Emma changes out of her dress and into her plaid pyjama bottoms and a t-shirt. Emma grabs a book off her bedside table and sits on the window seat. She opens the book and starts to read. A few minutes later she realizes has read the same paragraph at least five times. Emma gives up and closes the book. She looks out the window. Her window faces her backyard. There is a big oak tree in one corner of the yard. Neal is standing under the tree. He is staring right at her with wicked smile. Emma gasps. She gets up and runs to her parents room. She goes to her dad and shakes him awake.

"Dad! Dad! Wake up," Emma shouts. It takes a second, but he wakes.

"Emma, its late. What is it?" David asks groggy from sleep.

"Its Neal. He is in the back yard." This wakes him up. David jumps out of bed. Emma gets back. He grabs his shotgun from under the bed. He runs out of the room. Emma follows. When Emma gets to the back door David is looking around.

"Emma, where is he?" Emma looks to the tree. He isn't there. David looks concerned.

"He was under the tree," David raises his eyebrows, "Dad you have to believe me," she pleads.

"I believe you, but he isn't here now. Come on, lets go back to bed." David says with a sigh. Emma nods and looks around. David wraps an arm around her shoulder. They walk inside and head back into their rooms.

Emma can't seem to get comfortable that night. She tosses and turns. Around two thirty she gives up, grabs a blanket, and sits on the window box. The thought of Neal watching her, gives her the chills. He said this wasn't over and he always follows through on a threat. Why was she so stupid? She knew he was trouble. Hell, everyone in town knew he was in trouble. He was the bad boy and for some reason that was attractive. She should have known he wouldn't leave her alone. That one day he would come back and cause her even more trouble than he already had.

She eventually drifts off. Early the next morning Emma is shaken awake by Mary Margaret.

"Emma, did you sleep here all night?" Mary Margaret asks worried. Emma nods.

"Come on, back into bed." Mary Margaret guides Emma back into her bed. Emma climbs in without a word. She falls right back asleep.

Emma wakes again around ten. She groans when she turns her head. She really shouldn't have slept on the window box. Her neck is killing her. Hopefully a hot shower will help. She takes a shower, changes, and heads downstairs for breakfast. Mary Margaret is in the kitchen.

"Hey, what do you want for breakfast?" She asks with a smile.

"Pancakes?" Emma asks while she grabs a cup and pours herself some coffee.

"Sure." She gathers the ingredients and starts whisking the ingredients in a bowl. Emma looks around.

"Where's dad?" Emma asks. Mary Margaret halts. What happened? She pours the batter onto the skillet.

"He is at the sheriff's station," Mary Margaret says slowly.

"Why, did something else happen?" Emma asks. Why isn't my mom telling me everything?

"Nothing. He is seeing if we can get you police protection," She says while flipping a pancake. What? Is she serious?

"You've got to be joking." Emma says exasperated.

"No. I am not. Emma this is serious. He is dangerous. He knows where we live. Who knows what he will do?" Mary Margaret says as she loads three pancakes onto a plate. She places them on the table. Emma sits down and Mary Margaret gives her maple syrup.

"You know I'll be the laughing stock of the school, right?" Emma asks with a mouthful of pancake.

"I don't think so. You're in danger. Also, you're grounded," Mary Margaret says as she sits down at the table. Emma drops her fork onto her plate.

"What? I haven't done anything," Emma whines.

"I know, but your father and I think its the best thing for you. We just want to keep you safe," Mary Margaret reaches out and touches her daughter's arm. Emma jerks it away.

"I get that. Can I have an hour after school to do what I want? I have only seen Neal at night its doubtful he will be out in broad daylight," Emma reasons.

"I will have to speak to your father about that, but maybe." Mary Margaret says sternly. Emma suddenly remembers Ruby.

"Mom, I invited Ruby over today. Can she still come over?" Emma asks nervously.

"Yes, you can have anyone you want over. Even Killian." She says with a smile.

"Yeah right. That won't be happening anytime soon. I am sure he has ran for the hills after last night," Emma groans.

"Young lady, I saw him kiss you last night. Don't you dare say that. I know he kissed you, so I think he will be around again." Emma gasps. She can't believe her mom. Do I have any privacy in this house?

"You were spying on us?" Emma asks.

"Yes-" She is cut off by the front door bursting open and David storming in. He slams the door shut. Emma jumps.

"David, what's wrong?" Mary Margaret asks cautiously.

"They said no. I was there for two hours, but no matter what I said they wouldn't give it to me. Apparently there isn't enough grounds for it." David is furious. He practically has steam coming out of his ears. Emma has never seen him this upset. She can't ask for that hour after school. He would lose it. She goes to her dad and puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Dad, I'll be alright. I'll come home straight from school everyday and I'll never leave the house." Emma attempts to comfort him.

"Damn straight you will. I am just afraid its not enough." He looks angry, but Emma can see the fear in his eyes. Emma sits back down and continues to eat her breakfast.

"Nothing at all?" Mary Margaret asks.

"I'm afraid not, but Emma is right, she will be fine because until he's caught, she isn't leaving our sight." He says as he sits at the table with her.

"David that's a little extreme," Mary Margaret scolds.

"No its not. She's my little girl and that bastard won't touch a hair on her head," he says with finality. Emma raises her eyebrows at her mom. Mary Margaret just shakes her head.

Ruby is there at noon precisely. As always she is dressed in red and black. Today it is a red sweater and tight, black leather pants with heels. Ruby dresses like this to test Granny. She can't stand it. Emma is in yoga pants and long sleeve t-shirt.

"Now you absolutely have to tell me everything that happened. I want every last detail," She says with a squeal. She walks through the door and Emma shuts it and turns the deadbolt. She then catches the look on Emma's face. Ruby's brow furrows.

"What happened? Did he hurt you? If he did anything I swear I will ruin him." Ruby says frantically.

"No, Ruby it wasn't him. He was fine, but we have a problem."

"What's the problem?"

"Neal, he's back. Come on, lets go to my room," Ruby's eyes widen. Her jaw drops to the floor. Emma heads up the stairs and Ruby follows.

"Of all the outcomes of last night I would have never guessed that."

"I know, same," Emma says as she opens the door to her bedroom. Ruby walks in and sits on the bed. Emma shuts the door. Ruby pats the bed.

"Spill. Now." Emma sits down next to her and tells her everything. When she is finished Ruby for once in her life is speechless. Emma soaks it in for a moment.

"On top of all of that my dad tried to get police protection for me."

"No way. That shit only happens on tv! Did you get it?" She asks as she pulls a piece of gum out of her small black purse.

"No, not enough grounds. Thank god. My grim social status couldn't handle that." Ruby starts to smack gum. It was the only thing that drove Emma crazy about Ruby.

"So true, but this date will be all anyone talks about for weeks. Rumors will fly like you can't believe. Luckily for you I will be your damage control." Oh great now I need damage control.

"Great. I manage to have my crazy ex back in my life and make my self the center of gossip."

"Don't worry. I will take care of the gossip part, but Neal is something you have to deal with. What do you think he will do?" Ruby asks. Worry is etched all over her face.

"I haven't got a damned clue, but I am sure it will be unpleasant." Ruby starts to say something, but she stops herself. Emma has never seen Ruby do that. She isn't one to hold back. Ruby doesn't really have a filter.

"Spit it out," Emma demands.

"Do you think he will try to finish what he started with you?" Ruby asks timidly. Emma is stunned. She hadn't even thought of that. It won't happen though. She will never be put in that position again.

"I won't let him get that close. Don't worry," Emma says with a weak smile.

"Good. Now what do you think will happen with you and Killian?" Ruby says as she wiggles her eyebrows at Emma.

"Probably nothing. I pretty sure he will stay far away from me," Emma retorts

"Not true, he kissed you, right? That has mean something." Ruby defends him.

"Yeah something," Emma says with a sigh.

After Ruby leaves Emma gets a text from Killian.

*How are you?*

*I'm doing better than I thought I would be doing. How's your eye?* Emma replies truthfully.

*Not terrible not great. Would it be okay if I took you out to dinner tomorrow night?* Emma just stares at her phone for a few minutes. Is he crazy?

*You must have a death wish.*

*Thats been said before, but not true here. I think we should give it another go.*

*Well I can't, I'm under house arrest* she sends. There, maybe he'll back off.

*Did our date get you in trouble?*

*No*

*Did something else happen? Are you alright?* Shit. Now she has to tell him what happened.

*Neal showed up last night. After you left. He didn't hurt me or anything. Just freaked out me and my parents*

*Are you sure?*

*Yes. Look you're being every nice and all, but you don't want to get involved in this*

*Too late for that. I am involved. He punched me in the face remember?* She will never hear the end of that.

*I remember. Why do you think I'm telling you to butt out? I'm not letting anyone else get hurt.* Can't he see she is trying to save him? Neal is bad news.

*While you're looking out for everyone else no one is looking out for you. You need someone watching you back, Swan* He never gives up does he?

*I've got my parents and the cops. I think I'm covered.*

*Fine, but one day you'll need my help, Swan* She looks at this text for a long time. She decides to not respond. She can handle herself. She took self defense classes after what happened with Neal. She can throw a half-decent punch now. Let Neal come after her, she'll give him what he deserves.

The next morning, Emma walks into school and she can feel the stares on the back of her neck and the whispers going on behind her back. She wishes she didn't live in a small town. Everyone knows everyone's business. For once, she wanted to not be whispered about. Emma keeps her head down and walks fast. She reaches her locker and Killian is leaning against it. Emma looks up and gasps. His eye is a deep purple, but less swollen.

"Good Morning, love." Killian says with a smile. She crosses her arms.

"Morning. What are you telling people about your eye?" Emma asks. She shoos him away from her locker. He scoots down and she starts to put in her combination.

"The truth. I was defending my girl." This causes Emma to stop. His girl? No, no. This can't happen. He will just get hurt.

"I'm not your girl," Emma says flatly. She can't look at him. She's not trying to hurt him, but she doesn't want to see the damage she caused.

"Emma, look at me," He demands. She is trying to protect him. Can't he see that? She looks at him.

"I thought we had a good time before Neal showed up. What happened between now and then?" Killian asks softly.

"Neal. Killian, you don't understand how wild and dangerous he is. Trust me you will be better off if you get out now. You don't want to be with me. I'm damaged goods," Emma mumbles the last sentence. She looks down at her feet.

Killian can't believe what Emma just said. How could she think that about herself? She was the farthest thing from damaged goods. She is beautiful, smart, and independent. Killian puts his hand on her cheek. Her head snaps up to look up at him.

"That isn't true. Its not that easy to get rid of me." Emma ignores this and finally gets her locker open. She grabs a textbook and slams it shut. She starts to walk away from him. Of course he follows.

"Now, you think that I'm going to let you wander around on your own with that mad man on the loose," Killian says trying to keep up with her. Damn does she walk fast.

"Yes, I do and you will."

"Oh no I won't. He is obviously crazy. Swan, we talked about this last night. You need someone watching out for you." He just isn't getting this. She just has to end it. It has to be a clean break, she can't string him along.

"Yes, I do," his face brightens, "Just not you. I am not asking you to drop it, I'm telling you to." It kills her to see his face fall. She abruptly turns and practically runs to math. She plops down in her seat. She wishes she could go back and run into his arms. She can't do that to him. Neal already hurt him and if they were really together who knows what Neal would do to him. Neal is a crazy, jealous asshole. When they were together, if a guy so much as looked her Neal would threaten to kill them. No this is better for Killian. Emma tries to convince herself that, but she is troubled by the doubt weighing her heart down.

On the car ride home, Emma is silent. Mary Margaret's concern grows the closer they get to home. She pulls into the garage and Emma hops out of the car. Before Mary Margaret can catch her, she is running upstairs to her room. She doesn't know what to do with Emma sometimes.

Once again that night Emma can't sleep for the life of her. She can't stop thinking about Killian. She didn't mean to hurt him, but the pain Neal would cause would be infinitely worse. She can't even look at him in the halls. It kills her. She goes to the window box and stares at her favorite oak tree. There Neal is again. In the same ratty, muddy clothes. Must be all he owns. If her dad getting a gun doesn't scare him away for good then what will? He realizes that she has seen him. He moves closer to her window. He picks up a small rock and tosses it at the window. Emma realizes he wants to talk, but still finds the rock throwing excessive and horribly cheesy. Emma opens the window.

"I'm going to call the cops if you don't leave," Emma bluffs. The cops can't do shit anyway.

"Please don't. Can I come up?" he pleads.

"Not a chance in hell. Just say what you need to say." Emma demands. This asshole isn't walking all over her.

"Fine. I love you and realized what an idiot I was. I know how bad I fucked up. Please let me make it up to you?" Not only was that the worst apology ever, but how could he ever expect her to forgive him? She knew he was crazy, but this was a whole new level of insanity.

"No. You're never getting near me again," she growls at him. Emma just shakes her head and shuts the window. After confronting him she feels oddly relaxed. She should tell her parents, but they will just freak and call the cops. Emma just wants to go to sleep. She crawls into bed, wishing Killian was there.