A/N: Thank you for the wonderful response! This NaNoWrimo Challenge is fun! I can also be found on Tumblr as Jelleykakes and Facebook as Jelley Kakes. Enjoy!


Those words woke Gary up. "You don't? What exactly do you mean by that?"

Emma took a deep breath and continued on. "I'm already gone Gary. I left today. I will not leave you hanging though. As it stands legally, I know I owe you one final episode before this season is up. I was thinking that since Rachel (Emma's character on the show) is in the meth lab, maybe she could get caught in the explosion that is already written in. I could call in remotely and do my scene that way, as if she was calling headquarters via her cell. This would keep all of my contractual obligations, and make a good exit for Rachel. I never plan on returning, so her death would make sense. My agent knows of nothing yet. I haven't told him to stop with my contract negotiations for next season yet. I thought it was only fair to tell you first."

This time it was Gary's turn to be silent. Emma patiently waited for the man to think about all she had sprung on him in the past few minutes. "Well Sweetie, it sure seems that you have thought this all out. I still want to yell and scream and say no, come back now and finish the season, if for nothing other than selfish reasons. But I know you and how miserable that would make you. Let me turn on my powers of persuasion with the other producers, writers, and legal. I think I can make this work."

The blonde let out a deep breath that she didn't even know she had been holding. "Thank you so much Gary! I swear I owe you my life sometimes I think."

"Nah, Buttercup. Like I have said before, you have been here since the beginning and have never called in sick, nor complained at the ridiculous hours you were kept here on set. Not once has a complaint been lodged against you for anything. And like you said, it is only one episode and Rachel is already inside of the building. A phone call to the outside would make perfect sense as to why you were absent from the screen. It is an undercover operation after all. I know that not everyone will take this as well as I am, but we can't control that."

"I don't know what else to say, " Emma went on, "except, thank you, again. You have my number. I will answer for you. I don't know where I will be landing just yet, only a vague idea, but I swear you will be the first to know. Probably the only one to be quite honest." she quietly added.

"Alright then Emma, you be careful, okay? I will let you know what everyone says after I have spoken to them. In the meantime, call Gold, he deserves to know that he just lost his top client. I wish you all the luck on that call."

"Shit, I don't look forward to that one. It won't be as easy, legally. This honestly was the hardest call I had to make. Like I said, you are family." At that Emma started tearing up again.

"Don't lose it now Emma, you need to be strong for this one last call, and then you can give yourself a break. I'll take care of things on this end for you." Gary said with much empathy.

"Okay, Jacobs. I can do this. I'll channel my inner-Rachel."

At this, they both started laughing. Her Rachel character was a tough badass, who took nothing from nobody. Gary knew Emma was on the verge of another breakdown, so he decided that it was time to get off the line so that she could muster up her last bit of will to make the next call. He truly did care for the young actress like she was his own daughter.

"Bye for now, Buttercup. Let me know when you land."

"Will do Gary. And thanks… again." With this the line went dead. Emma felt antsy as she dialled the next number. Her long-time agent, Mr. Gold. She knew that she needed to be moving for this call, so she pulled the Bug back onto the road and waited for the phone to be answered.

"Gold Agency, how may I direct your call?"

"This is Emma Swan, I am looking for Mr. Gold."

"Hold the line please."

Emma drove the familiar route to the 101 freeway and hopped on at Las Virgenes Road and headed south on the 101. She knew she had several freeways before she hit the I-40, where she had her first really long stretch of road. 846 miles according to her navigation system.

After a bit of a hold, a voice finally came through the line, bringing Emma back to the present. "Well I wasn't expecting to hear from you until next week, Ms. Swan. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?" Mr. Gold asked in a friendly voice.

The blonde just hoped his voice would remain this calm and cheerful after she told him the reason for the call. She was just glad that she knew she would not cry this time, and decided to actually do what she had joked about just minutes earlier with her beloved boss, and reached in to find the strength she used for her Rachel character.

"Hello to you too Mr. Gold. How are you today?"

"I am doing quite well Emma, but we both know that you did not call to check in on the status of my day. How can I help you, dearie?"

The actress mustered up all the courage she had and dove right in. "Mr. Gold, I am tendering my resignation, effective immediately. I know that we have one episode left and were negotiating the terms of next year's contract, but things have happened recently, and I am sorry to inform you that I will no longer be needing your services."

Gold was stunned, this was definitely not what he had expected when he had heard that his number one client was on the line. He figured that she wanted to add some deal into her contract for the next season, but resignation? This threw him for a loop. "May I ask what brought all of this on, dearie?"

"Personal reasons Mr. Gold. Nothing you or the production have done had any part in this decision. I want you to know that I am leaving acting altogether. Also California. I have already spoken to Jacobs in production and we are working together to finish out this last episode, but it will be done remotely. I have already left. I know I have time left on my contract with you as well, but I have read, and re-read it, and it only states that I may not work for another agent in the same line of work, a basic non-compete clause."

"This is true Ms. Swan, and you certainly have covered all of your bases. I don't know how to respond. I know I sure as hell wouldn't be as calm if I knew you were leaving me to work with someone else. But if you are leaving the business there isn't much I can do. Are you really certain about this, dearie?"

"Yes, Mr. Gold, very certain." Emma replied.

"I guess you leave me no other option than to figure out what we will be doing for this last episode. I assume that production will be contacting me as soon as some decisions have been made?"

"Yes, Sir. Gary will be contacting you directly with all of the details."

"Very well then, dearie. I guess this is the beginning off the end. I truly hate to see you go. You have been wonderful to work with." Gold stated.

"Thank you Mr. Gold, I will await your call then."

"Goodbye dearie, and good luck." The man kindly said.

With that, Emma heard the line go dead. That was not as difficult as she had expected it to Gold was quite a fickle character, and she never knew just which side of the man she would see. Luckily for her, he was in a good mood today.

After the calls were out of the way, Emma cranked up her stereo, opened a Mt. Dew and took a few swigs. The music helped to clear her head. She really didn't want to think about all that had happened. And with that, the blonde was on the road…


(Northampton, Massachusetts. Office of Regina Mills, Mayor)

The office ran like a tight ship, just the way she liked things. She, was Regina Mills, Mayor of Northampton, Massachusetts. It was your typical Friday morning in the mayoral office. Phones, were ringing, faxes flying, and copious amounts of caffeine were consumed. The latest issue that Mayor Mills was dealing with was the constant battle between the large contingent of "bros" that were in the Southwest Residential Area at UMass, Amherst and the entire lesbian population of both Noho, as the locals called their town, and it's sister city, Amherst. While the two towns were relatively safe for the residents, this one area always seemed to breed contempt. It was probably one of the only places that the LGBT community would be chastised for showing PDA's (public displays of affection). Last night had been no exception. A poor, unsuspecting group of Noho girls were leaving Amherst and found themselves in the notorious "bro-hood" and were harassed incessantly.

Mayor Mills looked out for her community, as she identified as a lesbian herself. She too knew the shit that could be slung her way for being who she was. Well, last night, these particular boys had pushed just a bit too far for the mayor. They actually went as far as pushing and shoving a few of the girls until they had fallen to the ground. This was utter bullshit in her opinion, and she was having none of it.

"Beth, can you please get me the Town Manager, Gregory on the phone?" Regina asked her personal secretary. Amhurst didn't have a mayor, like most cities, as it was still under the traditional government system of long ago. For this very reason, Regina felt responsible for both small towns, as they basically were treated as one. Amherst was home to three of the five colleges that made up the Five College Consortium; therefore, most of the Noho kids spent a large majority of their time in the neighboring city.

It didn't take long at all for Mason Gregory to pick up. He had already heard news of the problems that had gone down with the "bros" and the girls. It was a tiny town and news did spread like wildfire. "Well, hello again Mayor Mills. I was expecting this call."

"Hello yourself, Mr. Gregory. How are you today?"

"I am doing well, thank you," Mason replied.

"So, Mr. Gregory. I am sure you are aware of the events of last night on the UMass, Southwest Residential Area."

"Yes, I am, Ms. Mills. I am sorry to say that the boys were rather rowdy last night and extremely out of line."

"They were, indeed Mr. Gregory. But you know that this isn't the first time this has happened, and it only seems to be escalating. I don't want to wait until something unspeakable happens to one of my girls before something is done." Regina stated in a serious tone.

"I will be dealing with the boys myself this time, I can assure you Mayor Mills. I do not want to see anything happen to anyone else either," Mason replied.

"You have said this exact thing already, and look what has happened. Absolutely nothing has changed. The girls, or anyone from the LGBT community who happens upon that section of your town, is immediately harassed. I think it is time you come down harder on the offenders. If they know that all they ever will get is a slap on the hand, they will continue the bullying and harassment. You know that I am right here, Mr. Gregory." Regina was exasperated at this point. She knew that Mason Gregory was just saying what he thought that she wanted to hear. But she wanted more than words, she wanted actions, and she wanted them now.

"What do you propose that I do, Ms. Mills? Have you any tricks up that long sleeve of yours?" He knew that she was a tough woman, and wasn't about to let him off the hook easily.

Last night had been quite traumatizing for the young women involved. One of them was badly bruised and had a torn outfit from the force of being shoved to the ground. Usually it was heckling and taunting that took place, which in itself was bad enough, but it had definitely been stepped up a notch last night. The boys were extremely drunk and out of control. It was a wonder that only one of the girls had sustained injury. He knew he had to do something. These little towns needed to keep the peace that they were known for, and news of any alleged assaults to students, especially one of the gay ones, who sought out these towns, due to the fact that they were so queer-friendly, would not be taken well by the local residents.

"Let me think about this and get back to you ," Regina said with a sigh.

"Sounds fair. In the meanwhile, the young men involved have all been questioned and know that there is more to come. As long as the ladies don't press charges, I am assuming that they are free to carry on until further notice." Mason asked.

"Yes, as of now, nobody is pressing charges. The boys are very lucky, this time… I must go now, as I have a town to run. Thank you for your time, Mr. Gregory. We will be speaking again very soon." Her voice was now filled with malice and she knew that it was time to end this call, before she said something that she might regret later.

"I expect no less Ms. Mills. Thank you as well, for intervening." With that the call came to an end and Regina Mills rubbed the back of her neck and her temples while looking at the clock.

"Lovely," she said to nobody in particular. "9:45am and I already am getting a headache." Regina then took a large drink of the now-cooling coffee she had been working on and closed her eyes.

Damn, she was so sick of those so-called "bros" who were always acting like the immature assholes that they were. She had absolutely no patience for ignorance, and these boys reeked of it. The brunette was ready to move on to the next item on her dossier.

The rest of the day went on without any real difficulties. The usual day-to-day activities and the preparations for upcoming events kept her busy as usual. The mayor was exhausted when the end of the day finally rolled around and she couldn't be any happier to go home and open a bottle of wine that was calling out her name.

She pulled her Black Benz into the sheltered garage that was reserved for her at the bed and breakfast. The humble abode was what she had called home for many years now. As a matter of fact, the building had been home to the business since it had been built, and had belonged to her family the entire time. When Regina's father, Henry, had passed away, her mother decided to leave the entire thing to Regina. She just wanted to escape the memories of her deceased husband. Cora didn't move far, but just enough to not have to look everywhere she went and think of her beloved Henry.

Regina walked into her kitchen and kicked off her black stilettos, a piece of clothing that she wore like a uniform. She was good-looking and she knew it, and always was dressed to kill. The brunette uncorked a vintage red and poured it into an exquisite hand-blown chalice that she had bought from a local merchant. She remembered passing the small shop's window and the glass sparkling in the sun. The set called to her and she went into the tiny storefront and purchased the set. It was a great deal, although she had no monetary woes. A good deal was a good deal, and these were beautiful to boot. Her town had such a diverse group of people and businesses. It was very bohemian, one might say. Regina loved it here, and couldn't imagine ever leaving this place.

As she drank her wine she went through her mail and messages regarding the BnB. Oh yes, Regina also ran the family business. She knew that it was probably time to let go of this responsibility. Her time spent in the mayoral office had completely inundated her as of late, and she spent less and less time taking care of the Bed and Breakfast. The woman didn't easily trust though, and did not want someone running her family's success into the ground. She also was harboring a secret. One she did not want any nosey manager happening upon whilst running the facility.


Emma had been driving for several days now. She took more breaks than originally anticipated, but she still made good time. The blonde was on the tail stretch of her journey on the U.S. 5, just about to turn off on RT 10, the road that would lead her to her new home. She literally knew nothing about this place except for what she had been told by others and read online.

The blonde had finally picked a small Bed and Breakfast as her first stop in town. It was literally located on the banks of the Connecticut River. The website was small, but the pictures were gorgeous and she immediately fell in love with the facility. It was quaint, and family-owned and operated since it's inception. She could walk out the back door and be on the river. This was a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the San Fernando Valley/Los Angeles scene that she had just left.

As the tired woman pulled up to the parking lot, she was amazed by the spectacular beauty of the entire place. The building was fantastic and the surroundings lush. She could definitely get used to this. It also smelled clean. No smog or city air. This was pure and fresh. She took moment to just inhale and drink in the beauty that surrounded her. And for the first time in a long time she smiled. A genuine and happy smile. Not forced or well-acted, but just a simple emotion of happiness, that reached her face, causing her viridian eyes to sparkle along with the trees that were everywhere.

As she entered the building, Emma looked around, wondering where to go. She felt like she was an intruder on a private residence. Nothing about it said 'business' or 'commercial'. This was a far cry from the hotels she had stayed in over her lucrative acting career. This was set up exactly as a regular single-family dwelling would be, with exception to the enormous size. It was a grand piece of architecture, and the owners had maintained it impeccably. Not a thing was out of place, yet it still screamed 'home'. Just then, Emma was brought from her musings as a beautiful brunette woman approached her.

"May I be of assistance to you?" she asked in an overly-formal tone.

"I would like to rent a room if there is still one available. I left a message yesterday, but still haven't had a return call. I hope that there is something available." Emma explained to the gorgeous being in front of her.

"I did get that message, I am sorry that I didn't respond. I wear two hats here in town, and I was quite busy for the past few days." The brunette answered. "Excuse me for my seeming lack of manners, my name is Regina Mills, and welcome to my home."

Emma was stunned momentarily by the sound of this woman's voice. It was as if she could put her into a trance with her voice and that alone. She shook herself back to life and reached out to the hand that the beauty had extended to her and shook it. "I am Emma Swan. I am looking for a place to stay, and I have no idea for how long."

Regina then realized just exactly who it was she was speaking to. She didn't get much time for television, but she did have one guilty pleasure, and that was detective crime shows. It only took her a moment to figure out that this was the actress who portrayed one of the toughest women detectives on television, Rachel Maddox. What in the hell was she doing here in her sleepy little hollow. Shouldn't she be in Hollywood? Now she was intrigued.

"Yes, we do have vacancies, you are in luck. One of our longtime residents has just moved back to Florida to be with her grandchildren, and her room is now available. This is not like a regular hotel here, you will see Ms. Swan. The people who live here are all long-term or seasonal tenants. You will see that if you stay here, it is like our own little haven. How did you find out about The Mills BnB?"

"Honestly? I Googled it. I am making a big change in my life and after much consideration, this town seemed like a good fit. I am looking for a long-term residency, as I don't want to be on the move. Yet, I didn't want to commit to a place until I knew a little more about my new surroundings." Emma stated plainly.

"You sound like a good fit to our little home. There are only two other permanent residents, besides myself, and a few rotating seasonal guests. If you decide to stay you will be the fourth, and final permanent resident, amongst the holiday visitors. I trust that you are quiet and discreet? You will be living with others and seeing them daily if you decide to take your meals here, which I would assume is a yes." Regina explained further.

Emma nodded and responded with maybe a bit too much enthusiasm. "Oh yes, this place seems perfect! Actually, it sounds like just what I need. Minimal human interaction, without becoming a hermit… Which is exactly what I am tempted to do if I could."

Regina suppressed a small chuckle and smiled kindly at the darling woman in front of her. She couldn't help but think of all the things that could happen between her and the blonde. Where is all this coming from? Stop thinking like this Regina. She is a potential resident, not a client...Regina brought her thoughts back to the situation at hand, getting the woman settled in.

"If you would like to get your bags and then follow me, I will take you to your room." Her voice all back to business.

Emma nodded and went out to her car and grabbed the two bags she had packed and her purse. She could come back for the miscellaneous items later. As she re-entered the grand home, she was immediately met up with by the proprietor. The brunette simply smiled and walked up the stairs with Emma following close behind. As the approached the third door on the left, Regina took out her set of keys and opened the door for the blonde. "Welcome to The Mills, Ms. Swan. I do hope that you enjoy your stay.

She walked into the room and urged Emma to go ahead of her. The actress put her bags down and looked around the room. It was enormous! Nothing like Emma had ever seen or expected. It was basically a suite, with a bedroom, living room and connecting bathroom. The decor was modern and tasteful. But the piece de resistance was the wood-burning fireplace in the living room. The couch was set up just so that you could gaze upon, not only the flickering fire in the fireplace, but the scenic picture window that had a spectacular view of the Connecticut River, just below them. Emma thought she was in heaven.

After a few moments, Regina gently cleared her throat and politely excused herself, after explaining to Emma that there was a schedule on her desk with the mealtimes and any other pertinent information about the Bed and Breakfast. She also explained how she could be reached in case anything came up.

The women said their goodbyes, and Emma didn't waste a moment getting undressed and into the queen-sized bed. After driving across the country, she was done. It was now time to sleep. And sleep she did. Althewhile, dreaming of one alluring and gorgeous brunette, Regina mills.