We Can Love Again

Redeeming Herself

Part two of the sleepover! So guys, nothing is final yet about Emma and who she'll end up with, so don't panic just yet. There's only a friendship between Emma and Regina, nothing else lol. Happy reading!

—

A thin ray of sunlight slipped through the window, slowly lighting up the room as the sun rose higher in the sky. Regina awoke to face the bedroom door, her mind instantly blanking for a second as to knowing where she was. Then she slowly began remembering the night before, all the fun things she did with Henry and Roland. Robins bed was surprisingly warm and comfortable, compared to the ones at the motel. She turned herself around so she was facing the window, the sunlight feeling warm on her face. Then, Regina froze when she realized there was someone else lying beside her. Her head shifted to the side to face a sleeping Emma Swan merely inches from her, making the queen fight back a scream as she ripped the covers off her and stood up, looking absolutely mortified.

She really hoped Henry enjoyed the couch.

Slipping out of the door, Regina left Emma in her deep sleep. Her bare feet padded across the cold floor, trying to figure out what to do while everyone else continued to sleep. The house was completely silent, only the drafted in sunlight lighting the hallways. Regina looked around at the house, realizing how cluttered everything was. Her motherly instincts started to automatically kick in as she resisted cleaning up everything; it was both a gift and a curse to be so OCD about messes. Henry always left something out or misplaced in their vast white house. It drove her completely crazy.

Giving in to her growing temptation, Regina walked over the living room and knelt down on her knees, starting to start through all the clutter that was scattered all over the floor. She knew it was technically wrong to look through his things, but she couldn't help it. If anything, she was giving him a thank you for letting the four of them stay over.

In about five minutes flat, Regina had everything sorted into different piles- the biggest one by far a collection of Roland's toys. Robin sure spoiled the child; he had everything from wooden building blocks to capes fashioned from many colors of cloth sewn together.

Henry lay fast asleep on the couch as she worked, looking completely knocked out on his side. His mother tried being as silent as she could so she wouldn't wake him up.

After she placed all of Roland's things inside an empty basket she found and started on the rest of the clutter, finally feeling like a mother again after a long month of camping out on the wilderness with the Charmings.

She came across an old, tattered piece of paper, pausing for a moment to quickly unfold it. Everything inside of her told her not to read what it said, but Regina really couldn't help herself. She held it close to her face so the light would catch the ink on the as she began to read.

My dearest Robin,

I know how difficult this must be for you to understand. I know you won't stop fighting for a cure, but there is no way to stop death. Despite what we keep on telling each other, after I have this child, I will die. Robin, I want you to know how much I will miss you and seeing our child grow up. But I know you will do everything to take care him or her, just like you've been taking care of me. Just promise me you will also take care of yourself- sweetheart, promise me you can find it in yourself to be happy again. I love you, very much.

Marion

"Being a bit nosy, are we?"

Regina spun around to see Emma standing in the doorway, her arms folded accusingly.

"No, of course not- I was just-"

"Cleaning up his house?" Emma finished for her, "can't say this is surprising."