Remember Me
Regina knew something was different that morning. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something was off in the air in the time-frozen town. She kept her eyes sharp as she walked to Granny's that morning, deciding to see if there might have been someone new in town, gods forbid.
And thats when she saw him. The same mop of brown hair, the same black coat and striped scarf, the same carefree smile. No, Regina thought, it's not possible.
Apparently it was. He was a bit taller, less baby fat on his face. He was holding a to-go cup, filled with hot chocolate with cinnamon no doubt. Behind him stood another familiar face, green eyes, blond hair, red leather jacket. The Savior.
They were walking to the yellow bug parked across the street, when Regina locked eyes with the blond. Emma's mouth dropped open, eyes wide, and the recognization in her eyes was unmistakable.
Does she remember?
What were they doing here?
Does he remember?
The millions of questions that ran through the mayor's mind were put to a halt as Emma and the boy approached her.
My boy, Regina thought, My son.
"Regina," Emma said, sounding still shocked but almost relieved. Regina offered a tight smile, but held back tears as her eyes never left Henry's face.
"I see you remember me, Miss Swan." Regina said. She wanted desperately to hold her son, but there was no love, no recognition, nothing but curiosity in his eyes for the dark haired women who stood before him.
"Mom?" Henry says, his brown eyes on Regina. Regina's eyes immediately met his.
He remembers.
Just as she was about to reach out to him, to hold him, her son, Henry tore his eyes away from her, and back to Emma. "Who is this?"
Regina's face crumbled, feeling her heart shatter when it hit her.
He still doesn't remember.
Regina struggled to keep her composure, "Excuse me, I have places to be. Being the mayor is never easy." She offered one last tight smiled, but tears threatening to spill were hard to miss.
She quickly turned and walked away as fast as should could in the opposite direction.
He doesn't remember me.
When she was sure she was out of sight, she finally allowed herself to let it all go, tears streaking down her face like an unstoppable rain.
Why doesn't he remember me,
Regina still remembers the first time she held him, his small form squirming in her arms.
My son,
The memories of saying both hello and goodbye still fresh in her mind.
Henry.