Storybrooke, Maine

Chapter Two: New Path

Storybrooke wasn't on any maps or navigation system. August found the town by chance, many years ago, when he first started searching for Emma. Something pulled him there, an unseen force. He rode his bike up to the town line and froze. He couldn't do it. He couldn't face everyone, especially his father. As a boy, he was given a very important task; take care of Emma, keep her safe, lead the savior towards the right path… but instead he left her alone.

Now, finally, he was ready to do the right thing.

August had been driving for hours when he realized he hadn't made a stop. He peaked over at Emma and found her staring straight ahead.

"Are you hungry?"

She hadn't eaten since breakfast; it was now early evening, but despite the time gap, Emma shook her head. Wherever Storybrooke was, she just wanted to get there.

"Do you have to, uh… go to the bathroom or anything?"

Again, Emma shook her head.

"We'll be there soon," he promised.

And that was all the conversation they shared. A few hours later, with the bug's headlight's shinning bright, they drove into Storybrooke.

"Do you live here?"

"No," August said as the bug inched along the quiet block.

"Do you know someone here?"

"You could say that."

"What does that mean?"

August didn't answer. He focused on his surroundings. Where to go? Would anyone remember? The curse was designed to make that impossible. The Queen cast the spell; she would know everything. But that wouldn't be helpful. August needed to find someone else, someone with power and enough of it that they may have retained their memories.

"Where are we going?" Emma demanded impatiently, interrupting the man's thoughts.

"A place to crash."

"Wait, a hotel?"

He nodded.

"I could have done that on my own."

"You're broke, remember?"

Emma sighed.

August put his worrisome thoughts on the back burner and directed his attention on finding an Inn. Luckily, another minute of driving and they stumbled into the heart of town where he spotted 'Granny's Bed & Breakfast.' He eased the bug to the street and Emma was quick to get out.

"I'll pay you back for tonight."

"No need."

"I'm not a charity case," she spat angrily.

"Never said you were," August said while leading the way.

"What happens tomorrow?"

August turned and asked, "what do you mean?"

"Why did you bring me here?"

"You need a place to live, don't you?"

"Why is that any of your concern?"

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

"I'm sorry I'm not accustomed to strange men taking me to strange places. Despite what you might think by looking at me, I'm not a whore."

"I'm not a strange man, and I don't think that."

"You are to me."

August sighed. He had to give her something or he she'd bolt. "I told you, we knew each other for a short time."

"Really?" Emma challenged.

"I was in the orphanage with you when you were a baby."

"How did you know I was in an orphanage?"

"Like I said, I was there."

"Okay," Emma played along. "Let's say you were there; why find me now? Why pay my bail?"

"Does that matter? You're having a kid; you need a place to stay. Aren't you sick of being on the run?"

"What are you, a stalker?"

"I'm trying to help you," he said desperately.

He wasn't messing with her. Emma could tell he was genuinely trying to help… but why?

"Come on, let's get something to eat."

Emma's stomach growled at the mention of food. She couldn't deny her hunger any longer. So she followed the man inside.

"I never caught your name."

"That's because I didn't give it."

"I don't eat with guys who won't tell me their name. Weeds out the ones who keep secrets or store body parts in the freezer."

"I don't store body parts in the freezer."

"So you keep secrets?"

"It's August. August. W Booth."

"Really? With the middle initial?"

"W stands for Wayne."

Emma rolled her eyes at his smirk.

"There goes your reason for not meeting me here for breakfast in the morning."

"Where are you going?" Emma asked as he stood.

"Bed. Tired from all that driving," he said while dropping money on the table. "Come to the Inn when you're done. It's next door. I'll have them hold your room key."

Emma nodded.

"Goodnight," August said before leaving.

"Night," Emma murmured in return. She then looked down at the money he left. She could easily get a cab out of town. August wouldn't know 'till morning and by then she'd be long gone… but where to go? She spent her whole life wondering where to go next.

Her stomach growled, bringing her back to the present. She sighed. She'd been used to ignoring the hunger pains. There'd been many times when she went without steady meals. But then she thought of the growing baby in her tummy.

"What can I get you?" a perky waitress with red streaks in her brown hair asked.

Emma looked to the money in her hand. How far could the cash take her? How long would she have to wait until she could feed her growing baby again?

"You need a minute?"

The blond sighed in relent. She wasn't going anywhere. "Burger and fries. And water."

"Got it," the girl confirmed with a smile.

Emma frowned while sinking into her chair.

XOX

August spent most of her life suppressing his former self. But tonight he made himself think about his old land. He was only a boy, but he sat in on many council meetings with his father. He heard plenty of talk. Thinking about it now, he realized there was someone even more powerful than the queen. Someone who many feared. Someone who might remember.

"Rumpelstiltskin," August murmured.

To Be Continued…

I'd love to know what you think before you go!"