Storybrooke:

She had been running for so long she didn't even feel the pain anymore. The streets felt even more empty as the chilling wind whipped around her. Running was the only thing she knew how to do. It was the only thing that she could control and she did her best to take comfort in it. Leaning against the corner of a building she struggled to catch her breath but the searing pain in her side caused her to collapse to ground. She couldn't breathe as she fought back the tears fighting their way out. She pulled her jacket tighter in an effort to hide the blood seeping through her clothes. Hide it from who? Herself? Sighing, she pulled herself to her feet just as the rain started to pour. She continued down the street slowly this time careful to stay in the shadows. She couldn't let him find her out here where she was vulnerable, she had to find a safe place with other people, not that she felt particularly safe around other people but she knew he wouldn't try anything in a public place. What could possibly still be open? Aside from the bar... she thought to herself. Granny's. Granny's would still be open. It was warm and for some reason Granny's was the only place she felt safe, well, there and the woods. Hopefully not many people would be there at this hour. Staggering down the streets she was at the diner before she knew it.

Ruby was stuck with the evening shift, again. At least it wasn't busy tonight. There were only two people in the diner, a couple simply enjoying the evening together. Ruby smiled inwardly maybe working the evening shift wasn't too bad. It was quite and gave her time to think. Suddenly the door opened bringing Ruby back into her people person mode. A young girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen walked in and sat down at the counter. Ruby had seen her in the diner before and around town but this girl was one of the few people Ruby didn't actually know. The girl's blonde hair was dark and slightly disheveled from the rain. Gliding over with perfect grace to where the girl sat Ruby asked."What can I get you?" Jumping slightly, the girl's bright blue eyes looked up at Ruby and were met with a warm and friendly smile.

"Uh..." She shivered, now realizing that she was soaked from the rain.

"Hot cocoa?" Ruby interjected seeing that this girl must be freezing.

"Yeah, that sounds good, thanks," the girl replied and tried to smile politely.

A few minutes later Ruby returned with a fresh mug of cocoa and set it gently in front of her. "Here you go. Anything else I can get for you?" Ruby asked.

"No I'm good , thanks." The girl replied. She began to take a sip of her cocoa when she realized that Ruby was still there. Glancing up, she looked at Ruby who was leaning forward on the counter, head tilted slightly and staring curiously at her.

"You know, I've seen you in here quite a bit. What's your name?" Ruby questioned.

"Peyton..." she replied quietly. Shifting in her seat, she hoped someone would come into the diner to take Ruby's attention from her. Sure enough, before Ruby could question her more, the bell above the door jingled rather violently causing both of them to jump.

"There you are." A menacing voice Peyton knew all too well erupted behind her. Jumping up from her place at the counter she spun around so fast she almost spilled her cocoa.

Shaking, she replied "I...I just went for a run. It started to rain so I came here to warm up a bit." The man didn't believe Peyton and the hate burning in his eyes focused on her frightened Ruby who cautiously walked around the counter closer to Peyton.

"Is there a problem here?" Granny's voice boomed from the back.

Not taking his eyes of off Peyton he answered, "None at all. Just coming to take my daughter home." Flashing an evil smile, he stepped toward Peyton and reached for her arm. As Peyton instinctively pulled back, Granny walked towards the trio. She knew this man was trouble and would not tolerate him in her diner any longer.

"I was just about to head home." Peyton quickly responded. Standing up straighter, Peyton began to walk towards the door slowly. It took all of her strength not to run away as fast as her legs would allow her. But that would only make matters worse. Ruby took a step forward as well but Granny held her back. Neither of them liked this man in the least and did not want to let Peyton go with him. Satisfied he had won he smiled once more and followed Peyton to the door. He grabbed her arm violently causing a sharp pain to shoot through her side. Wincing, she almost collapsed to the floor but he held her up and half dragged out of the diner. All Granny and Ruby could do was watch hopelessly as he pulled her down the street. Ruby turned to head to the back when she noticed the untouched cup of cocoa sitting on the table with a five dollar bill sitting next to it. She didn't remember it being there when the man walked in. Smiling slightly she cleaned off the counter and set the money aside. She would find Peyton later to make sure she was alright and give her the money back. Ruby couldn't help but feel protective of this girl.

The next morning, Peyton lay in bed, staring at the ceiling reflecting on the night before. How had he found her so quickly? Her side still burned but she finally had a chance to bandage it up. His name is Wilson and he wasn't her actually father but she never knew why he had adopted her. Probably to use as a human punching bag. Most of the time she could take it but last night was bad and all she could think to do was run. Rolling over she stood up and dragged herself to her closet. Pulling out an old worn out tank top, zip up jacket and jeans, she slowly got dressed careful not to move her arm too far up as she had finally managed to stop the bleeding. Air. All she could think about was getting some air. Only this time, no running. Heading downstairs, this time she decided to let him know this time. She knew when it was time to play it smart. "Hey, I'm going out for a walk." She stated with much more confidence than she actually felt.

"Really?" he shot back sarcastically. "Where do you think you're going on this walk of yours?" Caught off guard, she didn't really know where she was going.

"I'm just going out. No particular destination in mind. Just to get some air." He felt confident that after last night she wouldn't try anything stupid. He knew she was smart enough not to.

"Fine." He said with a smug smile creeping on his face. "Go." Peyton didn't need to be told twice before she was out the door.

Peyton found her way to the docks and was sitting on a bench gazing out into the clear blue water. She couldn't swim and wouldn't dare go near the water. It terrified her but at the same time had completely captivated her. The water looked so calm and peaceful but she kept her distance none the less. Somewhere behind her, she heard someone coming up behind her before she could react Ruby came into view and sat down next to her. Awesome. It wasn't that she didn't like Ruby, but Ruby was a people person and liked to talk. Peyton most definitely did not, and after what happened at the diner she especially did not want to talk. However, Ruby said nothing and they both simply sat watched the waves gently roll into the docks. After a couple minutes Ruby quietly slid the five dollar bill Peyton had left across the bench. Peyton glanced down at the money before raising her eyes to look at Ruby questioningly.

"Keep it," Ruby said with a warm smile. Before Peyton could protest Ruby shot her a look that dashed any and all objections Peyton had been about to say.

"Thanks." Peyton replied. "I..uh...I have to get going. But thanks again." She continued indicating the bill folded in her hand as she stood up to leave.

"Hey! Wait a sec. Are you OK?" Ruby asked, the concern evident on her face and in her tone.

"Yeah. I'm fine," Peyton tried to sound confident but knew Ruby didn't believe her. As Peyton tried to turn and leave Ruby reached out and grabbed her arm and gently pulled her back. Clutching her side Peyton felt her legs give out but she never hit the ground as Ruby caught her and helped her back to the bench.

"You know, you're a really bad liar." Ruby teased. Catching her breath, Peyton stared at Ruby who was now crouching in front of her at eye level.

"Was that completely necessary?"

Ruby just raised her eyebrows slightly and said "yes, it was." "Come on, let me take you to the hospital. You're obviously hurt."

"Well, I was fine until you grabbed me." Peyton tried as hard as she could to seem angry. Pulling Peyton to her feet, Ruby laughed and helped steady her.

"Lean on me, let's go." But Peyton would not move.

"I don't do hospitals." Peyton stated bluntly. Ruby tilted her head and thought for a moment.

"Don't make me poke you in your side," she threatened. Peyton's eyes widened with disbelief and fear as she looked up at Ruby and realized that she was serious. Before she could argue, Ruby was already half carrying Peyton towards her car.

The ride to the hospital was quiet. Peyton didn't understand why Ruby was helping her. Why did she even care. Nobody ever did. That scared Peyton more than anything. Who knows what would happen if Wilson found out someone was helping her. She didn't want Ruby to get hurt because of her. When they arrived at the hospital, Peyton finally spoke up.

"You can just let me out here. I'm perfectly capable of walking myself in."

"As if that'll happen. You may be capable of doing it but I know you aren't actually going in." Pulling into an empty spot, Ruby was at the passenger door before Peyton could get out. She gave up protests as Ruby lead her into the hospital. The walk to the doors felt like a mile. With each step, Peyton grew weaker and could barely keep herself up as she felt herself leaning on Ruby more and more. Panic began to set in as Peyton realized she might not make into the hospital. Ruby pulled her closer to keep her from collapsing. Bursting through the doors Ruby called for help and several nurses rushed over taking Peyton from Ruby's arms. Fading in and out of consciousness Peyton was vaguely aware of the small army of nurses putting her on a bed as they rushed her down the hallway. Out of the corner of her eye she could Ruby running behind them. Trying to sit up, strong arms gently pushed her back onto the bed but Peyton was terrified. She had no control and fought harder to get away. She didn't like people touching her especially not this many at once.

"Please." she begged struggling against the people pining her to the bed. With one final burst of energy, Peyton managed to break free and she fell off the bed onto the floor. Before she could get up to run, Ruby was by her side and had Peyton in her arms as the nurses rushed over. Ruby felt so sorry for her. She could see the fear in Peyton's eyes but she was fading fast. Peyton felt the nurses take her from Ruby and put her back on the bed before she knew it, they had restrained her arms. A nurse had a needle and gently pushed into Peyton's arm. The last thing Peyton remembered seeing was Ruby's face full of fear and worry.