"Regina, baby, can we please talk about this?"

"There isn't anything to talk about Emma, this just isn't working out."

"What do you mean, where is this coming from? You've been so distant lately. Talk to me."

"I already told you, this isn't worth talking about. Please don't make this any harder than it has to be."

"All that we've been through to get here, you're going to just leave? What about Henry?"

"You've proven yourself a better mother than I could ever be. He stays with you, just keep my son safe no matter what."

"You know I will, you are also a great mother, a wonderful wife, baby please don't do this. We need you." Emma pleads grabbing both of Regina's hands tightly.

"Well, I don't need you. I'm done with you, why can't you understand? Now get off of me!" Regina screams, pushing her away.

"Answer me just one more question before you walk away from me and Henry. Is there someone else?"

Regina sighs as a saddened look washed over her eyes.

"There's always someone else."

And with that she grabs her suitcase and walks out of the house that they'd shared for almost 2 years.


4 weeks ago..

*phone music plays*

"Hello?"

"Is this Regina?"

"Who is this before I answer that?"

"You don't need to know who this is quite yet, but you do need to know that I have something you want, something you will do anything to acquire again."

"There is nothing I need or require that I can't access almost immediately, so whoever you are do not call my phone again." And with that she hangs up her cell, shakes her head and pushes herself away from the window of her office.

*soft text beep*

I have your daughter.

Regina's heart drops to the floor and panics sinks in. Who could know about Jas? Who could know about her closed adoption 17 years ago? This has to be a joke.

Those records were sealed. She types and sends back.

Your daughter has been looking for you, luckily I ran into her first. I told her you were dead.

Who the hell are you? And what have you done with her?

If you want her, you'll have to prove it. Don't tell anyone, or she dies. We will talk again soon. Good night Regina.

Staring blankly down at her phone for what seemed like hours reading and rereading the messages, she shut her phone and cried. Emotions that have been buried so far beneath her soul finally escaped. Tears flowed silently and frivolously. Years of emotions that laid bottled, begging to be free, escaped in such an ungraceful wet pool, down her rose colored cheeks.

How could it be that after so many years this has happened to me. Has karma wormed it's way back into my heart trying to eat away at what love I have left to give? Why is this happening?

Just as she was about to collapse her phone rang.

Sniffling she answers "hello?"

"Baby, what's wrong? Are you okay?" The sweet innocent voice of Emma swan asks nervously. Regina wipes her tears and straightens her voice, "Yes, honey, I'm alright. Left the office window open, I think I'm coming down with something." Regina whispers, pain stabbing her heart as her mouth spoke the lies.

"I'll prepare your favorite soup and run you a bath baby. Henry just fell asleep, he was trying to wait up for you, but I promised to wake him when you got here. What time will you be home, Henry and I can't wait to take care of you."

"I'll be home in 30, just have to finish up things here, and then I'm all yours, and his."

"Okay, I'll see you soon, be careful in the cold, bundle up, I love you."

"I love you too Em, see you soon."