Regina had truly just wanted someone to love her. That's all she really wanted her entire life. When Henry came along, that became a reality. When he was eight, he began to pull away. At ten, he tracked down his birth mother and was now living at her loft. Regina knew what would happen to Emma and Snow if they went through the portal Rumple had just cursed. She also knew what would happen if she tried to stop it. Regina looked into her son's eyes and made her decision. She placed her hands over the well and began absorbing the curse. Once the magic was gone, Regina was thrown to the side. Moments later, Emma and Snow climbed out of the well. Henry went to dinner with his biological family while Regina went home alone. The next day, Emma showed up at the mayor's house.
"What are you doing here?" Regina asked.
"I came to invite you to a welcome back party at Granny's."
"Why?"
"For Henry," Emma answered. The sheriff noticed how much the mayor was leaning on the doorway.
"Can I come inside to talk more?"
Regina hesitated not wanting to reveal her weakness, "I suppose so."
The mayor moved aside slowly so that Emma could walk in. Regina closed the door and turned to find Emma holding a cane. "Here," she said compassionately.
Regina looked down, embarrassed, but accepted the cane, "thank you."
Emma held out her arm, "take my arm."
Slowly the two climbed the steps in front of the door. Emma helped Regina settle on the couch, "thank you," Regina said breathlessly.
"Sure," Emma knelt in front of the mayor, "if you want to tell me what's going on, you can."
"There's nothing you or anyone can do."
"We can help."
Regina looked up and had tears in her eyes, "just take care of Henry. I know he hates me, but maybe one day he'll forgive me. When that day comes, I want you to remind him of how much I loved him."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm dying, Emma."
Emma was in shock, "from what?"
"The dark magic Gold placed on the portal to kill Cora. Henry begged me to save you. I knew I had lost him and decided to give him the happy ending I never had."
"Did you know this would happen?"
Regina paused, "yes, I did."
"I'm sure we can find a way to help you."
"There's nothing that can be done."
"I'm not giving up. At least let Henry spend some time with you."
"He doesn't want to be around me."
"He will once he hears this."
"No, you can't tell him. Promise me you won't tell him."
"Regina, he has a right to know."
"Emma, the curse is in my blood. It will soon make its way to my lungs, then my heart, and finally my brain. I don't want Henry to see what happens to me. I don't want him to make up with me out of guilt."
"Let me stay here to help you."
"What would you tell Henry or your parents?" Regina looked at Emma who didn't answer, "no, you can't tell anyone. After everything I've done, it's only fitting for my life to end the way I lived it. Alone."