, mustering as much courtesy as she could for the woman trying to get her fired.
"You weren't invited to this meeting," Regina's voice was cold, her gaze fixed firmly on David.
David intervened, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Let's all just try to calm down and take a seat together," he suggested.
As a gesture of goodwill, Emma sank into one of the armchairs, while Regina followed suit, crossing her legs elegantly but still clearly enraged. The room fell into an awkward silence, thick with tension.
David broke the silence. "None of us has to like each other, but we all need to be respectful," he asserted, his leadership shining through even in such trying circumstances. "Ms. Mills, Ms. Swan, I think there could be something here besides animosity. I think Henry has an amazing mother who fights for him. And I think Ms. Swan does too. Maybe her methods are a bit unconventional, sure, but she cares about your son."
Regina held up a packet, last night's homework, and Emma recognized it immediately. Regina's glare intensified as she handed it to David. "This was what Henry brought home last night. It's not on any of the approved reading lists."
David skimmed through it, frowning. "What's the problem here? The reading level of this assignment is high, but I don't see anything objectionable."
Regina's frustration was palpable as her nails tapped impatiently along the desk. "While Ms. Swan teaches… whatever that is," she waved her hand dismissively, "Mother Superior is reading Of Mice and Men. It's a 7th-grade level novel, a classic. For the last time, please move Henry to that class. I've tried asking nicely, and both of you have given me no other choice but to play dirty."
"Henry hasn't been doing his homework," Emma interjected finally.
"What? How am I just now hearing about this?" Regina demanded.
Emma pointed to the packet in David's hands. "This is the first time I've seen him do it. He loves fairy tales, Ms. Mills. I was only trying to help him engage more."
Regina turned back to David halfway through Emma's explanation rudely holding up a hand as if to silence a petulant child. "If you won't do what I ask, maybe it's time the school board discusses a new principal."
David remained composed, leaning back in his chair and considering Regina's words carefully. "Ms. Mills, I would be happy to meet with the school board anytime. But my final decision is that unless the school board or HR finds a serious reason to switch Henry to the other class, I don't plan on changing my mind."
Regina stood, bristling with annoyance. "Thanks for wasting my time."
"Have a wonderful day as well, Ms. Mills," David returned, smiling serenely.
Regina left and Emma could have sworn a cloud of purple smoke followed her. Emma couldn't shake the feeling of impending trouble. "She's going after you now because of me," she groaned. "I can't let that happen. You haven't done anything."
David shrugged. "It's not ideal, but I'll manage. As long as your heart is in the right place, I will always defend you, Emma."
Determined to address the situation head-on, Emma hurried to the parking lot, where Regina was already making her escape in her sleek black 1988 Mercedes Benz. Emma jogged towards her, feeling a surge of anxiety.
"What do you want now, Ms. Swan?" Regina snapped, irritation evident in her tone.
"Wait, Regina, I—" Emma began, but Regina cut her off sharply.
"That's Ms. Mills to you," she retorted, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Emma swallowed her nerves, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. "Sorry, Ms. Mills. I know you're upset with me. Please don't take this out on anyone else but me. Mr. Nolan and Ms. Blanchard have nothing to do with this."
Regina waited, her expression unreadable, as Emma stumbled over her words, attempting to regain her composure. "I've been hoping to see you in the classroom and have your help, but you haven't been coming?" Emma tried weakly.
"I gave you a gift by staying away," Regina deadpanned.
Okay. Emma thought. This is not going well. She persisted, hoping to reason with her adversary. "Listen, I shouldn't have told you about Lilo's file. That was confidential, and I don't plan on making that mistake again. But the reason I shared that with you was because I see what Henry writes about you. I see how much he loves and respects you, and I figured telling you might help you understand why I care about these kids so much. Why what I do might not make sense. But I have reasons for everything."
Regina paused, considering Emma's words, and for a moment, they seemed to be making progress. But Regina's walls quickly went back up.
"I'm not interested in your career or what you do," Regina said. "Remove Henry from your class, and I'll be happy to never see you again."
"No," Emma replied. "He wants to be in my class. Unless Henry tells me otherwise, I'm not abandoning him."
"Abandoning—" Regina laughed darkly, shaking her head. She looked ready to explode, and Emma wished this could be easier for her. Despite everything, she couldn't help but feel for Regina, maybe even admire her.
Regina stepped closer, so close Emma could smell her exotic perfume, feel her breath on her skin. Emma shivered.
"Stop filling my son's head with your stupid fairytales." Regina's voice dripped with hate and silky venom. "Life isn't kind to boys like Henry. The world isn't a fairy tale for him. He can't ever be second best. He must be twice as good as everyone else to be just as good." Regina's voice quivered, and Emma wondered if they were still talking about Henry. Regina stepped back, and Emma noticed the tears in Regina's eyes.
"I just got Henry past his latest attempt," she said, her voice catching. She wiped her tears, but they kept coming. She'd clearly been holding this in for too long, and now it was erupting.
"Oh my god," Emma breathed. Unable to stop herself, she stepped forward and grabbed Regina's shoulders, trying to offer some solace. Regina didn't push her away. "I am so sorry, Ms. Mills. I had no idea. Oh, Henry."
"He doesn't need to hope for a world where everyone is good and good people get happy endings," Regina continued, her mascara running. "Sometimes good people have terrible endings, and it's not their fault."
Emma thought of her own childhood and agreed wholeheartedly. "Please, tell me what I can do."
For a moment, Emma saw a hurting, betrayed woman behind Regina's eyes. The vulnerability was there, but only for a second before Regina pushed her away. Emma stumbled back.
"Resign," Regina said, venom back in her voice. "I'll be gone for three weeks on business while Henry stays with a relative. When I return, you better be gone, or this will get ugly."
She slid expensive shades over her eyes and got into her car. Emma stumbled back as Regina turned the ignition, stepped on the gas, and sped away with a cruel wave.