A/N: I wanted to have this posted on Sunday night, but better late than never, right? Sorry about the delay! Hope you enjoy!
Storybrooke, Maine
Chapter Eleven: The Truth & a Lie
Word quickly spread through town that the old mines had collapsed, leaving a big hole in the ground. When Emma arrived home that night, it was all Mary Margaret could talk about.
"No one knows what caused it."
"I'm sure they'll figure it out," Emma brushed off.
"You should see it. Everyone forgot about that old mine until today. It's bizarre, isn't it?"
Emma nodded in agreement.
"Anyway, how was your first day?"
"Strange."
"Something else happen?"
"No, but this book," Emma started while moving the day's reading material from the stool beside her to the counter. "You were right. Not the Snow White I saw in the movie."
"Told you."
"Where'd you get it?"
"Gold gave it to me… not sure when, but I think a few years ago."
"All the fairytales are tangled up on in each other. It's… different."
Mary Margaret nodded. "How far did you get?"
"Farther than I thought I would. Snow White and Prince Charming just threw the Evil Queen's ass behind bars."
"Wow," Mary Margaret said in awe.
"I'll probably finish tomorrow."
Mary Margaret nodded in agreement. She was about to ask Emma what she wanted for dinner when there was a knock on the door.
"I got it," Emma said while sliding from her stool. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see August standing on the other side.
"Hey. How was your first day?"
"How did you-"
"News spreads fast around here."
"Great," Emma mumbled. "So the mayor probably knows."
"Don't worry about her. Hungry? I thought you could use a celebratory dinner. You're welcome to join us, Mary Margaret."
Emma turned to her roommate who gave a shrug and a smile. She then looked to August and said, "Yeah, why not."
XOX
When August walked into Mr. Gold's, he was surprised at all the merchandise. Some of the items were things he recognized: a few wands having once belonged to the fairies, along with some trinkets he'd seen in the castle.
August had to play it cool. He made it seem like he was just browsing. Mr. Gold knew instantly that he was new in town. The two eyed each other, both hiding the truth. Then August thought back to the prophecy.
"My friend Emma recommended this shop."
"Yes," Gold realized through a careful smile. "I believe I met an Emma just the other day. Blond hair. Blue eyes. Expecting a child."
"That would be her."
"Well, I hope she's made herself feel at home with Miss Blanchard. The apartment will make a suitable home for her baby."
August nodded in agreement.
"It is a bit of a shame though, for a girl so young to be having a baby."
"I like to believe that things happen for a reason."
"Indeed they do," Mr. Gold agreed.
"She may be eighteen, but she can handle it."
"Eighteen?" Gold questioned. "I guessed right then. When I met her, I thought her to be eighteen. It's nice to know I was correct."
That's when August knew Gold was aware of the curse. But how to approach it? August wasn't sure yet. So he kept quiet and left. He needed to figure out his next move. He spent the previous night thinking about it. Telling Gold crossed his mind, but as a boy he was taught not to trust Rumpelstiltskin. Would it be better not to involve him? Rumpel was a dangerous man who did anything for power and magic. August thought it might be better if Gold didn't know who he really was.
XOX
When they walked into the diner, Mary Margaret said something about fairytales that jarred August from the past day.
"A what?" he questioned.
"A book of fairytales. I lent it to Emma."
"You have a book of fairytales?"
Mary Margaret nodded.
"But how?" he demanded.
Mary Margaret looked confused at the desperation in his voice.
"I mean, where did you get it? I used to read those stories all the time as a kid."
"Oh, this one is different."
"You should read it," Emma echoed.
"Yeah, you can borrow it when she's done. I wish Mr. Gold had more. Then you could have your own copy."
August looked at Mary Margaret through wide eyes. "Gold gave you that?"
"Yes," Mary Margaret said while looking from August to Emma.
"The antique guy?" Emma asked. "What's the big deal?"
Now August knew what to do. Gold warned of the prophecy. If he gave the book to Mary Margaret, he did it because he knew the savior would see it.
Realizing the girls were starring at him, August shook his daze away. "I, uh, haven't eaten all day. Guess the fatigue is catching up with me."
Mary Margaret shrugged and looked to her menu. But Emma didn't buy it. She knew he was lying.
TBC…
I'd love to hear what you think before you go! Hope you enjoyed!