The Road to Forever ~ The Sequel to Modern Fairytale

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During the first days of September, Robin prepared to return to Columbia full-time. Regina continued to work from home and held daily lunch meetings with her mother. At least that's how she liked to think of them rather than seeing Cora as a glorified babysitter so Robin could leave the apartment without having to worry about her. She was walking more and regaining her strength at a much quicker pace. Cora ensured that her daughter got some fresh air each day; taking her outside the apartment building for short-lived strolls through Central Park. Regina had begun wrapping her head in beautiful scarves to fight the approaching chilly Autumn weather; she may have felt stronger, but she knew her immune system was still weak from the chemo and she didn't want to take a chance at getting sick.

While Regina was thrilled to be working more consistently again, Robin was the one who was even more delighted to return to the University. He woke up early the morning of his first day back, anxious to formally introduce himself to his students and to conduct interactive discussions in person rather than via the internet. The first thing he'd done when he arrived in his office was hang the clock she'd given him for their anniversary. He placed it above the door of the room so he could always catch a glimpse of it from his desk. He had some time to kill before his first lecture so he thought it best to review his notes. Just as he'd opened his laptop and began reading, Belle French walked into their shared office.

"Robin," she said in a surprised tone, "I didn't know you'd be back already."

"Neither did I," he admitted and it was the truth. He'd been expecting the worst when his lover's diagnosis began taking over their lives. On the outside, Robin was strong and supportive; almost never allowing Regina to see his pain or worry. But on the inside, he'd prepared himself for funeral plans and custody discussions with Cora over Henry. He would never tell her what he'd been thinking, never tell Regina that he thought she was going to die. But he had. And to be back at work with her alive and getting well at home, he'd never been more relieved.

"How is Regina doing?" Belle asked, sitting down across from him and gazing at him with sympathetic eyes.

He nodded with a soft smile, "Much better. She's in remission."

"That's wonderful news, Robin!" She exclaimed happily and was genuine in her expression. He appreciated her enthusiasm. It made him feel more confident in his decision to return to work while she was still at home.

He glanced up at the clock he'd just finished hanging on the wall and immediately thought of his resilient Regina, his heart fluttering with love and affection upon the sight of the cracked face of his anniversary gift, "I better be off. I have my first lecture in five minutes and I'd hate to keep them waiting any longer."

"Mind if I sit in?" She asked, standing as he did. He gave her a confused expression and she looked down at the floor sheepishly, "I always enjoyed your lectures and the department wants to promote me to part-time next semester. I want to start preparing for lectures that aren't about French Literature."

Robin laughed and held the door open for her, "After you."

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Robin's lecture began with a brief introduction of himself, "Good morning. As you all know, my name is Doctor Robin Locksley and I am your professor for Influential American Theatrical Texts. I'd like to begin by apologizing for my absence the first few weeks of the semester. It's been quite an eventful summer for me and my family."