Archie's POV
"No! You don't need to do that." I had been yelling into my cell phone. "Em-Emma, stop talking." I had repeated that statement three times in the last minute. Emma has been trying for two weeks straight to set me up on a date, with Ruby. "This makes me very uncomfortable, Em." She continued on about me leaving my house and such. I finally hung up. Grabbing Pongo's leash, I was met at the door by my companion. I tossed the phone on the couch and my friend and I left the apartment.
I chained Pongo to a piece of fence in front of Granny's. I took a seat outside and Ruby brought my coffee to me. I nodded at her and she walked away seemingly disapponted. Something, or someone, caught my eye while I was looking in the mirror. I turned quickly to see no one, but Pongo, staring back at me. I sipped on my coffee and left the money on the table. Pongo and I continued our walk to my office. Clients came in and chatted and had their sessions then left. I told myself everyday that I was lonely, but everytime Marco walked in my office, I convinced myself otherwise. Marco and I went to lunch and sat at our regular table.
"Archie, my boy, you should really go and meet a girl. Settle down." Marco smiled as he took a forkful of food. "There is someone out there for you."
"I know, but I don't want to go find her, you know?" I finished the last of sandwich. "My turn to pay." I put down the few dollars for lunch.
"I don't want to see you lonely." Marco put his conforting hand over my shoulder. "Find me a pretty daughter-in-law, huh?" He chuckled and we parted ways. None of them knew what I knew. Archibald Hopper was not single, or, atleast, I was not the last time I checked.
Emma's POV
I started my walk early in the morning, Stopping occasionally to look at the flowers that were blossoming. When I approached the door, it appeared unlocked. I took out my pistol and slowly entered the building.
"Now, dearie, that's no way to treat a friend." Mr. Gold said, relaxing in my office chair.
"How'd you get in here." He looked at me, stunned. Then I realized, "It wasn't locked, was it?" He grinned his sly grin.
"I have news. Belle Dear sent me to tell you." I stood in front of him until he understood. He picked up his bag and stood. I took his place in my chair. "Actually, the truth is she didn't send me. I'm not supposed to tell anyone."
"Really, Gold?" He shrugged. "Just tell me so we can go about our business."
"She's going to have a baby. A little girl." He smiled, unnoticably at first, then it took over his entire face.
"Oh my God, Mr. Gold, that's amazing!" I got up from my seat and hugged him. "Congrats!" His smile was evident.
"Thank you, Ms. Swan. Don't let it slip in front of Belle, though, she does not want anyone knowing." I nodded and he left.
Hours passed with nothing for me to do, so I decided to take a drive and patrol the town. I drove around for a few minutes until I decided it was uneventful. I passed Granny's and stopped at a red light. It was quiet as I drove until some sound peirced the air. I listened for a short while. It was a woman, she sounded like she was in pain. I pulled off to the curb and got out of the crusier. I checked the alley way between Mr. French's flower shop and the hardware store. I saw nothing intially.
"Help." I heard a whisper. "Please." I walked behind the dumpster. There, to my shock, was a woman. She was brutally beaten andhad many cuts and bruises.
"God, what happened?" I helped her up. "I have to get you to the hospital." I helped the frail body to the car and drove off. I called Archie's office phone.
"Arch? Hey, can you meet me at the hospital. Yea, I found a girl behind the dumpster between Moe's and Harry's. See you there." I put my phone on the dash and hit the gas pedal. I pulled into the hospital drop-off and walked her inside. They got her a wheelchair and pushed her into one of the emergency rooms. I sat, alone, in the lobby of the hospital.
Archie had finally arrived. He and Pongo ran through the door and met me at my chair.
"Do you have an ID?" I shook my head. "Did it look like abuse?" I nodded. I saw, behind my friend, Dr. Whale was approaching.
"You can see her now." He lead us into the woman's room and we stood over her bed. Archie had to go tie Pongo up, so I stood alone. The patient became responsive and her eyes fluttered open.
"Am I in Storybrooke yet?" I nodded.
"Yes, ma'am. I am Sherriff Emma Swan. I found you behind a dumpster, any idea how you could have gotten there?" The poor girl shook her head weakly. Her glance changed to behind me. A smile creased her lips and her eyes got doe-ish. I turned to see a gawking Archie in the doorway. My glances changed between the starstruck pair. "Do you know each other?"
"Yes, Sherriff." I looked at Archie.
"Emma, this is Perdita." He walked to her bedside and took her hand. "She was-is-the love of my life." I smiled and looked at their locked hands. I then uderstood, because on the ring finger of her left hand was a huge, bright diamond ring.