Storybrooke

Chapter Ten: Think Twice

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Emma groaned while blindly swatting at the nightstand. She peeled one eye open to see 7:00 a.m flashing on the alarm clock. Emma may be used to rising early. She was used to having to be ready at the drop of a hat. She lived on the streets for so long, never staying in one place, jetting somewhere else before her dishonest lifestyle could land her in trouble. Emma perfected being ready to move at a moment's notice… that didn't' mean she enjoyed waking up early.

Emma took her time moving her legs around to the side of the bed and planting her feet on the cold hardwood floor. Her stomach made a gurgling noise. She winced and put her hand to her belly. She looked down at her tummy with a frown.

"How you doing little… whatever you are."

Of course her unborn child didn't answer. But Emma smiled. Then she hurried to the bathroom.

XOX

After emptying her stomach, Emma brushed her teeth, trying to rid the post vomit taste from her mouth. Then she washed her face and changed into something decent: leggings, a tank top and a plaid shirt that was getting harder to button.

"Great," Emma grumbled. She needed to start wearing the new clothes she bought with August. But the thought of having to change made her feel tired. So instead she threw her hair in a ponytail and went downstairs while pulling at her tight shirt.

Mary Margaret was behind the stove, several pans with eggs, pancakes and hash browns covering the burners.

"Good morning," Mary Margaret sang.

Emma plopped down a barstool with a sour face. "How can you be so chipper so early?"

"It's a beautiful day," Mary Margaret reasoned with a shrug and a smile. "Feels like it's going to be a good day. Doesn't it feel it's going to be a good day?"

"Maybe for you. I've got hours of sitting around alone doing nothing in a boring office to look forward to. Got any books I can borrow? I need something to pass the time or ill pass out. Even a stack of , anything."

"I do have a few," Mary Margaret said thoughtfully. "Oh, I know! I have something perfect! Breakfast is ready!"

After flipping off the burners, Mary Margaret darted to her room and came out seconds later with a big brown book. Wearing a smile, she put it down on the counter.

"Once Upon A Time," Emma read with curiosity. "Fairytales?"

Mary Margaret nodded. "But not what you think. The Snow White in this book is not the damsel in distress you think you know."

Emma's forehead wrinkled in wonder.

"It's a good story… well, up until the end."

Emma gave her a look of question.

"I won't spoil it for you. But it's a good read, I promise. Makes you think twice about fairytales."

"Thanks," Emma said while taking the book. When her hands touched the cover, she felt an odd sensation run through her nerves. Her brows furrowed in confusion. Mary Margaret questioned her. "I don't know," Emma explained. "You ever get the feeling like you left home forgetting something important but you can't remember what the hell it is?"

"All the time."

Emma nodded thoughtfully. She looked down at the book, her fingers tracing along the letters. Then suddenly she snapped from the daze, shaking the confusion away.

"Oh well," Emma gave in.

"It happens," Mary Margaret said, brushing off Emma's worries. "Hope you're hungry! I made enough to feed an army."

"I got a kid growing in my stomach. I'm hungry all the damn time. Bring it on."

XOX

When Emma arrived at the station, Graham was leaning against the desk with something in his hand.

"Good morning," Graham greeted happily.

"Another one," Emma muttered.

"This is for you."

Emma put her things down on the desk, and then looked to what her new boss was holding. He held out a tag that read her name.

"Seriously?"

"You're part of the team now. This makes it official."

"But you said no one comes in here. Why do I need that?"

"Occasionally, someone does. And when they do, the first thing they'll see is your smiling face. This way, they'll know who you are."

"Or, I can just tell them."

"Come on. I'm not asking you to wear a uniform or anything. It's just a tag."

After a moment, Emma huffed in relent. "Fine," she gave in. She took the plate tag and clipped it to her shirt. Graham went to smile but suddenly the room shook. Emma fell back to the desk and Graham struggled to keep his balance. The rumbling stopped and Graham ran to the window to see fallen lamppost and a big hole in the middle of the street.

"What the hell? An earthquake in Maine?"

Graham looked to Emma. "Are you okay?"

She nodded.

"Stay here. I'm gonna make sure everyone is alright."

Before Emma could answer, Graham was flying from the room. Emma wondered to the window. From what she could see, everyone looked okay. She turned around, her eyes drawn to the book on the desk, the book of fairytales that Mary Margaret gave her. Emma moved to the desk, her brows furrowed in wonder as she sat down and opened to the first page.

TBC

Thoughts before you go? Hope enjoyed! P.S, if you're looking for some Charming fluff, check out my new story, 'Full Circle' :D