STORYBROOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL

There was a knock at the door and Regina looked up to see Archie standing in the doorway, an annoyingly sympathetic expression on his face.

"Good morning Regina. I just came to see how you are doing."

Regina eyed him tiredly as she sat up. It didn't take him long... and since when did everyone start using her first name?

"How are you feeling?"

"I wish everyone would stop asking me that. I just had my stomach pumped after trying to kill myself, how do you think I feel?" Regina snapped.

"So you admit that you tried to take your own life." Archie sat down in one of the chairs that had previously been occupied by David and Mary Margaret.

"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"

"Would you like to talk about the reasons behind your actions?

Regina huffed. "Dr. Hopper is there any reason for your being in my hospital room other than to remind me of how I got here? Because that is something I am quite aware of thank you."

"Why are you here?"

Regina gritted her teeth. "Because I swallowed a bottle of pills."

"And why did you do that?"

"Dr. Hopper I'd like you to leave."

"I can do that. if that's what you really want, but I do think we need to talk at some point. I might be able to help you."

"I don't want to talk to you."

"Regina I can see that you are upset..."

"Oh can you?" Regina interrupted him, her words full of disdain.

"... so I'm going to come back later."

"Don't bother." The brunette responded testily.

"I'm sorry Regina but it's Dr. Whale's orders. He is worried you may try something like this again."

"I'm not going to." Regina angrily adjusted the blankets just to avoid his unwavering gaze.

"Really Regina we are just trying to help." Archie said sympathetically.

"Well I don't need doctors or therapists to tell me what's wrong with me." She glared at him.

"Who says there is anything wrong with you?"

Regina averted her eyes again, choosing not to respond.

"I'll let you get back to your rest now, just take it easy. If you do want to talk, just call me and I'm here. Okay?"

Regina looked back up at him in response.

He gave her a single nod and one last friendly smile before exiting the room.

The brunette sighed heavily, hopefully now she could finally have some peace and quiet. It had taken almost half an hour to get Mary Margaret and David to leave her alone. She hated herself for allowing them both to be privy to her feelings. She had even let her rival hug her. What was happening to her? She was becoming weak.

But maybe that wasn't it.

Who was she kidding, it was kind of nice to feel the comforting hand of another. It felt like much too long since anyone had given a damn about what happened to her. It made a nice change: someone being nice to her for the sake of being nice rather than feeling compelled to out of fear. Even if it was... her. Snow White.

But there was still a reputation to uphold. If she allowed the townspeople to see her weaknesses what standing would she have in Storybrooke? Her position seemed to be all she had left these days.

Her thoughts switched to Henry; was there a chance for a new start with him? Mary Margaret had said he was coming back. She glanced at the clock. He would be here very soon. Regina folded her arms and tried to ignore the feeling of nervousness that was beginning to rapidly increase.

Was she ready for him to see her like this?

What if he left her again? She couldn't bear to be reunited with him only to have to lose him once more.

As Regina leaned back against the pillows, she tried to find a comfortable position. This proved difficult as they had grown thin from being used over and over again. Finally settling on a spot that she deemed acceptable, she decided to rest her eyes for a few moments and her suddenly heavy eyelids drooped shut.

Emma could practically feel the eagerness radiating from the boy beside her as he leaned forward in his seat, taking in the scenery as they approached Storybrooke. As they passed the "Welcome to Storybrooke" sign, even Emma had to admit, if it wasn't for the dire circumstances she would have been excited to be back in the little town she had grown quite fond of.

Henry rolled down the window and the fresh smell of Storybrooke filled the car. It was the complete opposite of Boston; he could make out the oh so familiar sea air mixed with the sweet smell emanating from the trees surrounding the road. They finally made it into town and Henry could feel butterflies in his stomach as he glanced at all the buildings he had grown up knowing. He had only been gone a week but it had felt like forever, how could he have ever wanted to leave this place? When they passed the old public library he couldn't help but smile as his eyes rose to the clock tower; the one he could see from his bedroom at home.

"So how does it feel to be back?" Came Emma's voice from the driver's seat.

"Strange." Henry admitted.

"I hear you. But it's a good strange isn't it?"

"Yeah." Henry grinned, taking in more of the scenery.

When the yellow bug approached the parking lot to Storybrooke General Henry's smile vanished as he was reminded of why they were there.

Henry had his seatbelt off even before the car came to a halt in one of the faded parking spaces. His instinct was to jump out of the car right away.

"Hey, wait for me!" Emma called as the door shut behind him. She quickly turned off the engine and got out of the car too. Henry walked around the car to meet her and stared up at her nervously.

Emma placed a hand on his shoulder. "You okay?" She asked softly.

Henry nodded.

Emma smiled encouragingly. "Come on then," she held out her hand and he took it, giving a small smile of his own.

"Does she know we're coming?" Henry asked as they headed towards the front entrance.

"Yep, Mary Margaret told her. I told you that already remember?"

"I think it's so cool that she helped save my mom. Maybe now my mom won't hate her so much."

"Maybe." Emma smirked.

"Do you think she was angry or relieved to see David and Miss. Blanchard when they woke her up?"

"I have no idea Henry."

"I think probably both."

"Probably..."

"Do you think she'll be happy to see me?" Henry's voice dropped, and he looked up at Emma almost fearful of the answer.

"Yeah kid, she definitely will be." Emma squeezed his hand.

Henry took a deep breath as Emma held the door for him. He let go of her hand as he pushed open the second set of doors that led into the main lobby. He stopped in the middle of the room, realizing he didn't know where he was going next. He looked back at Emma as she caught up to him.

"Let's check with the front desk, they can tell us where to go." Emma gestured towards reception.

"Okay," Henry nodded, and this time he let her lead the way.