Chapter 5
12:27am PST
Regina knows for certain she's never been on this side of Hollywood. All too soon the busy streets are replaced with houses that grow in size as the progress forward. The landscapes are more dramatic. The space between each building gets farther and farther apart. Every house has a grandiose presence. No. There were not houses they were mansions. What house has it own spotlight? She can't help but gasp at the sight of the house that belongs to him. For someone who tries to hide so hard from the paparazzi, Robin's batman signal of a dwelling sure says 'look at me'.
They pass a number of cars lined down the street. Pop starts really do party all night. Everything about this seems excessive. The lights. The parties. The mansion. The three other cars he has in his garage. Why does someone need so many cars?
John is out the car before it's even parked. Guess he really had to go. Robin and Will are also out of the car at a lightning speed. Regina doesn't judge them, she's does not want to spend any more time than necessary in that hunk of garbage. Seeing how wealthy Robin is, he should just by the doctor a new car. Anything is better than this.
Regina doesn't get a chance to see where his friends disappear to. Robin throws his hoodie on to her and pulls her out of the garage. The house is bigger on the inside than it appears. She doesn't know why seeing it irritates her so much, but it does. This boy sings a couple songs about nothing of substance and gets to live in this gorgeous mansion that looks more like his museum than a home, while real people struggle every day. People like her parents who have to take on extra work in order to pay off their child's medical bills and treatment. Or like his doctor friend Whale spends his nights caring for people, then having to drive in a car older than her that will likely kill him. What does he need forty giant pictures of himself hanging in his own living room for?
"You've go to be kidding. You actually live here?" Regina asks. There's no way this could be the place he calls home. There is nothing homey or comforting about it.
"Yeah, why?"
Does he not see how this isn't normal? That this living room could probably fit the entirety of Granny's first level if maneuvered properly. The room is completed with floor to ceiling windows that look out to, what she guesses is a pool. Plenty of people are out there laughing and dancing. They seem to truly enjoying themselves. And every single one of the scream money.
She can see the appeal in living lavish and throwing fancy parties and having nice things. Really, she can. But is it worth it? These people here seem to be having a good time, but are the relationships meaningful? Is this what truly comes natural to them? These people are real people. She can see that. It's easy to believe that people live like this only in the movies and yet here they are in front of her. They stand talking to one another in Gucci and Louis Vuitton. She never thought she'd see the other side. It comes so naturally them. Regina wonders if it would be like this for her if she was thrown into this new world.
She takes a step forward to get a better look at the room and the people, but a hand on her arm stops her. Robin drags her to a staircase. He pulls the hood of his jacket over her head and covers her face. The sudden change in her vision makes it hard to properly see where she's going but Robin doesn't seem to take notice. He continues to drag her up the winding stairs. "Where are we going." Regina asks quickly. He's leading her away from the party. And potential witnesses.
"Just go. Go. Go. Come on quickly." Robin whispers and risks a glance over his shoulder.
"Stop pulling me." Regina knows what he's doing and she doesn't like it in the least. It's not like she asked to be here. In fact, she asked to go home.
"I'm sorry… I just…" She watches Robin fumble for an explanation. No need. She already has one.
"Looking for a place to hide me?" Regina crosses her arm when they reach the top.
He'd been looking over his shoulder since the first time they met. What is he running from? What is it he is do afraid of? He's at home. "No. I'm not trying to hide you." Robin says as if it's the most ridiculous thing he's heard, even though it's painstakingly obvious that it's exactly what he's doing. "I just don't want these particular people to see you right now."
"And because I'm not a movie star." The words are out of her mouth before she can stop herself. She doesn't regret it. It's not as if she isn't telling the truth. Robin doesn't want to mess up his image. It's not like he has a nice one currently. Regina is the wrong kind of people. She knows this. She does not fit in with these people. But the least he could do is show her a good time at his fancy party. Honestly, he should be afraid of what she might do to him when she leaves. Regina can ruin him if she wants, or at least make his life a bit harder. Not that she will. She doesn't really want people to know about this awful night. She would rather it forever by everyone involved. This night is creeping its was up the list for the worst nights of her life.
But Robin doesn't know she will never tell anyone. Is that why he isn't letting her go home? Because he thinks she'll run and tell if he does? But it's all the leverage she has against him.
"What? No. Ugh listen." Robin waves his hands as if to physically wash what she said way. "I don't want anyone asking questions and trust me neither do you. Who is she? Where is she from? How'd you meet? Are you two dating?"
"Dating?" Regina all but shouts back. Successfully snapped from her dangerous thoughts. Why on earth would she ever date him?
"Yeah! They make stuff up. Now come on." Robin begins his tugging again. He leads her to a smaller room. A bedroom she notices. "The guest room. Be my guest."
"Do I have a choice?"
"Not really. I'll be right back. Just stay."
"Woof." Regina mocks as he leaves. She takes the time to drawing her new surroundings. The room isn't overly big like the down stairs. It is a fairly normal sized room. Regina wonders if they pay someone to keep this gigantic place so neat. Of course they do. He's rich. She finds it strange that he decided to decorate his guest bedroom with photos of himself rather than art. Shows the kind of person he is.
The wall opposite the neatly made double bed is another floor to ceiling window. It looks out directly over the party goers and fancy people if robin really wanted to hide her, he should not have chosen a room that showcases her to everyone like a zoo animal. It probably doesn't matter anyhow. No one bothers to look at anything that isn't on their level.
Regina brings her attention back inside the room. She finds an outlet to charge her phone. She never leaves the house without it. One never knows when they find themselves in a situation much like this one. It only takes a moment for her phone to spring back to life.
21 missed calls
9 voicemails
43 unanswered text
Oh no! Regina forgot about Ruby and Zelena. They must have flipped when they realized she wasn't in the car. What did her parents think? Regina quickly scans through all of her messages, then shoots Zelena a quick text. This isn't something easily explained through a text. Not that anyone will believe that she was hospitalized by teen popstar Robin Hood. No. there is no way to easily explain this.
Zelena is so dead. She lost her sister. They looked all around the club. Called and texted a billion times with no response peer you there's no trace of force entry or any kind of struggle. In fact, the car was locked when they got their. Regina had to of left willingly. Her bag is gone. Zelena is going to kill her sister if this was all just some way to get back at her for a leaving her in the car for so long. She wouldn't put it past her.
Zelena has no choice, but to return home and hope Regina finds her way back. Maybe she got a board and took an Uber home?
Those dreams were crushed when they arrived back at Granny's and Regina is nowhere to be seen. Maybe they shouldn't have left? They should have stayed and kept looking. Her sister has zero survival skills. She couldn't defend herself. Selena will never forgive herself if the face of her sister ends up on the news feed she'd be disowned.
Zelena and Ruby find themselves pacing in her Room for the time being. Neither of them could bring themselves to sleep. At least she had Ruby. Right? They can skip town and start a new life for themselves as waitresses or something. Though no matter how far they run the ghost of her loss little sister will forever be following them.
Bing!
Zelena dives for her phone. Regina! It's a text from Regina! "I'm fine. It's hard to explain. I'll be home as soon as I can. Don't wait up." Zelena reads aloud.
"She's safe." Ruby sighs.
Zelena nods, too stunned to form the words with her mouth. Yes. Regina is safe. The cousins collapse into the bed and let sleep take them. They would not need to look up waitressing jobs in the morning. Tonight, they could sleep peacefully.
Robin makes his way through the guest, nodding and thanking them for coming. Most of the guest have migrated outside. Unlike before, he making an effort to be seen. He spots his mother first. She's talking in a group with his father and Gold. Robin takes a breath to ease his heart rate. You can do this. You're Robin Hood. No! Robin Locksley. Just be cool. Be cool.
Robin walks up to the group as if he just happened upon them at the party. Like if he had been here the entire time. "Mum." He greets his mum with a kiss to the cheek and shakes hands with the group. "Mr. Gold I'm glad you could come."
"Thanks for having us." Gold nods. "My grandchildren, Henry and Violet." He introduces the preteens next to him.
Ahh. These must be his biggest fans. Assuming from the huge smiles on their faces, he doesn't doubt it. Robin takes the time to shake both of hands. "It's nice to meet you both. How old are you?"
"Twelve." Henry says with a slight puff to his chest.
"We're twins." Violet adds quickly.
Robin can't help but smile at the pair. They're cute. And lucky. Any kid in the world would be thrilled to have a grandfather that has the connections he does. They probably meet big named celebrities every other weekend. They don't seem so self-entitled like some of the other child relatives of big connections are. They remind Robin of actual children. Well-dressed children, but children none the less. Whether Gold realizes it or not, he's helped Robin find a way to get into his own good graces.
"You've inspired me to start learning how to play the guitar. I'm not any good so far." The young boy admits.
"Well if you want, you can come over and I can teach you a few things." Robin offers. It's about more than getting in good with Gold. He wants to set a good example for these kids. He's their role model and he wants to do right by them. No matter how many times he meets his fans, Robin is humbled by the things he inspires them to do. Imagine what he can accomplish if he were making the music he wants to make. Honest music.
"Really?"
"Yeah it's not like I'll be going anywhere else this week." Robin flashes Gold a knowing grin over the kids' shoulders. He hands Henry his phone to type his number in. When receives it back, he shoots him a quick text saying: This is Robin Locksley. It was great to meet you!
"I believe there is something you wanted to ask Robin?" His mother prompts the kids to speak.
"Could you sing something for us?" Violet practically begs.
"Oh! Uh. Yes, of course." Robin can easily sing something from his new album. It's probably what everyone's expecting. But Gold said he wants he wants Robin Locksley not Hood. And Robin Locksley has songs up his sleeve. He wants a new sound. What better place to test is out than the privacy of his home party. It never hurts to try. "I have actually been working on something new. I'll play it for you guys. Dad can you grab a stool?"
"On it." His father agrees as Robin leaves to grab his guitar. "You guys are going to love this."
Robin really hopes they do. When everything is all set up, he clears his throat before grabbing everyone's attention. "Excuse me, everybody." Robin notes, someone turned down the music so he doesn't have to shout as loud. "This song I've working on, hopefully for my next album. It's called Searching for a feeling, unreleased. It's very dear to me. I hope all enjoy." Robin takes a deep breath before playing.
You shouldn't love me don't waste your time
I'm way too effed up to feel
Go find somebody who's just as kind
I'm mean and shallow you see
What I heard 'round here
Confirmed my fear
You see yourself in my arms
But you won't get far
With my cold, cold heart
Can't give you something I can't find
I've been searching for a feeling
Haven't found it yet
Hope I don't regret it
I've been searching for a feeling
I got every reason to feel
Tell me you want me
Tell me you need me to love you
I've been searching everywhere
Tell me you want me
Tell me you need me to love you
I've been searching everywhere
. . .
Regina quickly jerks up when the guest bedroom door is opened. She hadn't even realized she fell asleep. She blinks a couple times to clear the blurry sleep from her eyes. It isn't Robin at the door, but the big one. John. Regina doesn't give up hope just yet. Maybe John was sent in Robin's place to take her home.
"Am I going home?"
"Uh… no." John loses a bit of his confidence. "I just wanted to check up on you. You know, from the whole," He gestures toward his head. He slowly steps into the room and closes the door behind him.
Regina sits up straighter on the bed. She doesn't trust these people. John seems nice enough. But still, she has to be alert.
"I'm still alive as you can see." If he won't take her home, Regina hopes he does the decent thing and leave her alone.
He doesn't. He sits next to her. John is quiet for a moment before he speaks. "I'm sorry about tonight. We didn't mean for you to get hurt and stuck with us all night. It's not really fair to you."
"Robin send you to say that?"
"No. But I know he's sorry too."
Regina stays quiet. John isn't the one that needs to apologize. Well, yeah his. They all played a part in this awful night. Regina realizes it isn't him she wants the apology from. However, it is nice to get one.
"Robin really isn't a bad guy. Honest. This isn't something we normally do."
"Oh hospitalizing and kidnapping isn't something you normally do? You could have had me fooled." Regina jokes. Just because she accepted his apology doesn't mean she was going to let it die. At least for tonight. They can all forget about it tomorrow. Part of her wants them to remember. As hard as she tries she's not likely to forget an experience like this. Being celebrities they probably have tons of crazy nights like these. If the remember this at all, she'll be remembered as the crabby girl that got hit with a door. Regina doesn't want to be remembered like that. "And I'm not usually this crabby. Getting hit with a door while jetlagged will do that to. I made your night more stressful than it needed to be. So, I guess I'm sorry too."
"No. I think you are the perfect amount of crabby all things considered." John shoots her a cheeky grin.
Both Regina and John look to the window when the music and conversing stops. They stand and look out the window. Oh great. Robin Hood is playing the guitar. How wonderful. She won't be leaving any time soon.
"He's playing the new one." John half explains, half muses. "Not a fan of his music I suppose?"
What gave it away, the look on her face or her melting ears? "Forgive me John. I'm you're good at what you do, but I like music with substance."
John smiles. "Us too. That's why we hope people like this song. So we can make more like it. Just listen to it."
What is so great about his music? Regina rolls her eyes and listens to Robin. It's not as if she has anything better to do.
You shouldn't be there when I fall down
I can't say I'll do the same
You shouldn't tell me I make you proud
I don't deserve any praise
I hang you dry
Can't tell you why I don't see myself in your arms
But you won't get far
With my cold, cold heart
Can't give you something I can't find
I've been searching for a feeling
Haven't found it yet
Hope I don't regret it
I've been searching for a feeling
I got every reason to feel
Tell me you want me
Tell me you need me to love you
I've been searching everywhere
Tell me you want me
Tell me you need me to love you
I've been searching everywhere
The crowd below claps and she nearly does too. The song is good. No, the song is great. It sounds like something Regina herself would listen to. It's slower than his other songs, but lyrically it transforms unrequited emotions into a new version the conflict in the song. There are plenty of song about loving someone who doesn't love you back, but the role is reversed in this song. He does feel as strongly as his significant other. Regina wonders if he wrote this about his current girlfriend. There's no use in contemplating the life of a super star. None of it will ever pertain to her.
. . .
"Everyone is gone. Let's go." Robin slams into the room, cutting the light on in the process. He really foes have a problem with carelessly swinging doors open without a care for what could be on the other side. Did tonight teach him nothing?
"Glad to see I haven't been forgotten." Regina mumbles into the newly lit room. She ended climbing into the bed some time after John left. She figured he'd forgotten all about her and that she would have to call a cab in the morning. After she, of course got some decent rest so she could coherently tell the cabby where to take her. "It's 2:02 in the morning. My granny has to open shop at 6. And my parents leave for work at 5. They'll expect me to send them off. She lives all the way on the other side of the city."
"It's not going to take us 3 hours to get to your granny."
"No, but I will not have gotten any decent sleep."
Robin sighs. "Do you want to go home or not?"
Regina sighs as she rolls off the bed. She really does just want to go home. To Storybrooke. She's done with this vacation. She can't handle two weeks of this. Regina grabs her bags and follows robin back to his garage.
This might be crazy, but Regina feels like there are more cars in here than when the first arrived. Expensive, sports cars. And there is the doctor's car that stand out like a sore thumb. Parked in the spot saved for the car traded for it. It truly is an ugly thing.
"Take your pick." Robin gestures to the cars. It bugs her. It really does. He has five cars he can alternate with and their friend the doctor is stuck with death on wheels.
"Why do you need 5 cars? Even you can see how this is a bit excessive." Regina steps further into the garage. She absent-mindedly examines the cars. They're all so shiny. They don't look like they've ever been driven. What's the point of having the cars if he never drove them. Her abuelo loved cars and would drive them any chance get got. It's their purpose, he said.
"It's not like I bought them all."
Regina's eyes widened and her eyebrows climb to her hairline. "You stole them?" What on earth is wrong with this guy? Did no one teach him the dos and don'ts of the world?
"No! Nothing like that!" He rushes out. "They were given to me. Brands often do that."
Regina stops in between two of the cars, a silver one and a blue one. She looks to Robin. "Then why not give them to people who need them. Like the doctor."
"It doesn't work like that princess." Robin makes a dramatic show of him opening the passenger door of a red car. He motions for her to get in.
Regina instead ops for the blue BMW closest to her. She hopes into the passenger seat and waits. Robin did say for her to pick. She picks this one. The annoyed look on his face brings a smile to hers.
The car ride is long and uncomfortably quiet. Robin just grateful that this night is finally coming to an end. He contemplates turning on the radio or listening to his latest CD, but Regina would just find some way to complain about it. She has actually quite calm these past minutes. She been doing nothing but stare out of the window. Robin wonders what she's thinking about. Probably how much she hates him. But she doesn't look angry. She looks tired. The look feeds the guilt festering within him. Everything that has happened tonight has been on him. The entire reason she's here at all is because of him. She has every right to be angry. He just wishes she wouldn't be.
What must it be like to normal? To live a normal life. A life away from all the lights and fans. Her live was simple before he ran into her. Robin's been in the business for so long he doesn't remember much of what life was like before all this. Don't get him wrong, he loves his life. He wouldn't trade it for the world. He loves his career and being able to make music. Early on it was all about getting to meet his fans and truly feel like he knew them. The paparazzi were just a small price to pay. But now he sees more of the paparazzi than his fans. He still enjoys making music. He's lucky that such a large group of people likes what he creates. He just wishes that they could hear all of his new stuff... his more serious stuff. It's just not what his fans want to hear. At least that's what his managers and publicist keeps saying.
Robin's is constantly drawn to the black van behind them. It's been behind them since the turned off the highway. He's being paranoid, he knows. So, what if another car happens to be going in the same direction as them. It happens. Sometimes. For peace of mind, Robin decides to take less common roads cars are not as likely to follow. He makes a sequence of turns that are absolutely ridiculous that no one could possibly take on purpose, but the van continues to follow them. Robin keeps waiting for them to turn down another street but they never do. It's the paparazzi. He has to loose them. Oh, Regina is going to hate this. Things were finally calming down. But he can't just lead these guys to her house. Robin adds it to the tab.
He grumbles loudly, catching the attention of his passenger. "Sorry about this. I truly am."
"What-"
Before Regina can finish her sentence, Robin quickly serves the car from one lane to the next, cutting off a car and causing her to bump her head on the window in the process.
"Ow! Seriously?" Regina screeches.
"Sorry. Sorry. I just need to loose them." Robin makes a sharp turn at a light.
"Loose who!? You've been looking over your shoulder all night! What do you keep running from?"
"The paparazzi."
This time Regina grumbles.
He makes another sequence of sharp turns until they lose them at a short light. Robin sighs. He's grateful all that hoopla hasn't gotten them a ticket. That would have been the cherry on top of a really bad night.
"Sorry again, about all that."
Regina says nothing. She looks mad again. Robin really doesn't want the night to end like this. He doesn't want a fan of his going back to her home after having spent the entire evening with an awful image of him in her mind. Robin was just moping about not spending enough with his fans. Well, here's one. He should make the best of whatever time they have left, right?
Robin throws his previous notion not to play his song in the car out the window. Time to make this night magical again. If it was ever magical to begin with. He picks his second most popular song off his new album. Save the best for last. He's grateful for these smart cars. With just a few taps the song is blasting through the speakers. He skips the verse and goes straight for the chorus. "Baby, you light up my world like nobody else. The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed. But when you smile-"
"Seriously?" Regina glares at him.
Uh oh. She not happy. What does he do now? Play dumb. Play dumb. Sounds like a decent plant. "What?" Robin asks innocently. "I thought you'd like it."
"Hmm. Let guess. You thought dying to ride in a car with Robin Hood singing to one of his big hits? A fans dream come true!" She ends with a roll of her eyes as if her sarcastic tone wasn't enough. Robin stays quiet because she right, of course. "There's just one problem."
"Which is?" Robin prompts her to continue. He wants to know. He thought it would work. Like carpool karaoke. Who doesn't want to do that?
"I'm not your fan."
Robin nearly presses the brake. Wait. What? He looks to her a bit pensive. Somehow this whole situation has gotten way worse. "You don't," he cuts himself off to clear his throat. " You don't like my music?"
"I didn't say that." Regina counters. "It's catchy enough. It's you I am not a fan of."
"But, you don't know me."
"Precisely. But after tonight, I think I have a good enough idea." She mumbles the last bit. But Robin hears.
How can you be a fan of someone you don't know? Someone you've never met? Robin likes a lot of people he's never met before. Like Beyoncé. That's just how it works. She makes his head hurt. She is the worst kind of person he could have gotten stuck with. And who she to think she has an idea of what kind of person he is?
"I think if you did know me, you'd like me." Robin persist.
"Oh! Turn here." Regina promptly ends the conversation. Robin sighs and follows her direction.
. . .
Robin pulls into the driveway way small cottage style house. It's cute. And small. Much smaller than his house. No wonder she reacted the way she did when he brought her to his house. Regina already has the door open when he turns off the car.
"Thanks for the ride." She throws over her shoulder.
Robin grabs her arm before she can fully get out the car. "Wait Regina." He stutters when she actually stops. "I just, I just want to say that I really am sorry about tonight."
Her face remains the same. "Noted. Are we done now?"
Robin realizes he's lost any brownie points he had with her. He reluctantly nods and let's her go. He watches as she marches up the driveway. He notes how she does use the front door, but the one on the side instead. He hopes he hasn't gotten her in any trouble. Maybe he should go a explain what happened. No. That's stupid.
He's distracted by a light in his rear view mirror. He turns to get a better and immediately whips back around. "Flippin' 'ell." Robin gasp. He lowers himself in the seat in hopes that will be enough to hide him. They found him. These paparazzi were insistent on finding him. It means that they are definitely not the ones he wants to have a run in with. God, he needs to hide his car. There's no way he's getting out of this neighborhood without getting caught. He can kiss his career goodbye. Maybe he could explain himself. Make up a story. He was just helping out a sick friend. No. No. Gold said no publicity of any kind. Good or bad. Robin needs to figure out something and quick.
A sinking feeling falls into the pit of his gut as he looks toward the house. He's going to have to ask for help. He nods to himself and leaves the car before he can psyche himself out. He scurried through some bushes until he reaches to door he saw Regina go through before. He knocks on the door a peers through the window adjacent to it. He is looking at a kitchen. And there stands Regina with a glass of water. Good she hasn't gone off to be yet. He knocks again, more firmly.
Regina startles before looking in his direction. The neutral look on her face hardens into an irritated expression. Robin's heart seizes when she walks toward him. Please don't turn me away. Please don't turn me away. He needs to offer her something that will make her agree to help him. She swings the door open. He can't but feel like she was trying to hit him. Oh how this night would come in full circle had she hit him.
"I'll give you five thousand dollars if you do me a favor." He rushes to speak before she can even open her mouth.
"It's not a favor if you pay me." Regina smartly point out.
Is that a yes? She didn't say no! Robin doesn't assume anything and waits for her answer. Regina looks like she's having an internal battle. Man, he wishes tonight turned out differently. Now he's at her mercy and she hates him.
"Fine."
"What?" Robin stops.
"I said fine. I'll help you. But you will be paying me. This is not a favor. I don't like you." She points a stern finger in his face.
"Yes! Yes. Yes. Thank you."
That's the end of this chapter! The songs Robin sings are "Searching for a feeling" by Third Story and "You Don't Know your Beautiful" by One Direction. Things are starting to get real interesting. I hope you've enjoyed! Let's me know what you think. Have a great weekend!
S'D