Chapter 1

Erica Richards was on her way to Storybrooke to see her parents. She was the only daughter of Regina Mills and Daniel Richards. Erica was the splitting image of her mother. There was no mistaking her for anyone else's child.

This whole situation would be so much easier if she other sisters. But no, her parents just had to go and have twin boys after her.

"Why am I the only girl?"

"Hey, you're daydreaming," said the person beside her.

"Yeah. I'm just nervous, that's all."

The passenger on the other side of her was Scott Williams, her boyfriend. She was bringing him to meet her father. Scott had met her mother when she visited New York.

Scott grabbed her hand. "It's going to be all right."

"I know. My father is not an easy man to please when it comes to the boyfriend department. He's overprotective."

"Well, if you were my daughter, I would be the same way. Someone has to protect you," Scott replied.

"I can protect myself," she said proudly.

Erica wished Henry were here with her. He had a way of calming her. Her big brother already put Scott through the ringer so how hard can it be with dad.

They were almost there. "Please let this work out."

Regina sat at her mirror brushing her hair. Her daughter was coming home and she couldn't be more excited.

"Regina!" cried Daniel.

Regina turned to face her husband. He was holding up two shirts: a blue and a black one. "Which one should I wear?"

"You should wear the blue one. It brings out your eyes."

Daniel proceeded to put on his shirt. "Now, what's this young man's name?"

"His name is Scott Williams, dear."

"And what does he do again?" asked Daniel.

"Sweetheart, we've been over this. Scott is a defense attorney."

"At least he has a good profession. So is that how he met Erica?"

"Yes, they met in a law and ethics class. They hit it off."

"Well, he better be treating her right. And how come you've met him before me?"

Regina laughed. "He just happened to have a break when I visited Erica. Honey, you have to relax."

"Relax? She's my baby girl. I have a reason to worry. You want to know why? She looks just like you. She's as beautiful as you and guys her age only want one thing."

"Danny, Erica and I have had the talk already."

Daniel's eyes widened. "When? Why wasn't I present?"

Regina rolled her eyes. "When she was 16 and no girl wants to have that type of conversation with her dad."

Daniel then had a horrible thought. "Regina, you don't think she's pregnant, do you? It's that the reason she's bringing him. If the bastard knocked up our daughter, I'm going to kill him with my bare hands. Gina, I'm not ready to be a grandfather. We're still trying to get our sons through college."

Regina stood in front of him. "Calm down before you burst something. I'm sure Erica is not pregnant. She just wants you to get to know the man in her life. You know, I don't see you going this ballistic when John and Jacob bring someone home."

"That's completely different," said Daniel.

Regina arched an eyebrow. "Why? Because their boys."

"Precisely," said Daniel.

"Men. Listen sweetie, they'll be here in a few minutes. Try to behave yourself."

Daniel gave a mischievous grin and pulled her closer. "What do I get if I behave myself?"

Regina giggled. "You get me. So don't screw this dinner up for our daughter." She pulled out of his embrace and went downstairs.

Erica reached the town line. Everything looked the same since her last visit six months ago. Honestly, this place wasn't going to change. She missed home terribly.

"So this is Storybrooke," said Scott.

Erica nodded her head.

"What do your parents do?"

"My mother is the mayor and my father is a stable hand," Erica replied.

"And they met here in Storybrooke?" asked Scott.

"Yes, technically. They knew each other before but they took some time apart."

How could she tell him that her parents were from another realm called the Enchanted Forest? Her mother was the Evil Queen and her father was killed by her grandmother, then brought back to life by Dr. Frankenstein. Her stepsister was Snow White and everyone in town is a fairy tale character. No, ease him into it.

Erica pulled up to house. "We're here."

Regina heard the car pull up. "Daniel, they're here."

The doorbell rang and Regina answered. "Erica!" she exclaimed as she hugged her daughter.

"It's good to see you too mom," Erica replied.

Erica saw her father standing there and smiled. "Hi daddy!"

She ran over to him and jumped in his arms. "I've missed you."

Daniel held her tight before putting her down. "I've missed you too, pumpkin."

Daniel saw Regina hugging Scott. After their embrace was over, Daniel walked over. "You must be Scott."

"Yes sir. It's nice to meet you Mr. Richards." Scott extended his hand toward Daniel.

Regina nudged him. Daniel shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you as well Scott. Let's go into the living room."

Erica dragged Scott into the room while Regina held Daniel back. "Be nice, dear."

Daniel nodded. "No one is going to be good enough for my little girl."

Regina giggled. "Just give him a chance. If he screws up somewhere down the line, he'll have to us to deal with."