The clock on the nightstand ticks to 12:05 pm. I'm five minutes late for my evaluation at Gold's shop. He's probably going to be pissed.

I stand in front of the mirror, brushing my dark hair out of my face. Yup, Gold's features still copy mine. Definitely my father.

I sigh, setting the brush down on the dresser, and pick up a gold necklace embedded with amethysts. It's the only trinket of my mother's that I have. I slip it around my neck, latching it behind me and letting it settling on my chest. It sparkles in the blooming sunlight. Something about it gives me confidence for what I am about to do.

The air outside is strangely warm. I have no need for my jacket, so I slip it off and tie it securely around my waist as I scurry of Granny's property and turn the corner. I pass a couple of familiar friends on my short walk; Archie walking Pongo, Ashley and Sean cradling their baby Alexandra. They each smile politely and wave at me, and part of me wishes I could lead simpler lives like them instead of being worn down by the most incredulous news of my time.

As Gold's shop door swings open, Regina strolling out with a flustered expression, a sicking feeling grows in the pit of my stomach. This may be the craziest thing I'm about to do, or the bravest. Either way, the outcome will be life-changing.

The bell chimes again when I open the creaky door. Gold is standing with his back to me, twirling what looks to be a black and neon colored globe. He spins as the door squeezes shut, seeming rather proud of himself after his conversation with Regina.

"You're late." He says, his voice soft.

I stay hidden in the shadows of the walls. "I know. I'm sorry."

"I have a job for you." He limps forward with his cane, eyes fixated on long, black briefcase resting on the left glass counter. "I may be expecting some company soon, and I need you to tidy the place up a bit."

"Wait." I bite my bottom lip, marching forward with fake determination. "There's something I need to ask you about first."

He keeps his gaze rested on the briefcase for a moment, then rests the palms of his hands on his cane and smirks at me. "Out with it, then." He stands motionless.

I close my eyes, letting the silence settle around me. A sense of calm washes over me. I can do this.

I suck in my breath, speaking with assurance and finality. "I met someone a couple days ago, someone who got me a little interested in finding out who my father was, because I never got to meet them." I pause. His face shows no emotion. It's impossible to tell whether I'm gonna get through to him or not. Squinting, I croak out, "Do you have any kids that you know of? Because I... I think I might be your daughter."

I immediately squeeze my eyes shut, feeling my cheeks flush bright red. Great choice of wording, Selena! I mentally kick myself.

Gold chuckles, and I slant my eyes open to see him shaking his head coldly. His brown and graying hair falls across his face. "You're working for him, aren't you?"

I frown, shuffling backwards. "Who?"

"August." He raises his voice, thickly laced accent mingling with the cold air. "You're working with him to get ahold of my dagger." He laughs mercilessly. "You are the second person this week claiming to be my child. Well," He raises his head profoundly. "You can give up your charade now. The two of us have talked the situation out."

I huff out a frustrated breath, having no idea what he's talking about. "I really don't know where that came from, but I am not working for August." I push myself forward, halting till I'm just mere inches away from him. I ignore the fear tingling down my spine. "Yesterday, after I left your shop, I looked in the mirror and saw you staring back! Now my aunt Leah told me my mother died when I was born, but she does't know anything about the disappearance of my father!" I stop rambling on, realizing he isn't even paying attention to me. I open my mouth to scold him more, but notice his gaze is glued intently elsewhere.

He focuses on my purple necklace, lips parted in disbelief and eyes pooling dark recognition. He reaches his frail hand out, his forefinger centimeters away from brushing one of the precious gems. "Where did you get this?" He whispers incredulously.

I glance at my necklace. It's almost black in his dim shop, but it's basic, beautiful features are still noticeable. Frowning, I mutter, "It belonged to my mom. She gave it to Leah when she died..." I trail off, sensing a melting change in him.

He flints his eyes back up at me, his brows mending together. "Your mother." He repeats mutely. "Merriam..."

I gasp. Merriam was indeed my mother's name. Does this mean I'm... Right?

He quivers, all smugness and self-control evaporated. His hand rests on my shoulder. "She was pregnant when she left?" He's speaking more to himself now, as if trying to comprehend the idea in his head, but it still leaves me shaken.

I realize how little proof it takes to see how fast this moment is moving. Just a couple of resembling features, a necklace, a familiar name, and his radiating shock is enough to convince me. He seems capable enough of believing himself, not even considering the options of me collecting information elsewhere, as I had feared he would. No. Both of us sense the bonding relationship here between a lost father and daughter.

Within warning, he embraces me tightly. I fall into his arms, salting water gathering and threatening to slide down my rosy cheeks. I have a father...

He whispers words softly in my ear, but I'm too enthralled to listen. We stay stuck in each other embrace for another thirty or so seconds, before he pulls back and smiles warmly. Hands resting on my arms, he sighs. "I want you to keep this between you and me. Understand?"

I shake my head. Why doesn't he want anybody to know he has a daughter? But after a moment's thought, I reply, "I understand." How would people react to finding out I'm Gold's daughter? Would they start treating me different? Avoid me? Act like I'm the enemy?

He smiles at me, his next words warming my heart and chasing away the giddy and nervous flurries. "That's my girl."