The Rose and the Dagger

Chapter 19: Reconciliation

Center Storybrooke,

Regina placed a rose on the grave of her beloved Daniel.

-You are now avenged. Rest in peace my love, she said as a tear ran down her cheek.
She took one last glance back at the grave of her fiancé. She knew it was time for her to move on, as she started to walk away she suddenly felt a presence behind her, she turned suddenly to see a man standing there watching. His eyes looked away from her as soon as Regina saw him.

-Does it amuse you to spy on people in their moment of grief? She said annoyed.

The man looked surprised at this accusation.

-I was not spying on you he said softly.

-No? Then what are you doing here?

-The same as you, he said turning his gaze to the grave stone at his feet.

On the tombstone was engraved: Here rest Marianne Locksley, wife and mother.
Regina suddenly felt ashamed, for approaching this man as she did

-I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, she said looking down. I just didn’t see you coming….and I thought you….

-It doesn’t matter he said, I understand, cutting her off before she could complete her sentence.

She saw that the man was smiling, and she couldn’t help herself from smiling back. It was the first time in many years that anyone had smiled at her.

-I better get going, Regina replied quickly.

-Would the Madam Mayor mind some company if I walk with you? The handsome stranger asked.

He knew who she was. And even though he knew he still offered to take her home. Regina could not believe it.

-With pleasure, she said with an awkward smile

-I can drop you off at the town hall I assume? He asked

-No, I need to go to the hospital to see someone

They both walked up to the car, as the man turned to her and offered his name

-I’m Robin Locksley, as he took a quick bow and looked up smiling at her.

-And I am Regina Mills, but I think you already know that.

-I am delighted to meet you in person Miss Regina, he said.

She would have never thought of accepting a ride from a complete stranger. But yet there was something about this man. His smile was etched her mind, a smile that no other man had given her, except for her Daniel.

Hospital Storybrooke,

Time had seemed to go on forever as Belle paced the waiting room waiting for word about Rumple.
She rode in the ambulance with Rumple as she held his hand the entire time, and then as soon as they got to the hospital, they whisked him away, and told her to wait here. She could not stop worrying about her love.

-Stop walking around in circles, and come sit down by me Belle. Scarlett said who accompanied her dear friend to give her support

-This is not normal! It should not take this long! She said with frustration.

-Try to calm down Belle, I am sure all is going to be ok. She said with a reassuring smile.

Regina at the moment entered the waiting room, where she saw Belle. She slowly approached her

-So how is he? Have you heard any news?

-No, nothing yet Belle answered sadly.

-Can we talk for a moment, asked Regina