A/N: Thanks for the follows, comments, and favs. Makes a girl smile so keep them coming. Have faith that I will continue this story. More chapters to come. Enjoy this new chapter and spread the word about the alternative OutlawQueen. Also I'm super sorry for this late update. Training at work, family issues, changes in my work schedule, an injury, and life in general has kept me busy. But I've pre-written several chapters so the updates will be regular again. Thanks for being so patient.

Chapter 4

It was Thanksgiving weekend the first snow had fallen two days prior. Storybrooke was buzzing with excitement with the football team getting a berth in the playoffs. They were in the quarter finals. If they won next week they would be in the state championship game for the first time in over 20yrs. Even Mayor Gold was excited.

Archie Hopper sat in his office with his most challenging patient. The last few weeks had been more difficult. The young woman barely said two words. For some reason she was back at square one with one word answers and compartmentalizing her feelings. He was trying hard to figure out what caused the relapse. According to her aunt Elsa was doing fine in school and her social life seemed normal.

Elsa wanted to go. But she had another 10mins left. She hadn't said much today. It was all she could do to not walk out the office. Since homecoming Elsa had been moody. Graham's best friend was the cause of it all. She was a true third wheel. When the two weren't at the hunting store, they were working out or studying or Merida was simply hanging out with them. The irritating red head was always going on and on about something that Elsa didn't find remotely interesting. The worst thing for Elsa was keeping the red head out of her thoughts. It was proving more difficult than she ever imagined. Doctor Hopper speaking to her gained her attention.

"I'm sorry doctor what did you say?"

"I would like to start seeing you two times a week again."

"What? Why?" Elsa really didn't want to give up more of her free time to sit in a fancy office and do nothing for an hour.

"You were making progress. But suddenly you are withdrawn again. So I want you to come twice a week."

"Is this because I don't want to talk? Look if you really want to know what's wrong then I'll tell you. I miss my childhood home. My parents would be alive if they didn't go on that stupid trip to Geneva. I don't want to let anyone close because I'm scared to lose anyone else. I became friends with two girls I hate. And if that wasn't enough I have a boyfriend I because I don't want to be gay." Silence filled the room as Elsa collected herself. I can't believe I just said those things! Oh my God.

"Well Elsa I think we have a lot to talk about. Once a week should be ok. I'll see you same time next week. Until then I want you to write down any feeling you have about everything you just said."

Elsa left the office and was even moodier when she got home. The blonde stormed up to her room. Her emotions were frantic. She was depressed because she missed her parents. She felt guilty because she knew she was using Graham. She was confused because she couldn't be sure about her sexuality. She was scared because her life would be changing very soon. Too much was happening to her at once.


It was a cool fall day. The sun was shining high and the sky was clear. Trees were changing color as the year moved into winter. There were very few birds in the area. Most had already migrated to warmer climates. Now was a time to enjoy outdoor activities without snow covering everything. A medium sized building sat on the edge of Main Street Storybrooke. The front sign over the main entrance read MacDougal's Outdoor Supplies. Inside were rows with shelves stocked with camping gear, survival equipment, outdoor apparel, even fishing and hunting supplies. Some of the gear on mannequins and mock ups of campsites. Towards the back of the store there was less merchandise and more open space. On one side was a waist high white barrier. On the other side was a huge floor to ceiling screen. It was a virtual archery and shooting range. The other side had a wall covered with targets for more archery practice. A door separated the areas.

Two figures stood outside. The area was the stores outdoor shooting and archery range. The area had several 3D animal figures including deer, turkeys, moose, even a bear. Raising her arms Merida held her re-curve bow in her left hand. With her fingers on the string, she pulled back until it was taunt. She lined the arrow up with the 3D mountain goat that was 55yrds away. When she released the string and the projectile was now on its way down range. The arrow traveled to the target and pierced the figurine just behind the neck. It was a direct hit.

"I'm glad you're not in the male division for archery. You'd give me a run for your money." Graham knew that Merida was a better archer than him but he wouldn't willingly admit it.

"I know," she replied cockily. Merida was given a bow from the time she could walk. It was her father's favorite hobby. Out of all her siblings except her sister she was the only one who loved it just as much as she did. She was the reigning female junior state champion.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. No need to rub it in MacDougal."

"So what you have planned after this?"

"I was going to hang out with Simba. Maybe play some PS3. After that I'm not doing anything."

"How's he doing?"

"Much better. Been seeing Hopper once a week. Turns out he's got bipolar disorder. Being stressed with school, the expectations of the season, and trying to be the perfect son didn't help him at all." Graham paused. He didn't want to tell his friend's business but the quarterback was like a brother to him. Finally, he made up his mind but chose his next words carefully. "You should talk to him. I think he needs to know that there are plenty of people who support him. There's some things he still struggle with."

Something in his tone that told Merida that there was more to what her was saying. Now she had to talk with him. "Sure. I'll go with you to see him."

"Great. Now let's see she can hit the most targets in 5min. Loser pays for our next meal at Granny's."

" You're on," Merida responded confidently.


Sitting in the entertainment room of the Pride mansion, Graham, Merida, and Simba took turns playing each other in rounds of Injustice: Gods Among Us. At least the guys were taking turns. Merida had beaten them both several times in a row. Honestly Merida was getting bored. She was a natural at most video games. If she didn't make it as a pro basketball player, then maybe she had a future in gaming. She would keep her options. After beating the each of them for the 5th time, she decided she'd had enough.

"I'm bored with beating the two of you. Can we do something else?"

"Sure. Let's play Madden," Simba suggested.

"I'll sit the first round out," Merida replied.

"Fine I'll play him first round. Let me hit the bathroom first."

When Graham had left, there was a brief silence. Merida finally spoke. "Haven't had a chance to speak with you since you got out the hospital."

"I'm ok," Simba replied. His back was to her so the red head couldn't see his face. She did hear something in his voice.

"Well Graham seemed to think that I should talk to you. But he didn't say what about."

The dark skinned guy looked at her. There was a pained expression on his face. Before he could say anything, Graham had returned. Playing Madden had gone much of the same way as it did when they were playing Injustice. Merida beat them both several times in a row.

"How do you keep doing this," Graham questioned.

"Does it matter? I'm bored again. So I'm going home. See you two at school on Monday."

"You don't want a ride?"

"No. I'll walk. Later fellas." She walked out the house and made her way to onto the sidewalk. The neighborhood was nice. The nicest house was 108 on Mifflin Street. Usually it was where the town mayor stayed but it was vacant at the moment. Mayor Gold resided in a small cottage on the outskirts of town. Since he was crippled and also lost his wife Mila and his son Neal in a tragic auto accident several years ago he had become somewhat of a hermit. But he ran the town like a well oiled machine.

It wasn't long before she was home. And opening the door she entered into chaos. Merida went into the kitchen. Her mother was reading over a real estate brochure.

"You and Da buying another house?"

"Maybe. We are thinking of getting into real estate. Buying, fixing, and selling houses."

"Sounds boring."

"Only because you are young yet and don't know the value of owning property. How was your day lass?"

"Good. Graham and I had a great practice session. Then we spent some time with Simba."

"How's he doing," her mother inquired. She knew that the DA's son was a good lad, but she still failed to fully understand how he had become so mixed up. At times she feared the same could happen to Merida or one of her other children.

"He said he's ok and it looks like he is but I don't know. I'm starting to think he might be hiding something."

"Don't worry ya head too much lass. I'm sure he'll talk to someone."

"I guess you're right. I'll be in my room if you need me." When she was upstairs, she was greeted by Angus. She flopped down on her bed and just looked up at the ceiling in her room. Nothing in particular was on her mind. Pulling out her phone she decided to text Ruby.

M: Hey Ruby. You busy?

R: Kind of. I'm with Belle.

M: Well don't let me interrupt anything.

R: I'll chat with you later.

M: Sure thing. Bye.

R: Bye.

Since they had hooked up at homecoming two weeks ago, Belle and Ruby were always together. The two had really hit it off. Merida was happy for her teammate. She thought about texting Graham but was sure that he was with Elsa. First semester finals were coming up soon so she decided to study. It would only help her in the long run. If she wanted to get into Maine University then she needed to have good grades.

After she had joined her family for dinner, she went back to her room. This time she went over her playbook. Coach had designed some new plays specific for Merida and her skill set. Things were fine for her until her mind started to wonder. All she was ready for was graduation and then going to college in the fall of the next year. She hoped to keep in contact with most of her classmates especially Graham and Ruby. After about 30min she felt sleepy so she hit the restroom, took a quick shower, and curled up in bed with Angus. Just before sleep took her, the image of a platinum blonde flashes across her mind.


Ruby couldn't believe just how lucky she was. Belle was so amazing. When she had finished her shift at the diner her blue eyed girlfriend was waiting for her by the back entrance of the diner with a small bouquet of flowers.

"These are for you."

"Thanks." The taller teenager took the bunch of mixed flowers and smiled. These had been the best two weeks of her life so far. How she had been so blind and not noticed Belle before homecoming was beyond logic. But now she was happy the girl had confessed to having feelings for her. That first kiss they had shared in Ruby's car was magical. Never before had she felt that spark when she kissed another person. In that moment she was certain Belle was the girl for her. Wrapping her arms around her, Ruby placed a soft kiss on bright pink lips. "How was your day?"

"Good. My father has hired a new florist so I will only be working at the shop twice a week instead of five days a week. He wants me to stay on track with school."

"That's awesome. Have you told him about us?"

Belle knew her father loved her. However, he was rather conservative in his views and thinking. The irony was that he wasn't a religious man. "No. Not yet. It just never seems like a good time."

"Well you need to tell him. It's only a matter of time before he finds out. It would be best if it came from you."

"I get it Rubes. But I'm afraid that if he knows he will try to keep me away from you." She was choking up at the thought of losing Ruby in any way. After all the years that had passed with her keeping her feeling to herself. Having her new relationship end would devastate her. "Now that we are together I can't lose you. I love you."

"Really? You love me?" Ruby's brown eyes were looking into Belle's baby blues. She saw the love that Belle had just spoken of but hearing it made it real.

"With everything I have."

"I love you too. And I won't let anyone or anything keep us apart." She placed another kiss on her lips and hugged Belle closely to her. No matter what she had to do, she would make sure that her and her girlfriend stayed together. Belle meant too much to her.

"I'm sure Granny knows about us."

"Yeah. She doesn't miss much. Seeing us together last week clued her in as to why I've been so happy lately. Oh she also wants you to be visit with us for Thanksgiving dinner."

Belle was surprised. Usually she and her father just overlooked the holidays. For them it was another day. "You don't think it would be awkward?"

"No. Granny likes you. That old wolf thinks you're good for me. Please come. You can bring your dad too."

"I'll let you know. Now that you are off work, let's go for a walk."

A few hours later, Belle and Ruby were returning to the lanky brunette's car after spending time at the pier. They had been alone most of the afternoon since it was colder this time of year. It had been a lovely time with her girlfriend as always. Ruby was attentive, protective, and affectionate. It was also wonderful how the athlete didn't become annoyed or criticize Belle when spoke about books, history, science, or whatever else came to mind. The basketball player loved how smart she was.

"Since Granny invited me and my father to Thanksgiving dinner it would be rude to decline." Belle didn't want to give the older Lucas woman a reason to dislike her. So she decided to accept the invitation. Plus it wouldn't hurt to spend more time getting to know Granny.


Like it was every year Ingrid, Elsa, and Anna sat around the dining room table eating Thanksgiving dinner. The meal wasn't very big with Cornish game hens, rice stuffing, crescent rolls, green peas, and pumpkin pie for dessert. She had plans to meet Graham later but first she had to get through dinner.

"This is good like always Aunt Ingrid. But I do like bread stuffing better."

"I'll put it back on the menu next year." She looked over at her other niece. The older blonde wished she could do more to help the girl. But Elsa seemed hell bent on being distant and uninvolved with what was left of her family. It was frustrating to say the least. "Elsa are you enjoying the meal?"

"Yes. Everything is delicious."

Once they had finished their meal, Anna and Elsa cleared the table then cleaned the kitchen. After the remaining food was stored away Anna joined their aunt to watch a movie. Elsa called Graham. She was disappointed that he couldn't meet with her as planned. His step-father insisted on him staying home with the family. So the young woman went downstairs and joined her family. They were watching Bridesmaids which was one of Elsa's favorite movies.

"I thought you were meeting Graham," Anna said.

"So did I. But he can't make it." They turned their attention back to the movie. Two movies later the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Elsa said. When she opened the door she wanted to puke. It was Hans. "What do you want?"

"To see my girlfriend." Without being invited in he stepped through the door and made his way into the house. "You here babe? Anna."

"Hey Hans," Anna said. She placed a kiss on his lips.

"Hans. What are you doing here," Ingrid asked.

"I came to see Anna. Is that ok Miss. F?"

"Considering that you were rude by showing up and entering our home without being invited it is not ok." Ingrid really disliked this boy. He was not a good fit for her niece. But she couldn't keep the girl away from him. It would only drive her closer to him. So the woman had to let this relationship run its course. Hopefully Anna's eyes would be opened and the glittery luster Hans had would finally ware off. She really wanted her niece to find someone better to date. "And you are to call me Ms. Fisher."

"Ok I'm sorry about that. Can I have some time with Anna?"

"You have one hour. If you go upstairs the door remains open."

"Thanks Aunt Ingrid."

She watched with great concern as Anna took her boyfriend's hand and led him to her room. Deep down she knew the boy was going to break the girls' heart. It was only a matter of time.

"Don't worry auntie. I keep an eye on him at school. He's a jerk but he hasn't done anything to hurt her."

"Of course you do. I just don't like or trust him. I'll be happy when he graduates and goes off to college. Anna will be hurt but it'll be for her own good." The woman turned to Elsa and asked, "Speaking of college, where have you applied?"

"Several places," she replied as they returned to the family room. "I sent applications to NYU, Boston College, and Maine University last week."

"Oh wow. That's great you want to attend MU. It's close to home but far away enough for you to be independent." Ingrid was pleasantly surprised by this revelation. "Elsa, I want you to know that I'm here for you. I know you miss your parents but you have me."

"I know. It's just that after they died I felt so lost. Sometimes I still do."

"When you're ready come to me. But continue with Dr. Hopper. He helped your sister and he helped me."

"You got treatment from him?"

"Yes. Losing a sister is devastating. We were so close growing up…"

Elsa sat and listened as her aunt told stories about her and her mother. She found out so many things about her mother she didn't know. Her mother Iduna wanted to be a dancer. She was even on dance scholarship at Julliard. Everything changed when Ingrid introduced her to Agnarr. The guy had swept her off her feet. The young woman also learned that her mother hated to celebrate her birthday, butterscotch was her favorite flavor, and that she loved being a parent to her and Anna. By the time Elsa went to bed she felt better than she had in years.


The house was beyond capacity. With her uncle, aunt, three cousins, her mom's parents, and her father's dad visiting for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Merida had no place for herself. It was a zoo. She had to share her room with the two girl cousins. Her grandparents had the guest bedroom, her aunt and uncle were in the basement, and her grandfather was in den. Her grandfather also had his dog Jasper with him. It was going to be a long month.

Her twin cousins Rose and Daisy were annoying. The three girls had nothing in common. They actually reminded Merida of the Ice Queen. At least at the moment she was away from them. While the rest of the women cooked, Merida along with her uncle, father, cousin Thomas, and grandfather's were watching football in the front room.

It was so nice to share this time with some of the most important men in her life. The game they were watching was the second of a holiday triple header. Detroit v. Denver which was more entertaining than they had thought. An hour later they were ready to eat. Merida was making her way to the kids table until she was stopped by her father.

"There's a spot for you at the grown-ups table lass."

"Really?"

"Aye. You'll be eighteen in a few months so we figured you can sit with us."

"Thanks Da." The red head was over the moon. Instead of having to look after her brothers, sister, and cousins she could sit with the adults. Now was her time to show that she was indeed becoming an adult.


Across town Belle was enjoying dinner with Ruby and Granny. The older Lucas woman had cooked enough food to feed over a dozen people. It was quite the spread.

"Belle eat as much as you like. But save room for dessert. I made three pies."

"Granny makes the best pie. Her lemon meringue is my favorite," Ruby gushed.

"And I'll pack up some left over's for you to take home." Granny was disappointed when the young girl showed up alone. She had hoped to learn more about Maurice French. The widower was one of the few residents in town that she didn't know. However, she was enjoying the company of his daughter. Maybe the girl could convince Ruby to leave with her for college. She wanted her granddaughter to have a better life. This small town didn't have much opportunity for young people.

"Thank you that's very kind of you." Belle stayed with her girlfriend well into the evening. Granny had gone to bed hours before. So the young couple had been watching movies.

"Want to go upstairs or you ready to go home?"

"Let's go upstairs. I haven't seen your room yet."

Ruby grabbed the bookworm's hand and lead her into her sanctuary. "This is it," she said as she flipped on the light. It was spacious with lots of posters and pictures on the wall. Many of them were of women. Some of them were very revealing. There was also the standard desk, two dressers, a nightstand, and a big bed. Looked to be queen size. Ruby closed and locked the door behind her. She had wanted to get her girlfriend up here all day.

"It's nice of you to bring me up here." The young couple continued to chat. Eventually they started to make out. Belle was so turned on. Ruby's hands under her shirt was driving her crazy. She wanted to stay but knew she had to go home. Her father was expecting her to return soon. "We….we have to stop Ruby. I um…" Soft kisses along her neck made her brain stop working for several moments. "Ruby please…don't make this more…difficult," she sighed.

"I like you here. I want you to stay." The skinny athlete resumed kissing her girlfriend.

"And I like being here too. But my father is waiting for me."

"Do you need help with taking the food inside," Ruby asked. They were sitting in the driveway of Belle's house.

"Sure if it means a few extra minutes with you."

Ruby couldn't move slow enough.