DESTINY

Chapter 4 - Love that is so unlikely

                It felt like the world just stood still, time stopped and all he heard were Regina’s words. I love you. That’s what he wanted to hear, that’s what he needed to hear and that’s exactly what he heard from Regina. There were butterflies in his stomach and for a second, he wasn’t able to reply. He stared at her in awe, on how this beautiful woman, so powerful and so sassy, fell in love with him, a common thief. They have been seeing each other for quite some time, shared hugs and kisses and long walks, but it was the first time that she said those three words. Although Robin had never said directly that he loves her, he clearly does. He was just afraid that he will scare her away for she admitted once, that it was long ago that she found out who her soulmate was, she was just terrified to face the man with the lion tattoo. But under all circumstances, their roads still crossed and their lips have met.

He took one step closer, brushed her hair from her face and tucked it behind her ears. He was looking deeply through her eyes as he has always done before he kissed her, they were twinkling so brightly as ever. His hands on her face, he’s still not saying anything. She’s smiling nervously and he touched the corner of her red lips. He adored every inch of her. God I love this woman, he thought. And when he managed to put his words together, he poured his heart out to what he’s about to say.

“I love you too. I love you not the moment I saw you, but the moment I knew you. You are very beautiful that it worries me if you’re ever gonna like me, lest love someone like me. I am an outlaw and you are a queen. I’ve never imagined being loved by you. ” He held her hands together and lifted them up to his face, they smelled like fresh flowers blossoming in a garden. He was in full smiles as he kissed her hands, “I love you”, he said one more time.

His accent made it sound more beautiful into Regina’s ears, as if it was music and she felt like just swaying into his words. She took her hands off his grip and without saying another word, she kissed him again.

                o-o

                The townsmen were busy finding trails of the Snow Queen and making sure everybody’s safe and prepared on what could happen when she shows up. David and Emma led the people on what they should do and when things seem fine, they decided to take a break and go in at Granny’s diner.

“Hey kid.” Emma spotted Henry with Roland and Little John having their ice cream.

“Mom.” Henry replied and waved at her so she came over.

“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to stay with Regina?”

“The lad is being taken care of, Emma.” Little John started. “Robin and Roland came to see Regina today but there must be something important the two have to talk about so I took the boys out.”

“Oh.” That’s just what Emma was able to say. Is she going to tell Robin about Marian now? I thought she wanted me to tell him about it. I hope she tells him, I don’t want to be the cause of another heartbreak. “Thank you for looking after the kids, can you do that for a little more?” she asked.

“No problem, Emma. Don’t worry about them.” Little John answered.

“If anything happens, call me. Henry, you call me okay?”

Henry nodded and Emma bade goodbye. Feeling anxious and ambivalent, Emma went home to seek advice from the purest of heart, Snow White. Since she has always known what good is to be done no matter how difficult it is, consulting her mother seemed to be the most appropriate thing to do now. She knocked on the door and found it to be unlocked, she entered and she saw her mother cuddling her little brother, Prince Neal.

“Emma. Who’s with you?” Snow sounded surprised yet happy.

“Just me.” Emma replied. She went over her mother and hugged her and saw the little boy in her arms, he was sweet and his smile’s so innocent. “Hey Neal.” She seated next to her mom and started baby talking with full smile while holding his brother’s little fingers. “How are you our little prince?”

“I’m hoping he’s fine.” Snow joked and chuckled. Sensing that there’s something Emma wanted to talk about, she asked “And how are you?”

“I’m good.” Emma hesitated to look at her mother for she knows that Snow will see right through her.

“You wanna talk about it?” Snow insisted to keep the conversation going.

“Well… can you keep a secret?”

“I want to say yes, but, you know… the last time someone told me a secret, I couldn’t keep my mouth shut and Regina hunted me ever since.” She was serious but she let a nervous laugh go.

“Fair enough.” Emma smiled. I don’t really know how to say this. ‘Hey mom, Regina killed Marian in the past. That’s why Robin lost his wife. And now they’re dating, should I tell Robin about it?’ Ugh. How should I say this? I have a feeling that Regina won’t tell Robin and she’ll leave that job to me. That should be my responsibility since I found Marian and brought her here. Then she died, what a savior I am.

“What’s bothering you?” Snow looked every bit of worry there is. Knowing that they haven’t had any spontaneous happy moments, there always seem to be a problem.

“Do you think I should tell Robin where I found Marian?” Less details, less worries.

“I don’t see anything wrong with that. But I’m not sure if this is the right time. He just lost her, again.”

“I know. But I’m afraid he needs to know how I met Marian.”

“Is it that urgent? Why? Where did you find her?”

Should I tell her? What consequence is there to face if she knows Marian’s story? AND should I tell her that Marian was supposed to die at Regina’s hands because she refused to tell where SNOW WHITE was hiding? She died at Regina’s command because she helped you, mom. The thought of saying that to Snow was just too much to bear. To be certain, Marian was not the only one who helped her escape the Evil Queen, there are tons… tons who probably passed away helping her.

“Emma?”

“I found her in the woods.” Well at least I saw her first in that village near the woods. Don’t ask anymore mom, I don’t wanna lie to you. Don't ask anymore.

“I guess it’s better that I don’t know, huh? Whatever you are deciding, just think it through. Follow your heart and you won’t go wrong.” Snow advised.

“Yeah, thanks mom and sorry if I can’t tell you now. I should better go.”

“But where are you going?”

“I’m going to find Robin and tell him.” Emma stood from her seat and headed straight towards the door and left.