CHAPTER 12

The family loaded into Emma's car after much protest from Regina and headed out of town. They had lunch at a fast food restaurant. Emma got some pics of Henry's and Regina's responses to having their first bites of pure junk food bliss. As good as Granny's and Regina's food was it just didn't compare. Sometimes you just really need to binge on junk.

After lunch, they headed to a car dealership. Emma and Henry ran up and down the rows of cars like children. They'd decided to drive into Portland to check out the Mercedes dealership there. Storybrooke was still trapped in the 80's. Regina just had to have the best and latest of everything and Emma wanted to spoil her forever. Plus it was nice getting out once in a while.

Henry kept going back over to the cars in the showroom. They reminded him of Fast and Furious cars. He kept trying to talk his Mom into what a reasonable financial investment it was considering he'd be driving in 5 short years. Needless to say his argument fell on deaf ears.

They settled on a SUV that was completely tricked out. It was a hybrid so they could use gas or electric. It had power everything and blu ray players and games in the backseat for the kids. Henry gave his approval by leaping into his Mom's arms. They knew it was still early but they'd already opted for having an infant seat placed in the back. With all of the upgrades, they'd have to wait a week before picking the car up.

Regina was happy about all of the safety features. The accident had really thrown her. She'd been uneasy about Henry being in the car already. She was renting a car for the time being. Henry barely left the house without being surrounded with bubble wrap.

Before heading home they stopped at a fun center. Emma and Henry ran around and tried all of the games while Regina sat laughing at them.

They stopped at Granny's on the way back into town. Ruby walked over to the family slowly and gave them their menus and waters. She placed her hand on Regina's shoulder and smiled down at her, "I'm glad to see you back up. How are you?"

Regina returned the smile, "I should be back to 100% in a week or so. Right now I'm still getting easily fatigued but the doctor said that was normal."

Ruby had seen Regina at the hospital shortly after she woken up. It had been really hard on her to hold back what she knew. But Regina had been so happy talking about the family and getting back home to Emma and Henry. She just couldn't find it in her to crush her after she'd already witnessed how broken they had left her before all of this started.

It was Henry who'd spilled the beans to her what Emma had been up to. Emma had asked her to keep him for a few hours while she went to take care of some business. Ruby had relented because she still hoped that they'd be able to get themselves together and do the right thing for the baby's sake if not for Regina's.

But Henry had been antsy the entire time he'd been at the diner. He kept staring at the clock and he door. Finally Ruby broke down and asked him what gives. He'd looked around sheepishly before explaining to her their new mission.

Ruby had been horrified to hear the details of what they'd planned. She explained to Granny what Henry had told to her and the pain on Granny's face as she shook her head sadly still echoed through Ruby. She'd quickly made her way down to the hospital after one of the customers had come in and explained that they'd seen Emma and Regina headed to the hospital. She couldn't get over the dread pooled in her belly as she'd watched Henry bounce around with his face lit up talking about how great things were going to be from now on.

They gave their food and drink orders to Ruby and she walked away to put it into the kitchen. She began to gather their drinks and stood staring at the family. She was still on the fence about what to do.

Granny came behind her and nudged her. "I told you no good will come of it. They're royals. It's best to just leave well enough alone."

Ruby nodded while chewing on her lip.

After the family ate and were getting ready to leave Ruby walked over to Regina and gave her a hug. She whispered into her ear, "No matter what please remember you always have me and Granny."

When she pulled away Regina gave her a puzzled look. But she merely smiled and squeezed her hand.

Ruby watched them walking away. On the outside they looked like a happy family. But she and Granny knew better. There was no way this was going to end with a happily ever after.