A/N: I am beyond excited and thrilled to finally have brought Emma exactly where she was meant to be, and to end with one hell of a cliffhanger, given that it will be the last update I post for tonight. Until tomorrow that is... ;) so, until then. Happy reading and stay tuned. I do hope this chapter finally inspires some reviews.
Chapter 20: Out of the Future
Four Years Later…
"Oh, they're here! Henry, come down!" Cora announced, pulling open the front door with a greeting smile. "Welcome home!" She beamed, stepping aside to allow entry. "How was the flight?"
"Exhausting," Regina breathed, handing over her luggage to one of the maids. Thanking her with a smile.
"Robin sent me pictures," Said Cora. "It looks like Europe did you good, Regina. You have some color on your cheeks."
"That's called sunburn, mother," Zelena murmurs, going ignored.
"Where is Robin?" Cora peeks out of the door before shutting it.
"Working," Regina looks toward the stairs and her smile grows.
"Is that my little girl?" Henry's breathing quickens as he rushes over to Regina, pulling her into a hug.
"Hi, daddy!" Her hands tighten along her father's back.
Henry's lips press along her temple in a kiss before he brings the back of his hand up to her knuckles. "Look at you. You're looking more radiant than ever."
Zelena rolls her eyes and walks away.
"And you don't look a day over fifty." Regina chimes.
Henry laughs, "If only that were true."
"Don't get too excited, Henry. Remember what the doctor said about your-"
"Oh, Cora for goodness sake." Henry huffed. "Regina is home after being gone for two months. Can't I enjoy her for the rest of the evening without you reminding me what the doctor says every five minutes?" His eyes glare but they shine as they land on Regina again. "Let's go up to my office, huh? Robin sent me a glass of my favorite brandy, and who better to share it with than you?"
Regina smiled, "I'd love that."
Both head back up, leaving Cora along the first floor. Regina could pick up on Henry's heavy breathing as he climbed the stairs, but she didn't say anything until they reached the privacy of his office.
"Come on in," Henry smiled, sighing heavily as he bent down to reach for his bottle of Brandy and two glasses from behind his desk.
"Daddy, maybe we should consider rebuilding your office in one of the rooms below," said Regina. "The house is bigger now after Robin had it expanded, we could-"
"I like my office." Henry glares, waving a dismissive hand. "I'm not changing it just because your husband thinks that's better for all of us." He chuckled, placing a filled up glass in front of Regina. "Husband," he murmured. "I still ask myself how that boy managed to win you over like that. I don't know. You seemed so sure about what you wanted-"
"People change, dad," Regina jumped in, dying inside a little. She died every day that passed and she was forced to wear the ring on her left hand.
"Well, call me crazy, Regina," Henry sat behind his desk. His eyes trained on his daughter's. "But a woman is supposed to be happy when coming back from a vacation in Europe with her husband. Why aren't you?" He takes a sip of the ember liquid.
"What do you mean?" Regina feigns confusion. Her entire life was putting on an act now-a-days. Especially in front of her father, who never knew about her strong motives for selling her soul over to the devil.
Henry's eyes glared over the rim of his glass. "Now, Regina. You think I've gotten where I am by being a fool?"
"That's not what I mean," Regina shakes her head.
"Good. Because I'm not a fool. I'm a father, who happens to know you like the palm of my hand," he holds out his palm. "I carried you with this hand once. I know when you aren't happy and you, my darling, are not happy. Was it the trip? Was it that bad?"
Regina sighed. "The trip was fine."
"Was it Robin, then?" Henry's eyes darkened. "Did he hurt you?"
"No." Regina's brow furrows as she shakes his head. She brushes back a strand away from her face, tucking it with ease behind her ear now that her hair was at shoulder length size. "Robin's been a perfect gentleman. I've made sure of that." She forced a smile. At least the memory of her slapping him on the night of their wedding and forbidding him to consummate their matrimony brought her a bit of joy. He has never tried to bed her after that incident.
Henry chuckled at that, "That's good. Good girl." He wagged a single digit. "A man who doesn't respect his wife and that ring on your finger," he points to the ring. "Isn't worth to be called a man."
Regina glances down at the wedding band along her left hand, but says nothing.
"I have to admit I had my doubts about Robin. He's still not what I would have chosen for you, but," he shrugs. "Even I have to admit, he's a good provider for you. I trust he's a good husband?"
Regina hesitates for a moment. "He is." She takes a sip of her drink, feeling the liquid burn her throat. "What?" She asked after catching her father observing her quietly for a long full minute.
Henry shook his head, "Regina, you can say and act all you want. But I know something is wrong."
"Nothing is wrong, daddy." Regina forced another smile upon her lips.
"Then why don't your eyes shine like they used to?"
"How?" Regina's brow lifts.
"Like they used to back when you were dating… what was her name…?" He snaps his fingers, grunting as his memory struggles to recollect the name Regina had only kept inside of her heart. "Well, my point is, they don't shine like that anymore. You've just returned from a matrimonial vacation. A woman should be blissfully happy. But hey, what do I know, I guess?" He takes another sip.
The corner to Regina's lips lifts into a weak smile that's a little genuine this time. "I can assure you, I'm fine. I'm… happy. And you're doing great," she reaches for her father's hand. "And that makes me the happiest of all." She smiles a little more for good measure. "You're all I care about, daddy."
Henry gives Regina's hand a gentle squeeze, "I'm so happy you're happy, my darling. I never get tired of thanking Robin for allowing you to continue to live with us. Even if that means he needs to live under our roof, too." He mumbles.
"Well, he has to, he is my husband," Regina chuckled through the sour sound of husband. "There was no way I was going to leave your side."
"You're acting like your mother now," Henry reaches for the bottle of brandy, refilling his glass. "Overreacting with her worrying over me." He attempts to reach for Regina's glass to refill it next, but is stopped by her holding up her hand.
"I hope that while I've been gone, you have been taking it easy." Regina gives Henry a pointed look. "You haven't been working yourself to death cooped up in that office, have you?"
"I have to work, Regina. I like it. It keeps my mind sharp. Besides, what do you want me to do here in the house all day? I already deal with your mother and your sister enough."
"I just want you to take care of yourself, daddy." Said Regina.
"And I am. I promise," Henry reaches for Regina's hand along his desk. "I promise." He smiles.
Regina sets her glass down before standing. "I'm going to the studio," she places a kiss along her father's cheek. "Bye. Tell Robin that I'll be home late."
"Robin," Samuel entered his son's office, taking a seat before him.
"Dad, I'm glad you're here, I wanted to talk to you," Robin flicked his wrist, shutting the folder in front of him.
"Well, I want to talk to you," said Samuel.
Robin straightens in his seat. "What's this I hear about expanding? Why wasn't I consulted?"
Samuel's brow lifts. "I wasn't aware I had to inform you of every decision I make for my company."
Robin's eyes glare as they look into his father's. "Of course you do. We're parent's, aren't we?"
"We are," Samuel nods. "But just like you do your little," he motions to the folder in front of Robin. "Business arrangements without consulting me of each one, I too have a right to think of what's best for this company."
The corner of Robin's lip lifts, "And according to you. Father. Just what is it this company needs?"
Samuel chuckles as he stands, and walks over to Robin's mini-bar, helping himself to a drink. "What this company needs, son…" he takes his seat back, taking a much needed sip of bourbon before answering. "Is someone with a good head on his shoulders. It needs… a feminine touch."
Robin's brows hit his hairline before throwing his head back and laughing. "A feminine touch? Locksley Incorporated? Please," he chuckled.
"What's the joke?" Samuel frowns, not revealing a hint of humor along his features. "I wasn't joking."
Robin's smile is replaced by a hard lined frown as his father continues. "You can't possibly be serious!" His eyes grow. "What on earth are we going to do with a woman roaming around here like she owns the place? That's unheard of."
"Someone has to clean up your messes, and like always, son, that someone is me." He takes a sip of his drink.
"So, not only do you hire someone else without consulting me, but you hire this imbecile without even running it by me first?" Robin slams his palm along his desk. "How is that fair!"
Samuel stands, his full body towering over Robin as his eyes glared daggers in his direction. "Watch your tone with me, Robin!" He lifts a chubby finger in front of his son's face.
"You watch yours," Robin barks, standing to be at equal eye-level.
"We need this more than you think. That last accident at the construction site of our apartment building was the last straw! Your wife's father almost lost his life! Have some sympathy!"
Robin stares into his father's bloodshot eyes without an ounce of sympathy in them. "We don't need anyone- I don't need anyone."
"You'll need them because I say you do, Robin. I'm the one always out there on those job sites. Next thing I need is to catch myself in one of those accidents." He points out the window. "Now, this is happening whether you want it to or not. I was already given a green light by a company based in New York, and you will not fuck this up!" He lifts a menacing finger. "When I die, you can burn this company to the ground with your childish mistakes if you want to, but as long as I'm around, in the end you will do what I say. Understood?"
Robin didn't answer. His jaw twitched and his eyes darkened as he stared directly into his father's green eyes. He was grateful to have inherited his mother's blue eyes instead of his father's green ones. He already hated that color enough to endure having to stare at them in front of the mirror every morning.
Once the door slammed shut, Robin picked up the folder that had been delivered to him this morning for him to look over and tossed it across the room. Papers were heard fluttering all over the floor.
"What?!" He shouted, responding to a knock outside his door.
"Someone's having a rough day, I see," Zelena grins, entering Robin's office but not before making sure the door was closed all the way.
Robin marched across the room, gripping onto Zelena's arm a little too roughly. "What the hell are you doing here?" He asked, not caring that she winced in pain.
"You're hurting me," Zelena warned, struggling to get free.
"I've told you many times to never come here!" Robin hissed.
"I said you're hurting me, Robin, now let me go." Zelena yanked her arm away from Robin's grip. "Geez, and here I thought going on vacation with your wife would have made you a happier man. I guess that means Regina still won't give in, huh?" She grins.
"Shut up," Robin lifts a menacing finger in front of Zelena. "I don't want you talking about that to anyone. Do you hear me?"
"Relax, Robbie. I would never tell anybody that my sister is practically a nun around you- ow! Jesus!" Zelena's brows furrowed as Robin slapped her hand away after she tried to fix a single hair that stood up along his perfectly combed head.
"I've told you many times, Zelena, to not call me Robbie." He marches over to his mini-bar and serves himself a drink, gulping the liquid down in one swoop.
"Okay, okay," Zelena rolls her eyes. She walks across the room, settling behind Robin. Her fingers massaging his temples. "You're so tense today, Robin. You need to relax."
"I'm too tense to relax today, Zelena. I'm not in the mood." Said Robin. He watched as Zelena took his glass from him and refilled it.
"I get tired of telling you, Robbie- Robin- sorry, Robin," she quickly corrected herself as she earned a hardened glare from Robin before joining him back along the couch. Her hands running along his shoulders now, working on the knots under the skin. "You should have married me instead. I could have made you an even happier man." She slides off the couch and kneels before Robin. Her eyes locked onto his. "I would have worshiped the ground you walked on."
Robin's breathing became rapid as he inhaled and exhaled through his nose. His hand brought the glass up to his lips, drowning down the liquid before setting it aside. His arms caught Zelena along her waist and her ass, swooping her up off the floor and settling her legs along his lap. His pants becoming a little extra tight along the groin area. "There's just one problem with that, Zelena," he whispers, his lips brushing along with Zelena's ruby red ones.
Zelena grinned, enjoying their little game of tag they had going on with their mouths. "What's that?"
Robin waited for Zelena to lean forward, attempting to capture his lips to quickly back away. His hand tucked underneath her chin, forcing her eyes to lock onto his. "You'll never be Regina." He whispered along her ear.
Zelena's expression changed completely as she shuffled herself off of Robin's lap. Her eyes bloodshot. "Fuck you," spat, marching toward the door's direction, only to be caught by Robin's arms wrapping along her stomach.
Robin held her so tight, he pressed her body against the door, holding her between it and the bulge confined inside of his pants. His lips dug along the base of her neck, taking possession of what Regina denied him. Because even Zelena knew- as much as she hated him for it- that humiliating her was a way to instantly turn him on. And it worked. Every single time.
"Come in," Mal calls, removing her glasses as she smiles. "Emma!" She hurries over to Emma, embracing her in a hug. "You're back!"
"Hi, Mal," Emma smiled. Not in a million years did she ever see herself wearing a pair of expensive light khaki dress pants, matching impeccably well with her black vest that was tailored just right, the last button ending in between her breasts, to go along with her white crisp, long sleeve shirt she chose to wear underneath. Her hair in long loose curls.
"Lily is going to be happy to hear that you've returned," Mal grinned, making her way behind her desk again. "Have a seat. Tell me everything. How was Europe?"
"Long flight," Emma nods. "But Europe was one of the easiest projects I've had to deal with, and I want to thank you for trusting me with the job. I know Lily wanted to go."
Mal waved a dismissive hand, "No thanks needed. I told them I would send them the best and I did." She smiled. "How was the hotel? Was the suite to your accommodation? Any trouble?"
"Everything was perfect. No trouble at all."
"And the deal? Was it made?" Mal's brow lifts.
Emma grins triumphantly. "It was. They liked what I had to say and they want to start right away."
Mal claps her hands, "Excellent! I knew I could count on you, Emma. You have been doing a tremendous job these couple of years. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Mal." Emma nods.
Emma never imagined going down this road as far as co-owning a company. Having a closet filled with expensive clothes that were tailored to her measurements. A penthouse apartment with more space and windows than she had ever seen an apartment ever bare. And more money stored away in her bank account than she knew what to do with. She never imagined she would be closing on business deals in representation to Mal and being successful at them. But here she was.
"I'd say you are ready for your next step," Mal grinned. A grin Emma knew all too well.
"Next step?"
Mal's head bobs. "There's a company that's been brought to my attention. It's runned by two of the most important names in the city of Boston. A father and son company, I believe."
"Boston?" Emma's heart accelerates inside of her chest.
"That's right. Now, I know you just got back, but," Mal picks up a blue folder, flashing it before Emma before she slides it across her desk. "It's a well known company."
Emma opens up the folder and her eyes fall on the first name that captures her immediate attention. Locksley Incorporated.
"It seems they need someone to hold the reins during their safety procedures," Mal chuckles, unaware of the realization behind Emma's eyes. "I told them I had the perfect candidate for the job to represent me." Her eyes flash as well as her smile.
"No," Emma shuts the folder and tosses it along Mal's desk. Her action surprised Mal. "I'm sorry, Mal. But I can't do it. You'll have to send someone else."
"Send someone else?" Mal's brow lifts. "Emma, there is no one else I want for this job but you."
"There's Lily." Said Emma.
"Lily belongs here. Besides, aren't you a Boston local? You know the city-"
"That doesn't matter."
"It matters because I don't trust anyone for the job. Not like I trust you." Mal frowns. "Besides, I already informed them you were arriving tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow morning?" Emma's eyes grew.
"I introduced you as not only my associate but as my daughter." Mal said. "I've already forwarded their address to your email."
Going back to Boston? That was out of the question. It was especially out of the question that Emma would be crazy enough to accept to shake hands and worse- help find solutions for- Robin Locksley. The man who was now married to the woman who crushed her heart into the dust. Emma couldn't be crazy enough to go back and pick up those pieces. Not now. Not ever. Not when her life has been steering in the right direction.
"Mal," Emma shakes her head, standing to her feet. "I have never, ever turned down a job that you have given me. And I hate myself for turning this one down, but this is important."
"Yes, it is." Mal nods. "It's important for this company. For us."
"Look," Emma flips through the pages of the folder, her hands breaking into a nervous sweat. A wave of nerves she hadn't felt in years. "There must be some other company that needs our level of expertise. Besides… I've read up on the Locksley's. Robin Locksley," bile raises to her throat as she says the name out loud. "He'll stab you in the back first chance he gets. He's arrogant, self-absorbed and a total asshole. Excuse my expression."
Not to mention, he was now married to the woman that used to hold her heart in the palm of her hand.
Mal chuckled, "That very well describes him." She stands from her desk to join Emma along the chair up front, to face her closer and a little better. "Emma," she reaches to take her hand. "If I didn't trust you could handle yourself around an asshole like Robin Locksley, I wouldn't have suggested you."
"I know," Emma sighs. "You have a nose for these things. And you're always right."
Mal hums, "Yes, but a mother also knows when a daughter is attempting to coward away from a place that clearly brought her so much pain in the past."
Emma's frown sets into a hard line, remaining silent.
"Emma," Mal gives Emma's hand a gentle squeeze. "I've never pressured you to bring up that past of yours. Your life is your life, and I respect that. Deeply. But that doesn't make me blind to the things I see happening inside you." She pauses. "I pride myself in the fact that I've gotten to know you very well, and I know when something troubles you."
That's true. Mallorie Page has been like a mother to Emma, which is more than she could have asked being away from home for so long.
"But this is business, and one of the things I've always taught you- and taught you well- is that we never turn our back on business."
"I know," Emma nods.
Mal smiles. "Let me tell you a little something my mother always said to me." She sits back. "She said, 'The past is called the past because it's like a story. And once that story is closed and told, it has no more power over you.'"
Emma blinked, "She sounded wise, your mother."
"She was." Mal lifted her chin proudly. "She also loved quoting historians a lot, adding her own modifications." Emma allowed herself to smile as Mal continued. "She also didn't know what she was talking about half the time, so do with that what you will. But the point I'm trying to make is, my mother didn't always know everything, but she gave damn good advice."
Emma smiled. "Thanks, Mal. I really missed our chats."
"I've missed them, too." Mal's smile mirrored. "Well then," Her hand patted at the top of Emma's. "Take the day. Go on home. Get plenty of rest. Sleep on your decision until morning and let me know what you decide. An eased mind always thinks better. That's my saying."
Emma's smile grows as she stands to her feet. "I'll call you first thing in the morning."
"You do that," Mal pointed her glasses directly at Emma before placing them along the bridge of her nose.
"Excuse me," Emma nodded, turning on the heels of her leather ankle-high, dark brown boots.
"Oh, and Emma?" Mal called out, seeing Emma turn back around by the double doors of her office. "Another thing my dear old mother used to say," she removes her black framed glasses. "Was that some people are going to leave our lives, but that doesn't mean it should be the end of your story. It's just the end of their part in your story." She nods.
Emma gave a small smile and a curt nod before walking out of the office for the day.
Emma surfed her computer that entire night, her brows furrowed as she researched Robin Locksley for the one-hundredth time, and on the face she never thought she would ever see again. Regina Locksley. Her eyes never left her computer screen as she took a sip of her beer. They were wide awake, reading article after article on the day of their wedding. On Locksley Incorporated, where a clear colored photograph of Robin Locksley popped up along the article, wearing one of his expensive black suits. Picture after picture builds up something inside of Emma that she hadn't allowed to resurface inside of her in years. Anger and hatred.
Would she really push herself to do this? Travel back to Boston and close a business deal with the man who now called himself Regina's husband? Life was a cruel joke sometimes, but two could play that game. Clicking to her email, Emma opened up the one containing the address to Robin's company, reading all about it in one quick go.
"Robin Locksley," Emma murmured under her breath, brushing back loose strands of her hair which she had picked up into a messy ponytail for comfort. Her finger scrolls along the middle wheel of her mouse, traveling back up to a picture of Robin and Regina on their wedding day. Regina dressed radiantly in a white spotless wedding dress. Robin's arms holding his bride close by the waist while they both pose for a picture outside of a church. The headline reading: Boston's bachelor, Robin Locksley, tied down by Boston's top artist, Regina Mills.
Emma's jaw tensed as her hand slapped her laptop shut. Her hands running along her tied back hair as she stood from her desk inside her home office. She'd have to be crazy to go back. Come tomorrow morning, she would call Mal and give her most profoundest apologies.
This story had no more power over her. It had been permanently closed five years ago. Regina made sure of that.
Then again- to all due respect to Mal's mother- but what did she know? Regina might form a part of her past, but if that part wanted to resurface, thinking that it could torment her like it did five years ago, Emma was the only person to show her the complete opposite. After all, like Mal said. Business was business and thanks to her, Emma had become damn good at it.
What better way to have her turn, tormenting that past by uncovering a can of worms that will squirm under the soles of her leather boots right in front of Robin Locksley?
If the past wanted to resurface. Emma was ready. She was no longer the same girl that would melt in front of one of Regina's smiles.
Not to mention, on a lighter, less angry note, it would be nice to see her family again.
With her family in mind, Emma reached for her phone inside of her leather briefcase- a gift from Mal- and dialed, hearing the line ring only once before Mal's voice filled her ear canal. "So? What'll it be, Ms. Swan? Are you going to gracefully glide your way through those starry waters of the past like the empowering swan I know you to be?"
The corner of Emma's lip lifted, "Was there ever any doubt?"
"None whatsoever, Emma. I knew you would come through for me. I have placed a driver under your command, he will be with you at all times. Take you wherever you need to go. Answers to the name of Sidney. Very reliable. The man can become invisible if you want him to."
Emma chuckled, "Always thinking of everything. Thanks, Mal."
"Don't thank me just yet. Wait until the perfect time. And Emma?" She pauses. "Promise me that you will make them bow at your feet."
Emma's grin grew, enjoying the sound of Mal's request a little too much than she expected. She tucked her phone back in the safety of her briefcase as the line went dead on Mal's end, enjoying what was left of her cab ride to the airport.
"Excellent," Mal tapped along the screen of her phone, pressing on the call button and waited on the line until a voice answered. "It's me. My beautiful swan has spread her wings and is on her way to Boston. It's time to do your part and watch over her with your own life if necessary. Good. We'll be in touch." Her thumb taps the end call button before dropping her phone along her desk with a triumphant smile stretched out along her lips.