Mad Hatter [Jefferson Hatter || OUAT || Mad Red #2]

Chapter 41

Giselle, Neal and Emma were walking along the beach searching for Tamara or any trace of Regina and Rose.

"So, uh, where do you think she'd hiding Regina or Rosie, in a sandcastle?" Neal asked jokingly.

"They have to be somewhere," Emma said.

"Emma, you're letting your emotions get in the way of your judgement," Neal said.

Emma turned around to him and they all stopped walking, "Do you really think this is all about me trying to break up you and Tamara? W...What do want to hear, Neal? That it killed me that you never came looking for me even once when I was locked up?" Emma asked.

"Emma..." Neal said.

"That it didn't hurt that you found Tallahassee with someone else?" Emma said and Giselle looked around awkwardly.

"Neal?!" They turned to see Tamara jogging up.

"Hey!" Neal said.

"Hey," She looked at him, "What are you doing down here?" Tamara asked.

"We were, we're just..." Neal gestured between him and Emma and Giselle then pointed to her, "I thought you go running in the woods?" Neal said.

"Yeah, I start in the woods but then I run along the beach," She looked between them, "Is everything alright?" Tamara asked.

"Regina and Rose are missing," Giselle said.

"Oh my god. That's terrible," Tamara said.

"I thought maybe she was down here, but, uh, we were wrong," Emma said.

"Well, I'm sure they'll turn up somewhere. Let me know if I can help at all," Emma forced a soft smile as Tamara looked at Neal, "See you later," Tamara said and kissed her cheek before she continued running.

Neal looked at Emma who was looking away, "Emma..." Neal said.

"I think I should go," Emma said and started to leave.

"I wanted to go to jail for you," Neal said as he turned to Emma, making Giselle feel more awkward as she looked out at the sea.

Emma stopped walking and looked at him, "Neal..." Emma said.

"It kills me I let August talk me into letting you go," Neal said.

"I don't want to hear it," Emma said.

"Yeah, but I have to say it. I wanted to look for you. I just...I...I was too afraid," Neal sighed, "Rosie was right. I'm exactly like my father in that perceptive, I'm a coward," Neal said.

"Of what?" Emma asked.

"That you would never forgive me. 'Cause I never forgave myself. There hasn't been a day that's gone by... That I don't regret having left you," Neal said and looked at her.