Chapter 2: A Cry for Help

On a dark night Mr. Gold was working late in his shop. Finally he decided to go home so he locked up for the night. Grabbing his cane he headed for home when out of the darkness a figure knocked him down. Boiling with rage he was about to take it out on his attacker when he saw who it was. A little girl about 6 years old with reddish-brown hair and light hazel brown eyes was staring back at him. She wore a simple blue dress with a white bow in her hair and her skin was a light peach. He slowly got up with his cane and stared at the little girl with confusion. He had never seen her before and all the kids he knew would be safely tucked into bed with their parents. "Hello dearie what is your name?" he asked gently as he held out his hand for her to take.

The girl took it but instead of saying a name she said in a soft voice", Please you must help my mommy".

"Okay dearie calm down. Can you show me where your mommy is?" Mr. Gold asked. She took him by his sleeve and led him to a dark alleyway. They came to a crumpled figure in the corner and when Mr. Gold saw her, his face went pure white. Like the small child the woman's hair was reddish-brown and curly. Her skin was a lighter tone and covered with small bruises. Her clothes were a long gray sweater with blue jeans and her hair in a tangled mess. She must have been sleeping her unconscious because her eyes were closed but Mr. Gold knew who she was, Belle his lost love. Suddenly she opened up her eyes and saw Mr. Gold staring at her and saw the child behind him.

"Angela get away from him!" the woman shouted as she grabbed the girl's arm and put her behind her back. "I don't know who you are but you better leave us alone or else!" Belle hissed her blue eyes flashing dangerously.

"Calm down my dear I was only here trying to help you", Mr. Gold said as he tried to calm Belle down.

"Mommy please don't be mad I am sorry I brought him but you wouldn't wake up and I got scared", Angela whimpered.

"It is okay baby don't cry", Belle told Angela as she kissed her cheek.

"Thank you sir but we are just fine now please leave us alone", Belle told him.

"My name is Mr. Gold and judging by your clothes and you sleeping on the ground I take it you are without a home" he said calmly.

"We are fine thank you", Belle growled.

"Please mommy let him help I am tired of sleeping outside and I'm hungry", Angela said softly.

"That is enough Angela now come on", Belle told her.

"What if Daddy find us again?" Angela asked as fear entered her eyes. Mr. Gold saw the fear in Belle's eyes as well and his blood boiled. He saw the bruises on her and was angry that Regina had lied to him but worst of all was she was being abused by someone who was supposed to love her. He was no prince but when Belle lived with him in his castle not once did he lay a hand on her.

"Please Ms. you can gladly stay in my house I plenty of room and you can lock the door but please let your daughter sleep in a bed for just one night. I give you my word I will not harm you or her", Mr. Gold told her.

"Alright just one night and you can call me Belle but just remember I always carry protection with me", Belle told him firmly.

"Of course now please follow me", Mr. Gold told them. He led them to his big house and Angela was amazed at how big it was even Belle was impressed. "There is a shower in this room and I have some left over girl clothes and women clothes that I was saving for charity but you can wear them", Mr. Gold offered.

"Thank you Mr. Gold we both appreciate it", Belle said gratefully.

"It is a pleasure dearie sweet dreams", he said softly.

"Sweet dreams Mr. Gold", Angela said sweetly.

"Sweet dreams dearie", Mr. Gold said as he shut the door giving the ladies their privacy. As soon as Belle and Angela showered and put some clean clothes on they immediately fell into a deep sleep. Mr. Gold slept as well but his mind was bubbling for the very thought of having his true love just down the hall made his heart melt. But seeing the bruises on her made him want to kill the man who did it and when he found out who it was he was going to redefine the word abuse. Tomorrow morning was going to be very interesting but for now he had to sleep.

Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review.