The events in this chapter coincide with "The Shepherd", "Snow Falls", and the beginning of "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" from the ABC television show "Once Upon A Time".
Chapter Five:
Reprimands
Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
A week passed in Storybrooke. At the Nolans' white two-story house, a welcome home party was held for David coming out of the coma. The townsfolk were present inside the house, waiting for Katherine to arrive with David. Inside, David was greeted by the townsfolk, including Dr. Whale. Emma and Henry were there as well. As David greeted the people who came to the party, Asher decided to make his presence known.
"David, I'm Asher Beutel. I work at the Schoolhouse as a janitor," said Asher, shaking David's hand.
"You wouldn't know where Mary Margaret is?" asked David, curious.
Asher shook his head. "No, I haven't seen her."
David said last, "Well, it was nice meeting you." He approached Emma and Henry, who were sitting out in the entrance hall.
"Same to you," said Asher. As he made his way towards Curtis, he found himself blocked by Regina, who had just left the kitchen.
Regina asked, promptly, "What are you doing, Mister Beutel?"
"I was just…"
"Listen: if you think helping Doctor Greenhow find a lover is going to suddenly change things around here, guess again. Don't interfere in his life. In fact, don't ever interfere in people's lives again or I will do the same to yours," exclaimed Regina, sharply. "You enjoy the evening." She walked away from him.
Unable to face Curtis, Asher walked into the entrance hall. There, he found Emma and Henry, who were talking amongst themselves. As he approached the two, Asher noticed relief come across Emma and Henry's faces. "Emma, Henry, enjoying the party?"
"From the looks of things," said Emma.
Henry asked Asher, "Aren't you enjoying the party?"
Asher turned to Emma, "Emma, can I talk with your son? It'll just be a few minutes."
"Sure. I should go look for the punch bowl," said Emma, leaving the entrance hall.
Asher sat down with Henry. He asked, "Henry, when you told me to go see Curtis Greenhow, I thought you were joking. Now, I'm stuck in therapy."
"Is that a bad thing? You need people to talk to, Asher," said Henry, confused.
"Yes, but then you said that I was Frodo Baggins, a character in your storybook. It's difficult for me to comprehend," said Asher, feeling confused himself.
"Why?" asked Henry, confused and curious.
"How can I be a character in your storybook? Frodo Baggins was what? He's a hobbit, he's brave, and goes to such lengths to journey with friends. None of those sound like me," said Asher, admitting freely.
"Yes, those are all true. But Frodo was more than that. He spent some time alone after his parents died, until he was adopted by his cousin. He's what you would call a loner," said Henry.
"That sounds something like me," said Asher.
Henry whispered. "Just don't let my mom, the mayor, get to you. You'll find friends." He left Asher alone as he approached Emma.
Deciding he was done with the party, Asher said his farewell to Katherine. As he walked out of the Nolans' house, Asher realized that David had left his own party.
o-o-o
The next day, Asher went to see Curtis Greenhow, the psychiatrist, for his appointment. Asher spoke of many things during his appointment, but more importantly he spoke of what Regina told him at the party the other night.
"Regina told me I shouldn't speak to you… or at least get involved in your life," said Asher.
"Oh. Why do you think she said that, Asher?" asked Curtis.
"I'm not sure. She seemed determined to keep us apart," said Asher.
"And why do you think that?" asked Curtis.
"Well… it does seem farfetched for her to suddenly decide this," said Asher.
Curtis told him, "Well, I'll have a word with Miss Mills. As for what occurs between us here stays in this room."
"Thank you," said Asher.
"Shall we meet again in two weeks?" asked Curtis.
"Sure," said Asher. He asked, "But Curtis… why does it have to be strictly business between us?"
Curtis hesitated. "I'm not sure. It just is. Will that be all, Mister Beutel?"
Taking the card, Asher said, "For now. I'll see you again in two weeks." He left Curtis' office, closing the door after him.
As soon as Asher left the building, Curtis called Regina's office. He heard the phone click on the other side. Curtis spoke into the receiver, "Miss Mills, Asher was here. Yes, he told me about you speaking to him at the party. What should I do?"
He could hear Regina on the other end, tell him, "Do what you have to. Keep your business with Mister Beutel strictly that. Fail to do so and you may find yourself in a worse situation."
Curtis said, "Why can't Mister Beutel and I…"
"Don't start, Doctor Greenhow. Do your job, or I will fire you." Curtis heard Regina hang up on the phone.
Curtis hung up the phone on his end. He twiddled his fingers. "What am I to do now?"
Fairy Tale Land – Flashback
Out from the puff of the purple smoke, Frodo landed inside a forest. He wasn't sure if he was still in the Enchanted Forest. Finding a dirt trail, Frodo followed it until he came to the edge of the woods. He fled back to the forest as a carriage sped by with four soldiers, wearing black, riding alongside it. The carriage didn't stop, but for a moment one of the soldiers did. He scanned the area. After finishing his search, the soldier rode off. Once the coast was clear, Frodo charged across the dirt road and into the forest. He ran until he couldn't run anymore. Resting his hands on his knees, Frodo stopped and recovered his breath. As he did, someone wearing a green cloak and brown fur as a vest stopped in front of him. Frodo looked up to see it was a woman with pale skin and black hair.
"Why are you running? Let me guess: you ran from the queen," said the woman.
"Yes. Who are you?" asked Frodo, out of breath.
"Snow White," said the woman in introduction. "Do you need any help?"
"No thank you. I think I can manage on my own, I hope," said Frodo, standing up.
Snow White shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Having second thoughts, Frodo followed Snow White through the forest. "I suppose I do need a guide. I didn't come from this realm."
"Ah, so you're from another land," said Snow. "How is it?"
"How's what?" asked Frodo, confused.
"Your land, of course," said Snow, finishing her question.
"Well, my land has Elves, Dwarves, Men, Hobbits like me, Wizards, talking animals, and trees that move and talk. I don't know what this land has," said Frodo.
"Have you ever met a troll?" asked Snow. "I was just about to give them these jewels in exchange for money." She showed Frodo the purse filled with jewels and a ring with a green gem in the center. "I'm on my way now, if you want to join me."
"Sure, but the only time I've met a troll, one narrowly killed me," said Frodo. He remembered his mithril shirt, but also remembered that he wasn't wearing it or his sword.
"Well, keep up. The troll bridge isn't far from here," said Snow.
After a couple more paces, Frodo and Snow made it to a damaged stone bridge. Snow took out a set of gold coins and placed them on the stone railing. Seconds passed before trolls jumped onto the bridge, surrounding the two. These trolls were different than Frodo was used to, close to the size of humans, yet they had the appearance of a troll.
"What do you bring us, traveler?" asked one of the trolls.
"I'm just here to give you some jewels. In return, I'd like some money," said Snow, aloud.
"You'll like it enough. Who is this?" asked the same troll, pointing his sword at Frodo.
"He's no one. Just someone I met on the road," said Snow. "Do we have a bargain?"
The same troll took the purse, giving Snow in return the amount of money she asked. The trolls thanked Snow for their business before departing with their loot. Frodo caught up to Snow, glad to be away from the bridge.
"My name is Frodo, by the way, Frodo Baggins," said Frodo in introduction.
"Nice to meet you, Frodo," said Snow.
"Same to you," said Frodo, grinning.
Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
Coming out from the bread shop, Asher ate his donut in silence. As he walked down the street, he noticed Curtis heading inside the grocery store. Finishing his small meal, Asher went inside the grocery store. It was there Asher surprised Curtis.
"Mister Beutel, what are you doing here?" asked Curtis, stunned.
"I was about to ask you the same question," said Asher. "So, you like Samantha Willow?"
"That isn't your business, Mister Beutel," said Curtis.
"You can call me Asher, if you'd like. Did Regina get to you, too?" asked Asher.
"Why do you ask?" asked Curtis, timid.
"Because she told me I shouldn't interfere in peoples' lives, if I remember," said Asher.
"Maybe she's right," said Curtis, attempting to move past Asher but failing.
"Come on. It's Regina, we're talking about. You don't want her stepping all over you?" asked Asher. "Where's your courage gone?"
"Asher – Mister Beutel, this really isn't the best time for this," said Curtis, finally able to move past Asher.
"Just think about it. You're not one of Regina's lap dogs," said Asher. Realizing he said something he shouldn't, Asher left the grocery store in silence.
When Curtis got everything he needed, he approached the counter. Once again, Samantha Willow was there at the clerk. As Curtis paid for the groceries, he asked Samantha, "Hey, do you think I'm one of… Regina's lap dogs?"
Samantha shook her head. "You could be braver, though, in front of her."
"I was just asking," said Curtis.
"I know," said Samantha. "Is that everything?"
"Yes," said Curtis, slightly relieved. He left the store in a hurry.
o-o-o
Curtis found Asher the next morning at Granny's Diner. Before he approached Asher, Curtis was met by Regina, who seemed eager to separate Curtis from Asher.
"Doctor Greenhow, is there a problem?" asked Regina.
"Please let me through," said Curtis.
"Doctor Greenhow, you understand that Asher is only a patient, not a friend," said Regina.
"And who are you to determine who my friends are?" asked Curtis, fighting back. He stopped Regina before she could say two words. "You know, I've done some thinking. It occurs to me that you shouldn't need to bully me around on who I treat and who I find a friend. No, I won't back down on this. If you intend to do your worst, then I'll continue to fight to do my best. You may speak to Doctor Hopper all you want, but leave me alone to live my life and do my work. And you'll do the same to Asher. Is that understood?"
"I thought you were stubborn," said Regina.
"No, I'm being completely serious. Leave me and my patient alone or you'll face your own consequence. I'm going to keep treating Asher until he can be brave enough to stand on his own, and still gain friendships. As for you Regina, leave me to my work in my own way," said Curtis. He walked away from Regina, approaching Asher in seconds. He heard the door close, realizing that Regina had left the building.
Asher told Curtis, "Nice work. I knew you were brave enough to face her, Doctor Greenhow."
"You can call Curtis, or Kurt for short," said Curtis. "If Regina bothers you again, you tell me. I'll settle her straight."
"Thank you, Kurt," said Asher, grinning.
"Are you doing anything this weekend?" asked Curtis, curious.
"I'm just going to walk my dog, as I normally do. Why? You interested in doing something?" asked Asher, curious.
"I was going to look at boats… look at them, not actually ride them. Then I was heading over to the floral shop to see how the plants are faring," said Curtis. "You can join me, if you want."
"I'm not that interested in plants, but looking at boats might be something," said Asher.
"Good," said Curtis. "Then I'll meet you at the docks on Tuesday afternoon. I'm sure Mister Tuck will be there."
"Let's hope so," said Asher, taking a sip of his coffee.
Fairy Tale Land – Flashback
"So, what did the queen do to you?" asked Frodo, as he followed Snow White through the forest.
"The queen is after me for many reasons. She blames me for ruining her happiness," said Snow. "Come on. We're close." Entering a large log, Snow told Frodo, "This is where I'm currently staying."
"It looks like a cave, in a log," said Frodo, observing the room.
"Well, don't get too comfortable. I'm heading out," said Snow, grabbing a bag full of objects.
"Then I'll join you," said Frodo.
As Frodo followed Snow, he stopped in front of the log's opening. He watched as Snow was careened in the air by a roped net. Coming out from behind a tree was a man who appeared as a prince. He wore a leather jacket and pants, while carrying on him a sword inside a sheath. The prince laughed at the sight of Snow White trapped in the net. Frodo became confused as the two talked, with Snow consistently calling the prince "Charming". Eventually, the two spoke about Frodo, getting the hobbit's attention right away.
"Who is your friend?" asked the prince.
"He's no one. Just someone I met on the road," said Snow, repeating her answer that she gave to the trolls.
"I'm Frodo Baggins," said Frodo in introduction. "I'm not from this land."
"An outsider, are you? It's not often I meet a thief and an outsider," said the prince, chuckling. Once his conversation was finished with Snow, the prince released her from the net.
o-o-o
Middle-earth – Flashback
Sam packed his things in a backpack. As he did, Merry and Pippin entered his room.
"Going somewhere?" asked Merry, getting Sam's attention right away.
"I'm going after Frodo. I know he followed that queen back to the Enchanted Forest," said Sam.
"Sam, you're not going alone," said Merry. "We'll find Frodo."
Pippin revealed an elvish sword and a mithril shirt. "Frodo forgot these."
Sam nodded. "We'll take them with us."
Merry nodded in agreement.
Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
That Tuesday afternoon, Asher waited on the docks for fifteen minutes. As he stood by his car, Asher noticed another car pull into the driveway. As Curtis stepped out of the car, Asher joined him. Together, the two approached the shed. There, they saw Edric Tuck making his rounds. He looked in shock upon seeing Asher and Curtis.
"Asher Beutel and Doctor Greenhow, this is a surprise. What brings you here?" asked Edric.
"I came to look at some boats," said Curtis. "If you have any available…"
Edric nodded. "I do. They're right down here. This way; follow me." He led Asher and Curtis out of the warehouse. As he showed them each boat, he noticed Curtis' wary gaze. "You don't like boats, Curtis?"
"I'm not a very nautical man, Mister Tuck. I'll admit that flat out," said Curtis, admitting freely. "What's that?"
"That's an anchor. It's meant to stop the boat out at sea," said Edric, showing him a large metallic anchor.
"All these boats look fantastic," said Asher, excited.
"Are we ready to leave, Mister Beutel?" asked Curtis.
"Sure," said Asher.
Asher said his farewell to Edric, before joining Curtis back on the dock. He noticed Edric return to the warehouse. Returning to his car, Asher followed Curtis out of the driveway and back on the road. Arriving at the floral shop, Asher and Curtis stepped inside. The two were greeted by Moe French.
"What can I do for you, lads?" asked the florist.
Asher started, "We were just browsing…"
"Actually, I was hoping to look for some poppies. They're…" Curtis fired into a conversation with Moe French, surprising Asher.
Realizing Curtis didn't need him, Asher went outside the shop. Curtis followed him out. In shock, Curtis asked Asher, "You're leaving?"
"Well, you could handle yourself in there. I didn't know you liked plants so much," said Asher.
"I was just doing an errand in there, but it can wait. We don't have to stay here," said Curtis.
"No, you can go. Finish your errand," said Asher.
"What will you do?" asked Curtis, concerned.
"I…" Asher didn't answer. Instead, he got inside his car and sped off back to his apartment. Once there, Asher took his beagle Shiloh out for a walk. His mind reeled over the display he made at the floral shop. He wondered if he made the right decision.
Fairy Tale Land – Flashback
When Sam, Merry, and Pippin arrived in the Enchanted Forest, by means of a silver portal, they right away began their search for Frodo. Their search took them minutes. Finding Frodo, the hobbits rushed towards him and embraced him.
Merry asked Frodo, "What happened to you?"
"We were worried about you," said Sam.
"I'm all right." Frodo introduced his friends to the woman he was chatting with, "Sam, Merry, Pippin, this is Snow White. She's been helping me." He took the mithril shirt and the sword Sting off Pippin's hands. "Thank you."
"I haven't heard of you before, Miss Snow," said Sam, politely.
"Well, I haven't heard of you either," said Snow, casually. She turned to Frodo, "Shall we return?"
"Return where?" asked Merry, curious.
"We'll show you," said Frodo, following Snow White back to her log cave. He noticed Sam, Merry, and Pippin follow his lead.
Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
In the evening, Asher entered Granny's Diner. Inside, Asher sat down in one of the booths. Ruby approached him, asking him for his order. Asher ordered a soft drink, right as Curtis entered the diner. Shortly after Ruby walked away from the booth, Curtis sat down across from Asher. Sheriff Graham continued to shoot darts at the target.
Asher asked Curtis, bewildered, "Curtis, what are you doing?"
Curtis took the menu. Surprised, he answered, "I'm going to order dinner." He asked, concerned, "Hey, you all right? I'm sorry for any misgivings made this afternoon."
"It wasn't your fault. It was mine," said Asher.
"You see? You shouldn't push people away. It isn't very nice," said Curtis.
"I know that now. I'm sorry," said Asher.
"I forgive you," said Curtis.
Ruby returned with Asher's drink. After she got Curtis' drink order, Ruby walked away. Asher's attention fell to Graham, who shot another bulls-eye. As Emma left the diner, Graham shot a dart at the door, missing Emma by inches. Emma snapped before leaving the diner. Graham followed after Emma out the door. Asher's gaze returned to Curtis, who also didn't understand what was wrong.
