FIX YOU
Chapter One
There was always something soothing about arriving at Archie's office. Although simple in its decoration, especially in comparison to her own, there was something warm and welcoming about the little room. It offered a place of sanctuary, even if only for an hour, where she could be completely be herself. In that time, her cold façade dropped away, revealing more of herself to the kind faced doctor than anyone else she knew. Rather than judging harshly, Archie Hopper offered support, the one thing she longed for more than anything. He did not fear her. Instead, a kindly smile would tug at the sides of his mouth, eyes encouraging her to continue the tale. Although a private woman, Regina told him everything. No matter how much resistance she put up, how solid her walls were, her mouth could not stop. The deepest recesses of her soul were soon exposed, leaving her completely vulnerable. How many people had she ever trusted enough to tell everything? There had only been Daniel. Trust did not come easily, especially after her former love's death, and the betrayal of a secret she entrusted to one person.
Eyes softening, Regina entered the office for the first time after Archie's funeral. It ached, knowing that he was truly, and completely, gone. Her one support, the one person that believed that she was honestly trying to do good. Archie was the one that encouraged her to try, when she had given up all hope. Now what could she do but fall backward? Every step forward had always been with Archie's careful guidance, his unwavering faith that she truly was good. Now the entire town thought her nothing but the Evil Queen, accusing her of Archie's death. Although there were times Regina became frustrated with the man, there was no way she could have harmed him in such a way. Every time Regina became frustrated, with herself more than the doctor, Archie would look at her. There had never been fear in those eyes, merely questioning what she would do next. What would you do now Regina? He did not pull away, nor hide. Just waited. At first, Regina had been confused as to why he did not run in fear. Fear was what she had always used to get what she wanted. Now, there was one person who sat across from her, unaffected.
Fingers lightly caressed the chair Archie used to sit in. For a moment, she could almost see him sitting there, giving one of his wide smiles. Silently, she sat down in the chair opposite, head falling back and eyes closing. Perhaps, just perhaps, if she opened her eyes, Archie would be sitting across from her again. Head tilted slightly to the side, questioning her odd behaviour. Please, let him be there, she pleaded, eyes opening once more. The office, as before, was empty. Heart sinking, Regina got to her feet. It was strange, this deep feeling of loss. It felt cold, like the whole room was missing the most important piece. And Regina herself felt like she was missing an important piece too.
There was no way she could reveal her face on the streets. Everyone thought she had taken Archie's life. And the fact the office was across from the diner normally would have made things complicated, but the town, or most of it, had gone to celebrate the life of Archie Hopper. Of course, as his murderer, she was not invited to say any words. Stepping out on to the street, Granny's closed for the afternoon, Regina climbed in her car. Shutting the door, Regina put her head in her hands , trying to pull herself together. What she was going to do next would require a lot of strength. Without Archie there, offering kind words, it seemed that this would be impossible. A deep breath helped calm her clenched hands, starting the car, driving toward the Storybrooke cemetery. There were some words that needed to be said, and only she could say them.
The cemetery was empty after the recent funeral. In her hand, two roses. On her way to Archie's plot, Regina came to a stop before another, kneeling down before it. Fingers lightly brushed over the name on the headstone. Graham Humbert. He was a good man, his death causing Regina's heart to weigh heavy with guilt for what she had done. "I'm so sorry", she whispered, resting one of the blooms on the earth near the gravestone. "You deserved so much better than what I had done". This needed to be said, although nobody was there to hear it. Standing up, Regina brushed the dirt from her knees, sighing. There were so many things she had done that she regretted now. But then, it was probably proof that she was beginning to change for the better. Unfortunately, it was too late for those she had already hurt, and the town would now continue to see her as the Evil Queen, the woman that wished to take all their happiness. But that was never her intention. What she truly wanted, down in her core, was happiness of her own.
Turning away, Regina walked to the recently dug plot. Rather than beautiful grass covering where Archie lay to rest, there was earth. Standing there, before the patch of earth, it truly struck Regina that he was gone. Completely. Archie was resting beneath the earth, just a few steps from her, but he was a million miles away. Kneeling down, Regina began to smooth the earth with her hands. The state it was in was nowhere near good enough for the man who had shown her such kindness. Although her magic was not reliable in this world, she made grass grow on the plot, neat and a beautiful green. Small daisies emerged, making the plot all that more beautiful. The rose was laid near the head of the plot, followed by a kiss, pressed to her fingertips, then to the earth. "Archie… why did you have to leave me alone here?" she asked, voice soft as she tried to hold back tears. "They think I killed you. They believe I murdered you. And you were the only person who would believe me when I tried to change. I need your help. I need you back Archie. Please". Head bowing, Regina understood no reply would come, as tears began to fall down her cheeks and onto Archie's final resting place.