Dark Tales ~ Regina Mills

The Encounter

NOT PROOFREAD

Storybrooke, Maine

Clementine's pov

"Sit down and be quiet, we will get started in a moment" I tell my class of tenth graders, they're all here as usual. "Ms. Martins, what are we learning about today?" Jackson asked loudly, he's a good kid, but he doesn't ever shut up. "Read the board Mr. Modisette it's there for a reason" I say annoyed, I feel like I say the same things everyday to the same people. I may love my job but it's exhausting.

I teach mostly World History to tenth graders, but I do teach one class of fifth graders at the elementary. My fifth graders are more well behaved than any of my high school students.

"Ms. Martins why are you getting an attitude today" Jackson asks, why do they never listen they can't follow simple instructions. "I'm not getting an attitude Mr. Modisette; what I am is annoyed at the fact you can't seem to follow simple instructions. You are 16 years old, you would think you would be able to sit quietly for five minutes and not cause a commotion." I say standing up from my desk walking to the front of the class. "Now get out your textbooks and open to chapter 23" I tell them, they start whining like I'm pouring acid down their throats.

I continued teaching until my lecture was interrupted by none other than the mayor. "How can I help you this afternoon madam mayor?" I ask, annoyed at her interruption. "Where's my son Ms. Milton?" she asks demandingly, I look at her confused. "Do these look like fifth graders mayor Mills?" I ask sarcastically while gesturing to my students. "You're one of his teachers you should know where he is" She says rudely, she thinks that because she's the mayor she can talk to people however she pleases I've never been a fan. "I have Henry as my last class of the day; which isn't for two more periods, so I really have no idea where he is madam mayor. Now can I please continue my lesson before the be-" I don't get to finish before the bell rings and all my students rush to collect their things. "We will continue tomorrow you all have a good day be safe" I tell them as they speed to their next class.

Now it's just me and Regina. "Is there a way you could tell me where my son is?" she asks calmer now. "Well for starters he's probably at the elementary school, but I can check his schedule to tell you exactly where" I say, rounding my desk to look at my computer. "That would be very helpful, thank you." She says quietly, I look at her for a moment. She's a beautiful woman. It's like she hasn't aged at all, which is surprising considering she's a single mother and the mayor. She clears her throat, obviously caught me staring. I quickly get to what I need on my computer. "He should be in Ms. Blanchards class" I tell her sweetly. "Thank you Ms. Martins" she says politely, before leaving.

It came to my last class of the day. I gather my things, so I can make my way to the elementary. I turn toward the door of my classroom just to see Regina standing frozen in the doorway. There were stains where tears had once steamed down her face. "Mayor Mills whats wrong" my words seemed to have broken her from her trance. "He's gone, no one can find him. I don't know what to do Clementine." she says everything so quickly I almost couldn't understand it. "Alright It's gonna be okay." I say as calmly as possible. "No it's not, my son is missing and I don't know what I'm going to do." She stutters out, I can see the sadness in her eyes. She doesn't just need help to find Henry, she needs a friend. "Okay I'll help you. Let's get you home and call sheriff Graham" I say grabbing my bag and keys and walking towards the door.

Regina lets me in her house; I've never been here before but I've always admired it from the outside. Most people in town did while passing by. It was beautiful from the outside, but the inside was even better. I'm brought out of my thoughts by Sheriff Graham coming. Now it's a waiting game.