Saying Goodbye

Hope got out of Andy's bed to put her clothes back on. On one hand she was ecstatic and on the other she was thinking, what the hell did I just do?

"I better go. I wasn't supposed to be here this long. My family was expecting me a while ago." Hope said.

"Wait. We kind of jumped into this without thinking or talking. How do you feel?" Andy inquired.

Hope stopped frantically getting dressed, looked him in the eyes and smiled then went over and kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too… but are you okay?"

"Yeah!" She went to pick up her shoes. "Although I've just proven my mother right and no one likes to admit that." She mumbled. "I'll talk to you later."

Hope appeared in Astrea's room where she'd be sleeping tonight thinking Astrea would be fast asleep but the light flipped on as soon as that light blue glow stopped.

"Aah!" Hope shrieked, and her shoes flew out of her hands.

Astrea was sitting up with her arms folded, waiting on her. "Where have you been? No, I know where you've been, what were you doing and what took you so long is the question?"

"We were just talking about life and such and the conversation became really deep and time just got away from us. I'm sorry I didn't call."

"I imagine that's what you're mom said to your grandmother after a night with your dad. Did you have sex?"

"No! That would be irresponsible, you know. I'm leaving soon, I'll never see him again. Besides, I'm not my mother."

"Are you telling me the truth?"

"Yes."

"Your mother was one of my best friends and the least I can do is send her daughter back to her the same way she came to me."

"It's been a long day. I'm going to take a shower and get this make up off my face before I hit the hay." Hope went and grabbed her things before she went to the bathroom, leaned on the door and ran her fingers through her hair a bit frustrated with herself.

-v-

Bae and Vella were still up talking and he just finished giving her a rundown of his family tree accompanied with a scroll that showed the tree with visuals.

"So let me get this straight. Your step-great grandmother is also your paternal aunt?" Vella said.

"Yes. Now you see why I sometimes call Roland my cousin because he's sort of my step-cousin and great-step uncle."

"I can see how that can be confusing… but one thing is for sure, your family is a far cry from boring."

"I've given you the who's who and the why's and I've honestly, told you a lot after all these months of just telling you stories. I'm just contemplating telling you some darker things. I don't want to scare you. Though these things are totally in the past, you might hear about them when we get to my world."

"What's worse than The Queen of Hearts forcing her daughter to marry her ex-fiancé and all that other mess in that story?"

"Who killed who." Bae replied reluctantly.

"There are a few villains on your tree, I suspect murders were committed and you've told me a few. I don't think you have to break down every one. I mean, I don't have to watch my back, do I?"

Bae laughed. "Not at all."

"Then you don't have to tell me. I'll just read it in the books." Vella joked. "But I do have a question… How did your grandma Snow forgive her step-mother after everything she did to her, even killing her father?"

"I told you how they met. The question has been raised a few times but what it comes down to is, my grandma Snow loved her. She understood her and she knew what she was like before, how good and selfless she could be. It impacted the person she became herself. It wasn't in her to hate her, though a few times she came close. She had to believe that the good was still in her for her own sake but also for my grandma Regina's. If she didn't believe in her no one would. Goodness had to prevail and it did… decades later but it happened! There's power in understanding and forgiveness and most importantly hope."

Vella nodded. "There are a couple things I have to do before we go, okay?" She informed and he nodded his head. They kissed then held their heads, forehead to forehead for a moment before they lied down and officially called it a night, even though the sun would be out soon enough.

-v-

In the Enchanted Forest, the royal family snuck into King George's castle. Any guard that got in the way was either flung into a wall or shot with an arrow until they burst into George's chambers and Regina instantly threw him across the room.

"Hello George." David said.

"My guards will be here any minute!" George exclaimed. They all laughed.

"You don't know us very well." Snow said.

David went over and grabbed George to lock his hands.

"You messed with the wrong kingdom buddy." Snow said.

"So no complaints when we put you in your cell. Move it." David commanded.

After a lot of planning they finally handled their King George problem but now they had to take over his kingdom. They couldn't let the kingdom fall. It wasn't its people's fault their king was an ass.

-v-

It was afternoon and Vella was in the guest room sitting at the foot of the bed, slipping on a pair of slippers. Then she turned off the television. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Vella invited.

Hope zipped in and closed the door. "Busy?"

"No. I was just about to join everyone in the kitchen." Vella replied and Hope went over and sat next to her.

"Did I tell you, welcome to the family? It will be an honor to have you as a sister."

"Thanks! Always wanted a sister."

"Well now you'll have two. That said, can we have sister talk?"

"What else have we been doing the past few months?"

"Good! You ever, you know, had sex?"

"No… Why?"

"Because… I did. Last night. I really need to talk about it."

"I'm sure! Well how do you feel about it?"

"I have mixed feelings. On one hand, it was wonderful. I love Andy so much but on the other hand, I'm going to leave him. I'll never see him again. I knew that and I did it anyway and that's exactly what my mother was afraid of. That I'd do what she did."

"I get it… but let me ask you this, did you use protection?"

"What?"

"Protection, a condom. This piece of rubber that protects from diseases and pregnancy."

"There are diseases from having sex?" Hope clutched her heart.

"Oh boy. This is when I'm reminded that you are from another world. Do you get a birds and the bees talk in your world?"

"Yeah but I'm sure it isn't the same. Most people don't do it casually, they court each other specifically for the purpose of marriage. Some people get married after a day, a few months at most…" Hope had a realization. "What if I'm pregnant? I was supposed to go back the same way I came and I'd be without Andy. My baby wouldn't have a father! I'm panicking here!"

"Calm down. You're still in my world. We can go to the store and get the morning after pill, it'll stop you from getting pregnant if you use it within the allotted time."

"Well isn't that handy… How can I stop being conflicted about this?"

"I don't know. It's not easy but you're going to have to give it time. You can't change the circumstances. I wish I had better advice. Enjoy the time that you've had with him and just learn to be okay about the fact that that's a moment you shared with him, someone you really love and who really loves you because the first time only happens once."

"I guess you're right. Do me a favor and let this stay between us? I can't deal with them. They won't understand and it'll be awkward."

"It's for you to tell, I won't say anything."

Later Vella and Hope went to a drug store to get the pills and after that, everyone gathered in the living room.

"I have a question, this might happen for a while… So there's no electricity, plumbing, wifi, okay but childbirth… I'm going to do that with no pain medication whatsoever?" Vella asked.

"Don't look at me, I had an egg." Maleficent said and Vella looked confused but let it go.

"Yeah sis, sorry." Hope replied.

The fear of extreme pain was written on Vella's face. "Had my heart set on that epidural. There's no magic pain reliever?"

They all just shook their heads.

Vella took a few deep breaths. "Who's going to deliver our kids then? I get a midwife or something?"

"Yes but usually Doc delivers the children in our family." Bae answered.

Vella nodded. Doc sounds good but then she thought about it. This is freaking Snow White's family. "Wait! Doc the dwarf?"

"Yes but don't worry, he's earned his named. He delivered all of us, except Bae, he was born here." Emery said.

"I know you're nervous but it'll be fine, I promise. It'll be different but not bad. The air is fresher, no pollution, the water is cleaner, our kingdom doesn't run on greed, we look out for our people, people believe in the impossible and the clothes, I know you'll love the clothes! Plus, you're gaining a family and despite everything, they're good, they're strong, they're loving and kind." Bae said.

"What if your family doesn't like me?"

"Why wouldn't they like you?" Bae asked.

"I don't know! They're your family."

"They'll like you. I would know. Besides, you have a lot in common with the women in our family. Just don't call Grandma Regina The Evil Queen and she's probably going to look like she has an attitude. That's just how she looks, especially when she doesn't know you. Don't be afraid of her, she can sense it and she doesn't like when people look weak. She won't poison you or anything but I mean, once you get to know her she'll totally love you and you'll love her. Trust me. Her exterior is tougher than she really is but don't tell her I told you that." Hope informed.

"How comforting."

"Seriously, she's my favorite person in the world, you'll love her." Hope said.

"Not to mention, she was the one who was all for me coming here to find you." Bae said.

"What about Rumplestiltskin?"

"He doesn't like much of anybody but he'll be nice. Don't pay his sarcasm any mind, that's just him." Hope replied.

"Are you sure you want to do this? Are you having second thoughts?" Bae asked Vella.

"Yes, I want this. I just want to be prepared. It's a big change." Vella responded.

"I know but I really think you'll be happy. I wouldn't ask you to come if I didn't think so." Bae said then kissed her.

"I have an announcement!" Astrea informed. "I- We are going back with you."

"What?" They all responded, including Maleficent.

"There isn't much for me here anymore and I could use a change. It's also time for me to stop being selfish. Mom, you gave up everything you knew for me so I think it's time I return the favor." Astrea said.

"Aww! This makes me so happy, you have no idea." Maleficent said as she hugged her daughter. "We're going home!"

-v-

Regina was picking apples from her apple tree.

"Your majesty." Seiko called.

Regina turned to her and smiled. "Hello Seiko. You can call me Regina, you know? What can I do you for?"

Seiko walked closer to her. "It's about Henry." She said reluctantly.

"Okay." Regina sat down by the tree and invited Seiko to join her.

"Henry… I know you think you can trust him. That's what he wanted you to think so that you'd take the bracelet off. I don't think he's planning to do anything against the family or the villagers but to Goldilocks."

"Why?" Regina asked.

"He found out she couldn't be trusted. She was just using him for a title. I guess she thought she'd get away with killing all of you. Anyway, I don't know what his plan is but I don't want him to do something he'll regret. You believe me, don't you?"

Regina sighed. "Yes. I do. Thanks for informing me. I'll handle it. I know it was difficult for you. You love him."

"Whoa. I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to. I've always known. We all know but you did the right thing… On the bright side, he's trying to protect us but I can't let him hurt the girl."

-v-

Meanwhile, Henry brought dinner to Goldie who was now six months pregnant. "Are you ready for dinner?"

"As long as it isn't porridge." Goldie replied.

"Oh no! It's a rare delicious dish." He took the top off the tray to reveal the dish. "It's a cheeseburger and wedged fries. Do you know the work it takes to get this meal?"

"Question. What's a cheeseburger?"

"A popular delicious dish in the other world. Give it a try."

Goldie took a bite of the burger then tasted the fries. "This is the best thing I've ever tasted in my life."

"Anything for you, love." Henry smiled.

-v-

The time had arrived for Hope's prom and despite everyone being against it, she wore a sexy blue gown, similar to what she was not allowed to wear to her birthday ball. Hope went to her friend Mona's house to help her get ready. Mona knew fashion wasn't her thing and she knew Hope could make her look like a star on her special day. Emery and Andy met them at Mona's house. Mona was so happy when she saw Emery at the door. He was so attractive, she couldn't believe he was her date for the night. She looked good, her date looked good. Everyone would totally look at her differently tonight.

There was a horse and carriage waiting outside. Mona was totally surprised. Hope was definitely her fairy godmother tonight.

They made their entrance at the prom. The theme was Magic Under the Sea. There were a lot of blues and greens, decorated beautifully. The mean girls' faces just looked like they couldn't wait to ruin someone's night, Mona and Hope's in particular. Hope heard stories all her life about people getting joy from hurting other people but she'd never really witnessed it like she had since she'd been in high school.

The mean girls walked over. "You two clean up nice." Mean girl, Claire said sarcastically to Hope and Mona.

"Not tonight." Hope said.

"Who is this fine prince? Your cousin?" Claire referred to Emery.

"Excuse me, my girlfriend and I are going to dance because we have better things to do than to entertain this ridiculousness." Emery said then walked off with Mona. She gave them a look as she walked off.

"And on that note, bye-bye." Hope said and walked away with Andy leaving the girls standing there.

Emery and Mona danced to the slow song together. The one night she always thought would be miserable was turning out to be a night she wouldn't want to forget.

"Thanks for being my date. It means everything to me." Mona said.

"You're welcome beautiful."

For a moment, Mona blushed, giggled and could only stutter. Emery thought it was adorable.

"Tonight is just a dream but it's nice to know they really do come true. Hope has been trying to convince me but I think I finally believe it."

"You should. There's a big world out there and anything is possible." Emery said.

Meanwhile, Hope and Andy were dancing a few feet away…

"At my mom's prom, this girl who she thought was her friend embarrassed her in front of the entire school. She almost got into a fight. My papa had to break it up. She didn't know about her powers yet but she was so enraged the lights started to flicker. She had to leave early so the whole night was ruined until my dad proposed to her." Hope explained.

"I thought your mom was popular." Andy said.

"She was until her so-called friend pulled that little stunt. It sucks, sometimes you can't even trust the people you think you can trust… I hate to say it but this is our last night together before we go home. After Vella's graduation tomorrow, we're leaving. It's hard to say goodbye to you."

"What if you didn't have to say goodbye? I'm coming with you."

"I can't let you do that. You have a family, your mom, your sisters."

"Who think I'm crazy. I love you. I don't want to let you go. Besides, I can visit occasionally right?"

"Rarely and I do mean rarely. I can't let you do this."

"It's what I want as long as you want it too. Didn't your dad do this for your mom? Vella's doing this for Bae."

They're different. My papa was from our world anyway and Vella doesn't have any family here. Besides, they're destined."

"How do you know we're not? Don't you want to be with me?"

"Of course."

"So what are we talking about?"

Hope smiled. "My parents are going to lose their minds." She kissed him.

A few minutes later, the guys went to get them some punch.

"Listen, I have to tell you this. This is the last day I'll see you. I wanted you to have the best night ever so I've waited but I'm going back home tomorrow." Hope informed Mona.

"What about graduation?"

"I won't be attending, I'm sorry. I'm going to miss you. I was lucky to find you for a friend while I was here."

"No, I'm the lucky one. You helped me actually enjoy this year of high school."

"I'm glad… Don't ever give up hope and stand up for yourself okay?"

Mona nodded and they shared a hug. In the mist of that hug, they felt someone pushed them to the floor and dropped drinks all over them on purpose but no surprise as to who it was, those damn mean girls.

"Whoops!" The mean girls said.

"I told you all when I got here, not to mess with me! Enough is enough!" Oh Hope was so over them. She stood to her feet. She was really angry now, so angry, she used her magic and threw those girls across the room." The whole class gasped. Hope walked toward them. "Clearly, you three didn't understand my first approach so here's plan B." She lifted them in the air. "You're going to learn to be kind to people. Is it so hard? Guess what. There are consequences for being evil little brats!"

The class was freaking out. Emery and Andy ran over. Emery grabbed Hope, Andy and Mona and teleported out of there. Upon their departure, the girls harshly fell to the ground.

The four appeared in Maleficent's living room.

"What were you thinking?" Emery yelled.

"I know. I was just so tired of them, my temper just took over. We're leaving tomorrow anyway." Hope said.

"That's not the point! What was grandma's first lesson when she taught us magic?" Emery asked.

"Control, I know." Hope said.

"I'm still trying to figure out what just happened." Mona said.

"Long story short, they're from another world. They have magic. Snow White's their grandmother. Well, her grandmother, his mother. Crazy but all true." Andy explained.

Mona had a seat.

"I'm sorry about tonight." Hope said.

"Oh no need. I asked for a night to remember. I sure got one."

"I'll be going back to my world tomorrow is what I wanted to tell you earlier."

"You make so much more sense now. I'll be telling this story to my grandchildren." Mona said before they hugged.

Bae, Vella, Mal, and Astrea came into the living room.

"What's going on?" Bae asked.

"Hope just lost her temper and used her magic in front of the entire class." Emery informed.

"Hope!" Mal exclaimed.

"I know, I know. I just got the lecture. Since you're all fired up anyway, Andy's coming with us tomorrow. I know none of you are enthused by the idea but it's happening. I'm not asking."

Bae sighed. "You know what, if you want to give mom and papa a heart attack, that's on you." He said before he and Vella went back to bed.

"I better get you home Mona." Emery said as he held out his hand for her. Then he teleported them out.

"I guess I better take you home too my love." Hope said to Andy.

"You've got five minutes." Astrea said.

"Yes ma'am." Hope replied before they left. They appeared in Andy's bedroom.

"I'll see you tomorrow at the graduation. Don't pack more than a backpack full of stuff and don't forget to say goodbye to your family." Hope said then kissed him. "I better go before someone pops in here to get me."

"Your family isn't going to like me, are they?"

"It's not you. I'm their baby, that's all and I have to really show them that I'm not anymore. My family is a group of very strong individuals. You're going to have to hold your own."

"You're saying I can't be weak."

"No! You're not weak but you have to know that. The men in my family are warriors, knights, princes, kings. The women are very head-strong. I don't want you to crawl into a little hole and wish you never came with me."

"That's not going to happen."

"I'm going to go now. Good night." Hope teleported out.

-v-

The next day was Vella's graduation. Bae, Hope and Emery went to support her. She has no other family and they are it now. There was no one else she'd rather have by her side to celebrate this accomplishment. Afterward she took a picture with them and her friends, Amy and Sam. Then she got a phone call from her manager. She told him that she wouldn't be pursuing her career anymore and that any of her earnings from this day forward were to go to an orphanage but he had good news.

"My single just went number one. My video hit a million views and my EP went gold." Vella told them when she got off the phone. Best day ever. "Guys, can I have a moment with Amy and Sam?"

Hope and Andy went to his mom's house, Emery went back to Maleficent's and Bae waited for her.

"Are you sure you want to run off and get married?" Sam asked.

"Positive. I just wanted to tell you two, thank you for being my family these past four years. I'll never forget you."

"We love you." Amy said as they shared a group hug.

"Are we invited to the wedding?" Sam asked.

"I'd love that but you know, it's really far away. I don't how that will work out." She felt bad for saying that but it was true. "I want you two to have the most success from here on out and don't get so caught up in your careers that you forget to find love too."

"You're talking like we'll never see you again." Sam said.

"I love you guys." She ignored the comment and hugged them again. "I guess this is goodbye. I have one more stop to make before I ride off into the sunset." Vella then went back to Bae and he took her to the place she never thought she'd go…

After all the talk about forgiveness, hearing all the stories about Bae's family and all her growth, Vella thought she was finally ready to face her father. She hadn't seen him in six years and hadn't ever planned on seeing him ever but here she was, visiting him in prison.

They sat across from each other at the table. His eyes lit up when he saw her though she didn't come off very welcoming.

"I never thought I'd see you again." Her father, Donald said.

"Me either." Vella replied.

"I've been in counseling since I've been here and seeking spiritual guidance. I know it doesn't bring your mother back or change the hurt I've caused you but I want you to know that I'm sorry."

"I'm working on forgiveness. Forgiveness isn't for the other person it's for yourself but I'm hoping that you really do change, not for me but for you."

"Thank you. It means a lot and I am changing. You look beautiful, strong. I've seen you on TV, heard your music. I love it. I'm proud of you."

Wasn't really looking for his approval. "I'm engaged."

"You're kind of young for that, aren't you?"

"Just listen. I'm engaged to a wonderful man who treats me like, well, a princess. He's a prince, literally and figuratively. He's brought a light to my life that was missing for a long time."

"A prince? Of what country?"

"You wouldn't know it. I'm learning to forgive but I have to say this. You had me really messed up in the head and I have been alone, homeless, I had to grow up too fast and have been in relationships with men just like you. You don't really know the extent of how you've effected my life. All that said, I'm in a better place now and you hold no power over me anymore."

"I didn't know all that, again I'm sorry. I hope you have the best life you can possibly live from now on. I really do."

"This is the last time I'll see you. I'm moving far away. Obviously, there's no monarchy in America. You'll be here for life but I hope you continue to get the guidance you need to be a better person. I forgive you." Vella got up from the table.

"I love you, Vella."

She just nodded before she left the visiting room. Then she went back to Maleficent's. They were all prepared to go to the Enchanted Forest. Vella's breath was taken, seeing Bae in his Enchanted Forest attire, all the leather and the cape. He really looked like the princes in the movies.

"How did the visit with your father go?" Bae asked.

"I guess you can say it went well but I'm ready to begin my new life with you." Vella replied and they kissed. Then Bae waved his hand to put Vella in a beautiful pale green dress fitting for a princess with a yellow flower in her loosely pulled back curled hair. That certainly felt like a Cinderella moment and she just loved the dress.

"We're ready!" Emery exclaimed as he and everyone entered the room already in Enchanted Forest attire, each with their own little bag with items they wanted to hold on to. Bae handed Vella's bag to her then Vella, Andy, Astrea and Mal stood tightly in the center as Bae, Hope and Emery formed a circle around them with their arms extended to hold each other's hands.

The three of them focused and collectively used their most powerful power to teleport the eight of them across the universe to The Enchanted Forest…


Haven't forgotten about Jane.

What do you so far think?