The Little Hobbit

She rocked to and fro in the rocking chair. Zelena could've fallen asleep if baby Merida hadn't been sound asleep in her arms. She could hear Regina and Robin speak outside. Zelena tried to think of what they might be talking about, but there was no use in guessing. She was fairly sure it wasn't about her. Storybrooke had other problems now and none of them happened to be Zelena's concern. She caressed her babe's face and smiled. Her little ginger girl had the most beautiful eyes, they were blue... Just like hers. Nothing could be more perfect... Nothing ever will be,Zelena thought to herself.

"Can I see her?"

Zelena whirled around as the little hobbit came out from behind the bedroom door. It was only the Roland Hood. He ran over to Zelena and hid behind the rocking chair... Even around babies he was terribly shy, but Zelena found it completely adorable. After all, no one could resist the innocent little boy while he was playing in his forrest green cape. Not even Zelena. She nodded her head and Roland began to stare at Merida, completely fascinated by what he saw. He tried to tickle Merida, but the little girl was not amused and she started to cry aloud.

"Uh-oh... I'm sorry Zelena."

Roland fixated on her gaze with his wide eyes. She sighed. Zelena hadn't been feeling well these past few days. Had anyone else have upset her baby, she'd have scolded them, but little Roland had only tried to make Merida laugh.

"It's okay Roland, she's just not used to being tickled... In time she'll grow accustomed to it."

She looked up from Roland to see Regina and Robin in front of her. She sat up straight, but realized that their staring was a bit intense for her wickedness' taste. She slowly got up and laid Merida in her crib, then made her way to the dining room, leaving little Roland to wander off and be merry.

She grabbed the kettle of tea she had made earlier and poured herself a cup. She'd have offered the other some, but Regina preferred apple cider and Robin had grown accustomed to the coffee. Asking them would prove to be fruitless. She decided to take a seat in the dining room because the looks on their faces looked like a long and unwanted conversation lay ahead.

"Zelena, Doctor Hopper called. He says you've skipped two sessions... I know you don't like talking to people about your business, but Doctor Whale requires that you attend *all* of your sessions. Which means you'll have to make up-"

The wicked witch turned away as Regina continued speaking. Requirement or not, she didn't want to see the cricket anytime soon, but she knew Regina and Robin wouldn't let that happen. She would be forced to muster a sugary smile and agree to meet with him. Agreeing with them might shut the power-couple up. She laughed to herself, as they were becoming exactly like that Snow White and her Prince... Always nagging. No, she needed to refocus on Robin and Regina, who were still yakking about what she had to do. As juvenile as it was, Zelena began to roll her eyes. She noted that Regina cut her eyes at her and Robin only sighed in frustration.

"As much as I enjoy the nagging of Storybrooke's next power-couple, I really wish you would all just shut up. I don't want to see the cricket... Not today, tomorrow, or any other day.

The room fell silent and Robin and Regina looked at Zelena and then to each other

"Listen Greenie, I'm afraid you haven't got a say in the matter. I tried to get you to go on your own istead of me forcing you."

Zelena eyes began to widen and she knew what was coming next. The two menaces began to grab her by the arms so they could take her to the blasted cricket's office. She refused to move and dug her heels into the wood. Regina realized that at this rate, they would never get her to where she needed to go. Regina smirked devilishly, she wasn't above using magic to get her way, so with a whip of her hand and a puff of smoke, she magicked herself to Doctor Hopper's office. Before Zelena could realize what had happenend, she magicked her way out again and laughed... Robin paused, as he hadn't expect Regina to leave so abruptly. He grabbed her by the waist and brought her in for a kiss.

"Zelena is going to be quite mad when she returns..."

"Yeah well, she should have taken my offer wilingly... I swear she takes after my Mother. You know, we could get one of your merry men to come and look after the kids. It's been awhile since we visited the vault."

00

She walk towards the door to leave, but the cricket beat her to it. Now he stood in the way and she was really starting to become agitated not to mention the shortness of breath she felt.

"America? Land of the free... Does that not apply to Storybrooke or am I missing something?"

She looked up at the the cricket, who was a head taller than she. His eyes were soft but his brows made him look a bit distressed. Carefully, he guided her away from the door and she made her way to her seat. She looked around for some sort of way to distract herself and fixed her gaze on a vase that sat on a shelf. It was empty... Pointless to be there, but that was only one of the many things she found that was wrong with the room. It looked cozy, but perhaps too cozy for her taste. The colors seemed muted and the room was already messy from previous paper work scattered about the cricket's desk. She vaguely remembered how she used to be messy, at least until her father came at her with a belt. From then on, Zelena had been sort of a clean freak and everything she owned was carefuly organized.

"You walked out on me the other day, I thought you might like this since you never did have any..."

Zelena reverted her attention towards the cricket, who gently pushed a slice of cherry pie towards her. It was still warm, freshly baked she assumed. She had no idea what she'd eat it with... Much less, whether she wanted to accept it. Zelena felt it was more of a tactic, than a kindness. An apology that wasn't communicated verbally. Maybe he thought if she didn't accept the pie, it would mean she was still upset with him. Ugh. She found her conflicted feeling to be completely agitating. Nevertheless, she warily accepted the pie, but made no indication that she would indulge in it. The Doctor smiled to himself and she knew she was right about it being a tactic, but at least now they could get on with their session.

"How's Merida? I know she probably keep you up at all hours of the night, but she seems ike a peaceful baby. "

As if! Zelena explained that Merida was a needy baby. Only three people existed in this realm, that could keep her quiet. And two of them were probably off mooching on each other's face. Archie laughed as she explained. This family was probably the most complicated in history. Everyone was related and he was sure that not everyone was happy about it. Their family included the Golds, Charmings, Mills, and Hoods. If anyone else had seen what these families had done to each other in the past, they might not ever come back to Storybrooke. Not that anyone came anyways.

The talking continued and before they knew it, their session was over. She was glad for it too. Zelena couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. She carefully placed the pie in her arms and went to stand up to leave, as she made it to the door, she turned around. It was now or never... She could say it.

"Cricket, I... I think I-"

Zelena felt her legs give out on her and she fell to the ground. Archie rushed to her side and tried to help her up, but it was to no avail. He pressed his hand against her forehead... She felt feverish.

"No Zelena, come on stay awake... Just stay awake as long as you can. Be strong..."

He took his tweed coat off and tucked it under her head, then he rushed towards the telephone. It rang four times before someone answered.

"Hello? I need an ambulance... My patient has collapsed. She's running a high fever. Archie Hopper... Yes, at my office."

He hung up the phone and returned to Zelena, who lay still on the floor. Surely he could make her comfortable before the ambulance arrived. Carefully, he picked her up and moved her to the couch. He tried to keep her awake, but she wasn't being responsive. She only looked at him with her tired eyes. He caressed her pale face, almost in tears.