The Way We Were

Chapter 7

Regina examined herself in the rearview mirror of her car, desperately hoping she didn't look like the way she felt, which was like a complete train wreck. She tucked her hair behind her ears, brushed away the smudge of lipstick, squared her shoulders, and took a deep breath.

"Mama, can we go in now?" Roland piped up from the backseat. His impatient little legs kicked at his booster seat, and she could practically hear the energy bursting from within him. It had been a long drive. 5 hours to be exact.

Today was visitor's day at the rehab facility, and Emma had sent a letter inviting Regina and the boys. Roland had eagerly expressed his excitement and had all but jumped in the car the moment Regina read the letter aloud. It had been 2 and a half months since they had seen Emma, and he missed her more than anyone else.

With the exception of Regina, of course. Although, little boy missing his mother topped the loneliness Regina felt. Also, she wasn't sure if she was ready to let her walls down and trust Emma again. Henry definitely didn't; he refused to even read the letters that Emma sent weekly. He was hurting, rightfully so.

Regina had purposefully scheduled an appointment with Archie the day before they were supposed to leave. She didn't understand why she was so nervous about seeing Emma. Maybe it was the fact that she felt guilty about giving her those divorce papers without warning. Or maybe she was afraid she wouldn't be able to keep her guard up once she saw her again.

Archie had reassured her that these feelings were perfectly normal after she had spent almost the entire session sobbing and going through his box of tissues like she was some teenage girl with her first heartbreak. And to be perfectly honest, Regina wasn't sure she was ready to give up so soon.

She was just so tired. Tired of picking up the pieces without feeling an ounce of gratitude from her wife. She was tired of being a punching bag. Of pouring out her heart and soul and allowing herself to fall into the empty promises dished out on a silver platter. But she also tried to understand that Emma was tired too.

"Mama..." the little boy whined from the backseat. Regina caught his eye in the rearview mirror and gave him a soft smile. "Alright, let's go."

As they entered the facility, Regina noticed the large banner hanging above their heads. 'Welcome Visitors!' the sign displayed in cheerful letters accompanied by signatures of what must be the patients.

"Hello." A man greeted them. He looked to be about Regina's age, maybe a few years older. "I'm Heath, one of the staff of our facility. I assume you're here for Emma."

Regina's eyes widened the slightest as the man shook her hand, then knelt down to greet Roland. "Hi, little man. You must be Roland."

"We're here to see Mommy Emma," the boy spoke up, his dimples highlighting his face as he gave the man a toothy grin. "She'll be happy to see you. She talks about you all the time," Heath said.

He then straightened up to address Regina once more. The woman swallowed thickly before speaking. "How is she?"

The man must have seen the worry in her eyes, for he gave her a slight nod before crouching down eye-level to Roland. "See that lady over there in the red shirt at that table? She has some pretty neat stuff for you to take home if you go over and ask her."

Roland looked up at his mother silently for permission. Regina squeezed his hand and nodded. "Go on. We have all day to see Mom."

With that, the boy released the tight grip on her hand and rushed over to the table to see what goodies were waiting. Heath motioned for Regina to sit down. She did so, making sure to keep a watchful eye on her son. The boy was too curious and trusting for his own good.