Happy birthday Andrea! Here's chapter 3, hope you all enjoy it!
Roland and Andrea wouldn't stop asking Robin and Regina about what had happened after the plane crashed for the entirety of the next day. They had a lot of sightseeing planned, which she thought would have distracted them enough that they wouldn't have any more room in their brains to worry about anything today, but she was wrong. They managed to see London Bridge and the Tower of London, but even hearing about this period of history, which normally fascinated Andrea because of the tales of knights, kings, and princesses, was unable to distract her completely from asking about the story she had heard the night before.
"It's official," Roland Sr. said, flashing a bemused smile in Robin and Regina's direction. "They're not allowed to come see us in England again- or if you have any other children, they need to know how you met before they come here for the first time. They're too distracted by your story to fully appreciate being here and seeing us. Our importance has been surpassed by your story."
"Never," Regina denied immediately, filled with reminders of what this amazing couple had done for her over the years. "They just want to know the story."
"Well then, let's not delay it any longer," Robin grinned, scooping Andrea up and putting her on his shoulders, then hoisting Roland up on his hip.
"Coming?" he asked Henry, who nodded. The four of them paraded into the room where the younger kids were staying, Regina right behind them.
"Tell us! What happened after the plane crashed?" Roland demanded to know.
"Well," Robin began. "As you might be able to imagine, it was a bit chaotic at first…"
Regina slowly opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. Four blue walls surrounded her on all sides, the machinery and remote she saw when she turned her head clueing her in to her whereabouts. How had she gotten to the hospital- and why couldn't she hear the beeping she knew from the time she had spent here with her father came with the territory of being connected to more wires and machines than she could count?
She tried to sit up, only for a sudden inexplicable exhaustion to knock her back on the pillows again. So much for trying to figure out what was going on. "Hello?" she called out.
A few minutes later, a nurse came in, clipboard in hand. He walked over to where Regina was sitting and sat on the chair beside her. To Regina's confusion, instead of speaking, he started writing furiously. What was he doing?
Eventually, he passed the paper to her. All it said was, I'm August, your nurse today. Do you know ASL?
"A little," Regina replied, both speaking the words and recalling the fingerspelling she had learned in middle school to slowly sign her response. "Why?"
Well, you may want to learn more than just finger spellling, the nurse wrote back. I'm so sorry to be the one to have to tell you this, Regina. The crash didn't leave you unscathed. Again, I'm so sorry, but you lost your hearing. You're deaf, Regina.
"Deaf?" Regina repeated. "How can I be deaf if I can still talk?"
The nurse shook his head, writing a reply. Not everyone can, but people who weren't hearing impaired for much of their life before they became deaf can speak. Sometimes they speak a little louder than they need to because they can't hear themselves, but yes, they can in fact talk.
Of course, that immediately made Regina worry. Am I too loud? she asked, fingerspelling as fast as she could. Might as well get used to it now…
No, don't worry, the nurse assured her. Just be aware of it moving forward. I'll check your vitals and give you some meds and be on my way. Again, I'm so sorry, Regina.
A few minutes later, the nurse was gone, leaving Regina to deal with her careening thoughts. She still couldn't quite believe it, the nurse's revelation a bit surreal. What did this mean for her moving forward? What did it mean for her relationships with others, how she would communicate with them and interact with them? What would the people who knew her before this think of this new obstacle in her life, especially her family? Not that she cared what Zelena thought, but her mother…
Oh no. Her mother. Regina was honestly surprised she wasn't there at her bedside, rambling on (even though Regina would, thankfully, never have to verbally hear it ever again) about how Regina was such a disappointment to her. She could only imagine what she thought, how her mother would think she was inferior because of her new condition. Which, of course, she was.
Somehow, she knew her father wouldn't think that though. Wait. Her father. Tears filled her eyes at the fresh realization that she had heard him tell her he loved her for the last time the night before… Wait. Was it still the same day she had gotten back to the States (or at least, had tried to)? Would she need any medication or therapy or… She suddenly had so many questions, and no one to answer them. She found the remote by her head and pressed the call button. She was sure a doctor would be in to see her at some point, but they did their rotations in the morning, from what she knew after her father's stay in the hospital. She would have to wait for more detailed explanations about her condition until then.
The same nurse came back, and now that Regina was a little more aware of her surroundings, she could see that he was only a little taller than Regina and had skin that appeared to have been darkened by the sun, even though it was the middle of winter. His scrubs couldn't hide the fact that he looked like someone who was easy to talk to. Maybe Regina wouldn't have any trouble getting answers to her questions.
How can I help you? he asked, once again writing on the same clipboard he had used before.
I have some questions, and I'm not sure who to ask, Regina admitted. Can you help?
I'll answer what I can, the nurse nodded. By the way, it's nice to meet you, Regina, even though I'm sure these circumstances aren't great for you.
You can say that again, Regina agreed with a laugh. She became somber for a moment, realizing she'd never get to hear a laugh again- or music, for that matter. She knew that she could still feel vibrations, so some aspects of sound wouldn't be completely lost to her, but she couldn't help thinking that it wouldn't be the same. What question to ask first?
Will I ever get my hearing back? she asked.
August didn't start writing anything for a long moment, which, of course, made Regina worry. Eventually, you might. It's possible. However…it isn't a guarantee. We can try. There'll be a therapist coming in to see you, Dr. Hopper, who will explore that possibility. Any other questions for me?
Did you contact anyone? she asked apprehensively, dreading the answer. If her mother knew she had returned…
August nodded. It's protocol to always contact the people on someone's emergency contact list, so yes, your mother and father have both been contacted. As you know, your father is already in this hospital, so it was fortuitous that everyone from the accident was sent here. Your mother is with him at the moment, but should be coming back to check on you shortly. I will tell you, though, that she's barely left your side. She's a good woman, Regina. Your father too. You're lucky to have them. He seemed to see the panic in Regina's eyes in that moment. What is it? Did we do something wrong?
Regina sighed and slowly shook her head. She didn't want to get into it with this stranger. It was complicated enough, she didn't want to drag him into it. It was none of his business, after all.
Robin was a stranger too- still is, as a matter of fact- and you have no problem letting him in, a small voice whispered in her ear. What makes him different from everyone else?
It was a fair point, one that she didn't want to examine too closely. It was true that to an extent, she had had no choice about discussing personal information with Robin. After all, it was next to impossible to have space away from each other in a hotel room meant for two people, making privacy all but nonexistent. She didn't know if she would have shared all that she had with Robin if they had met under different circumstances. Truthfully, though, probably not. She was reserved- she had had to be, given how critical her mother was. Opening up to Robin was a luxury, one that she still didn't know whether or not she should have indulged in.
Robin. She had no idea where he was, what this crash had done to him. Given her own injuries, she feared the worst- and why she cared so much, she had no idea, to some extent. After all, they had only known each other for a day or so. However, within that short span of time, especially that day, he had shown her just how much he cared, and it meant the world to her. Yes, she had friends, but she had never had friends who displayed their affection as much as he did. How and why he cared so much, she had no idea. In fact, she had a hard time believing it, it was so unimaginable to her. All she knew was that if he was in fact faking it, he was doing a very good job of it.
She needed to ask about him, make sure that he was all right. True, he was nothing more to her than a boy who had exhibited an excessive amount of kindness, but she somehow intuitively knew that he would do the same for her if he was in her position. "There was a boy sitting next to me on the plane, Robin. Do you know what happened to him?" She could already tell that it was going to quickly become difficult to keep the volume of her voice in check, just as August had predicted. Not being able to hear her own voice meant that she had no idea if others could hear her or not, and after a lifetime of her mother not listening to her, she wanted to make sure her thoughts and opinions were heard.
The nurse grinned like the Cheshire cat, and Regina suddenly found herself regretting her words. Maybe she should've just kept her mouth shut and not asked about Robin at all. Once again, he started scribbling furiously, and soon, Regina got a note that read: I knew there was something going on between the two of you! He's been asking about you ever since he woke up. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get him in here to see you, because from what he's said, you're not related, but do you have a message or anything else you want me to pass along? Your story fascinates me, and I want to do whatever I can to help you.
Regina shook her head frantically. Sure, Robin had been asking for her, but she didn't want to be perceived as desperate, which is exactly what he'd think if she asked about him… right? At the same time though, she couldn't help remembering those final moments before the plane hat collided with the ground, how he had distracted her from the very real danger they were facing. Not just anyone would do that for her- in fact, she wasn't sure if even Mal or her father would think to do that.
All right then, if you're sure… August wrote. His frown suggested that he thought she was doing the wrong thing, but what did he know? Weren't girls supposed to be the gender who knew a thing or two about romance?
He turned to leave, but Regina suddenly couldn't bear the thought that this might be her one chance to find out what had happened to Robin. "Wait! What happened to him? Is he okay?"
August turned back to her, and Regina couldn't help noticing that he was grinning again. What was it with this nurse and her and Robin? What on earth was so fascinating to him about them? They were just your average college students who had been through a terrible ordeal. They didn't deserve to be ogled at. Or were his intentions more benevolent than that, and Regina needed to get a grip (and, if she was being honest with herself, get her mother's voice out of her head)? "He's fine. Better off than you, if I'm being honest. Unfortunately, I can't tell you more than that, for patient confidentiality reasons. I'm sorry. He was a friend of yours, right?"
You could say that, Regina thought as she signed her response. She didn't know what they were, exactly. Friends, sure, but did friends make sure their friends could see their fathers and pay for their boarding passes, or hold each other at night? Not that she had held him, not at all. He had definitely held her as she fell asleep though, and his arm had been around her when she woke up. The gesture, if she shared it with anyone else (not that she would ever even think of doing that) would indicate that they were more than their simple friendship suggested, and she didn't want to give anyone that impression, least of all herself. Getting her hopes up was a dangerous thing, after all.
Well, he's okay, I promise, the nurse assured her, still smiling with that infuriating grin. He definitely was taking this further than he needed to, and Regina needed to change that as soon as possible.
Deciding that changing the subject was the best course of action, she asked, "And how's my father?"
August sighed as he wrote back, Honestly, I think he's more worried about you than anything else at the moment. It's not the best for his health, but it's understandable, of course. If you want, I can go tell your mother to come give you an update.
Regina nodded slowly as she was reading what he had written, then shook her head vigorously at the end of the message. She had no desire to see her mother, none at all. If anything would be bad for her own recovery and adjustment to this new way of life, it would be talking to the woman who had given birth to her. She would do nothing but make Regina feel worse, of that, she was certain.
If you're sure, Mary wrote. Any other questions before I leave?
Regina nodded, signing, What are some ways you can learn ASL? I know a few things, but not much, and with everything…
Of course, August nodded. I'll look into it and let you know. Is there anything else I can do?
What day is it? And what's the date? Regina asked, mortified by her own question. Something as simple as the day of the week, she really should know that. If her mother knew, she would never let her forget her failure and negligence.
August smiled softly. I can tell that question embarrasses you, but you shouldn't feel any shame at all. Not knowing what day it is and losing your orientation a little bit is completely normal, given everything you've been through. It's November 27th. You've been in a coma for a day. As I believe I mentioned earlier, your mother has been very worried about you, and your father as well, but they'll be relieved to hear that you are officially awake and on the road to recovery. Would you like me to tell them you're ready for visitors? It'll only be your mother, of course, but-
"No!" Regina refused- too quickly, she could tell by August's raised eyebrows. Mitigating the situation with a compromise, she asked, "Is it possible to set up a Zoom meeting with my father?" She knew she was no longer a little girl, but with everything that had happened, she suddenly longed to be held in her daddy's arms. While that likely wouldn't be allowed under the circumstances, she desperately wanted to see his face and learn how he was doing. She was sure he had heard from their friends at the shelter about how the annual Christmas dinner had gone, and she wanted to hear about it too and see pictures, if she could. She loved that shelter and everyone in it, and wanted to feel like she had been there to celebrate the holiday with them.
Of course! the nurse readily agreed. I'll let you know the details as soon as I have them.
Oh, and one more thing, he wrote before bringing a couple of bags to Regina's side. "These are your things that were on the plane. Your carry-on, as well as your purse. We only had to disturb your belongings to find your identification.
Once he had gone, Regina was left to deal with the revelations August had imparted to her. As she thought about it, she realized that talking with her father via Zoom was not exactly the smartest plan she had ever concocted. Yes, she would be able to see his face, and she could use the chat feature to talk to him, but it wouldn't be the same.
The loss of her hearing was certainly an adjustment, and it was hard realizing just how many things she wouldn't be able to enjoy now due to her impairment. Not hearing music or the sound of waves on the shore, being unable to tell if someone was approaching by hearing their footsteps or the rustle of their clothing, or the jangling of keys… She was going to be vulnerable in a way she had never been before, in a way she knew she was going to hate. It was one thing while she was still in the hospital, but once she was out? She was going to feel completely alone, she just knew it, and there was nothing she could do about it. Sure, there might be support groups for this kind of thing, but she was mortified at the very thought of joining one. Thanks to her mother, she didn't have many friends… what was she going to do for socialization, or learning at school? Surely, the university had departments for this kind of thing, but the humiliation of having to go there…
Stop it, she scolded herself. You only think it's embarrassing because you have your mother in your head. This is what you need to do to succeed, so you'll do it.
The mere thought of everything she would need to do once she got out of the hospital made her tired, so she closed her eyes and took a nap.
She woke in what seemed like no time at all. She had no time to wonder what had woken her when she felt the vibrations on the bed beside her. She turned, startled, only to see that the woman she had dreaded seeing was by her bedside.
"What are you doing here?" she wanted to ask, but knew she couldn't. So instead, she said, "Hello, Mother. How's Daddy?"
Her mother's lips were moving, but Regina, of course, couldn't hear a single word. That was the one silver lining to all of this, not having to put up with her mother's ridicule- in its verbal form, anyway.
She seemed to realize her error soon though, though, when Regina didn't say anything once the tirade finally ceased. She looked around the room, then spotted the notepad by Regina's bedside that August must have left when he was here. Snatching it up in her hand, she wrote quickly, and Regina braced herself for what she knew was coming.
She was handed the notepad a minute later, and she read, You never cease finding a way to embarrass me, do you? I cancel your flight to ensure that you spend your break doing something productive, and what do you do? You somehow find a way to fly back here anyway. Well, I don't know how you did it, because you were smart and you didn't use your credit card, but I can't believe you did something so foolish. You need to be studying, and now look at you! You landed yourself in a plane crash that leaves me with a Deaf daughter. How could you be so selfish? Now I'll have to pay for all this therapy and equipment and who knows what else trying to bring some of your hearing back, and all because you wouldn't listen to your mother. You're an embarrassment to me.
Well? What do you have to say for yourself, Regina?
Regina sighed. "I told you, Mother, I wasn't going to stay away, not when Daddy's condition is so bad. I didn't want to chance anything bad happening and me not getting to see him when I could. The opportunity came up to come back to see Daddy when I found out you cancelled my flight, so of course, I took it, and now, here we are." That reminded her that she hadn't asked why her mother had cancelled the flight, but she didn't really need to know, because she already did, and it made her furious. She seethed as she watched her mother write, knowing she wouldn't like whatever came next.
Well, you shouldn't have done it, should you have? Now look at the mess you're in- more importantly, the mess you've dragged your father and me into. We all have enough to deal with thanks to his cancer, and now you expect us to deal with your handicap as well. Well, Regina, congratulations. You've ensured that you won't be able to go back to school for the spring semester- not without some kind of major adjustment to the way you , the school is required to provide these accommodations, but it is imperative that they are provided with the time necessary to arrange them. And of course, you won't be able to spend the time idle, not at all. You'll have to work extra hard to ensure that you don't fall behind. Do you understand?
Regina sighed and nodded. Of course she understood. What she understood was that her mother would stop at nothing to get her back under her thumb. Regina had fought tooth and nail to study in England in the first place, and the only way her mother had finally agreed was by sending her to the most prestigious school in the country. Regina loved Oxford, she did, and she loved the freedom attending a school in another country gave her, but she also knew that attending Oxford did bring certain expectations about the workload, just as her mother had said. So as tempting as it was to find the boy with the dimpled smile and see for herself that what Mary had told her was accurate, she didn't want to jeopardize anything she had. Academics were important to her, and would be more of a challenge for her moving forward, so it was imperative that she not have any distractions, no matter how enticing those distractions were.
As she had been lost in thought, her mother had been writing once more. When she passed the notebook over, Regina read, And speaking of focus, I heard about that boy that was asking for you. I don't know who he is, Regina, or where he came from, but he needs to go, immediately. As I've already stated, you don't need any distractions right now, and that's all a boy would be: a distraction. Do you understand?
Regina sighed and nodded. She may be extraordinarily harsh about it, but to a degree, she could understand where her mom was coming from. She paid a lot for Regina's tuition as the mother of an international student, even with the scholarships Regina had been given, and Regina was well aware of that fact. While her mother did need to relax and let her live a little, she also had a point that Regina didn't need any distractions- and even though Robin had been her rock ever since she met him, and had gone above and beyond in ways that she could never have imagined (and still had a hard time believing), he was just that: a distraction. She would have to tell him that, though, and she had a sneaking suspicion that he would fight her on it, would know exactly what to say to sway her in the opposite direction their budding friendship needed to go. After all, their short history had proven that he got her, understood her in a way that she didn't quite comprehend yet.
Unless, of course, she just ignored his requests to see her. Yes, that's how she would do it. Thanks to August, she knew that he had survived the accident, so her mind could rest knowing that he was alive and well. If she denied him, once one or the other of them left the hospital, they may never see each other again. It wasn't a guarantee, not when they obviously used the same airline and went to nearby schools (if not the same school), and lived in the same city, but it was possible. After all, Boston was a big city, and there was more than just one school in England.
The big question, though, was whether or not she would be able to handle both her mother and the life adjustments that being deaf would bring on her own. Of course, she would love to think she could, but in reality, she had no idea. As she had told Robin on the night they met, she was an independent woman… or at least, she liked to think she was. However, as only Mal and her father- and Robin too now, she supposed- knew, sometimes, she needed a shoulder to lean on, much to her chagrin. She had a sinking feeling that the days that laid ahead would be wrought with unforeseen challenges, and independent though she might be, she knew she'd need the support of those around her to get though it all.
She yawned. What was it about conversations with her mother that exhausted her?
Much to her relief, miraculously, her mother took the hint and stood. Passing her a note, Regina read, I suppose I should let you rest and go see to your father's well-being once more. Rest up now, Regina. And don't forget, I mean it about that boy. He is not allowed anywhere near you, whether that's here or once you get out of the hospital. Do you understand?
Regina nodded, and as the lights dimmed, she fell once more into a slumber that she hoped would be restful. After all, she had a long road ahead of her.
Robin was worried sick. He had woken not long after the crash and immediately been assured by the nurses running in and out of his room like it was a railway station that he was safe, that he had sustained only minor injuries from the crash. His parents had been informed as well, of course, and they had set up a visitation schedule that rarely left him without one of them by his side.
He had suffered injuries, of course, but the doctors and nurses tending to him informed him that the reminders of the crash that lurked on his body were nothing compared to what some of the others had been through, and would potentially be dealing with for the rest of their lives. Naturally, his thoughts had instantly shifted to Regina, and he had asked after her. Of course, the nurse hadn't been able to tell him details, but the look on his face had immediately revealed to him that something was very wrong. Knowing the law, however, he had known he couldn't push it, and had simply asked if she was all right.
"She's… alive," he had been told. "However, she has a long road ahead of her. Unfortunately, that's all I can tell you about her condition."
The news had devastated him, and he had done everything he could to try to see her. He was sure she was feeling lonely and scared, and he had begged the nurses on duty to keep him updated about her condition. He didn't need any details, he told them, he just wanted to know she was all right.
He had been relieved to learn when she was awake. They had told him that she still had a long way to go, that some of her injuries would have an impact on her from this day forward, but that, he knew, was trivial when compared to her state of consciousness. He knew that if she'd let him be there for her, they could get through the new challenges she was facing together.
When the doctor who had been caring for him came in with his discharge papers, a nurse right behind him ready to remove Robin's IV, he asked the nurse, a great guy named August, 'How is she?"
"She's awake," he reported, smiling. "However, I"m afraid her recovery has only just begun, as I've told you before. I told her you had been asking for her." He noticed his grin when he told him that part of his news, and he couldn't help wondering just how much entertainment he was getting out of being their errand boy. Truthfully, though, it didn't matter to him. If anything, he was glad he and Regina had brightened his day, even if it was just a little bit. He knew nurses worked hard and deserved much more recognition than they got, so the fact that she was having a little fun with what Robin hoped was his and Regina's blossoming romance was good.
"Does she want to see me?" he asked immediately, dying to know the answer. The urge to hold her close after everything they had been through was practically overpowering. She had been through so much since they met: her father's deteriorating condition, of course, and then her mother canceling her flight and the crash had only made everything worse. He knew she was strong, her initial refusal to accept any comfort from him that first night had shown him that, but she would need someone to lean on, and from what he knew of her life, she didn't have many people who would fill that role for her.
"I'm afraid not," the nurse frowned. "Give it time, though. You've both been through more than people your age should have to endure. She needs time to process everything, and so do you. Given how desperately you've wanted to see her, I"m sure she'll want to see you soon. She asked about you soon after waking up, didn't she? I'm sure she'll want to see you soon. She's been sleeping a lot right now anyway, which is crucial for her recovery, as I'm sure you know."
Robin had tried to listen to what August told him, he really did. He couldn't stop worrying though. He trusted the doctors and nurses to do their jobs, of course, but August had said that she had been through a lot. What if she needed a shoulder to lean on and no one was there for her? He was pretty sure he would never forgive himself if he wasn't there for her in her time of need, and not that he liked being conceited, but he felt that he would be able to comfort her and help her heal better than most. After all, others may be sympathetic, but as far as he knew, no one in her life would be able to empathize with what she had been through other than him.
Not long afterward, he was given his discharge papers and, to his relief, was free to go. His parents were, of course, eager to get out of the hospital, but he had one stop he wanted to make first. He told his parents his plan, and they wheeled him to Regina's room once he had gotten the location from August.
"We'll be waiting outside," his mom told him. "You can handle the wheelchair?"
Robin nodded. He had wanted to not use the wheelchair at all, but August had explained that it was protocol for those who were discharged to use a wheelchair to get to their vehicle whether they needed it or not. Robin was fine though, and he wanted to start acting like it and moving past what he and Regina had been through… with the exception of the fact that he had met Regina, of course. She was the most complex girl he had ever met, and though they had only known each other for a short time, it was obvious to him from the night they met that he would do anything to make her happy and hopefully alleviate some of the pain she had been through. There was another stop he wanted to make too, but that one he didn't want to make alone (if it was allowed).
He knocked on the wall outside her room, knowing she would never hear him if he knocked on the curtain that separated her room from the rest of the hospital. She didn't answer. Had he not knocked loud enough?
He knocked again and waited a minute, but there was still no answer. It was very possible that she simply hadn't heard him because the walls weren't hollow enough for his knock to have resounded the required amount, but he also remembered what August had told him and knew that that might not be the case. She might be sleeping, which would be completely understandable- but he wanted to make sure. After all, once he left this hospital, he had no idea when he would see her again. There was also a chance that he may not see her again at all, but somehow, he doubted that. He had felt such a strong connection between them that he knew they would find a way to always be a part of each others' lives from then on. Yes, he didn't know if she had felt the same way, but if that wasn't the case, he had no idea how she had been so open to him the night they met considering how closed-off she had been at first.
Should he go inside? He couldn't imagine she was ignoring him on purpose- after all, he hadn't said anything, so she didn't know it was him. He could very easily be another nurse with the latest dose of medicine, or, he realized, looking at his watch, her dinner. She could be asleep though, and he wouldn't want to disturb her if that was the case. It couldn't hurt to check on her, though, right?
He brushed the curtain aside, and stepped into her room. Time to get some answers and make sure she was all right.
Regina saw Robin when he stepped into the room, and she burrowed deeper into the covers. There was a part of her that loved that he wanted to check on her, but at the same time, she hated the thought of him seeing what she had become. True, she didn't have any major physical injuries that he would be able to see, but she had still been irrevocably altered from the girl he had met something like 48 hours ago. "Hi Robin," she said softly. Time to face the music. She was sure he would want nothing to do with her once he found out about her disability, and honestly, that was for the best. Her life was even more complicated now than it had been when they first met, and if he didn't want to deal with that, it was better that she know sooner rather than later. However, it was unlikely that that would be the case. What person their age would want to be with someone who had the limitations she now had? They were too young to have to deal with this kind of thing.
She saw his lips moving, but of course, she couldn't hear anything he was telling her. She held up her hand as he stepped closer. She might be interrupting him, but she had to get this out- no matter how much it humiliated her to admit it. "Robin, the accident didn't leave me unscathed. I… I'm deaf," she whispered, tears filling her eyes. It was the first time she had said it, and the words had tasted sour coming out of her mouth.
She honestly expected him to immediately walk out of the room, and she would know that she would never see him again- which honestly, might be for the best However, instead of retreating, he came closer and wrapped his arms around her, her arms coming out of the blankets to return his embrace. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
His eyes scanned the room- what he was looking for, she didn't know. She figured it out, though, when his eyes lit up and he grabbed the notepad and pen that rested on the table beside her. She waited anxiously for the words he would say. She refused to believe that whatever he could say would make or break her- after all, she had already dealt with her mother's cruel words. However, she needed someone in her corner. Would Robin be that person? Judging by the fact that he had immediately hugged her and not walked away, the possibility was there…
Oh, Regina. I'm so sorry to hear that. I know this will change a lot of things in your life, but the most important thing is that it doesn't change who you are, Regina. You are an absolutely incredible, strong person, and I know that this setback won't change a thing about you. You're just as strong now as you were when I first met you, and I know you'll deal with this just as well as you deal with your father's illness. Would you like me to ask if I can take you to see him? The nurses might have to go with us, but I'm sure he'll want to see you, and after everything, I'm sure you want to see him.
How did he always know exactly the right thing to say to make her feel better? It was a gift, one that she wasn't quite used to- and honestly, didn't think she ever would. Mal was blunt and honest with her, yes, but she definitely wasn't what anyone would call kind. She told people her opinion without apology, and while Regina loved that about her most days, in this case, she thought she preferred having Robin around. The loss of her hearing was still fresh, and she hated to admit it (in fact, she would only ever admit this to herself), but she hated the vulnerable position it put her in. Robin's words were like a balm to her soul, especially the offer to help her see her father. In this moment, while having to deal with these circumstances, all she wanted was him.
However, there was one detail about Robin's plan that made her pause, and was ultimately the reason she shook her head, declining his offer. "My mother is with him, as far as I know, and I have no desire to see her. Robin, she… she was horrible." She wiped furiously at the tears that were once again pooling in her eyes. Why did she have to act so weak around him?
Once again, his arms were around her, his hands rubbing her back. When she was finally able to control her emotions, he asked, Do you know sign language?
"A little," she sighed. "Enough to finger spell, but that's about it. That's something I'll have to learn along with all of the other adjustments I'll have to deal with. Languages aren't easy to learn… Well, no, I suppose they always have come easily to me, thankfully. But no matter how easy or difficult it is, it still takes time, and that's one thing I don't have."
He smiled broadly, and he started finger spelling his next words to her. "Wait, wait, wait," she said quickly, holding up her hands. "You know how to finger spell too?"
He nodded. Belle is part of the Deaf community as well. Once I had mastered English sign language, I started learning sign language that is used in other countries. You never know when you might need it, after all.
Her heart lifted with that most dangerous of all emotions: hope. Maybe she wouldn't have to chase him away after all. In fact, he could be an asset, one that her mother wouldn't have any reason to deny her. In fact, she might even agree to pay him. However, that could very well be dangerous as well, lead Robin on in ways he didn't deserve… after all, she wasn't one for relationships. Her mother made them impossible. Still, she did need to learn… "Could you teach me? Or Belle, if you're too busy? We can figure out a system where you rotate so you don't have to spend all of your time with me, and neither of you gets sick of me."
His mouth opened, lips curled up in a broad smile, and his eyes lit up. She knew he was laughing, and she suddenly had the burning desire to hear that laugh just one more time. Adjusting to not being able to hear sounds that she had enjoyed so much before she lost her hearing was turning out to be even harder than she had first imagined. To her relief, he started signing, and she waited with bated breath to hear what he had to say. It's really no trouble at all. Unfortunately, Belle goes to school here in the States, so she'd only be able to help you for the duration of your winter break. Once we're back in England, it would just be you and me. Is that okay?
She nodded. It was better than nothing. This way, she could tell her mother that she had tried to find a tutor other than Robin, but one wasn't available past winter break… Not that she had a burning desire to spend more time with him. Not at all. Entertaining that notion for even a second would be detrimental to her, she was sure, and to him, for that matter. Still, as she and Robin exchanged contact information and he promised to get her in touch with Belle, she couldn't help thinking that maybe being part of the Deaf community and having to learn to live with all of these changes wouldn't be so bad after all.
Regina waited, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest, for her children's reactions to her story. Would they have nightmares, just as she had feared the previous day?
To her relief, each of them gave her a hug and assured her they didn't love her any less after hearing her story. As she drifted off to sleep in Robin's arms a couple of hours later, Regina couldn't help thinking that she had the best family in the world.
Signed (and written) dialogue is in italics. If there is anyone in the Deaf community who reads my fics, I did do my research, but I can still only attempt to imagine what this type of experience is really like, and I have the utmost admiration and respect for everything you go through.
And as always, let me know what you think!