I'd like to thank you for your comments/follows/favs for the prologue. I am so happy you guys like it. :)

I have no beta and I have no interest in having one so please, if you find any mistake, don't hesitate to tell me. I like learning this language as it is not my native.

Review are always appreciated! :)


CHAPTER 1

Emma had half of the way behind her. It was over ten in the night and she was desperate for a break. Emma didn't want to sleep, but she was tired of driving. She kept swearing, angry with herself for being so stupid and taking her car, instead of buying a flight ticket and having much better traveling. But had she decided to use American Airlines, she would have probably been in Storybrooke by now. And since there was a way to delay her arrival to her hometown, she gladly took it.

When the small motel appeared at the side of the road, there was no hesitation as she pulled over and stepped out of her car. She had quite a nice car; not too expensive, but not exactly cheap, either. Most people - mostly men, but women as well - looked at her vehicle when she drove by. So it was not a surprise to her when she received an immediate attention. She gripped her keys tightly, preparing the tear gas. But no one dared to come closer. She walked around the men sitting on the bench, drinking beer, around four girls who were curiously eyeing her. She realized they were prostitutes, obviously looking for rich clients.

Emma stepped in the motel. The receptionist offered her "the best room" available although Emma was sure the room was no different from the others. The man, just as everybody else, smelled money in the air.

"I just need to use the toilet!"

"No way! No homeless whores in this establishment!"

Emma turned around to see the source of the yelling. In front of the door leading to the toilet was standing a tall men, blocking the way to a woman. Emma didn't see her face, only her short dark raven hair, tiny tank top and a skirt. She had a toned, but slim body. If she wasn't dressed like that, Emma wouldn't even think she was a prostitute.

Her naturally generous side fought her stubbornness to stay away from it, and before she could realize it, Emma was standing right next to the brunette, gazing at the man in front of them.

"She's with me," Emma said. Then she finally looked at the woman's face and it took her breath away. The brunette was simply gorgeous; she had brown eyes, endless wells of emotions she kept hidden so well. She had full, red lips, covered with cherry lipstick. She was so beautiful.

In the brown eyes was no surprise as the woman gazed the blonde up and down. "I am?"

"Yes," Emma said and smiled at the man who didn't believe her at all.

"Look, lady, I know this whore. She sells her body outside every evening for about a month now. There is no way you can tell me she-"

"I am not telling you she is not a whore. I am telling you she's here with me." Emma raised her eyebrow at him meaningfully.

"Oh." His face, when the realization hit him, was just priceless. He only managed to stumble aside to free the door to the toilet. Emma caught the woman's arm, not oblivious to the wince she received from the brunette, and pulled her inside the toilet.

Emma stood next to the washbasin as the other woman stepped inside another door to do what she had to. "You're welcome," Emma called, not trying to sound bitterly, but she was sure it was obvious in her voice.

The brunette walked out and pierced her with her gaze. "Please, don't act like you did it for anyone, but yourself. Should I get on my knees and thank you properly?" She then proceeded to wash her hands.

"I wanted to help you. I just don't get why you can't use the toilet when it's free and you obviously help them to gain money with your job. That's all. I'm not expecting anything from you."

The crystal honesty in the blonde's tone was a surprise to the brunette. She smirked and was about to go back to her job when she heard loud voices from outside.

"Sir, you can't go there. These are female toilets. Sir!"

"Is she there? She is there, isn't she? I am going to kill her!" Someone started hitting the door as if trying to break it down. "I'll kill you! Do you hear me, slut?! No fucking client will save you in there, Regina. I'll wait here."

Emma turned around and looked at the woman, Regina. Those big brown eyes were filled with fear and it was like an iron fist gripped her heart and crushed it. She recognized the moment Regina just gave up. She was going to stay there till the man got in...

"Come with me," Emma whispered.

"I'm not -"

"Be quiet and follow me." Emma took Regina's hand again and led her to the back door. Regina kept wondering what made her listen to the blonde. She didn't know her, she had no reason to trust her. Maybe it was the reality - the fact that she was too close to death to be calm.

Suddenly they were outside and Emma was leading Regina to her car. Quietly opening the door, she pushed her inside. The brunette naturally wanted to fight her, but as she considered her options - going with a blonde female stranger, who just helped her, was much better than staying there and risking her life with that psychotic male possessive asshole.

As the blonde drove away from the motel, happy she didn't pay for her room, her heart was beating way too fast. She was driving to her parents' without a girlfriend, but with a hooker next to her. Her problems just got even bigger.


The silence in the car was deafening. Neither of the women was able to speak up. Emma was too upset about her current situation and Regina just didn't know what to say. It had been a long time since she'd believed in humans' generosity therefore she was assuming the blonde would want something in return for the saving.

"Motel Mona Lisa - 3km" was written on a board next to the road. Both emerald and chocolate eyes gazed at it. Regina realized her part was coming and she turned around a bit to look at the stranger next to her.

It was as if she looked at the woman for the first time. She'd had a few female clients, but this woman was extraordinarily beautiful, of all of them, men and women. Maybe her job could finally be pleasant.

"How much will you pay me?" Regina asked, staring at the blonde curiously.

Emma widened her eyes and stole a glance at the brunette. "You want to do your job now?"

Regina shrugged. "I need money. So?"

"I'll tell you later," Emma murmured just as they pulled over in front of the motel. There were no hookers standing outside, no guys scrutinizing her car. This place looked much better.

"You'll take my coat. I bet they wouldn't let you in otherwise."

The blonde's voice was suddenly much sharper, demanding. Regina nodded and put on the cloth Emma was giving her. It smells nice, Regina noticed, surprised. They both got out if the car, Emma took her things from the trunk and they walked in the establishment.