Little Sparrow Mills

Chapter 10

                                A few days later
        "So, how are things going between you and Sparrow?" Snow asked Regina as they were walking
back to her bed chambers. "Good I think. Her wounds are healing nicely. She's still very guarded
but coming around."
         "Have you told her yet?" Snow asked as she stopped and looked at me. I sighed, "No, Snow. Trust me, you'll be the first person I tell." I said as I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my tea. "I was just asking."
"I'm going to take her down to the stables later. She loves horses so I have a surprise for her. Maybe I can I have my moment there." Snow smiled, "Wonder who she gets that from?" Yes I wonder who she gets that from? I thought to myself and smiled. "Well I'm going to check on her and I'll talk to you later." I said standing to leave. "Don't rush into anything Regina. When the time is right, you'll know." She said patting my shoulder and taking her leave.

Once inside my chambers, I made my way over to the balcony where I knew I'd find Sparrow drawing. Over the last few days while I have been busy with the Charmings and everyone else trying to figure out a plan to destroy this wicked witch, the balcony is where I'd always find her. Lost in her drawings, which were always amazing. She really had an eye for capturing the beauty around her.

         "Sparrow?" I said gently as to not scare her. But she didnt budge. "Sparrow?" I said again stepping closer but still nothing. "Sparrow dear?" I said again this time placing my hand on her shoulder. She gasped and covered her face with her hand, "Oh my goodness!" I giggled as I took a seat next to her. "Sorry dear. Just came to see if you were ready. I can see you've been busy." I said glancing down at her note pad. She slowly closed it and stood up, "I'll go get ready! Just give me a few minutes. I didnt realize how much time had passed." "Its alright dear! Take your time." 

As she stepped out to go change, I noticed she left her note pad so I decided to take a look. She had managed to capture the beauty of the garden, the sunsets, my beautiful apple tree that was drawn with the utmost detail, and then.....me. She drew.....me. It looked like she had just started it and wasn't finished. But I was taken aback. She captured the smallest detail right down to the smallest wrinkles. "Wow." I softly said to myself, or so I thought. I looked up and Sparrow was making her way over. She gently took it from my hands and folded it under her arm. Look of embarrassment flashed across her face. "It's nothing. Just....something I'm working on." She said as she placed a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's amazing dear. You have an incredible eye!"
She just smiled and stared down at her feet, her beautiful brown hair falling out from behind her ear again. I stood and guided her by her arm over to the vanity, "Here. Let me do your hair." I said grabbing a brush and taking her note pad to set it down. I could see the puzzling look all over face. "I have a surprise for you and it would be better if your hair was up and out of your face." I said as I began to brush it out before deciding to braid it.

As Regina brushed my hair, I couldn't help but wonder what I did to deserve her. She had been so kind to me in just the short amount of time I had known her and it was unlike anything I've ever felt. I couldn't help but wonder what life would have been like had my own mother not given me up. Would she have been this kind and caring? Brushed my hair? Admired all the qualities I had that other people put me down for all my life? I then looked up at Regina and wanted to know more about her. For someone who used to be the "Evil Queen", she sure was the kindest person I've met. I wish she could have been my mother. I thought to myself. "What are you thinking about dear?" What the heck!? Did I say that out loud? "What?" I said, positive my face had blushed. "You smiled just then. What are you thinking about?" She softly said as she finished braiding my hair. She sat next to me and I turned to face her sheepishly. "It's ok. You can tell me anything sweetheart." Did I really wanna tell her that I just wished she could have been my mom? "I just never had anyone brush my hair before and wondered what life would have been like if my mother never gave me up....." I said looking up at her. She looked almost taken back but I continued. ".....and then wished you could have been my mother." I finished as I looked to my hands, afraid of her reaction. It seemed like minutes passed by and she hadn't said anything. When I looked up she had a shocked look on her face. "Uhhh did I say something wrong?" I said as I stood up. "I'm....I'm sorry. I shouldn't have."
"No you didn't...." Regina started to say but I interrupted her.
"I know you already have a son. I just...that's what mother's do? Right?"
Regina then grabbed my shoulders, "You didn't do anything wrong dear. I'm just happy you think that of me is all." She said with smile. I could sense a sort of sadness about her now but didn't want to pry. She then motioned me towards the door, "Let's go get that surprise huh?"

Try as I might, I couldn't get those words out of my head. I cant blame her for thinking about what life could have been like with me, but it still kind of hurt. She didn't hurt me, my own selfishness hurt me. I can only imagine what her whole life has been like aside from living with Zelena and it's all my fault. But if I'm being honest, her life with me probably wouldn't have been that much better. I was so angry back then and I would have been too busy trying to get my revenge on Snow. How was I going to tell her that I was her mother now? I looked down and could sense that Sparrow was uneasy. Again because of me! I sighed and tried to shake off this feeling. Today was her day and I hoped her surprise would make her happy.

I felt so stupid for the things I said even though Regina said it was ok. The look on her face and how quiet she's been. Oh I knew I shouldn't have said anything! She already has a son, why would she need another child? I just need to not talk sometimes..... I just feel this weird connection to her and I cant help but trust her and want to talk to her. Maybe some things I should just leave unsaid though.

Once we arrived at the stable doors she turned to me with the biggest smile. "What?" I said very very confused. "I want you to close your eyes. Ok?" I hesitated but did as she asked. I heard the doors open and she stepped behind me and guided me in. "Ok. Are you ready?" She said as we stopped. "Open!"
When I opened my eyes I saw the most beautiful black horse walking my way. She walked straight up to me and it was almost as if she had been waiting for me. I held my hand out and she immediately put her muzzle in my hand to pet. "Oh Regina! She's absolutely stunning! Why hello there beautiful." I was so mesmerized by her. "Do you like her?" Regina asked. "Oh I love her!! Whats her name?" I turned to ask her. "I don't know, you tell me dear. She's all yours." She said giving me a grin. I spun around to face her fully, "Are you serious? All mine?" I said with tears welling in my eyes. "Yes dear. This was your surprise and I'm so glad that you're happy."

Without hesitation she leapt into my arms and gave me the biggest hug. Oh how it warmed my heart. She then pulled away and looked up at me, "Can we go for a ride? Just me and you?" I really wanted to say yes but knew her wounds weren't fully healed. "Ahh I dont know dear. You still haven't fully recovered yet and I..." "Oh please! Please Regina! I'm ok. I promise!" How could I say no to those big beautiful blue eyes? "Ok. But just a short ride. I don't want you over doing it ok?" I said as I booped her nose. "Lets get her ready to ride."