Chapter 4

Anger. Hatred. Shock. Confusion...And the list goes on and on. All of those many feelings taking over Regina as her mind also whirled around like a tornado. Finding out that Mr. Gold was most likely the cause of that poor girls lack of happiness make Regina sick. She was absolutely horrified that Gold would even dare threaten a child. Gold?! She had definitely not expected Mia to say his name. She knew he was cruel, but this was a whole new level. Why he would do that? She had no clue. For the sake of magic maybe? Knowing his selfish desires for power, probably. It was so confusing. Regina felt a whole new hatred and anger for that man, more than she had in almost her entire time knowing him. And she didn't know why she was, she's witnessed his cruelty many times before. Why did it bother Regina more than a normal person would what had happened to Mia? Did she really care that much? She felt her blood boiling in her veins as the dangerous thoughts raced around in her head about the next time she saw that poor excuse for a man.

No one spoke for what seemed like forever, Regina's mouth hung open, staring at the couch with a frown upon her face. Mia stared at Regina, wiping the tears from her checks, she hadn't known Regina was going to react so strongly, like this really effected her. Not knowing what to say to her reaction Mia attempted to continue with the story instead.

"I-I offered t-to go with him if he spared my parents." She sniffed. Regina looked up. "I don't think he did." She whispered, more tears falling as she meet Regina's piercing eyes for a moment. What she saw in them scared her. The eyes of someone who looked like they were about to murder someone. Mia hesitantly shifted from the other end of the couch to sit closer to Regina.

She sighed as she began, "I know what you're thinking, Regina. But please, please don't do anything you'll regret." Looking into the other woman's eyes. Mia knew her history, and what she would do. She would get revenge. And revenge never works out the way you want it to. But at the same time, Mia was kinda glad that someone was willing to do something for her. Even if it wasn't right.

Regina nodded after a moment, looking into her pleading eyes and slowly regained her composure. "I-I...won't. But know this Mia, something has to be done about this." Regina said, jaw clenched. Mia nodded, accepting the answer but was also worried as to what Regina would do, however she was that glad someone cares.

Regina gave her a very forced smile. "You don't have to tell the rest if you don't want to." Regina whispered, having heard the part about Mia's parents, although she quite desperately wanted to know what that imp had done to her.

"I will. But maybe not right now. If that's alright?" She replied.

"Of course. We'll talk later. Let's do something else." Regina looked at the clock and saw 4:52. "Why don't we go for a walk? Clear our head's for a bit."

"Sure."

They headed out the door, jacket and cloak on because it was still quite chilly and walked down the path together. After walking for a few moments, Regina Suggested they go to the park.

Upon arriving at the park, Mia went and sat down on the grass near the water taking in her surroundings, Regina at the nearby bench. They sat in a comfortable silence while watching the ducks floating around the water and the clouds pass by slowly.

Regina's mind began to wander to Robin Hood. What is he doing right now? With maid Marian and Roland probably. With his family. I'm not his family anymore.

She looked over at Mia who had a bunch of leaves levitating around her, they floated towards the water and dropped in, getting the ducks attention. She then layed down on the green grass, gathered more leaves and watched them circle above her. Regina smirked at the girls amazing powers.

A little while later, Regina was deep in thought when she was snapped out of it from Mia's voice.

"Excuse me. Regina. Regina. It's starting to rain and get dark." Mia said, standing up from her spot on the grass. Regina looked at her watch and saw 6:07. It was starting to lightly spit, the sun set and the sky had slightly darkened. Regina stood up and Mia ran over to her, hood now up and teeth starting to chatter. She started to walk back down the path when Regina took her arm and the two of them were engulfed in purple smoke.

Moments later they appeared in the foyer of the mansion. Mia had a look of suprise on her face, Regina a slightly apologetic one.

"Wha-what?" Mia asked, bewildered.

"Sorry. Couldn't risk getting sick." Regina replied. "I'm going to make a start on dinner, would you like to help?" She asked.

"Ok." Mia answered through chattering teeth.

"I'll make you some hot chocolate first." She said, walking into the kitchen.

Mia followed and asked, "Hot Chocolate?"

Regina snickered, "It's a drink." She made her a cup, and while Mia was sipping the warm beverage Regina decided on lasagna for dinner.

After about an hour of preparing and cooking the lasagna Regina and Mia were eating it at the dining room table, with only the sounds of cutlery against plates.

"Regina?" Questioned Mia, picking at her food.

"Hmm?"

"This may seem rather weird to say right now, but I just really wanted to say thank-you." Mia shrugged.

Regina laughed and asked, "What for?"

"I don't know, everything. If you hadn't of found me last night I don't what I'd be doing right now." She replied timidly.

"Oh, well you're welcome, Mia." Regina smiled at the girls kindness. It's about time someone appreciates something I do for once. I appreciate her for helping me cope with Robin...

"Regina?"

Regina sighed, "Yes, Mia?"

"This is really yummy."

"I'm glad you think so." Regina said.

Once dinner was finished, they took their plates to the kitchen. Mia put hers on the bench and whispered, "Regina?"

"What, Mia?!" Regina asked, quite agitated, looking up from the dishwasher with her hands on her hips.

She flinched at Regina's tone and whispered, "Does Rumpelstiltskin live here, in Storybrooke?" Mia looked up at her with fear in her eyes.

Regina regretted her temper and sighed, "I'm afraid so."

Mia nodded and walked off into the lounge without another word, head down and her blue dress trailing behind her. Regina finished up in the kitchen and followed Mia into the lounge. She was sitting on an armchair, snuggled into a cushion staring at the wall. Regina sat down on the couch gazing at the saddened girl. Mia didn't even acknowledge Regina's presence. She didn't know how to cheer up an emotionally unstable teenager. Let alone teenagers at all. She hadn't been there with Henry. But she decided to give it a try.

"I won't let him anywhere near you, Mia. I promise." Regina started. With that Mia began crying. "If he ever does, I will kill him on the spot." She added darkly. It hurt to think he was the cause of Mia's suffering.

I will kill him before he even has the chance to kiss his precious Belle goodbye.

Mia gave a small smile and wiped her tears away.

"May I go to bed?" She asked. It was only 8:15, but Regina let her go.

"Sure."

She got up and headed upstairs, saying goodnight to Regina on the way.

"Goodnight, Mia." Regina replied. She heard the door close upstairs and wandered into the kitchen, leaning on the island. She stood there for a while thinking before grabbing a bottle and pouring herself some apple cider.

On her second glass Regina began to hear faint sobs coming from above her. Listening for a couple of minutes, anger building up inside of her, Regina walked over to the bench and slammed the glass into the sink causing it to shatter.

Who the hell does he think he is doing this?! What sick bastard enjoys threatening children with their lives? Causing this much pain for them to be crying themselves to sleep!

Putting her head in her hands and taking a few deep breaths Regina decided to go check on Mia. Halfway up the stairs the crying stopped and Regina guessed she had finally fallen asleep. Heading to her room anyway she found her in bed in her new pyjamas, face and pillow tear stained and the blankets kicked off. Regina walked in as quietly as possible with heels on and grabbed the duvet, tucking her in. She left the room and walked to her own. Preparing and getting into bed Regina fell asleep slowly, dreaming of her life back in the Enchanted Forest.

A/N: Wow, I wrote this chapter quicker than I thought. I hope you all enjoy ;-)