Finding You Always

Open Hearts

Finding You Always

Chapter 28: Open Hearts

It was very peaceful down by the water, soothing even, but not quite enough to ease his nerves. The water lapped calmly on the shore and he spotted the pair walking along the beach, her arm latched onto his, hip to hip, strolling casually in perfect sync.

His sister was gone, having absconded over the town line early this morning. With memories returned, her orders from father were clear. Return to Hong Kong until the time for whatever he had planned came. He had received no word though. He knew what that meant. Father had probably already foreseen his dissension, his unwillingness to participate in his schemes that involved the Charmings. And he was sure his sister had confirmed his attitude on the matter.

He was faced with the dilemma of what to do now. He would tell them what he knew and they would probably kick him out of town. Then he would have to figure out what to do since there would be no returning to his father.

He joined the couple at the picnic table and let out a long exhale that he didn't realize he was holding in. There was no malice in their eyes when there was every reason for there to be. It was a true testament to the people they were.

"I want to start by saying that I have personally never meant either of you or your daughter harm," Paul started.

"But your father...he is a different story?" David asked. Paul sighed.

"My father, like the two of you and all those in this town, is not of this world. It is a very long story," Paul replied.

"We've got some time," Snow said. Paul nodded and began the tale of the Dragon King.

It took Regina a few moments to realize where she was when she woke up, but it soon hit her like a ton of bricks. She had lost...again. Her perfect curse, her revenge, had been utterly destroyed and again by true love. Everything was undone by a child. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't hear Robin enter the deserted station.

"I brought you breakfast," he said, startling her. She sat up and ran a hand through her dark hair. It was no use though. She probably looked awful, just like she felt.

"Sheriff Charming must be too busy following Snow around to do his job, as usual," she said bitterly.

"Actually, I asked him if I could your meal to you," Robin replied.

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"I care about you, Regina. I thought that was obvious," he replied.

"But now you know I'm the Evil Queen," she stated.

"Perhaps, but you know that's just a moniker. Take Robin Hood, for example. I earned that from being a thief," he retorted.

"You were helping the poor," she reiterated.

"Not always. I used to steal just for me, just to get what I wanted," Robin replied.

"I slaughtered villages and cast a curse that devastated an entire population," Regina replied.

"Because of a broken heart. I don't condone what you did, but I know a broken heart can unmake a person. When my wife died...if not for Roland, I'm sure I would have returned to my old ways," he replied.

"I still think it's a little different. Besides, even if I were to let go of my revenge, do you really think they'll ever let me out of here?" Regina asked. He nodded.

"I know there's a lot of bad blood between you and Snow, but from what I know, besides me, she'd be your biggest ally if you really gave up your quest for vengeance," Robin said.