Hi Guys!
Sorry it's taken me so long to update, I've been really busy.
Hope you like this chapter. :D
...
Regina groans as her eyes struggle to open, the bright sun shining through the window and on her face. Regina moves her weak body to sit against the headboard of the bed. Regina looks curiously at the bed sheets and blankets surrounding her.
Why are they different?
Regina opens her eyes wide as she looks around the foreign room.
Where the hell am I?
As if answering her silent question Bell knocks quietly on the door, walking hesitantly into the room.
"Oh, you're awake." Belle says startled. Regina looks at her skeptically before trying to stand up out of the bed. "No!" Regina flinches at the sudden reprimand. "Sorry, but your body must be exhausted. You need rest... lay back down, I'll get food."
"I'm not hungry." Regina says quietly as she rests her body back against the soft sheets. Her eyes seeming to flutter back close, as if she hadn't slept at all.
"Yes you are. You're just stubborn. I'll get some food while you rest."
...
Belle hurries down the stairs, quickly making food.
What do pregnant women like?
Belle shrugs as she makes oatmeal, she pours it in a small bowl and sets it on a tray.
"Hmmm..."
Crackers!
Belle takes a small stack of crackers and sets it on the tray as she gets a small glass of water.
"Belle, that doesn't look appetizing at all."
Belle rolls her eyes, "it's not supposed to be . She needs soft foods, food that won't upset her stomach. Besides, have you ever seen Regina eat something non-healthy?"
"No... but I've seen her eat pancakes."
"Ok, I'll ask her if she wants that. Or... why don't you ask her while you talk to her and give her this," Belle says handing him the tray.
...
Regina groans as she hears a knock on the door.
"None of you understand the meaning of 'leave me alone.'"
"Regina," Rumple sighs, "you need to eat-"
"I rather sleep."
"Yes, but your body's hungry."
"No. I'm not."
"Fine, but your child is."
Regina takes a deep breath as her body tenses, "fine."
Rumple gently places the tray on the night stand next to the bed.
"Belle wanted to know if you would like pancakes."
Regina quickly shakes her head as she swallows, taking deep breaths. Her stomach feeling queasy just at the mere mention of the food.
Rumple nods, "she though soft foods would be easier on the stomach," he says pointing to the tray. Regina gives a small nod as she takes a cracker, nibbling on it, as if afraid the cracker would cause an instant response from her stomach. "Regina..."
"What?"
"I know it isn't ideal for you but it'd be better for you to stay here for the time being while you recover your strength."
"Do I have a choice?"
Regina says as she finishes chewing the cracker.
"I don't want you to see it as prison here," Rumple sighs.
"That's exactly what it is."
"Regina... I know I've done terrible things to you-"
Regina scoffs, "don't tell me.. you're sorry. Can I guess... Belle wants you to make amends or... maybe you want something... or, has the guilt finally gotten to you."
Rumple sighs, "I do feel guilt for what I have done to you."
Regina laughs humorlessly, "right, all of a sudden? What do you want?"
"Nothing. And I understand that you think I have an alterative motive, I promise you I do not. And I will do everything to prove it to you." Regina crosses her arms over her chest as she stares at him suspiciously, "starting with your child-"
"There is no way in hell I'm letting you have my child!"
"I know, I do not want your child. However, I can help protect it."
"Why would it need protecting?"
"Because it's powerful. Very powerful..."
"Born of both light and dark magic. I know."
"It's possible, and most likely to happen-"
"That someone will want my child or hurt me."
Rumple nods, "I beg of you, please stay here. You don't have to trust me, I don't expect you to. But you can feel safe and or trust Belle. Do you believe that she would never hurt you?"
Regina nods, "what am I supposed to do? Stay here for 9 months?"
Regina rolls her eyes as she carefully and timidly takes a small sip of water.
"Yes. You can of course leave, I would just feel safer knowing you were with someone."
"Why do you suddenly want to help me?" Regina asks quietly.
"You deserve to be happy." Rumple says with a small reassuring smile, "I can call Henry-"
"No." Regina shakes her head, "I don't want him to see me like this."
"He won't-"
"I'll call him later just... let me get back on my feet first."
"Deal. But only if you eat more than just one cracker."
...
Hope you liked it! :D