Chapter 22

16 hours forty-five minutes until video release

Robin hits the record button on his phone. "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." Robin takes a deep breath to steady himself and organize his thoughts. He doesn't really have a plan. All he knew was that he wanted to come clean. The world needs to know the beautiful human that is Regina Mills.

"Sorry. My brain is a little rattled right now. I didn't really give myself the time to come up with a comprehensive thought, so I'll just wing it." He strips from his jacket and runs a hand through his hair. He is hoping to make the video short and to the point. "Regina and I met the night of Marion's birthday party. The next day Verónica Sanchez was born. Or at least the one that you all know and love.

Verónica existed to Regina for a long time. Because of circumstances, she wasn't able to live as freely as most teens. Her and her family wouldn't be California for long do I encouraged her to live life as Roni. I wanted her to see that there is more to life than just Spanish Netflix and the four walls of her home. Regina wanted to publicly document the fun she was having like we all do, but didn't want her family knowing what she was up to, thus the second account. The Roni account.

That's how we introduced her to my friends and anyone outside of her family's life. Everyone knew her as Roni. We've all seen her face, but I suggested she keep it off the account if she were worried someone from her family or hometown would recognize her.

Looking back at it now, it's my fault her account got so much attention. I should have never interacted with the account. At least then she might have stood a chance. I can't change the past, but I can try to guide the future. That's why I'm telling you all this now."

Robin takes a glance at his phone to see how much time he's already taken. He needs to hurry this along. They'll bore of him for sure. It the one thing he like about interviewers. They guide the conversation where it needs the go, the tempo, and when to switch to a new topic. He could use a bit of their expertise.

"Regina was the unidentifiable girl in all of our photos and videos for the past of couple weeks. Everyone wanted to figure out the mystery. Well, mystery solved. We all tried our best to avoid the paparazzi the best we could, until we couldn't. We were having a private conversation on that beach. Regina and I don't have the perfect friendship. We aren't perfect. Well, she is. I'm just trying to be a fraction of the amazing person she is." Robin smiles at the emptiness of his car. He can't help it when he thinks of her. She makes him warm all over and gives him goosebumps at the same time. She is force to be reckon with and he'll be damn sure the world knows it.

His smile fades into a much more somber expression when he thinks about what happened next. "I ruined everything. I tried to push her away to save her from this type of lifestyle. But I hadn't realized she'd already become a fixture in all of our lives." Robin takes a breath. It's getting harder to continue. "My girlfriend at the time, Marion Taylor," Robin couldn't stop the growl from rumbling in his chest or keep the distain from his face. Maybe it was too soon to be publicly talking about Marion after what just experienced. He's too numb to her to feel hatred. She put him through literal hell. He is just glad to finally be rid of her. "stole the Roni account from Regina. I found out she is the one who call the paparazzi on Regina and I at the beach, which started all this mess. I thought I was being careful only to find out she was leaking information to the press this entire time. Mind you, I was supposed to keep a remotely low profile so that I could get this major deal that she knew about. She knew how important is was that I get it.

She is also the person who called the press to wait with their cameras outside of my house that night everything seem to blow up. I had every intention to disobey my management and Go- my deal employer and see her that night." Robin quickly amends. It might be best not to name Gold. Loose the deal or not, he does not want him as an enemy.

"I planned to warn her. I wanted to tell her that everything that I would say to Cruella was a lie. That didn't mean a word. I wanted to apologize for, for everything. I never got that chance. Marion and the paparazzi were waiting for me when I opened the door. Damn it I'm not trying to eradicate myself of fault. I was, am a monster. I ruined her life.

I just need the world to know that the girl who's life you helped destroy on my behalf is the nicest, most kind, beautiful human you will ever have the pleasure of crossing. She does not deserve your hate. I do. I'm the one who lied. Girlfriend, management, and life changing deal aside, I made the decision to follow through with their fabricated story. I chose my career, my fame, everything over Regina. I will never forget the look on her face when I acted as if I didn't know her." A sob escapes. He covers his mouth in an attempt to conceal it. "Something broke in her. Something broke in me."

Robin could no longer control his sobs. They came on quick and without any warning. Try as he might, he could not stop crying. He felt so bad. It is all just too much. Everything got out of control so quickly. More than anything, Robin missed her. He missed Regina.

He misses the person he became around her. The person he was inspired to be around her.

She made all the craziness of him life seem calm. She reminded him to take a step back and enjoy the world around him.

He took her out to show her what it is like to be free and have fun, but it was Regina who showed him what it truly means to be free.

Robin wipes away his tears. He tries to bring himself to look somewhat presentable again. "Zelena, could please cut all that out. No one needs to see my sorry arse crying and making a mess of my car. This supposed to be about Regina."

Robin address the camera once again. "I just hate that it took me too long to realize she is not a price I am willing to pay. I will give it all away if it means a smile could rest on the beautiful face of yours. I'll do anything to make you happy Regina. You deserve the world and more." He's crying again. Why is it so hard to keep his composure? He hopes he's said enough. He doesn't feel like he has. There is so much more he wants to say. So much he wants to apologize for. Robin can't bring himself to form another sentence. Every time he tries he ends up crying more.

Regina could have died because of him.

It haunts him to think about.

He caused her mental breakdown that led her to walking in front of a car that night. He would never forgive himself for that. Never.

But Robin needs Regina to know that he never meant for any of this to happen. He has to tells her that she is far from ordinary. She is the most amazing person. She has to know that.

She has to.

Robin realizes he's still recording and quickly ends the video. 4 minutes and 17 seconds. All that crying made the video long. He hopes Zelena won't be too mad.

Robin.of.locksley: sent a video

Robin.of.locksley: password: ImSorryGina

Robin.of.locksley: the caps are included in the password.

He waits.

Zelena (seen just now)

Zelena typing…

Then nothing.

He waits, but she doesn't begin typing again.

Robin.of.locksley: I'm on my way. I'm not far. Please let me talk to her.

Zelena (seen just now)

Nothing.

She doesn't type she doesn't do anything else. He's left with nothing. Robin tosses his phone into his passenger seat and starts his car. Zelena at the very least knows he's on his way. It won't be a surprise. He sent her his video and the password for the Roni account. He did what he said he'd do. Now all he has to do is see Regina and talk to her. This has to be done in person too much gets lost in translation. He has to be the one to tell. It won't mean the same coming from anyone else. He was the won who messed up. He will be the one to apologize.

Robin is five minutes on the road when his phone rings. He instinctually hopes its Zelena, but quickly reminds himself that she never had his cell phone number in the first place. However, a lot has happened in the past 24 hours the call could be important. Robin switches on his car Bluetooth and answers the call.

"Hello?"

The voice comes through the car's speaker. "Robin it's Keith."

Robin glances at the caller ID. Sure enough. He is on the phone with Nottingham. He forgot he'd given his number to him. Stranger things have happened, though it does not explain anything. Why on earth was Nottingham calling him?

"Hey mate. What's going on?"

"I just finished talking to John and the rest of your band of merry men and woman. They are really mad at you mate."

Robin sighs. He could tell by his voice, Keith isn't being facetious. He genuinely sounds concerned. It's crazy how their relationship changed so drastically since both of them met Regina. Robin likes to think it has changed for the better.

"I figured they were too mad to tell you this. But I thought you should know. I saw the way you were when she went missing for days. I was there. I know no matter what, you still care." He was speaking quickly, but there is a twinge of urgency in his voice that made Rob pay attention. "Regina is being released from the hospital tonight." Nottingham discloses.

"What do you mean? Does that mean she is better? Should I go to her grandmother's house instead?" He is already changing lanes preparing for a turn.

"No." Nottingham's voice takes a more desperate tone. "She is being transferred from Orange Valley General Hospital to a hospital on the east coast closer to where she lives. Bloomsdale Community Hospital I believe."

Robin nearly stops the car. "What!? No! I need to see her. I didn't get.. I need to…" He can't form the words. She can't leave. Not like this. She can't.

"If you hurry you might be able to catch them before they leave. They might still be there."

Robin doesn't say goodbye or even thanks for the information. He hangs up the phone and puts his car in full speed. He will not let that moment on his porch be his last memory with Regina Mills.

16 hours and 30mins until video release

Regina sat in her bed as nurses rush around her prepping her for transportation. She doesn't know why everyone seems so frazzled. She feels fine, physically at least. They even let her out of the horrible hospital gown and gave her, her own clothes to put on. Maybe it was just for the flight? Either way she doesn't hurt as much as she did before. Then again that could also be all the pain killers they put her on. She even thinks she overheard her doctor say it might be best to give her a sedative for the flight. They'd knock her out and she'd wake up in a Storybrooke hospital. She'll end up leaving without saying goodbye to Robin.

Yeah. Yeah. She knows she should be mad at him, but with everything that's going on all she wants to do is see him one last time. Regina is aware that Robin sees her as just a normal girl, but maybe, just maybe she'd get to see him one last time. He'll smile at her the way he does and for an instant, makes her feel as is she hung the sun, moon, and stars herself. He makes her feel seen. Feel beautiful. She will give anything to feel like that again. Even if it's only for a fraction of time.

She keeps looking at the door hoping, waiting to see if the next person to walk through them is him. She knows she shouldn't get her hopes up. She knows she'll only be left disappointed. She knows he is trapped on a tight, short leash between his parents, Gold, and the paparazzi. But a part of her imagines that he's broken the confines of his home and is on his way to see her. She can feel it in her bones. She can't explain it. She just knows.

Anything can happen. Just earlier today Keith Nottingham stopped by to pay her a visit. Zelena must have messaged and told him where she was and what the band are planning to do. They were not actually able to see each other. The doctors where running some last test before her transfer. Keith told her through a note brought by a nurse, that he came in with his own video claiming he wanted to help too. Regina didn't know what to do with that so sent him to her sister. It was her Idea after all. It was sweet for him to want to help her. He, however, isn't the person she wants to see right now.

A nurse finishes up the last of whatever hell the she was working on. She is on the verge of leaving the room when she pauses at the door. "Your parents will be back soon. Just hang in there."

Regina blinks at the woman. She is like the third person to say something like that to her. Her parents were encouraged to go back to Granny's and take a few hours to prepare themselves for the trip. In other words, the doctor told her parents they smell and need to go home and bathe. The plan is to, when it's time, have Mother ride with her to the hospital in the ambulance. Because only so many of them can be in an ambulance, Daddy and Zelena will ride behind them with Granny and Ruby. They would all be escorted by two police cars as to not be separated. It all feels like a bit much to Regina. She isn't in immediate danger health wise. Her heart has been steady for the past couple days now that she is back on her medication. All she really has are a couple broken ribs. Regina suspects it has something to do with her name being in the media recently. Everyone is worried about the press intervening in some way. From what Zelena told her, a few of them have been camping outside of the hospital since she arrived.

Regina notices that the nurse is still standing in the door waiting for some kind of response from her. She smiles at the nurse hoping it's enough to get her to leave. It is.

Regina takes a deep breath the moment she is finally in the room by herself. It has been a crazy spring break for sure. One she will never forget. She hates how things ended between her and Robin. She was getting so close to meeting Robin Locksley, but everyone around him put so much pressure on him to be Robin Hood there was no room for Locksley to exist without major sacrifice. She hopes that one day, for the sake of Robin, Locksley gets a chance to be front and center. He should not be forced to be anyone other than who he wants to be.

Doctor Rivera strolls into the room with a clip board and large smile on her face. Well, there goes her moment of peace. People have been in and out of her room since her parents left.

"I am here for two things." The doctor states. "One: to give you your daily medication." She hands Regina a small cup with the pills she's been talking for the part few years, along side a new one.

Regina reluctantly takes the pills. She's noticed that there is always someone watching her now, to be sure she actually takes her medicine. "And the other thing?" Regina almost hates to ask. She really would prefer no more test.

"There's someone here to see you."

Regina looks up at that. Someone is here to see her? Who? Dr. Rivera wouldn't announce the arrival of her family like this. And she said 'someone'. One. Singular.

Who?

No. It couldn't be…

Could it?

Could it possibly be Robin here to visit her in the hospital? Could he be here to see her one last time before she leaves across country? Could it be? She doesn't want to hope but she does. She can't help it. As painful as it was the last time they were together, Regina truly wants nothing more than to see Robin again. Even if its only one last time. Damn it! Tell her who it is already!

"Who is it?" Regina's voice is low and breathy due to its lack of use.

"Well, he says he's a friend. I sure hope he is. Visiting hours just ended and I'm breaking the rules a bit letting him back here." The doctor chuckles. "I think he's one of those famous kids. He's in a band or something. I've never heard of him, but he had the nurses in a frenzy. However, I felt that you could use a little cheering up."

"Who..?" Regina attempts the ask again. She looks to the door in anticipation. It's him. She knows it. She knew he was on his way to her. She could feel it.

Robin is here. He is right outside the door.

"I can send him away if you'd prefer."

"No!" She jumps. Regina clears, slightly embarrassed by her outburst. She clears her throat and says it again, softer this time. "No. Let him in."

Doctor Rivera doesn't make her wait any longer. Regina can't say she isn't surprised by who walks through the door.

"Keith!"

She hopes she doesn't look disappointed to see him. She's sure she doesn't. She's sure her surprise covers up any disappointment on her features, because she is surprised to see him.

"What.. what are you doing here?" She asks.

"I'll give you some time to chat." The doctor states. "I'll be back shortly to escort you to the ambulance when your family arrives."

Regina nods, but her attention is locked on the other teen in the room.

"Can I hug you?" Keith asks once the doctor is gone. She nods in the positive. Regina has to admit that she is quite pleased that he came to see her. They'd become friends during her stay here. She hopes they will stay friends when her family eventually move. "So. It turns out you told me the truth from the beginning. I'm the one who made things confusing. Sorry."

Regina waves him off. "No worries. I loved being Roni."

"I am really sorry all this happened to you. Please don't hate me. I also benefited from Robin's lie. But know he is also really sorry."

"Then why isn't he here?" She couldn't stop the question before it popped out of her mouth. And she did not mean to sound as bitter as she does. She really wanted him here. If. Robin Hood is so sorry, why doesn't he come and tell her that to her face. She is so tired of people telling her how sorry he is. Screw paparazzi!

"He wants to be!" Keith quick replies. "I just got off the phone with him. I assume he's on his way over here, but our call was interrupted before I could find out for sure. I believe I simply beat him here."

Regina stares at him hard. Is he telling the truth? Is Robin really on his way? She thought he was here before and was wrong. Why is now any different? Kieth doesn't seem as if he's lying. He really doesn't. Does that mean Robin is on his way? He could already be here, but because of visiting hours he's stuck down stairs. Could it be true? Should she dare hope?

"Look I may not always like Robin, but because of you I have grown to respect the hell out of him." He starts. "I wouldn't lie about this."

"Okay pretty boy, times up." Dr. Rivera announces at the door. "That's all the extra time I can give you. Regina here has a flight to catch."

"Of course." Keith nods. He whispers in her ear when leans in for a hug. "Wait for him. Please." He lets go and meets the doctor at the door.

Robin is on his way.

He's on his way to see her.

It the best she's felt since arriving in the hospital. There is this bubbling festering in the bottom of her stomach. Her head was lighter than it's ever been. Its intoxicating. She doesn't think it's healthy to feel this giddy. Maybe there was something in those pills she took. Her heart is beating so fast, but in a good way. Why does he have this effect on her? She he wants to be mad. She wants to be anything other than what she's feeling, but she has to admit she is excited.

She laughs to herself. How ridiculous she must look smiling so hard at absolutely nothing. Oh boy! If someone were to walk past her room, surly she'll be committed. Regina doesn't even care.

"Regina your mother is here. It's time to give you a sedative and begin your transfer." The doctor walks in accompanied by her mother and a nurse who is holding tray with a needle on it.

Regina eyes the tray warily. It not the needle she is afraid of. She's afraid that if they put her to sleep she'll miss her chance to see Robin. She could not let that happen. There is no way in hell she was going to let that happen.

"Wait." Regina pauses the nurse's actions before she could inject the sedative. "I decided I don't want the sedative. I don't want to be asleep."

"Regina are you sure?" Dr. Rivera frowns. "Being seated like that for 8 hours will irritate your injuries."

"I'm on a lot of pain meds doc. It'll be fine."

"True. However they will wear off before you land. Are you positive this is what you want?"

"Yes. I can handle it." Regina wasn't actually sure she could handle it. She hasn't been off of her pain medication since she's arrived. Though she remembers vividly how excruciating the pain was when she was hit and first woke up in the hospital. She was not looking forward to that feeling. But she really needs to see Robin. "Could we… could we wait a bit longer before the transfer? I can I get like, thirty more minutes?"

"Mija we don't have thirty minutes." Mother comes around to the other side of her bed. She combs her fingers through her hair in the way that she used to when she was younger. "The plane is scheduled to leave in an hour and a half. They will not wait for us if we are late."

"Please."

It was a weak attempt to by her some more time. But it was all she had left. Mother locks eyes with the doctor. They converse in silence.

Please.

"Okay. We leave in another ten minutes." Her mother sighs. "I don't know what you need this extra time for, but I hope it helps whatever is going on in the beautiful mind of yours." Her mother places a kiss on the top of her head.

"Me too."

Come on Robin. Make it here. There's nothing more she can do. It's him to him now.

15 hours and 45mins until video release

Robin sprinted into the hospital. He heads straight to the receptionist desk. He's never had a need to stop here before. He's always snuck in the back or met Wale somewhere. That wasn't an option this time. No one thought to give him her actual room number. Well, me might have gotten it if he hadn't hung up on Nottingham. That was on him. He's paying for it now. Now he has to make a, hopefully short detour to the front desk. The nurse at the desk holds up a finger, indicating he wait for her to complete whatever she's doing. Robin bounces on the balls of his feet impatiently waiting for the nurse to acknowledge him.

"Ma'am please." Robin begs. He doesn't have the patience for this.

The nurse finally looks at him. "Yes? How may I be of assistance?"

"I'm looking for a room. Regina Mills. I'm a friend and this visit is long overdue."

"You're Robin Hood." The woman stares at him in astonishment.

No! God please no! He doesn't have time for this. "Yes, yes, it's Locksley actually. Regina Mills?" He encourages her to do her job.

"Oh. Right. Regina." The young woman frowns. "You just missed them. They are on their way to the airport now."

"Airport?" Robin repeated with alarm.

"Yes. She is being transferred to Bloomsdale Community Hospital in Maine." She reads.

Damn it!

"Damn it!" Robin slams his hands on the desk causing the people behind it to jump. He missed her. He would have gotten here sooner if he had not run into so much traffic. Damn LA traffic. He pushes himself away from the desk and paces. He wills himself not to cry. Not in front of these people. Not here. Maybe. Maybe he can still catch her. He can meet them at the airport. They only just left right? He could still make it to her.

Robin has never been more grateful to be who he is. Buying a plane ticket wouldn't be a problem. He has the money. All he needs to do is get on that plane.

He's on his way out the door when a thought stops him. Robin walks back to the receptionist. "Has their hospital bill been paid?"

The girl gives a look. "You know I'm not supposed to give out that kind of information." She smirks after a second. "But for you.. ok. No. It says they haven't taken care of the bill. In fact they have a substantial amount due to a couple of hospitals. Bless them."

"I'll pay it." He says without a second thought.

The receptionist nearly gives herself whiplash. "Excuses me. What? You'll pay their bill?"

"All of it. I'll pay for it all. It's not as if I can't afford it. And it's the least I can do." It really is. He remembers how Regina scolded him about how frivolous he is with money and how her parents were working themselves to the bone to afford medication. This is something he can give back to Regina. His gut is telling him he needs to do this.

The young woman stares at him for a long moment. Her features change into a softer, more down to earth reflection of the situation. "Wow. You are not the person they show you to be in the media. I like this image of you. You should let people see this side more often."

"You're very kind, Naomi." He says after glancing at her name tag.

"OK. Let's get this started Mr. Locksley." Naomi smiles at him.

A warmth spreads across his body hearing her say his name. It felt good to hear. Locksley. It feels right. It's like home. It's the same feeling he got when ever Regina would look at him during their little adventure at their private oasis. He felt seen.

15 hours and 25mins until video release

Regina hates to have gotten her hopes up. The ten minutes passed and Robin never showed up. She wants so bad to be angry at Keith, but she can't. He told her he wasn't positive Robin was coming. She should have known. She is more angry with herself than anything. Why would Robin rush to her bedside after everything that happened between them? This wasn't some kind of movie. This is life. There are no magical happy endings in life.

Regina knows her parents are worried for her. She retreated back into the safe place in her mind. Regina wishes she could bring them with her to let her know that she is really ok. But that's not possible. She can't be out there and in here at the same time. Funnily enough, the safe place in the back of her mind resembles the little oasis she and Robin found that day the sunk her Abuelo's car.

Robin was right about one thing. Once the paparazzi had you in their sites they didn't let go. There were a swarm of them waiting for them when the arrived at the airport. She thought the squad cars leading a trailing their little group was overkill, but it proved to be useful. They all wanted to catch a glimpse of the broken girl left behind in Robin's lies. Good luck. Her parents couldn't even reach her this far in her mind.

Regina watch the curious and confused faces of the other passengers as they passed by. Because of the paparazzi there was so much extra security. It is truly an odd sight. She can understand why some of them might feel uneasy. The extra security made it feel as if something was about to happen.

Nothing would.

Of course not. That's why extra security was here. To make sure of it.

Regina wants to message Robin and give him a piece of her mind. But her stupid sister won't give her her phone back. She confiscated when she was admitted into the hospital. Zelena says it's too much for her to handle right now and that she can have it make once things have cooled down. How long will it take for things to cool down? She been driving herself crazy not knowing what's going on. The only updates she ever got were from Zelena, if she deemed it important enough to relay. Man! She had games on her phone. She doesn't have to look at the media. It is a cruel place. But couldn't she at least get a book to read?

Gosh.

Regina stops herself from slouching in her seat. She doesn't want to irritate her ribs. She regrets not taking the sedative. Being here on this plane is driving her crazy. They haven't even taken off yet. They were still attracted to the airport for crying out loud!

Regina takes calming breaths to calm her racing mind. She was spiraling. Nothing good can come from spiraling. Instead she thinks of Granny and Ruby. She thinks about how in just a few months she would be living in the same state as her Grandmother again. She'd be able to visit her Abuelo's grave whenever she wanted. She, Zelena, and Ruby would all go to the same school. She'd get to see Mal more often.

She misses them already, she thinks. She saw Ruby and Granny just a couple of minutes ago when they saw them off, but she already misses them. She loves the comfort they bring her. It had been years since they last visited them. And now she is moving to be closer to them. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

She hopes her absence will make Robin's memories of her grow fonder. He hopes he remembers her. The good. Not all the craziness. Regina hopes that the world Robin lives in will allow him to remember her as just Regina. She doesn't mind being the small town girl. The normal girl. As long as he remembers the person who was with her on that mountain for that sunrise. Because she can never forget.

She will never forget the teen who talked about freedom and being comfortable in his own body. She saw the boy behind The Robin Hood the teen popstar. She saw him again at the lake. They shared a kiss at that lake. A couple if she remembers correctly. She was so sure that Robin would follow her on to the beach, but that's not how life, his life works.

Regina choose to remember that version of Robin few rarely see. That's how she will remember him.

15 hours and 20mins until video release

"When is the next flight to Storybrooke, Maine?" Robin rushes to the flight check in station. "I need to get on that flight."

"Actually to get to Storybrooke you have to fly to Bar Harbor and drive the rest if the way. And it looks like that flight has already boarded." The receptionist smiles sweetly at him.

"But they haven't departed yet, right?" Robin checked.

"Correct. It is ill advised to get you on that flight. Boarding closes in two minutes. You won't make it through security, let alone on the plane."

Robin takes the loss for what it is. If he can't be in the flight with her. He'll be on the one right after. "Fine. When is the next flight. Get me on that flight. Please." He remembers to add in the mist of his rambling and fumbling for his wallet.

"The next fly out isn't until tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m."

"Damn it!" Robin quickly paces before pivot pivoting and returning to the desk. "I'll take it."

Ha!

Sorry for likely another nerve-wracking chapter. I feel like the closer these to get to seeing one another, the more obstacles get thrown their way.

lol. I am the author. I guess I could put them out of their misery, but what's the fun in that?

I hope you've enjoyed the chapter all tye same! Let me know your thoughts. I love reading what you have to say!

S'D