Chapter 4:
(Regina POV)
I stood staring at the door after Emma. I knew I'd done the wrong thing. It had been uncalled for and very inappropriate considering our current relationship status. However, if someone were to ask me to look them in the eye and tell them I regretted it, I probably couldn't. It was the first time we'd been that close to each other in years. Whatever happened after tonight, she'd been that close to me one more time. She'd felt my touch on her cheeks and I still made her nervous.
I rushed up the stairs to my room. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it. I slid my back down in and sunk to the floor. I sat there and cried. I'm not really sure what exactly I was feeling. It was a whole mixing pot of emotions that just boiled over and all I could do was let it out and cry. It seemed I'd done this a lot in the past few years. I wished someone was there. It didn't have to be Emma, but I wanted someone to hold me like she had. I wanted someone to kiss the top of my head and tell me that everything was going to be alright, even if it wasn't. And I knew just the person to call.
I left a note for Henry. He was old enough to be home alone for a few hours. Then I called the person no one expected my to be friends with. I dialed the phone number of one Belle French. I told her I needed to get out of the house. She said she'd meet me at the Rabbit Hole in twenty minutes. It may not be my favorite place in town but no one would bother us there. I splashed some water on my face and reapplied my makeup. I grabbed my purse and drove to meet up with Belle.
I walked into the dingy bar to find Belle waiting for me in a booth in the corner. She stood and pulled me into the strongest hug I'd had in a while. I hugged back with just as much gusto because, God, it felt lovely to be held right now. After the divorce, Belle really helped me without choosing sides. She remained both mine and Emma's friend. I supposed they didn't call her smart for nothing. We ordered our drinks and only discussed the previous hour's events after they had arrived.
I started with my discussion with Archie, and this time I left in the part about correcting him on Emma's last name. Then I told her about our plans and our day. Last but certainly not least, I told her about the manner in which I'd said goodbye to Emma a little more than an hour ago.
"Well, I imagine she ran off because she felt like it was the only thing to do. I suppose she wanted to tell you the same, but she didn't know how to react. You know Emma as well as anybody. Don't you think it could've been a bit of a shock for her to go from virtually not talking to such an…intimate display of affection?" said Belle in her heavy accent. I nodded. I knew she was right, I just needed someone to say it out loud to me.
"Yes, I suppose you're right. I probably could've puzzled that out for myself if I hadn't been on the floor sobbing," I replied.
"What're friends for?" she replied. I chuckled softly. I liked Belle because she didn't pass judgment. She offered good advice without being biased, and she was kind. I guess that's why she's the one who brings out the good in that imp.
"So what do I do?" I whispered meekly, lifting my gaze to meet hers. Belle thought on it for a moment, sipping at her drink.
"I think you should go to her. Tell her all you've told me in the past few years, but you know, the short version. Tell her you're sorry for the mistakes you've made and there's a good chance she'll feel the same way. But never mind if she doesn't because at least she'll know," said Belle, knowing I'd be hesitant, "Look, Regina. I know it's scary, but isn't it better than you guys never saying anything and regretting it?" I nodded, knowing she was right. Damn Belle, she was always right.
We finished our drinks, settling in to some lighter conversation. I needed that after tonight. But I promised Belle I'd email Emma in the morning to find a suitable time and place to meet alone. I needed a re-do for tonight. I needed a chance to get it right in a less tense situation. Unfortunately I thought I knew just the person to plan this meeting. I dreaded the reaction, but I think I needed to talk to Henry.
(Henry POV)
The night after my Moms took me out, I probably got the best sleep I'd gotten since the divorce. I knew it was a long shot, but I was still happy. I had dreams of doing stuff, just the three of us, and it almost made me sad how real it felt. Almost. I wasn't going to let reality ruin my mood, not yet. These things take time and I was waiting for my next opportunity to pounce. That opportunity came the next morning from the strangest source, Mom. We were in the kitchen and she was making lunch. I was sitting on a bar stool at the island pretending to do my homework.
"Um, honey?" she asked.
"Yeah, Mom?"
"Well, I wanted to discuss the way things went last night with Ma," she said simply. I looked up at her with utter confusion. She never wanted to talk about Ma. Turns out she was actually willing to meet with her and face their problems? I couldn't tell if this was a step forward or back. She asked if I had any suggestions of where an appropriate venue would be (of course my Mom would use a word like venue). In my confusion yet hopefulness, I agreed to take care of everything and went up to my room to get my phone. I had some calls to make.
"Hello?" said the voice of Prince Charming.
"Hi, Grandpa. I need some help," I said.
"Sure, champ. Anything," he laughed.
"I need to book an isolated place where Mom and Ma can talk. Mom wants to work out their issues," I replied.
"Champ…" He sighed.
"Grandpa, please! I need you help," I said. He heard the pleading in my voice and knew that it would probably be best.
"Alright, buddy, what did you have in mind?" We talked for a few minutes and made a decision. He told me he'd take it from there and I hung up, heading back downstairs for lunch.
(Emma POV)
I had Ruby man the station and cancelled all my meetings. I just really needed to get away and clear my head. I told Neal I'd be back in a little while and he didn't question me. I was grateful for that because I clearly wasn't up for talking. He could tell I was stressed and I didn't tell him where I was going because he probably already knew. I hopped in the bug and drove out to the stables.
It was strange that somewhere that brought back so many memories of Regina still could have such a calming affect on me. I pulled into Storybrooke Stables and shut off the car. I made a beeline for the grassy field I knew I'd find comfort in. I sat atop the wooden fence and whistled. Three familiar faces popped out of the wooden shelter out in the pasture and the horses made their way towards me. I could tell which one was which even though they were all the way across the field.
Admiral was Henry's black gelding. He'd won so many award on that horse. They were a good team. Close behind him was Regina's horse. She was the paint mare, Phantom. Then my horse came trotting after them. Ranger was a big old dapple-grey gelding. The three horse were best friends but it was clear that Phantom was the boss. I chuckled, just like his owner.
They got to me and I stroked their noses, feeding them peppermints and sugar cubes. Regina didn't like it when I spoiled the horses but I always did when she wasn't looking. I smiled as Ranger put his head in my lap and nuzzled me. I always found comfort in him. I learned to ride on him and he took care of me while I did. I put my arms around his neck and he let me. The other horses stayed close. I think they knew something was wrong.
"I don't know what to do," said whispered in his ear as a tear rolled down my face. We all stayed there for a long time. I took turns petting our three horses and giving them treats. I didn't need words to talk to them and they didn't need them to answer me. That part Regina didn't even have to teach me, I figured it out. I felt bad for leaving Regina there, waiting for me to say something, but I just couldn't. What could I have said?
When I got home, later that evening, I got a call from Henry. He said he wanted to meet me for dinner down by the docks that night at 6:30. I agreed and he said he'd meet me there. We hung up, thinking it might be nice to spend an evening alone with my boy and take my mind off his Mom for a while.
