I do not own Once Upon a Time
Hello fans and followers, here is story two in The Bounty Hunter Chronicles. Please read People Like Me Don't Deserve Happy Endings first. Again, this is the expanded edition of this story. We are in Storybrooke dealing with the events of season one. Reminder, she remembers just about everything from the Enchanted Forest.
Amelia Hunter slowly woke up and had no idea where she was. First things first, she was in a bed, a very comfortable bed. She flung her arms out to the sides, she couldn't even reach either one. All she wanted to do was snuggle back under the covers and sleep.
But it was all wrong.
Amelia bolted up and that's when the massive headache hit her. She somehow stopped herself from screaming. Magic still had that effect on her.
Magic?
She forced herself to focus. What was the last thing she remembered? Who was she?
Her name was Bernadette, she lived in the Enchanted Forest with her adopted family. Her parents and brother had been murdered when she was seven. She was a bounty hunter, that put food on the table. She had another adopted brother named Derek who taught her how to fight. She had loved two men in her life, both relationships ended poorly because of her.
So why was she here and not in the Enchanted Forest?
The Evil Queen, her curse sent everyone to a land without happy endings. Somewhere she would win. No one would remember their previous lives.
Except Amelia that was. She made a deal with Rumpelstiltskin, the Dark One. She needed to keep her memories so she could protect Derek. He had his heart ripped out by the Evil Queen. Amelia prayed nothing would stop her from saving him.
Amelia? What that her name now? Regina must have given her a new identity.
Amelia Hunter, the town librarian. She bit back a laugh, so different from the Enchanted Forest. Maybe that was the point. Well, the Evil Queen did not want someone dangerous in her town.
She finally pulled herself out of bed and went to the window. She opened the curtain and her brown eyes fell on Storybrooke, Maine.
It was a quiet town on the water. Off in the distance she saw a clock tower.
This was going to be her new home. She had better go explore it. But first, she wanted to see her house. She took a good look around the bedroom. The dark bed matched the two dressers and the nightstand. The color scheme was green and brown, quite earthy. Next to bed was a vanity with a very simple jewelry box. Amelia opened it, she was very curious on what was in it. The pieces that started up at her were familiar. There was the bracelet from Derek, the bronze disc from Benjamin and the necklace and ring she stole from Killian. At least she had the important pieces.
Now it was time to leave this room to explore the rest of the house. But she caught sight of herself in the full length mirror. What was she wearing? It was a dress, or at least she thought it was. But it was shorter than any she would have ever worn, it was above her knees and her shoulders were exposed. Amelia shook her head and opened the first door.
It was a closet, the biggest she had ever seen. It was completely filled with clothes, all different colors, dresses, skirts, tops, pants, jackets. What caught her eye was the collection of shoes. There were mostly heels, all of them with quite high heels alongside some pairs of boots. She used to be so practical back home, but the idea of not needing to be rough and harsh was a welcome change.
Amelia opened the final door and stared into the living room. It looked warm and cozy, the opposite of her personality. The earthy color scheme continued into this room also with the tan sofa and matching chaise. The small table in front of the sofa had a beautiful chess set sitting on top. In one corner there was a tall table and four high chairs while in the opposite corner had a desk.
Her stomach then rumbled. When was the last time she ate? And where was the kitchen? There was another door off of the living room. Amelia opened it and almost gasped. What was this world doing to her? It was the kitchen and it was huge and beautiful. Dark wood and green counter tops mixed with silver appliances. She didn't think she had time to explore as much as she wanted, that would be later.
Amelia grabbed an apple from the basket on the island before heading back to her bedroom. She was going to get dressed and head out to find out about the town and who else was here.
What was the weather? She touched the window, pulling back quickly. It was cold, but not freezing. She picked out a knee length brown skirt, a purple sweater which she paired with brown boots and a short black leather jacket. She had to laugh with her jacket choice. To top off the outfit, Amelia pulled out a pair of gloves and a scarf.
Amelia exited her apartment and went down a few flights of stairs and finally entered the street. Where she ran into Snow White. She stared, not sure what to say.
"Amelia, did you forget my name? Are you feeling alright?" Mary Margaret Blanchard asked.
"I just didn't sleep well." Amelia told her, that was close to the truth.
"Well, I wasn't sure you were still here, early morning and all. I want to bring the children by the library for a field trip sometime next week. What day is good for you?" She was too bubbly for her own good but at the same time Amelia sensed something delicate under that act.
"Sure, maybe the middle of the week. Do you know how many kids?" Amelia had to act like she knew what she was talking about. She did, kind of.
"A handful. I don't want to overrun the library. I want them to fall in love with reading." She smiled brightly. "I have to get to the school, you want to stop at Granny's before going to the library?"
"Sure." Amelia hoped Granny's was a place to get food. Amelia was too busy looking around the sleepy town. Everything was new to her, while Mary Margaret acted like she knew nothing else.
Granny's was actually a dinner, run by Granny and Red was there as a waitress there. Red's clothing choices made Amelia cough, very short and revealing. But her personality went against her clothing. Red, or rather Ruby gave Mary Margaret a giant hug. Mary Margaret grabbed a booth but Amelia had to insist on leaving, wanting to explore the town. Ruby handed her something called a latte.
Slipping her very warm drink, Amelia wandered around the main street. Eventually she sat down on a bench and just took in the town of Storybrooke. It was busy for a small town, everyone had their own lives and things to do.
"Morning Amelia, lovely day, isn't it?" Some man with an umbrella came up to her.
Amelia looked around then at him. Who was he and why was he talking to her? No one talked to her, ever. "Yes, nice weather." She finally responded back. He moved on and Amelia leaned back. What was going on?
And random people on the street greeted her. One woman asked about a book in the library. Some man asked if she was signed up for the nature hike. Amelia answered as best as she could. She even asked questions back, like she cared about people. And for one reason, she did.
Why were people talking to her like she was a nice person? Did they not remember…?
Oh…
The curse, no one remembered anything about the Enchanted Forest. No one had any idea who or what Amelia was. A gleeful smile blossomed on Amelia's face. This was her fresh start, the one thing she always dreamed of.
The library was huge and a place where Amelia could feel safe. But after hours of working there, she needed a lunch break and she headed back to Granny's.
She sat alone in a booth and stared at the menu. What on earth was lasagna?
Then she heard a very familiar voice and her heart leap. Standing by the counter talking to Ruby was Derek.
Good thing she hadn't ordered yet. Amelia stood up so fast the table and chair toppled to the floor. She actually ran to Derek and threw herself into his arms.
"Whoa, Amelia. Are you feeling alright?" He returned her hug even though he was confused.
"I missed you." She said into his shoulder.
"I just saw you yesterday." He said.
She pulled back to stare at him. Yesterday? She studied his face, there was more emotion than the first time they were face to face after he lost his heart. Then she noticed he had a badge. 'Sheriff Graham.'
"Yeah, we went on a hike yesterday. Remember that branch that got me good in the face?" Derek, or Graham rather, pointed to a fresh cut on his chin. That must have been where he fell from the horse yesterday before the curse hit. The last time they were in the Enchanted Forest.
"Well, you should be more careful." She gently scolded.
"Yes sister. We still on for drinks later?"
Curse or no curse, they were still family. Had nothing changed when it came to their relationship?
It was later that day when Amelia crossed paths with a person she wouldn't trust in any realm or with any curse.
The Evil Queen herself was leaving the Mayor's office. Of course she was running the town, she had to be power.
Regina caught Amelia staring at her. "Can I help you with something, Miss Hunter?" There was something different about Regina, Amelia couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe she was finally happy because she, as a villain, had won.
Now how was Amelia supposed to answer? According to the curse, she didn't remember a thing. Here in Storybrooke, she was nothing more than a helpful librarian. Sweet, kind, things that would have made Bernadette want to gag. But already this town was changing her.
And as horrible as it was the admit, it was all thanks to Regina. "No, Madam Mayor," Because that's how sweet and kind people spoke to authority. "I was just passing by and thought I would say hello." She even added a smile to her lie.
Regina looked as uncomfortable as Amelia had been when people greeted her. Did Regina have her memories? Well Amelia doubted she would have taken anything from herself.
"Hello, enjoy the rest of your day." Regina wanted off.
A thought came to Amelia's mind. No one knew about Regina's past, she could start over too. But the question was, was she capable or remaking herself? Did she even want to?
As she was closing up the library that night, Amelia got a visitor. The Dark One, or rather, Mr. Gold. He owned the pawn shop and apparently the town. He had come by to collect rent.
He looked so normal and harmless. He had a cane and limp, both suggested that he was no threat to the world.
But there was a look of power in his eyes. And just like in the Enchanted Forest, Amelia made a decision to keep her distance from him. If he needed her, he would come to her.
For the first time in her life, Amelia Hunter had the upper hand on everyone.
Amelia is so weirded out that people are talking to her.
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