And we're back!

Storybrooke

My hair was still dripping as I walked back into town with Ruby. Her hand was tightly holding mine, and she had a bright smile covering her face.

It was dark when I walked her up to the Bed and Breakfast. The two of us had spent the whole afternoon alone in the woods, swimming, talking and laughing. For a few moments, I had even forgotten about the curse, and it was just me and Red, but then I would have the bitter realization that it was still Ruby, and not Red.

I avoided souring my mood too much however. I felt disappointment lean on me as I released Ruby's hand on the porch. "Well, I made it home in one piece" Ruby said, smiling at me. "I had fun today Matt."

I smiled back at her. "So did I Ruby." I heard a window open above our heads. Both of us looked up to see Granny staring down at us. I raised my hand. "Hi" I said, waving pathetically.

"And where were you two kids off to?"

"No where important" Ruby bit back. "Go away!" I looked at her, surprised by the genuine displeasure in her eyes. If I had needed another reason to break the curse, it would be to make the two of them civil to each other. Ruby looked at me. "I gotta go Matt."

I nodded. "I'll see you later then." I turned to leave, but a hand grabbed my collar and yanked me back towards Ruby. I didn't object to her kissing me, though I had to admit some fear that Granny might hurt me. She was very protective over her granddaughter. Ruby released me, and I felt myself turning a little red again. The woman went through the door, and I sighed, glancing up against at Granny's face in the window. "Please don't shoot me with your crossbow" I whimpered softly.

I pulled out the keys to my car. I whistled softly as I swung them around my finger. I was interrupted by my phone ringing in my pocket. I picked it up, placing it against my ear. "Hello?"

"Is this Mathew Woods?" A male voice asked.

"Yes. Who's this?"

"This is Dr. Whale. You are listed as Sherriff Graham's emergency contact."

My knuckles whitened as I gripped my car. "What happnened?"

"I would rather discuss this face to face." Whatever had happened to Graham, it was bad, and I felt a chill run down my back. "Mr. Woods?"

"I'm on my way." I managed. Quickly I unlocked and got into the Impala, not bothering to signal as I drove towards the hospital.

The car wasn't quite in the parking spot, but I would manage. I rushed through the double doors, startling the receptionist. "Sheriff Graham, where is he?"

She paled. "The sheriff was never checked in-"

"Then why did I just get a call-"

"Mr. Woods" I turned to see Dr. Whale. "I regret to inform you, but the Sheriff suffered a heart attack at the station. He was dead on arrival."

I stared at him, sure that I must've misheard. "Graham's…dead?" I asked. The doctor nodded.

"I am sorry for your loss."

I ran a hand through my hair. How did this happened? Graham was completely healthy! But… he didn't have his heart. Regina killed him. I turned towards the door, intent on tracking down Regina, but I saw Emma standing outside the hospital, and she looked so lost.

I walked outside. The woman didn't seem to notice me right away, and I noticed the tears that were on her face. "Emma" My voice was quiet, but she still jumped a little. "You were with him." It wasn't a question. I stepped towards her, and after a moment of hesitation I pulled her into a hug. "I'm so sorry." I told her.

Emma was stiff, but she didn't pull away from me immediately. And when she did, it was a slow withdrawal back into her shell. I glanced at the parking lot, not seeing her car or the cruiser in the lot. I turned back to the blonde. "Come on, I'll drive you home."

As expected, the drive was silent. Emma didn't want to talk to me, and I wasn't going to force her. I parked outside the home she shared with Mary Margret. Emma got out, and I decided to follow her in.

Mary Margret was sitting at the counter, clearly waiting up for Emma. She was smiling, until she saw our expressions. She stood, walking towards us. "What happened?"

I looked at Emma to see if she was going to say anything, but she walked pass Mary Margret and went to her room. M&M was forced to turn to me for answers. "Graham's dead." I said softly.

Mary Margret covered her mouth in surprise. "Matt, I'm so sorry. I know that you two were friends"

I shrugged. "It doesn't matter." I looked in the direction that Emma had disappeared in. "But I think that Emma's gonna need you."

"Matt-"

"I'll be okay Mares, I just need time to…process what happened."

She grabbed my arm. "Please, just sit down for a minute." I shook my head. "Mathew, I don't think you should be alone, not right now. You just lost a friend."

"I'll be fine." I opened the front door.

"Matt, please just don't, just don't be alone. You should talk to someone, even if it's not me."

I hesitated in the doorway. Finally, I nodded, then walked back outside. She probably had a point, I didn't want to be alone right now. I may not have been close to Graham, but I had memories, and they may have been false, but that didn't make them feel any less real.

I got into the driver's seat of my car. Slowly I pulled out, and started to drive towards Granny's.

I opened the door to the Bed and Breakfast. The lights were off, but I could still see well enough to navigate up the stairs towards Ruby's room. There was a bit of light coming under the door. She must not have gone to sleep yet.

I knocked lightly, and I heard the movement of cloth against cloth. The door opened. Even though she was ready for bed, Ruby was still beautiful. Her nightgown was lightweight and low on her body. "Matt?" She yawned. "What is it?"

I felt my throat get dry when I tried to speak. "Graham…he had a heart attack." Ruby's eyes widened.

"He-he's dead?" Ruby grabbed my shoulder. "Come in" She said. I let her lead me into the room. She closed the door quietly behind me, and then wrapped her arms around me. "I'm so sorry Matt."

I let her hug me as a few tears came from my eyes. My good day had turned around and slapped me across the face, leaving me to wonder who else Regina would hurt in order to keep the curse intact.

And this is why I was nice to Jay in the last chapter. Because now, we lost our lovely Sheriff.