Regan- Age 6

Regina had been sitting in her study calmly, drinking apple cider and enjoying the book "Pride and Prejudice". She had gotten off work early, as she did every Friday, in hopes of spending quality time with Regan. That being said, she did not expect the front door to slam, or the door to her study to be flung open with the dramatic flair only a six year old could produce.

"Mama, I want to cut my hair."

Regina could only blink, taking a moment to ponder where this had come from and what the hell she meant. Regan huffed, and placed both hands on her hips as if the conversational pause itself was causing her annoyance.

"Regan… You just got your hair trimmed last week."

"Not trimmed Mama, I want it CUT, up to my chin."

Regina tilted her head to one side, viewing her daughter and the length of her hair. The golden-blonde hair was long, and fell almost to her waist. The soft waves making her look younger than she really was. She didn't want to cut her daughter's hair, certainly not that short, but she should ask anyways.

"Why do you want to cut it that short?"

"All the girls at my school are getting theirs cut! They say only little kids have long hair."

The only sign that Regina had found this information funny was the twitch that occurred at the corner of her mouth. All the girls she says? There are only about 20 kids in that entire school… ALL the girls, is about 9 girls, her included. A soft sigh came out slightly louder than she intended and she noticed her daughter's frown. Yes, this might turn into a meltdown if not properly approached.

"Regan... I think that-"

"That means no."

"What dear?"

"You're going to say no."

"I most certainly was not young lady, and you don't get to use that tone with me."

"…Sorry Mama, please continue?"

"As I was saying… I think that you should think about this over the weekend; and on Monday, if you're still 100% certain… We'll go get it cut. That does not mean, Emmaline Regan Mills, that you don't think about it at all, and that you just tell me on Monday that you want it cut. I want you to actually think about this completely, look at pictures, and everything. Do we have a deal?"

"Yes, Mama."

"Good girl, now, would you care to pick out a movie to watch?"

And with that, the girl flew out of the study, and made a break for the living room's movie shelf. Sighing, once again to herself, Regina made her way to the living room, hoping like hell her daughter wouldn't choose to cut off all her hair. When she sat down on the couch, the movie had already started to play in the VCR. It was of course, Snow white, because of all the movies there were in the world, her daughter would love that one.

She settled in, her daughter jumping up onto the couch and snuggling into her mother's side happily, a large grin on her face. She wouldn't remain cuddly for too much longer; she just did so now because she was still young. If her hair got cut off… would that be the beginning of the end? Regina wordlessly tugged her daughter closer, pulling the girl into her lap and hugging her tightly. Regan looked up at her mom in question, but decided it wasn't worth questioning and just snuggled closer. For the first time all day, Regina's sigh was of contentment, not exasperation or an attempt to calm herself.

Not too much later, Regina found Regan was fast asleep in her lap, it was only 4:30… but she figured a little bit of a nap wouldn't hurt, so she allowed herself the moment before getting up to make dinner. Hoping the weekend would drag out as long as possible, she was going to take Regan to do everything she loved…

Monday morning came far too fast for Regina Mills; she had taken Regan too the horse stables, they had gotten new clothes, they went and saw a movie at the theater, had dinner at granny's, got ice cream, everything the little girl adored doing. But now it was Monday, and she knew that her daughter had either forgotten about getting her hair cut, or thought about it completely. She was a little afraid to find out which was true, so she didn't bring it up.

As she was making her coffee, a little pair of arms wrapped around her waist in a hug, while a blonde head made its home in her side. She smiled, and gave a good morning, her daughter hardly ever got up this early.

"Good morning, Dear, how are you?"

"I'm good Mama… So I've been thinkin about that hair cut…"

"Oh?" Regina held her breath, her daughter had remembered, and she hoped like hell she had changed her mind.

"I still want to get it cut, but… maybe not that short?"

"How short would you like it?"

"I want it to a little below my shoulders… so it's still good for pony tails."

Regina couldn't help the smile that spread across her face, it was still quite a bit shorter than it was now… but at least it wouldn't be clear up to her chin.

"I think that's a wonderful idea sweetheart, when do you want to do it?"

"Now."

"Now?! You have school Honey, it's Monday, and I have work."

"But Mama… You're the Mayor, and it's just one day of Kindergarten."

"I don't know…"

"Please, Mama? I just want another mommy and me day."

And with that, how could Regina say no? She knew these days would end, and they would be few and far between, so why not indulge the girl. She could deal with work later, and quite honestly… her daughter was growing up way too fast.

"Yes Dear, we can have a mommy and me day. But first, breakfast while I call your school."

"Can we eat at Granny's?"

"mmm.. I suppose we can, go get dressed in something comfortable."

"Yay! Thank you, Mama."

And off she raced to go get dressed, excited for her day. Regina too was excited; first Granny's, then a haircut, then they could get their nails done, then more shopping. The day was quickly filling up in her head.

"MOM!"

"yes dear?"

"Can I dye my hair? I want to dye it your color."

Regina smiled a little bit at the sweetness of it all, but quickly frowned, how did she know what dying was?

"No! Where did you get that idea? Absolutely not."

"But Becky Meddler got it done!"

"I'm not Becky Meddler's mother, and she's older than you anyhow! Maybe when you're older!"

There was a pause, which Regina thought meant she had won, and she sighed in relief.

"Okay! I'm older now, can I dye my hair yet?"

"NO!"

"Mammmmaaaaaaa"

"I said no, Emmaline."

Silence greeted her, then a mumbled "okay" the girl knew when not to push it.

"Can I paint my nails then?"

"Yes dear" and then a smile, because it was going to be Okay.