Okay so I had my final exams and for English, I had a problem deciding between personal essays and short stories. So I wrote a lot of stories. And when I say a lot, I mean my teacher had about three or four stories at a time and eventually asked me to stop. The exam didn't actually go too badly on that section. It was the rest of it that messed up. Anyway one thing I realised that all the stories had in common was the fact that they seemed to relate to Once Upon A Time, or rather Emma and Killian. I don't know why but it seems that I pulled quite a bit of inspiration from their story-linesand then inserted them in different alternative universes.
This one is basically Emma and Killian with no Henry. Emma was adopted by David's family when she was younger so that explains the no Henry. Killian was friends with David and knew Emma since she was adopted. I'll stop now and just give you the story. Hope you enjoy.

"And stay there." the voice growled out as I was thrown into a dark cupboard.
"No. Please. It wasn't me. I didn't do it. Please let me out." I pleaded and sobbed against the wooden door. The lock clicked into place. The dark surrounded me, enveloped me in its tight clutches. I banged on the door as the area got smaller and smaller, the walls closing in, ready to capture me. I pounded on the door as my breathing got heavier. The sound of my hands bashing the door echoed through the cupboard as tears streamed down my face. One last time, I open my mouth to yell.

"Help" I screamed and shot up in bed. My hair was stuck to my head with sweat and my breathing was labored. As I opened my eyes, I was haunted by the dark room. I was still in that cupboard. I could feel the walls getting closer and closer. It was all still there. As I focused on my breathing, I didn't hear the man beside me move until I felt his warm hand rub my back.

"Again?" he whispered into the night. My deep shaky breaths were his only answer. He moved beside me and continued the constant circles on my back. Once I began to breathe steadily again, he pulled me into his chest and wrapped me in a hug. "Do you want to talk about it?" I shook my head against his cotton t-shirt. "It might help." But I can't do it. I can't go back there again. Not now.

"Maybe tomorrow" I voiced into the soft fabric. I turned my head from its position to check the time. Twenty to seven. With a sigh, I pushed myself out of his safe embrace and I begin to get ready sluggishly. The nightmare is still haunting me, and I am not aware of what is going on around me. I heard the duvet covers rustle as Killian climbed out of bed. I picked up my shirt and only then realised that my hands were still shaking. He placed a kiss on my temple and slipped out of the room. After he left, I sank down on my mattress and buried my head into my palms. I felt myself start to panic now that I was alone again. Just like in my nightmares. I forced myself to calm down before getting up off the bed and resuming dressing.

When I was ready, I went out to the kitchen where a steaming cup of coffee was waiting. I reached to pick it up with my trembling hands. I could feel Killian's gaze on me as I lifted the container with liquid splashing over the side. He moved around the kitchen island and removed the cup from my grip before enveloping me in a hug.

"Please talk to me." he pleaded. But I kept my mouth shut and my nose nestled into his chest. I inhaled his scent; the smell of security and home. "I can't help you if you don't tell me." I rested my hands on his shoulders and slowly pushed him away.

"I will" his eyebrow raised. "Just not right now." I removed myself from his embrace with a kiss on the cheek and walked away. I grabbed my jacket from the peg beside the door and with one last look, left for work.

On my way to work, I thought of Killian and the hurt look on his face when I pushed him away and refused his help. We've been married for two years, together for six, friends since I was eleven. I've told him everything since I first moved in to the only kind foster family I've ever had. But he doesn't know the reason behind my nightmares. I have had so much practice at keeping my experiences locked up tight that I hadn't noticed the padlock on the chest was rusting and falling apart. It's getting harder to remain in control of my memories. I pushed open the door of the precinct I worked in and spotted a large stack of paperwork on my desk. With a sigh, I plucked up the first sheet and settle down for another day of the grind, pushing my problems to the back of my mind.

After a long, boring day of paperwork and pens scratching over sheet after sheet after sheet, I finally left for home. Upon my arrival at home, I was greeted by the smell of dinner wafting through our apartment. Spices complimented meat and the smell of what I thought was apple pie drifted in my direction. I found my husband, rushing around the kitchen like a headless chicken. I leaned against the kitchen door-frame and waited to see how long before he noticed me. His grin lit up the room and he swept me up into a kiss as a greeting. After releasing me, I poked him in the chest and said softly,

"Just because you cooked, doesn't mean I'll tell you about my nightmares." He grimaced.

"I know. But it was worth a shot" he left me standing by the door alone. "Dinner will be ready in ten minutes" he said shortly. I took a deep breath and watched him. I knew he was annoyed with me, but this is a big topic. I crept over to him, my shoes padded over to where he stood chopping vegetables. I hugged him from the back.

"Just be patient with me. I'll tell you when I'm ready" I whispered into his shoulder blade. I felt him tense up.

"I'm ready when you want to talk" he replied. With one last squeeze, I left him for to set the table.
After a delicious meal prepared by my wonderful husband, we cleaned up and settled into bed for the night. Killian was still a little distant all night. I switched off my light and curled into his side. He kept me close in his warm embrace and as I drifted off to sleep, he murmured into my hair.
"You're always safe here."

"You stupid girl" the resounding slap echoed through the room.
"No please, it wasn't me" I begged. The stain shined prominently on the white carpet. The evil grin of the girl two year older than myself.
"You damage the carpet and then lie about it" The voice hounded at me.
"It was her. I saw her do it" The malicious little princess stated in her innocent voice.
"No, it wasn't" I retaliated "You did it and now you're blaming me." I tried my hardest not to cry.
"I know not to have drinks in here" she sneered.
"Casey's a good girl" the voice praised. "You're the troublesome one. You're the one who has caused havoc since she arrived. We all know that the punishment is for badly behaved children"
"No, please. Anything but there" The hand attached to the voice shoved me into the cupboard. I banged my head on the way in.
"You can come out once you can behave properly" The lock clicked. Finally, the flood gates opened. Tears poured down my face.
"Please. Let me out." I succumbed to my tears. I sobbed and sobbed.
"Please. I'll be good"

"Emma. Emma."
"Please. I'll be good"
"Emma." Someone was calling me. I begged them to let me out. Suddenly my eyes flew open. I met Killian's worried stare. One look into his gaze and fresh tears poured down my cheeks. I gripped onto his shirt and bawled. His arms held me in close. As I felt his arms tighten around me and I realised that I was safe, I made a decision. I pulled back and looked into his eyes with my tear-stained face.
"I'm ready to talk"

As always review please! I'll be a happy bunny if you do. Also, if anyone knows where to get prompts, would you please let me know because I've written my exam paper topics to death by now. I just have to publish them now.