The Enchanted Forest
"I feel horrible," moaned Regina and Odette stroked her hair
"The doctor is on his way," whispered Odette. For the past few days Regina had been waking up ill and hardly able to keep anything down. Regina moaned again and started getting sick again in the chamber pot while Odette held her hair back. Regina got back into bed and Odette braided her hair back. It had only been a few weeks since the wedding and Odette was worried about Regina.
"Thank you," whispered Regina. The doctor finally came and started to exam Regina.
"Do you remember the last time you had a cycle?" asked the doctor when he was finished. Regina paused and had to think.
"Before the wedding I think,"
"When was the last time her ladyship stayed overnight with his Majesty?" asked the doctor.
"I believe it was a few weeks ago. Right after the wedding," said Odette. The doctor smiled and patted Regina's hand.
"Congratulations my dear girl you're going to have a baby," said the doctor. Regina looked stunned and Odette smiled.
"I think some mint tea will help her ease the morning illness. Take a few days to rest and than see how you feel," said the doctor.
"Of course," said Odette and she went to see him out of the chambers.
"You said it was a few weeks ago," said the doctor.
"I believe so. I sometimes lose track," admitted Odette slightly embarrassed.
"Well these things aren't always correct," said the doctor.
"What do you mean?" asked Odette worried.
"Nothing. Nothing at all dear girl. Just see to it that she gets plenty of rest and lots of fluid," said the doctor before taking his leave. Regina was sitting up in bed and was looking stunned.
"I'm going to have a baby," whispered Regina.
"This is very good news," said Odette and Regina gave a small smile.
"Yes it is," she said.
…...
Storybrooke
Natalie quietly got out of bed so she didn't wake Archie up and headed to the bathroom. She turned on the sink to drown out the sounds of her getting sick. She remembered this part of pregnancy very clearly and how horrible it was. There was a light tapping at the door and Natalie wished she could have made it to the downstairs bathroom.
"Natalie...are you ok?" asked Archie through the shut door.
"I'm fine," called Natalie trying to do the math in her head. It must of happened sometime before or right after the curse broke. I've just been so busy I haven't been paying attention. I'm going to have to see Doc...he tended to Snow when she was expecting Emma. Natalie wiped her mouth off and flushed the toilet. She took a moment to brush her teeth before opening the door.
"Are you sure your ok?" asked Archie frowning and he touched her forehead. "Geez you're burning up." Natalie remember that Snow always ran a little fever when they found out she was expecting Emma.
"I promise I'm ok," said Natalie and Archie frowned at her. She hadn't been herself for the past week, she seemed to be tried all the time and now this.
"Maybe we should just skip dinner tonight," said Archie. Red and Granny were throwing a private party tonight for Emma and Mary Margaret. They had tried to get together last night, but it just turned into a zoo. Red insisted that tonight's dinner was just for family and that Granny's was closing at six just for them.
"Honey...I promise everything is ok. I'm going to see Doc and..." Natalie cut herself off with that slip.
"Why are you going to see Doc if everything is fine?" asked Archie his voice rising in concern. Natalie sighed and looked down at the floor. This really wasn't how she wanted to tell him, however she didn't see any way to calm him down other than telling him. Just take a deep breath. Natalie took his hands and placed them on her midsection.
"It's fine," she said slowly looking at him.
"We're up at six a.m on a Saturday and you're getting sick so how is everything fine?" asked Archie confused. Natalie shook her head and pressed his hands down again.
"It's fine," she repeated and couldn't help but smile a little at this situation. Someday we're going to tell this story and just laugh until we cry.
"I don't..." started Archie and Natalie just hugged him.
"We're going to have baby," she whispered in his ear. Archie took a step back in shock.
"You...we're what?" asked Archie.
"I'm pregnant," said Natalie. Even now saying it out loud it felt surreal, she had never planned on having children of her own. Back in the Enchanted Forest when she and Jiminy had gone their separate ways, she had no intention of ever being involved with anyone ever again. She had made a promise to him and she was going to keep it. Even it meant going to her grave an old childless spinster. Beside who else would love her and know her the way he did.
Here in Storybrooke, she hadn't planned on children either. She didn't think anyone would want a relationship with her, let alone children because she was in the wheelchair. Now...but now the possibilities were endless. She had found someone who loved her no matter who she was, be a maid to a queen or a doctor stuck in a wheelchair.
"You're pregnant," whispered Archie shocked.
"Yes," said Natalie and before she could say or do anything else Archie was hugging her tightly.
"Oh my god...I...I...oh Natalie honey." He took a step back and kissed her hard. Natalie found herself against the wall and Archie wouldn't stop kissing her.
…...
"We're going to have a baby," whispered Natalie and it felt like time had frozen for second. He looked at her stunned and tried to wrap his head around what she was telling him.
"You...we're what?" asked Archie.
"I'm pregnant," said Natalie starting to smile a little.
"You're pregnant," whispered Archie. He was beyond stunned. There had always been apart of him that had wanted to have family, but considering how his own family was he didn't think it would happen to him. After being turned into a cricket he pretty much wrote off having that in his life, he didn't deserve a family after what he had done to an innocent family. Here in Storybrooke he just assumed that it wasn't in the cards for him, until he reunited with Natalie and with the breaking of the Curse he wondered if he could finally have what he only hoped for.
She was always so good with children, he had seen with her with Pinocchio back home and with Henry here. She was always so patient and understanding with them. Some people assumed that Natalie was a bit short with people, but when it was just them he saw this side of her that was warm and funny. She had just been scared of letting people get to close to her, she didn't want to get hurt. Even with the Curse blocking her memories there was still that part of her that was Odette. He loved her no matter who she was.
"You're pregnant," whispered Archie shocked. This is far too good to be true...I have to be dreaming. I'm going to wake up any second now.
"Yes," said Natalie and she couldn't stop smiling. Archie pulled her close and hugged her tightly. He felt her hair in his hands and her arms around his neck. This isn't a dream...oh god
"Oh my god...I...I...oh Natalie honey." He took a step back and kissed her hard. He pulled her close and let his hands press down on her midsection. Natalie broke the kiss and looked at him with a grin.
"So I take it your happy," teased Natalie.
"I think happy is an understatement," said Archie hugging her again. "I can not wait to tell everyone tonight."
"Not tonight," said Natalie.
"Why not?" asked Archie looking slightly fallen.
"Tonight is about Emma and Snow coming home. I want us to have our own thing when we tell everybody. Ok," said Natalie. Archie sighed and hugged her again.
"We'll tell them when you're ready. It's going to be hard though to keep this from everyone...when did you find out?" asked Archie. Natalie sighed.
"Ok don't get upset," said Natalie.
"That doesn't sound promising," said Archie.
"Gold...he told me and Regina confirmed it. I debated getting a test from the drug store, but Sneezy always looks at me weird when I walk in. He wants to know why I'm walking now," said Natalie. Archie's eyes got wide and he shook his head.
"I really don't like him knowing this," said Archie. So that was his freebie, not letting Natalie take the curse because it might of hurt the baby.
"I think Belle is keeping him in line now. If we can trust Regina to change...maybe he can too. Maybe he just needed someone to change for," said Natalie. Archie gave her another hug.
"Ok. Ok...you have no idea how happy I am right now," said Archie. He pulled her in for another kiss.
"I can guess," said Natalie as they went back to bed.
…...
Natalie went to take Bear for a walk while Archie worked on a cake for tonight's party and tried to stay focus on what he was doing. His mind kept drifting to what Natalie had told him this morning. We'll have to clean out the guest room, turn into it a nursery. Back in the Enchanted Forest you would just have a midwife come to you, now you go to the hospital...just relax you have time to figure all this out. I should focus on picking up the ring first.
He had taken the ring to Happy the other day when he was at Granny's and asked him to clean it and work on resizing it. Happy grinned at him and pocketed the ring. He promised it would be ready by Sunday. Archie was taking the cake out of the oven when there was a knock at his door. He sat the cake down and answered the door. Emma and Henry were standing there.
"Hey Archie," said Emma. Emma looked a little nervous for some reason.
"Come in," said Archie. They came in and Pongo pounced on Henry.
"Hey Henry, why don't you and Pongo go play outside for a minute," said Emma.
"Ok," said Henry, he grabbed one of Pongo's toys and they went outside.
"Can we talk for minute?" asked Emma.
"Sure," said Archie. They went into the kitchen and sat down.
"Ok. Henry wants to invite Regina to the dinner tonight and I'm not sure if it's for the best. I mean I know she helped us get home yesterday, but look at all the other crap she did before," said Emma.
"I know that letting go of the past is very hard to do, but it's important to try and see the good things that she has done," said Archie.
"Which are?" asked Emma.
"Well she did help you guys get home the other day. She has her magic back and we're all still standing. She's been trying to not use magic," said Archie.
"How do you know that?" asked Emma. Archie sighed, he wanted to help Regina and he wanted others to see the change in her and no one was going to see that if they didn't know the truth.
"She's been coming to see me recently to work trying to stop using magic. Think of it has an alcoholic trying to stop drinking. She's really been trying to do this for Henry. She does love him and sometimes you need someone to change for. I think this would be good to show her that people are recognizing her change," said Archie. Emma gave him sigh and looked outside where Henry was playing with Pongo.
"Ok. I guess we can give it a try. I'll have Henry call her when we leave. Thanks Archie," said Emma.
"Anytime," said Archie.
"So anything else new and exicting happen while I was gone?" asked Emma. I'm going to ask Natalie to marry me and she's expecting.
"Not much," said Archie and Emma gave him a look.
"You are a terrible liar," said Emma. Before Archie could say anything he heard the door open and Bear come bounding into the house and Natalie calling out to him.
"It smells really good in here. Is that chocolate?" asked Natalie coming into the kitchen and stoping when she saw Emma.
"Oh hey Emma," said Natalie. Bear came up to Emma and jumped on her. Emma looked back and forth between them and grinned.
"I guess I'll see you two at the party," said Emma. She went to the back door and called out to Henry that it was time to go. Henry came inside with Pongo and smiled at Natalie.
"You coming tonight?" asked Henry.
"That's the plan," said Natalie.
"I'm gonna see if my mom would like to come," said Henry.
"That would be really nice of you," said Natalie.
"Come on kid. We have to go buy taco shells," said Emma. They said their good byes and headed out. Natalie got a glass of water and sat down.
"So what did Emma want?" asked Natalie.
"She wanted advice on moving forward with Regina," said Archie.
"That's good," said Natalie sounding excited.
"Well I can't have you playing peace keeper all the time. It's too much stress on you," said Archie. Natalie gave him a look.
"I'm barely two months in and you are already in daddy mood," teased Natalie.
"It's never too soon to start," said Archie with a grin. He turned to start making the frosting for the cake and couldn't wait to see the look on her face when he gave her that ring.
…...
Later that night they walked to Granny's and were greeted by Ruby when they walked in. Ruby took the cake from him and sat it on the counter. She turned and gave Natalie a hug.
"You look so pretty. Did you make that?" asked Ruby. Natalie was wearing the white and yellow flowered sundress she made with a yellow sweater. Her hair was half up with her cricket hair pin.
"I finally got the hang of a sewing machine," said Natalie.
"I do love some of the things we got here," said Granny handing them both a beer.
"Oh...I can't have this," said Natalie sitting it down.
"You want some wine instead?" asked Ruby going behind the counter.
"I'm the sober party tonight," said Natalie. Ruby raised an eyebrow and poured Natalie a coke instead. She figured a coke wouldn't be that bad and took that instead.
"If you aren't going to drink it," said Dopey and he took her discarded beer. Natalie breathed a sigh of relief and sipped her drink.
"I just got a call from Emma and they are on the way," said Ruby. Granny started passing out drinks to everyone and a few moments later David, Mary Margaret, Emma and Henry walked in and everyone started clapping and Ruby hugged Mary Margaret the second she walked in.
"You know I wasn't worried one bit," said Ruby.
"I can tell," said Mary Margaret hugging her back.
"We all missed you," said Archie hugging. Natalie hugged Mary Margaret and just shook her head.
"I will have you know that you are the cause of all three of my gray hairs," said Natalie. Mary Margaret rolled her eyes and Emma handed off the tacos to Granny.
"Tacos. You have no idea how great it is to cook something I didn't have to kill first," said Emma.
"Don't I know it. Meatloaf back home was a bitch," said Granny. David grabbed a mug and tapped it with a spoon to get everyone's attention.
"I just want to thank you all for joining us this evening. Mary Margaret and I have a saying, that we will always find each other. While I believe that with all my heart...here's to not looking for awhile," said David raising his mug. "To Mary Margaret and Emma," Everyone else raised their glasses in the toast when the door opened and there stood Regina looked embarrassed.
"Sorry I'm late." The room dropped ten degrees as Regina sat her dish down. Grumpy grabbed a knife out of a turkey.
"What is she doing here. Did you invite her?" asked Grumpy looking over at Natalie.
"No I did," said Emma. Regina was staring at her dish and Archie could see she was counting to ten in her head. Mary Margaret and David pulled Emma off to the side while everyone else gathered into little groups away from Regina.
"Really?" asked Ruby.
"She did help them get home," said Natalie.
"After she almost killed them," hissed Ruby. Natalie felt her stomach clench and she had to take a deep breath to stay calm.
"We have to try," said Archie watching Henry go over to Regina. Ruby looked over to see Henry taking a plate from Regina and her dish out a piece of lasagna to him.
"Ok. Just this once," said Ruby and she went to go crave the turkey. Natalie squeezed Archie's hand and they got in line to get their food.
"I made lasagna," said Regina putting another piece on a plate.
"What's the secret ingredient. Poision?" asked Grumpy.
"Red pepper flakes. Gives it a little kick," said Regina and Natalie snort chuckled as Grumpy took a piece.
"It's not too spicy is it?" asked Natalie. She had managed to keep down her lunch, however her stomach was started to act up again.
"You might want to pass on this," said Regina and Natalie gave her nod and grabbed some turkey. She looked at Archie and handed him a piece.
"Thank you," said Archie and he was gave Regina a nod before taking a seat with her. Dinner was dished out and Regina took a seat with them and Henry.
"So I hope it tastes ok...I think I burned the sausage," said Regina.
"It tastes great," said Henry taking a huge bite.
"It's perfect," said Archie.
"Why aren't you having any?" asked Henry.
"Spicy and me don't mix," said Natalie and Henry shrugged and went back to his food.
"I really like your dress. I take it you made it," said Regina.
"Just finished it a few weeks ago," said Natalie. The party went on and Archie noticed that no one came to the table they were sitting at with Regina as they ate dinner. Henry didn't seem to notice and he talked about school and what he and Emma had done this morning. Natalie sort of picked at her food, nothing seemed to taste right and she sort of pushed it around her plate.
"You ok," asked Archie and she shook her head.
"I'm just gonna go use the ladies room," said Natalie getting up from the table and walking quickly towards the back.
"I'll be right back," said Regina getting up and following Natalie to the bathroom. Natalie was trying to hold her hair back while getting sick. Regina came up behind her and held her hair back. Natalie sighed and flushed the toilet when she was finished. She looked up at Regina and just shook her head.
"I never thought I would live to see the day when a queen would hold my hair back while I got sick," joked Natalie.
"Well you held mine," said Regina sitting down on the floor with her. Both of them sat their in silence for awhile before Regina spoke up again. "So have you told anyone yet?"
"Just Archie. I figured we would tell everyone later," said Natalie.
"Didn't want to steal the thunder," said Regina
"More or less," said Natalie. It got quiet between them again each one lost in their thoughts.
"I still have lots of Henry's baby things if you want some of them. I don't know why I kept it. Silly really considering," said Regina.
"Well if you had adopted another baby it would have made sense," said Natalie.
"Henry was it for me," said Regina. Natalie got up and went to the sink to wash her mouth out. "I'm really happy for you."
"Really?" asked went over and hugged her.
"You deserve this and I hope this makes up for how I hurt you in the past. You've always been a good friend...at times my only friend," admitted Regina.
"Things are going to get better. You just have to give it time," said Natalie. Regina nodded.
"This is the first step I guess," said Regina.
"You should get back to Henry. I'm going to sneak outside for some fresh air," said Natalie. Regina nodded and went back out to the dining area while Natalie slipped outside. It was a little chilly and she pulled her sweater around her. She did seem worried once that this would never happen for me.
…...
The Enchanted Forest
"Is it a boy or a girl?" asked Snow carefully touching Regina's stomach. It was now clear to all that the new queen was with child and the Odette couldn't recall the this level of cheer in the air since it was announced that Queen Eva was expecting.
"I don't know. We'll all find out together," said Regina rubbing her stomach.
"I really want a sister," said Snow smiling.
"Well we can't make promises," said Regina laughing and Odette couldn't help but smile. Maybe this was what Regina needed to cheer her up. She was more than upset after her mother's disappearance. The King had searched high and low and offered rewards and nothing came to pass. After the wedding Regina seemed to spend more and more time away from the castle and seemed to distant with everyone. Now with the announcement of the baby she seemed truly happy.
"If you were going to have a baby what would you want Odette?" asked Snow. Odette was re sizing one of Regina's dresses to fit the growing bump.
"I think I would want a little boy," said Odette and Snow made a face.
"Boys are gross," said Snow.
"You won't be saying that in a few years," teased Odette and Regina laughed.
"I have to try on this dress and you are late for lessons. Off with you," said Regina and Snow left the room.
"Do you mind me asking what her ladyship is hoping for?" asked Odette standing up with the finished dress. Regina got up and Odette helped her out her dress and into the new one.
"I would also like to have a little boy," said Regina touching her stomach. Odette got on her knees to start hemming the dress.
"Have you decided on name?" asked Odette.
"Dan...Henry. After my father," said Regina her face turning pink for a second and Odette couldn't figure out why.
"I think that would be a lovely name for our new prince," said Odette. She worked on the hem and noticed the far away smile on her face.
"So do you have any ideas for a girl's name. I'm at a lost," said Regina.
"I've always that the name Elisa was pretty," said Odette.
"Henry for a boy and Elisa for a girl," said Regina and Odette shook her head.
"Don't tell the others you got the name of a princess from a maid," said Odette.
"I don't care what they think. I'm the Queen and if I want to get my names from my maid so be it," said Regina. Odette laughed at little and Regina looked at her thoughtful. "Do you have anyone courting you?"
"Me? No...I don't have the time for courtship. You and Snow keep me far too busy for that," teased Odette.
"Do you think you'll ever get married or fall in love?" asked Regina looking a bit sad.
"If it's going to going to happen I'm sure it will someday. I just haven't found anyone yet to fall in love with me. Until than I have you, Snow and possibly a second princess to tend too to keep me busy," said Odette finishing the hem and standing up. Regina went over to a miror and studied the dress.
"I think this will work for now until I...oh my," said Regina looking worried.
"What is it?" asked Odette.
"I...I think it kicked me." Regina put her hands on her midsection and waited. A few moments passed before she broke out in a smile. "It kicked me. Come here." Odette went over to Regina and Regina put one of her hands on her stomach. Odette waited for a few moments before something pressed against her hand hard.
"Well with a push like that I think you just might get a Henry," said Odette. Regina smiled and pulled Odette into a hug.
"I don't think I've ever been this happy. I hope this happens for you someday," said Regina.
…...
Storybrooke
Natalie came back in a few minutes later to see the party had picked up a bit while she was gone. Henry was playing a game with Dopey and Happy. Granny was sitting with Doc and other five drinking. Archie was talking with Emma and Ruby was talking with David and Mary Margaret.
"You ok?" asked Emma looking at her.
"I just needed some air. Where's Regina?" asked Natalie.
"She decided to go home," said Emma.
"Oh," said Natalie and Emma just shook her head.
"Um...Archie was telling me that you helped David look after Henry,"said Emma.
"Well it was just making sure he stayed out of trouble. Getting him to and from school on some days. It was nothing really," said Natalie.
"No. Thank you really. I also heard David made you his unoffical assistant too. I had to admit there was a small part of that was dreading going back to the station and seeing the paperwork waiting for me...almost made me want to stay in the Enchanted Forest," joked Emma.
"Well with you back I might see if Thatcher needs any help at the shelter again. I sort of miss all my four legged patients," said Natalie.
"You sure you can do that?" asked Archie and he quickly caught himself and took a sip of his drink. Emma looked back and forth between them and raising an eyebrow.
"You two are hiding something," said Emma.
"No we're not," said Natalie and before Emma could say anything Mary Margaret grabbed Natalie's arm. Natalie had never seen Mary Margaret tispy before and it was a sight to see.
"I really missed you," said Mary Margaret.
"I missed you too," said Natalie trying not to laugh. Mary Margaret pulled her over to the counter.
"Ruby. Get us a bottle," said Mary Margaret sitting down on of the stools. Ruby just smirked and opened a bottle and poured all three of them a glass.
"Ok on the count of three," said Mary Margaret taking her glass.
"I'm not drinking tonight...one of us has to be sober," said Natalie and Mary Margaret got a serious look on her face.
"I am your queen and I am ordering you to drink with me," laughed Mary Margaret.
"You're back twenty four hours and you're already pulling rank with me," said Natalie trying to joke.
"Yes. Pulling rank. Now drink up," ordered Mary Margaret.
"It's just one," said Ruby pushing the glass towards Natalie.
"I can't," whispered Natalie glaring at Ruby and pushing it back.
"Why not," asked Mary Margaret. Natalie sighed, she really didn't see any way out of this.
"It's not good for the baby," whispered Natalie. Ruby's eyes got wide and Mary Margaret started laughing and fell off her stool.
"Oh my god Snow!" cried David.
"Is she ok?" asked Henry.
"Good one Natalie. That is the funniest thing I've heard all night. Not good for baby," laughed Mary Margaret as David helped her up. Natalie looked at Archie and shrugged.
"I'm sorry," said Natalie and everyone started looking at them stunned and Mary Margaret stopped laughing.
"Wait...you're not joking," said Mary Margaret. Archie came over and stood next to Natalie.
"No she's not. We're going to have a baby," said Archie taking Natalie's hand. Mary Margaret looked stunned and then she hugged Natalie hard.
"Why didn't you say anything?" asked David.
"Tonight was about Emma and Mary Margaret," said Natalie and Mary Margaret shook her head.
"No it's about celebration and family and this is worth celebrating because you are family," said Mary Margaret.
"I'll drink to that," said Grumpy.
"You'll drink to anything," said Doc and everyone started laughing.
"Congratulations," said David shaking Archie's hand.
"Thank you," said Archie. Natalie just shook her head.
"Nothing ever goes as planned," said Natalie.
"Sometimes that's the best part," said Mary Margaret.
"So when is the wedding?" asked Henry grinning.
…...
"I'm telling you he's far to intrested in our relationship," joked Natalie.
"Well he is sort of the reason we found each other again," said Archie taking her hand.
"I hate it when you use logic," said Natalie leaning against him. They were walking home from the party and the temperature had dropped a little more. Archie took his coat off and drapped it over her shoulders.
"I hate to say this, but I think we're in debt to an eleven year old," said Archie.
"Just make him your best man and we'll call it even," said Natalie. Archie looked down at her and smiled. He really didn't care if he didn't have the ring on him right now. Nothing about their relationship had been normal since the day they met. He was about to say something when Natalie spoke first.
"Hey can I talk to you about something."
"Of course," said Archie.
"I just want you to know that...that there is no pressure on you from my end. Whenever you want to marry me I'm fine with it," said Natalie.
"I just..." started Archie and Natalie shook her head and took his hands as they got on the porch.
"I know you love me and that you will always love me. You don't have to prove it to anyone else. I don't want others making your decsion," said Natalie.
"I wanted to ask you before you told me about the baby," said Archie and Natalie looked stunned. "I never thought in all the years I've been alive that I would meet someone who made me feel the way you do. When I look at you...I see love and passion and hope. You make me happy and I haven't felt that way in a long time before I met you. I love you and I would be honored if you would marry me." Natalie hugged him tightly and she kissed him.
"Do you think we could keep this between us until we're ready to tell people?" asked Natalie.
"I think so," said Archie. Natalie rested her head on her shoulder and Archie kissed the top of her head. "I don't think I've ever been this happy."
…...
The Enchanted Forest
Odette was working on an outfit for the baby and Regina was sitting by the window reading a book. Regina looked over and she smiled.
"Could you teach me?" asked Regina.
"I don't see why not," said Odette. She got up and showed Regina the gown she was working on. "It's important to have the fabric lined up right so that everything fits together and we want to use lots of small stitches so that it stays together longer," said Odette.
"It's so soft," said Regina.
"Well it is for a baby, we don't want anything to itchy," said Odette. Regina smiled and she took the garment from Odette and started sewing. She kept missing stiches and she had to backtrack and redo her stiches.
"This is so much harder than it looks," laughed Regina and she gave it back to Odette.
"Well my mother had me doing this since I was four mending socks and blankets. So it does take time," said Odette. Regina went to pick her book back up and she winced. "Are you ok?"
"He's just kicking me the wrong way today," said Regina. There was a knock at the door and Snow came in.
"Lessons are done for the day. Can I do my reading in here?" asked Snow.
"Of course," said Regina and Snow sat down and started doing her reading outloud for Regina and Odette. Odette looked over at Regina and she seemed to be looking pale and she kept rubbing her mid section.
"Odette can you get me some water?" asked Regina.
"Of course," said Odette and she went to fetch the water and handed the cup to Regina. She took the cup and Odette noticed her hand was cold and shaking.
"I...I think I need to lay down," said Regina and she went to stand up and her knees gave away and Odette caught her and Snow gave a scream.
"Snow go fetch Johanna and have her get the doctor," ordered Odette. Snow ran from the room and Odette helped get Regina to her bed. It was only than she noticed a pool of water and what looked like blood on the floor.
"It hurts," whined Regina.
"The doctor is on his way. Just take deep breaths alright," said Odette trying to stay calm. The doctor and his assistant came in with Snow and Johanna.
"Snow let's go outside," said Odette and she went to take the girl outside.
"Odette...please don't go," whined Regina.
"Johanna I'll stay here. Take Snow and let his Majasty know what's going on," said Odette.
"Come with me Snow," said Johanna.
"Is she going to be alright?" asked Snow fighting tears.
"I'm going to stay here with Regina and make sure she's alright. You go with Johanna and stay with your father for now," said Odette. Snow nodded and Odette gave her a quick hug and Johanna took her out of the room.
"What's wrong with her?" whispered Odette to the assistant fighting her own panic.
"The baby is coming," he said.
"It's too soon," said Odette.
"There isn't much we can do," he said. Odette sat down next to Regina on the and started wiping the sweat and tears off her face.
"We need you to push dear," said the doctor.
"But it's too soon," whined Regina.
"You need to do what I tell you," said the doctor and Regina grabbed Odette's hand and started pushing and crying.
"It hurts," cried Regina and she rested her head on Odette.
"It's alright. You can do this," said Odette. This went on for hours until the baby was born.
"It's a boy," said the doctor.
"Why isn't he crying?" asked Regina. The doctor and the assistant took the baby off to the side and started whispering. "I want my baby." Odette went over to the doctor and noticed how small and off colored the baby looked.
"What's wrong?"asked Odette.
"He's not breathing," said the assistant and the doctor shook his head.
"We're sorry," he said.
"Odette! I want my son!" demanded Regina.
"We have to take him," said the doctor.
"She's your Queen and she wants her son. She needs to see him," said Odette and she took the baby from him. "Please just go wait outside." The doctor and his assistant left and Odette blinked back her tears as she cleaned up the baby and wrapped him in a blanket.
"He's so small," whispered Regina holding him close. She kissed his forhead and stroked his blond hair. "Please wake up sweetheart...please."
"I'm very sorry," whispered Odette.
"He looks likes his father. He's so handsome. Can you give us me a minute alone?" asked Regina.
"Of course your ladyship," said Odette and she left the bedchamber and heard Regina sobbing. The doctor and assistant came a few minutes later and asked that Odette get the baby back from Regina. With a heavy heart she went back and took the baby from Regina. The king had the baby placed in a family tomb. Regina was sick and ran a fever for days after the baby was born and she seemed to be delirious and would talk wildly. Odette was staying with and trying to help keep the fever down.
"She took him from me...she took my Daniel and now I'm all alone," whined Regina,
"Shush it's alright I'm here," said Odette wiping Regina's forehead. She had no idea who Daniel was, but she had a feeling it wasn't about the baby.
"I just wanted a life of my own," moaned Regina. "I don't have anything now." Odette never told anybody what Regina had told her. When the illness broke the doctor told them that Regina wouldn't be able to have anymore children. Regina went to her family home for a month with none of the servants and when she came home Odette noticed a marked changed in their relationship. Regina held back in what she confided to Odette and there wasn't much the servant girl could do to be the queen's friend again.
…...
Storybrooke
Archie walked down the pier with Pongo and couldn't help but smile to himself a little. After he finished his walk he was going to meet with Happy about the ring. Archie was working out how to give Natalie the ring since he had already sort of asked her to marry him. Maybe if she was feeling up to it he would take her to the spot where they had their first date tomorrow night, he really didn't want to wait any longer. When he had left this morning after Natalie had gone back to sleep, she had woken up after a few hours of sleep and was getting sick. If he didn't have to meet with Happy or any of his patients today he would have stayed home with her.
"I'll be fine. Just take Pongo with you. The boys like to rough house when you're not home," said Natalie sipping her water. Archie kissed her forehead and watched Natalie settle into bed and Bear settled into a spot at the foot of bed.
"You take care of her," said Archie rubbing the Lab on his head. Bear let out a sigh and put his head down, a sign that he understood him.
Archie was close to finishing his walk when he saw Regina coming towards him. He noticed that she looked annoyed, but he was in such a good mood it didn't click in his head.
"Beautiful day isn't it Regina?" asked Archie.
"Why should I answer you bug?" asked Regina glaring.
"Because I'm making friendly conversation," said Archie stunned at response. They had gotten along last night at dinner, what had changed in less than twenty four hours?
"That you'll just repeat to anyone within ear shot?" asked Regina and now Archie was very confused and it must have shown on his face as Regina hissed. "You told Miss. Swan about our sessions." Archie sighed, he had saw Regina leave suddenly after Natalie had gone outside and that Emma had followed Regina out, but Emma didn't tell him what had been said. He really thought the party would help, however it seemed only him, Natalie and Henry had been the only ones to interact with her. These things take time, one good deed does not make people forget all the other bad deeds.
"I was simply trying to help you," said Archie.
"By betraying my trust?" asked Regina.
"I only mentioned that you had been coming to see me as an exmaple of your commitment to change," said Archie.
"I came to your in confidence! Did you tell her Natalie was in these sessions and what Natalie has told you? How am I supposed to convince people I've changed when you are there to chrip in their ears and remind them of my past?" snapped Regina.
"I said nothing in specific about you or Natalie. I would never betray the doctor-patient confidentially," said Archie trying to calm her down. The truth of the matter was he didn't need to say anything, the past was still fresh in everyone's mind...they were living in Regina's past deeds now.
"Doctor?" asked Regina stunned. "Doctor! Need I remind you that you got your Ph.D from a curse?" This is why people need time to forgive you, thought Archie and he was about to say something when Ruby came up to them. She did a morning run here and as a favor to David she turned it into a patrol of sorts.
"Hey! Is everthing ok here?" asked Ruby looking at Archie.
"Private conversation. Go take yourself for a walk," said Regina. Archie saw that glare in Ruby's eyes and gave her a nod that it was ok. Ruby looked at him like he was nuts before going back to her run.
"I can be trusted. I assure you," said Archie looking Regina in the eyes. She was clearly upset and she nodded.
"You're lucky I've changed. It wouldn't be you I would go after if I haven't," said Regina calmly before walking away. Archie sighed and headed to his office. He got his files ready for the day and tried to calm down. He picked up the phone and called Natalie and she picked up after the third ring.
"Hello," she answer clearly still half asleep.
"Are you feeling any better?" asked Archie.
"Toast is staying down and so is the tea. So we're doing ok. I'm just going to take a shower and go from there. Are you alright?" asked Natalie.
"Just checking on you," said Archie. Natalie paused and he could tell she was thinking, but she said nothing.
"I'm fine. Trust me you should have seen Snow when she was expecting Emma. She took five hour naps all the time," teased Natalie. There was a knock on his door and Archie saw that it was eleven and that it must be Happy.
"My first patient is here so I'm going to have to let you go. I'll see you tonight," said Archie.
"Ok. I love you," said Natalie.
"Love you too," said Archie and he got off the phone as Happy opened the door.
"I'm not too early am I?" asked Happy.
"No come in," said Archie and Happy shut the door. He grinned as he pulled out the ring box and showed Archie. The ring had been cleaned and the stone secured in place.
"If it needs to be re-sized it shouldn't be too difficult," said Happy.
"Thank you very much," said Archie studying the ring.
"You're welcome," said Happy. He saw Archie's smile and had to ask. "What's it like?"
"What is what like?" asked Archie.
"Being in love. Drawfs don't fall in love...well Grumpy did once and he was never the same. So what's it like?" Archie sat down and thought.
"It's one of the most wonderful things in the world. I really don't know how to describe it...when I see Natalie I feel happy...she has always been the best thing I could ever hope for. When you fall in love you could be having the worst day in the world and all it takes is that person smiling at you to change every thing," said Archie. Happy smiled and nodded.
"You know there is a girl at Granny's dinner...Mindy and she's always been really nice to me. I think I might ask her out to dinner some time," said Happy.
"Give it a try," said Archie.
"Thanks," said Happy and he left Archie's office. Archie put the ring in a desk drawer and got ready to see his patients for the day.
…...
Natalie looked over the clock and saw that it was getting close to ten. Archie must have lost track of time, thought Natalie sitting her sewing down. She had been home all day and had either been napping or sewing. Emma had told her they would meet up tomorrow to talk about what had been happening in the town. Mary Margaret had called her to see how she was doing and they made plans to meet for lunch tomorrow. Natalie had a feeling that she was making up for lost time with husband. The same way we made up for lost time. She petted Bear on the head and picked up the phone. It rang twice before he picked up.
"Oh I'm sorry. I had a lot to work through," said Archie.
"Did you have dinner?" asked Natalie.
"No," admitted Archie.
"Why don't I call Ruby and see if she can make us something before the kitchen closes?" asked Natalie.
"Are you feeling better?" asked Archie.
"Much better and starving. I'll place the order and I'll meet you at your office," said Natalie.
"You sure?" asked Archie.
"I'll see you soon," said Natalie.
"I love you," said Archie.
"I love you too," said Natalie. She hung up the phone and got dressed. She called Ruby and placed an order for dinner. Ruby told her it would be ready by the time she got there. Bear whinned at her and nosed her hand.
"Come on boy. Let's go." She put Bear on his leash and stepped outside. There was a chill in the air and she pulled her sweater around her. She walked to Granny's and Ruby was cleaning the counter and her bag sitting next to her.
"Be careful. I just saw Regina walk in to Archie's office," said Ruby. Natalie sighed and paid Ruby for the food. Natalie walked across the street with Bear and up the stairs to Archie's office. The door was shut when she got there, but she heard Pongo bark and than he stopped. Natalie opened the door and let out a small scream.
She saw Regina holding Archie by his throat and was choking him.
"Regina!" screamed Natalie and she took a step forward. Regina waved her hand and Natalie felt herself being thrown backwards and her head hit the wall and everything went black.
…...
Archie got off the phone with Natalie and went back to his notes. He opened the desk drawer and looked at the ring box. Maybe he would give her ring now...after all they had many a talk about in this office about there relationship in this room. He looked at the sofa and thought about the first time they had fallen asleep on that sofa. He heard a knock on the door and assuming it was Natalie he opened the door. It was Regina standing there looking ashamed.
"I know it's late, but I was hoping we could talk," said Regina.
"Of course. Come in," said Archie. Pongo stood up in his bed and started growling and barking. "Hush Pongo you know Regina." Archie shut the door and went to his file cabient to get his notes on Regina.
"I know how hard it can be...change is never easy," said Archie.
"I couldn't agree more," said Regina standing right next to him and it made him shiver.
"Regina is there..." he was cut off by her wrapping her hand around his throat. She was stronger than he imagined and he tried to get her hand off him. She lifted him off the ground and he heard Pongo bark and than he became silent and frozen in place. He dimmly heard the door open and than a scream. Natalie. Regina waved her hand again and he didn't hear Natalie again. Before he could do anything else a cloud of smoke was around him and everything was gone.