As the yellow bug swam through the dense forests of coastal Maine Emma Swan could already feel change in the air. The feeling set her at ease and she finally allowed her muscles to relax after an eight hour drive from Boston. "Welcome to Storybrooke" was written in cursive over a mural of what she assumed was the town square. The sign was inviting, a small burst of excitement ran through her body as rooftops came into view. She looked over at the sleeping boy beside her, a smile crept up on her and spread genuinely across. She thought of waking him, but her habit of overindulging him took over and she pushed the idea aside, they would arrive at their new home soon.
A few minutes pass, and Emma is creeping up a long drive leading up to a single story grey paneled house with a cherry roof shackles. Henry must have felt the change in momentum, because as soon as the car idled he was rousing. Emma noticed his movements and gave him a small smile as she cut the engine.
"Are we here?" He asked, sleep still lining his voice and eyes.
"Yeah, how about we check it out before the movers get here?" She asked and watched as any remaining sleep flew from him body as he booked it for the front door. Emma laughed breathlessly and followed in suit of her son. Henrys race ended wen he found the front door to be locked. The brass 107 stood out nicely on a ruby red door, Emma noticed, appreciating the bright colors. The lock gave over and she stepped inside, moving aside as not to be ran over by an excited seven year old. She watched as he galloped through a nicely sized living area and down into a hall. She walked through the den to the kitchen and dining room, which led to another hallway. Just as she was about to explore the territory, she hears footsteps making their way to her.
She turned around and braced herself for impact that didn't seem to come. "Find your room, kid?" She asked once he was at a standstill.
"Yeah! Come see!" He squeaked happily, grabbing her hand and yanking her back the direction he came. Emma nearly sprinted behind him down the hall. The last door on the right masked a rounded room with large windows. The fading sunlight filled the room, giving dark gray walls a blue hue. Henry released her hand and walked to the window farthest to the left. "Do you see the horses, Mom?" He asked, looking longingly at a white fence. Emma made her way next to him and admired the large ranch neighboring them. Horses of all colors were scattered across acres of pastures. Henry looked up at Emma after a few moments. "Do you think we could go there? Like tomorrow?" He asked happily, his eyes glittering with joy.
"Yeah," Emma replied. "We could check it out. You want to ride horses, now? Since when?" She asked and he rolled his eyes.
"Since just now, duh!" She laughed, and watched as the moving van rolled up the drive way.
"Alright, now let's get moved in first." She answered and raced him to meet the movers at the door.
The rest of the evening consisted of unpacking and delicious pizza. It didn't take much to tire Henry so, as expected, he was asleep the minute his bed was in place. Emma was still up for a challenge so before heading to bed she put the finishing touches on the living room and kitchen. It was around one in the morning when she made her way to the master suite, which lay beyond the kitchen hallway. She was hesitant about having a room so far from Henry, but he told her it was the rule, that parents must have the room with a personal bath. She went along with the theory, the large jacuzzi tub gave her the push she needed.
Though she had been in bed for hours Emma just could not fall asleep. She got up and walked to her window, drawn by a light from the outside. The light originated from an arena within the ranch next door. A figure, which Emma could not draw distinct details from, was galavanting around upon a dark bay horse. The animal leapt over high standards, and the rider kept amazing form throughout. This amazed Emma for two reasons; one being that it was nearly five a.m., the other being how anyone could stay atop a moving animal while looking so graceful. Emma lay on her window ledge, enchanted by the sight, for what seemed like forever. She must had drifted off, because after what felt like minuted but was actually hours, Henry shook her back into the real world.
They went through a usual routine of breakfast and a movie, as they waited for the cable install company. A short man with gruff features showed up around 10:30 and made a quick job of setting up. By 11:00 they were saying their goodbye's, and Henry's mind was already elsewhere.
"So, what's the plan for today, kid?" She asked nudging him.
His face lit up. "Can we go see the horses?" He asked, a smile causing rosy cheeks to bunch at the corners.
"Yeah!" Emma said happily. "Let me get my keys." She pushed herself off the couch and rushed to find her keys. She couldn't explain why, but she was really glad Henry suggested the stables, she'd been wanting to go there since last night. "Ready?" She asked, even though Henry was already impatient by the door.