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Chapter 2

Emma hummed to herself as she cooked breakfast for her kids. This was her life now, she was trying to accept that. Truth be told, it had been a week since she caught Lily cheating on her and she has never felt more empty in her life. She grew angrier as she fell deep into her thoughts. She shook her head at the thoughts of her bringing Lily flowers just because or surprising her with date night. Was she really boring or was Lily unappreciative?

"Yo Ma!"

Emma snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her blonde haired son, "Yes?"

"I called your name like three times," Peter chuckled before sitting down, "You alright?"

"Yeah," she nodded, "Of course. So when do you move back onto campus? Shouldn't you be starting practice for the basketball season now?"

"Um, about that...I transferred," he stated.

Emma frowned and placed her hands on the countertop, "Excuse me?"

"I transferred to Hyperion Heights University. I have basketball practice today, the coach loves me. It all works out—"

"Peter, why on earth would you leave Camelot?! You don't get to make those decisions," she made clear.

He stood frowning, "It's my life ma, I have to be here for Devin. Physically here. You and mom act like this is fucking going to fix itself but it won't. The sooner you realize that, the better parent you'll be to your son until then I'll be right at HHU exactly 4 miles from his school and 15 miles from home," he scoffed before going to his room.

Emma sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. Today was going to be a long day.

•••

"Hello everyone, good morning. I am Ivy Mills," she smiled, "Your student body president and all-around guide to succeeding here at Hyperion Academy for the Arts."

Robyn rolled her eyes as she listened to the fairly beautiful girl. Why was orientation a thing? Who came up with such a dreadful concept? She thought as she lounged in her seat while Ivy listened to the sound of her own voice. By the time her speech was over, it was time for the students to split up into their desired majors. As Robyn walked out of the gymnasium, she caught a glimpse of a beautiful blonde. She immediately licked her lips and swallowed when they locked eyes, the blonde waved at her before quickly moving along.

"Don't waste your time on that one, she's bad news," Ivy said as she stood next to Robyn.

"Excuse me?"

"I saw Alice wave at you, she's a typical city kid. Thinks danger is more important than tuition, if that makes sense," she replied as they began walking towards the auditorium.

"Are you not a city kid?"

"Yes, through and through. I know how to survive but I have home training. Where are you from?"

"StoryBrooke," Robyn nodded.

"Ah the suburbs," Ivy nodded, "Well welcome to Hyperion Heights, Robyn."

"How do you know my name?"

"You're in the acting program, right?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"I know everyone in my program," she chuckled, "I run this place. Heads up though, Ms. Darbus can be a bit extra. Do you sing and dance?"

"Um," Robyn rubbed the back of her neck, "Not really. How about you?"

"I'm a triple threat, I wasn't always one but now, I am. You're going to want to learn," Ivy said before sitting down in the auditorium.

Robyn sat next to her, "Is that like make or break?"

"Kind of. Oh and try not to roll your eyes during her speech, it's rude," she squinted.

Robyn couldn't help but chuckle, "Oh, you saw that? I'm sorry. You gave a good speech it's just...ugh speeches. I hate em," she shrugged.

Ivy giggled, "It's okay. You're pretty chill Robyn."

"Thanks, you are too," she smiled softly, "So Broadway or movies?"

"Movies. I'm assuming movies for you too since you don't dance or sing," she winked.

Robyn chuckled, "I guess so."

"Want to hear something weird?"

"Um sure," she shrugged.

"Robin was my dad's name…"

"Was?"

"Yeah, he was murdered," Ivy said as she looked down.

"I'm sorry. I had a friend who got killed out here. This city life is no joke huh?"

"There's a gang called The Lost Boys...they ruin everything," Ivy made clear.

"I see…"

"I don't know where Darbus is…"

"Psst, Hey Ivy," a voice whispered loudly.

The brunette looked around, causing Robyn to look around as well. When Ivy noticed her little sister she sighed, "Lucy what are you doing here? You should be at camp."

"I'm going to visit papa," Lucy said, "I hate camp," she said before slipping out of the audition doorway.

"Lucy, come back," Ivy tried but the girl didn't return so she quickly stood before following, "Lucy!"

Robyn raised her brow, her only friend had just ran off after telling her about a crazy gang and there's a little girl running around, of course the blonde slipped out to follow Ivy, "Yo hold up!"

"I'm looking for my sister," Ivy stated.

"I'll help you find her," Robyn stated.

"I think I know where she went, can you keep up?"

"Hell yeah," Robyn nodded, "Lead the way."

"Come on," Ivy said before running off.

•••

"Hi handsome," Lily smiled as she picked up Devin, "I'm so happy you called me."

"I didn't want to be home alone," he shrugged while looking out of the window.

"Emma isn't home?"

"No, she went to run errands. Grab a few things for the penthouse," he stated.

"Hm, so you guys stay in a penthouse. That's fun huh?"

"Yeah. So can we grab food?"

Lily nodded, "Sure," she said as she pulled out, "So are you ready for your new school? Private school is a big change right?"

"I guess," he shrugged, "Mom?"

"Yes handsome?"

"Why'd you have to go and hurt ma like that? Why would you want to ruin everything?"

Lily swallowed before blinking, trying to process the questions her son asked her. She had hurt Emma deeply and she didn't realize it was so obvious to her children. She cleared her throat, "Devin, sometimes, you have to put your happiness first…"

"But ma never did that. She is always selfless with us and you guys just don't care that everything is changing. I just wanna run away to grandma's or something," he shook his head before looking out of the window again.

"Don't say that sweetie, everything will be fine, I promise. I'll—"

"You can't fix this. What's done is done. You're a cheater and ma is just numb now. Barely talks to us, last night was supposed to be game night and she didn't even remember," he scoffed.

"Well getting Emma to think of anything other than work is going to be a challenge," she scoffed.

Devin frowned, "That's not true!"

"Devin, I don't know what the hell has gotten into you but I'm giving you literally 10 seconds to fix it. Never ever yell at me again," she told him sternly. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head.

He scoffed, "Just let me out."

"Excuse me?"

"Let me out! You don't know ma at all, you don't even care that you broke this family. Let me out," he huffed.

"No, I will not 'let you out'. Are you crazy? We are going to have lunch and talk like civilized people. I know...I broke us but I want to fix it and I need your help," she sighed. It wasn't a complete lie, she wanted to fix the relationship she had with her kids but not necessarily their mother.

"Really?"

"Of course, I miss you guys," she nodded.

"Fine. We'll have lunch but afterwards, I want you to bring me back home. I don't want ma to worry about me," he stated.

"Sounds like a plan," she gave him a soft smile.

•••

"Yes, that does sound like a good idea," Regina nodded.

"Really? You're the best," Anna beamed, "I mean at first, I didn't think you'd like it but I mean you're my mother, you have to like my ideas right? Isn't that your job? Oh," she paused and put her finger on her chin, "But what if it's not your job, what if you don't have to like the idea but you do because you genuinely like the idea. Well, that just makes me even more excited now."

"Princess? You're going to pop a vessel," Regina chuckled as her and her 15-year old daughter walked into the grocery store, "Thank you for helping mommy shop today."

Anna smiled as she grabbed a shopping cart, beginning to follow her mother, "You're welcome, I didn't want you to be alone. Mommy?"

Regina looked over her shoulder, "Yes, dear?"

The brunette took a deep breath before asking, "Is it weird sleeping without daddy?"

The widow stopped walking, "Yes baby, it is very weird. I hardly ever sleep through the night."

"I know…"

"What do you mean you know? Anna, I don't want you awake all through the night," Regina shook her head before getting the cereal that Henry likes and tossing it in the cart.

"I know, I know but sometimes I can't sleep either and I can hear you going into the kitchen," Anna admitted.

"Well it's nothing to worry about, I can assure you that," she replied before giving her daughter a soft smile, "You know you can talk to me about him, right?"

"Yes," she nodded as she grabbed a large box of Poptarts.

"Nope, I'm not buying that. That thing is nearly 10 dollars," Regina stated.

"Oh come on," Anna scoffed, "They come in handy when we're rushing to school, please mommy?"

The brunette sighed, "Fine," she said before continuing to walk. Regina knew that she couldn't afford to buy the whole store but she had to feed her kids, she had to keep their mind off of the fact that their father was gone. Things were getting harder, her credit cards were nearly maxed out but she'd never let Anna know that. Meanwhile, Anna lightly jogged with the cart before stepping up on it and letting it roll down the frozen foods isle. Regina snapped, "Hey, cut it out before you hurt someone."

"Boo, buzz kill," Anna chuckled as she looked back at her mom before crashing into another cart and falling off, "Ouch!"

Regina rushed over and helped her up, "Oh my goodness, excuse my daughter. I am so…," she looked up and instantly swallowed when she saw those familiar green eyes, "I'm so sorry."

Emma chuckled, "It's quite alright. Girls just want to have fun, right?"

"Exactly," Anna nodded as she dusted herself off.

"I know but she hit you and I'm sor—"

"Hey, I'm still standing. It's cool," she smiled, "Although, I might need to get my son a new frozen pizza," she chuckled holding up the now folded pizza.

Regina chuckled lightly, "You have kids?"

"Yeah," Emma pushed her glasses up against her face, "Two boys and a girl. How about you?"

"Three girls and a boy," she nodded, "It was nice seeing you again…"

"Emma Swan," she said before holding out her hand.

Anna quickly shook it, "I'm Anna, she's Regina."

"Oh trust me Anna, I know who she is. You ladies have a good night," Emma said before walking off.

"Um mom, I think that hot lady was hitting on you," she chuckled.

"No, I highly doubt that and even if she was," she held up her left hand, "I'm spoken for."

Anna looked at the ring then back to her mother, "Daddy, would understand…"

"Well Anna, unfortunately I'm not discussing this with you. Come on, let's finish shopping," Regina said before quickly walking off.

•••

"Lucy?!"

"Yo Lucy, where are you?"

"Come on Lucy, I know you're here," Ivy sighed as she and Robyn entered a graveyard.

Robyn zipped up her jacket as she followed the dark haired girl, "Super creepy," she mumbled.

"You didn't have to come…"

"I wanted to," she replied before squinting, "Isn't that your sister by that tree?"

Ivy quickly snapped her head before sighing, "Oh thank god. My mother would've killed me," she said before jogging over to Lucy, "You can't run off like that."

"I wanted to see papa," she sniffled.

Ivy sighed and sat next to her sister before pulling her into her lap, "Luce...I need you to understand something...papà is gone," she teared up, "Daddy's gone and he wouldn't want you to be running off and skipping camp. He'd want you to enjoy your last moments of summer, right? Help mom out and keep the family together, right?"

"Yes," Lucy cried.

Robyn leaned on a tree positioned across from the sisters, she watched them closely. She too had lost a parent but not like them, not physically. Was it right to choose sides between her moms? Should she reach out to Lily? Robyn didn't know what she wanted but she knew that she had to protect her family. Especially Emma, she's sacrificed the most to take care of her children. When they were leaving the graveyard, Robyn took the opportunity to look around Hyperion Heights, the city was much different from Storybrooke but it didn't seem too bad.

She glanced at Ivy, "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah sure," Ivy nodded.

"Earlier...you mentioned that you and Lucy would help your mom out. Is she like handicap or something?"

Ivy snickered, "What? No. You're way off. Umm...the economy is taking a toll on her. Our mayor is gentrifying the city and my mom doesn't have the money to keep up. Without my dad...things are tough. I'm working to help my mom out, I want to teach Lucy how to help in other ways since she can't financially right now."

"Sounds like a lot of responsibility," Robyn replied.

"When you're the oldest of four, responsibilities find you," Ivy chuckled.

"Well if your mom needs help or money...I can talk to my mom. She's a private contractor, an accountant and she gives private loans to small businesses," she replied, "She's a hustler, she's goals."

The brunette chuckled, "She sounds very cool but I'm not sure she'd be generous and I don't want to get my mom's hopes up."

"I promise to help," Robyn held out her pinky, "I won't let your head go below water, we're friends now."

Ivy smiled, "Thank you Robyn," she locked their pinky's, "Friends...so what's the deal with you? Why be so mysterious if you're so nice?"

"Well I'm not like most girls...I was born with ambiguous genitalia, so was my mother. Well one of them at least," she chuckled before licking her lips, "I don't have friends. Never had a girlfriend. All I have is my brothers."

"Oh," Ivy looked away for a few seconds before looking back at Robyn, "You have a friend now and I know all of the cheerleaders so if it's a girlfriend you want, it's a girlfriend you'll get."

Robyn blushed, "Really? I don't think anyone would like me," she rubbed the back of her neck.

"I think you're wrong. Are you hungry?"

"Kinda, why?"

Ivy smirked, "Come on Luce, let's take Robyn here to get the best food in the heights."

•••

"Put some pep in your step, son," Mr. Gold told 15-year-old Henry Mills.

"Yes sir," Henry said before rushing to serve a table their drinks before coming back, he leaned against the counter and huffed, "Dude, Gold is working the hell out of me today."

"You? Ha, I'm getting it ten times worse because I'm his son," Baelfire chuckled as he tossed pizza dough, "So uh, Felix approached me last night…"

"Really? What happened?"

"He asked me to join The Lost Boys, I said no and he left but I don't think he's going to leave me alone man. He knows who my dad is, he knows I'm well connected—"

"You'd be an asset," Henry nodded, "Look dude, be careful."

"Yeah. Always," Bae nodded, "I could join...ask about your dad."

"No...no way. You're my best friend, I want to keep you, you know, alive," he chuckled before going to bust tables.

Henry Mills was the only boy in his family. Working day in and out to help Regina keep food on the table. He was missing his prime teenage years but he didn't mind. He was the man of the house, now. He'd act like it. He walked over to Lily and Devin's table, "Hello, welcome to The Pawn Shop, my name is Henry, I'll be your server today. What can I get you guys started with?"

"Umm we'll take an order of mozzarella sticks," Lily said smiling softly.

"Uh actually I want some calamari," Devin stated.

"We'll take that," Lily told Henry.

"Got it, anything to drink?"

"I'll take a coke and he'll take a lemonade," she said.

"I'll take a sprite instead," Devin spoke up.

Henry raised a brow before nodding, "I'll be right back, it'll be right up."

Her eyes furrowed and looked at her son, "Since when do you like calamari?"

"Since ma said I needed to brighten my taste bud horizons, I'm a man now," Devin nodded.

Lily rolled her eyes, "You don't need soda though, it's too much sugar."

"Mama says that I can have some on the weekends. I like Sprite a lot," he shrugged.

"Emma doesn't know what she's doing and that's clear. No more soda after this," she relied.

He frowned, "Ugh, you're always trying to control us. Don't be a hater mom. Freedom of expression does exist, you know?"

"I know that but I'm just trying to make sure that you're putting the right things in your body," she said as Henry came back with their drinks.

"Just a few more moments on the calamari," he smiled before walking back into the kitchen, "You leaving?"

Baelfire nodded as he finished putting on his hoodie, "Yeah, going to run some errands for my mom then head home. Come over later? Play some 2K?"

"Yeah...sure," Henry nodded before sighing. He couldn't afford to hang out with Bae, he was planning on working a double shift today but the summer was almost over, maybe he needed some down time. He grabbed the calamari and brought it back to them, "Alright, here you go. Have you guys thought about your entrees?"

"Let's go with pizza," Devin said.

"Excellent choice, the pizza here is great," Henry smiled.

Lily looked over the boy, "Henry, how old are you?"

"15, ma'am," he replied.

"Do you attend the local highschool?"

Devin groaned, "Mom."

"Let him answer, Devin," she snapped quickly.

"H.H.H.S? Yes," he nodded with a smile.

"This is Devin, my son. He will be attending there in the fall and I'd love if he had a friend or two. Being the new kid is hard," lily explained.

"Yeah. I totally understand, I'm hanging out with my buddy later, you should come Devin. It'll be fun," Henry stated.

"He'll be there. I'll drop him off myself," she smiled.

"Mom, What? No way," Devin's eyes widened.

"You're going. Thank you for the invite Henry, you're a sweetheart," she smiled.

•••

Regina rested her chin in her hand as she listened to Ursula. She huffed, "So then what happened?"

"They took all of Cruella's things. I'm talking everything from paintings to furs," she explained.

"Yikes," Regina said before starting to wipe down the taverns bar, "I feel so bad for her, Belfry is taking everything right from under us and there's nothing we can do about it."

"But what if there were," Maleficent stated as she walked in, "I'm running in the next mayoral race."

Regina smiled, "Really? That's amazing."

"Thank you," she smiled back, "Ursula, give a few, would you?"

"Oop, sure," she shrugged before leaving the tavern.

Maleficent walked behind the bar and snaked her way behind Regina, "You know, I've been protecting your tavern ever since Robin died."

"Yes and I'm very grateful for you," Regina nodded. Maleficent was very dangerous and respected but she wasn't afraid of her, "Your point?"

The blonde placed her hands on Regina's hips, "I think it's time you paid up. I've been patient enough."

"Mal, I'm not interested," she replied, "I'm sorry."

"Oh Regina but I am so interested in you. You're gorgeous, a boss, and feisty," Mal kissed behind her ear, "I like that."

Regina jerked away and took a few steps back, "If you don't want to protect my tavern anymore, fine but I'm not having sex with you."

"But you will attend a date with me, this weekend—"

"I have to prepare my children for school, it starts next Monday," Regina stated.

"I don't care, Ivy can help with that, I'm sure," Mal smirked before grabbed Regina by the throat, "You will let me court you. Robin wouldn't want you lonely."

"Maleficent," She squeaked, "Please stop, I'll call the police."

Maleficent laughed, "I own the police. You will let me court you or maybe I'll court Anna or Ivy instead."

"No. Please no. I'll do it!"

She let go of Regina, "Mm, that was easy," she smiled softly, "It'll be fun, I promise," she kissed Regina's cheek before tossing a stack of hundreds on the bar, "If you want to stay in business, I'll help you but just remember, I own you now," she smirked before leaving out.

Regina rubbed her neck before swallowing, she took the money before tossing it in the garbage. She leaned her hands on the bar and asked to no one, "What am I going to do?"

Little did either of them know, Anna was hiding behind the brick wall leading to the kitchen. She watched her mother with tearful eyes before slipping out of the back door. She had to do something.

•••

"Tiana's?"

"Yes," Ivy smiled, "You're going to love it."

Robyn nodded, "Hmm, okay. Why you don't you and Lucy order what you want? It's on me."

"What? No, I can't let you pay for us–"

"Ivy, it's no big deal. Just order," she shrugged before taking out some cash.

Lucy looked at Robyn, "You're very nice."

"Why thank you," she smiled, "You are very adventurous," she chuckled.

"I wasn't trying to scare anyone, I just miss him," the ten year old replied.

"I understand that. Want to know a secret?"

"Yes," Lucy smiled, "Tell me, tell me, tell me."

Robyn squatted so she was on Lucy's level, "Your dad would want you to be brave. Now, you can't tell anyone this but…," she looked around as if she was checking to see if anyone was watching them, "There's a book in the library with spells that'll teach you how to be brave."

Lucy gasped, "Really? I want it. I want to show papa that I can be brave without him and help mommy."

"Great but the book only reveals itself to those who are good and pure. Meaning that you can't keep running off and ditching camp, alright?"

Lucy nodded, "Okay okay, I'll be good."

Robyn smiled, "That's the spirit."

•••

"Yeah! Woo, you're on fire kid," Coach Bolton said to Peter as he walked off the court to drink some water.

"Thanks coach," he panted.

"I definitely want you on this team. Just pay the twelve thousand for this semester, register for classes and I'll order your uniform," he smiled.

"Wait what? What happened to the scholarship?"

"You're a transfer kid, it's a partial scholarship," his coach replied before walking away.

Peter put his hands on his head, someone sat next to him, "I can help you get some money."

The blonde looked at the other blonde who sat next to him, "I don't take handouts."

"Well you're pretty quick on your feet, I could use a guy like you. I'm Felix, ruler of The Lost Boys," he smirked, "Join."

"Never. You're a scrub, dude," Peter chuckled before grabbing his bag and leaving an angry Felix behind.

•••

Devin laughed at something Baelfire said, "You do the best impressions."

"Thanks, its a gift," Bae chuckled, "Dude, I can't believe we start school soon."

"Me either," Henry said, "I need new clothes but money's tight right now."

"You haven't been saving your tips?"

"Nah man," Henry rubbed the back of his neck, "Whatever tips I get go straight to my mom."

"I feel that, that's real bro," Bae said before they did their handshake.

"I could treat you guys to a few outfits," Devin said, "I have savings."

"That's generous but it's okay. Henry would never let you," he chuckled.

"Sure wouldn't. I'll figure it out," Henry replied.

Baelfire stood up, "I'm getting more snacks. Devin, do you want anything?"

"No, thank you," he replied. When Baelfire smiled before walking away, Devin blushed and watched him.

Henry gave him a raised eyebrow, "Dev...you dig boys?"

"Huh? What? Of course not!"

"Woah woah, dude it's okay. It's totally normal," Henry shrugged.

"Normal? It's not. The guys at my old school surely didn't think so," Devin replied.

"So you do like Bae?"

"Yes but that doesn't mean that I can ever let him kno—aw shit, you're good at that," he shook his head.

Henry chuckled, "It's a gift. My sister Ana taught me. Anyway, don't hide who you are, you don't have to in front of us. That's a promise," he held out his pinky.

Devin smiled locking pinkies, "Just don't tell him, okay?"

"Your secret is safe with me," he nodded.

•••

"Tell Ana that I said if she doesn't come out of her room and eat dinner with us that I'm grounding her to that room since she likes it so much," Regina said as she continued to cook, "Where's Henry?"

"No clue," Ivy shrugged before going to Ana's room. She knocked before entering, "Hiya, dinner is almost ready and it's your turn to set the table."

"I'm not hungry," Ana mumbled.

Ivy furrowed her eyebrows before sitting on the edge of her little sisters bed, "What's wrong?"

Ana sat up and pulled her knees to her chest, "I-I have to tell you something…"

•••

Emma groaned from her bedroom, "Who's at the door?"

"I don't know ma, I'll get it," Robyn said before jogging to the door and opening it, "Ivy?"

Ivy ignored the confusion on the girls face and sniffled, "I need your help."

Robyn nodded, "Come in."

To Be Continued...