Chapter 3

• ❦ •

Days go by and I never stop thinking about John. Once I woke up, it was dark and John was nowhere in sight. Thus, I made the walk back home.

As I strolled through the streets I spot a girl with very light blonde hair that cascaded in swirls amongst her shoulders. She had that red leather jacket, a green tank top, jeans, and high length boots. She was the new sheriff.

She ruggedly pulled a smile even though she looked a little angry, and stressed. She tried opening her car but the door wouldn't open. Out of frustration, she yelled out in anger and kicked the car. I then approached her, "Need help?"

She looked up at me and shook her head with anxiety, "No, no, it's okay I'm good. But, thank you."

I ignored her answer, observing the car. Looking at the handle, there was a small chip that was blocking the handle from completely unlocking the door. I took it out and showed it to her in the air.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and grinned, "Thank you."

"You're Emma Swan, huh?" I asked.

She nodded, "In the flesh! Vote for me. I'm heading for Sheriff in this town."

"Oh, really? I thought you were already Sheriff of Storybrooke."

"Well, you know the mayor does not have a liking towards me so she's always on my tail." Once Emma opened the door completely, an object dropped onto the ground. I picked it up and unfolded the newspaper to press it flat. Then, I read the cover.

'Ex-Jailbird: Emma Swan Births Baby Behind Bars' along with a very awesome candid mugshot plastered underneath.

My eyebrows rose but I regain my composure and hand it back to her as if I had no clue of what was on the front page. I sent her a reassuring smile and she grimaced.

"Thanks." She muttered.

"I'm full-on voting for you!" I say as an act of empathy.

Emma scoffed, "I know you just read what you just picked up. You don't have to sugar-coat me to make me feel better."

I wriggled my nose, "Is it true?"

Emma reluctantly nodded, "Yeah. I'm not going to lie about it. But in my defense, those records were supposed to be sealed. That's what happens when you're up against a newspaper reporter."

My face scoured, "That sucks. But I'm still voting for you! Sugar-coat or not."

She chuckled in disbelief, "Why would you want to vote for me?"

I shrugged, "Graham chose you to be deputy! That proves a lot of trust there."

"You knew Graham?" She asked.

"A little bit," I said, "I'm very close with his best friend."

"I never knew he had a best friend. He's usually by himself or with Regina."

"Really?" I cocked an eyebrow in slight confusion, "Well, you know, everyone has and should have a best friend in this world. It's not like graham never had one. Maybe he just wasn't so open about it."

Emma shrugged, "True!"

I smiled at her, concluding this conversation since it was getting so late. I nodded at her and said, "Have a nice night, Emma."

"You too, uh…?"

"Madge."

"Oh! Madge. Have a great night, Madge. See you at the elections tomorrow!"

With that, I took off and went home. The next day, I didn't really bother to go visit John. Instead, I climbed onto my horse and took a ride out into the woods.

I let the wind blow through and pulled my hair out of the braid I had and it let if flow like the horse's. I smiled and rode past the trees as if I had nothing to lose. It was like an escape to some fantasy realm.

Then, a river came into view, much like the one near the cemetery. I continued to follow it and see that it was indeed the same one. I kept following up the river until I came to a closing, where it ended with a beautiful waterfall. It was indeed one of the greatest things I've seen.

Suddenly a bunny hopped around by the river, settling down near a bush with very big leaves. I hopped off my horse and decided to look at it more closely. It was so cute!

I knelt down to its level and stroked its fur. However, just as I was about to reach out and pick it up, an arrow shot through it. I shrieked in horror.

"What the f*ck?!" I cried in horror.

I heard a ruffling from the bushes at a small distance and saw John pop out. Tears started falling as I looked at the now-dead bunny. But seriously, what the f*ck.

"Are you serious?!" I yelled at him, "That could have hit my hand!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't know you were even here!" John took my hand and examined it, "Are you hurt anywhere?"

I yanked out of his grip and stood up, "I'm fine."

"Look, I'm sorry!" John apologized once more, "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

I shook my head, "No, sorry, I'm just overreacting right now. Sorry."

"You don't need to apologize," He then took my hand and rubbed it lightly with his thumb, "What's wrong?"

I shook my head once more, "Nothing."

"Well you're overreacting so there is obviously something wrong. Tell me."

I looked down at our handhold and let go, going back to my horse. I stroked its hair and looked at him, "It's personal."

"We've known each other for quite some time now…" He walked towards me and stopped my hand from petting, "What's wrong."

He didn't even ask as if it was a question but more of a demand. I sighed and looked at him. I then asked, "What up with the handholding?"

John looked at the extremely close proximity of our hands and let go quickly, clearing his throat as he did. He straightened his posture and said, "I don't know, I guess I just grew comfortable with you too quick."

I scoffed, "I'd say the same about you!"

"Look, I really like you, Madge, but it's not safe to go out with me," John confided, "I wouldn't be able to give you the needs a normal boyfriend would. For example, take you out to town and go out and do something. Here, near and inside the cemetery, is my cage. It's like I'm trapped. I can't get out or else I'm going to get in trouble. I'm not worthy enough to be your boyfriend, I'm sorry."

I looked at him as if he was crazy. I scoffed, "Pfft, as if I need a boy to make me happy! But, I do like you too, and it's sad to see you this way."

"It's true! If I leave, I'm going to get in so much trouble."

"And, how is that?"

John hesitated, "It's hard to explain. You wouldn't understand."

At that moment, my heart kinda cracked. If I couldn't understand him then what is there to understand. He obviously hasn't found himself yet.

"I'm a huntsman, Madge!" John said, his voice rising louder, "I pursue a different life! I'm doing actual for the town– "

"And I don't?" I hissed, feeling a little offended.

Not gonna lie. Ow.

John immediately shook his head and shut his eyes, feeling helpless, "No! That's not what I meant! What I really mean was– "

"What you really mean is, I'm not like you." I stated, looking into his eyes. He nodded, "Yes."

I scoffed and almost guffawed into laughter, "See? I do understand you."

"It's not that easy to understand everything." John said in return. That I know was probably true. I had that same difficulty in my high school years memorizing every. freaking. math. formula. It was treacherous.

John continued talking, "It's almost time for the Sheriff Elections! Are you gonna go?"

"Yeah, are you?" I asked in surprise. Maybe he really is trying to get into town for once. But then again, after his little speech…

"I can't." He answered. Of course, I thought.

"Well, then I better get going!" I said, hopping onto my horse, "I'll see you whenever I get to. I don't really plan on coming back."

"I'm so sorry, Madge. I truly am." he said.

I shook my head, "I'm not. See you later."

With that, I began patting my horse to start heading back. I looked at the dead bunny on the ground. Poor bunny.

As I was riding back, my mind drifted off elsewhere and it was like a memory start billowing my thoughts.

Pocahontas watched the mysterious stranger behind the waterfall wall in admiration. He was just so different, he made normal look boring. It was fascinating, even though she had no means in coming into contact with him. Just then, she heard movement.

Once Pocahontas turned back around, the stranger was gone. In an instance, that same stranger broke through the waterfall and held a gunpoint towards her heart. He noticed and analyzed her appearance, slowly putting the gun down.

Pocahontas didn't know what to do. She just stood there and spoke in a mere whisper, "Please don't hurt me." Soon enough, she fled in panic.

"Wait!" She heard the man call out as he chased her to the other side of the waterfall. She stopped and listened, giving him a chance.

"I'm not going to hurt you." He said.

Pocahontas' eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She said, "You look like a huntsman!"

"I am, but I'm not going to hurt you. Please just trust me." He then introduced himself, "My name is John– John Smith."

He did a small bow, putting down his gun along with his bow. He extended his hand and offered a small smile, "What is yours?"

She hesitated, observing him and sinking in all his features. The hair, the stubbled beard, the green (almost blue/gray) eyes, and his built body. Finally, she answered him, "Pocahontas."

• ❦ •

A/N

I know most people are thinking, 'Pocahontas isn't even a real princess!' but please spare me! I love Pocahontas and I hope you guys find hope in this story. I know it's not meant to go anywhere but to you guys, but I just hope you guys like this plot line. Jamie Dornan (Graham) is supposed to be John Smith, in this case, John. it may be obvious now but to those who are still trying to figure it out, here you go! I am not giving a specific description on Pocahontas/Madge's features because I want that character to be up to you guys. I know she is primely meant to be Native American but you guys can use your imagination to choose a different person lol. Please leave some reviews! I really want to hear from you guys. thanks xx