Dang, that was quite the reaction!
I mean I was expecting some tears and vague threats coupled with the occasional swear word, but this is surprising!
Also in the last chapter, this fic completely flew by 100 reviews so thanks so much to everyone!
Also to Guest who signed as "No": Wow, you must be real fun at parties dude. Also when you have time, go check out a few suspense and thriller movies, because surprisingly enough, people do enjoy the mystery every now and then. As for my writing and story skills, you can believe what you will, but I think you're the minority when it comes to believing that about my writing, at least according to all the reviews I've gotten, who say otherwise. But hey, kudos to you for reading this 'bullshit' on the 'worst fic you've ever read' for 9 straight chapters!
Anyway, let us move on into more of the story!
First flashback takes place right before the scene in Slander vs. Libel [Chapter 4]. The other one takes place right after Slander vs. Libel ends.
"Have you seen this drivel?!"
Regina was frozen with a spoon full of All Bran cereal about to enter her mouth, staring transfixed at her mother who had just barged into her apartment. She was sorely regretting giving her mother a key to her place. But her mother had insisted because "honestly Regina, it's bad enough that you're not staying with me, at least let me enter your apartment! What kind of a familial relationship would we be portraying otherwise?"
"What drivel?"
"This!" With a shaking fist, Cora held out a newspaper, before throwing it on the counter in front of Regina. She put the full spoon back into the bowl and rested it on the counter before picking up the paper that had so infuriated her mother.
Mayor's choice for a successor a fumble?
By Emma Swan
Cora Mills has led the town of Storybrooke for the past three decades to varying degrees of success, especially depending on who you ask. Now, the beloved Mayor is set to retire to a beautiful Mediterranean getaway, but she wants to make sure her hard work doesn't go to waste - an understandable notion by anyone who wants to have their pride and joy preserved in posterity - so she has chosen a successor to sponsor for the next elections happening in a month.
The problem? The successor doesn't know jack shit.
The prodigal daughter, Regina Mills, has returned to Storybrooke to become a Mayoral candidate for this term's election after being away for 6 years. Yesterday I had the opportunity to get to find out what Ms. Mills has been up to. Suffice it to say she left a lot to be wished for, especially for someone who her mother lauded as: the perfect candidate.
When asked about her daughter's capacity to take the reins, the Mayor responded saying, "She has the knowledge and experience needed to take care of Storybrooke."
So then why was it that when I asked Ms Mills about the issues of Storybrooke, she spewed off nonsensical answers?
I asked her about the infrastructure on Thompson Street; I tried to test her knowledge of older projects to make sure that she had done her homework not just on recent events. She wasn't even aware that the infrastructure had been renovated last year, and was fully prepared to take my word that the infrastructure was in a terrible state, and potentially spend a lot of money renovating something that isn't even needed.
That clearly proved she hadn't researched at all, but I decided to give her another chance. Perhaps Ms. Mills had momentarily had a moment of confusion and would at least be well-informed on more recent events. So I asked her about the castle, an issue that is still fresh in everyone's minds. Not only was the candidate not aware that her own mother had ordered the demolition of the playground, but she was also willing to support the renovation of it.
So to recap: Regina Mills isn't informed on recent or older events, and doesn't follow the same beliefs as her mother, and is willing to believe nearly anything that is told to her. So what is it that makes her such a perfect candidate for the Mayor? Is it only the convenience of keeping a Mills in office?
This reporter is inclined to believe that that is the case. It's clear that once Ms. Mills left this town 6 years ago, she hasn't been keeping in touch with the town's events and issues. She went to play in the big leagues with the Mayor of Boston, and the Senator of Massachusetts, but someone needs to inform the candidate that small town politics is its own ball game, and that connections and big league tactics won't fly here.
It looks like Old man MacDonald might have a chance to win this year. He might only know about the issues from 1979, but at least he's aware of the issues.
"Oh I am going to murder her," Regina savagely ground out as she grabbed the paper and stalked out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her.
"Hello people of Storybrooke," Regina greeted with a smile. She glanced at Emma who gave her an encouraging smile. Turning her head, her mother was also seated in the crowd. She offered no sign of encouragement, or even acknowledgement. She continued, "After much consideration, I have decided that I am going to become an independent candidate. I'm sure that everyone has read Ms. Swan's article earlier this week that completely dismissed any capabilities I might have to lead this town due to my lack of knowledge of this town's events and issues.
"So I did some research and spent most of the week reading the papers. I've seen all that my mother has done for the past 6 years, and while I may agree with some of her actions, I cannot support most of the decisions she has made, and therefore cannot be her candidate and I hope that she can accept that, and that I can have another opportunity to show this town that I am going to do my best to be the perfect candidate. Thank you."
Emma glanced at Cora and saw that the woman looked positively murderous before she left in a huff. Victory one for them.
Regina stepped down from the podium to answer anyone's questions. There was quite a crowd gathered going to congratulate Regina on a wonderful decision, and to let her know that she had their support. Emma glanced at her friend, hanging back to give the other woman her space. This really was Regina's scene, she seemed to naturally connect to everyone very easily.
Once the room was empty save for the two women, the reporter approached Regina, who was gathering her papers in her valise, and smiled as she said, "Congratulations, it seems that your plan really floored them."
Regina turned around and returned the smile in kind before giving Emma a peck on the lips. "Our plan."
"I can't believe the nerve of that woman!" Regina exclaimed, returning to her apartment in a huff. She didn't know who Emma Swan thought she was. It was impossible to go against Cora, did she not understand it? Emma couldn't really think that it would've worked.
Cora had been sitting patiently at the dinner table, hands clasped and resting on the table. "Honestly Regina, don't tell me you tried to confront her about it?"
"Tried being the key word here. She is the most arrogant, selfish, idiotic woman!" Regina grumbled, plopping down on another chair at the table. She couldn't very well explain to her mother about her talk with Emma in front of Henry's school, explaining that she blamed Cora for everything, so if asked, she'd only mention the event at the Diner.
"Oh for goodness' sake Regina. First, sit up straight, and stop acting like a child. It's clear that she and the Mirror are not interested in being professional, so the only way to make sure to give them a taste of their own medicine, and then some, is to make sure no one ever buys that garbage ever again, nor will anyone want to hire Ms. Swan afterwards."
Regina frowned. "What do you mean?"
"It's time we let Ms. Swan and the rest of the Mirror know that to spew this type of garbage against a Mills will never end well for them. And I have the perfect plan. For starters, tomorrow you will go to Ms. Swan's house and profusely apologize for leaving her those years ago, which is clearly what is leading her on this smear campaign against you. Turn on the waterworks or whatever you want to, just make her trust you again..."
Sidney approached the bullpen, looking somber. Mulan, August and Emma all turned to face their boss as he entered the area, waiting for him to say something.
When he said nothing, August asked, "Hey man, you okay?"
"I just got a call from the Mayor's office. Mayor Mills is running for office again."
So the drama continues...
I'm hoping everyone's enjoying this, I'd love to know your thoughts!
See you tomorrow with an update! Meanwhile I'll be replying to everyone's reviews once again!