I have a great many excuses from being out of the country, getting food poisoning upon my return and the B button on my keyboard not working, but why bore you with that? On to the story!
She was having a rather pleasant dream, something about swimming in a sea of warmed blankets that were magically soothing away her aches and pains. She was weightless and in Heaven, she was sure, for nothing on Earth could be so divine. Suddenly there was a loud crashing sound. She wasn't sure where it was coming from, but it frightened her so much that her pleasant dream turned into a distressing night mare. She was drowning, pulled down by the weight of blankets now tangled at her feet. She reached out with her arms, flailing, trying to grasp onto Robin, but all she could feel was nothingness. Her heart ached for the touch of her husband, her friend, her lover. He was gone, ripped from her and she wasn't sure how. She sat up with a start, breathing heavily, and sweat upon her brow. It took her a few moments and calming deep breaths to register her surroundings. She swallowed thickly, her throat parched from the heat in the bedroom and the blankets she cocooned herself in the night before. She shifted her weight to try for a more comfortable position and noted the dampness on her pillow as she tried to adjust it behind her back. Once seated, she was finally able to take note of her surroundings. She was indeed in her bedroom and she supposed, technically she had been swimming in a deep sea of blankets and Robin really wasn't there. She turned her head to the direction of the bathroom to see if she could make out a light from underneath the door, that perhaps he left their marital bed to go to the bathroom. There was no light, there was no noise. She thought back to her dream and what exactly disturbed her so much. The tendrils of sleep were quickly dissipating as she struggled to remember. A sound, a crashing sound, she thought she recalled. Her eyes widened with horror. What if that crashing sound was one of the boys and they were in danger? What a terrible mother she was to not have properly heard and recognized her family was in danger. She quickly threw the covers off her body and stumbled out of bed. Throwing on her house coat she raced from the bedroom towards Roland's room. She flung the door open and called out his name. He did not respond. She approached the bed to feel around for his small body. There was nothing there. She pulled back his covers and felt around for a bit. That worried her slightly. She quickly walked from Roland's room down to Henry's room. She knocked softly on the door before pushing it open, not waiting for a response. There was a lump in the middle of the bed. Again, she called out, this time to Henry. She got no response. She approached the bed and felt around for Henry. She sighed out loud and pursed her lips. Robin was gone, Roland was gone and now Henry. Was she still dreaming? Had some unknown force come to claim the men in her life, leaving her alone once again?
She heard noises, more clanging noises coming from downstairs. Were there intruders? She grabbed Henry's neglected baseball bat from behind the door and made way for the stairs. She slowly crept down the stairs towards the sounds, which sounded like they were coming from the kitchen. Were there hungry intruders? Perhaps she would cook for them and they would be satisfied enough to tell her what they did to her family and leave her alone. She reached the bottom of the stairs and slowly raised the baseball bat over her head, hoping to catch the intruders unaware. She quickly stepped around the corner, squinted her eyes shut and yelled.
Robin, Henry and Roland looked somewhat bewildered at the display unfolding before their eyes. Here was their wife and mother waving a bat around yelling, like a madwoman. After a few moments Regina opened her eyes to the scene before her. All of her men safe and sound, gathered around the kitchen table putting together breakfast. The bat clattered to her side and she grasped at her chest, now aware of the adrenaline pumping through her body. A few moments of silence passed. Robin was the first to speak.
"Regina! Are you mad, woman?"
"Am I? Am I mad?" She managed to gasp out, still trying to catch her breath.
"Uh – oh." Robin shot Henry a warning glance. "I told you Robin! I told you your clanging about in here would wake her up!"
"Regina dear, what are you doing?" He asked as he reached out to take the bat from her hand and direct her towards the kitchen table. He sat her down and went to get her a glass of water.
"I was dreaming and then I heard a loud crash or something. It scared me. You weren't there in the bed with me. I went to check on Roland and Henry and they weren't in bed either. I heard noises coming from downstairs."
"And so you decided to attack us?"
"How was I supposed to know it was you?" She yelled.
"Well who else would be in the kitchen?"
"I don't know, someone that might wish our family harm? Someone who kidnapped the people I love and took them away from me?" Robin came to kneel in front of his wife. He grasped her hands in his and rubbed them, soothingly. After a few moments she pulled her hands from his grasp. She situated herself so she was facing the table and could rest her elbows on top. She dropped her head into her hands and massaged her temples. Robin stood up behind her and continued rubbing soothing circles on her back. Roland climbed down from his chair and stood next to her, mimicking his father's ministrations. He worked his way to her side and tried to peer up at her face.
"Are you crying mama? Don't be sad. Daddy said you needed sleep and we could make breakfast together. Do you want some?"
Regina lifted her head from her hands and wiped at her eyes. She managed to croak out a strangled, "You made breakfast?" She turned away from Roland's face to survey the spread on the kitchen table. "Ah, so you did. What's the special occasion?"
"Nothing, we couldn't decide what all we wanted." Henry responded.
"We weren't quite sure what you might feel like eating today. It's always a wild card nowadays." Robin soothed out. Regina nodded her head and glanced around the offerings on the table. Her stomach let out a low rumble and she placed her hands around her stomach to rub soothing circles. It was a habit she developed recently to cope with the strange sensations she felt from time to time. "Is the baby moving yet?" Robin asked has he reached his hands out towards Regina's belly. She shook her head no.
"Sorry dear, I'm afraid it's just hunger pains. When can we eat? Squishy and I worked up an appetite trying to defend you all from intruders." Robin backed off and laughed at his wife, reaching for the plates sitting on the bar and began passing them around to everyone.
It didn't take long for them to clear off the breakfast spread and Robin declaring it time for the boys to head off to school. Regina sighed as she sat back in the chair. She picked at the remaining bits of food on her plate before standing up to collect the dishes. She glanced at the calendar on the wall and made note of the day. Of the date. It was her birthday and neither of her boys wished her happy birthday. Or her husband. Strange, she thought as she rinsed off the dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. She headed back upstairs to get ready for work. Her birthday hasn't gotten off to a good start at all. First she tried to rescue her family from would be intruders and they showed no gratification for her heroic feats and then she had to clean up breakfast, which wasn't even her birthday breakfast. To say she was annoyed at it all was an understatement. The more she thought about it, the more her mood shifted. A warm shower could do nothing to wash off the bad vibes that descended on her. Her favorite scented lotion did nothing to quell the anger welling inside. By the time Robin returned to the house she was downright pissed. She slipped on her shoes and headed down the stairs. She schooled her features with indifference, hoping Robin would remember to wish her happy birthday before she left for work. Her feet hit the last landing and Robin was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he was back in the kitchen.
"Oh, hey Regina. You forgot to grab the dishes off the stove and put them in the dishwasher. Don't worry, I got them for you. Are you 'bout ready to head out? Don't forget to get the boys after school. David and I are gonna head to the YMCA after work for a few rounds of racquetball. I'll see ya home for dinner, kay?" Robin walked to his wife and kissed her cheek. Regina stood there, unmoving, with her mouth agape. It took a few moments, but her jaw worked its way to opening and shutting in disbelief. Her husband really had forgotten her birthday and even scheduled a racquetball session with David. Home for dinner? She hopes he likes air because that's what she would serve him, a big heaping plate of air. Robin continued on into the den and turned on the tv. He still had some time before his shift started. Regina, on the other hand, only had five minutes before she needed to leave the house. She needed those extra five minutes to compose herself. Orange jumpsuits weren't exactly maternity wear. She didn't want to kill her husband for this transgression. She wanted to make him suffer.
"Yes, sweetheart. I'll see you home for dinner. Enjoy your day." Robin tossed a wave at his wife as she exited the front door. Regina made her way to the car and sat for a few moments, collecting herself before driving off to the publishing house.
Regina calmed herself somewhat by the time she reached the parking lot. She grabbed her briefcase and made her way towards the building. Sidney Glass was also making his way towards the entrance. She slowed her pace, for she was moving rather well with her bump, to allow him to catch up to her. The man annoyed her from time to time, but he would never forget her birthday. He always ordered her flowers and chocolate. It was the one day a year she was nice to him. He caught up to her and matched her pace, stride for stride. She glanced down at his hands and noticed the only items he carried were his thermos of coffee and briefcase. She scoffed.
"Morning Regina, how's it going?"
"Good morning Sidney. It's going alright. Whatcha got there?" She indicated with her head as they approached the entrance to the publishing house. She was the one with a free hand, so she opened the door for them.
"Oh nothing, just my coffee like always! Seeya upstairs? Wouldn't want to break your routine of stopping by the restroom."
"Shut up Sidney. I can wait until we're upstairs. So that's it? Just coffee?"
"Well, I'd offer you some, but you can't drink any," he responded with a shrug of his shoulders. They reached the elevators and Sidney allowed Regina to pass through first.
"So, what are you working on today?"
"Oh, nothing too terribly interesting."
"Really? I thought you were still working on that romance novel account, what was it again?"
"Um, I don't recall, but yeah, we're working on book three of the series."
"Oh come on Regina, I know you remember it. You were downright pissed when Gold assigned you the account. If I recall, you had your secretary print out a banner of the series' title and string across your wall on top of a cork board so you could throw darts at it."
Regina's jaw went slack for a few moments. "No one was supposed to know about that Sidney." The elevator bell dinged to let them know they reached their floor. They exited the elevator. Sidney followed Regina until they reached her office where he bid her a good day at work. She flicked on the lights and placed her briefcase on her desk. A few moments later her secretary popped in the doorway.
"Hey Miss Mills, got your schedule for today. You have a ten o'clock conference call, lunch with the representatives of Harper – Collins and a four o' clock with Mr. Gold." Regina let out an audible sigh.
"Who scheduled this four o'clock? I have to pick up the boys since my darling husband scheduled himself a racquetball session."
"I'm sorry. Mr. Gold told me about it this morning." Regina waved her hands.
"That's alright, it's not your fault. I'll see if I can get Mary – Margaret to watch them instead. Some day this is turning out to be." Regina commented as she popped open her briefcase to remove its contents.
"Pardon me ma'am?"
"Oh, nothing. I haven't had a great start out to this day and it doesn't seem to be getting any better."
"Oh, okay. Um, Mr. Glass wanted me to remind you what today is." Regina let out a sly smile, so he hadn't forgotten.
"Of course I remember what today is."
"Great, I'll let him know! Would you like me to take it now and set it in the conference room?"
"Take what? What are you talking about?"
"Um, you were supposed to get the cake."
"What cake?"
"You know, the cake for welcoming our new employee." Regina's eyes went wide.
"New employee? Cake? I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. Sidney!" Regina yelled, although she's pretty sure he was eavesdropping. It didn't take long for him to pop into her office doorway.
"Uh, yeah Regina? Need something?"
"Since when do we get cake to welcome new employees? And who is this new employee?"
"Um, it was, it – "
"Don't stutter, spit it out."
"Calm your tits, Gina. It was a new thing we decided to try out, so you don't go scaring away editors, especially since you'll be out on maternity leave." Mal obviously couldn't resist the spectacle that was taking place right outside of Regina's office.
"It's not my fault if people around here need to grow a pair. It's kill or be killed! We need to crush the competition."
"Yeah, that type of attitude is why we have so many editors lining up outside for a chance to work here."
"Uh, actually that's not quite untrue. We do have a wonderful reputation for signing really great accounts." Regina grinned widely as Mr. Gold stepped into her office, bypassing his employees. "Now then Regina, did I hear correctly, you forgot to bring the cake?"
"Uh, well, you see the thing is," Mr. Gold arched an eyebrow, patiently waiting for whatever lie Regina was trying to come up with. "The thing is what, Miss Mills? Pregnancy brain gotcha?" Regina's face immediately went from clueless to downright scowling.
"Now, let's get one thing straight, all of you, I do not suffer from pregnancy brain. There is something going on around here. I have had a rough morning already and you are adding to my soured mood. I will find out what's going if it is the last thing I do. I don't know who made me in charge of getting cake, but that person obviously forgot to mention it to me. If that cake is so damn important, I will make sure it gets here. Now clear out so I can work on these scripts and prepare for my conference call." Everyone stared at Regina in silence for a few moments, not sure if they heard her correctly. "I'm sorry, did I stutter?" Everyone shook their heads no and left Regina's office. Something fishy was definitely going on, but she really didn't have time to worry about it right now. Instead she dialed a number.
"Regina?" A sleepy voice responded after a few rings.
"Yes, Emma, it's me. I need you to do me a favor."
"Wha? Hang on a minute. Did you just ask me to do you a favor?"
"I really don't have time for this. Apparently I was in charge of picking up a cake for work, but I think that was bullshit because I would never forget something like that."
"Pregnancy brain?"
"No, Emma. There is no such thing. Someone is screwing around with my head, trying to make me look like I'm crazy. I don't have much time. I have a couple of meetings to prepare for and trying to finish things up for this book I'm working on."
"Oh yeah, the Forbidden Fruit series. What fruit are we on now?"
"Emma, please. Can you just go to the bakery and get a cake that says 'Welcome Aboard'? Apparently I need to be more friendly and not scare new editors off so someone can take my place once the baby's born."
"Oh? Are you not going back to work after the baby's born?"
"What? Of course I am, you nit. No one's getting rid of me. Now can you help me?"
"Well, it's my day off. Killian took the day off too. We were gonna lay around naked all day, maybe eat some pizza and just chill."
"Great, there's an image I did not need in my head."
"Oh relax. Yeah, I'll get your stupid cake. What time do you need it by?"
"Um, eleven thirty."
"Geez Regina! That's really short notice!"
"I know, that's why it's a favor."
"Fine, but you owe me, big time for this."
"Thanks dear." Regina hung up the phone and leaned onto her elbows on her desk, massaging her temples. This was turning out to be the worst birthday ever and no one even knew it. Not that she made a big to do about her birthdays, but it is nice to have someone acknowledge it. She didn't need a big party or lots of presents, she just wanted people to remember the day she was brought into the world and if it weren't for this day, she wouldn't be in their lives. Their lives might not exactly be the way it was right now if she hadn't been born. She lets out a sigh and pulls the manuscripts from her briefcase. She was almost at the end of the story. She would finish up some last notes and send the edits back for revision. There were supposed to be six books in the series and she wanted to get them all done and scheduled for publishing before she left on maternity leave. She knew she could still work on edits from the comfort of her office at the house, but she wanted the security of not having to stress about deadlines in getting them done when she should be bonding with her baby.
After a few hours her phone pinged to let her know she had a text message. It was Robin checking in on her. She smirked, sent back a quick reply. It was almost time for her conference call and she didn't have time to go back and forth with Robin about her day and Squishy. And she wanted to give him the cold shoulder for forgetting her birthday. She put her phone on silent, grabbed her notebook, replaced her shoes and exited her office. Sidney was walking down the hall just as she exited, they almost collided. He was carrying flowers. So he had remembered!
"Are those for me?" She joked with him as they made their way towards the conference room.
"Don't be silly Regina, you're married! Why would I get you flowers? No, these are for the new hire." She stopped mid stride and he passed in front of her.
"Don't be so sour Regina, he was bound to move on, especially since you are married. It would be inappropriate. Come on, let's get this over with." Mal jabbed Regina a little in the ribs as she continued down the hall.
"Uh yeah, I'll be there in a sec, potty break." She let out a wry chuckle. Mal nodded her head and ducked into the conference room. As soon as Regina stepped in the restroom, she shut the door and let out a small sob. None of her friends, her husband, her children, no one remembered her birthday. This was ridiculous. She stepped to the sink and tossed some water on her face. She didn't want anyone to know she'd been crying and ask her what was wrong. She didn't want the pain of telling them she was upset that no one remembered her birthday. She didn't want pity congratulations. She dabbed at her face and made sure she looked somewhat presentable. When she entered the conference room, the call already started and Mr. Gold didn't seem too pleased she missed the formal introductions and having to make small talk until she got there, she was the lead on this after all.
"Sorry I'm late. What have we already discussed?" She began as she sat down.
The call finished around eleven o'clock. Regina made her way back to her office and checked her phone. Emma was on her way with the cake Regina requested. Robin texted a few more times. She sent him a quick apology for not responding while she was on the conference call but nothing more than that. Regina made a bee line to the restroom for a quick potty break so she could meet Emma with the cake. Emma was a life saver, for once. After washing her hands and checking her makeup she popped back out the restroom just in time to see Emma coming up the hallway with the cake.
"Oh thank goodness you're here!"
"Yeah yeah, you owe me a drink. You know I have trouble functioning before 10 AM."
"Yes yes, I know, come on help me get this set up." Regina led Emma to the conference room. The seemingly empty conference room. No worries, Regina thought to herself. Lunch break was at noon. She made Emma come a little early with the cake. Regina flipped the lights in the recently vacated room. There were still empty paper coffee cups and water bottles in random places on the table. Regina picked up the waste basket and began collecting the items, all the while muttering under her breath how she didn't get paid to also be her coworkers' mother. It was enough she had to work with them. Emma stood awkwardly in the doorway, holding the cake, awaiting Regina's instructions.
"Uh, Regina, where do you want me to put this?"
"Hmm? Oh, I uh guess on the side table over there, where the coffee machine is."
"Okey dokes." Emma set about taking the box out of the grocery bag and set the cake on the table. Regina replaced the waste basket by the door and came to stand by Emma. Regina opened the box and let out a shriek. "Regina, are you crazy? That was in my ear!"
"Emma, what on God's green Earth is this?"
"A cake, like you requested! I even had them put 'Welcome Aboard'. The baker gave me a mean side eye while she did it too. She did not appreciate the last minute rush."
"But Emma, I wanted a plain cake, not Jake and The Neverland Pirates! I will never live this down!"
"Relax, it's fun!" Regina brought her hands to her head and massaged her temples. Emma Swan was no savior, no, she was the Angel of Death come to kill her reputation of being a hardass at work. How was she supposed to strike the fear of God in her coworkers if she brought in a cake featuring a child's cartoon?
"You are not leaving."
"What?"
"You have to stay so I can let people know who really brought the cake."
"But then they will know the all great and powerful Regina Mills – Hood forgot to do something."
"I don't care, I'd rather be known for that than for bringing some silly children's cake." Just then, Sidney walked in with his coffee cup.
"Oh Hey Regina. Who's your friend?"
"Sidney," Regina said sweetly, "you remember Emma? She was at my wedding. She brought the cake for the party." Regina nudged Emma to offer her hand for Sidney to shake. "Emma, this is Sidney." Sidney placed his coffee cup down so he could shake Emma's hand.
"Hello Emma. So, what brings you by here?"
"Something about Regina needing a cake for a party?"
"A party? What kind of party? I don't know anything about a party." Regina grit her teeth and her skin flushed three shades of red.
"What do you mean you don't know anything about a party, Sidney? You asked me this morning if I remembered to bring the cake for the welcome party for the new employee."
"No I didn't."
"Yes, you did, Sidney."
"I couldn't have. We don't have a new employee."
"I could've sworn you said we had a new employee we needed to welcome and not scare away so they will stay while I am out on maternity leave."
"I said that?"
"Yes," Regina hissed out.
"Hmmm, no I don't think I did."
"Mal was there!" Regina stepped out in the hallway. "Mallory Pendragon! Front and center!" It took a few moments, but no more than that for the blonde to saunter her way down the hall to the conference room.
"You requested my presence, your majesty?"
"Do you remember this morning a discussion about a welcome party for the new employee and I needed to bring a cake so we can make sure they stay on board at least through my maternity leave?" Mal stood there for a moment, considering Regina's question carefully.
"Hmm, I don't recall anything about a cake. Or a party. I do recall us discussing needing to find an editor to cover your absence during maternity leave." Regina let out a low growl and turned to Emma.
"Thank you for all the trouble you went through Emma. It appears I was mistaken. Or my coworkers are out to get me. Why don't you take the cake home and you and your sailor can enjoy it along with the pizza and Netflix while lying around naked in bed." Regina turned on her heel and exited the conference. She was definitely in a foul mood now. She sat down at her desk with the lights turned off. She needed to center herself. There was no need in getting herself worked up, it would stress out the baby. Whoever was playing this cruel joke on her seemed to have forgotten she was pregnant and she was already on pins and needles. This, this was added stress she did not need. A knock on her door. Her eyes snapped open.
"Come in," she called out. It was Mr. Gold.
"Hey Regina, seems you got your wires crossed this morning, eh?"
"If you're referring to the cake, it appears I did. You were there this morning, please tell me you remember this conversation. You even accused me of having pregnancy brain for forgetting the cake in the first place!"
"My dear Regina, I'm sorry. The pregnancy brain was in reference to our meeting this afternoon. Your secretary informed me how perturbed you were at the four o'clock time because you needed to pick your children up from school."
"Hmmpf," Regina huffed out a deep breath that blew her bangs from out her face.
"If you're having bad day, you can take two hours for lunch instead of one. How does that sound?"
"I can't, I really have to get through this third book if we're going to make this deadline. What's this four o'clock meeting about anyway?"
"Oh, uh, it is to discuss, oh hey Sidney, you need to see me?" Mr. Gold moved his head to behind the doorframe. "Sorry, Gina Sidney needs me. I'll see you at four o'clock, alright?" Mr. Gold disappeared down the hallway before Regina had a chance to respond. Another knock on the door jamb.
"Hey Regina, you still need me? Or can I go now?"
"Just, go. And don't forget that stupid cake." Regina dismissingly waved her hand at Emma. Emma gave a small nod of her head and left.
Regina can hardly concentrate on her edits, she's so worked up and it's nearing four o'clock. Mr. Gold never answered her question to what the meeting was about and she's feeling all out of sorts. She has no idea what materials to bring to the meeting, has no clear cut agenda she can follow to ensure she gets out of work on time so she's not too late retrieving her sons from Mary – Margaret. She sighs, better to go ahead and get this over with. She collects her legal pad and lap top and heads down the hall to Mr. Gold's office. His door is shut. The lights are off. In fact, her entire office floor is eerily quiet.
"Hey, Tink?" She calls out to her secretary.
"Yes Miss Mills?"
"Have you seen Mr. Gold? We had a meeting at four and it doesn't appear that he's in his office." Tink pauses for a moment, seemingly to collect her thoughts.
"Oh, uh, Mr. Gold. He uh, he's gone for the day, I think, yeah. I think recall him saying good bye not too long ago. He had plans. A big date tonight he said."
"Well isn't that flippin' fuckin' fantastic." Her secretary just stared wide – eyed, never heard Regina use those words before.
"Sorry, it's been a very fucked up day."
"It has?"
"Yes, today is my birthday and no one seems to have remembered it. In fact it seems everyone has gone out of their way to make sure I have a very unhappy birthday. I'm going home."
"Oh, I'm sorry Miss Mills. If it's any small consolation I hope the rest of your birthday will be happy, you know, once you get home."
"Ha, my husband isn't even going to be home until later. I'm just going to go home, run myself a bath and see if Emma finished off that stupid cake."
"Okay, well I guess I'll see you in the morning then. Good evening." Regina walked back down the hallway to retrieve her briefcase. She let out a small sigh and flicked the lights off. She was ready for this day to be over and done.
"Welp Squishy, looks like it's just going to be you and I for a little while. Whadya say we get some ice cream?" Regina made her way down to the car and headed off in the direction of the ice cream shop. It was closed.
"You have got to be friggin' kidding me!" She shouted out when she saw the sign on the door. "Winter hours. Don't they know I'm pregnant and need a hot fudge sundae with slivered almonds and cherries?! This is just great." Her phone let out a melodic tone. It was Mary – Margaret.
"Hello? Regina, ya there?"
"Yes Mary – Margaret. Is everything okay? Manage to get the boys alright?"
"Yeah, they're great. Hey, since our husbands are out playing racquetball you fancy coming over for a spell? Neal misses his Auntie Regina."
"Mary – Margaret, I've had a shit of a day. I really just want to go home and relax in my tub."
"Orrrr, you could come over and tell me all about your shitty day."
"Orrrr, you could pick up some McDonald's for the boys and drop them off at the house."
"Wow, you're letting me get them McDonald's? It really must've been a shitty day! I'll bring them by."
Regina sent up a silent prayer thanking the gods that Mary – Margaret didn't pursue the issue of spending time with her.
"Thanks Mare, I appreciate it." Regina bid her friend a farewell before climbing back into her car and heading towards Mifflin Street. The house was quiet when she entered and she was grateful for that. She kicked off her heels and set her briefcase down by the front door. She headed up the stairs towards her bedroom. The door was slightly ajar and she gave it a push, immediately pulling off her clothes and tossing them in the hamper in her walk in closet. She plugged up her ipod into the blue tooth and took into the bathroom where she ran water in the garden tub. She poured in a couple drops of lavender oil and bubble bath, intending to fully relax before Mary – Margaret dropped the boys off. She shut the water off and placed a foot in, testing the temperature. She lowered her body the rest of the way down and sank beneath the bubbles. She couldn't stay too long in the warm water but she was going to enjoy every last minute. The soft sounds of Norah Jones soothed her mood. After about twenty minutes she decided to take an actual bath and scrub away the grime of the day. She stood up and rinsed off, grasping a towel to dry her body. She climbed out of the tub and drained it. Approaching the sink of her bathroom she picked up her toothbrush and brushed her teeth, followed by mouth rinse and flossing. Dental health was really important in a pregnancy. Regina then headed to her dresser where she kept her lotion and body crème formulated to prevent stretch marks. Sitting down on the bed, she opened the container and began massaging her belly. There went those soft rumbling sensations again.
"Come on Squishy, let me know you're in there. Are ya going to kick for mama? No? Not quite ready yet?" The front door opened. "I'm upstairs Mare!" Regina called out. No response. Instead she heard a rush of footsteps on the stairs.
"Hey love, it's me." Robin appeared in the doorway, a bit sweaty and out of breath.
"Good evening dear, enjoy your game?" She responded, raising from the bed and pulling out some night clothes from the dresser.
"Yeah, it was great! We're thinking of scheduling more regular games. Thought I'd check with you to see what we could work out with the boys' schedule." He said, leaning to drop a kiss on her cheek. She stood rigid. "Hey, babe what's wrong?"
"Do you have any idea what today is?"
"Uh, Monday?"
"What is the date?"
"February first?"
"And?"
"Regina," he nervously chuckled out, "I don't know what you're getting on about, love." Regina turned to him with tears in her eyes. "Hey hey now, come 'ere" Robin reached forward to envelope her in a hug. She didn't budge. "What's going on? What's wrong?"
"I can't believe this!"
"What? Did I do something wrong?"
"You bet your sweet ass you did!"
"Well will you tell me so I can fix it?"
"Today is my birthday you nit!" Robin shrunk back.
"Oh my gosh! Regina! I am soo sorry!"
"Yeah, not as sorry as your back will be from sleeping on the sofa."
"Hey come on, that's not necessary. Let me take a real quick shower. You put on a nice pair of jeans and dressy shirt and we'll go out for dinner. How does that sound?"
"I'm not hungry."
"Come on babe, you have to eat, can't let Squishy starve." He pulled at her arms and led her over to their closet. He pulled out a deep plum sweater with a generous neckline, given how her breasts have grown. "Here, this looks nice, yeah? Now I'll only be a few minutes. I'm gonna make this up to you," Robin kissed her cheek and gave her a gentle push back towards the bedroom so she could get dressed. She really shouldn't let him sweet talk her into a birthday dinner when he'd clearly forgotten it was her birthday, but he was right, she couldn't let Squishy starve. With great reluctance she picked out a matching bra and panty set to go underneath the warm sweater Robin picked out and a pair of maternity jeans.
True to his word, it really did only take Robin around five minutes to shower. It took him another five to run a brush through his sandy brown locks and throw on a pairs of jeans with a matching plaid purple flannel shirt. Regina scoffed at his ridiculous outfit.
"You really need to stop taking fashion advice from David."
"Hey we match! Now let's go!"
"I get to pick, I'm the – oh, the boys! Mary – Margaret was supposed to drop them off! We can't leave!"
"Relax, let's just give her a call and ask her to keep them for a little while longer. It's just a quick bite to eat."
"But it's a school night."
"It'll be okay if they stay up a little later."
"Fine, but if either of them are grumpy in the morning, you get to deal with it," she gave Robin a gentle shove as she picked up her phone to dial Mary – Margaret's number. After a brief conversation Regina hung up. "Alright, let's go."
"Alright, where does mi'lady wish to dine tonight?" Regina bit her lip. "What?"
"You're gonna think it terribly silly."
"Try me."
"I think I have a hankering for some onion rings and a double cheeseburger with cheese sauce and jalapeños from Granny's diner." Robin pulled back and chuckled.
"If that's what you want, then that's what you shall have." Robin led her down the stairs, out the door and ushered her into the car. Soon they were off. After getting it off her chest how ticked she was her own husband had forgotten her birthday she felt a little freer to recount the strange events of her entire work day. Robin at least agreed that her coworkers were out to get her. It made her feel a little better that he agreed with her. She was so distracted with her story telling she didn't realize they'd pulled up outside of the town hall. Startled was one way to describe her facial expression.
"Robinnn," she whined out the last syllable. "What are we doing here?"
"Just a quick stop love, I gotta get some paperwork."
"Really?"
"Yeah, it'll only be a moment."
"Well, I'll wait out here."
"Um, would you mind coming with me? I'd hate to leave you here in the car all by yourself."
"Really, Squishy and I will be fine, now quit dawdling. The sooner you get your stupid paperwork the sooner I can get my onion rings and burger." Robin huffed out.
"You're stubborn, you know that?"
"Hey!"
"Regina, please, get out of the car and come with me, okay?" He opened her car door and held out his arm to help her out of the car. She hesitated for a moment. He gestured with his hand again. She relented and took it. They strode up the walk way and reached the door. "Alright, let me just find they keys." Regina rolled her eyes. "Ah, there we are." Robin unlocked the door and opened it, pulling Regina through with him.
"Robin, I can't see anything, where are you?"
"Right," the lights flicked on and a chorus of "Surprise!" echoed through the room, "here." He smiled at Regina as she looked back at him, tears welling in her eyes. Robin came to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She pulled them around her front, holding him close. After the chorus of 'Happy Birthday' died down some she walked forward to her guests.
"Did you honestly think we would forget your birthday?" Robin asked.
"Well, the thought did cross my mind."
"We wouldn't forget mom!"
"Did you know about this Henry?"
"He, did. In fact it was his idea." Robin pulled Henry in for a hug.
"Happy Birthday Regina," Mr. Gold walked up to Regina with his arms outstretched as if for a hug.
"You are in serious trouble."
"I know, I know. Had to make sure you didn't cut out of work early and all that."
"Really?"
"Really."
"And don't worry Regina, we really did concoct the story about the cake." Mal approached Regina, closely followed by Sidney.
"Good, I didn't really think I was crazy."
"Oh, you're definitely crazy!" Mal exclaimed as she clapped her hand on Regina's back. "Now, let's go have some fun!" Mal looped her arm through Regina's and dragged her towards the decorated table in the front of the hall. There were presents and finger food, punch, and cake.
"Emma!" Regina called out, for she knew the blonde was around there somewhere. The entire hall went silent. "Emma Swan, front and center." There was a bit of shuffling of feet in the crowd and a few long minutes before Emma managed to squeak in front of Regina.
"Hey 'Gina, how's it going?"
"What is the meaning of this?" Regina indicated the cake sitting on the table. A few snickers went up through the crowd.
"It is your birthday cake."
"No, this is the cake you bought this morning."
"Yeah, for your birthday." Regina closed her eyes, and if everyone listened closely they could hear her counting to ten. Regina opened her eyes and her smile was tight.
"How considerate of you."
"Oh geesh, relax will ya? We all know how much you love chocolate cake with chocolate fudge icing." Emma stepped back to allow Mary – Margaret and David to walk forward with a sheet cake exclaiming 'Happy Birthday Regina' written on it. "Only trouble is, we weren't sure how many candles to get. We settled for forty – two. How does that sound?" Regina's tight smile went to scowling.
"Miss Swan, I'll have you know I am only thirty – six years old."
"Ha! I win! Pay up!"
"What?"
"I bet these losers I could make you admit your age."
"If I were you Miss Swan, I would watch my back."
"You hear that Sheriff? She threatened me!" Everyone let out a hearty chuckle. David held up his hands and put his fingers in his ears.
"I heard nothing."
"Oh come man! If I don't show up to work tomorrow, you know why!"
"Alright, let's get this over with. Squishy is hungry." Henry placed a couple of candles on the cake, Robin lit them and Mary – Margaret led the group in singing Happy Birthday to Regina.
Two hours later found Regina shaking Henry awake in the car and Robin carrying Roland inside the house.
"I told you it was a bad idea to keep them out so late on a school night."
"Maybe, but it was worth it. Did you enjoy your birthday dear?" Robin asked as they stripped out of their clothes and got under the covers of their bed. Regina rolled to face him. She brought a hand to his cheek.
"More than you know. Thank you. It was a most magical evening." She leaned forward and kissed his lips. She then rolled away so he could spoon her. He snaked his arm across her hip and draped it over her belly. She intertwined their hands and settled herself. After a few minutes, Regina tensed. "Robin," she whispered into the dark. He grunted. "Robin, did you feel that?"
"What? Feel?"
"Shh, give me your hand." Robin flattened his hand and allowed Regina to guide it to the side of her belly. She rested for a moment. Robin started to withdraw his hand. "There, did you feel that?" He breathed heavy into the back of her neck and she could feel him smile. He kissed the back of her neck.
"He's kicking."
"Or she,"
"Or she,' Robin consented.
"This truly was a magical day."
And they lay like that for twenty more minutes, Regina shifting their hands feeling for the soft kicks from her baby that let her know it was safe and alive and well within her womb. And then she chuckled softly, recalling when Henry was still so small in her womb and kicked like a crazed ninja, always at night, always when she was trying to get comfortable to sleep. She found she wouldn't mind that experience again.