The Way We Were

Chapter 8

Emma tried to hide her nervousness as she said goodbye to the staff members at the rehab clinic. She was so on edge she felt like she was going to be sick. This little clinic had become like a home to her, and they didn't allow her to slip up or back out. She was left alone when she wanted to be and everyone had been so understanding of her story.

But now she was finally being released back into civilization, and it scared her. Would her family think she was still a screw up? Had they forgiven her? What would Regina think of this new Emma?

Heath handed over her discharge papers and walked her to the entrance. Emma stood in front of the glass doors for what felt hours. She couldn't seem to take the first step out. Heath put a hand on his shoulder as he noticed her nervousness.

"You've made it this far, Emma. Go home to your family. I'm sure they miss you, especially the little lad that came to visit last month," he gently coaxed her. "Nothing is going to be the same for me," the blonde said numbly.

A lump grew in her throat and she pinched the palms of her hands to stay calm. Alcohol wasn't the problem anymore. The real issue was Emma having to face the people she had hurt, pick up the pieces from her life and move on. But at least now she believed she wouldn't be alone. She would always have someone by her side, even if it wasn't Regina.

"Just remember your plan. All you have to do is cross that threshold and meet your mother who is out there waiting for you. Take it hour by hour, then day by day. I don't want to see you back here, do you understand?" Heath said.

Emma nodded and reached her hand up to squeeze the man's hand. He had been her rock through this difficult time. He understood Emma better than she did herself sometimes. She owed it to him to continue on this clean path.

Mary Margaret was leaning against the yellow bug when Emma finally exited, bag in hand. The blonde welcomed her warm embrace as she held her close. "You look so much better, Emma. I am so so proud of you," the older woman said with a soft smile.

Emma forced a smile on her lips and allowed her mother to help her into the car. She was more than capable of doing it herself, but it was understandable that the woman was acting a little clingy. Emma hadn't seen her in 3 months, and Mary Margaret couldn't even last a day back home without calling her and seeing if she needed anything.

Because to Mary Margaret, Emma would always be her little girl. She came first always.

They began to make their way through Boston, fighting traffic and the snow that was drifting down and sticking to the streets.

"Christmas is in a few days. If you want, we can take a small detour and pick up some gifts," Mary Margaret suggested. "That would be great, Mom," Emma said with a smile. She was grateful for her mother's idea. It delayed seeing Regina for a few hours at least. Gave her time to clear her head and slowly blend back into society.

"We'll stop by that burger joint you love first. I'm starving. I'm assuming you didn't get much fast food in that place. Not that I agree with eating junk every day," her mother said with a quick glance and a smirk directed at her daughter.

After nearly 3 hours of walking around and shopping, the women took a break. Emma was grateful for the chance to rest. She wasn't too fond of shopping before coming to Boston and that still hadn't changed. But at least they got their Christmas shopping done.

"Here you go," Mary Margaret set down a steaming cup of hot cocoa in front of her before sitting down. "Hot cocoa with cinnamon, just the way we like it."

Emma gratefully sipped the warm drink, warming her face and hands.

"What's bothering you?" Mary Margaret asked. "Aren't you happy to be finally going home?"