Roni

Chapter Twenty

To say Regina is missing an infuriating, yet gorgeous and endearing blonde, would be the understatement of the year. When she originally left Storybrooke to help Henry on his journey, of course she missed Emma, but the blonde never stuck around that realm. So, Regina didn't know what it was like to have Emma there, besides she was consistently busy fighting against Lady Tremaine and Drizella.

However, now, Regina knows all too well what it's like in Hyperion Heights with Emma. All those delicious memories of the corky woman invade Regina's mind everywhere she turns. Her bedroom is a constant reminder of their dirty little secrets. Her kitchen is a musical of them dancing and singing to eighties rock. Her bar holds so many memories of their playful, flirtatious, banter. Along with their first kiss and the first time they became more acquainted with one another's body.

Regina is sulking in her bar, prepping everything for a busy Saturday when she spots Lucy walking passed with Ivy just outside. She hastily drops what she is doing and rushes through her bar and out the door.

"Lucy!" She calls out, peeking her loose curls out the door.

Lucy and Ivy whip around in unison, both startled by the sound of Roni's voice. When Lucy's big brown eyes land upon her grandmother, she rushes to her side with a gleeful giggle. The little girl stops right in front of Regina, but she doesn't hesitate to bend down and pull her granddaughter into a tight hug. Lucy, of course is taken back for a moment, because Roni isn't one to hug her, but eventually the little girl is raising her arms and hugging Regina right back.

Lucy stretches her little legs, balancing on her tip toes. "You remember?" She whispers into Regina's ear, conscious of Ivy lurking right behind her.

Regina nods eagerly against her small shoulder and pulls back to catch her surprised reaction. She clasps her hands tightly around Lucy's shoulders, her heart swelling when Lucy's warm smile grows from ear to ear. She's missed her granddaughter so much and she can't help but think about how much Lucy reminds her of Henry at this age.

Regina flashes her a playful smirk with a small wink. She doesn't want Ivy to become too suspicious, even though the incompetent girl is far too busy texting on her phone to even notice.

"We are getting closer," Regina whispers and gently bumps her forehead against Lucy's. "Okay, run along before Ivy asks questions."

Lucy nods enthusiastically with a giant, permanent grin and runs back to Ivy. The younger woman doesn't even bother looking up from her device before she spins on her heels and saunters away. Regina watches as her granddaughter walks away with the enemy and physically winces as her heart shatters from the sight. With a heavy heart, she slips back inside of her bar to find Snow and Ella sitting at the counter.

It is still the early afternoon and technically Roni's isn't open yet, so Regina decides to bite her tongue and not saying anything too snarky to Snow about a child in her bar.

"So, what are you two going to do this Saturday afternoon?" Regina inquires.

"I'm not sure," Snow automatically answers as she stares intently at her granddaughter, obviously distracted by her own thoughts. "Ella?"

The raven haired girl shrugs her shoulders as her green eyes shift awkwardly between Snow and Regina. Snow discreetly flashes Regina a concerning expression with her eyes pleading for help. Regina's eyebrows scrunch together as she tries to navigate through this situation before turning her attention on the young girl once more.

"What do you like to do for fun?" She asks, hoping this is the best route to opening up Ella.

Snow inches closer to the girl, anxiously awaiting for her response and intrigued by what her granddaughter might say. However, much to Regina and Snow's disappointment Ella simply shrugs again.