Entering the guest room, I closed the door and locked it. Pulling out Henry's storybook, I sat on the bed and stared at it. Am I going to be able to read this and try to see it from Henry's point of view? Like this is what really happened. If it is true, could I still love Regina? I won't know until I start, right?

An hour later, I sat back and let everything sink in. I had never read the book in its entirety before. If this is true, she did rip me from my parents. She ripped everyone from their lives and brought them here. There has to be a reason why she did it though. No one would make a deal with the devil unless they were in pain and blinded by revenge. I want to know her side. I chuckled silently. Now I know why I never liked Gold. He's always been a creep.

Feeling tingles around my wrist, I noticed it was still bright red. It hadn't faded since the first spark. Laying down, I snuggled under the covers and turned off the bedside lamp. Could that really be true though? It's pretty far-fetched. But Regina is adamant that she's done something unspeakable. Groaning, I rubbed my temples. This is too much while I'm sick and it's late.

Looking around, I found myself in a barn. Hearing rustling, I looked up to see a younger Regina and a man. They wore something that would be seen in Henry's book. Jealousy clenched my chest seeing her kissing someone else.

"You could have at least left a note."

I tried to catch Regina as she was thrown back but she went right through me. What the hell is going on? Who is this?

"Mother-"

"Don't. You sneak out of my house in the middle of the night and don't think I wouldn't notice?"

"You're impossible to talk to. Stop with the magic and listen to me. I want to be with Daniel."

"You don't know what you want. But I do. I didn't make the sacrifices I did in life to get you to the cusp of greatness so you could end up the wife of a stable boy."

"It's my life!"

The older woman laughed. "Foolish girl. It's mine. After what I had to do. The deals I had to make to get us out of poverty. To get us this life and you just want to toss it away?"

Daniel whispered something into Regina's ear. I became more defensive by the second. I can't do anything to help her. Keep her safe. I hate this!

"Your magic can't keep us apart. I love him."

"And I love her." Daniel kept a hold on Regina's arm.

"I love her too."

"If you loved me, you wouldn't try to keep us apart." Regina pleaded with her mother. It broke my heart.

The more I watched, the more I understood why Regina must have closed herself off to loving someone. I don't trust her mother. She gives me the same bad vibes that Gold does. It didn't take long for my feeling to be validated.

Soon, Regina's mother shoved her hand into Daniel's chest and ripped his heart out. Running to his side, Regina tried to wake him. "No!"

"Love is weakness, Regina."

Xxx

Shooting up, I panted for air. What the hell was that? She killed him. How could her mother kill someone she loved? Just, just for power. Is that what started Regina down a dark path? My heart pounded. That dream felt so real. Rubbing my face, I tried to gather myself.

"Emma?" A light knock. "Are you okay?"

Oh, God. She can't see me like this. "Y-yeah. I-I'm," I cleared my throat. "I'm fine." I can feel her smirk through the door. "I'll be down in a few."

Slipping into a hoodie, I washed my face before making my way downstairs. How am I supposed to look Regina in the eyes after that dream? I don't know if that really happened or if it was all a fever dream. Either way, it's got me all sorts of messed up.

Henry saw me before I walked into the living room. "You look terrible…"

"Henry!" Regina warned, trying to stiffen a laugh. Her face fell into worry when she saw me. "You do look unwell. How are you feeling?"

"Not too great. I didn't sleep well." Plopping down on the couch, I leaned my head back.

"Let me get you some coffee." Too exhausted to speak, I gave Regina a thumbs up. "Here, drink this and take these."

Sitting up, I took the offered coffee and medication. "Thank you." Sipping the steamy liquid, I relaxed into the couch. "How are you feeling today?"

"You're welcome. A little better. My fever broke sometime early this morning."

"That's good. How about you, Kiddo?"

"Still have a fever. It's lower though. I still cough and feel pretty tired. Mom said I'm heading in the right direction though."

"That's good." Yawning, I felt my forehead. "Pretty sure I have a fever now."

"Let me check." Regina placed the inside of her wrist to my forehead. "You definitely feel warm." Pulling a thermometer out of her housecoat pocket, the older woman gave it to me once it was ready.

Placing it under my tongue, I waited. Three beeps later, I had a 102 degree fever. Handing the thermometer back, I decided to have a little fun. "Yup, I'm hot stuff." Henry burst into a fit of laughter while Regina scoffed. She wants to laugh so bad right now. I can see it. "Come on. I'm sick. Laugh at my corny joke."

Rolling her eyes, Regina replied in a very mayoral tone. "While that is clearly true," she motioned towards the thermometer, "it's my turn to repay the favor. Is there anything I can get you?"

"No. I'm good. Thanks though." Leaning my head back, I curled into a ball. I gotta shower soon but I don't feel like it. It's too much work. Feeling my phone vibrate, I pulled it out to see a message from Regina.

What was that dream about this morning? It clearly wasn't a good one. I felt all the pain and fear it caused. -R

Biting my lip, I debated answering fully. What if that was real? If I bring it up, that would probably break Regina's heart hearing about it again. I paused, glancing at the red string around my wrist. Why am I suddenly okay with the idea that Henry's book could be real?

I don't really know. It's a little confusing. -E

Anything you need to talk through? -R

Not right now. Maybe later tonight. -E

Alright. -R

It took me nearly two hours to work up a slight motivation to shower. Entering the kitchen, I leaned against the counter. "Are there extra towels in the bathroom upstairs?"

"Yes, and extra toiletries under the counter in case you don't want to use Henry's."

"Okay. I'm going to shower in a few minutes. Hopefully the hot water will help my muscles and the steam will help clear my sinuses." Sinking down, I placed my cheek on the cool granet.

"Are you alright?"

Nodding, I yawned. "I know once I'm in the shower it'll be nice. But the amount of energy it takes to wash and condition all of this," I ruffled my hair. "Is a lot."

A soft chuckle escaped the older woman. "I remember. I had long hair once. It took a lot of work to take care of." She's beautiful now but I bet she looks amazing with long, flowing locks. Regina's brow creased. "What's that look?"

Realizing I hadn't responded, just stared at her, I started to panic. "Oh, uh, nothing. Be back down in a bit." I nearly sprinted up the stairs and into my room.

I'm getting too comfortable around Regina. It feels like we're together just without the romantic stuff. I swallowed hard trying not to dwell on that idea too long. If she wants to have a romantic relationship, she'll have to end things with Graham first. I groaned. Graham. My boss. Shit.

Gathering my clothes, I went into the bathroom and started the shower. As the water warmed, I stripped down and retrieved the extra toiletries. Stepping into the shower, I let the hot water run over my achy muscles. This feels nice.

Thirty minutes later, I came out of the shower feeling drained but better. Everything is washed and I don't have to worry about it for a couple days. Wrapping my hair in a towel, I moisturized and got dressed. Once I was done, I tossed my dirty clothes into the pile I had created in my room.

Coming down the stairs, I patted my hair with the towel. I don't have the energy to blow dry it. This will be fine. Entering the living room, I saw Henry sound asleep in the chair. Tucking the cover under his chin, I made my way towards the kitchen.

Noticing the office door closed, I went to knock but heard Regina's voice first. "This isn't working anymore. We want different things." There was a pause. "Graham, you knew from the beginning what this was."

I really shouldn't listen to this. Regina thinks I'm still upstairs. Walking away, I entered the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge. It sounds like she's ending things with him. My stomach fluttered at the thought. Could we be together? Be a family? Even if she ripped me away from my parents? Opening a Gatorade, I stared out the window. Just a few days ago, I was giving Henry a piggy back ride around the yard while Regina cooked. We act like a family already.

"Feel any better?" I jumped hearing Regina's voice. "Sorry. I thought you heard me."

"No…no, I didn't." Meeting her gaze, I bit my lip. I want to ask her. Hell, I want to tell her everything. Spending all this time here has made me fall for her even harder. Evil Queen Regina or not. "It was good. I'm drained but I feel better."

"That's good. I'm glad you're feeling a bit better." She paused. "Henry's still out. He fell asleep shortly after you went upstairs."

"I saw. I'm glad I didn't accidentally wake him."

"Emma," shifting, Regina stepped closer and in front of me. "What's going on? There's something you're battling with. I can see and feel it. You can tell me." A soft smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Clearly," she held up the red string, "I'm meant to understand quite a bit."

"I want to kiss you." The second the words left my lips, I covered my mouth with my hands and looked away. I waited for disapproval as I muttered muffled apologies. When nothing came, I dared a glance at the shorter woman. "R-Regina?"

"I want that too."