She didn't plan on being back in Maine for New Year's, but her father was ill, and she would feel guilty not to visit.
The last time she'd been home was six years. Henry Mills had visited her in New York more times than she could count.
Now, it was her turn to return home and see the people that she once called family and friends.
As she rode in the back of a cab, she looked around at the town she grew up in. Christmas lights were still strung up, snow was falling lightly covering the ground.
The shops were open, and the entrances read holiday greeting messages, Christmas decorations, and sale signs.
They passed Granny's and she smiled to herself remembering the cocoa, jukebox, and good food over conversation. The place she had her first kiss at closing.
They passed Gold's Pawn Shop and she remembered buying her father a few gifts from the creepy storeowner. The most memorable was a clock that held a picture of her and her father when she was six.
The sheriffs station looked closed up and she shuttered at the thought of what was behind those doors.
They turned on Mifflin street and she saw the big white house and her heart warmed. Turning to the warm body next to her, she said, "look, baby. We're here. You want to see Pop?"
A bright dimpled grin spread across his face, "yea!" The cab stopped, and she paid her fare and got out. Taking the bags in, she paused to admire her old house.
The white lights were shining, the Christmas decorations were already put away. Cora was nothing but a one day and done type of person.
Signs for the new year were already tucked into the ground and the lights in the house were brightly seen from the roadway.
She took the dimpled grin boy's hand and walked toward the front door. Taking a breath, she knocked.
Music could be heard behind the door and she wondered if her mother was throwing a party. The door swung open with Cora at the entrance.
"Regina, dear. Come in out of the cold." Upon entering she observed the party was indeed in full swing. People were huddled in small groups, food displayed on the center table in the dining room.
The tables were covered in white and black cloths, new year center pieces and food bowls of white, silver, and gold held snacks.
The food dishes were tin for easy throwaway, the banister was full of white sprinkled lights. It looked just as she'd remembered.
"Hi, mother." Cora took her jacket and hung it on the coat rack and instructed Leroy to take her bags for her.
Cora looked down and smiled, "Roland, I'm glad to see you." He looked up and said, "I didn't know you were having a party. Is there cake?"
Reign and Cora joined in laughter at his enthusiasm and sheer innocence. "Go on in and see for yourself."
Regina awkwardly looked at her mother until she did the unexpected, she put an arm around her in a hug. Her mother wasn't a touchy feeling person nor was she a hugger.
"I've missed you. It's good to see you back in the house. Now, tell me about this new fella you have."
Pursing her lips, Regina admitted, "that didn't work out, unfortunately." Cora turned in surprise, "what happened?"
With a shrug, she said, "he was seeing someone else behind my back." Sympathetically, Cora frowned, "that seems to happen to you a lot. I'm sorry, dear."
To avoid getting into painful memories and fights, she asked, "where's daddy?" "Upstairs in the bedroom, he wasn't in the mood for a party."
She gazed over the room and considered making her rounds of introductions, but she wanted to see the one person who mattered most.
Glancing up the stairs, she turned to scan the room to find Roland sitting in Granny's lap. Smiling, she asked, "will you keep an eye on him while I go up?"
Cora nodded, "I think Granny has her hands full. I'm sure he'll be fine." Another glance towards Roland and she headed for the stairs.
Her father's door was ajar, and his bedside lamp was on, he had a book in hand. A tray of tea and crackers lay beside him.
Pushing the door open with a light knock, she entered, "Hi, daddy." His face brightened, and he extended his arms toward her, "my love, come."
Sitting at the edge of the bed she leaned into a deep warm hug, "I missed you. How are you feeling?"
Henry smiled, "I'm alright, love. I've just had a few bad spells. The doctor says it's nothing to fret about. Your mother has hired a caregiver which I insisted I didn't need."
Rolling her eyes, "that's Cora." "Exactly, so did you bring my lively grandson?" Regina smiled every time people brought up her son, "I did. Last I saw he was in Granny's lap with one of her cinnamon and apple cookies."
Henry's eyes warmed, "I'm so glad to have you home for the new year. It's been rather empty in this house with just your mother and I. So, how are you dealing with what happened with Graham?"
Regina shrugged, "I'm okay, it was hard at first but I'm doing fine." Henry gently held her cheek, "I know that this happened before. I hope you won't be discouraged to find love again."
Her eyes avoided his, "I'm not sure that's possible. I think that the love of my life is Roland. You and he are the only men who haven't ever let me down."
Henry understood, "I know, sweetheart. Have you had a chance to look at who was downstairs? Ruby is here with Billy, Belle and her husband, Ashley is with Sean and their daughter."
Regina smiled as he ran through the list of the guests who'd been invited to attend the party. As he named the people from her memories, on name came up that had her breath catching in her throat.
"I should warn you if you haven't noticed that Robin is downstairs."
In shock, she looked at him, "what? No, I didn't notice. I didn't say hi to anyone when I came in. I wanted to come up and see you first."
He smiled, "I know, querida but he's downstairs. I know that you have a painful past, but I hope you'll put your differences aside. It was years ago and he's not the same person he was. Isn't it about time you tell him about Roland?"
Shaking her head, she said, "no, I'm not ready for that. He doesn't need to know, and I've worked really hard to keep Roland from getting hurt."
He added, "now that you're here, how long do you think it'll take before he realizes that that boy is his? He's got his dimples and his chin. You may want to consider that."
Slumping, she knew he was right. "That may be but I'm going to avoid it as long as I can. I came to see you daddy and to spend new year's with you. I don't plan on hashing out an old relationship with someone who has no part in my life."
He used his stern voice, "Regina, I know that he made a mistake but it's hightide you forget that mess and do the right thing. Roland deserves to know who his father is."
Submissively, she frowned, "I know that but I'm not ready." Henry took her hands, "go downstairs and enjoy the party your mother threw for you. They all miss you."
"Yes, daddy. I'll bring Roland up in a little bit to say hi. He missed his Pop." Henry patted her hand, "you better. Now, go."
Regina wasn't prepared to come face to face with Robin, but it had been six years. What harm would it do?
So, she took a few breaths and descended the stairs to find Roland still planted on Granny's lap and begging for cake.
"Can I please have some cake?" Regina walked around the corner and Granny patted his head, "you wait a bit and I'll slice you a piece. Regina, give Granny a hug."
Walking into her embrace, she inhaled the scent of baking and perfume, "I missed you." Granny pulled her back, "let me look at you. You look wonderful, a little tired maybe but beautiful."
A blush crept up her cheek, "thank you, Granny. You look magnificent as always. I hope Roland hasn't bugged you too much."
"Nonsense, I'm glad to finally meet the little one. He's just adorable with those dimples and dark eyes like his mama."
Regina looked down at her son who was trying to pry open the cookie bag, "that's enough. You wait until after dinner."
A pitiful pout appeared, and he crossed his arms in defiance, "I don't want to." Crouching down, she whispered, "if you don't behave, I'll tell Pop."
Instantly, he dropped his hands and perked up, "I'll behave." Chuckling, she stood, "he's scared of my father, believe it or not."
Granny laughed melodically, "I don't doubt that for a second. The man is a softy, but his discipline was harsh but fair."
Granny excused herself as Ruby poked out form the kitchen to alert to the oven timer going off, "We'll talk later, you go around and say hi. All these people missed you so much."
Regina smiled as she saw her hurry off and turned to see Belle and her husband sipping on wine and eating snacks from bowls.
"Hi, Belle." Belle with all her beauty turned and grinned, "Oh, Regina it's so good to see you. It's been too long. Who's this?"
"This is Roland." Roland held his hand out like a grown up, "pleasure to meet you." A delightful laugh boasted from her, "well aren't you a gentleman?"
Roland nodded enthusiastically, "momma says that I have to be polite." "Your mom is right."
Roland turned to see a few children huddled around a T.V. "ooh mama, can I go watch?" Regina turned to scan the area, "yea honey, go ahead."
"I didn't know you had a son, Regina. How old is he?" Without a beat, she responded, "he's five going on thirty."
"He's quite handsome, your son." Mr. Gold's voice was silky smooth but weirded out Regina even after all these years. "Thank you."
Ruby snuck up behind her and snagged a hug, "we need to talk, soon." Nodding, "I'll come find you."
Regina made her rounds and tried to hug and say hi to everyone who made it out. By the time she made it back to the start, she looked around for Roland.
He was still sat beside the kids watching a cartoon and she smiled to herself. Emma tapped her on the shoulder, "hey stranger."
Turning, Regina grinned, "hey, oh my god, I thought you and Henry moved to Boston!" With excited laugher and hugs they reunited. They'd been friends for years.
"We did. We still live in Boston but when your mom told me you were coming home, well we just had to be here."
"I'm so glad you could make it. Where's Henry?" Emma pointed, "sitting next to that little one."
The size difference was dramatic, and her eyes almost poked out of her head, "wow, he's so big. I can't believe you're here."
Emma smiled, "I know, I'm glad I could come. How long are you staying?" "A couple days after the new year. I wanted to stay and make sure my dad was alright."
"I went upstairs when I got here and said hi to him. He got to see how much Henry has grown and loves that his namesake is just as handsome as he is."
Regina laughed, "I'm sure, he's always been flattered that you named Henry after him. It makes him feel like his legacy will continue after he's gone. He's so mushy and morbid. He'll be here for a long time."
Emma nodded, "I know, he's so great. Henry missed him and of course he gave him Christmas money." "That doesn't surprise me, my father is still giving the kids money for candy and treats. It's endearing, if you ask me."
Emma nodded, "I know. Killian says hi, he couldn't make it. He's stuck at work, but he sends his warm wishes." "Aww, well you tell him I said hi. Did he like my present?" Emma blushed, "oh you have no idea."
A devilish laugh escaped them as they reminisced over the sexy lingerie that Regina had bought her. They'd needed some alone time and Regina was helping it along.
As they stood and conversed, Regina kept an eye on Roland with glances for her own reassurance. He didn't know anyone here and it was the first time the town met him let alone knew that she had a son.
She wasn't sure that she was going to introduce him unless it was absolutely necessary. It was her little secret. Roland wasn't a thing to be ashamed of, but she didn't talk about him to people she knew.
Suddenly, upon glancing towards Roland her face dropped when she saw Robin walking through the crowd with David to his flank.
He wore a smile and David and he seemed to have been joking about something because they earned a few stares from Mary Margaret who covered her mouth to cover the giggles.
Glancing at Roland, she prayed that he hadn't laid eyes on him yet and deliberately turned her back to him.
Easily enough, she continued her enjoyable conversation with Emma. At first, she was nervous about being back in Maine.
Now, she knew that this was a great idea. She missed out on so much and being home made her feel the happiest she'd felt in such a long time.
XXX
It was all a blur as he walked into the living room and saw the back of her head, long hair and fitted black skirt. The last time he'd seen her was six years ago and he regretted every minute of it.
In the time it took him to realize how massively he'd messed up it was too late. Regina and he had dated through high school and into his beginning years of college.
He'd decided to stay close to home while she was undecided on where she'd attend. In growing up it took him awhile to figure out how lucky he was to have her.
She'd been his best friend, confidant, and eventually her lover. Only, he was itching for things to change between them.
Regina was ready to go off to college in New York, Florida, or California and leave everything she had behind.
Robin wanted to stay in Maine and get married have children. That was what he'd always wanted and expressed to her on many occasions.
So, when the time came for her to go look at colleges, he started to feel panicked and maybe a little bit pissed.
He felt that she wasn't taking him in consideration at all, it was all about what she wanted. He didn't realize until a few years later that it was about her.
He was trying to mold her into something she wasn't and doing terrible job. He began to micromanage her and get jealous of her friendships with people.
He harped on her for every decision she made and pretend like it was a personal insult to him. In truth, she was trying to grow up.
Robin hated himself for trying to take that way from her. He wanted her to stay and get married because that was what he'd always saw them doing.
After Regina returned from her college campus tours, he began to distance himself from her knowing that she was leaving.
He turned his attention to his friends and to her sister because Zelena had no intention of leaving Maine.
Regina had confronted him one afternoon about how much time he'd been spending in the house. She'd return from days out and he'd be there lounging around upstairs with her sister.
Robin would shrug it off and chalk it up to a lazy afternoon. So, it didn't surprise her when she'd found them lip locked a week after graduation.
Robin didn't even feel bad about it at the time, no he didn't feel bad about anything until later. He'd been so determined to make her mad and to get even, he went beyond the boundaries.
He'd apologized because he'd seen the hurt on her face and hadn't wanted to be the one to put it there.
Although, he'd had her attention and bargained with her to stay and to mend what they had. He pleaded with her to choose him, but she wasn't going to stay in Maine. She had plans for her future and she wasn't going to let him stop her.
So, they'd fought about it for a week until she finally ended things. They'd argued in the middle of dinner at Granny's. There wasn't a scene so much as a finality of her word.
The last thing she'd said to him at the diner was "I can't wait for you to grow up, Robin."
A few months later when Regina was set to fly out to New York, he'd done the utmost stupid thing he'd ever done.
Out of retaliation and maybe a little bit of curiosity, he'd went over to her house to hang with Zelena because he had nothing better to do.
A few hours after shots of whiskey, a little too much self-loathing and he'd unintentionally instigated a tongue filled matched that escalated with them between the sheets.
She'll never forget hearing moaning, panting, and heat of the moment passion when the door opened, and Regina's mouth gaped open at the sight of them.
He'd never in his life seen the hurt in her eyes, not even the amount of pain her mother had put her through.
Scrambling to his feet, he tried to reach for her, "Regina." She shook her head and ran from the house. Robin had tried multiple times to apologize and to explain what had happened. She wouldn't hear any of it.
To her, he was dead to her and any type of friendship or relationship was squandered. It was all tainted and she lost two people who meant the world to her.
Zelena ended up moving to France to live with a flame she'd met briefly after her rendezvous with Robin.
Robin stopped talking to Zelena, Regina and had to endure the never-ending stares and comments form her mother about how he'd ruined her life.
He'd been a punk kid who was stubborn and wanted to do things his way and didn't realize what he had.
In the six years since, he'd been single the entire time and refused to allow himself to give into feeling again. He'd kept his friends who had forgiven him.
It took time for forgive himself, and a lot of hours of counseling to realize that despite his mistakes, he wasn't a bad guy. Just young and stupid.
Though, he'd never gotten over Regina and tried a few times over the years to reach out unsuccessfully.
Each time he tried to send a letter, Facebook friend request, or card, it all went unanswered. Regina had moved on and he had to do the same.
So, to see her standing in the living room of her house for the first time since she'd moved was a big surprise.
He couldn't even see her face, but he knew with ever fiber of his being that he owed her the biggest apology that anyone could ever give.
He wasn't that immature stupid kid anymore, he was a grown man who had changed in the last six years.
His appearance was much different than he was as a kid. He'd been skinny and scrawny with a clean face and longer hair.
Now, he'd filled in and was muscular with a beard that stubbled along his chin and hair cropped short. His eyes were warmer and full of wisdom rather than playfulness.
He watched her carefully turn and smile as Emma led her through to the kitchen. She looked different too.
Her hair was shorter cut to her chin, her once lean frame was fuller and held womanly curves she didn't once possess.
Staring after her, he watched her turn in his direction and look behind him for a moment before disappearing.
Turning toward where she looked, he noted a few kids huddled around the television. Was Regina looking at Henry? Most likely, he's the only kid he recognized.
David snapped him straight, "What are you staring at?" Robin sighed, "Regina." "She's here? Where?"
Robin gestured forward, "I just saw Emma drag her into the kitchen." "Are you alright?" Robin nodded, "yea, I'm fine. Let's go get that drink."
David and Robin made their way toward the kitchen and he took a breath before pushing the door inward and coming face to face with Emma and Regina.
They had their hands full of cookies and giggling as Granny scolded them for making a mess.
David merged around them and poured drinks as Robin stood dumbstruck. Seeing her face, he could see the differences in her.
Emma spoke first to ease the tension, "Robin, how's Sherwood Nursery doing over the holiday season?"
Regina looked confused, but he responded, "It's steady, thanks. I have new pansies you'd like, just stop in anytime."
Emma explained, "Robin here opened up his own business a year and a half ago. He had the most beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers, you name it."
Regina was surprised, "congratulations." It came easy but there was a hint of tension in her tone. He couldn't blame her for it. "I appreciate it."
There was something in the way his jaw tightened and jumped after saying it. Thankfully, David shoved a glass toward him, "here."
He handed one to Emma and Regina and held it up to toast, "to a new year." Clinking glasses they drank, and the silence began to fill the space.
Robin avoided her eyes and she stared right at him seeing a different person than she'd pictured.
He glanced around them to see Granny hands deep in dough kneading it out and ready to make more cookies.
He set his glass down and excused himself, "Granny, can you use some help?" Her bright eyes appreciated it, "how sweet. You know I never turn down your help. Grab those cookie cutters and the rum."
"Yes ma'am." He did as instruct as his audience watched him, David called, "I'll see ya, Robin. Come find me when you're done."
With a nod, he turned his attention to Granny. Emma waited for Regina to ease out of the kitchen before turning toward her. "Was that as awkward for you as it was for me?"
"More, I'd say. He looks really different." Emma laughed, "he is different. After Zelena moved away he turned his attention to himself. As far as I know he hasn't dated or been as social."
Regina acknowledged her but pursed her lips in annoyance. She could care less if he'd moved on from her and her sister.
"It seems like he's doing just fine on his own." Emma frowned, "I know that he was a jackass, but you should know that he's really different. It took him a year to sulk and to turn into the bottle that he cradled at night."
Appalled, she glanced toward the kitchen, "is he…?" "No, it was a long year, but Archie did his best with him. It took a couple years after that the set him straight and on the right path. He may have done the breaking, but he broke himself too."
Was it pity she felt? She didn't want to feel sorry for him, but she did. "I can't imagine him drinking like that."
Emma led them to a table and sat, "it was bad. He stayed home, didn't shower and stopped showing up at work. Granny fired him after two weeks of no shows. Ruby kept writing him on the schedule and he never showed."
After a few sips of eggnog and bites of cookies, she continued, "he moved back in with his dad. You know Sam was always a softie when it came to Robin."
Regina found she was more interested in what had come of him than she wanted to be. Though, she tried to hide her need to listen.
"Sam took him in and he stayed with him until recently. I heard from Mary Margaret that he just bought a house." "Good for him."
The distain could be felt and heard in her voice, but she was impressed that he was able to buy a home and open a business.
With Roland, she still rented and struggled with her work. Raising a child was hard work and it would've been easier if she'd had help.
Pushing that out of her mind, she glanced at Roland who was still enamored in the movie and hadn't noticed the cookies and cakes that were brought out to the main serving table.
Emma asked, "when was the last time you two talked?" "Since I lift. I know that he sent a letter to my apartment, but it was too angry to read it. It ended up in the trash. Same with a Christmas card three years ago. Though I wasn't angry then, just didn't feel like opening old wounds."
There was a lot there and Emma knew all about how devastated Regina had been when she went to New York after find Robin with her sister. A few weeks later, she'd peed on a stick and it turned pink.
It took a lot of crying, convincing and comfort for her to accept that she was going to be a mother. She'd gone to school throughout her pregnancy and then took the semester off when she had Roland.
The struggles she faced were harder than anticipated. Regina had been living in a dorm but had to move once Roland was born.
Fighting with her parents over and over she had tried to afford it on her own and couldn't seem to catch up financially. So, she'd relented and allowed them to pay for where she lived now.
An apartment in Central Park West and felt like she didn't earn it, but Roland loved it and it made her parents happy to know that she was safe, and they were taken care of.
Emma interrupted her thoughts, "for what its worth, I'm glad that you went after your dreams." Regina smiled, "I am too. I'm happy that the gallery hired me, and Roland is happy in his new school. Things are great."
Emma interrupted, "except for Graham who broke your heart." With sadness in her eyes, she nodded, "it seems that everyone I let in wants everyone but me."
Placing a hand over hers, Emma said, "that's not true. It is in Graham's case, but you know that Robin wanted only you. despite his stupidity, he always cared about you."
Regina knew it was true, but it was easier to hate him than to accept that he'd made a mistake. It had been years and she was happy for the most part.
"I can't say that I was surprised that Graham would do that, but I think I prepared for it. So, when I found out the blow wasn't as powerful."
Emma confessed, "I never liked him much. He was too stuck up and lived way too freely for a grown ass man."
Regina chuckled, "at least it happened before Roland could get too attached." Emma glanced at Roland who was now starting to walk around and find him mother.
"He's really cute and you'd be blind not to know that he's Robin's kid. Those dimples give it away."
Regina hushed her as Roland approached her, "mama, I'm hungry. Can I have cake now?" The sheer innocence had her smiling. "Yes, baby. Sit with Emma and I'll grab you a piece."
As she rose from the table, he called out, "cookies too." Regina laughed as she picked up a plate and cute a slice of cake and cookies. As she was about to turn and walk back to the table Robin emerged from the kitchen.
A hint of fear hit her as she realized her son was only six feet away and Robin had no idea he'd fathered a son.
Robin gave a small smile and turned to get in line for the meal. Regina's heart heaved in her chest, but she sat and handed Roland the plate.
Her face turned white and she felt the blood draining as his eyes met their table and the small figure beside her dug into his plate.
"Robin is looking over here." Regina took a sip of her glass to cover her words. Emma turned and gave a nod before turning back. "He's going to find out sooner of later."
Roland looked up and asked, "find out what?" Regina looked down at him and sighed, "nothing, sweetheart. Eat your cake."
Emma opened her mouth to speak but the look in Regina's eyes silenced her immediately. Robin stared across the room at Regina doting on the little person.
Giving him a napkin, handing him a drink, wiping his mouth from the frosting that smeared. A feeling in his gut started to form, had she had a child and he hadn't heard?
Then looking at the boy he started to guess his age, he looked like he could be four or five. He was small and skinny. Sloppy brown hair that fell into his face and framed eyes that mirrored hers.
Looking up at her, he could see the childlike appearance and then Robin stopped when he saw the child smile. Deep dimples carved into his face, a smile that mirrored his own.
As if by sheer will, she looked up and caught his eye. The look on his face shown surprise and acknowledgement. He knew.
Regina flushed feeling her cheeks warm and her heart pound in her ears. She turned to Emma feeling helpless.
Robin took the few steps toward the table and the tension filled the space. "Regina?" Her eyes were darting in each direction unable to rest on his.
Roland sat with a bite of cake in his mouth, "who are you?" Robin stared down at him, "Robin."
Roland held out a hand in the gentlemanly way that she'd taught him, "pleasure to meet you." Something inside him snapped, "the pleasure is mine."
He took his small hand and shook it feeling the stickiness of the frosting that coated his skin. His met Regina's now and he asked, "can I have a word with you?"
Regina wanted to scream to avoid, to run away but there was no hiding in such a public space. People would talk, and she would be the talk of the party.
She turned to Roland, "Stay with Emma, I'll be right back." Roland nodded, "okay, mommy." Robin flinched as she heard the motherly term. Mommy. It was sinking in and he was shocked.
Robin led her toward the steps and up until they reached the library, he followed her in and began pacing. The silence was killing her, and she wanted him to blurt it out already.
Though, her own impatience, she appreciated him giving her the amount of time he seemed to need.
After five minutes of complete silence, he finally spoke, "okay, I am trying to put this together in my head and I got nothing. Care to explain?"
"I…" the words weren't that easy to say, and she tried to swallow the pain that came with the explanation.
"Explain what?" Frustration washed over him, and he wanted to bite back at her, but he'd learned to control himself. "Please, don't be coy."
Regina sighed, "I'm a mom." Robin watched the flicker of emotion reside and fall between them. "How old is he?"
When her eyes met his, he saw it. The pain the hurt. There was something else he didn't quite recognize. "He's 5."
"He's mine." It wasn't a question but a statement. Her jaw clenched, and her arms crossed over her. "He's mine."
The anger he could see shown that she wasn't quite over what he did to her years ago. "How did this happen? When did you find out?"
Regina pursed her lips and tried not to let the tears fall as she felt them gather, "about a month after I flew to New York. I took a test. The doctor confirmed it a few weeks later."
The breath he was holding came out in a rush and he paced once more. When he stopped, he crouched down and took her hand, "Why didn't you tell me?"
The tears she'd held seeped out to her dismay, "I couldn't. You'd ruined us, and I couldn't' be reminded of that. So, I did it on my own."
His hand gripped her lightly, a touch that she didn't know he was possible of. He'd once been possessive and strong but never tender.
The feeling of his fingers brushing her knuckles proved he wasn't the same. It also proved that they were two different people, now.
"Regina, I know that I fucked up and what I did was unforgivable. But this is worse, I have a son. You didn't even tell me."
Shaking her head and her hands free of him, she stood, "No, I didn't. I battled with myself, but you were too much of a child. There was no way you would've been able to handle it. I barely could."
He knew she was right, he was a kid when she'd left all those years ago. "I wish you'd told me, but I understand why you didn't."
It surprised her how reasonable he was being, a complete difference to what she was used to. Wariness filled her as he paced for a few more moments and then faced her.
"I want to see him."
XXX