"Meet Them"
Chapter 4
Hey Guys! Sorry it took so long for me to update! I hope you guys gain some clarity as to where Regina and Robin's relationship is leading! Let me know in the comments what you guys think of the chapter and I will see you all again in my next one!
…..
Robin was in utter shock; partly from finding out the news of becoming a father and partly because things were moving considerably fast. Now, Regina, the woman who'd abandoned him on their spontaneous night, wanted him to meet her family. Truthfully, Robin had every right to be nervous, after all from what he'd heard they seemed very strict. The blonde man began to panic, as negative notions appeared in his mind. He was very critical of himself and often times that worked against him, especially in times like these.
"So wait, let me get this straight, you have dinner with your family every weekend?" He asked.
The breeze of the air blew through Regina's hair in wisps of wavy strands, as she sped down the deserted freeway. The brunette grinned and quickly turned to face him as a red light had her come to a stop.
"Why? Don't you?" She shrugged.
"Ugh absolutely not. My parents are lucky if they even get to see me for the holidays."
"That's it?"
Regina was shocked at how rare time with his family had been. In fact, it didn't just shock her, it scared her. If he could barely ever visit the people who gave birth to him, what would make her think he'd be there for his own kid?
'Well you don't exactly know my parents. Even that's a bit much."
Clearly he was implying that his parents did not mirror hers. Robin's parents were very judgmental and controlling. Its why he moved thousands of miles away to the states, though even still they tried to embark on his life. God forbid they ever found out that he'd gotten a woman pregnant out of wedlock. They'd kill him, and then disown him, and then wouldn't let him hear the end of how this was a total shame to their family.
Regina giggled and shook her head.
"So…how exactly are we going to do this?" He asked, pondering on the question.
"Just act like we've been dating for a few months and whatever you do, don't tell them I picked you up outside a bathroom okay?"
Robin nodded upon registering the second half of her response.
"I thought I picked you up..."
Regina turned to him, a smug expression across her scarlet lips as she chuckled and refocused on the road.
"Okay…" Said Robin, his tone suggesting he surrendered to her word.
"…So we've been dating for a couple of months, who are you?" He asked, playing along with their fib.
"Well, okay let's see. I'm a camera girl at a place called Caesars, you know 'would you like a souvenir' type thing. That's just how I pay the bills, but in real life I'm a photographer. I like taking pictures of pretty much anything that doesn't cry or spit up on me. I have an older sister named Zelena, a brother named Christopher, and I'm the baby, but anyone messes with me, I can take care of myself."
The two arrived at Regina's house shortly after a 10-minute drive. They parked a few houses down so that if they had to make a hasty exit they wouldn't be blocked in by family members' cars.
"Anything else I should know?"
"Okay um, oh, my mother hates too many compliments, they make her feel uncomfortable so try not to over-do it. My sister has two boys, named Carter and Joey. But she just recently divorced her husband Phil so never bring him up. What else? Oh yah, my brother and his wife, Pamela have a one-year-old daughter named Raeya. Oh and if my father asks you for your view on politics, tell him you're a democrat even if you aren't. Okay? Any Questions." She finished, as they arrived at the front gate.
"Yes, what's your last name?" He asked, doing his best to process all of this information.
"Mills. And you are Robin…"
"Locksley." He smiled.
"Right, Robin Locksley." She nodded.
"Well, Regina Mills, it's nice to formally meet you." Said Robin.
He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss at her knuckle. Regina simply stared, keeping her eyes leveled with his. Who knows? Maybe this Robin Locksley guy wasn't so bad after all. He at least deserved a chance, and as much as Regina hated to admit it, she was actually starting to like him. She couldn't help but feel really guilty for developing these feelings so late in the game. But then again, it was better to have them late than never.
Suddenly the front door opened and out came a man that Robin concluded to be her brother.
"GINA. Hey. I was just going to head out to grab some more ice. Who's this huh? New boyfriend?"
Regina rolled her eyes and picked at the tips of her nails.
"Chris, this is Robin. Robin this is my nosey, over protective butt head brother Chris."
Robin immediately gave his hand to shake, and thank goodness he obliged.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Said the blonde as he gave a genuine smile.
Chris gave a quick inspection of Robin and scoffed.
"Does dad know about him?" He asked.
"No." She answered nervously.
Chris smirked and looked between the two of them.
"And I wasn't gonna come tonight." He commented.
His smart-aleck mouth earned him a back hand to the head. Chris might not have meant Robin any harm but he definitely was making him anxious.
"S-so your father, is he a big man or-" He stuttered in fear but was quickly interrupted.
"Come on, everything will be fine, I promise."
Regina took his hand, feeling it shake against her palm. She led him up the short cobble stone steps to her home and rang the doorbell. After a few seconds her mother answered the door with a huge smile.
"Regina! Oh my baby, I missed you!" Her mother said, letting out a sigh.
Every time she saw her daughter it brought her greater joy than she could ever imagine. Regina and her mother had always been very close. Its why it was so difficult for her when she went away to college. And although she had equal amounts of love for all her children, she had a special bond with her brunette daughter.
"Mom I saw you last Friday remember?" Regina laughed and gently rubbed her mother's back as she took her in a hug.
"Oh and who is this?" Asked her mother, with a rather intrigued expression.
She gave her daughter curious eyes and did her best to compose herself of her excitement. Though she had a pretty good idea of who he was and why she'd brought him home for dinner. She'd hoped that her daughter had finally brought home what she would call: the total package. The total package consisted of a wealthy, attractive, male with six figures and benefits. But if that was somehow too difficult to achieve, she'd settle for anyone as long as they made her daughter happy and didn't have a tattoo.
"Mom this is Robin." Said the brunette as she tapped his chest.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. You must be Cora."
Cora studied him carefully, taking notice of him from the time he'd walked in. She was impressed. After all he carried himself quite nicely and displayed the proper mannerisms. Not to mention his accent was made her mouth water. Most men his age still walked around with their pants hanging off their asses. Cora smirked. He'd passed phase one, but could he pass phase two? Looks and status meant much to Cora but more importantly, character was at the top of her priorities. It would all be but for nothing if he did not give her daughter the proper respect she deserved.
"Yes. Come in, let me take your jacket." She offered.
Robin handed her his thin suit jacket and nodded in thanks. It was gray in color, matching the pants he'd worn with it; crisp and perfectly tailored. Surely this man did wear his wealth and she couldn't help but feel proud.
Regina linked hands with Robin as her mother led her to the dining room. It was newly renovated with freshly lain bamboo flooring, French white paneling along its walls, and a beautifully lit chandelier. Though the change in scenery was the last thing on Regina's mind when she'd seen the look on her father's face. It was a look of pure uncertainty, thought she had a feeling he was masking more than what he portrayed.
"Regina, who is this?" He asked.
"Daddy, this is Robin. He's my boyfriend." She smiled.
The brunette had never been so nervous in her life. She clutched onto the hand of the man she'd now labeled her boyfriend, with sweaty palms. Robin did his best to calm her nerves as he caressed his thumb over hers. Though as sweet as the gesture was, it wasn't working.
"Boyfriend?" He asked, looking to his wife in confusion.
"Yes, Henry boyfriend." She said, giving him a look that meant "behave".
Robin gave a nervous smile, clearly he was very suspicious of this new man in his daughter's life. And truthfully had had every reason to be, considering the circumstances.
"You'll have to forgive my husband. He's a bit skeptical around new people."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Mills. Your daughter's told me so much about you." He smiled.
"Well that's interesting because she hasn't said a damn thing about you." He bit back.
"Daddy, look I know this was unexpected but-"
Suddenly two boys ran into the dining room, crashing their action figures together in an intense game of "smack down". And behind them, a strawberry haired woman who looked as though she was at her wits end with the boys she was looking after.
"I swear, I'm at my wits end with these boys." Said Zelena, steeling the words from his thoughts.
"Hey sis, did you just get in?" She asked, giving you a kiss to the cheek.
"Yes, I did."
"Oh I didn't hear you come in, we were all in the backyard. Chris was grilling out there earlier but he stopped to grab some ice." Said Zelena.
Pamela came inside as she held Raeya in her arms.
"Is that my favorite sister in law I hear?" Asked Pamela as she moved to give the brunette a hug.
"Hey?" Asked Zelena, as she crossed her arms.
Someone was definitely jealous. Though it was nothing new, Zelena had always been envious of her younger sister. Regina was favored more so in her family because she was very well behaved and hardly caused trouble. Her problems started, well….now.
"Hi Pam." Said Regina as she gave her a hug, along with a kiss to the cheek. She did the same to Raeya who was happily bouncing in her mother's arms.
"So, who's your friend?" She asked, as Zelena chimed in with a smirk.
"Guys this is Robin. He's my boyfriend and I'd appreciate it if you could all stop talking as if he isn't in the room." She said, growing immensely annoyed.
"Robin why don't you help me set the table while. I'd love a few extra hands in the kitchen." Said Cora, trying her best to make him feel more comfortable. And thank god for it because Regina was about ready to turn back and leave. The brunette through her mother a gentle smile and silently thanked her.
Henry looked at his daughter and sighed.
"I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought you'd like to meet him, that's all." Said Regina.
"Regina you're too young to have a boyfriend." He whined.
"Daddy I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm twenty-five years old and quite frankly I'm more than capable of making my own decisions."
"You couldn't have told us sooner?" He argued.
"I wanted to bring him home when I was sure that I could see a potential future with him. Robin is a good man daddy."
Henry lifted his chin and finally managed to give his daughter eye contact again. He couldn't shake the disappointment in his eyes, but he knew deep down she was right. The five-year-old child that once graced a spot on his lap was no longer. Now she had matured into a beautiful woman, a woman who unbeknownst to him would soon be a parent to her own. Henry placed his hand over hers and gave it a gentle kiss.
"Is this what you really want?" He asked.
Oh great. As if selling a lie to her parents wasn't hard enough, did he have to be so emotional about it too? This made her feel worse off than she already did. But she had to stay focused, she couldn't allow her emotions to unfold a lie she worked so hard to perfect.
"Yes." She smiled, as she heard the flood of her family members come back into view.
The family sat around the table as Chris arrived again with the ice. The dinner had gone surprisingly well from that point. Zelena began asking questions about how the two had met and thankfully they'd rehearsed their answers. Though Regina really did have the children to thank. If it wasn't for Carter and Joey's fighting and Raeya's constant crying, they probably would have been badgered for information that they hadn't rehearsed. And then, it would be a disaster. Eventually things began to die down after her father had decided to head to bed. The women gathered in the kitchen to pack away the leftover food.
"Excuse me Robin. Would you mind holding her for just a second while I go pack us some leftovers. Chris loves his mother's cooking." Said Pamela.
"Ugh I don't know if that such a good idea." Said Robin as he tensed up.
"You'll be fine, I promise. Just hold her head okay?" She smiled, walking into the kitchen.
Regina had been helping to clean the dishes as everyone prepared to leave. Her mother talked at her ear she began to ask more personal questions. The brunette rinsed the current plate in her hand and rolled her eyes. She silently thanked the gods that it was the last one as she placed it along the rack. Cora couldn't help but be excited over this whole relationship thing with her daughter. After all, it was the first time Regina had been bold enough to bring home.
The brunette dried her hands and made her way back to the dining room when she saw it. He looked so utterly perfect holding baby Raeya in his arms. She smiled and bit her lips in hope. She'd call it a hallmark moment if it wasn't so cheesy. Regina watched them for several moments before walking in.
"I think she likes you."
Robin smiled down at the child in his arms. He wanted so desperately to give the baby back to its mother and run, but in a short of mere minutes she was still in his arms. She had large hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair that curled slightly at the ends. Her lips were two small swells of rose and she smelled of faint lavender. Robin wondered if his child would resemble the one in his arms. Or if she'd have his eyes, and Regina's perfect smile. It hadn't made the situation any less complicated, but none the less his thoughts were comforting. Upon hearing the brunette's words, he shrugged, adjusting the child in cup of his arm.
"Who could blame her? I am pretty great aren't I?" He laughed.
"Oh please, don't flatter yourself." Said Regina with a playful role to her eyes.
With every passing moment, it seemed she had grown to love something new about Robin. She loved how easy going he could be, despite their circumstance. Truly most men would have bolted by now; fatherhood wasn't exactly on every single man's wish list. She had to admit that he was doing his best to be involved. He'd made it abundantly clear that he was willing to be a part of their child's life, so for that Regina was grateful.
Yes, she had no qualms of taking action into her own hands and raising the child. In fact, she knew she could handle things quite well without him, but it wasn't her who would suffer from his absence. Their child would be the one without the presence of a father. And well, Regina just wouldn't be able to live with herself if she had been the cause of that. Luckily however, it was not an issue the brunette needed to face.
Regina watched as Robin continued to hold the infant who was now fast asleep in his arms.
Thankfully thought Pam had finished packing the last of the leftovers and came to take her back.
"How was she? I hope not too much trouble." Said Pam as she rocked her child in her arms.
"She was no problem at all actually. She's a beautiful baby." He said.
Pamela looked down at the child she and her husband had created and smiled.
"She is, isn't she? I just love her to bits."
She placed Raeya into her car seat and secured its straps. A warm woolen cream blanket was placed over her arms and legs as she slept comfortably in her snug seat.
"Thank you for everything guys. It was very nice meeting you. Regina should bring you home for dinner more often." She said.
The two smiled and bid Chris and his wife goodbye as they'd left. Soon after Zelena and her boys returned home too, leaving Robin and Regina with her parents.
"We should get going mom, I think it's time we head in for the night." Said Regina, as she took a hold of Robin's hand.
"Alright well you two drive safe. It was truly a pleasure having you over for dinner Robin. And I apologize for Henry's behavior, he's very protective over our Regina." She said, cupping her daughter's chin.
"Maaa…" Regina whined.
"I don't blame him. He has every right to be." Said Robin as he gave a slight smile.
"Have a goodnight you two." She smiled.
"You as well." Said Robin.
As the parents to be made their way back to her car, they couldn't help but smile.
"And the academy award for best supporting actor goes to…Robin Locksley." Said Regina.
Robin burst into a fit of laughter. He had to admit they did a pretty good job. If he had to be honest with himself, he was expecting the night to go horribly wrong. But it hadn't. In fact, it went so well that he was invited for a second dinner. And although he wasn't exactly in favor with Regina's father, he was sure with time things would eventually blow over.
Wait. In time? What was he thinking. For a second there, Robin had almost believed his own lie. The reality was that they were not together in any way, shape, or form. This was simply a tactic to cover themselves for their one nightstand. How could he be so stupid? Was he that naïve to believe in even the possibility of a future with this woman? Suddenly the smirk on his face had turned. His jaw had lowered into an uncomfortable moue and he'd grown rather quiet.
"I mean that was awesome. They totally believed you." She smiled, unlocking the door to her car.
"Yeh…they did. didn't they?" He muttered.
Regina drove off and headed back for the spot where they'd met for the evening. The ride consisted of Regina going on and on about the course of the night. She spoke of how impressed her mother was with him, and how much she adored his accent. She spoke of how jealous her sister had been at the mere sight of him, and how well her brother and him seemed to get along. It just so happened that after they'd got to talking that Chris and Robin discovered all that they had common. From sports teams to the types of beers they liked, they just hit it off.
All of this talk was driving Robin mad. Could she not see what she was doing to him? Initially he was skeptical of the idea of a family, but the more excluded he felt, the more he wanted it all.
It hadn't taken very long for Regina to realize that something was wrong. Robin had been silent for most of the car ride and when she'd ask him questions he'd given her one word answers. If he knew her well enough, he'd know never to do that. It made her feel ignored, which was a quick way to piss her off.
"Is there a reason why you've suddenly decided to ignore me? You were perfectly fine a few minutes ago." She questioned.
The brunette got off the of the highway and pulled into the small lot looking out into the canyons. Robin didn't say a word. Instead, he'd gotten out of the car and began to walk toward his.
"Robin! I'm talking to you!" She yelled.
"What do you want me to say huh?! That I'm happy about all this?!" He yelled.
Regina sighed and looked down at her lap.
"This afternoon I couldn't decide between a Texas Burger and Tuna melt, but my life made sense. And now, I know exactly what I want, and my life doesn't make any sense." Said Robin as he gestured toward Regina.
"Robin-"
"And I was doing great this afternoon, okay it was perfect, it was me then, and now I'm with you and I don't know what happened. But somewhere between the Tuna melt and your mother's pot-roast…" He sighed shaking his head in disbelief.
Regina did her best to stay quiet without bursting into a fit of rage. What was the point in his blabbering anyway? What did he expect? Everything Regina had done so far was to benefit her child. It was the reason she'd told him of her pregnancy to begin with. She hadn't given herself a second thought when it came to a possible relationship with him. I guess she felt it unreasonable. After all, just because they were having a baby together didn't mean they had to run off and get married.
"I mean I was actually worried that I'd already met the woman of my dreams at the dry cleaners or something and I was too busy to notice. But then you show up and I realize that, that's not true. Because you're the one. You are everything I never knew I've always wanted…and I think we should get married…right now." He smirked.
Regina's eyes widened. Was this guy some sort of psycho path and she hadn't known it. He didn't know anything about her. Okay sure, she slept with him out a moment of weakness. She'd ignored that feeling in the pit of her gut that night and let him do unspeakable things to her body. Things she'd never experienced with any man before.
"Robin you're not thinking straight and-"
"Regina I've never been more certain about anything in my life." He smiled, grasping her shoulders in his hands.
Maybe it was the look in his eyes, or the way her skin seemed to ease under his touch, Regina hadn't known what had made her do it. But she gave in. She smiled wide and tugged on her bottom lip as she nodded a bunch of times.
They ran to his car, speeding off into the night as a chapel awaited their union. They were fools, crazed fools who were falling in love.
