Chapter 1 – Storybrooke
Once upon a time, there was a magical land called the Enchanted Forest. In it lived magical fairytale characters that we have read and heard of. Their very lives quite similar to ours, but of course, with a little magic. What we know and read about these characters though, are quite different than you think. But like every fairytale character we know, they all have one thing in common. Happy endings. But one day, their happy endings were taken from them and all of them were placed where no happy endings exist. The real world. This is how it happened…
The Enchanted Forest…
Prince Charming rides on his white horse through the Forest. Dressed in bright red robes carrying his sword. He 'ha's' his horse to ride quicker to a certain place in the Forest. Deep within the Enchanted Forest, it snows lightly around the ground and trees. Further away, the seven dwarfs: Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc, Bashful, Dopey and Happy. They all stand around Snow White's coffin. Sad, depressed seeing their Princess in a sleeping curse.
Just when things look like they can't get better, Charming arrives and the dwarfs notice his presence. Charming jumps off his horse and runs ahead seeing all the dwarfs standing around Snow White's coffin. He looks beyond the glass and sees Snow perfectly asleep.
"Is Snow okay?" Charming asks
Doc steps forward taking off his red hat rubbing his eyes.
"It's too late. She won't wake up." Doc explains
Charming looks at Doc and slowly at Snow behind the glass.
"No." Charming says walking towards Snow's coffin
Grumpy, Bashful and Happy lean against the coffin right about it. Charming gets closer to it and stares down at Snow through the glass. He puts his hand against the glass forming it into the fist.
"Open it." Charming demands
Grumpy shakes his head.
"There's nothing you can do."
A tear falls down Charming's eye. The tear drop falls and hits the glass. Charming shuts his eyes hard and looks up at Grumpy.
"Please open it. Let me say goodbye." Charming says with a begging look on his face
Grumpy sees the look on Charming's face. He looks at his brothers and they return the looks. Grumpy, Happy and Bashful grab the glass and remove it off of Snow. Charming tries to form a smile on his face lowering himself down at Snow. He gently touches Snow's cheek finally forming a smile.
"I love you Snow White."
Charming kisses Snow and a magical wave shoots out from the two. The dwarfs notices and get slightly pushed back. Charming backs up and Snow gasps finally waking up. He looks shocked at first as Snow turns her head seeing Charming again.
"Charming…"
"Snow."
The two embrace and hold each other tightly.
"I thought you would never find me." Snow says rubbing the back of Charming's head
Charming and Snow look at each other. He holds her cheek.
"I'll always find you Snow."
Snow looks at the coffin she's in.
"Honestly, the coffin may have troubled me."
Charming guides his hand through Snow's long black hair.
"No matter what Snow, I will find you."
The dwarfs celebrate throwing up their hats. Charming and Snow smile happily as he picks her up and carries her back to the horse.
Chapel…
Hundreds gather for the marriage of Charming and Snow White. The dwarfs stand by, Happy is crying his eyes out. Grumpy turns his head rolling his eyes. The Priest looks down at his book reading off the words to the couple.
"Prince Charming, do you take Snow White to be your wife, for better or worse, until death do you part?"
Charming smiles.
"I do."
Snow smiles happily in her white wedding dress. The Priest sees the smiles between the two and looks at Snow.
"Snow white, do you take Prince Charming to be your husband, for better or worse, until death do you part?"
"Yes I do."
The Priest closes his book.
"Then the power invested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife."
The crowds clap for Charming and Snow. The two move in closer to kiss each other to seal the deal. But just as they about to kiss, the front doors of the Chapel swing open. A gust of wind shoots everywhere and everyone looks around. They all look at the door and see the dark clothes person walking in. Snow and Charming in horror just stare at her as she walks in.
"No…" Snow says
The Evil Queen walks in.
"And where was my invitation? Probably got lost right?" The Evil Queen says walking towards the two
"Get her!" Charming orders
Royal guards run at The Evil Queen but she deflects them away by throwing her hands at them. The guards go flying and people gasp in horror. The Evil Queen continues to walk towards to the two getting closer. The dwarfs run in front of Charming and Snow. Grumpy stands in front of all of them.
"Snow get out of here!"
"No!" Snow screams
Snow grabs Charming's sword which is holstered in his wedding outfit. She walks down past the dwarfs and points the sword at The Evil Queen who stops right in front of the tip of it. Charming reacts.
"No! Snow don't do it! It's exactly what she wants."
Charming stands alongside Snow slowly pushing the sword down away from The Evil Queen. The Evil Queen smiles in an evil away laughing.
"Ha, ha, ha, ha. Is that anyway to treat your Queen?"
"You're no longer Queen! You've lost! You have nothing left!"
"Oh I have something Snow. I have something that will destroy not just you."
"Snow is right. You've lost.', takes sword and points it at The Evil Queen, 'Now get out of here. And never come back. I will not let you ruin this day for us."
"Oh Charming, I didn't come here to ruin this day for you two. To be perfectly honest, I came by to give you my own gift."
"I want no gift from you." Snow demands with a fierce face
"I'm still giving it to you whether you want it or not Snow."
As The Evil Queen turns around, people look away so they don't make eye contact with her. The Evil Queen walks left and right looking at everyone. Charming, Snow and the dwarfs watch The Evil Queen.
"Everyone here listen very carefully. The lives you know and live…all your little happy endings you all don't deserve. Will be FORGOTTEN!', numerous people gasp and mutter about what The Evil Queen is saying, 'I will take away your lives. Take them somewhere far beyond this world. And none of you…can stop me."
Charming looks fierce as The Evil Queen walks away. He holds his sword firmly and steps ahead.
"HEY! QUEENIE!"
The Evil Queen turns around and sees Charming throwing his sword at her. But by the time it reaches her, she puffs away in smoke and the sword drops to the ground. Snow rushes to Charming and the two embrace.
"Charming. I'm worried."
"So am I Snow. So am I."
Greyhound Bus…
Many passengers sleep as the bus rolls to its destination. In the back of the bus, a little boy of ten years of age, Henry sits back reading his favorite story book. The images drawn resemble the images of when Charming and Snow held each other. Henry smiles and closes the book. He puts the book away and a passenger across from him notices the cover of the book saying Once Upon a Time.
"That's a nice book you got there."
Henry turns his eyes and looks at the woman.
"Thanks."
"What's it about?"
"Fairytale characters."
"Oh. Which ones?"
"Uh…all of them."
"Oh. Then that's quite the story then."
The woman turns back ahead.
"It's more than just a story."
The woman blinks and looks back at Henry. Henry looks out the window and sees a sign saying 'Welcome to Boston'.
Boston Bus Station…
The greyhound bus stops and the passengers get off, including Henry. Henry looks around fastening his backpack to his back. He walks ahead pulling out a piece of paper with an address on it. Henry looks up and sees a cab. He knocks on the window and the cabbie rolls the window down.
"Where do you want to go little man?"
"Do you know where this place is?"
Henry hands the cabbie the piece of paper and he takes it. The cabbie looks at it and nods.
"Yeah, hop in."
Henry hops in and the cab drives away.
Fancy Restaurant…
Mark Roberts sits down at a well-dressed dinner table in a fancy suit. Across from him sits Laura Quaid, beautiful woman with long blonde hair.
"This is very nice right?" Mark asks
"Oh yes of course it is."
"There's a reason I asked you here tonight."
"What is it Mark?"
Mark reaches in his coat pocket but suddenly the waiter comes by with a tray of two wine glasses.
"Here are your drinks." Waiter says putting each glass down
"Thanks." Mark says
As the waiter sets down Laura's glass, it tips and falls onto her blue dress.
"Oh!" Laura screams standing up
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" Waiter yells waving his hand
Mark looks annoyed shaking his head.
"Where's the bathroom?" Laura asks
"It's over there." Waiter says pointing
Laura looks and quickly rushes towards it. Waiter gulps and slowly looks nervously down at Mark.
"Is there anything else I can get for you?"
Mark looks up annoyed with an angry look on his face.
"No. GO away."
Waiter nods and walks away. As he walks away, he looks back and sees Mark pulling out a small box. As the Waiter walks around the corner hiding himself from plain sight from Mark, he almost bumps into Evan Swan. 20 years of age, dark blonde hair, Evan stands there in a black leather coat with a white button down shirt in blue jeans and black and white Converse All-Star shoes.
"Did you do it?" Evan asks
"Yeah, she'll be in the bathroom for a few minutes."
Evan reaches in his coat pocket and pulls out a hundred dollar bill handing it to the waiter.
"Thank you. Your services are no longer needed."
The waiter smiles happily and walks away. Evan walks out and walks towards Mark as he stares at a wedding ring that was in the small box. He sits down in Laura's chair and Mark notices narrowing his eyes.
"Um, excuse me. That's not your seat."
"It is now for the moment."
"Excuse me?"
Evan stares blankly at Mark as he has no clue to who he is.
"Who are you?" Mark asks
"My name is Evan. Evan Swan."
"Is there something I can help you with Mr. Swan?"
"Actually not me, but you might want to help your wife."
"My wife?"
"Yeah, might want to explain these to her."
Evan reaches in his coat pocket and pulls out photographs of Mark with several different women. Mark looks at them and sees Evan has been following him for quite some time.
"Who the HELL are you?"
"I'm a P.I. believe it or not. Your wife thought you might be cheating on her but judging by these photos. I'd say that's a big yes."
"What do you want?"
"What do I want? Let's see, you got three options."
"I do?"
"Of course you do. Option 1: I go back to your wife and tell her that you have been cheating on her with several different woman. The evidence is all right there.', Mark looks down nervously at the photos, 'Option 2: I could go back to your wife and tell her I couldn't find anything. For a price."
Mark looks annoyed more.
"How much?"
"10,000."
"10,000?!"
"She's paying me three just to follow you taking pictures of your booty calls."
"What's the third option?"
"Hmm, sorry?"
"You said there was three options."
Evan thinks for a moment and nods.
"Oh right, right. Sorry, I try to forget the third option because it's usually the choice everyone always picks."
"Which is?"
"You attend to run the second this conversation is over.', shakes head sighing, 'They always do that. Never ends well with them."
"Don't you have a family or something to take care of then to destroy people's lives?"
"I'm an orphan Mr. Roberts. And I'm not the one destroying lives."
"Oh, so sorry."
"No you're not."
Suddenly Laura comes back seeing Evan sitting in her seat.
"Uh, Mark, who is this boy?"
Evan and Mark look up at Laura.
"Oh hi Miss Quaid. Evan Swan', lends out hand, Laura sees it and the two shake, 'It's nice to meet you in person. Mark here has something he wants to show you."
"What do you want to show me Mark?"
Mark hesitates and suddenly pushes the table and runs for it. Laura jumps and Evan calmly wipes down the red wine off his face. Evan looks down and sees his white button down shirt is drenched in red wine.
"Seriously? This will never come out."
Evan walks past Laura but stops turning back.
"He's married.', Laura turns around, 'Cheated on four other woman besides you. One at breakfast, one at lunch, one in the evening and now you.', Laura's mouth drops, 'Sorry. You're nothing more than a desert to him."
Laura just stands there stunned. Evan turns around and walks after Mark.
Outside the Fancy Restaurant…
Mark frantically rushes down the street towards his car. Couple seconds later Evan walks out and looks left and right. Evan spots Mark and casually walks after him. Mark makes it to his car and jingles around for his keys. He gets the key in the ignition and starts the engine. Mark throws the car in drive but the car doesn't even move.
"Come on! COME ON!"
The car keeps on stalling. Evan stops by the window and taps on it. Mark turns and Evan leans against the window.
"You got a boot jackass."
Mark sighs and turns off the engine. He opens the door and gets out as Evan backs up.
"Can I still choose that first option?"
"Nope. It expired the second you chose the third."
"Do you enjoy ruining people's lives?"
"Only the ones who ruin their lives first."
"I can see why your own parents gave you up."
Evan's smug face drops into a serious one. Suddenly Evan kicks Mark into the car.
"Ow! You little son of a…"
Evan swings the car door into Mark's legs and he screams like a girl.
"AHHHHH!"
Evan spins around and walks away.
"I sure as hell don't."
Boston Streets…
Evan walks out of a bakery and walks to his car. He reaches for his keys and unlocks his car. A yellow 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. Evan puts a package in the trunk and gets in.
Evan's Condo…
A modern condo with white painted walls everywhere. A black L-shaped couch in the living room with a big flat screen TV handing on the wall. A window glass wall shows all of Boston. Suddenly Evan unlocks his door and enters his condo. Evan walks to the contour and sets his keys and package on it. He walks to his couch taking off his jacket. Evan looks down at his stained white button down shirt. He sighs hard.
"This will never come out…"
Evan starts unbuttoning his shirt walking away. Couple seconds later, Evan comes back with a striped blue and white button down shirt. He rolls up the sleeves and stares at the package on the contour. Evan leans against the contour and pulls out the package out of the plastic. He cuts the ties and slides out a single slice of a chocolate cake. Evan gulps nervously sliding the piece of cake towards himself.
"Happy 21st birthday Evan. Another lonely year all to myself. What will you wish this time?', Evan thinks for a moment, 'I wish…wait a second."
Evan walks around the contour and pulls out a match box. He lights the match and sticks it into the piece of cake. Evan walks back in front of the cake.
"Okay, let's try this again. I wish…', Evan thinks for a moment and seconds go by, closes eyes and takes a deep breath, 'I wish for something to happen with my life."
Evan blows out the match and grabs the fork. Just as he slices out a piece and puts it to his mouth, the doorbell of his condo rings and Evan looks in the direction of the door.
"The hell?"
Evan sets down the fork and walks to the door. He opens it and sees no one there, but slowly looks down seeing Henry standing there.
"Hi." Henry says
Evan blinks and snaps out of it.
"Uh…hi. Can I help you?"
"Are you Evan Swan?"
"Depends who's asking."
"My names Henry. You and I are orphans."
"Excuse me?"
Henry walks in under Evan's arm and he looks back and forth seeing what Henry just did.
"Hey, hey!"
Evan slams the door. Henry walks in looking around Evan's condo.
"Wow. Nice place.', notices cake, 'Oh cake."
Henry walks to the cake and Evan rushes to him.
"Hey, hey, hey! How do you know I'm an orphan?"
Henry backs up from the cake and looks at Evan.
"I just know."
"Know what?"
"I have this feeling that we've met before."
"Well let me help you with that kid. I don't know who you are and I'm sure we've never met before."
"Don't you have any feeling?"
"Of what? A strange kid walks into my home and tells me we're both orphans? Are you from an orphanage or something?"
"No. I have a mother."
"So you're not an orphan. You've been adopted."
Evan walks around his couch and sits down. He rubs the sides of his head trying to push away the pain in his head.
"You got any juice?" Henry asks leaning behind Evan on his couch
"No." Evan answers without looking back
"Water?"
"Sink."
"How about soda?"
"In the fridge."
"Thanks."
Henry walks around the contour and opens Evan's fridge grabbing a soda from inside. Evan turns around and walks to Henry.
"Are you here for a case?"
"A case?" Henry asks opening the pop
"Yeah, I'm a P.I."
"I read a little on the cases you take. Why do you do those?"
"Because someone will pay for my expenses. So what is it? You want me to find your birth parents or something?"
"That's not why I'm here."
"Then why are you here?"
"I need you to come with me."
"Come with you?"
"Yes. Back to my home town. Storybrooke."
Evan crosses his arms narrowing his eyes.
"Storybook?"
"No. Storybrooke. It has an R and an E."
"Oh right, right. I don't want to get the two confused now."
"Trust me the name is beyond belief."
"Hold on a second."
Evan walks away and Henry watches. He walks to his couch and opens his laptop up. Henry walks up behind Evan and sees him typing on his computer. Evan types and tries to find this Storybrooke.
"Which state?" Evan asks
"Maine."
"Storybrooke Maine."
Evan types and comes up with nothing.
"Uhh, little kid. There's no such place as Storybrooke in all of Maine."
"I knew you would look into it. So I brought evidence."
Evan sighs as Henry reaches in his backpack pulling out cards, photos of Storybrooke.
"See?" Henry asks
Evan looks at a photo of Henry standing in front of the town sign saying 'Welcome to Storybrooke.
"Uh, little kid, no offense, but this is not close to any evidence you think."
"Photo's aren't enough?"
"No. But they can be faked." Evan says handing the photos back
"Storybrooke is a real place."
"You're wasting my time little kid. If you don't have a job for me, I'm calling the police to send you back home."
Evan gets up and goes for his cell phone. Henry quickly rushes around the couch.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"And why's that?"
"Because when the police get here I'll tell them you kidnapped me."
Evan pauses and slowly looks down at Henry.
"What makes you think that little trick will work?"
"You said it so yourself."
Evan thinks and suddenly realizes.
"I said that we never met before."
"So when the police get here…" Henry says
Evan spins around the phone in his hand.
"They'll believe your word against mine."
"That's right." Henry says with a smile on his face
Evan stares at Henry's face narrowing his eyes.
"You won't do that."
"What makes you so sure?"
"You wouldn't come all this way from Maine to have me locked up. So, nice try."
"Oh I will."
Evan sighs and crosses his arms.
"Let me tell you a little secret kid about myself."
"What's that?"
"I have this…gift you would say."
"What gift?"
"A gift by looking at someone once and being able to tell their whole life story."
"Ummm…really?" Henry asks nervously
"Yep. And right now…you're lying."
Evan pushes the buttons on the phone and Henry rushes to him.
"Please, please, please, please don't call the cops!"
Henry hugs Evan and Evan just freezes looking down annoyingly at Henry.
"Okay, okay, stop! I won't call the police."
Henry sighs in relief.
"Thank you."
"Now please let go of me."
Henry lets go of Evan and he presses down his shirt down flat.
"What do you want from me…"
"Henry."
"Henry."
"I want you to come back with me. To Storybrooke."
Evan sighs looking around. He looks back down at Henry.
"You just want me to take you back to Storybrooke?"
"Yes."
Evan sighs through nose rubbing his face. He looks down at Henry and nods.
"Fine. Follow me."
Henry smiles and Evan grabs his coat.
Parking Garage…
Evan and Henry walk to his car. He unlocks the door and Henry is just amazed.
"Whoa. This is your car?"
"Yes."
"Wow."
The two get in.
"Buckle up." Evan orders
Henry slides the seatbelt down in front of him as Evan drives backwards. Evan drives forward and out of the garage.
Bridge leaving out of Boston…
Evan stares at the sign saying 'Now Leaving Boston'. He shakes his head and leans against the window with his hand on his face. Henry just looks around.
"Mind if we stop somewhere? I'm hungry."
"That wasn't the request you asked from me."
"But I really am hungry."
"I'm driving you back home Henry. Nothing else."
"Aren't you hungry?"
"You're really close to taking a bus back home Henry."
"Fine."
Henry reaches for his backpack and slides out his book. Evan turns his eyes and sees the huge book in Henry's lap.
"Nice book. What is it?"
"The truth."
"Truth about what?"
"I don't think you're ready yet."
"Ready for what? That book looks like a storybook or something you'd read before going to bed. A fairytale right."
"It's not just a fairytale. It's not made up. Everything that happened in this story is true."
Evan nods like he believes it.
"Okay."
"Do I look like I'm lying?"
Evan looks away from the road for a second to look at Henry. He sees the seriousness on Henry's face and looks back at the road.
"Hey you can believe whatever you want to believe Henry. It's your given right."
"And you should believe too."
"Why?"
"Because…you're in this book too Evan."
Evan snickers shaking his head.
"Oh geez. What's your problem Henry?"
"My problem? Not exactly. But there are many problems ahead of us. And you're the only one who can fix them."
Evan slowly turns at Henry and sees him nodding. He shakes his head and drives on.
Several hours later…
Forest Roads…
It's raining a bit. Evan is looking around at all the darkness around. Seeing nothing but road and trees. Evan looks on the dashboard of the onscreen GPS. He's driving on no road.
"Henry, we've driving for hours. There's no Storybrooke out here."
"Yes there is. Just keep driving."
"On what? My GPS says where in the middle of nowhere. Look."
"A GPS won't help. Not here."
Evan drives a bit more and finally puts his foot down.
"Okay, I'm sorry. But I'm done Henry."
"No, no, no, no, just keep going."
"Where going nowhere Henry. There's nothing here."
"Just wait a couple more seconds. Please."
Evan looks around and suddenly down the road, the sign saying 'Welcome to Storybrooke' comes into view. Henry sees and points.
"Look! There it is!"
Evan turns and sees the sign. They drive past it while Evan looks back. He looks down at Henry.
"Told you. Welcome to Storybrooke."
Evan shakes his head and continues on to Storybrooke.
Storybrooke…
Main Street…
Evan drives down the main street of Storybrooke and sees the town really exists.
"Okay. Points to you. This place really exists."
"Told you."
"How about an address?"
"Mine?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Further down the road."
Evan rolls his eyes and pulls over near the intersection by the clock tower.
"Get out." Evan demands
The two get out and Evan looks like he's about to snap.
"Look. HENRY. I have drove FOUR hours out of my way to get you to a town which doesn't exist on ANY map. I'm tired. It's….', looks at clock tower, '8:15? That's impossible."
"That clock hasn't worked a single day as long as I can remember." Henry explains
"Why doesn't anyone just fix it?"
"Because time is frozen here."
Evan slowly blinks and looks down at Henry.
"Time is what here?"
"Now's the time to fill you in."
"Now would be great."
"The Evil Queen created a powerful curse that sent everyone from the Enchanted Forest here."
Evan blinks with a lost look on his face.
"Evil Queen? Enchanted Forest? Who is everyone?"
"Fairytale characters you and I know of."
"Such as?"
"Snow White, Prince Charming, Red Riding Hood, the seven dwarfs…"
"Okay, okay, okay I get it. Those 'fairytale' characters. So let me get this straight, the Evil Queen sent a bunch of fairytale characters that you and I, supposedly know were all sent here, in the town of Storybrooke?"
"Yes. And they're all trapped."
"Oh right. Everyone is stuck here. Frozen in time."
"Yes."
"This sounds like a story made up all on your own."
"It's not made up. It's in this book." Henry shows off the book
"Why are they trapped? Why doesn't anyone just leave?"
"They could try, but if they do something bad will happen to them."
Evan leans against his car and narrows his eyes.
"What happens to them?"
Just as Henry is about to answer, Archie Hopper walks by, umbrella up walking his Dalmatian dog, Pongo.
"Henry!', Evan and Henry look and see Archie walking towards them, 'What are you doing out here? It's pouring."
Archie walks to them and stops.
"Hey Archie. Hi Pongo." Henry says petting Pongo
Archie looks up and sees Evan.
"Oh, hello. Who are you?"
"Hi. Evan. Evan Swan. I'm just giving Henry here home."
"This is my best friend." Henry says
Evan looks down at Henry from saying that.
"Do you know where he lives?"
"Yes I do. Mayor's son. She has the biggest house on the street."
Evan rolls his eyes.
"Mayor's son? Are you serious Henry?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't think you had to know."
"Anything else?"
"Anyway, where were you today Henry? You missed are session."
"Session?"
"I met up with some friends today. I swear Archie."
Archie looks at Evan and he slowly kneels down in front of him.
"Henry, remember what I said about lying. 'It never gets you ahead in life when you have to take a step back to remember the lie'."
Evan claps his hands together.
"Okay, well, nice philosophy you got there Doc. But I'd love nothing more than to get this guy home."
Archie stands back up.
"Ah yes, that is important. His mother is probably worried sick about him. Have a nice night now. Good bye."
Archie and Pongo walk away. Evan and Henry watch as Evan looks down at Henry.
"Your shrink? Really Henry?"
"It's not as bad as it sounds."
"Your mother sends you to him right?"
"Right."
Evan shakes his head.
"It's none of my business."
"I'm not crazy Evan."
"I never said that. But here's the important question I want to ask."
"What?"
"Who's he?"
"Archie Hopper."
"No, no. Who is he really?', Henry tilts his head, 'You said fairytale characters are here. So enlighten me."
"Oh, oh. Jiminy Cricket."
Evan looks surprised.
"Jiminy Cricket. The Jiminy Cricket."
"Yep."
"I would have never have guessed."
"Why?"
"He looks good for a life size cricket. Not much of a cursed man. But he seems very helpful, listening to people's lives for a living."
"He's the one who needs the help. He doesn't remember who he is."
"That he's a fairytale character?"
"No one can remember who they are. It's the curse. It's the curse that made them into new people."
"Which of course none of them remember."
"Exactly."
"Very convenient. Now get in." Evan says getting into his car
Henry gets in and Evan drives away.
Regina's Home…
Evan stops and the two get out. Henry walks ahead and Evan stops.
"The shrink wasn't kidding. It is the biggest house on the block."
Henry stops and Evan walks towards him slightly pushing him ahead.
"Come on."
"Please don't make me go back there."
"What's the problem now?"
"My mom, she's the Evil Queen."
Evan throws his head up.
"Not this again."
"She is. She doesn't love me, she only pretends to be."
"That's extreme."
"If only you knew what she did."
"The curse?"
"Even worse than that."
Evan looks and sees the sadness in Henry.
"Hey Henry.', kneels down in front of Henry, 'Parents have…ways of expressing how they love you."
"But she doesn't."
"How can you be so sure?"
Henry stands there without saying anything for a second and suddenly the front door of the house opens up. Regina comes walking out seeing her son.
"Henry? Henry!" Regina yells running at him
Evan stands up. At the door, Sheriff Graham watches. Regina hugs Henry looking at him.
"Are you okay? Where have you been?"
"Boston." Evan answers
Regina looks up and looks at Evan.
"Boston?"
"He was looking for me."
"Looking for you? Why?"
"Because he's the only person that'll change anything!" Henry yells running into the house
Evan, Regina and Sheriff Graham watch as Henry runs into the house. Evan puts his hands in his pockets and Regina looks back at Evan.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Evan Swan. You are?"
"Henry's mother."
"Got that."
"Why would my son go all the way to Boston to see you?"
Evan shrugs. Sheriff Graham points behind himself.
"I'll go check to see if Henry's all right."
Evan and Regina just stare at each other.
"Care to explain yourself?" Regina asks
"What do you want to know?"
Inside Regina's Home…
Book Room…
"Who are you?" Regina asks pouring herself a drink
"Evan Swan."
"I know your name. I meant who are you?"
"I'm just a small P.I. in Boston."
"P.I."
"Private Investigator."
"I know what a P.I. is, I meant what do you do?"
"Oh. Perhaps be a little more specific next time.' Regina turns around looking hard at Evan, 'Simple cases people don't like hearing about."
"Such as?"
"The things you don't like hearing or know it does not involve a happy ending."
"Oh. I see. So how did my son find you?"
"Your guess is as good as mine."
"I'll find out one way or another."
"Are you is adoptive mother?"
Regina stops drinking and looks hard at Evan.
"Why do you want to know?"
"Besides figuring it out on my own from him telling me, to be honest, he doesn't have a single resemblance to you."
Regina just blinks to that statement.
"Are you married?" Evan asks
"No."
"Oh. Just you and Henry then."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Just as Evan is about to answer, Sheriff Graham pops his head in.
"Well all is good. Henry is asleep. Do you need anything else Mayor Mills?"
"No Graham. That'll be all."
"Okay. Good night."
Graham leaves. Evan leans his back against the book shelf and Regina looks back at Evan.
"I'm sorry. I'm just shocked is all.', Evan narrows his eyes, 'I didn't know where he was and finding out he went all the way to Boston to find you. I'm…just shocked is all."
"Does he normally do this? Travel far distances on his own?"
"No, no. This is the first time. Did he say anything to you?"
"Like what?"
"Why he found you?"
Evan thinks for a moment.
"Me and him are alike."
"How so?"
"We're both orphans.', Regina sees the look in Evan's face, 'But the similarity ends there. He has a mother, you. I've been an orphan all my life."
"I'm, so sorry to hear that."
"I'm used to it."
"I do everything I can to give Henry everything. With me being mayor of this town, I'm working a lot. So I'm spending little time with him."
"It happens."
"What I'm doing isn't cruel to him right?"
"How about evil?"
Regina just blinks hearing that comment.
"Excuse me?"
"His book. Once Upon a Time?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about?"
Evan pushes himself off the shelf.
"You don't know about his fantasy that every person in this town is a fairytale character?"
"This is the first time that I have heard of it."
"Really?', Regina nods, shrugs, 'Well he's your son. It's none of my business. I got him home and now he's home."
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes. I have to get back home."
"I apologize for Henry taking you from your life in Boston."
"It's all right. He came a long way to see me. I still don't understand why but I can imagine you'll get to the bottom of it."
"Yes. I will." Regina says with a concerned look
Evan looks at Regina funny and leaves.
Outside Regina's House…
Evan walks to his car and stands in front of the door. He looks up at the windows of the house and sees Henry looking out it. Evan blinks and gets in. He drives away and Henry just walks back to his bed and falls down on it.
Storybrooke Town Limits…
Evan drives towards the towns limits and sees the sign 'Now Leaving Storybrooke'.
"Can't wait to get out of here."
As Evan drives he looks down for a quick second and spots something.
"The hell?"
Evan reaches down and finds Henry's storybook on the floor.
"What…that little…"
Evan looks back at the road and sees a deer in the middle of the road.
"WHOA!"
Evan slams on the brakes and swerves all over the place sliding. His car spins around and crashes hard through the entrance sign into Storybrooke. Evan throws his head back making it look like it weighs a 1000 pounds. He falls back forward dropping the book out of his hands.
Following Day…
Police Station…
Evan slowly starts to wake up. He hears the sound of whistling and turns his head. Evan finally opens his eyes seeing a heavily breaded man just sitting in a cell across from him, Leroy. Leroy sees he's being looked at.
"The hell are you looking at?"
Evan blinks hard looking around.
"Where am I?"
"Jail. What does it look like?"
"Jail?" Evan asks looking up finally standing up
Marco fixes a cabinet that's busted on one of the shelves in the Station.
"Leroy, be easy on the boy. He's had a rough night?"
"How did I get here?" Evan asks rubbing his head
"Same as me. Thrown in." Leroy answers
Suddenly Sheriff Graham walks in.
"Leroy you know I didn't throw you in. You were being difficult. Drinking heavily as usual." Graham explains
Evan stands up and leans into the bars of his cell.
"Town drunk." Evan whispers
Graham unlocks Leroy's cell and he gets up.
"Now behave. Smile. And try not to come back tonight."
Leroy 'smiles' and walks out of the station. Graham closes the cell and Evan waves.
"How about me now? I think I can be let go."
"You crashed into the town's sign."
"I wasn't drinking. I didn't have a drink. And I only turned twenty one last night. That doesn't prove anything Sheriff."
"You still crashed."
"There was a deer in the middle of the road."
"Ahh…blame the deer. Always the same excuse."
Evan sighs. Suddenly Regina comes running in frantically.
"Graham! Graham!"
"Over here Regina."
Regina walks further in past Marco as he continues to fix the shelf.
"Graham, Henry's…', sees Evan, 'Mr. Swan? What are you still doing here?"
"I have no idea." Evan says rubbing his eyes
"Where's Henry?"
"How the hell should I know? I've been here all night."
"He wasn't in his room. God knows where he is."
"Try his friends."
"He doesn't have any." Regina answers with a look
Evan looks at Regina funny.
"He doesn't have any friends? Seriously?"
"I know my son Mr. Swan."
"Okay then, try his computer."
"His computer?" Regina asks
"He doesn't have a phone obviously, it would be to easy. So for argument sake, he probably emails a lot."
"And how would you know this?" Regina asks
"P.I. remember? Sometimes my cases involved me to find someone. I'm good at these sort of things."
"Does it actually work though?" Graham asks
Evan and Regina look at Graham.
"Let me out of this cell and I'll be more than happy to prove it."
Regina and Graham look at each other.
Regina's House…
Henry's Room…
Evan types on the computer searching deep into Henry's files.
"Clean. He's smart for a ten year old."
"You really know what you're doing." Graham says looking over Evan's shoulder
"You want a good job done you need to be very smart for this line of work. Does he have email?"
"I'm not sure." Regina answers
Evan rolls his eyes.
"Let's find out."
Evan types and sees Henry does but it's cleared out.
"Points to you Henry. You deleted everything in your Inbox."
"So it's a dead end?" Regina asks pacing back and forth
"Maybe not. I'm going to check search history."
Evan checks Henry's history on the computer.
"You're really good at this." Graham asks
"Not your sort of thing?"
"My sort of thing is kicking down doors and interrogating suspects. A bit old fashion."
"Really old fashion', spots something in the history, 'What's this?"
Regina takes notice.
"What?"
Evan clicks on the link.
"Find an ?"
Evan clicks on the website and sees how you can find orphans who were once young and now what they could look like. And Evan's old photos are on it.
"Well that explains how Henry found me."
"But look at this, to get information on your whereabouts, you needed to pay." Graham states
"Your right. And it's for $150. He used a credit card."
"That's ridiculous. Henry doesn't have a credit card." Regina states
"Well he had to use one.', clicks on link, 'Mary Margaret Blanchard. Any idea who that is?"
Regina thinks for a second.
"His teacher."
Evan narrows his eyes.
"His teacher?"
Storybrooke School…
Mary Margaret's class…
Mary walks back and forth in front of her students who are building bird houses, she has a great resemblance to Snow White, except for the cut hair.
"Okay everyone, your homes look great. Birds everywhere will use your homes you are building. These homes are for them. Remember that." Mary says
Suddenly the bell rings and the kids scatter.
"Okay, will finish all this after recess. Don't run, just walk."
As the kids leave, Regina rushes in and Mary sees.
"Where is my son?"
"I'm sorry?"
"You heard me Mary, where is my son?"
"I thought he was home with you."
"If he was, do you think I would be here?"
"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware…"
"Besides that, why did you give him your credit card?"
"Excuse me?"
"Stop questioning me, he used your credit card to find him!" Regina yells pointing
Regina points at Evan who has his arms crossed. Mary looks and sees Evan for the first time. Evan waves.
"Hi."
"Oh, hello there."
"Mary, do you mind checking your purse for your credit cards?" Evan asks politely
"Yes, of course."
Mary reaches for her purse and opens it finding out her credit is in fact missing.
"You don't know anything about this do you?" Evan asks
"I'm afraid not. I never should have given him that book."
Regina looks like she's about to explode.
"What is this damn book I keep hearing about!?"
"It's just an old fairytale book I found and gave to him. That's all Regina. He's been feeling quite lonely lately. He needed it Regina."
"What Henry needs is to face reality. No fairytale garbage."
Regina turns around and walks out of the classroom knocking over books.
"Enjoy your trip back to Boston." Regina says passing Evan
Evan steps out of Regina's way as she passes by. Mary walks to the books and starts picking them up. Evan looks back and goes to help Mary.
"I'm sorry about that."
"No, no. It's quite all right."
"Why did you give Henry the book?"
"Do you the meaning behind a story?"
Evan shrugs.
"To pass the time?"
Mary smiles putting the books down.
"Not exactly. Stories help us escape reality. To show us what other lives of different people were like. Waiting to see what will happen next when you flip the page."
"Kinda like my gift."
"I'm sorry?"
"For a long time I've been able to… 'read' people. As if their life story was in front of my face the whole time."
"That's a unique gift."
Evan shrugs.
"Some times. But when I read Henry, he doesn't seem to be to happy around the Mayor."
"It's a lot more than Regina. Henry found out he was adopted, he didn't know how to take it in."
"I understand the feeling."
"You do?"
"Orphan." Evan says raising his hand
"Oh my. Were you ever adopted?"
"Several times. It never seemed to work out."
"I'm so sorry."
"It's fine. Anyway, how did Henry take it?"
"He kept to himself. Away from the other classmates. But seeing that look on his face."
"What look?"
"The look of why would someone give me up?"
Evan gulps hard and Mary notices.
"Oh, I'm, so, so sorry."
Evan shakes his head.
"Thanks for the info."
Evan walks to the exit of the classroom.
"I gave it to him because he needed the one thing every orphan child needed."
"What's that?"
"Hope. He needed hope."
Evan gulps.
"Maybe he'll get it unlike I did."
Mary just blinks and Evan tries to leave.
"Try his castle."
Evan stops and looks back.
"His what?"
"He sometimes goes to an old wooden castle on the outskirts of town. You can't miss it."
"Thank you."
Evan finally leaves and Mary just stands there.
Storybrooke…
Henry's Castle…
Evan pulls over and looks at the crappy, worn down 'castle' Mary mentioned. And on it, is Henry. Evan looks down and grabs Henry's storybook. He gets out and heads to the castle. Evan climbs on the deck and sits down next to Henry who stares at the clock in the distance in town. He hands him his book.
"I believe this is yours.', Henry takes it without saying anything, looks out at the clock tower, 'It's still 8:15 huh?"
"I was hoping when I brought you here, things would change. The battles would start and…"
"I'm not here to fight any battles Henry."
"Yes you are!', Henry finally looks at Evan, 'Your back here to bring back everyone's happy endings."
"Stop with the story crap, okay? I'm tired of hearing it." Evan says holding his face
"Why do you find it so hard to believe?"
"Why do you find it so easy?"
"Because it all makes sense."
"Henry, let me tell you something about belief. I stopped believing a long time ago. Every day I was hoping that my parents would come get me. But in the end, no one came."
"I know why."
Evan blinks.
"What?"
"I know why your parents gave you up and never came back for you.', Evan looks away, 'Snow White is your mother."
"Oh my God." Evan says
"And Prince Charming is your father."
"Jesus Henry."
"They gave you up because they wanted to protect you from the curse."
"The curse that made everyone forget who they are."
"Exactly. You can save them Evan. I know you can."
"I am not a savior! I'm not a fairytale character. I'm a real person. Nothing more and nothing less."
"That's why we're alike Evan."
Evan sighs and looks at Henry.
"How are we alike?"
"We're both orphans. We both have a destiny. I found you. I was given this book for a reason."
Evan looks around and jumps off the beam of the castle.
"Come on Henry, I need you to get back to your mother."
"No! I'm not going back to her. You don't know what she's like. Pretending to love me and making me do things I don't want to do. My life sucks with her!"
"Your life sucks? Mines much worse, Snow White and Prince Charming decided to leave me on the side of the road! That's how my 'story' began Henry. My life has never had a happy ending."
"Snow White and Prince Charming didn't drop you off on the side of the road. That's where you came through. In the story, they placed you inside a magic wardrobe. You went through and came out on the other side. Your parents saved you from the curse."
Evan sighs slowly and looks back at Henry.
"You really believe all this happened?"
"Yes."
"And that your mom is the Evil Queen?"
"I know she is."
"Your right Henry. You and I were orphans. But you have a mother that I never had growing up. She may be this Evil Queen, but in the end she's always your mother.', stares at Henry for a second, 'Come on. Let me get you home."
Henry nods jumping off the castle. The two boys walk back to Evan's car. Henry walks alongside Evan as he puts his hand on his shoulder.
Regina's House…
Front Door…
Evan knocks on the door and Regina answers.
"Henry!"
Henry runs inside and Evan waves. Regina watches Henry run upstairs and looks back at Evan.
"Thank you for finding him. He's taken quite the shine to you."
"I don't usually have that kind of impact on people. As I said before, no happy endings."
"Again, thank you. I hope you don't take this as a sign of friendship towards my son."
Evan blinks in a confused way.
"Excuse me?"
"My son is very important to me. Whoever he thinks you are, I don't want him to have any part of it."
"I have no clue to what you're talking about."
"Oh I think you do. But you won't say it because you hide it so well. He really believes that you're something. A person he's known for five minutes, acting like he's known him his whole life."
"You're blowing this way out of proportion."
"No, I'm stating a simple fact. Ever since Henry was three months old, I have always been there."
"Of course you have, you're his mother after all."
"That's damn right. If you ever try to interfere with my son's fantasy and egg him on with this cruel joke. I will destroy everything that there is about you. Do you understand me?"
Evan tilts his head.
"I understand a threat when said against me."
"Good."
Regina turns around and walks into her house.
"Do you really love Henry?"
Regina stops and looks at Evan.
"Excuse me?"
"Do you really love your son Mayor Mills?"
Regina blinks for a second and looks firm.
"Yes. I do."
Regina slams the door. Evan sort of grins and turns around.
"Just making sure."
Evan walks to his car.
Regina's House…
Henry's Room…
Henry sleeps while Regina watches over him. Regina looks to the side and sees the story book alongside his bed. She takes it and leaves.
Living Room…
Regina looks at the book in her hands walking towards a mirror. She stares at herself in the mirror gripping the storybook tightly.
Storybrooke Hospital…
Mary walks past a bunch of patients recovering from illnesses. She walks to a close off ward where a coma patient is sleeping at. A John Doe reads off a slip printed around his left wrist. Mary walks in and places a set of flowers near his bed. She stares at the John Doe sleeping in bed. The John Doe, bares a major resemblance to Prince Charming.
Regina's Home…
Henry's Room…
Henry stares out his window at the town clock which is still not ticking.
Storybrooke…
Granny's Bed & Breakfast…
Evan pulls over and sees the sign to the Inn. He takes a deep breath, gets out of his car and walks to the Inn. Evan stops at the front door and pauses from touching the knob. He takes a deep breath and heads inside. Walking inside, seems more like a log cabin than a hotel of some sort. And the place could use a massive dust sweep. Evan sneezes wiping his nose.
"Ahhh man…"
"You were out all night last night and now you're going out again!" Granny yells
Evan looks around.
"I should have gone to Boston!" Ruby yells
Evan turns around and sees Ruby and Granny walking down the steps yelling at each other. He leans back and watches the show. Ruby has fades of red around her, in her hair and clothing. Granny just looks like a little old grandma.
"Oh well I'm so sorry Ruby that my ill-fated heart attack stopped you from leaving Storybrooke."
"I'll never have another chance like it again!"
Evan sighs and clears his throat loud enough.
"Excuse me.', Ruby and Granny turn around, 'If it's not to much trouble to break off the commotion. I'd like a room."
The two look shocked.
"You, You want a room?" Granny asks
"Yes I would. This is an Inn right?"
"Oh yes, yes. It is. What kind of room would you like?"
"Any is fine. Thank you."
Ruby grabs a red scarf and wraps it around her head. Evan looks around and grins at Ruby.
"Hi."
"Hey."
Granny comes back with a set of keys.
"If you want an upgrade, it will cost you a little bit more."
"A normal room is fine.', notices dust and cob webs on the desk in front of him, 'When was the last time you had guests here?"
Granny thinks and so does Ruby.
"Now that I think about, not for a long time."
"Huh…"
"What?" Granny asks
"How long has this town been around for?"
Granny and Ruby think again. Evan notices the thinking on their faces.
"As long as I remember, this town has always been around." Granny explains
Evan nods.
"Just curious."
"What's your name?"
"Swan. Evan Swan."
"Evan…Swan." Granny says writing his name down
"Evan, eh." Mr. Gold asks
Evan narrows his eyes and slowly turns around to see a man in a dark suit and coat. He looks down and notices a cane with a gold handle and tooth in his mouth. His hair covers both sides of his face.
"That's my name."
"It's quite…the unique name."
"Uh…thanks. And what's yours?"
Granny reaches over handing a wad of cash to Mr. Gold. Evan sees and his eyebrows raise.
"Here's the money Mr. Gold."
"Ahh thank you. You have yourself a nice stay…Evan."
Evan narrows his eyes as Mr. Gold limps his way out of the Inn.
"Who the hell, was that?" Evan asks
"That would be Mr. Gold." Ruby explains
"The tooth was a giveaway." Evan says
"He owns this place." Ruby says
"The Inn? He owns the entire Inn?"
"And the town." Granny says
"He owns the entire town? I thought Regina did."
"She runs it. He owns it. So Mr. Swan. How long do you want the room for?"
"Uh, I'm thinking…a week."
Granny smiles reaching for a key.
"Well Mr. Swan. Welcome to Storybrooke."
Evan takes the key and notices the dust on it.
"Glad to be here."
Evan blows the dust off the key.
Storybrooke…
Clock Tower…
The clock handles suddenly start moving. Ticking for the first time in decades. Henry looks closer and notices the clock moving. He starts to smile knowing, Evan is staying in Storybrooke.