Change was in the air. The summer heat had calmed into chilled fall nights. The trees that lined most of the streets in the sleepy little town of Storybrook had started their transformations from greens to yellows, reds and oranges.

Emma Swan's beat up, vintage yellow VW bug raced down the main stretch of road, kicking up a few fallen leaves in its wake. Emma was behind the wheel, grilling her best friend Ruby who was occupying the passenger's seat.

"So, tell me again why you feel this is a good idea?" Emma begged Ruby.

"Fine, for the 10 millionth time! Your pastries are to die for! And the shop below August's flat will not stay open forever. You've been selling those treats at my granny's diner since we were 15, it's time to move on to the big leagues!"

"But, we are leaving everything behind. Everyone we know, everything we've called home." Emma tried to argue as she followed signs for the interstate.

"And? You were a foster kid, who are you really leaving behind besides Ms. Superior? I know you liked her but you know she fully supports this! You didn't have an issue leaving for culinary school?"

"That was for a year and only a two hours away plus I knew I'd be coming back home!"

"Emma, it is time to put on your big girl panties and set out on a real life adventure!"

"I did enough moving and adventuring as a child. I think I've had my fill."

"Nope. I won't accept that. This is exactly why I am coming with you. You need a good reminder or a good kick in the ass as I like to call it, to remind you that life is going to happen regardless if you want it to or not. You can either sit on the sidelines and watch as it flashes by or you can get up and jump in the middle of it while taking full advantage! Now, I need something to drown out your nagging so, what shall it be, Linkin Park or Rise Against?"

Emma let out an audible groan, "You know how I feel about Linkin Park, he sounds constantly constipated."

Ruby slid the disk into the player and cranked the volume as loud as it would go for the old bug. With the windows down, the girls started off their 7-hour adventure down to New York City where a new apartment, new store front and new lives would be waiting for them.

It feels good to be back! I intend on also writing new chapters to my already established stories so keep an eye out on them but this is just something I had in mind and needed a new creative flow! Let me know what you think :)

NL