Waking Up [SwanQueen]

Chapter Seventeen - Emma, Tuesday 10pm

Henry watched Emma as she slid the key into the front door and pushed the door open. Before they both walked inside the house, Henry reached for her hand again. "Don't worry, if she doesn't open up to you or want to talk tonight, it's probably just because she's afraid. It has nothing to do with you. She will come around."

"When did you get so wise, kid? Aren't you supposed to be an angsty, rebellious teenager?" Emma cocked her head to the side and crossed her arms.

"Between you and mom, there's enough angst to go around... we don't need any more of that from me."

"Touche, kid. C'mon. Let's get inside before Regina murders me for letting you stay out this late when you have school tomorrow. If she asks, I'm telling her it was your idea to order dessert." Emma winked and shuffled inside.

She watched Henry run upstairs toward his bedroom and Emma dragged her feet into the kitchen, carrying Regina's dinner. She placed the food in the fridge and  tiptoed toward Regina's study, hoping to find her doing some late-night work. When she saw the lights were off, she sighed and continued checking the first floor in search of the brunette.

As she walked out of the living room, Emma felt her phone vibrate. She slid the phone out of the back pocket of her tight jeans. Henry's name glowed and she swiped to view the message.

"Mom's in her room... nightstand lamp is on. Maybe try to talk to her now? I'm rooting for you!"

Emma smiled at the message and slid her phone back into her pocket. She climbed the stairs two at a time toward the master bedroom.

She knocked lightly, praying to hear the familiar, authoritative voice telling her to come in.

When all she heard was silence, she gripped the doorknob and turned her wrist. When she felt the resistance of the handle, she slumped her shoulders and gripped the back of her neck.

"Regina, open up. I know you're in there I can see the light on." As soon as the words crossed her lips, Emma felt a wave of memories hit her. In her mind, Emma was transported back to another time when she was in a similar situation saying the same thing. She was outside Regina's office, turning the handle and calling out for the brunette.

~~ Two Years Ago ~~
Emma wrestled with the locked door for a moment before speaking.

"Regina I know you're in there, I can see the lights on." Emma sighed and leaned one arm up against the locked door. "I know this is all complicated. You can have happiness. I know it doesn't seem like it, but you just have to fight."

The silence on the other end of the door continued, but Emma knew the other woman was listening. She looked away for a moment, debating whether or not she should keep fighting. Then she realized, of course she would keep fighting for Regina.

"Okay, if you won't then I will. Henry brought me to Storybrooke to bring back the happy endings. My jobs not done until I do that for everyone... including you."

She knew how stubborn Regina would be, but felt relieved knowing she came to tell her exactly what she intended to do to ensure her happiness. She frowned and slowly made her way out of the hallway of the mayor's office and left the building.
~~~~~~~~

Emma squeezed her eyes shut, grateful for the memory but devastated for the brunette behind the door in front of her, knowing she had this tendency to always push away her chance at happiness.

She knocked lightly again. "Regina, please just talk to me. Or if you don't want to talk, at least let me in. I just remembered something and I really want to know you're okay."

She paused for another few moments, waiting for any type of response.

"Miss Swan, I'm fine. Just please go to bed." Emma made out Regina's muffled words through the door, but could also hear the disappointment in her tone.