We're All Mad Here (Jefferson x OC)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Months later, it was getting closer to Serena's due date, but Jefferson had to leave again for another job. After many protests, Serena was forced to let him go. They needed money, even though they were still living with Regina.

His excuse was he wanted to have enough money to set up a good life for them. He always promised he would be careful, avoiding any places where someone would kill him the moment they saw him.

Unfortunately for him, that meant he wasn't able to go to as many places as he used to.

He usually returned with at least a scratch, although he tried to hide it from Serena. He didn't want her to worry more than she already did, but he could never hide any injuries from her for too long.

Every time Serena watched him go through a portal, she was left with the sense of dread that there was a possibility he might not return.

That's how she ended up pacing in her room, worrying about him. He said he would be gone for a few days, that was over a week ago. She knew he could take care of himself, but he also had a tendency to get himself into impossible situations.

Regina walked in without Serena noticing, and stood there for a moment before letting out a deep sigh. "Relax, the carpet can't take much more of you pacing over it." Serena stopped and turned to her, running one hand through her hair.

"I can't relax. Jefferson's out there in another realm, while he was supposed to be back days ago."

"As much as I don't care about the Hatter, you need to relax." Regina said, walking over to her and rubbing her arms. "You're gonna hurt yourself and the baby if you keep worrying."

"I know, I know, Regina. You've been reminding me ever since you came to terms with it." Serena sighed, looking down at the ground. It was true. Since Regina realized she couldn't do anything to the baby, she acted like the most devoted aunt. She always did what she could to make sure Serena and the baby were healthy.

"Well, I can't keep you here forever. I might as well accept that I'm going to be an aunt." Regina shrugged with a smile. Serena's face scrunched as pain shot through her stomach, causing her to stumble backwards. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know." She took a deep breath, placing her hand over her stomach. Regina looked down, seeing liquid dripping down Serena's legs. "What's going on?"

"I think the baby knew we were talking about it, and wanted to come out early." Regina told her, looking up with widened eyes. "We have to get you somewhere comfortable. I'll go get someone who knows what they're doing, okay?"

"Hurry, please." Serena whimpered, pressing her hand firmly against her stomach. Regina helped her lay down before leaving to get a doctor and a few servants. The Huntsman was there too, making sure she was okay. Once Regina was sure Serena was in good hands, she stayed in the corner of the room, watching as the doctor gave her different instructions. "Wait! I need Jefferson. Please!"

"We have no way to get him here, miss." One of the servants told her. Serena shook her head as her eyes closed tightly and tears slid down her cheeks. "We have to go on without him." Serena's gaze met Regina's, a silent beg for her to find a way to get him there.

Regina sighed and left the room, straight to hers where The Genie was looking at her from the mirror. He asked what she was going to do as she sat down with a sigh.

"As much as I hate the hatter, Serena needs him." She looked up as The Genie's face disappeared, being replaced by a moving image of Jefferson. Regina sighed, knowing she had to get his attention. Fortunately, she was able to contact him from there through her mirror. "Hatter! Hatter."