Emma stood outside of the mayor's mansion. "Henry, I doubt your mother is evil."

"She is," he emphasized, "no one ever believes me."

The front door flew open and a woman not much older than Emma rushed out. Well, she rushed as best as she could with a cane. She hugged Henry tightly, but he fought her. The woman released her grip, "where were you?"

"I found my real mom," Henry walked into the woman as he ran inside. The woman began to fall, but Emma caught her.

"You okay?"

"Yes, thank you, Miss..."

"Swan, just call me Emma."

"Then call me Regina." Regina invited Emma inside for some apple cider. The mayor placed a hand on Emma's arm when they reached the porch, "I'm sorry but could you give me a hand? I just have difficulty with steps."

"You live in the wrong house, then." Emma saw a small smile on the woman's face. She took Regina's arm and helped her until they were inside. "Do you need a break?"

"No, dear, I should be able to make it," Regina was relieved when Emma wrapped an arm around her. The mayor hated the steps inside her home that led to the front door. There was no railing and since her episodes use to be few and far between, she never had one installed. Lately, all the resistance from Henry had been affecting her more.

"Henry seems fine," the sheriff said as he came down the stairs, "a little tired. Do you need anything before I go, Madam Mayor?"

"No, thank you, Graham."

"Have a good night. I'll show myself out."

The man left and it was just Regina and Emma, "let's go to the dining room," she pointed in front of them.

"Just tell me where the cider is and I can pour it." Emma helped Regina sit and heard the woman groan from the effort before releasing a sigh of relief. She showed Emma where everything was and the blonde poured each of them a drink before sitting. "Look, I never had any intention of finding Henry. He may biologically be mine, but I'm not his mom."

"What about his father?"

"He ran off before I could tell him."

"I miss my sweet little prince," Regina said as her eyes watered. "He's had so much anger towards me lately."

"All kids go through that."

"He shouldn't have to take care of me."

"Do you mind if I ask what happened?"

"I was born this way. My body is only affected by stress. I haven't had much until the past three years."

"It's getting late and you probably want to get to bed. Will you be alright to climb that giant staircase?"

"I've done it before like this."

"Thanks for the cider."

"Emma, it's really late. I have a guest room you could crash in for the night."

"Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't have offered otherwise. I would have suggested the bed and breakfast up the street."

"Thanks, here," Emma took Regina's hand and helped her to her feet.

"It's never been this bad," Regina breathed out.

"I've got you." Emma helped the woman to her room before heading to the guest room. The blonde wasn't sure she wanted to leave the town of Storybrooke just yet. For once, she wanted to stay put.

When Emma woke up the next day, she heard arguing. It was Regina and Henry. She got up and went downstairs.

"Why do I have to stay here?" the boy yelled.

"This is your home and I'm your mother."

"No, you're not. You're evil and I don't want to be here anymore. I want to go home with Emma. Let me go."

"Henry, please, just listen."

"No," he yelled. Emma saw it happen in slow motion. The boy slapped Regina to startle her so she'd let go. Not only did she let go, but she fell down the steps that led to the front door. Henry ran down those steps and Emma thought he was going to help. Instead, he ran out the door.