One Door Closes

Chapter 17

Emma's P. O. V.

I kiss Henry's forehead and slowly retreat from his room. It's insane how fast he grows. Only three weeks old, but he's already so much bigger than right after he was born.

Regina's cleaned the kitchen and she's putting on her coat now. I frown. "You're going away?" I know she is. She's been going for an evening walk for about ten times in the past couple of weeks. She also says she won't be out long every time, but returns about two, three hours later.

I don't mind, though. It's impressive how much time she manages to spend with me and Henry. She's completely dedicated herself to this life. She sleeps here, goes to work and after work she returns. Sometimes she's got plans with her friends, but most of the time she's with me and I love it.

"Yes. I'm going to go for a walk. The usual route." She says it as if she's going to be out for ten minutes, but I know I'll be asleep when she comes home.

"Guess you found your new hobby," I say with a sincere smile. I'm genuinely happy for her, but I feel like she's holding something back. I don't want her to feel she has to escape this place. I want her to feel free to go wherever she wants to.

"Oh, it's really nice to end the day like this. Especially when the days are as long as they are now in summer."

I give her a hug and I sigh contently when I feel her arms around me. We sleep beside each other almost every day, but we haven't talked about our relationship. We don't have a romantic one, but I don't know which kind we do have. Since Henry's birth we haven't kissed anymore, but we do spoon almost every night. It's complicated and I try not to think too much about it.

"Don't you get bored all by yourself so long?"

"I'm not alone," Regina says casually. She zips her coat and looks at her watch. "I really have to go now, I won't be home late."

I smile, but it's no longer sincere. "Who are you meeting?"

"Oh, just a friend."

"Do I know her?"

Regina opens the door and hastily shakes her head. "Him," she corrects me. "Perhaps. His name's Robin of Locksley. I met him at the hospital. It's a funny story, I'll tell you later but I'm late. Bye, Emma."

She closes the door and I slump. I don't get why she hasn't told me. The only reason I can think of is because they're not just friends. Last time Regina and I did something she sought comfort with Graham and I guess I shouldn't be surprised if after our kisses she's doing the same with some other guy.

I just don't get why it makes me so upset. I should be happy for her. Regina's finally moving on after Graham hurt her and I have to support her in this. I really do.

But that's harder than it seems.

I purposely stay in bed late the next morning, so I don't have to face Regina before she goes off to work and when she returns home, I can feel myself acting distant towards her. I don't want to, but I can't help it.

When I leave Henry's new nursery room, Regina rinses a cloth and looks at me. I softly close Henry's door and swallow.

"Did I do something wrong?" I hate that I've given Regina the feeling that she's done something bad, even though I am the one who's acting childish.

"No, not at all." I tense my shoulders and awkwardly approach the kitchen island. It is obvious Regina can tell something is bothering me, but she doesn't verbalize it.

"Can I make you a cup of tea?" She's really good at ignoring my awkwardness and I highly appreciate that.

"Sure, but I don't want to keep you here if you want to go." I imagine she's planning on heading out with Robin. She doesn't have to work tomorrow and I assume she'd like a night alone with him.