Henry and Emma were sat in the car waiting for Regina to return.
"Thanks for inviting her Ma. I think she needs it." Emma shot him a quizzical look from the corner of her eye.
"I'm sorry, where's my son?" He rolled his eyes as she began searching the car. "When did you get so mature, and what is that supposed to mean anyway, bad day?" He huffed, not amused by her attempts to be cute.
"No Ma, I... I think someone hurt her."
"What! Henry… that's…" She certainly wasn't trying to be cute anymore. Henry couldn't help a small smile slip out. "Henry! That's not funny... that's not a funny thing to say…"
"No Ma, I know! I don't find that funny, it's just, she had the exact same reaction you just did at the thought of someone hurting you."
"What! Why would she think someone hurt me?"
"Ugg... because she believed I'd been upset all day. She was kind of right, and she wanted to know why and she wouldn't let up so I told her I didn't like it when someone got hurt. She immediately panicked and thought I meant someone hurt you; she literally did what you just did."
"Really?" Emma couldn't help but be touched by the notion she cared so much. "What are you talking about though Henry, were you being serious?"
"Yes! Ma, I wouldn't joke about something like this." She shot him an apologetic glance. "She was later than normal to school today and it was obvious she'd been crying, even though she tried to hide the fact. She spoke to me at recess about my work and I saw her neck. She tried to hide that too but I saw the bruises. She seemed sad all day as well and you spoilt me finding out. I just asked her when you arrived. Now she's gone back to pretending again!"
"Bruises! Okay… okay!" She could see how upset her son clearly was by this and the lack of context only made it worse. "Henry, what you've said really does bother me okay, but you don't need to worry about, do you understand…" just as she was speaking they noticed Regina walking to her car, she waved at them and they waved back. Emma started the engine. "Henry, I really don't want you worry about this okay, you shouldn't have too. I will speak to her okay. Will you trust me to do that? I will make sure she is okay." He looked at his Ma and smiled, albeit didn't reach his eyes. He still wasn't happy, but he did trust his Ma, and he knew she had a way of making all things well.
"Okay, thanks Ma."
It didn't take them long to arrive at the park. Henry was back to his excited self as Regina approached them.
"This park looks amazing! Look Ma, there's a huge lake with actual ducks!" He took her hand and tried to drag her along.
"Yeah kid, it looks fantastic, but if you want an Ice-cream we'll have to have it first, we don't want to spoil your dinner." He nodded and ran off to get a better look. Emma looked to Regina, unsure whether or not she was able to hear them shouting at one another. "Do you know where to buy ice-cream?" Emma's heart fluttered at the smile Regina offered. Dang, she was so beautiful.
"The café is this way." Regina stepped close enough for her to receive a waft of something fresh and perhaps a bit fruity. She'd love to be someone who could describe such things and have a stab at which fruit, but she didn't have a clue. What she did know was that it was divine. It was a bit like wine tasting as far as she was concerned. She could do little other than tell whether something was dry or sweet or what she called full and thin. Aside from that she either liked it or didn't. Emma pulled herself together and called over to Henry to ensure he followed, but being eager as ever he ran straight to them.
"Next time, can we bring some bread to feed the ducks?" Emma couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm.
"You know Henry, the Café sells duck food and if you do bring your own should bring cereal or corn, even birdseed it you have it." Informed Regina who Emma noted was making every effort to keep them close and in her line of sight.
"How come?"
"Because they are greedy and they always eat bread, but it's not very nutritious and it just bloats and fills them, so then they aren't hungry enough to eat healthier things. Too much can also make them sick."
"Oh, okay, thanks, I wouldn't want to make them sick." Regina loved how kind and thoughtful this little boy was. He did seem to be especially sensitive though, she'd been teaching for over ten years and had never seen a boy as observant or attentive as him, it kind of made her want to wrap him up in cotton wool.
"Huh, I never really thought about that," said Emma pondering the logic as the café came into view. Henry ran up to the external counter.
"Quick its closing soon, we need to get our order in." Henry threw back after speaking to the serving lady. He began to scroll the list. "Can I have a double mint chocolate cone with pistachios and a flake?"
"Course you can kid? Regina, what can I get you?"
"Oh, I'm okay thanks."
"Uh uh! That's illegal," said henry as he shook his head. "It's illegal to come to the park and not have an ice-cream. Tell her Ma."
"Well, it is kind of our rule…"
"Well in that case I'll have a vanilla cone please."
"You have to have a flake too," said Henry, eyeing her.
"With a flake of course," Regina added, opening her purse to remove some change.
"Absolutely not," said Emma, placing her hand over her fumbling one to stop her from paying, "this is our treat."
"Oh, thank you, you are very kind."
They walked along the lake in what was a very natural and calming silence whilst they ate their ice-creams. The last sun of the day was just enough to warm their exposed flesh and gave the feeling that everything was okay. Emma felt really good again about the move and seeing the freedom this park allowed Henry only affirmed that, she'd only dreamt of doing something like this when she was a child. She'd taken Henry to several local parks, but they were all suburban, metal monstrosities. They'd been to one or two really nice ones as well, but nothing of this quality was local to them, certainly not within walking distance.
"Can I go and play?" They'd just arrived at the play area. It was immaculate and really well cared for. Emma could tell Henry would especially like the large castle at the centre.
"Sure, just stay in the play area, okay?" They watched as Henry scurried away and took a seat on a nearby bench.
"Thank you for inviting me Emma, that was really kind of you. I know Henry pushed you, he's a really sweet boy."
"He did suggest it, but I'm delighted you wanted to come. You know, your husband does a great job managing this town. This park is so well cared for, as is the high street and the crime rate here, it's incredible." Regina sighed.
"Yes, he loves this town. He's really good at his job." Emma didn't miss her change in demeanour.
"You know, Henry was pretty worried about you today?" Regina sighed and began fidgeting with her hands. She'd enjoyed the break from her thoughts the last hour had bought. Emma placed her hands on top of Regina's, encouraging her to look at her.
"I can hear you well enough when we are sitting this close." She simply said as Emma eyed her surreptitiously, trying to see if she could notice what Henry was referring too, but Regina could see what she was trying to do.
"Today has been a bit awkward to say the least; I think he got a glimpse of these." She looked around to make sure no-one was close before pulling her scarf down slightly. Emma couldn't help but smirk a bit.
"Oh wow! You know, I think he thinks someone tried to strangle you."
"I had no idea what to say to him, I'm so glad you arrived when you did. Apparently he spent all day worrying about me. I feel terrible." She hung her head, Emma knew there was something else.
"You know, that wasn't the only thing he noticed though, he said you'd been crying this morning and seemed sad all day."
"Blimey! I'm usually lucky to garner any of their attention for more than ten minutes."
"So he was right then?"
"Leopold and I had an argument last night, that's all." Emma raised an eyebrow, her lie detector not entirely convinced.
"An argument that led to you getting a neck full of hickeys and one that is still bothering you today?" Regina began fidgeting again.
"I'd rather not talk about this." Her breath hitched and she tried to fight the tears from forming.
"Fine, let's talk about something else. What were you worried about last night at around midnight?"
"What?"
"You text me, you seemed unusually concerned about something, what did you think Killian would be like?"
"I… I don't understand." Emma knew exactly why she was fumbling over her words.
"Yes you do? Regina, what happened last night?" She now couldn't stop the tears from forming; they began to escape too, little traitors. Emma was mortified she was right about… something, she'd give anything to comfort her friend right now.
"Regina?" Emma was starting to sound desperate now.
"I, um…" She began to shake slightly as she spoke; Emma made the decision to hold her hands. "Leo was in a very odd mood when he got home last night. He doesn't ever really drink, I think he had a few too many. He wasn't horrendously drunk but he was very tipsy. I'm not sure what happened but he seemed to be very keen when he got home."
"Keen?"
"Yes, keen, you know to…" Emma nodded she understood, though found it interesting how hard Regina found it to use certain descriptive words. "I wasn't expecting him to… try anything. You have to understand we haven't been intimate for years now, which really doesn't bother me. I just assumed he was passed all that." She sort of trailed off.
"Okay, so he came home all horny, then what?" Emma couldn't tell if Regina's eye roll was because of her use of that word or because she was just figuring how to continue.
"I'm not sure I'd have used that word. He stank of whisky and really wasn't appealing in anyway, I was trying to persuade him that maybe we shouldn't, I was going to suggest maybe we could have a 'romantic' evening soon, but he took offense. Before I could say anything he became aggressive, I still can't figure out why. I've never known him like this. Don't get me wrong, he's no saint, but he's not like this…"
"Like what?" Emma didn't like where her mind was going but she was desperate for Regina to say it, instead she gingerly rolled up her sleeves. Emma gasped as she took in the angry bruises that were forming.
"Oh my God! Regina…" She quietened right down, knowing she was going to have to pry what she needed to know out of her. She made sure she whispered close to Regina's ear. "Did he rape you?" She began to cry, Emma took her in her arms as the smaller woman shook into her embrace. Emma slowly stroked her back and was thankful she seemed to calm. She was grateful she could help, no matter how small that help was. She eventually pulled back.
"I don't know what happened, he snapped, it was as though he either had something to prove to me, or he was just angry that I didn't want him." She tried to reason whilst she wiped her tears away.
"You know, it doesn't matter why he did it Regina, what he did was…"
"I know, and you know what, he does too." Emma didn't look convinced. "No really, he was mortified this morning, it was almost pitiful to see."
"Ma!" Came a call from the park entrance. "It's starting to get dark?"
"Okay Henry, give us a few more minutes and we'll head off!"
"Regina, I don't think you should go home tonight? We've extra rooms you know, you can…"
"It's fine Emma, I'll be fine, but thanks, we've extra rooms too and I will be making use of one of them." She smiled trying to lighten the moment.
"Hmm." She was still nowhere near convinced. "Alright, but we keep in touch okay, I want regular texts from you, no more than an hour apart, promise?"
"I promise."
They'd arrived home and Emma and Henry both said their goodbyes to Regina, though Emma was not thrilled at the idea of Regina being alone with him, but she had to respect her wishes. In the car she'd explained to Henry that Regina was just a bit sad as she and her husband had had a small fight, but they were okay. Of course she didn't go into any details. She also had to say that the marks on her necks weren't anything to worry about. He wasn't quite sure what to make of that, but she'd convinced him to trust her again and persuaded him that Regina would be fine, she only hoped she believed that herself.
"Hey, where have you guys been?" Killian didn't look impressed as they entered the house. It was nearly 6pm.
"Hi, to you too!" Emma retorted sarcastically. "We've been to the park, it's wonderful there."
"Yeah, they have a castle and a humongous lake with ducks, we all had an ice-cream too." Henry skipped passed them as he spoke and disappeared upstairs.
"We all?" Grilled Killian, Emma couldn't help but look irritated by his accusatory tone.
"Yes, Regina came with us, thanks to her we made it to the café in time to get an ice-cream before it closed." His brow furrowed a bit as he considered her words.
"Well next time it would be nice for you to let me know." He was really beginning to wind her up; she'd never really noticed him act this petulant before. It wouldn't be so bad if he'd asked from a place of concern or even just gently.
"Killian, it's not even 6pm." She walked past him and headed for the kitchen to begin preparing their dinner. "You know, I want to get a small part-time job, just waitressing or something. I need to do something more, meet more people and I also need to earn at least some money. What I have in my bank account is very little now and I've just spent the best part of $20 on Ice-cream." She began messing around with the pans, not really thinking about what she wanted to make or what she needed, more idly disturbing things.
"You don't need to get a job to do that. I told you, I can provide, I'll set up a direct debit to your account. How about $50 a week? Just for you to spend on things you need like a coffee here and there, that type of thing." She looked at him, unsure of what to make of that.
"Well, I could see that working some weeks, but what if I wanted to go out for a meal or with friends on a Saturday night. I reckon I'd need a bit more than that on occasion."
"Well on those occasions all you have to do is ask and I'll provide more, if it doesn't work out I can increase the transfer" He walked up to Emma and wrapped her in his arms. "Come on Love, we said we'd give this a shot. It's only been a week." He said whilst trailing tender kisses down her neck.
"Fine, I will try a bit longer, but I'm not promising anything."
Emma had made a delicious slow cooked, minted lamb for dinner. One thing she had appreciated about trying out this different lifestyle was having the time to spend looking for new recipes and creating new dishes.
"Ma, this smells delicious!" Henry was chomping at the bit as he waited for them all to sit.
"You're not wrong there lad." Said Killian as he took his seat.
"Well let's not get carried away yet, there's still time to be disappointed." Just as Emma sat her phone vibrated in her pocket. She whipped it out; desperately hoping it was from Regina. Her stomach settled as she saw the message on screen.
Regina: All well, I think he's avoiding me as much as I'm avoiding him. - R
"Hey Emma, was it not your rule for no technology at the table?" She sighed, he was right about that.
"Sorry, I just need to keep my phone near me tonight, friend in need." Killian merely raised his eyebrow, whilst taking a big mouthful.
"Mmm! This is delicious, well-done." Why she felt relieved he was impressed she had no idea.
"Yeah, Ma, I think this is my new favourite meal. I mean, nothing can beat a grilled cheese, but I don't think that's a proper meal."
"Great, well this can go in the keep pile. I'm trying out different recipes and the ones that you like we can keep to do again."
"You see, when you're prepared to give this a shot you can make it work for you." Emma just 'hmm'd' in response.
Later that evening, Emma had settled Henry into bed. He wasn't overly sleepy yet, so he'd created a tent and snuggled in it with a comic book. She trusted him to climb into bed when he was tired enough.
She lit a few candles and climbed into the bath with a glass of red in hand. Whilst this house wouldn't have been what she'd have chosen, this bathroom was very alluring. She'd had a bath in her old apartment, but this one was luxurious with jets and room for two, though there was no way she was going to ruin her alone time by inviting Killian in. She wondered when that had happened. Six months ago they'd have probably christened this tub already. She pulled out her phone. Regina had sent her two messages and would be due to send a third. She liked how she stuck to her word, but felt bad she hadn't had a chance to reply. She re-read the last few messages.
Regina: All well, I think he's avoiding me as much as I'm avoiding him. - R
Regina: Hope you are well? I feel like this is a bit stalker-ish, but I promised you I would. It feels eerie in this house today - R
Emma's heart broke at how lonely her new friend sounded. She wished she could be with her right now, but she really didn't want Killian feeling threatened by their friendship. She wasn't sure he would, but the last thing she wanted right now was him becoming irritated by them. Aside from Henry's happiness, the brunette was by far the best thing about moving here, 'Oh that's not good,' she thought as she suddenly imagined Regina sitting there with her right now. Emma longed to wrap her legs around her and sooth her wounds whilst bringing her a comfort she knew she wasn't receiving in that eerie house right now. Where on Earth were these feelings coming from? She had to pull herself together.
Emma: Thank you for messaging. I made sure I received them both - I would have called had I not and popped round had you not answered! Sorry I didn't reply straight away. Technology is banned from our dinner table and then I had to settle Henry. I'm all yours now though :) - E.
Regina had settled into her favourite chair, deciding to try and distract herself by returning to the drivel she'd started reading the night before. The interruption of her vibrating phone was most welcome. She smiled when she saw Emma's name. Not that it would be anyone else.
...
...
'Ha, here we go again,' thought Emma as she took another sip.
Regina: I like that you have family meal times together, it's wonderful. I have no idea what Leopold ate tonight. I wasn't hungry and didn't feel like making anything so I just had some toast. Normally he'd have questioned that but not today. He's probably had nothing. I can't even imagine him attempting to use a toaster, but I don't care either. We are having you round in three days for a meal. I suppose I should sit through dinner with him before then though. What are you doing now? - R
Emma laughed. There was no way she was going to tell Regina she was in romantic bath setting with a glass of wine, thinking about running her hands over her tanned and toned body whilst giving her a massage. Dammit, now she was beginning to throb.
Emma: I'm not going to lie to you. I'm in the bath with a glass of red. I don't envy you trying to sit through that meal with him. You know, you really should report him for this. What he did is very wrong Regina - E.
Regina sighed. She knew Emma was right but this was the last thing she wanted to do. Apart from anything she would have to leave him if she did that and she wasn't sure she could do that right now, she wasn't even sure it was what she wanted. Whilst she could never truly say she had loved the man, there was a fondness that had developed over the years and she hadn't known anything else.
...
...
Regina: I honestly don't feel like talking to your husband about this right now, or ever. Anyway, I don't want that, I rather hope we can get through this; I'll just have to see how it goes. That bath sounds wonderfully enticing. I may have to join you. - R
Emma spat out a mouthful of wine. She was pretty sure Regina hadn't meant that message in that way, but it didn't matter. She saw the little dots again.
...
Regina: Wait! I didn't mean in your bath with you ha ha! I meant I may find myself in my own bath soon enough. – R
'Oh dear,' Regina thought whilst mentally chuckling, but she also began to tingle at the thought of just popping next door and climbing in with her. 'Where the hell is this coming from?'
'Aww, more Ha ha's.' Emma had been thinking about Regina's last message, it hadn't occurred to her that if she wanted to report it she'd have to deal with Killian. She didn't blame her for not wanting to do that at all, especially seen as he'd been rude to her twice. Twice! She'd forgotten to ask her about that, but it could wait. Perhaps there was a female officer she could talk too if she wanted too, or even that deputy Killian had mentioned. Anyway, that was something to question at a later date.
Emma: I understood what you meant ('sadly' she mentally added), though I will admit, it took me a minute :). Do you know what Leopold is doing at the moment? - E
...
...
Regina: I have no idea; I can't hear a thing at the moment. I assume he's just sulking somewhere. I probably wouldn't even realise if he'd gone out. I don't like the silence this day has bought. It scares me a bit, and I hate the fact that one day this could be my life – there's a chance my hearing will degrade drastically over time - R
Emma's heart broke as she read that last message; she didn't like the vulnerable nature this woman had found herself in, more so today. It scared her to think that it was possible someone could break in to her house when she was home and she may not have a clue until it was too late. She could feel her heart beat though her chest at the very thought. 'Sod it!'
Emma: Have you always had hearing issues? - E
She really hoped she hadn't upset Regina any more than she already was, but she she was also desperate to know more.
...
...
...
Regina: No. Nearly two years ago I was foraging for fossils to take to class around the old quarry. The mines had been abandoned for decades. I was looking near one of the entrances when there was a massive explosion from somewhere in the depths. They put it down to a build-up in gases, the mines have since been made safe. The blast hit me and flung me a good few feet away and I sustained a head injury. Fortunately, for the most part I recovered perfectly, and I know I was very lucky, but my hearing was never the same. They said I'd developed a form of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. They don't know a huge amount about it, but it fluctuates a bit for me. It's different for everyone. On my best days it's like a radio with bad static, but voices never sound like they used too, though it's not too bad when the background noise is tolerable. On worse days I can't seem to tune the radio at all, though voices never really change, so as long as I am close enough, or there's not too much background noise. I can generally understand people and I'm happier when I can see them to see their words and confirm I'm right. It's not great when people mumble or go too quiet though. I hope this makes sense. I'm under an audiologist, but they wanted to study my hearing for a while first before exploring my options, if there are any, the fluctuations make it difficult. There was even a hope it may improve, rather than decline, but that is looking less and less likely now. When they suggested we wait and keep a diary I was optimistic, so was Leo. He wasn't thrilled with the idea I may need hearing aids. He's very much about appearances, though I think he's realising I may have no option to try something now. He doesn't like attention being bought to anything negative. I guess that's what also makes him a great politician though. He even suggested we get a new alarm system that is adaptive. He's not totally thoughtless and I can't totally blame him for the keeping up appearance thing. It was how he was bought up. I was too. Heaven forbid you are less than perfect, anything less is seen as weakness. Ha ha, you already think I'm a slow typist, this must be killing you - R.
Emma loved how Regina already seemed to know her so well; though she was so thankful she'd opened up to her and she'd happily wait all day for that. She had to read the message several times, whilst it made some level of sense to her she still couldn't fathom how that would be like to constantly live with, though she didn't want to keep her friend waiting any longer.
Emma: Wow, that's intense. I'm glad you weren't seriously injured, though I can't imagine what it must be like to walk around with that. I really hope in time they can come up with something that can at least make it easier for you and I'm glad Leo is coming around. I am one hundred per cent behind him getting this new alarm system however. You need to be and feel safe too. I know I'd feel better if you had it too. I don't like that fact someone could just wander in and you might not know until it was too late - E
Regina loved the fact that Emma seemed to care so much; it wasn't something she was used too. However, both she and Leo had now begun to badger her about this alarm and it wasn't anything that had really occurred to her before, as crime was practically non-existent, but she was especially on edge after last night's events and felt herself becoming a bit paranoid. Emma was right, would she have a clue? Hell, she didn't even know if she was on her own or not now. She began to wind herself up and tears began to fall. She huddled on the sofa, making sure she could feel the backrest behind her.
Emma was starting to prune so had decided to vacate her bath. It was beginning to bother her that Regina hadn't replied or was writing a reply. She re-read her last message, she couldn't see any reason why she wouldn't reply and she was under the impression both of them had little to do right now. She climbed into bed, anxiously waiting.
Back at 108 the door slowly crept open.
"Regina?" Leopold saw his wife frozen on the sofa. He slowly moved forward and knelt before her. She looked into his eyes, not really knowing who he was. He stared at her for a few moments and had no idea what to say. What could he possibly say.
"Regina, I am sorry, please tell me what you are thinking?" She slowly locked eyes with him.
"I'm scared," was all she could mutter. He hung his head, but had no choice but to look back at her to ensure she could hear.
"Of me?" That was it, his heart sank, whatever she said now it didn't matter, eyes never lied.
"Of everything," she added. He merely nodded.
"Let me take you to your room." He held out his hand, offering her the option of grasping it. Though she was apprehensive, she couldn't think of another way to get off this sofa. She took it and he led her to her room and turned the light on.
"Do you need anything else?" She shook her head and he slowly turned and left. Regina went into the room and switched all of the lights on, before going to the bathroom to wash. It was only as she was climbing into bed that she realised she hadn't text Emma back. She pulled out her phone.
Emma had been lying there for at least twenty minutes. There was no way she was going to sleep. She was contemplating getting up and going to see Regina when her phone pinged.
Regina: I'm sorry for the late reply; there was something I had to do. Thank you for your concern Emma, but please don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm getting very tired now and am off to bed. Hope you sleep well – R.
Emma felt her heart slowly begin to settle, though there was something colder about this message, but it was so hard to tell over text. Hopefully tomorrow would be better for them all.