Storybrooke; The Past

Regina's POV

Twenty three dreadful years trapped in this small, trifling town. When I cast Rumplestiltskin curse, my goal was to find Emma. I had no idea how big this land without magic would be. It is nearly impossible to find one person in this state, let alone fifty of them. I don't even know what her last name would be. Since I was already casting this curse I decided I could use it to my advantage and take a little revenge out on the people that hurt me. I decided everyone that was involved in taking Daniel or Emma away from me would pay the ultimate price. I took away all their memories, gave them pitiful new ones and ripped them apart from their loved ones. Another reason I took their memories so that way if I ever did find Emma they wouldn't try and keep us apart again.

After eighteen years of the same routine day in and day out, I was becoming depressed. I gave up hope on finding Emma. Sure I cursed many, getting my revenge, but not one person knew. I could only share that glory with myself. There was still a hole in my heart from missing my loved ones and no amount of revenge could ever fill it. I realized I needed to feel something. After speaking with Dr. Hopper I decided I would adopt a baby. Maybe a baby could fill this void I was feeling. That was five years ago...

"Mommy?" I felt a little tug on my pants, pulling me from my wandering thoughts. I smiled down at his little voice before reaching down to pick him up. I sat my son down on the counter and kissed his tiny nose. I dipped my finger in the extra flour that was left behind from my baking and smeared it on Henry's nose. He giggled and I was instantly reminded of Emma. I haven't thought about her in years. Every time I'm about to, I push the images away. It's been too long and if I keep thinking about her I will only drown.

This has been happening a little too much lately. Henry's giggle reminds me of Emma and I can't wrap my head around why. Maybe it's because their laughs always sound so young and free, not a care in the world. Something tells me though, it's so much more.

"Mommy can you believe I'm five!" Henry exclaimed with his little hand raised wiggling all five fingers.

"I cannot my prince. What happened to my baby?" I pouted out my bottom lip adding to the dramatics for him.

"It's okay mommy, don't cry. I'll always be your baby, right?" I smiled reaching for his head before pulling him in for a kiss on his forehead.

"Always."

Henry smiled and leaned across the counter to turn up the radio. He stood up on the counter and started wiggling around. I wanted to scold him for standing on the counter but the way his face lit up while he danced, warmed my soul. I could never say no to his smiling face. Another thing I noticed he had in common with the blonde.

I grabbed his tiny hands and danced along with him. After a few moments I grabbed him by the waist pulling him into my arms. I spun him around a few times before setting him on my hip. We danced around the kitchen, singing and laughing. This boy has my heart and soul. He changed me on the inside, even if I don't allow other people to see. I knew he completed me, he filled that hole that I so desperately needed to fill.

After a few minutes I set Henry down, "whew you're getting heavy boy!" My son just laughed and nodded along.

"So what does my prince want to do today?" I asked as I checked on my apple turnovers. Five more minutes I thought.

"Hmmm," Henry was tapping his finger against his pout trying to think. Something must have clicked because he ran so fast out of the kitchen. I shook my head before calling out after him, "Henry no running in the house, you know better."

"Sorry mommy," he groaned. In just a few minutes he returned with two styrofoam swords. I laughed shaking my head. He really is a prince. He loved pretending he was a knight trying to slay a dragon. I had to purchase another sword for myself because after awhile he grew bored of pretending to fight an imaginary dragon. "I challenge you!" He exclaimed and I couldn't help but notice how his green eyes sparkled. Why does he remind me so much of her? It's starting to become eerie. I shook my head from these thoughts and focused on the little boy in front of me.

"Hold on honey, let me take out our dessert and then we can play," I said walking over to the oven. I pulled out the delicious treat and turned off the oven. I untied my apron, setting it down on the counter. Henry held out the sword and just as I was reaching for it he tapped me on the side.

"I win!" He screamed while dancing.

"Henry you have to play fair. Nobody likes a cheater," I scolded. I held my sword up and waited for him to mimic my move. "Now, we gently touch the tips," he nodded along, "and then we may start...GO!" I yelled startling him a little bit but he quickly recovered smiling ear to ear.

We jumped around the kitchen knocking our bulky styrofoam "swords" around. Henry ran into the living room, jumping on top of the couch. I chased him in there as we both laughed. Standing on the couch, my son was almost as tall as me. He had his sword up, swaying back and forth, ready to attack. Henry was giggling to himself with anticipation. He swung first but I blocked him knocking the sword from his hand. I lunged forward and he yelped out as I tickled his sides. I laid him down on the couch and continued tickling his sides until he begged for mercy.

I fell to my baby boy's side laying next to him and he cuddled into my side. He placed his head on my chest and I ran my fingers through his messy brown hair. I kissed the top of his head while listening to his breathing. I love this boy with every thing I have. He is my world and I will never let him go. From the first moment I held him, I felt an instant connection. He just felt, right. He felt like home. It wasn't long before we both drifted off to sleep.