Chapter 1

Placing three files down on the desk in front, the head of the agency offers a warm smile. "Here are some details on the current list of children and babies awaiting adoption..apart from one special case, all that are shown in these files are ready to be re- homed straight away"

Glancing briefly at the closed files, Regina Mills lifts her head to meet the man's eye with a frown. "This special case? Are they not ready for a family?"

"Unfortunately not..as the baby in question is yet to be given up. The mother is young and has contacted the agency regarding a place for the boy when he is born..which will not be for another 3 months" the manager explains. "We are waiting his arrival before adding him, Henry, to the list"

Raising an eyebrow intrigued, the brunette gives a small smile. "Henry?"

Nodding, the man frowns curiously, wondering why she is interested in that case when she could take a child home today. "Yes..the birth mother has only one request for when she hands him over. That his name be Henry.."

Pursing her lips together, the young woman glances over his desk. "Do you have a file? Information on this.." Hating to refer to a child as a situation, Regina clears her throat."..child?"

Leaning forward with his hands clasped together, the superior takes a breath. "Miss Mills..the woman in question is somewhat..dare I say not troubled but..guarded. Like I said, she is young as are you and I would strongly advise looking into another file"

Raising an eyebrow in an intimidating manner, the brunette also leans forward on her chair. "Are you suggesting that I am not capable Mr Horton? Because I can assure you, I know what I am doing"

Staring at her for a moment a little wary, Mr Horton then sighs and leans back while reaching into the bottom draw of his desk and retrieving the file to hand over. "Her name is Emma Swan..she's 18..has no family to speak of..and has recently landed herself in some trouble with the law. Fortunately for her, no jail time was offered but a fine to which, she is still repaying now as her job is very poor" knowing that the woman sat in front of him has signed a confidentiality clause over any files shown, the man watches her expression in the hope of putting her off.

Accepting the file and scanning the first page of information, Regina bites her lip. "Sounds as though she was never given a proper chance without a family..is this why she is agreeing to give her son up for adoption?"

"Yes. She cannot offer him any stability or a life with the proper care he needs..sometimes..its sad to say that love isn't always enough. However in this case, I think it is..she is doing right by the child and putting his needs before her own" giving up on steering the brunette away, Horton gives her the rest of the information.

Staring down at the papers in her hand, Regina gives a silent breath. "I want to help..can you set up a meeting of some sort with Miss Swan?"

Praying this is the right thing for both women, Horton nods as he takes back the file. "I will contact her straight away to see when she is available.."

"Thank you..you have my contact information" Rising from her seat, the brunette holds her hand out to shake then makes her way towards the door. "Thank you for your time Mr Horton and I look forward to hearing from you"

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Hugging her jacket close while her hands are firmly hidden within her pockets to prevent any chill from the sharp breeze, Regina strolls down the street of Boston with mixed thoughts running through her head. She had left the small town in which she lived behind, in search of the missing piece which seemed to have disappeared a year ago to the day when she had lost both her parents in a fatal car accident. Neither were to blame, it was the fault of another driver who luckily for the brunette, pleaded guilty as soon as it happened that saved on a messy and painful trial. Not that it wasn't painful. Losing your parents just after turning 21 is never the best of time. Its never the best of time at all. Fortunately, aside from leaving Regina heartbroken, her parents had made sure a few years prior that if anything were to happen to either, she would be looked after. That she would receive everything that they had owned. Even though that technically meant she would never want for nothing, the brunette was still determined to make something of herself, to make her parents proud without realizing that they already were. So as always, Regina achieved the best but, it can never be perfect which is why there is always a price to pay. In her case, never to have children.

Deciding against the cold air, the young woman makes her way into a small diner, pushing the door with a force as she goes. Pausing just inside, Regina removes her hands and vicourously rubs them together to get warm. Sitting herself at a small window table, the brunette waits upon service.

"Hi, can I help you?"

Glancing away from the view of the street, Regina goes to respond before taking in the waitress before her. Striking eyes. Blonde. Pregnant.

"Hello, can I take a coffee and an apple turnover please" Regina replies with a small smile as the blonde nods and jots on her nodpad.

"Of course, coming right up"

Watching the woman leave her table, the brunette sighs as she relaxes in her chair. Everyone she sees is pregnant. It was like someone out there was taunting her. Still, soon enough she would have her own child. Getting lost in thought, Regina bites her lip to hide her smile at the possibility. Ever since she was small she wanted a family of her own. That was her goal. Not a career but a family, then when her parents died, it became a determination. Allowing herself to smile, the brunette imagines her life with a small child by her side. Yes this could alter her future regarding finding the right person to share her life with but, right now, Regina couldn't care less. In her eyes having a child by her side,?depending on her, loving her and calling her mommy was all that matter and all that she craved.

"Ma'am? Your coffee and turnover" the blonde states having returned with the brunette's order. "If you need anything just call for me. When you are ready to leave a bill will be waiting at the counter. Enjoy"

Nodding in agreement, Regina smiles at the waitress before glancing towards her name tag to obey her request of calling if needed. "Thank you and I will be sure to call for you..Emma" realizing as the girl leaves, the brunette gulps in wonder over this waitress possibly being the woman she had spoken about merely 2 hours ago. Watching intrigued as the young blonde weaves in and out of tables, taking orders and serving, Regina sips her coffee then takes a bite of her turnover before heading straight for the counter and paying. Not wanting to see the blonde anymore in case she is the person involved. Leaving the small diner, the brunette spots the blonde catching her leave and attempts a small yet awkward wave before heading home.

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A few days past before Regina's phone had rung and as soon as she spotted the caller ID, she tried to not let her nerves take over. Answering quick before backing out, the brunette exhales slowly. "Hello?"

"Miss Mills? Its Mr Horton calling regarding our recent meeting and your decision. I have spoken to Miss Swan and she is willing to meet with you but due to her working schedule, she can only do Friday morning?"

Realizing that it is 2 days away, Regina gulps. "This..this Friday?"

"Yes.." Hearing the uncertainty in her voice, Mr Horton continues. "Miss Mills, if you are having second thoughts or have changed your mind, please let me know now before its all arranged"

"No!..no I'm not changing my mind, I just didn't realize it would happen this fast..I can do Friday morning" the brunette stands from her seat and begins to pace the kitchen.

"Good, then I will see you and Miss Swan at 10am Friday"

"Yes, thank you" lowering the phone, the young woman takes a deep breath then turns to grab her apron for baking to distract herself from her doubtful thoughts.

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Waiting patiently inside the empty meeting room, Regina takes in her surroundings of plain walls to match what she could only describe as hideous looking chairs set around a long table. Clasping her hands together anxiously in her lap, the brunette then turns her head as she hears the door open. Glancing up, she gives a polite smile towards Mr Horton who enters then gestures for the person following behind to do the same and take a seat. Watching cautiously, Regina then smiles nervously upon seeing the exact same blonde as from the small diner earlier in the week. Meeting the brunette's eye line, Emma goes a little wide eyed and slowly lowers herself into a seat opposite at the table.

Sitting himself down at the head of table, Mr Horton begins the meeting. "Miss Mills, this is Miss Swan.."

Releasing the tight grip upon her own hands, Regina holds her hand out across the table towards the young blonde. "Its a pleasure to meet you Miss Swan"

Accepting her hand hesitantly, Emma nods as they shake. "You too.."

A/N: cont?