There was an enchanted forest filled with all the fairy tale characters we know.
Or think we know.
One day they found themselves trapped in a place where all their happy endings were stolen.
Our world .
Blair's POV:
"Henry this is a bad idea." I stated for the millionth time. He didn't even look up from the story book he was reading. "I mean this strays far from your normal bad ideas." I continued tightening my purple and grey scarf around my neck, similar to Henry's grey and red one. He snapped his head up to me as he let the book slowly fall shut. "Then why are you here?" He asks arching an eye brow at me.
I paused, "Isn't it obvious?" A smile plays on his lips as he shakes his head. "Someone needs to save you from your really bad ideas." I replied, causing him to laugh and smile for the first time I had seen in days.
"Is that a good book?" A curious voice asks from across the aisle, breaking up the laughter.
We both glance at the lady who's leaning over her seat to get a good look. I watched Henry's grip tighten on the book, "This is not just a book." He clarifies and the girl laughs obviously thinking his imagination was running wild.
I roll my eyes knowing it's not just his imagination. "Or so he says." I added dryly.
Henry bumps me in the shoulder as the bus comes to a stop. My body went rigid as a thought struck me, we are actually in Boston.
Before I knew it, Henry had grabbed my hand and was tugging me off the bus. The cold air hit me and it blew some strands of my honey blonde hair over my shoulder. Henry looked around spotting a taxi and I exhaled, "Great we're here but good luck finding a taxi that will serve two minors."
Henry ignored my comment and walked over to the cab knocking lightly on the window. I trudged after him as a light rain began to fall and I felt the cool drops trickle from my hair and my face. "Excuse me, do you take credit cards?" Henry asks politely, turning on the charm. The driver eyes him for a few fleeting moments then glances at me and I see him visibly swallow. "Where to chief?" He finally decides.
Henry looks back at me with a smirk, "Who's gonna serve minors?" He mocks and I just poke my tongue out at him.
Without another look at him I reached for the cold door handle and swung it open plopping down on the back leather seat. Henry slid in next to me and then stared down intently at the book on his lap. I reached over and ran my fingers along the title,
Once upon a time.
A warm feeling creeped up my veins as I unconsciously continued to trace the letters as my arm was enveloped with warmth. The letters seemed to be getting bigger and bigger as my vision blurred. Suddenly my trance stopped as Henry grasped my hand.
"I did it again." I mumbled not meeting his eyes.
He laces his fingers with mine, "It's fine. You don't have to be ashamed." He assured me, as the green glow in my fingertips faded. "It makes you special," He whispered. I sucked in a big breath of air. "Not special. Just different," I said with a huff.
His hand tightened around mine. "You know that's not true, " He muttered.
I closed my eyes briefly. I didn't want to believe it was true, I didn't want to believe any of this crazy magic stuff but it seemed to be haunting my thoughts everyday. My eyes fluttered open when I felt the cab come to a stop. I quickly let go of Henry's hand and shot out of the car. I gazed up at the apartment tower. "What have you got me into?" I asked out as Henry regained his place at my side. "We are never gonna find her apartment," I added.
Henry let out a laugh. "C'mon!" He exclaimed dragging me into the warmth of the building.
20 minutes later I was panting as we walked up to Henry's moms door. We had finally reached it and Henry just stood there. "Well are you gonna knock?" I asked in exasperation. I saw the uncertainty in his eyes and I huffed padding forward and rapping on the door. I leaned back trying to control my breath as we heard footsteps on the other side. Not even a moment later I felt Henry's hand reach for mine and I felt his fingers trembling. I threaded my fingers with his hoping to make him feel less nervous.
The door swung open and a blonde girl appeared in front of us, she had to cast her eyes down to take notice of us and I felt Henry tense up beside me, so I began running circles onto his hand with my thumb. I suppressed a smile, "Uh.. Can I help you"? She asked uneasily.
"Are you Emma Swan?" Henry stammers out.
"Yeah, who are you"? She replies trying to get to the point. "My names Henry, I'm your son."
I winced, Wow Henry.
Her eyebrows instantly shoot up and my heart beat sped up as she looked from me to Henry and back again. I studied Emma and realized she looked nothing like Henry, he must get his looks from his dad. Henry wedged his way past Emma yanking me along with him causing me to almost bump into Emma. "Whoa hey wait kid-kid I-don't have a s-on"! She stuttered out and I heard the door slam. " Where are your parents"? She demanded trailing after us. His voice was like silk as he answered back straight away. "Eight years ago did you give a baby up for adoption?" I looked at her guessing she was probably at a loss for words. When she didn't reply he continued. "That was me."
Her eyes widened and her gaze pierced into me. I wanted to run home as fast as I could but I didn't move my hand away from Henry's and she noticed this. "Are you my child too?" She asked breathless. I instantly shook my head trying not to crack up as I finally scooted away from Henry. "No I'm just the best friend." She closed her mouth and simply nodded, still at a loss for words. "Give me a minute." She finally mumbles heading into the bathroom. I press my back up against the couch sighing. Henry walks into the kitchen throwing open the fridge, I give him an incredulous look. You don't just go into people's fridges!
"Hey do you have any juice? Never mind found some"! He yells letting the fridge close as he turns placing orange juice on the counter. I pushed myself off the couch and paced toward Henry. I dared not looking at the clock knowing I would cringe instantly. My mom was going to kill me. "Ya know we should probably get going." I whisper to Henry not hearing the door open. "Going where?" Emma's voice rings through the air.
"I want you to come home with me." Henry says. My head whips around to him as my heart skips a beat. "That was never the plan!" I hiss. This is what it came to. Henry keeping secrets from me! We never kept secrets from each other.
"Ok kid I'm calling the cops," Emma exhales. I think quickly and pace over to the phone firmly putting my hands on it and smiling sweetly at her. "Then we'll tell them you kidnapped us." Henry sighs giving her a pointed look. She grimaces, "And they'll believe you because I'm your birth mother. And they'll believe I kidnapped her because she's your best friend." Emma says realization dawning on her. I nod smugly as Henry mutters confirming her thoughts, "Yep. Wherever she goes I go."
"You're not gonna do that." She states giving a slight shake of her head that sends her blonde curls to sway. I lean forward my own honey blonde curls cascading over my shoulders. "Try us." I taunt with a sly smile. "Here's the thing, there's not a lot I'm great at in life but I have one skill. Let's call it a super power, I can tell if people are lying with one glance and you two, are." She explains. I flinch, "To be fair I didn't know about this plan till five minutes ago!" I exclaim as she tries to tug the phone out of my grasp. I look at Henry for a fleeting moment then let go exhaling a frustrated breath.
Leave it to Henry to get us into this mess.
"Wait! Please don't call the cops, please. Come home with me"! Henry pleads. I watch her eyes soften and a hope spikes up in me. "Where is home"? She asks caving. "Storybrooke Maine." We say in unison. "Seriously Storybrooke"? She asks in irritation. He slightly nods as I rock back on my feet feeling them start to throb. "Alright then lets get you two back to Storybrooke." She says sarcastically as she walks toward the front door.
Me and Henry exchange smiles, he was one step closer to getting the life he always wanted.
[*Enchanted Forest*]
The majestic castle loomed over the silky water. Snow white slumped against the wall on the balcony with a glum look, she cradled a bundle of blankets to her chest. A gentle blue bird fluttered away from her. The bundle started to stir and Snow met the eyes of the little baby.
"It's ok my little Blair of light, I won't let the evil queen hurt you." Snow said soothingly, too busy gazing into the baby's rain water eyes she didn't notice Charming approach. "What's wrong"? He asks. "Nothing." Snow says but did not sound believable at all. "You're thinking about what the queen said aren't you?" Charming assumes leaning up against the opposite wall. Snow visibly swallows as she moves the baby up to rest its head in the crook of her neck. "Snow please just let it go, you're about to have a baby." Charming exhales stepping forward to wrap her in a hug. It was ironic how both of them were so scared but didn't want to admit it. "I haven't had a restful night since our wedding"! Snow retorts in irritation.
"Maybe it's because you've been staying up all hours of the night with Blair."Charming teases but when she doesn't reply in return he sighs.
"That's what she wants to get in our heads but they're only just words"! Charming cups snows cheek looking briefly down at the baby. "She can't hurt us." He says imploringly looking at nothing but her now. "You have no idea of what she's capable"! Snow shoots back, her grip tightening on the baby as she lets out a little whimper. "What can I do to ease your mind"? He asks quickly.
Snow takes a deep breath."Let me talk to him."
"Him? No! It's too dangerous"! Charming instantly says with a shake of his head.
"But he sees the future"! Snow insists, what the queen said was eating her away inside. "There's a reason he's locked up"! Charming interjects, his tone pleading with her to see reason. "Can you promise me that our children will stay safe?! Can you guarantee it, because he can! " She exclaims looking Charming straight in the eye and swiftly handing Blair over to him, hoping the baby would ease him into his decision. Prince Charming exhaled, stroking Blairs cheek.
"Alright for our children."
[*Real world*]
Ya know what I hate? Awkward silences. I sat tense in the back seat as an awkward silence coated the car. I mean I could understand the awkward silence.
A middle aged woman with her long lost son and the long lost sons best friend, that was like the beginning of a bad joke.
I was still trying to process the fact that we actually found Henry's mom, and that Henry was keeping secrets from me. I had no idea he was planning on bringing his mom back home.
"I'm hungry, can we stop somewhere"? Henry finally asks breaking the silence, I exhale in relief. "This is not a road trip kid were not stopping for snacks." Emma mumbles trying to keep her focus on the road ahead.
"He's just avoiding the inevitable return to home." I mutter dryly while absentmindedly twirl a curl of my honey blonde hair.
Henry didn't hear me but Emma did and she sent me a questioning look, I shrugged in return. "Why not"? Henry scoffs. "Quit complaining kid, I could've put your butt on the bus, still could." Emma points out, not even bothering to drag her eyes from the road.
"But I would still be in this car right?" I ask tilting my head and putting on a smile.
"Ya know I have a name"? He snaps back, I blink in surprise at Henrys harsh tone. "It's HenrHe says in annoyance his eyes focused on the road too. I sit back against the seat my eyes fluttering closed as exhaustion washes over me. "What's that"? I hear emma ask. I peek one eye open to see her staring at the fairytale book curiously. "I'm not sure you're ready." Henry mutters, I roll my eyes sitting up and shaking the exhaustion off.
"Ready for some fairytales"? Emma asks after squinting to look at it closer. "They're not fairytales, they're true everything in this book actually happened."
I glance at him, "Or so he says." I add dryly.
"Just because you believe something, doesn't make it true." Emma says seriously, I swallow hard as his face falls. "That's exactly what makes it true you should know more than anyone." He retorts. "Why is that"? Emma asks frowning while still trying to drive. "Because you're in this book, and so is b." He says with finality throwing me a look over his shoulder.
I press my lips into a thin line, I had read the book many times and knew who henry thought I was. I just couldn't see it.
"Oh.. kid you've got problems" Emma says, pity lining her tone. "Yup and you're gonna fix them." He replies staring back down at the book. I lick my lips looking at the road ahead, once emma stepped into Storybrooke, I didn't think there was any going back.
[*Enchanted Forest*]
The torch radiated heat as, Prince Charming and Snow White all followed the guard underground with their hoods up. "When we get there do not step into the light! And whatever you do, do not let him know your name if he knows your name he'll have power over you"! The guards booming voice commands. Snow swallows the lump in her throat pressing the baby closer to her chest as the guard yells,
"RUMPLESTILSKIN, I have a question for you!"
Then the air became thicker as Rumples sickly voice sounded. "No you don't, they do. Snow White and Prince Charming"! He exclaims appearing clinging onto the bars that confined him. Charmings fist clench at his sides as he glanced at his wife and his child. "You insult me, step into the light and take off those ridiculous robes"! He hisses. They both do as he says not wanting to stir up trouble. "We have come to-" Charming starts. "Yes, yes I know why you're here"! Rumple suddenly snaps loudly making Snow flinch and the baby let out a soft whimper.
"The queens curse." Rumple whispers out next his eyes sparking as he takes in the two royals and the baby.
Snows blood runs cold at the mention of that horrid curse the evil queen talked about. "Tell us what you know"! She snaps trying to sound firm. "Oh tense are you"! He taunts his voice laced with bitter sweetness. "Fear not, for I can ease your mind"! He says eyes glowing bright in the torch light.
"But it will comes with a price."
"I knew this was a waste of time"! Charming claims latching onto Snow, but she stood firm where she was. Instead she looked up at Charming locking eyes with him and silently passed him the baby. Then took a few fleeting steps forward determination set in her eyes. "What do you want"?
"Oh... The name of your unborn child"? He ponders out loud sweat dripping off his sickly face.
"Absolutely not"! Charming's voice pierces the air. Snow stays silent for a few moments and that's when Blairs soft watery eyes catches hers and she melts. "Deal, what do you know?" Charming briefly closes his eyes, so that was it, the one instant that Snow might have ruined their life by uttering 'deal.'
Rumple let's out a dark chuckle. "The queen has created a powerful curse, and it's coming." he purrs making Snow's whole body tense.
"Soon you'll all be in a prison, just like me! Only worse!" His menacing voice taunts.
"Your prison, all of our prisons ...will be time"! He sneers out next. Snow narrows her eyes confused by that statement. "Time will stop, and we all will be trapped. " He explains softly. Snows confused look melts into a horrified one. She had to stop the queen that was definite but she didn't know how. She exhaled hopelessly. "Where everything we love will be ripped away from us for all eternity"! He continues but Snow couldn't hear anymore. It was unbearable to learn that she would be parted from her husband and her baby and maybe even the baby that was on the way. "While the queen celebrates, VICTORIOUS AT LAST"! He shouts the last part his voice is raspy and sickening.
"No more happy endings."
He mutters staring coldly at the two people in front of him. "What can we do?!" Snow almost gasps, her heart ached after hearing this. "We can't do anything," he muses. "Blair and that little thing growing inside your belly on the other hand-" he spat.
Charming's eyes turn wide and he gets a far off look stuck in his own thoughts. Snows heart skips a beat, looking down at the squirming baby. So this tiny person could stop this? Her hand moves to her stomach as well.
Before she could stop him Rumples shaky hand reached out skimming across Blairs cheek. Prince Charming moved into action slapping his hand away as Snow let's out a startled gasp ripping Blair from Charming's arms and stumbling away slightly. "Next time I cut it off!" Charming growls out the fierce warning. Rumple ignores him completely "B here is our only hope along with the child." Snow glared at him calling Blair by her nickname. "Get her to safety-" he pauses squeezing his eyes shut as Snow stares, amazed. "And on her twenty eighth birthday the child will return, she will find you,"
"And the final battle will begin"! He burst out laughing.
Snows head swirls as the blood roars in her ears. "That's enough we are leaving." Charming says grabbing onto his wife afraid she would pass out, she looked deathly pale. "What is to become of Blair?" Snow demands as Charming tries to tug her along. "Your own selfishness and stupidity will doom Blair! She will be put under this curse and will be affected the most. She will suffer for many years not knowing her great potential and her only salvation will be Emma and when Emma finds her!" Rumple licked his lips enjoying both parents horrified looks.
"But fear not, true love is never truly lost." He threatening takes on a more gentler tone.
Snow was horrified and she felt like she couldn't breathe forget responding to him, she finally gives in and let's Charming tug her along. Her vision whirls and she could barely make out Charming putting his arms around her, shielding her and Blair. "Hey we made a deal I want her name"! Rumple cries out after them. Tears pressure Snows eyes as she cradles Blair to her chest. "Her, it's a boy"! Charming mumbles continuing to walk on. "Missy, missy you know I'm right"! He calls directly to Snow who stops cold.
She takes in a sharp breath, "Emma, her name is Emma." She says before spinning on her heel to leave.
"Emma..." Rumple purrs quietly to himself.
[*Real world*]
Thunder rolls in the distance as we speed down Maine street a shudder rippled through me knowing I would face the wrath of my mother soon. "Okay kid how about an address"? Emma proposes.
"44 not telling you street." He replies curtly, I chuckle, he could be smart when he wanted to be.
Emma's foot slams on the brake and a screeching of tires pierces the air as the car comes to a halt. I let out a sharp breath watching Emma get out and slam the door to the car. Henry follows after her as I push my hands into my pockets and reluctantly slide out of the car and into the cold air. My bed was calling me and I don't know how I got swept up into this mess. Oh wait yes I did, I was following my idiot best friend.
"Look it's been a long night and it's almost-"! Emma cut herself off looking at the big clock tower that loomed in front of us. "8:15"? She stammers out confusingly, I smirk leaning against the car.
"That clock hasn't moved my whole life." I informed her shrugging
"Times frozen here, " Henry adds. "Excuse me"? Emma blurts out looking at us incredulously.
"The evil queen did it with her curse, she sent everyone from the enchanted forest here including you and Blair." He explains, I gaze at him, he sounds so sure of himself...
"Wait an evil queen sent a whole bunch of fairytale characters here," Emma said her tone laced with amusement. "Yeah that's the part I don't get, why would they wanna be in Storybrooke Maine?" I ask in exasperation.
Henry just ignores me, "And now their trapped." He says nodding. "Frozen in time, stuck in Storybrooke Maine that's what your going with"? Emma stares at him carefully, treading lightly. "It's true"! He insists staring up at her with intent eyes. He looks to me for help but I stare at the ground, I didn't fully believe it myself..
"Then why doesn't everybody just leave"? Emma scoffs playing along for a minute. "They can't if they do bad things will happen," Henry answers, causing Emma to raise her eye brows but my eyes zoom in on something behind her. "Oh no." I mutter moving closer to Henry.
"Henry, Blair what are you doing here"? A voice sounded making me flinch.
I looked up to the man with big oval glasses and a dog gingerly walking toward us. "Is everything alright"? He asks approaching us. "I'm fine Archie." Henry mumbled, he swallowed hard and it rumbled through his chest that's how close I was to him. "Who's this"? Archie asks acknowledging Emma's presence. "I'm just some one trying to give him a ride home." She fumbles out a lie.
"She's my mom Archie," Henry interjects and I wince, I tuck a strand of my blonde hair behind my ear awkwardly. "Oh... I see," Archie breaths. "Do you know where he lives"? Emma asks her voice mimicking the awkwardness I felt. "Yeah sure just right up the street, the mayors house is the biggest on the block."
My stomach leaps down to the ground knowing we had forgotten to mention that little detail. "You're the mayors kid"? Emma growls rounding on us. Henry bows his head down in silence, clearly not being able to meet her eyes. "Maybe," he mumbles.
"I'm not if that helps." I speak up but feel kind of helpless. "Hey where were you today Henry? You missed our session." Archie asks deciding to change the subject. "Oh.. I forgot to tell you I was on a field trip." I can tell Henry stammers out a lie and I resist the urge to face palm.
Archie was very good at detecting lies.
I hear Archie take a deep breath. "Henry what have I told you about lying"? He starts in a therapist tone kneeling down to meet his eyes. My eyebrows furrow as I stare at the confrontation in front of me. "Giving into someone's dark side never accomplishes anything, " he advises glancing at me as well. I gave him a look that clearly said to leave me out of it. "Ok!" Emma interrupts, it seemed she was doing us a favor. "Well I really should be getting him home so.." She says, and I could see the uncomfortable edge to her eyes. "Yeah sure," he understands standing back up. "We'll listen you have a goodnight," he nods politely to Emma which she returns with a fake smile. "Be good Henry, and you too Blair." He says ruffling my hair before turning on his heel and strolling away.
I glare after him fixing my hair. "So that's your shrink..." Emma trails off turning back to us. "I'm not crazy." Henry grunts and I give him a reassuring pat on the shoulder . "I didn't say that." Emma denies, throwing her hands up.
"But you were thinking it." I snicker and Emma shoots me a playful glare which makes me giggle. "It's just he doesn't seem cursed to me, maybe a little drunk but not cursed." Emma continues. "He's just trying to help you," she adds as an afterthought. "He's the one who needs help!" Henry cries and I roll my eyes. "Yeah with his alcohol problem." I state and see the flicker of a smile appear on Henrys lips.
"All of them do because they don't know, even you and B." I shudder when he says that, this is why I cant believe him. If I chose to believe him that would mean I would be admitting to being lost my entire life, to not knowing who I truly am. "Because their fairytale characters." Emma repeats, I nod to her sarcastically choosing not to believe him and push the thought away. "And they don't know who they are"! Henry reminds us before pacing around to the passengers side of the car. Emma lets out a dry laugh, "Convenient alright I'll play, who's he suppose to be"? I grab the door handle and tug my door open, "Who do you think, Jimeny cricket"! I call over the car while getting in. I see her grin, "Right the whole lying thing, thought I saw your nose grow a bit." She comment while getting in. "I'm not Pinocchio!" Henry retorts playfully, I roll my eyes.
"Of course you aren't because that would be ridiculous." I sigh as Emma drives her yellow little bug further down the road.
[*Enchanted Forest*]
Charming's fist pounded on the gold table. "I say we fight"! He claims his voice booming. Snow still looked pale beside him while she stared glumly at her stomach and Blair in her lap, Rumples words ringing through her head, 'Your own selfish ways and stupidity will be Blairs undoing! She will go through the curse and it will affect her the most'! She didn't want to believe it but she found that Rumple was always right, with his predictions at least. Snow felt like she had a weight pounding on her shoulders.
"Fighting is a bad idea, giving into ones dark side never accomplishes anything." A small cricket advises that is planted firm on the gold table.
"We need to take the queen out before she can inflict her curse"! Charming says firmly glancing at the many weary faces at the table. "Can we even trust Rumplestilskin"? Snow asks weakly her stomach churning she places Blair on the floor with Gipetos boy , she was starting to sit up on her own and Snow smiled faintly seeing her giggle and play with his blocks. Charming glances at the worry lining everyone's face. "I've sent my men into the forest the animals are buzzing with the queens plan this is going to happen unless we do something," he groans locking eyes with each and every one of them at the table. "There's no point." Snows soft voice speaks up. Her vision turns hazy again but Charming furrows his eye brows in her direction. "The future is written." She exhaled glumly as tears spring to her eyes. "No I refuse to believe that, good can't just lose"! He says in exasperation staring at them all with determination. He was not going to let all he had worked for just crumble.
"It can." Snow let's out a heart breaking sigh. "No." he says softly kneeling down next to her , Blair wraps her tiny fingers around his legs.
"If you believe him about the curse then you believe him about Blair and our child. " Charming says stealing a glance at the baby grasping his leg. Snow was not handling the news well that was for sure. Snow looked past Charming and met eyes with her dear daughter that in a way wasn't even her daughter but was. Even though Snow could see Blair was just a baby and her child wasn't even born yet, she still felt love and determination radiating from both to protect their family and the kingdom.
"She will be the savior." Charming states what Snow just realized. Charming had known it all along, he always saw greatness in Blair and instinctively knew his child would do great things. Now Blair just had to believe it herself when the time was right.
Just then a loud crash was heard and they all looked to the double doors. "What the hell is this"? Charming asks bolting up from the floor. From what they could tell a tree was being wheeled into the room accompanied by the blue fairy. Her essence lit up the room filling it with a new found hope. "Our only hope of saving Blair and that child." Her words hung in the air sprinkling over all of them.
"A tree? Our fate rests on a tree"?! Grumpy raises his eye brows playfully with a sneer. Snow would roll her eyes if she had the energy too. "Let's get back to the fighting thing." Grumpy mutters next, while the blue fairy just looks annoyed.
"The tree is enchanted, if fastened into a vessel it can ward off any curse." Blue explains her voice dancing across the room. Snow sits up in her seat energy re- filling her as Charming's eyes sparkle with hope. "Gipeto can you build such a thing"? Blue asks her head tilting toward him. "Me and my boy we can do it." He reassured, his voice strong and confident. Snow catches the eyes of a little red headed boy messing around with a block of wood and giggling with Blair , and the ghost of a smile plays on her lips. This idea seemed to spark the room lulling everyone out of their glum state. "This will work, we all must have faith." Blues airy voice says. Snow instinctively reached for Charmings hand flashing him a big smile, that he could not help but return.
"There is however a catch," Blue says almost hesitantly.
Charmings and Snow's smiles drop and everyone frowns their heart sinking. "This enchantment is very powerful but all power has it's limits and this tree-" she pauses. "Can protect only one."
Snows eyes scale to her lap as she swallows. Charming looks down at his and Snow's intertwined hands, his mind now a thousand miles away.
[*Real world*]
"Please don't take me back there"! Henry whispers helplessly. I don't even dare look at him, it would crush me. Emma pushes the gate open, "I have to I'm sure your parents are worried sick about you." She replies with emphasis trying to make him understand. "I don't have parents, just a mom and she's evil!" He snaps making me spin around to him.
"Evils that's a bit extreme isn't it?" I hiss out of irritation but not meaning too. My feet were killing me and I could barely keep my eyes open.
"She is, you know how she is Blair. She doesn't love me she only pretends too." He mumbles making my heart sputter, his emotions were getting to me.
"Kid.."
Emma manages to mutter as she leans down to face him. "I'm sure that's not true." She implies softly. "He's just getting that from his Story book." I sigh kicking a stray rock.
Just then the door swings open and a young woman with spiky shoulder length hair and a slim figure comes running out of the house. "Henry! Blair!" She exclaims concern filling her voice. She yanked me and Henry against her in a bone crushing hug. "Henry are you okay, what happened!" The words tumble out of her mouth and my eyes widen when she whips back sending my hair to fall into my eyes.
"I found my real mom!" He claims pushing past her, a pang hits my chest that turns into a shudder when Regina sets her cold eyes on me. "Blair why did you encourage him?" She accuses, I wanted to defend myself but I was failing at her look. I couldn't form words.
"I'm sorry Aunt Regina." I offer a meek apology. Thankfully her eyes move from mine to Emma's. "You're- you're Henry's birth mother"? She stammers out in disbelief.
Emma smiles shyly. "Hi."
"I'll just go check on the lad make sure he's alright." Grams deep husky voice announces. I look at him and he beckons for me to follow him, I didn't even realize he had been standing there.
I flash Emma a reassuring smile before sprinting after Gram and into the big white elegant house. Gram stopped and sent me a smile, he knew I was the best one to talk to him.
I walked absentmindedly up the spiral staircase as I swallowed, it was now or never, I had to ask why Henry lied. Some picture frames caught my eye as I made my ascend toward Henry's room. There were a lot of Henry as a baby and they made me smile every time. One of my personal favorite were me and Henry laying on the floor eating popcorn, we weren't even looking at the camera but in that moment we seemed more close than any body else in the world. I somehow felt like I wasn't that close to him anymore, not after he lied to me.
I hesitated in front of Henry's door but huffed and pushed it open. He was laying on his bed, on his side to be exact and I couldn't see his face. I sat silently on the side of his bed and placed my hands in my lap.
"Why did you lie about bringing Emma back home?" I whispered.
I waited patiently for his reply and heard him sigh. "I knew if you knew you wouldn't come with me." He finally admitted, I scoffed. "Well that's a complete lie, You should know by now I'm always gonna follow you anywhere." He rolled over onto his back and smiles at me, "I know." He says softly. I was about to smile back when a thought struck me.
"I have to ask though..." I trail fiddling with my hands.
"Did you just bring Emma back here because of the whole fairytale thing because if you did Henry-" His smile drops and my words get caught in my throat. "Don't talk about things you don't understand." Henry said coldly. My mouth fell open and I rushed to apologize, "Henry it's not that I don't believe you-"
"Even though I know you don't." He quips. My chest falls and I swallow hard, well I didn't want to lie to him... When I didn't say anything he got a hard look in his eyes. "Please leave." He mutters, I could hear how his voice was thick with tears.
A pang hits my chest and tears pressure the back of my eyes. I jumped to my feet wanting to get out of this room. I turned on my heel at the door and stare at him, "If it helps... I don't think your crazy. How could I? Your the most creative person I know. I'm sure this is just a phase." I say meaningfully.
But as I walked away I didn't know how very wrong I was.
[*Enchanted Forest*]
Snow stood motionlessly on the balcony, She whirled around claiming "I can't do this"! As she headed back into the room. Charming was huddled over a table face lined with stress as he stared at Blairs gurgling form. Charming jerked his eyes to look at Snows desperate ones.
"It has to be you, " he says solemnly.
Tears started to well up in Snows eyes as she saw Blairs innocent form. 'She will be affected by the curse the most.' Rumples word haunted her. "I can't leave you and Blair!" Snow cries. They collide in the middle of the room Snow clinging onto him. "Rumplestilskin said on Emmas 28th birthday"! She says in exasperation tears streaming down her face. "What's 28 years when you have eternal love"? Charming replies trying to smile. When she didn't smile back and only cried harder he had to think of a response.
"I have faith you and the baby can save me and Blair as once I did you."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and let out a sob into his shoulder and he rubbed soothing circles into her back. She hated all this attention and pressure she felt like she was gonna burst with emotion. She didn't want to risk Blair or charming. She guessed that's why people called her the selfless one. "No I'm willing to make that sacrifice if it means you saving us all." He whispers comfortingly into her ear. She almost chokes on her tears as she stifles out a laugh, always the hero. Their moment got interrupted when Snow let's out a cry of pain clutching her stomach. "What is it"? Charming gasps in an instant he's supporting her weak figure. "The baby"! Snow gasps out then her face contorts with pain.
"She's coming." She groans squeezing her eyes shut from the pain.
Torches lit up the tower as Grumpy looked alert in all directions. The sky had suddenly turned dark which was not a good sign. Black smoke rises up tumbling over the forest toward the castle. "Wake up, wake up"! Grumpy snaps eyes growing wide as he kicks Sleepy. "Look"! He hisses as lighting crackled in the sky with a big flash.
"THE CURSE ITS HERE"!
He starts to scream at the top of his lungs as he runs toward the bell. Clinging it back and forth as the whole tower vibrates as the thick black smoke inches closer.
[*Real world*]
I stumbled into the loft trying to be quiet but sleep was overtaking my body. I waved my arms around trying to make my way through the dark. I squinted when the light was flipped on and revealed my mom sitting at the kitchen island.
I gulped, I was really trying to avoid this.
"Blair Magica Blanchard. Where have you been?" She asks curtly. "Henry-" I begin but wince when I hear the scraping of her chair as she gets to her feet. "I knew I shouldn't have given Henry that book, did you two go off on an adventure again?" She asks strolling forward, keeping up her stern look though I could see the relief she felt that I was okay.
"No mom.." I let out a frustrated breath wondering if I should tell her or not. She looked at me expectantly and I exhaled. "Henry found his mom." I whispered. My moms eyes widened as she looked taken aback. "I just wanted to help him mom." I practically pleaded, this was just not my night.
She walked forward briskly and cupped my cheek, "I know dear, always looking out for others. How did you get to be so sweet?" A smile plays on my lips as I shrug, "I'm assuming I get it from you." Mom lets out a laugh playfully pushing me toward the stairs. "Go get some sleep, you have school in the morning." She says in an orderly tone and I giggle. "So are you still mad?" I tease and she pretends to think tapping her chin.
"Yes." My smile drops. "Only because you had me really worried." She clarifies and I simply nod before climbing the steps. There wasn't much I could do to make it up to her tonight.
I fall on my bed not even bothering to change. I take notice of the picture on my bedside table, It was of me and Henry his arm was wrapped around me and our cheeks were red from the cold as snow flakes drifted around us. My head fit perfectly into the crook of his neck. I sighed thinking about a time when everything was so simple. It would never be simple like that again. I then fell into a deep sleep.
_
I watched my mom walk gracefully across the class room, a tiny fragile little bird perched in her hand as if it were normal. The class watched her in amazement. "As we build our bird houses, remember what are making is a home not a cage." She states softly but sweetly at the same time. My head lulled on my hand, sadly I didn't get enough sleep last night and I hadn't seen Henry all day so I was worried.
"A bird is free and will do what it wants," she pauses, her ivory skin glistening in the sun as it hits her jet black cut short hair. "This is for them, not us," she finished saying. The class all nods in unison, agreeing. "They're loyal creatures."
She turns to the window and neatly sticks her hand out some of the students gasp as the bird flutters away from her palm. But I wasn't surprised since I had seen her do it plenty of times and could even do it myself. "If they love you, and you love them.. They will always find you." She whispers turning back to the class and catching my eyes, she winked and I forced a smile.
The bell rings making me flinch and all of the students pour out of the classroom but I stay put. My ears picked up on heels clicking and I narrowed my eyes looking over my shoulder to see Henry's mom strut in.
"Blair where is my son?" She exclaims.
I open my mouth to speak but my mom glides over, "Ms. Mills I thought he was home sick with you." She informs her. I sink farther in my seat as I feel deep negativity surge through Regina, I guess you could call it a gift.
Another clicking hits my ears and I whip my head around again. This time my eyes widen when I see its Emma. She stayed! A big smile grew on my face and I fling out of my chair and toward her. Without knowing what I was doing I hooked my arms around her and squeezed her tight. I felt her arms slowly slide around me and hesitantly squeeze me back. I pulled back and met my moms confused stare and Aunt Regina's glare. It made me want to shrink back into my seat.
"Did you give Henry your credit card so he could find her?" Regina asks coldly cocking her head toward Emma. "I'm sorry who are you?" My mom stutters as she looks from me to Emma her face uncertain.
"I'm-I'm-" Emma try's to say, I bite my lip trying to send her confidence but clearly Regina's patience was running thin. "She's the woman who gave Henry up for adoption."
When she said it like that.. It sounded terrible.
My mom started to shuffle through her purse. "My mom doesn't know anything about this Aunt Regina." I point out pacing toward my mom. "Clever boy." Mom whispers coming to the conclusion that one of her credit cards was missing. My fingers dig into my wrist as Regina continues to glare at my mom.
"I should never have given him that book." Mom repeats what she said last night.
"What is this damn book I keep hearing about?!" Regina shouts making me flinch.
I shrink into my moms side and could feel her worry and resentment wash over me. "It's just a book full of some old stories as you know Henry is very creative and bright and as you may be aware.. Lonely. He needed it." She says and I sigh.
"What he needs is a dose of reality and a best friend who would talk him out of these situations instead of encouraging him!" Regina sets her hands on the table leaning forward intently.
I swallow and catch the sympathetic look Emma is sending me.
My mom doesn't say anything which causes Regina to whirl around in annoyance. "A waste of my time!" She rants knocking over a book as she goes. I rush to pick it up and so does Emma so our heads bump and I erupt into laughter.
"I'm really sorry for bothering you." Emma says handing my mom the books as I stand up rubbing my head. "No its fine I guess it's partially my fault." Mom replies and eyes emma somewhat carefully.
"How are stories suppose to help?" Emma asks in curiously her eye brows arching.
My mom moves to set the books down as I frown slightly. "Isn't that what stories are for? I mean there's a reason we all know them." I comment trailing behind emma and my mom. "Henry hasn't had the best life." My mom sighs and I nod in agreement. "He's facing that inevitable question, Why would someone give me up?" Mom says and she seems to be in a trance.
I jab her gently in the side making her remember she was with Emma. Her mouth falls open and apologies escape, "I'm so sorry it's just.. I was looking to give Henry at least an ounce of hope." I began fiddling with the end of my skirt knowing Henry had all the hope in the world, a little too much in my opinion.
I jerked my head up when emma asked me a question, "You know where he is don't you?"
I purse my lips debating whether to lie but my mom was standing an inch away from me. "You may want to check his castle." I answer smugly.
[*Enchanted Forest*]
Snows screams filled the air. Her pale figure was stretched out on the bed sweat dripping from her face as she gripped Charming's hand. "I can't have the baby now!" Snow managed a strangled cry through her gasps. Doc blotted her forehead as Charming whispered reassuring things into her ear and Blair let out a round of wails.
Gipeto swung the door open, "The wardrobe it's ready!" He announced with an excited glee.
A grin broke out on Charming's face as he began to move his wife. "It's too late we can't move her!"
With a couple more strangled screams the baby had arrived but their plan was ruined. They wrapped her up in a blanket with 'Emma' embroidered on it. Charming was holding Blair while Snow held Emma and they gazed lovingly at the two girls.
"The wardrobe." Snow whispered stroking Emma's cheek. "It only takes one." She says shakily.
Cries of battle sound from down the hall and Charming throws a weary glance at the door. "Then our plan has failed." He mutters watching as Blairs eyes peacefully fall shut. "At least we're together." He says lovingly as he starts to rub circles into Snows back.
"No." Snow objects shaking her head vehemently.
She raises Emma up into Charming's arms and takes Blair. "Take the baby, Take the baby to the wardrobe." She commands her voice faltering as her lips quiver.
"Are you out of your mind?" Charming asks breathily.
"We have to give her, her best chance!" Snow claims tears rolling down her cheeks. A sob catches in Charming's throat as he looks down at Blair. "What about Blairs best chance? Your dooming her!" He yells out tears making his eyelashes damp. Snow bites her bottom lip tenderly looking down at the little bundle in her arms that almost a year ago she found in the woods. "Blair will understand."
She swallows a mouthful of air, "I already know she will be the sweetest girl ever known."
Charming closed his eyes trying to pull back the tears but some slip and fall onto Blairs little forehead as he presses a cool kiss there. "We will see each other again." He promises, his voice strained from the held back sob.
He pecks Snow on the lips before grabbing up a sword and heading toward the door. He looks back and can't meet Snows eye. He knows she's trying to be strong for him. As he leaves Snow tilts her head back and begins to sob. She only sobs harder when she looks back at Blair.
"I'm sorry my little Blair of light."
She takes strangled breaths and presses Blairs forhead against hers. "I'm being selfish but at least we'll be together." She says her voice breaking. Fresh tears start to prick at her eyes, "I have faith that Emma will come back for us all." Snow falls against the headboard Blairs sleeping form slumped against her chest. Battle noises and cries of pain reached Snow's ears and she squeezed her eyes shut trying to block it out.
Suddenly everything faded and all that was left was an eery silence. "Let's go check on daddy." Snow says hopefully as she carefully slides out of bed. She staggers out of the room holding Blair carefully as she heads into Emma's and Blairs room. Her face scrunches up in horror seeing all the bodies laying about, but nothing could compare to when she came across Charming's lifeless body.
She pressed herself against the doorway shaking her head rapidly. "No." She groans pushing herself forward. "No!" Her grief stricken scream tears through the air as she lands on her knees almost not believing her eyes. She lets Blair go and feels Charming's blood drip onto her fingertips as she grips his dead body. Her eyes widen as a thought strikes her and she launches forward catching his lips in a kiss. She reels back searching his face hopefully but he doesn't even move. She moves to do it again tears streaming down her face but a voice stops her.
"Don't worry dear, where we're going you won't even remember that you loved him."
Snow pulls Blair into her lap shaking her head shamefully at the evil queen. "Why did you do this?" She asks brokenly. The evil queen leans forward menacingly, "Because this is my happy ending!" She sneers pointing to her chest.
A guard waltzes in, "No sign of the child my queen. She was in the wardrobe and then she was just gone..."
"Where is she?!" The queen growls rounding on Snow. Snow cradles Blair in her lap protectively. "She got away." She whispers in awe, then looks at the evil queen with a big grin. "You're going to lose, I know that now." She starts to stroke Blairs cheek bone, love coming off of her in waves.
"Good will always win."
The queen bites her lip noticing Blair and a gleam settles in her eyes. "We'll see about that. You've still doomed Blair. And to think she will grow up unknown of the power she holds... All that untapped potential." Snow's whole face morphs into confusion, her once content smile is now a frown. "What do you mean?"
The walls start to shake causing Blair to start crying. Snow watches the baby, tears bubbling in her eyes as well. The windows shatter causing Blairs cries to become louder and Snow reaches down and gently tucks a small strand of Blairs now forming blonde curls behind her ear "Where are we going?!" She yells over the whooshing of the black smoke that's starting to close in.
The evil queen starts to laugh leaning back and smiling proudly at the smoke, "Somewhere horrible, where the only happy ending will be mine."
The black smoke starts to streak Snows vision and she can barely whisper one last I love you to Blair and her husband before it encloses them. Blairs cries are drowned out and there's one last final whoosh and a single flash of white light to signal the end.
[*Real world*]
I pressed my head against the cold window as my mom drove to the hospital. She was volunteering and this was the way she ensured I wouldn't go off with Henry. Even though I told her we were fighting at the moment.
Speaking of Henry, I lifted my head up seeing him climb out of Emma's car in front of his house, So Emma had found him after all. I had this deep urgency to patch things up with him. "Mom stop the car." I blurted out without thinking.
She sent me a confused look but pressed the brake and sent the car into a slow stop. I threw the door open and hopped out racing toward Henry's retreating figure into the house. "Henry!" I shouted a little more louder than I would have liked.
He froze and sharply turned around, Regina was in front of him a scowl placed on her lips. I knew Emma and my mom were watching us curiously from behind.
A smile broke out on his lips and he came running at me.
I sighed in relief and ran forward as well, happy that he wasn't mad anymore. We collided in the middle as my arms flew around his neck and he wrapped his arms around me holding me tight. His face was pressed into my shoulder for a brief moment but he raised his head up to whisper in my ear. "I think she might stay."
I instantly knew he was talking about Emma and pulled away resting my hands on his shoulders. "That's great henry," I say sincerely. He smiles briefly before tugging me back in and squeezing me tight. "Blair we have to get going." My mom informed me from behind and somehow I knew she was giving me a pointed look. I swiftly pulled back giving Henry a pat on the head before slipping away. Emma was biting her lip suggestively at me and I rolled my eyes at her.
I rode to the hospital with a smile on my face, I was glad me and Henry were us again. I followed my mom into the cold hospital not really paying attention. But my toes began to tingle and I looked around wildly. Somehow my feet worked on their own and I was pacing toward a closed off section of the wing, I slid open the glass door and stepped inside. A gust of wind hit me but somehow it sent shock waves up my spine. I sat on the edge of the bed the shock waves subsiding and turning into chills.
I didn't recognize the man on the bed and when I examined the tag it said 'John Doe.'
I gulped some air curling my fingers together and staring at the man intently trying to figure out if I knew him. The door opening snapped me out of my thoughts as my mom regarded me with a confused but sweet look. "What are you doing in here?" She asks with a tilt of her head. The tingling starts in my toes again so I jump up. "I was just curious." I fumble out a lie. "I'm just going to go take a walk." I say passing my mom wanting to get out of the hospital. I barely saw her nod as I let the cold air of outside rush over me. I looked down biting my lip as I noticed the green glow that started to spread on my fingertips. I shake them out violently and look up at the clock tower then glance away.
Wait...
My eyes dance back over the tower seeing its slow ticking. I gasp, that was impossible.
I practically fall over my feet with yanking up a pay phone and putting in Henry's number. He answers only after two rings, "Did you see?" I practically yell into the phone. "It's amazing isn't it! It's happening!" Henry gushes. I ball my hands into fists seeing the green glow start to subside. "What's happening?" I ask worriedly. He pause, and it takes him a long time to spit out the word.
"Magic."