Chapter 3

The weeks that passed felt like years to David. He was no closer to finding Regina and his optimism was starting to wane. He had no clue where she would go really. There were a million places in this world and she could be in any one of them.

"Why did you leave? Why couldn't you just talk to me?" he wondered.

He sat in the sheriff's office trying to concentrate on running this town. It seemed being a prince was so much easier back in their land. He had to admit that Regina did know how to run Storybrooke in an efficient manner.

He leaned back in his chair and ran his hands over his face. His eyes were growing tired.

"You know, you should get some sleep," he heard Snow say.

He snapped his head up and smiled. "Probably but this town isn't going to run itself."

"You can't run it looking half dead," Snow shot back. "Storybrooke will be fine for a few hours."

She pulled him up out of his chair and they headed out. Once they settled into their apartment, David climbed into bed and he fell asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.

David was standing under the gazebo in the ballroom. He saw Snow standing there with glee and his heart swelled. It was their wedding day and they were grateful at how far they'd come. He looked around the room to see all the familiar faces wishing them congratulations. It was the start of their new life.

However, something seemed off. Something should have happened by now. He kept glancing at the door waiting for an interruption that never came. He looked back at Snow and he knew it was time to kiss the bride. He opened his eyes to see Regina standing there before him.

Her white gown was simple yet elegant. Her hair was down in loose curls with a flower in her hair. She wore the biggest smile he had ever seen. Soon, all thoughts of Snow were gone. The woman standing before him was who he wanted. She was the person who he wanted to grow old with.

Regina.

He looked around the room and nobody contorted their faces in horror. Nobody shouted out hateful things. There was a calming presence in the room. In his heart, he felt this was right. They would have their happy ending.

He faced her once more and cupped her cheek. He kissed her and his heart fluttered.

"I love you," he heard her whisper. Before he could respond, he heard Regina whimper. His eyes flew open. He looked at her and she seemed to be fading into thin air.

"Regina," he said terror rising in his voice. What was happening to her?

"Find me," she said softly with tears in her eyes. In an instant she was gone. He couldn't breathe. His eyes stayed glued to the spot she occupied. He fell to his knees and he glanced around the room. He was alone and he let out a scream.

David sat straight up gasping for breath. He almost called out Regina's name when Snow walked in.

"David," she said sitting on the edge of the bed. She grabbed his hand comfortingly. He looked at her but he wished it was Regina who was the one trying to calm him down.

"Bad dream," he said.

"You want to talk about it," Snow said.

David shook his head no. "It's best forgotten," he said. Snow looked at him with concerned eyes but she let it go.

She stood up and he got out of bed. "David, are you ok? You can tell me anything."

He kissed her forehead. "I'm fine."

They heard Henry and Emma come through the door. David was grateful for the interruption. David and Snow walked into the living room.

"Hey guys," Snow said.

"Hey," Emma said. She nudged Henry to say hi.

"Hi," he muttered and went upstairs. Emma sighed. He started to pull away from her ever since Regina left. As much as she hated to admit, Henry did need Regina.

"I'll go talk to him," David said and he headed upstairs. He knocked on Henry's door. He was looking up at the ceiling. David sat on the edge of the bed. He sighed as he looked on. His grandson was strong but he was still a child.

"How would you like to go back to the stables?" David asked. Henry said yes. They both felt like they were closer to Regina there. Ever since Henry found out his mom rode horses, he wanted to do it more often.

"First, do your homework and then we'll go," David said.

"Grandpa?"

David smiled hearing that. It never got old. "Yeah buddy."

"Are you still looking for my mom?"

David fought for control. "Every day." He patted Henry on the leg. "Come on. Get started on the homework."

David headed downstairs to find Snow and Emma sitting at the kitchen counter with coffee mugs.

"How is he?" asked Emma.

"He misses his mother," David said. Emma looked down at her coffee mug. David rubbed her back comfortingly.

"You are still in his heart," he told Emma. She gave a weak smile.

Suddenly, they heard their front door swing open and there stood Rumplestilskin.

"Ever hear of knocking," David said.

"Why knock when I can use magic? Besides, I have very important business to discuss with the Savior," Gold said.

"What business?" David asked. Snow and Emma came to stand on either side of him.

"I need to find my son and Emma is going to help me. We're leaving for New York City."

"Why would I help you?" Emma asked.

"I'm collecting a favor dearie. It's time you pay up."

Emma knew she was stuck. "Alright fine but I'm taking Henry."

"How can you find your son outside of Storybrooke?" David asked.

"I found a way to cross the line and keep my memories."

They all looked shocked but David's eyes soon flashed to anger. That bastard would figure out a way to cross the town line to his benefit. Gold saw his expression and smirked.

"I only figured it out and Emma, time is of the essence." He left the Charmings standing there. Emma walked upstairs.

David balled up his fist. He walked out the door ignoring Snow's calls. He found Gold walking down the street. "Gold!"

He turned around. "What can I help you with?"

"You said you couldn't help with Regina," David said.

He rolled his eyes. "I said I couldn't help you. I didn't say I couldn't help me. Why are you still trying to find Regina? Do you miss her that much?"

"I'm going with you," David said.

"No you can't. I only have enough magic for one person and that's me. Since Emma is the only one who can travel, I'm taking her with me. Regina will have to wait," Gold stated.

David watched him walk down the street. He came back up to see Emma's and Henry's bags packed.

"I guess this is it," David said.

Emma shook her head. This is not what she needed. She didn't want to go anywhere with Gold.

"We'll be back soon."

Emma and Henry went to her car and put their suitcases in the trunk. Now, they needed Gold to just show up. The sooner Gold got what he wanted, the sooner they could come home.