Both Regina and her adopted son head for the door. Emma and Melissa walks in just before they get a chance to leave.
"Henry." Emma said
"What happened?" Melissa asked them
"Miss Swan, must I remind genetics mean nothing. You're not his mother and it's all been taken care of." Regina said
"I'm here because of work." Emma said
"Oh, that's right. Go on – do your job. Take care of those miscreants." Regina said
Regina and her adopted son leave the store.
"Did you call their parents?" Melissa asked Mr. Clarke
"Uh, the number they gave me was disconnected." Mr. Clarke said
"Did you guys give Mr. Clark a fake number? (Ava and Nicholas shake their heads.) Then why's it disconnected?" Emma asked both Ava and Nicholas
"Cause our parents couldn't pay the bill." Ava said
"You guys were just trying to help out, huh?" Melissa asked both Ava and Nicholas
"Please – please don't arrest us. It will just make things worse for our parents." Ava said
"We're not going to arrest you. You two were just trying to help out. (Melissa talking to Mr. Clark) Mr. Clark?" Melissa asked again
"Yes Deputy Flair" Mr. Clarke said
"Sheriff Swan and I would like to pay for those." Melissa said
"But...uh..." Mr. Clarke said as Melissa interrupted his sentence
"They were just trying to help." Melissa said
"Fine" Mr. Clarke said
Both Emma and Melissa pulls up to Nicholas and Ava's house.
"This it?" Emma asked both Ava and Nicholas
Ava nods. Both Emma and Melissa takes off their seatbelt and goes to get out of the car, but Ava stops them.
"Please, no. If our parents see you, they'll be so embarrassed." Ava said
"Did Henry tell you about my superpower?" Emma asked again
"We just met him." Ava said
"I have the ability to tell when anyone is lying. Tell me the truth – money problems aside, is everything okay at home?" Emma asked again
"Yeah, we're great. Can we go?" Ava asked both Emma and Melissa
"Alright." Emma said
Both Ava and Nicholas get out of the car with a bag of stuff and go up the stairs of the house. They stop at the front door, turn around, and wave at Emma. Emma drives off. Melissa notice Emma's look.
"I know that look. You don't believe them, do you?" Melissa asked Emma
"Nope. And I think I know what's going on." Emma said
Both Margaret and Emma head to the kitchen. Ava and Nicholas head up there to investigate, they end up finding those two.
"Why'd you guys lie to us?" Melissa asked both Ava and Nicholas
"Where are your parents?" Emma asked again
"We don't have any." Ava said
At Mary Margaret's apartment.
Ava and Nicholas are eating at the table. Emma and Mary Margaret talk off to the side. Melissa holding her daughter while Emma is looking at their file.
"Do you know them? Do they go to your school?" Emma asked Mary Margaret
"I've seen them, but… I had no idea. None of us did." Mary Margaret said
Emma opens the file she's holding.
"Ava and Nicholas Zimmer. They said their mother was a woman named Dory Zimmer. She died a few years ago. No one seems to know her or remember her." Emma said
"And the father?" Mary Margaret asked Emma
"There isn't one. At least not one that they know." Emma said
"What does, uh… What does Social Services say? (Emma gives Mary Margaret a look.) You and the Melissa didn't report them." Mary Margaret said
"If we report them, we can't help them. They go into the system." Emma said
"The system that's supposed to help." Mary Margaret said
"Yeah, the system I knew and was in for sixteen years. Do you know what happens? They get thrown into homes where they are a meal ticket – nothing more. These families get paid for these kids and as soon as they're too much work, they get tossed out and it all starts over again." Emma said
"But they're not all like that." Mary Margaret said
"All the ones I was in." Emma said
"What? We're just going to adopt them?" Mary Margaret asked
"No. We're not. We've thought another way." Melissa said
"How?" Mary Margaret asked again
"Looking for their father. They don't know him. He may not know they exist." Emma said
"And you think if he knows, he'll want them?" Mary Margaret asked again
"Don't know. But what I do know, is it's hard enough finding foster families to take one kid that isn't theirs, let alone two. It's their best shot, or-" Emma said as Ava interrupt her sentence
Ava is crying.
"We're going to be separated?" Ava asked them
"We're not going to let that happen." Melissa said
"Please – please don't let it." Ava begged
Both Emma and Melissa enters the office of Mr. Krzyszkowski.
"Excuse me. Mr…Krzyszkowski?" Emma asked
"Yeah, it's Krzyszkowski. Everyone calls me K." Mr. Krzyszkowski said
"Mr. K. I am Sheriff Swan and this is Deputy Flair. We're hoping to look at the birth certificates of Ava and Nicholas Zimmer." Emma said
"Alright, just, uh, fill out this form – in triplicate." Mr. Krzyszkowski said
Mr. Krzyszkowski pulls out three identical forms.
"Ok." Melissa said
Both Emma and Melissa starts to fill out the forms, while Mr. Krzyszkowski looks through a filing cabinet.
"I'm so sorry. Those documents have been recently removed." Mr. Krzyszkowski said
"By who?" Melissa asked in confusion
Regina's office.
"Don't worry. Both of you can relax. I've contacted Social Services. Turns out these kids are on their own. They need help." Regina said
"Which is exactly what we're trying to do." Emma said
"We're trying to find their father." Melissa said
"Well, he doesn't exist." Regina said
"Bull." Melissa said
Regina hands Emma a file.
"He has to." Emma said
Emma opens the file. The Father section of the birth certificate only has 'Unknown' written in it.
"Well, of course, biologically, he exists. But there's no record of him. Which means we have no choice – these children need a home, so they will be put into the foster system." Regina said
"Storybrooke has a foster system?" Emma asked Regina
"No, but I've contacted the state. Maine's group homes, unfortunately, are filled. But they put us in touch with two homes in Boston – a boy's home and a girl's." Regina said
"They're separating them?" Emma asked again
"I don't like it, either. But we've got no choice. Miss Swan, you need to have them in Boston tonight." Regina said
"Why Me?" Emma asked again
"Well, you wanted to be Sheriff." Regina said
"Actually, she wanted me to become Sheriff. I said she should be sheriff." Melissa said
"Right. And this is what sheriffs do." Regina said
"Deputies can do that, not a Sheriff." Melissa said
"Well I'm choosing Sheriff Swan on this case. So, yeah she's taking them." Regina said
"But me and Emma made a promise to them that they wouldn't be separated." Melissa said
"Well then, perhaps the two of you should stop making promises you can't keep. These children need a home. I'm just trying to find the best one." Regina said
Sheriff station.
Both Emma and Melissa have a pile of files and papers on the desk, which they're sorting through. Henry, who has his book, enters the room.
"Any luck?" Henry asked both his mother and Melissa
"No." Emma said
Henry puts the book on the desk and flips through it.
"I know who they are. They're brother and sister, lost, no parents – Hansel and Gretel. Anything in there about the dad?" Henry asked again
"Just that he abandoned them." Emma said
"Great. Sounds like a familiar story. Whoever this guy is, he could be in Laos by now." Melissa said
"No, he's here." Henry said
"Just how do you know that?" Emma asked her son
"Cause no one leaves Storybrooke. No one comes here, no one goes. It's just the way it is." Henry said
"Both of us came here." Melissa said
"Because Emma's special and for you. I don't know anything about you. The both of you are the first strangers here – ever." Henry said
"Right – I forgot." Emma said
"Well, if he's around here anywhere, We're going to find him." Melissa said
Henry looked at his mother.
"Can you tell me about him?" Henry asked his mother
"I don't know anything yet." Emma said
"Not their father – mine. I told you about your parents and now, you're even living with your mom." Henry said
Melissa pretends that she doesn't know who the father is.
"Mary Margaret isn't… She's… Never mind." Emma said
"Please?" Henry asked again
"I was pretty young. I'd just gotten out of the foster system and the only job I could get was at this twenty four hour diner just off the interstate. And, um… Your dad was training to be a fireman. He always got the worst shifts, so he'd come in and order coffee and pie and sit at the counter and always complain that we didn't sell pumpkin pie. But he always came back the next night anyway." Emma said
"Did you get married?" Henry asked again
"Oh, no. Nothing like that. We just… We hung out a few times outside of work and…life happened. His got better and mine got worse and… I got into some trouble." Emma said
"And you went to jail." Henry said
"Yeah. Before I went, I… I found out I was pregnant with you. And I tried to contact him, and I found out that he died saving a family from a burning apartment building. So, you think I'm a savior, Henry – he was. Your father was a real hero." Emma said
Only Melissa and Emma knows the real story.
"Do you have anything of his? Something you can remember him by. Something I could see." Henry said
"I… I don't. Henry, I'm sorry." Emma apologized
"Emma and I have to go. We know how to find this guy." Melissa said
Ava and Nicholas are eating cookies at Mary Margaret's apartment.
Emma comes downstairs with a box. While Melissa is watching Jenna playing with her toys.
"I want to show you guys something." Emma said
Emma pulls a blanket out of the box.
"What's that?" Nicholas asked Emma
"It's my baby blanket. It's something I've held onto my whole life. That's the only thing that I have from… From my parents. I've spent a lot of time with a lot of kids in your situation, and all of them – all of us – we held onto stuff. Me and Melissa are going to find your father, but we need your help. Is there anything of his you've held onto?" Emma asked both Nicholas and Ava
"I might have something. But if I give it to you, you'll make sure we stay together, right?" Ava asked Emma
"Right. (Ava pulls a compass on a chain out of her pocket and hands it to Emma.) A compass." Emma
"Our mom kept it. She said it was our dad's." Ava said
"Thank you." Emma said
"Did you find them?" Ava asked again
"Who?" Emma asked
"Your parents." Ava said
"Not yet. But we're going to find yours." Emma said
Both Emma and Melissa enters Mr. Gold's pawn shop. Gold is at the counter polishing a lamp.
"How lovely to see the two of you. I'm flattered the two of you take time off of your busy schedule. What could I do for you, Sheriff Swan and Deputy Flair?" Mr. Gold asked both Emma and Melissa
"We're looking for information on this old compass." Emma said
"Any idea where it could have come from?" Melissa asked Gold
"Well, well. Look at the detail. You know, this is crystal. This jeweled setting… In despite the rather unfortunate shape it's in, this is actually a very unusual piece. The person who owned this obviously had great taste." Mr. Gold said
"And where would someone like that buy it?" Emma asked Gold
"Right here, of course." Mr. Gold said
"You know him?" Melissa asked again
"Indeed. A piece like this is difficult to forget." Mr. Gold said
"Do you happen to remember who bought it?" Emma asked again
"Well, I'm good with names, Miss Swan, but maybe not that good. However, as luck would have it, I do keep quite extensive records. (Gold walks over to a small filing cabinet on the counter and looks through it.) And… Yes, here we are." Mr. Gold said
He pulls out an index card. However, he doesn't read it to both Emma and Melissa.
"What's your price?" Melissa asked again
"Forgiveness." Mr. Gold said
"How about tolerance?" Melissa asked again
"Well, that's a start. The compass was purchased by a Mr. Michael Tillman." Mr. Gold said
"Anything else?" Melissa asked again
"Just a name. But I generally find that's all that one needs. Good luck with your investigation." Mr. Gold said
Both Emma and Melissa leaves the shop.
Both Emma and Melissa has found Michael at a garage, where he works as a mechanic. He reads the kids' file and looks at their pictures.
"Not possible." Michael said as in disbelief
"Actually, it is." Emma said
"Well, I'm sorry, but Dory – she wasn't my, um… It was just once." Michael said
"Sometimes, that's all it takes." Melissa said
"I met her when I was camping and we, um… No. It's not possible. I don't have twins." Michael said
"Yes, you do." Emma said
"You have twins that have been homeless ever since their mother passed away. You have twins who have been living in an abandoned house because they don't want to be separated from each other." Melissa said
"You have twins who are about to be shipped off to Boston, unless you step up and take responsibility for them." Emma said
"Look – I can barely manage this garage. I can't manage two kids. And why are the two you so sure they're mine?" Michael asked both Emma and Melissa
"Besides the timing…" Melissa said
Emma pulls out the compass.
"Have you ever seen this?" Emma asked Michael
"I lost this." Michael said
"Let me guess – twelve years and nine months ago? I know it's a lot – believe me, I know. A month ago, a kid showed up on my doorstep – I gave up for adoption – asking for help with…something. And I ended up moving here for him." Emma said
"I heard about that – it's the Mayor's son. But staying in town is… It's a lot different than taking him in." Michael said
"I don't have my kid because I don't have a choice. You do. Those kids did not ask to be brought into this world. You brought them into this world – you and their mother. And they need you." Emma said
"If you choose not to take them, you are going to have to answer for that every day of your life. And sooner or later, when they find you - because believe me, they will find you – you're going to have to answer to them." Melissa said
"I'm really sorry. I am. I don't know anything about being a dad." Michael said
"There was someone I know who wasn't ready to be a dad. And to be honest - he still wasn't ready. He thought he was, but he's not right now. All he ever does, is leave." Melissa said
"If it's a good home you're looking for, it's not with me." Michael said
Emma, Melissa, and Mary Margaret meet outside.
"He doesn't want the kids." Emma said
"You and Melissa don't want to tell them." Mary Margaret said
"We can't. I mean, we're giving them false hope." Melissa said
"The truth can be painful, but it can also be cathartic." Mary Margaret said
"I agree with the painful part." Emma said
"Well, hey, look – Emma, you told Henry the truth that his father's dead and he's handling it great." Mary Margaret said
"I didn't tell him the truth." Emma said
"What?" Mary Margaret asked Emma
The Melissa still pretending like she doesn't know anything about Neal.
"Henry's father was no hero and trust me – he does not need to know the real story. Maybe we can hide the kids. Just until we can find a family for them. Someone to take care of them." Emma said
"Yes, hiding the twelve year olds is a good plan." Mary Margaret said
"You have a better idea?" Emma asked Mary Margaret
"Emma, maybe there isn't an idea." Mary Margaret said
"Mary Margaret, if we do that then Regina wins." Margaret said
Regina approaches the three of them on the sidewalk.
"Sheriff. Shouldn't you be on the interstate?" Regina asked Emma
"What are you doing here?" Emma asked Regina
"Making sure you and Deputy Flair doing your job." Regina said
"You know, you don't have to check up on me or Emma. We know what we have to do." Melissa said
"Really? Because those kids are supposed to be in Boston tonight." Regina said
Emma, Melissa, Ava, and Nicholas are next to Emma's squad car, while Regina and Henry watch from a distance. Emma opens the door to the car and gestures for them to get in.
"Come on. It's going to be… Here. (Emma gives Ava back her compass.) I'm sorry, but we got to go." Emma apologize
Both Ava and Nicholas get in the car. As do Emma and Margaret.
"Let's go, Henry." Regina said
Regina puts her hand on Henry's shoulder, but he shrugs her off and runs over to Emma's window.
"No, you and Melissa can't take them! They can't leave Storybrooke, Emma! They can't. Something bad will happen." Henry said
"Something bad has already happened." Emma said
"I'm sorry." Margaret apologize
Emma, Melissa, and the kids drive off.
They driving along the road that leads out of Storybrooke. Suddenly, the car starts slowing and the engine starts malfunctioning. They pull off on the side of the road.
"You've got to be kidding me." Emma said
"What happened? What's wrong?" Ava asked Emma
"Engine's stalled." Emma said
"Who are you calling?" Ava asked again
"Help." Emma said
Melissa shows a little smile cause she knows what Emma is going to do.
Both Melissa and Emma are waiting for help outside of the squad car, while Ava and Nicholas sit in the back seat.
A tow truck pulls over to assist them. Michael, gets out of the truck. He sees Ava and Nicholas, who are looking out the back window of the car.
"Those are them." Michael said
"Those are them." Emma said
"And your car – it's fine?" Michael asked both Emma and Melissa
"We just wanted you to see 'em. Just once. We didn't think that we could do it, either." Melissa said
"I gave up Henry because I wanted to give him his best shot. When I saw that he didn't have it, I couldn't leave. I was just as scared – more, probably. But once I saw him, got to know him, I couldn't go back." Emma said
"The two of you were taking them? To Boston." Michael said
"We don't have to." Melissa said
"No, you don't." Michael said
Michael walks up to the side of the car, where they roll down the window.
Emma is reading her file in the car. One article reads 'Still no leads on deadbeat parents – baby Emma remanded to foster system' and another reads '7 year old boy finds baby on side of road'. Henry walks up to the car with a box in hand. Melissa walking her daughter in a carriage and spots both Emma and her son.
"Give me that." Emma said
Emma takes the box of pie.
"What you did – with Ava and Nicholas – you really are changing things." Henry said
"Well of course she is." Melissa said
"You've been here a few months and we don't know your parents." Henry said
"I was in the foster system as well. Found out that my friend died. I had to go back their for the funeral. My parents moved me in the system in Durham when I was born. I felt more alone then ever. My memories were forgotten. Both of my biological parents never told me. Never told me that I was there daughter. Never told me that my friend Elena was my fraternal sister." Melissa said
"So, how did you know that she was your sister and that they never told you?" Emma asked Melissa
"I found birth records. Listed that she was my sister and John and Isobel were my parents." Melissa said
North Carolina, Durham Past.
Foster system.
June 1, 2009.
Melissa was looking for her birth parents on the computer.
"Damn it." Melissa said
"Sounds like you need help." Girl said
A voice behind her with blonde hair and age 21.
"Who're you?" Melissa asked the girl
"I'm Lexi." Lexi said
"Aren't you a little old for the foster system? (Lexi given her a look.) Sorry. That was rude." Melissa apologized
"It's ok. So you're looking for your parents?" Lexi asked Melissa
"Yes. I mean...I just wanted to know why did they give me up at birth. That's what I would like to know. I've checked records and nothing." Melissa said
"That is strange." Lexi said
"No name. Nothing. Although they've told me that they were from Mystic Falls." Melissa said
"I can help with that." Lexi said
"How? (Lexi shows Melissa her vamp face with veins under her eyes and she is surprised. She's not freaking out.) What are you?" Melissa asked again
"I'm a vampire. I don't kill people. But I can compel them." Lexi said
"Is that like mind control?" Melissa asked again
"Yes it is." Lexi said
"So you can get me out of here?" Melissa asked again
"Yes." Lexi said
Melissa smiles.
Lexi compels the whole foster system to forget about Melissa. They took off with a car with black windows.
"How come you have black windows?" Melissa asked Lexi
"Most of the vampires have daylight rings." Lexi said
"Which means you don't?" Melissa asked again
"No I don't." Lexi said
"I get it. Like UV rays can't penetrate." Melissa said
"That's right." Lexi said
3 hours now.
Mystic Falls
"So I meet a guy name Stefan Salvatore who's your friend and..." Melissa said as Lexi finishes her sentence
"And you need to go to school and find some friends. Hang out with them. Also, find your parents." Lexi said
"Most of all. Don't tell him that you're in town until his birthday." Melissa said
"Yep that's the plan." Lexi said
"My birthday is coming up this month." Melissa said
"I know. I can't come just yet." Lexi said
"Oh." Melissa said
Melissa looked disappointed.
"Cheer up. Ok. You'll get your answers." Lexi said
"I guess so. But what about the other brother? Damon?" Melissa asked Lexi
"Stefan won't let anything happen to you." Lexi said
Storybrooke Present
The sound of an engine is heard in the distance. A man on a motorcycle turns the corner and parks across from Emma and Henry. There is a large wooden box on the back of his motorcycle. Melissa notice the motorcycle and she realize that August was on it. He takes off his helmet and approaches them.
"Hi." August said
"Hey." Emma said
Melissa just go with it. Pretending that she doesn't know him. Same as August.
"Hi" Melissa said
"Is this Storybrooke?" August asked them
"Yeah." Emma said
"Any place to get a room around here?" August said
"Uh, you're staying?" Henry asked August
"That's the plan. Just looking for a bed." August said
"Granny's Bed and Breakfast is just up the road. I live there. But it's another two blocks." Melissa said
Melissa was giving August directions
"Thank you." August thanking Melissa
August turns around and walks back to his motorcycle.
"Hey, I didn't catch your name." Emma said
"Well, that's because I didn't give it." August said
August drives off, leaving them alone.
"I thought you said strangers don't come to Storybrooke?" Emma asked her son
"They don't." Henry said