"Everything Starts With HOPE" [Captain Swan]

Emma's P.O.V

After a final look at Henry's room, I donned my red leather jacket and drove to Regina's. I rang the bell and waited, a knot of apprehension tightening in my chest. When Regina opened the door, her eyes were red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. Without a second thought, I pulled her into a hug. She stiffened momentarily, surprised by the gesture, but then relaxed against me, the tension visibly draining from her shoulders. She needed that, I knew it. Inside, as the door clicked shut behind us, we felt silent for a moment, the only sound the soft sniffles escaping her. Then, we began to talk, sharing memories of Henry.

"I really hated you when you arrived in Storybrooke." Regina admitted, her voice softening. "But now... you're like family. Without Henry here, you're the closest I have." Her tone carried a tinge of sadness.

"I thought the same thing about you... at first, anyway. But now..." I gave her a small, hesitant smile. "I trust you enough to tell you this. I think I might be pregnant." The words tumbled out.

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, her usual composed demeanor shattered.

"Emma, that's—oh my goodness, that's amazing!" She exclaimed.

"Hush!" I hissed, glancing around anxiously. "I don't even know for sure."

"Well, you need to find out." Her excitement softened into determination. "You have to know, Emma."

"I know." I murmured. "I'm just... nervous."

"It's okay to be nervous." She gave me a knowing look, her brow arched. "Do you have a pregnancy test?"

"I do." I reached into my pocket, pulling it out and holding it up like it was the heaviest object in the world.

"Then what are you waiting for?" Her lips quirked into a half-smile.

"Alright. Here I go." I let out a long sigh, my heart pounding.

After what felt like an eternity, I emerged from the bathroom, the test clutched tightly in my hand. Regina was waiting in the hallway, where I joined her. Then we sat down, setting the test on the floor between us. We both stared at it like it was a ticking bomb.

"How long do we have to wait?" She asked, her voice hushed.

"Ten minutes." I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I prefer magic." She rolled her eyes.

During those minutes, the only sound was my nervous breathing. My heart raced as if it were trying to outrun the clock. I clenched my fists, silently willing the time to pass faster. When my phone alarm finally went off, I froze. I couldn't look. My hands instinctively flew up to cover my face.

"You're pregnant." She said, her voice quick and certain.

"What?" I lowered my hands, my heart thudding painfully in my chest.

"There are two red lines. Am I wrong?" She asked, holding the test up to confirm.

I grabbed it, my eyes scanning the lines as if they might suddenly change.

"You're right." I whispered.

"You look... sad." Her tone softened, her brow furrowing in confusion.

I felt the tears before I realized I was crying. They rolled down my cheeks, unchecked and unrelenting.

"Emma, are you alright?" She asked, gently taking the test of my hands.

"You're going to laugh." I let out a shaky laugh, one that was more fear than amusement. "It's crazy, but I can fight monsters, witches, and curses... and yet, I don't feel ready to raise a child."

"You did it once with Henry." She reminded me softly.

"I didn't raise him." I said, my voice breaking. "I gave him up for adoption because I was coward. You raised him, Regina."

"Emma." She said firmly. "He was ten years old when you met him, and you've been a part of his life ever since. How many times was his life in danger, and who was always there to save him? You."

"That's true." I swallowed hard, the weight of her words sinking in.

"Believe me." She said, grabbing my arm. "You're going to be a great mother. And for the record, I'm so happy for you."

Her sincerity broke through my fear, and I hugged her tightly. For a moment, everything felt manageable. Then my phone buzzed in my pocket, it was a text from my mom.

"Oh, I have to pick up Neal." I said.

"Don't worry." She said, flashing me a smile.

"I'll need your advice." I admitted, half-joking, half-serious.

"Well, you've already done the pregnancy part before, so I'm not much help there. But call me in nine months—I'll have plenty of advice then." She smirked.

"Thanks Regina." I said.

"Anytime." She replied.

I rushed out the door, realizing I was already running late, and I didn't want to keep my mom waiting. I jumped into my car, speeding toward my parents' new house. When I arrived, I let myself in with my keys.

"I'm here!" I called out.

"Emma! You saved my live." My mom said, rushing out of the kitchen with her bag in hand. "Your father's at the station, and I'm already running late."

"I know. Killian's there too." I said.

"I was hoping you'd bring him with you. I wanted to invite you both to dinner tonight. It's been forever since we had a family dinner—ever since Henry left." She said.

"He'll come, I'll make sure of it." I said, trying to ease her stress.

"Great!" Her shoulders relaxed slightly. "Neal's going to school in an hour, so make him breakfast and—please—don't be late dropping him off."

She kissed my forehead, then Neal's, before rushing out the door.

"She's crazy." I muttered under my breath.

"She's crazy." Neal echoed, grinning.

"Don't let her hear you say that, or she will kill me." I shot him a playful glare.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter!