As I was going up the stairs
I met a man who wasn't there
He wasn't there again today
I wish...I wish he'd go away...
Storybrook.
2012
"Esme, do you realize now that what you think you've seen was nothing more than illusion?" The voice of Dr. Frollo was sliced with simulated softness.
"Yes." She answered, maintaining a pleasant smile.
"Good. Now, I know we've been over this more than once for the last three years but your mental health is my priority." The doctor was in his late thirties, was always wearing expensive three-piece suits and had a thick European accent; Esme couldn't pinpoint what was it but it cut her hearing senses.
"I know that. And I appreciate everything you've done for me." Young woman's hands slowly found a peaceful position on her lap: the man in front of her was spying her every move like a hawk, waiting for her to make a mistake. "I was quite a case..."
"Oh, dear, this is my job!" He laughed lightly but the shrill and distinctive malice of that sound was enough to drive a normal person insane. Esme curled her toes to prevent herself from fisting her palms which would have been a deadly giveaway. "I'm delighted to see that you're doing better. You have been for some time now, let me add. The question is: are you better enough to resume the normal life?"
His dark eyes were sharp, needling every part of Esme's body. She did not move for only a subtle smile that once again grace her features:
"Well, I trust you fully to decide this, Doctor. After all...you've been taking such good care of me."
Frollo's lips curled in a smile that easily would have passes for a devil smirk. But Esme could see how pleased he was with her praise, he was a man...man waiting to be appreciated like any other.
"I'm glad you think so." He backed in the office chair that seemed much more comfortable than the sofa Esme was currently occupying. "And I'm glad you understand now that there are no such things as black figures that can fly and take people with them. I do believe your time here, in Storybrook Notre-Dame Mental Institution, played out for your benefit. And that makes me very happy."
Esme, suppressing the gag that was forming in her throat shamelessly, simply nodded:
"That makes two of us."
The doctor smiled again with that sinister smile he sported on daily basis:
"Wonderful. I've already made all the necessary calls and the paperwork will be done by the time your mother will be here."
"My adoptive mother..." Esme corrected automatically, regretting it instantly. As soon as the doctor reached for his glasses she added with the lulling voice, "Can't wait. We haven't talked for so long.."
Dr. Frollo stopped his hand in the air, thinking twice, while Esme held her breath.
"I imagine you are." And he backed in his office chair once again, missing how the young woman released the air from her lungs.
-\-
Prologue, guys! Chapters will be larger, this is just a taste of what's comming.
What do you think? Do you want me to go on with this? I'm being pretty straight-forward right now so any good guesses as to who Esme is?
Waiting for your feedback!
