The last two days have sucked.
In fact I would say this has been one of the worst few days of my life.
I have been fired.
I'm not even sure how that happend, but I was on my way to my first class when I was called into a meeting with the principal, he basically informed me that due to "budget cuts" they've had to lay some teachers off, I would be allowed to Finish my classes that day, but as of the next day I was being replaced.
That was the biggest lie if I've ever seen one.
Okay so I wasn't the most successful teacher in storybrooke.
So what if I don't assign homework or allow the students to sit where they like, or that sometimes I don't have a Lesson plan.
I love teaching, I know I may complain about the early mornings and work load but still, I loved those kids.
My position was going to be filled by Mr Lambert, who was the English teacher and now drama teacher.
This is crap if you ask me.
But nobody does.
I suppose Mr lambert wasn't horrible, but he was dull and boring.
I was very laid back in my teaching method, whereas Mr lambert is all about order and structure.
I suspect he's the type of person who have his clothes laid out the night before, freshly starched and colour coordinated.
So basically I'm up shit creek without a paddle.
I need that money, the money I earn at the studio plus Paige's extra lesson won't pay my bills, luckily I have enough saved up to cover the next 3 months of bills but after that...
Maybe I could ask Maxine for more hours, but I doubt she would be able to help me, she only needs me part time, the most she could give me would be a couple of hours of Friday as a dance teachers assistant to the Tango teacher Megan but even then it still wouldn't of been enough.
I suppose I best start job hunting, I could walk around the town and see if anywhere was hiring, though I'm not sure what job I could possibly get, I'm no mechanic or builder, maybe ruby could get me a job as a waitress and I suppose if I'm really in trouble I could always,(I grind my teeth) apply for the personal assistant job at the mayors office.
However I'm not sure I could handle Becoming the personal assistant to Mayor Mills, that woman just grates my nerves.
Perhaps I'll take a pit stop at the rabbit hole.
If I'm lucky I'll make it In time for happy hour.
Drinks are far cheaper.
During the time I wasunlocking my car door I fail to notice the looming presence right behind me.
Until their is a cough.
The hair in the back of my neck stands up, I go ridged , goosebumps appear.
Cautiously I turn to face the presence.
"Miss Brown, how lovely to see you."
I strengthen my back.
"Good morning Mr gold."
My gold was the owner of a pawn shop and the town's wealthiest resident.
He was also my landlord.
Why is he here?
Did I forget to pay rent?
I quickly sun up in my head.
No I defiantly paid for this month.
Mr gold senses my thoughts.
"I'm not here for you dearie." Mr Gold assured me.
Dearie?
A shiver went down my spine.
Desperate to leave I open my car door.
Before I can even get a foot inside, mr gold turns his attention to me.
"Infact would you mind helping me to Miss Blanchard's apartment, I have business with Miss swan."
I go to make up an excuse as to why I can't, yet for some reason I find myself nodding and taking His arm.
"Okay"
I don't know why I agreed, but I just couldn't refuse.
Strange, and a little scary.
I grasp his arm and help him up the stairs.
Finally we arrive outside Mary Margaret's door.
I turn to leave yet am halted once more.
"In fact I believe you could also offer me assistance with my problem, I think you should stay."
I stay where I am next to him.
Mr gold knocks at the door.
A few moments later a confused Mary Margaret opens the door.
She spots me first and smiles though quickly looses it when she see's who I have in company.
"Miss Blanchard. Is Miss Swan here?" Mary Margaret looks behind her.
Emma comes to the door, as well. Mr. Gold shakes her hand.
"Hi, my name's Mr. Gold. We met briefly on your arrival.
"I remember."
"Good. I have a proposition for you, Miss Swan. I, uh… I need your help. I'm looking for someone."
"Really? Um…"
"You know what? I'm going to go jump in the bath." Mary Margaret says.
Mary Margaret leaves the three of us standing by the door.
Mr gold hold up a photo.
"I have a photo. Her name is Ashley Boyd. And she's taken something quite valuable of mine."
Ashley?
What about Ashley?
No way, Ashley would never dream of stealing.
"So, why don't you just go to the police?" Emma asks confused
"Because, uh… She's a confused young woman. She's pregnant. Alone and scared. I don't want to ruin this young girl's life. But I just want my property returned."
"What is it?" Emma asks
He came to you because your not police Emma.
"Well, one of the advantages of you not being the police is discretion. Let's just say it's a precious object and leave it at that."
Emma is clary interested
"When'd you see her last?"
"Last night. That's how I got this."
He shows both of us the cut on the side of his head.
Ashley did that?
"It's so unlike her. She was quite wound up. Rambling on and on about changing her life. I have no idea what got into her. Miss Swan, please help me find her. My only other choice is the police, and I don't think anyone wants to see that baby born in jail now, do they?"
You might not like it, but you can't deny Mr gold has tact.
"No, of course not."
"So, you'll help me, then?"
"I will help her."
"Grand."
Henry Mills walks into the apartment.
Why would Henry be here...
Oh right.
Still I'm gonna take a guess Regina is non the wiser.
"Hey, Emma. I was thinking we-"
"Hey, Henry. How are you?" Mr gold asks the young boy.
Henry looks uneasy
"Okay?"
"Good. Give my regards to your mother. And, um, good luck, Miss Swan."
Mr. Gold leaves but not before bringing me with him.
"I assume you have no plans today." Mr Gold asks me.
Where is he going with this?
"None so far."
"Well then why don't you spend it with me."
I should decline, however instead we both start walking.
"It's come to my attention that you have recently found yourself jobless am I correct." Mr Gold asks after a few moments.
I hault shocked.
"Yes, wait how did you-" Mr gold interrupts me.
"Well then I would like to offer you a proposition."
Where is he going with this?
"I'm not a young man anymore Miss Brown and as of recently I've found myself unable to complete many tasks that I used to, so I would like to hire you as my assistant."
His what?
Mr gold is offering me a job?
Why?
"I don't understand, why would you want to hire me, you barley know me?"
Mr gold has a glint in his eyes, a glint of knowing something I don't.
That puts me on edge.
"I've been watching you for a while now Miss Brown and I like what i see, you have a great talent I doubt you even realise." Mr Gold asses me with a critical look I can't quite fathom. "You have cunning buried underneath and conscientiousness, you ooze charisma. Imagine what you could accomplish if you learned how to utilise your talents in your favour, I can help you there dearie, I can give you the experience and skills to achieve your full potential. Miss brown you are meant for greater things than being a teacher, to be Frank dearie you have the skills and talent to go far and I want you in my ball pit when you do. so will you accept?"
My mind is spinning, I try to take in everything Mr Gold has just said, the way Mr Gold spoke about me, would have anyone thinking I was some powerful woman.
Plus Mr gold has been watching me, so if he's been watching me for a while then he must of known he wanted me to work for him, surly he wouldn't off...
My sudden dismissal had me thinking.
Mr Gold is powerful, in-fact he owns most of the town, is it possible...
"Miss brown, The way I see it this is a win-win situation, I'm a very wealthy man Miss brown and am willing to offer you triple your annual salary and in return you will run errands for me and when I require, you shall work in the shop, and in return I get a young pair of legs to do my biddings and an apprentice to shape. Take the deal."
Triple!!
I should say no.
I should just go to ruby and start job hunting from there.
I should get in my car and drive away as fast as I possibly can.
"Alright."
Mr gold grins.
"Swell, follow me."
We both begin the journey down the street with me flying into a step behind him.
This felt familiar.
Me standing behind rumple ready to serve and protect...
Hold on.
What the hell was that?
Since when have I ever willing followed someone and what was I about to call Mr Gold.
I must of been spewing over my thoughts longer than I expected because quicker than expected we arrive at Mr Golds pawn shop.
He opened the door and gestures me inside.
I've never really had any need to visit Mr golds pawn shop, this is the first.
It's pretty much what I expected little nic nacs here and there.
Though it's what's in a display case that catches my attention.
It's a necklace.
Nothing like over ever seen before and simply stunning.
Truly I had never seen such a fine piece of craftsmanship.
A soft silver-white metal that resembled platinum though clearly wasn't, the metal had been expertly crafted to resemble what looked like waves, the crafted waves had been inset with tiny mother of pearls and peach coral so precisely and intricately that they could be mistaken for the foam of the waves, though the true vocal point was the eye catching, extravagant Aquamarine diamond set in the centre with an encasing on the same metal, the Metal melded around the diamond almost like vines to keep it steady.
This diamond itself was impressive, if I was to go on a guess I'd wager on 56 carats.
The cut and flawless clarity was simply breathtaking.
I longed to hold it in my palm, feel the cold metal on my wrists , have the weight around my neck.
"Where did you find that beauty? Why would anyone wish to part with it."
Mr gold doesn't even turn around, clearly already knowing what I was looking at, what I'm sure everyone would look at when they first come in.
"It belongs to someone I used to know."