I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
A/N: This is the sequel to New Tricks. You probably should read that one before you read this. This is a non-magical AU. There's still no Henry. It's much closer to the story I had hoped New Tricks would be.
Special thanks to Loki1222, capnvanillawithsprinkles, MamaSaucy, JustaWanderingReader, Swanqueen_Scout, MagnusXXZ, SQMurphy3, Rottenapple, and ChessHatter for the suggestions you left on New Tricks. I appreciate you throwing ideas at me to help make this story happen. I'm not sure where and when suggestions pop up in the story, but I did my best to make them happen. So, again, thank you. I appreciate it.
Come say hi to me on Facebook (SL Kassidy) or at Tumblr (SLunatic).
Domestication Begins at Home
1: Puppy Love
Emma was back home and happier than she had ever been. She had no idea this sort of contentment existed, this awesome sensation of safety, security, and being unbothered, with no worries, and unburdened with life. She lay curled on the sofa in comfortable, black sweatpants and a soft yellow hoodie. The clothing hugged her. She breathed in deep and exhaled the same, taking in the scent of apple pie that always hung in the air of Regina's house.
Emma was so relaxed it was a struggle to stay awake. Her eyelids refused to open all the way, but it was much too early to go to bed. Plus, she had to hang out with Regina.
Regina. Even the name in her mind made Emma's body melt, but in a snugly manner. Regina's presence protected her, like nothing would ever hurt her in any way ever again. It was a little weird since Regina hurt her not too long ago by throwing her away, but they worked things out. They were okay again and Emma did not have the words to explain how it made her feel. Not like bullets would bounce off of her, but like life would be amazing now.
Emma wiggled, burrowing deeper into her spot on the couch as the warmth inside of her ebbed and flowed soothing like ocean waves, calming every bit of her. Once she settled, she ran her finger along her collar, the one with her name. It was a promise everything was all right, back to normal.
" This is so cool," she sighed into the sofa cushion.
She was fresh from the shower and moisturized up thanks to Regina, the best pet owner on the planet. She's so damn fantastic at this pampering thing. Now, all she had to do was wait for her nails to get clipped and dinner. If she was extra-well-behaved, her hair would get brushed. This was a freaking magnificent existence. Hard to believe she almost lost this not too long ago.
Bad boyfriend decisions had a habit of coming back up in her life and ruining Emma's life and that had almost happened to this life she was building with Regina. Her ex-boyfriend, Killian Jones, better known as Hook to anyone who knew him in Storybrooke, had robbed Regina in an attempt to impress Emma. It was such an idiotic plan and Regina suspected Emma had something to do with it for the simple fact that Emma knew the bastard. Well, and you did have a history of breaking into her house. It was how they met, after all.
It still hurt to know Regina thought so little of her. Yes, it happened after Emma subjected Regina to about a dozen break-ins and left her feeling unsafe in her own home. That was not cool and Emma needed Regina to tell her that at the time.
Emma had never had a home until now to know what it felt like to be safe and secure in one. When Regina kicked her out over Hook's actions, Emma was certain she would never be the same, like she would forever be crooked, broken, and jumbled up inside. She would never interact with the world like she used to. She thought she would make it right by getting Regina's things back, which she did, but it still did not make up for what happened. Regina had not let her come back home at the time.
Regina rejecting her had been the worst pain Emma was exposed to, which was unexpected. She often thought she lived through the worst of it — so many betrayals in her young life — but Regina not letting her come home was the peak of agony.
Regina had been going through her agony as well, beyond the violation Hook visited upon her house and assuming her dear Duckling betrayed her. Her dream — a cool cafe — had been burned to the ground on the same night Hook broke into her house and stole things. Regina had been devastated, gutted worse than her cafe, but still gave Emma a second chance. I gotta make sure I do this right this time.
"Duckling, what is going on with you? I've been calling you for a minute," Regina said as she sat down on the couch, looking all sexy in her black nightgown. Her face was free of makeup and she was so bright and beautiful, her eyes sparkling. She was the perfect woman.
Emma blinked. "Calling me?" I was more than a million miles away if I couldn't hear her. Lost in memories that would serve as a warning for the rest of her life.
"Yes, I wanted to know if you wanted to eat or if you wanted your nails clipped first," Regina replied.
Emma pursed her lips and looked at her left hand fingernails. They were longer than she liked and uneven, but better than usual. Before Regina, she always had dirty and rough nails. "You can do them as short as you like." She wiggled her eyebrows.
Regina rolled her eyes. "I can always cut your fingers off and be done with the whole chore." Her dry tone made her sound like she meant it.
Emma grinned. "Yeah, but it won't be much fun for you later on."
"It's never too late for me to buy you a doghouse and put you out in the yard. It won't be inhumane while the weather is agreeable," Regina said.
Emma chuckled. "With the way you work, it'll be a tiny house and better than literally any other place I've ever lived, excluding my nest anyway."
Regina sucked her teeth, proving Emma right. She grabbed Emma's hand, going right into clipping her nails. Emma should hate this, being babied, treated like a pet, and pampered like she could not handle herself. But, it was Regina and it only made her feel loved and wanted. It helped to know Regina enjoyed doing this, as this was her love language. Emma certainly felt loved.
"Now, food?" Emma asked after all of her nails were trimmed, buffed, and polished. Her nails never looked so healthy, like many other things about her body. Regina did not do a half-assed job on any of this pet care stuff.
"I am considering washing your hair," Regina replied.
Emma groaned, ready to slide off of the couch into a full tantrum. "You did that a couple of days ago. You're just trying to keep me from eating."
Regina chuckled and leaned over, kissing Emma's forehead and Emma sat up. Now, all was right in the world, well, more right than before. And to make it more right, Emma went in for a kiss on Regina's lips. Regina kissed her back. This has to be heaven.
This was one of Emma's new favorite things. Kisses on the lips were new for them and their dynamic, but since coming home, Regina was open to Emma being more than a pet. Or at least being more of a human pet than an actual pet like before.
From the press of Regina's lips, warmth seeped into Emma and spread through her at such a tranquil pace. It was like having toasty clouds float through her. Was kissing like that for Regina? Did she feel like she might melt into a happy puddle or float off into space? From the way Regina lingered at her lips, it was not a stretch to believe Regina experienced something similar and relished in it just the same.
Regina eased away and Emma whined at the absence. Brown eyes rolled again, but they were full of affection. No one ever looked at Emma with such pleasantness, such love, like she was worthwhile and precious. These were the eyes of someone who would never hurt her.
"Fine, you can eat." Regina got up, retrieving their meals.
Emma giggled and cued up a documentary for Regina. She watched so many educational things with Regina. It was not as boring as she always swore it was. Regina's presence might have made things better, as it did for everything else with Emma.
Regina came back with a small basket of toasted garlic bread. Emma leaned in for a whiff of the delicious bread. Then, she came in with two bowls of salad. Emma frowned at the healthy stuff, even though she learned to love grape tomatoes and Regina's homemade salad dressing. And then the main course showed up. Lasagna. Emma drooled.
"Duckling, I'm not mopping up a puddle," Regina said in a sharp tone.
Emma swallowed. "Oh, sorry. I love your damn lasagna and that's not a euphemism." She licked her lips as her giant pile of lasagna stared at her.
"Just make sure you eat some salad with this." Regina pointed to the salad, in case Emma missed it.
Emma made a face, even though she would eat the salad. She always ate the salad or the vegetables. She appreciated the food. She tasted Regina's love of cooking with every bite.
They dived into the meal, and it was amazing as always. Emma hummed as got all of the stretched cheese into her mouth from each huge bite. As she chewed her lasagna, she bit into a slice of garlic bread. She moaned to the point that Regina gave her a look.
" You're being dramatic now," Regina said.
" That's what you think, but I don't think I'm being dramatic enough. I'd say you should sell this, but I'm sure you'll get around to it." Emma offered an impish smile.
Regina curled her lip, but went back to her food and watching the show. Emma ate, stuffing her mouth with every bit of food set out for her. The documentary had her attention as she started on her salad. The Earth was really pretty if people took a moment to stop and look.
Emma appreciated nature documentaries thanks to relaxing with Regina, so that was pleasant as well. Something was soothing about watching nature documentaries, as long as it was not too predator-heavy. It gave her a chance to forget about the fast-paced adult life of the outside world and the hard expectations of society.
Once dinner was done, there was apple pie for dessert. Emma had two slices, left nothing but crumbs, and was ready to pass out, but the documentary was still on. She laid her head in Regina's lap and then popped up. Regina yelped, staring at Emma with wide eyes.
"Hey, I just had an awesome idea!" Emma turned to Regina. How have I never thought of this before?
Regina arched her eyebrow. "I doubt it."
Emma laughed, even though she should not. "No, this'll be great. You have to lie down, though."
Regina frowned. "And how will you put your head in my lap?"
"This'll be better. Trust me. Just lie down."
Regina eyed her, but gave it a shot. She laid down and Emma settled on her. Emma shifted her weight, doing her best to make sure she did not squash Regina. She rested her head on Regina's breasts as Regina moved a leg, making herself more comfortable, and cradling Emma between her legs. Regina wrapped her arms around Emma. Okay, this was heaven. Making it better, Regina kissed the top of her head, rubbing between Emma's shoulders.
"This was a superb idea," Regina said.
Emma sighed and put her hands on Regina's sides. "Yeah, freaking perfect. I never want to leave this spot." She clutched Regina.
"You like this, huh?" Regina asked, voice near a whisper, as if she was falling asleep.
"Yes. This is something beyond my wildest dreams, even if I don't get kisses. Although, you know I love kisses."
A soft chuckle escaped Regina. "I am aware." She kissed the top of Emma's head again. So perfect.
"I feel like I should tell you this is the happiest I've ever been in my life. I was so scared I lost this and it would've been worse if it was because of that asshole Hook. He already did so much to make me miserable. Although, he is kinda the reason we met."
" He's the reason you were living in your car," Regina said.
Emma nodded. "He was."
" You never said why."
Emma took a deep breath. She did not want Regina to think less of her, but she should open up to Regina, and let her know what Emma had gone through, so she understood why this — them, their relationship, and having a home — was so important to Emma. "I didn't have any place to stay and I was tired of bouncing between my friends. He offered, but there were conditions to his offer I didn't know about until I got there. He had expectations."
Regina scowled. "I can find him for you."
Emma waved that idea away. "You don't have to. I'm done with him and I'm happy where I am now. Besides, he's just one in a long line of shitty lovers I've had. A long line of people who haven't been cool." A long line of people who made me think I'm the problem.
Regina caressed her head. "Don't think about him. Soon, he'll be in prison and I won't let him bother you."
Emma smiled. "I believe you." She would never forget the fear August expressed when she told him Hook stole from the mayor. If Regina was going to protect her, it was real.
"I wouldn't let anyone hurt my little Duckling."
"And I wouldn't be Duckling for anyone else." She would never trust someone enough to do this with them.
"I believe you."
Conversation faded and Emma was pretty sure she nodded off a couple of times. How could she not? Regina's heartbeat was right under her ear and Regina petting her head and rubbing her back was the most relaxing thing she had ever experienced. So, she was not surprised when Regina helped her sit up and directed her to her "nest."
Her space was about the size of a walk-in closet and she was not sure why Regina had it, but it was her little place inside of the house. She had never had a room of her own before and it was very clear this was her room. Regina never went in it, never cleaned it for her, and always respected if Emma closed the door, shutting out the world.
The floor was littered with toys, clothes, and other items. Emma collapsed onto her bed, which was a narrow, bench-like space. It was more than enough space for her to sleep on. She had a comfortable bed topper on it and comfy blankets as well as several pillows. Not to mention her baby Donald Duck plushie, which Regina probably bought her as a joke, but she loved the damn thing.
"Wait!" Emma leaped up and rushed back out, catching Regina on the stairs. Her heart pounded in her chest, adrenaline pumping through her.
Regina paused, one foot on the first step. "Yes, Duckling?"
"Goodnight kiss?" Emma packed on the puppy-dog eyes.
Regina chuckled, but she leaned in, kissing Emma on the lips. She cupped Emma's face as the kiss continued, caressing her cheeks with gentle thumbs. Emma hummed as warmth flooded her, seeping into every part of her body. She never felt like this with kissing someone. It was so many different feelings. All of them good. She would sleep well thanks to this.
"That good enough for you?" Regina asked, lips barely away from Emma's mouth.
" Any and all affection from you is good enough for me. Now, I know I'll have awesome dreams," Emma replied.
Regina snickered. "Goodnight, Duckling."
" You think I'm being silly, but I'm so serious." Emma slept best under Regina's roof. This was nearly the perfect existence. I wanna be with her forever.
-8-8-8-8-
Cooking was Regina's first love. She had always enjoyed it, partially because her mother hated it. Her mother always assumed it was low class to cook and detested finding Regina in the kitchen, learning at the feet of their personal chefs and caterers. Well, not exactly learning, as none of them would dare do something to piss off Cora Mills, but they fueled her imagination and curiosity as she studied them and their magic. Regina especially loved cooking for Duckling now.
Duckling always showed such delight and love in Regina's food. Regina was not sure anyone ever enjoyed things she made the way Duckling did. So, she made sure to cook for Duckling as often as possible, which included breakfast every morning before she left for work.
French toast with powdered sugar, syrup, homemade whipped cream, and strawberries. But, because Duckling also liked child-like things, she cut the toast into sticks. Then, there were scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach, as Duckling needed vegetables in her life. Seasoned, spicy sausage links rounded out the meal with a tall glass of apple juice. Now, she had to dress.
By the time she came back downstairs in a crisp, black, pinstriped three-piece suit, Duckling crawled out of her nest, hair a mess, and stared at the table. With a chuckle, Regina caressed her head and kissed her cheek. Duckling made a pleased noise as she sat on the sofa. Regina put her breakfast in front of her and Duckling purred as a smile curled its way onto her lips.
" You made this whipped cream from scratch, didn't you?" Duckling asked as she surveyed the meal.
Regina smiled. "You know I did. I need to get to work. Take a bite before I leave." She wanted to see Duckling revel in the meal.
Duckling did not disappoint, diving right into her French toast sticks. She grabbed one, more powdered sugar than toast, dripping with syrup, dipped it in the whipped cream, and moaned at the first bite. Such a sound should have hit Regina a little below the gut, but it just made happiness seep through her.
"It's so damn delicious. Might be my new favorite breakfast. This gonna be at the cafe?" Duckling asked and then she chewed.
"I hadn't considered it. I was going to do something simple like oatmeal and porridge for breakfast," Regina replied.
Duckling shook her head. "No, you should do this and pancake sticks, too."
"I'll think about it. I don't think it goes with the pastries. Maybe some egg sandwiches." She and Maleficent would rethink the menu once they saw what type of business they got when the cafe opened.
Duckling made a pleased chirp. "Oh, those are good, too."
Regina smiled. "You think everything I make is good."
"Because it is. Goodbye kisses?" Duckling grinned, pointing to her mouth.
"Kisses and food. You're so greedy." Of course, it warmed Regina to her core that Duckling wanted kisses from her. Someone wanted her for herself. This was new and amazing. I can't ruin this with her like before.
"Kisses." Duckling pointed to her lips.
"Brat." But, Regina kissed Duckling, tasting the French toast, sugar, syrup, and whipped cream. "This was much too sweet for you, especially in the morning." She would have to ease up on the powdered sugar and not include whipped cream next time.
Duckling groaned. "It's great! I'm gonna eat it all." She shoved another toast stick into her mouth, syrup drizzling down the corner of her mouth.
"You better." And on that note, Regina left for work.
For the past week, Regina felt better about going to work. It was probably thanks to settling things with Duckling, but also because she would not have to be mayor for much longer. Yes, there were a few months left in her term, but then it would be over. She would not have to take part in any more corruption or shady dealings.
She would be able to focus on her cafe with her best friend, Maleficent. This cafe had been a long time coming. It had been put on hold when she had been talked into running for mayor, trying to escape a scam from her mother. She had been caught between a rock and a hard place at the time. Now, she was almost free.
For the moment, Regina could be particularly mean to the terrible people she had to deal with every single day. People who thought she was a bitch before were barely capable of fathoming what she was now. People who questioned her intelligence before did not have time to do so now as they avoided her and her wrath.
It thrilled Regina to the core of her being that people ducked out of the way as she made her way to her office. Then, she was in for a shock when she stepped into her office. There was someone there, waiting for her at the seat in front of her desk.
"Mother?" And the morning was going so well. Regina's stomach dropped and her heart leaped into her throat. No, don't let her scare you. You're not a child anymore. She can't control you. Your life is your own.
Her mother turned, the usual menace in her dark brown eyes. Somehow, her perfect posture made her more ominous, as did her perfect makeup and hair. Regina learned this power from her, but the sight of her mother always sent a chill through her.
"Regina, I was wondering if you'd ever arrive at work," her mother replied with a barely concealed sneer.
Regina sniffed as she made her way to her desk. She tried to ignore her mother's perfume lingering in the air. A subtle, but intense scent that haunted Regina's childhood. It invaded her and made her nerves itch. A cold sweat broke out all over her body. Her heart punched her ribs as her heart rate shot up. She took a subtle breath, needing to calm herself.
"My day starts at nine, every single day," Regina stated in a tone she would use for anyone else. Everyone knew that, Mother included. She has no power here. You have the power, so act like it. She would try her best, fake it until she made it.
Mother followed her with her eyes. "And when does your day end?"
Regina put her briefcase down in her chair. "Depends on what happened during the day." Sometimes, she could not control when she left Town Hall, which was why she controlled when she arrived.
Mother was unimpressed, a sneer on her painted lips. "Is it so busy around here that you're constantly staying late?"
Regina pulled out her laptop from her bag. "Why the inquisition, Mother?" She could guess why. She took another breath to avoid shaking. Stay calm. She has no power here.
"I'm trying to understand what would make you refuse to run for a second term of this podunk town. I'm sure it's not because you've finally come to your senses and decided to think bigger. A seat in the state government, perhaps? To pave the way for your run for governor?" Her mother smirked, even though her mother did not want that for her. Her mother did not believe in holding such open positions of power due to the fallout that came with them should scandals and schemes come out.
"No, Mother, we both know that's not happening. I've grown tired of government," Regina replied. It did not help she never wanted this job in the first place, even though she was quite talented at it. It left her feeling dirty more often than not. But, that's from entertaining scum. Beyond that, she hated being treated like she was incompetent by lesser intellects, even though she proved time and time again she was more than capable. She had no desire to deal with that sort of treatment for the rest of her career.
Mother's gaze passed over her, as if she was worthless, small. "Yes, well, now maybe you'll do things my way and simply become the power behind the chair rather than the puppet in the chair."
Regina focused on her laptop screen, even though she had not signed in yet. She would never do such a thing with her mother in the room. She was certain her mother would manage to steal her login information somehow.
"I have no desire for the chair at all," Regina replied, bored with this conversation now. Her discomfort buzzed through her rather than shrieked as it tended to around Mother. Yes, you're in control, not her. You have the power, not her.
Her mother frowned. "Regina, don't be a child. I understand working with Rumple can be exhausting, but you've outgrown him and you can do so much more."
Regina's head throbbed from the mention of her "mentor," Rumpelstiltskin Gold. He helped her get elected in return for her soul. He was the top reason she felt dirty doing this job more often than not. Well, she would take her soul back now, taking her life back. She was done with trying to please him and her mother. It brought her nothing but pain and suffering. Life could be so much more.
I've seen the more with Duckling. Her cooking could make people happy, bring them joy. She was capable of bringing happiness instead of misery to the populace. She had never wanted to make people miserable. And it would help me, as it has helped me. I don't want to be miserable anymore.
"I have my own plans for more," Regina said.
Her mother sucked her teeth. "Not that little scrap of a restaurant. It's already burned down before you got a chance to get it off the ground. Take that as a sign." Her mother had to know arson was at play and it was Rumple, but they could play like it was some act of the universe. After all, the universe hated her as much as her mother and Rumple did.
"The cafe is being restored and will be open by the time I'm out of this accursed chair," Regina stated. It would be absolute bliss when this was someone else's problem.
Mother's gaze managed to become more stern. "Regina, you can't be serious about this."
"I assure you, Mother, I am. Maleficent and I have worked everything out."
Mother scowled deeper, eyes blazing in a way that used to alert child-Regina that something wicked would come her way soon. "Still attached yourself to her, I see."
Mother hated Maleficent for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest was, though, the same reason Rumple detested Maleficent — she was impossible to push around. They might push her, but she pushed back and usually just as hard. It was an "immovable object meets an unstoppable force" situation.
"We happen to get along quite well. We're very excited about this venture and our next act." Regina was proud her voice did not waver and she did not squirm in her seat.
It was not unusual for Regina to wilt in her mother's presence, to die on the inside right before her eyes, but there was nothing to dispute here. She needed to do the cafe for her own peace of mind. If she learned nothing else from her time with Duckling, her happiness might not be conventional, but she deserved it as much as the next person. She would not suffer for others, especially those who did not appreciate it, any longer.
"Your next act? You sound like a clown at the circus," Mother snapped.
Regina did not let the insult affect her, even though it stung. Why did her mother not believe in her hopes and dreams? You know why. You're nothing more than an extension of her hopes and dreams. You don't matter. That was the biggest message she took away from her childhood with Mother. Mother did not care about her. Mother wanted to use her, like Rumple. Never again.
"The cafe is happening," Regina said. She was living her life now.
"And what will happen once it fails?" Mother tilted her head in a manner that Regina always found creepy as a child.
"If at first you don't succeed," Regina replied with a smirk, even though her heart was still in her throat and beating faster than it ever should. She and Maleficent would do this again until they got sick of it and not a moment before.
" So, you're just going to keep wasting your time?"
" I don't think it's a waste of time and it's my life." Regina's voice and word choice were quite deliberate. Yes, my life, not hers. Stand by your conviction, don't let her control you, and live your life.
Her mother exploded behind her eyes and Regina held in snickers. Her mother plotted her demise right before her, but Regina did not wither like she used to. She would stand by this. She would live her life. Screw Mother.
Mother's jaw tensed for a moment. "You're making another mistake."
" I'm allowed to make them."
" That's your father talking."
" And if it is?" This was dangerous. It was one thing to take a stand, but another thing to challenge her mother. It's fine. You're fine. You have the power here. Of course, she had assumed she had the power before and Mother taught her otherwise. No, don't think like that. You're fine. You have the power.
Mother pursed her lips. "This is a pity, Regina. You are destined for greatness and you think I'm going to let you waste it on a cafe?"
It would be pleasing to think her mother had high hopes for her, but again this was not really about her. This was about Mother and Mother's desires. I don't matter, so don't let her get to you. "It won't be a waste."
"You seem hell-bent on this."
Regina only sat up straighter. Mother studied her and she made sure not to squirm. How different was she now? Having Mother stare her down used to make her crumble like a crushed cookie. Now, yes, her insides twisted, but she would not back down. It was not like Mother would beat her in her office. This is my life. Not hers.
"We'll talk more about this later, Regina, after you've had time to think about it." Mother stood with all the elegance of a queen.
Regina made a noise, like she would hear Mother out, even though there was nothing to think about. She knew what she wanted and she would go after it. No more nonsense. She would grab the bull by the horns. Mother left and Regina went to work in peace.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma had her GED study books out. She was back on track to take the test, but her focus was not the best. Maybe it was too soon. She had only come home a couple of weeks ago. Yes, she was certain she was home to stay and Regina would not kick her out again, but it was still hard to take in the information as she remembered how she almost lost all of this.
Keys in the door grabbed her attention, giving her a true distraction. Why was Regina back? Checking the time on her phone, it was not even ten yet. Can't be here and I think Mal has a job or something. No one else should have keys. What the hell was going on? Burglars can't be this bold and stupid.
Emma turned to the door as it opened and then blinked as a person who was not Regina nor Maleficent stepped in. The woman was like a statue, dark brown hair pinned up, and her chin in the air. Her clothing was fashionable, but she wore it like armor, like bullets would run away scared of her. The way she moved was very similar to Regina. Her gaze snapped to Emma.
" Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my daughter's house?" The woman demanded, fury in her eyes.
The hair on the back of Emma's head stood up, but she blinked. Daughter? Holy shit! This is Regina's mother! And there Emma was in her damn bell collar. She wore it every day during the day since Regina let her back in. It comforted her, assured her she was home, and she would not have to leave again. Fuck, maybe she won't notice.
" Um… I'm Emma and Regina's letting me stay here to get my life together," Emma answered. She needed to find out how much of the truth she should tell Regina's mother. Regina never talked about her mother, so Emma was not sure how to navigate the situation.
Regina's mother stared at her for a long moment with cold eyes. It made Emma's guts twist in a manner that reminded her of some of her worst foster mothers. Then, she hit Emma with a look she was familiar with, like there was a foul odor in the air, like Emma was an insect, a filthy insect. Emma would play things close to her chest.
" Is she now? That doesn't surprise me at all," Regina's mother said, sounding as judgmental as Emma expected of Regina's mother.
" Um… she's at work now," Emma said, wanting to give Regina's mother a reason to leave.
Regina's mother dismissed that with a wave of her hand. "I am aware. Tell her I stopped by and I'll be back." And with that, she turned, leaving like this was all normal.
Emma was not sure what to make of the visit. So weird. Weird enough to keep her from focusing on her GED books, weird enough to make her skin crawl. Really, what the hell was that about?
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma tries to make sense of Regina's mother, who is not done yet.