The Road to Forever ~ The Sequel to Modern Fairytale

Envy

Henry's birthday passed with ease, the couple having survived the introduction of Daniel's parents into their new familial situation. Robin and Tony became fast friends and the Trotters embraced him with open arms. It was a great relief to Regina to have more family than she'd ever know what to do with.

April was passing at rapid speed, leading Robin to become increasingly busy as he prepared for the end of the spring semester. He extended his office hours to accommodate his students in order to further discuss term papers and final assessments. Regina kept busy at the firm with countless contracts and gathering new clientele as well as mothering their two children when she returned to the apartment each evening. It was hard enough being a single parent to one stubborn teenager, but now she seemed to have gained a child and lost a partner. It was frustrating and stressful, to say the least.

Each night when Robin returned to the apartment, the children were already in bed and deep into their slumber. Regina kept a plate warm for him on the stove in case he was hungry, but he never was. More often than not he was so exhausted from his long day of lecturing and meetings that he would crawl into bed and repeat the cycle the next day. She asked him about it one night and he explained that he ate dinner in the office with Belle if he knew he would be home too late to join them. The food never went to waste, of course, when either Henry or himself would take it for lunch the following day.

"You could at least call to let me know you won't be coming home for dinner," she stated sharply one night. He ended up apologizing, recognizing the effort she put in to waiting for him and knowing he was wrong for not communicating.

But the days went on and Robin continued the seemingly endless cycle of late night meetings and dinners with his beautiful, younger coworker while Regina struggled to care for their children. After another night with no phone call, she decided to wait up for him. She was furious. It wasn't a lot for her to ask for a simple call or text to let her know if he'd be home for dinner yet he seemed incapable of doing just that.

The door opened late that Thursday night at the end of the month and she sat with a cup of coffee at one of the stools in the kitchen. He closed the door quietly, careful not to wake up his family, but was surprised when he turned and saw his lover seated before him, "Regina. I didn't think you'd be awake."

"Supper is on the stove," she said flatly.

"Thank you, love, but I already ate--"

"I know," she interrupted, "With Belle, no doubt."

He walked quietly into the kitchen and placed the plate in the refrigerator so it wouldn't go bad overnight before turning to face her, "Is something bothering you?"

"Does your phone not work, Robin? Should I call Verizon to see why I haven't been receiving your texts that you won't be coming home for dinner each night?" She snapped, her tone calm yet filled with her extreme frustration with him.

"I'm sorry, my love. I must have lost track of time. Belle and I--"

"Yes, Robin. I know," she sighed, "You and Belle were caught up in a discussion about French Literature. Or was it Ancient Theatrical Texts tonight?"

"I don't understand, Regina. Are you upset that I didn't call or that I was with Belle?" He asked, realizing the trap he was falling into.

"You share an office and have since the day I met you. Of course you'd be with Belle," she said, the vein in her forehead protruding slightly, "But I find it fascinating that you are so intrigued by her intellect that you become incapable of reaching out to your family."