In my head, this is starting two years after Robin chose Marian over Regina and left Storybrooke. Also, Hook Is not in the picture.

Not sure how long this will be but it's been a long time since I've written anything, so bare with me.

The annual Storybrooke Talent Show came once a year, and it was always a huge deal.

Every year since the curse has been broken, the talent show brought everyone together to show off what skills and talents everyone had. This year is definitely no different. My darling mother was in full force the day of, making sure everything there was perfect and nothing could go wrong. She had been at the schools auditorium since the moment she woke up, and she was not going to let anything happen this year to ruin all of her hard work.

I glanced down at my clammy, shaking hands and tried to steady my heart from beating out of my chest. My nerves have been eating me alive since the moment Snow told me that I had no choice but to do something for the talent show.

I reluctantly pulled my cell phone out of my jacket and dialed Ruby's number and she instantly picked up.

"Hey Em, what's up? You ready for tonight?" she laughs knowing how I nervous I am.

"Rubes... I don't know if I can do this. I mean... hell I've been practicing but what if she doesn't come? What if she's too busy doing something better than going to a lame talent show?" I take a deep breath, "I mean, I know it's not lame and I know that MM really wants me there, but what if I screw up? What if I forget the words? Singing isn't exactly my forte Rubes and you know that. What if I make a fool out of my-"

Ruby cuts her off, "Emma Swan! You are not running away from this. You have been practicing way too hard to just give up on it all because of nerves. She's going to be there. You are going to be awesome. Trust me Em, you got this..."

I sigh. Maybe she's right. Maybe I'm letting my fears control this situation and I'm getting ahead of myself. "I know Rubes, but-"

"No buts Em. You're going to be okay. I'll be there, Henry will be there, hell, even Granny will be there and that says something. She hates these kinds of things."

I laughed. "Thanks Rubes, you're seriously the best. I'll see you later tonight, I gotta go get ready."

We said our goodbyes and I promised Ruby that I would definitely be there, fully prepared. I walked out of the loft and made my way towards the school.

You're probably wondering why I didn't take my bug to the school... My main reason is they I need to clear my head now and try to focus on my main goal of the night. No, I'm not trying to win the talent show or anything like that.

What I'm trying to do tonight, is something much harder. Something that could go terribly wrong, but also could work out in my advantage for once. I actually brought in a little surprise for my song tonight, well actually, it's pretty grand.

As I'm walking and kicking rocks, I'm so lost in my head that I didn't realize I actually walked to Regina's house. Thankfully she wasn't home, which made me even more nervous because that means she's at the auditorium already. I shake my head and try to snap out of it and continue walking.

I make it there in less than 10 minutes and prepare myself for what could possibly be a life changing night, or a horrible dream that I never want to wake up from.

I walk in the double doors, and Henry is there to greet me, handing me a program.

"Hey Ma! You ready for tonight?"

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be tonight kid..." He saw the hesitation in my voice and hugged me.

"You'll do great Ma! I know she's going to love it. You guys have been getting closer ever since Robin left, and I, for one, am super happy about it!"

I had to laugh at how positive he's being. "Thanks kid... I'm the last to perform so this is gonna be a long night. You do realize that me singing and doing this tonight, could seriously change things?"

"I know. And trust me, I think it'll be worth it." I placed my handle on his shoulder and squeezed. "Love you Henry"

"Love you too Emma. Now go in! It's about to start."

I smile at him and take a seat towards the back. Only three people know I'm actually part of the talent show. My mom, Ruby, and Henry. So this will definitely be a big surprise to everyone.

After about an hour and a half of everyone doing their "talents", I slip out the door and go backstage to make sure everything is in order. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself, knowing that after Ruby is finished her song on the violin, it would be my turn.

Of course throughout the night, Leroy attempting to tell kid safe versions of his jokes, Henry showing off that he can juggle, David pretending to know how to dance, and Granny rapping to 50 cent, definitely helped calm my nerves and make me relax.

I have no clue if she was sitting in the audience, but I know someone whisked when Henry was up there, and I'm pretty positive that was her cheering him on.

Ruby walks behind the curtain once her set was done and put her hand on my shoulder.

"She's out there Em, and no one knows what or who is next, so just take a few breaths, concentrate on your breathing, and knock their socks off out there."

I grabbed Ruby's hand and placed it over my heart. "I'm so nervous Rubes... It's now or never I guess."

I close my eyes and she brought her hand up to my cheek, "Listen to me Emma, you got this. This is what you've been waiting for. Your chance. Your opportunity to put it all out there. .. Don't run away from this feeling. Let it drive you to put your entire heart into this performance." She wiped a stray tear away and I looked up at her and smiled.

"I got this..." I turn towards the curtain as I hear Belle's voice introducing the next act.

"If I could have your attention please, we have one more performance to go, and I believe we saved the best for last. Allow me to introduce everyone to our next performer... Emma Swan!" Belle calls out while clapping.

Deep breaths Emma, deep breaths...

Here goes nothing.