The swan rebirth

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Not long after putting Neal to bed Henry's grandparents returned home after their date. David drove the pair home, first dropping Riley off at her foster home, then Henry at his home with Regina. He had told his mom goodnight about 15 minutes ago and was now getting into bed. It doesn't take him long to fall asleep, even with the thoughts of Riley running through his brain.

The next thing Henry knew he was sitting on the fire escape at his father's apartment in New York. He hears noise from the window and out comes Neal, Henry to stunned to speak "Hey buddy" Neal says with a huge smile on his face.

The pair wraps each other in a hug "Dad it's you" Henry says muffled from his face being buried in his father's shoulder.

They hold in the hug for what seems to be a few minutes "Come on bud, take a seat" he says leading him back to the steps. "Tell me Henry how are you?"

Henry shrugs "Ok I guess, I miss mom though" he then looks down at his hands "Have you seen her dad? She didn't end up in the underworld did she?" he asks, he was certain Riley was Emma but wasn't sure.

"No Henry I haven't. But I can tell you for sure she isn't in the underworld."

"You're ok though, aren't you dad?"

"Yeah bud, I am. Like I told your mom when you guys where on your way to the underworld, I'm happy I moved on."

"Then where is she? Is it possible she is in the good place and you haven't seen her?"

"Trust me Henry if she was there I would know. Something tells me you already know or think you know where she is" Neal says pretty sure of himself.

"Am I right then, is Riley mom, or her spirit or something?" Henry asks excited to be getting a answer finally.

Neal gives him a smile "Yeah Henry it is. You should know she wouldn't leave you if she could help it. I know she wrote a letter and I know what it said, so before you get a crazy idea Henry. No she didn't plan this, she had every intention of strictly just being there in spirit, even she didn't realize she could do that" Neal tries to explain.

"Was it magic somehow?"

"No, I honestly don't know what sent your mom back Henry. But I'm glad she was able to get back to you somehow, you two are meant to be together."

"What do I do now, do I tell her, or grandma and grandpa, or even mom?" Henry asks rambling off everyone.

Neal chuckles "If you're going to tell anyone I think it should be Riley, but be careful. If she is anything like our Emma she will be tough to crack."

"Yeah, trying to convince a girl a year younger than me, that she is my reincarnated mom might be tough" Henry says amused.

"Just have hope Henry, it may not be easy but you will find a way" Neal tries to give him a reassuring smile.

"I will try dad" Henry replies.

Neal pulls his son into a hug and kisses his head "I love you Henry" he kisses him again "make us proud" and he exits through the window like he entered.

Henry sits up suddenly in his bed, breathing heavily. "It's true" he says, not being able to help the smile on his face "it's her" running a hand through his hair, he looks at the clock and sees it's not quite 4 am, so he lays back down hoping he can get back to sleep, knowing it wouldn't be easy.

A little while later Henry gets up and has his usual morning routine. Today he had a early session with Archie, and he makes his way to his office. Henry knocks on his door "Ah Henry, come on in, take a seat."