Memories

Chapter 14

One Week Later

Emma Swan stood proud and confident, admiring herself in the full-length mirror. A lot had changed in the last week. Most importantly, Emma finally told all those demons that had been nagging her to get lost, and today, she was finally returning to work. Armed with her red leather jacket, Sheriff's badge and gun, Emma was starting to feel like herself. The news of Emma returning to work had caught Regina off guard, and the brunette still wasn't fully on board with the idea. In addition to her decision to return to work, Emma was also working on another life-changing development – that of being suddenly on board with Henry's crazy plan to get Regina and Ruby to break up. It all started one week ago when Emma rushed into the mansion.

(Flashback, One Week Earlier)

"There you are!" Emma was out of breath but knew that she had to speak before she lost her nerve. "I need to talk to you."

"Is everything okay Ma?" The boy jumped up from his lying position and sat at the end of his bed.

"You were right, I didn't want to admit it...but I can't sit back anymore." Emma paced the boy's room, afraid to actually say what she was thinking and feeling out loud.

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Henry's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Emma froze, carefully selecting her next words.

"Yes, Henry...let's get my true love back." For the first time since her accident, there was no hint of confusion laced in the blonde's voice. Emma was so sure of herself, as well as the actions that were about to unfold. "Where do we start?"

(End of Flashback)

Emma smiled worriedly as she thought about her plans. This wasn't who she was or who she wanted to be, but she knew that she had to act before it was too late, and she lost Regina forever.

"Good morning!" Emma put her chipper voice on as she entered the kitchen to join Henry and Regina for breakfast.

"Sheriff, you're oddly happy this morning." Regina frowned at the blonde.

"You excited to get back to work Ma?" Henry smirked as he watched phase one of their plan start to pan out.

"I'm super excited kid! I'm only starting on the small things today, but it's exciting nonetheless." Emma hugged the boy before pouring herself a tall glass of apple juice.

"Henry, why don't you go and wash up before school? I need to have a word with your mother for a second." Regina smiled at the boy, before shooting daggers at the blonde.

"Sure thing..." Henry muttered before sprinting off to get in one last mission on Mario before school.

"Everything okay Madam Mayor?" Emma played dumb.

"This isn't a joke Emma!" Regina whispered forcefully. "This is your life we are talking about! What if it happens again? What if you get hurt again?" Regina's eyes began to water, forcing Emma to reach out and touch the woman's hand.

"I'm going to be okay Regina. I'll only be doing light stuff, like chasing Pongo and bailing Grumpy out of fights...it's practically child's play." Emma squeezed the older woman's hand, forcing Regina's eyes to meet hers. "I promise you, Regina, I'm going to be perfectly fine." Emma's other hand moved up to wipe away a stray tear. She then cupped the brunette's face, feeling Regina give into Emma's embrace for a short while.

"I'm making a roast tonight, you better not be late." Regina resorted back to her usual Mayor self, as she dried her eyes and moved away from the blonde.

"Of course, your Highness." Emma gave Regina a small bow, before practically skipping over to retrieve her lunch.

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