Pest
Regina leaned back in the uncomfortable fold-out chair, sipping her herbal tea as she fought off waves of nausea. Morning sickness my ass. I've been sick all day. Regina had a new appreciation for expectant mothers. The mayor placed a hand over her stomach and sighed. She just hoped this reoccurring urge to vomit didn't continue for the rest of the seven months.
Dessert would be served soon. The council decided it was best if the mayor let her speech wait until after the main meal. She didn't really care either way. She knew everyone around her would rather Snow White say something instead, but Snow insisted she wouldn't.
Robin leaned over close to her ear. "Have you decided yet?" She shook her head in reply. Beside Robin sat Snow and Charming. To Regina's left, she had Roland, then Henry and Emma with her fiancé. The rest of the town sat around them on either side of the pushed together tables. Did she really want the entire town to know she was expecting? They'll find out soon enough when I start showing.
This was one of the first good things in her new life, and a part of her wanted to hold it close to her chest for safe keeping. The other part, however, wanted to gloat. She wanted to rub it in everyone's face that she, Regina Mills, had a happy family and no one could take it from her.
She didn't know when Archie Hopper got up to introduce her, but the sound of polite clapping flooded her ears and she put on a smile.
"Thank you, thank you. I hope you're all enjoying yourselves as much as I am. A special thanks to the committee for organizing this event, including the delicious food and wonderful decorations." Clapping, along with cheering, followed. "In this past year alone, as a town we've overcome another curse and a wicked witch. Although these aren't normal town issues, I believe the things we've had to deal with have only brought us closer. We've changed while we've been here, and in the best way possible, I think.
"I want to thank you for never giving up on Storybrooke. I know my past has harmed you all in various ways, and I want to apologize for that. I can't change what I did, but I want each of you to know I work every day not to slip back into my old ways. Thanks to my family, it gets easier every day." She smiled at Robin, Roland, and Henry.
"I'd like to propose a toast, not only to Storybrooke as a town, but to us as a community." She grabbed her champagne flute full of water. "But before I forget, this is as good a time as any to announce I'm looking for a new assistant in the office. I'll be needing more help since I'm, well," she glanced at her stomach. "I'll be expecting a new arrival soon."
Regina was almost positive she heard Snow's gasp over the "to Storybrooke!" toast. When she was about to sit down, Snow grabbed her in a tight hug. "Congratulations!" Regina smiled against the woman's shoulder and thanked her for her kindness.
As soon as she sat down, Marian came over. Regina's hairs on the back of her neck stood up. What does the little pest want?
"Could I speak with you, Your Majesty?"
Regina glanced at Robin and Roland. She didn't want to make a scene in front of the little boy. "Outside, away from prying eyes."
Once outside, Regina sat down on the steps. She should have brought her herbal tea with her. Marian sat beside her, leaving enough room for another person in between. "I'm dropping the custody case," the woman said. "I won't fight you anymore, Regina."
The queen squinted at her. "What?"
Marian sighed, clasping her hands on her lap. "I've been thinking a great deal about everything that has happened, in our old world and our new one, and it's not worth it." She looked at the older woman. "It's not worth all the sadness and anger. Do you know what Princess Snow White told me? She told me to have hope. Hope for another happy ending, another adventure. I believe I can have it, even if Roland isn't with me every day. I'm sorry for causing you and Robin pain and stress. I was selfish."
Regina shook her head. "You're a mother. Your first priority is your son. I was the same when Emma came and tried to take Henry away from me."
"You understand then."
Regina nodded. "I do." She placed her hand on Marian's shoulder. "Thank you. Why don't you take Roland home with you tonight, have an extra week with him? Robin and I need some time alone."
Marian smiled. "I'd like that." She got up. "Are you coming?"
"In a minute. I'm hoping my stomach will calm down with the fresh air."
"Try ginger root. It worked wonders for me." Regina thanked her for the tip then watched her head inside. She took a deep breath, then vomited in the rose bush.