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Regina blinked a few times and stared at the ceiling. She let out a heavy sigh as she remembered what had happened last night. Mary Margaret must think she's pathetic. Grown women should have more mastery of their emotions. The young mayor felt awful, she had a splitting headache from all the crying and her face was surely all red and puffy. She looked at the alarm clock, blinked, it read nine thirty. Her heart stopped for a second, and she was about to rush out of bed thinking she was late, when she realized it was Saturday. Unfortunately that realization quickly turned from sweet to oh so bitter. Sure it meant she wasn't late and that she wouldn't have to go to the town hall today, but the brunette certainly wasn't looking forward to spending the day alone in the big house.
For four years before Robin left, Saturdays had been some of the best days of her life. Regina would wake up next to her loving husband and would go get her little prince from his room. They'd spend the whole day together, playing, going to the park, baking... Well, she'd do the baking and Roland would mostly be in charge of decorating, turning the most ordinary dessert into an absolute work of art. She still couldn't help but smile thinking of one of his most famous pieces: The "homavore" Dinosaur, a weirdly shaped cookie that was pretty much completely covered in M&Ms of all colors, "because he eats everything, even the greens" he had explained very seriously.
Regina let out a small sob. She had got to stop torturing herself over these memories. That time was over. She had been incredibly happy, but nothing good lasts forever... And now it was time to move on.
She sat up on the bed and only then realized the glass of water, the bottle of aspirin and... a letter? That was weird. On the back, she could read "A Change of Scenery" in what was clearly her friend Mary Margaret's handwriting. She took it and slowly opened it both curious and somehow anxious to see what was inside.
Dear Regina,
I hope your head isn't hurting too much this morning, sweetie. I put the aspirin on your night table, just in case.
I know that now that the sun is up you'll probably insist that you're fine and that I shouldn't worry about what happened yesterday, but I do. Sweetheart, you've been my best friend for around two years now, and I just can't stand seeing you like that. I understand how hard this is for you, especially living in this house where everything reminds you of them. Actually, I'm pretty sure there isn't even a single place in town where you haven't made memories with Robin and Roland. Which is why I've decided you need a break from Storybrooke. I'm giving you the hotel gift card you gave me for the "Read and Feed" program, remember? And don't try to give it back, I won't take it. It's only valid for another two months anyway, and David and I would never have had time to go. I've already packed your suitcases. I don't think I forgot anything but I know you'll check anyway. Your plane leaves at 6pm, call me when you're at the hotel.
Lots of love,
Mary Margaret
PS: You deserve this, honey. Enjoy it!
Regina had just finished reading the letter for the fifth time and still wasn't sure if she should go. She had taken the aspirin, a nice warm shower, gotten dressed and applied her makeup. Mary Margaret would probably see right through her, but no one else would be able to tell she'd spent the better part of the night crying. Just as her friend had said, Regina had checked the suitcases and found nothing was missing. And now, she was looking at the gift card intently, trying to decide if it would be worth going or if she'd just end up being even more miserable and lonely.
The young Mayor had chosen that gift card herself almost two years ago as a gesture of gratitude from the town to the organizer of "Read and Feed". It was a summer program for kids to promote literacy and make sure that all children have at least a proper meal a day even when the school year is over. She had thought the program was such a great idea that she had decided to reward the person who had made it possible and that was how she had met Mary Margaret. Her friend hadn't had time to use her gift apparently though, and it would be a shame to see a prepaid two weeks vacation in a five-star hotel in New York go to waste, she tried to persuade herself. Also, she was pretty sure if she didn't go today Mary Margaret would find a way to get her to that hotel, even if she had to kidnap her and drive her there herself.
Well, Regina thought as she eyed the letter one last time, it seems I am going to New York...