Tattoo Mates

Chapter 13

Ella nods. "Yeah, did something happen between your parents?" She asks Red. Red shakes her head. "No, well yes, i guess. You said they were together back when you guys were in school?" Chris nods. "Yeah, they were inseparable, kind of like how you two are." Red sighs. "Well, not anymore. I guess they split before i was born or maybe when i was a baby cause i grew up without a father." Ella looks at her sympathetically. "Oh sweetie, I'm sorry. I can only imagine how your parents must be feeling. It hurts to be away from your soulmate." Red scoffs. "Well, if my mom is in pain she masks it very well." She rolls her eyes. "What do you mean?" "She's kind of a tyrant back at home. I actually don't even know if she's coming today or not." Red shrugs.

"Oh well, you're more than welcome to spend the day with us, we'd love to get to know you better. Not just as Chloe's soulmate but as Bridget's daughter. She and i used to be friends after all." Ella smiles. "Can i ask....what happened between you two? And between my parents?" Red bites her lip as Chloe holds her hand. Her parents notice their tattoos glowing and smile slightly. "Bridget and i used to be best friends back in school. But she was expected to take the throne once she was done with school and it was a lot of pressure. Her and Robin broke up after we graduated. Something about him not living up to expectations of royalty or something. She never told me. But after we finished school and all went home, we went our separate ways, she used to be so nice. Baking treats, friendly to everyone. I wonder what happened." Ella sighs. "Years of being away from your soulmate will probably change you." Red and Chloe glance at one another as their grip tightens. Years of being away from your soulmate, they can't even imagine it. It hurts to even be away for a few minutes, let alone over sixteen years. "They tried to make it work, he even went back to Wonderland and tried to live a married life with your mother but eventually things just don't work out."

Red was trying to process everything. "Wait, wait, wait. So you're telling me that this man, the man who just helped me pick out a promise ring for Chloe, is actually my father?" She blinks once, twice. "Yes. But I don't know if he knows." Ella warns her. "What do you mean?" Red asks her. "I mean, i don't know if Bridget ever told him that she was pregnant when they split." Red sighs. "Great, so not only does he not know I'm his daughter, he doesn't even know i exist." Chloe rubs her back, a comforting warmth fills Red as she sighs. Chloe looks at her parents. "We'll give you guys a minute." Ella and Chris give the two of them space. "We can tell him if you want to, Red. Or we could just forget about him and move on. Whatever you want to do." Red thinks for a second. "I think....i wanna tell him. I mean he deserves to know, right? I'm his daughter, he has a right to know about me. Afterwards, if he wants to be a part of my life, that's up to him." Red nods. "Do you want him to be a part of your life?" Chloe asks as she tucks a strand of hair behind Red's ear. Red leans into Chloe's touch as she sighs. She holds her hand in place as she kisses her palm. "I think i do." Red nods. "Ok, you wanna go see him tomorrow?" Chloe smiles. Red smiles and nods. "Yeah, i just hope he doesn't freak out." Chloe kisses her cheek. "Whatever happens, I'll be right there with you, ok?" Red smiles and nods. "What did i ever do to deserve you?" Chloe shrugs. "I mean, i can say the same thing." She plays with the ring Red gave her.

Soon, too soon for Chloe, the visiting families had to leave. The Charmings and Red said their goodbyes, promising to visit during the holidays, with Red joining Chloe, and possibly Robin, if things worked out tomorrow. The rest of the day dragged on, with the morning kind of draining them with all the excitement. As they were getting in bed, Red rests her head on Chloe's chest as she rubs her arm. "You ok?" She asks. Red nods and sighs. "Yeah, just nervous about tomorrow." Chloe kisses her head. "I'm sure everything will be fine. He's gonna love you. I love you." Red smiles as she hides her face in Chloe's chest. "I love you." "Then why are you hiding that beautiful face of yours from me?" Chloe smiles. Red blushes as she looks up at her. "Red, you're turning red." She teases. "Shut up!" Red laughs and kisses her softly. Chloe kisses back as her hands travel south. "Mmmm, Charming, what are you doing?" Red smirks. "Nothing." Chloe smirks back. "Mhmm. We should get some sleep actually. Long drive ahead of us tomorrow." Red cuddles into Chloe. "You're right." Chloe turns around so her back is pressed against Red's front. They cuddle closely, Red's hand slipping under Chloe's shirt and resting against her stomach. Chloe leans back so she's resting against Red. She turns her head and kisses her goodnight. "I love you." "I love you."