This chapter was written by my friend and co-writer, Mackiebabii1019 and edited by yours truly. Thank you to everyone has favored, followed and commented on this story. Disclaimer: I do not OUAT or its characters. I do own Danielle. Now on with chapter 5! Enjoy!

Chapter 5

Regina sat in the sheriff's office and watched Emma speak with Danielle. The mayor started to pace while her mind raced with unanswered questions. 'Who is this girl with all of this power? Should I be worried about her?' Regina's mind and her worries could not be quieted. No matter how hard she tried. For some strange reason, every time she looked at Danielle she saw Daniel. Perhaps it was simply the similarities between their names, but Regina's guts told her that it was more than that. 'She does look a lot like Daniel. The same brown curls and blue eyes.' Regina could remember a time when she would get lost staring into those eyes. Those rare times when she and Daniel were able to sneak away to be alone. When Regina looked at Danielle again, she could see herself in the girl. Could this child be hers? No, that was impossible. Regina drank that infertility potion. She cursed herself to never be able to have a child. Not to mention, she couldn't even remember being pregnant. Yet, an old and nearly forgotten memory nipped at the back of her mind. A memory of Regina and Daniel that may prove that somehow, someway this child was hers.

*Flashback to the Enchanted Forest. Many years before the Dark Curse*

Oh, how Regina hated tea time with her mother. It was always the same boring routine over and over again.

"Regina, how many times do I have to tell you? Quit it with your slouching at the table. I will not stand for such unladylike behavior."

God, Regina dreaded these mid afternoon teas.

"Regina, I've set up a riding lesson for you today."

"But mother, I'm not scheduled for another riding lesson."

"Are you deaf, child? Did I not just say that I scheduled a lesson for you. Besides, you need all the practice you can get. You ride like a man!" Cora scolded Regina. "Now, hurry along and get changed. Your father and I have some business to attend to in town and we won't be back until late tonight. Be a good girl and listen to your riding coach."

Cora stood from the table and left the parlor room, the door slamming behind her. Regina's heart began to thump inside her chest. She was going to see the one man who loved her for who she was, aside from her father. She quickly went to her bed chambers and got dressed in writing clothes. She ran to the stable, where she found the young stable hand Daniel mucking out a stall. Regina snuck up behind Daniel and tapped him on the shoulder. The young man jumped in the air and the young woman giggled at his startled expression.

"Oh my god, Regina! You scared me!" Daniel exclaimed. "What are you doing here? What if your mother sees?" Daniel asked her with worry clear in his voice. Regina could not help herself and surged forward and captured his lips with her own. This felt right to her. Their lips molded perfectly together, as if they were made only for each other. When the need for air became too strong she pulled away.

"Mother and father are away on business," Regina explained with a smile. "They won't back until late this night."

"My Gina, that is wonderful. But I fear that I have many chores to complete here in the stables to spend the afternoon with you."

"Well I'll help you." Daniel opened his mouth to protest. Regina quickly silenced him. "I don't mind Daniel. Especially if it means spending time with you."

The young couple set to work. Cleaning out the stalls and washing the horses. They laid down fresh and clean hay on the stable floor. Within the hour the pair completed the chores.

"I job well done," Daniel said. "I say this requires a celebration! How about a picnic?" Regina readily agreed. "Nothing would give me greater joy." With those words Daniel took Regina's hand and led her out to a grassy area. "Wait right here. I'm to go to the kitchens to gather everything we will need for a picnic."

The stable boy left the carefree girl and ran towards the service entrance of the house. A wide smile stretched across her face. Regina relished in this rare moments when she was completely happy and away from her mother's influence. Regina was too lost in her thought to notice when Daniel returned. Behind her, Daniel began setting up a picnic blanket. He pulled out plates of grapes, cheese, bread and meat. He also pulled out a container of water and large slice of cake. When he was done he snuck up beside Regina and touched her arm. Regina let out a yelp.

"Daniel! You can't just sneak up on me like that!"

"Oh, but I didn't. I was here the whole time. You were just to lost in your thoughts to notice that I had returned." Regina turned around to see all of the work that Daniel had completed. Tears formed in her eyes.

"You did all of this for me?"

"Yes, but you deserve so much more. I only wish that I could give it to you."

Regina gave Daniel a watery yet happy smile. "All I want is you." Daniel smiled back at Regina. The couple sat together on the picnic blanket. They ate the food that was laid out before them. They laughed and shared chaste kisses. They talked and Daniel told her stories from his childhood. When they had had their fill of the food they laid together in silence. Enjoying one another's company. 'Why couldn't everyday be like this. Full of happiness.' Regina wondered to herself. Regina faced Daniel and kissed him lightly. The kiss quickly became more and more passionate. Filled with desire and want. Daniel took the hint and pulled away.

"Regina, are you sure about this?" Daniel's voice was low. "I don't want to pressure you into anything."

Regina smiled at him. He was so sweet, always thinking of her. "I want this Daniel. I want you."

Daniel took her hands and led her to the stable and to a private room. In the small space was a cot that Daniel used to sleep. Tonight, it would not be used for that purpose. The young true lovers began to kiss once more. Their kiss was full of passion and love. Clothes were removed and innocent touches grew bolder has their desire grew stronger. Their love was true and pure. In this moment Regina was happy and all that mattered was that they were together, sharing this intimate moment.

They stayed wrapped up in each other's arms and enjoyed the afterglow of their blissful moment together. Through a window, Regina could see the sun was starting to set. "Daniel, I'm sorry, but I must leave. If mother were to find me here she will have my head. Thank you, Daniel," Regina gave him one last chaste kiss. "I love you."

"I love you, Gina."

Regina left the stables and ran back to the house. She quickly bathed and changed into nightwear. A smile graced her face the whole time.

*End of Flashback*

Regina was pulled out of her memories by Emma opening the office door. "Hey Regina. I didn't get much from Daniel. Just that she's from the Enchanted Forest and her mother is here in Storybrooke." Emma said, looking Regina straight in the eye.

"Did she mention anything about a father? Any clues to whom he may be?"

Emma shook her head no. "Danielle said that he died before he was born."

"So we have nothing," Regina sighed in frustration. "No way of telling who this little girl belongs to." Regina said with a heavy amount of frustration in her voice.

"We have a start," Emma said. "We know that her mother is in town."

Regina gave an annoyed chuckle. "That's great Emma! That narrows it down to about half the damn town."

"Regina don't worry," said Emma. "We will find her parents, but until then I have to call protective services."

Regina's eyes went wide. "What? Why? She has to have a foster family or someone she's staying with. If you call social services Emma, they will take her out of town and then we won't be able to find her mom." Regina was starting to panic. She felt very protective of Danielle.

"How do you know that she is even staying with anyone."

"I don't," Regina sighed. "Let me talk to her and find out if she is or isn't. Please Emma, don't call them yet."

Emma looked at Regina for a moment, studying her. The only time she had ever seen the mayor worked up was when Henry was in danger. "Ok. One week. I'll give you one week to find her mom."

"Thank you Emma."

Regina left Emma in her sheriff's office and walked over to Danielle who sat quietly in the bull pin. The girl looked at the mayor with familiar eyes. 'One week to find out who this girl belongs to.' Regina thought to herself.

"Alright dear, let's get you home."