Great, I am supposed to be there in fifteen minutes, there is no way I can make it, Emma thought to herself.

She was nervously looking around for the house numbers. Then she suddenly saw a book store called "Anchor". The bell started to ring as she walked in. It was quiet inside and designed in a very old fashion way. The atmosphere of this shop made her feel weirdly calm.

"Can I help you?" said someone with an interesting accent.

Emma turned around and forgot what she wanted to say for a second. In front of her was a man. He was tall with a messy dark brown hair, alluring smile and his eyes. ... so beautiful, deep and peaceful like a crystal blue sea.

When she finally came to her senses she said, "Uhm yes, I am looking for 8688 Maine Street. But my phone is dead and this neighborhood is like a crazy wonderland maze, every building looks the same." She said with a coy smile.

Emma doesn't smile like this very often, but there is something about him, that just makes her do it.

"That's accurate, I got lost a lot when I first moved here," he said with a voice full of compassion. I know where that street is, it is kind of hidden behind the park. I can close and go with you"

"Oh no that's unnecessary, you don't need to close your shop because of me"

"That's not a problem, I would have closed very soon anyway. And this shop isn't very frequently visited. I am happy when I have seven customers a day."

"So book business is not very good"

"Yes, that's why I have to have a second job. People are not really into books these days, with all those eBooks and book readers and stuff. And they are definitely not into these old books that I sell" he said as he locked the door.

"Yeah, I mean eBooks are not that bad… Phones are not really heavy and it is ecological" said Emma.

"There are so many nonsensical ways how people waste with the paper, but books are definitely not one of them. Plus you don't ruin your eyes when you read them."

Emma had no more arguments and he grinned like a little child with sparks in his eyes.

"Books are a uniquely portable magic," he said.

"I don't believe in magic or fate, but if there is something magical in this world, it is my microwave. It makes delicious popcorn " Emma joked.

"I definitely agree. There is something bloody magical about microwaves " he laughed.

She had absolutely no idea what has gotten into her. She was never like this. So open, smiling and joking with a totally strange person. No, she was the exact opposite. She has always been reserved and had a very big trust issues. But talking with him was so easy like they knew each other for years.

His question interrupted her thoughts.

"What are you planning to do on Maine Street if I may ask? Only old people live there."

"Exactly," said Emma.

He just gave her a confused look.

"I am supposed to meet with one older woman who has a fascinating story," she said with a voice full of excitement. " I am a journalist, I work for... oh here it is!" she said happily. "Thank you so much!" umm…

"Killian," he said.

"Thank you, Killian," she said and gave him a small smile.

"It was my pleasure "…

"Emma," she said quietly.

"Emma" he repeated her name like it was something he wanted to remember. "If you ever feel like you want to replace your phone with a book, I will be glad to see you. "

With that he walked away...


Annabeth Wilson had an incredible story, but Emma couldn't really concentrate. The only thing she could think about was him. How absurdly comfortable she felt with him. How mysterious and breathtaking his blue eyes were. How he made her feel. Everything was so strange, and she didn't know how to describe how she felt. And she was very good with words. It was her job after all.

"Killian" she mumbled.

What an unusual name. What an unusual man, she thought.

Emma didn't want to go home and be alone with her thoughts. Plus Mary Margaret would notice that something is on her mind. She would ask until Emma would just eventually have to give up and tell her. Lying wouldn't help. Mary Margaret knew her too well. She was the only person Emma trusted in this world.

Maybe I could go for a drink, she thought as she saw a bar across the street. Hopefully, she will get this ridiculous thing out of her head. She walked into a crowded bar and made her way to the bar.

You have to stop thinking about him it's pointless. It was just coincidental meeting, like people on the bus, it meant nothing and…

"And you don't believe in magic or fate, Emma," said someone, whom she expected the least.