Helping Emma

Chapter 11

Regina knocks on the bathroom door. "Emma are you ok sweetheart?  You've been in there a long time".  Emma has her hands flat down on the top of the sink and her head down. She's trying so hard to calm down. She already took her anxiety medication and she's trying the breathing exercises that Dr. Hopper taught her. There is another knock at the door. "Honey can I come in please?"  "Ya, I guess". Regina slowly opens the door. "What's wrong my love!"  "I'm really nervous about meeting your parents. I don't know if I can do it". Regina rubs Emma's back to try and comfort her. "You will be fine Emma. I know it. We've been out shopping a few times this last week and everything was fine and today will be the same".  "It's not the meeting new people thing I'm worrying about it's meeting your parents. What if they just hate me because I'm dating their daughter". Regina laughs a little. "Oh sweetheart. I promise you have nothing to worry about. I told my parents all about you and they are excited to meet you". Emma is more nervous now than ever. "You told them about me, wha-wha what did you say?"  She asks with a stutter. Regina can see the fear in her eyes now. "Oh Emma. I'm sorry. I meant I just told them what a great person you are and how wonderful it is to be in a relationship with someone so loving. I told them how great you've been working here on the farm. That's all sweetheart".  "So they don't know anything that happened to me or how I was born?"  "No Emma that is your business, and it's your choice weather you want to tell someone or not. I wouldn't betray your trust like that".  Regina gives her a kiss. "So take a deep breath and relax ok?"  Emma nods. "So do you think your ready now my love?"  "Ya. I think so". "Great let's go". Emma follows Regina down the stairs. When the get to the main part of the house they stop and look at each other. Regina reaches for Emma's hand and holds it tight. "Everything will be fine my love. I will be there the whole time". Emma gave a smile and a nod then they both walk into living room. "There's my little girl. Come here my sweetheart".  "Hi daddy. It's so good to see you. I've missed you both so much. How was the flight?"  "It was fine my girl. Private plane trips are always the best". Regina's father chuckles. "Where is mother?"  "Where else would she be? She's in the kitchen with Alice. So are you going to introduce me to your lady friend?"  Regina looks over at Emma and smiles. "Daddy I'd like you to meet Emma Swan, Emma this is my father Henry Mills". Emma gives Henry a scared smile and holds out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir". "It's a pleasure to meet you dear. Please call me Henry". Emma smiles and nods. "Daddy, it's been wonderful having Emma here at the farm. Her and Rocinante have become best friends. I think he likes her more than me sometimes". She says with a laugh. Regina's father also laughs. "Yes Rocinante does love attention. He's like a thousand pound baby". That makes Emma laugh. "Your definitely right on that one. I could tell he was a love bug right away". The three of them sit and talk for a little while. "So Emma, how long have you been working on the farm?"  "I've only been here a few weeks". She looks and Regina and they both smile at each other and begin to hold hands. "Did you do anything else before coming here, or have you always worked on farms?"  Emma looks at Regina again. "Daddy, What's with all the questions?"  "I'm just trying to get to know your girlfriend sweetheart. That's all".  "Regina it's ok". Emma says and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "To be honest sir, I'm actually the Sheriff here in Storybrooke. I'm on medical leave right now because a few months ago I was kidnapped. So I'm trying to work out some issues I've been having. My doctor suggested I work here and so far I've learned a lot".  "I'm very sorry to hear that Emma. Regina is a very good teacher. I'm sure she'll have you back to your old self in no time". Just then Zelena walks in. "Ok Regina tag your it. I've had enough of mother and besides she wants to see you. Better go say hi before she has to come and find you".  "Stop being so dramatic Zelena. I'll go see her now". She gives Emma a little kiss. "I'll be back soon my love". Emma nods. Henry gets up the same time as Regina. "I'll come with you to the kitchen sweetheart, I could use a little snack". He says with a laugh. Before they walk in the kitchen Henry stops. "Sweetheart, are you doing the right thing with this girl. Isn't she supposed to be here to get better, is it really wise to be in a relationship with her?"  "Daddy please don't get overprotective right now. Yes Emma is here to get better and I believe I'm helping her with that. She's such a wonderful person. We developed a trust between us. Before she came here she wouldn't even get out of bed, she would never ever go to the store. She's doing all that now. Please don't think any different of her because of what happened to her".  "Regina I can always tell how a person is right when I meet them and Emma seems like a nice young woman. All I'm doing is asking if your relationship is good for her right now. That's all, and if you think it is and that your helping her then keep doing what you are doing. Just make sure you are still looking out for yourself my girl. You need attention to". Regina gives her father a hug. "Thank you Daddy. I know, and Emma is so wonderful in this relationship that we have. The other day she went out by herself to the florist and bought me some flowers that I told her I liked, Weeks ago when I met her she would never have gone to a store on her own".  "That wonderful dear".  "Regina, where are you?"  They hear Regina's mother calling from the kitchen. "We better get in there before your mother comes looking for us". They both laugh and walk into the kitchen. "Hello mother. It's so nice to have you back here. The kitchen smells wonderful. What are you and Alice making for all of us?"  Regina and her mother hug. "You look so beautiful dear, how is everything?"  "Everything is great mother. I'm so happy".  "I'm happy to hear that sweetheart. Alice and I are making a delicious spaghetti sauce for dinner tonight. We also have some homemade pizzas in the oven for lunch. They will be ready soon, so you and daddy go entertain everyone and we will call you all for lunch in a bit". They hug again, then Regina and her father return to the living room.