New Boy In The Neighborhood

Chapter 3 / Birthday Surprise

***
Regina's POV

I woke up to the stormy weather. Of course it would be like this on my birthday. I rolled my eyes and jumped out of bed heading to my closet. I got a long sleeve black shirt with a coat and jeans with boots. After I finished brushing my hair and doing my makeup I headed downstairs grabbing my umbrella and headed outside on my way to Granny's.

I walked into Granny's finding Emma and Henry sitting together at a booth drinking their hot cocoa with cinnamon.

"Hey Mom! Happy Birthday!" Henry said approaching me and giving me a hug.

"Yeah, Happy Birthday." Emma said continuing to sip her cocoa.

I ordered my coffee and sat alone next to the windows watching the rain fall and the storm grow. A couple moments later the power went out.

Everyone sighed and left the building.

"Sorry Regina, can't make coffee without the power." Granny said.

I frowned and left Granny's. I thought about seeing if Robin would want to hang out but I figured he's still sleeping. I walked back home setting up the candles so that I could light them as it got dark. I decided to just stay in for the day. I changed into my sweats and my favorite red cozy long sleeve shirt. I sat on my couch and flicked on Netflix searching for a movie to watch.

***
Robin's POV

Roland and I slept in late. Till at least 12:00 pm. I finally got up and got ready already excited to give Regina her gifts. I noticed the power wasn't working and it was pretty stormy outside. I went to Roland's room and helped him get ready. As soon as he got ready we threw on our jacket hoodies and ran to Regina's porch.

Roland knocked on the door cheerfully with the wrapped presents in his arms. Regina opened up the door and smiled.

"This must Roland." She said kneeling to his level with a smile.

"Hi!" Roland cheered.

"Come on guys come in it's raining cats and dogs out there." She said letting us in.

"We got you two gifts!" Roland cheered as we all sat on Regina's couch.

Regina smiled at me.

Roland gave her the first gift which was the necklace. She unwrapped the paper slowly and opened the box. She smiled down on it.

"I love it." She announced giving me a warm hug.

"What about me?" Roland asked with a small smile.

Regina hugged him as well.

"One more!" Roland cheered handing her the wrapped up Ed Sheeren album.

She unwrapped it quickly.

"Aww, this is my favorite artist!" She said.

"Thank you guys so much, your the best." She added hugging the both of us this time.

I noticed tears forming in her eyes.

"What is it?" I asked.

"No one has ever really cared about my birthday." She replied with a smile.

I smiled back at her.

I started getting lost in her chocolate eyes. I didn't notice I was staring for awhile now.

"Papa, I'm tired." Roland said with a yawn.

"Oh, I might have one of Henry's old blankets." Regina said approaching her nearby closet.

She grabbed a Spider-Man one and threw it to me. I wrapped the blanket around Roland and left him falling asleep on the couch.

Regina and I walked towards the kitchen and sat down together.

"Thanks again, for everything." Regina said.

"No problem. I just want you to know that I care for you." I replied.

She smiled and grabbed the red bottle of wine.

"I need one glass." She said.

"Pour me one?" I asked.

She nodded and grabbed another glass. She poured the red wine and handed it to me. Our hands accidentally touched as she handed it to me.

"Oh, sorry." She said moving her hand away from mine.

She poured herself a glass and took a sip closing her eyes.

"Mmm." She said licking her lips.

I took my sip and set it back down.

"How much was that necklace?" She asked.

"It doesn't matter." I replied with a smile.

"Oh. So it was expensive." She guessed.

I smiled and went back to grab the necklace. I came back in with the necklace in my hands and approached her quickly.

"Turn around and pick up your hair." I said.

She did as told and I placed the necklace around her neck and connected the chains.

"It truly is beautiful." She said letting her hair fall back down as she turned back my way.

"Roland pointed to it and as soon as I saw it I thought of you." I added.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because I love seeing your face filled with joy." I replied.

As soon as she was about to say something the TV news started playing loud noises.

Warning: Please remain inside your home at all time at least until morning. The storm is getting worse and worse.

It repeated.

"Looks like we're staying the night." I said with a smile.

"Looks like I should start lighting up the candles." She added grabbing the lighter out of a drawer.

She went around the house lighting up the candles. As the night grew Regina had already been getting tired.

"We could maybe watch a movie in my bedroom for awhile?" Regina suggested.

"Sounds great, I'll bring Roland in the room with us so he doesn't freak out if he wakes up." I said.

***
Regina's POV

Roland lie at the end of the bed sleeping soundly as Robin and I watched cartoons like we were kids. I started getting more and more tired. I lie my head on Robin's shoulder closing my eyes.

"Regina." He whispered in my ear.

I pretended I was sleeping so I didn't respond.

I felt him kiss my head gently.

"I love you.." He whispered as he rested his head back against my pillows.

I smiled widely. Those were the words I've been waiting to hear all day.