Alright, another chapter! I know I left you all on a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm sorry, but my updates are probably going to be slow, for at least another week. Sadly I am still in school thanks to snow days -_- Also I am not used to writing such long chapters that are about 4,000 words long. Wattpad I would only write half that size...

This chapter is partly why this is AU... [Henry finds Emma in a different way than in the beginning]

Anyways, hope you all enjoy!

Henry and I stare at each other, both too surprised to do much else. He looks much older then I remember... But I haven't seen him in like... four years or so? Damn... The moment breaks when the Mayor speaks her surprise.

"You two know each other?"

Henry nods, "Yeah we met, like four years ago in Boston. When I came to find you Emma. She helped me."

My eyes widen, "So wait, the woman you were looking for was her?!"

The Mayor sighs and rubs her temple, completely lost. Miss. Lie Detector looks the same, maybe even worse.

"Yeah... Anyways when I got to Boston, a gang of guys surrounded me in an alley."

"They what?! Henry!" The Mayor is staring at Henry with horror along with the Sheriff.

"Don't worry Mom, Jade came in an rescued me."

Both of his mothers turn to stare at me. "Well uh.. I.. I just.. uh... I knew them so... yeah."

As Henry begins to tell the story, I drift off into my mind - remembering the day like it was yesterday...

I'm walking on the streets of Boston with a couple of my 'friends' when I hear some commotion. I turn and look down an alleyway to see a group of boys surrounding someone. With a sigh, I advance towards them and clear my throat loudly. They all whip around towards me, surprised by my presence.

"What the hell are you guys doing? You know this ain't your turf." I glare at them, my gaze sending daggers.

"He-y uh.. Phoenix.. we were just.. uh... helping this kid out. Right?"

I can now see the boy, around ten years old with fear in his eyes. Without even hearing him speak, I know the group was messing with him. "Leave 'em alone, Jeff. You've had your fun."

Hesitantly, they all leave until its just me and the boy. My friends wait at the entrance. "Hey, you okay kid?"

"I'm like... a year younger than you. You can't call me a kid."

"It's just a number dude. Plus I got more street years than you. Makes me older."

The boy narrows his eyes for a moment and then smiles. "My name is Henry. What's yours?"

I look at him suspiciously, scanning him before relenting. "The name's Jade. Most people call me Phoenix."

"I like Jade better."

"I like when little boys don't waste my time. But I didn't get that now did I?"

He frowns for a moment and then stands up. "Can you help me?"

"Didn't I help you already? I saved your a- butt."

"Please! I need help finding my mom."

"Aww... you missin' Mommy?"

Henry crosses his arms and glares at me. "No! I need to find my real mom. She is supposed to be here... I only know the neighborhood, not what building."

"Did you even plan on finding her? Not that I care, but it seems like it was a last minute decision. You're beyond stupid if you think you can find her in Boston."

The boy pouts, eyes pleading. "Please! I have some money..."

This gets my attention. Right now I was not being taken care of by a foster family. This made me rely even more on myself than anyone else to feed and take care of me.

He seems to notice my perk up for he instantly smiles. "Yeah, I have like... twenty bucks."

I raise an eyebrow and pull out two ten dollar bills. "Do you mean this twenty bucks?"

His eyes widen and the expression of shock is practically comical.

"Dude you wouldn't last a second on the streets. But I'll make you a deal: you give me the money and I will take you to her. But I don't want to hear from you again. 'Kay?"

Henry nods repeatedly, following me towards my friends. I sigh and introduce them to the boy, knowing it will be a long day with the kid around. Quickly I lead them to the park where we meet every week. Others have also joined the group, more friends of mine. With slight hesitance I begin to organize groups, explaining what they need to do. I give them all the information Henry told me and send them to work. Henry hands me the money and I immediately head to a hot dog vendor. The boy watches as I eat my own. I sigh when I realize how hungry he looks. His stomach growls and reluctantly use his money to buy him one too. He gives me a thankful smile and practically devours his whole.

Without another thought, I usher him down the street and towards a fairly large warehouse. "Welcome to our home."

"Our home?"

"Any kid whose lost their parents or doesn't have any family can live here. We live together... even though some of us are in orphanages or foster homes. We take care of each other, but we don't have to listen to any adult."

Henry's eyes widen in awe at the large building. Hammocks hang all over the place, along with several makeshift kitchens and games. I grin knowingly and then gesture towards the ropes dangling from above. He follows me towards it and swiftly I grab his waist. "Hold on!"

With the snap of my wrist and the release of one rope, we are up. He lets out a yell and I grin until we land on the 'second floor'. Henry grins, "This place is awesome!"

"I know right? Now come on, I just have to get something and then we can go." I head towards my own cot, rifling through a backpack until I find my cell phone. Henry follows me out the warehouse and outside. Almost immediately, my phone rings. It turns out that a group of the gang already found the apartment building that Henry's mom is in. I tell this to Henry and he immediately smiles. After being told the directions, both of us head towards the correct address. When we get there, I wait by the front entrance. The boy doesn't move, and I narrow my eyes at him. He blushes slightly and in a tiny voice he says, "I - I don't know if I can. She left me for a reason, didn't she?"

Henry had ended up telling me that his birth mother had given up him when he was a baby. "Maybe. But you'll never know if you don't meet her, Henry. Now stop being a chicken, Hen, and go talk to her!"

He pouts at the use of his new nickname, but doesn't say anything to fight what I've said. Slowly he heads into the building and then turns back towards me. Henry smiles and then runs back towards me. My eyes widen as he gives me a hug, his embrace practically suffocating me. He lets go and says a shy thank-you before heading back inside. A part of me wants to go inside, but I know this is his battle.

"Good luck, Hen." I whisper, turning away and heading back to my 'home'.

"When were you going to tell us this, Henry?!" The Mayor looks murderous, but thankfully seems able to control it.

"So you're telling me that you two found me after Henry almost getting mugged?"

I wince slightly at how it sounds, "Uh yeah... kinda. Don't worry they wouldn't have done anything ... that bad."

Henry looks down at his feet, "Sorry I didn't tell you."

Both parents just sigh and look at each other. I raise an eyebrow in curiosity at their silent conversation. They both must come to some understanding because the Mayor speaks. "We understand that you wanted to find Emma, but it was very dangerous and reckless, what you did. Therefore, no television or computer games for a week."

"But... but - if I hadn't of done it, the curse wouldn't have been broken and.. we'd all be stuck."

The Sheriff sighs and glances at the Mayor, who has a stoic expression on her face. "This is not to be discussed Henry. You're lucky it is not something worse than that. I'm sure with your creativity, you will have no problem with entertaining yourself. Now get the comic books you want, Miss. Swan and I have to talk to... Jade."

I wince at the idea of being questioned by the two fairly intimidating ladies. Henry seems to sense my slight discomfort and gives me a reassuring smile. He leans close and whispers in my ear, "Yell if you need back up. Hen out."

My eyes roll in amusement at his statement, but I become serious once again. Once he leaves to go upstairs, I await the bombardment of questions. After a minute, I raise an eyebrow. "Are you gonna ask, or no?"

The two women look at each other wearily until the Sheriff sits across from me. "Okay kid, can you tell me how old you are?"

"'Course. I'm not an amnesiac, thank ya very much. I'm fifteen."

The blonde woman raises an eyebrow and asks another question, "What's your last name?"

I hesitate, "I don't really have one. I never take to the ones my foster families' have. So I made up my own - Phoenix. Jade Phoenix."

"So you made up the name Jade too?"

"No, actually. My birth parents named me that. I don't even know why I kept it. But it stuck I guess."

"How did you know they called you that? Have you met them?"

"Hell no! It was on a charm bracelet that I had in my hand when I was found as a baby. It had the name "Jadelyn" inscribed on it."

Both women glance at each other nervously, and I raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What.. what's wrong?"

This is when the Mayor decides to ask. "Where were you found - as a baby?"

I frown, not seeing how this could be important. "Well I don't know exactly, but somewhere here in Maine. Which is kinda funny because I left as soon as I turned five. It coulda been somewhere around here for all I know. Kinda funny 'eh?"

They both do the complete opposite of laughing. I frown too, unsure of what is going on in their heads. "Okay can someone tell me what's going on 'cause you're starting to freak me out..."

"Nothing, dear. Don't worry about it." The Mayor's tone is soft, but I still do not believe it. After a moment of silence she continues, "You can take the guest room upstairs. I'm sure you're tired from the long day. We can get you some clothing tomorrow." Before I can even argue, she is ushering me upstairs and into the room.

I look around and take in the beautiful decorations. A whistle comes from my mouth, my surprise evident in my expression. She smiles slightly and then gestures to the closet, bathroom, and dresser. I try to express my gratitude, but she dismisses it with a wave of her hand. She leaves me to my own thoughts and closes the door. Almost instantly I pass out on the bed. How could I ever think I could escape when all I can think about is catching some Zs?

The Sheriff and Mayor look at each other expectantly, wondering who will speak first. It takes about a moment for either of them to finally organize their surprisingly jumbled thoughts.

"Do you believe Jade?"

"Yes, I do. She told me about her foster parents a little bit. Also what had happened to make her come here. I can only assume her home life is less than pleasurable."

The Sheriff nods slowly, already having assumed this information. "She seems like a handful."

"Maybe it's because she hasn't had a chance in life. You more than most people know how that is like, Miss. Swan."

"Yeah, I know. Maybe that's why I'm a little hard on her. She reminds me a little of myself. I know she uses that attitude to protect herself. Too many let downs and you learn to just expect it ... I guess."

Both remain quiet for a moment. And then Emma adds, "She kinda acts like you sometimes."

Regina raises an eyebrow in surprise and Emma quickly continues. "Ya know, your sarcasm and your glares. I mean holly hell - when she's pissed..."

As if on cue the Mayor glares at Emma's connection.

"Yeah, that glare!"

When the brunette scowls, the blonde puts her hands up in defense. "Sorry Your Majesty, it's true though."

"Yes well her crass and in eloquent speaking skills are quite similar to yours, Miss. Swan."

The blonde smirks, "Why thank you, Madame Mayor. I'm touched."

Regina sighs and rubs her temple. "I do not understand why I offered to allow Jade to live here. Who knows how much trouble she will be."

"Hey, don't worry about it. If anyone can handle her, it's you. You took care of Henry, you can take care of her. Plus I can tell she respects you... Much more than she respects me."

The Mayor looks surprised, unsure how to respond to the compliment. Emma just smiles and then looks up to the sound of someone walking down the stairs. There stands Henry with several comic books in his arms. He gives a small and slightly awkward goodbye to his dark haired mother and leaves with the Sheriff. Both get into the buggie and Regina watches as they drive away.

I want to know that you enjoyed it! Spread the love and voice your feedback with a review :) I know there has been a lot of dialogue. Hope everyone doesn't mind that. Thanks for reading and get ready for the next chapter! :D