It's been a while but I have decided to dive back into writing! I have a few chapters for this already written and more in the works. This has been my baby these last few months so please, let me know what you think!

- N

College.

Emma Swan never thought this day would come. After bouncing around foster homes all her life, getting pregnant at 17, getting picked up for petty theft thanks to her no-good ex boyfriend at 18, Emma never thought she'd actually be perusing a life-long goal of becoming a forensic scientist.

She wandered down the 4th floor of Forrest Hall, mentally making a note of all the room numbers as she went. 414, this was her new room, her new life!

"Oh my goodness! Hi! You must be Emma! I'm Mary Margaret! It is so great to meet you! Do you need help with anything? Where is your family? I took this bed but we can switch if you like, it's no problem!"

Emma stood in the doorway like a doe in headlights, staring at the small shorthaired woman. Processing everything this peppy woman had just said/asked her. Good thing was Emma had dealt with many kinds of people in her life, only down side was, most of them weren't peppy. But, Emma reminded herself that is a bright new future and she needed to make the most of it.

"Hello, Mary Margaret. Yup, I'm Emma and it's nice to meet you too. I don't really need help; it's just me and this is all my stuff." Emma put on her best smile and took to the empty bed, "This bed will do just fine."

"I'm so glad to hear it!" She beamed. Emma started to put her clothes away in the drawers meant for her and placed a few special items she collected over the years on her nightstand all while keeping up with her new roommates chatter.

She learned Mary was from Maine in a small town where he dad was sheriff. She lost her mom as a young girl but insists her father keeps her spirit alive and well. Her boyfriend, David, also attends Woodland University as a sophomore. They were high school sweethearts. She wants to be a first grade teacher someday. Even though she is a freshman, she is 19 because she took a year to help out at a children's cancer ward being a teacher's aid. Emma was sure she was a saint in disguise.

"What about you, Emma? I feel like I'm just talking about myself!"

Emma was sitting backwards on her desk chair just listening to Mary, providing the appropriate 'Wow, cool.' And 'Hmm.' when needed.

Emma thought for a moment, she wasn't one to share her life story, no matter how nice a person seemed, "I moved around a lot as a kid, felt kinda distant from my parents and now I'm here. Forensic Science major."

Mary opened her mouth but was interrupted by a knock on the door; she happily skipped over to the door embracing the man who was on the other side.

"Emma, this is David. David, my new roomie, Emma." Mary introduced.

If Emma didn't know any better she would have guessed her and David were related; same blonde hair and eye color not to mention the similar facial features. Weird.

"It's nice to meet you, Emma." He extended a hand towards her along with a winning smile.

"Like wise, David." She shook.

"Are you joining us at the Rabbit Hole?" He asked.

"What a great idea! Emma, there will be a lot of people there you can meet, a few we even graduated with!" Mary pepped.

"I, eh, think I'm going to pass for tonight. I had a long day so sleep sounds very welcoming."

"Next time then, okay?" Mary asked surprise hugging her good-bye.

Emma felt her whole body go ridged and was only hoping Mary Margaret couldn't feel it too. Hugging was not something she was used to let alone comfortable with, a handshake was more her speed of personal contact. But Mary let her go quick enough, "Have a good night, Emma. I'll be quiet as a mouse when I come in."

Short start, I know but like I said, I have a lot already written. Much more to come! Please let me know your thoughts!

- N