Sarah could not help but stare at the man seated in front of her. Was this The Dark One the kids back in at school talked about? No way; this was a man, not a monster. Ok, Sarah would admit that the man was intimidating with his suit and cane, but weren't monster supposed to be… you know… monstrous? Where was the third eye, or big teeth? Where were the black fingernails, or the snakes for hair?

Maybe this was not The Dark One, but someone from social services. She had had a visit from one of them the last time she had ended up in the hospital. The last time the man from social services was different. He smiled a lot and asked her question like she was a baby. This man was different, he was… well… scarier.

Ok the man was a little scary, and he had said that she had summoned him. The more Sarah stared at the man, and more he stared back at her, the more she was convinced that this was The Dark One.

The Dark One eyes narrowed and she could tell he was starting to get impatient with her lack of action. She had summoned him; she supposed she should ask him the question that was on her mind.

"What's your name?"

Wrong question; and apparently he thought so too.

"Is that why you summoned me here dearie; to ask my name?" Yea, the man was scary when he was angry.

"No…" she hesitated. She needed to think of something fast. If he thought her too immature, too childish, would he still make a deal with her? Most likely not.

"But I think I should know the name of the monster…" his eyes narrowed again, "person…" she corrected, "that I am going to make deals with."

Why was she pursuing this? Why had knowing his name become so important? She should just ask for her deal and let him go.

A time passed and Sarah was starting to give up hope that he would answer, but she was also too nervous to break the silence. So she just looked down that the floor, hoping she hadn't messed up this one chance she had.

"Rumpelstiltskin," her eyes returned to his, "My name is Rumpelstiltskin."

"Sarah," she returned, as her eyes again refused to hold his.

Sarah knew the time was now; she had to ask for her deal now. It seemed, however, like her courage had fled her again. Maybe if he had been the monster that the stories had promised, this would have been easier. Maybe it would not have seemed so real, so serious. HE had told her time and time again what would happen she ever told another person. HE had said that she could go to jail too. What if Rumpelstiltskin didn't help her? What if he went to the cops? What if he couldn't help her? After all they were in this new world now, maybe things were different here? She couldn't do this. It was a mistake to summon him. It was mistake to even dream that things could get better.

It was The Dark One's voice that broke through her panicked thoughts. What he said, however, turned her panic to anger.

"Sarah, my time is valuable. So what can I do for you? Do you want a pony, a puppy, the newest Barbie doll? Tell me what little dream your little heart desires so much that you would risk the wrath of The Dark One to get it? This is a very dangerous game you are playing child."

He was annoyed, she could tell from his voice, but how dare he assume her wishes were so petty and dumb. She fought the angry tears that built in her eyes, but lost as they ran unimpeded down her cheeks.

Rising from his chair, Rumpelstiltskin loomed over Sarah unaffected by the tear soaked face before him.

"I am sorry little one, but whatever it is, the answer is no. Go tell your little friends that you met the big bad monster, but also tell them I don't make deals with children and do not bother me again."

At this he turned to leave the room angry at the waste of the time this trip had been, when her voice stopped him.

"What friends?" He turned to look back at her and Sarah raised her head to meet his gaze. She was beyond angry now. She was frustrated at herself for not being able to voice what she wanted, and she was furious at the man in front of her for the way he spoke down to her.

"I am not allowed to have friends." She cried.

"I don't want a pony, or a puppy, or a doll. I don't want pretty dresses, or candy, or any other stupid thing like that. I want to be safe… just safe."

Sarah curled in on herself, scared by what she had just admitted to the man. It didn't matter anyway; The Dark One didn't make deals with children. It was over.

"Get out."

She wanted to be alone. She wanted to stop feeling and thinking. When he didn't move, she got even angrier.

"GET OUT!"

She saw Rumpelstiltskin shake his head and leave. At least he closed the door behind him when he left. Now she could cry in peace.