Changing A Life

Chapter 5

Emma's POV

Regina helped Halley pull on a small jacket before the small red head turned to us with a small frown on her face. I shot her a small, kind smile before picking Halley up and propping her up on my hip "you ready, Halley?" I asked her. She looked at me, then to Regina before letting out a soft sigh but she soon nodded. We decided to walk since we figured it would be easier than driving. As we made our way out the door I set Halley down to lock the door and then we set off. Halley walked in the middle of us, clinging to our hands like her life depended on it. Halley stared up at us as we approached the diner. I frowned and kneeled down to her level "it'll be okay sweetie, I promise. They're all gonna love you" I told her with a reassuring smile. She nodded slowly as I picked her up, she instantly hid her face in my neck. We walked into the building with the bell signalling our arrival. I looked around the room to see my parents sitting in the usual booth in the corner. Henry's head shot up "moms!" He yelled happily as we made our way closer. Halley hid her face in my hair and let out a wheezy whimper. The uncomfortable sound almost broke my heart. My parents looked at us with smiles across their faces "you guys hungry?" My dad asked, we nodded. My mom chuckled softly "so, who's this cutie?" She asked motioning towards the small girl who was still hiding in my wild mane of blonde hair. I smiled and rubbed Halley's arm gently "you wanna say hi, sweetie?" I whispered gently in her ear. The small red head shook her head and continued to hide. The Charmings stared at us in confusion. Regina shot them a reassuring smile "she's just not used to being around a lot of people" my wife explained as we sat down at the table. I laid Halley on my lap but she didn't move from her hiding spot. Regina slid in next to me "Hiya" a perky voice said suddenly. I looked up to see Ruby standing with a pen and notepad in hand. I smiled "hey Ruby" I responded with a smile. The tall brunette smiled "can I get drinks for you all?" She asked. Everyone nodded and rambled out their orders "and what about this cutie?" She asked, referring to Halley. The six year old peeked out slightly from my hair "hm... What do you want to drink?" I asked her gently. She looked up at me "orange?" She signed quickly. I nodded "orange juice for her, Rubes" I told her. Everyone at the table watched me carefully "you ready to say hi to everyone now?" I whispered. She nodded and I slowly turned her round in my lap. Halley brought up her small hand and waved at everyone at the table "hi, I'm Halley" she signed slowly to everyone so that they could pick it up. I knew that Mary Margaret could sign, just an added trait from the dark curse, and I had started teaching Henry about a year ago because he decided that he wanted to learn so I started teaching him. A wide smile crossed Henry's face "hi Halley, I'm Henry" he said gently to her. Halley's face brightened and she smiled at Henry. Regina looked at Henry, to me, then back to Henry again "when did you learn to sign?" She asked him. Henry shrugged "Ma started teaching me about a year ago, I know most of the basics but I haven't learnt much more, yet" he explained briefly with a small shrug. Mary Margaret watched the small girl carefully "is she..." she started but trailed off unsure of how to continue. I cleared my throat "no, she's not deaf" I said picking up on what my mom was trying to say. Regina nodded slowly "she just can't talk, a story for another time perhaps" she said in an attempt to change the topic altogether. Everyone at the table nodded as Ruby appeared with our drinks "so, you guys managed to adopt then?" She asked with a smile. Me and Regina nodded "yeah, this is Halley" I told her. The small red head turned to Ruby and waved "aw, she's adorable guys" she said unable to wipe a grin off her face.

After we had all eaten Henry turned to Halley with a smile "hey, Halley, Ma told me you like Fairy Tales" he said to the small red head grabbing her attention almost instantly at the mere mention of the stories. Halley nodded her head frantically causing everyone to smile at the action. Henry gently tugged the old, worn, brown leather book from his bag and held them out towards her "these are very special Fairy Tales" he explained to her carefully. The little girl nodded along silently as she hesitantly reached out and trailed a small, nimble finger over the large lettering and patterns on the cover. I smiled at the pair "how about we head home and we can read through a few of them?" I offered. Halley nodded excitedly causing everyone to chuckle. We paid the bill and I turned to my parents "she's amazing, Emma" Mary Margaret complimented looking over at Halley who was now clinging to her older brother's hand. I smiled "I know" I said softly. I gave them both a hug "I'll see you for work tomorrow, dad" I said quickly, he nodded and we all made our way home.

When we arrived home Henry and Halley immediately flopped themselves down on the couch and Henry started slowly reading her the story from the beginning. I made my way into the kitchen with my wife at my side. I turned to Regina and smiled "I'm happy that they're getting along so well" I said, slipping my arms around the older brunette's waist pulling her tight against me. Regina nodded mutely in response. I watched my wife carefully. In the four years I've known her, I've learned to tell when she's worried about something. I tucked a small strand of loose hair behind her ear "what's up, Gina?" I asked her gently. Regina looked up to meet my gaze "I want to see if there's anything I can do to help Halley" she mumbled softly. I nodded slowly knowing exactly what she meant "you want to help her speak again?" I responded. My wife nodded "I want to at least try to give her that chance" she told me gently. I hugged her tight against my body and she nuzzled her face against my neck.

When we pulled out of the embrace we found Halley fast asleep on the couch next to Henry. I couldn't help but laugh "that didn't take long" I joked lightly. Henry chuckled "I barely got to Grandma and Grandpa's meeting before she basically passed out" he told us. I looked over at the clock which showed that it was nearing 10pm, no wonder she fell asleep, it's been a long day. I watched as Regina made her way over and gently scooped the little girl into her arms. The brunette turned to Henry "don't be staying up to long" she told him. The boy nodded "okay, night moms" he responded with a smile as he got to his feet. I smiled "night, kid" I said giving him a quick hug before he scrambled up the stairs. I looked at my wife as the small red head cuddled further into her embrace. My heart practically melted at the sight "done staring, dear?" She asked playfully. I let out a soft chuckle.

We made our way slowly up the stairs, being careful not to wake Halley. Regina gently laid her in the bed and pulled the covers up to her chin. I heard the young girl let out a small wheezy whimper. Regina looked up at me "Patch is sitting on the sofa" she whispered thought the dim darkness of the room.
I had reemerged with the scruffy toy a few moments later and placed it beside her. The petite girl had it wrapped in her arms almost instantly letting out a small content sigh. I watched as Regina placed a small kiss on Halley's forehead "goodnight, honey" she whispered softly.

A/n

This chapter has been half written since like, mid February but I think you all know by now how lazy I am 😂
Anyways, here it is and I'll try to have the next chapter up as soon as I can.

         ~Becca 🐢