Present
Darling's Waterfront Pavilion, Bangor, ME.
On the dimly lit stage sat a handsome dark-haired man playing the guitar. His melodic voice filled the amphitheater with a heartbreaking, Grammy Award-winning love song. The performance ended and with it, he thanked the crowd. He spotted a blonde in the front row. He knew it wasn't the one that plagued his dreams, but for tonight she would ward them off.
Killian walked off the stage and leaned towards his manager to issue his request.
"Scarlet, there was a blonde in the front row."
"Sir, I'm already on it. She is waiting for you in the car headed to the after party."
"I'm not going to the party, please, have a nice steak sent to my room along with a bottle of rum."
"Sir, you are expected at the after party. What should I tell them? Everyone is antsy about details of the new songs." The manager sighed in frustration at the lack of enthusiasm from his artist.
"Just tell them I'm not feeling well."
"And the girl, sir?"
Killian smiled and nodded. "I think you know what 'nightcap' means, Mr. Scarlet."
"Of course."
Scarlet got on his phone as Killian walked away. "He is not going to the after party, Tiny. Get the girl in Mr. Jones' car."
"Okay, but some people are going to be angry," the big bodyguard countered.
"I know, but he is the boss," he shrugged helplessly.
Scarlet and Killian walked together out of the venue. After escorting the girl to the car, managed crowd control a few steps in front of them.
"Sir, nothing beats a hometown crowd, right?" Scarlet smiled at Killian.
"Mr. Scarlet I'm not from here. I'm from a few towns over."
"Oh, have a good night sir." They go in different directions, though Will lingered for a second. It was his job to make Killian happy, but he didn't truly know him.
Killian woke up disoriented and with a booming headache as he looked around the room. Ah yes, the hotel, he is on tour.
The blonde excitedly jumped up and down. "You are finally up! I've been trying to wake you up for a while."
Killian squinted trying to get a better look at her. The hair color was obviously from a bottle. The eyes brown instead of green. She was a poor substitute for her.
"Lass there is no need to scream," he looked at the nightstand and got up from the bed. "Where is my phone?!"
"Your phone? I don't know, I haven't seen it." She backed up and then a crunching sound was heard.
Killian rushed to the sound as fast as possible in his current state, dropping to his knees. "Please, no, no- it can't be broken." He glared at the girl in the room with him.
"That is your phone?" She pointed at the taped up flip phone in his hand.
"Bloody hell! You broke it!" He looked around the room and darted out, clad in only his white boxers, throwing on some worn jeans and a white t-shirt that he found on the sofa shoulder as he went. He ran to the front desk, ignoring the fans around him pointing at him and calling out his name.
"Excuse me, lass?" he gained the clerk's attention.
"Mr. Jones, how can I help?"
The clerk was still typing away on her computer not looking up at him right away, she finished her notes, and finally turned to him smiling broadly.
"Lass the closest cell phone store. Please," he desperately asked.
"There is one on Main Street, two blocks down. Would you like me to call you a car, sir?"
"Thank you." He ran out in the direction the clerk told him to go.
He found the store quickly, but not without going unnoticed as he ran down the street.
The doors flew open. "To anyone that can fix this phone, I will give you $10,000.00."
The clerks staggered toward him and one of the eager fans was going to reach for the phone until the manager appeared from the back room.
"Excuse me, Mr. Jones, may I take a look at the phone."
Killian nodded and handed the phone to him. "Can you fix it?" he asked hopefully.
The kind man looked over the phone and smiled. "This phone has had better days. Are you sure you don't want to simply replace it?"
"On this phone, there is a very important message, one that can never be replaced, therefore neither can the phone."
"Alright then, follow me to my office and we will see what we can do." Killian followed the man to the back room.
"Please take a seat, Mr. Jones," the manager offered as he found his own seat across from the singer. He took out his toolbox and inspected the device with care.
"These older boards are a bit tricky." He removed the back door, then the battery and then a small board. He put a new one in its place. "Just give me one second here. Almost done." A few clicks were heard and everything was back in its place. "Well, it's not much to look at it, but it should work just fine now."
"So it's fixed?"
The man nodded, "I'll give you a moment to check for yourself."
"Thank you," he let go of a breath he had no idea he was holding.
"March 5th, one saved message.
Hi, Killian... it's me, Emma…"
Grammy Award Winner Killian Jones was spotted earlier running around barefoot according to witnesses.
"Are you kidding me, Scarlet? You were supposed to keep an eye on him!"
"I know, and I was ma'am, but there are moments he needs privacy," the man responded, "Miss Blanchard, my other line is ringing, it might be him." He clicked over, ending the call with the petite publicist, to hear his confirmation.
"Scarlet, I need an espresso," Killian's booming voice echoed through the device.
"Sir? How about some basic outerwear, like shoes?"
"Come again?"
"That jog of yours in your skivvies has been all over TV."
"Miss Blanchard called several times, and she is not happy."
"Scarlet how many times has she told you to call her MM? Besides, publicists love this stuff."
"Sir, record labels do not, and they are not happy with you right now. Everyone is waiting for you to deliver these new songs."
"I'm just dealing with some writer's block right now." Killian's voice lowered a little in disappointment as he fiddled with his recently repaired phone.
"I don't know how long I can put them off. We have a meeting set with the label for next week."
Killian lost focus on the conversation at hand as the reporter on his TV began talking about an accident that had taken place on the I-95 that morning. "Thirty year old Robin Locksley, councilman of Storybrooke, Maine, was in critical but stable condition after a drunk driver hit his car. The drunk driver didn't survive the impact. Mr. Locksley was swiftly transferred to Storybrooke Hospital."
Killian stared at the TV; he felt a pull in his heart. He dashed out of the room and ended the call, leaving Mr. Scarlet talking to himself before he realized what had occurred. Sadly, he didn't get very far.
Tiny was waiting for him outside his hotel room. "Sir, did you need anything?"
"Anton, I need an espresso. I was just going to go get one."
"Try again," he answered as he crossed his arms in disapproval.
"Tiny... Anton, I need to take care of something and it is best if I do it on my own. Please, get me a car and look the other way." It was the imploring sound in his voice and desperate look in his eyes that did the big, bad, giant in.
"How about this Mr. Jones-"
"You can call me Killian, I don't know why you and Scarlet insist on calling me, sir. You two have been with me long enough."
"Okay, Killian, I will get a car ready for you, but you have to be back by the time the plane leaves for Colorado. That gives you roughly forty-eight hours."
"I will be here. Thanks, mate," he awkwardly hugged the man before he strode to the lobby of the hotel to find his car ready.
The drive to Storybrooke, Manie felt eternal as his driver tried to make small talk with him. They arrived outside Storybrooke Hospital.
"You can stop here and if you want to keep your job, I wouldn't tell anyone where I am."
"Yes, sir." The man quickly drove off.
Killian Jones was finally home.
Killian felt antsy as he entered the hospital, and immediately made a u-turn and exited. Outside the hospital, he contemplated going back inside to speak with one of the nurses, but he had stopped being family years ago.
Coming back was a mistake he realized too late. His driver was long gone, he was stranded in the small town.
He walked into the nearby church, deciding he might as well face his demons. The walk was short, and the small steps that led to the entrance of the Storybrooke Community Church mocked him. He took one step at a time. The door was wide open and once he was at the door he took a peek inside. The small white ligneous church contained what appeared to be the whole town. Some things never change. He shied away from the eyes of everyone but couldn't stop himself from searching for blonde hair.
The deep familiar voice echoed from the altar centered in the middle of the small space. His brother was leading a prayer vigil for Robin.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Shocked emerald eyes met his and she turned away quickly. She leaned towards a man that was still paying close attention to the Pastor's words. From the angle, Killian couldn't recognize the man that sat so intimately close to his Emma. He was a bloody fool thinking she had never moved on.
He stood at the entrance listening to his brother's words and turned to make an exit, but instead simply fell unceremoniously to the steps.
The blonde haired man leaned in, "Emma, are you okay?"
"David, shh."
Emma played with soft brown curls as the small girl paid rapt attention to the sermon.
David lightly nudged his sister. "Emma?"
"Honestly, David, You need to follow in your niece's example and be quiet. I'll tell you later." She tried to maintain a calmness that she didn't feel.
*8 years ago: Storybrooke Community Church*
Liam Jones was about to perform a very special wedding. He smiled at all the happy faces that filled the compact church.
He stood proudly at the entrance greeting his parishioners with a gentle smile.
"Ms. Bluestar, good afternoon. The wedding is about to start."
"It is such a lovely day for a wedding. I heard Killian's song on the radio today. You must be so proud."
"I'm proud for my little brother for many reasons but mostly because he is marrying an amazing woman and he is following his dreams. Our mother would be very proud of him. Now if you would please excuse me."
"Of course." She nodded as she entered the church to find a seat.
His attention diverted to the older woman that was fast approaching him, gently smiling at him as she held onto her son. He greeted her with an embrace and a firm handshake for his old friend.
"Liam, after today we will be officially family."
"Mrs. Nolan, we are all family here. Now, let me help you inside and watch Killian marry your Emma."
"No need for that dear, David here will guide me and you should call me Ruth."
Liam blushed a little, he understood her reasoning. Both families had been close for a long time and with the union of the youngest of each family. His mother had taught him manners and he would gladly honor her teachings.
He followed the Nolan's to the front of the church to their front row seats. "I will be right back, I'm going to go check and make sure everything is on schedule."
He walked towards the church choir's practice room, which had been dubbed the "getting ready room."
He knocked on the door and announced, "Ladies, 12 minutes." He heard some murmurs in confirmation. He headed back to his position. His brother should be arriving any minute now.
"Elsa, your boyfriend sure runs a tight ship," Marian playfully teased her friend.
The platinum blonde rolled her eyes. "He is not my boyfriend, we are just friends."
"Sure," they all said in unison.
"Besides today is about Emma here."
Ruby was doing the finishing touches to the bride's makeup. "Emma Nolan, you are about to become Emma Jones in minus twelve minutes or are you gonna hyphenate the name?"
Emma looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her white dress was fit for a princess. This was the happiest day of her life. She looked at her closest friends. "No, it will be Emma Jones."
Elsa approached Emma. "Okay, let's put the veil on."
Emma sighed, "Okay. Let's do it. I'm getting married."
Ruby, Marian, and Elsa looked fondly at their friend.
A soft knock disrupted their moment.
Ruby opened the door. "David, come in."
"Thanks, Rubes. Ah, there she is, my little sister. I had no idea you could clean up like that. You look beautiful."
Emma rolled her eyes, "Oh, David."
"So, are you ready to be walked down the aisle by your charming big brother?"
"Is it really time?" she asked nervously.
"Almost. Are you ready for this?"
She released a sigh, "I'm ready."
"Ladies, you all look ravishing today," David charmed.
They were interrupted by an urgent knock on the door.
"I'll get it." Marian walked to the door and opened it.
Robin walked in. "Ladies, you all look beautiful, but no one will be upstaging the bride today. Emma, you look
absolutely amazing."
"Aw, thank you, Robin. Marian, I see why you like having him around."
"Uh, Marian?" Robin attempted subtly to get his love's attention.
"Robin, is it time already?"
"Can Graham and I have a quick word with you, outside for a minute, please?"
"Sure. Ems, I'll be right back."
"Ruby, can you touch up her lipstick? Just a little more color."
"Sure."
Marian followed a nervous looking Robin outside. Once they reached Graham and were within whisper range he announced the news. "He is not coming." Graham nodded in agreement with Robin.
Marian looked into Robin's eyes, "Who is not coming?"
"Killian, he is not coming," Robin confirmed.
Marian stole a glance inside the room, wondering how she was going to tell her friend the news?
Emma looked at Elsa as Ruby grabbed the lipstick, "Do you think everything's okay?"
"I'm sure it is. This is your special day."
Marian came back inside followed by Emma and Killian's closest friends.
"Marian, what is going on? Is Killian okay?" Concerned filled Emma's voice.
"He is fine. He's just... He's not coming, sweetie. I'm so sorry, Emma."
"What do you mean he is not coming?" Emma asked as she looked at her friends. "Is this a joke, cause it's not funny."
David closed the distance to his sister and grabbed her hand softly to comfort her. "We're going to be here for you."
The rest of the room agreed. "Yes, we're here for you, we love you."
Emma's face fell once the reality of her situation sunk in. She stood in disbelief, he wasn't coming, she wasn't enough. She was unable to stop the tears from shedding and ruining her perfectly made up face.
*Storybrooke Community Church: Present*
The vigil was over and everyone was getting up to leave. Emma didn't move. David held her hand and gently squeezed. "Hey, is everything okay?"
She sniffled as she looked at her little one patiently waiting for them to get up and leave.
"David, Killian's here."
"What?" He looked around for the man that broke his little sister's heart.
"David, can you take Hope to the car, please?"
"Just leave him be, Emma. Don't be stubborn. If anything I should be the one going to give him a firm talking to."
"David you are my brother, not my father. I just need to say a few things to him."
"Fine, but I don't like it. Hopey, come here little one."
Hope's bright blue eyes met her uncle's and she extended her hand to him. They exited the church via the back exit next to the office after their goodbyes to Uncle Liam.
Emma was the last to exit and she noticed Killian was nowhere in sight. Her stomach dropped for a moment as she continued to browse the area, then her attention landed on the man that was casually leaning on the trunk of the large oak tree across the street. She crossed the street quickly.
Killian straightened himself out when he realized she was coming his way. He was distracted by her neverending beauty. God, was she that breathtaking all those years ago? She finally reached him, and he was about to say something, anything… but he is cut off by her fist. The breath left his mouth forcefully as her fist connected with his stomach so hard he doubled over.
Writhing on the ground, Killian looked up searching for Emma, but only saw the pastor instead. "Hello brother," he said.
"Hello, little brother."
"It's younger brother."
"She got you good and I can't say it is not well deserved. I knew there was a reason I always liked her."
Killian glared at him as he got on his feet.
"Killian, come on, let's go home."
The two brothers walked towards Liam's beat up, blue truck.
"So how long are you here for?" The elder Jones tried to make small talk as the youngest stared out the window. The quick drive to their childhood home reminded him how much things were the same.
"Your old room is still available."
"Thanks Liam, had a long day. Good night."
Liam stood as he watched his brother disappear to his childhood bedroom and close the bedroom door. Liam proceeded to have a light dinner as he thought of the day's events. He was happy to have his brother back, and he hoped he was truly back, but at first glance it was obvious his brother had to be reminded of life in a small town. Here was just Killian, not a superstar.