Regina's POV

Intensely suffocating. Overwhelming. Overbearing. Infuriating. Hesitant.

Those were the words I would probably attribute to my 'family' and the townspeople. Well not probably, surely.

After the debacle of Owen and Tamara, the curse trigger having been deactivated and the overallthreats fading away, Storybrooke had regain a fairly banal daily life.

It has now been a few months since those events occurred and even though most people weren't as wary of me as before, I couldn't bring myself to feel comfortable. Indeed, the interactions I had were, for the most part, tense and borderline awkward at best.

Except with my sweet Henry. After everything that happened, it somehow led us to repair our dented relationship and bonding more than ever. We found our way back to how our mother-son relationship used to be, a couple of years ago, before he learned that he was adopted.

We also had a few therapy sessions with the cricket- erm, Dr Hopper, whom helped us having a better sense of communication, as well as expressing how we felt in certain situations. There were tears, understanding and renewed trust in ourselves. In one another.

And love of course, loads of it, has he realized how cherished he was -and still is- while growing up. As well as how blessed I am to have adopted him, given him a home, to share fond memories with him.

My little prince, I love him so much.

Whereas he understood that I still could be his safe place, one of his mothers and still have an extended family, I acknowledged and understood my mistakes assuring him that my past was in the past and that I was focused on working on myself, while still being tolerant to have ups and downs.

However, even if that aspect of my life was blooming with profound fondness and warmth, I was feeling more and more out of place among the others. Granted I was the Mayor but my work was more tedious than I would like to admit, as there was an obvious lack of faith in my capabilities lingering in each discussions, in the air.

Now, I'm not one to easily quit and I am rather ruthless, but, I can admit when I am not welcomed and it is what made me realize, how unhappy and unfulfilled I was. As much as I could call it karma, I knew, deep down, that I was worth more than this gloomy life. That in order to make peace with my years of darkness, I needed to heal. I needed to move forward. Not only for myself but for others as well, I've troubled them enough.

That epiphany motivated me in my decision. This is why I am now seated at the kitchen table at the Uncharming's loft. They were surprised to see me, as it didn't involve Henry, but nonetheless were patient.

" I am leaving." I said determined, prompting widened looks from them.

" What do you mean exactly ?" Emma asked, her brows knitted in confusion.

" I reflected on my life and came to the conclusion that it would be beneficial to leave town. I need a change of scenery and to find myself. I am sorry for the troubles I have caused you, all, along the years." I truthfully expressed, my tone remaining calm and genuine.

Their words responding to that were left unsaid, but by the different torn gazes, I could decipher both concern and reciprocated apologies.

" Wait, mom, are you sure of yourself?" My son commented, his soft face clouding in sadness.

" I am sure, my darling. Ojalá no fuera necesario, pero tengo que hacerlo. Te amo, en todos los reinos, recuerda eso." I replied tenderly, squeezing gently his hands in mine.

" Te quiero más mamá. Y entiendo tu decisión. Umm, it might sound impromptu, but could I come live with you, wherever you choose to go?" He demanded tearfully, casting an apologetic smile to the others.

To say it caught me off guard was an euphemism. Sure we were as close as ever, but I never dared to think he would come with me. I was uneasy regarding his other family, a year ago I would have gloated but, I only want his happiness, even if it's not in my presence.

" I- are you sure, Hen? I don't want to uproot you nor shadowing your happiness, it wouldn't be fair." I pointed out softly, but my nerves inwardly going miles in a second.

He now had his stubborn, willing, expression as he confirmed his thoughts. "I don't want to let go of you again. You're my home and I also wish to have a fresh start without the pressure of waiting for something bad to happen. I think it could be good for both of us." He added with a shy smile.

My baby boy..he's growing up so fast. I am so proud of him.

" Alright honey, -" I started saying until I was interrupted by that blonde tornado.

" Wait, just like that? What about us? Are you under control? I think it's a rather impulsive decision, you'd be better off with your real family anyway." Emma retorted vehemently, making me clench my jaw and scoff quietly under my breath.

Who does she think she is? Let me prepare a sleeping curse real quick.

" With all due respect, Ma, you are wrong. I am in complete possession of my free will and just wish to be closer to my mom. It's not because we are leaving that I will forget about any of you all. I think it's time to let go of your bruised egos and try to let things happen naturally instead. Also, it is not because I have been adopted that she's less my family. My mother raised me whether you like it or not and it won't be easily brushed off just because I found my biological family. I have lost sight of that a little while, which I still regret, but at the end of the day, I have been given my best chance and I intend to follow my heart." Henry answered, composed.

" In addition, I will of course send you our address and location once we've settled down, so you could eventually visit once in awhile. I don't intend to be an obstacle between Henry and you, you are as much his family than I am which I learned to respect." I completed.

" I-fine. I might need time to process it though. And it's not because I agree that I like it." Emma relented, huffing slightly.

" We'll miss you, both. Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for." Snow added with emotion, a timid glance in my direction.

Ahh my spoiled princess...I might miss her..a little.

We continued talking during the next hour and then, Henry and I, went back to the mansion in order to start packing and have dinner. A few days later it was the moment of our departure and there were mixed feelings, but determination from our side.

After saying once more our 'goodbyes', we drove through the town limit. As we saw the hidden gem disappear from our eyes, I felt my magic returning into a restful sleep, but wasn't bothered by it. Henry kept his memories as he was born in the outside world and mine remained intact as well.

As we arrived at the Boston airport, we took our bagages and went to the main area, where the different flights were showed.

" So, where are we going mom?" My son wondered, stars in his eyes.

" How about you choose?" I proposed, curious about it and trusting his instinct.

He tilted his head to the side, looked pensively at the options and then beamed cheekily.

" Los Angeles. What do you think?"

" That's interesting actually, I have a good feeling about it. Let's go my little prince." I hummed in agreement as I took his hand in mine and went to the registration.

I'm definitely feeling..fascinated. Perhaps my life will be turned upside down..hm. I doubt it..I think. Anyway. City of Angels here we come!