Once Upon A Time: The Devil's New Road, Part Twelve
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
(I'm going to re-arrange some scenes to fit my universe. I also have some pretty big changes planned for this part of the story in my universe but I'm not going to say any more than that.)
Mr. Gold walked down towards the waterfront. After eating breakfast, he tried to do some work to get his mind off of the nightmare. After trying unsuccessfully to do so for an hour, he gave up and decided a walk would do better for clearing his head. As he neared the piers, he could hear the sound of wood clacking together and voices.
He got closer, recognizing Henry's voice as he laughed. He then heard Neal, also in good spirits. He slowed his pace, getting just close enough to see them. They were down on the grassy knoll that bordered the street, sword fighting with wooden blades.
They weren't doing too badly and he would have admired their skill under different circumstances. Henry gained an upper hand, Neal telling him to slow down. It was quite apparent the boy had been getting lessons from his grandfather and Neal had not kept his skills up. He watched for a few more moments, thinking about his new dilemma before he sensed he was no longer alone.
He turned to find Regina approaching, not happy she was there. She said nothing as she stopped at his right side. " Seems like we've both been pushed to the sidelines. "
" What are you doing here? " Mr. Gold asked without looking at her.
" Wondering why you're stalking my son instead of spending time with your own, " Regina said. She snorted, " Or have you messed that up already? "
" My son is none of your business, " Mr. Gold hissed.
" But my son is my business, " Regina retorted. " Why are you stalking him? "
Mr. Gold didn't look at her, " I'm not stalking. I am simply on a walk and Henry just happens to be here. "
" Right, " Regina replied like she didn't believe him.
" Do not ask questions if you are going to doubt my answers, " Mr. Gold glanced at her. Her eyes were focused on Neal and Henry.
" My next question has nothing to do with you so don't worry, " Regina replied.
" And what is your next question? " Mr. Gold looked at Henry and Neal again.
" My next question is what is my son doing with that man? " Regina asked. " He was with those disgusting Charmings at the well. Is he another stranger? "
Mr. Gold smiled, amused that Regina didn't know. She had been too wrapped in her mother's death and her bid for revenge to be aware. " Oh, that? That's right, you didn't get the birth announcement, did you? "
Regina furrowed her brow. Mr. Gold leaned closer to Regina, " That's Henry's father. "
Regina stared at him for a long moment before she said, " What? "
" Do I have to spell it out for you? Emma and that man... " He started to explain.
" I'm not that stupid, " Regina cut him off.
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth, " I was starting to wonder. "
" So you're saying... " Regina started.
" Emma and I ran into him in New York. He helped us find my son... In a way, " Mr. Gold explained. It was true. If they hadn't found Neal then they would have had a much harder time locating Baelfire.
" You're telling me that Henry's father just happened to be in New York at the same time you went looking for your son? " Regina sounded indignant. " There is no way that was a coincidence. "
" Indeed it was, " Mr. Gold replied with a slight smirk. " I absolutely had no idea we would come across him on our journey. It was a fortunate accident though. "
Regina looked at Henry and Neal again, " And you let him come here in spite of the fact... "
Mr. Gold watched as she stopped herself before choking on her words. He smirked when she glared at him, " My spell is still intact I see. "
Regina narrowed her eyes, " I'm coming closer to unraveling it every day. "
Mr. Gold scoffed, " Keep trying. It's rather complicated and Emma will have given birth before you even scratch the surface. "
Regina rolled her eyes, " Well you know what I'm getting at. "
Mr. Gold looked at Henry and Neal, " Her heart no longer belongs to him. She's had little to do with him since he came to town. "
Regina snorted, " Can you be so sure? He has to contact her to see Henry. Perhaps her faithfulness... "
Mr. Gold looked at her as she stopped herself from choking again. He chuckled, giving her a suggestive smirk, " I know she's been faithful, dearie. I... Have my ways of telling but I'll spare you those details. I'm sure you don't want to know. "
Regina sneered, " You're disgusting. "
" Probably not as much as you imagine, " Mr. Gold replied. He smiled at her again, " I just had an amusing thought. In some roundabout way, we're family. You are after all Emma's grandmother and in turn Henry's great-grandmother. "
" Step, " Regina said firmly. " I have no blood ties to them... Or you. "
" Yet still, " Mr. Gold shrugged.
She looked back at Neal and Henry, " Do you think he's going to want custody? "
" I don't know, " Mr. Gold looked at them again as well. If he did, he knew Neal would be in for a fight from both Emma and Regina. He walked away from Regina and she followed. She had brought up an interesting point he had not fathomed himself.
" You did this, " Regina gasped after thinking for a moment. " You meant for this to happen. "
Mr. Gold sighed, " Trust me, dearie. It was much a shock to me as it was to you. I never knew he would be part of finding my son. "
" No! " Regina said sharply. " You must have known. When I adopted Henry, it was you who procured him for me. You expect me to believe that was a coincidence that this man was associated with your son and Emma? "
" No, " Mr. Gold replied. " Not coincidence... Fate. Apparently, fate has a sense of humor. "
" Fate, " Regina scoffed as they reached the lower level of the walkway. She turned her face to them as they continued to walk, " So am I to expect you to play the part of the loving stepfather now? Doting on Henry as if he were your own? "
Mr. Gold smiled. He had always been fond of Henry, his presence bringing up bittersweet memories of Baelfire's childhood. He hoped that the boy would come around and come to like him though he was not happy with the current situation. He knew once the babies came, he would change his mind... If he wasn't forced to kill him before that happened.
His smile faded, the nightmare coming back to the forefront of his mind. According to the seer, he would have to take either Henry or Neal's life if he wanted to continue living his own. It was a cold fact he felt he could not escape or stop thinking about. He knew he would have to deal with it eventually and he dreaded that moment, knowing it would affect Emma profoundly no matter who died.
" They won't accept you, " Regina said flatly, bringing him out of his thoughts. " No matter what you do... The Charmings, Henry... Not any of them. They may not even accept that... "
Regina started coughing, grasping at her throat. Mr. Gold did his best to hide his satisfaction as he waited for it to subside. When she was finished coughing, he decided to speak. " You will see. "
Regina gasped for breath, " I've already seen, Gold. I've seen your dark heart and it always wins out. "
They stopped walking, her words slicing him to the bone with their truthfulness. She moved closer to him as she continued, " You always choose darkness. "
He turned to her, " You think you know me, dearie... But you don't. "
" I know you well enough, " She scoffed. " If your own son couldn't bring out the good in you... Who will? "
Mr. Gold stayed silent as Regina took a step back before turning and walking away. He thought of Emma, wondering if she could really handle such a task. She had brought forth more goodness than he had shown in centuries but he still felt the pull of the darkness, threatening to suffocate the small ember she had ignited in his soul. He did his best to keep it burning though the words of the seer swirled in his head.
Regina's words also echoed in his mind. From the way David had behaved, he knew he would never fully accept his relationship with Emma. He felt a bit of fear, wondering if he would accept the children or reject them. He wasn't sure how Mary-Margret felt about him or the babies but it was her nature to lean towards whatever was best for Emma.
Then there was the question of how the town would handle such news. Lots of people liked Emma but lots of people hated him. There was always the chance they would turn their back on Emma because of her association with him. If they did, that would also mean they would turn their back on the children.
He looked at the ground, sighing. His cell phone started to ring and he pulled it out of his pocket, furrowing his brow at the number. He opened it and answered, " This is Mr. Gold. "
" Hello, " It was a woman. " This is Nurse Allison from Storybrooke Hospital. "
His stomach clenched, wondering why the hospital was calling him. He wanted to ask but his voice stuck in his throat, scared it was about Baelfire... Or Emma. " Mr. Gold? " The nurse prodded. " Are you still there? "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold stammered. " I am. Why are you calling me? "
" Miss French is ready to be released and your name is on her paperwork as her contact person, " The nurse replied.
Mr. Gold blinked. He didn't remember filling out any paperwork on Belle the night she was admitted. He had to sneak in to see her once she was settled, taking advantage of the fact everyone else was occupied with the stranger. He shook his head, " I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't fill out any paperwork on her. "
" Sheriff Swan filled it out, " The nurse said. " Now, if you don't want to pick her up, we can always call her father. we have his number. "
" No, " Mr. Gold said. He couldn't let Moe French see Belle in the state she was in. He would blame him and certainly fill her head with lies. He had done it once before and there was no doubt in his mind he would do it again.
" Is there anyone else we can call? " The nurse asked.
" No... No there's not, " Mr. Gold replied. He knew he only had one choice. He closed his eyes, " I'll be there right away. "
Emma looked at David as he pulled to a stop on the side of the road. After leaving Henry with Neal, they had driven out to a place where there were open marshy fields instead of forest. It was in a far part of town and one she seldom patrolled. She unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the truck.
" Why are we in the middle of nowhere? " She asked. The ride was long and left her feeling grouchy. She hated being still for too long. David got out on his side and Mary-Margret followed him as she asked, " Why won't you guys tell me what's going on? Why the secrecy? "
" Because you need to see it, " Mary-Margret said.
Emma walked to her, " Great. That always goes well for me. Listen... Whatever it is, it can wait. August was trying to warn me about something... Someone dangerous. "
It had been on her mind most of the night after August had whispered in her ear. She hadn't mentioned it to Mr. Gold though because she didn't want to alarm him. That and she really needed to talk to him about the babies. August's words still nagged at the back of her mind though and she wanted to get to the bottom of it.
David reached for Mary-Margret's left hand and smiled, " Doesn't matter. "
Emma blinked. She couldn't believe her parents weren't interested in the threat of danger, no matter how vague it was. She looked at them, " Why not? "
" Because of this, " Mary-Margret said and grabbed her left hand.
Emma let her lead her forward, a strange tingle letting her know they had passed through a magic barrier. She looked in front of them to see rows and rows of bean vines. She broke away from Mary-Margret, walking across a small bridge as she stared at the crop. " Emma! " Someone called her name.
" Hey, " She was stunned to see Anton though she knew he was in town. He was normal sized and looked happy to see her. He rushed forward, hugging her.
" Are you here to help? It's not quite harvest time yet, " He said as he looked towards David and Mary-Margret.
Emma stepped back, still stunned by the sight before her. " Beans, " She said. " You're growing magic beans. "
Emma turned to David, " That's what you were up to while I was in New York? Why didn't you tell me? "
David chuckled, " We are telling you. We kept it a secret to protect the crop. Mother Superior... She cloaked the area. That way, Anton can do what he does best. "
Anton looked at David, " Actually, you haven't seen me play darts but uh yeah... " He crossed his arms over his chest as he continued, " I do this pretty good. "
" Um, Anton... Don't take this the wrong way but... Why... Why are you so... " Emma wanted to know why he wasn't a giant anymore but she didn't know how to ask it.
" Small? " Anton looked at her. " Cora. She and Regina brought some magic to make me human sized. Kind of like it. "
" Enough lolly-gagging, " Leroy's gruff voice came from behind Anton. Emma had been so distracted by the beans and her friend, she hadn't seen him. " Back to it! " He looked at Anton, snapping a pair of pruning shears at him.
Anton looked at Emma, " Wow. Dwarves really like to work. It's great seeing you, Emma. "
" You too, " Emma chuckled. She took a few steps towards the rows, Mary-Margret's words from earlier in the morning coming to her mind. She frowned, her blood running cold as she realized what was happening. " You want to use the beans to make a portal, " She said. She turned to face David and Mary-Margret, " To go back to The Enchanted Forest. That's the real reason you didn't tell me. "
Mary-Margret shifted uncomfortably under Emma's stare so she looked at David. It was his idea so she decided to confront him about it. " What about ogres and destruction and danger? "
" We can fix all that, " David moved towards her. " We did it before. We can do it again. "
" We can start over, Emma, " Mary-Margret said quietly. " You, Henry... And the babies. "
She felt her heart sink because she had felt her mother was on her side about staying. " So you changed your mind? You want to go now too? "
" Not my mind, " Mary-Margret's voice trembled. " My heart. After what I did to Cora, I think restoring our land is the best way to mend it. "
" It will be good for all of us, " David said. " Henry... And you... And them. "
Emma looked at him as Mary-Margret said, " We're from there. You're from there. "
Emma took a step back, blinking. " No. This world... Is my home. "
" And it's been nothing but cruel to you, " David said. " If we go back, I think you might be able to have your happy ending. "
Emma stared at them for a long moment before turning to stare at the bean field once more. She had so much she wanted to talk about but she knew she couldn't do it there nor could she think of where to start...
Mr. Gold took a deep breath as he approached the door to Belle's hospital room. He was unsure how she would react to seeing him. The last time he had seen her, she smashed the teacup he had treasured for so long. The last time they spoke, he was almost dead.
He reached to door, finding she was reading a book as she waited. It was a glimmer of hope, that facet of her personality remaining intact. He reached up, gently knocking on the door. She lifted her head and gave her a smile.
She gasped, obviously surprised to see him. " You're... You're alive. "
" Indeed I am, " He walked into the room. " I imagine my last phone call was a bit alarming. "
Belle cleared her throat, " It sounded like you were on your death bed... And you were letting me go. "
" I'm really sorry if I startled you, " Mr. Gold said. She stared at him like she was merely an acquaintance. He sighed, " I know you have no memory of me but those things I said to you on the phone were real. I needed you to know those things in case I... Well, in case I died. "
Belle nodded, " Including the part about how we couldn't be together? "
Mr. Gold bit his lip. He closed his eyes, " Yes. I hope you understand what I meant. "
" I think I do, " Belle replied. " Some times, people can't change. "
He nodded and opened his eyes, " Yes. "
" I'm glad you're okay, " Belle replied after a moment of silence. She smiled, " And I could tell your feelings were true. "
Mr. Gold blinked, " You could? "
" I have a sense about people, " She said. " I can't explain how but I could just tell. The fact you're here reinforces that. What we had together must have been pretty special for you to be here now. "
" It was, " Mr. Gold nodded. He then looked away from Belle for a moment, " And I do feel somewhat responsible for what happened to you. "
" I can't remember if you are or if you're not, " Belle let out a strained chuckle. She then sighed, " But I am glad you want to correct whatever mistake you think you made. "
" So you believe we know each other? " Mr. Gold asked. If she did, that meant perhaps there was some hope to bring her memories back. He dreaded it though because that meant he would finally have to tackle the task of telling her about Emma.
He was still filled with regret that he had led her on for so long instead of being straight forward to start with. If he hadn't strung her along, she would have never been attacked by Hook or fallen over the town line. Of course, that left him to wonder what would have happened if Emma had been in her place instead. He tried not to fathom it, not wanting the same kind of harm to befall her.
" I believe that whatever caused me to forget myself means that I have a past and that past probably included you, " Belle said.
" It did, " Mr. Gold nodded. In the back of his mind, he debated the cruelty involved in reminding her of herself only to hurt her. Telling the person before him the truth had been rather easy but he knew the real Belle's heart would break. She had already been through enough pain and didn't want to cause her more.
There was a silent moment before Belle spoke again. " When... When I was injured... " She chuckled, " This is going to sound crazy. "
She looked up at him, " I remember you healing me. "
Mr. Gold stared at her. She remembered correctly. After he had healed her, she had shoved him away and was frightened of him. He sighed, not wanting to talk about that night. " You've been through a lot. Serious injury... All the drugs you've been on since you've been in here. "
Belle looked away like she was ashamed then looked back at him as he continued, " Once you remember who you are... It will all become clear. "
She cocked her head to the side, looking up into his eyes. " Can you help me do that? Remember who I am? "
Mr. Gold stared down into her eyes. The suggestion had sounded preposterous at the diner but to have her ask changed things. If she were willing to take the chance to remember herself, he couldn't see a reason not to try. Once she did remember, it was quite likely she would hate him but at least she would be herself again.
" I believe I can give it a try, " He replied quietly. " I can't promise anything though. "
She reached up, placing her left hand on his folded hands. Her touch startled him a bit, not expecting her to reach out to him like that. He stared at their hands before he said, " Let's talk to someone about getting you out of here. I believe they still have some of your belongings. "
" They do, " Belle said. She looked like she was thinking then said, " I think her name was Ruby? She brought me a satchel of things to make me more comfortable. "
" Then I will have a nurse fetch it for you, " Mr. Gold nodded. He wasn't surprised Ruby had brought Belle such things. They were pretty good friends and Ruby cared deeply for her.
Belle nodded, "Alright. I'll get what I have here together. "
" Great, " Mr. Gold stepped back, letting her hand fall away from his. " I'll be right back. "
" I'll be right here, " Belle said.
Mr. Gold walked towards the door, stopping when she called his name. He turned to face her, " Yes? "
" I do have some place to go, right? " Belle asked. She let out a nervous chuckle, " I mean... A home? "
Mr. Gold nodded, " Oh... It's more than that. You're going to love it. "
" I hope so, " Belle smiled.
Mr. Gold continued out into the hallway, a plan coming together in his mind. He would take her back to the library, some place close to the shop where he could keep an eye on her. At night, he would have Frederick watch her. She would be safe and have her own place.
He knew he would have to think about it more but he needed to get her release paperwork cleared up before anything else could happen...
Regina watched as Mr. Gold left Belle's hospital room. She had cloaked herself so he couldn't sense her. She couldn't do it very often but it was possible. She had gotten a call from one of her contacts at the hospital, telling her Belle was going to be released.
She was informed Mr. Gold was her emergency contact, leaving him obligated to take care of her. It was quite fortunate and would play into the evil plan she had been concocting. She slipped down the hallway once Mr. Gold was out of sight, going to the door. She stopped in the doorway to see Belle packing her things into a large satchel and smiling to herself.
Regina tapped lightly on the door, Belle snapping her head up. She blinked in confusion, like she thought she recognized her but wasn't sure. Regina smiled and gave a little wave, " Hello. "
Belle returned the smile, " Hi. "
Regina walked into the room as Belle went back to packing. She stopped just short of the bed, " I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Regina. I'm the mayor of this town. "
Belle stared at her like she was shocked the mayor would come to see her. Regina continued, " I just want to make sure you're okay. "
Belle let out a nervous chuckle, " That's uh... Very thorough of you. Thank you but I'm fine, " She chuckled again after thinking for a moment. " I think I am. "
She motioned towards the door, " Mr. Gold's getting me discharged and he's going to take me home. He believes he can help me remember who I am. "
" Does he now? " Regina chuckled. " And where is this home? "
Belle chuckled again, " I don't know. He said he was going to show me. "
" I see, " Regina nodded. " And why does he feel he needs to help you? "
Belle sighed, " He says he feels responsible for what happened to me and thinks it only be right if he helps me. "
" Is that so? " Regina nodded. That showed her he felt guilt over the accident, something that would work in her favor.
" Yes, " Belle nodded. " It's what he told me. "
" How nice of him, " Regina smiled before looking down at the floor, acting like she was picking something up as she dropped a match book out of her sleeve into her hand. It shimmered with magic as she placed a spell on it, a spell that would certainly wreck whatever Mr. Gold had planned for Belle. She stood back up, " What's this, dear? "
Belle looked up from her satchel, furrowing her brow. Regina held the match book out to her, " Did you drop it? "
Belle took it, glanced at it and scoffed as she tossed it aside, " Don't think so. "
Regina smiled, " Keep looking, dear. "
Belle rolled her eyes slightly as she picked the match book up again. She held it in both hands, freezing as the spell started to take effect on her. Her mouth dropped open and a look came into her eyes like she was remembering something. She breathed, " Wait... " Regina smiled as she looked up at her, " I know what this is... I think I remember who I am. "
" Well I'm sure Mr. Gold will be thrilled, " Regina replied.
Belle laughed, " Thank you do much but I better hurry. I need to get back to my life. "
" Yes you do, " Regina said. " I need to go get back to mine as well. "
" And this one too, " The nurse slapped down yet another form for Mr. Gold to sign. It had taken him a good ten minutes to get Belle's dismissal in order. He never liked the paperwork involved with hospitals, being careful to read every bit of them before signing each page.
" And what is this? " Mr. Gold looked at the paper.
" A paper saying that you spoke to the doctor and are clear on any issues that have arisen while she was in our care, " The nurse replied.
Mr. Gold narrowed his eyes, " But I haven't spoken to a doctor yet. "
" Sorry I took so long, " Doctor Whale's voice startled Mr. Gold. " There were some issues with another patient. "
Mr. Gold turned to him, " Why are you here? "
Doctor Whale blinked, " Uh... I'm Miss French's doctor. You're picking her up? "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold frowned at the thought of Belle being in his care. He viewed Doctor Whale as a bit of a pervert and the thought of him caring for her made his skin crawl. He held the paper out to him, " Have there been any issues with Belle since she came here? "
Doctor Whale shook his head, " Nothing other than some moments of panic because of her amnesia. She's perfectly healthy... Except for the amnesia. "
" Thank you, " Mr. Gold turned back to the counter, read the paper and signed it. He shoved it back towards the nurse before turning to find Doctor Whale was still there. " Is there anything else? "
Doctor Whale blinked then shook his head, " Not really. "
" Then you can leave, " Mr. Gold replied before stepping around Doctor Whale and heading back to Belle's room. He walked inside, about to tell her she was ready to go when he found she was not in her bed. He turned to the door, " NURSE! NURSE! "
A nurse came rushing in from the hallway, stopping when she got to him. He motioned to the bed, " There was a patient here suffering from amnesia. Where is she? "
The nurse looked at the bed, " Belle? She should still be here. "
" I know that. I just finished her discharge paperwork. So where is she? " Mr. Gold demanded. He knew she couldn't leave until the paperwork was done... Unless she slipped out while the incompetent hospital staff didn't notice.
The nurse put her hands up then dashed out into the hall. Mr. Gold turned back to the room, looking around for any clue of where Belle could have gone. Something on the bed caught his eye and he moved towards it. It was a red match book from a place called 'The Rabbit Hole', Storybrooke's equivalent to a seedy bar.
He quickly shoved the match book in his pocket and left the room...
" Emma... " Mary-Margret followed her as she walked into the apartment. She could tell her daughter was mad and she had a pretty good idea of why. " Talk to me. You haven't said a single word since we left the bean field. "
" I have nothing to say, " Emma muttered as she went to the coat rack. She unbuttoned her coat and pulled it off, hanging it from the hook she always used. She then took off her hat, placing it on the end table that sat against the wall.
" The way you're acting tells me you have plenty to say, " Mary-Margret said as she started taking off her own coat.
Emma looked at her, " Well I'm not ready to say it. "
Mary-Margret watched as Emma headed for the stairs. " Where are you going? " She called after her.
" To take a nap, " Emma replied as she headed for the loft. She turned before she was completely up, looking at Mary-Margret right in the eye, " And to think. "
Mary-Margret let out an exasperated sigh as she finished taking off her coat. She turned to hang it up just as David walked in and closed the door. She didn't look at him, " She's mad. "
" I would have never guessed, " David replied quietly. He sighed, " Well, we knew she would be. "
Mary-Margret took her hat off and set it next to Emma's. She turned to face David, " Actually, I have a few questions about going back myself. "
" We already talked this over, Mary-Margret. You're not going to change your mind because of the way Emma's acting, are you? "
" I'm not changing my mind, " Mary-Margret walked towards him. " I just thought of a few questions I wanted to ask. "
David blinked, " Like what? "
Mary-Margret looked him in the face, " Who are we going to take with us? "
" Whoever wants to come, " David replied.
Mary-Margret arched an eyebrow, " Anyone? "
David frowned, " Well, they'll have a choice. I'm not going to force anyone to go. "
" But what I'm asking is are you going to force anyone to stay? " Mary-Margret said then nodded towards the stairs. " I think that's what's concerning Emma more than anything. "
" Mary-Margret... " David moved towards her.
Mary-Margret pointed to the door, " Hall. Now. "
David rolled his eyes and walked to the door, opening it. Mary-Margret walked out, waiting for him to close the door behind them. Once it was closed, he turned to her. " You know and I know there are some people our world will be better off without. "
" So you're saying we're going to abandon those people here to be trapped forever? " Mary-Margret frowned.
David sighed, " It's for the greater good. "
" Give me an example of who you would leave behind, " Mary-Margret crossed her arms over her chest.
David opened his mouth to speak but paused. He closed his eyes, " Spencer for one. "
" And? " Mary-Margret prodded. She couldn't argue with that. It would work against their efforts to repair the kingdom to have someone so destructive in their midsts.
David shook his head, " You won't like it. "
" Regina? " Mary-Margret asked.
" I'm not starting that fight with you again, " David put his hands up. " But not her. Someone worse. "
Mary-Margret gasped, " You want to leave Gold, don't you? "
" Mary-Margret... " David started.
" Is that why you agreed to accept him being with Emma this morning? " Mary-Margret asked. " Because you've been planning on leaving him behind? "
" Look, " David said sharply. " Either we leave him or lock him up when we get back home. Those are our only two options, Mary-Margret. "
Mary-Margret frowned and moved towards the door, turning back to David as she reached for the knob. " Think of a third one. I'm going inside to fix lunch. "
" I'll help, " David took a step towards her but stopped when she glared at him.
" I prefer you go to Granny's to think about it, " Mary-Margret replied. " I need some time of my own to think... Alone. "
With that, she opened the door and walked inside. She closed the door behind her and locked it. She knew David had a key but he also had enough sense not to push her. She stood with her back to the door, listening as David walked down the stairs...
A/N: Fear not, my little Snowings... Though David and Mary-Margret may be fighting right now, it'll be okay in the end. I just have to work to my way to that point.
