The Nanny

A Game Plan

Warning: Discussion of Regina's rape.

The movie played on but Regina couldn't concentrate on it. For the life of her, she couldn't even name which one they were watching. All she knew was that it was brightly colored, animated and Roland adored it. He was curled up against her on the couch, a blanket wrapped around the two of them and a bowl of popcorn stuck between them.

All she could think about was that there were no longer several states and maybe a major river between her and Leopold Blanchard. He was staying in Storybrooke Plaza, no doubt in one of the best suites because she couldn't imagine Leopold Blanchard in a regular room like everyone else—even if he couldn't afford it. Nat Cole was probably paying for it.

She knew Mary Margaret said he was going to confess but she couldn't see him doing it, even for his beloved daughter. It was more likely he would conspire with Cole and Gold, find a way to throw her under the bus yet again and maybe even drive it as it ran over the wonderful life she had started to build for herself. Mary Margaret had wanted to help but Regina feared she had just made things worse.

"Mom?" Roland asked, interrupting her doomsday predictions. She glanced down to find him staring up at her, brown eyes wide and concerned. "Do you not like the movie?"

Busted. "It's not the movie, sweetheart," she started, unsure how to explain the situation to the boy.

"Are you still scared about going to jail?" he asked, holding Sparky close.

Regina sighed, running her fingers through his curls. "Yes, I am. But Papa, Uncle John and I are still fighting to keep me out."

"Good," he replied, nodding. "I'd miss you if you went to prison."

"I'd miss you too." She blinked back tears and reached for the tissue box that was nearby.

"Mom's not going anywhere," Robin said, entering the room. "She's going to stay with us for a long time."

Roland nodded before looking back up at her. "It's okay if you don't want to watch the movie with me. I understand."

Her heart felt like it was being ripped in two and she shook her head as she pulled him onto her lap. "I may not be paying attention to the movie, but I don't want to be anywhere else but here with you. I love cuddling with you."

"I love cuddling with you too," he said, snuggling closer to her. His little head rested against her chest and she dropped a kiss into his curls.

Robin stood at the edge of the couch, smiling. "Can I join you or is this a mother-son thing only?"

She looked down at Roland, who nodded. Patting the spot next to her before moving the bowl of popcorn, Regina smiled. "Come and join us."

"Gladly." Robin sat down next to her and Roland turned in her arms, stretching out his feet to rest on his father's lap. He giggled as Robin gave him a look. "Thank you, son."

Regina adjusted the blanket so it covered him and Robin stretched out his arm, resting it on the back of the couch. She bristled as his arm hair brushed against her neck, focusing on her breathing to keep it normal. He retracted it as he whispered: "Sorry, lovely."

Her breathing stayed normal and a fire lit inside her. She was determined not to let Leopold Blanchard ruin her life anymore. Especially not when she had such a great life once again—a man who loved her, a son, another child on the way, her father living with her, many friends. No, he wasn't going to take this from her. She scooted closer to Robin and rested her head on his shoulder.