The bundle in Gothel's arm cried as she wove her way through the Enchanted Forest. She ignored it as she walked, eventually coming out in a clearing.
She finally stopped to quiet the baby nestled into her arms. "Hush, little one," she cooed, "we're almost there."
Walking to the center of the clearing, she nudged a small, glowing seed into the ground. She walked back the edge of the forest, turned to face the clearing, and raised her empty hand. Orange light collected around her arm as she slowly swung it upwards.
From the seed grew a tower, stone and wood pushing out of the group. The building moved upwards through the sky with long, drawn-out creak. A window appeared at the top, along with a door near the bottom.
Gothel stood back and admired her handiwork with a satisfied smile. "Well, that's that." She said to the blond-haired infant, who looked back with big green eyes. "We're home, Rapunzel."
Early in the morning, Rapunzel stood just inside the treeline and stared into the town. There are so many people... She marveled at the size of it, all of the different people walking who-knows-where, the quiet murmur of conversation between friends.
She took a deep breath and adjusted the satchel on her shoulder. "I can do this, I can do this," She murmured, trying to calm her nerves. Running a hand over herself, she checked—again—that her clothes and hair were in place. She was wearing her best outfit, a white blouse and a long purple skirt that almost reached her ankles. Her hair, which fell just past her waist, was pulled back in a ponytail. It was clean and shone like gold in the bright sunlight, like always, and was decorated with a few wildflowers she found on her walk here.
Her stomach churned nervously. The town suddenly looked too big, sounded too noisy. Rapunzel was almost wishing she was back with her mother, when she stopped herself. No, anything is better than that. She thought. Come on, Punzie! This is what you've always wanted!
She took a step away from the tree. Then another. And another. Suddenly she was walking down the streets of Storybrooke, grinning wildly with victory. Giddy, Rapunzel strolled through town, looking at everything. The shops, the houses, the people, the colors, the everything. This was even better than anythingshe had hoped for!
She was turned around, walking backward to study a detail on a shop window, when she ran into someone. The books he was carrying fell to the ground and his coffee splattered his shirt.
"Sorry!" Rapunzel cried. "Oh goodness, I'm so sorry!" She grabbed her handkerchief from her pocket and wiped at the spreading stain, probably doing more harm than good.
"No, it's fine."He smiled at her reassuringly. "Just-just an accident."
"Well, I'm sure it'll wash out." She said, worried, bending down to help him pick up his books.
"Really, it's okay. Don't worry about it." The man was tall, with balding red hair and round glasses. "I don't think we've met. I'm Archie, Archie Hopper." He said, holding out his hand.
She hesitatingly shook hands. "I'm Rapunzel."
"So, new in town?"
"Sort of. I used to live in the forest with my mother. Not, like, living in the forest! But, living in a cabin, in the forest. Anyway," Realizing she was rambling, she switched the subject. "Do you know if anyone is hiring? I need a job."
Archie smiled. "You can try Granny's. She might be able to help." He pointed to a busy diner across the street.
"Great!" She exclaimed loudly, then blushed, belatedly thinking that she sounded maybe a little too excited. "Thank you." Rapunzel grinned up at him.
"Not a problem. Have a nice day!"
She waved goodbye, and crossed the street to the restaurant, opening the door and walking in. After almost running into a grumbling, bearded customer, she managed to find a seat at the counter. An aging, shorter woman took orders and delivered food. Rapunzel tried to get her attention, but she bustled past with a tray food.
"Be with you in a minute!" The woman called over her shoulder.
"No hurry..." Rapunzel was happy just to sit and people-watch. There were lots of them: a pretty blonde arguing with a little boy, a few couples sitting together, a pair of tired young parents whispering over their sleeping baby.
"Alright, sweets, what'll it be?" Suddenly the older woman was standing across the counter from her, pen poised above her order pad. Rapunzel blink quickly, trying to collect her thoughts.
"Actually, I was wondering if you were hiring."
"Huh." She looked Rapunzel over, considering. "You ever waitress before?"
"No," Rapunzel replied excitedly. "but I'm a quick learner."
She thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Sure, I could use some help. I'm Granny."
"Rapunzel." It worked! She thought. I can do this!
"Come on," Granny gestured for Rapunzel to follow her. "Let's grab you an apron." Rapunzel was so excited that she nearly tripped getting off the stool.
Walking back into the kitchen, Granny gave her a crash course in waitressing: be polite, keep track of the orders, ask for sides with sandwiches, wipe the tables in between customers. The list kept going, and she got more and more nervous and confused as Granny kept talking. Soon, an apron was tied around her back and an order book in her hand. Finally, Granny gave her a push out the door and pointed to a table that hadn't been served yet.
Rapunzel took a deep breath.