April 30th 2013
David watched Regina sleep. He had given her the maximum dosage Dr. Whale had prescribed, hoping that it would let her get some rest while Emma investigated the crime. He was currently sitting on the floor of her cell, praying for this nightmare to end.
David still could not believe that Snow was dead. They had had their differences recently, but he could not think of a world where the two of them would not be friends. Maybe not today nor tomorrow, but a year from now, he had hoped they would be friends. He lowered his head in-between his hands and cry softly. He had lost Snow today and unless Emma could come up with some serious evidence of Regina's innocence, he might lose her as well. George would not give up until he had her head on a silver platter, regardless of who would get hurt in the process. Actually, George would love to see him suffer as well.
The station's phone jolted him back to reality. He watched as Frank answered the phone. "Sheriff's station?" The man sat upright in his chair, catching David's attention. "Ma'am, where are you?" He was moving his hand to try to get his interlocutor to slow down - as if the poor woman could see him. David tucked the blankets around Regina before exiting her cell. He reached the deputy's desk as the man hung up the phone. He looked directly at David. "Woman said a wolf attacked her. She managed to hide in an abandoned farm near the town line."
David groaned and looked toward Regina. He did not want to leave her here alone but he did not trust Frank to handle the call nor did he trust him to stay with Regina. "Call animal control and have them meet us there!"
"Us? We're not leaving her here by herself."
"Fine. Then I'll stay with her." Hopefully, Frank would take the bait, forcing him to accompany him to the farm. He hated to leave Regina alone but it was probably safer than leaving her with Frank. The deputy would not hesitate to kill her if she so much as stirred in her sleep.
Frank smirked. "So you can free her?"
"I'm not leaving her with you." His tone was firm. He would take Regina with them if he had to.
Frank looked in-between David and the sleeping woman as he weighed his options carefully. His duty to the sheriff's station required him to follow David's orders. But his allegiance to George required him to make sure the Queen could not escape her fate. He gave one long last look at Regina, making David shift uncomfortably. Regina had not moved since they had given her her pain medication. And George would get mad if he got himself fired over this. "Fine. We both go."
EC
The deputy and sheriff arrived at the farm ten minutes later, soon joined by David's former co-workers from animal control. David smiled at his former boss. "Lady over the phone said she'd been attacked by a wolf. We just got here. No time to check her claims out."
The head of animal control nodded at his former employee. He had always liked David Nolan but he had never had the chance to meet Prince Charming in the Enchanted Forest. "We'll check the woods while you talk to the woman."
David nodded and walked back toward Frank. "Let's find her." The acting sheriff and deputy stepped inside the barn, where they found the old woman huddled behind a haystack. She shrieked at their approach. David showed her his hands. "Take it easy. Are you hurt?"
Upon recognizing the law enforcement officers, the woman rushed into David's arms. "I … I thought it was the wolf….It… It almost killed me."
The old woman was shaking in David's arms. "Animal control is looking for it. You're safe now." David tried to extricate himself from the woman but she was unusually strong for her small built. "Ma'am, are you hurt? Do you require a hospital?" David hoped they could just get her back to her house. He wanted to get back to Regina as fast as possible.
"No… I'm...ok…" She was still shaking in David's arms, still in what they assumed to be shock from the attack. They gently walked her outside toward the police cruiser. David sat her in the front and wrapped the blankets he kept in the trunk for such emergencies around her frail form.
As he was finishing taking care of the woman, the animal control team was hiking back toward their vehicle. David and Frank met them halfway. "Did you find the animal?"
David's former boss shook his head. "There is no trace of a wolf. I mean not even a paw print. Unless the animal grew wings, there was no wolf here."
They all looked toward the woman sitting in the cruiser. David finally asked the question on everyone's lips. "Why would she lie?"
Before anyone could answer the question, a purple magic cloud appeared in the middle of the group. David barely had enough time to reach for the woman before she collapsed to the ground. "Regina?"
EC
Regina's eyes fluttered open. She was exhausted and the pain in her abdomen was unbearable. But she felt warm and safe.
David smiled down at the woman bundled up in blankets. After she had collapsed, he had carried her to the car and had settled with her in the back seat. The old woman had reluctantly parted from her blankets before being moved to the animal control vehicle. They would have to deal with her later on. But now his main preoccupation was to ensure Regina was fine. "Hey, how are you feeling?" David gently rubbed her cheek, trying to get her to fully wake. She gave him a soft smile before whimpering in fear and pain as the memories of the last few minutes before she had lost consciousness replayed in her mind. David held her trying to reassure her. "Shh… you're ok." He didn't know what had happened to her or how she had been able to access her magic.
Her teeth were chattering. "I'm not… he wanted… to kill… me… he ...had a ….gun… he was going to….execute me."
David held her closer. He didn't have to be told the 'he' she was referring to: either Joe or George himself. Either way her disappearing act wouldn't help her case. He whispered in her ear. "Why here? Why didn't you poof yourself to safety?"
"I… I did. I was …. thinking… about a safe… place. In my vault… but I ended ...up here...with you."
David closed his eyes. He could not help the feeling of love and joy he felt when she admitted that she felt safe with him. But he wished this admission would have come under better circumstances. "Can you poof there now?"
Regina shook her head. "I...was...only able to...do it...once. I didn't….know I could."
David realized that Regina must have been so scared that her instincts had taken over. "It's ok. I won't let anything happen to you."
She nodded once before losing consciousness one more time. He gently settled her against him, praying for this nightmare to end. He lost all hopes a few minutes later when Frank got back to the car. "Animal control will take the woman to the hospital. We're going back to the station." Frank looked at the Prince in the rearview mirror, rejoicing in the sorrow reflected in the man's blue eyes.
"What happened?"
The man smiled. "Your daughter found the last proof of the Queen's culpability. It looks like your girlfriend did kill your wife."
David closed his eyes and let his forehead rest on Regina's.
EC
Regina whimpered in pain when she regained consciousness. David rubbed her cheek soothingly. "Shh… you're ok. Emma just stepped outside to get you some of your pain killers."
Regina's mind was slowly clearing up. Emma? So she was back at the Sheriff's station. But the bed she was lying on was much softer than the cell's bunk. The couch. They must have settled her on the couch. She tried to relax into David's arms. "What…?" She couldn't finish her sentence. She felt so weak and nauseous.
Joe smiled mischievously. "At least she won't put too much of a fight when we'll burn her to the stake tomorrow."
David felt Regina shiver in his arms. "Get out of this office or I swear you'll be the one on your knees."
Joe was about to protest but Frank whispered a few words to his fellow deputy. Joe took a deep breath before exiting the station with Frank on his heels.
Mr. Gold was studying the once formidable sorceress laying limp in the Prince's arms. The little bit of magic she had used to poof herself to David had completely exhausted her. His relationship with Regina had been long enough for him to know that she was not faking her present condition. The last of his doubts about her culpability completely evaporated. Regina would not have had the physical strength to cast a glamour spell, let alone keep the spell in place while ripping out a heart. Regina hadn't killed Snow, which left only one possibility: Cora. He needed to act fast if he wanted to find his son, even if it meant sacrificing Regina at the stake. The sheriff had been too engrossed in the act itself that she had missed some of the important clues of Regina's innocence: the way Pongo had barked at the intruder and the gait of the woman who had killed her dear mother. Regina wouldn't be able to stand upright in her present condition.
His thoughts were interrupted by the blonde woman entering the station. "What just happened? Frank was almost forcing Joe out of the station."
David sighed. "I told him to get out after he threatened Regina one more time. Joe didn't take it to kindly and was about to start a fight with me. Frank stopped him. Apparently one of them has a brain."
Emma nodded as she filled a glass of water. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to fire Joe for what happened today. George will bury the incident."
David took the glass and tablets his daughter was handing him. Regina was barely conscious and getting her to swallow the pills proved to be a difficult, and somewhat messy, task. He waited for her to settle down once more in his arms before asking her questions. "How are you feeling?" Regina shook her head. Everything hurt and her stomach was still queasy. David continued softly. "Do you remember what happened?" Regina closed her eyes for a minute and finally nodded.
Emma rubbed her arm before filling her in on the events leading to Joe waking her up in her cell. By the time the Sheriff was finished with her tale, tears were flowing freely down the brunette's cheeks. "I didn't kill Snow. I have no reasons to… not anymore." She looked up at David. "Do you believe me?"
The Prince kissed her softly. "I do, sweetheart."
Emma sighed. "I do too. But unfortunately I cannot prove it." Emma looked away from Regina. "And I'm not sure how to stop George from executing you tomorrow."
David grunted. "He won't respect the laws of this land…."
Regina finished for him. "... and although the people in this town have come to just ignore me, they won't actively protect me." The collective silence in the room gave her her answer.
She looked directly at Gold. He had the power to heal her and even protect her but he hadn't offered because she had nothing to deal in return. And she was not about to beg her former mentor for help.
Rumplestilskin could read Regina like an open book. She wanted to ask for his help, and truth be told, he would offer it for free if she would ask. He owed her that much. But their respective prides prevented them for asking or offering the much needed help. Mr. Gold was the first one to break their staring contest. "Miss Swan, I believe I kept my end of the bargain. It's now time to keep yours."
Emma turned around abruptly. "Now is not the time, Gold."
"You asked me to find you proof. I did. Now I want your help to find someone."
Regina was only mildly interested in the exchange, trying to focus on David. He lost Snow today and although the two had a recent falling out because of her, Regina knew he still deeply loved her. He always would in the same way that Daniel would always have a place in her heart. She wanted to be there for him, to comfort him like he had done when she had lost Daniel for the last time. Regina swallowed hard before turning her attention back on Gold. But before she had the time to swallow her pride and ask for help, Gold continued. "A deal is a deal, Miss Swan. You don't want to break one… and certainly not with me."
Regina looked away one more time. She had nothing to offer Gold and she did not want Emma or David to pay the price. After all, magic always came with a price, and Gold's prices tended to be the heaviest of all.
Emma finally conceded. "Fine. Who am I looking for?"
"My son."
All eyes in the room fell on Gold. Emma frowned. "He wasn't brought by the curse?"
"No. He came here long ago."
"How are you sure that he is still alive?"
Regina was the first to answer. "Because you had visions of Emma reuniting you with your son. You used me to cast your curse so you could come to this land… to be reunited with him."
"Yes, dearie. I couldn't cast the curse myself. The ultimate ingredient wasn't a price that I was willing to pay." Gold looked at Regina pointedly.
Regina looked away and buried her head in David's chest. Emma sighed. "I'll make some calls but it may take some time."
Gold shook his head. "No need to make a call. I've already been in contact with a private investigator. My son is in New York."
Emma frowned. "If you know where your son is, why do you need me?"
"New York is a big place, Miss Swan."
Regina smirked. "And you're afraid of venturing out of Storybrooke alone without your magic."
Gold chose to ignore the Queen's statement. Although there was some truth to it, the main reason he needed Emma was because his vision told him that she would be the one to find his son. And after so many years as the Dark One, he had learned not to ignore the path his visions were showing him. "Be ready to leave this evening."
David chuckled. "And how exactly are you planning to leave town with your memories intact?"
Gold smirked. "I"ve found a way around this dilemma. Now, please be ready by five pm."
Emma shook her head."I can't leave. We still haven't found who killed Mary Margaret."
Gold was losing patience. He needed to act fast before those fools realized that Cora was in Storybrooke. It was only a matter of time before Cora tried to contact her daughter and he wanted to be as far away from here as possible. He had hoped Regina could help him defeat Cora. But considering the state she was in, she would not do him any good even if he healed her. She was too weak and it would take time for her to fully recover and regain her magic. He only needed a few hours to finish the potions that would take him and Belle away from this cursed town. Once he would be reunited with his son, Gold had no intentions to come back to this place. "Miss Swan, you made a deal. The truth may not have turned out as you expected but you and I both know who killed Snow White."
Emma's superpower never went off. Gold was telling her the truth; he knew who had killed Mary Margaret. Regina interrupted the blonde before she could voice another argument. Regina understood better than anyone how dangerous it was to play this sort of games with Rumpelstiltskin. Besides, Emma leaving Storybrooke provided her with another opportunity. "Emma, you should go. There is nothing you can do here." She felt David's arms tightening around her and she took some small comfort in the gesture. "But I need to ask you a favor."
The Sheriff frowned. "What is it Regina?"
"Take Henry with you."
Everyone gasped in shock. Rumple was the first to recover. "Absolutely not."
Emma turned toward the man before facing Regina again. If it were possible, Emma could have sworn the mayor's skin had grown paler. "For once, I agree with him."
Regina tried to keep her voice steady. "We all know that George will have me executed in the morning…."
David interrupted her. "Regina, no… I won't let that happen…"
"David you can't fight an entire town. Whether or not you fight, I'll be dead tomorrow afternoon." Her voice was shaky. She had finally found some peace and happiness. She didn't want to die but she was too weak to fight and she wouldn't allow David to endanger himself futily. Most importantly, she had to think about Henry's best interests. Her voice caught when she tried to voice her request.
Emma thankfully finished for her. "And you don't want Henry to see it."
Tears were flowing down Regina's face. She shook her head. David gently moved her head so she would face him. "Regina, they won't lay a hand on you."
"You can't promise me that, David. You and I both know George has wanted me dead for a long time."
David closed his eyes remembering the emergency call he had received shortly after Snow and Emma's disappearance into the hat. "I didn't let them kill you then either."
"Please, please make sure Henry doesn't have to see any of this."
David looked at his daughter, who could barely contain her own tears. Emma kneeled next to Regina and took the former mayor's hand. "I'll take Henry to New York with me. I'm going to pick him up from school and bring him here while I pack. I'll tell him that David had to go to work and you went with him."
Regina tried to smile at the blonde but the pain in her lower abdomen transformed the gesture into a grimace. "Thank you."
Emma rubbed her shoulder. "Get some rest." She stood and nodded at her father once before exiting the station with Gold.
As soon as Emma left, Regina turned to David. "Promise me that you won't do anything stupid."
"I won't let them kill you for a crime you didn't commit." David traced his fingertips over the side of her face, moving imaginary strands of hair off her face. He wanted to spend his life with her.
"How about for the ones I committed?"
"You're not that person anymore. You've suffered enough Regina. Can't you see it?"
She stayed silent for a long time, enjoying the feeling of his fingers on her face, the warm his body provided, and the safety of his embrace. "David, promise me that you won't put yourself in harm's way."
David looked away, unable to make such a promise. "Can you use magic?"
"No. I'm too weak."
David let the tears flow. "Can Gold…" He took a deep breath. "Can Gold heal you?"
Regina shook her head. "I have nothing to offer him in exchange. And I won't let you or Emma make a deal with him."
"You can leave town Regina."
"And leave everyone I love behind?" Regina placed her index finger on his lips. "You can't follow me. I don't know what spell Rumple is planning to use to go to New York. But magic always comes with a price and you shouldn't have to pay it. Henry is happy here… and there is Emma."
"She can go with you and Henry."
Regina palmed his cheek. "I won't take your daughter away from you again."
David leaned into the touch. He had finally admitted his feelings to her and she would be cruelly taken from him too soon. She didn't deserve to die…. for any of her crimes. How about the crimes that had been committed against her? He realized then that all these people were dead, leaving behind the pieces of their actions.
EC
Henry ran into the station as soon as Emma parked the bug outside. "Mom?"
Regina jumped slightly when she heard her son. After their difficult conversation, she had asked David to just hold her. The pair had spent a quiet moment together. They had tried to forget about the false accusation and their uncertain future and instead focus on their present. Eventually, Regina had dozed off, safe in David's arms.
David helped her in a sitting position, just in time for Henry to wrap his arms around his mother in a suffocating hug. Regina tried to hide the pain from her injury so she could hold her little boy just a bit longer. David also supported her left side to alleviate some of the pain from Henry's tackle. Henry eventually broke from his mom's embrace, tears running down his cheeks. "Emma told me about Grandma."
Regina cocked her head to the side and gave her son a soft smile, tears glistening in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Henry. I know how much she meant to you."
David kissed Regina's temple before leaving her alone with her son. He met with Emma in the small office to go over the evidence she had gathered so far.
Henry sat next to his mother on the couch, sniffling into his sleeve. Regina gently rubbed his forehead with the back of her fingers before pulling him back into a hug. "I'm sorry my little prince."
"Emma said they didn't know who did it. Why would anyone want to hurt her?"
Regina's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but feel relieved: her son was not blaming her for Snow's death. "I don't know, sweetheart. But Emma and David will find who is responsible for it." But it would probably be too late to save her from her fate. She held Henry closer before releasing him, looking at him directly in the eyes. "I love you my little prince."
"I love you too, mom." Henry wrapped his arms around his mother and buried his face in her shoulder.
Regina held her baby boy for what would probably be the last time. There was so much she wanted to say to him but she just couldn't. He had to leave Storybrooke believing he would see her again in a few days. "Emma told you about New York?" She felt Henry nod against her chest. "You need to promise me that you will listen to Emma. She will take great care of you."
Henry readjusted his arms around his mother's neck. He hadn't held her like this in a very long time and he just let the familiar feeling comfort him. "I wish you could come with us."
Regina finally let the tears fall down her cheeks. "Me too, sweetheart."
ECECEC
March 24th 2013
David was pacing the length of the Sheriff's station. In the two weeks he had been working with Regina they had come up with no tangible solutions to bring Snow and Emma back from the Enchanted Forest. On the bright side, Regina and Henry had spent more time with each other. The relationship was tentative at best but Henry was asking him about his mother more often. He had made a point to organize a family dinner twice a week and he had found himself looking forward to the time spent with her and Henry. He shook his head. He needed to stay as far away as possible from this train of thoughts. His own feelings toward Regina had changed tremendously over the past two weeks, ever since he had held her heart in his hand. He had soon discovered that there was a lot more to Regina than the Evil Queen he had met in the Enchanted Forest and he had found himself wanting to know a lot more about the woman.
As much as he wanted his own relationship with Regina to grow, he needed to put Henry first. Despite everything that had been said and done between the two of them, he knew Henry deeply loved his adoptive mother. But he had been present for every interaction and it was time for them to spend some time alone. David took a steadying breath before dialing Regina's cell phone.
Regina answered on the second ring. "Hello?"
She sounded out of breath and David couldn't help the smile gracing his lips at the thought of her flushed from whatever activity he had pulled her from. "It's me…. David."
She laughed softly. "I gathered that much from your caller ID."
Right. He needed to think before talking. She already thought he was an idiot; he probably shouldn't give her more proof. "How… how are you?"
There was a long pause on the other side of the line until Regina finally answered. "I'm ok."
David didn't press her further. Somehow he could tell she was lying to him but pushing her would only anger her. "Listen… I need a favor. I'm stuck with Mr. Pearsons' cow on the other side of town." He smiled when he realized that Regina was trying very hard not to laugh over the phone. "I won't be able to pick Henry up from school. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind filling in for me." He heard a loud gasp. He waited for an answer but when none were forthcoming he prompted her further. "Regina?" His heart broke when she finally answered him.
"I'd… I'd love to."
David closed his eyes. She was barely able to contain her tears. He knew she missed her son; but until now he hadn't known how much. Or rather he hadn't wanted to know. "Thank you, Regina."
EC
After she hung up with David, Regina let out the sobs she had been holding. Tears were falling freely down her cheeks and she seemed unable to control the sudden surge of conflicting emotions. She was happy to see her baby boy, relieved that David had called her instead of Ruby, afraid that Henry would not be happy to see her. She tried to get her emotions under control but it only resulted in more tears. She subconsciously rubbed her hand over her abdomen. Apparently morning sickness was not the only sign.
Once she managed to recompose herself, Regina looked around what used to be her office. There were books and boxes scattered everywhere on the floor and furniture. She wouldn't be able to take all of them with her. She would not take any spellbooks. Rumple or Blue would be happy to put their hands on some of the volumes laying around in the middle of the room but she wanted to destroy the most powerful ones, the ones containing the blackest of Dark Magic. The few books she had selected to bring with her were from this world: an antique copy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, a cookbook with her favorite recipes, and the most precious item of all: Henry's baby book. She had hesitated leaving it behind for him. But she couldn't part of the few remaining memories of her baby boy. She sighed before heading upstairs.
Her bedroom was in the same state than her office. Her car would not be able to fit her entire wardrobe so she had instead elected to only take objects with sentimental values. She could afford to buy herself a new wardrobe. After she had arrived in this world, she had made some judicious investments. One of these investments had been purely from luck. She had liked the logo - a half-bitten apple - and had bought a large share of the new company's stock. Today, these shares brought her enough money to live comfortably without the need to work. She had been relying on this source of income ever since the curse broke and the town had ousted her from the Mayor's office.
Although her livelihood did not depend on her holding a job, she had always wanted to work. Her mind was naturally curious and she had always enjoyed learning new skills. Not having anything to do reminded her of her days in Leopold's court where the only thing she had to occupy herself were her dark thoughts. She had sworn to never let that happen again. She had needed to be in control and she had naturally chosen the position of Mayor. But unlike her mother, she had never cared for power. Power was a means to an end: it allowed her to be free. But in this new world, nobody had any expectations of her. She would be free to decide what she wanted to do. And she had always dreamed of a life with Daniel in the stables. Maybe that's what she would do, find a job with horses. Or she could start her own catering company. She smiled at what she lured herself into thinking would be a bright new future, away from pain and sorrow.
Regina's eyes caught the paperwork neatly arranged on her bedside table. She had also placed a large share of the stocks aside for Henry. She had planned to give him full access on his eighteenth birthday so he could pay for college. But she had to change her plans. She wanted to make sure he would not be missing on anything after she was gone. She had transferred money in a separate bank account and had named David as the administrator. She had also signed the paperwork so Emma would become Henry's legal guardian once she came back from the Enchanted Forest. In the meantime, David would be able to fill in for her. Henry would be with his family. Despite her best efforts, she had been unable to provide him with a home. She had tried to hold on to him but it only resulted in him being miserable. And she hated herself for being the cause of that misery. He was happier now and she would make sure she gave him the happiness he deserved even if it was the last thing she did. She placed the papers in the stamped envelope and sealed it. She would mail it to her lawyer in Boston first thing in the morning.
Regina placed the envelope back on her nightstand and took a deep breath. Today, she would enjoy her afternoon with Henry. Perhaps they could go to Granny's for some ice cream… or hot chocolate considering the weather. She walked to her walk-in closet and pulled one of her favorite outfits out. It was a simple red dress but she loved the cut. Maybe she would indulge herself and bring some of her most treasured dresses with her in this new world; the ones hanging in her walk-in closet as well as her more extravagant Evil Queen outfits.
EC
Regina was impatiently shifting from one foot to the other as she waited for Henry to come out of school. The other parents were eyeing her worryingly, trying to decide how to best protect their children from the Evil Queen. Regina kept to herself; she knew she wasn't welcome in this town anymore and she didn't care much for the townspeople's opinion. All she cared about was Henry. She smiled when she saw her son exiting the building. However, her joy was soon replaced by anxiety. Would he be happy to see her? Would he acknowledge her in front of these people? Regina's heart was beating wildly in her chest and if she didn't know any better, she would have sworn it would burst out any second.
Henry was surprised to see his mother waiting for him. David had been picking him up from school ever since he had moved in with his grandfather. Besides, his mother had not picked him up in a long time. She had let him ride the bus to their home or her office. His surprise was short-lived. He was happy to see her. He ran toward her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Regina tensed in surprise at Henry's gesture but soon relaxed in his embrace, hugging him back. Tears of joy welled up in her eyes. Henry let go of her, smiling up at his adoptive mother. He was so happy to see her here. "What are you doing here?"
Regina tensed. She mumbled a quick response. "David was held up … at work… on a farm."
Henry smiled. "I'm happy to see you."
Regina looked for the deception in his eyes. But she could only see happiness reflected in his grey-blue orbs. She relaxed and finally managed a smile. "I thought we could go to Granny's for some hot chocolate."
"Yeah… I'd love that."
EC
As soon as mother and son entered the diner, the room felt silent. Regina had gotten used to the town's reaction but she couldn't accept the same behavior toward her son. Henry was innocent of her crimes and he shouldn't have to deal with the town's hatred toward her. Just as she was about to snap at the customers, Henry took her hand. "Mom, let's get a booth."
Regina let herself be dragged to the furthest booth in the back of the diner. Henry slid into it facing toward the door. She sat on the other side, happy that she wouldn't have to deal with the glares that were surely directed toward them. She did her best to relax and smile at Henry. "How was school today?" It was a banal subject but in a lot of ways, it was safe.
Henry seemed to understand the request. She wanted to spend the afternoon with him with no strings attached. When he had seen her waiting for him at school, he had hoped she had come to take him back home. But he soon realized she was telling him the truth. She was just here to babysit him until David came back from work. "It was ok. We have a math test next week."
Regina hesitated. She knew Henry was not good at math and she had spent hours tutoring him to try and improve his grades. She smiled fondly at the memory of teaching him fractions. She had baked several pies for him to understand. Her smile dropped when she realized that he probably would not be eating any of her apple pies any time soon; not after the incident that landed him on death's door. Henry noticed her change of expression and reached for her hand. "Mom, what's wrong?"
Regina tried to hold back the tears. These damned hormones would not let her enjoy one afternoon with her son. "Nothing, sweetie. Just remembering… remembering your lessons on fractions."
Henry's eyes lit up at the memory. "This was the most delicious math lesson I ever had."
Regina laughed. "Yes… yes it was. You had so much sugar that day that you were bouncing up and down until the middle of the night."
Henry smiled. "Yeah… but I aced that test."
Regina nodded. Ruby approached the booth and looked down at the pair. She was surprised to see Henry alone with Regina but she tried not to show it. After they had come to the diner several times, Ruby had finally asked David what he was up to. The Prince had tried to avoid the subject but Ruby had been able to force the truth out of him. He wanted to reunite mother and son. At first, Ruby had been against the idea. Regina was a monster and she should have been locked away in the darkest cell away from everyone in this town. After everything she had done to her best friend, Ruby had been ready to throw away the key.
David had tried to convince her otherwise. He had told her there was some good left in Regina and she should be given the chance to redeem herself. Ruby had then called him a fool, reminding him of the last time they had given Regina a chance. Snow had stopped her execution and in exchange, Regina had stabbed her.
But on the night of the first full moon after the curse had broken, everything had changed. The town had called her the monster. A mob had come after her, ready to kill her. She had been scared, just like Regina must have been when they had come for her and she had not regained her powers yet. But David had stood by her. He had trusted her. He had been able to see past the monster. In the morning, Ruby had realized he had done the same with Regina. She still did not like nor trust the woman, but she would give her a chance. She smiled at Henry. "Hello, Henry. What can I get you?"
Henry looked at his adoptive mother for permission. "A chocolate sundae with extra whipped cream and extra syrup?"
Regina shook her head laughing but nodded at her son. Henry bounced up and down in excitement. Ruby smiled. "And for you?"
"Just a cup of tea… and a second spoon for that sundae."
Henry laughed. "I've never seen you eat ice cream before."
"I guess there is a first time for everything."
Ruby nodded. She was wondering if David and Henry knew about the pregnancy. She had been able to smell it after her change and since then she could not do anything but hope that the child was not David's. "One chocolate sundae, two spoons, and a cup of tea!" She left the table to ring their order.
Henry leaned across the table. "You never let me have ice cream on a school night."
Regina smiled. "You never asked me before."
Henry frowned. She was right. He had never asked her politely. He had begged, blackmailed, and even tried to sneak some out of the fridge late at night but he had never simply asked her before. He blushed. "Thank you."
Regina reached to him, stroking his cheek softly before cupping his chin. "You're welcome."
As soon as the sundae arrived, Henry dove his spoon inside the chocolate treat. He swallowed a spoonful of the ice cream and moaned. Regina chuckled. "David is not treating you with ice cream?"
"He used to."
Regina frowned. "What happened?" Henry's face turned bright red and he shook his head. Regina faked a stern face and pressed her son further in a teasing tone. "Henry Daniel Mills, why is your grandfather keeping you away from ice cream?"
Henry relented. "A week after I went to … I slept at the loft…" Henry did not want to admit he had moved out. He was still hoping he would be able to move back with his mom. "David took me out for ice cream…. and I ate a lot…. It was late…." Regina smiled, guessing where that story was going. "And I couldn't go to bed afterwards…. I kept him up all night… and I fell asleep in the early morning… It was on the weekend… so I didn't miss school.. but…"
Regina couldn't stop the laughter. "He had to go to work!" Apparently David was learning parenting the hard way. She was bent over the table and did not notice the way the room felt silent after her outburst. Soon Henry joined her. He did not remember the last time they had shared such a good laugh. But if felt good and familiar.
Hope you like this update! Thanks for leaving reviews and comments on Twitter. Love your reaction to the fic! Again, this is part 1 of 4 in terms of fictions so some questions may be left unanswered for a while... Cora and George are coming back in book 2.