Regina ran as fast as her legs would carry her. She pushed her way through branches and leaves, determined to get far away from what was happening. When her legs could not run anymore, she found a big tree to rest under. After some time, Regina heard a noise in the bushes nearby. She gave a loud sigh, knowing exactly who it was and what was coming. Tinkerbell emerged and sat beside Regina without saying anything.

"Let me guess, you want me to talk to him" Regina said finally.

"No" Tinkerbell answered. "I realize now that I pushed you last time. I won't do that again."

"Good."

"What I will say is that you still need love. Just like I did the first time we met."

"I do have love. I have Henry and he is the closest thing to love I am ever going to get."

"I mean like getting married, settling down with someone. Being in love."

"Don't you get it?" Regina exclaimed. "I don't want that. I don't need that. He may be my true love, but that does not mean I have to go through with it."

"Go through with it? Regina, love is not something you just "go through" Tinkerbell tried to explain. "Love is a beautiful unexplainable feeling-"

"I know" Regina interrupted. "I told you I had that once, but now he's gone."

"You don't think he would want you to love again?"Tinkerbell asked.

Regina paused. She knew the answer, but didn't know if now was the time to give love another try. Tinkerbell could see Regina's troubled look and moved closer to her, trying to look her in the eye.

"It's okay Regina. You can talk to me" Tinkerbell pressed.

"The last time I saw him, he said he wanted me to love again. Even so, I don't think I can" Regina admitted.

"Yes, yes you can" Tinkerbell said encouragingly.

"No I can't."

"You're just not ready yet. It will happen when you feel it's time."

"I don't want it to happen. All I want is for him to leave. Have you even been listening?" Regina exclaimed frustratingly.

"I have Regina. I'm sorry. I'll leave you be"

She stood up and turned to go, wondering why she even bothered. Regina was stubborn and would never change her mind. Despite that, Tinkerbell would always have a little glimmer of hope that Regina would be ready for love someday.

"No, stop" Regina said. She stood up. "I'm sorry; you're only trying to help."

Tinkerbell gave a light smile as she came back to her.

"I know you're not ready now, but if you ever do feel ready I'll help you."

"You're going to help me?"

"Well don't sound so surprised. We are friends…aren't we?"

"Yes, I suppose we are." Regina answered with a small smile.

Tinkerbell smiled back, happy that Regina finally called her a friend. She could tell Regina has been lacking in friends for quite some time.

"You proved me wrong you know." Regina continued.

"What about?" Tinkerbell asked.

"I once called you a terrible fairy and recently I told you to prove me wrong. You spared my life and now in spite of our history you still believe there is good in me. I was wrong about you Tinkerbell. You're not a terrible fairy."

"Thank you. I did say that there is some good in you and I know I'm right. Maybe I can help bring that goodness out of you."

"Maybe you can." Regina replied.

"Come on." Tinkerbell said with a smile. She out one arm around Regina lightly. "We best be getting back to the others."

"Yes, we should get going" Regina said as she put one arm around Tinkerbell.

They walked off, happy to be getting something they needed: a friend.