...Walk in and lift your blues...
Jade and jaded eyes bore themselves upon two overbearing grey doors. They don't twitch, blink, or move the slightest. Said eyes' owner herself holds on to her breath; relief is constricted from releasing from Emma Swan's lips that sits in the cruiser of the station's parking lot. It would be nice to say she was thinking of anything than nothing. But the blank of the blank spaced in her mind.
Sheriff Swan brings the engine to life and swerves off as discreetly as can. Aimless driving used to be calming but there was an urge to pace—she heads straight to the border meters away from the town sign and lets her thoughts battle away while she paces parallel to the border, pivoting every few steps. It's been longer than she can admit on how long she's been out of commission for work, never mind purposefully eschewing it as well. Just so many things were happening now than to solely worry about her service as sheriff. Well not many, she nods. Imperative changes in general. Only days ago she was relishing in the alleviation her token scarf had to offer along with the addition of a new friend for her and Henry. Now all of sudden they're mere boxes away from moving into Regina's mansion. Well hey, now there's privilege to be unspeakably near Regina's personals. That's a win.
Despite that though, it's the minuscule reasoning voice in the back of her head that's telling her otherwise. Like why the hell would she up and jump at chance to move her shit into someone's vacant—who's deceased—home and call it her own? That right there was invasive as hell and she's more than aware. The anxiety that's swelling in her is stopping at nothing to cause her to fret. Plus she's going back to work after self… inadvertent… suicide….
"God, that sounds horrible!" She bites the bed of her thumbnail and crosses her arms. Not just that too—oh hell, what else?!—but the whole conviction that there was someone who actually did commit attempted murder on the sheriff wasn't going to disappear like a blemish. Fuck no siree. This shit was going to scab and bleed. Then heal cos she'll somehow tamper with the evidence to lead the other deputies and her father astray. Thus effin' bleed again cos something sprung up with promising evidence and now shit!
"We're just poking at it with a stick! Aren't we?"
Her pacing increases with worrying etching on her face minutely. She's late, she knows that. Ah screw it though, she's got pity, so nobody really expects her to be one and up with the sun. "Game plan… I need a game plan…." Let's think how this will expectantly play out… I come in and greet the others. They show their shitty-pity faces and offer their condolences and constant queries if I'm fine to work today... "Which is false, of course." She reasons out with her chewed hand. But the question is how will I handle this? …like a freakin' wimp—no, no Swan! Negative thinking has not been promising lately. Unconsciously her hand suspends around where her incision scar is. Okay, okay… given you irrational state, don't approach this however you would. Go by someone else's demeanor.
"So… Mom? What would she do?" Her eyes set vacantly on a far point in the woods as she processes her answer. That's stupid actually, who would shoot Mom? Shit, forget it. She tambourines her hand to shake the thought off. What's that saying? What would Jesus do? Her weary eyes set upon the sky and just roam over the endless blue. Not much religion she can rely on, but the guy was wise, right? Righteous and truthful too, also humble…. No, no, no. Great guy, but no characteristics she felt she exempted lately, in fact the absolute opposite. She needs a 'what would... Grey do?' Like a… like a person who understands morality and virtues, but is apparently aware there's never an easy solution. Someone who knows: When at times you'll have to accommodate. Which was y'know, her, but… yeah.
"Wait! *snaps* Regina. What would Regina do?" First establish I'm an idiot. She abruptly stopped her pacing with her arms folded while biting her nail and jolting her leg. Well, she always had confidence. And paired with confidence is ownership I guess. So…, own up to what happened and continue on like it was nothing. Wear my armor, and tear it off behind closed doors. "But own up that I was shot…" her hand flicked back. "Not that it was self-inflicted."
Coward.
"Yep." Swan briskly jolts back to the cruiser and slams the door a bit harsher than anticipated. The result?
"Shit! I broke the window... will mom pay for this?" Most likely not. Yanking the door open while muttering curses for loose glass spilling over; Emma carefully steps out and backs a bit getting a good picture on the severity she caused.
"I have magic. I can fix this." Needless to say, her magic these days wasn't the speck reliable. Potency or power had nothing to do with. It was the barometer of emotions that changed course on willy-nilly whims. The sheriff was practically a walking hazard—a danger to herself and all. But what she did manage to control in these bleak Regina-less years was keeping these bawls of turmoil cupped. Armor was her entitlement. Keeping her true feelings and spite and hysteria at bay just long enough to pop it off the moment an ounce of privacy is provided was all her. That much she can take pride in.
Putting out her hands Emma screws her eyes shut and focuses on channeling the energy within her—or around her? It's been a while—to command on repairing the shattered remnants of glass back to the moderately dingy window it was. Although what is it she's supposed to zone in on? Magic is controlled by emotion, so should she feel neutral, or happy, or handyman-ish like she wants to fix something? There's no problem with the first or the latter, but that middle… is there a way to get a prescription of happy pills?
"Ok, focus." Once more she tries just focusing on the thing she's feeling most. While magic is emotion wouldn't it be wise to steer clear of—*!glass shatters!* ...anxiety?
"Aw, dammit!" Miraculously the front and back windows were intact. Those sides though.
"Forget it, I'm late" She this time slowly opens the driver's door and does same closing it.
By time she returns to the station exhaustion is already pumping in her. Resting her head on the steering wheel, she thinks back on how this will all play out.
David eyes his daughter and can't stop the churning in his stomach. He's been keeping a close eye on her movements lately back in the apartment they're cramped in. Even though he and Snow wanted to be there for Emma, they decided it's probably best to give her as much space as required. So they came up with a schedule where they both worked concurrent shifts day and early evenings. That way Emma would have the space she needed at the apartment with Henry and Hook, but every so often they would keep her company and just spend time as a family. Interactions were as normal they can get between the family, a little strenuous from the mother and son duo, although still good. Everything was good as far as it can get. Emma was still a bit closed off but welcoming to casual conversation. Also she was even showing more interest to her brother. Snow liked that. Henry…
His grandson was still on the fickle end. Albeit on the other end he was content. It was because of his new friend, Jay. Well actually him and Emma's friend. The older woman seemed to get along with the younger laid back one just as fine. David hasn't had a chance yet to have a full conversation with Jay, but from proof of the passable stability she brings on both Swan and Mills, he wasn't going to poke at it. Besides, she seemed like a nice girl. Mysterious too, he couldn't help but scratch constantly at that, but not a threat. If be, maybe with time he and Snow can be on the inside like she is with the other two.
Charming beelines over where the sheriff is—who's subtly thumping her head against the steering wheel—and knocks on —what the…?— forget it. Instead he bends over and peers into the glassless window watching her for a few seconds before interrupting. "Rough day already?" he raises his arm to shield the sunshine from his eyes.
Emma, with the ball of dread abruptly sinking in her from the unexpected intrusion, shoots straight up and sees her father who's eye-level to her. "Uh yeah," she flushes. "Just jittery behavior… like back-to-school nerves, y'know?"
"I wish I could say, it's hard to recall. Does wedding day jitters count?"
Ease ebbed into her from her father's response. "I wouldn't know, but yeah I guess…"
"Sweetheart, Hook?"
"What? Where?" She dismayed trying to see if her husband was... "Oh, right." She looks down at her ring finger that's dazzling a gemstone ring. "Forgot"
David stepped back opening the door for her. "How can you forget you're married?"
"You don't?" She countered while getting out.
"Eh… with someone like your mom, it's hard to try."
Well, you aren't married to Hook, "I bet it is. Think she'll help and pay for this?" she nods over at the cruiser.
"Want to tell me how that came to be first?" He slams the—
"No, wait! Don't—"
*!glass shatters!*
The blonde drops her head in defeat. David, awestricken, rounds to the back of the cruiser not believing the sheet of glass just there now shattered to sharp and cloudy jags.
"Right, I'll just…" sidling her way out Swan slips behind the station's grey doors.
Around the corner she is from facing her co-workers again this time really considering making a dash for it. What halted her were undiscerned murmurs happening steps from where she is.
"Do you think she'll like the banner? I don't think we should do the banner. No banner right? We're going bannerless people!"
Mom…?
"Of course we should do it; I put all my creativity and effort in it."
Snow gasped, "Lies! You were all nay to the idea of it."
"Yeah well although I don't fully agree on it I think it would be cool for Emma to see my artistic ability."
Another voice pulled in, "Guys I got her office all tidied up. Files chronologically placed, the new chair, the right amount of sunlight coming through the drapes—"
"You added drapes?" A grunted voice came, Leroy.
"Snow insisted on it," replied Ruby. "I thought it was a good idea too in case she gets a migraine…"
Tink butted in, "Wait do you think chronological is the way to go? What if she prefers by color order?"
"Oh! So because you Picasso-ed on the banner means you're an expert on color coordination?"
"They're all vanilla folders sister…"
"No, no. Snow bought a whole array of different colored folders. And to answer your question Snow: No. But everyone has their preferences," sassed the fairy.
"Hold up, hold up, hold up!" Ruby motioned. "...where is the broom? The cells need to be spotless in case she wants to lie down or take a nap." Footsteps were heard, probably in search of the broom.
"God, Ruby! She's not an invalid!"
"No, Ruby's right. My baby needs all the care she can get."
A furious blush crosses Emma while she awkwardly looks at the wall beside her.
The dwarf scolds, "You guys need to stop getting your panties in a wad. Let's just all act natural when she comes in and keep it normal. Normalcy is what's best right now."
"That… that is probably the most reasonable thing Leroy has said all day."
"…not to mention all week…"
"Look sister, it's not knowledge. It's knowing Emma."
"Which requires knowledge. Also paired with contribution. So what have you done to make her feel welcomed?"
"Easy-peasy…," bottles can be heard clinking.
"Oh hell no!" shrieks Ruby.
"Oh hell yes!" exclaims Tink.
"No, no, no. Put that away Leroy. You are not going to give my daughter beer on her first day back."
He fights back, "Or what? A banner and a flowery smelling office is the way to go? Pft!"
"I got her balloons…"
David rounds the corner looking at a notepad and twiddling a pen in his hand. "Right, so I estimated the cost for repairs of the windows and…" He came to her side and looked at her then what she was blanking at, "Ay… how much have you heard?"
"Of you or them?"
"Yep that 'bout sums it. Let me just give them a warning so they won't embarrass themselves."
"Anymore then they have?" She grabs his arm. "How about I just walk in and have the upper hand for once? See them scurry a bit."
David mulls over it for a sec then agrees. "I'll come in after you."
And so Emma Swan walked straight in where she saw four wonderful startled faces. Eyes bulging and silent; this is what she wanted. Though Leroy was the first to break the shock, "Beer?" he offered.
Snow swatted him. "Emma, honey I'm so glad you're here," she came in for a hug.
"Here cos you're my boss or genuine happiness?"
"Well of course the latter sweetheart," she squeezed her arms. She was going to say more until Tink spoke up.
"Well I'm for both. I missed your presence here Swan."
"Thanks Tink, and great job on the banner." Tink instantly brightens up while Snow rolls her eyes.
Ruby pipes up, "How much have you heard?"
"Enough to know I can take a nap in a clean cell whenever I like… and I got a new chair."
"So everything?"
"Not quite!" quirks Snow. "We got a whole fresh batch of bear claws and donuts for you from Granny's. Right, David?"
Said man instantly flusters, "Right, um… yes! I will go get them, which are in my car." His legs backtracked. "So uh, stay."
Snow pinched the bridge of her nose shaking her head. "He forgot them… I knew I should have—"
"Mom, relax. It was a nice gesture, honestly. I can wait for them."
"Ready to start some crime fighting again, Sheriff?" asks Ruby.
"You bet. And with all good crime fighting deals paperwork, so what we got?"
Ignoring the professionalism of their jobs, all three co-workers threw their heads back petulantly groaning on the one thing they share to hate, unlike Snow though, who giddies at the mentioned paper load. Surely Emma would be willing to drop them off herself at her office where they can chat and have lunch. Pure mother and daughter time, she happily sighed.
"Emma, dear, is there anything you need help with to get settled? I certainly don't mind if you need me here today sweetheart." She touched her daughter's arm to show her affection.
Swan became stiff at the thought that her mother would be here to monitor her all day, along with her dad. One parent is enough, and although she cherishes them she's not in the mood to speak much than required. It's just like that some days: one day she's smiling and feeling something of normalcy, the next she's a brooding cloud wishing she can stay in bed all day. Begrudgingly her day is bordering on the latter.
"No, that's okay. You go and run the town, I got it handled here."
Snow hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, yeah." She offers a tight lip smile. "If it makes you feel better I'll ring you in if anything comes up."
"That includes talking."
"No, yeah. Of course that can be included."
"It wasn't a question. Call me if you need anything, got it?"
"Got it." With that Snow shuffled out leaving her daughter be for the day.
Well that's a weight lifted. Still gotta deal with dad though... "Right!" She looked squarely at her team feeling some ounces of settlement within her. Maybe being productive will keep her dampening moods at bay. Hell, maybe she can actually have a good day. "I heard someone say they had balloons for me?"
Tink proudly beams, "Nah… what I meant covertly was helium. Couldn't downright say that to your mum though."
"You want to get high during work?"
"I want to get helium-ed after work. I got respect for my job still."
"And drunk. I wanna get drunk," chimes Leroy.
"You always want to get drunk Leroy," Lucas rolls her eyes and heads over to her desk pushing some papers out the way. "So, right to it so we can 'adult' later… There have been some petty thefts lately. Nothing high, just the natural." She hands Emma some reports.
"Lost boys?" she looks over at Tink.
"Only just. Some are regular rascals too. They've been defacing property as well."
"Yeah, you don't say. Killian said something about them tagging the mansion. Know anything about that?" she looks expectantly at them.
They all shift on their feet before gaining ground again, Leroy giving the details, "You got us there. But we'll track and sack 'em."
"Just find," corrects Ruby. "We'll find them Emma." She holds her friend's gaze longer than needed.
Is she trying to convey something? "'Kay then…. So that's all? Petty crime and property defacement?"
"Actually…" Tink rocks on her feet, "it's probably best we set up a town hearing since we haven't done that in a while. Let folks ask their questions, and display you out to show everything's fine."
"Why what's wrong?" Emma makes her way in her office sitting in her new chair. Oh shit, this feels amazing, and swivels so smoothly.
The other three follow her in with Leroy leaning in a corner and the other two women taking seats. But only edging on them as if they rather bolt.
"Nothing…" shies Ruby, "Just…" she takes an interest in her hands all of sudden.
Tink also stays quiet, but it's once again Leroy to dish out the info. By his rigid stance and drop of tone, it must be unsavory, "Just that the whole town heard of your accident, including Henry's. So not only are they frightened there's a murderer on the loose, but also that there are jumpers ready to pounce on them or their children like what happened to your boy."
The image of a blood masked Henry flashed in the blonde's mind only causing her face to blanch. It's been what? Two months since her and Henry's accident? On one note it felt like a lifetime ago. And because of the occasional company of Jay and sometimes Emma's deputies along with her and Henry trying to bond again, it seemed dreary on thinking that she capped herself. That would only bring depressing thoughts. On the other note, it's no help to feel it was that long ago with everybody else thinking there's a potential killer running around having the gall to pop someone like the Savior. Her and… Killian, she apprehends—though she will not ask him—know the truth.
"Yes, ok. Um Tink go ahead and set that hearing up. And Ruby, think you can step in and be my director of communications? I would if I could, but I don't think I'm up to writing something, let alone wing it and placate the town."
"You got it!" Both woman nod off and respectfully begin their assigned tasks.
"Anything special for me boss?" asks Leroy.
"See if you can round up the names of those who were tagging Regina's mansion. I want a good overview of their backgrounds and if they ever rammed horns with the station."
"Got it. And you? You'll be fine?"
"Yeah, yeah. Just hand in any papers needing my approval and don't be afraid to give me a shout if anything happens in the streets. Except Ms. Sonya, I don't want to deal with her."
"Tell me about it." He then lets the Sheriff be.
Whew! That felt… nice. Emma felt back in her element and it was more than refreshing. House arrest was a doozy, not that she was actually obligated to stay in the apartment, but she wasn't obligated to condone stares and whispers about her and Henry either. He was right, though, when she found him in that warehouse; hearsay here is annoying as hell, mostly if you're the sheriff or just in general in the Charming family. She doesn't know how Henry dealt with it.
"Oh, crap!" Her hand scoops up the phone and begins dialing the school's number. She remembers when she was released out the hospital that the school called, her parents answering, and recalling the school wishing their condolences and giving Henry all the time he needs to recuperate before he's ready to return. Also remembering her and Henry agreeing they'll both go back to the real world at the same time. He must've knew it benefitted him more than her given she was shot. His injuries were gruesome too and no need to dismiss traumatization for the both, but on some level he had to know that because she got shot that she'd be more unnerved than him. Well, she is and isn't—though that isn't his business.
The phone picks up with the office's secretary answering. "Yes, StoryBrooke High, how can I help you?"
"Uh, hi!" her parent voice drones in. Something like 'I care about my kid, but eat my shorts' to sum it up. Some calls required her authoritative sheriff voice, some just herself, and others she didn't care too much about. "This is Emma Swan calling here to regard of my son, Henry. Is there any way I can speak to the principal right now?" For sure no enthusiasm to speak to her again.
"Sheriff Swan! Oh, how lovely it is to hear your voice again. I hope you and your son had a relaxing recovery?"
"Yes, we did." she tightly smiles, leaning on her desk now. "So, the principal?"
"Oh, of course. Let me phone her in." The dial tone goes flat momentarily. Emma's eyes roam over her desk and the rest of her office. No kidding when Ruby was intent on things being tidy and nice when she herself arrived. Usually that was a Mary-Margaret thing, but Rubes had some qualities she shared with her mother. Even though she and Emma were good friends, Ruby was more of a cool aunt at times.
"Hello?" answers someone from the other line.
"Uh, yes, hi. This is Henry's mother calling."
"I know. It is truly great to hear your voice again Ms. Swan."
Emma's hand tightly coils around the handle of the phone while the other grips with dear life on her desk. Her nostrils flare with a harsh gust of air releasing and jade eyes squeezing shut for a moment. She's as stiff as a board letting the next of her words be enunciated and precise. "Please, Sheriff Swan or Emma will do just. I prefer it that way, ok?"
The principal squabbles realizing her screw up. "Y-yes! Oh, my dearest apologies Ms— I mean Sheriff Swan! Please forgive me."
Emma's whole demeanor deflates becoming lacked like it always has, but still she keeps her eyes softly closed and changes the tone of her voice dramatically to soothe the other woman. "No, no." she shakes her head. "It's not your fault, you forgot. I understand." The last thing she needs is for others to quiver and bow to her like she's a monarch when she loses her temper. Much like a certain brunette…
"Thank you, Emma." The line stays hushed for a beat. "You were calling about Henry, if I may?"
"Yes, yes." Swan pinches the bridge of her nose leaning back in her new chair. "It's about his re-enrollment… er, I guess his return. He's returning the beginning of next week; I wanted to give you a heads up.
"Indeed. We cannot wait for his return. I'll notify the school and personally his teachers."
"Great. Also…" she took a peek out on her co-workers floor. Everyone was to their own devices. She lowered her voice, "Um… a few things. First, I would really appreciate it if you and his teachers keep an eye out on him. He disclosed with me bullying issues he's encountered, the jump being the massive of them all."
"Yes, we're right on top of that. Our main focus for the following months is anti-bully awareness for elementary and high school. There will be plenty of education on this for the staff and students so it's a safe environment. Unfortunate tragedy it was for Henry, especially Tob—..."
Well hot damn. That was unexpected and fast. "Good… good. I'm glad to hear." She didn't interpret the last of what the principal said, probably nothing. "And I know this is kind of a far stretch and not my business, but I think it's known that Henry is sort of a loner… and so I was wondering if there was a Jay Bexton attending your school, and if so that somehow they have most of their classes sync up? She and Henry have been bonding some time now and I think it would benefit him to have a true friend in class, Sooo..." She absolutely feels like she's stepping out of bounds here, but it's for Henry's best interest. This is what actual mothering must feel like.
"I'd be happy to check for you," the principal responded, her voice hinting something. Immediately following were fast taps and a few clicks.
Emma was just sitting in her comfy chair feeling incongruous with her eyes looking at the fluorescent lights above her.
"Unfortunately there is no Jay Bexton in our attendance…. But I would be happy to meet with her parents to enroll her in so she can be paired with Henry. Can you set this up?"
"Erm… uh… yeeeaa. Positively. I'll get that down."
"Thank you Emma. We cannot wait to welcome Henry back and hopefully meet a new student. Not to mention we have a new guidance counselor with us."
"Really?" perked Emma.
"Why, yes! A Mr. Ahijah al-Barmaki…"
"Well can I have Henry see him on a weekly basis?" This might actually help Henry, maybe open to himself up more.
"Of course, I'll set that up. Will that be all?"
"Yes,"
"Actually—"
"Bye." Click.
A deep sigh escapes from her as she drearily wipes her face. Ok… how could she not know of Jay's parents first of all? Second, a counselor for Henry… he will more than likely resent this. That will definitely set a bump in the road. Third, that bullying awareness thing… wow. Talk about StoryBrooke getting with the times. And fourth, where the hell did this chair come from?!
Emma decides to take a little break and swivel round repetitively in her chair like any ordinary human. Calling the school about Henry got her feeling so useful that she thinks she will actually go and patrol out for a bit. Getting some air would be nice and maybe dropping by the apartment seeing how Henry's doing. Thinking about it though, she should probably disclose her move with her deputies. They do care about her and Henry and are considered family, regardless of her erratic behavior and wishes to be alone.
"Hey guys?" her voice rose. "I can trust that what I'll tell y'all won't leave this room?"
Contrary to how diligent they were to their work, at chance all three sprung and practically sprinted for the sheriff's office, Leroy closing it behind him, and resuming their spots from before.
"What's up boss?" asks Tink.
"I'm just Emma right now, and I want to know your opinions about something."
"Ok, shoot"
Blood drains abruptly from Emma's face from that word. She hurriedly regains herself.
"Well recently Henry had just asked if he, well we—him and Killian and I—can move into Regina's house. I mean, it is his, it's in the deed and he could have it all to himself turning 18. But I guess he has some trust that we can all live there and I'm wondering if it's a good idea to."
Leroy starts, "What do you think?"
"I think yes. It'll be good for him—"
"And you?" interrupts Ruby.
Emma shifts, "For both of us. I think we can both gain some form of definite closure from this. Of course with full respect from Hook and me towards the mansion. You know boundaries and all."
Ruby continues, "Do you see yourself staying there forever?"
"No. Whenever Henry is ready to have it to himself. I'm sure Hook and I can find something on our own."
"You're sure Henry's intent on having Hook there as well? Like, that's big…" rings Tink.
"It is, I agree. I made certain if he stood absolute, especially since we know his indulgence to Hook…"
"Indulgence?" Outbursts Leroy. "I'm still waiting for the day to come of him wailing on your husband's ass. Probably set fire to him."
"Leroy!" scolds Ruby.
"Nah," remarks Tink, "at least a good fist fight. I've seen contempt in that boy's eyes…" she shakes her head. "And not just towards Hook, sadly everything. Strangers, family, towards you Emma… he even gave me the stink-eye once. Nearly pissed myself." She crosses her legs with Ruby rubbing her shoulder.
"What we're trying to say Emma is that if you and especially Henry are on board its fine. But keep your eyes out between Hook and Henry. Something's bound to brew up between them. The older he gets, the bolder he is."
"So basically sister," Leroy advised, "get him to set those restrictions on the mansion so your husband won't intrude"
Tink absentmindedly says, "Men, they hate their stuff being tampered with."
"Misandrist?" butts in Leroy.
"No. You just haven't seen those Lost boys go batshit crazy when a toothbrush goes missing."
Emma can't believe what she just heard. Basically she got the easiest A-OK for her and Henry to move into the mansion with no worries tainting the place. But instead gets a full on warning to look out between a Henry and Hook fight impending in the future. Queasiness doesn't even begin the qualms her stomach is beginning. Fuck. So much soberness is going to be needed for this.
"So… just to make sure, I'm not like disrespecting Regina or anything?"
"Mm… no." Says Ruby, "You can handle yourself, and as long as it makes Henry fairly happy. I guess that's all we want really."
"Yeah," exclaims Tink with a hand resting on her head like she's been through something. "Cos if he's bleak, everything is. No offense, Emma."
She shakes her head, "None taken. He is the truest believer and the author."
"Yeah," pipes Leroy. "That alone should make his heart all rainbow-ish and shit."
"Mhmm," hums Rubes.
"Yeah, well," blows Emma swiveling again, "there's this new counselor at his school. Henry will go see him on a daily; hopefully this will cause some positive outcomes."
"Ooh! You mean that handsome tan guy with the cane?" asks Tink.
"Huh?"
"Oh, well I've seen him once or twice at the school. This one time with a red-faced pudgy man with this odd looking hat. And this other time, though it could be the same, with a real pretty miss about his color."
Emma perked in her seat all ears listening now. "Jay? That's the girl Henry and I been hanging with. That could be her father actually."
"Maybe. What's his name?"
Ruby chuckles, "And what? Ask him on a date?"
Tink flushes. "Oh c'mon! I'm the only single one here. It's not easy when there's a tab of Lost boys to keep at hand."
Empathy springs out for Tink from Emma. She reaches out to take her hand real quick, "And we know that Tink, we're sincerely thankful for you taking that up."
Leroy grunts his agreeance and Ruby hums rubbing her arm. "Also," goes Emma, "when's the last time you got laid?"
"Ohhhh!" The whole room goes.
Right then David knocks on the door giving a jump scare to everyone with his out-of-the-blue appearance and overly smiling face. Even poor Leroy is pressing against the wall for dear life.
"Oh shit David!" breathes Ruby holding her chest.
"I actually think I pissed myself," adds Tink.
The blonde calls out. "Come on in Dad," and tries to steady her heartrate as well.
"Hey guys, anything interesting going on?" he takes stand next to Leroy.
"Not much," says Emma. "Got those pastries though?"
"Ah, yes!" He goes to the main floor real quick and comes back with pastries.
Emma hums he approval, "Smells like love in the air." She takes a bear claw with the others helping themselves. "Ruby, your grandmother is going to get me fat…"
"With how famished you look? I actually think that's her goal now. She's supposed to bring something over to you later." She bites into her donut.
"Well keep 'em comin'" she stuffs.
"So!" began David. "Did you guys give her the overview of the case?"
Swan's mouth smacks from the dough in it. "Wa' case?"
The gorging the deputies were doing on their donuts instantly diminishes to quiet nibbles with eye aversions.
"What?" she nudges.
"We thought you give her the news," goes Ruby.
David blows out a breath and wipes at his stubble. "Right, show or tell?"
"Show."
"Tell."
"Both. I choose both," sours Tink. "One alone isn't enough."
Emma lowers her bear claw from her mouth and peers at her work family.
"Emma, just stay there. Leroy, help with the bulletin?" He nods over, Leroy following him. Not long they both enter in with an average sized bulletin/whiteboard. The whiteboard side she earlier saw and paid no mind to it. That bear claw isn't digesting too easily now. If it turns out what's it's going to be, Emma hopes her father at least adds some flair to make it entertaining and tolerable.
"Ahem." In a snap her carefree yet knightly father adopts the posture of a dedicated soldier and demeanor of an austere leader. If not for the actual shepherd background, his would've been presumed someone who went to Afghanistan. "Your whole family and friends are devoted and harsh on intent with the identity of your attacker—almost killer." He gave intense nod, like that sums it up in perfect words. "So we've been working hard with any bit of information we can get and it includes this."
He showed a covered bulletin with pictures of the warehouse, photos of the crime scene, and statements from some people on it. It even had some yarn tagging over, giving it an authentic feel.
Swan—who bit her bear claw—choked on spot, startling up. "What?!"
"Don't worry; we're trying to track Henry's attackers as well."
No, that's not what she was worrying about at all—which she should've been—but far from.
She thought she had time to come up with something. "Where'd you get all this?"
"Well technically with those unfortunate past deaths, we've gotten pretty good taking legit forensic pics." Tinkerbell factually said.
"Yeah…" agrees Leroy nodding, his voice lightening, "I'm actually proud of us."
"See the statements?" Pointed out Ruby, "Me and David took those."
What...
A slight trembling hand rakes her hair.
Dafuq?
"Uh… um… what… wh-who's in charge of this?" She sorts out swaying her hands, like she can't hold how much information they gave.
Charming easily answered, "Well that would be me."
"..."
"We were also biased if you should be included in the case or just stay victim, but we agreed if you're hard on intent catching them like us, then good."
"...⟃_⟄" is Emma's definite response.
Later
In a ⅚ windowless patrol car, sulking, and all alone is an Emma Swan.
She sits on the passenger side watching her father climb up a ladder trying to coo down Ms. Norbert's cat.
Different cat-lady.
A heavy breeze flows in all pathways of the cruiser and prickles Emma's skin more than necessary. She feels completely withdrawn from this world and is on cloud-9 paranoia; bordering to dysphoria. Time… is inescapable of course, but she thought she had some. Thoughts like there were gaps in her caprice to finagle this mess she made—the suicide-attempt-almost-succession-but-kind-of-still-succession that is. She reasoned that since Regina was actively there with her, kicking her ass and all, that she did die. It's as simple as that, she thinks.
Admittedly though that's not what's getting to her. She has Regina's scarf to thank for relieving her nerves. It was like her addiction. Actually, it is. But what keeps her insides swaying as a leaf blowing in the wind is on who figured that her near death wasn't what it's supposedly is? Million dollar question right there. That it was an act of weakness and confusion and loathing. If her parents knew—if Henry knew, it would ruin her. The cowardice award would be bestowed from Rumpel to her in front of everyone. She would be seen as something squalid, something exterrestrial because who does that? Who goes and kills themselves assuming right there in their lap that their child is well gone, so why not themselves? What only makes it repugnant is that Henry would've been fine but burdened with the news that his other—his only—actual parent is gone; fucking dead. He's a smart, intuitive well off kid and Emma couldn't be more proud of him regardless of his pissy moods and sardonic remarks, but he can't handle this fairytale bile himself. She can barely and she's supposedly the Savior, everyone's hero. How is that fair? How is it fair that her body would have been found with the gun perfectly slack-gripped in her hand only for Henry to assume that she truly didn't love him? Because that's how he's going to see it. That, what she thinks, is going to be tattooed, carved, and singed all over her body inside and out; UNLOVING MOTHER/WOULD RATHER DIE. God, that's ugly!
Emma grimaces her face shaking her head in denial.
She can't do that; she can't have anybody searching for the truth, least of all Henry. Going to hell and back again would be easier than unleashing that can of locusts. Not to mention her hell-and-back husband knowing what actually happened that night.
"Fuck!" she shivers tremendously from the harsh wind and thought.
No way is she going to ask her husband about that night. Hell, he didn't even bring it up, and she almost left him! The man she went to rescue from the mess she made and her difficulties of saying goodbye for, she almost left. And for what? To supposedly go be a happy family in a field of daisies with Regina and her son? Yeah, great fucking excuse Emma.
Nice, she scoffs; she's doing what she constantly did since Her majesty's death: berating herself.
Looking out the window to her left, she's not reminded of her pathetic reflection highlighting the imperfection she is. However that doesn't really help with the rearview mirrors above and beside her. Sometimes the quiet is violent, and she cannot stand it for another moment. Agitation and uneasiness are concocting within her and she desperately needs to expel it out. She needs something physical… like a run, those sporadic runs she do. Or maybe sex? They release endorphins… is as far she will think, not even approaching whom she'll have to do that with. Booze and possibly hysteria will need to mix for there being a chance to think of Hook as Regina again. Shit, what was she even thinking then? Fuck! What is she thinking now?
Oh fuuuck… she breathes out raking both her hands through her hair. "It's been what? Close to 2 months? We're bound to do it again…"
Having a game plan won't even work. Hook is usually insatiable always wanting to enact physical relations with her. Sometimes she can ignore it, shut it down. Other times she gives in; moreover, he just had a way to make her forget. To forget that their marriage is practically a sham but instead it's that spark of something they both noticed in the beginning and wanted to explore. More often than not she gets it over with to resume her sulking and bleak life. Sure, she can buy herself more time due to her accident; Hook took pity on her a bit more now (although it feels like he's patronizing her) and can be celibate longer. But it's bound to rise up clasping with temptation, sneaking up again, consuming her. Or good ol' guilt. Since she did actually… almost… left him.
Back on train of thought of her suicide now, great.
Emma peers out the glassless window again checking on the status of her father and the Norbert cat though sees nothing. She sticks her neck out looking both ways for him still coming up with nada. Where did he—
"Hey, Sheriff!"
"Oh shit—ah! Damn it!" she grinds out rubbing the back of her head.
"Yeah… reacted the same too when the curse broke." Granny gave.
"Which one?"
Granny stares ahead, "The one I can't remember a damn thing about a thing."
Emma clicks her tongue. "So all of them."
"Sounds 'bout right. So listen child, I got two things for you." She gestures to a bag from her diner. "First—"
"Food?" brightens Emma. Next to friends and family comes food that'll uplift her spirits some. "You don't disappoint."
"Have I ever?" she hands the bag through the driver's side window. "Also…"
"Hmm?" Already Swan is digging into a container of fries.
"I got a statement"
"Yeah… what for?"
"For your case. I think I've seen someone in my diner that looked like they cap one off. "
Ketchup squirts out the packet Emma directs her flinch into. So now there's five broken windows and ketchup on the ceiling of the car.
She needs to go at this like the authoritative figure she is. Sack up. (Taking the useless statement, not owning up to what she did)
"Um, yeah ok. Let me just…" she takes out a scrap of paper and finds a pencil. "Ok. Name?"
"Really?" The older woman looks over her glasses.
"No… it's fine. I got it." She writes 'Granny'.
"Right then, it happened not long ago, maybe this week, when I took this man's order."
"Man?"
"Why yes! Didn't you get a good look at him?" She does that intense stare again.
Poor subtly-fidgeting Emma shakes her head. She wants to go home now. Wants the day to be over so she can get helium-ed and drunk and tell Henry goodnight then unravel herself under her sheets. Maybe even let her husband hold her, just to be anchored to something.
"Well do you recall him being short?"
"Um, no? Average… average height I believe."
Granny's face glooms. "Shoot!"
The sheriff cringes.
"That'll do no good. The guy I saw was pretty stout."
"Really?" feigns Emma. "What did he look like? You know, just so I can cross check him," she shrugged.
"Ok. A bit short, red in the face like a teapot, portly and uh… those y'know?" She waved to both sides of her face close to her ears.
"Sideburns?"
The older woman nods her head. Emma jots it down already thinking of something to do with this info. "Have you ever seen him before?"
"No. Fairly new to me I guess. Then again there are some others in this town I probably never encountered. Even if it's a small town, Regina surely made it pretty big."
"Right you are. I'll go check this out with David."
"You have a good day you hear? And tell Henry he gets one on the house."
"I will. Thanks Granny," Emma nodded.
Only thing blinking in her mind is not giving this lead to David. Speaking of whom, where is—
"Hey, sweetheart."
"Oh! ssshhhrapnel," she clutched her chest. "You need to stop sneaking up on people like that!"
"Sorry," he empathized. "When I got the cat down it fled from me. So what's up? Was that Granny?" He started the engine.
Emma covertly balls the piece of scrap in her hand. "Nothing new. She was just saying hi and giving me this," she acclaimed to the takeout.
"Oh, ok. So listen…" he pulled the car out. They were on the road again. "I'll need to ask you some questions about that one night… and I'm not keen on holding it off. We'll do it at the station, if you're still up for it, 'kay?"
God no! I'm not okay with this.
In response she just shoves fries in her mouth.
Later
Faded.
From start of the day Emma Swan has gone through the usual toll of emotions that she's familiar with, only peace "Psh!" and quiet can offer their truest glory… (Drink)
"Alright… what's another cliché thought?" she huffed out. Everything is going to be ok. (Drink)
A commercial from the Bug's radio plays while her thoughts are elsewhere: Do you know somebody with anxiety and repeatedly going over thoughts? Who's impassive? Maybe they exempted mood swings, broken sleep patterns, fatigue, dramatic weight gain or loss, and/or is agitated and irritable often? Well they might be depressed. Depression is no joke.
"Henry and Hook will not get in a fight." (Double sip, Drink)
Ask your doctor if Xyaphronipiq is right for you…
"I can cover this case up." (Drink)
Pregnant women, druggie heads, and anyone under 23 and 7 months should not take Xyaphronipiq…
"Ok, one more…," she swigs from the beer bottle she snuck from Leroy back at the station. Regina… will come back… We'll have our happy ending… (Drin—)
Henry raps on the Bug's window squinting in, "Ma?"
Following was the out of the blue jump Swan's heart did. Emma switches the lock off signaling Henry to take a seat in the car, chugging the little left in her bottle and fixing her appearance. There wasn't anything Henry hasn't seen, but still she's his mother. Having rolled down the window, the blonde internally prepared herself for the scowl her son was just itching to give her.
No, literally she can see him squirming and looking to and fro from the beer bottle to her.
"Go ahead, say it," she pushed. It was no joke when she thought of the toll of emotions that ran through her today. First it was anxiety, then surprise from her deputies, next a bit of relief—those two "I got my life together" seconds—then came the fall with lots of jitteriness and dread. Feeling like a piece of shit from Henry wasn't written in for today, but she's a bit faded from today's hoorah, so what.
Henry just stares at his mother and with his might shoves away the scowl he wants to give her. Instead, he just shrugs. "So?"
This catches Emma off, "Huh?"
He rolled his eyes, "So…? How did it go today?"
"Um…," she drawls, "fine? Like… yeah, no. Everything went fine I guess."
He cocked his head letting a little quiet seep between them. Hopefully Emma had no quarrels with dumbasses today, he thinks. Hopefully Emma didn't act like one…. He knew that was ill to think, but he had seen her have cat troubles once or twice before, so. "How'd you like your new chair?" he then broke.
"Chair…? Oh, yeah! It was really comfortable." Her shifts, "I meant to ask where it was from."
"Mom." he easily answered.
"What? I'm right here." said she waving to herself.
He harshly sighs, "No, Emma. Mom. Regina," a wince follows his words. Weird calling his mother by her actual name. "Do you even care?"
Before she could answer, that faintness she was experiencing forthwith smacked into a wall. Realization dawned to her that it was indeed Regina's chair that was in her office now. Now with that out the way, "Of course I care! For you and her—definitely. So don't say crap like that. Alright?"
His head turns away, "Yeah… fine, sorry. Did you guys find your assaulter?"
She really wishes that fade would come back now. "Um, no. We got a lead though… but um," she swallows, "did you talk to David about that one night? Gave him any information for the case I mean?"
Henry reaches for the nape of his neck and says, "Yeah. Just… he's rather a bully."
"What? Did he hurt you?"
"No, no. Just keep an eye on him. He's really serious on catching the douche, but just…," he shook his head. Moreover that's one of the reasons Henry despises him a bit.
Emma, on the other hand, is perplexed by this. Her father doesn't abuse his power, does he? She thinks of any other times he seemed aggressive but can't recall it. It actually seems a bit redundant. "Really? He's hell bent finding your jumpers too."
"...whatever…" he turns his head. It's not like she would listen to him.
"By the way," she starts. This is a good time to inform him of school, also a distraction from herself and her dilemma. "You got school next week, so…."
Henry sucks his teeth. Can't complain much really, he and Emma had a deal.
"Also that," she points to his hair, "needs a cut and more. I want it just black again."
Still silent. Either he silently agrees on some level, or really doesn't want to complain on something petty.
"And…" oh god, Emma, she thinks while inhaling a nerve wrecking breath. This will make or break her… who is she kidding? She'll break cos well… see here. "You will go and see the new counselor on a daily."
"WHAT?!"
She winces vastly. Hello, Henry's wrath. Like dead-mother like son. Well—
"I thought it would be good for you," she reasoned.
"Well obviously you don't know anything about me!" erupted he. "Why… why would you do that? I don't have issues."
Mm. "I thought—"
"You thought of shit!" he blew out. "Huh? Shit. Pure utter shit."
Honk! goes the horn as she smacks it channeling her fury. Emma turns so fast in her seat she might've got whiplash. "NO! Your attitude is shit! I'm tired of… Of… dealing with it! I am the adult here; you're mother and you will abide by what I say! You're going back to school. You're getting your hair cut—"
"But—"
"Shut up!" she hissed. "Keep it the length you want, I don't care, but I want the dye out. Got it?"
"…yeah...," Henry lamed.
"And we're both going to counseling…"
"But you just said—"
"I know what I said, but you're getting double! School and Archie. That's final. I'm done with secrets and loathing being held between us. You wanted a fresh start, a fresh fucking start we get. Yay." she jazzed her hand.
Naturally he slouches and tries to avert his attention elsewhere. For the sake of Emma not hinting his disappointment he sassed. "Fine. Oh by the way: I hate your husband."
"Uh-huh. Save that for the counseling." Up and out the car she does, leaving her disappointed son to his own irritability and thoughts. Getting hammered and heliumed sounds about nice right now.