I am floored and honored by the response. I'm gonna give it my all to update every Sunday. Thank you for every review and PM. As to some of you concerned about the ending or more specifically Regina. Don't worry I'm an Evil Regal myself. But there will be two endings to this story. Take that warning at your own discretion.
A/N: I love Colin but I dislike Hook. Please understand
A/N2: I'm not ready to uncover Regina's illness yet. Also Henry will go back and forth emotionally occasionally. I have done research and also been around abused children.
A/N3: Emma will be absent this chapter. I'm building a story here give me time.
Song Inspiration : Stay - Zedd feat. Alessia Cara
Emma's Absence
Regina sat in her office, that had once been her father's and hid. Perhaps hid was the wrong word but she hadn't wanted to surface. Everyone had seemed to be assigned a job but herself. Belle was watching over the medically induced blonde. Graham, Edmund, and Daniel had gone back to work after the excitement. Leaving Regina with a boy she knew nothing about. So she had remained in her office while he watched cartoons, slept or snacked. To afraid to face the child.
Her fear hadn't stopped her from checking on him. But each time she went he'd find a new way to ask about his mother. And that's what the brunette had feared. Belle had diagnosed the woman with extreme fatigue and other terms Regina hadn't understood. Nor had she wanted to.
"Regina," Belle called. Seeming to have magically appeared before her. "You can't stay in here. That boy out there needs someone."
"Henry. His name is Henry. And so… what... you want me to play step mother? You have your work French and I have mine." The vintner crooned. Returning her gaze to the stack of papers she had been staring at for three hours.
"I'm not asking you to be anything other then yourself. I can't confirm my suspicions but they need help Re. And I may be wrong about a lot of things but that ki…" Belle started. But quickly corrected herself at her best friends glare. "Henry. He needs someone."
Regina sighed. "Apparently you have forgotten I don't want them here. As soon as she's better I'm sending them on their way."
"I think you're making a mistake. Shouldn't you at least give it a chance?"
"No. Don't you have a patient to check on?"
The doctor looked at her best friend in disbelief. "Just think about it. I don't think they are the only ones who need someone." Belle issued with a shrug before disappearing the same way she had come.
The winemaker stared after her friend. What the hell had she meant? Frustrated at her best friends cryptic meaning, Regina returned to her papers.
Her eyes itched with discomfort as she continued to stare blankly at the spreadsheets. The numbers were beginning to run together.
Maybe the doctor was right. She didn't have to be the boys or the mothers best friend. But helping them didn't necessarily have to effect her directly. Giving a defeated sigh, the brunette pushed up from her desk. As long as she didn't make the issue personal and kept her feelings out of it. She could do this and the little family would be gone. And things could return to normal.
Regina's legs made long strides as they carried her out of her office and into the living room. Her new prerogative clear.
"Henry?"
"Yes?"
The small child looked up from a book he had found. Regina raised a brow, as she gazed at the book. Soft hazel colored eyes followed Regina's to the book in his hand. Worry etched into his features as he slowly closed the book. Apologetic irises looked back up to Regina's.
Amazement and memories flooded the brunettes senses as she crossed the floor without thinking. Closing the distance between herself and Henry.
"I'm sorry I'll put it back. I found it on the book shelf. I'm sorry. It was just pretty. I'm sorry." Henry apologized for the third time. Finally breaking Regina from the trance she had been in. Taking her gaze off of the book she looked at the fragile child before shaking her head.
Offering him a warm and sincere smile.
"There's no need to apologize. Granted you could've asked before you opened it, but I'm far from mad." Regina lightly reprimanded. At Henry's saddened expression, she quickly justified her attitude. "This book is very precious to me. It's the last thing my father gave me before he…"
The words caught in her throat like a thick mass. Her father had always been warm and friendly. And despite her condition, he had always made her feel loved and wanted. Sneaking and giving her things her mother had forbade, just so she could enjoy her life. Well what was left of it.
"It's okay," Henry comforted. "I don't have a dad either."
Sympathetic orbs fell to the boy as he dragged his finger over the illustrious cover.
"Would you like to read it together? My father always had a soft spot for fairytales."
"We can? Really?" His attitude peaking. Returning to his previous excited demeanor.
"Perhaps this once I can make an exception." She winked before taking a seat on the couch. Inviting him with the pat of her hand to the cushion next to her. Not needing further prodding, Henry tucked the book under his arm and galloped to the seat.
Unable to stop his crashing momentum, he slammed into the couch. Causing the couch to scoot back, scraping loudly against the wooden floor as it went. His brown eyes immediately went to Regina's face. Preparing himself for the onslaught of deragetory terms the brunette had prepared for him. Or even worse physical pain. But when neither came, he simply stared at Regina in disbelief.
Concern mirrored in her eyes as she watched the boy run into the couch. She hadn't been able to stop him. "Are you alright?" Had settled at the tip of her tongue, and been prepared to pass over her lips when fearful eyes fell to her face.
A clinching tugged at her heart. Young eyes had looked at her in utter fear. Had he thought she would hurt him for a mistake? True she hated messes but a floor could be replaced or cared for.
"It's okay Henry it's just a floor. Are you alright?"
Tension eased from his shoulders as he nodded. Careful not to take his slightly untrusting eyes off the adult woman. Regina wanted desperately to reassure the child she meant him no harm. But instead settled for placing the offered book between them. Giving them both a needed buffer. A bubble of safety for Henry. And enough space for herself to clear her thoughts.
Needing a distraction, her fingertips trailed along the edge of the rough edged paper before turning the page to the first story.
Her smooth voice filled the space between them as she began. "Once Upon a Time…"
Halfway through the third story Henry had scooted closer to her. Leaning onto her as Regina painted a visual picture with her voice as she read. Illustrating each character with a different voice. But after a while Henry's head began to lean more heavily on her shoulder and the brunette knew he had fallen asleep.
Closing the cover, Regina looked down at his soft face and smiled. Moving the book to her lap, the vintner sighed. Pushing her sleeve up, she glanced at the watch on her wrist.
5:53p
The work day was almost over. Regina moved slowly, supporting Henry's neck as she laid him out on the couch. Before pulling the throw from the back of the couch over his sleeping form.
Taking a needed stretch, she exited the room only to run into Belle.
"It's really great what you're doing Regina."
"Yes well its temporary. Otherwise my Evil Queen reputation may be ruined."
An irritated expression painted across Belles face. "I'm serious Regina."
"Yes well thank you for the vote of confidence dear. How is she?" Regina's tone turning serious. As her gaze fell to the room, where Henry's mother was stationed.
"That's actually what I wanted to talk about." The doctor lowered her tone. Before tilting her head toward the kitchen. Away from mother and son.
"Ill take it the news isn't good." Regina surmised. "Drink?"
"Water if you have it," the doctor acknowledged as she took a seat at the island.
Nodding, the older brunette opened the refrigerator and pulled two bottles of water out. Moving back to her best friend as she offered her the drink.
"Thanks. Re it's bad. I had to medically induce her. Her body needs time to heal. Right now it's give and take. If she doesn't wake in the next 2-3 days…"
"She will." Regina voiced. Surprising herself and Belle. "Apparently she is a fighter." The winemaker stated as if it were obvious.
"But that's not it. Someone put her through the ringer. She's lucky to be alive Regina. And if it was happening to her, I'm sure it's happened to Henry too."
The clinching returned. "Did he say anything. About where they came from? Who they are? Anything?"
"That he doesn't have a father." The older woman stated as she took a drink. "But he is very… jumpy."
"That's sad. We need to know more. Maybe you could befriend the child…"
"…No. I have no idea what to do with children. Second, I have a business to run… not A Save Me Service."
"Regina. She won't go to a hospital apparently that's for a reason. She needs help and doesn't know how to ask. She's probably had to depend on herself for years, possibly all her life."
"Even if I wanted to. I don't know anything about children once again."
"Then it's good you have a doctor as a best friend. And workers with children isn't it?" Belle reminded. Smiling slyly at her best friend. Turning her tone serious, "Just until we can help Regina. Imagine if this was me or someone you loved. You'd want someone to help right?"
"Ill do it. But that doesn't mean I have to like or make it personal."
Eyes followed the winemaker around the spacious room as she paced back and forth. Searching for the right words to say. When had her life become so complicated? After her workers had finished the prep work for the harvest season, she had called an impromptu meeting. Much to their groans and complains she promised to factor in a small amount of over time, to which they had agreed to stay. And now they all sat here curious to what their boss wanted to talk about.
"Regina just tell them. I'm sure they'd like to get home to their families." Belle reassured. Shooting her best friend a tired glance. The vintner looked from her best friend, around the rest of the room.
Dust and mud decorated her employees clothing. And they did look tired. Taking a needed breath Regina steadied herself. Before meeting the curious eyes of the men.
"I'm sure Mr. Humbert has informed you all of what happened earlier. And to fill in some of the missing pieces. A woman in bad health was found in my barn. And for the time being they will remain here. The child with her is named Henry and for whatever reason he seems to be the closest to me."
"Yea Graham said the boy refused to let him get close to him or his mother." Daniel voiced. Surprised at the nod the brunette gave him. "That's crazy. Every kid loves Graham. Hell even my kids ignore me when he's around."
"While I understand your reasoning I have no control over Henry or what he does. With that being said until we know more about this situation. And until the mother recovers I'm taking it upon myself to take care of the child. And I'd appreciate any advice, any of you can offer. Belle has agreed to help as well."
The men looked between one another having a silent conversation. Edmund was the first to speak.
"That's really kind of you Miss Mills. Charlotte and I have wanted children but we haven't been able to. So we'll help anyway we can."
"Leslie and I will as well."
Daniel nodded in concurrence. "Should we report this to Lily?"
"For now leave your sister out of it. Henry isn't comfortable around new people. He seems to have… trust issues so getting him to warm up to us will be challenge enough. Belle will be monitoring the mother. Her nurses will bring more supplies tomorrow."
"Miss Mills forgive me if this is forward… but is there more we should know? Is the family in trouble or something?"
Regina let Edmunds question simmer as their brown eyes connected. No malice presented itself in his irises, but the underline concern was present. In honesty, Regina had asked herself the same question. If the family was in trouble and running from whatever was chasing them. How long would it be before the answer to that question came knocking on her door?
The thought made her shiver. And the fact that she didn't have an answer was even worst. Regina did know one thing, the quicker she could get the family out and away from her home and life. The better.
With a plan set in motion the winemaker felt things were finally getting back to normal. After the meeting had concluded, and Regina had sent her workers home. The only adults that remained was herself and Belle.
As if knowing she was being thought about the doctor surfaced from the room where the blonde was. Medical bag in hand as she closed the door behind her.
"How is she doing?"
Belle silently inhaled. Before dragging a hand through her hair. "She still hasn't woken up. Her temperature is inconsistent. Due to the infections. But we are pumping fluids into her to help keep her alive."
"What should I tell Henry?" Regina questioned. Not liking the news her doctor and best friend had given. She could only imagine giving the news to the small boy. Something of that magnitude would traumatize him and if she was being honest the winemaker somehow knew Henry had been through enough.
Cocking an eyebrow at the question the doctor sighed. "The best thing right now is to keep him distracted. If he asks a question answer it with a question." Regina frowned. "Its not ideal and I hate to do this but until she's better. It's the best advice I have."
The brunette wrapped her arms around herself protectively.
"I'm headed home to Ruby. I need at least a couple hours of rest, to check on my other patients and to freshen up. I'm leaving a nurse to watch over her while I'm gone. If anything is to change she'll contact me. Just don't let anyone in."
"Yes doctor that was my first thought. Letting everyone enter the room."
A weak chuckle surfaced from the doctor. Regina had always used crass language and taunts when she was unsure. And having a sick stranger and a virtually mute boy under her care had left her exactly that.
"Thanks Regina."
The vintner rolled her eyes as her best friend passed by. When had her life turned upside down and become a hospital?
XXX
Hours had passed and neither Henry nor Regina were sure how to approach one another. So both brunettes had done an awkward dance around each other to the point it had become an unwelcome routine. Since she wasnt allowed in Henry's mothers room per se. She returned to hiding in her office. Checking on her small house guest every thirty minutes.
Henry seemed to alternate between sleeping. Watch cartoons and looking longingly at the hard leather bound book her father gave her. It amazed Regina to no end that the child was well mannered despite his upbringing. Leaning against the door frame of the family living room she watched Henry.
Unaware of her presence as he watched a tinted blue cat chase a brown mouse.
"Its nearly bedtime." Her voice carried. Drawing hazel eyes to gaze upon her as he rubbed his eyes on the back of his hand. As if suddenly realizing the time his self. "Although I wont force it upon you I thought perhaps you might like a bath. After all we have a big day tomorrow."
"Big day?" Henry questioned skeptically. His caramel colored eyes locking with Regina's.
"Tomorrow is a big time of year for my vineyard. I'm not normally inside this much. And I thought maybe you'd like a chance to be outside." She forced through her teeth in a plastic smile.
"What about momma?"
Regina let the corners of her mouth sag. She should have guessed Henry wanted to be close to his mother.
"I made you a promise. And I intend to keep it Henry." Keeping her tone calm and even as she pushed off the frame and deeper into the room. "I promised to take care of your mother." The boy nodded. Letting his gaze drop to his hands in his lap. "But I also intend to take care of you." For now. Hadn't been spoken aloud but in her mind Regina knew.
She had promised herself not to get attached and that is what continued to replay over in her mind. All she was doing was being a good Samaritan, she justified. But even she knew as much as she hated to admit it she was growing closer and closer to the boy.
Hopeful brown eyes stared up at the vintner. "Really?" His voice ringing with unsure optimism.
"Really." The whisper passed her lips like a silent prayer.
"Okay." A wide smile greeted Regina and in that moment she understood, her life was about to change forever.
XxxX
"What the fuck do you mean you lost her?" The doctor asked. Wincing as he rolled away from his patient, Mr. Cedric, to frown at his brother. His chair moved toward the officer as he pointed a tongue compressor at his older brother.
"Your job is to find people not lose them." He grunted before rolling back to his salt and peppered haired patient.
"Don't you think I tried. I do have a job you know?"
The doctor huffed.The audacity of that statement. As he motioned for the elderly man to stick out his tongue.
"Emma could be anywhere."
"No she can't."
The officer raised a curious eyebrow at the conviction of his younger brothers statement. "Killian what did you do?" Liam asked as he began placing the pieces together.
"Mr. Cedric excuse officer Jones and I as I go get your latest results." Killian smiled removing the tongue compressor. Before turning away and forcefully grabbing his brother by his upper arm dragging him from the room.
Snatching away his imprisoned arm Liam watched as his younger brother pulled the door closed. Waiting as sleepless blue eyes stared up at him.
"Let's just say…" the doctor began before a nurse greeted him. A sly smile crawled across his thinned lips as he watched her pass. "I left Miss Swan with a parting gift."
Liam stood shocked. He knew what that meant. For years he had been covering up Killians maniac streak. After losing their mother and then their father he had taken it upon himself to be Killians guardian. To protect and look after him. Cover up all his wrong doings. To turn a blind eye but this was taking things to far.
"You've lied to me." It was a confession.
Doctor Jones stepped into his brothers personal space. "And there is nothing you can do. Now find Emma and Henry. Or I'll destroy everything you have built."
The Officer watched as his brother walked away. Feeling dejected and hurt. But he didn't have a choice. If he wanted the skeletons he had buried in his closet to stay there he only had one option.
He had to find Emma Swan.
1 day before Emma wakes
"What are we doing today Gina?" Henry questioned. Barely containing his energy as he bounced by the brunettes sides. Keeping a firm hold onto her hand as they continued toward the vineyard.
"Gina? Henry are you aware my name is Re-gina?" She spoke. Making sure to keep the conversation educational rather then reprimanding.
The boy paused and looked up at the elderly brunette. A feeling of dread washed over Regina as she looked down at his hurt expression.
"But you told me we are friends..." Henry began. Regina prepared to confirm the boys thoughts but was cut off as her small companion continued. "Friends give each other nicknames."
A small smile surfaced on Regina's lips as she finally understood what Henry had been trying to get at. Not wanting to destroy the progress they had made the brunette nodded.
"Gina it is. But I will only allow you to call me that alright?"
Pleased with the answer. Henry resumed their walk with an extra bounce in his step.
"Since you have branded me with a nickname it's only fair you receive one as well."
Looking down the vintner spotted her companion jutting out his lower lip. Regina noticed her littlest house guest did that often when he was in thought.
"What about Prince Henry?"
"But I'm not a prince."
The sadness in his voice struck Regina's heart. If anyone was a prince Henry was. A piece of Regina wanted to find whatever person had damaged her little prince. Her prince. Regina winced at the reality of the situation. She had tried to stay away from the boy. And gave her best effort but no matter what. She was drawn to Henry like a moth to a flame.
Bending down so she was eye level with the six year old, Regina smiled. Demonstrating brilliant white and straight teeth. Placing her hands in front of her she showed Henry her hands, moving them slowly until she was able to lightly grasp his hands.
Henry flinched visibly but showed no signs of wanting to run away, so Regina continued. The growth the he had showed still astounded her. Henry hadn't connected or tried to connect with anyone like he had with her. And Regina didn't want to hide the pride she felt in the gesture.
Henry was slowly becoming as much hers as she was his.
"Henry you are more of a prince then you know. Do you know what it takes to be a prince?" She asked. When he shook his head no the winemaker continued. Giving his small seven year old hands a squeeze. "Well a prince is kind, brave, smart and strong."
"And you prince Henry are all of those things." Tapping the tip of his nose as a little giggle escaped his lips. The sound warmed her heart immensely.
"Now how about we go get some grapes?"
An enthusiastic nod answered the question, before Regina stood. Moving deeper into the vineyard with her helper.
Belle
"How is she Ratchet?" Belle asked as she pushed through the rooms door. Tying her hair in a high bun, before taking the clipboard from the elderly nurse.
"There are signs of improvement. She heals fairly quick. Still fluid in her lungs. But that's the most concerning thing."
The doctor afforded the elderly woman a smile as she read through the statistics. "This is excellent. Lower the doses of the antibiotics and increase the steroids. Hopefully we can begin the process of waking her up. And thank you. Take the rest of the day off. And report back tomorrow."
The brunette took up the position the nurse once had. Placing her index and middle finger together under the blondes jaw line. As she shook her coat sleeve backward, to count her patients heartbeat to the clicks off her watch. A smile broke the doctors lips the blonde was a fighter. And dealing with Regina Mills, she'd need it.
Regina
Henry raced down each row. Stopping only so often to sample clusters of grapes like Regina had showed him. As a child it had been one of her favorite activities in the vineyard.
"Miss Mills!" Daniel called out. "Incoming!" He shouted. Pointing to the driveway. As a unfamiliar car blazed down the dirt road. Kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake.
An angry scowl turned Regina's lips. As a flash of black and red rushed past Regina. In the brief commotion she had forgotten about Henry.
"Henry! Henry!" The vintner called out. Fear gripped her as she watched the boys retreating form. Her feet carried her forward. Faster and faster. As she heard footsteps quickly approaching. Her vision began to blacken and her breathing became labored.
"Miss Mills?"
"Henry. Get him." Regina rasped out. Daniel hesitated a moment, concern clear on his face before he nodded. Trucking down the row in search of Henry. Calling the boys name as he went.
The brunette stared after Daniel. Trying to calm her breathing as her hand slid into her shirt pocket. Shaking unsteadily as she withdrew two pills. Closing her eyes she popped the tablets into her mouth. Grimacing at the unpleasant coating as she swallowed them.
Why? Regina wondered as she stared at the slightly blackened soil. Why? For years she had lived in loneliness and isolation, patiently waiting for her illness to claim her life. Accepting the disease had been difficult. But she had learned to live with it. But now fate wanted to play a cruel joke.
Giving her a chance at happiness. But with each step she took, without a miracle. That happiness was like light at the end of a tunnel. No matter how hard or fast she ran she'd never reach it.
After all, she was already on borrowed time.
And... Here We Go...