The Last Train To Home

Chapter 15

Emma's POV
I received a call from Regina telling me to meet her at the elegant restaurant named Les Chandeliers immediately. I knew what she was up to, but I decided to follow her game.

As soon as I set foot inside the place I was received by a bunch of people screaming "Surprise!!"

Yes, it was my 29th birthday.

I had never taken too serious this day. I usually just hanged out with Henry or bought a small cake for us. Let's say I wasn't very fond of these type of annual celebrations.

And my current mood didn't help.

"Happy birthday, Emma!" They all said out loud as I smiled.

A lot of people were present: Henry, Regina, Robin, Roland, Belle and many others. Everyone was there... Everyone but Killian Jones.

For some strange reason the fact that he wasn't there made me feel disappointed. I don't know why but I was hoping to see him there between all those people.

I received lots of hugs and congratulations, too many for my taste actually. Then they sang the well-known "Happy Birthday" song and placed a big chocolate cake in front of me.

"Make a wish, mom!" Henry exclaimed.

I looked at the little flames and how they shined above the cake.
I had never believed about birthday wishes coming true, but it was tradition, so I closed my eyes and made it before blowing the candles.

Everyone applauded cheerfully as I held a smile.

We ate and chatted during the evening. Well, they chatted and I listened. I wasn't feeling very well.

"How's the birthday girl doing?" Robin asked sitting next to me.

"Great. Enjoying the party"

"You don't seem to be doing so"

I gazed at the cake's crumbs on my plate as I played with the fork.

"It's because of Killian, isn't it?"

I looked at my friend "He told you what happened"

"He wasn't willing to but I managed to get the information. I actually invited him to come today but... He declined by saying it was your birthday and that you deserved to have a good time rather than a bad one by seeing him here"

He... He really thought that?

"The last time I saw him he didn't look good. I can say he's having a hard time"

Before starting to feel sorry I straightened myself and crossed my arms.

"Robin, I know what you're trying to do but we made a decision. We're not going back together"

"It was only a fight for God's sake. Emma, couples fight during the way, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the world. It's completely normal"

"You don't understand. It was never going to work anyways..."

"How can you be so sure about that? Relationships aren't all colorful and happy. They have their ups and downs as well. If you give Killian the chance to be with you-"

"No"

Robin rolled his eyes "I think this was about you misunderstanding the situation"

I took a sip of coke before speaking.

"I thought you were on my side"

"I am not on your side or Killian's. You're both my friends, yes, but for that same reason I must be neutral. You both have good reasons to be mad but also have nonsenses. Don't let that ruin what you have"

I wanted to cry but I managed to hold back my tears.

"Thanks for the party, I'm heading home"

I said goodbye and took Henry with me, putting as an excuse that I was quite tired and wanted to have some rest.
During the way home I kept thinking about what Robin had said.
Was he right? Had everything just been a misunderstanding? Did Killian deserve another chance?

More questions without clear answers. I took an aspirin and went directly to my room, plopping myself down on the bed.

In a matter of minutes I drifted off.

***

"Mom... Mom, wake up!"

I felt Henry shaking my shoulders as I opened my eyes. The little clock on the night table said 7:02.

Seven pm?

I was surprised that I had actually fallen asleep for more than three hours. It had been a record in the last weeks.

"What is it kid?" I asked drowsily.

"Someone's been ringing the bell for the last minute"

I groaned, not wanting to get up.

"It must be something important. Do you want me open the door?"

"Uhm... No, I'll check who it is. Thanks for waking me up"

Henry nodded, walking away. I stretched myself before standing up, gaining a little of strength as I made my way to the entrance. I looked through the peephole to see who was outside.

No. It can't be...

I opened the door, feeling taken aback by the unexpected person that was standing in front of me.

Brianna.