When I See You Again

Chapter 8: Talk To Me

Regina paced about the kitchen. This had been an eventful day. In a few hours her life had gone from miserable and empty to having Henry back with all his memories and soon, soon, Emma.

She had made sure the house was free of any sign of Henry or Emma having been there before. No photos, no trinkets, no video games. She had to make Emma believe this was only her second visit or else risk scaring her off. She couldn't afford to lose her before she had her.

The lasagna was hot and beside the apple cobbler in the warmer. She had set the table and opened the wine. She had changed her outfit no less than eight times and spent far too long in front of the mirror. She wasn't vain. That wasn't it at all. She just wanted to be at her best. And looking good made her feel in control.

And the last thing I feel right now is in control.

Regina sighed and picked up her keys, checking herself one last time in the hall mirror. She was going to be late if she didn't hurry up. She had to arrive right at six. Not a minute sooner lest she seem eager. Not later or they may think she wasn't coming. She shook her head at herself and let out a breath of stale air. She'd forgotten to breathe. She was being silly. Everything would be fine. It would all be fine.

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"I'm just saying, don't you think these people are... weird? I mean, they act... off." Emma was adjusting her collar as Henry moved from the door to the window and back again.

"Weird? No. I think they are all pretty nice. Especially Regina. I like her." Henry smiled at his mother. He was excited to see his other mother again soon. They needed a moment alone to talk about getting Emma's memories back. Maybe this is time for an Operation.

"Don't get me wrong, I like her too. But... ugh. I don't know. Maybe it's me being a cynical old lady but people just aren't this nice, Henry. Something is up." Emma adjusted her collar again and pulled at the cuffs. "Does this look ok?"

"Hmm? What?" Henry glanced at his mother, tearing his eyes away from the Storybrooke street below.

"This. Does it look ok?" Emma gestured to her shirt.

"Um, yeah. Sure. You look fine. Are you ready now? We can't be late. She'll—" Henry smiled at the street as Regina's car pulled up. "She's here! Let's go."

The boy bounded out the door, his mother calling after him to slow down and wait for her. Pulling the door to the room closed, she rolled her eyes and said mostly to herself, "Something is definitely up with this woman."

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The evening had been a nice one. The food was delicious and both Emma and Henry had moaned and went on about how amazing the lasagna was. The blonde had confessed that she too made a lasagna but it wasn't quite as good as this one.

Regina had stood to get the dessert when Emma's cell phone sounded in her pocket.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, Regina. I thought I turned this off." She glanced at the screen and noted it was her boss calling. "It's work. Would it... I mean, would you mind if I took this?"

Regina smiled and nodded, indicating it was fine. "Please, feel free to use my study for some privacy if you like."

Emma gratefully grinned and dashed into the room, "Hello, Frank! Yeah, we are having a great time." Her voice faded as the door clicked closed behind her.

"Well, I guess we will wait on the dessert." Regina sat again and smiled at her son. She reached over and squeezed his hand on the table top. "I've missed this. I've missed you... so very much."