Chapter 11

Ruby debated whether it was a good idea to go over to Regina's house. She really didn't want to have to deal with Cora. If the rumors were true, Cora was ten times worse than Regina. She shivered at the thought. Nevertheless, she decided to go over.

Regina sat in her study trying to think of the ways to win Henry back. She was glad that her mother was here but she wasn't sure she could fully trust her. Then there was Hook, she knew she shouldn't have trusted that imbecile. All he wants is Gold. Once her mission was accomplished, she could turn him loose.

She was startled by a knock on the door. She knew it wasn't Henry. She got up and answered. "Ruby," she said surprised.

"Hi Regina," she said sheepishly. "May I come in?"

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"I want to apologize," she said. Regina glanced at her pregnant belly. She couldn't turn her away now. "Come in. Nobody's here right now."

She led Ruby to her living room. "I'm sorry Regina," she blurted. "I really am. I thought I saw you, well, it was you but it wasn't you." Regina held up her hand for Ruby to stop.

"My mother is very cunning. I appreciate the apology."

They sat in awkward silence for a while. Regina asked, "How's the baby?"

"Fine," she said. "I'm hungry all the time."

"Well dear, that's natural. When the baby is placed in your arms everything will be worth it," Regina said. "How's Whale?" she asked.

"Good. He's another reason I came over. I know about Daniel," she said.

Regina looked at her stunned. "How?"

"David and I made him tell me," Ruby said. She could see the tears springing up in Regina's eyes.

"Then you know your child's father made him a monster," she sneered.

Ruby nodded. "I know it didn't end well," she said softly.

"Clearly. If it had worked, you would see him here," she snapped.

Ruby looked down and rubbed her stomach. Would her child be considered a monster?

Regina watched the internal battle going on in Ruby's mind. "Your child will be fine Ruby. He has you. Whatever you're thinking, stop. Treat him or her with love. That's the best you can do because some of us did not have that."

"Is that what happened to you?" Ruby asked.

"Let's concentrate on you dear." She got up and fixed some apple cider for Ruby. "Here," she said handing her the glass.

"I am sorry for what Whale did. But he is trying to redeem himself," Ruby said.

"At least he has a child to give him incentive."

"Except it's not his," Ruby muttered.

"What was that dear?"

"Whale isn't the father," Ruby admitted. She didn't know why she was telling her this. She needed to tell someone.

"Then who is?" Regina asked. She didn't like that fact that someone would just abandon a child. Ruby bit her lip. "Ruby, who was it? Surely, this guy has to know. After all, he's letting Whale take over."

Ruby sighed. "David."

Regina stared at her. "David who?"

"David. Snow's David." Regina's eyes widened. She knew Ruby was serious. Then she started to think how they kept Henry from her and treating her like an outcast. She was supposedly the bad influence.

"Does Snow know?" she asked.

"No and you can't tell her." This was almost too good to be true. Little miss perfect with her perfect family. Soon it would crumble and she could get satisfaction at seeing Snow's misery.

"Regina," Ruby called out. She looked at her. "I know you hate Snow but please keep quiet."

Regina sighed. As much as she wanted to leap for joy she couldn't. She wasn't friends with Ruby but she admired her even though she lied unknowingly. She was still carrying a life in her.

"Fine. I know you and I aren't friends but I do respect you more than Snow," Regina said.

"Can I trust you?" Ruby asked.

"Trust is up to you. I do intend to keep quiet. Ruby, I underestimated you. Who knew it was going to be one of Snow's friends to bring heartache?"

Ruby glared at her. "I had to throw that in there. Whatever you and David have or don't have is none of my concern. My concern is Henry. Now, you should go."

Regina escorted her to the door. Once Regina let her out, she let a smile come over her face. She would see Snow suffer. Ruby and David. She shook her head and walked back to her study.

Ruby was on her way to the diner when she saw Snow and David coming. "Ruby," Snow called out.

"Hi Snow. Hi David."

"Where did you just come from?" David asked.

"A friend's," she answered. "Where did you all come from?"

"We're looking at houses," Snow said. Ruby placed a tight smile on her face. David was moving on while she was stuck so to speak.

"That's great. I'll see you later," Ruby said walking past them. David turned around and his eyes filled with sorrow. He saw the pained look in Ruby's eyes. He was off having a life whereas she was stuck with a living reminder of their night. He had to tell Snow before things progressed further.