Wishing you were somehow here. Part 2.
"Wow that was amazing Regina. You have to give me your recipe." Snow asks as they clean up after dinner.
"Not going to happen. You've been trying to get it for years."
"And one day I will get it out of you." She points at Regina and smiles.
"Geez Regina you hold onto your recipes stronger than you did your spell book." Emma teases from her spot on the counter even though Regina told her repeatedly to get off.
"Well unless you speak a long dead language which you can't." Emma just rolls her eyes. "You can't perform any spells. But it took me years to perfect those recipes and I will guard them till my death."
"You won't even give em to Henry? What if he asks for them?" David questions drying off the last of the dishes.
"I already know most of them already." Henry says from the table.
"What? Seriously?" Snow looks at Regina with a mild glare. "That's just wrong."
"What do you expect Grandma? I only helped her cook dinner for years. You can't help but remember." He shrugs. Regina laughs and ruffles his hair.
Snow continues to glare at Regina, but a smirk forms on her face before she turns to Henry.
"Henry." She says in a sweet voice. "You know Grandma loves you very much right?"
"I'm not giving you the recipe either grandma." He has a smirk that reminds me so much of Regina it's a bit scary. But it makes everyone laugh when Snow looks so defeated.
Everyone gathers in the sitting room to relax and watch some movie Snow had brought "The hundred foot journey". Snow and Charming sit next to each other on one end of the sofa, Regina and I on the other. Emma and Killian share the love set, Emma is practically sitting on his lap. Henry and Roland are on the floor playing with Neal.
"So Regina, not that we didn't enjoy the dinner. But I'm getting the feeling that you didn't invite us over because you just wanted our company." David says after everyone is settled in.
Regina puts her hand in mine, building up the courage to ask for their help.
"You are right. I did have another reason for inviting you over. I need a favor."
"What is it?" Emma asks curiously.
"Actually it's your parent's help I need?" I can tell she's getting more and more nervous as the conversation goes on. Snow also must realize how uncomfortable she is getting.
"Regina. After everything you have done for us this past few years. Standing with us when we went back to the Enchanted Forest. You protected both Neal and I from Zelena. Anything you need, we will do whatever we can to help you. All you need to do is ask." She reaches out and grasps Regina's free hand. Giving her a reassuring smile.
I can feel Regina relax in my arms. She takes a deep breath before she asks.
"Robin had an idea."
"Did he now? Shocking." Killian says. Emma hits him on the back of the head and tells him to be quiet.
Regina glares at him before she continues. "Anyway. He had an idea and for it to work I need David and your help."
"What do you want us to do?" David asks cautiously.
"I want to open the Dark Vortex,"
"Regina, that didn't go so well last time. Why would you want to do that again? What if you can't control Cora this time? She might do more damage than just possessing someone." Emma argues.
"I don't want to contact Cora," Regina says a little irritated.
"Daniel then?" Emma just won't let Regina finish talking.
"No not Daniel either," Again she is interrupted. Now it's pissing me off.
"Then who else would you contact Regina?" Emma demands.
But before Regina can answer. "Henry." Snow says in a soft voice.
Regina nods her head in agreement.
"Henry?" Confusion in her voice. Emma looks to where Henry is sitting on the floor. Neal on his lap. "Henry's right there."
"Henry Sr. Regina's father." Snow explains. Recognitions hits Emma. "You want to try and contact your father. Why?" Emma is really getting on my nerves right now with all her questions.
"Because, I never got to say goodbye. I never got to apologize." The tension in her posture is returning. I knew it was a bad idea to invite Emma tonight. Not that I don't like her but she asks why too many questions. It's had enough for Regina to be asking for help in the first place without question constantly being asked.
The room became silent except for Neal's coos. It's David surprisingly enough who breaks the silence.
"Okay."
"Okay? You'll help me?" Regina's surprise evident in her voice.
"Look. I know we've never gotten along. A lot of that because of you." Regina glares at him but he keep talking. "But it was my fault too. I was unwilling to except that you had changed, I only tolerated you for Snow. But if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. You could have refused to split Snows heart after she enacted the Dark Curse. Hell you could have crushed her heart and gotten rid of the both of us. But you didn't. You saved my son from Zelena. He would have died but you saved him. And I know I never really thanked you for that. I know we can never truly repay you for that. But I can start by helping you come to peace with your father. Gods know if I had the chance to talk to my mother again I would jump at the chance. So yes I would be glad to help you."
"So will I." Snow says giving Regina's hand another firm squeeze. "I told you Regina. We are a family. And family will always be there for each other."
Regina's eyes begin to water at Snow's words. I can tell she's trying very hard to keep them from falling, but her emotions are getting the best of her this time. But Neal saves her with a rather loud cry of excitement causing everyone to look at him and smile. Roland and Henry are taking turns saying "Boo" causing Neal to look quickly back and forth between the two.
"Do you need a break boys?" Snow asks, Henry has been entertaining the infant for most of the evening.
"No he's fine, aren't you Neal?" The baby has seem to take quite a liking to Henry and Roland, smiling, and laughing whenever they are near.
"Papa can me and Henry show Neal the new books we got?"
"I don't see why not, but you'll have to ask Snow."
Roland clasps his hands together and gives her a pleading look. "Can we Snow? Please."
Snow smiles and nods her head giving permission. Henry carefully rises from the floor, taking Neal with him.
"Be careful going up the steps Henry." Henry rolls his eyes but answers, "I know mom." He carefully ascends the stairs, Roland following behind him.
"So," David begins clasping and rubbing his hands together, "When do you want to do this?"
Regina looks to me, then back to the Prince. "I really haven't thought that far ahead."
"Well it's still relatively early." Snow looks at the watch on her wrist. "Let's start now."
With that Regina and Emma begin prepping the necessary ingredients to cast the spell. A learning experience Emma had said when Regina had original refused help.
"You're sure the boys will be safe in Henry's room?" David asks as the last of the ingredients get mixed together.
"Yes, as soon as Emma joins them I will put a charm in the door. No one but me can open that door." Regina explains.
"What I'm not going to help open the vortex? That's not fair."
"Well you are the only one who's never met my father, therefore your assistance is not needed."
"Robin's never met him either." She was going to argue further but she was pulled aside by her mother.
Snow whispers something to the Savior but I can't quite get what it is. Whatever it is obviously doesn't make Emma stop pouting but it gets her to be quiet.
The rest of us head to the study after Emma and the boys have been safely hide away.
"So this is a little different than the last time." Regina explains as she pours a rather nasty looking liquid into separate cups.
"Different how?" Snow questions.
"This time we don't have a murder weapon. There aren't many recorded accounts of people communicating with the dead to begin with, and I can't find anywhere they didn't have the murder weapon. So we are going in blind." Regina takes the vacant seat on my right. Killian is to my left, and David to his. She lights the candles placed around the table. Henry's handkerchief that Regina had retrieved from her crypt moments before we began lies in the center. "Everything will be fine love. We will do this as many times as to takes to get it right." I reassure her.
Snow shrugs her shoulder than says, "We might as well try it out. And if it doesn't work the first time, we'll try again." She holds her hands out, everyone joins hands, or hooks for Killian.
"Okay, so just like last time. Focus on Henry. Anything you can," She leans over to whisper to me. "Focus on the stories I've told you. On his handkerchief, all the things I've told you about him." I nod in understanding. She rights herself to begin the spell.
The room's temperature drops drastically. With everyone quiet the room has an eerie feel. But I force myself to focus on Henry. How she had described him to look, with white hair from age, and kind caring eyes. I recall the story she had shared with me about him teaching her to sword fight. How she had nearly amputated his leg. How she was so scared but he simply laughed and called her a natural. Even the punishment they both received from Cora later couldn't erase that moment.
I can't help but smile at the memory of her telling me. She had such joy in her eyes when she talked about him. I get a glimpse of the young lady she used to be before her innocence was torn from her.
A loud whoosh bring everyone out of their thoughts. The vortex opens on the ceiling causing the lights to go out. Regina appears to be too surprised that it had worked to do anything. But she had mentioned that there won't be a lot of time before it closes.
"Henry can you here us?" Snow yells, bring attention to her. The rest of us, save Regina follow her lead calling into the black void.
"Henry, Regina would really like to see you. And I'm sure you'd like to see her as well." David hollers. Even Killian calls out to him.
Seeing all of us calling out for her father finally snaps Regina out of her stunned state.
"Father, can you hear me? Please let us know if you can hear me?" We stare at the opening, waiting for something to happen. "Father, are you there? Please answer me."
When nothing happens I can see the defeat begin to seep into her eyes.
"Daddy, please." She whispers so low I almost miss it. But I won't let her give up. Not yet.
"Your Highness, if you are there, if you can hear us, let us know." I pause for a moment. "Regina has somethings she'd like to say to you."
Before I could say more, the portal abruptly closes. The chill in the air is gone, and the lights turn back one.
"What happened? Did it work?" Snow asks looking around the room, for what I can't say.
"I don't think so." Regina hastily says. She releases Snow's hand but when she tries to pull out of my grasp hold tightly, cradling hers with both my hands hoping to give her any comfort. "I knew this wouldn't work. It was a stupid idea to begin with."
"It's not a stupid idea Regina, not at all. Maybe Belle know something we can try for the next time." Snow encourages.
"There isn't going to be a next time." Regina snaps and glares at her, but it does little to faze Snow. "My father doesn't want to speak to me. I shouldn't be surprised. I did kill him. He probably hates me." Her hands tremble even though her expression is controlled as to not let her disappointment show.
"Don't say that Regina. There are a thousand reasons why it didn't work. But him hating you, is not one of them I can tell you that much. I can also tell you that he would be so proud of the amazing woman you are, of how wonderful a mother you are. He would be proud of you." I raise her chin o she looks me straight in the eyes. She opens her mouth to reply but a sixth voice interrupts.
"He's right." We all turn quickly to the far corner of the room. A ghostly silhouette begins to form right before our eyes. A man appears, wearing fine, rich clothes that a Royal from the Enchanted Forest would. Looks at us all with an indifferent expression. But the moment his eyes meet Regina's, a wide smile appears, one that matches Regina's almost to a tee. "I am very proud of my daughter."
Next to me, Regina stares at her father. "Daddy?" She says in disbelief. Her eyes mist over. She goes to stand but her legs fail her. So I help her up from her seat.
"Come on guys. Let's give them some privacy." Snow says pulling David out of the room. Killian follows right behind, closing the door on his way out.
I slowly lead her over to her father, he meets us half way. There just stare at each other for a long while. Henry scans her from head to toe, taking in her appearance. His gaze briefly land on me. He looks like he's trying to figure out if he knows me or not. But his focus turns back to his daughter.
"Your hair is shorter." He says after several moments of silence. To which Regina lets out a light, wet chuckle.
"Yeah, yeah it is." Her voice is small, but is laced with joy. "A lot of things have changed since the last time I've seen you Daddy. Since I,"
"Used my heart to cast the Dark Curse." He finishes. I can feel her flinch at his words. It takes much of my control to not yell at the man. But I don't. Instead I pull her to my side. She wraps her arms around her middle, a protective stance, I rub my hand up and down her back, trying to calm her as much as I can.
Henry tilts his head and slightly squints his eyes at my actions, but says nothing. Several seconds later Regina looks at me and nobs her head, silently telling me that she's okay. And turns back to Henry.
"Yes. Since I used you heart to cast the Dark curse." She takes a deep breath, steps out of my embrace and takes a step towards her father. "I'm sorry Daddy. I was so angry with Snow that I couldn't think of anything else except her death."
"Yet she was just here I believe." He states.
"Yes she was. As I said a lot of things have changed. Including my vendetta against her. We've buried the hatchet if you will. We've made peace with our pasts."
"Have you now? That is wonderful." He smiles at her, and I can see her stance relax. "What brought this about, Your Majesty?"
"Regina," She says automatically. "Here it's just Regina, Daddy."
He nods. "Okay, Regina."
"It's a long story. But the short version, I had a change of heart. I had someone, or several someone's actually, help me learn to let go of the anger, and the need for revenge."
"And who were these people? I would like to thank them for bringing me back my daughter."
Regina turns to me, gives me a smile before she continues talking. "Snow of course, but there are a few others, this is one of them." She reaches her hand out to me, and pull me closer. "Daddy, this is Robin."
He studies me closely, and I try not to squirm. After all this is the father of the woman I love. If he doesn't approve, then what?
"Robin Hood? The thief?" He asks, no judgment in his voice. I smile, and avoid his gaze. I nervously rub the back of my neck.
"That would be me Sir." His gaze lands on my fore arm that is still raised. A wide smile spreads on his face. I look to see that he is staring at my tattoo.
"The man with the lion tattoo? You have found him?"
Regina laughs and ducks her head like a teenager whose father is teasing her about her crush. "Technically he found me." She looks up into my eyes. They shine so brightly with love that I can't help but laugh as well.
"And she was completely fascinated with me from the moment we met." I tease.
"Please more like I thought you were an arrogant, insufferable, bandit who reeked of the forest." She argued good heartedly.
"If I'm not mistaken love, it was you who sought me out."
"Your memory is getting worse with your old age dear. You followed me around like a lost puppy." She pokes me in the chest, both seemingly forgetting that there is someone else in the room.
"If my memory serves me right, I do recall you saying that you would never love again. Or be loved." We turn back to Henry, he has a tongue-in-cheek expression. Regina blushes slightly, ducks her head down for a moment.
"I did say that didn't I." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.
"That you did. But I am so very glad you were wrong. I haven't seen you this happy since you were a young girl. I had hoped for so long that you would be able to except love back into your heart, and now you have. I couldn't have asked for more." His tears prickle his eyes. He reaches his hand up to cup her face. I expect it to simply pass through her, but she gasps and chocks out a sob so she must feel something.
"I miss you Daddy. I miss you so much every day. Every day I think about that night. How I wish I had told you that love you. I should have listened to you. And I'm sorry I didn't" She's gasping for each breath as she fights to speak. I want to hold her, make her feel better, but I know she needs to let this out.
"Don't cry Mi pequñea luz." He says in a comforting tone that only a parent can have. "Please don't cry for me. I am the one how should apologize. I couldn't protect you from Cora. I wanted to, it tore me up to watch her berate you, and force her standards on you. But she had put some spell on me not long after you were born, I couldn't stop her. And for that I am so sorry." His tears fall, as he tries to ease his child's pain.
I can't imagine what it must have been life for him, to watch his child be abused and tormented every day and not being able to stop it.
"There's nothing you could have done Daddy. Mother was extremely powerful, even if you had manage to go against her she would have just killed you anyway. She didn't have a heart. Literally she removed it."
"Whatever became of her?" He asks hesitantly.
She takes a deep breath and she answers. "She's dead."
He nods his head in understanding, if he is upset about this news he hides it well.
"I see. Now tell me about your life now." With that the subject is dropped.
"Before we get to that, there is some more people I want you to meet." She smiles so brightly it could be blinding.
"Oh, and who would they be?" He questions. Looking around to see if he has missed someone in the room.
"I have to go get them real quick and I'll be right back." She turns towards the door but Henry stop her before she can leave. "Take your time luz I think Robin and I could use a few moment to talk."
"Oh shit."
Regina looks between the two of us. Trying to decide if that is a good idea. She lands her gaze on me, I'm quaking with nerves but I nod anyway to assure her.
She agrees, and continues out the door.
The door closes, leaving just me and the ghost of my soulmates father.
Chapter 2 done. Leave a review, it would be greatly appreciated.