Chapter 23: Shitty Day
Emma Swan (because that's what she was going by, damn it) frowned as she looked up from the pregnancy website she was reading. Her stomach had settled down a bit, thank God, though reading some of the other side effects that she was bound to experience she forgot how much being pregnant sucked.
Of course, she really didn't have a lot of time when she could experience being pregnant with Jaime. She didn't know she was knocked up for most of it, and when she did find out she was dealing with fighting for her freedom so all the not so glorious side effects—like the excess baby weight, the water retention, the hair growing on places in your body you didn't think it was possible to grow hair, and the excessive gas really didn't freak her out.
Not that Emma was a superficial person by any means, but it warped her mind a little bit that even though she had already given birth to one child and all these things she was reading about sounded completely foreign to her. Much like the prenatal prescription that Whale had ordered her to pick up at the hospital, even though she was adamant that she was going to be seeing her own OBYN she couldn't get an appointment until later in the month and she knew—based on the crap she read on the internet she needed them—plus Whale had ordered something for the nausea as well.
Though, Ford's shortbread and tea had done wonders for her stomach.
She still couldn't believe how well he had taken the entire thing. She was still freaked out over it, but a part of her was happy about it.
This baby was hers.
No one was going to take it away last time. She was free and Ford—he wanted her. He had told her as much, sure there were complications with Regina. But he had those papers signed, once the judge signed off on them—well, Regina wouldn't have any rights to her son. And she could get divorce.
She could be free from Harry.
And then what, she asked herself.
She knew that she wanted to be with Ford, she wanted to raise their child together with Jaime. But there was a lot she hadn't thought of yet, like her shambled career.
Although, she was still working as a lawyer in Storybrooke for Gold, the cases were sort of pitiful. And to be honest, she didn't love her job like she did in Boston. She didn't feel like she was making a difference, and she hated what Storybrooke was. There was so much potential in this town, but everyone—everyone seemed oppressed because of Regina.
She frowned as she thought of her brief encounter with the woman today when she went up to pick up her pills at the hospital pharmacy. Somehow, the elevator she was on took her to the mental ward of all places.
The mental ward.
She didn't even know Storybrooke had a mental ward.
"You look pensive, love." Ford said seemingly appearing behind her.
She was surprised he was here in the office, then again she shouldn't have been. This was his law firm after all.
Like usual he was wearing a tailored suit that fit him perfectly. All Emma wanted to do was tear it off of him. According to the pregnancy book she was reading, this was in part probably due to the elevated hormones. Honestly, Emma didn't care what the explanation was other than the fact that all she wanted to do know was take off Ford's clothes and christen the office.
However, her overactive sex drive was quickly squashed when she smelt food—real food and saw that Ford was holding up a brown bag.
"It's not from Granny's." He said. "If that's what your asking. I picked up some food on the way back from Augusta."
"That's right, the hearing was today." Emma said, "It explains why I saw her in the hospital."
"You saw Regina?" He asked. "She must've left right after the hearing."
"I'm sure she did," Emma said as she took one of the burgers from the bag that Ford had. "Enough to yell at me for almost getting off the wrong floor at the hospital. How was I to know there was a nuthouse at the bottom of Storybrooke General?"
"Nuthouse?"
Emma nodded and proceeded to tell him what she saw. "She seemed upset."
"I imagine she did, you know how non-Storybrooke courts work." He said.
"Oh, God, yes, I know how they work." She said, "I hate how much power she has over this town. Over the courts. Over everything. The corruption is just gross. You know, I became a lawyer as hokey as it sounds to make a difference, and I just don't feel like I'm doing that here."
"Really," He said grabbing a French fry. "Because you've been quite efficient banishing deviant tenants from their units."
"Ford," She said, "That's not what I mean."
"I know, love." He said. "But what can you do?"
There was a look on his face.
"Ford, what is it?"
"I was actually talking to Hermione the other day about something interesting that Humbert spotted when he reviewed the town's charter."
"Graham Humbert reviewed the town's charter?" Emma asked, "Really, Graham?"
"I might've advised him to look at the town's moral clause when Regina was brought in for her latest escapade. Do you know, love, that if the mayor is charged with any sort of crime there's they're automatically impeached. No trial, no nothing. Out."
"And I should care, why?"
"Well, you said you wanted to make a difference. Don't you think if you were to say become mayor of Storybrooke you could make that difference."
"Me? The mayor of Storybrooke, that's ridiculous."
"Is it, love?" He said, "I think your more than qualified."
"I've only lived here for a couple of months." She said.
"Enough to establish residency," He said. "And think of all the good you could do as mayor."
"I'm pregnant," Emma pointed out.
"So?" He said, "You'll take maternity leave when you give birth. While your condition is delicate, I'm sure it won't stop you from working. If that's what you want."
"It will just upset Regina further," Emma said. "And I was sort of planning on leaving Storybrooke once we got the custody dispute handled."
Though, the idea of being mayor did interest her she hated to admit. She knew she could do a better job running the town than Regina, and it would definitely interest her more than getting people evicted from their homes.
"Fuck Regina. She needs to be stopped."
"Then why don't you run for mayor?" Emma said, "God knows, you're more qualified than me."
Ford raised an eyebrow, "I am a very busy man. Besides, some people would say I don't have your people skills."
Emma laughed, "Me, having people skills, please? I can't even talk to my own husband."
"Harry did mention that you haven't called," Ford said. "You know I have to meet with him later this week."
"And that won't be awkward," Emma said. She had been avoiding the topic of her mysterious husband all-together. "When do you think you can have the judge sign off on the custody agreement?"
"Not soon enough," He said. "I actually did give the paperwork to her this afternoon when I was in Augusta. If we're lucky the settlement can get signed off within the month or so."
"I want all of this to be done before—" She said pointing to her belly.
She started showing.
He nodded as he looked at her, "You're only a month along if even that."
"It's actually been almost six weeks." Emma said, "But still. The time will go by fast. I didn't really start showing with Jaime until the end of my fourth month, but I had so much getting food down for so long. Not so much with this one. At least now."
"You threw up this morning," He said.
"That was before I had your tea and the medicine Whale prescribed. God, I can't believe I went to Whale. Which reminds me, while I was there he sort of forced me to get an ultrasound."
"Did he?" Ford asked. "I thought we agreed that Frank Whale wasn't going to touch you or the baby."
"I needed the prescription for the vitamins and the anti-nausea medicine and he sort of cornered me in the hall." She said, "Your shortbread does wonders but I needed something that wouldn't cause me to gain a hundred pounds by the end of this pregnancy."
"I doubt the shortbread would cause you to gain a hundred pounds."
She rolled her eyes as she finished her burger. "Regardless, I want to prolong telling anyone until the Regina situation is handled."
" It's not about Regina. You're trying to delay it as long as possible, aren't you?" He asked.
She sighed, "I just want all the drama to be over. Honestly, a part of me wants to leave Storybrooke as soon as the order gets signed off on by the judge. It's not a good place for Jaime to grow up, or at least around Regina."
"Yet, you seemed intrigued with my mayor idea."
The idea was intriguing, but at the same time Emma shook her head. "I don't know. I do like the idea, and someone needs to stop Regina. But I have the baby to consider, and I don't really want to be dealing with Regina with swollen feet and the likes of that. And more than that, I want you, Jaime, and I to have a fresh start. This place has to get to you."
He didn't say anything.
"Don't lie, Ford, you probably think about her all the time while you're here."
He sighed, "Not as much as you'd think."
"You don't have to try to hide it," Emma said. "I understand that her death gutted you, which is why I think it might be better to start some place over like New York."
"New York?" He said with a weird look on his face.
"Why not?" She said, "I am licensed to practice there, I'm sure you are as well. There are branches of your firm there. I always thought it would be nice having a nice loft there. Plus, they have takeout of every kind so you wouldn't have to worry about cooking, since you know I'm a horrible cook and all."
The strange look was still on his face and Emma stopped, "I'm sorry. I just assumed that—"
"What?" He asked not making the conversation any easier.
"Never mind," Emma said. "We'll plan ahead later. But I do think I want to leave Storybrooke, so you're just going to have to tell Graham Humbert that he can find another replacement mayor than yours truly."
"So you don't like the idea?" He asked.
She rolled her eyes. Honestly, she didn't know why he was presenting the mayor thing with such gusto. The idea did have some merit to it, but like Emma told Gold she wanted out of Storybrooke.
"If the idea was anywhere else but Storybrooke, I might consider it." She said, "But all I want is a quiet life after this custody thing is settled with you, me, and Jaime. You think you can handle that?"
He nodded as the office door jerked open. "Well, isn't this a pleasant picture?" Sneered a voice Regina knew so well.
"Get out, dearie, this is private property." Ford said as he crumpled the foil that had previously held his burger.
"This is your place of business, isn't it?" Regina snapped. "I want to talk about my son."
"Afraid he's not your son anymore, Regina. Not that he ever was." Ford snapped.
"A judge will never sign off on that paperwork." Regina barked.
"I'm sure they will, since I drafted it." Ford said.
"I'll say it was under duress."
"Really, giving away all your legal strategies." Emma butted in.
"So, your back from the hospital, I see." Regina said as she looked at her as if she could figure out what was wrong with Emma just by looking at her.
"Regina, if the point of this visit is just to berate me and Mrs. Potter, you can leave. We've put up with you enough for the day."
"You'll regret not talking to me, Gold." She snapped, "I have a very lucrative offer to make with you."
"Unless it involves you walking in front of a bus," Gold said. "I don't want to hear it."
"I'm not so sure about that." Regina said. "Really, we should chat. In fact, I'm not going to leave until we talk."
"If you're trying to bribe me into resigning from the Potters case, it's not going to happen, dearie."
"Oh, I think will reach an agreement." Regina said suddenly grabbing his hand.
Ford quickly brushed her hand away from, "Don't touch me."
As he was doing this Emma noticed that Regina had placed something in Ford's pocket. Years of living in foster care and on the streets, told her how to spot a pick pocketer.
What was Regina doing?
After he brushed her off Regina sighed and said, "Well, then, I guess I'll get going. I hope you are feeling better, Emma. Give my son, my love."
Emma shook her head as the woman left before turning towards Ford. "She put something in your pocket."
"I know," He said as he reached in his pant's pocket and picked up something before frowning.
"What is it?" Emma said.
"It's Lacey's engagement ring." He said with a frown, "I don't even know—how could she have this? Lacey died. The car exploded. She was trapped and nothing, the ring, or anything was left to find."
Emma frowned, "Can I see it?"
He nodded as he handed her the ring. It was beautiful. It looked antique, Edwardian style. The band was in pink gold and had a yellow diamond. Not exactly the type of ring Emma would want, if she was ever to want a wedding ring, but it was clearly expensive. And clearly one of a kind.
"It's beautiful," She finally said. "Did you pick it out?"
He frowned, "Yes, I used to be into antiques back in the day. It was something that Lacey and I shared. Surely, you realized that with my home."
She did. But she was so used to Ford living in hotels. Usually the most expensive and sterile looking hotels that there were. And the man was meticulously neat, it seemed odd he would like digging into dust as she told him.
"I was different when I was younger," He said. "More willing to take on projects. Lacey was the same way. And boy, did she get a project with me. I—I don't know how or why Regina has this. Or what she is trying to do."
"Does it even matter?" Emma said, "Everything with her is a mind game."
"Yes, but—" Ford said.
"You'd be best if you drop it." Emma said.
That she knew based on Ford's face was going to be easier said than done.
Which was why she ended up visiting Regina, a few days later when Ford went to Augusta to see whether or not the judge approved of the order.
Emma was fed up with the woman's behavior and she was going to tell her as much.
She had seen Ford staring at the ring, when he didn't think she was watching. And she hated it. It was obviously messing him up. She wanted to know what Regina's game was and she wanted the game to be over.
Emma didn't even knock. She knew Regina wouldn't let her in, and she found herself staring aghast at the Regina's office. The amount of mirrors that were in the room made her head spin when Regina saw her she glared at her.
"What do you want, Potter?"
"I want to know what sort of sick game you're playing with Ford." Emma said.
"Since you're not a participant in our sick little game, afraid your not going to find out, Potter." She said looking at her and shaking her head. "But I can tell you that that ring is going to change everything."
"It's not," She said. "Lacey Gold is dead. It doesn't matter what possessions of hers you have. Ford is legally obligated to help me, and you have squandered any chance you had of getting Jaime a long time ago."
Regina stood up from her desk and before Emma knew what happened she felt herself being slapped. She quickly recovered though enough at least to block Regina from doing any further damage.
"You bitch," Emma said when she finally felt it was safe to push Regina away.
"Me the bitch," Regina said. "Is that all you have to say?"
No, there was a lot more to say, but Emma was not even going to go there. "Stop torturing, Ford."
"You know, Potter, let me give you some advice. You should stay away from Gold, he ruins lives and he does not need protecting."
Emma shook her head. "That's bull shit. No one deserves what you did to him."
"I was merely returning a bobble." Regina said, "There wasn't anything else about it. God, you are so emotional."
Emma shook her head. "That bobble was the engagement ring he gave Lacey. She was wearing it when her car exploded. You shouldn't have it."
"You know nothing about Lacey Gold." Regina said. "You don't know what sort of crap she put up from your so called savior of a lawyer. How his behavior drove her towards the brink of insanity."
"You're lying," Emma said though she did remember Ford telling her Lacey was leaving him that night. But nothing about her going mental.
"I suggest you talk to Moe French," Regina said. "He can tell you a lot about that loon of a daughter of his if you don't believe me. Maybe you'll think twice about whom you're friends with then. Or is it more than friends?"
"Don't be ridiculous, I'm married." Emma said.
"Yet, you never defend the hubby this way." Regina said, "I can't even remember the last time old green eyes was in town."
"Harry works a lot." Emma said trying to figure out if she and Ford had done anything to have Regina suspect that they were a couple. "Besides, my relationship with my husband is none of your business."
"It is when you're raising my son," She said. "I'm sure the court will just love to hear about how Mr. Potter is never in Storybrooke."
"Mr. Potter is home enough," Emma said. "And it doesn't matter whether we're in Storybrooke or not. Once the judgment is finalized, we'll be free to leave. All of us."
"You won't," Regina hissed. "You won't leave. I won't let you. The boy is mine."
"He's not yours," Emma said before walking out. "He never was yours."
If she would've saw the look on Regina's face, she would've known that there would've been hell to pay for that remark.
Harry called her that night, to tell her he was coming in later that week. It was right after Ford had called her to inform her that the agreement had went through—Jaime was all hers or well technically hers and Harry's. She was a little surprised the order had gone through, but Ford said he was a miracle worker. However, given the way Regina had acted she still was a little surprised that she signed away her rights.
There was just something that put her on edge about that woman. Despite telling Ford she felt perfectly okay, and that everything with Jaime was going fine. Emma felt on edge. It was made all the more clear when she talked to her husband.
Harry was aloof as ever. Saying that he had been super busy, but was finally finding time to see her. He didn't even ask how she was. Not that she cared—she shouldn't care. He was more concerned about Jaime.
"I'm glad Ford has this whole mess done." Harry said, "I need to talk to you when I get there."
"You need to talk to me?" She asked.
"Yes," He said. "It's about us. It shouldn't be told over the phone."
And Emma couldn't think just what Harry wanted to talk about until Harry came.
He looked as polished as always. Ridiculously expensive suit, shiny shoes, perfect hair. A lot like Ford in a way, but unlike Ford she always found the suit, the shoes, the hair, the stupid grin, the eyes irritating on Harry. Though, now she didn't know if it was irritation as much as shame.
"Was your trip okay?" Emma asked trying to make decent small talk and knowing she was failing epically.
He raised an eyebrow as he took a bite of some of the leftover shortbread—Ford had made a lot of it. "It was work." He said, "I had some interesting meetings. And some of them weren't so interesting."
"You said you worked in government, right?"
He nodded. "Yes. Emma, you don't have to try to make small talk. I know that it's uncomfortable for you to be around me."
She felt herself turning red.
"I know we're done," He said. "You don't have to say anything. That's why I came here today. Ford called me to tell me that the custody agreement had been handled and I asked him to draw up the divorce papers."
"Papers?" She said, "You already have papers drawn up?"
He nodded, "I asked Ford to draw them up after the custody was handled. I—I don't want to live like this. It's not good for me, for you, or for Jaime."
She frowned, "And you didn't think to discuss this with me first?"
And here she went again, with the shrew act. Somehow, she didn't know what it was, whenever she was around Harry Potter she acted like a bitch. She hated herself for it, but man did he annoy her. So, so, so much.
There he was acting like he was doing her a favor serving her with divorce papers, but Emma didn't feel grateful. Even though she knew she should've. He was giving her an out. An out without requiring her to explain that she was leaving them for their lawyer.
That sounded worse than it really was.
"What?" Harry said probably seeing on her face that she didn't want to worship him with bunny rabbits and roses.
"Nothing," Emma said. "It's a little presumptuous, don't you think?"
He rolled his eyes. They were exactly like Jaime's, Emma thought, green with traces of gold. You hardly ever found eyes that color.
"Come on, Emma." He said, "I'm not exactly stupid. I am doing you a favor after all."
"Doing me a favor?" She asked.
Harry sighed heavily. "I think it's pretty obvious that you moved on, haven't you?"
"You have no idea," She said glaring at him.
"I know more than you realize."
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked trying to figure out if Ford had indeed talked to him about the two of them.
"I know you, Emma." He said, "Unlike you, I remember our time together and I can tell that you're not happy."
"It's not that."
"Is it?" He said, "Look, I don't want to make this difficult for you. I got the papers already ready, you'll get a nice settlement. All you have to do is signed them, and we won't be married anymore."
"You didn't even give me the chance to make a decision." Emma said as she looked at the papers and shook her head. "And I don't want your damn money."
She then got up and left the room, not caring where she was going she haphazardly grabbed her coat and just started walking. She didn't even care where she went she just had to get away from her stupid husband.
She didn't know why she wasn't happy. Why she was so pissed. She just couldn't stand him for some unforeseen reason. She sighed heavily as she almost bumped into someone—she turned around to see Jaime's schoolteacher. The one who stood her up.
"Oh, Mary Margret."
"Emma," She said. "You look—"
Emma knew how she looked. She had left in a rush and God knows she hadn't been dressed to go out in public.
"I just needed some air." Emma said.
The schoolteacher frowned, "You know, I still owe you a cup of coffee. You want to come to Granny's with me?"
Emma shrugged. Why not? She had no other plans and at this point it was better than walking around Storybrooke while she tried to figure out how to talk to Harry without popping off.
She frowned as she kept dabbing her hot chocolate with cinnamon. She was just glad that the diner was relatively empty. Okay, it was empty save for her and Mary Margret and Ruby when she was serving them and not flirting with the prep cook in the back of the restaurant.
"That's a lot of cinnamon." Mary Margret said. "I thought I was the only one who liked it with my hot chocolate."
"Jaime likes it too." Emma said, "I mean, HJ."
Mary Margret nodded. "Are you okay, Emma? I know I don't have a right to ask. Not with how things started between us, but you look upset."
Emma found herself laughing. "Is it that obvious?"
"That something is upsetting you. No, I mean you weren't crying or anything like that you just seem—distracted. I know that I get distracted a lot of the time when there's something not right going on."
Emma frowned, "Is that why you invited me to talk? So, that I'd tell you all my problems?"
"No," Mary Margret said. "I still feel bad about that time we were supposed to meet, and I stood you up. I really, shouldn't have done that."
Emma sighed, "It's in the past."
She hadn't given much thought to the miss coffee date, with all that was going on. Besides, she really didn't feel like she could blame the teacher (much) it was how everyone in Storybrooke was.
Mary Margret though shook her head. "No, I was wrong. I—I'm a weak person, Emma."
"I wouldn't say weak," Emma replied though it was a fair description. "Just scared. Regina, isn't a nice person."
Mary Margret bit her lip like she was going to argue but finally shook her head. "You're right. I think that's the first time I've ever admitted to anyone. She's not nice. But—but up until recently I viewed her as a friend."
"And now you don't?"
"Honestly, I don't know." Mary Margret said. "Someone recently pointed some things out that got me thinking a bit. But at the same time—"
She shook her head and drank some coffee.
Emma gave her a weird look. "Did you want to say something?"
"No," Mary Margret said. "No, right now I don't even know how to phrase what I'm thinking. You know, I've always been friends with Regina."
"Have you?" Emma said taking a sip of the hot chocolate as she found herself yawning. It must've been the hormones. She had been getting tired a lot faster than she used too.
"Yes," Mary Margret said. "A part of me trusts her implicitly, she's like the older sister I never had."
"Yet she treats you like crap." Emma couldn't help but outright say it, it was true.
Mary Margret bit her lip. "I wouldn't say like crap, but—she has helped me so much in life."
"Has she?" Emma asked.
"Yes, she has." Regina said popping out of nowhere. "Thanks, Mary Margret for getting her here."
Emma looked at the sheepish Mary Margret. "Seriously?"
"I wanted to finish our conversation from earlier," Regina said. "I want you to understand how things are meant to be."
"I'm sorry, Emma." Mary Margret said sheepishly. "Regina insisted and—"
"Get out," Emma said. "I don't want to see your face again, you snively little weasel."
Mary Margret, wimp she was, used this opportunity to sneak away.
"Snively little weasel," Regina said as the woman scampered away. "That's a good one, I'll actually have to remember it."
Emma glared at her, "I'm not like her, I have a backbone. I thought I made my opinions to you perfectly clear earlier."
"We didn't reach an understanding about my son."
"He's not your son," Emma said as she found it more and more difficult to stay awake. She wondered if she could get pills from Whale that made her stay awake like the ones that kept her from barfing. Of course, she really didn't want Whale to be the one prescribing them.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." Regina said, "Your speech is a little garbled."
"That is ridiculous," Emma said but even she noticed that her speech was slightly slurred as the room started spinning.
The last thing she saw before her head hit the table was Regina smiling. Somehow, just before Emma blacked out she realized that her sudden exhaustion wasn't due to pregnancy hormones but to Regina.