Hello my dears! Here is a new chapter- I hope you like it! It features Benjamin, the younger brother, figured it is time we get to know him as well.
I also want to thank all of you for the response I've gotten on this story, means everything to me, and I am very grateful. And please continue to review, or send me a PM of there is anything that you would want to see in further chapters, it would actually be very helpful.
Anyway, enjoy! xxx
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Regina sat on the edge of her bed staring at her own reflection in the window, it was dark outside. A tear escaped her eye, but her mind was too far away to notice. She was fully dressed, a usual tight-fitted dress, one that already felt as if it were suffocating her. Her back was straight, and she wore black stiletto shoes. When she felt the tear rolling off her cheek, and landing on her tight, she franticly wiped the wetness off her face. There was a knock on the bedroom door, it took her a couple of seconds to react. Somehow she felt a little afraid, because she was in her bedroom, thus the person who was knocking had let themselves in.
«Yes.» she said firmly, not to let fear reveal itself. The door opened, and her brother peeked through the opening. «Hey.» he said casually and found a seat in the soft chair opposed to the bed. «Sorry, I hope I didn't startle you by coming here.»
Regina swallowed hard, «It's quite alright Benjamin.» she said and studied him. Her younger brother was a handsome man, she could only imagine the girls yearning for him. He had dark features, like herself, dark eyes, thick dark brown hair, and wide shoulders. She looked at his chin and cheek-bones; it was probably about three days since he last shaved. Regina didn't say anything, only kept the same posture as before.
«Are you ok Regina? I haven't seen you for a while.» Benjamin said and looked at her with worry in his eyes.
He was sweet to her, Regina had to admit, «I'll be fine.» She answered with a nod.
Benjamin didn't give up, «You know you can talk to me? Maybe I can help you with something, or just be your little brother.» he said and gave a slight chuckle.
Regina stayed silent for a few moments, before she looked over to him, she might as well tell him, «I don't know if Rhea has said anything to you. About me?» she asked him.
In response, he only shook his head.
She hesitated to continue, «I'm… pregnant.» She said and looked up at him.
Benjamin's eyes lit up, «I'm going to be an uncle again?» he asked and rose, «That's fantastic!»
Regina couldn't help but smile by his enthusiasm. However, Benjamin could see that something was still troubling her, so he took a few steps towards her and placed a kiss in her forehead, «But that's not what's worrying you, is it?» He asked and sat down next to her.
Again, it took Regina a few moments to answer, «I am going to tell Henry this evening.»
Benjamin looked at Regina in the reflection of her in the window, «That's what's worrying you?» he paused, «He will be thrilled Regina.»
Now, Regina rose, and threw her hands in the air, «How do you know that?»
Benjamin laid back on her bed, a move that Regina wasn't particularly fond of. He stared up in the ceiling, «I don't know how much Henry has told you, but we've spent some time together.» He rose again and met Regina's irritated gaze, «He's a good kid. You've raised him well, so there's nothing to worry about. All he wants for you is to be happy.»
Regina felt her shoulders sink, and looked at Benjamin with soft eyes, «You think he'll be fine about it?» she paused, "Henry's opinion is all that matters to me."
Benjamin rose from her bed, «I know he will.» he headed towards the door, «What do you say, want me to make you some hot cocoa with cream?» he looked at her and smiled.
«Makes me sick.» Regina replied and walked passed him.
«Wow, ok, something else then? Or does everything make you puke?» He asked and followed her.
Regina chuckled and gave him a playful punch in her arm, «I''ll make you tea little brother. I don't want you making a mess in my kitchen.»
«Hey! I've actually learned a lot Regina!» he defended as they got to the kitchen.
Regina looked at him again, «I know dear, I'm just making fun of you.» she said.
Benjamin just shrugged his shoulders, «Well, I guess that's what's little brothers are for.» He paused, «But do not tell Hope, Grace or Rosie. Special privileges for you because you are pregnant.»
Regina laughed. And so an hour passed without them noticing. They both laughed carelessly, and it felt so good. It was exactly what Regina needed.
The doorbell rang, and Regina realized that it would be Henry, and all of her worries hit her like a wall. Benjamin rose and walked over to her, «Want me to stay around?»
Regina looked up at him, «No thank you, we'll be fine.»
Benjamin nodded and hugged her tightly. Regina had to stand on her toes to be able to hold around his neck. «See you later.» he said and went to open the door.
Henry was surprised, «Uncle Ben?» he said.
«Hey kid, just on my way out.» Benjamin replied and left.
Henry walked into the kitchen, where Regina was waiting.
«Hey mom.» He smiled and gave her hug, «Since when are you and Uncle Ben close?»
Regina chuckled, «Since now I guess.»
Henry sat down, and Regina made him hot chocolate with cinnamon even though the thought of it made her feel sick.
«Sweetheart, there is something that I have to tell you.» Regina couldn't wait any longer, «You know the man that I've been seeing lately, Robin?»
Henry nodded, «Yeah mom, your boyfriend.» he giggled.
Regina smiled, «Yes, well, there is something more.» she paused, and held her breath, «You are going to have a little brother or sister.»
At first, Henry didn't react, which scared Regina. But then he jumped off his chair and threw is arms around his mother, «I'm going to be a big brother!»
Regina laughed and felt at ease, he took it well. Henry then pulled away from her and looked at her seriously, «Mom, are you happy?»
Regina looked at him a little bewildered, but then smiled, «I am, Henry.»
Henry then hugged her again and rested his head on her chest, «That's all that matters mom.» He said and heard Regina sigh, «Yeah, I'm a smart kid.» he said.
«Oh, but you are my little prince.» she whispered and kissed the top of his head.
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Thoughts? Ideas?