A/N: I would like to thank ZabuzasGirl and wolverrina for reviewing! I would also like to thank everyone for the alerts and favorites as well :) Thanks to all who read too. I am so sorry for the wait again on the update, college got really busy and so was break, and then I was in a dance production as well. I also ended up rewriting this chapter twice too. I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time or The Little Mermaid.
Chapter 10
~Enchanted Forest~
Ariel swims as fast as she can out of the palace while furiously wiping the tears that are mixing with the water, from her eyes.
"Ariel!" she hears Flounder call from behind her, but she refuses to look back or acknowledge him. "Ariel, please, stop!" he calls desperately.
Ariel still ignores him and begins to swim even faster.
"Ariel!" she hears Sebastian call out this time, but ignores him as well.
She keeps on swimming to the point where she can no longer hear their calls, and before she knows it she is breaking through to the surface.
A sob escapes her throat as the waves lap against her shoulders and neck.
She closes her eyes and feels the tears run down her cheeks, which is a new sensation to her.
"Hello, are you alright? Why are you crying?" she hears a gentle voice call to her.
She jumps, startled, and snaps her attention to where the voice had come from. When she sees that it is a human that had called out to her, she dives below the surface, cursing herself for not having looked to see if anyone was around.
She stays close to the surface waiting to see what the human is going to do, hoping that they won't dive in after her. She is surprised, however, when the human calls out to her again.
"I am not going to hurt you," she hears their muffled voice through the water. "I promise."
Should I believe them? Ariel wonders as she watches the human look out onto the water for her.
"I would just like to know what has got you so upset, maybe I could help you," they say kindly.
If only. She thinks sadly.
"You either must be really good at holding your breath, or you are not human," the person says, "You know I am going to feel really stupid if you left and I am just talking to…. uh!"
Ariel watches as the human, who she has determined is a woman, collapses to her knees in pain while clutching her side. She looks to see that the woman's face is twisted in pain as well.
Before Ariel can even think of the pros and cons to helping the woman, she composes herself and breaks through to the surface and swims over to her.
"What is wrong?" she questions concerned.
The woman looks up, surprised. She hadn't thought that they would come back.
"N-nothing, I was just grazed by an arrow. I will be fine," the woman says as she unclutches her side and moves her hand away, revealing the blood to Ariel.
"That is bleeding an awful lot if it was just a graze," Ariel says as she looks at the wound and the blood on her clothes around it.
"It was a good graze and it would have stuck had I not moved when I did, although if I would have moved sooner, it would have been a lot better," she says through her teeth.
"I can heal that for you," Ariel says without a second thought, feeling bad for the human even if they could be dangerous.
"You have magic? What exactly are you?" the woman says her voice becoming suspicious as she looks at the girl skeptically.
Ariel sees the change in the woman as soon as she says that. Obviously she does not take too kindly to magic, or she doesn't trust people who have it.
"Yes, but it is not dark magic and as for what I am, I am a…" Ariel stops herself debating on whether she should tell her or not.
"A what?" the woman questions with a raised eyebrow. What if she is working for the queen? She thinks as an afterthought becoming slightly worried.
Ariel decides just to raise her tail and show the woman instead.
She watches as the woman looks at it in wonder.
"You're a mermaid?" she asks.
Ariel nods her head yes.
"That actually makes a lot of sense for how long you were under the water," the woman says with a slight smile, but Ariel can tell she doesn't exactly trust her.
"Will you let me heal you? I already told you it is not dark magic, and it looks like it is bleeding worse," Ariel says as she looks to see that more blood is seeping out in a strong flow.
The woman glances at her wound and then back to the mermaid debating on what she should do. She knows enough by now to know that all magic, no matter what it may be, always comes with a price.
As she looks at the mermaid, though, she sees that she is being genuine and really wants to help, which banishes all thoughts from her head that she may be working for the queen.
"Yes, I would appreciate it," she says after coming to a decision.
"This may sting a little," Ariel informs her as she brings her hand toward her wound.
The woman watches in amazement as water covers the mermaid's hand and begins to glow gold. When she puts her hand on her wound, it causes her to wince.
"Sorry," Ariel says as she sees her wince.
"It is fine, it is nothing compared to how much the wound hurts," the woman assures her.
After a few minutes, Ariel takes her hand away from the wound and the water stops glowing and drops back into the ocean.
"It is healed, but there is a scar. We can heal things, but we can't heal them perfectly," Ariel says as she looks at the scar that is now on the woman's side.
The woman looks down and brushes her fingers over it and then smiles slightly. I guess that is the price. She thinks and then looks to the mermaid and smiles.
"That is okay, thank you very much. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Snow White," the woman says still with a smile.
"You are welcome, and I am Ariel," Ariel says with a smile introducing herself as well.
"It is nice to meet you Ariel."
"You as well," Ariel says still with a smile.
"I don't mean to pry, but why were you crying?" Snow questions, hoping she will answer this time.
"I…" Ariel looks down at the water thinking on whether or not she wants to tell her.
"Please tell me. Sometimes talking about it helps," Snow says encouragingly.
Ariel doesn't say anything as she continues to stare at the water still thinking.
I don't even know her. Why should I just tell a complete stranger my problems? She does seem really nice and concerned but still…. Ariel is snapped out of her thoughts as Snow speaks again.
"You can trust me," she says sincerely.
Ariel looks back toward her and sees that she truly does want to help.
"My father and I got into fight," she says hoping that that will make her happy.
"What was it about? If I may ask," Snow questions and Ariel sighs as she realizes that her answer didn't appease her.
"It… well... ugh!" Ariel exclaims starting to become frustrated but not entirely sure as to why. "He is just so unreasonable and hurtful and the sad thing is I am not even sure he realizes it! He has all of these rules that are just so ridiculous!" she shouts suddenly.
Snow is taken aback by her outburst but quickly regains herself. "What do you mean?" she asks gently not wanting her to get any more upset than she already is.
Ariel runs her hands through her hair as she feels herself becoming slightly angrier.
"I thought things were getting better! He had lightened up a little, but I guess I was wrong! He destroyed my collection! Everything I had collected from the surface world is gone! He found out that I have been sneaking up to the surface world! I thought I had been doing a good job at hiding it but apparently not!" Ariel breaks into tears, "I-I have a g-good reason for doing it th-though, but I cannot t-tell him why. It would only m-make everything w-worse," she chokes out between her sobs.
Snow studies the sobbing mermaid in front of her and it makes her heart break to see her in so much pain.
"We said some very hurtful things to each other and I am not sure if he will ever forgive me or if I can ever forgive him," Ariel says as she tries to get her crying under control.
Snow reaches out to Ariel from her spot on the bank and puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"You should go and talk to him," Snow suggests gently, "I am sure he meant nothing of what he said and I am sure you didn't either. It sounds like you both let your anger get the best of you. I am sorry to hear about your collection too," she says as Ariel looks back up at her after having gained some control over her tears. "If I may ask though, you said that there is a reason as to why you sneak to the surface, what would that reason be?" she asks curiously.
Ariel thinks for a moment and decides that there would be no harm in telling her but she also decides that she doesn't want to tell this stranger anymore about herself than she already has.
As she is getting ready to tell Snow that she doesn't want to talk about it they both snap their attention back to the woods as they hear shouting coming from there.
Snow jumps up and starts to become panicked.
"I am sorry but I am afraid I have to go. You should go back to your home and talk to your father. Don't let something like a fight ruin your relationship like that," she says with a small smile as she turns to begin running.
"Wait!" Ariel says stopping her.
Snow glances around as the shouting gets closer.
"I am sorry but I really have to go," Snow says.
"They are after you, aren't they?" Ariel questions.
"I am afraid so," Snow says as she starts to reach for her bow as she hears the voices getting closer and closer.
Ariel wants to ask why but she also knows that there isn't enough time. She also doesn't know if Snow will be able to out-run them or not. As she thinking this, though, a thought pops into her head.
"I know a place where you can hide but you can only reach it by swimming," Ariel says wanting to help her.
Even though she doesn't really know her she doesn't think that she could be that bad of a person even if people are after her.
"I will take you there."
Snow thinks for a moment on the pros and cons of either taking her chances running, which has worked so far, or going to a place that a practical stranger has suggested.
"Alright," Snow decides as she gets into the water upon hearing the voices not far from the bank.
"Grab my hand," Ariel says as she holds it out to her.
Snow does as she says.
"Can you hold your breath? I will be able to get you there a lot faster if we swim under water," Ariel says as she waits for an answer still hearing the voices getting closer to them.
"Yes," Snow answers.
"Whenever you need a breath, just tap my shoulder."
"Alright," Snow says with a nod.
"Ok, here we go," Ariel says and, as soon as Snow takes a breath, she dives under water while pulling Snow along with her.
It is a little difficult for her to go as fast as she could due to pulling someone, but none-the-less she is able to swim pretty well. She makes sure to glance at Snow every so often.
After a few minutes of swimming, Ariel feels a tap on her shoulder and breaks through to the surface.
Snow immediately takes a few breaths and then looks around. She is surprised to see that they have made excellent distance from the shore and she doesn't think that they are near where they had previously been either.
"How fast were we swimming?" she questions curiously. It had felt somewhat fast but for how far away they are it didn't seem fast enough.
"Not too fast but faster than you would be able to swim but it is not as fast as I could because I am pulling you along, although it helps that you are alert and able to kick your legs. Trust me it would be so much harder to do if you were unconscious and there was a storm and I had to keep your head above the water," Ariel says and then mentally scolds herself when she realizes what she had said. It is going to bring up more questions.
"You say that as though you had to do that," Snow says as she looks at her curiously.
Wonderful slip up! She thinks angrily. No, it will be ok; I know exactly how I can avoid this topic.
"I can just imagine," she lies; although, by the look on Snow's face, she can tell she doesn't believe her. "Come on," Ariel says as she grabs her hand once again. "We are not that far," She says changing the subject and cueing Snow to take a breath. Once she does, Ariel dives back under the surface.
After a few more minutes of swimming, Ariel resurfaces and Snow looks around to see that they are inside a cave.
"No one should be able to find you here," Ariel says as Snow begins swimming toward the rocks so she can pull herself out of the water.
"Thank you for helping me," Snow says once she has pulled herself onto the rocks.
"You are welcome," Ariel says with a smile as she swims over to where Snow is sitting on the rocks.
"You should go back to your father and talk to him. I will be fine," Snow says as she sets her bow and arrows down, then proceeds to take off her top layer of clothing so she can set them on the rocks to dry.
"I am not ready to do that," Ariel says as she looks out at the opening of the cave. "I just need time," she says as she turns her attention back to Snow. "Also, I need to make sure you are safe."
"You have already done enough for me. I can defend myself," Snow assures her once again.
"I don't doubt that, but I will feel much better knowing that you get to safety instead of wondering what happened to you after you leave this cave," Ariel says in a firm tone. "And, it is a long swim from here to the shore and I don't want you to drown."
Snow sighs realizing that there is nothing she can say that is going to change her mind.
"Alright," Snow agrees and then shivers as a cold breeze hits her.
Ariel frowns in concern.
"What's wrong?" she asks as she watches Snow hug herself.
"I am just a little cold," Snow says dismissively, "It is nothing to worry about."
Snow stands up and begins walking around the cave.
"What are you doing?" Ariel questions.
"I am looking around to see if there happens to be any driftwood in here so I can attempt to start a fire," Snow replies as she looks over her shoulder.
"Fire?" Ariel questions curiously.
Snow turns around to look at the mermaid and sees that her eyes are alight with wonder and excitement and Snow realizes that she wouldn't know what it was due to living under water.
"It helps to keep a person warm," Snow informs her.
"Really?" Ariel says as she rests her elbows on the rocks. "What does it look like and how do you get it and what does it feel like?" she questions all in one breath.
"Well, it is very hot to the touch and if someone were to touch it, it would burn them and cause them pain. It is hard to explain what it looks like and you can see how it is made if I find any wood," Snow says with a small smile.
Ariel smiles as well and watches as Snow continues to walk around.
After a few minutes of searching, Snow sighs as she walks back over to where Ariel is and sits down.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" Ariel asks and then notices that Snow is holding something in her arms.
"I did but it is slightly damp and it is not going to be enough to keep it going all night," Snow answers as she sets the three medium size pieces of drift wood she was able to find on the rocks beside her. "I may not even be able to get it to light at all."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ariel questions as she lifts herself to sit on the rocks with part of her tail still in the water.
"I don't think so, but this is at least better than nothing. I will just have to wait until closer to night fall to try to start it so it will at least last somewhat through the night," Snow explains.
Ariel frowns a little at this but nods her head in understanding, even if she really doesn't. All she knows is that it is important and if she isn't able to make this fire then it may be bad for her if she doesn't.
After this they begin talking about themselves. They don't talk about anything too personal but things like their likes and dislikes and a little of what they were willing to tell each other about their families.
Once twilight comes around Snow begins to try to start a fire with the flint she had on her. It, however, is extremely difficult because she has nothing like dry leaves or grass to start it with. After trying and failing for the fifth time, an idea hits her and she checks the clothes she had taken off to see if they had somewhat dried. She is happy when she feels that some of the furs are only slightly wet. She takes the knife she had in one of her boots out and cuts a little bit of the fur off and puts it where it needs to go so she can try to start a flame with it.
Finally, after about a half hour of trying she is able to start a fire and sighs at the warmth it gives.
"This is fascinating!" Ariel exclaims as she studies the fire from the spot she has been sitting at. "It is so beautiful as well."
"It is," Snow agrees with a smile and then yawns. "I think I am going to try to get to sleep it has been a tiring day and I think we should try to leave early in the morning so there is less of a chance of anyone being out and looking for me."
"Alright," Ariel agrees as she watches Snow lay down. "I will keep watch, although I doubt anyone one will find us," she says as she pushes herself off of the rocks she was sitting on and back into the water.
"You don't have to. You should get some sleep as well," Snow says.
"I will be alright. I don't need that much sleep," Ariel says with a reassuring smile.
"Promise me you will sleep though if you feel tired," Snow says firmly leaving no room for argument.
"I promise."
Snow smiles at this. "Goodnight," she says as she closes her eyes.
"Goodnight," Ariel says as she watches the fire.
~Storybrooke~
Clara pulls at her hair once again out of nervousness and frustration. She has been pacing around her room all day dreading what her father will say or do once he finds out about her deal with Mr. Gold.
This is driving me crazy! Has Mr. Gold even talked to him yet and, if he has, why hasn't Daddy already said something to me about it! Maybe he has come already and he hasn't said anything because he isn't mad… Nah, that is very highly unlikely. She thinks as she stops pacing and looks out her window. Ugh, it is already almost closing time. Maybe Mr. Gold forgot he was supposed to come or maybe something held him up and he hasn't even made it to the shop yet. No, I doubt that too, he isn't one to forget things. I just….
Clara is broken out of her thoughts by a loud knock on the door.
"Clara, daddy just called, he wants you down in the shop," Melanie calls through the door.
"Alright," Clara says as she takes a deep breath and begins walking toward her door.
She opens it and begins making her way to the door that leads to the stairs that lead to the shop.
Once she reaches the door she opens it, steps inside, and then closes it and begins walking down the stairs. Once she reaches the door that leads into the shop she takes another shaky breath and slowly opens it.
She steps into the shop and looks to see her father and Mr. Gold standing by the counter. As soon as she closes the door, their attention snaps toward her.
She starts walking toward them and folds her hands in front of her to stop them from shaking and keeps her eyes trained on the floor.
When she finally reaches them, she keeps her eyes trained on the floor and there is a few seconds of silence until someone speaks.
"I see it is time for me to go," Mr. Gold says breaking the silence, "You two have a nice day now, and I will see you in my shop at 7:15 tomorrow so I can run over a few things with you," he says directing that last part at Clara who quickly glances up and notices an envelope in his hand with an amount written on it, which she assumes was what her father gave him, and she sees that he was still short.
She quickly looks back to the floor before giving him a nod letting him know that she heard him.
Mr. Gold gives a smirk before he makes his way to the front of the shop and walks out the door.
Clara's dad turns around once he is gone and begins to speak to her,
"Never did I think one of my own daughters would betray me," he says his voice deathly quiet showing all of his anger.
Clara is taken aback by this statement as she takes her eyes off the floor and looks up at him shocked, which only lasts a few seconds before it is replaced by anger and hurt.
"Betray you?" she says her voice rising, "How did I betray you? I just saved this family from living on the streets!" she says balling her hands into fists as she glares at him.
"What do you mean how did you betray me?" he asks as he walks over so that he is standing right in front of her. "You made a deal with Gold, went behind my back, because obviously you didn't believe that I could handle it and provide for my family!" he yells hurt.
"And obviously I was right because you were still short!" she shouts back, "I actually helped, whereas, you were just ready to give up!" she sneers.
"You ungrateful little brat!" he says through his clenched teeth. "I do my best for you and your sisters, but I guess you don't think so. How many other times have you snuck out against my orders, huh? Do you not care that all I do is to protect you and your sisters and do what is best? I could have handled this! Even if we would have been kicked out I would have found a way to provide, but apparently you can't trust me and don't believe I can!" he yells so loudly that it causes Clara to stumble back from him and make tears begin to prick at her eyes.
"You know what, I have snuck out before, but I am not sorry. You prevent my sisters and I from living our lives by keeping us trapped in here!" she yells gesturing around wildly. "I am 22 for crying out loud and Crystal and Melanie are already 26. We are adults now; we don't even have to do what you say! Heck, we don't even have to stay here!" she says with as much venom as she can. "All you do is wallow in self-pity every day!"
"You are such a disgraceful daughter. You will do what I say, when I say it, as long as you live under my roof! I am in charge, not you! This is my house, my rules, but you just disregard them like an ignorant brat! I have the no going outside rule because of what happened to your mother, but obviously you don't care or you've forgotten. Never did I think that we raised such a sneaky and conniving daughter," he says his voice low and hurt, but still showing how furious he is. "She would be so disappointed."
"Well mom would be just as disappointed in you. She would hate the fact that you keep us locked up in here instead of letting us live," she says hurt but keeps her voice strong and prevents the tears from falling down her cheeks.
"You know nothing little girl," he says as he leans toward her face. "You are nothing more than a disappointment."
"And you are an old man who can do nothing but feel sorry for himself or let his daughters live happy lives because you are afraid! Yes, it was a tragedy, but you can't protect us from everything! Bad things happen no matter what you try to do," she says looking him right in the eyes.
"Get out of my sight and go to your room! I am done with you because it is clear that I have failed," he snarls pointing to the door that leads to the stairs up to the apartment.
Clara doesn't do anything as she stares at him more hurt than she ever has been before.
"Go!" he yells causing her to jump and run to the door, yank it open, and run up the stairs to the apartment.
Once she is in the apartment she slams the door and then runs to her room. When she reaches it she opens the door and then slams it as well. She also makes sure to lock it.
She falls on her bed and lets the tears flow that she has been holding back.
"Clara," she hears Sierra call as she knocks on her door. "Clara, please let me in," she pleads as she continues to knock.
Clara ignores her as she continues to cry and eventually she leaves.
…
Clara, finally, after using all of her tears, wipes her eyes and sits up on her bed. She glances at the clock on her bedside table to see it is 3:00 AM.
She jumps off of her bed and goes to her closet, opens it, and grabs her suitcases. One is an actual suitcase and the other is just a decent size duffle bag. Both are a teal in color. She quickly begins throwing her clothes into the suitcase and whatever she can't fit goes into the duffle bag.
Once she packs away all of her clothes and a few of her other items, she grabs her watch and some of the money she had hid away in her drawer from one of her birthdays.
She takes a look around her room before she opens her door and exits. She closes it and stands in the hallway while she listens to make sure no one is up. When she doesn't hear anything, she makes her way to the bathroom, quickly grabs her stuff out of it, and puts it into the duffle bag.
When she gets it packed up she makes her way to the living room, briefly pausing to make sure no one is in it. Satisfied when she hears no noises she makes her way into it and then into the kitchen to the door that leads to the stairs that lead to the shop.
She quietly opens the door and then quietly closes it. She struggles with her suitcases as she goes down the stairs due to them being a little heavy. When she reaches the door to the shop, she opens it, steps through, and then closes it.
She hurriedly makes her way to the front of the shop. She unlocks the door and then opens it, cringing when it ding-dongs like she always does, and then steps outside. She locks the door and then takes a deep breath.
Where am I going to go at this time in the morning? She wonders as she looks around. I should have thought this through a little better, but if I didn't leave now I never would have been able to. Nothing will be open now. I should see if I can find some place nice to sit until morning, maybe even some place I can take a little nap. She thinks as she begins walking in the direction of the docks. Even tomorrow, though, what am I going to do? I don't exactly have the money to buy a place. Oh! I could see about getting a room at Granny's but I highly doubt I could afford one. I only have 50 dollars. That may get me a night at most but what am I supposed to do after that? Ugh! She thinks becoming frustrated. She starts to feel tears prick at her eyes once again. Well at least anywhere will be better than home.
She begins to cry once again and suddenly feels very exhausted. She sees a bench to her left and runs over to it. She drops her suitcases on the ground in front of it and then curls up into a ball on the bench and continues to cry.
She feels her eyelids start to droop but she doesn't care. Right as she is about to drift to sleep while still crying, she feels someone lightly shake her.
She startles and sits straight up. She wipes the tears from her eyes and looks to the person who had shaken her. She is surprised when she sees Kevin looking at her in concern.
"Come on," Kevin says holding his hand out to her.
Clara stares at it questioningly.
Kevin rolls his eyes and pulls her up off the bench. He grabs her suitcases and begins walking.
"W-what are you doing?" Clara questions her voice cracking after having cried.
"You clearly need a place to stay," he says over his shoulder.
Clara hesitantly begins to follow him.
"Where are we going?" she asks after a few minutes.
"Just follow me."
Clara doesn't say anything after that and after a little bit of walking she sees that they are near the docks.
Clara looks around and doesn't realize that Kevin has stopped walking and runs into his back.
"I-I'm sorry," she says.
"It's fine," he says as he turns around to face her.
"Why did we stop?" she asks curiously.
"Because we're here."
"We're where?" Clara asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Where I live," he says gesturing to the building in front of him.
Clara looks at the building in front of them and she instantly feels bad for him. It looks like it is almost ready to fall down. Not to mention there are vines covering most of it and the fire escapes are practically hanging on by a nail.
So he is basically homeless, well not homeless, but definitely poor. She thinks as she continues to look at the run down building.
"Follow me," he says as he begins walking toward the building.
Clara does as he says and soon they reach the front door which he opens and ushers her through.
Once they are inside he closes the door and begins making his way up a set of stairs. Clara follows behind cautiously because they look like they are ready to collapse.
When they reach the top of the stairs they walk into what Clara believes is supposed to be a living room from the scarce ratty pieces of furniture. She also realizes that they must not have any electricity because of the few candles lit around the room.
"Well this is it," Kevin says as he gestures around.
"Kevin, I …" Clara starts to say but he cuts her off.
"I don't want your pity," Kevin says shaking his head.
Clara frowns but then decides to ask a question that has been bothering her since they stopped in front of the building.
"Why did you bring me here?" She asks as she turns to face him.
"Because I thought this would at least be better than you sleeping on a bench," he answers, "Which begs the question. Why were you curled up on that bench in the first place and why do you have these bags with you? What happened?" He asks as he walks over to the ratty sofa and takes a seat.
Clara slowly walks over and sits right at the edge next to him.
"I… my dad and I had a fight. We said some awful things to each other and I realize that I can't live there anymore," she explains and tears threaten to prick at her eyes once again.
"What did you fight about?" he asks curiously.
Before Clara can answer a voice stops her.
"Who's she?"
Clara turns and glances behind her to find the source of the voice and sees an older man with white hair.
The man walks over and stands in front of them.
"Mason, this is Clara," Kevin says introducing her.
"It is nice to meet you," Clara says as she stands up and holds her hand out for him to shake.
"You too," he says as he shakes it, "But if I may ask, what are you doing here?"
"She needed a place to stay," Kevin answers for her as he stands up.
"Well, that was very nice of you to offer Kevin, but this is hardly the place for a young lady to stay," Mason says referring to the state of the building as he turns his attention to Kevin.
"I don't mind sir. I am very grateful that he offered or I probably would have been sleeping on a bench on the sidewalk in the chilly air," Clara says with a small smile. "I promise I will be out by tomorrow morning as well. I have somewhere I need to be and I would hate to be a burden or to intrude."
"Call me Mason, and you are not doing either of those things. If you truly need a place to stay you are welcome here, but trust me when I say it is not easy living," Mason says sincerely.
"Mason, I…" Clara yawns, "I will be fine. I am grateful to both of you for your hospitality tonight," Clara yawns once again once she finishes talking.
"You look exhausted," Mason says as he puts a hand on her shoulder. "You should get some sleep. Whatever you choose to do is up to you, but know that if you need some place to stay we will welcome you here," he says with a kind smile.
"Thank you," She says with a smile.
"Kevin, why don't you sleep on the couch and let her sleep on your bed," Mason suggests.
"I will be fine on the couch," Clara says firmly.
"Well, alright, but Kevin at least get her a blanket."
"Ok," Kevin says and then leaves the room.
A few seconds later he comes back with a tattered blanket and hands it to Clara.
"Thank you," she says with a smile.
"I am going to go back to bed. Goodnight, Clara," Mason says as he begins walking back to where he had come from.
"Goodnight, Mason, and thank you again."
"You're welcome," she hears him call and then hears the sound of a door closing.
"And thank you again for bringing me here," Clara says to Kevin with a grateful smile.
"You're welcome. Well, I am going to head to bed too, goodnight," he says with a smile as well.
"Goodnight," Clara says and then he walks away to his room.
Once Clara hears his door shut she slowly sits on the couch slightly cringing in disgust. It is better than a bench but if she is honest with herself the place does gross her out.
She lies on the couch none-the-less and covers up.
I wish there was something I could do for them. No one deserves to live in these conditions. At least now I know why he looks the way he does. She thinks as she sets the alarm to her watch for 6:30 so that she will have time to get ready to go to Mr. Gold's shop. She will only get about two hours of sleep but that is better than nothing.
Soon enough she closes her eyes and lets exhaustion take her.
A/N: Once again I would like to apologize for the wait on this chapter but I want to let you all know that I do plan on finishing this story. It just may take a little while but I will definitely finish it. Thank you for all of your patience, I appreciate it! :)