A Pleasant Surprise

Epilogue

To my beautiful Emma Sophia and Daniel, on this, your 18th birthday.

My darling children, it has been a pleasure and an honour, to have you in my life to love and to raise as my own. The past 18 years have been the best years of my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for being the kind, compassionate, wonderful people that you are, I could not have been more proud of you if I tried.

I remember the day the two of you came into this world like it was yesterday, I had thought then that that day was the best of my life, but then you both gave me so many more wonderful days. Em, I remember your first word, “Mama”, I cried for joy that day, Daniel, you followed moments later with “Emma” You always loved your sister so much my son, it warms my heart thinking about how much compassion you have for her and others. I watched both of you take your first uncertain, wobbly steps, I picked you up when you fell, I cried when you hurt, but most of all I watched, glowing with pride at your every milestone.

Daniel, I remember when you were nine, Emma broke her arm, falling from a tree, I remember you crying as much as she did, if not more, and how your tears only made her cry harder. Daniel you are so much like your older brother. I know he used to get annoyed about you following him around sometimes, but when push came to shove you three were always there for each other. You continue to amaze me with your ability to melt even the hardest of hearts. I never thought I would see Rumple truly smile again after Neal died, but even he loved you Daniel, you healed him in a way that even Belle couldn’t. I know you doubt yourself sometimes Daniel, you feel left out because Emma can do magic and you can’t. But you have your own special magic, in that even the ability you have to always see the best in even the worst kind of people, especially if they cannot see it themselves. You made Marian forgive me for everything I did to her, and you brought her and Roland into our family.

Emma, I remember the day you first used magic, I remember dying a little inside when I saw the fear in your eyes. It took me and your godmother Emma, to calm you down and I don’t really blame you, I know you didn’t mean to turn the cat into a lasagne and I’m sorry I couldn’t reverse it and that Robin and the boys laughed at you. But you did learn to control your powers eventually, and you healed your brother’s horse after she broke her leg. Your magic is lighter than mine ever was and you continue to amaze me with your skills, both magically and musically, I love listening to you play the piano, that lay in my house unused for 35 years until you just decided that you wanted it.

Most of all I wanted to thank you two, for accepting both sides of me, who I am and who I used to be. I know that I am not perfect and never will be, but having you two, saved me in a way that nothing else could. When you were born I became Regina Mills fully, the Evil Queen left for good with you arrival. You both loved me unconditionally, even when you didn’t always agree with me, you healed one of the most damaged, twisted souls anyone has ever seen. Your magic, my twins, is Love. How you love everybody, no matter what, how you are loved by all who meet you. Nothing will ever be powerful enough to come between you; I know that, because I have loved you, more than I love myself. You two allowed me to finally love myself and for that I am eternally grateful. My heart has been ripped from my chest more times than I want to count, sometimes by my own hand, but since you came into my life; it has healed, never to be broken again.

I look forward to many more wonderful years of watching you, the strong, loving adults that you are becoming. I hope that I have taught you well my angels. I know that I have learned so much from having been lucky enough to have met you. I know that you will make mistakes in your lives, as I did, but know, my dears that I will stick by you, no matter what and I hope and I pray, that you never forget how much I love you. I have faith in what you are and in what you will become. Your father and brothers and I are so proud of everything we’ve done together over the past 18 years. If you choose like your godmother to venture out of Storybrooke, know that we will always be together, because you hold a special place in my heart, and we will always find each other.

With love and pride,

Your mother, Regina.