Chapter 8: Halloween
The sun had long set by the time Rob headed home, turning on his brights as he drove down the dirt country road that led to his house. Darkness and silence surrounded him as he lived outside the main part of town, so there were no streetlamps to light his way. His only neighbors were the trees and animals of the forest but he didn't mind. Rob loved the peace and solace nature provided him.
His headlights illuminated a special patch of trees and Rob smiled. Those were the trees he specifically cared for, nurturing them until the holidays rolled around. In a couple weeks, he would open his Christmas tree lot and the people of Storybrooke would rush to his little oasis to find the perfect evergreen to celebrate the holiday. He loved his little side business perhaps even more than his main one. Seeing the joy and wonder on everyone's faces-especially the children's-always made him feel warm and happy. Because though his choice of residence suggested otherwise, he liked people-being around them and most importantly, helping them. It gave him purpose and invigorated him.
Robin parked his car in his dirt driveway and turned it off. He grabbed his toolbox and his mail before climbing out of the car. After locking it, he hurried toward his door and let himself into his house, quickly getting out of the late October chill. Winter was already making itself known even though it wasn't due for two months.
He set his mail down on the small table he kept in the foyer. Rob's cottage was too far from the main part of town for Storybrooke's one mail carrier to deliver to, so he had a mailbox in the post office that he checked every day before the office closed. It was usually bills though he got a couple magazines and catalogues. Occasionally he got packages but those were few and far between.
After taking off his shoes, he went through the mail and tossed out the junk. He set his bills aside for when he worked on his checkbook during the weekend and headed into the kitchen to make himself some dinner. With how cold it was starting to get, Rob decided on the classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup. He paired them with a beer and headed into his living room, settling into his armchair to watch the replay of a football game. It had been years since he had lived in England, but his heart still belonged to his football association.
But not even his team held his attention that night. His mind kept wandering back to the cannery parking lot and Regina Mills. There was just something about her, like they had met before even though he was certain they hadn't. He didn't even think he had seen her in town which struck him as odd. Storybrooke was a rather small town where everyone knew everybody else. It felt stranger that there would be one person he hadn't seen before but it was obviously possible. Maybe he had and he just couldn't place her, though some part of his mind remembered her.
He also hoped he saw her again. Even without the feeling of déjà vu he felt around her, her soulful brown eyes and beautiful smile had made his heart skip a beat in a way it hadn't in a long time. Rob hadn't experienced much romance since coming to Storybrooke though he had been something of a heartbreaker back in England, one of his many sins in his home country. He had come to America for a fresh start and he decided to first focus on settling into a legitimate career. Once that was done, he had then started dating again-but this time, he focused on finding someone to spend the rest of his life with. While he had gone on a few dates in Storybrooke, he hadn't found the right person yet.
It didn't mean that he thought Regina Mills was going to be the right person. For all he knew, she had a handsome and intelligent husband as well as a beautiful family. He just knew he hadn't felt like this toward anyone in a long time. Rob hoped he would see her again soon and would find a way to get to know her better. And if all they ended up being was friends, that would be fine.
Until then, he could always dream…
The carriage jostled violently, causing Regina to throw up her hands to brace herself against its wall and grip the back of the seat. She gritted her teeth as she fought to keep from being tossed to the floor. "These roads are atrocious. Why doesn't King George do anything about them?"
"How do you know where are already in King George's kingdom?" her father asked, holding as well.
She shot him a look. "Because I know our roads in Mist Haven aren't so poorly maintained."
"That is true," her father replied. "Our infrastructure is strong thanks to you."
Pride filled Regina. She hadn't wanted to become queen but now that she had the power, she was doing everything she could to strengthen her country and make her people's lives better. Regina negotiated better trade deals between Mist Haven and the surrounding kingdoms and took steps to ensure they were not pulled into the never-ending Ogre Wars. Her mother's words about getting the people to love her played over and over in her mind. She knew if she won them over, they would stop protecting Snow White and she would finally avenge Daniel's death.
Most of all, she just wanted to be loved.
The road eventually smoothed over and not long after, her carriage came to a halt. She took a deep breath, checking that her hair was still pinned up into the elaborate hairdo her maid had done for her. "Here we go," she muttered.
"You look beautiful," her father assured her. "I daresay you will turn many heads tonight. Perhaps you will find someone who catches your eye as well."
She narrowed her eyes. "I am not here to find romance, Daddy. I am here as a diplomat eager to work out an agreement with King George."
"You can do both," he suggested. He sighed. "I just want to see you happy, Regina."
"I told you after Daniel died that I would never be happy again. That still holds," she told him, looking away from him. She still felt his eyes on her though.
The door opened and a servant held out his hand to help her down from the carriage. Daddy followed her and he held out his arm to her. "May I escort you in?"
"I need to make certain King George understands that he is to deal with me and only me," she said. "So no escort. You follow behind."
He nodded. "As you wish."
Regina walked through the large double doors, entering King George's palace. Servants directed everyone to the Great Hall and she paused at the entrance to it. Daddy rushed forward to inform the herald who she was so she could get probably announced as she entered the ball. It was important to make an entrance, to make certain everyone was watching. She had chosen her rich red satin gown, one that was more form-fitting than some of her other gowns. Black lace covered her arms and her neck, though there was a gap between the lace and the neckline of her gown. It gave everyone a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage, especially as she had swept her dark hair into an elaborate updo that left her neck bare. While she had sworn off love and romance, she still understood the power the allure of sex with her held over men (and women).
She paused at the top of a grand staircase, looking down at the finely dressed men and women in the Great Hall. Many were already dancing but there were a few milling around the food and spirits King George was serving. He was clearly sparing no expense, she realized. She wondered if he could even afford to throw such a grand ball.
"Announcing Her Majesty, Regina, Queen of Mist Haven," the herald declared.
Everyone stopped and looked up as she descended. She held her skirts just enough to ensure she didn't trip over them and wondered if her mother would've been proud to see how grace she was. Regina then banished her from her mind. She needed to be focused on the task at hand-a new trade agreement with King George that would get her country needed medicines.
King George stepped forward and took her hand, pressing a kiss she didn't feel through her gloves to the back of it. "Queen Regina, it is an honor."
"Thank you for inviting me," she replied, curtsying to him. "You have a lovely kingdom."
His chest puffed out with pride. "You had a good journey, then?"
"I did," she lied, seeing her father start behind her. She hoped he stayed quiet-the last thing they needed was to insult King George with the truth that his kingdom was poorly maintained.
Daddy stayed quiet and King George held out his arm to Regina. "Are you thirsty? Why don't we get you a drink?"
"That sounds wonderful," she said, taking his arm and letting him led her to the table where several goblets were lined up. He handed one to her and took one for himself.
He raised his goblet toward her. "To you, Queen Regina."
"To a prosperous alliance between our countries," she said, clinking her goblet against his with a sweet smile. She took a sip, never taking her eyes off King George. He looked intrigued and she could see the hunger for riches in his eyes.
Good. That would make it easier to get what she wanted from him.
"I look forward to discussing that alliance with you." He set his empty goblet down on the tray held by a passing servant. "I know we can greatly improve Mist Haven's prosperity and bring goods that will amaze your people to your markets."
"You certainly can help us," Regina replied. It was the truth, though King George wouldn't be helping Mist Haven the way he thought he would. Of course he would think his country had the best goods and that he was doing her a favor rather than recognizing it was the other way around. But she would let him have his arrogance. It would make it easier to get him on her side.
She mingled with the others attending the ball, politely refusing all requests to dance. It was one of her favorite games to play at these events. The coyer she acted, the more men fell over themselves to try to win her favor. She was able to keep them at arm's length and avoid revealing how poor a dancer she truly was, yet still get what she wanted.
It was win-win.
After about an hour of inane conversations, King George approached her. She had watched him consume another goblet of wine and believed he was in a relaxed but not inebriated state. It was time to strike.
"King George, might I have a word with you?" she asked. She then dropped her voice and fluttered her lashes as she added: "In private?"
His eyes lit up and he held out his arm. "You may."
She took it and he led her from the ballroom. A cool breeze hit her face and she took a breath, not realizing until then how hot and stuffy the Great Hall had become. It was refreshing to walk down the quiet and empty corridor until they came to one door in particular. King George opened it and motioned for her to enter.
For a moment, Regina worried he had taken her to a bedchamber. Despite her concerns, she still entered and relief filled her when she saw a long table with several chairs around it. Maps lay on the table and hung on the wall, indicating this was some sort of planning room for King George and his advisors. It would appear His Majesty only wished to bargain with her, nothing more.
He pulled out a chair. "Please, have a seat."
She thanked him as she sat down. He pushed the chair in as he walked over to a smaller table in the back of the room. "Can I get you something to drink?" he asked.
"Do you have some tea?" she requested.
"I do," he replied. "How do you take it?"
"A dash of cream with two sugars," she replied. "Thank you."
He handed her a cup of tea and accepted it, fluttering her eyes. "You don't find a king who prepares tea himself."
King George chuckled, sitting next to her. "My wife likes to have a cup before bed and we often don't want the servants lurking around then, so I learned to make it for her."
"That's sweet," she said, surprised. It was refreshing to find a man of their station who truly loved his wife and wanted to do something to make her happy.
His Queen was a lucky woman.
"Well, I'm certain King Leopold did little things like that to make you happy as well," King George replied, smiling.
Regina felt her smile falter. She knew she couldn't tell King George that her husband was a bastard who barely paid her any attention and treated her like she was just his first wife, the one he always truly wanted. So she picked up her smile as she lied: "Of course he did."
"You must miss him," he continued.
"Every day," she replied, the lie burning her soul.
It pleased King George, who nodded. "Did you catch the villain who killed him?"
"Yes, we did and he's been properly punished," she replied, smirking as she thought of the genie trapped forever in her mirror. It was just as good as prison, though she told everyone else she had killed him to avenge her husband. They all believed it.
"Good," he said. "We can't have that type of person running around threatening the natural order."
"Of course," she agreed, seething. Of course he would care about his own throne over everything.
King George took a sip of his tea and Regina did the same, knowing she didn't want it to get cold. She waited for him to speak next, not wanting to make any overtures. Rather, she wanted them to come from him so he could believe it was his idea all along.
He set the cup down again. "I am very interested in strengthening our trade relationship with Mist Haven."
"We are too," she told him. She was still hesitant as there had been an odd tone in his voice. "You sound like you have some concerns though."
"I do," he told her. "Do you have the authority to make any such arrangements?"
She bristled at his comment, frowning. "Why wouldn't I?"
He paused, as if giving extra consideration to what he said next. "The throne. Doesn't it pass to Leopold's daughter, Princess Snow White?"
Regina gritted her teeth, annoyed even though she knew someone like King George would be focused on bloodlines. "My stepdaughter unfortunately took her father's death hard and ran away while traveling to our Summer Palace so she could grieve away from court. We have not been able to find her."
"I see," he replied, stroking his chin. "And if you do find her?"
"She is still young and honestly, not mature enough to take the throne," Regina told him. "As you know, ruling a kingdom requires maturity, intelligence, shrewdness and skills she just doesn't possess yet. I have already spoken to my late husband's advisors and we've agreed that when we find Snow White, I shall remain as Regent until we all feel she is ready to take the throne."
He nodded, seeming pleased with that. "I know the princess is the same age as my son, so I was also hoping that a marriage agreement could be worked out."
Regina once again bristled. She would not wish an arranged marriage on her stepdaughter-and she was planning on killing her. Especially as she knew Prince James had been raised to be a mighty warrior, a vicious slayer of dragons. Reports said he was a cruel and selfish man, one who many of King George's advisors feared would be a bloodthirsty tyrant of a ruler. He was the last person Regina wanted to see on the throne of Mist Haven, if he didn't just absorb their kingdom upon marriage. She was not going to bring the end of their kingdom like that even if she was planning on letting Snow White live long enough to marry.
However, she knew she would have to continue playing this complicated game with King George in order to achieve her goal. She knew just what to say to dissuade him from that idea. "I would love to negotiate such an agreement but I doubt Princess Snow White would be a good wife to your son. Her father overindulged her and so she only thinks of herself," she told him.
She knew King George spoiled his son almost as much as Leopold spoiled Snow White. Two such rulers would not do any good for either country, even if she were to let her stepdaughter live and agree to an arranged marriage for her. However, she also knew that King George would want some docile princess who wouldn't challenge his son to be Prince James' wife and Snow White definitely was not that.
He nodded. "Too bad but not surprising. I have met my share of spoiled princesses trying to find the right wife for James."
"I can only imagine," Regina replied, hoping they could get back to the matter at hand but knowing she couldn't rush the king.
"Well, I do not want to bore you with talk about that," he said, his tone becoming more official. "We are discussing a trade agreement."
Relief spread through her as she nodded. "We are. Mist Haven is very interested in expanding our exports to your country and our merchants are eager to have more access to the goods we import from you."
King George's eyes lit up. "I must say all of that is true for us as well."
"Good," she replied. "Then I think we can come up with something that benefits both our countries."
After an hour of negotiations, Regina and King George had a trade agreement that would increase the amount of goods imported to both countries. Even with her promise not to raise tariffs for at least a year, Regina knew the agreement would lead to a windfall in her country's coffers. She wouldn't have to raise taxes, giving the poorer in her country a break. That would be beneficial to the merchants and stimulate the economy.
"I shall have one of my clerks write this up and send it to you for you to sign and place your official seal on it," Regina said, picking up the papers she had written on. "Before I leave, though, I was hoping we could exchange goods as signs of good faith."
King George paused, looking her over. "What are you offering?"
"There is a chest filled with rolls of Mist Haven's best cloth as well as jars of our best dyes," she replied, looking over his clothing. She knew he wouldn't pass up the chance to improve his wardrobe as well as that of his queen's.
He rubbed his chin. "And what do you want from us as a sign of our good faith?"
"Medicine," she replied, hoping he couldn't sense how fast her heart was beating. His doctors were the only ones who had created medicine to combat the sickness sweeping into Mist Haven. She knew King George would've wanted every last coin in her treasury had she just asked him for it and hoped this way she could still get it without putting her country's economy in peril.
Silence filled the room as he thought over her request. After what seemed like an eternity, he clasped his hands behind his back. "I would first like to see the goods you have brought us."
"Of course," she said. "We can go out to my carriage."
He tilted his head. "Why don't I have my guards bring them in?"
She hesitated, having planned to use the opportunity to leave and head back to Mist Haven. King George, though, must've realized her plan. Or he was trying to steal her goods without providing her the medicine. Regina was going to have to decide how she wanted to continue.
"We can do that too," she finally said, deciding she needed to appease King George and plot a different exit plan.
"Good," he said, pulling a string on the wall. Within minutes, a servant entered the room and King George ordered him to go to Regina's carriage to retrieve the goods she had brought. The servant bowed and left again to fulfill his king's order.
King George motioned to her chair. "Please, sit while we wait."
She did as he suggested, dread growing in her stomach. They had made their small talk before the negotiations and Regina wasn't certain she could handle another round. All she wanted to do was run from the room and the party but she forced herself to stay.
"You must be lonely without Leopold or Snow," King George said and she tried not to wince.
"I do miss them," she lied, "but I hope to find my stepdaughter soon."
He nodded. "It's always important to keep our family close, isn't it? They're the only ones who are really there for us."
She thought of her mother, who had never supported her. But then she thought of her father, still by her side even now. Regina softened a bit as she nodded. "Yes, they are."
"You are still young," he told her. "I am certain you'll find another husband and have a family of your own in good time."
Regina was saved from answering—and wondering if he was about to propose marriage between her and his son—by the arrival of several guards, each carrying a box from her carriage. King George jumped up, eager to inspect all the goods she had brought. She hoped they would be enough to get the medicine she needed and then she could escape the stupid party as well as all the stupid questions she was forced to answer. While she knew most of them meant well, none would be able to understand that she didn't want another family. Not if she couldn't have one with Daniel. Being a wife and a mother-those dreams died with him. All she could do now was find Snow White and finally avenge his death.
Then after that...then she would...then…
"This is very generous," he said, holding one bolt of cloth. He ran his fingers over the fine material. "Very generous indeed."
Her heart hammered in her chest but she kept her voice calm as she asked: "Is it enough for the medicines I've asked for?"
King George looked over the material again before nodding. "I believe it is. How many crates do you want?"
"How many can you fit in my carriage?" she countered.
In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Regina and her father stood by their carriage as King George's men loaded up crate after crate full of the medicines she needed. Happiness and relief filled her as she calculated how many people she would be able to help back in Mist Haven. Perhaps they would get through this sickness without a large loss of life.
Once the last crate was loaded, Regina turned to her father. "Find the driver and the footman. We are leaving."
Daddy hesitated. "Don't you want to stay? Share some dances? Talk with people?"
"No," she replied harshly. "I want to go home."
"I'm certain if you stay, you'll have some fun. Maybe meet someone…"
"NO!" She felt the fire burning in her veins, itching to be released through her fingers. Regina fought the urge, having vowed to never use such magic against her father. The last she wanted to do was hurt him like that.
He cowered before her, fear in his eyes. It broke her heart that he believed she would hurt him. Part of her knew that if she explained her feelings - that she would disgrace herself on the dancefloor, that people would just laugh at her and would shun her even more - he would understand that it was best if she just kept everyone at arm's length. Her anger, though, always got the better of her but she needed to hold on to it.
Rumpelstiltskin was right - it was all she had, especially if she wanted to avenge Daniel.
But it was not directed at her father. She took a calming breath. "Please, Daddy. Time is of the essence. Our people shouldn't have to wait another moment for these medicines. Many don't have much time, especially the children."
Daddy softened and appeared to be reassured. He nodded. "You're right. We should get home as soon as possible."
"Thank you," she whispered. She turned and nodded to her guard, who opened the door to her carriage. Once she and Daddy were settled inside, he closed the door and within moments, they started to move.
Relief spread through her and she leaned back, closing her eyes. She had escaped the party and was on her way home with the medicine. Her advisors would oversee it was distribution and she would watch with her magic mirror to ensure they did as she said. And before all of that, she already had one bottle earmarked for the children of the royal chef. They were going to survive this, she was going to make certain of it.
Regina arrived at Sherwood Cafe, tapping on the door to catch Miriam's attention. She waved in acknowledgement and jogged over to the open door. "Hello, partner!" she greeted.
"Hey," Regina said, smiling as she entered. "I'm so excited for tonight."
"Great, great. Well, a friend of mine will be here soon to help us transport everything over to the rec center. We should have plenty of time to get ready," Miriam said, walking past Regina.
Frowning, Regina followed her. "What else do we have to do? I thought everything was ready."
"Everything is ready," Miriam replied. "We need to get our costumes on."
"Right. I almost forgot about those," Regina admitted. She had never really dressed up for Halloween before-Mother Superior thought it satanic and instead forced Regina to clean all the statues in the convent. When she had dated Daniel, she had snuck out one Halloween dressed as a fairy and had some fun with him. And she had tried to go to the party at the Rabbit Hole after college, wearing a mask to conceal her identity. She had a few drinks and danced a couple times but still went home without any new friends or romances.
Miriam opened a door to a stairway. "Come on up."
"What's up there?" Regina asked, confused.
"My apartment," Miriam explained, already climbing the stairs. She glanced back at Regina. "You don't want to get ready in the cafe, right?"
Shaking her head, Regina followed her friend up the stairs. Miriam opened a red door and flipped on a light. "Welcome to my home," she said.
Regina stepped into her friend's small apartment. The living room had a bright red couch facing a small TV with a coffee table between them. A small table with lamp sat between two windows, both decorated with orange lights for Halloween. There was a small hallway that led to what Regina assumed was Miriam's bedroom and bathroom while a small kitchen was tucked away next to her.
"I know it's small," Miriam said, closing the door behind her and setting her keys down. "But it's home."
"My home isn't much but it's mine. So I understand," Regina said.
Miriam nodded before motioning toward the hallway. "Take your pick-bathroom or bedroom. I don't mind."
"I'll take the bathroom," she replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable putting her friend out of her room. She carried her costume into the bathroom and closed the door, shedding her clothing so she could dress for the party.
She and Miriam had debated what they wanted to dress up as for the party, easily dismissing bakers and clowns. After several more rejected costumes, Regina recalled her storybook and suggested fairy tale characters. Miriam had loved it and they soon agreed on characters, though Regina had been hesitant to wear hers as she didn't know how Mayor Nolan would react. But she had told herself that all of that was behind them and the mayor wouldn't read too much into a Halloween costume.
At least, she hoped so.
Regina stepped into the purple and black dress she and Miriam had picked out for her costume. She managed to zip it up, noticing how it pushed up her breasts so that the swells of them peeked out over the square neckline. It made her blush and she wondered what the sisters would think when they saw her in such a dress.
She shook her head. It didn't matter what they thought. She was a grown woman and could wear what she wanted and behave how she wanted. They had no right to judge her for anything she did, she reminded herself.
Knocking interrupted her thoughts. "Regina? You doing okay in there? You need any help?" Miriam asked, her voice muffled by the door.
"Yes, with my hair, please," Regina said, unlocking the door so Miriam could enter.
Miriam opened the door and stopped, looking Regina over. She smiled. "You look amazing."
"So do you," Regina replied, looking over her friend. Miriam had decided to go as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. She wore a dress with a white bodice and a wide black skirt, red hearts embroidered onto the material. Her dark hair was pulled up into a curled bun nestled in a crown with a heart-shaped jewel in it.
Regina hoped she looked half as good as her new friend.
"Come on," Miriam said, taking her hand. "Let's do your hair and makeup. We'll need to leave soon."
She led Regina into her bedroom and had her sit at her vanity. Looking over all the makeup laying before her, Regina's eyes went wide. "I didn't know so much makeup existed. I barely know the basics. The sisters weren't big on it."
"I imagine not," Miriam said, brushing Regina's dark hair. "If you want, I can show you how to do your makeup."
Gratitude and hope filled her. "Thank you," she said softly.
"What are friends for?" Miriam told her, gathering her hair up into a bun. She started to pin it against her scalp, easily working with Regina's curls. Regina watched amazed as she created an elaborate hairdo, finishing it with a costume tiara to add to the Evil Queen look.
Miriam stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "Perfect! Now, let's do your makeup."
She started to hold up items to Regina's skin, explaining she needed to match her coloring to create a natural look. Miriam started to dab some makeup onto Regina's face like an artist painting a masterpiece.
"I'm going to go out on a limb and guess the sisters didn't let you celebrate Halloween growing up?" Miriam asked as she continued to work on the makeup.
"They did not," Regina confirmed. "Mother Superior hates the holiday. She would even keep me from school so I didn't celebrate there. Instead, I had to kneel in the chapel with them and pray for everyone's souls."
Miriam hummed. "Sounds fun."
"Loads," Regina replied sarcastically.
"What about after?" Miriam asked. "Did you go to any Halloween parties as an adult?"
Regina shook her head as Miriam changed brushes. "I didn't have any friends and no one wanted me around. I went to a couple parties in masks but everyone continued to ignore me. So I took the hint and just started to stay home."
"That is so awful," Miriam replied, working on Regina's eyes makeup. "You are an amazing person and it's their loss that they haven't realized it."
Warmth filled Regina's cheeks and she was glad her eyes were closed or else she would've started crying. "That is sweet of you to say."
"It's just the truth," Miriam insisted. She picked up some lipstick. "Stick with me and I'll make sure you're never excluded from a party ever again. Okay?"
"Okay." A lump formed in her throat as she puckered her lips. She was lucky to finally have such a good friend in Miriam and hoped she would be able to repay the kindness she was shown soon.
Miriam laid down her brushes and lipsticks, smiling. "Voila! Hello, Your Majesty."
She stepped aside so Regina could admire herself in the mirror. For a moment, she barely recognized herself. She leaned forward, taking in the smoky eye and the bright red lipstick as well as how Miriam used her makeup to highlight her facial features. Regina certainly didn't look plain now. In fact, she looked very much like Queen Regina in the storybook.
"I know you probably never heard this growing up in a convent," Miriam said, "but you are sexy."
Regina's cheeks felt like they were on fire. "You think so?"
"I know so," Miriam told her. She patted her shoulder. "Come on. Let's go make sure everything is ready. My friend will be here to help us transport everything over in a few minutes."
"I thought we were going to take your catering van?" Regina asked, standing up to head back downstairs with her friend.
Miriam sighed. "We were but it broke down on me. I had to put it in the shop so my friend said we could use his truck."
"That's good," Regina replied, following Miriam down the stairs. "Will we be able to fit everything in it?"
"We should. If not, we can put overflow into our cars. Ahh, Rob, right on time," Miriam said as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Regina paused before she entered, her heart speeding up. She chided herself - Rob was a common name. It was unlikely Miriam's friend was Rob Locksley, the locksmith who she hadn't been able to get out of her head. She probably was never going to see him. After all, she hadn't seen him before locking her keys in her car despite Storybrooke being a small town.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the kitchen and stopped. Miriam spoke with a tall fair-haired man with blue eyes and dimples she would recognize anywhere. Her friend was indeed Rob Locksley.
It was a small world after all.
Rob was not dressed up in a costume, rather wearing a black sweater paired with jeans. He looked almost like he had when he had helped her back in the parking lot, including the dimples revealed as he grinned at her. "Regina! It's nice to see you again," he said, his eyes lighting up.
"And you," she replied, hoping he couldn't hear the pounding of her heart. She swallowed as her palms grew sweaty, hoping she didn't make a fool of herself.
Miriam looked between them, confused. "You two know each other?"
"Robin rescued my keys when I stupidly locked them in my car a couple weeks ago," Regina replied. "I still owe you a pie for that, right?"
"You do," he agreed, his smile growing bigger.
She held his gaze, her insides turning into goo at how warm his blue eyes were. It almost felt as if she had been born to look into them and that they had been missing from her life until now. Regina knew it was an absurdly romantic notion but she still couldn't shake that feeling.
Miriam cleared her throat, finally breaking the strange hold Rob had on her. Regina looked at her friend, who was smirking. "Do you two want to be alone? I can load the truck up myself."
"No, no," Rob said, shaking his head. He rubbed his hands together. "What should I grab first?"
"Follow me," Miriam replied, leading him toward the refrigerators.
Regina took a moment to compose herself before joining them. She accepted some platters from Miriam before following Rob out to his truck. He placed his own platters in the bed before turning and taking the ones she held. "Thank you," he said.
"You're welcome," she replied. She knew she should head back inside but she leaned closer, biting her lip. "Are you going to be staying for the party too?"
He shook his head. "I'm just helping you drop off the food and then I'm leaving. I offered to help but the Brunts and the rec center staff have it covered."
"Hey, am I loading this by myself or what?" Miriam called from the doorway, trying to look annoyed. Her smile, though, got in the way of that.
Regina grew sheepish and when she looked over at Rob, she noticed his cheeks had gone pink and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, Miriam," he called out.
"That's okay," she replied, carrying another tray over. "But the sooner we get everything in the truck, the sooner you two can finish talking."
She winked at them before heading back into the cafe. Rob hopped down from the truck and motioned toward the door. "After you, Your Majesty," he said with a little bow.
It sent a jolt of déjà vu through her but she chalked it up to all the time she had been spending with the storybook. She entered the cafe and took another tray, carrying it out with Miriam as she tried not to get distracted by Rob Locksley and his dimples.
Once the last tray was loaded in the truck, Rob turned back to her and grinned. "So, there's a Halloween party tonight at the Rabbit Hole. I'm going with some friends. Do you two want to join us after you're done at the rec center?"
Surprise filled Regina. She had never been invited to a Halloween party before and now this year, she was invited to two. Granted she was working one, but it still counted. Her life certain had changed since Diana knocked on her door almost two months ago!
"I'm in," Miriam said. She turned to Regina. "You?"
"Yes," she replied immediately. "It sounds like it'll be a lot of fun."
Rob's smile grew wider. "Great! I can't wait to see you two later."
"Well, first we need to get to the rec center. Then you can see us," Miriam teased him. He chuckled as he agreed, climbing into his truck as he promised to see them at the rec center.
Miriam motioned for Regina to follow her. "We can go in my car."
"Thank you," Regina replied, falling into step with Miriam. "And I'm sorry I got so distracted back there."
"It's okay. Rob certainly has beautiful blue eyes and those dimples can distract anyone," Miriam replied, unlocking her car.
As she climbed into the passenger seat, guilt racked Regina. Did Miriam like Rob as more than a friend? Had she been upset that Regina was then flirting with him? After all, she had met him first and Regina wouldn't want to come between her friend and a man. She knew what it felt like to have someone taken from her like that and wouldn't wish it on anyone else.
"If you're interested in Rob, just tell me," she said once she was buckled up. "I'll back off him and let you have your chance."
Miriam turned on the car but did not put into drive. Instead, she looked over at Regina and frowned. "You don't have to do that."
"Look, I had my only boyfriend stolen from me. I wouldn't want to do that to anyone else, especially a friend," Regina insisted.
"Good to know," Miriam replied with a smile. "But I meant you don't have to do that because I'm not interested in Rob that way."
That surprised Regina and she felt her mouth drop open. "But you were just saying how handsome he is."
"Well, yeah. I'm not blind, Regina. He's really handsome but not for me. We're just meant to be friends. Besides, he's never looked at me the way he looks at you," Miriam told her, giving her a pointed look.
Heat flooded Regina's cheeks. "Really?"
"Oh, yeah," Miriam replied, putting the car into drive. "If we were in a cartoon, there would be little hearts in his eyes whenever he looks at you. He is completely focused on you, mesmerized by you."
"He is?" Regina asked, her heart beating even faster now as warmth pooled in her stomach.
Miriam nodded. "And you had the same look when you were with him."
"He is handsome. Probably the most handsome man I've met in a long time," she confessed. "And I feel so comfortable talking with him. I mean, I'm still a nervous wreck because I don't want to screw it up but I don't shut down around him like I usually do. I feel like I can talk to him about anything."
"Rob certainly has that effect on people," Miriam agreed.
Regina bit her lip before asking: "What should I do?"
"I think tonight you should flirt with him, dance with him and let yourself explore what's between you," Miriam told her. "It's clear you had a bad experience but don't let it hold you back. You deserve love, Regina."
No one had ever told her that before and it almost made her cry. She resisted it, knowing it would only mess up the beautiful work Miriam put into her makeup. And though she was prone to believe that she was unlovable, her friend's belief otherwise ignited a spark inside Regina. Maybe she was worthy of love. And maybe she could find it with Rob Locksley.
She nodded. "You're right. I think I'll do just that."
"Good," Miriam said. She grinned at Regina. "I have a feeling this Halloween is going to be one you'll never forget."
Regina had a feeling she was right.
"There," Ruby said, putting the last pin to keep the hood of Diana's red cloak in place. "You're all set, Little Red Riding Hood."
Diana turned to look at herself in the mirror, pleased with her costume. Her red skirt fell just below her knees, brushing the top of the brown boots she wore. The red cape rested over a white shirt and brown vest, making her look very much like the depiction of Red in her storybook - even if her mother didn't know it. Ruby had worked with her natural curls and put her hair in pigtails so they draped around her neck perfectly. A wicker basket with some plastic food peeking out from the lid completed her look.
"It's perfect, Aunt Ruby," she said. She turned and hugged her aunt. "Thank you so much."
Ruby hugged her back. "You're welcome, sweetheart. Now, I told your mom I would drop you off at the rec center. We should head over there."
Diana nodded, letting go of her. "Then let's go. I can't wait to show off this costume!"
"That's the spirit," Ruby replied, grabbing her keys. She motioned for Diana to follow her and they headed down to Ruby's red SUV.
The rec center was not far from the Nolan house and in no time, Ruby had pulled up in front of it. She put the car in park before smiling at Diana. "Have fun. I can't wait to hear all about the party," she said.
"Thanks, Aunt Ruby," Diana said, climbing out of the car. She waved at her godmother before skipping into the rec center.
Mrs. Brunt greeted her as she entered the gym, which looked decorated with every Halloween decoration in Storybrooke. The older woman held a plastic skeleton as she smiled at Diana. "Do you think you can help Sabrina with the balloons, please?" she asked.
"Of course," Diana replied, heading over to where her friend was struggling with tying string to balloons.
Sabrina looked up, relief in her eyes. "Oh, thank goodness! This is harder than I thought. Can you hold the balloons while I tie the ribbon on it?"
Diana nodded, taking the balloon from her. "The gym looks good. Your parents did a great job."
"Yeah," her friend agreed, tying the string onto the balloon. "Too bad they insist on doing everything themselves."
"I guess they want to make sure it's done the way they like it," Diana replied.
Sabrina sighed. "I just wished they didn't involve me though."
"Well, it could be worse," Diana said, letting go of the balloon they had just finished. She grabbed another one. "They could make you dress up as part of the party."
"That is true," Sabrina allowed, looking down at her yellow dress with a white pinafore over it. The white apron had a spider embroidered on it, one of the main clues that she was Miss Moffet along with the banana curls in her blonde hair. It stood in contrast to her parents, who were dressed up as the headless horseman (Mr. Brunt) and Ichabod Crane (Mrs. Brunt).
Sabrina looked back at Diana. "I'm still impressed your mom let you dress up as someone other than Snow White."
"Honestly? So am I," Diana admitted. "But I'm glad she did. I needed a change."
She let go of the balloon she was holding and Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief. "That was the last one."
"Great. Now what?" Diana asked.
"We hide so my parents can't make us do anything else," Sabrina replied. "I think there's some space behind the stage we can use."
Diana crossed her arms. "Don't you think that's a bit much?"
Before Sabrina could respond, Mrs. Brunt's voice echoed through the gym. "Oh, good! The food is here. You can put it on those tables over there."
Mrs. Brunt crossed the gym and approached a man carrying a tray of food. He was tall with graying blond hair and bright blue eyes. Though he wore a sweater and jeans rather than a white shirt, green jerkin and breeches, Diana still recognized him from her storybook.
It was her father.
Her real father.
She watched mesmerized as he set the tray of food down where Mrs. Brunt directed him. He then hurried back toward the door, accepting another tray from someone there. With another jolt, Diana realized it was her mother, dressed as the Evil Queen from the storybook. Regina shared a smile with him before leaving the room again. It had been a brief interaction but it brought tears to her eyes.
"Diana? Are you okay?" Sabrina asked, sounding concerned and confused. She studied Diana with a tilted head.
"Yeah," Diana replied absently, watching as her father and mother returned with more trays. "I'm fine."
Her friend, though, didn't look convinced as she stepped in front of her. "What is going on? Why are you staring at the caterers?"
Diana didn't know how to respond. Even though Sabrina was her best friend, she hadn't even confided in her about the storybook or her belief that her parents weren't her real parents. Given how almost everyone else had reacted, she didn't want her friends to think she was crazy as well. So she couldn't just tell Sabrina that her real parents were together for the first time in probably years and it was beautiful.
But she knew Sabrina was a hopeless romantic. She decided to play on that and whispered: "Can't you see? They like each other but haven't made the first move with each other yet."
It worked. Sabrina's eyes lit up and she looked over at Regina and the mystery man again, studying them. They were now standing even closer together, unwrapping all the food as they chatted. Regina laughed at something he said and he grinned, watching her with adoration in his eyes. It made Diana's heart skip a beat and Sabrina let out a little squeal. "Oh my god, you're right! They are so cute!" she declared.
"I know, right?" Diana sighed happily. Regina's hand brushed against his and they both blushed. It was adorable.
Pixie dust doesn't lie.
Her father straightened up and kissed Regina's cheek before doing the same with the other woman with them. Diana had been so focused on her parents being together, she hadn't even noticed that they weren't alone. She recognized the woman from the story book and her happiness increased. Not only had Regina found her soulmate, she had also found her best friend. Diana hoped they could make her life brighter since the curse had made her so miserable.
"Uh oh," Sabrina said. "It looks like there might be some competition."
Diana shook her head. "She's just a friend. Nothing more."
"How can you be so sure?" Sabrina asked, sounding skeptical.
"I just am," she replied. "Call it a gut feeling."
Sabrina shrugged. "Whatever."
Diana looked back to the food table and her heart stopped when she didn't see her father anymore. "Where did he go?"
"I don't think he's staying," Sabrina replied, pointing to the door. Diana turned toward it and her heart sank as she watched her father leave the rec center.
"Oh," she replied, disappointment flooding her. "That's too bad."
A glint came to Sabrina's eyes and she grinned. "We should get their names so we can keep tabs on them. You know, see if they ever profess their love for each other."
"That's a great idea," Diana replied. She pointed to the woman she recognized as her parents' best friend. "You should ask her."
Sabrina frowned. "Me? Why?"
Diana didn't want to chance being seen near Regina, knowing it could possibly set her mother off again. Her mind searched for a good excuse and found it when Mr. Brunt passed by, carrying his pumpkin head. "Because your parents hired her. She's not going to question if you go ask for everyone's names if you say it's for your parents."
"Oh, you're good," Sabrina said, nodding. "I'll be right back."
She walked up to the woman dressed as the Queen of Hearts and Diana watched as her friend talked with her. After a few moments, Sabrina returned with a bright smile. "Okay. She's Miriam Woods and the two friends we're sure are in love are Regina Mills and Rob Locksley."
Rob Locksley. Her father's name in this world was not too far off his real one. That was good to know.
"Great," she told Sabrina. "We can keep an eye on them now. See what happens."
Sabrina nodded before sighing. "Maybe they'll fall in love and get married. I love weddings. Do you think we can be flower girls? I've always wanted to be a flower girl."
Diana raised an eyebrow. "That's a big jump, don't you think?"
"Maybe," Sabrina admitted with a shrug. "A girl can dream, right?" ust
Before Diana could respond, Mr. Brunt approached them. "Alright, girls, our other guests are arriving. Are you ready to party?"
They both nodded and Diana put thoughts of her parents aside. For now, she was going to enjoy the Halloween party and have a good time. She was going to play some games, dance with her friends and consume way too much sugar.
And then tomorrow, she'd focus on getting to know Rob Locksley.
A/N: Looks like Rob is crushing on Regina just as hard as she is on him! What's next for these two crazy kids? Well, there's still a Halloween party later that night…
Diana also now knows her father's cursed name. So expect some meddling in her future.
But first, Mary Margaret spots Regina's costume when she gets to the party. What happens? Find out next time!
-Mac