I am so so sorry about the wait for this chapter. Life has just been crazy for the last few months and I haven't had much time to write. I did, however, get to spend 4 amazing days in Steveston, BC where Once is filmed last week and it definitely inspired me to write some more. I hope this was worth the wait :)

Chapter 6

"Hi, I'm looking for Billy?" David approached the customer service desk at the autobody shop. A man leaning over a car towards the back looked up and gave him a smile.

"Hi." He greeted warmly as he grabbed a rag to wash his grease-covered hands. "That's me." He approached David and Emma and held out his hand. "And you are?"

David tried to place the man in front of him but couldn't. He obviously wasn't from his and Snow's kingdom, but he seemed friendly enough. "David." He replied giving an easy smile. "And this is my little girl, Emma."

Emma hid behind her Daddy's leg, uncharacteristically shy for some reason. "Hi." She murmured.

"How can I help you?"

David sighed and scratched his head. "Well uh, see we were just passing through and my truck decided to break down on the outskirts of town. Ruby is actually the one who sent me, she said you might be able to help me?"

Billy grinned at the mention of the waitress' name. "Well if Ruby sent you, how can I say no?" He joked. "I'd be happy to help."

David smiled and nodded his appreciation. "Thank you." It was pretty obvious the young man in front of him had a thing for Ruby. David couldn't help but be amused.

"Just give me a minute to grab my truck and we can head out."

"Will do." David said, taking Emma's hand and leading her outside.

Five minutes later they were heading out of town. David couldn't help but notice how familiar the area seemed. He didn't know if it was the result of the curse or whether the Evil Queen had purposely chose an area that so closely resembled their home. It was almost uncanny, he even spotted an old toll bridge that looked like the one where he and Snow had had their first adventure together. It was even jokingly labelled Troll Bridge.

"This is a beautiful area." David said. "It almost feels like home."

Billy shrugged. "It's ok I guess. It's all I've ever known. Where is home for you guys?"

David was just about to answer when the hood of the tow truck started smoking.

"Oh my." Billy nearly shrieked. "That's never happened before." He quickly pulled over and jumped out of the truck and lifted the hood.

David got out as well to examine things. Something didn't seem right about this.

"The engine is shot." Billy shook his head in disappointment. "I'm really sorry, I'll have someone come help us in no time."

David couldn't help but notice how very close they were to the orange line that seemed to separate the town from everything else. He was beginning to think his earlier theory was right and that maybe these people really were stuck here and if they tried to cross the border, something bad would happen.

"Nonsense, it's fine." David said quickly. Off Billy's strange look he quickly said, "I mean it's not a big deal. I can fix my truck, all I need is some supplies. Look it's not an issue, my truck is only a mile or so from here, I'm sure I could make it so long as I could borrow some of your equipment. You just get someone here to help you and don't worry about us." He nodded to Emma still sitting quietly in the truck, watching them,

"You're sure?" Billy asked.

David nodded. "Promise."

Billy then led him to the back of the truck and handed him some tools. Within the next hour, David had his truck boosted and in working condition. It was running as well as it could have. He handed the equipment that Billy had lent him back and even helped Billy with his own truck.

"Were you a mechanic in a past life or something?" Billy asked in surprise at the level of skill the man before him had.

"No." David laughed with a shake of his head. "Actually I am a police officer. I honestly don't even remember where I learned those skills from. It's just something I picked up on."

Billy smiled. "Well thanks for the help."

"Thank you for your help." David said appreciatively with a shake of the other man's hand.

"You know, word has it that the Sheriff is looking to fill the Deputy position." Billy said suddenly.

This caught David's attention, now that he knew this was where his loved ones were, he was definitely interested in staying as long as possible and he would need something to support himself and Emma.

"Really?" He asked.

Billy nodded. "Yeah it used to be that Graham could handle everything, but lately things have been going a little crazy and he's been dealing with the Mayor's insane demands as well, so needless to say I'm sure he could use the help."

"Well then I will definitely check it out, right after I find a place to stay for the night for Emma and I." David gestured to the tired little girl leaning against his leg.

"Granny and Ruby run a Bed and Breakfast, I'm sure they'd be able to put you both up for the night." Billy suggested.

Again David gave the man an appreciative grin. "Good to know."

"It was good meeting you David. If you need anything, let me know."

"I will." David nodded as he lifted Emma up and set her in the truck and buckled her in. She was passed right out, tired from their trip. He managed to get the truck back to town and parked in front of Granny's. Ruby was out waiting on the tables that were outside. She smiled when she looked up and saw David carrying Emma over once again.

"Well I see Billy was able to help you." Ruby grinned and gestured to David's truck across the road.

"He did, he was very helpful actually." David smiled. "He mentioned something about you and your Grandmother running a Bed and Breakfast? And I'm actually looking for a place to stay for a little while."

Ruby beamed. "Well you've come to the right place." She lifted her tray and led them inside the diner. "If you just head up the road about 3 blocks and make a right you'll see the B&B. It looks like a cottage. Granny should be there right now and she can get you guys settled."

David thanked her once again and followed her instructions. Sure enough Granny was there and was more than happy to help them.

"So how long are you planning on staying?" She asked curiously. It wasn't often they got new people in town.

David shrugged. "For a while. I'm actually going to head over later and talk to the Sheriff about a Deputy job."

"Oh that's wonderful." Granny smiled. "Well you can stay here as long as you please. Here's the key to your room, best room in the whole place." She winked. "And if you need anyone to watch that precious little thing in your arms, Ruby and I would be happy to help."

David thanked her and said he would probably take her up on that offer at some point. He knew he could just these people. They may not know who they are, but deep down they were still much the same.

He walked into a decently sized, old-fashioned room. It has a queen size bed on one side as well as a small single bed on the other next to a large window with a view of the yard in front. It would do just fine for the two of them.

He placed Emma down on the single bed and sat down next to her, stroking her hair gently. "We're home, Princess."