Ever After New York

What If.

"Mum!" I choke out, frozen in place.

My mum looks worn out and tired from a long trip, but I wish I would've known she was coming rather than her just showing up here. That would've made this encounter a little easier to swallow.

"Josephine..." She says, looking at me.

I couldn't tell if she knew right off the bat, or if she was just assuming. Either way, I knew she could tell something was different as she eyed me up and down.

"What're you doing here?" I ask.

Hero opens the door wider for her to come in, and she slowly brushes past him. She looks up at Hero, ignoring my question. "Could you give my daughter and I a moment alone please?"

"You're joking." Hero scoffs, but when he looks into my pleading eyes he doesn't argue. "Fine. I'll be in the room."

My mum places her bag on the small table near the door before looking around the apartment. "I'm sorry I didn't call. This was kind of a last-minute thing."

"It's okay mum... you're always welcome here." I assure her.

When she finally gets a good look at me, her brows knit into concern. "Josephine..."

"I'm sorry, mum! I know I should've told you. I just didn't know how." I cry, burying my head into my hands.

"I just never expected this from you." She sighs. "I always thought you would wait, at least until you were a little older... and married."

"We made a mistake."

I expect my mum to scold me and tell me how disappointed she is in me. Instead, she pulls me into her arms and hugs me. The familiar scent of her perfume fills my lungs, and I suddenly felt safe. As if nobody could ever hurt me again.

"I'm so sorry." I whimper, resting my head on her shoulder.

"It's alight honey. I'm here."

"Where's dad?" I ask, pulling away from her.

My mum's face falls into a frown. "You might want to sit down..."

"Mum..." I say slowly, feeling as if a huge weight was on my chest.

"Your father and I..."

Oh god... please don't let it be true...

"We've split up for a while."

My head is spinning. My parents... split up?

I mean, I knew my dad could be a bit overbearing, but I didn't understand. I thought they loved each other.

"W-Why?" I choke out. "Is... is it because of me? About what I said at my birthday party? I didn't mean it."

"Sweetie, no." My mum says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "This has nothing to do with you. Or Katherine. Your father and I just needed some time away from each other, and quite frankly I'm glad I came here. Especially with you in your condition."

"How am I going to tell dad? He's probably still upset with me about what happened last time we spoke. I don't think he'll be overly excited to hear that I'm pregnant."

"Don't worry about your father." My mum grimaces. "I'll talk to him. We're still your parents Josephine. We'll love you and Katherine no matter what."

"How long will you be here for?" I ask, trying to get off the topic of my dad.

"Well, originally until your father and I were ready to work things out. But now, until you've had the baby I suppose."

A soft smile forms onto my lips. "Thanks mum."