CLARE POV

That night Regina had refused to leave my side. She had insisted on sleeping with me so she would not have to keep going back and forth. I felt like such a nuisance but the thought quickly melted away once I fell asleep.

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I woke up the next morning feeling very well rested. Regina's side of the bed she slept on was empty but perfectly made. I slugged over to the mirror to examine just how horrible my bed head was today but, surprisingly, it did not look that bad. I ran a hand through my light brown hair. When I was little, it used to be blonde but as time flew it grew darker. The top was brown but grew lighter until it reached the bottom, which was a dark blonde. It did create a "gold" affect. My hair did most defiantly have a golden hue to it but I always considered it light brown, just to make things easier. When I would go to get my hair cut, the stylists would always compliment my natural blonde highlights after asking if I had ever gotten highlights or dyed my hair which I have never done. I liked my unique hair color and I could see the possibility of being Goldilocks. Though, I would never believe it.

There was a picture of Regina and Henry near the looking glass. While looking in the mirror, I realized just how much I looked like Regina with the exception of my hazel eyes and dark gold hair color. My jaw was squared and my eyes were the same almond shape. We both had olive toned skin and, with time, I might be as tall as her. I shook my head at the thought. There was no possible way I could be related to her. Simply none. I'm sure I just want her to be related to me. For her to be my mom.

I dug through my bag and changed from my PJ's into black leggings, boots, a loose green shirt, and a scarf. This was one of my nicer outfits, clearly one for the cold. I bounded down the stairs, dreading having to speak to Regina. I knew that I would have to tell her I could not stay any longer. I didn't want to impose but as I descended the staircase, the smell of cinnamon rolls filled my nose. There was a Christmas tree against the wall and presents were underneath it. Oh my gosh…today was Christmas. Did she do this all last night? What time was it? Did I really sleep in that much? How am I going to break the news to Regina…?

My train of thoughts was broken when Regina walked towards me with a plate with cinnamon rolls on it. A giant smile was plastered across her face. My chest tightened and I fiddled with the ends of my scarf. "Merry Christmas, Clare!" She handed me the plate and I took it with quivering hands and a small smile that couldn't even match the pure happiness that was on her face. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, "Regina, I-"

"-Wait, I want to give you something." She turned to the tree and dug through the presents under the tree that were undeniably for Henry. I looked at the cinnamon rolls in my hands and put them on the nearest surface, having lost my appetite. I shifted my weight to a different leg when Regina pulled out a small red box and handed it to me, "Regina, you didn't have to get me anything, you've done so much already." I grinned.

"I wanted to. Open it." I sighed and took off the red top and what I saw brought tears to my eyes. I looked to Regina, "Regina-" My lip quivered.

"-I want you to stay, Clare. This," She pulled out the gold key and held it up to me, "is yours, if you want it." Tears streamed down my face. This was it. I could have a family. I could finally have someone to care about me. I could stay. I viewed the gold key then changed my glance to Regina. I was unable to refuse the urge any longer. I rushed to Regina and hugged her, reveling in her warm embrace. Her hearty laughter caused me to laugh too. I pulled away and took the key, "I would love to."

"How about some peppermint hot chocolate?" She asked while entering the kitchen.

"Yes, please." I said, wiping the remainder of the tears from my face and held the key in my clutches. Unbeknown to Regina, I was watching her make the drinks. She was clearly rushing the drinks to keep me from waiting but Regina pulled something out of a cabinet. It was pink and had a slight glow to it. I am guessing she put it in the drinks because her body blocked me from seeing. I guess it is some type of ingredient so I shrugged it off.

Regina walked to me with two Christmas mugs and handed me one of them. She sipped hers and I did too, "What do you want to do today? Anything Christmas-y?" I asked. My eyelids felt heavy and so did the cup in my hand. In fact, the cup was too heavy. It slipped from my grasp and crashed against the floor, seemingly in slow motion. My legs gave way, and I plummeted to the wooden floor but Regina caught me. "Regina…I'm really tired." I slurred before I fell into darkness.

REGINA POV

I held the sleeping Clare in my arms. The key was still in her hand so I took it and put it in in the front pocket of her green shirt. What on earth was going on? I thought she was supposed to remember! Gold… That was his potion. I picked up Clare and carried her to my car and put her in the passenger's seat before I went behind the wheel.

I drove as fast as I could through the streets of Storybrooke without Hydroplaning. The streets were slick from last night's rain. Everyone was in their houses, celebrating the holiday with their newly reunited families. Even I, the one who cursed them all into oblivion, will be reunited with my daughter, even for only an hour. Even for a minute, I would risk anything to be with her. I wanted to tell her how much I cared for her and that she did not have to be alone anymore. I glanced at Clare who was unconscious in the leather seat. She looks like neither me nor Daniel. She was the perfect mix between us. She had his cheekbones and his smile. Except, she probably got her hair color from Daniel's sister, she had the exact same hair color as Clare's. His whole family did have blonde hair but none like his sister's. None like Clare's. I stopped my car, walked around the car, and gathered up Clare and slung her on my back piggy-back-ride style.

I leaned over and opened the door to find a smug Mr. Gold behind the counter. I walked to him and tried to gather up as much confidence as I could. I wanted to channel my anger at him but only fear came out, "What is wrong with her?" I asked, gesturing my head to the limp Clare. Gold gave me a crooked smile which would send shivers down anyone's spine but not me…I was desperate and angry.

"Why, she's remembering of course! Memories are coming back to her and once she wakes up the she will recall all the thoughts, feelings…and grudges." His dark eyes shined insidiously. I arched an eyebrow, wanting more information.

"Regina, do you know why she can only remember for an hour? It's because your daughter has not one but two curses. The one you set which made everyone forget about their fairytale lives and then there's Cora's curse…That one made her forget everything about her family life. Only true love's kiss could break the curses. Well, two kisses." He shrugged.

"That's fine because when she wakes up and remembers me then she will recall the love which will break the curse." I said. Gold clicked his tongue and shook his head, "You're wrong, dearie. Clare loved Regina, but Goldilocks hated the Evil Queen. I would know because I met Goldilocks. I offered her the potion that brought her to this land twelve years after your curse was cast. She came as a baby. That was her price for using magic." I shook my head. Gold just wanted to mess with my head. Clare would remember and she would accept me.

"Why did you give her the potion anyways, Gold?" I asked uncertainly. There had to be some reason. Rumpelstiltskin simply smirked and said, "You should leave, Regina. Store's closed on holidays and you have some catching up to do." I scowled and walked back to my car. Clare was once more in the seat to my right, still very much asleep. I wonder what's going through her head. All I knew was that I was excited to be with my daughter.

A/N: Hey guys! Be prepared for the next chapter, it will be a long one. All of it will be Clare's FTL life. If I have time, I'll see if I can upload it tomorrow. So how did you like it? If you have any questions, please ask and I will try my best to answer them but I'm pretty sure that they will all be answered in the next chapter. Anyways, thanks for reading and commenting!(: