Hey guys, new chapter, enjoy!
It was nearing three thirty in the afternoon. Regina sat at her desk, noting the time. She had exactly ten minutes to finish her current editing and shut down her computer, gather her things and head home. She was due to meet Mary – Margaret at four o 'clock, no earlier, no later. Regina was stickler for rules and being punctual was probably her number one priority. She learned that from her mother. It made a good impression to be on time, not to arrive early because what if the people who were expecting you weren't quite ready five minutes before your scheduled time and what an inconvenience it would be to try and find something to do with you for five minutes. It was in bad form to arrive late as well because no one wants to be left waiting. Regina sighed at the memories and weird rules from her mother. Some of those rules translated to her parenting style with Henry, as she learned last night when she tried to implement her no junk food rule with Henry, but not with her step son Roland. She knew Robin was completely okay with her parenting Roland, but there were still some issues she wasn't quite sure where the boundaries were drawn. Junk food, she found, was one of them. Parenting was fly – by – your pants most of the time and she tried to insert some sort of order. Daniel often joked how he was the fun parent and she was the stick in the mud. She would whine that she just didn't want to screw anything up and he would gather in her in his arms and just hold her until she stopped crying. He would apologize and tell her he just wanted to make her smile and get her to let loose. Their toddler child wouldn't understand why mommy wouldn't let him have the French fries off daddy's plate. She'd respond with how she didn't want her child to die from heart disease like her father did and that if Daniel knew what was good for him he wouldn't eat those artery clogging fries either – and then she would steal a fry or two off his plate for herself. It was this silly little thing they did.
Regina cleared her throat and quickly wiped the tears that had formed in the corner of her eyes at the memory of Daniel. Her Daniel who was taken from her, but now she had Robin. She had Robin and Roland and Henry and the baby. The baby that was currently making its presence known, in more ways than one. Right now, the baby or her uterus, she wasn't sure which, was pressing heavily on her bladder. She unfortunately hadn't schedule a restroom break in her plans to be home precisely at four o'clock to meet Mary – Margaret. Nature calls, she supposed. It shouldn't take her that long to pee and be out the door. Regina left her things to hurry down the hall to the restroom. Sydney Glass was standing in the middle of the hallway talking to Mal and they both scooted to the side when they saw Regina heading towards the restroom.
"All aboard the 'Potty Train Express'!" Mal called out to Regina and cackled loudly. Regina swore under her breath and flipped them the bird. She had no time for games and this was one they played every single time she headed to the restroom since they found out she was pregnant. She had a hard time getting her pants down so she could sit on the toilet. Squatting left her a little off – balance. She sat down and reveled in the relief she felt once she emptied her bladder. She flushed the toilet and wriggled her pants back up. Who knew she had an ass and birthing hips? Where did they come from and would they go away after she gave birth? She quickly washed her hands and headed back down the hall to collect her things. It was three fifty in the afternoon. She was going to be late meeting Mary – Margaret and Regina was sure to never hear the end of it.
Mary – Margaret arrived promptly at 108 Miflin Street at four o'clock in the afternoon, no earlier, no later, toddler Neal in tow. She parked her car on the street and proceeded to gather the small child and his belongings. She made sure to grab his stuffed toy Nemo and zipped him back up in his winter jacket. Mary – Margaret hurried up the walk – way when she noticed there were no cars in the driveway. She slowed her approach.
"Aunt Mary! You're here!" cried out a voice. Mary – Margaret turned to the direction of the sound.
"Henry, Roland, hey!"
"Hey," Henry said again once he caught up to where Mary – Margaret was on the walk – way.
"Henry, is your mother here?"
"Um, I don't know. She usually is by the time we get home in the afternoon."
"Does she sometimes leave her car at work and walk home?" Henry shook his head no.
"No, if she walks home, she walks to pick us up from school and we walk to Granny's or go get ice cream and head to the park and then walk home so we can burn off all the sugar we ate. But she leaves her car here and meets us at school. She didn't meet us at school. Is something wrong?" By this time the small group reached the front door. Mary – Margaret paused while Henry took out the lanyard that held the key to the house and waited for him to open the door. "Mom? Mom?! Are you in here?" Henry called out to the empty house. He threw his bag down by the front door, making sure to take off his shoes and headed towards the kitchen where Regina would usually be, making after school snacks for Henry and Roland before they started on their homework. Henry walked back out to the den area where Mary – Margaret was settling Neal. The little boy grabbed the stuffed Nemo from her hands and tucked it under his arm and into his side, holding it tightly and then reached up with his other arm to take Mary – Margaret's hand in his. He led her over to the toy box Regina placed in the living room when Roland moved in. Neal liked the toy box as well. Mary – Margaret helped Neal sift through the toy – box while continuing to talk to Henry across the room.
"So, does that mean she is late?"
"What do you mean?" Henry questioned.
"She told me to meet her here at four o'clock in the afternoon, no sooner, no later," she responded with a wide grin. "I'm on time and your mother's not!" She shouted gleefully before pulling on Neal's other hand, causing him to drop Nemo and began to dance around in a circle with him. It was quite a sight to see and soon, both Henry and Roland were laughing at the spectacle. Poor little Neal had no idea what was going on and mostly stood still, looking slightly confused at his mother. Roland finally spoke up.
"Auntie Mare, can you make us a snack since mama isn't here?" Mary – Margaret stopped her mini – celebration.
"Of course I can, Roland. What would you like?"
"Um," Roland paused to consider his request. Regina usually made something healthy like apples and peanut butter, or bananas and peanut butter, or celery and peanut butter. Mary – Margaret would probably give him chips or goldfish crackers if he asked. "Goldfish crackers?" He finally asked, looking up at Mary – Margaret with a sly smile.
"Sure, let's go see if we can find them," she reached down to grab Roland's hand and took Neal's hand in her other hand and walked them to the kitchen, "coming Henry?" she paused momentarily to ask the pre – teen standing behind the sofa.
"Sure, I can't wait for mom to walk in on this. I'm gonna grab my cell phone so I can record this. You'll be a YouTube star!" At that, Mary – Margaret let out a hearty laugh. With Neal in her arms, one hand holding Roland's hand and Henry following behind the group arrived in Regina's immaculately kept kitchen.
"How on earth does she keep this kitchen so friggin' clean with two kids running around here?"
"Oh, mom is very big on chores, specifically us doing chores. Child labor! Aren't there laws against child labor?" Henry complained while Mary – Margaret set about looking through the various cabinets to find Goldfish crackers for Roland.
"Well yeah, but it's not hard labor. It's stuff you need to do around the house, parents are not your personal maids," she responded to Henry's complaint. Letting out an exhausted sigh, she turned to Henry, "Henry, where are the Goldfish crackers? Do they even exist in your house? Roland, did you send me on a futile search?" Henry laughed a little bit while Roland stared up at Mary – Margaret with a confused look on his face.
"What does futile mean?" Mary – Margaret shook her head.
"It means pointless, Roland. I don't know why Roland asked for Goldfish crackers. They've been banned from the house," said Henry, responding to Mary – Margaret's question.
"Banned from the house?"
"Yeah, something about the artificial cheese flavoring smell and Squishy. Squishy's not even here and he's causing problems. There are lots of things we can't eat anymore cuz mom can't stand the smell," Henry huffed out as leaned over the counter.
"Well then, guess you'll have to pick something else to eat Roland."
"Um, how about chips?" Mary – Margaret looked pointedly at Roland.
"You want chips? Is that even allowed in your house?"
"Sometimes mama makes daddy get her chips. For Squishy. Boy, you're right Henry!"
"Right about what?"
"Squishy gets a lot of stuff and he's still inside mama's tummy." Mary – Margaret and Henry both laughed at Roland's realization.
"Alright, well Henry, since you live here, why don't you tell me where the chips are so I'm not wasting time looking through all the cabinets for chips."
"Looking for chips? In my house?" A voice called out. Everyone in the kitchen paused looking through the cabinets and slowly turned to the voice that startled them. There was Regina standing in the kitchen doorway looking none too pleased they were looking for chips in her house. "Really Mary – Margaret, this I would have expected from Miss Swan, who loves to defy my every move, but not you."
"Oh, Regina, I didn't know you were here. Roland was hungry and since you weren't here to give him his afternoon snack I figured I see what we could find."
"Uh huh, so you thought chips were a good idea?"
"Well, it's what Roland wanted," she replied sheepishly.
"Roland," Regina said, holding out the last syllable.
"Yes?" he said looking up at her.
"You know we don't eat chips in this house."
"I know, but I wanted Goldfish crackers but you said we can't have Goldfish crackers because Squishy doesn't like them. How do you know Squishy doesn't like Goldfish crackers? I love them! Did Squishy tell you he didn't like them? How did he tell you he didn't like them from inside your tummy and –" Regina pinched the bridge of her nose. She really hated it when Roland went on one of his rants, which was comprised of a series of questions.
"Roland, dear, honey, my little knight," Regina said placatingly as she stooped to his level and grasped his chin in her hands so she could look into his eyes. She paused for a moment to make sure he was truly paying attention to her. "It's not that Squishy doesn't like Goldfish crackers, it's because of Squishy that mommy can not tolerate Goldfish crackers."
"What do you mean? Tolerate?" Regina paused to consider the best way to explain to a five year old how pregnancy affected a woman from cravings, to aversions, body aches and frequent trips to the bathroom.
"Well dear, sometimes a smell upsets mama's tummy – my nose smells more efficiently. I can smell things that even you can't smell."
"Really?"
"Uh – huh. I know you miss Goldfish crackers, I miss them too! There are a lot of foods that I miss eating but I can't eat them right now because I don't want to be sick. You know what it feels like to be sick, right? It's not a good feeling, is it?" Roland shook his head no.
"Right, now how about I make you apples and peanut butter, you like that, right?" Roland shook his head yes.
"Uh – huh. It's my favorite."
"Well if it's your favorite why didn't you just ask me to make that for you?" Mary – Margaret spoke up.
"Because you don't make that when we're at your house. Only Goldfish crackers." Regina shot Mary – Margaret a death glare.
"Are you feeding my children unhealthy food behind my back?"
"What? No! I would never do that! I get the Goldfish crackers because they have no additives and food coloring. I'm not completely negligent, sheesh. And another thing," Mary – Margaret said, pointing to Regina and sending a wink Henry's way so he could take out his phone for recording purposes. "You are late." Regina pursed her lips as she stood back up and swiveled to face Mary – Margaret.
"What did you just say?"
"I, uh, I said, 'You are late.' I beat you here! I was on time and you were not!"
"Oh yippy, the highlight of your day is at the expense of an 18 week old fetus. Congrats."
"Huh?"
"I was late because I had to make an unscheduled potty break before I left work. And these tight – fitting pants are hard to get up and down over these birthing hips that magically appeared overnight. Precisely the reason you are here. Are you even ready to go?" Regina folded her arms across her chest and stared down hard at Mary – Margaret. Mary – Margaret shrunk back just a little, all the while very aware that Henry was recording this interaction so he could put it on YouTube and make her a YouTube star.
"Well, yes, let me get Neal settled, perhaps make everyone an afternoon snack? You're sure Robin will be here around six?" Regina nodded her head and rolled her eyes. How many times would she have to tell Mary – Margaret that Henry was a perfectly responsible young man who could handle watching Roland and Neal for a few hours, less than that because the two women were getting a late start.
"Yes, Mary – Margaret. Henry and Roland are responsible young men. I put all the ingredients in the crock pot this morning for your vegetable beef stew. Robin will be home around six which is his customary time. An afternoon snack should hold them over until then. They both know to work on their homework first, then they can move to the den where Henry likes to read and Roland likes to play with his Legos. We can turn on a movie for Neal to keep him entertained until their homework is completed," then she turned to address Henry and Roland. "I am allowing you to watch a movie on a school night, but I will choose the movie. Should I come home and discover a different movie, there will be no movie watching for two weeks. Do I make myself clear?" Both boys nodded their heads in unison. "Good, now off you go to start on your homework. It should take me no more than five minutes to make your snack, okay?"
"Yes ma'am," they responded in unison before heading off to the dining room table where they sat every afternoon when they came home from school to work on their homework. Regina approached the decorated bowl on the counter and pulled two apples from it, washed them and began slicing them on her bamboo cutting board that sat by the sink. She looked up from the cutting board to address Mary – Margaret once she finished.
"Does Neal like grapes?"
"Hmm?"
"I asked you if Neal liked grapes. I can peel them for him. Or would he prefer raisins?"
"Well, um, actually – I have Goldfish crackers." Regina rolled her eyes.
"Of course you do. Well, don't just stand there, take a paper towel and set him up in front the tv and put them on there. I'll run this plate of apples out to the boys, dash upstairs to put on something more comfortable and then we'll be on our way."
"The smell won't bother you?"
"It hasn't bothered me for a while now, but I'm not going to tell them that. They get enough junk food on the weekends when we have movie night and order pizza and donuts."
"You order pizza and donuts? I find that hard to believe," Mary – Margaret laughed out.
"Well I'm not a complete health nut. Everything in moderation. It gives everyone something to look forward to at the end of the week. Even Squishy likes it."
"Oh, I'm sure. I think you're using Squishy as a convenient excuse for everything that happens around here. What will you did when Squishy is out and about? Get pregnant again?" Regina's eyes went wide with horror.
"What do you take me for? A baby – making factory? Surely not!"
"Relax, Regina, I'm just kidding. The baby will be close enough to Roland's age it won't be lonely later."
"Lonely? What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, you know only children."
"Hmm, no I'm not sure what you mean by that, you forget about my older sister. I would love to have been an only child."
"Well not everyone had it as bad as you did. Anyway, I'm just saying it's nice for children to have someone their age to play with and relate to."
"Henry seemed to have been completely fine." Mary – Margaret let out a loud guffaw.
"Oh, my dear Regina, you make me to laugh."
"What are you on about?"
"You have no idea how you met Robin, do you?"
"My car was broken down at the gas station and Robin stopped to help."
"Yeah, sure, that's exactly what happened." Regina folded her arms and leaned against the counter.
"I think you'd better start explaining, dear. Right now, my patience is very thin these days."
"Oh, well um, you see, you know how Robin coaches soccer and he was the assistant coach on Henry's team?" Regina nodded, not wanting to interrupt Mary – Margaret who seemed a little flushed from nervousness. "Well, Roland may have been feeling a little lonely and one day at practice Henry entertained him for a little bit and then Roland may or may not have asked if Henry's mom could also be Roland's mom and Henry may or may not have agreed to launch Operation Hook Up," Mary – Margaret finished quietly. Regina's mouth dropped open.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you quite right, you mumbled that last part. Operation Hook Up?"
"Yeah, look at how awesome it worked out! Husband, another son and a baby on the way!" Regina's mouth opened and closed but no sound could be heard. "Cat got your tongue?" Mary – Margaret teased. After a few more moments Regina finally found her voice.
"That little sneak! I'm going to kill Emma Swan."
"What? Why Emma?"
"She and Henry are always going on and on about Operation This and Operation That. She seems like she would know how to rig my car to break down conveniently and then dispatch Robin out to help." Mary – Margaret could see the heat rising in Regina's cheeks. She approached her friend and placed her hands on either side of her arms.
"Regina! Calm down, woman! You're getting excited and worked up and that's not good for the baby. Is it really so bad Henry and Roland wanted their parents to get together? Hasn't everything turned out wonderfully? Could you honestly say the result of their Operation Hook Up brought you unhappiness?" Regina seemed to relax a little. "That's it, take deep calming breaths." Regina seemed to visibly calm as Mary – Margaret rubbed her hands up and down Regina's arms to comfort her. It was always supposed to be a secret how exactly it was Robin who came to Regina's rescue, an effort on all their parts, really and truly, a big risk they all took, but they knew it would be worth it. "Are you feeling better now?" Regina shook her head. "Alright, I am going to take these snacks to the boys and set Neal up while you go and change. We'll head out and get you some fancy schmancy maternity clothes!" Regina shot Mary – Margaret a death glare and reluctantly trudged off through the door that led to the dining room to head upstairs.
Fifteen minutes passed since Regina went upstairs. Mary – Margaret was playing in the floor with Neal. Roland was busy perusing their movie collection to find a movie suitable for viewing. He knew Neal liked Finding Nemo. Roland liked Robin Hood. Roland also liked his Jungle Book movie. He was so torn.
"Did you find a movie, Roland?"
"Well, I thought we could watch my Jungle Book movie, but Neal might be scared."
"Hmm, that is true, what are some other movies we could watch?"
"Maybe Lion King?" Mary – Margaret pursed her lips, trying to remember if there was anything in the movie that might frighten her young son. Then again he might be perfectly entertained with his stuffed Nemo and the oversized LEGO blocks he pulled out of the toy box.
"Okay, that sounds good. Do you know how to put the movie in and get it started?" Roland nodded his head enthusiastically. "Good, why don't you get everything set up okay? I'm going to go check on your mom and see what's taking her so long, okay?"
"Okay Aunt Mare." Mary – Margaret nodded her head in agreement, stood up and headed up the stairs that led to the master bedroom. The door was slightly ajar. Mary – Margaret lightly knocked to announce herself.
"Regina? You doin' okay in here? It's taking you an awfully long time to come back downstairs." No response. Mary – Margaret pushed to door open and found Regina standing in front of the full – length mirror in the corner of her bedroom. She had on a sports bra and a pair of yoga pants. She was softly caressing her belly, holding it at the base, she stood facing the mirror and soon turned slightly to the side. Mary – Margaret stepped in slowly and cleared her throat. "Ahem, Regina? You almost ready to go in here? I could probably put Neal down for a nap if you want to take a few more minutes." Mary – Margaret could see Regina smiling in the mirror as she walked up to her. Eventually, Mary – Margaret reached her side.
"Sorry, we've been anxious to feel Squishy kick. Sometimes I swear I can feel the sensations, but I'm never quite sure. I haven't fully appreciated this. I mean, I focus on the fact that there's all this food I can't eat because it makes me sick to my stomach and all the food I crave that's not anywhere near the remote possibility of healthy. And the weight gain and how much my body has changed and continues to change. I haven't had the chance to admire the beauty of it all. I must admit when you mentioned having another child so this one can have someone to play with, it kind of scared me a little."
"Oh, I didn't mean to, I mean, Neal is much closer in age to Squishy, I'm sure they'll be the best of friends, just like you and I," Mary – Margaret let out a little chuckle. Regina just looked her pointedly before turning back to face the mirror again.
"Will you grab Robin's sweatshirt from the bed over there?"
"Yeah, sure. You don't have any shirts that fit?"
"Well, you know me, everything tailored to fit my body type. My body type that isn't eighteen weeks pregnant. I'm sure there's a sweater I could wear, but I'm really bumming it out with these yoga pants anyway, might as well complete the outfit, right?" Mary – Margaret shook her head in agreement. "Well then, let's get a move on, shall we?"
"Yeah, and hey, listen, Regina about earlier – "
"It's okay. Was Henry really that miserable? That he would set me up with a complete stranger? You talk to him, and Emma. He shares things with you guys that he wouldn't share with me." Mary – Margaret handed Regina the sweatshirt and waited for her to pull it over her head before continuing their discussion.
"Well, yes he does share with me and Emma, but that's because you're his mom. He's torn between being a son and being your protector. Finding you a husband was kind of like his last act of protection and he picked a great guy and got himself a younger brother to boot! He just wanted you to be happy – the kind of happy that adults need, that they can get from other adults, not kids."
"Oh, he's so grown up. I wish Daniel could see." Regina's eyes filled with tears. This time Mary – Margaret gathered her in her arms and let Regina sink into her embrace, holding on tightly. They stood that way for a few moments before another knock at the door drew their attention. The two women withdrew their arms from each other.
"Are you okay mama?" Little Roland called from the door. Regina stooped and opened her arms to welcome Roland into a hug. He hesitated a little. Regina motioned with her hand that it was okay and to come give her a hug. He took off running and slammed into her before quickly pulling back, afraid he hurt her. Regina smiled and reached forward, hugging him tightly and picking him up, swung him onto her hip. She planted a kiss on his forehead.
"Mama's just fine."
"But you were crying."
"Oh those were happy tears."
"Happy tears?"
"Mmm hmm, you can cry when you're happy too."
"What are you happy about?"
"I'm happy that I have you, your dad, Henry and Squishy in my life. I couldn't be more happier that you're here in my life." Roland reached his pudgy arms around Regina's neck to pull her into another hug.
"I'm happy you're my mama."
"I'm glad I'm your mama too. Now, what's say we head downstairs? Hmm? What movie did you pick?"
"I pickeded the Lion King."
"That sounds like an excellent choice. Will you be a good boy for Henry? Help keep Neal entertained until your father gets home? He shouldn't be long now."
"Uh – huh," Roland said, shaking his head. The trio went downstairs. Regina put Roland down next to Neal in the living room where the toddler was thoroughly entranced in the song "I Just Can't Wait to be King". He was bouncing lightly on his feet mumbling along with the melody. Regina laughed to herself, thinking how she couldn't wait for Squishy to be that age and be just entranced with the magic of animation like Neal. She headed to the dining room table where Henry was still seated, working on his homework.
"Alright Henry, Roland and Neal are set up in the living room with the Lion King. Please keep an ear out. Robin should be here in about an hour. I have turned on the crock pot to low. If you get hungry before Robin gets home to help you it should be done enough for you to serve yourself and Roland. Please only feed Neal whatever snacks are provided in his bag. Robin can feed him the vegetable beef stew. Any questions?" Henry shook his head no. "Good, now come give me a hug and say a prayer for Mary – Margaret." Henry laughed and gave his mom a hug.
"Good luck Aunt Mare," he called over Regina's shoulder.
"Thanks kid, pretty sure I'll need it." Regina stood up and both she and Mary – Margaret headed out the front door.
The ride to the mall wasn't a very long one and Mary – Margaret and Regina mostly sat in silence, listening to the radio. Regina closed her eyes to rest for a moment. She told Mary – Margaret she needed to conserve her energy to get through the all the shopping Mary – Margaret was dragging her through. Mary – Margaret wanted to discuss their plan of action to maximize time so the boys weren't left alone for very long and it surprised her that Regina, who likes to keep to a schedule, was very lax about their afternoon. Pregnancy seemed to agree with her on that part at least. Now if only letting up on things her life would last after the pregnancy; Mary – Margaret would be really impressed with that.
Mary – Margaret pulled her car into the parking lot at the mall, parked and shut off the engine. Light snores could be heard from the passenger seat. Mary – Margaret shook her head and called out softly to Regina, not wanting to startle her awake. The poor woman just kept on snoring away. Mary – Margaret shook Regina lightly. Regina moved a little, slapped Mary – Margaret's hand away and readjusted herself in the seat. It appeared subtly was not on her side. Mary – Margaret leaned in close to Regina's ear.
"Regina!" She called firmly. Regina snorted and sat up straight in the seat. After a few seconds she seemed to get her bearings, finally turning a cold stare at Mary – Margaret.
"Mary – Margaret, what the hell is wrong with you?"
"What the hell is wrong with me? Nothing. You're the one that wouldn't wake up."
"What?"
"Yeah, I tried calling your name, shaking you, nothing."
"Oh, well, sorry. It's hard for me to gage how much sleep I require now. Squishy is sucking the life out of me."
"I hear ya, it sucks big time. Well, now you're awake and we can get started. Where do you want to go first? The maternity store or the department store so you can continue to look like a hard ass instead of a nice gentle mother?" Regina pursed her lips and eyed Mary – Margaret.
"Let's get the maternity store out of the way. I can control how much time we spend in there easier if we go there first."
"Control how much time?" Mary – Margaret echoed.
"Yes. One hour. For each store. We do have families to get back to and apparently I need more sleep." Mary – Margaret slowly nodded her head in agreement. It was already five o 'clock. At this rate they would be lucky to get back to Regina's around seven thirty, have dinner and then be off to her own loft apartment, putting Neal down past his usual bed time. Both women exited the car and headed to the food court entrance of the mall.
"Oh, this is just plain criminal."
"What?"
"Taking a pregnant woman through the food court. How am I supposed to say no to this stuff?"
"Um, you say 'no'. My goodness Regina, you usually have such self – control."
"It's not me! It's the baby. Squishy has taken over my body and there's nothing I can do about it. Now we have to make a stop by the pretzel place."
"The pretzel place?"
"Yes, I want pretzel bites and cheese sauce."
"Artificially flavored cheese sauce?"
"Yes, Squishy has a penchant for artificially flavored cheese items."
"But I thought the smell made you sick."
"I told you I got over that already. Now quit dawdling and let's go get my pretzel bites." Mary – Margaret rolled her eyes and headed after Regina who seemed to be able to move remarkably well with her pregnant belly. If Mary – Margaret recalled correctly she was already waddling at eighteen weeks. They made it over to the pretzel stand where Regina also ordered a strawberry freeze because it was Winter and thusly the mall had the heat turned up, which did nothing to help with all the extra blood pumping through her body. She needed the freeze to cool her down since she didn't think she could convince mall security to adjust the temperature. She tried that once before when she was Christmas shopping. They even threatened to escort her out the mall. Robin had to explain to them she was pregnant and the hormones were making her crazy. She punched him the arm for the remark and stormed off. The security guards gave Robin the most pitiful look she ever saw, which made her even more ticked off. That's how she'd gotten that gold tennis bracelet that now adorned her wrist. Sometimes jewelry did make everything better.
Once they had their snacks in hand, Mary – Margaret led the way to the maternity store. They entered the store and Mary – Margaret pulled Regina over to the pants suit section because she knew that's what Regina would probably want to wear.
"I'm not exactly sure how long you'll be able to wear pants suits comfortably. I preferred dresses myself."
"Yes, we know. Mu mus." Mary – Margaret rolled her eyes and started pulling pants suits from the racks and handed them to Regina.
"Here, take these. We'll find a style you like and we can get two, one for now and one for when you're further along."
"How rude."
"Regina, you do know you're growing a tiny human, right? You're going to get bigger and you're going to need bigger clothes. Gosh, why does this sound familiar? Oh, I know! This sounds an awful lot like the speech you gave me!"
"Well – " Regina truly had no response for that.
"Uh – huh, you can't say anything because you know you're being ridiculous. Now, hand me your food and go try these on. You said one hour in this store and there's so much to look at!"
"Fine, but you better not eat my pretzels or drink my freeze. I will destroy you, if it is the last thing I do," Regina threatened as she handed off her food items and took the suits from Mary – Margaret's arms. This was going to be the longest two hours of her life, not counting labor, and she was already starting to regret to agreeing to this shopping trip.
True to form, Regina only allowed them to spend one hour in the maternity store. She even let Mary – Margaret convince her to buy some stylish dresses that were not mu mus. Regina excitedly walked to the department store at the other end of the mall, eager to try on pants suits and skirt suits that were more her style. They ended up staying in that store for an hour and a half. Regina only stopped trying on clothes and more comfortable heels because Squishy was hungry. Much to Mary – Margaret's dismay Regina decided the only way to appease Squishy was to eat at the mall food court. Nevermind that Mary – Margaret was also hungry and very much looking forward to Regina's crockpot vegetable beef stew.
Robin arrived at the home he shared with Regina and Henry at six twenty in the evening. He tried his best to get home at six o'clock but he couldn't quite finish up with his paperwork on time. He entered the house to find all three boys seated at the table eating vegetable beef stew. At least he wouldn't have to worry about feeding the kids. He was a little concerned that Regina wasn't home. Even though it was expected he would take care of the boys while they were out, she did tell him they would probably only be gone for two hours. If the women left at four o'clock then they should have been back by now.
"Evenin' boys. How's it going?"
"Daddy!" Roland screeched, hopping out of his chair and running to envelope Robin in a hug. "I missed you!'
"Oh you did, did you?"
"Uh – huh. I haven't seen you all day!"
"Roland, you saw him this morning when he dropped us off at school." Henry called from the table as he spooned another bite of soup into his mouth. Robin released Roland and approached the dining room table.
"You guys already started in on dinner?"
"Uh – huh. Mom said to let you feed Neal."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, we wouldn't be able to resuscitate him if he choked on something or other."
"I see. Alright then, I'll go grab us a bowl and be right back. Did you boys finish your homework?"
"Yeah, mom made us start on it when we got home. We've been watching Lion King to keep Neal entertained though."
"I see, welp if you promise not to tell your mother, you can go pick out another movie while I feed Neal since you've done such a great job baby-sitting. How does that sound?"
"That sounds great!" Henry said as he began shoveling the last spoonfulls of stew into his mouth. Poor little Roland tried to keep up with him and ended up spilling a little bit onto the table. Robin simply shook his head and shooed the boy away so he could join Henry in the living room. He went to the kitchen and spooned up two bowls of vegetable beef stew. It was warm and hearty and just perfect for a mild winter evening such as this one. He opened the bag of dinner rolls on the counter and popped two in the microwave to warm them up slightly. Regina may limit her carbohydrate intake, but not Robin. He loved carbs, he loved them so very much. He even had a secret stash of carb – filled snacks that he kept hidden in his man – cave downstairs. Well, it was the sitting room, but with the baby it was going to be Regina's new office. He was trying to think of ways to convince her they could share the space. It might be a touchy subject right now and he was still trying to figure out what would and would not piss his wife off. He knew food items was something he should avoid. And the temperature in the house. And how many blankets could be on the bed. And when it was a good time for couple stuff. So far he had more items on his "Do Not Bother Regina About This" than his "Safe Regina Subjects" list.
The microwave beeped, signaling the rolls were properly heated. He grabbed them from the microwave, placed them on a separate plate and balanced the two bowls of vegetable stew and took them back out to the dining room. Neal was happily slapping the snacks on his tray around. Squishing soggy Goldfish crackers in his hand and squealing. Robin placed the bowls on the table and sat down. He spooned himself a couple of mouthfuls before picking out a few pieces of now – softened carrots and peas to place on Neal's tray. Neal looked at the pieces quizzically before picking them up and placing him is mouth and chewing. Robin ate more bites from his dish before tearing off a piece of his dinner roll and giving Neal a small piece. The toddler took it from his hands, gave it a little squeeze and dropped it over the side of his chair.
"Alright, no more rolls for you. This is precious food here and you're wasting it. Auntie Regina doesn't let us have this very often. You'll learn one day. Hey boys!" He called out towards the living room area.
"Yeah!" They called back in unison.
"Have you picked out a movie yet?"
"Yes!"
"Alright, well get that set up and then come clear the table, okay?" It was a few moments before both boys reluctantly returned to the table. "Aww, come on. You know she's gonna ask when she gets back, especially if you're watching a movie on a school night. It's kind of hard for her to be so fussy about the movie if you've already completed your homework and cleared off the dinner table, right?" Both boys nodded their heads and picked up their bowls and went into the kitchen. Henry returned with a wet rag to wipe down the table, leaving Roland in the kitchen to rinse the bowls and place them in the dishwasher. Henry disappeared back in the kitchen with the rack and Henry and Roland returned a few minutes later.
"Alright, the dishwasher is loaded but we didn't start it. Now can we go watch the movie?"
"Not so fast, what movie did you pick?"
"Um, we picked 'The Jungle Book'," Henry replied, hesitating to try and think of an appropriate movie title. In reality they both decided on Jurassic Park, even though it gave Roland nightmares. Henry explicitly told Roland if he gets scared that night to just come into Henry's room instead of the parents. They would get mad. Robin nodded his head and sent them on their way.
"Well, looks like it's just us now, doesn't it? Are you done eating?" Neal just gave Robin a toothy grin in response. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Yes!" Neal repeated after Robin. Robin stood up and picked as much food debris from the tray as he could and took everything back into the kitchen. He returned with the dish rag Henry used earlier. He set it on the table so he could take Neal out of the high chair. He set the toddler on the floor and proceeded to wipe down the food tray and the rest of the dining room table. Robin pulled the high chair back into the kitchen and made sure all the dishes were in the dishwasher and that there was enough vegetable stew left for Regina and Mary – Margaret when they returned from their shopping trip. Neal was still standing near the dining room table when Robin returned.
"Eww, what is that smell? Neal, do you need your diaper changed?" The toddler let out a giggle.
"Potty!" He yelled.
"Yeah, it might a little late for that. Let's go find your diaper bag and get you cleaned up, shall we?" Robin swung the boy onto his hip and walked into the living room looking for the diaper bag. However, what he saw was a dinosaur walking across the tv screen.
"Boyyyys." Henry and Roland's heads snapped around so fast Robin barely had time to put on his best Regina scowl face. "This doesn't look like 'The Jungle Book'. In fact it looks like Jurassic Park. A movie that Roland is not allowed to watch because it gives him night mares. Your mom hasn't exactly been sleeping well at night, she doesn't need you disturbing her because you had nightmares, Ro."
"It's okay Robin, I told him he could come into my room. Please let us watch it!"
"Yeah, I'll go to Henry's room! Please, please, please!" Roland echoed Henry's pleas, accompanied by folding his hands under his chin, smiling widely and blinking his eyes rapidly. What a charmer.
"Alright, fine, but if your mom walks in on you, I will deny that I knew you were watching it. I'm not getting dragged into that argument. I'm going to change Neal and then I'm going upstairs with him to work on the nursery some, okay? Try to be civil to each other." Henry and Roland nodded their heads in unison and returned their attention to the tv. Robin picked up Neal's diaper bag and headed to the master bedroom to change him.
"Sheesh, you definitely need to start potty training. This looks like something even I would poop out," Robin commented as he went about cleaning up Neal. Robin redressed the toddler and took the dirty diaper back down the stairs and tossed in the kitchen trashcan. Robin would take the trash out later. He stopped back by the living room to check on the boys and headed back upstairs to the nursery. He had finally gotten the room painted and now wanted to unpack the crib. However, he thought better of that because of the potential choking hazard the screws might cause. Robin settled on positioning the rocking chair and ottoman. He noticed Neal rubbing his eyes. Robin figure it was probably nearing the toddler's bedtime. Robin picked the boy up and walked over to the bookcase that stood on a wall in Regina's former office. It was a nice piece of wood; she selected it specifically to go with her office suite. She did still hadn't decided if she wanted to keep it in the nursery or move it somewhere else. Her office suite downstairs had bookshelves on the walls. She didn't really need it downstairs. Robin skimmed the small amount of child appropriate books and selected the copy of 'The Teddy Bear's Picnic' Regina had gotten for him to surprise him with the news of her pregnancy. He knew it held sentimental memories for her. He took the book and brought it with him to sit with Neal in the rocking chair.
Mary – Margaret and Regina finally arrived home at seven forty – two in the evening. After eating in the food court Regina was finally ready to come home. Mary - Margaret was just as hungry, but she was holding out for Regina's vegetable beef stew. She had been salivating over it all day. Mary - Margaret helped Regina carry all the bags inside her house and set them down by the front door. There was a low hum coming from the living room area as she and Regina walked up the stairs into the foyer. Regina peaked around the corner to see Henry and Roland engrossed with whatever movie they had playing. A movie that did not look like The Lion King.
"Boys, this does not look like the agreed upon movie. In fact it looks like a movie that Roland isn't allowed to watch. Where are Robin and Neal?"
"Oh, heyyyyy ma. Robin took Neal upstairs to change his diaper. Roland promises not to be scared, right Ro?" Roland shook his head in agreement. Regina considered the two boys for a moment.
"Oh, come on Regina, it's not gonna hurt just this once, is it?" Mary - Margaret chimed in.
"You remember this situation when Neal is older and comes barging into your room when you're having alone time with David complaining of a nightmare."
"Roland's going to come to my room so he doesn't disturb you or Robin, right Ro?" Again Roland shook his head in agreement.
"Okay, but if Roland comes into our room you both shall be in big trouble, do I make myself clear?" Both Henry and Roland nodded their heads in agreement.
"Is there any stew left? I am starving." Mary - Margaret asked as she glanced around the living room.
"Should be, Robin was cleaning up I think, but I don't think we ate it all." Henry replied as he and Roland returned their attention back to the tv. Mary - Margaret ventured towards the kitchen while Regina headed upstairs to check on Robin and Neal. She actually wasn't quite sure where they might be. She headed down the hall once she reached the top of the stairs towards the master bedroom. There was no sign of Robin or Neal. The only other place they would be, she decided, was the in - progress nursery. Light spilled forth from a crack in the door. She paused outside but couldn't hear anything. She knocked softly. No response. She pushed open the door and smiled at the scene that greeted her. Seated in the rocking chair were Robin and Neal. The toddler curled on Robin's lap with Robin's head resting lightly on top of his head. The 'Teddy Bear's Picnic' book resting comfortably on top of Neal's small body while Robin lightly stroked the boy's back.
"Hey," she called out. "We're back." Robin looked up at his wife as she approached them.
"Hey. He seemed sleepy so I was trying to relax him." Regina was now beside them. She leaned forward to push hair behind Neal's ear and lightly rubbed his back.
"Oh, I remember when Daniel used to do this very routine with Henry."
"I hope you don't mind my reading the book to him. I know it was kind of a thing with Daniel and Henry, but I thought there might be something to it." Regina chuckled quietly so as not to disturb the sleepy toddler and planted a kiss on Robin's cheek.
"Mare's downstairs eating. I'm sure we can stay up here and enjoy this a little while longer."
"Tell me."
"Tell you what?" She asked as she continued to stroke Neal's back.
"Tell me what other things you and Daniel would do with Henry."
"Oh, um, hmm. It almost seems forever ago. I don't really think about them. It's not until I see you doing some of the same things he used to do that I'm reminded of all those years ago."
"Does it make you sad at all? That right here, right now, it isn't you and Daniel doing this for your second child?" Regina shook her head no.
"Mmmm - mmm, it makes me miss him sometimes, but it makes me love you all the more. You're not a replacement Daniel. I know Daniel was a good person and knowing that you share some of the same qualities, only different, let's me know that I chose yet another good person to have in my life. I chose a good person to be a father to Henry and a father to my unborn child. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad Emma rigged my car to break down and you came to my rescue." Robin's eyes went wide. "What?" Regina asked, her eyebrows raising in surprise. "Didn't think I'd find out about that, did you?"
"Well, truth be told I didn't know about it until my bachelor party. I'm happy she and Henry got one of their 'Operations' right."
"Hmmmm, yes, one their half - brained operations went right." Regina found herself seated on the ottoman in front of Robin, resting her head on Robin's leg that wasn't occupied by Neal. She was exhausted from her shopping trip. Robin placed the book down on the floor and began rubbing the back of Regina's head. It felt like heaven to her. A few more minutes passed before Robin, Regina and even little Neal were fast asleep. This is how Mary - Margaret found them after she had her fill of vegetable beef stew. Mary - Margaret couldn't resist taking a picture of the three of them. She thought what a sweet scene this would be when their own little bundle of joy would soon join them.
There ya have it...another chapter. R&R