The Magic Within ↠ Once Upon A Time

[Chapter 21] An Accident

"I wouldn't get up if I were you," a voice calls out.

"Ugh, it feels like I was hit by a car," I reply.

"Well, it's cause you were."

"Tell me about it." As the pain passes by, I begin to start relaxing. But, wait. I wasn't alone. Someone else was in the room with me. I shot open my eyes and turn to the side to find a figure resting on a chair beside me. As my eyes focus, I realize that it was none other than Regina herself. My mother, or should I say ex-mother, was in the same room as I. I open my mouth, trying to find the right word to say, but nothing would come out. I was at a loss for words. I never thought something like this would ever happen again. "W-Wh-What are you doing here?" I was finally able to say.

She sighs, "Making sure you wouldn't get away."

I scrunch my eyebrows together, trying to understand what she meant. But, the constant pounding in my head wouldn't allow me to concentrate properly. I bring up my hand to, somewhat, ease the pain, but something wrapped around my arm stops my action. I look at my wrist and find handcuffs around my wrist and strapping me to the bed.

I scoff. "If you didn't want me to get away, then why did you merely strap me onto this bed?" There was my cold-hearted spunk I was waiting for. There was no need for me to act weak, even in my unfortunate state. Heck, if my mother was doing it to me, why can't I do it back? "I think it would've been more effective if you would've used that enchanted bracelet you used on your own sister."

She merely chuckles. "I could've used that, but if you are really who you say you are, then you wouldn't hurt me. So, there would be no use for that old thing."

"Well... you got me there." Point for Regina. I look away from her and bite my lip. At least she might believe I'm the real Melody and not the ravenous beast Sabor, which is still the worst insult anyone has ever said to me. Well, she's talking to me, to say the least. It could be a start to finding the answers I need. "So, how long have I been out?"

"About three days."

"And, you've been here for that long?"

She nods.

"Aw, how sweet? You do care." I give her a big smile, while on the inside I was still in immense pain.

"Not exactly. I just need some answers."

"Oh, and what might those be?"

"Who are you?"

I scoff. "Gee, we're going to start off with that again." I sigh. "I'm Melody Diana Mills. Remember, you gave me that name."

She squints her eyes, trying to look deeply at me. It looks as if she might get all the answers she needs if she just stares at me.

"Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer."

"I don't need anymore. Anyways, why have you been so interested in my son?"

"Don't you think I have the right to see my own little brother? It's been what, fifteen years, and I've never had some quality time with him. He deserves to know who I am."

"I see, so letting him almost get hit by a car was just a little game you two play."

"You think I would let him get hit by that car and die! What kind of person do you think I am?"

She stands up from her seat and yells out, "You're the monster that's after him!!"

"No; I'm not!! I'm Melody and I'm Henry's older sister!!"

"You're not her; you can't possibly be Melody because she's dead!!"

With that, I lean closer to her and say, "How can you be so sure about that?"

After a few seconds into our heated stare-down, she turns away from me. She uses her hands to brush through her hair while she looks out the window.

I let out a puff of air and rest against the pillow. I couldn't think of anything else that'll help prove to my mom that I'm really me. I thought a mother would know her own child. In response, I cross my arms.

"No matter what I say, you'll never believe me."

"Well..." She turns to face me, yet again, and walks over to the bed. "If you are really Melody, prove it. Why don't you tell me something only the both of us would know?"

"And, how do you think I would be telling the truth? What if someone else knew?"

"It won't matter. There are moments that not everyone would know. When was the first time we ever truly connected?"

"... It was two months after you had adopted me."

"And, where was that?"

"It was in the forest. It was the first time I had run away from home."

"And, what did I tell you."

I swallow the lump that was stuck in my throat. Tears were forming on the brim of my eyes. I could clearly remember that very moment like it was moments ago. "You told me that no matter what happens, I'll always be in your heart."

Her breath hitches. She stood frozen in place but continues to look deeply into my eyes. With that, a single tear fell from her eye and down her cheek. With both her hands, she slowly cups my cheeks.

"M-Melody..."

"Yea. It's really me, Mom."

Before she could say anything else, she brings me into a tight hug and cries on my shoulder. I wrap my shaking arms around her and return the hug. I close my eyes as the tears I tried so hard to hold back starts falling down my cheek. I couldn't believe this day was happening. I was finally back in my mother's arms.

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