A SwanQueen Story

Collapsing

Regina's POV

It's around twelve when there's a knock on my door and Rose peaks her head in.

"Yes Rose?"

"How's paperwork going?"

"Not great. Has Graham stopped by yet?"

"Yes and there's something he wants you to look over." She walks in with a stack of papers and I groan but on the inside. When does this work end?

"And this is something." She hands me the stack and smiles at me before leaving.

"Oh Miss Mills?"

"Yes Rose?"

"Can I take lunch?"

"Oh yes! Of course I didn't even notice the time. Next time if I get too caught up in work just knock and tell me you're talking lunch. I'm sorry take as much time as you need to eat."

"I could always bring lunch here and we could eat together if you want."

"I'm not hungry at the moment but thank you for inviting me." She nods and leaves. I pick the paper off the top of the stack and I read it.

Name; Emma Swan      Age: 28

Position: Deputy

I look at the paper in shock. He wants me to sign off on him getting a new deputy. Henry's birth mother is staying for a little longer?

"Regina." I know that annoying voice.

"What Miss Swan?" I look up to see her with two coffees yet again.

"Did I not telly you I'm busy. If you can't see Sheriff Graham just brought in a stack of papers that have to be done tonight. I don't have time to play tea party with you."

"Just take the coffee. I know you didn't get much sleep and you look more drained than usual. Not to sound rude or anything."

"What are you saying Miss Swan? I don't have time for this."

"Nothing. Just take it." I sigh and take the coffee. I set it down looking at the paper.

"So you're staying for a little longer?"

"How'd you know?"

"Deputy really?"

"What? Never had a girl as sheriff before?"

"No I have not. Are you even qualified?"

"I am. After I got out of jail, I started classes and I was a officer for a while and then a bail-bondsman. Person. Thing."

"How long?" I ask standing up from my chair and crossing my arms.

"I'm not here to take Henry from you Regina."

"Madame Mayor- I could beg to differ."

"Regina-"

"Mayor Mills or Madame Mayor or Miss Mills."

"Regina..... He is your son. I know that. And the last thing I want is to take him from you."

"Oh really?"

"Of course not! I just want to be in his life?"

"For how long Miss Swan? If I don't recall you said you have a life in Boston. And a girlfriend? Why not just take Henry and go? What's stopping you. I'm not his real mother. No matter how much I say it. I'm not his mom and I never will be. And with you in his life I'm not needed. Not anymore."

"I don't want to take him. I can't take care of a kid. I'm too selfish to put my everything into him. It's easy because he lives with you and you- you do everything. I just walk him to school. I can barely wake up to my alarms."