Love Will Find a Way ~ The Final Part of Modern Fairytale

Tallahassee

The early days of March began better than expected. All the contracts were complete and signed, August already hard at work helping Adam and Eddy develop the pilot script for Once Upon a Time. Money started rolling in again for Regina and the stress melted away with each incoming paycheck. Her medical bills weren't nearly paid off, but making consistent payments and still having money left over was a relief, finally, all without having to worry about Robin working another job.

She stood at the sink, washing the dishes from their meal, while he got Roland ready for bed. Henry was in his room, studying between texts to Grace. She scrubbed the ketchup from her youngest son's plate with a smile, shaking her head that he always squeezed too much for his chicken and never used all of it. Her mind wandered to thoughts of what he would be like when he grew up. She thought the same things when Henry was that age, pleased to see what a brilliant young man he was already becoming. She couldn't believe he would be sixteen in just one month. Time had flown by and now she had another little boy to raise with the knowledge that he'd be turning sixteen before she realized where the time had gone.

She peered up at her engagement ring where it sat on the counter. She removed it in fear of losing it down the drain as she scrubbed the soapy water over each dish. A February wedding might be nice, she thought to herself. She imagined royal blue and white roses set in a canopy above their heads as they exchanged vows, their friends and family smiling brightly at the sight of their everlasting love. She made a note to mention that to Robin once they were in bed to see how he felt about a winter ceremony.

There was a sudden knock on the door and she jumped in surprise. They hadn't been expecting company, especially at this late hour on a school night. Knowing Robin was busy with Roland, she wiped her hands on her apron and put her ring back on her finger. Regina walked to the door and peeked through the peephole. Nothing could have prepared her for what stood on the other side. Her heart began beating fast in her chest, her throat tightening to fight back the tears welling in her eyes. She took a deep breath as she quickly pulled it open and said, "Emma, what happened? Are you alright?"

The blonde stood before her, wet hair from the rain coming down outside, visible tears staining her cheeks, and blood soaked clothing cinching to her body. Streams of red dripped from her shaking hands. Her eyes were puffy and swollen, but what struck Regina was the way the color was no longer bright; her eyes showed a broken heart and damaged soul. Something terrible was happening and this beaten down woman chose to come to her for help.

That's when it struck her: Why didn't she run to Neal? Nothing was making sense. If she was hurt on duty, she'd be in uniform, but she wasn't. She wore her casual red, leather jacket and jeans. If something happened while she was off duty, she'd be escorted to the nearest hospital where she imagined Neal would be her emergency contact. But aside from the obvious emotional distress, Emma didn't have a scratch on her.

"Where's Neal?"

The blonde's face twisted, pained by the thought of whatever it was she was living through. Tears continued down her cheeks, her bottom lip poked out and quivered. But it all disappeared once she took a deep breath. It was as if she was going to speak, but the words refused to leave her mouth. Instead she merely gazed into the brunette's eyes, hoping that simple gesture would make her understand. And she did. Regina recognized her expression immediately; it was the same one she wore for years after Daniel's passing. Emma didn't have to say a word. Regina knew. Neal was gone and he was never coming back.

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Regina knocked on the bathroom door, not having heard a sound from Emma and worrying the worst, of course. The blonde soaked in the tub, allowing the lavender scented bubbles to encircle her body as she said, "Yeah?"