9 | Happy Birthday

The night before the arrival of James Price

The crickets were singing their evening lullaby that late hour when Emma opened the back door leading to the estate's patio. The time was around twenty minute before the stroke of midnight, and the cold night air made her pull her robe closer to her body for warmth. Her slippers muted her footsteps against the stone floor as she made her way towards the wooden swing situated near her mother's favorite flowers. Occupying said swing was her brother, who had his head propped up by his arm and his mouth slightly agape as he snored. There was a cooler sitting beside him, waiting to be opened.

Ever since Emma can remember, her birthday was something rarely celebrated in the Nolan household. It was only her eighteenth that her parents allowed her to throw a lavish party to commemorate her coming of age. Compare that to the grand celebrations her brother gets every single year, hers was treated almost like any other normal day. Only David would go out of his way to celebrate her special day with her, out of pity or out of love she might never know. When they were younger, they would sneak down to the kitchens for sweets that kept them up all night. When they got older, they resorted to beer and drinking until the cows come home. Then they would sober up by going down to Granny's for a long, greasy breakfast.

With a night shift to finish, Emma couldn't join him in their annual run down to the store to pick up the drinks routine. David volunteered to surprise her with something good, given that she usually had the liberty to choose which brand to try each year. It was their little tradition that had them both swearing to one another never to forget, and she didn't realize how much the whole thing meant to her until she saw her brother nearly toppling over a wooden swing out in the cold instead of sleeping in his warm bed inside.

Quietly, Emma sat on top of the cooler and watched him shift uncomfortably in his restless slumber. There were several cruel ways of waking him up running through her mind before she settled with getting a piece of ice from the cooler and dropping it into his shirt. When she did, the swing swayed violently at his sudden movement and a sharp cry came from his lips, making her giggle loudly.

"Jesus Christ!" David exclaimed, sitting up on the swing to take the ice out. As it melted on the palm of his hand, he looked up at her in righteous anger. "What the hell?"

"Oh, thank goodness," she breathed out in mock relief, a hand on her chest. "I thought you were dead. I was so worried."

"If I had it my way, one of us would be dead right now," he muttered darkly, narrowing his eyes at her before throwing the ice onto the grass behind him.

"Such awful words on such a beautiful night," she drawled before plopping herself down beside him. "What made you tired at this early hour, old man?"

"Dinner with Robert means an unhealthy amount of wine and whiskey," her brother answered, reaching down to get two bottles from the cooler. "And your boyfriend has the tolerance of a baby goat."

Emma laughed. "How'd you manage to bring him home?"

"Nearly died on the way to his place," he deadpanned, opening the two bottles with an experienced hand.

Grinning, she took the one he offered and raised it for a toast. "Here's to being alive then."

"I'll drink to that," he said wryly. "How was the night shift?"

"Long," she scoffed. "Thankfully, there weren't any Arthur Blanchards running around causing chaos in the middle of the night. I got off easy. Must be a birthday thing."

David sighed. "I seriously have to go out more. The bastard's stealing my reputation."

Emma harrumphed, much to his amusement. "Whatever's distracting you these days, I suggest you stick to it. If I catch you doing something remotely questionable, I'm not going to hesitate in throwing your ass in jail."

"And I suppose you wouldn't be as cruel if I bring your lump of a boyfriend along with me."

"Who said I wouldn't?" she challenged him. "You two can share body heat in the cold cell at the station."

Her brother chuckled. "Nah, I wouldn't want to tempt the man. You and I both know he loves me more than he does you."

"Keep telling yourself that," the blonde teased before taking another swig of her beer. "This is good."

"I have been told I have good taste."

"Hmm," she hummed before she made herself comfortable by resting her feet on top of the cooler.

There was a comfortable silence between the two for a couple of minutes, both appreciating the beer and the view of their massive abode from where they were sitting. The structure of the estate against the cloudless night sky was a sight to behold, boasting of strength and grandeur. Despite the beauty, dark thoughts began to enter Emma's mind, making her lips turn down into a frown.

Strange how something so beautiful on the outside can be so destructive in the inside, she thought. The conversation she had overheard that afternoon began to resurface, making her frown deeper than before.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"My thoughts are worth more than that."

"Very original."

"I try."

"Seriously. You look upset."

"It's just my face."

David narrowed his eyes. "You're not as obnoxiously cheery as you usually are on your birthday."

She scoffed. "Obnoxiously cheery?"

Her brother only smirked in response.

Rolling her eyes, she added. "I guess I'm growing up."

"Oh, come on. You're what? Twenty?"

"I'm twenty-three," she corrected wryly.

"Ah. No wonder you're getting snappy."

"It comes with age."

He chuckled. "No, but seriously. What's going on with you? You've never been this quiet around me."

Sighing, Emma went back to glaring at the house she'd lived all her life, wondering how the handsome walls contained the storm brewing inside. Her parents fought all the time. What was it about that argument that made her so uneasy? What was it that made her anxious that something very wrong had happened before and has begun to rear its ugly head after all these years? Was it just her overactive imagination? Or is there really a dark secret trying to claw its way out of its grave?

"Ever wonder why Mom and Dad never considered divorce?"

David coughed in response, making her snap out of her reverie in time to see that he was in the middle of drinking his beer when she asked the question. "What?"

"We're not little kids anymore," she replied, mimicking her father's words earlier. "It is painfully obvious that they've been tolerating each other all these years. Why don't they just end it? If I were Mom, I would've packed my bags and left ages ago."

"Wait a minute," her brother cut in, sitting up. "Where's this coming from?"

"I overheard them fighting this afternoon," she replied. When she saw him about to roll his eyes, she immediately added. "I know Mom and Dad throwing empty threats to one another isn't news anymore, but this time, it's different."

"Different how?"

"They were arguing about something happening years ago," Emma told him, watching his reaction. "Mom asked Dad why he hasn't filed for divorce yet since 'her out of the picture' was what he had wanted since the beginning, and she called him out as a liar and a coward."

David looked surprised. "Mom said that?"

"Yeah," she nodded, feeling a swell of pride in her chest to have delivered such news to her brother. "I think Dad's hiding something. Something big. Mom said that if we find out what it is, we're going to be taking her side."

"Big assumption on her part," he commented snidely before bringing his beer up to his lips. "Considering how they're always doing things for all the wrong reasons."

Emma didn't have an answer for that, instead she began to spill what had been bothering her for the past couple of days. "I just feel like I'm missing out on so many things lately. Mom and Dad. The Blanchards letting what happened with Frederick and Kathryn slide. What is up with that?"

Her brother was oddly quiet at that.

She continued obliviously, "There's something fishy going on, David. I can sense it."

"And Nancy Drew, the amateur sleuth, comes to the rescue," he teased.

She rolled her eyes but had a smile on her face. "Quit it. You know how much I hate not knowing things."

"Of course. It is one of the many things you do that irritate me, sticking your nose into other people's business."

"What do you think happened?" she asked, ignoring his statement. "Between Mom and Dad? Let's say ten, twenty years ago?"

He fought a smile. "You coming into this world?"

She hit him on the shoulder. "Not that, asshole."

"Jesus," he muttered, rubbing the affected area. "I don't know. Maybe today's the day their parents surprised them with their engagement. Something along the lines of, 'Surprise! You're getting married to someone you've never met before. Cheers!'"

Emma snorted. "No wonder they hate my birthday so much."

"Hey, hate is such a heavy word."

She immediately changed the subject. "And don't get me started on the whole Blanchard situation. It doesn't make any sense."

He scoffed. "Are you seriously trying to decipher how that family's minds work?"

She sighed. "All I'm saying is you're not going to do something without proper reason."

He looked deep in thought before nodding. "I suppose you're right."

The clock tower began to chime in the distance, and both their heads turned to look towards its general direction. From where they were sitting, they could see the old clock showing two hands directly on the number twelve. David turned to her with a grin and a raised bottle.

"Happy birthday, little sister."

She grinned. "Let's get wasted."

"You're going to regret that in the morning."


Later that morning

"Pretty sure these things are moving."

David rolled his eyes as he watched Emma trying to read the comic section of the morning paper in their booth at Granny's. The waitress, who – he quietly noted – wasn't Ruby, gave them a warm smile when she delivered their food to their table. He had just taken the first bite out of his meal when the bell above the door rang, signaling a new customer entering the establishment.

When his eyes met Mary Margaret's, Emma took the words right out of his mouth.

"Fuck," she swore, closing her eyes and clutching her head. "This is going to be such a long day."


Very late that evening

Nights at the King's Castle have been the stuff of legends in the small town of Storybrooke. There was always at least one incident happening every night despite the numerous bounces patrolling the premises. The club was relatively new compared to the older buildings surrounding it, but it has accommodated more people than any other place in town. People talk about their experience in the club as if they have been taken into another realm, another reality where time stops but the drinks don't. It was the place to go to for a good time, and there was no surprise when the residents found out that the owner of the renowned establishment was no other than David Nolan himself.

Strobe lights were in rhythm with the music as the bodies on the dance floor moved with the beat. Laughter and shouts were heard from the tables surrounding the spacious floor, coming from groups of friends who either had too much to drink or had won in a lucky hand of poker. Bartenders were busy accommodating all the requests being thrown at them, and bouncers were station at every corner, ensuring the safety of everyone inside.

The VIP area housed people who were close to the Nolan family, and one of the secluded booths contained no other than the princess of the clan and her beau. Laughter spilled from Emma's red lips after Killian had successfully delivered the punchline of his joke. The birthday girl looked gorgeous in a backless red blouse and black jeans that covered her long legs. The curtain of beads that separated their little bubble from the rest of the world was suddenly pushed aside, and a shout of birthday greetings made them look up.

"Hey! Happy birthday!" Frederick cheered, looking handsome in a gray fitted sweater and jeans, carrying a box of cake. Kathryn followed behind with the same greeting, holding a bottle of champagne. Only a short moment after, a waiter came with the drinks and nachos Emma had ordered prior to the couple's arrival. "I was told you were completely smashed this morning. Care for another hangover, dear cousin?"

"No!" Emma laughed, shaking her head. "I'm never drinking that much again!"

"Says the girl who's in a bar right now," Kathryn quipped playfully.

She shrugged. "It's the only place in town where I don't have to spend a single dime."

"See here, ladies and gentlemen," Killian started with a grin, placing his arm around his girlfriend. "A smart, practical woman. A woman I'm convinced I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Kathryn's eyes widened. "Oh, my God! Was that a proposal?"

Killian laughed. "You're not even finished with your own wedding, Kingsley!"

The playful banter continued with the four people not knowing about the sheriff sitting outside in his cruiser a few meters away from the lively bar, a cigarette between his lips, who was contemplating whether to answer Ruby's seventh – soon to be missed – call. Graham knew she had a point when she said that he owed her, but he couldn't help his unease since his patrol around town earlier. His phone finally went silent, but it only took a few seconds before it began to ring again.

David's motorcycle parked outside the Rabbit Hole. There was something wrong about that picture.

"You're late," Ruby slurred on the other end of the line.

"And you're drunk," Graham pointed out, finally deciding to step out of the cruiser. "Where are you?"

"King's. I'm at the bar."

By the time Graham showed up, Ruby had already downed a few extra shots as pregame and had placed it on Emma's tab. She latched her arm around his and led him towards the booth where the celebration was happening. "All right, who decided to start this party without me?"

"Ruby!" Emma exclaimed. "I haven't seen you in forever!"

"The Rabbit Hole has lost its appeal for the night," she replied vaguely with a forced smile, not noticing the look of surprise on her date's expression at her words. "And you know I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world. I hope you don't mind, though. I brought someone along with me."

Emma's eyes narrowed at his sheepish smile. "I can't believe it only takes Ruby to get you to do stuff."

"Oh, he owes me, that's why he's here," the waitress explained with abandon. "The last time we saw each other, he bailed out on me on our date. Can you believe this guy? Good thing he's cute or else I wouldn't have forgiven him."

Graham immediately reached for an unopened bottle of beer after her words, uneasy with the sudden admission in front of people he wasn't particularly close to. It took one look for him to know that the wheels in Emma's head had begun to turn at Ruby's words, and she finally figured out that the date he had the night she caught Arthur Blanchard at the town line was with Ruby. Figures. The one date with the woman who was not his type was the one Emma finds out about.

Emma looked troubled, and Killian wasn't looking at him. Should've stayed in the cruiser, he thought.

The awkward silence was immediately broken by the entrance of a popular song. The party was back in full swing. A half an hour in, and everyone already had a buzz going while Ruby looked completely smashed. She suddenly suggested that they take the party to the dance floor, much to the excitement of the entire group. Graham stayed behind and wouldn't budge despite the prods from the birthday girl herself, his unease still lingering in his stomach.

Fifteen minutes into their dancing, he couldn't help but wonder where David might be. It was his sister's birthday. He should be here celebrating with them. He checked his wristwatch for the time before a wild idea popped into his head. Was he with that Blanchard girl? The Rabbit Hole wasn't far from the Blanchard estate. He shook his head to get rid of the thought. He wasn't one to meddle into other people's affairs, but something was off. David should be here.

Ruby was suddenly in front of him, cheeks flushed and lips stretched into a smile. "I need a drink."

Before she could grab the fresh bottle of beer, he slid it away from her reach. "Where did you say you came from?"

Her wild eyes flashed to his. "Give me the beer, Graham."

"Answer the question, and I'll give it to you."

Ruby leaned against the cushion of the booth, shortening the gap between them. She studied him for a moment before asking, "Why do you need to know?"

Looking up at her dark eyes, he dropped his tone to match hers. "I want to know who you've been with."

A dangerous smile lighted up her features, showing how much she was enjoying their game. "Are you asking because you're interested in me or because you're the sheriff?"

"Clever girl."

"You're not answering my question," she tutted, leaning closer.

"You're not answering mine," he quipped.

Ruby tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Graham understood. "Name your price."

"A kiss."

A beat. "Deal."

Her eyebrow twitched in surprise before a flirtatious smile appeared. "And here I thought you came here for Emma."

He ignored her statement. "Was there someone new in the Rabbit Hole tonight?"

"Someone may have dropped by," she replied, placing a hand on his chest. She smelled of smoke, booze, and faint perfume.

"Who?" he murmured.

There was a triumphant look in her eyes before they went down to his lips. "David Nolan."

Bingo.

Graham closed the gap between them and gave Ruby a meaningful kiss. "Thank you," he told her once he pulled away, oblivious to the dazed look in her eyes. "If you'll excuse me."

He stood and made his way towards Killian and Frederick who were drinking at the bar and laughing.

"Where's David?" the sheriff asked, urgency in his voice.

They both looked surprised at his question then seemed to have sobered quickly when they noticed their friend's absence.

"He should've been here an hour ago," Frederick mused, searching for his phone in his pockets.

Killian was checking his. "He didn't text or call."

Frederick swore under his breath as he began to call his cousin. "Pick up, David. Come on."

He wasn't going to, Graham knew that. Because David was ambushed on his way to King's from the Rabbit Hole.

Pressing a button in his beeper signaled backup at both families' houses. If both of his best friends have no idea where David might be, the only other logical explanation (other than the explanation at the back of his mind that he deliberately went towards the danger for her) was that he was being held up by the Blanchards.

There was no way that Arthur was going to let the Nolan family win in any circumstance, even if it were against the mayor's wishes. Emma had angered him, that was what prompted Graham to keep an eye on her after the whole ordeal at the town line, but his calculations were wrong. Arthur was going to take revenge on Emma, but not her directly. At least, not right away.

There was a scream heard from the dance floor, alerting the three men at the bar. After pushing through the confused crowd, they found Emma on the floor with her hands on her ears as she hyperventilated, Kathryn looking lost like she usually was, and Ruby pale as she held Emma's phone in her hand.

"Emma. Emma, look at me," Killian was saying, kneeling in front of his girlfriend.

"Ruby, what is it?" Graham asked, almost afraid of what she might say.

The brunette showed him the screen, and his worries were confirmed.

It was a picture of David on the ground with men surrounding him. And someone had a gun.