Oh goodness, I got five reviews for my last chapter. That's the most I've ever gotten on one chapter. Thanks guys, it means a lot! Sorry it's taken a while to get this second part up. Life gets in the way of fanfic sometimes. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter :-)
Regina was mad. She'd slept most of the afternoon. She was so exhausted. She hadn't really realized the changes her body was going through. She'd been so stressed hiding the pregnancy that she didn't realize the toll it was taking on her. Her week off from work with the boys gave her time to be a little lazy and rest. The tiredness caught up to her and all she wanted to do was sleep. It was a wonder she was able to entertain the boys and get her regular housework done and sometimes work on her editing while she was home. Yesterday though was hard. She'd taken the boys out for a little bit of shopping but all she managed to get were some things for dinner and a baby furniture magazine before tiredness overtook her. She ushered the boys home and promised them an afternoon of movies if they left her alone to cook dinner. They even got to eat in the living room, without Robin. She took her food and magazine with her. Roland chose The Jungle Book and Henry was just as content to read through his comic books. She doesn't even remember laying down on the sofa, but that was how Robin found her when he got home. After he'd eaten his dinner, he woke her up and escorted her to their bedroom where she complained it was hot upstairs and asked him to turn the thermostat down while she stripped down to nothing but her panties and a light cotton t – shirt. Robin told her it was a comfortable temperature and he didn't want to freeze because she was a little warm. She huffed out a 'fine' and they each got in on their respective sides of the bed. He adjusted his body so she could cuddle into him as was their usual routine, but she told him it was too hot for them to do so. She pretended to sleep so he would fall asleep and she could then adjust the thermostat back down. And then she woke up feeling hungry because she'd eaten dinner so early in the evening. So now Robin returned from getting her food but it wasn't what she wanted. She spent the entire time Robin was gone salivating over the deliciously gooey cheese sauce, imagined it oozing down her fingers and perhaps letting Robin lick it off them to make up for her deception when she initially woke him. The milkshake, oh how her stomach rumbled at the thought of the icy smooth coolness of it as it eased its way down her throat, cooling her off. But now all she could do was eat her cheeseburger, which she had lost the taste for. She took two bites and then spit it back out. It wasn't what she wanted.
She heard Robin come back down the stairs and enter into the kitchen. He came to stand in front of the counter and leaned back against it to look at his wife. She looked up at him and rolled her eyes in disgust. She threw down the cheeseburger, wrapped it back up and placed it back in the sack. Then she gathered the rest of the food and placed it into the refrigerator before exiting the kitchen. Robin followed her.
"After all that you're not even going to eat it?!"
"I told you, it's not what I wanted."
"Just because I forgot the cheese sauce and to tell them no whipped cream it's not what you wanted?" Regina paused on the bottom of the stairs, leaning into them but not looking at Robin.
"Mommy? Daddy? Are you fighting?" A sleepy Roland called to them from up the steps.
"No, Roland, Daddy was just heading off to work, weren't you, Robin?" Robin looked at Regina and shook his head in disbelief. He didn't want to be untoward his wife in front of his young son and Regina was clearly calling the shots here.
"Yeah bud, I was trying to spend time with Regina before I went to work since she fell asleep early last night. Come 'ere my boy, give me a hug before I go." Roland casually strolled down the stairs, confusion coloring his features. This was a strange behavior for his parents, but he didn't hesitate to comply. Robin reached out to his son and held him close. "Be a good boy for Regina today, okay? Take good care of her for me, alright?"
"Sure daddy, I'm always good for mommy! And I'll take real good care of her!" Robin chuckled and ruffled Roland's hair. He tentatively reached out to lightly stroke Regina's arm. She tensed. He dropped his hand to his side.
"I'll see you later," he sighed out before collecting his keys, jacket and placing on his shoes. Only when Regina heard the front door click shut and Robin slide the lock into place did she turn around and look at the boy whose face scrunched up at her. Her eyes were damp with tears.
"Mommy? Why are you sad? Are you sad because daddy left to go to work?" She slowly slid down the wall and onto the steps. Roland climb back up the steps and sat next to her. She wrapped her arms around him and cuddled him close. He reminded her so much of Robin, especially his sweet demeanor and dimpled cheeks. She wasn't exactly sure what to make of her situation or how to fix it. That made the tears come on even stronger as she started to emit louder sounds. She was startled a little bit when she felt another hand on her shoulder. Henry had woken up as well it seems.
"Don't cry mommy, daddy will be home later, he said," Roland reached up to wipe her eyes. She looked down at him and choked out a laugh. Did she really believe that Robin would come back? And what would happen when he did? They clearly needed to talk, she wanted to apologize, but right now pride won out. She gave him clear, explicit directions and he failed to meet them. So what if she was being a little irrational? So what if she sent him out into the dead of night for a stupid cheeseburger and fries with cheese sauce and a strawberry milkshake, no whipped cream and three cherries? It was for their unborn child. She stroked her belly. It was still a little small and even though she swore she could feel the skin tightening and stretching every day, Robin was always rubbing it and talking to it and wondering when he'd actually be able to tell there was a baby in there. She loved the way his eyes lit up every single damn time. She choked back another sob. That was their nightly routine, it was their morning routine and she'd ruined them both in a span of a few hours. She was an emotional wreck and she didn't know what to do about it. Henry came to sit down on the other side of her and laid his head down on her shoulder. She stroked it gently; it gave her a small comfort. The family of three sat there for a few minutes more while Regina calmed herself down enough to stop crying. She cleared her throat.
"So boys, whadya say to some breakfast, hmm? How about pancakes, eggs and sausage?" Roland looked up at her and then to Henry for some sort of confirmation that his mommy was okay.
"Yeah mom, that sounds great," Henry supplied as he stood up. He reached up to take her hands and help her up. She gathered the boys to her side and they walked the short distance to the kitchen. She sat them down at the table and poured up some orange juice for them and started the coffee for herself. While Henry and Roland drank their juice, she got started on the pancake mix. While pulling out the ingredients, she turned around to find two sets of curious eyes on her.
"What?" She asked.
"Can we help?"
"Um, sure, sure you can do that. Henry why don't you preheat the oven? You can spread the sausage out onto the pan and when the oven beeps, place it in the oven and set the timer. Do you think you can handle that?" Henry shook his head and went about preheating the oven.
"What about me, mama?" Regina stooped down to eye – level with Roland.
"You," she bopped his nose with a finger, "my little knight, can help me mix up the pancake batter and then we'll do the eggs." Roland jumped up and down in excitement as Regina dragged a bar stool over to the other side of the counter so Roland could reach. This is how they spent their morning and Regina found herself so pleasantly distracted from her fight earlier with Robin she forgot to cry about it anymore.
It was around noon and the boys had settled themselves in front of the tv playing a game of memory. It was Henry's present to Roland. Regina let Henry pick out Jurassic World for them to watch. She sat on the sofa, reclaiming the baby furniture magazine. She flipped through the pages and found the cherry wood crib Robin picked out for the baby. David and Killian had helped Robin move the crib up to what was now Regina's former office and there it sat, in the box, unassembled. The spread in the magazine depicted a lovely room complete with changing table, a rocking chair with matching ottoman, a dresser and a night table with a lamp. And a mother holding a baby sitting in that rocking chair with the father looking over her shoulder adoringly. Regina sighed and placed the magazine on the sofa next to her. She needed another distraction. Perhaps Mary – Margaret and Neal would like to come over. She leaned over and picked up her phone from the side table next to the sofa. She clicked it on and stifled a small sob, seeing that there was still no word from Robin. He would've checked in with her at least two times by now. She thumbed over to start a new text message with Mary – Margaret.
Hey
She stared at the screen, willing Mary – Margaret to respond immediately. Roland let out a giggle as he jumped up and down yelling that he'd finally beaten Henry at their game. Henry let out a small groan, admitting defeat before suggesting a different game, sensing his mom still wasn't quite ready to entertain them for the day. Her phone suddenly let out a melodic sound. It was Mary – Margaret calling.
"Hey," Regina answered, solemnly.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Mary – Margaret could hear the sadness in her friend's voice.
"Oh dear, you are definitely not okay. No worries, Neal and I will be over in a jiffy." Silence echoed from Regina's side of the phone. "Okay Regina? Regina, talk to me." Still silence.
"Regina? Can you hand the phone to Henry? You're starting to scare me." Regina nodded her head, not that Mary – Margaret could see and shoved the phone towards Henry. He looked up from setting up Scrabble Jr and took the phone from his mom.
"Hello?" He questioned into the phone, not knowing who was on the other end.
"Henry, it's me, Aunt Mare. Is your mom okay? She won't talk to me."
"I'm not sure, she looked sad when Robin left for work this morning, but she hasn't really said anything."
"Okay, well I'm on my way over. Would you and Roland like McDonald's for lunch?" He looked at Roland and then looked at his mom. His mom would say no and the way she was looking he certainly didn't want to upset her any more than she already was. Another beat passed.
"Don't worry what your mom will say. I don't think she's in any mood to argue with what I bring you. Hand the phone back to your mother and I'll see you soon, okay?"
"Okay," responded, handing the phone back to his mother. She took it from him.
"Hey," she choked out again.
"I'm bringing the boys McDonald's. Do you want anything?" Regina nodded her head. "Regina, tell me what you want for lunch okay, you need to eat." She sighed out into the phone. "Okay, good you're there, now tell me what you want. Anything at all and I'll get it for you, okay?" She shook her head and took a deep breath before she managed to tell Mary – Margaret her order in between choked out sobs.
Bad, this was bad. That's all Mary – Margaret could think as she busied herself around the loft apartment. The only time Mary – Margaret had ever known Regina to cry was when she lost the baby and the following aftermath of losing Daniel. Mary – Margaret wasn't sure what kind of mess she would be walking into once she got to Regina's. She packed Neal's diaper bag with some toys, snacks, two changes of clothes and some movies. Just in case, she packed herself an overnight bag. She shot off a text message to her husband to let him know a potential change in their evening plans. David would understand. They both made a promise to Daniel that they would look after Regina, whatever she may need.
Hey, not sure what's going on with Regina, but I might need to stay the night with her. I'll have Neal.
Once she finished packing everything, she finished loading the dishwasher and started the load. It would be one less thing her husband had to do when he got home and it was the least she could do since she wouldn't be home when he got there.
Uh, I think I might know.
Mary – Margaret's eyes widened.
Tell me what you know
Her phone rang. This must be something serious if her husband was calling to give her the details.
"Yeah, um Robin and Regina may or may not have had a fight."
"May or may not have? Could you be any more vague? What constitutes a fight?"
"Well, Regina woke Robin up to get her some food." Mary – Margaret nodded her head, an air of understanding coming over her.
"Let me guess, he got the wrong thing?"
"He may or may not have forgotten a couple of key components."
"Key components such as?" David repeated the order back to Mary – Margaret. She chuckled into the phone.
"Oh David, this is what Regina just asked me to bring her for lunch. The poor thing. I'm glad this is all it is. This is something we can fix. For a moment I was so afraid she'd lost this baby too." Mary – Margaret was met with silence for a noticeable moment. Despite the Nolans' attempt at allaying Regina's fears of losing this baby, they were just as afraid as she was. "How is Robin taking all this?"
"Well, he's upset that he messed up the order. He's upset that Regina's upset with him. He doesn't really know what to do and quite frankly, I don't know what to tell him either. I tried to send him home. I asked Emma to come in early. He's not sure Regina wants him home."
"Okay, well how about this, I'm going over to Regina's right now. I'll feel her out, see where her head is at. She's really upset and I get the feeling it's a little more than Robin messing up her food order. I packed an overnight bag just in case. Why don't you and Robin have a guys' night? Maybe invite Killian? Tell Emma to come on over when she's done with her shift. We'll get this all sorted.
"Okay, will do."
"And David?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you, no matter what." He chuckled softly.
"I love you, no matter what," he echoed.
"Welp," David returned to the outer work area in the small Sheriff's department, "looks like it's just you, me and perhaps Killian for tonight."
"Whadya mean?" Robin questioned as he tossed down a pile of folders onto his desk.
"That was Mary – Margaret."
"Oh. Has she talked to Regina?"
"Yeah, well, not really?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, all she got out of Regina was crying and an order for lunch. Mary – Margaret suggests that you and I have a guys' night and she'll have a girls' night with Regina."
"What about the boys?'
"Hmmm, Mary – Margaret has Neal. I guess we could grab them for a true guys' night, but that would mean we'd kinda have to stay in the loft."
"That's fine, I don't feel much like going out anyway."
"Okay, I'll make the suggestion."
"Thanks mate. I feel a little out of my element here. Lydia wasn't this torn up about late night cravings."
"Women are different. Give Regina time, she might be mad, but it's because she cares. We'll just give her time and space."
"That's what I'm trying to do, but I'm not quite sure how much time and space she requires."
"We'll leave that up to Mary – Margaret to figure out."
"Leave what up to Mary – Margaret to figure out?" Emma tossed in as she entered the office.
"Regina's in a mood." Emma mouthed a silent 'oh'.
"Is this why I was called in two hours early?"
"Affirmative. I wasn't sure if Robin would be able to handle working today, I tried to send him home."
"Yeah, you did, but like I said, Regina's in a mood and I don't think my presence is wanted."
"In fact," David started, "we'll be having a guys' night, Killian's invited."
"You're inviting my boyfriend to a pity party?"
"No, it's a guys' night. You get to have a girls' night with Regina and Mare."
"Gee, that's not really my thing."
"Please Emma, help a guy out here. Be a girl for once." Emma scoffed at that remark.
"Last time I checked I have all the necessary parts to qualify me as a girl, well woman. In fact, Killian was telling me just last – "
"Please spare us the details. You know what I mean. Can you just please have a girls' night with Regina and Mary – Margaret?"
"Fine. Fine, I'll do it. But I'm drinking which means I will require tomorrow off."
"Really?"
"Those are my terms."
"Alright, you may have tomorrow off. I will work for you."
"Thanks David, you're a real stand up kinda guy." Emma placed her coffee and bag of pastries on her desk and pulled out her paperwork.
David pulled out his phone and Mary – Margaret about Robin's offer to take Henry and Roland and asked if she wanted to keep Neal or could she trust him enough to keep his son for a real guys' night. She responded that of course he could keep his own son and she would talk to Regina about sending Henry and Roland off.
There was a sharp knock on the door. Regina looked up from the pillow she was currently hugging onto while she watched 'The Break – Up'. Henry and Roland had fallen asleep on the floor. The door sounded another knock. Regina wiped her face, setting the pillow aside and went to answer the door. It was Mary – Margaret laden with bags and food and Neal. Neal reached out his arms towards Regina. Regina took him from his mother's arms and hugged him close. Regina offered a weak smile to Mary – Margaret who stepped into the foyer. Regina turned to lead Mary – Margaret towards the living area so she could set down her bags.
"I'm afraid the boys have fallen asleep."
"No matter, we can still eat, right?" Regina nodded her head and continued on towards the kitchen. She pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and set Neal down. Mary – Margaret placed the bags of food on the table and went to get some plates out of the cabinets. Regina sat down at the table. Mary – Margaret plated the food and slid the plates onto the table.
"So, Regina, why don't you tell me what's going on." Regina nodded as she picked at the cheeseburger.
"A juicy cheeseburger, fries with cheese sauce. A strawberry milkshake, no whipped cream and three cherries."
"Yes, that's what you asked for."
"Uh – huh. You got it right."
"Okay."
"And Robin got it all wrong," Regina managed to choke out before she dissolved into sobs. Mary – Margaret stood up and pulled Regina against her into a hug while she cried. It was several minutes before Regina stopped shaking and began sniffling. Mary – Margaret went to the sink and dampened a paper towel so Regina could wipe off her face.
"Is this really why you're upset? Because Robin forgot a few details on your food order?"
"Well, yes. I know. I know it's silly."
"Regina, it's not silly, but it's also no reason to pick a fight with Robin. David didn't always get my food orders right, heck, even now he sometimes gets them wrong. But you know what, the fact that David would go out in the dead of night to get me what I wanted made it all okay. So what he forgot the cheese sauce and to ask them to leave off the whipped cream."
"I know, but now Robin hates me. I made him hate me."
"What makes you say that?"
"He hasn't checked in on us today. He's usually texted me at least two times by now, to check on me, to check on the boys, to check on Squishy," she laughed out that last part. It was a cute little nick name for the baby.
"Well, I talked to David." Regina looked up.
"You did?"
"Yeah, he tried to send Robin home because he seemed so upset. Robin wasn't sure you'd want him home."
"Well, this morning I was very upset, but now I wish he'd text or call or coming bursting through that damn door."
"Regina, language."
"Sorry. I guess I'm more upset at myself for being so ridiculous. I know I should apologize, but I just can't bring myself to do it."
"Of course you can't. Regina is never wrong, is she?" Regina stared hard at Mary – Margaret.
"I don't like to lose."
"Regina dear, you know that's not fair. This is your marriage. You guys are partners, not enemies or competitors." Regina waved her hands in front of her.
"I know. What do I do now?"
"Well, I convinced David to have a guys' night. He's gonna come by and grab the boys. Emma will come over and we'll have a girls' night. We'll all have our respective pity parties and tomorrow Robin will come home and you guys can have a discussion about this whole misunderstanding."
"But – "
"Nope, don't wanna hear it. You're being unreasonable and you know it. Now, finish your food. I'm going to wake Henry and Roland so they can eat. I'll help them pack their bags and we can sit around until David comes to collect them, okay?" Regina nodded her head. She was feeling rather famished, so she dug into her lunch. It was bittersweet. The cheeseburger and cheesey fries were sinfully delicious and the strawberry milkshake was heaven. It was everything she knew it would be when she asked Robin to get it for her. Mary – Margaret returned to the kitchen just as Regina finished the last slurp of her milkshake.
"That good, huh?"
"Uh – huh," she hiccupped out.
"Well the boys are all packed and finished their lunch. I also swapped out that terrible movie you were watching."
"It fits perfectly."
"No, Regina. That movie is for when we break up with our boyfriends and need a reminder to stay broken up with them."
"Exactly."
"No, Regina. You are not breaking up with anyone."
"Maybe he's breaking up with me. I need to prepare myself."
"Oh my gosh, stop! I'm not sure what you're on about. Robin isn't going to break up with you over this."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. We'll have our girls' night, they'll have their guys' night and when we all wake in the morning we can have breakfast at Granny's and you will both still be married. Now come on! Let's pick out Rom Com movies with happy endings!" Mary – Margaret held her hands out to Regina to help her up. Regina considered Mary – Margaret for a moment and reluctantly placed her hands into Mary – Margaret's. Mary – Margaret pulled Regina out of her chair and they went together to the living room area to finish watching whatever movie Mary – Margaret popped in and to wait. Wait for the guys to come pick up the boys.
"Maybe – "
"Yes?" Mary – Margaret prompted Regina to finish her statement.
"Maybe I should pack Robin an overnight bag as well?"
Mary – Margaret let out a sly smile. "I think that's an excellent idea, Regina!" She popped Regina on the thigh. "I'll help!" Regina rolled her eyes and stood to head upstairs to the master bedroom with Mary – Margaret hot on her heels.
Regina entered the bedroom and went straight for the closet. She pulled down Robin's duffel bag that he used for the gym. She tossed it on the bed and opened it. She let out a small sigh and sniffled back a few tears. Robin had left some of his work clothes in the bag. Regina pulled out the clothes and inhaled their scent. They smelled like Robin. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. She walked the dirty clothes back over to the closet and tossed them into the hamper. Mary – Margaret kept her distance for a few moments. She'd never known Regina to feel for someone like she felt for Robin. It was slightly unnerving to see her friend who had spent many years building a protective barrier around her heart have that barrier seemingly crumble so quickly right before her eyes. Regina had disappeared into the closet to find some clothes, Mary – Margaret assumed, so she decided to head to the en – suite bathroom.
"I'll grab toiletries for you," Mary – Margaret tossed in the direction of the closet. She got no response from Regina. After a few moments of rummaging around the bathroom, Mary – Margaret emerged holding onto what she assumed was Robin's toothbrush and some deodorant. Robin could share the boys' toothpaste. She stepped towards the closet to grab a towel and washcloth. Regina was still in there, sitting on the floor hugging a pair of Robin's jeans close to her. The poor woman had tears streaming down her face as she struggled to hold back sobs. Mary – Margaret kneeled before.
"Hey, don't do that. I thought we discussed this. Everything's going to be just fine. No one's leaving anyone."
"I know," she choked out, "but I was just thinking, we've never spent a night a part since we've been married. Never. And out first night a part? Because of a fight. Because I'm hormonal. Because I accidentally got pregnant." Mary – Margaret cupped her friend's face in her hands.
"Hey hey now, don't think like that. This baby is no accident. This is something you were meant to have, and you were meant to have it with Robin. No, it wasn't planned, but I've never seen Robin, or you for that matter, so happy to have this in your lives. Let yourself be happy about it, okay? I think this would all go a lot more smoothly if you did that. Enjoy this. You've had to deal with it being just you and Henry for so long. And now you've got Robin and Roland and Squishy to build a new life with. How awesome is that?" Regina choked back another sob as she nodded her head in agreement. "Good, now, are these the jeans you're packing for Robin?" Regina nodded her head. "Okay, let me take those from you and help you up," Mary – Margaret reached for Regina's hands and pulled the woman to her feet. Regina turned to face Robin's side of the walk – in closet and perused his Polos before drifting down to the side of the closet that housed his button – up flannels. Fashion that David had turned Daniel onto and now Robin, it seems. Regina let out a soft chuckle as her hands landed on a shirt and pulled it from the hanger. She silently handed the shirt to Mary – Margaret and followed her out of the closet. Regina then walked over to the dresser and rummaged around pulling out an undershirt and a pair of boxer briefs.
"You're really great at giving hope speeches," Regina finally broke her silence while she packed away the items into the duffel bag. Mary – Margaret gave a curtsy.
"Why thank you, your majesty." Regina tossed back a chuckle with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Robin teased her with that name. After double – checking the items she'd packed, she gave a satisfied nod and zipped up the bag. She took into her hands and turned towards Mary – Margaret indicating she was ready to head back downstairs. Mary – Margaret silently led the way down the stairs and sent a silent prayer that David and Robin would show up soon to pick up the boys. Maybe Regina was just really stressed and a night without Robin or the boys might truly be what she needs, and perhaps a session with Archie. Every so often Mary – Margaret would try to convince Regina she should go see Archie, just to talk about life. Mary – Margaret would visit with the therapist at least once a month. It helped to assure her that life was alright even if sometimes she didn't whole – heartedly agree.
Regina and Mary – Margaret made it the bottom of the stairs and Regina walked the duffel bag over the front door where the rest of the bags were waiting. They then headed back over to the den and discovered curious eyes watching their entrance. Regina quickly wiped the tear streaks from her face.
"Oh boys, you're awake!"
"Yep, you weren't here!"
"I know, we're sorry, we went to go pack Robin a bag." Henry stiffened.
"Are you guys having a fight?" Roland gasped at Henry's question.
"Fighting's not nice, you and daddy said." Roland piped up. Regina walked towards the boys, she stroked Henry's cheek and rubbed the top of Roland's head.
"No, we're not fighting, just a misunderstanding. You're going to have a guys' night with David and Robin and Killian and me and Mary – Margaret are gonna have a girls' night."
"Like a, um, what is it? Slum, slum? Like when Henry went to Hansel's?"
"Yes, just like that, a slumber party. It will be fun! You guys can stay up late and watch movies and eat popcorn and pizza and I'll even let you drink a soda. One." Regina held up her index finger for emphasis. Both boys turned to each other, grinning and gave each other high fives. Regina laughed and made her way back around the sofa to sit down. Her back was bothering her and had been for the past few hours. How she wished Robin was there to give her a massage. She supposed she could talk Mary – Margaret into giving her a back rub and hoped it was somewhat as good as Robin's. The boys turned back around on the sofa and cuddled up against Regina. Mary – Margaret came to sit on the other end of the sofa and flipped channels on the tv.
The bell sounded from the front door ten minutes into a viewing of Doctor Who. Mary – Margaret didn't get that station on her tv and missed the Doctor Who Christmas special. She was fortunate enough to convince Regina into letting her watch while they waited for David. Regina and Mary – Margaret looked at each other the second time the doorbell chimed.
"For goodness sake, I'll get it," Henry scolded before stalking off to answer the door. "David! Hey!"
"Hey Henry, is my wife here?"
"Yep, she's sitting with mom watching Doctor Who."
"Oh, she's finally getting to see the Christmas Special. Mare! You in here?"
"Yep, give me a second to pause the show." David could hear Mary – Margaret fussing at Regina. A few moments later both women entered into the foyer.
"Hey David, thanks for taking the boys."
"No worries Regina, we're gonna have an awesome time. Are the boys ready?"
"Yep, we packed their bags and Regina packed one for Robin. Let me get Neal and Roland." Mary – Margaret headed back towards the living room and left Regina, Henry and David in the foyer standing in uncomfortable silence.
"So." David started.
"So, um, how's Robin?" Regina ventured.
"He's doing alright."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I think so. How are you?"
"Me? I'm perfectly fine. Glad you guys are getting to hang out together and do guy stuff, together. Without us women to interfere."
"What are you guys talking about?" Mary – Margaret interrupted their conversation, not wanting David to say anything that might tip Regina into another emotional outburst.
"Nothing, I was just informing David I told the boys they could have only one soda for the evening and water for the rest of the time."
"Uh – huh. Okay, welp, here's Neal. Here are the rest of the bags. Go and enjoy yourselves. Don't forget to feed everyone, okay?"
"I know how to take care of a kid or two, Mare."
"You sure do!" Mary – Margaret leaned forward to peck Neal on the forehead and David on the cheek. She shoved everyone out the door and turned to face Regina. "Now, let's go finish watching Doctor Who! Then we can do some prenatal yoga to help you relax and hopefully Emma will be around then and we can have dinner and watch a movie, maybe facials and paint our nails?"
"You're really into this slumber party thing, aren't you?" Mary – Margaret just grinned in response and nodded her head.
Emma arrived around eight o'clock in the evening bearing gifts of donuts from The Muffin Man and Garbage Pail pizza from Mount Vesuvius, per Regina's request. Emma couldn't exactly reach the doorbell with all the crap in her arms so she resorted to kicking the door. After a few beats, the door swung open to reveal a rather perturbed Regina.
"Really Emma? I thought kicking down doors was reserved for criminals."
"Well it is rather criminal for one person to cause such destruction in everyone's life. Here, why don't you take this pizza you asked for so I can grab the rest of my stuff for our fun filled girls' night?" Regina stared at Emma open – mouthed at her accusation and then shut it. "Speechless? That is a first. Hey Mary – Margaret, I think I broke Regina!" Emma called into the house. Mary – Margaret came running to the door.
"Regina? You okay? Emma what did you do to her?!"
"I just merely stated she's caused a big mess. I told the truth, she needed to hear it. Here, I brought us some wine to get us through." Emma pushed her way past Mary – Margaret and Regina. The two women stared after her in silence.
"Well, isn't this a fun start?"
"I don't find this fun at all, I want her to leave. I don't want to do girls' night anymore. The whole point was to wallow in self – pity. Emma is not following the rules." Mary – Margaret reached out and wrapper her arm around Regina.
"Now now Regina, you know Emma, she's rough and tough. We're gonna eat this pizza you asked for and donuts. Emma and I will drink wine. You can have sparkling grape juice and we'll pick out a nice sappy rom com. Or action flick with hot half – naked guys. You know, whatever." Mary – Margaret pulled a reluctant Regina towards the living room where Emma was well on her way to a second slice of pizza.
"I see you've made yourself comfortable."
"Yep, I'm starving! Here, have some. This pizza's actually pretty good!"
"Well, don't eat all of it."
"I won't, I'll save you some. How many slices you want? One and one half?" Regina scoffed. "Oh, come on, you know you don't eat whole lot. I know for a fact pizza isn't even on your list of 'Foods Regina Will Eat'. I'm surprised you even asked for this."
"Well, pregnancy will do that to you, just wait and see."
"Ugh, no, I am not having any kids. I've got plenty with you two baby – making machines. I'm just gonna be the cool aunt." Regina sighed as she lowered herself onto the floor in front of the coffee table so she could eat a slice of pizza. They all ate in silence while Mary – Margaret flipped through the On Demand movies to find something they could all watch.
"How about Fool's Gold?"
"That was a terrible movie. Just. Terrible."
"Great! Let's watch it!"
"Emma, no."
"Regina, yes. Hit play Mare. We are watching this terrible awful movie because this what you do during girls' night. Watch bad movies." Mary – Margaret started the movie while Regina stretched herself out on the floor. She winced a little at the shooting pain.
"Regina, you okay? Maybe you want the sofa instead? I'll help you up." Mary – Margaret offered her hands for Regina to take. Regina rolled her eyes and took a few moments to consider how painful it would be for her to change positions again. She rolled over and brought herself on all fours so she could stand on her knees before grasping Mary – Margaret's hands.
"I was just trying to alleviate the pain in my back. And my stomach. I just ache everywhere right now."
"I know, I know. Here, you sit down, put your feet up and see if that doesn't help, okay?" Regina nodded her head. Emma leaned back against the sofa in front of Regina and Mary – Margaret relaxed in the recliner. About thirty minutes into the movie Emma and Mary – Margaret could hear soft snores coming from the sofa. They both chuckled. Emma turned around and pulled out her cellphone to record. Mary – Margaret leaned forward and slapped Emma on the arm. Regina let out a soft snort. After recording for a little bit Emma put her phone away and stood up.
"Emma, what are you doing?" Mary – Margaret whispered as she followed Emma to over where she placed her overnight bag and pulled out her toothpaste. "Emma," Mary – Margaret drawled out her name in a warning.
"What? Slumber party rules, don't be the first one to fall asleep or you get a toothpaste mustache." Emma tip toed back over to Regina where she delicately squeezed out a long line of toothpaste and dropped it onto Regina's face. The woman barely moved. Emma chuckled at her handy work as she pulled out her cell phone to take a picture. This time Mary – Margaret tried to snatch Emma's phone out of her hand. She missed and sent them both tumbling to the floor with a loud thud. Regina sat straight up.
"What the hell are you two doing? And what is this on my face?" She yelled as she wiped at the sticky material. "Toothpaste? Really Miss Swan? No wonder you get along so well with my twelve – year old." Regina swung her legs around and tried to push herself off the sofa, a move she instantly regretted. She grasped her stomach as another pain ripped up her side and back. She leaned forward and tried to take deep breaths. Emma and Mary – Margaret were immediately by her side.
"Regina? Regina, what's going on?" Mary – Margaret reached behind Regina to rub her back.
"It hurts," she managed to say through clenched teeth.
"Okay, um, what hurts exactly?"
"My stomach. Oh god, it hurts so bad," she cried out as another ripple of pain course through her sides.
"Emma, grab our purses and get the car started. Come Regina, let's get you to out to the car and to the hospital okay? How long have you been feeling this way?" Mary – Margaret pulled Regina to her feet.
"I'm not sure. Maybe a little soreness last night, more intense this afternoon."
"Why didn't you say anything?!" Mary – Margaret admonished.
"It wasn't exactly a focus of mine. Will you call Robin for me?"
"Of course. Let's get you situated in the car first, okay?"
"Mm hmm," was all Regina could muster out as her stomach cramped again.
The drive to the hospital was a quick one thanks to Emma and her lead foot. Emma pulled right up to the ambulance entrance, hopped out the car and grabbed a wheel chair. Mary – Margaret helped Regina into the chair and sent a silent prayer that Emma wouldn't accidentally kill Regina during the short trip through the entrance and into the Emergency Room. The staff immediately took Regina back.
"Well, I suppose I should go move the car," Emma said despondently.
"Yeah, perhaps you should. I'm going to give Robin a call and see if I can't figure out which room they took Regina into. I'll text you." Emma nodded her head and the two women went their separate ways.
He burst through the doors calling out to her. "Regina! Regina!" He grabbed the first person he could find. "Can you tell me where my wife is?"
"I'm sorry sir, you'll have to check with the front desk." He spun around on his heels, not sure where the front desk was. He couldn't think clearly. All he knew was his wife and his unborn child needed him. Mary – Margaret called David to let him know she was at the hospital with Regina and to please break the news to Robin gently. David tried to calm his friend but it was of no use. Reluctantly they left the boys with Killian so David could take Robin to the hospital. Robin doesn't even recall the ride to the hospital or how he found himself wondering the halls of the Emergency department searching for his wife. He found a circulation desk and again asked the person if they knew where his wife was.
"Okay, let me check, what's your wife's name, sir?"
"Her name, it's uh, Regina."
"Regina what?"
"Regina Hood, no, sorry, Mills – Hood is the last name."
"Alright, let's see," the secretary took a few moments to check the board for Regina's name while Robin drummed his finger impatiently on the desk. "Ah, here she is, Room A 14. It's around this corner."
"Okay, thanks!" He tossed out as he jogged toward her room. The door was shut. He knocked once, twice and then pushed the door open. The sight before him both frightened him and relieved him. Mary – Margaret was seated on the bed with Regina, cuddling her close, stroking her back while Emma sat in a chair on the other side flipping channels on the tv. When Mary – Margaret saw Robin she leaned in close to Regina and whispered to her. Regina nodded her head.
"Hey Emma, wanna grab some coffee with me?" Emma looked up.
"Oh yeah, absolutely." She gently touched Regina's leg that was hidden underneath the bed sheets. "You want anything, Regina?" Regina slowly shook her head no. "Alright, we'll back shortly. Robin, be nice."
"Emma!" Mary – Margaret yelled in a hushed whisper. Robin and Regina watched the two women leave and waited for the door to shut with a click. He stood in front of the door, unsure what he should do. On the one hand he wanted desperately to take his wife into his arms and hold her close. On the other hand he wasn't sure if she would want that. So they stared hard at each other. It was then that Robin heard the rhythmic sound. The sound of galloping horses. The sound he knew to be of the heartbeat of his child. The tears that had gathered unbeknownst to him in the corners of his eyes began to fall as he walked towards Regina. He opened his arms as he finally made it to her bed. She leaned into them as he sat down. Her quivering lips emitted sounds of soft sobbing and he could feel how wet her cheeks were. They stayed embraced this way for a few minutes more before Robin pulled back to look at Regina.
"Oh Regina, I am so sorry I wasn't here for you." She sniffled and wiped at her cheeks with the backs of her hands.
"Oh Robin," she choked out, "I'm the one who should be sorry. I'm sorry I overreacted about the food. Really I am." Robin stroked his wife's back.
"Shhhh, it's okay, it's alright. I should've paid closer attention to your request. Maybe in the future you can write it down for me. Seems I'm a bit forgetful with these things." Regina nodded into his chest. "So, how's Squishy?"
"Squishy's fine. Here," she reached for his free hand and brought to her rounded belly. Once she had his hand in place, she clasped her hand on top and held it there.
"Are you alright? All David said was that Mary – Margaret said you were in the hospital. I didn't know what to think."
"I'm fine, Squishy's fine, we're both fine. Turns out it was just some round ligament pain. It got a little intense and freaked me out. I was so afraid the dull ache and cramping meant something else."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Well, I didn't know. I was just feeling achy and you weren't there to give me back massages or rub my belly like you usually do and you hadn't checked in on us all day."
"I know, I'm sorry. I was trying to give you space."
"Cuz I'm a crazy hormonal bitch right now? Thanks," she said with an eye roll. Robin was starting to believe his sassy wife was back to her normal self. He let out a soft chuckle as he pulled her back into him and squeezed her tightly. "Actually, Squishy is now Lemon."
"Lemon?"
"Mm hmm, it is now the size of a Lemon. Here, they did an ultrasound." Regina took a photo off the side table and gave to Robin. He stared at it in wonderment. He touch the photo gently, tracing the outline of the blob that was their Lemon.
"I think I like Squishy. Can we stick with Squishy?" A soft knock could be heard coming from the door. "Yeah?" Robin called out. Emma pushed the door open.
"Sorry, we're all done getting coffee. You two okay in here?"
"Yep, we're great. Thanks so much for taking care of Regina." Regina scoffed.
"Take care of me? Let me tell you what those two did. They recorded me snoring and put toothpaste on my face while I was sleeping." Robin stifled a laugh. "That is not funny!"
"Yes it is! Here Robin, look!" Emma shoved her phone into Robin's hands.
"Well, I don't need to see, I fall asleep next to her every night." Regina slapped his arm.
"Congratulations on your new sleeping arrangement on the sofa downstairs."
"Oh, come on Regina. If I sleep downstairs who's going to rub your back for you?" Regina considered him for a moment.
"You are. You can rub my back before bed and then go downstairs to sleep. But still keep your phone near you so I can inform you of any midnight food requests I may have," Regina finished as she folded her arms across her chest. Robin, Emma and Mary – Margaret all shook their heads. Regina was a real piece of work and if her first trimester was any indication of how the rest of her pregnancy was going to go, they were all well in over their heads.
Trying a new way to section off...let me know if the line breaks were a pain in the butt or not. Your continued support is awesome! Please read and review!