She's Back

Christmas Time

Regina

"Gina! Gina the doorbell rang!" Roland cried as he discarded his ornaments in the box on the table, rummaging around the foyer as I balanced Rosalie on my hip. "I know sweetie, thank you." I said unlocking the heavy door and swinging it open, letting Zelena in who was carrying a babbling Robyn along with a bag full of wrapped gifts.

"Aunt Zee!" Roland cried, along with Henry who came into the room and greeted his aunt warmly, she smiled and placed kisses on both of their cheeks before handing Robyn to Henry who eagerly took her and vanished towards the tree to decorate with Roland.

"Hey sis, I thought I'd help you get ready for the party." She said arranging my food platter, I smirked and nodded, staring at my sister intently as she continued to mindlessly fidget with the food, smiling effortlessly over something that I had to figure out.

"Are you seeing someone?" I asked raising my eyebrow, she scoffed almost immediately and her cheeks blushed, matching the color of her hair.

"Regina no, I'm not, dating is out of the question, I have Robyn to think about." She said stuttering, I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms at her, not believing her excuse one bit.

"Well that's shit, and yes you are, I can tell." I said smirking at her, she sighed and raised a finger to her lips, scowling at me.

"Okay fine but be quiet!" She instructed, I giggled and waited for her to continue, pressing my lips shut.

"I'm seeing Jefferson." She said quietly, making me raise and eyebrow and chuckle, picturing the sassy young man with my sister. "Jefferson? Oh well that's interesting! Good for you!" I said mixing the frosting for the cookies, she smiled and nodded, continuing with the set up.

"Thank you." She said returning her eyes to the food guiltily.

"You know just because you're a mom doesn't mean you can't date, I thought that I couldn't and I found Robin, give him a chance and you might be pleasantly surprised." I said pulling the platter away from her, getting a nervous glance in my direction.

"Really?" She asked quietly, I nodded and squeezed her hand, walking towards the taller woman. "Yes really, I found the love of my life the second time around, and you can too, I know you loved Hades, and I truly appreciate what you did for me, but you should find someone who will respect your trust, and won't lie, someone who will treat you right. You owe it to yourself and to Robyn." I said smiling, I watched a tear roll down her cheek as she nodded, looking up at me pensively.

"Okay, thanks." She said leaning in and hugging me, I smiled and embraced her, pulling away at the sound of Rosalie who had awoken in the playpen, her coos getting my attention along with the stuffed apple that she hurled across the kitchen at us.

"Ma!" She cried, bouncing on her legs as she started to fuss, reaching her arms out to me as I tried to get everything ready.

"No Rosalie, mama has to get everything ready." I said pulling the ham out of the oven, setting it to cool on top of the stove, bathing it in the juice so it wouldn't dry out.

"Maaaaa!" She screamed over the Christmas music that was playing on our small radio, making the dull ache in my head return from this morning.

"I got her." Zelena offered, I nodded and thanked her, watching my sister walk over and scoop up my daughter, bouncing her lightly until she calmed down, walking out of the kitchen until I heard her crying cease.