"You're my second chance, not my second choice…"
These words were the ones that seemed to be continuously replaying in Regina's mind over and over again for weeks now. She couldn't seem to shut them out. She couldn't shut him out. She kept telling herself that there was a big difference between a second choice and a second chance. She should know the difference better than anyone. She had many second chances before that happened to not include Robin. Henry was her second chance. He was her chance at motherhood when she had nothing else to live for. He made her happy and he gave her love. Snow had given her plenty of second chances in the past when she had Regina in her grip but still chose not to kill her. Those were second chances at life. Yes, they hadn't been together that long, but it had seemed as if they had known each other forever. Maybe it was because she had seen that darn tattoo…
Ever since his wife's return, Regina couldn't deny that she had been in hiding. Henry had called her out on her routine right from the start. She never left her house, and if she needed something, she would hurry into Granny's at odd times of the day to be absolutely sure that she wouldn't run into Robin, or worst, Marian.
She also couldn't deny that she wasn't upset that she hadn't heard from him either. She wanted that to happen just as much as she feared it. But she didn't blame him. His wife had returned, and as much time as Regina got to mull that fact over, she understood how she couldn't let him back into her life no matter what. Not like she had a choice anyway.
Henry had been her main source of solace. He would come over every day and continuously tell her, "Everything will be okay mom." … "I love you mom."… "He didn't mean to hurt you mom." "You are not a monster. You are my mom."
He was only thing that wasn't making her snap. He was the only reason she wasn't going to hunt Emma down either. The fact that she could constantly hear his voice calling her mom was reassurance in itself. Having her one true love near assured her that she didn't need anyone else.
That was all forgotten one day that she believed it safe enough to go out to Granny's Diner for dinner with Henry. He begged her to come out, out of the house, and to just be with him without worrying. He wasn't exactly worried about her. He had told her multiple times that he believed she was strong enough. She believed that too, and normally would if this was any other breakup. But the problem was, this wasn't. They didn't break up. His wife came back, so they became separated. For good, that is.
As they walked outside, Regina couldn't help but notice that it was unusually cold for this time of year. She could easily see her breathe amidst the air. When Regina and her son walked through the door, as luck would have it, the first pair of eyes she met were the deep blue ones of Robin Hood. He was alone, yes, but he was there standing over at the counter finishing paying Granny for bags of to-go food. It was obviously food for more than just him. It was a small enough town, she realized, to not be able to avoid him forever. It was also too late to pretend she hadn't noticed him.
"Regina." Robin said hurriedly. He didn't smile, but he didn't seem to want to avoid her.
"Henry, why don't you go find us a table." She looked down at Henry and nodded at him, hoping he would understand that she could take care of herself.
He smiled slightly at her and responded, "Alright mom." Then he directed his attention to Robin and faintly nodded as if to say hello.
As Henry left, Regina hesitantly raised her head to look at the man she had been avoiding, but she still couldn't find it in her to say anything.
"How are you Regina?" He asked, while reaching out to slightly touch Regina's shoulder with his right hand. His voice seemed strained, she noticed, and his sleeves were slightly rolled up to expose that tattoo that had haunted her dreams.
"I'm fine." She lied, uncomfortable with his hand on her shoulder. She didn't want his pity. She didn't need his pity, so she shrugged him off. "How are you and you're family? Is Ma-Marian adjusting okay?" She couldn't help but stutter when saying his long lost wife's name, the one who had said horribly true words about her. She was surprised she could say it at all.
He seemed to notice she was off balance so he replied by simply saying, "My family is well." He paused and then added, "I am so sorry Regina."
For the first time since the night of Marion's return, she felt the tears return to her eyes. "Well…that's… that's good." She forcefully stretched her lips into a smile. "I wish you the best." And with that, she swiftly turned around before he could protest to her leaving or say anything else.
As soon as she sat down and joined Henry across the diner, she let out a shaky breathe that she had no idea she was holding. Henry seemed to notice and quickly grabbed her hand across the table. "Good job mom."
She was confused, "What do you mean?"
"You're strong that's all. I don't think he could tell how really upset you actually are."
For the first time in a long time the Queen let out a genuine laugh. She smiled at her son, as if to thank him for believing in her. She was so incredibly happy to at least have Henry back in her life. There was nothing that could take that away from her.
All at once, there was a loud bang that caused the diner to shake, as if an earthquake was beginning to happen. However, it was obvious soon enough that that wasn't the case. Outside, Regina noticed, was all white. All that could be seen out the windows was white powered snow and ice. It was as if someone were dumping snow from the sky while ice was falling down simultaneously. As Regina quickly stood up and grabbed Henry by the arm, the wind began to howl as loud as a dozen packs of wolves. This wasn't right, Regina knew. And this fact was confirmed as soon as icicles started to plummet through the windows of Granny's Diner.
Everyone began to scream, and Regina decided to move quickly towards the door, with Henry in hand. As soon as she neared the ice, she began to attempt to use magic to stop the ice, but she could only attempt. She wasn't strong enough. Her magic wasn't working, and before she could figure it out, Robin came crashing back through the door. "Regina! Henry! Are you alright?"
"What's happening out there?" She yelled back at him.
"I don't know! All of a sudden the sky became this white whirlpool and the snow and ice started to come down." He was panting, as if he had been running. "Can you do anything to stop it?"
"I tried! But I can't seem to. I think it is magic."
At this revelation, they looked into each other's eyes in fear.
"Henry let's go! We have to get you somewhere safe!"
"Well what about you?"
"Henry, I will have to stop this." She looked into his eyes reassuringly and pushed him out the door before he had time to protest.
Once outside, with Robin following close behind, they came across Emma and Charming ushering everyone towards the Town Hall.
"Henry!" The blond yelled. "Oh thank god!" She pulled Henry close.
"Henry, please go with Emma to the Town Hall, with everyone else." Regina said hurriedly, only looking at Henry, and avoiding Emma.
"What about you?" he asked again.
"I'll be fine sweetie. I have to figure out what's happening though. Don't worry."
"Well surely you aren't thinking of going alone!" A voice she knew all too well said behind her. "Regina this is madness."
"I am going no matter if I go alone or not." She spoke to him as if to let out aggression. She didn't need him telling her what to do. "I suggest, that you go find your family while I do." This last part came out ruder than she had meant it, but in high stress situations, she couldn't help but let her emotions run wild.
"Robin, I just saw Marion and your son two minutes ago in the Town Hall. They are with Little John. They are safe." Charming spoke to assure him.
"Oh thank god. Thank you." Robin responded.
"Go. All of you!" Regina yelled as the wind and snow whirled louder and faster.
"Mom be safe!" Henry yelled in the distance. She couldn't see anyone anymore through the white shield that covered the streets, but she knew they were all right. The ice seemed to only be surrounding the diner for whatever reason. Everywhere else was just snow and wind.
Regina tried to think straight and fast, so she decided to head towards the direction that the wind was coming. She ran as fast as she could, and continued to attempt magic against the icy forces. It wasn't working.
As she made her way across town, as swiftly as she could, she came to a clear. Well, the clearest part of Storybrooke that is. She was at the edge of the forest and all that could be seen up above the hills of the town, was a whirlwind of white clouds circling each other throughout the sky. It was almost as if a tornado of ice and snow had hit and the source was in that exact spot.
Before Regina could take any further steps, she heard another pair of footsteps behind her.
"M'lady, just what on earth do you think you are doing?"
"Robin," it was the first time she had said his name since that night. "Go away."
"Oh I'm not letting you go on this dangerous adventure alone."
"Robin! Just leave me be and go back to your family. They need you."
"Actually they don't. I made sure they were safe in the Town Hall before I came to follow you." He sighed heavily. "What they need, what everyone needs, is for this storm to stop before everything gets worse. I'm going to help you."
"I don't know how you expect to do that." She rolled her eyes.
"Well, if you don't want me to help you then at least help me."
She gazed back at him questioningly.
"I just need to know you are safe. I already know that some of the people I care for are, but I need to know that they all are."
Her pride and vulnerability wanted her to say no and leave without him. A dominant side within her, didn't want to hear this from him and didn't need his pity. However, she knew he wouldn't leave. He never seemed to leave.
"Just don't get in my way."
"Oh I wouldn't dream of it."
She scoffed. "You are unbelievable."
"Yeah." He smiled, and then looked up towards the hills where all the wind and snow were exploding. "So I'm guessing the magic source is there."
"I guess so."
A/N Thanks for reading if you did! Please let me know what you think. I decided to post another chapter anyway because I have inspiration :)