Chapter 25

Regina and David arrived at the stables before Henry and Emma. They guided their horses out of their stalls.

Regina wasn't totally focused due to the fact that Derrick called. It didn't help that Gold's words kept roaring back: "I do hope you have what you want." She sighed to herself. She had to focus on her son's riding lesson.

David looked at her troubled. He knew something was bothering her. "Regina," he called out. She turned to him and gave a weak smile. He said her name more firmly wanting an explanation for her behavior.

"I'm fine David," she said.

He shook his head. "You're normally talking my ear off about our lessons with Henry. Today you are too quiet."

She smirked. "All of the sudden you know me."

"Yes I do," he said smirking back.

"Gold. He just said some things that got underneath my skin."

"What things?"

"How I needed to watch my back. I hurt the town's beloved Snow," she replied. A frown appeared on his face.

"I can go talk to him," he offered.

"No. All he will do is get you riled up and it's not worth it."

"It is to me. I'm not going to let anyone make us feel guilty for our decision," he said firmly.

"I'm not feeling guilty David. I knew what I was doing when we got involved. I would prefer if Gold just kept his distance but I know that won't happen because he's Henry grandfather," she stated her voice containing a hint of annoyance as she said those words.

He chuckled. "I don't like it either but he's family."

Regina rolled her eyes. "I don't want to talk about him anymore." She looked at her watch. "They should be here in a few. Do you think Emma will want to learn how to ride?" she asked.

He arched an eyebrow.

"I'm trying to extend the olive branch here. She can't hate you forever."

"Nor you," he added.

"I think she can but I'll be cordial since she's your daughter."

He kissed her forehead. "Thank you."

They heard a car pull up and Regina and David walked out with the horses. Regina laughed softly as Henry jumped out the car before Emma had a chance to park.

Henry practically sprinted to Regina. "Slow down Henry," she lightheartedly reprimanded. "Somebody is ready," she continued.

"I've been waiting all week for this," he said.

Regina chuckled. "Go with David." He did and Regina walked toward Emma. Emma took on a defensive stance which Regina immediately took note of. "I'm not trying to start anything. I just wanted to know if you would like to ride with us."

Emma sighed. "Thanks but I'm fine on the ground."

Regina offered a tight smile. "I know you're still angry at me and that's fine. As far as your father is concerned, be nicer to him. You only get one sometimes. He loves you and I know you love him. Just enjoy him while he's here. We all don't get that chance."

Regina went back in the other direction. Emma rubbed her forehead. She felt a headache coming on. She was right of course. Her father wasn't going anywhere. "Be cordial. For David and Henry," she whispered to herself.

She went out to the pasture and stood next to David at the gate. They watched in silence as Regina worked with Henry. "She's good at teaching him," Emma said.

David smiled. "She really is," he readily agreed.

More silence enveloped for a while. "I'm sorry for going off on the both of you that morning. It's just-

"Just what?" he asked.

She kept looking straight ahead. "It's silly," she said not really prepared to let her father know how she was feeling.

He touched her hand. "You can tell me."

She huffed. "I had my dream come true in a way. You and Mary Margaret were together and I finally had parents who loved and wanted to protect me. Now all that turned into dust."

His eyes softened at her confession. "Your mom and I love you. That fact didn't change."

She looked at him. "I have to ask this. Is there any chance this is just a phase? Are you sure you're not going through some mid-life crisis?"

"No and no. Do I regret the way I hurt you all? Yes but my heart changed," he said.

She nodded and faced the front again. "Regina. Why her? You couldn't have chosen Ruby. I think that would have been an easier pill to swallow."

"The Regina I saw was the woman who needed love in her life. She was the woman who let me in and we couldn't shake each other. I didn't let her get away. That person is not the Evil Queen or the stubborn mayor. She's just Regina. Ruby is my friend after all."

Emma just listened to the tone in David's voice. She knew he was sincere and filled with so much conviction. She still hated the fact that they were together. There wasn't anything she could do to stop this.

Regina glanced over to see Emma and David standing at the gate. She waved more so to David who waved back. Regina turned around and faced Henry again. "Now remember what I told you about jumping."

"Yes mom," he said anxiously. "

Ok," she said forcing herself not to freak out a little. "I'm right here," she said. He gave one of those 'mom, it's okay' looks. She stood back and watched him gallop off.

To her amazement, he jumped over the rails beautifully. She was brought back to the moment when her father greeted and congratulated her on her accomplishment. She shook her head as Henry approached her. "I did it," he exclaimed.

She laughed. "Yes you did my dear. Come and let's put him back into his stall." Regina got on her own horse and they trotted back.

Emma and David met them inside. After Henry got off, he approached Emma. "Did you see me?"

Emma chuckled. "I did kid. You're a natural."

"Of course he is dear," Regina said playfully.

Emma flickered her eyes to her and smirked. "Since David over here can ride, it must be in the genes."

"Play nice children," David cut in.

"We are dear," Regina said putting her horse into the stall.

"Emma, aren't you going to ride?" Henry asked.

"Maybe another time."

He shrugged his shoulders. "Grandpa, you think mom will ride a horse?"

"I think we can convince her," he said.

"Not today you won't," she said defiantly.

David rolled his eyes. "Next time, you're going up there."

"Guys, I'm hungry," Henry announced.

Regina grabbed him by the shoulders. "Here or Granny's for lunch," she questioned.

"Here," he said.

"Very well, blankets are in the car," Regina said. Henry and Regina walked to the car while David motioned for Emma to follow him.

They went to the little office and grabbed lunch out of the refrigerator. Emma shook her head in disbelief. The refrigerator was piled with food. "What did Regina do? Cook for an entire army."

"How do you know I didn't cook it?" David asked.

"Did you?" He shook his head no. She snorted. They grabbed some sandwiches and drinks.

Regina and Henry were waiting for them. Regina checked her phone but she hadn't received any calls all day. She could relax a little more.

After they ate, Henry went with Regina and David. Emma noticed Regina left her cellphone. By the time she got to the entrance they were gone. Emma slightly jumped when it rang.

She noticed it read Derrick Matthews. "Who could this be?" she thought. She debated for a quick second to answer it.

"Hello," Emma said.

"Regina?" he asked.

"No...this is Emma. Regina's friend. She accidentally left her phone behind. Who are you?"

"I'm Derrick. Regina's...friend," he said dejectedly. Emma's eyes widened. The way he said friend told her they were more than that. She sighed inwardly. She had someone when she was gone and she still went after David.

"Emma, is there anyway I can talk to her? I've been trying to reach her for weeks. I really need to see her."

The wheels were turning in Emma's head.

"I'm sure Regina would love that. She's been busy so she hasn't had time to do anything really. Do you know where we are?"

"Um, our friend Sheila mentioned a Storybrooke. I assume that's where Regina is. I can't find an airport though that flies into the city."

"Yeah, it's a small town. Tell you what, I can tell you how to get here." She told him and he sounded so grateful. Whoever this guy was seemed to be in love with her. Emma deduced that Regina was in love with him.

"I'll see you later. I'll give you my phone number. I want to surprise Regina. Call me on my cell."

After giving Derrick her number, they hung up. Emma shook her head in disbelief. "She would do this. She'd tear people's lives apart for her own selfishness," she thought.

Emma got in her car and looked at Regina's phone. She deleted her incoming calls and drove to Regina's.

"David, have you seen my phone?"

He came out of the living room. "No. Did you check the car?"

"I did. I must have left it at the stables," she said. "I'll be back," she continued. As she walked to her front door, the doorbell rang. She opened it. Emma held out her phone.

"You left this. I was going to give it to you then but you all left already."

Regina took it. "Thank you." Emma nodded and left. Regina closed the door to see David standing in the foyer. "Looks like I don't have to go back after all."

Derrick was trying to calm himself. He would finally have the chance to fight for Regina and get her back. He called Brittany downstairs. She came down and he put her on her lap.

"Would you like to see Regina?"

Brittany's face lit up. He smiled at seeing her happiness explode. "Daddy is going to buy some tickets and we will leave tomorrow. Brittany kissed her father on the cheek and quickly got off his lap to run upstairs.

Derrick looked online and found tickets to the closet city he could think of. He went upstairs to pack his and Brittany's things.

The next evening...

Derrick looked in the backseat to see Brittany sleeping. He pulled out his cell and pulled over. He called Emma.

"Hello," she said.

"Emma, it's Derrick. I'm following your directions. I'm in the middle of some trees."

"Just keep going. I'll meet you at the town entrance," she said and hung up. She slipped out quietly and went to her car.

Derrick drove until he saw the sign Welcome to Storybrooke. "This must be a small town," he muttered. He crossed the town line and saw a yellow car approach.

He stopped and parked. He got out and Emma approached him. "Derrick," she said.

"Yes, you must be Emma." They shook hands. Emma saw Brittany in the back seat.

"My daughter," he said. "She's just as excited to see Regina."

Emma smiled. "Regina will be surprised. I'll take you to the motel." He nodded and got back in his car and followed her.

After checking in, Emma made sure they were comfortable. "Have a good night Derrick."

"Good night Emma and thank you."

Emma shook her head. "No, thank you."