The Headmistress

8

I snuggled in my bed, wrapping the blankets tight around me before sighing. My phone rang and I answered it without checking the caller ID. "Hello?" "Alright Mills. What the hell is this talk about you quitting?" My breathing hitched hearing Belle's voice and i closed my eyes. "I... we got in a fight and... I said something I didn't mean and her response.. hurt really bad. And I quit." "Regina. You can't quit." "I already did. It's done." "She doesn't want you to quit Regina." "Then why did she just let me walk out." "Because you hurt her too." "How would I hurt her? She's the one who disappeared on me. She's the one who left me. She's the one who got me pregnant!" My eyes widened as I said the last part and the line went silent. "You're pregnant?" "I-I found out on Friday." I whispered, tears streaking my cheeks. "Sweety you have to tell her." "I can't tell her. Not after what she said. After what we said." "Regina. You need to tell her." "I can't Belle." "Okay well at least tell her you want your job back." "I can't. She probably already has someone to replace me." "Regina." "I-I can't talk to her." "I know it's going to be hard. But all you have to do is send her an email. And then when you're ready to talk to her about the baby, you can." "O-okay. You're right."

~~~

Two weeks later, I was getting dressed and I frowned seeing that some of my clothes weren't fitting well and there was a bump. I'm four months pregnant now.. I sighed and put on an oversized, ribbed beige sweater and some jeans before putting on some brown riding boots. I put my hair up and went downstairs to get my coffee. I saw Henry already in the kitchen looking at something. "What are you looking at kid?" I asked as I went over to the coffee maker and poured it into my travel mug. "You're pregnant?" He asked and I turned, seeing him holding the ultrasound picture. "I..." i started but cut myself off. "It's okay mom. I'm happy for you." He said and got up, coming to hug me and i teared up. "Thank you my love.." I said softly. He smiled and I ran my fingers through his hair. "You'll always be my first love though. Never forget it." I said and he smiled and nodded. "It's Emma's right?" He asked and I nodded. "Does she know?" He asked and I sighed. He's noticed she hasn't been coming over or anything. "No. She doesn't." I said and he nodded.

I walked into my classroom and set my bags down. I saw some papers on my desk and I furrowed my eyebrows as i looked at them. My breathing hitched as I saw it was a contract and i picked up the note under it. Mrs. Locksley doesn't want to return. The job's yours if you want it. I took a deep breath. Am I going to want a permanent position after the baby's born? It's not like I need the money. But it's nice to not be home alone during the day. But with the baby... I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. I do really like working here. Why is this so hard? I'll think about it. She can't take it back.

My first class started and the kids filed in. "Ms. Mills! You're back!" One of the students said and I smiled. "I am." I said softly. They had a sub for that week before break. "We missed you. Our sub sucked." Another student said. I chuckled. "Well I'm glad you all like me." I said softly before explaining the work for today.

Lunch found me sitting in the break room with Ruby and Belle. "So how far along are you?" Ruby asked quietly, but excitedly. I smiled and laid a hand on my small baby bump. "Four months." I said quietly and she smiled. "So it's from the first time?" She asked and i nodded. "Yeah.." I mumbled, now wishing I could talk to Emma. "I hope you have a little girl. Even if you don't, im going to spoil him or her. I'm going to be the best aunt." She said and smiled. I chuckled. "Yeah... you both are gonna be wonderful aunts. You already treat Henry like he does no wrong." I said and smiled. They both chuckled. "Excuse me, Ms. Mills." Emma said and i took a deep breath before turning to her. She's wearing black skinny jeans and a black and white striped sweater, then black ankle boots. Her hair's up in a low ponytail. "Yes?" I asked, trying not to let my emotions get the best of me. "Do you have those papers signed for me?" She asked, her expression neutral. "Yes. They're in my classroom on my desk." I said and she hummed. "Thank you." She said before leaving with her lunch. I frowned as I watched and then turned back to my own lunch. "Still haven't talked to her?" Ruby asked. "No." I said softly. "We're here for you Reg." Belle said and I nodded as I ate my salad. What if she doesn't even want it? She came back in and cleared her throat. "Mills. Henry was waiting outside your classroom with this. Told him I'd give it to you." She said, handing me a plate with two large slices of cheese pizza on it. I took it and bit my lip. "Thank you.." i said and she nodded before leaving again. I set the plate down and Ruby looked at me curiously. "Henry had noticed I wanted pizza a lot. He found out this morning i was pregnant." I said softly and they both smiled. I finished my salad before starting to eat the pizza. Man I love pizza.

The end of the day found me sitting in my classroom, dreading taking the permanent position. I saw Emma giving another new teacher a tour. Her name's Fiona something. She's tall and brunette and pretty and.. not pregnant. Emma was talking and laughing and seemingly flirting with her. I ran my fingers through my hair, not noticing the tears coating my cheeks. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. There was a knock on my door and before I could make myself look presentable, Emma and Fiona walked in. "Ms. Mills?" Emma asked, concerned. I quickly wiped my tears and stood up. "Yes?" I asked and she bit her lip. "Uh.. this is Fiona Black. She's the new History teacher." She said and I nodded. "Nice to meet you. I'm Regina Mills." I said and shook her hand. She nodded. "Are you alright?" She asked softly and I sighed. Emma didn't even ask. "Yes I'm alright. Thank you for asking." I said and glared at Emma. She just looked away. "Um.. is there something going on between you two?" Fiona asked and I smiled at her. "Nothing at all." I said and this time it was Emma glaring at me. "I wouldn't say nothing. She's my ex." Emma said and my breathing hitched. "Oh..." Fiona said and I looked away. I couldn't help but tear up as I grabbed my stuff. "Excuse me. I have to go meet my son." I said and of course my voice cracked. But before either of them could say anything, I rushed out. She's my ex. Hearing her say those words... fuck. I wiped my tears as I walked down the hall. I missed her. I needed her. And I don't even get an explanation as to what happened. Maybe we just fell apart. Maybe I'm just not meant for love.

An: hi i'm rewriting some stuff so...