Its a long chapter! No spoilers. Enjoy!
Chapter 21
25 hours and 27 minutes until video is posted
"This isn't what we agreed upon!" Marion shouts into her phone. "You were to publish this on your magazine. I wanted a credible source! Not some sideshow gossip."
His eye roll could be heard over the phone. Sydney takes much pleasure in riling up the actress. It was a site to see. In his case, a site to hear. "I did what you asked. It was never specified where it had to be published, only that it had to be published and trend. In which case, is."
"Well you and you stupid loopholes can go to hell for all I care. I am still not number one on the trending list. It looks like fake news!" Marion couldn't believe Sydney. How dare he treat such a way? She was going to make him rich. A story like this doesn't happen every day. "No is going to believe this now! I need to be trending at number 1. Nothing less."
"Not my problem." Sydney immediately scoffs. "But give it time. You will be."
"Good. I better be. I paid a lot of money to make this happen." She ignores the way her driver looks at her from the rear view mirror. He's bound by contract not to discuss anything he hears or sees. Its why she takes no issue in having her phone calls through the cars Bluetooth. He could give her looks all he wants. He was a pebble compared to her and her family. She snaps her eyes at him through the mirror, forcing him to look back at the road. "I have to go. I'm meeting Robin in less than an hour."
The paparazzi chuckles on the line. "You telling your fiancé about his none existent child? Good luck."
"I won't need it. Robin loves me." Marion snaps before abruptly end the phone call. The man was a minis. But she had to admit he got the job done more or less and quickly. Let's hope it plays out like he say it will for his sake.
24 hours and 15mins until video release
Ok Rob. You have fifteen minutes until Marion shows up. You have fifteen minutes to come up with a real plan, because if not you will be stuck with her voice on the album forever. No pressure. You got this.
"Good morning Robin. What's good?" Ezekiel gives his hand a shake when he enters the studio. He immediately takes a seat at the sound board. "I think this is the first time we've met up to do music stuff during normal work hours."
Robin laughs at that and takes a seat in the chair beside Ezekiel. "Inspiration comes when it pleases. Our Inspiration happens to enjoy little sunlight."
"So what song are we working on today? I know you told be you stayed up all night the other day. Did you finish the album do you think?" Ezekiel gets comfortable. He takes off his jacket, but keeps on the extra he had underneath. Ezekiel is only a few years older than the rest of them, but he's been in the music business for a lot longer. He got his start very early seeing the his mother was in the industry. The man is a genius. He understood music like no one Robin has ever heard of. They've always known of each other and kept in contact, but were never able to truly work together. Robin and the rest of the band were under strict management. This was the first album that they could make without much input from them. They could make the sound they truly loved.
"I'm thinking this one." Robin hands his note book over. He points to a page.
"Morning Breeze?"
"Yup."
'But you know I still long, to hold onto you
But gone are those days, cause your love was rude
Take all your things and take the past with you
Your selfish ways I cant wait to loose'
"I wrote it yesterday. Last night." Robin explained. "I had some of it written before, but uh.. I uh.. only just figured out where I wanted it to go." He doesn't know why he is all of a sudden is stumbling over his words. The song is good. It might not be his favorite on the album, but he likes it. Maybe it's the way Ezekiel is staring at the page that has him so on edge. He give the occasional hmm, but never actually says anything.
Robin doesn't stop him when he begins to flip through the rest of the songs he's written. They would all be working together and see them eventually. He considered doing another song. But he felt it would be too big of a giveaway on how he truly feels about Marion and he needs her somewhat excited about the song so that he can steal her phone. He was a bad person, right? Tricking Marion into thinking he loved her just so he could steal her phone. It sounds bad every time he thinks of it. Marion brought it upon herself. He reminds himself. There was nothing he needs to be sorry for. She was an awful person.
"I think you have more than enough in here for an album Robin." Ezekiel hands the book back. "I can work with this. I'm excited." He smiles. He pulls a lighter and stick from his pocket and begins to light it.
"Whoa. Hey. No smoking today." Robin waves his hand to clear out the small trail of smoke. "Marion will be here soon. She doesn't like the smell."
"What?" Eze lets out a disappointed sigh and let's out a puff of smoke. "It's my own blend. It smells like lavender. It's supposed to relax you."
"Not today. I need Marion in the best mood possible today."
He reluctantly puts the stick out, but not without sending Robin a curious look. "Damn. Sorry dude. I thought the whole you and Marion thing in the paper was a joke."
Robin stops writing his notes for the song and swivels his chair to face Eze. "Wait. What thing in the paper?"
Before he could respond, a loud slam of the door opening interrupts him.
"Robbie poo!" Marion sing-songs as she enter the studio.
Robin takes a breath to mentally prepare himself for the disaster of a day he will have. He's got 24 hours to set things right. He'd get the account back. Re-break up with Marion. Maybe make a video explaining how he let things go do wrong. Visit Regina in the hospital and apologize. He doesn't even care if she accepts it or forgives him. He has to see her. He has to tell her to her face.
"Marion." Robin stands to greet her. "Glad you could make it. What's uh… what's this I heard about us in the paper? I assume you had something to do with it." He hopes it's not something about their break up. That would attract far too much attention that he really does not need right now.
"Forgive me for this later. But I might have mentioned it to someone in passing that you proposed. And I obviously accepted."
What the hell? Who does something like that? Why do something like that? She has that same look on her face from last night. The impartial one. Could she not see how this is a problem? Robin feels sick.
Marriage?
And the entire world now thinks he's proposed. Oh God, Regina. What will she think of this nonsense? He can't tell her it's a lie. Not until after he got the account back. He can't tell anyone. His friends were going to kill him. He was already dead for even letting Marion step foot in the studio. This was their sacred space. Now it's tainted by her mere presence. Oh God his parents are going to kill him! They would never allow a marriage or an engagement for the matter. Where does this leave him with Gold? He figured he at least had a few more hours of having a job. He thought it would be the video he plans on making later would be the thing that ends his film career be fore it even starts, but no. It was Marion's big mouth he had to worry about. So much for staying out of the tabloids.
"Yeeeaahh." Ezekiel says. He dramatically extends his word for greater impact. "Apparently you proposed to your girlfriend because you wanted to prove to her that your love was stronger than any bond you have with Roni." He laughs at Robin's facial expression. "Yeah. I thought it was a load of crap too."
Marion turns her attention to the other person in the room. "And just who are you?"
"Oh." Robin steps in between the two of them. "This is Ezekiel Harris. He will be the producing the song were working on today. Ezekiel this is... Marion Taylor." He settles on her name. He doesn't now what she thinks they are and he does want to lie about their relationship if he doesn't have to.
"His girlfriend." Marion finishes for him. She reaches a hand to briefly shake Eze's.
"His fiancé apparently." Ezekiel corrects Marion. Robin knows he's only joking, but he does not find any humor to this situation.
"Marion why lie about something like this?" Robin doesn't care for any more pleasantries. He wants answers. He doesn't understand why she'd do this. What provoked this? Oh no! Was this because he told her he loved her? He was going to have to do some serious damage control.
Marion steps closer and lowered her voice, but they were all aware Ezekiel could hear what was being said. If she truly wanted a private conversation she would have made it happen. If anything, the move was to show Ezekiel his comments were no wanted nor welcome. "Well, I thought it would be a better image if the world discovered we were engaged before the learn about the baby."
Baby…
Robin and Eze's eyes both grew in size. The young producer takes that as his cue to check out. He makes a face a swivels his chair around so that he isn't looking at the couple. Though they are all aware he can still hear them.
"Baby?" Robin repeats dumbly. "Bloody ell! You're pregnant?"
Was he breathing? He doesn't think so. He can't remember how to breathe. He couldn't' breath.
He can't breathe.
When had this happened? Why? How had this happened? He can't remember the last time they were together. It was obviously before Regina. Before her birthday party. But that was weeks ago. Weeks ago. He would never be rid of her would he?
Breathe Robin.
They couldn't keep it obviously. They were 17. They knew nothing about being parents. He doesn't even like her. There is no way.
There s no way.
"Bloody hell. You're pregnant. Wasn't exactly the reaction I was expecting." Marion complains. She's complaining? She can't possibly be the one complaining. She wasn't the one who had her entire day ruined with horrible news. He didn't even have a moment to process it all. She already told the tabloids they were engaged.
"And what exactly were you expecting Marion? You can't possibly believe we can go through with this. We're 17!" Robin shouts out of breath.
"Robin I know you aren't suggesting what I think."
"I'm talking about adoption. We cannot be parents. There is no need for marriage. We are 17."
Marion frowns and takes Robin's hand in hers. "Sure we can. We both love each other right?" He doesn't respond. "We are mega million super stars. If anyone can do it, we can."
Robin was already tired of her. This was not how today was supposed to go. He had no desire to marry her. He had no desire to be in any kind of relationship with her. He literally could not deal with any of this right now. He would deal with the engagement and press and the… the.. the baby later. Right now he needs to get the account.
"Marion I will not do this with you right now. I have an album to finish. Did you read over the song I sent you this morning?" Robin switches gears. He knows it will never work. But maybe if he switches gears long enough the situation will go away on its own. Robin takes his seat next to Ezekiel at the sound board. The young producer gives him an encouraging, yet understanding pat on the arm.
Marion looks as if she wants to argue more. But whatever Gods are out there hear he prayers and she backs offs. Finally they can get started and he can set his plan in motion. The faster he gets through with this, the sooner he can see Regina.
21 hours and 15mins until video release
It took Marion 2 hours for Marion finally learn the song he wrote. All she had was the harmonies. It wasn't an easy task to get her learn it, but some how Robin and Ezekiel managed. Marion was actress good. Her voice was strong enough to hold her own in a movie, but she'd never make it as an actual musician.
Robin was first to record his part of the song. He was tempted to just get her in the booth and get this all over with. But he had to make it seem natural. There was no room for suspicion. It took them about an hour to piece together a scratch track with his now recorded vocals. Now he had to get Marion in the booth. He was the point of no return. Robin sets his plan in motion. He had hoped to be completely done with her after this,
but the baby.
The thought alone makes him sick to his stomach. He's nearly had to excuse himself to release his breakfast in the bathroom multiple times. The third time it happened Ezekiel gives him a ginger candy and offers to finish the song another day. Of course Robin immediately shuts that down. He has to get himself together. Robin forces himself not to think about it. He distracts himself with the song and plan to get the account. There is weight sinking through his chest that pulls all of his life and joy. He can't seem to shake the feeling that horrible is going to come of this.
"Okay Marion. Let's get you in the booth. We are going to start with some vocalizing." Robin directs Marion to the booth. "Oh wait. No phones in the recording booth."
"What why?" Marion stops short of entering the booth. She holds her phone close to her chest as if ready go fend him off should he reach for it.
"Company rules. Not to mention the feedback from your phone bouncing off the equipment. It can cause dome damage down the road." Robin explains easily. He practiced it a ton before arriving.
Ezekiel gives him a look recognizing it for the lie that it is, but doesn't call him out on it. Robin couldn't be more grateful. He has no idea if this will work. Marion looks as if she is contemplating forfeiting her opportunity to be on his album versus giving up her cellphone.
Robin feels sick again.
He wants nothing more than to flee. To run far, far away from Marion. Preferably to Regina. This was all for her. He reminds himself.
"I'll keep it safe. You can trust me." He attempts to clear his throat, but its dry and he has to quickly swallow his choke so he doesn't come off as suspicious. He can't screw this up. It was too important.
Marion faces softens and her hold on her phone relaxes as well. She places her phone in hand gives it a kiss. "Take good care of my baby." She winks. She walks in the booth.
Robin winces. "Yeah." He closes the door behind her and is tempted to lock it, but decides against it. He hopes that anything unusual about his behavior can be blamed on the news Marion dropped on him earlier. And if he is honest, a lot of it is. But he'd doesn't think about that now. He quickly walks away with the phone before as he can change her mind. He's mindful not to seem to move too fast. He didn't need her getting uncomfortable and changing her mind.
When he sits at the board, Rob makes a show of waving her phone so that she could see him place it on the table. Out of her site of course. He didn't want her coming out here for any reason.
"Okay. We'll play Robin's vocals through your headphones so that you can keep tempo. Let's take it from the top." Ezekiel releases the button that allows Marion to hear what they are saying and turns to him. It seems like it was unanimously decided that Marion's first take would not matter. Eze cuts on the track and immediately begins to speak to him. "Well today has been interesting."
"That's one word you can use." Robin sighs. There was very little relief left with Marion on the other side of the glass, but he'd take whatever he could get at this point.
"Get a paternity test. I don't want to come off like I don't trust your fiancé, but I don't trust you fiancé."
"You and me both." Robin mumbles.
A minute or two has passed since she's been in the booth. It is a good time as ever to get the account back. Robin takes a glance at Eze. He's busied himself with something on the sound board. Robin slowly slides Marion's phone to him. He takes one last glance at Marion to be sure he's in the clear before taking it in his hand completely. Ah yes. The lock screen. He doesn't know weather or not to be flattered by his face as her lock screen photo. Definitely not flattered. He broke up with her. Even though it only happened yesterday, it still made him uncomfortable. He thought of a hopefully easy solution to bypassing her code. Marion has the type of phone that will allow her to unlock her phone with some kind of facial recognition. He'd seen her do it a couple of times before. He thought it was fluke, but the guy at the phone store mentioned Robin's own phone could unlock with his face. He never liked that. He felt it was an easy way to get hacked. Thank the stars Marion didn't feel the same.
Robin pulls up a clear photo of Marion on his phone. He's sure to have the brightness at a good setting so that the other phone could recognize it. This face recognition thing doesn't seem safe. Well, duh. He was using this feature to break into her phone. How good could it be? Robin says a quick prayer to whomever is listening and holds the phones to each other.
The phone unlocks.
It worked!
He got in! It worked!
Some of the stress lifts when he sees her lock screen fade to her home screen. Wow. A part of him doubted it would actually work. Wow. Ok. Robin goes straight to her Instagram. He has to switch to the Roni account. He's so tempted just log her out now, but he has to change the password so Regina can have access again. He has to be quick. He doesn't trust Marion can be without her phone for an extended period of time. Not to mention his band would be arriving to the studio soon. He much prefer they never cross paths.
Robin doesn't get to live in that fantasy for long. He can hear John's booming voice echoing from the hallway. Damn. The other's voices could be heard as well, but not nearly as clear as John. They were heading this way.
Robin braces himself for the confrontation soon to come. Tuck was the first to enter the room. His excitement from seeing Robin and Ezekiel quickly morphs briefly into confusion then settles on anger. Something similar happens to the rest of his friends.
"Robin?" Mulan is the first to speak. "What the hell is going on? Why is Marion in our booth?"
He wants to tell them the truth. He really does. He knows that the sound booth is more or less sound proof, but on the off chance that Marion could hear Robin decides on half truths. He couldn't risk her overhearing. "I promised Marion she could be on our new album." He did promise her that. It did not mean he planned to keep it. Ha! So much for honoring your word.
"You what!" They make their displeasure very clear and very vocal. He tunes them out. He really doesn't have time for this.
Robin truly hates their timing. He just reached a point where he could type in the new password. The. Poor Wi-Fi in the studio prevents him from moving any faster. That's why he thought of a password last night. Actually he thought of a couple. He didn't want to waist any time thinking of something. Good thing too. It doesn't seem like he'd have any time otherwise.
"You guys have to leave now. I'll explain everything later. Just go. Please." Robin insists.
"We're not going anywhere." John growls.
Robin sighs and continues to ignore them the best he can. There was an array of passwords he could choose from. In the end he settles on: ImSorryGina
"Are you listening to us?" Tuck snaps.
"Yes, of course I am." Robin spares them a quick glance and one to Marion before looking back at the phone. He is about to hit save the password when the phone is snatched from his hand. "No!"
Robin quickly hops from his seat and lunges toward Will who is holding the phone high in the air away from him.
"Give that back! You don't understand." He sees the way Will's hand touches the key board. He's going to have to retype the password.
"No we don't. So explain it to us." Mulan doesn't speak harshly, but she lacks her usual warmth.
"I'll explain later. Right now you need to give me the phone back and leave."
There is no hope for keeping Marion in the booth when Eze removes his headphones and stands away from the sound board. Marion seeing the commotion and the attention being drawn away from her, comes barging from the booth.
Oh hell.
Robin feels sick. He wants nothing more than to be swallowed whole by the ground beneath him. Oh God. This couldn't have gone worse. This was a nightmare. This was worse than any nightmare he could fathom. They were never getting the Roni account back.
Robin makes one last attempt for the phone, but is pushed away by both Will and Tuck.
"We don't want her on our album. In fact, we don't want her anywhere near our studio. This is supposed to be our album." Tuck snaps. The emotions begin rising in all of them. "This was supposed to be the album we were finally proud of. One that definitely is not going to feature Marion." he says he name with such distain.
"Robin can do whatever he pleases." Marion snarled back. "It's his band."
"Get lost." Will mumbles. It's loud enough for them all to hear.
Marion shoves Will hard causing him to lose his grip on the phone and drop it. Robin catches it before it can hit the ground. He has never been more grateful for quick reflexes. He maneuvers himself in away where he is out of everyone's immediate sight and gets to work at retyping the new password.
"How dare you lay a hand my fiancé!" Marion scolds Will. "I should call security on you!"
"Fiancé?!" "The hell?" "That crap was true?" The room bust into a fit of rage. Robin can feel eyes looking for him. He tries not to let it deter him.
Just one more second. He was too close to stop now.
"What the ell!? You proposed to her!?" John shouts.
Will all but yells over him. "You bloody liar! I know he broke up with you. Robin would never marry you."
"He would if I were carrying his child. Which I am." Marion looks so smug about it. It doesn't get any easier to hear. The unfortunate fate that now surrounds her is crippling.
The room goes dead silent. Not even the sound of their collective breathing could be heard. Robin couldn't deny it. Not while he still held her phone. Not until he had successfully logged her out of the account. Just one more second.
The password is officially updated. Robin makes quick work of logging out of the account and closing the app and phone. He stuffs the phone in his back pocket.
The moment he is done he meets John's eye. The rest of the room turn towards him.
"Well." John starts. His voice is low and horse. He sounds as if he is close to tears. He looks as if he's close to tears. They all do. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your life Robin. Because if refuse to be apart of it."
"John come on. Don't be like that." Robin takes a step towards him. "We've know each other for ages. It doesn't have to be like this."
"If she," John points to Marion. "is going to be in your life, after everything she's done to us, to you, to Regina, I cannot be apart. It's either her or us."
"That's not fair."
Marion tightly grabs his arm. "Robin you wouldn't abandon us, would you?"
Us
Because Marion is pregnant. With his child. He could no longer cast her away like he originally planned to. Like it or not. Love her or not. She was carrying his child. And it appears that she is hell-bent on raising it. It shakes him to his core, the thought of his child having to grow up alone with Marion. He could never subject anyone to that form of torcher. Even if it meant he had to endure it himself. Even if it meant saying goodbye to his friends forever. He doesn't think he could walk away from this child. The Robin Locksley he what to become is a man of honor. There is nothing honorable in abandoning your child. He doesn't thin he'd be able to forgive himself.
"Do you all feel this away?" Robin asks the rest of his friends.
Mulan, Will, and Tuck all slowly nod their head in agreement.
Damn. Robin releases a deep sigh. Even though he got the Roni account back, he could not throw Marion away just like that. Not until he knew fore sure she was carrying his child. He couldn't risk it. He had to take responsibility for his mistakes. It seems he's doing a lot of that these days. It doesn't seem to ever pay off. Every time he goes to fix one problem another appears and causes more trouble than the one just fixed. It negates everything he does. It's truly frustrating. Why is he the one that can never seem to win? He was forced to disown Regina, the best person her ever had the pleasure of coming in contact with. He was already giving up his life, his career to right that mistake. Now he has to say goodbye to his family? The only thing he's left with is Marion and her unborn child. She he was more than willing to let go, but the child? A little less so.
This was not the way the day was supposed to go.
Robin blinks at the ground. He can't bring himself to look directly at anyone. Marion is a living hell. She is the devil incarnate himself and for some reason she chose him to attach herself to. She is the reason, the common denominator in all of his problems. She hasn't shown any remorse for her major part in Regina's hospitalization. Or for jeopardizing his career. Robin is furious with Marion. He could honestly say he hated her. He doesn't want to, but he's starting to. She completely ruined his life. Now he has to choose. Any other the answer would be clear. Any other day he would not have hesitated to claim the band over her. His band, his adopted family, are his life. They've been through everything together. There is no more 'I' in this band. From now on they would all have equal share in the band. They would all have to make decisions. It would be on all of them. That was the dream. How could Robin ever pick Marion over them? But he wasn't choosing her over the band. He was choosing his child.
Does that make him a horrible person for considering leaving his child? For choosing himself and he band over it? He doesn't want to be a father. He really doesn't. Not right now. Not with her.
He wants to be able to take the time to discover himself. The only time he was able see a glimpse in to the new Robin Locksley were the few moments he was with Regina. She made the world stop when everything was spinning on its axis too fast. She brought him so much clarity. When he thought of her he knew the person he wanted to be, but that no longer seems possible. He ruined any chance of reinventing himself for the better the moment he chose his career over Regina. His life has been going to shit ever since. Now all he could do was hope that the choices he makes now, some how are the right ones.
Nothing he did felt right anymore. Every decision he makes put him further and further from the person he wants to be. It was as if Robin was stuck in quicksand and there where ropes in both of his hands. Each rope pulled at him as if he were just another part of the rope while the two sides played tug of war. Robin had to choose a side to bring him to the surface. He'd have to stay on which ever side he chose forever. No matter what he had to decide quickly. He was sinking in the sand fast. Lately, no matter the rope he chooses it pulls him into another pool of quicksand and it starts all over again. He was so tired of choosing.
"I hate this." Robin painfully chokes out. He looks up at John. If he's going to make a decision he has to look at him in the eye. "John I, I'm so sorry. I can't. I can't do what you're asking me."
"Don't stress yourself over it Robin. We'll make the choice easy for you. Goodbye my friend." John pats him on the shoulder twice before taking his exit. The rest of the band slowly follow, each of them touching him on the way out.
Something breaks in Robin.
He doesn't know if it can ever be healed.
23 hours and 7 minutes until video release
"Good morning everyone." Dr. Rivera strolls into the room with a bright smile. It was the complete opposite of her daughter's mood. Nothing seemed to get her out of this hollow daze she's in. Regina is physically with them, but her mind is galaxies away. She stopped eating and she can't remember the last time she slept. She's gotten so thin so quickly she is worried that when Regina is made to walk she won't be able to hold her own weight. It's safe to say Cora is worried. "How is our patient. How are you feeling today Regina?"
They all look to Regina in hopes that she will speak, but they only get a deep sigh in response. At least she made eye contact with the doctor. At least she is aware of them speaking to her.
Dr. Rivera checks Regina's chart and monitors. "Your vital signs are in a healthy place. However your heart rate is a little lower than we like. How about we take a walk around the hallway to get the blood pumping?"
Once again Regina doesn't verbally respond. She frowns.
The doctor puts down her clipboard and to maneuver Regina into a standing position. Henry right by her side to help Regina once she's on her feet. It takes a moment but the eventually get Regina standing. Cora found it hard to look at her daughter now that she was upright. All of her physical changes were so very visible. Cora waits until her husband and daughter leave the room for their walk before speaking again. She stops the doctor before se he can follow the two out of the door.
"When do you think Regina will be well enough to fly? I want to get her to a hospital closer to home." Cora addresses Dr. Rivera. "It isn't that I don't trust you."
"Cora, I completely understand. No one enjoys living out if a suitcase while their daughter is in the hospital." Dr. Rivera assures her. "Yes, Regina is well enough to fly. We simply have to sign the papers that will temporarily release Regina back into your custody for the duration on the flight then to your hospital at home."
She surprised to say the least at the doctor's response. With the way Regina was looking, she thought for sure they'd be stuck here for another week at least. But for her daughter to be released into her medical custody? That could not be right. She wasn't qualified to treat her daughter. Dr. Rivera had to know this. "Why release her to me and not the other hospital?"
"If I remember correctly, you are a qualified practitioner of medicine yes?"
"Yes, I am a doctor." Cora nods. She takes a seat on Regina's now empty bed. "We both are, Henry and I. But I specialize in the brain not the heart. Henry is in family medicine."
"That's great!" The doctor smiles and makes a note on her clipboard. "All we need is a doctor on board the plane and Regina as two. All you have to do monitor her." She sits opposite Cora in the guest chair. "I can see you worrying ready. Try not to stress. It isn't good for either of you. Regina is recovering nicely. We simply want to keep an eye on her recovery process a little longer."
Dr. Rivera seems so very optimistic about Regina's health. Cora isn't completely convinced. She frowns, but keeps her mouth shut. They've been through this all before. Regina nearly died the last time she was in the hospital like this. She can't go through that again.
"Cora it's going to be fine. Regina is very strong. There's no need to worry. It'll take a few hours to get everything in order, so I'll get those transfer papers started for you." With that the doctor leaves the room.
Cora takes a moment to gather herself. She bern told a number of times that it's best for Regina not to be so stressed around her. She has to be strong for her children. They would see this through. Cora takes one last deep breath and ventures out into the hallway to catch up with her husband and daughter.
22 hours and 45mins until video release
"Granny. Mother just called." Zelena shouts from the kitchen out into the diner where her grandmother and Ruby were.
"Is everything okay?" Granny asks as she rushes into the kitchen. Ruby following right behind her. She wiped her hands on her apron and looked expectantly toward her. Everyone in the kitchen also stops to hear what she has to say. They've all become so invested in Regina's recovery. They are an extended part the family.
"Yeah. Yeah." Zelena eases Granny's worry. "They are releasing Regina from the hospital tonight."
"Already? That's good right?" Ruby gasps.
"Well, not released." She corrects herself. "She's being transferred to our hospital back home. The doctor doesn't think she'll be there long though. Mother wants me to go to the house and pack all of our things."
"I'll take care for the diner." Anita speaks before Granny can respond. She likely knew her mother would close up shop immediately and send everyone home.
From the look on Granny's face, that is exactly what she was planning to do. "Are you sure you can handle it all by yourself?"
"Eugenia. I've been doing this since I was 19. I can handle myself. Besides, I have Belle and Franklin to help out." Anita steps around the counter and squeezes both of Granny's arms in support. "Everything will be fine. Take the girls home. Keep us in the loop."
"We will. Thank you Tia." Zelena gives Anita a hug before going to the back room to gather her things. Ruby is right behind her. It was time to bring her sister home.
17 hours and 30mins until video release
After Robin chose the baby over his friends he could not get rid of Marion. She wouldn't stop talking about how wonderful it was that he chose her over his family, that it shows his dedication to his new family. They never did finish the song. Ezekiel decided they show all reconvene another time, if they'd even have a band to make an album for that is. That really messed him up to hear. Robin knew that posting the truth about Regina being Robin would likely end any chance he had at the movie deal and becoming taken seriously.
Even Nottingham had the decency to at least visit Regina in the hospital today. He got a private message talking about how messed up the situation is. Robin wants nothing more than to be there with her, but he's been stuck with frickin' Marion all damn day. It's just after 5pm, visiting hours would be over soon. He wants to tell her face to face how sorry he is.
"Where are the doctor's note that confirms your pregnancy? I want to see it." Robin finally asks the question burning at the tip of his tongue for the better part the day. They just walked out of the fifth baby store they visited today and now she was dragging him to some restaurant. Robin knows it isn't the best place to ask this or even have this conversation. The place is well packed and seeing that Marion apparently wants the entire world to know where and what they are doing, there will be plenty of eyes on them. Bur this couldn't wait. He couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Doctor's note? You're so British." Marion doesn't even look up from her phone. She been on that goddamn thing all day. Posting on Instagram, Twitter, Tic Toc, any platform that would listen. She told the world she was pregnant and that they were happily engaged. She forced him to take pictures ring shopping. He has no intention of buying her a ring or anything for the matter.
It's upsetting how frustratingly easy it is for her to redirect a conversation in to something she preferred. He isn't letting her off the hook that easy. He wants, needs answers. "It's not.. Marion how do you know you're actually pregnant? Where are the test results?"
"Why? You don't believe me?" She looks at him hurt.
Heavens! It's like anything he says sets her off. "It's.. it's not that. Marion those stick things aren't always accurate. It might be a mistake."
"Our baby is not a mistake!" Marion harshly whispers at him.
"Yes, it was!" Robin yells back in frustration. He has to immediately lower his voice too aware that they were not in private. Damn Marion and her need to constantly be in the spotlight. "Yes it was. Marion, we did not plan this. We can not delude ourselves and act as if this is the best thing that's happened to us. We broke up yesterday."
Marion isn't able to say what she wants to say. Their server chose that moment to come and guide them to their table. Their table is more or less in the middle of the restaurant. Robin hates to think it, but he's sure Marion has something to do with it.
"Yeah, but I thought that was all on the past."
"It's not. You have no remorse for anything you did to Regina. Don't care about how it makes me feel. I lost my friend. She's in the hospital because of us!"
"Robin, honey I already told you that wasn't on us."
"Yes it was! Can't you see? I keep lose people I love because of you. I lost my friends today because of you. You don't even care!" Robin was in tears now. He couldn't control them. He was so angry at her. At himself. At the horrible situations he keeps finding himself in. He needs a break from this. From her.
"Of course I am grateful you chose me over them. I told you they were no good. I'm glad you finally listened to me."
"Marion shut the hell up." Robin snaps.
Oh great. Now he's made her cry. They don't have time for this. He can't do deal with any of this, not in public. Goodness. Why is he always the bad guy. She's pregnant for Christ sake. He can't yell at her. No mater what she says or does. It isn't appropriate. Robin sighs deeply.
She speaks before he can. "Robin, you were the one who called me and said the break up was a mistake. You wanted to make it up by letting me be on the album. Did you not?"
He hangs his head. "I did."
"And did you not mean it?" She was looking for something in his eyes. Robin for the life of him could not figure out what.
"I didn't." He admits. He at least has the decency to look her in the eye when he says this. Truth is je doesn't want her in his life. Baby or no baby, he doesn't like her enough to pretend its love. He won't do that to either of them.
Its like a switch is flipped. "Then why did you drag me around nursery stores and jewelry shops if you had no intention of us being together? Why Robin!?"
Robin hesitates. He cannot and will never tell her the real reason he contacted he again. But he couldn't for the life of him think of a valid response. "It was an error in judgment." He says before he can think better of it. He doesn't take it back. That is more or less the truth. He had always planned to Re-break up with her. Things just didn't go according to plan when Marion shocked him with her pregnancy.
It took Robin embarrassing long to realize he was not willing to be in a romantic relationship with Marion for the sake of their child. All it took was spending an entire day with the women. She took joy in
"What are you saying to me right now?" Marion raises her voice.
"I'm saying I'm done. For good." He lays his hands flat the table and speaks calmly in a low volume. He's mindful of the onlookers around them and how anything he can set her off. This was delicate conversation, but he has to be frank. "I'm done listening to you celebrate and romanticize about my significant losses. We don't relate. You could care less about any of the things I hold dear." Robin sighs and wills himself to calm down before he goes on a rant. "I think we should do this parenting thing separately. It never worked for us. It never will. And to be honest, I don't want it to anymore."
"Do you love me? Have you ever loved me?" Marion says with a face full of emotions masked behind stoic wall.
"No."
She holds back a growl. "Are you in love with her?"
"Yes." He answers honestly. He is taken aback when Marion slams her fist on the table and let's out a frustrated scream. Well, this is not how any sane person responds. Robin wants to give her the benefit of the doubt and say her pregnancy hormones are screwing with her emotions but he's not sure that is the case. Who is he kidding he's been playing ping pong with both of their emotions since right Regina came into their lives. Is it not best to just end it now. They haven't been working for a really long time and they cannot blame on Regina. He knows how touchy the topic of Roni or Regina is for Marion. She always bee a jealous person and for once she was correct go worry. Robin just can't bring himself to want to try with her anymore. It's not worth his sanity.
"I knew it!" She slams her hands on the table again, gathering the attention of nearby tables. Some of them already had their phones pointed in their direction. This will not end well.
Marion leans away from their table and taps the gentleman sitting at the table next to them. "Excuse me sir, but is that your wife?" She points to the woman sitting across from him.
"Yes. This is my wife Lynn. We've been married for over 30 years." The man responds with a smile.
"That's lovely." Marion uses that voice when she care less about what some has said. The sweet couple however, can't tell the difference. "Can I ask? Would you ever tell your wife of 30 plus years that you loved her if you didn't?"
The man is naturally confused by the question. Yet he gives a smile with his response. "No never. I love my wife too much to lie to her about something like that."
"How sweet. That's what I thought."
"Alright. You made your point." Robin rubs his face. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have that to you."
She raises a challenging eyebrow him. "How about we get some more options. Hmm?" Marion stands from the table. "Excuses me! Excuses me! Can I have your attention?" She yells to the restaurant demanding their attention.
"Marion sit down please." Robin urges her to return to her seat. He stage whispers in hopes not draw anymore attention to them. It is a fruitless effort. She managed to get the attention of even the chefs and waiters from the kitchen. "Lets talk this through in private."
She ignores him.
"I would like to introduce my boyfriend of two years, Robin Hood. You my know him. He's kind of a big deal." She begins. Her audience chuckles. "Some of you may have heard of our recent engagement."
The room claps for them. She takes a moment to bask in the applause. Robin does not. He has no idea where she is going with this and he really like it if she'd stop. This is embarrassing.
"I know. It's sweet, right? Or at least it would be if my fiancé hadn't just revealed to me that he is in love with the girl he told be not to worry about."
There is the expected gasp that comes after. It's accompanied by the disappointed chatter. She's doing this on purpose. Is this supposed press him in to marring her? It's not working. He can't stand her.
"Marion. Please stop." Robin tries louder this time.
"Does that seem fair to you?" Marion continues. "I mean, I've been there for everything. Your award ceremonies, your crazy stalker girl, the bull shit with your friends. What more do I have to do to be worthy of you love?"
She is making him out to be the bad guy. Robin remembers Marion forcing her way to his side at every event since they met. She wasn't invited and it definitely wasn't a chore. He be blind not to notice the way her following always went up when they made big appearances like that. Marion most certainly did not help with the 'stalker girl' situation. She fucking caused it! She is the reason why Regina is in the hospital, the reason why he can't see her. She is the reason why he had to say goodbye to his family. This sob story she is projecting does not exist! Why would he want to be with her? He is only even staying in contact because of the baby.
"Not even the best interests of our child could keep him interested. Wow Robin! Look at the honorable man you turned out to be. I see now nothing would make you stay. Even if I actually were pregnant! I mean, what does it take to-" Marion freezes when her own words sink in. Panic spreads across her face. She tries to eat her words, but it was too late to take back what everyone has already heard. "That's not… That came out wrong. Robin." She turns to him.
Robin pushes himself from his seat and stands. His mind is still fully processing what he's just heard. Even if I actually were pregnant. He thinks he might have missed it or thought nothing of it if she had not reacted the way she did. Her face turned beet red as if she'd been found out. Maybe she was. A very, very miniscule part of him was saddened at the realization that he would not be a father, but only a very small part. That feeling is overwhelmed by the immense feeling of relief that pours from him. There is no baby.
There's no baby.
Ha!
"Robin!"
He hears her calling him. He swears he does. He just can't bring himself care about anything she says. The only thing keeping him tethered to her is gone. There is absolutely no reason why they have to stay in each other's lives. No false engagement. No unplanned child. No more Marion. None of it. He's officially free. This time he can say he is truly glad she is a crazy-ass liar.
Marion reaches with both hands for his arm or face. Robin can't quite tell. Either way he doesn't care. He grabs her arms and stops her before she can come any closer to him.
"Robbie poo."
"No." He states firmly. Next thing Robin knows is that he's laughing. He doesn't know what brought it on. He can't get a control on it. It scares him a bit. "Sorry."
Wait.
Why is he apologizing? She was the one who tried to trapped him in a loveless marriage with a nonexistent child. He couldn't even properly tell her off he was laughing so hard. His parents raised him better than that. But he couldn't help it. He is so relieved.
It takes him another couple of minutes to calm down. He clears his throat when he feels strong enough to speak. "Stay the fuck away from me Marion. I mean it." He stares at her for a moment longer to be sure he's really been heard. When he feels safe enough he drops her arms and leaves the restaurant. He does not address the audience they had accumulated or even pays for the bill. Let Marion handle all that. It's her mess. Robin climbs straight into his car and drives to an empty lot far enough away from the scene that people won't be tempted to talk to him. He is finally going to record the redaction video for Regina. It's the last the he needs to do before he sees her. He wants to have done everything they've asked of him when he shows up at the hospital. He wanted to have it done and to them by now, but Marion took too much of his time. Robin won't have to worry about that ever again.
Robin sets up his phone on his dashboard and hits record.
"Hello everyone. I am Robin Locksley and I am here to come clean about everything. Regina Mills is Verónica Sanchez. And yes, I always knew."
Wow! Crazy chapter, I know. Kinda a roller-coaster of emotions. I hope it was good and you enjoyed it. Let me know your thoughts!
S'D