A Whole New World

-2 Years Later-

Regina was beaming. She clapped her hands in front of her, the bright smile on her face unwavering. She cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled out excitedly before clapping again. When a woman next to her spoke, Regina turned and laughed, nodding her head before looking forward again. The joy on her face doubled as whistles blew a figure ran straight to her.

"That was amazing!" She praised, her pride clearly displayed in her features as she lifted her hands and received high fives.

"Thanks Mum." Luca let her pull him into a tight hug, grinning happily.

"That was your fifth in a row now, right?" She asked and he nodded excitedly.

"Yes!"

"Amazing." She repeated, still smiling. Luca glanced off to the side before giving her an innocent look.

"Sooo…does this mean I'm no longer grounded?" Luca asked cheekily. Regina shook her head, but her joy remained in full force.

"Luca…" She ran a hand from the buzzed side of his head to the strip of hair still present running from his forehead to the back of his neck.

"Come on, Mum, you have to admit it looks cool with all of us like this." He tilted his head and Regina glanced behind him at the rest of the team. She had been more than shocked and dismayed to see that the Shark's soccer team had decided on their own to shave their heads into Mohawks to resemble shark fins. So wonderfully clever they were.

"I don't think I have to admit anything like that." She said and Luca looked down semi apologetically. He had seemed genuinely nervous when he saw her face after practice last night. Though it was incomparable to some of the other moms. Luca never realized he could fear a group of sweater wearing mothers so much before.

"Oh come now Regina, you can't punish him from coming over. You two have to come to the victory party." The woman approached from the side again and Regina gave her a look.

"Yes, Mother, we have to come to the party. Mrs. Smith says so." Luca knew he had won, but was trying to play innocent. Regina looked back to him and grabbed that strip of hair in the middle of his head.

"You ever shave your head without my permission again, and I'll make you go bald for a year. Am I understood?" She said seriously. Luca swallowed and nodded his head.

"Yes Ma'am." He said respectfully. Susan smiled at the two of them.

"Good boy. Okay, go get your stuff." She smiled and he grinned again, turning to run back to the rest of the boys. Regina turned towards the woman again. "You know, I have a hard enough time disciplining that boy as is." She crossed her arms, but the other woman was amused.

"I'm sorry Regina, but I am not about to let you skip out on another party. You've been anti social the last few weeks."

"You know I've been very busy with the center. Plus, you have a party every week, Susan." She pointed out with an amused smile.

"Well, in my defense, the original idea was a party only for every win, and that used to be only once a month, if that. It's your son that's caused all these celebrations." She said and Regina couldn't help another prideful look. Her boy had certainly made a quick and impressive impact on the team.

"Yes well, I did make a pie." She said lightly and Susan laughed.

"I knew you'd let him come. You're always so soft." When she finished, Regina snorted. "What?" Susan tilted her head with a smile.

"Nothing, that's just not something I've been accused of very often."

"I find that surprising." She said genuinely.

"Well what did you do to Damian?" Regina asked, looking over at the soccer team full of partially shaved heads.

"He's on dish duty for a month." Susan crossed her arms as well, standing side by side with Regina.

"Nice." Regina nodded.

"Well I'm a little jealous. I think bald for a year is a much better choice. I may borrow it." She smiled and Regina laughed.

"By all means, dear." She took a step as Luca ran back towards them with his bag over his shoulder. She smiled warmly as several other boys clapped him on the back and complimented him on his performance in their game.

"Well I'll see you two over there." Susan made her way towards her own son and Regina threw an arm around Luca. She waited until they were to the car before turning to face him.

"Okay, really, that was incredible. I am so proud of you." She couldn't help telling him again. He had started with this team only a few months prior and had already proven himself most valuable. He shined out there and she loved watching it.

"Thanks! Did you see that goal I scored with my head?!" He asked excitedly, happy not to have to be so humble for a moment. Regina encouraged him and if they were alone, he was allowed a bit of gloating.

"Yes! And when you did that flip kick!" She shook her own head, still amazed at the moves. "I didn't know you could do that!"

"Neither did I." He admitted with a laugh.

"Well it looked pretty impressive."

"Thanks." He turned and threw his duffle bag into the trunk before Regina closed it. "I am sorry about my hair, Mum. They said it would be cool to do it as a team." He looked more apologetic now and Regina sighed with a soft smile.

"It's alright. I guess I can appreciate how well you're getting along with them."

"And you too. Derrick's mom said she hoped to see you around more. That you're very sweet." He tilted his head with a grin and Regina gave him a playful nudge. They moved to the either side of the car and took their seats inside.

"It's been too long since I've thrown a fire ball." She said nostalgically as she started the car and Luca laughed.

"I think that's probably for the best, Mum." He kept laughing and Regina did too. "I really like it hear. I want to stay."

"It is nice, isn't it?" She said but when she looked back at Luca, his gaze was focused out the window. Regina bit her lip to contain her grin. "Very nice indeed." Her amused tone made Luca tear his eyes away from the young girl walking by the car and fix his mother with a glare.

"Don't." He tried to look intimidating.

"What? She's cute." She couldn't drop her expression and Luca narrowed his eyes.

"Mum-"

"Put down your window and ask if she wants a ride."

"Mum, no. No." He held up a finger and looked seriously at her but she was shaking slightly with the effort of not laughing.

"Well okay, but I don't see how she'll be your girlfriend if you don't talk to her."

"I'm not talking to you." Luca crossed his arms and looked straight ahead. Regina laughed out loud, not being able to help teasing him a bit. He was actually quite a charmer, but she had noticed him looking at this new girl recently, but hadn't been able to speak up.

"Okay, lean back, I'll ask her-"

"Mother!"

"Okay, okay." She lifted her hands in surrender. "Just wanted to make you talk to me." She smiled victoriously and Luca rolled his eyes, but he smiled just slightly.

The first time his eyes had landed on a girl for just a tiny bit longer than a typical glance, Regina had been a little too stunned to know how to handle it. He had barely turned ten at the time and she hadn't reached that point with Henry yet when she had been home. It was all new territory and Regina was not happy going there. But then that had quickly started changing.

Regina couldn't get over how adorable it all was. He had those little girls swooning with the accent and the small grins. She would have felt bad teasing him, but Luca could give just as good as he got and they had fun with each other. A few months ago, when an elderly man had flirted with her, Luca hadn't let the teasing drop for over a week.

By the time they pulled up to the house, more than half the team and their families were already there. Kids were running about and as they got out of the car, she could see Luca already itching to get to them. As reluctant as she had been to start socializing with the other parents in the beginning, she was actually glad she had. Especially with the number of parties they had, she had to learn to adapt to the environment, and it had quickly become less awkward with each visit. Plus this way, Luca could play without her either leaving or standing awkwardly in the corner.

"Alright, go play. But tell me if you're going down to the beach, okay?" She lifted his chin with her hand.

"Okay." He smiled before running straight towards the back of the house. She watched him momentarily before grabbing her pie and heading towards the front door. She had been there plenty of times now, and knew her way to the kitchen. It was still a bit of an adjustment to step into a room with a group of excited mothers.

"Regina, glad you came." A younger woman, Tiffany, came right up to her with a cheerful smile. Regina wasn't as enthusiastic, but, she was able to smile back easily now.

"Thank you, dear."

"Oh please tell me that's your apple pie." She said hopefully.

"That it is." She placed it in the woman's outstretched hands and moved over towards the counter where Susan was standing.

"Drink?" Susan glanced her way.

"Yes, thank you." She took the glass Susan fixed her gratefully and already felt a little more comfortable.

"We were just talking about all the boys' groundings from the haircuts. Yours is a close second as favorite." Susan smirked as she took her own glass and stood next to Regina.

"Second?" Regina couldn't help but question her and Susan chuckled.

"Yes, well, Amanda is making Justin wear a suit and tie to school every day until his hair grows back to how it was before." She started and Regina lifted an eyebrow at the younger, perky brunette grinning by the counter. She had to admit she was impressed.

"Yes, and if he does it again, he will wear a dress until it grows back." Amanda gave a mischievous smile before taking a swig of her own drink and now Regina truly was impressed.

"I guess I can accept defeat to that." Regina inclined her head and tilted her glass. Amanda gave a mock bow and Regina contained her amusement at the irony. Several other woman Regina had gotten to know, came in and started getting drinks, everyone relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.

"So Regina…" Tiffany, a curly haired blonde with a southern accent stepped closer to her and Regina turned slightly to give her, her attention. "How's Luca been enjoying school? He used to be home schooled, didn't he?"

"Yes, he actually likes it. The school was a big reason we decided to stay here permanently. They seem pretty laid back, which is good for him."

"Oh yes. We actually checked out a few when we moved here and just loved this one the best. Much better than the one Sammy went to in Texas. So where did you two come from?" She tilted her head and looked curiously at Regina. Regina took a swig from her drink before responding.

"We've actually moved around quite a bit. We explored the country for awhile until we stopped here about…six or so months ago, and really liked it. We found the sun the school and the team and fell in love with it all." She said honestly and the other women smiled.

"That sounds wonderful. But where were you before that?" She pushed on and Regina had to remind herself that they all were genuinely curious and not trying to be invasive. The way everyone was so involved in each other's lives was something she hadn't quite gotten used to, but was handling better.

"Well, I'm originally from Maine."

"Wow, you two have come quite a ways. Well I for one, am thrilled you chose to settle in California." She smiled warmly and the other women all voiced their agreement.

"I'm sorry for all the questions, but you are the most mysterious member of our little group. I can't help myself." Within a few hours, Tiffany seemed to be just the slightest bit tipsy but Regina was merely amused.

She had noticed in the past when that happened, she would sleep in Susan's guest room and the boys would have a fun sleepover. It didn't seem anyone minded it. According to the rumor mill Regina couldn't avoid, Tiffany was going through a divorce with her husband and not everyday was a walk in the park.

"And I have answered them all, dear." Regina pointed out, drinking from her coffee mug Susan had given her, having gotten to know Regina enough to understand her typical habits. One alcoholic drink, then coffee or tea for the rest of the night.

"I know, but there's just something about you…I feel like you must have some crazy, wild past, or something like that." She shook her head, studying Regina as if she could unlock all her secrets.

"And you got that from what exactly?" Susan stepped in. "The soccer mom aspect? The volunteer work? Loving mother?" She said and Regina smirked. Tiffany rolled her eyes.

"I'm just saying. There's more to Regina Mills than soccer cleats and needy children."

"Alright Tiffany, leave the poor woman alone." Susan also knew Regina well enough to know that she was a private person and probably wouldn't be confessing her past in front of a large group of slightly inebriated adults. The blonde shrugged and turned back towards Amanda and a few others.

"Thank you." Regina smiled at the red head.

Regina really liked Susan. Despite her red hair and a bit more confidence, she reminded Regina of Katherine and the two had clicked much faster than Regina did with any others. She hadn't really been one for real friends, with the exception of Katherine, but was pleased to have met this woman during her and Luca's first week in San Diego.

It was six months ago when they had just been walking down to the beach Luca had instantly fallen in love with, when the woman quite literally bumped right into Regina. It was during the apology turned conversation following, that Regina realized Luca had started playing with another kid with a ball in the sand. Luca had no issues making friends and the women had been amused to see their own sons forming the instant bond.

The impromptu play date turned into a lunch, which led to the set up of the next get together for the boys, who were already discussing sports and movies and games. In only a few weeks, Susan began putting the idea out there of Regina and Luca making the city home. By the time the decision was made, it was done so easily.

"So…" Susan interrupted her thoughts, something she did often when Regina got too antisocial in her opinion. "How are things going with Lilly?" Despite her distraction, the name brought an instant smile to Regina's face.

"Still slower than I'd like." She admitted. Susan was one of the few she discussed Lilly with. "But things are coming along much more smoothly now."

"That's great. Have you told her yet?"

"No." She said immediately. "Not until everything is set."

"I understand." Susan nodded, knowing just how paranoid Regina had been the last couple months. Though she was sure everything was going fine, she understood her friend's fear.

"I hate to say it, but I think it's time we headed out." Regina said and Susan tilted her head.

"I can't convince you to stay? It looks like Tiffany will be. We could have a girls night?!" She said sarcastically, knowing exactly how enthusiastic Regina would be to such an idea.

"As tempting as that offer is, because of that test tomorrow, I want to make sure I get Luca to bed at a reasonable hour."

"Oh, I forgot about that. I really wish all their games were only on the weekends so they didn't have to get to bed." She sighed. "Alright, well at some point, I'm going to convince you to stay late so I can see that wild side I know you hide." Susan smirked as Regina rolled her eyes.

"Good luck with that, dear." She nodded and accepted the small hug from the red head. "I'll be by in the morning." She finished before heading out to the porch to look out over the yard. When she called out, it only took a few seconds to see the dirty blonde, now spiked, head to come into sight.

"Alright, let's see…religious." Regina said as she placed a plate in front of Luca.

"R-E-L-I-G-I-O-U-S." He glanced up and Regina smiled.

"Perfect." She said and Luca stabbed a fork into his eggs with a grin. "Next…folklore."

"F-O-L-K-L-O-R-E." Again, he glanced up and again, was met with a smile.

"Brilliant. Alright, one more." She lifted the paper up and then looked back towards Luca. "Photosynthesis." She watched as he squinted his eyes a bit. "Sound it out." She coached and he really concentrated then.

"P-H-O-T-O…S-Y-N…T-H…E…S-I-S." He looked up much more hesitantly but Regina was grinning proudly.

"You are going to do wonderfully." She assured as she took the seat opposite him with her own breakfast.

"I don't know." He said and Regina tilted her head.

"Honey, you just got them all right on the first try."

"Yes, but that's with you. It's always harder when they're asking me." He said and she smiled sympathetically.

"Try not focusing on them. Your teacher says a word, just think about me and us sitting here and going over your words. You know them. Just remember that. There's no reason to be nervous. No matter how you do, it'll be okay." She watched him as his expression grew a little more confident again.

He did so much better at this school. They simply had a different kind of learning environment and with a boy that didn't enjoy being talked at for hours on end, it was working wonderfully. They were interactive and inventive in their teaching and Luca actually liked school. The only thing that still caught him up though, were tests. They hadn't done anything like that in the almost two years she taught him on her own. He was doing better though, and his confidence was growing.

They finished breakfast and got into the car, stopping once along the way towards the school, and pulling up in front of Susan's house. Luca got out and ran up to the front door, returning with his friend a moment later.

"Hello Damian." Regina said kindly as both boys hopped in the back.

"Hey Regina."

"Buckled up?" She glanced back and got the affirmative from both of them. She looked out the window and waved to Susan standing in the doorway before pulling away again.

They continued on as they did most days. The boys chatting away happily, Regina, amused by their conversations and slightly less annoyed by the morning traffic. They arrived at the school and Regina turned in her seat to face them.

"Alright, you two have a good day. Good luck on the test. You'll both do great." She smiled at them.

"Thanks Mum."

"Thanks Regina."

Luca opened the door and hopped out, followed closely by Damian. Regina glanced back again and shook her head.

"Damian?" She called and the boy turned to face the car. "Your lunch." She pointed and he ran back.

"Right, sorry." He laughed sheepishly and Regina just shook her head as he ran back towards the school.

"Every damn day." She mumbled, amusedly, but was still smiling as she watched them all the way into the building until she drove off to work.

Luca and Damian walked through the halls, making their way towards their classroom. Damian stepped inside, but paused when Luca stopped abruptly in the hall.

"Luca?" He saw the confused expression on his friend's face and his own curiosity was peaked.

"Sorry I…I just thought I saw something." He stared down the hall for another second before shaking it off and mentally laughing at himself for the ridiculous thought.

"What are you, going for the insanity plea to get out of a spelling test?" Damian laughed and Luca shoved him.

"Shut up." He said but was smiling. "Come on, let's get this over with." He glanced down the hall one last time before stepping inside and taking his seat.

Just down the hall, eighth grade math was beginning. Right before the teacher started her lecture, the school principal walked in and all the students straightened just slightly. The teacher turned and smiled.

"Principal Sanders, what can I do for you?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to bring in our new student." She stepped to the side and revealed the boy behind her. With a smile, she placed a hand on his shoulder and looked towards the class. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Henry Mills."

So when I started writing this part, I had some Trina Decker/Susan Miller feels. Hence her friend's first name being Susan…

Oh and PS, blanks will be filled in. I know it was a big time jump…