Chapter Twenty-Four: Hocus Pocus
Roland enjoyed his time spent with Uncle John during his remaining days of summer while his father was due back at the university. They'd gone to the Central Park Zoo and he was learning all about the bass guitar. He loved the bear of a man who gave great hugs (not as good as Regina's, but close).
When school began, Henry resumed his duties of walking the boy to school, but always kept a close eye on him. He refused to let him release his hand from his grip the entire way. Robin had informed the faculty of their situation and were instructed to only allow a select few to ever pick him up: Henry, Regina, John, or himself.
On a few occasions, teachers had notified Robin that a woman was lurking beyond the gate of the schoolyard while the children played during recess. Their description of her matched Marian and he immediately told Mallory during one of their informal meetings when he met at the law firm for lunch.
Because her services were being rendered free of charge, they only met during lunch breaks and after work, when she was off the clock. She was willing to arrange meetings at any time, but Regina suggested doing it this way so she could focus her office hours on cases that would sustain her income.
She'd informed the couple that she'd been in touch with Marian's probation officer to make him aware of the woman's actions. He said he'd pay close attention to her, but didn't believe she would take any legal action. Although this should have been a relief, it was far from it. If she didn't want Roland through custody hearings or contractual agreements, he feared she would take matters into her own hands.
Apartment 13 remained full for weeks, the family adjusting rather nicely to the new living situation. Henry and Roland alternated between beds so they could share in the comfort of a box spring support rather than one constantly being in pain from the mattress set on the floor. They'd developed a system that worked for them and the boys shared their space with ease.
Robin and Regina had grown closer, her constant support the only thing keeping him afloat. He'd taken it upon himself to attend weekly sessions with a work colleague, Dr. Archibald Hopper, Chair of the Psychology Department at Columbia. They were one hour sessions where he discussed the torment of anticipating Marian's next move, constantly worrying about Roland's safety, and the way he'd hurt Regina.
The events of that night came up quite often in their meetings. Archie took notes and listened each time Robin expressed his distress about the possibility that he was capable of something so horrible. He'd asked Robin how Regina had reacted and when the man answered, his colleague reassured him, "It seems to me she's a very understanding person. She is a huge support in your life."
"Which is why it tortures me that I used her like that," Robin had replied and Archie shook his head in disagreement.
"You didn't take advantage of her. What you described to me was not the reaction of a woman who felt used, even in the slightest. Is that why you're afraid to be intimate with her? Because you feel like you've abused her in some way?"
"We are intimate," Robin answered.
"Let me rephrase: are you afraid to have sexual intercourse with Regina because you believe what you did to her was abusive?" Archie held his pen firmly in his grasp, ready to take notes on Robin's response.
"Yes," he answered in a whisper. "What I did was not love and it certainly wasn't respectful. Regina doesn't deserve to be treated so inconsiderately."
"Is Regina afraid of you? Does she act timid or not seem to want to be close to you?"
"I don't think so. She's always close to me and is never without affection. I wouldn't say she's frightened, no."
"Have you considered the possibility that perhaps you're the one being treated inconsiderately?" Archie offered.
"Of course not! Regina has been nothing, but understanding and nurturing-" Robin was quick to defend her and rightfully so. She was so perfect to him, especially now, and he knew he didn't deserve her.
"I don't mean by Regina. I mean by you," the older man interrupted. There was a pause as he let the words process before adding, "Robin, have you thought about the way you treat yourself?"
Truthfully, no, the thought never crossed his mind. Regina had told him time and time again to stop being so hard on himself, but he never thought of his actions as inconsiderate. Perhaps they were. He couldn't be sure, but it was something to keep in mind, to work on. He was doing his best to protect his family and they were doing their best to support him.
Robin suddenly felt lighter and calmer than he did since Marian's arrival. He was worth something; not to someone else, but to himself.
The summer months seemed far behind them as the autumn breeze returned. The leaves changed from their various shades of green to splashes of yellows and oranges and browns. The trees in Central Park swayed with the wind, the leaves beginning to fall in preparation of the fast-approaching winter months. The disappearance of shorts and sandals were replaced with light sweaters and closed toe shoes amongst the people of New York City.
September came and went, the children doing well in school and their parents relieved to have survived the hectic and worrisome month. In the early days of October, sightings of Marian dissipated and the family was able to relax. Not a lot, but somewhat.
In preparation for Halloween, Regina began shopping for costumes they could wear while they trick-or-treated. She'd always enjoyed the holiday, dressing up with her son during his early years, but allowing the tradition to die as he grew older; she was told it was embarrassing for him. This year, however, Henry was excited to spend the evening with his new family and insisted they have a theme. Considering the obsession with comic books all three boys shared, it was agreed that they would dress as The Fantastic Four.
It was a challenge, Regina had to admit, but one she was happy to accept. Finding a spandex jumpsuit for herself came with ease along with the purchase of tight running pants for Robin. The children were a bit more difficult to obtain costumes for, but with much research and creativity, she succeeded. She'd created the '4' symbol and transferred the image to a piece of fabric before sewing them onto the designated areas of each garment.
That evening after the couple hurried home from their jobs, they took part in dressing for the Halloween festivities. Henry was Mister Fantastic, in his costume with the addition of extendable stretchy arms thanks to his mother's innovation. Roland had chosen The Human Torch and sported a red jumpsuit and temporary hair coloring to create a flame-like illusion at the top of his head. Robin was volunteered as Thing and decided it was easiest to go shirtless, Regina outlining his muscles and painting his body to resemble rocks. And of course, Regina was The Invisible Woman. Her costume was the simplest: matching spandex jumpsuit and gorgeous flowing hair.
Thinking ahead, she'd sewn hand warmers into the material of each of their costumes to avoid the foreseeable argument of whether or not they needed jackets in the chilly October night. She'd insisted Robin bring one along for himself considering his upper body was completely exposed.
They started with the apartments in their building, knocking on each door and receiving their sugary treat. They carried pillowcases rather than the typical baskets or decorated buckets, something Regina did with her father as a child and insisted they follow with the tradition. Their boys were overjoyed with the event, peeking into their bags and already discussing candy trades. Robin and Regina strolled hand-in-hand close behind, pleased with the happiness they were able to bring their children.
When they'd had their fill of Enchanted Plaza, Regina suggested they make their way toward Mallory's building on the other side of 81st Street. There was a Halloween Parade on the corner that she knew the boys would love and then they'd be able to get more sweets from her friend and her neighbors.
The walk along 81st Street was pleasant with the sight and sound of happy children. Each one they passed discussed the amount of candy they'd received and which apartment building gave the best treats, Henry and Roland paying close attention. They came to an abrupt stop at the edge of the street just in time for the parade to begin.
Music played and people cheered as small decorated cars and recognizable costumed characters came barreling down the intersection. The street was closed off each year, police surrounding the area for the safety of the performers as well as the pedestrians. Robin held Regina close to him with Henry on his other side, Roland standing directly in front of her to peer through the legs of the adults obstructing his view.
"This turned out to be a wonderful evening, Regina. Thank you," Robin said to her over the sounds of the excitement.
"It was my pleasure. I always enjoy an excuse to dress up," she smiled. He leaned closer to her, his lips grazing her ear lobe.
"You never need an excuse to dress up for me."
Regina was surprised by his statement. It had been quite a while since he flirted with her, at least in a way that carried very obvious sexual undertones. She missed that part of him, but was patient with his absence; knowing full well why he was distant and respecting his need to recover.
She was about to respond when she heard the horrific sound of a child crying out, "Mommy! Mommy, help me!"
Henry wouldn't call her that, but something inside her knew that little boy's shrieking was for her. She peered down and panicked when Roland was no longer in front of her. She whipped her head around and caught a glimpse of her son being carried off by a stranger in a brown hoodie.
"Call Emma," she shouted.
"What?" Henry replied, confused.
But she was already taking off, sprinting with no hesitation in her reaction as her heart raced. She'd never run so fast in her life, pushing anyone who stood in her way. Roland was in trouble and there was no way in hell she would let anything stand in her way. She neared the culprit, reaching her hand out to grab hold of anything she could that might stop them in their tracks. Her fingertips gripped around the hood and she pulled as hard as she could.
The person jerked back and Regina was able to maneuver her way in front to rip her son from their arms. It was no surprise to her that the criminal standing before her was none other than Marian. She held Roland close to her, rocking his trembling body in her arms to soothe his cries.
Robin and Henry were there within seconds followed by David Nolan who, coincidentally, was on duty that night. The officer apprehended the woman and began reading her rights. Roland wouldn't stop wailing, the poor boy frightened to death by the separation from his family. Robin rubbed his back as he peered into Marian's eyes.
"I just wanted to be with my son," she said, tears escaping her eyes as she was whisked away to the nearest police vehicle.
He recognized those eyes: bloodshot, exhausted, incoherent. She was high. She'd disappeared from stalking Roland to do drugs, not because she'd given up. Robin would have been furious, but all he could feel was heartbreak as the cries of his child pierced through his chest.
"Come here, my boy. Daddy's here," he tried to comfort him, but Roland nearly burst with terror.
"No, Mommy! Don't let me go!" He shouted and his tears fell heavier down his cheeks.
"It's okay, Roland. I've got you," she soothed, tears falling down her own face as she hugged him tight. "I won't ever let go."
Robin rubbed the palm of his hand over his face as his emotions got the best of him. His son was nearly stolen from him. He had no idea whether to react with anger or relief or just have an emotional breakdown on the middle of 81st Street.
But he found himself crying instantly when he felt arms wrap around his waist. He looked down and saw a weeping Henry hugging him, seeking comfort for his own fear. Without a second thought, he was holding the teenager tight to him and resting his chin atop his head.
Roland had finally stopped crying when they returned to the apartment. He clung to Regina the entire night, afraid to let go. She'd given him a bath with lavender bubbles knowing the scent would help soothe him while Robin and Henry took showers in his apartment. With all boys clean from their chaotic encounter, she'd placed the small boy in the middle of her bed and lay beside him until his father entered.
"How are you feeling, my love?" He asked slipping into the blankets on the boy's other side.
"I'm still scared, but I'm okay," he replied with great sadness on his face as he cuddled into his father's chest. He rubbed his son's back in comforting circles while Regina snuck out to take a shower of her own.
When she was finished, she went to the kitchen for a glass of water and found Henry sitting at the counter. She took a cup out of the cabinet and filled it from the tap as she asked him, "How are you doing?"
"Freaked out. How's my buddy?"
"Much the same. He's going to sleep with us tonight. Will you be okay?" She sipped her water as she leaned against the counter beside him.
"I'll be fine. Get some rest, superhero," he smirked and Regina smoothed down the ends of his wet hair.
"I just did what any other mother would do for her son," she replied, hoping her consideration of Roland as her child didn't upset Henry.
"Yeah, but we're lucky we have the best one," he said and she beamed, tears filling her eyes. She was proud of him. He was a fantastic son and an incredible brother. She kissed his temple and went down the hall to her bedroom.
The door clicked closed behind her and she approached her side of the bed. After placing her glass on the nightstand, she removed her spectacles and crawled in beside Roland. Robin wrapped his arm around his sleeping son to meet Regina's hand; each parent protecting their scared little boy. This was how they remained for the duration of the night, neither one able to sleep, but mutually thankful that their family was together.
What they were never aware of was that Henry, too, was unable to close his eyes that night. He sat up on the living room couch, eyes glued to the front door as he gripped a baseball bat across his lap. No one was ever going to hurt his family as long as he was around.