Timestamp: A week after Robin's funeral


Regina heard her doorbell ring for the millionth time that week and as usual, she ignored it. She was far from in the mood to see anyone. Her heart was broken and she was so devastated to the point that she considered ripping her heart out. However, she knew she had to bare her grief the right way, because when she eventually put it back in, she would feel the same pain. It had been a week since Robin's funeral and she had spent every day since in bed, sleeping in his spot, wearing his shirts. The bed felt cold and empty just like her soul. She heard the doorbell ring again and wondered if it was Emma. She had left her a voicemail last night telling her that what she was doing wasn't healthy. Regina honestly thought this was the best thing, to isolate herself from others. If she didn't she was sure she'd kill someone out of irritation and that was not the path she wanted to go back to. Regina groaned as the doorbell rang again. Usually, people got the hint when she didn't answer the door. Yes, maybe it was nice that people actually wanted to check up on her, but she just needed to be alone right now. A deep growl came from her when the doorbell rang for the fourth time. She ripped the sheets from on top of her and waved her hand over herself to fix her appearance before she got to the door and swung it open.

"What do you-" Regina's voice cracked as the little ball of curls that was Roland tackled her legs. She was beyond confused. They had went to the enchanted forest a week ago and she hadn't even gotten a chance to say goodbye. She instinctively placed her hand on the little boy's head and looked up at Little John, who was standing before her.

"What's going on? How are you back here?" Regina asked in disbelief.

"Long story." Little John said, scratching the back of his head. "But it appeared that this little lad has formed a great attachment to you. He hasn't spoken a word the entire time since we left unless it's of mention of you. He's been asking for you day after day. Iv'e brought him because we Merry Men have come to the conclusion that the boy should be with you." Regina's mouth gaped as she tried to process what he had just said. She couldn't believe it. The Merry Men, Robin's oldest friends, trusted her with his son?

"I... I don't know what to say." Regina stammered out. "Are you sure that's a good idea. He did grow up with you and the other Merry Men."

"I'm sure Robin would want it this way. Especially because it's what Roland wants." Little John added.

"Gina, I want to stay with you." Roland sniffled, his head still buried in her thy.

"If it's what the lad wants, then we think you should take him. He deserves to have something that he wants and right now, that's you. I never thought I'd be saying that to the Evil Queen. Times do change huh?"

"Indeed they do." Regina said, stooping down to Roland's level. "Are you sure Roland? Is this really what you want?" She asked him, she wanted to be sure he understood.

"Regina?" Roland asked, looking up at her with glassy eyes. She could tell he was still in pain after loosing his father.

"Yes Ro?" She smoothed over his head again.

"Papa said that we were a family." Roland said in almost a whisper. "And you said that too."

"Yes, I did." Regina said, remembering the conversation they'd had about a month ago.

"So since Papa is gone now, does that mean your not my family anymore?" Roland asked scarcely.

"Of course not pumpkin. I will always be your family." Regina assured him.

"So... you still love me?" Roland asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice.

"Yes, with all my heart. Never doubt that." She assured him.

"Then, I want to stay with you." Roland said, hugging her tightly. "Can I Gina?" He whispered.

"Yes, I would like that very much." Regina said, a tear sliding down her cheek. For the first time in a week it wasnt a sad tear. It was a happy tear. It was a tear of joy.