Zelena sat across from Archie, with Robin in her arms.
"Regina explained the situation to me" Archie said "I know you must be going through a grieving process. Robin's childhood won't be what you thought it would be, but it can still be a good one".
"I'm barely equipped to be a mother" said Zelena "much less under these circumstances"
Robin pawed at Zelena's face, then hugged it.
"Robin seems to think you're ready" said Archie with a smile.
"I just have so many feelings t work through and limited time to do so" Zelena said sadly.
"There are a lot of emotions usually associated with grief" said Archie "denial, bargaining, anger, depression, but eventually acceptance"
"I'm not in denial" said Zelena "but I am angry at Emma!"
"That is understandable" said Archie "but does being angry at Emma really help the situation? Robin is going to need supportive people in the community. Isn't it better to make Emma an ally?"
Zelena let out a frustrated huff.
"I don't expect you to forgive her all at once. Just let it it settle a bit. You forgave her before for her actions as the dark one and she forgave you for a lot of things too".
"It's just so hard to think about" Zelena said "knowing how fast her childhood will go by, I don't want to miss a moment". She nuzzled her nose against the baby's.
"A natural reaction" Archie said, leaning forward "but I don't think it would be good for Robin's development to have you hover all the time. She needs to have her own independence and you do too. Maybe it's time you get involved in the community more. It would be a good way to have a positive influence on your daughter. Maybe get a job".
"Oh please" Zelena moaned "last time I had a job around here I was secretly planning to take my boss's baby. Who would ever want to work with the Wicked Witch Of The West?"
"Just something to think about" Archie said "do you have any other connections to the community? Any friends?"
"Well there's my sister" answered Zelena "and Belle but she and Rumple seem to be thinking about leaving to see the world. Then there's the Charming's, who I used to find too sickeningly sweet to be around but somehow they found a way to grow on me. Even weeds have their place".
Archie chuckled. "They can be a little much" he agreed.
"We have a playdate with little Neal soon" Zelena said, tickling Robin's belly. Robin laughed. "We're excited, aren't we?" Zelena said with a smile.
"That's good" said Archie "connections with others is important".
Zelena smiled while bouncing the laughing baby.
"We need to prepare for the future" said Archie "but we also need to tackle things a step at a time".