(( WOOAAHHH, LATE UPDATE SO SORRY BUT HERE IT IS AND IM ACTUALLY SUPER HAPPY W/ THIS CHAPTER SO ENJOY BB'S))
"You told me, that once I found the book - everything would make sense.. but it just doesn't," Henry's small voice met my ears as we walked side by side down the sidewalk, "Am I.. using it wrong, or something?" He rose a brow up at me, fiddling with the book.
"It takes time, Henry. And some answers, which is why I'm here," I replied. We slowly walked past Granny's Diner, where Ruby was opening the finery. Her head turned, and her eyes caught mine - not in a good way either. She glared at me, obviously throwing the hint that she didn't like me around Henry. Not many things or people made me uncomfortable, but she sure did. I tried to grin at her, but she only made the famous 'I'm watching you' hand gesture. I nodded, and carried on with Henry still filling my ear with statements and questions.
"Well, you aren't giving me much help either," he sighed, "no offense."
"None taken little man, I just feel like I should take it slow - it's a lot of crazy information for a young kids mind." I said, glancing down at him.
"I'm not a kid, I can handle it - you adults think every person that's younger than you is a child," he scoffed, and shook his head. His hands wrapped around the book, and opened it with a bit of difficulty, considering it was a pretty big book. His flipped to a certain page, with a baby wrapped in a hand-made blanket with the letters E-M-M-A woven into it, "You've mentioned the name Emma before, and her name appears here, too. Why haven't you said anything about her yet? She seemed pretty important when you first busted into my house." I chuckled softly, and stuck my hands into my jacket pockets.
"She's an important role in all of this, and that's all you really need to know right now." I grinned.
Henry rolled his eyes, and sighed dramatically, "Oh- come on! August, please! You already told me every character in this book, and who's who in this world. Except, her! I took that information pretty well, if you don't count the occasional questions." He practically begged me, and tugged on my sleeve.
"Henry, she's something bigger than some information about your friendly town being something made of magic. She's going to be a very big part of your life, and your mother's, too." I looked to him, and shrugged. He was stubborn, like his mother. Which wasn't a good thing on my part. I could never get out of anything with him, because all he did was pry and pry - then guilt trip me. I didn't realize I was such a sucker for kids until I met him.
"What is she gonna be, my maid or something?" He laughed, and looked back onto the illustration, "Will you at least tell me who she's supposed to be?"
I exhaled, "I already told you. She's Emma - Emma Swan,"
"No, you know what I mean," Henry clenched his jaw, "she's a baby here, so that means she was the child of someone, right? So, who are her parents?" He looked up at me with desperation.
I scratched my head, and looked around before finally giving in on some info, "Fine, kid-"
"Henry." He interrupted.
"Henry," I grinned, correcting myself, "She is the wonderful product of the famous Snow White, and-"
"Prince Charming!?" Henry cut in once more, basically jumping up and down in excitement, "No way!"
I laughed, and shook my head, "You're a natural at this already, aren't you?" We continued on our way to the apartment part of town, where the famous Snow White - or aka Mary Margaret resided at. Henry wanted to start off slowly, and try to talk to some of the residents of this town, and see if they knew anything or remembered anything. And - he also just wanted a reason to know go talk to some fairy tale characters who didn't even know who they were themselves. I didn't complain, because if I hadn't of been a kid growing up around these magical things, I would be just like Henry. He was adventurous, and full of joy even after everything he's been through. He was even raised by the Evil Queen herself, and literally nobody saw that coming. Especially me, the only person who actually remembered anything from the Enchanted Forest. I practically saved Emma's life, and brought rescue to her without even being seen. I was the hero that started it all, in my own eyes. Which, yeah - was kinda selfish, but it was mostly true. Nor did I care I wasn't being treated like a king, I didn't want to be. I knew what I had coming to me in the near future now, was going to be good. All thanks to this kid, and his mother. I never really thought I'd be relying on the Evil Queen either, life it just full of surprises here. And not once I necessarily liked.
"You know, I never actually asked you - who you were in this book," Henry's voice cut through my thoughts as he traced the letters on the front cover, "I never saw you anywhere in here." His gaze caught mine, and I was forced to look straight ahead.
"I am in that book," I said, "Just in a different sort - of form. I was kinda like you." I looked back down at him, and smirked - giving him subtle hints, "But then again, you aren't made out of wood. Are you?" I furrowed my brow. Joking with him, I pinched his shoulder - and he laughed.
"No, I'm not." He replied, and opened the book again - flipping quickly through the pages as his eyes scanned for any figure that looked like they had been carved from a tree. He landed on a picture, of a large round table filled with people - including Snow White and Prince Charming. A small little boy like frame stood by an old man. Henry's eyes gazed upon the physique and smiled brightly.
"You're Pinocchio?" He rose his brow, and smiled from ear to ear in joy, "Why aren't you wooden anymore?" He asked, confused.
I shrugged, "This world has a weird affect on me, I guess." I cracked a smile back down at him.
My eyelids lifted swiftly, no heaviness or struggle this time. It felt peaceful, and I was comfortable for once in a long time. It was dark, but slits of light found their way through the drapes that covered the window. Or more like blankets, someone had put them there - trying to keep the sunlight out and out of disturbance. My hair was sprawled out around me, and was a bit uncomfortable, but I could manage for the time being. But as my eyes lingered, and searched the white room around me they caught the slightest color of yellow. I turned my head to the right, and a whole new scene was lied out in front me. A tall blonde curled up in an old large cushioned chair slept silently beside me. It was Emma, or Ms. Swan - whatever she preferred. The chairs arm touched the side of my bed, as if she was trying to get as close as possible to me without actually being in my bed. Her blonde hair, too - was covering the empty area next to my pillow. She managed to scoot close enough to rest her head next to mine, just off the edge of the creaky hospital bed. My eyes then veered down to my right arm and hand - that seemed to be immobile. Emma, and I's arms had somehow become linked in a gentle sort of way - with our hands held together. What?
I furrowed my brow, and tried to move my arm but she had a grip on it. It wasn't strong, but more like sympathetic. It was warm, and comforting. I had hated to admit it then - but hell I felt safe and maybe even happy. What happened last night? How did she even end of staying here? Wasn't that like, something that wasn't supposed to happen? I shook my head, and closed my eyes as I took in a soft breath. As I exhaled, a sharp pain struck out in my lower back and a stinging sensation started to utilize in my left foot. I clenched my jaw, and my fists started to ball up for the slightest moment - and as on cue the blonde shook awake from the quick movement I had made. She lifted her head, and squeezed my palm back in reassurance. She was up in an instant.
"Regina? Are you okay?" Her groggy voice filled the silent air, and her glistening eyes met mine. I was struck with utter silence - unable to speak for some weird reason. Her eyes were these objects that seemed to hypnotize whoever looked in them. My mouth hung open, and I stuttered with my words. Both of our gazes traveled down onto our conjoined hands, and Emma briskly let go and tried to cover up with tucking a piece of loose hair behind her ear. She cleared her throat, and as soon as her eyes left mine I was able to speak again.
"My-uh, back and...foot-" I stammered, and pointed to my foot weakly. The pain seemed to get worse every second that passed. Emma stood quickly, and rushed over to my foot and gently took the covers and unveiled my foot from underneath. Cold air rushed in, and goosebumps covered my body from head to toe. I sighed, and relaxed my head against my pillow - as I stared up at the ceiling. I felt her tender palms lightly examine my foot and unwrap the dressing that caressed it. A few seconds later she wrapped it back up, and I heard a deep breath being taken.
"I'll get you the medication that you need for it," Emma said softly, and turned on her heel to exit the room.
"..-Wait," I spoke, "I can last.. I just - don't leave me alone," I sighed and sunk into the sheets beneath me in a bit of embarrassment.
"Regina," she chuckled and gave me a short glance over her shoulder, "come on, you need them."
I shook my head, "Please - just a few more minutes, I hate the quiet.." I begged. Which it was the truth. Quiet meant being alone, and being alone was something I was good at. I hated it, and cherished the moments I had with anyone you kept me company. Or people that I felt comfortable and safe with. She counted as one of those people very quickly, also her being the person who saved my life counted, too.
Emma laughed again, "Funny. You seemed to feel the same last night, too. I thought that was the meds talking," she finally stopped and turned back around and faced me. I felt small compared to her, well other than being stuck in a bed 24/7. She strolled slowly back to me, and rose a brow as saying 'I really should go get those meds'. I glared back up at her, and swallowed as her shadow overtook me. She rolled her eyes with a grin, and looked over at the small table a few feet away.
"Hm, never mind then. Seems like the nurse already dropped some off," she said and picked the prescription bottle up. As she made her way back to me, she dropped a few pills in her hand and sat them in my hand swiftly, "..And uh- sorry for that. The whole - hand-holding.. thing." She was the one who stuttered her words out this time. She put the lid back on the bottle, and shifted on her feet in a nervous way. I grinned lightly, and glanced down at the pills that were in my hand.
"Its.. okay." I replied, "It's probably my fault, I believe.. I'm guessing I said some weird things last night to keep you here?" I gazed up at her as she went over to the sink and filled a plastic cup with some water. As she returned to my bedside, she shook her head gently.
"No.. well - you didn't want to be left alone. So.. I stayed, and I sort of expected to be woken up by a nurse or something and told to go home. But, it seems we were undisturbed." She grinned down at me, and bent over slightly, "Here.." She rose the cup of water to my lips, after I had thrown the pills in my mouth. The dry taste they had, I had always hated. I sipped some water, and swallowed the pills easily.
"Thank you," I nodded, and wiped my the corners of my mouth with my thumb. Emma watched me, but focused her attention back on the clear cup of water as I caught her. She as still dressed in her scrubs, that had been wrinkled for being curled up for so long, "You mustn't of been that comfortable in that chair." I said, breaking the silence. She chuckled, and sat down in the same chair - but turning to face me.
"No.. it was fine - it was actually one of the best sleeps I've had in a while," she shrugged, and glanced between my two eyes. There was another eery silence, before she sat the cup down on the ground beside her, "Can I ask you something?"
I rose my brow, and positioned my head restfully on my pillow to look at her, "Sure."
Emma wriggled in the seat, and scratched her head before speaking, "I-uh, have a friend-" she pointed back at the door behind her, "or, workmate - whatever. Named, Jefferson?" She furrowed her brow, as if it was a question. She examined my face, as if she was awaiting an expression of recognition of any kind.
I did know that name, all too well anyway. My brain seemed to flick a switch, and all the images and memories came flooding in like water escaping a dam. I licked my lips, and tried to hide my shock and utter rage from uncovering and showing itself to the blonde woman in front of me. I blinked rapidly, and forced a smile onto my face. Showing her I had no acknowledgment of this so called Jefferson. His chiseled facial features and smug smile snuck into my head, and didn't leave no matter how hard I tried. I had so many questions, but they weren't for Emma. They were for him. I was lucky to even be alive right now, who knew - he could've waltzed in here and drugged me. Killed me, even. He had no feelings or sympathy for my son anyway. He would leave a child motherless, just for his own guilt and despair. Well, as soon as I got out of this damned bed he'll see what I really am in this world.
Emma nodded, and paused, "Well, he has these sort of freak outs every once in a while.."
Yeah, no shit. Echoed in my head, but I kept the fake grin on my face.
"It's nothing to really worry about, but.. he had this one during your spinal surgery and it freaked me out a bit. I know - it's probably all in his mind, and I'm almost positive he's delusional but - do you know him? Like, at all?" She asked, folding her hands together to keep them still. My mouth hung open once more, and I quickly shook my head trying to give her an answer as quickly as possible, "No, I don't believe I do."
"You sure? That name doesn't click or anything? Because it was odd.. it came out of nowhere - I just -" she stopped, and scanned my face, "You know what, I'm sorry." She shook her head as well, and chuckled, "I don't know why I'm bothering you with this, this is crazy." Her expression softened, and she smiled over at me.
"It's fine," I smiled back, "sometimes you just have to be sure. I understand," I said softly, and exhaled. Emma was relieved and her shoulders slumped in a relaxed way.
"It was weird, he was saying all these crazy things - like 'she's evil!'" She chuckled, and I forced a laugh with her, even if my back seemed to be on fire, "But even if I've barely known you for just a few short days... I have this feeling that you're a good person. Some people just don't see that sometimes." I was taken aback, and looked at her in a slight confusion. If she thought all of that bullshit was weird, how would she feel if she were me right now? After all these years, and lonely nights this woman comes to save me, stay with me through the night and suddenly see's me as this good person. It was a lot to take in, and it honestly made me feel giddy inside. I didn't feel like myself at all, and it made me want to go home even more. But it had this pull, that was attached to me and dragged me to stay against my will. Despite the injury's and ability to not be able to leave, too. I felt the need to stay, and be here. Emma made me feel safe, and away from all harm that could come my way. After that crash, I didn't feel protected anymore - I was no longer behind that invisible wall of Storybrooke, with my son and my home. I was out in the open with dangers all around me. Death constantly over my shoulder, waiting to strike. This real world scared the shit out of me, but all of that seemed to fade away here. With the tall figure who owned the green eyes.
Emma's laugh faded along with mine, and she gazed back at my dark eyes. She searched them, I could sense it and see it. She was curious, and sensed something. I wasn't the best at lying, I was better at being sarcastic and snarky. But this, I was never faced with anything like this. With a real human being. She knew something was up, but I played along with my lie anyway. I wasn't going to give in now, I was too far into this fib. And along with my thoughts I seemed to get lost into the luminescence that resided in her stare.
"Come on, slow poke!" Henry raced up the steep stairs swiftly and turned his head to see me slowly heading his way.
"My knees aren't as strong as they used to be kid," I replied, gripping onto the wooden railing that followed side by side with the stairs. I grunted as I finally dragged myself to the top, and watched Henry tread his way over to the door that apparently belonged to Mary Margaret. He held the large book under his arm and gripped tightly onto it as if it were going to blow away. His small structure stood in front of the large wooden door, and his fist lifted to knock. The gentle thuds echoed down the stairs, then silence took over once more.
After a long pause I spoke, "Maybe she went to go sing to some birds, Henry," I joked, but didn't laugh. I didn't think this was going to be such a good idea. It took me some time to even convince myself to come to this dreaded town and talk to Henry. I didn't want to complain, he was a kid with goals that he wasn't going to give up so easily. Like I've said before... just like his mother. Even though I was glad he didn't grow up to be some sort of psycho, it sort of surprised me. I didn't stick around to watch Regina raise him, I didn't really think about it. Considering I had a lot more to do, than basically watch paint dry. For eight years...
There was the shuffle of clothing, and the rattling of a door knob. The wooden door opened just a crack, and a brown eye peeked through the opening. It locked on Henry, and the door immediately swung open, revealing a brunette with a warming smile.
"Henry! What're you doing here?" She glowed, and glanced at the book under his arm before she looked up and scanned me, "Who's this?" Her radiant grin turned into a forced one mixed with the delighting confused expression that I've been welcomed with by everyone in this town. It made my stomach twist, knowing that somewhere deep down they knew me, and that I had known them over twenty years ago.
"He's a friend of mine," Henry replied, looking back at me with a grin, "We have some questions to ask you." He stated.
"Oh, well I'm kinda bu-" Henry glided right into her apartment room, with the persuasive personality he had in him, "Alright-" Mary Margaret rose her brow, and stepped to the side to let me in as well. I nodded in courtesy, and grinned.
We entered the neatly arranged apartment, and I watched as Henry strolled over to her kitchen table with ease - like he had visited many times before, and sat down the book carefully. Mary Margaret closed the front door, and furrowed her brow over at Henry.
"What's this all about?" She asked, and we both watched as Henry opened the book to the very first page. The page with the Evil Queen, Snow White, and Prince Charming.
"Where did you find this book?" He asked, looking up from the illustrated pages.
She hesitated, and shrugged with a shake of her head, "I-I don't know.." her eyes traveled back to me in discomfort, but once mine met hers she took her attention elsewhere, "Later that day, when you came to me and asked me about it - I decided to check the book case again. I thought it wouldn't hurt to see if I missed anything. And it was just... there - which was crazy right? I had never seen that book before in my life," She chuckled, and gazed down at the page from afar. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she ended up taking many more steps towards where Henry stood.
Henry looked up at me with a wide smile, "You were right," he laughed. I tilted my head to the side, and rose a brow, "well sorta."
"What are you talking about?" I asked, taking some steps towards him now too.
"You said the book would find me, and well.. it did. Sorta. It found her, then... me," he grinned, peeking over at Mary Margaret.
"I guess I was then," I grinned, putting my fists into my pockets.
Henry continued scanning over the page, as did Mary Margaret. He pointed at the brunette in the white gown with his index finger, "This is you," he stated joyfully. MM looked at him with a muddled expression, and searched for words, "You're Snow White - you just... don't remember." He cut to the point, not wanting to waste anymore time over the damn front page, "You were cursed, like with a spell or something. You were cursed here, in Storybrooke, without your memories by the Evil Queen," I saw the pain in his eyes as his mothers former name was announced, "she wanted to take away everyone's happy endings."
"Is that so?" She stuttered after a few seconds of thought, and glared down at the drawn woman, "Well it sure does look like me, doesn't it?"
I could hear it in her voice, and see the expressions on her face and tell - she didn't believe it. I expected it, and I hoped Henry did, too. You could see her brain denying the facts, and the words that flowed from the small child's mouth. I knew every word he said was real, I was the one who taught him - showed him the truth he so desperately needed to know. But I couldn't do anything to help him right now, even if I wanted to. Henry was the one who needed them to believe for right now, at least until Emma came. They were both very important roles, and they were the believers. Emma wasn't right now, but she would be. If Henry was anything like her, then she would be the same. She would believe sooner or later, and Henry would be the one who would make her believe. That's how it was supposed to go, how it was always planned to go. Right?
Henry looked up at her porcelain structured face. An exhale of relief exited my body, as I saw the recognition of disappointment in his expression. He knew that she didn't believe him, "I know more, but I think it'd be too much at once.. plus - a certain someone won't tell me much more anyway," he glanced at me, and grinned before focusing back on MM.
"I know it's weird to think, but I'm telling the truth," he kept his calm, and continued to talk, "and this guy, he's your prince. Prince Charming. And that..." he paused, and I watched as his eyes studied the dark dressed figure, "..that's my mom...the Evil Queen."
MM's countenance softened, as she listened to the hurt in Henry's voice. And for one moment, you saw her thoughts and her hurt for him. The walls she was holding up with struggle were starting to lower with each painful word Henry spoke. You could even see her loss for words, and her frantic searching for something to say.
"..Henry, where- where did you hear this from?" There they were again, her walls reversing and starting up again. Just like Emma, I guess it ran in the family.
Henry looked up at me, "Him. He's Pinocchio. He came here to make me believe, now it's my job to make everyone else believe, too."
MM's eyes locked with mine, and I saw many kinds of emotion running through them. The dark brown turned into an ocean of feelings, so strong and powerful you didn't even need to be close to know what she was thinking. They pierced me, in a subtle way.
"Pinocchio, huh?" MM forced a grin, and chuckled. A hand swept onto her hip, the classic woman pose for attitude and joyfulness in one. I knew this wasn't a good idea.
Henry could feel the anger in her words, even if she hid them well. He closed the book, causing a soft thud and swept it back under his arm, "I know you don't believe me, and you don't have to," more anger, more hurt, "I'll just get someone else to."
His feet started to guide him back to the door, and as on cue MM and I both stepped up to stop him.
"Wait, Henry," our voices collided together, and after an awkward glance between the two of us, Henry stopped and his shoulders slumped.
"Henry, its not that I don't believe you-" MM spoke up, "I just.. need some time to think.. didn't you?" She pulled that card. Being the young kid he was, and the fact that she was his school teacher who saw him everyday, five days a week - she knew how to persuade him and what cards to pull to make him believe in her. The roles switched in less than being here five minutes, of course.
"I guess.." Henry spoke up.
"Can I just have a word with..." she looked back at me, and awaited my name.
"August, at your service," I spoke for the first time in this entire meeting, and held out my palm, "Former Pinocchio." I grinned, and she shook my hand quickly - still uncomfortable with my presence.
"Mary Margaret," she introduced herself.
"I know," I chuckled, and saw as a mix of fear and befuddlement wash over her face, "I mean- Henry has talked about you.. yanno... being his teacher and all.." I quickly fixed my mistake of words, and clenched my jaw.
MM nodded gently, and glanced back at Henry before grasping my shoulder and pulling me farther from the small child, "Who are you and why are with him?" Her voice was sharp, and shot out in anger - anger I didn't even know she had in her.
I braced myself, I should've prepared myself for this - but of course, I didn't.
I rose my palms, to show that I had surrendered to her fury, "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to."
"And what the hell is that?" She snapped quickly back at me, and her small figure seemed to grow and tower over me. Wrong words to use I guess.
"Listen to the kid, he's telling the truth. It seems crazy, but its all true Sn- Mary Margaret.." I pleaded, even if I wasn't supposed to be helping. Henry was on his own journey right now, and I wasn't to interfere at all. Henry may be the one who's supposed to be helping them believe, but it's also his passage to help himself believe, too. I could see it, even if he hid it to the best of his ability. He didn't fully believe in it. Yet. He'll only fully accept it, if he knows that everyone else does. But I really hope I was misjudging him.
"That wasn't what I asked," She crossed her arms, and kept her expression emotionless.
"I know, I know - just, if you won't listen to me, listen to him." I sighed, as I was now pressed against a wall - like prey about to get eaten by its predator, "Even if you choose not to believe him, then pretend to. He's a kid, let him have this."
There was a long silence before she spoke again, "I should call his mother right now. I'm almost positive he was left with Ruby and Granny."
"You probably don't want to do that-"
"Or what? You think you can stop me from calling his mother about some creep that's filled his head with stories?"
"She won't even answer," my voice rose the slightest bit, and I exhaled deeply, "none of this makes sense to you right now, I understand. But the first part in making that child's mother come home, is to try and believe. This might seem like a funny prank, but it's far more than you can imagine."
"And why should I believe you?" She shrunk once more, hiding behind those innocent little remarks and fright she has when she's vulnerable.
"I'm not asking you to believe me. I'm asking you to believe him," I peered past MM, over to the young kid who stood by the kitchen top and traced the letters on the cover with his fingertip, "do it for James."
MM knit her brow together, and put her arms back down to her sides, "Who's James?" A soft chuckle escaped her throat.
I smirked, "He's that coma patient you've been so fond of for years." Bingo. I knew that was it, that was the key to get into her heart - her brain, her thoughts. She may not of known it then, but he was her true love. And no matter what realm, or curse, she would always find him - and her heart would always be vulnerable for his.
She was taken aback, and I could see the confusion that lingered in her dark eyes. The questions that popped into her skull stayed, and crammed. I knew she wouldn't ask much of anything, because now she knew something was up. Something about this was real.
"How do you know who that is?" She rose a brow, gave a small tilt of her head.
"I know many things Snow. Which you soon will, too."
The curtains were drawn, letting no light of any sort seep through the drapes. The lights were turned off, causing darkness to swallow everything that resided in the room. A luminescent glow occupied parts of the room, and lit up the tiles floors a few feet from the source. Moving pictures inhabited the small screen that hung above the ground. The audio crackled, and voices spoke - soft and sweet. Some not so much. They were cartoons, in no way shape or form a replica of a natural human or nature figure. Their actions and movements were off, but it was entertaining anyway. I could now see why Henry was so addicted to television. Since I had so much work, I never really had the time to relax and enjoy some good quality movies, or shows. The only things I really saw were glimpses of Winnie the Pooh, and Thomas the Train, when Henry was just a baby. And those were gruesome, and the worst of anything I had ever had to sit through and watch. But it had made Henry happy, so I did it for him.
A blonde sat closely to my bedside. Even if I was still bedridden, she managed to get closer and closer - until we were practically taking the same breaths in and out. She was curled up in the same chair she had slept in the night before. After the whole episode this morning, she went back to her day and worked hours upon hours before she had returned back to my room. A thick movie case, and some snacks grasped tightly in her palms, and a wide grin plastered on her face. It was nice having something to look forward to, even if it was the outcome of a head on collision.
Her blonde hair was pulled up in a loose bun, and secured with a yellow hair band. Her green eyes darted across the screen, as she watched a woman sing into a well. The irony of all of this is that out of all the movies she could've chosen, and occupied - she had chose Snow White and the seven dwarfs. I had to hold back a laugh when she showed me it with such excitement and exclaimed that it was one of her favorites as a child. Emma Swan was a piece of work.
"This part is so overrated," A soft voice broken through my wall of thoughts, and I realized that my eyes were basically glued to Emma. I panicked, and acted like I was glaring at the screen the entire time.
"How so?" I questioned, with an exhale.
Emma shrugged, and popped a sour patch kid into her mouth, "Yanno, the princess makes a wish for her prince - he appears out of everyone in the world. And then it turns into a sloppy love story."
"Then why did you say this was one of your favorites as a child?" I asked, confused - yet I completely agreed to every word she expressed. It was as if she read my mind.
"I was young." She glanced back at me with a look saying 'shut up' but cracked a grin following it, "What was your favorite movie?"
I grew cold, and fiddled with my hands as I tried to think up something to say to please her question, "I didn't really watch movies when I was young. And once I moved here, or - Storybrooke and... adopted Henry, all I watched was children shows that were literal hell." That wasn't actually a lie. It was the plain truth, and it felt good to get it off my chest. I never really had anyone to talk to back in Storybrooke, because nobody really cared to talk to the scary lady who ran their town. Who hid behind a desk, usually dressed in dark colors and glared at anyone in her way.
"Well that's okay - then what was your favorite horrific child show?" Emma giggled, and looked back at me with a smile.
I laughed back, to the best of my ability anyway, "Funny Ms. Swan," I shook my head. There was an eery silence, and the only noise that presented itself to my ears were the giggles and chirps of Snow White and the birds that were playing on the screen.
"Can I ask you something?" Emma spoke gently, "Or, about someone?" She was careful with her words, and she gazed at me with curious eyes that I couldn't help but stare back at.
"..Sure," I nodded after a moment, and waited for her question patiently. I had two people in mind, Jefferson, and Henry. It was either or just a random question that wouldn't make any sense.
"..It's about your son," she lightly rose her voice as her sentence went forth. Trying to be confident, yet to spare my feelings and thoughts. I could read her like a book.
I swallowed, and nodded softly, "What about him?" I furrowed my brow, and rested my head against my propped up pillow.
"I-I don't know, you mentioned him while you were kinda loopy," she giggled, "I guess I'm just a curious person, and - I feel like if I were you.. it'd be nice to have a friend to talk to and get some things off my chest."
I was taken aback from her words. Never has a single human being treated me with such respect - without me telling them to anyway. I sat speechless, and gazed into her eyes as if the answer to all her questions would be lying within them for me to see. I stuttered, and took a deep breath. She was right, I needed to let some things go and just talk to someone for once. This was the most socialization I have had since I was young - or kind and nice socialization. I let out my breath, and thought for a moment before I spoke.
"He's a wonderful, talented, and handsome young man. Who I love with honestly, my entire being. The truth is, I don't know how to love very well. But Henry, he changed that for me. He taught me how to love again, and how to feel again. Not many people in that town are fond of me, mostly all of them hate me. I have my dark sides, and I have my good sides. All they know is the dark, and the scary side that I possess. But what they didn't know, was that I was someone who loved to talk about her son and his day, and his friends - anything that had to do with him, I lit up and couldn't shut my mouth even if I tried. His heart it pure, and his smile can light up a whole city. Trust me - I've seen him do it. He's the smartest kid for being only eight years old, and the most adventurous. If you lose something, he'll create a whole plan and story to find it. Sadly though, he developed some of my personality - and weird quirks. But I guess that makes him, him. And I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world." My eyes started to tears up, and I held back my sobs as I didn't want to break down in front of her. She had to deal with my medical problems, she didn't need my emotional ones, too. As I actually studied her face, I realized she had tears in her eyes as well. The dark green turned into light green, and her eyes glistened. I could feel her sympathy and care, "I adopted him when he was only a few weeks old. I fell in love with him as soon as I laid eyes on him. And the crazy thing about it, was he loved me back. And if that's not magic, I don't know what is." I shook my head, and couldn't hold back the tears that swelled in my eyes. They flowed down my cheeks, and Emma's expression turned into sympathy. I wiped my stained cheeks, and I felt the warmth and comfort of a palm resting on my head - and gentle fingertips running through my thick hair. It was Emma.
"I'm even missing his ninth birthday tomorrow," more sobs consumed me, and I looked over at the blonde who sat next to me in comfort.
"I'm sorry Regina.." she sighed, "but I mean, the plus side is - he'll have many more to come." She giggled, trying to lighten the mood. And the funny thing was, it actually made me laugh. The angry, evil queen, actually laughed while she was hurting.
I guess magic can come in many different ways.