Ten of Hearts

Chapter 4: Redemption

A/N: Guys! If you want to know when this story updates or any put it into a reading list of yours so you'll know! Thx.
-OUAT_7
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It was now close to lunch time and Regina had already dropped Henry off at the loft. She was at Jefferson's.

"So how long has it been since you used magic?" Jefferson asked and fell back into the couch and she sat down normally.

"Like two weeks."

He smiled and took a sip of his coffee. "That's good." He set his mug down and fold his hands. "I want you to prove yourself."

"How do I do that?"

He sighed and stood up. "Regina...look lets go to Granny's with Grace."

"Why?"

"Well it's almost lunch and you need to learn to interact with your town."

"I hate you." She glared at him and grabbed her jacket.

"Love you too." He teased and she shoved him.

...

He walked her up to the diner door with a hand on her back. "Okay Regina. You ready?" His hands found their way to her shoulders and squeezed them.

Is it me or does he find every opportunity to touch me? She turned to face him. "Ready!" She said with a big fake smile plastered on her face.

He then grabbed her arm gently and opened the door letting her and Grace in. Once she walked in everybody shot glares in her direction. Regina felt very uncomfortable and vulnerable, which she hated. Grace shared a smile which calmed her down. She felt a special connection with Grace. Grace did also. Best friends and a mother figure.

"What can I get you?" Red asked Jefferson and Grace and then shot a flare at Regina which made her head go down. She sat next to Grace.

"Don't let them intimidate you." Grace whispered to Regina.

"Uh...I'll get a hamburger."

"Me too! And fries for all of us to share." Grace said and nudged Regina.

Regina really loved this little girl and the little girl loved her back. It felt good to be loved. Especially after so many years of loveless relationships.

"I'll have a chicken salad." Regina said. Red rolled her eyes and smiled at the father-daughter duo.

Jefferson studied Regina's face like he always had, accept this time he saw what he didn't want to see. Pain. He saw nothing, but pain, loneliness, and sadness. He frowned at her.

"I'm gunna run to the restroom." She said and excused herself.

Jefferson walked after her. She went into the back hallway of the diner. He followed.

She started to cry. She sobbed loudly and held herself. Jefferson couldn't bare the sight. So he gently wrapped his arms around her, she jumped slightly at the contact.

Once she noticed who it was and dug her head into his shoulder and he just held her and rubbed soothing circles on her back. She calmed down and rose her head to look at him. His face was close, she could feel his breath on her lips.

"Thank you for...that." She said and couldn't find the right words. He got out of her personal space and held her arms. They smiled at each other.

"Why are you upset?"

"I just want...people to like me you know. To have a family that I love and who loves me. I've got part of that though..."