A/N: I know some people don't care for first person point of view, but I ask that you please give this one a chance. I put a lot of heart into this story and worked very hard on it! Please enjoy!!

My heart thunders violently in my chest as all the air evaporates from my lungs, forcing a small gasp to break through my quivering lips. For once in my life, I am stunned into complete silence while my arms nervously bounce off the fluff of my elaborate dress.

My eyes finally tear away from the sparkling jewels intricately decorating the crown presented to me, to meet David's soft blue eyes. His ocean irises are shimmering in a sea of emotions. Snow is a bubbling mess beside her husband, but Charming isn't far from crumbling as my eyes meet his watery smile.

I slowly spin around to confirm that this is indeed what all the realms would truly want. For some peculiar reason, truly undisclosed in my mind, I find myself seeking the approval of only one person in this crowded room. My eyes scan the overpopulated expanse where our stories all began; an encouraging smile from my sister, an overjoyed expression from my niece and her girlfriend along with the new Hook and proud smiles upon both versions of my son.

I swallow thickly as all eyes are on me, expectantly watching through watery smiles, but mine falters. My brows draw automatically together from the sudden ache clinging painfully to my heart and the sensation of feeling miserably alone.

"Are you ready?" David gently questions tearing my eyes away from the crowd, but only for a brief second, before I'm in search again.

"Uh," I stammer as I contemplate whether or not I should even ask. My arms anxiously twitch at my sides again, bouncing once more from the width of my powder blue dress like the nervous princess I once was when Leopold proposed. I glance down and summon all the courage necessary to question my curiosity. I lean forward and lower my voice for only the Charmings to hear. "Is everyone here?" I softly inquire with every bit of nerves tingling my limbs.

Even in a crowded room, with all eyes on me, there's only one person I'm in search for. Only one person's opinion that matters to me.

Only one.

XXXXXXXXX

Storybrooke: Before Henry ever left, in search for his own story

"Henry! We are going to be late, honey!"

I shake my head at my son's untimely manner in which he inherited from his blonde mother, without a doubt. I adjust the silver charm decorating my wrist and smile at the Mother's Day present Henry purchased this year. Even though I have a sneaky suspicion the purchase was to soften me up for something I haven't a clue of just yet. I smile fondly as the light catches the simple diamond bracelet in just the right way, sparkling brightly in the reflection of the mirror before me.

The doorbell rings, prying my eyes away from the beautiful gift and forcing me to realize just how late we must be if Emma is ready before our son. My lips twist from my son's tardiness as my heels click against my marble floors toward the front door.

"Henry!" I call out again just before I swing open the door. I smile softly as Emma and Hook appear before me upon my porch.

"Regina."

"Hook."

"Hi."

"Good morning," I step aside allowing the couple to enter and gently close the door behind them. "Your son can't seem to put his feet to work this morning," I mock as a warm vanilla scent wafts through the air around me.

Her signature scent.

Emma spins around on her heels and flashes me her infamous cheeky grin, producing that adore dimple I always pretend not to notice. "I have no idea where he gets his ability to always be late. I think it's only safe to assume Neal bequeathed that trait to our son."

"Yes Miss Swan, his inapt concept of time has nothing to do with you," I sarcastically retort as I purse out my lips and fold my arms across my chest, just daring the woman to challenge me, like she used to.

Emma spins back around abruptly and leans closer toward the staircase. "Henry! Move your butt!"

"I'm coming, jeesh," our son gripes as his heavy feet clash against each step with determination and what I can only assume is frustration. The thumping sound once drove me mad when he was younger, but now I happily welcome the sound knowing soon I will be drowning in the silence surrounding my home. "This stupid tie..." he mumbles to himself as his long fingers fumble with his silky black tie.

"Come here my dear," I softly instruct. "I thought you had ties figured out after your mother's wedding?" I raise one eyebrow as my fingers reach for his tie and he throws down his arms in defeat.

"I did. I YouTubed it, but I don't know something's not right...every time I try, I swear it looks lopsided."

"You sure you're just not nervous, kid?" Emma questions in a teasing manner while leaning into our son's personal space, eliciting a small smirk to tug at the corner of my mouth.

"Why would I be nervous?" Our son snaps anxiously, revealing just how nervous he truly is. "I'm just graduating."

Out of my peripheral vision, I watch as Emma eyes me with amusement, but I continue dutifully knotting the tie before me and ignore the woman. Henry's dark green eyes are casted down intently, watching as my hands move effortlessly in front of him.

"There," I breathe and slowly straighten the tie once more, but I can't seem to let go of my son just yet.

My palms flatten against the lapels of his jacket while I examine his face. Tears well up and blur my vision as my eyes scan over every detail of his complexion, reminding me that he's just not my little prince anymore.

His once chubby round face has significantly thinned out and has become longer in the process. His adorable little chin is now sketched with faint stubble that he just can't seem to shave close enough to yet. My eyes suddenly flick to my son's stepfather, knowing this man will be useless in teaching Henry how to properly shave.

I guess I will make it a point to speak to Charming this evening.

"Mom? Aren't we going to be late?" Henry meekly questions, understanding completely the emotions that must be flitting across my mind right now.

I gently pat his chest and smile. "Yes of course. Let's get a move on," I comply as I lean forward and press a delicate kiss to his cheek.

"Mom," he groans and nervously rubs at his cheek. "You didn't leave any lipstick behind did you?"

Emma laughs as she clasps a hand upon each of his broad shoulders. "Come on, you don't want your mother's lipstick gracing your face as you accept your diploma?" She sarcastically teases while she pushes him toward the front door.

"There are far worst things than that I suspect, mate," Hook chuckles along with his wife as they shuffle out the front door.

I take one more glance around my mansion and sigh, knowing all too well that my son is no longer a little boy. He's graduating high school, off to college and from the hints he's been dropping lately, will be very far from our quant town of Storybrooke. I frown and slowly shut the door behind me, closing the past.

XXXXXXXXX

The moment we park my Mercedes in front of the high school, Henry is climbing out the back with his cap and gown clenched tightly in his fists.

"Bye moms, I'm going to catch up Violet," he informs us and I watch with amusement as his cheeks tinge a light shade of pink from the mention of the young girl's name alone.

"Well good luck Henry," I laugh while I rush out of my car. "We will see you right after the ceremony," I call out, but he's already running toward the school in full speed.

"Do you remember a time when he was running toward us?" Emma teases as she softly closes my passenger door.

"Is it bad to wish for a villain again, just so our son will need us once more," I muse while locking the door and stepping around the car to meet the couple.

"Yes!" Emma quickly replies, but then she's laughing lightly and shaking her head. "No, but do you think we can summon a demon or something," she whispers as she leans into my side.

My breath catches in my throat, just as it always seems to do whenever she lingers just a little closer. Her familiar scent clouds my mind and fills my heart with this warm feeling, that just feels like home. I smirk salaciously just as I always do while she returns the smile with a cheeky grin that consumes her entire face. It isn't long before her clingy pirate drapes an arm around her shoulder and tucks her into his side, just as he always does when he believes Emma and I are too close for comfort.

I'm not entirely sure when my feelings for the insufferable blonde presented themselves. Sometimes I think back to when her strong fingers wrapped around my arm and our magic combined to open up a portal from Jefferson's hat. Other times I convince myself that maybe I'm being silly and I actually didn't feeling anything until we were deserted on Neverland's island together. There's always one scenario that plays on repeat in my mind, when she chased me outside of Granny's when she thought I was leaving the party and blurted out that Archie made a cake. Then there are those rare moments when she flashes me her adorable shy smile and my heart sinks and I know she stole my heart when she muttered 'Hi', the very first time we met.

However, none of this matters now. Emma is happily married to the pirate that pined obsessively over her. She was either too busy batting the man away to notice the way that I felt for her or maybe she chose to ignore my feelings, because who wants to have to reject the Evil Queen's love and affection?

"Regina?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you put your purse on the end? I think we should save two seats for my mom and dad," Emma asks just as I shuffle through the bleachers.

"Of course." I claim my seat next to Emma and set down my purse next to me, allowing enough room for the Charmings.

Emma leans into my side, seizing my heart yet again and immobilizing all my limbs and I curse myself for always feeling far too much.

"This is so exciting. To be honest, I never thought I'd see this day." A warm wave washes through my blood and encourages me to turn and meet her dancing eyes. "Not like...because I was going to die or anything. It's just...when I gave him up for adoption, I knew this would be a huge moment I was going to miss out on and it killed me." Emma nervously wipes her palms against her sun dress and offers me a lopsided smile. "I'm so happy I'm here to see this."

"Well I know Henry is happy that you are here as well." I pause for a moment and really assess her choice of clothing this morning. "You're wearing a dress," I suddenly blurt out.

Green eyes quickly flick to her clothing while her fingers anxiously tug at the hem. "Uh...yeah. I mean this is a special occasion right? You're wearing a dress."

"I always wear a dress," I retort and watch as too many insecurities flash across her mind. "Relax dear, you look really nice. I'm glad you decided against the skinny jeans and tacky red leather jacket."

"Oh shut up, you love that jacket just as much as I do."

"I love that jacket, I love all your leather jackets," Hook chimes in as he leans dangerously close into mine and Emma's intimate bubble, successfully popping the moment, just as he always does. "I thought the black leather would have suited you well today."

"I told you this dress is more appropriate."

I quickly lean back and remove myself from their martial squabble. There's nothing I find more uncomfortable then listening to those two fight. It's bad enough I have to watch Hook constantly stake his claim over Emma like a dog in heat.

"Emma! Regina!" Snow exclaims with Neal tucked suffocatingly close to her chest with David following behind.

"Hook, Emma, Regina," David politely individually greets all of us as they sink down into their seats. Charming shakes Hook's hand then reaches over to kiss Emma's forehead before he squeezes my arm affectionately. "How was Henry this morning?"

"He was quite nervous, but I think as soon as we arrived all that worry washed away by his excitement."

"Oh good," Snow huffs out a long breath as she readjusts Neal upon her lap.

"Gina!" Neal squeals as his little hands reach out for a hug.

I happily accept the little blonde and lift him out of Snow's lap. "Well hello my sweet boy," I gush and place a small kiss to his cheek. "Let's try this again, shall we? Re-gina," I softly encourage the little boy to properly pronounce my name while Snow simply laughs beside me. "Honestly Snow, are you not a teacher? We can't have this little one calling me Gina all the time."

The three year old ignores my request and wraps his arms around my neck squeezing as tight he can while he laughs. My fingers methodically run through his hair, the same way I always did with Henry when he was younger.

"He's three, Regina. Do you fear people won't take you seriously anymore with the new nickname Gina?" Snow muses, but I choose not to comment because I'll be damned if I allow Snow the satisfaction of knowing me so well.

"Hey kiddo," Emma leans in close enough to where brother and sister's noses almost touch. She lifts her hand and waits for her brother to reciprocate the gesture, slapping his palm against hers.

"Hi, Ems."

Soon the chitter chatter from around the noisy gymnasium falls dead to our ears as the principal begins his speech. The amount of excited energy buzzing from the blonde beside me is palpable to say the very least. Her knees are bouncing as she leans forward to spot Henry in the sea of maroon caps and smiles from ear to ear.

The principal finishes up his speech and soon the valedictorian is making his way to the front of the stage. His fists clench tight into balls of white bony knuckles as his feet try not to shuffle and trip against the squeaky floor.

Emma's clammy hand slips over my knee, luckily I had enough sense to wear pantyhose this morning and not drown in the skin to skin contact. She squeezes with anticipation causing me to jerk a little from the surprise gesture. Snow and Hook immediately turn their full attention to me. I smile weakly and watch as Hook's blue eyes travel down to where Emma and I are conjoined.

It's truthfully exhausting trying to come up with a reason as to why my best friend's husband is jealous now. Emma is simply ecstatic that our son is about to present his valedictorian speech and why shouldn't she be? Henry is our son, a young man who we have raised together and we should be enjoying this precious moment, together.

The former pirate masks his emotions well, I must say, but the man forgets that I too was once a villain. I can see the jealously clouding his judging eyes and the way his spine stiffens with rage. He slides his hand over Emma's leg, squeezing her thigh until she glances over at him. She quickly releases my knee and slides her hand into his for support. I roll my eyes and ignore his possessive ways because my son is about to speak.

"Well, I think this is the last time I will be able to speak freely. I believe the next school I attend will have me committed if I ever divulge in my time in Neverland with Pan," Henry begins and breathes out a nervous chuckle, but the entire gymnasium laughs along with my son and washes away the last of his nervous jitters.

Pride overwhelms my heart as I listen to my son produce his speech with confidence. Henry is the author now, but this speech that he wrote is remarkable. He has the audience laughing in all the right moments and tears welling up in all the proud parents filling the room. He's proving with each line delivered exactly why he was the proper choice as valedictorian and I don't think I have ever been prouder.

It isn't long before the entire room is filled with joyous clapping for my son's outstanding speech. Henry's cheeks flare up while he offers the audience a small, shy smile, reminding me so much of his other mother. He quickly exits the stage and then his eyes are drifting toward our family. He smiles, just a half smile before his head falls down and he scampers off toward his seat.

My heart is soaring with so much unconditional love as I watch a few students congratulate my son on his wonderful speech. The principal begins calling off names in alphabetical order and soon Henry is walking across the stage. Charming and Hook are undeniably loud, hollering and making all sorts of noises as Henry walks across the stage. While Emma and I clap along, she bumps her shoulder into mine and smiles brighter than she has in quite sometime.

The year before Emma and Hook were wed is when I noticed a drastic change in the blonde. At first I chalked up her behavior to once being consumed by the darkness after she stupidly sacrificed herself to become the Dark One. I assumed her monotone and dull behavior was a reaction to feeling that darkness weigh down her heart, but soon I discovered how wrong I was.

I waited patiently for the cocky, sarcastic and silly Emma to return, but she never did. When we were returned from the Underworld, I thought she was depressed about losing the spineless pirate, but all too quickly he was allowed another chance on Earth. I thought this would bring Emma out of whatever slump she was going through, but she remained this new unfamiliar version of herself.

I understand everyone changes, I myself experienced this first hand, but with Emma, something just doesn't feel right with her odd behavior. Her sparkling green eyes used to shimmer with mischief and wit, now her irises are dull with a pain I cannot unsee. Even her golden lock were always styled so beautifully, but now those tresses are lifeless and thrown carelessly into a low ponytail everyday.

I believe the first thing that ever attracted me to the woman was her ability to challenge me. Never once did the woman ever falter because of who I was, on the contrary. Emma Swan fought me every step of the way, with her head held high and chainsaw even higher. She didn't give a damn about my title as Mayor or even the Evil Queen, she stood up to me and challenged me as often as possible. She never feared me and she also never lost hope in believing in me.

Emma Swan stuck by my side time and time again, believing in me, trusting me, to be the best version of myself. To be the young girl I was before corruption and evil were forced upon me. Not once did she ever leave my side and now that I reminisce, what choice did the astounding woman leave me, but to fall in love with her?

Maroon, square shaped hats fly into the air, but my eyes fall toward my son. My handsome young man, whose face is beaming with joy and pride. I make a mental note to never forget this moment, to never forget the smile gracing my son's beautiful face.

Where have eighteen years gone?

XXXXXXXXX

"We are so proud of you Henry," Snow's face scrunches painfully tight as she tries to ward off her inevitable tears. "We have all watched you from the tiny infant who just wouldn't stop crying, to the little boy who believed in all of us to the young man we see today, our author." Snow pauses to collect herself as finally a few tears trickle down her cheeks. "We love you so much and we cannot wait to be apart of whatever adventures life has in store for you."

"Here, here!" David hollers, provoking all the guests crammed inside Granny's to raise their glasses in unison. "To Henry!"

"To Henry!" The entire crowd praises before they all sip their beverages.

Emma sets down her dark beer upon the counter and smiles at our son, too excited to wait another minute for our surprise.

"Come here, kid." She delicately wraps her fingers around his wrist and drags him into a booth in the back. Henry quickly glances over his shoulder in wonderment, but I just smile and nod toward the booth while I follow along. "Sit, we have a surprise for you."

Henry obediently follows directions and slides into the old booth. Emma slips in next to him, forcefully bumping into his shoulder for fun while I claim the seat across from them.

"What's going on moms?" Henry nervously grins as his curious, dark green eyes flick back and forth between Emma and I.

I reach inside my purse and slowly slide a white envelope across the table. Henry's eyes are glued to his surprise, the anticipation driving him mad, no doubt.

"Henry," I softly whisper, encouraging his eyes to finally meet mine. "This is our gift to you." I smile from ear to ear and slowly release the envelope.

Our son doesn't waste one single second as his long fingers greedily snatch up the present. He tears through the back of the envelope while his eyes dance with excitement. Henry pulls out the folded up white sheets of paper and immediately begins scanning over the print.

"Wait...what?" He mutters mostly to himself while he spreads the papers wide open in front of him.

"I know all the colleges I've been taking you to visit have been near by in Boston and New York. Emma and I sat down and we discussed how you had slyly mentioned Los Angeles to both of us, for film school." Henry blinks rapidly as his eyes dart to mine again and he holds my gaze in pure shock. "So, with that being said, we agreed we would take you to California so you can visit some schools and we would make the trip a special graduation vacation in the process."

"Whoa, seriously? You guys are okay with that? You're okay with me going to a school in California?" He enthusiastically questions, with the optimism of his whole life dangling in front of him.

"Oh god no," I rapidly shake my head causing Emma to laugh lightly. "But, I don't ever want to hold you back. Whatever you decide, your mother and I will support you every step of the way."

"We want you to be happy Henry and we want you to decide for your future. We don't ever want to dictate your life, like ours were," Emma explains as she clenches Henry's shoulder before pulling him into a hug. "We love you kid."

"I love you too, moms."

"So the three of us leave tomorrow morning," Emma replies, pulling away from our son and ruffling his hair to stop any deep emotions from bubbling too close to the surface.

"The three of us? Hook's not coming?"

"Nah. Someone needs to help David at the station while we are gone. Besides, Regina and I thought it would be best if it was just the three of us. Our family."

Emma's eyes slowly drift in my direction. There's a proud glint sparkling in those golden flecks that always seem to pull at my heart strings. I don't ever want Emma to see the longing in my eyes for her so I nod curtly and turn my attention back toward our son.

"Thank you so much moms. This is awesome. Hey! Can we spend at least two days camping?"

"Camping?" I blurt out while Emma doesn't even attempt to stifle her obnoxious snort.

"Yeah, come on. We never go camping. I think it'll be fun. I'm eighteen and have never been."

"Sure, kid," Emma lightly bumps into Henry, her ecstatic smirk stretching as far as her cheeks will allow. "Can't wait to go camping with you," she claims, but her eyes are solely focused on me and I know when I am being mocked.

"That's fine with me, dear." I reach across the table and place my hand on top of Henry's. "Whatever you want to do this week, it's all up to you."

Suddenly there seems to be a dark cloud wrapped in leather hovering over our table, just as he always does.

"So lad, you excited for your trip with your mothers?" The former pirate questions with a large mug full of beer in his only hand.

The man smiles that fake, charming smirk that I loath more than anything in all of Storybrooke. I've known this pirate for far too long and there was a time when I knew this selfish man better than he knew himself. I know his smiles are all insincere unless he's drooling over Emma. I must say, I actually prefer the former villain to the whiny little man that stands before me today.

Anytime Emma is in danger or he is worried about her, Hook becomes this pathetic, obsessive, whiny little baby. At least the Captain I knew was strong, brave and had the balls to accomplish whatever he set his mind to. Now, he just mopes around and follows Emma like a lost puppy. God forbid Emma is ever in danger he comes crying to me to fix it.

"Yeah Hook, California seems great."

"Well I have no clue to where this other realm is, but cheers!" The drunken pirate holds up his glass and smiles wickedly before he tosses back half the glass.

"It's not a realm," Emma begins to explain, "its a state...like...you know what, never mind," she shakes her head as if his incompetence is cute and quickly stands from our booth.

"How about we get you another drink, love? We should enjoy the night before you leave me tomorrow," he enthusiastically suggests as his hook presses into Emma's lower back and escorts her away from our table.

I watch intently as Emma stiffens slightly and I wonder if she hates the damn hook pressed up against her skin as much as I do. It truthfully takes every ounce of energy to keep my face impassive and not display the disgust twisting in my gut.

She deserves so much better.

"Mom?" I blink rapidly and turn my attention toward my son who unmistakably is judging my face right now. I fake my best smile and hum in response. "Do you think Granny would serve me a beer since this is my graduation party."

"What?" I shriek and shake my head violently. "Oh no mister. Just because you graduated doesn't mean you're a man just yet. You are still underage," I strictly inform him and plaster on my scariest Evil Queen face so he doesn't even think about asking that question again.

"I'm just kidding mom," he laughs a little too hard and slips out from the booth. "I don't even like beer."

"Good," I firmly state as I too rise from the booth, but then I pause and glare at my son who somehow grew taller than me in this past year. "What do you mean you don't like beer anyways?"

"Gramps, blame him," my son laughs like a small child once again as he weasels his way through the crowd to slip away from me.

"Henry Daniel Mills!"

My son continues laughing as he knocks into the back of Grumpy and spills just the tiniest bit of beer. "Watch it!" Grumpy growls before he turns around to see Henry. His permanent scowl turns into a bright smile before he tucks my son into his side. "Henry! Hey kid, you think you can write me a happy ending with a smoking hot fairy?"

I smile and shake my head before I squeeze through the guests toward the bar. Snow slides a red drink my way and smirks and I already know how intoxicated this woman must be from her smile alone.

"Apple Martini, Your Majesty, hold the poison," she laughs a little too hard at her lame attempt at humor and rests her forehead against my shoulder.

"Snow my dear, haven't we discussed your consumption on alcohol?"

The drunken princess perks right up and lazily smiles up at me. "You are not my mother," she sternly dejects, before she giggles like a school girl all over again.

"Thank god for that! I am only six years older than you," I comment while she just waves me off. "Where is your husband I need to speak with him about teaching Henry how to properly shave, since his stepfather is useless."

Snow grows serious and sips her mixed drink appearing deep in thought. "Why can't you teach him?"

"I've tried, but I think Henry would prefer if this particular lesson comes from another man. He became rather embarrassed when I tried to explain the task."

"Hmmm..." Snow regards me for a moment before she waves her arms in the air and starts screaming like a banshee for her husband.

"I do hope David is not drinking tonight. You do have a son remember?" I question, but Snow just waves me off again and laughs boldly in my face.

"My charming," she gushes as she slithers her limbs all around her husband like an octopus smothering their prey with their clingy tentacles. "Regina needs you to teach Henry to shave...properly," she hiccups and reaches for her drink again.

"Your wife is correct, but also highly intoxicated," I acknowledge as I steal the drink from her clutches.

"I noticed his stubble," David laughs as he wraps his arm around Snow's midsection. Not a claim to his wife like the dirty pirate, just holding the woman up before she collapses in a drunken stupor. "I thought he was trying to take after Killian."

I cannot stop the dramatic eye roll from my annoyance. "Oh please, my son would never."

"Would never what, love?" Hook rudely interrupts our conversation with his wife firmly tucked into his side provoking my nose to twitch in disgust.

"Nothing Hook," I grumble and sip my poison-less martini, somewhat wishing it was laced with a sleeping curse.

My eye catches my son down at the other end of the counter. His face is serious and I know he's ignoring Grumpy's drunken rambling by the way his eyes are glued onto my face. His head tilts just the slightest and I desperately wish I knew what my son was thinking. The corner of his mouth deepens and I swear he's flashing me a sorrowful frown. I simply smile in return to help ease whatever anguish is running through his mind and turn my attention back toward my friends.

"How about some celebratory shots?" Hook exclaims, but Emma softly pats his chest.

"I don't think that's such a great idea. We have an early flight and being hungover is not ideal for any of us."

"Come on love, just a couple," he nuzzles his nose against her ear and whispers something that the loud restaurant effectively drowns out.

Emma's green eyes frantically shift back and forth while his lips press into her temple. The former pirate begins peppering her neck with rough kisses causing my stomach to turn in despair. My blood burns hot beneath my skin from the public claim of affection while Emma's cheeks flare up in embarrassment.

"Killian," she sighs and lightly taps his chest in a silent plea to stop.

"Hey mom!" Henry anxiously interjects the awkward moment. His presence is like a cool bucket of water washing away the burn in my heart. "Can we maybe...call it...a night," he timidly suggests and for a moment I panic that he might not be feeling well by the look of queasiness on his face.

"Are you alright, honey?" I set down my drink and quickly feel his forehead, but he swats me away far too quickly.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm just fine. We have an early morning so..." his eyes flick to his blonde mother with an expression I'm not quite too sure of before he meets my eyes again. "...uh so I think we should call it a night."

"Sure, sweetie."

We quickly say our goodbyes and sneak out of the restaurant and thankfully away from the clingy couple. I hate after all this time of burying my feelings for the sheriff, I still feel hopelessly in love with her. I know it's too late to tell her the truth and I could never break up a happy home, anyways. I just don't know how I am going to be able to remain friends with the blonde once Henry leaves for college. He is the only reason for my happiness and without him around, I just don't know how I will survive.

Henry and I enter the foyer, exhausted from a long, eventful day. I slowly peel away my jacket and try to pretend that I wasn't just internally dying from watching Hook attack Emma's neck like a starving vampire.

"Thank you for saying you wanted to leave early. I could not handle another one of Grumpy's, 'of all the curses I've known before' toasts," I playfully tease.

"Yeah, I was starting to think that wasn't hot chocolate in his mug," he smirks, fully proud of himself and appearing so much older than just this morning. "Thank you for tonight, that was a great grad party and thank you for my trip."

Just the corner of Henry's mouth deepens and I know that look all too well, something is bothering him, but he's not ready to voice his reasoning why.

"Well, you're very welcome. Why don't you head up to bed? Big day ahead," I smile just as my son leans in and pecks my cheek, catching me completely off guard. I gasp slightly before he pulls away.

"Good night mom, I love you."

"I love you, too," I beam with pride while Henry turns around and rushes up the stairs, as though he's still that ten year old little boy, exploding with energy and excitement.