The Nanny

Free Swim

"Wait a minute. You told him about your bouts with depression? Really?" Emma's surprised voice carried through the phone's speaker. "It took you until our junior year to tell me and I don't think anyone else knew. Not even Leopold—thank God for that."

Regina curled up under her covers, pushing her wet hair back from forehead as her muscles complained about her workout. She sighed as she pressed the phone closer to her ear. "I'm glad I never told Leopold about it either. But yes, I told Robin about it. It just popped out."

"Just popped out? I doubt that."

"Okay, Roland had an episode that reminded me of my dollhouse," Regina said. "And before I could stop myself, the entire story spilled out. Robin is very easy to talk to."

Emma hummed. "That one of the reasons why you've avoided it until now?"

"One? Yes."

"So, how did he react?"

"Very well actually," Regina replied. "Though he was concerned I was telling him Roland is depressed."

"Is he?"

Regina shrugged before remembering she was on the phone. "I don't think so but I told him that Dr. Hopper would know better."

"Makes sense," Emma said. "So, what happens now?"

"I guess I can't keep freezing Robin out."

"No shit."

Regina rolled her eyes this time. "Good night, Emma."

She hung up the phone and snuggled under the covers. As she reached over to turn off the lamp, a form moved in the door between her room and Roland's. She sat up, squinting to try and see it clearer. "Roland? Is that you?"

The tiny form emerged from the shadows, stepping into Regina's room. He held his teddy bear close, tear tracks on his cheeks. She hopped out of bed and crossed the room to him, grabbing a tissue to wipe his tears. "What's wrong?"

"I had a bad dream," he said, hiccupping.

Regina hugged him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He tightened his hold her neck and shook his head. She rubbed his back, saying: "It might make you feel better."

"No," he whimpered. "It was too scary."

"Okay. How about some warm milk instead?" Regina suggested.

He nodded and she picked him up, carrying him down to the dark kitchen. She navigated her way over to the light switch, using her elbow to turn it on. After shifting Roland to rest on her hip, Regina had her right hand free to pour the milk into the pot and begin heating it on the stove. She made sure to keep bouncing him, hoping it would be soothing.