CHAPTER 6

NOTES: I was SO SICK when I wrote this. It was great inspiration but I felt horrible for days and I will never forget it. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Lucky Regina has Robin to take care of her. Steven took care of me so I really can't complain but ugh it was so gross. I hope you enjoy this chapter! P.S this is my last posting for a while. I'm going on vacation. XOXO

Regina didn't get sick often. In fact, there were times growing up that she hadn't fallen ill in years. So, on Wednesday when she felt the start of a sore throat – she was worried. It was only two weeks until Valentine's Day and she couldn't afford to be sick. She needed to fight this off now. So, she took a break and went to the drug store to get cold medicine because she had a feeling that was what was coming on. Then, she went to the supermarket to buy soup, orange juice and tissues. By the time she got back to the store she was exhausted. She sat down in the back and had to think about who could work. There was her, Tink, Ashley on the days she didn't work at the library and she could ask Wendy to cover also. She mostly worked weekends but she was sure the young woman would want the extra money. The two girls she laid off after Christmas were attending college and she didn't think they'd help and she didn't feel right asking them. If she was desperate Mary had helped before when she was in a bind and she hated to ask but she might have to. Her throat was on fire. She was definitely getting sick. It was only two. She'd close an hour early and go home. She called Wendy and asked if she wanted hours for the next day and she was more than happy to work with Tink. Regina knew if she was going to fight this off she'd need to take the day off. She closed at four and went home with the intention of making soup and taking something for her throat but she never got the chance. She fell asleep around eight and never saw the two text messages from Robin.

She woke at nine and called Tink and told her that Wendy would work with her all day "You sound awful. No offense but you really should rest," her friend said.

"I will don't worry. If you need anything please call and make sure the two of you are being safe at all times. If you need another body – call Ashley."

"Regina don't worry. This isn't my first rodeo. I've got this," Tink said.

"Okay, I trust you. Just call me if you need anything."

"I will. I promise." Regina slowly got out of bed and went downstairs. She knew she needed to eat something. Even though it was nine o'clock in the morning she made a bowl of soup. She ate; then went upstairs to take a shower and change clothes. She climbed back into bed and grabbed her phone and noticed she'd missed two texts from Robin. She responded "I'm not going to work today. I'm sick. I don't want you to catch whatever this is so please don't come here. I miss you." She lay back in bed and within minutes she was sleeping again.

Regina was in bed for two days. Sneezing, coughing, and at times, crying because she was just exhausted. Emma had stopped by and checked on her and assured her things were fine at the store and that Mary was there and helping. She needed to go to the doctor but she was so tired. She'd been texting with Robin and he was worried about her but she insisted that he stay away. He had too many responsibilities and she didn't want him to get sick. Friday afternoon she took a shower, got dressed and drove herself to the doctor. She wanted to make sure the cough hadn't moved into her chest. They confirmed she was fine. That this was viral and eventually it would go away on its own but she needed to rest and stay in bed and that was something Regina was not used to doing. They sent a prescription for a nasal spray to the pharmacy for her but once she was home she realized she forgot to stop and get it. She took another shower and climbed back into bed. She glanced at her phone and had several texts from Robin; the first one read "I miss you. I hope you're okay. I know you don't want me to come over but I really wish you'd let me." The next message read "I stopped by the store today and everyone is doing well. I offered to help but . . . I don't know anything about jewelry or wrapping. LOL! The ladies miss you but want you to get better. Are you sure I can't stop by and see you?"

She hit reply "Call me when you can." She lay back against the pillows. She knew Robin was probably at work so she didn't expect him to call right away but a few minutes later; her phone rang "Hello."

"Hi, Babe; how are you feeling?"

"Like shit. Are you working?"

"Actually, I managed to switch shifts and I worked this morning. I'm off until tomorrow night at "The Hole".

"The doctor's office sent a prescription for a nasal spray to the pharmacy and I forgot to stop and get it. I ran out of orange juice, tissues and cough drops but I didn't have the strength to go to the store."

"Done; I will get whatever you need Regina."

"I hate to put you in harm's way but everyone I know is working."

"You're my lady and I want to take care of you."

"Oh' Robin, that's so sweet but I don't want you to get sick."

"I'm strong. I'll be fine. I'll get what you need and I'll be over as soon as I can."

"I'll shut off the alarm and unlock the door when you get here. Send me a text."

"I will. See you soon." She walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. She looked awful. She brushed her teeth and combed her hair as best as she could and went downstairs. She sat on the sofa in the family room and called the store. She spoke with Tink for quite a while; she'd re-done the schedule and they were completely covered until Monday. They even decided since business was so good they would open on Sunday for a few hours. Ashley and Mary would work from noon until five and then hopefully if she was feeling better Regina would be back by Monday. She thanked Tink for all her hard work and then they hung up. A little while later there was a text from Robin telling her he had arrived. She unlocked the door and turned off the alarm. Regina opened the door and he was coming up the walkway. He was carrying several bags and closed the door behind him "Baby go sit down. I have soup from Granny's for you." He kissed her forehead and she didn't argue with him. She went back to the couch and placed the throw over her legs.

He came in a few minutes later carrying a bowl of soup, her spray and a box of tissues "Eat this and then use the spray. I'm going upstairs to disinfect your room."

"No! Robin, please I don't want you to catch this!"

He kneeled down in front of her "I told you to let me take care of you. The faster we get rid of the germs the better. Let me do this Regina. I want to."

"I'm not used to this," she admitted.

"I know and I get that but you have me now."

"My boyfriend," she said softly.

He smiled "Hell yes, I like the sound of that. I'll be down in a few minutes. Just rest," he said. He kissed her on the forehead again and then headed up to her room. She ate the rest of the soup and then used the nasal spray. She couldn't take another dose of cold medicine until it was time for bed. She picked up her phone and it read 6:30. She had a text from Emma asking her if she needed anything. She responded that Robin was there and she finally caved and was letting him take care of her. Emma said "It's about time. The poor guy has been worrying for days. Okay, let me know if you need anything tomorrow night while he's at work. I'll stop by." She placed her phone down and lay back on the couch. A few minutes later; Robin came downstairs "I changed the sheets and I cracked the window a bit. I'll close it before I tuck you in of course. You finished your soup. That's good." He took her bowl to the kitchen and she could hear water running. He came back in and sat next to her on the couch "Lay back against me," he whispered. She placed her head in his lap and he pulled the blanket over her. He ran his fingers through her hair and she sighed. She fell asleep in his arms. Robin let her lay there for an hour and a half and then she had a coughing fit. He got her a glass of water and then brought her cold medicine. She took it willingly and blew her nose about six times.

She cringed "This is so gross. I wish you didn't have to witness this so early in our relationship."

He laughed "I'm sure one day; not anytime soon you'll need to take care of me. C'mon let's go upstairs." He grabbed her tissues and they headed upstairs. He pulled the blankets down for her and closed the window. Regina got into bed and he pulled the covers over her "I'm going to stay in the next room."

"You are?"

"Yes, I told you I don't have to work until tomorrow night. So, I'll stay."

"I haven't been sick like this in a very long time."

"Sometimes, when you do too much and don't rest it catches up with you babe."

"I know. Thank you." He kissed her forehead and she snuggled under the covers. Robin left the door halfway open, then went to the room next to her to try and sleep.

She woke up in the middle of the night coughing and sneezing. She went into the bathroom and then finally when her fit was over she headed back out to her bedroom and Robin was standing in the doorway in his boxers "Jesus, you scared me," she said.

"Sorry, I heard you sneezing. Do you want another dose of medicine?"

"Yes, please." She crawled back into bed and Robin went downstairs. God, she hated this. For her it was complete and utter torture. She hated not being at her store and feeling so . . . weak. Regina slid under the covers and used her nasal spray. Robin came up with a dose of her medicine and a glass of water. She took the water first and then downed the liquid medication "I'm sorry if I woke you."

"It's alright. Are you feeling better?"

"Believe it or not . . . yes. I think the spray is working and all this yuck is coming out."

He laughed "Do you want me to stay in here with you?"

"No, Robin I'm alright now."

He sat on the bed and she couldn't help but stare at him "I miss your mouth," he said

She smiled and he took her hand "It's not fair that you're sitting here half naked and I can't do anything about it," she whispered.

"All in good time," he replied.

"Go back to bed Robin, I'm fine. I promise." He kissed her cheek and stood "Put on clothes or you'll get sick too," she said. He laughed and turned the light off and went back to the other room. Regina was now awake. She tried for several minutes but she couldn't go back to sleep right away. She checked her e-mails and her Facebook page and started browsing. She clicked onto Robin's page and started looking at pictures and mutual friends. She found Marian. She was beautiful. Long dark hair and brown eyes; Roland did look like his mother. It was obvious they'd be friends on social media because of Roland. She practically gasped when she saw that Robin's ex had "LIKED" the photo of them. She didn't understand Facebook as much as Emma or Tink did but she wondered if this was normal. She clicked back onto her page and saw a few messages from her friends. They posted "GET WELL" pictures and there was even a post from Robin that she hadn't noticed before from the other day. It read "I hope you're feeling better. I miss you." Regina's eyes grew wide when she realized ten people had liked his post. She bit her lip and smiled; this man was too good to be true. She was finally getting sleepy and she put her phone down. Regina drifted back to sleep in a matter of minutes. Her last thought was of Robin – her attentive and loving boyfriend who was practically perfect.

He stayed with her until four; he cooked her breakfast, lunch and even went to the store to get her some groceries she needed. She took a bath and a shower while he was there and she even did a load of laundry. He helped her put the clothes away and in the midst of all this they watched two movies on Netflix. He talked about his past and Regina learned a few things about him that she hadn't known until now. He definitely wasn't perfect. In fact; he had been in a bit of trouble years ago. He had gotten in with the wrong crowd and was arrested for stealing. He talked about how he'd met Marian and that she'd convinced him to get on the straight and narrow path. She basically saved him. They got together. Had a wonderful relationship and Roland was born – he loved her. But, sometimes love isn't enough and the bliss doesn't last. They fought all the time and Robin didn't want that for his son. So, they broke up and yes he'd bought an engagement ring for her but he returned it and he vowed from that day forward he was going to live a better life. Not just for his son but for other kids as well those who were less fortunate. He was going to help people and make a difference in their lives. Regina had never been with anyone like Robin before. He was a little rough around the edges, bold and rugged. The men she usually dated were a bit more refined and she hated to admit it but – snotty. He was the complete opposite of Daniel. She didn't want to think about that. Regina was in the family room when Emma arrived around seven. She was working overnight at the station and had text asking if she could stop by. She came in carrying a few bags "Hi, I bought some reinforcements just in case," she said as she headed to the kitchen.

Regina followed her "What do you have there?"

"Oh' just a few things I know you like. I stopped at Granny's and brought you more soup and if you haven't eaten a Panini with fries and some of her special oatmeal raisin cookies."

"Emma, thank you and no I haven't eaten dinner yet. This is so nice."

"I text Robin and asked and he said he didn't think you had."

She sat at the counter to eat and Emma joined her "You two are sneaky."

"How are you feeling?"

"Better. I know I still sound and look like shit but believe it or not I'm much better. I'm not sure I'll make it in on Monday but I want to try and go for a few hours."

"Tink has everything under control I've stopped by there a few times. You should promote her to an assistant manager or something."

Regina smiled "Get out of my head. That's exactly what I plan on doing and I'm going to give her a raise."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, she deserves it. I owe Mary too she's been there a lot Robin says."

"Yes, but she's enjoying it at least that's what David tells me."

"Robin was here all day today. He shared a lot with me about his past."

"Are you going to share with him?"

"I want to. Did you know he was arrested?"

"Actually, don't be mad but I did a background check on him."

"Emma Swan . . ."

"I know you hate that but I had to your my best friend."

"He's not like anyone I've ever dated."

"I'm sure Cora will not approve of him."

"I don't care. Thankfully, she's down south with my father and not around the corner anymore. I really like him. He's nice."

"He's really nice," Emma agreed.

"He's a wonderful father and he's . . ."

"Hot."

Regina smiled "Yes, he is isn't he?"

"He has that whole "reformed bad boy" thing going on for him," Emma added.

"Exactly and his arms; have you seen his arms?"

Emma laughed "Not really but I'm sure they're nice."

"They are." They chatted for a few more minutes but then it was time for Emma to head to work. She hugged Regina and told her to rest. Once Emma was gone she went back to the family room and decided to catch up on a few of her shows on Netflix. She drifted off on the couch wrapped in a blanket and didn't wake up until a few hours later – her phone was ringing. It was midnight. The caller I.D read EMMA "Hi, What's wrong?"

"It's nothing to worry about but I just wanted you to know that there was a fight at "The Rabbit Hole" tonight."

"Oh' my God is Robin okay?"

"Yes, actually I'm here with him at the station. Jefferson let him leave and come down here with me," Emma said.

"Is he hurt?"

"He has a pretty bad black eye and don't freak out but he got cut with a knife."

"WHAT!"

"He's already been checked out. He's giving his statement to David right now."

"Shit, should I come pick him up? Does he have his car?"

"No, we brought him down in the cruiser. His car is at the bar. Are you up to it?"

"Yes, I'll just get dressed and I'll be right there. Emma is he in trouble?"

"No, Regina it's nothing like that. He broke up a fight and got caught in the middle."

"Okay, tell him I'm coming to get him."

"Will do; drive safe." Adrenaline kicked in. Regina got dressed, took her nasal spray, grabbed some tissues and her purse and headed out. She was a complete wreck as she drove there. She believed Emma when she said he was alright but she couldn't help it she was worried about him. He was sitting in the waiting area slumped over with his eyes closed when she walked in – he looked awful.

She sat next to him and took his hand "Robin, are you alright."

He opened his eye and smiled "Babe, you shouldn't have come. You're still sick."

"I'm fine. I was so worried." She ran her fingers through his hair "Can you leave now?"

"Yes, I was just waiting for you." They stood and David and Emma waved to them. They went outside and got in her car "I don't want to go back to the bar I told Jefferson I'd be back for my car tomorrow."

"I'm bringing you home with me I'm going to look at that cut and I have a special ointment for your eye," she said.

"So, now you're taking care of me," he teased.

"It appears so. Good thing we're both off tomorrow and we can rest."

"Are you going to work on Monday?"

"I plan to go for a few hours. Yes, but I promise I won't overdue it."

He took her hand "You're beautiful even when you're sick and worried." Once they got back to Regina's she took him upstairs to the bathroom and worked on his eye. He told her about the fight and how two really drunk blokes were going at it. Jefferson begged him not to get involved but they were busting tables apart and when a woman was shoved on the floor that was when Robin couldn't hold back anymore. He got in the middle and finally separated them but not before he was hit in the face and sliced with a knife on his arm.

After she saw to his eye; he took off his shirt and showed her the cut on his arm it wasn't bad and it had been taken care of "Jesus, Robin . . ."

"It's alright. I'm fine."

"You could have been seriously hurt."

"I know but when he knocked that woman over I had to do something."

"You're a hero," she said smiling.

He laughed "I wouldn't go that far."

"C'mon you're probably tired. Let's go to sleep," she said as she pulled him out to her bedroom. They lay down and he kissed her forehead and within minutes Robin had drifted off. Regina was glad she was finally feeling better and she was grateful that Robin hadn't been more seriously injured. Sleep came easily for the both of them.