The Magic Within ↠ Once Upon A Time

[Chapter 92] Rewrite History

~Regina's POV~

This had to be done. There wasn't any other way to protect them. Henry and Melody have already been in enough trouble as it is. I couldn't let them put themselves in any more danger that it'll get them killed. Melody needs this separation. She needs to recenter herself from doing... the unthinkable, again.

I know there was no other choice.

But it doesn't mean I have to feel any less guilty than I do.

That's what isn't fun about being a parent. When I have to put my foot down.

I try not to think about it too much. I've been good about distracting myself with the chaos that is in front of me, but it doesn't help when it's a jungle that's the problem. More importantly, it is the exact jungle from which Melody spent her entire childhood in! It's like every little thing makes me remember Melody. From the leaves that fall from the trees to the monkeys jump from every surface imaginable. The morning dew scent reminds me of when she'd actively journey outside, and the gorillas remind me of the family she used to have.

They remind me of her happiness.

But seeing that expression when I left her and Henry at home. I've seen it one too many times. Betrayal is all but a new sight. It's a sore expression to witness, especially from those you love most.

Again, it's for the best. Henry and Melody will understand that.

Stop. Feeling. Guilty.

"Regina," Emma calls.

I look to her while she glances inside the Bakery, making sure there weren't any animals looting for bread. Then, I remember I'm holding the flashlight.

"You can talk to me if you want," she responds. She pulls away from the front door, not once asking for the flashlight. Even if dawns is approaching, electricity is still cut off in certain parts of town. "I don't feel good about leaving Henry and Melody alone either."

"How did you know?" I ask.

"You have been acting like a panicked new-mother ever since Melody came. I've been picking up your cues." She warmly grins. "I don't blame you though. Two teenagers suddenly under the same roof must be a lot."

"—Plus, the baggage that comes with it," I interrupt.

"Well, you're not the only one having to adjust. My parents' attitude changed too." Emma gracefully shakes her head. "I mean—I don't fully get it, but I'm not blind. Things are changing."

"With Sabor out there, I feel like it's wrong to leave Henry and Melody alone with the kids."

She breathes out a sigh before walking over to the next business.

I walk beside her, matching her pace immediately.

"It's not the easiest choice, but it's the only choice we had." Then, she grabs onto the flashlight in my hand. I don't fight her from taking it. She needs it more than I do. "Melody will understand sooner or later. What happened with Clayton, it..."

"It isn't like her at all," I explain before she can. Moreover, I need to remind myself why the choice had to be made.

"You need to find common ground with each other. Maybe Melody needs more help than we think." Emma switches the light on then shines through the windows to look inside the buildings as we pass by. "Clearly what we did didn't work well for her."