Unexpectedly

Catching Hell

"Gina?" Roland catches my attention.

"Yes?" I reply.

"How come we've never been to your house?" He asks.

"I don't know, would you like to see my place?" 

"Yes! Can we go today, please!?"

"We'll have to talk to your father about it."  I state. 

Robin walks into the living room, "What are you guys doing up so early?" 

"It's 9:30." I say.

"Oh, did you guys eat?"Robin asks.

''No, Papa, we were waiting for you." Roland giggles.

"Do you wanna go out for breakfast then?" Robin offers. 

"Can we go to Gina's after?" Roland asks. 

"Does Gina want to?" Robin looks at me.

"Gina doesn't care what we do. Roland wants to see my place." I answer. 

"Gina's! Gina's!" Roland chants. 

"I guess we are going to Gina's then." Robin chuckles, "Go get dressed and we'll go." 

Roland runs into his bedroom, while Robin and I make our way to Robin's. 

~

While we walk up to my apartment, I receive a call from Emma,

"Hey, G, The monster is outside your door." 

"Why are you at my door? You have a key." I reply confused. 

"I'm inside, you're mother is here. Did you just call me a monster?" She catches on and I laugh.

"Of course not Emma, those were your vague words. Tell her to leave." I say. 

"I'm not opening that door. Nope, this is yours." 

"Thanks Ems, what a great friend." I say sarcastically. 

"When are you gonna get here?" She asks.

"Um, I'm on the floor with Robin and Roland." I groan. 

"Okay, see you soon!" She hangs up. 

"FU-Fudge!" I say aloud and both Roland and Robin turn to me. 

"What's wrong Gina?" Roland asks taking my hand. 

"My mother is awaiting my return." I say.

"Why is that a bad thing?" Roland questions. 

"We don't have that good of a relationship, Roland. It's a long story that isn't for your ears honey." I say. 

"Okay."

"Do you want Roland and I to wait in the lobby or something?" Robin offers. 

"Uh, you can go inside, I'll get her to leave. I'm sorry Robin, you guys shouldn't be around it." I say. 

"It's okay." 

"Gina, is that your mommy?" Roland asks as we turn the corner.

"Yes, here's my key Robin. Emma is in there for some reason." 

We slow our pace down as we end at my door. I am kicking myself internally and already holding my tongue. I'm gonna catch hell for not staying here last night. 

"Regina, Robin." She smiles, "And who is this young one?" She kneels down. 

"I'm Roland and I'm five!" He grins. 

"Nice to meet you Roland, I'm Cora, Regina's mother." 

"I know, Gina told us about you while we were walking. I'm sorry you and Gina don't get along very well." Roland says. 

"Roland, come on, we are going inside." Robin says opening the door. 

Once the door closes behind them, mother's smile turns cold, frigid, "Regina Mills, where were you last night when we agreed I would come back?"

"Robin invited me over and I accepted. He's important to me and so is his son. I am going to ask you to leave please." I say calmly. 

"If I leave, I am never coming back, daughter." She replies.

"I would be thankful for you to leave and never come back." I spit back.

"You're going to regret this decision Regina." She crosses her arms. 

"The only thing I regret is allowing you to hold things above my head and make lesser of a person than you are. You are a selfish bitch that needs a big wake up call. Fuck you. Leave." I say. 

She looks at me then walks off into the distance, I can hear her heels clicking against the hard floor as she walks away. I groan as I enter my apartment and walk into the kitchen and grab a beer. Emma walks in and sits at the bar.

"Hey G." 

"Hey E." I say sipping my anti-stressor.

"Are you okay?" She asks. 

"Yeah, I'm okay. Why are you here?" 

"Killian and I got into a huge fight, so I left to come to you. But, you weren't here so I stayed the night and come some more beer, and I'm glad I did." 

"I'm sorry you got into a fight." I give her a hug. 

"I LOVE THIS PLACE!" Roland exclaims running into the kitchen, "Thanks Gina!"

"I'm glad you like here. Where's your father?" 

"He's going potty." 

"Okay. i'm going to the living room." Both Emma and Roland follow me out, Emma and I sit on the couch watching Roland play. 

"Miss Emma, will you play with me please?" Roland uses his puppy dog eyes to cajole Emma into playing. 

"Yeah, I'll play with you." Emma gets on the ground and grabs the monster truck. 

Robin comes out and sits down pulling me into his embrace, "How are you?" 

"I'm fine. She is gone, forever this time." I smile up to him. 

"You're happy about it?" He inquires. 

"Yes, she can't mess up my life anymore, and I can be me."

"Okay, love."