I still don't own Once Upon A Time. Wish I did. This is the third in my "Lucy" series of stories.

This story has not been beta-read. Is anyone out there interested in the job? Please read and enjoy. Reviews are requested.

Chapter 7

"Please let her be all right," Lucy implored of the ceiling. "Please. Just please." She was holding Rumple's arm as he twisted his cane around and around. The hospital's hallway was clinically cold, brightly lit, and devoid of comfort.

As Dr. Whale exited the room, the door closed with a soft snick.

Immediately, Gold jumped forward, his cane snapping smartly against the floor. "May I see her, doctor?"

"Not just yet," the Whale replied soothingly. "She isn't ready to see you, but she knows you're out here waiting for her."

Gold's eyes were a muddy brown, darkened with pain and hurt. He swallowed. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Whale shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. That's confidential information." Gold's countenance fell, his face an ashen gray. For the first time since Bae's death, the Dark One looked ready to cry. Whale was shocked to see the powerful wizard reduced to such a sad state, and he took pity on the old man. The doctor wet his lips, looked carefully up and down the corridor, then he stepped in closer. "She fell off a ladder at the library," he confided in a whisper. "There was some deep bruising, and she had a mild concussion. She's fine except for the loss of the baby. She's young and strong. She'll recover in no time." He took a step backward. "I'm sorry." Turning on his heel, Whale walked quickly down the passage. The sound of his shoes clicking on the polished floor followed him.

Once again the door opened, and this time Dr. Hopper leaned out. "Mr. Gold? Belle would like to see you now."

Gold squeezed Lucy's hand once before entering the room, leaving Lucy alone in the hall.

After what seemed like forever, the door opened again, and Ruby Lucas French exited. She jerked her chin at the attorney. "They want you," she told her.

Lucy ventured inside to see Rumple standing beside Belle's bed holding her hand. Both of them looked pale and tired. On the opposite side of the bed stood a troubled Moe French. Ruby moved briskly over to the window.

Dr. Hopper occupied the lone chair in the room. He was jotting something down in a small notebook. "Ms. French, now is not the time to make any important decisions. You've just been through several extreme emotional upheavals in a very short time frame," Hopper was saying. "You're emotionally fragile, and you need to take some time to step back from the situation."

"That's right, Belle," French advised gently. "You just take your time to rest, and let those who love you look after you. You can stay with me for as long as you want."

"Or I can stay with you," Ruby added, her voice full of concern. "Just let us take care of you, Belle."

Lucy hesitated when she saw Rumple and Belle holding hands. Her heart was breaking - again. She could see what was happening; she'd watched it all before. But she gathered the remnants of her rapidly unraveling dignity and stepped further in the room. "I am so sorry for your loss," Lucy said. Her words were meant for them both, but her eyes were trained on Rumple. Again, she moved forward until she stood at the foot of the bed. "Belle," she whispered, "I know how you feel. I've lost two babies myself."

"When?" Gold demanded. He stepped awkwardly towards her and grabbed her arm.

Lucy shook her head at him. "It was a long, long time ago," she answered shortly. "It doesn't matter now."

"It does to me," he retorted. But, she waved him off.

"Belle," she started before being interrupted.

"I know you care about Rumple," Belle replied, "but I - "

Lucy held out her hands palms outward. "Please, Belle," she interrupted, "let me get this out while I can. You're right. I do love Rumple." She huffed out a breath. "I always have. I just want him to be happy, and if he's happier with you, then so be it." She flicked her gaze to his sad brown eyes. "I wish I could say I've reached the limits of my patience with you - " She smiled sadly at him. " - but that would be a lie. No matter what, no matter when, I'll always be here to pick up the pieces for you."

"You have always been there, sitting in the wings, waiting for Rumple," Belle stated quietly. Tears began to slide down her cheeks. "I love Rumple, Lucy. He's my True Love. I need him, but I don't know if I can compete with his love of power. I don't know if I can tolerate his - " She broke off.

Lucy said with a sad smile, "That's why you should listen to Dr. Hopper. You've been through so much. You shouldn't make any important decisions for a while." She clenched her jaw, collecting her words carefully. "But, Belle, I want to beg you this one thing. When you do feel ready to make a decision, make it a lifetime commitment." She huffed a sigh of frustration and pointed back and forth between Belle and Rumple. "First, you were together, then you weren't. And, then, you got back together and got married. Then you were angry with him and kicked him out of town. Then you separated and filed for divorce but reconciled. Again you got teed off with him and forced through the divorce." Lucy took a deep breath. "Belle, I don't know about Rumple, but I'm beginning to feel a bit like a yo-yo."

"Oh, Lucy, dear," Rumple said softly, "you don't understand." Again he reached for her hands and gathered them to his breast, pulling her to his side. He gazed earnestly into her eyes. "Belle and I won't be reconciling again. We've found that we are ill-suited." As his words penetrated her mind, Gold turned a quick glance to Belle.

"You know I still love you, Rumple," Belle replied softly, "but everyone seems to think it's for the best if we stay apart." She shook her lovely head, her soft brown hair rustling against the pillow. "I just don't want to think about it. I only know that I - " The tears came again, and she covered her face and cried.

Moe jumped to his daughter's side and gently gathered her in his arms. "Hush, little girl," he told her, "You're my darling daughter, and I'll take of you just like I always have." He rocked her from side to side, crooning in her ear. "That's right, daughter, just let your father take care of you."

Ruby and Archie, moving as if they were one, gathered on the opposite side of her bed. Ruby softly smoothed down Belle's hair, while Archie held Ruby's shoulder.

"Good night, Miss Lucas, Moe," Gold said. "I know you'll both take care of Belle, but if you find you need anything, anything at all, please do not hesitate to call for my assistance." He smiled sadly at them.

Moe glowered up at the former Dark One. "I don't think we'll have any need to call you, so you can just - " was all he managed to say before he was interrupted by Ruby.

"But if we do, we will call you. I'll call you," she promised Gold. She met Moe's angry glare. "Sometimes things just don't work out the way you want them to," she told him before she looked down at her best friend. "It's nobody's fault." She shrugged.

Archie nodded. "Very wise words, Ruby. Good night, Mr. Gold, Ms. Farmer."

Gold nodded. "Good night, Dr. Hopper, I'll see you at 1:00 sharp Friday afternoon." He took a stunned Lucy by the arm and led her from the room.

Silently, she held out the car keys to him as they walked back up the hall. "Rumple," she whispered hoarsely, "did you - " she swallowed back the threatening tears " - did you just choose me over Belle?"

His smile was soft. "Don't you think it's about time I did?"

"That's not what I asked you," she replied. "Answer the question, please." Her legs were moving automatically, keeping up with him. She was still stunned.

"Ever the lawyer," he snorted. They exited the building and crossed the parking lot. As always, he opened the door for her before walking around to the driver's side. He cranked up the car, put it in gear, and was pulling out of the parking lot before Lucy recovered her senses.

"Rumple," she asked in a tiny, timid voice, "did you really just choose me over Belle?"

He reached over and clasped her hand. "Yes, Lucy, I chose you." He laughed, then, with real happiness. "Just as I should have ages ago."

Lucy sniffed and brushed away the tears. "Damn right," she told him. "Now, take me home."