Ruby gripped the steering wheel tightly in her hands, trying to ignore how sweaty her palms were. College hadn't seemed so frightening this morning. Reassuring Granny had been easy, eventually turning into another argument in which Ruby had made perfectly clear how prepared she was. Looking back, Ruby almost found herself laughing. Or she would have if she hadn't been so nervous.

Through her front window, she could see old friends reuniting, new friends being introduced, hundreds of kids her own age walking towards the large campus, tugging their suitcases and bags behind them. It was the most terrifying thing Ruby had ever seen. She would take Bates Motel over Storybrooke University any day.

She took a deep breath. And another. And another. And finally, Ruby knew that the longer she stayed in this car the more she would look like an idiot. So she slid her large red sunglasses over her eyes, opened the door of her truck and slid out, making her way towards the trunk.

"Nice car," a smug voice called from behind her, and Ruby turned to see a tall, very attractive red-head laughing at her.

"Thanks," she smirked back coyly, eyeing up the yellow convertible that made her insides groan with jealousy, "we'll just see whose laughing when my car puts a nice dent on yours." Ruby turned back and yanked her bags from her trunk, dropping them on the ground as she slammed it shut.

"Oh trust me, if you even touch my car, I can promise you won't be laughing, bitch." Ruby just rolled her eyes underneath her glasses and watched as the other girl stepped forward.

"Hey! Back off, baby, all right?" Both women turned at once to see the newcomer, who was running toward his girlfriend, a look of amusement across his handsome face. Ruby had to remind herself to close her jaw when she looked at him. He was by far the most attractive guy she had ever seen. He was wearing a black leather jacket, his hands resting casually in his pockets; his jeans were slightly ripped and clung to his skin; he had a bit of black stubble and gorgeous eyes; and Ruby had never wanted anything as much as she wanted to run her hands through his black hair. "Hi," he said with a smile that was enough to turn Ruby on. "I'm Killian Jones. You must be new here?"

Now that Ruby had started to recover some of her brain, she noticed that he had an English accent, which did not help her cause, and he had his hand stuck out. She hesitantly took it, ignoring the glares she earned from his girlfriend.

"Ruby." She blurted out awkwardly. "Ruby Lucas."

"Well, it's nice to meet you. If you need any help just let me know."

Ruby nodded, quite sure she had no intention of ever speaking to him again. As soon as she turned around, she could feel how warm her cheeks had gotten. And she hurried to pick up her bags as the couple behind her started talking.

"What the hell, baby?! You made me look like an idiot!"

"Ariel, you don't have to be mean to her just because she's hot."

"You think she's hot?!"

"Not as hot as you."

"You're so bad."

"Why don't you punish me then?"

Ruby snuck a peek over her shoulder to see them locked in a very passionate and tongue-filled exchange. She thought she almost saw Killian wink at her but decided she must have imagined it, throwing her backpack over her shoulders, taking her other bags in her hands and practically running from the scene.

So this was college. She would have to remember to avoid it as much as possible.

Ruby checked the number on her door about seven times before she was confident enough that she had reached the right room. With a very brave twist, she turned the doorknob and pushed her way into the small, confined space. There were two beds on opposite sides of the room. One side was completely empty, which she presumed was hers. Across the room, however, was almost every brand of lipstick, mascara and nail polish ever known to man. There were two boxes labeled "shoes" and clothes were strewn across the bed, being sorted by a skinny, blonde girl. Her roommate.

The girl's head turned and immediately, a look of judgement passed through her eyes. Ruby tucked a red streak of hair behind her ear and gave a half-smile, stepping further into the room. "Hi, I'm Ruby. You must be Ashley?"

She just nodded, gave a barely amused grin and set back to work.

With a quiet groan, Ruby threw her bags on her bed and started unpacking. She was halfway through the box labeled "Stuff I don't want Granny to find" when there was an unmistakable shriek from her open doorway. "Ruby!"

A very short amount of time later, Ruby found herself being attacked by her best friend, Mary Margaret Blanchard, who had jumped on her back and begun engulfing her with hugs. "Hi, M & M," Ruby chuckled, ignoring Ashley's small noise of disapproval.

"I'm so glad I found you. I have been looking for you everywhere."

"How long have you been here?" Ruby asked, leading her out of the room as quickly as possible.

"A couple hours. I wanted to get here and get the unpacking out of the way. I'm so excited!" she said with a small jump.

A chuckled escaped Ruby's lips. "Did you meet your roommate yet?"

"Mm hmm," Mary Margaret smiled as she took her hand and tugged her through the tiny hallway. "My room's just down here. You have to meet her. She's so funny."

"Funnier than me?" Ruby raised her eyebrows.

"Nobody's funnier than you, Rubes. I swear."

"Good. Don't you go replacing me."

"Oh ha ha," Mary Margaret laughed, finally coming to a stop at her room. "This is it," she said proudly, stepping inside after Ruby with a self-satisfied grin on her face. It looked exactly like her room back at her old place. Posters and all.

"Nice," was all Ruby could say, knowing that she had seen it so many times before.

"Whoa you're back already? That was fast." Mary Margaret and Ruby turned towards the door as a blonde girl stepped inside, crossing over to her bed and falling down on it.

"Emma, this is Ruby," she smiled. "Ruby, this is my roommate, Emma."

"Hi," Ruby said softly, not sure if she was ready to meet a fourth person today. The first three hadn't exactly been very welcoming.

"Hey," she replied with a kind smile. "How are you liking it here so far?"

"Well, everyone seems to hate me already, so it's just high school with less adults."

Emma laughed. "I suppose so. Did you meet your roommate yet?"

"Yeah," Ruby nodded. "She's a first-class bitch. Her name's Ashley Boyd."

"Ashley?" Emma sat up, a disgruntled look on her face. "She used to go to my school. She's really full of herself. Just try and outsmart her and she'll shut up. It's not too difficult. And if for some reason you can't, just come hang out in here."

"I don't know. It might be hard to get in here with all the boys Mary Margaret will be bringing back."

The pixie-haired freshman just raised her eyebrows and smiled. "You never know."

"Oh come on," Ruby grinned broadly. "You're not telling me you're serious?"

"Dude, I've only known you for," Emma checked her watch, "twenty-three minutes, but I'm pretty sure you're more innocent than Bambi."

Mary Margaret crossed her arms and pouted. "You guys are so mean."

"The University is very honored to have you here, Ms. French." Dean Gold stated, his hand gripping the top of his cane as he lead his newest Professor toward her classroom. "There aren't many Dean's that can boast about having such a young, highly credited Professor teaching in their tiny University."

"You flatter me, Dean Gold." the brunette gushed, clutching her books the strap on her satchel as she held her other books close to her chest. "And, please, call me Belle. I insist."

Dean Gold nodded with an odd smile at her request. He pointed down the hall. "Your class will be right over this way." He extended his hand, ushering her to go first. "We are very glad that you chose Storybrooke."

Belle smiled warmly at the man as she stopped in front of the door. "I love this town. It's quiet and unassuming."

"Well hello, Sexy!" a boy purred, causing Belle to turn and look at him. He looked her up and down, a wicked grin on his lips. "Man, I am loving college."

Dean Gold reached out and grabbed the young man by his shoulder. His fingers gripped him tightly as he yanked him closer. "Mr. Whale, is it?" he growled, through gritted teeth.

He swallowed hard, his eyes wide with fear. "I-It's Victor, Dean Gold." he stammered. "I-I'm sorry, sir. I didn't see you standing there."

Dean Gold pulled him closer so they were face to face. "You need to have respect for your new Professor."

Victor looked confused as he raised his finger to point at Belle. "She's a Professor? But, she looks like a student."

"Regardless, boy." he snarled, his hand digging into Victor's shoulder. "If you want to continue your education at this University, I suggest you learn some respect for all women. Student or teacher." He flashed an eerie smirk. "Do I make myself clear?"

He nodded frantically. "Yes, Dean Gold. I'm sorry." He looked at Belle, apologetically. "I'm sorry."

Belle shook her head and waved her hand. "It's fine. Go on your way." she responded, politely.

Dean Gold released Victor and he scurried off. He cleared his throat as he gripped the top of his cane with both hands. "I apologize for Mr. Whale." He stepped forward, opening the door for her. "He's a favorite of our Alumni committee due to his skills on the football field." He held out his hand, allowing her to go inside first. "He feels this gives him some sort of privilege to speak to people anyway he chooses."

Belle stepped inside her new classroom in awe. It was more than she had expected and larger than she had dreamed. She could feel the jittery feeling start to overtake her and did her best to breath normally to keep it under control. She walked over to her desk and placed her books down followed by her stachel.

"Nervous?" he inquired, the small eerie smirk remaining on his lips.

"A little." she confessed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "But, I'm sure I'll be fine."

He reached out and touched her arm. "I have no doubts."

The door opened and students began to file into the room. Belle pressed her teeth into her bottom lip as her hands rung together. This was it. This was her first class. She could do this. She had been preparing for this and she was ready. She never failed at anything she set her mind on and this was just another goal.

"Ah, your first class has arrived." He raised an eyebrow as the students entered the room, the sounds of chatter bouncing off the walls. He turned to Belle. "I'll let you have at it."

"Thank you, Dean Gold." She gave him an appreciative smile as he nodded and exited the room.

Belle walked behind her desk and watched as her students continued to fill the room. A few of the students looked in her direction, confused expressions on their face. Belle was younger than every other Professor in the school and she knew it would be hard for the students to grasp. She swallowed back the lump in her throat as she began arranging the items on her desk.

Ruby and Emma entered the room, walking behind a crowd of girls. Emma rolled her eyes and huffed aggravated. "Christ, they walk like zombies around here." she said, waving her hand at the back of the group. "Move it. I'd like to find a seat before class is over."

Ruby laughed and shook her head. "Patience is not your strong suit, is it?"

"No, not really." Emma turned to look at her, but her gaze stopped at the woman behind the desk. She nudged Ruby. "Dude, is that our Professor?"

Ruby turned to look at the woman behind the desk. She tilted her head, taking in her entire appearance. "No way. She's way too young."

Belle moved from the desk, catching eyes with both girls. She smiled warmly at them. "Take a seat. Class will begin once everyone is settled." She turned her attention to the board behind her and started to write on it.

Emma's smile spread across her face as she grabbed Ruby's arm. "Can I get a hell yes for hot English Professor?" she joked, holding her hand up to Ruby.

Ruby stared at her for a moment before rolling her eyes and slapping her hand. "Hell yes," she replied with mock enthusiasm as they walked up the row and claimed their seats.