I vaguely remember someone saying hi as I passed them in the lobby of the B&B. I needed privacy. Entering my room, I locked the door and pressed my back against the cool wood. Sliding down it, I stared blankly into the distance. The Mayor has a red string around her wrist too. Every time I'm around her, mine tingles. It's just a legend, right? The idea that everyone is connected to their soulmate by a red thread is crazy. I laughed silently. Although, the idea that everyone in town is a storybook character is the same amount of crazy. Rubbing my face, I finally noticed the envelope my foot was on.

Turning it over, I saw Nash's handwriting. This got here quickly. Flipping the tan envelope over, I opened it and pulled out the folder of paperwork. Do I really want to read this? Something inside could change everything. Or it could change nothing. For all I know, this could just be a quirky town. I do want to know more about Henry and the Mayor though. I don't know what to do.

Before I opened the file, there was a knock on my door. "One sec." Getting to my feet, I placed the folder under the basket of apples. Opening the door, I was confused to see Graham standing before me. "Hi…"

"Hey."

Why is the Sheriff here? "Is there something I can help you with, Sheriff?"

"I received a few calls from concerned citizens who saw you speeding down Main Street."

Did he really not just write me a ticket and leave like every other cop? Small town. Low crime rate. Must be bored. "And you're here to give me a speeding ticket?"

"Not exactly." He smiled, tucking his thumbs into his belt. "You seem pretty shaken up, so I'll give you a warning this time."

You have no idea. "Thank you. I appreciate that."

"You're welcome." He paused. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine." I can't tell him the truth. But I know he won't leave without some sort of explanation. "I just got some weird news. Next time, I'll just chill wherever I'm at before driving."

"Sounds good. Have a good rest of your day." With that, he turned to leave.

"You too." Closing the door, I took a seat at the small desk. Putting the closed file folder in front of me, I grabbed an apple. Maybe I'll wait to read this. Pulling out my phone, I called Nash.

"Hey, the paperwork was delivered."

"Yeah, it's sitting in front of me."

"I know that tone. What's wrong?"

"I just have a weird feeling about reading this. Is there anything really damning in here?"

"Not really. No murders, no sex slaves, and no secret affairs that I could find. Even Gold seems legit."

"Shocking." I ran my finger along the edge of the basket. "Something is telling me to wait."

"Follow your gut. It's never been wrong before."

"Thanks for doing all the work."

"You're welcome, Em."

Ending the call, I heard the clock strike three. Henry's out of school. I wonder how long these will last for. I don't have a fridge so probably not too much longer. Maybe I can keep the apples in the fridge here or at the diner. I have to return the basket at some point. Leaning back in the chair, I propped my legs on the corner of the desk. That would give me a legitimate reason to see the Mayor and possibly Henry.

Looking down at my wrist, the red string had become more present. It's actually hanging down now. I wonder if she can see it too. Thinking back on our previous meetings, I bit my lip. I think she can. When I brought Henry back, she kept looking at my wrist.

Another knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts of the gorgeous brunette who was destined to be my soulmate. "Open up."

"Henry?" Opening the door, there stood the Mayor's son. "What are you doing here? Does your mom know you're here?"

"She thinks I'm at the arcade."

"Oh, no. You're not lying to your mom and dragging me into it. Your mom is not a woman I want mad at me. Not again. Let's go." Turning him around, I guided him down the hallway. "At least if you're seen walking with me, it looks less bad."

"Are you staying the rest of the week like you said?" Henry looked up at me as we walked.

"Yes, I said I would stay a week. I'm keeping my word. Why?"

"I think I found Prince Charming, your dad."

My stomach lurched anytime Henry mentioned my possible parents. "Kid…"

"He's in the hospital. He's been in a coma. John Doe has the same scar as in the book!"

"A lot of people have scars. I have a few." I have to make him see reality somehow.

"We need to help wake him up. Make him remember who he is."

Opening the door to the arcade, Henry ducked under my arm to enter first. "How are we supposed to do that?"

"Miss. Blanchard needs to read their story to him. It'll work! Please help me."

Here might be my opening. "Fine. But let me ask her. Okay?"

"Great! She normally grabs dinner from Granny's once a week. Normally, Tuesdays or Wednesdays." He paused. "Everyone has a pretty set routine here."

"I'm starting to notice that. Have fun and make sure to get home on time, okay?"

"I will." Henry paused. "Oh, do you like apple turnovers?"

My brow creased. "Not my favorite. Why?"

"Mom's making some tonight. She's going to make extra. Want one?"

"Sure." If they're made with the apples from her tree, I'm sure they'll be delicious too.

Around dinner time, I went to Granny's. Ordering a grilled cheese and fries, I waited for the schoolteacher. My food just arrived as the shorter woman entered. "Mary Margaret," I waved her over. "Can we talk once you order?" Her brow rose. "Henry told me I could find you here."

"Ah, I've wanted to talk with you about Henry as well." Mary Margaret placed her order and took a seat. "You can eat. I don't want your food to get cold." Her nose scrunched.

"Thanks." I popped a fry into my mouth. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"At the hospital, he had a lot of questions about one particular patient. He's been in a coma for years now and…"

"Henry thinks he's Prince Charming. That's why I tracked you down."

"Hey!" Ruby called. "I thought it was my bubbly personality. How dare you lie to me, LG!"

"LG?" Dark brows knitted.

"It's a nickname." I tried brushing it off. "Henry wants you to read the Snow White and Prince Charming story to John Doe. He thinks it'll wake him up."

"Do you think that's wise?"

"I think he needs to see that the fairytale thing is just a fairytale. When John Doe doesn't wake up…"

"Henry will see the truth and none of us will have hurt him." She nodded thoughtfully. "I'll probably read the story to him in a few days."

"Then you can report back to us that nothing happened. I'll have to, somehow, okay it with the Mayor first." No way in Hell she'd agree to the truth. I'll have to come up with something.

"Order up." Ruby placed Mary Margaret's food on the table. "I brought a few of these for you too. Just in case you wanted a snack later." The waitress had filled a small to-go bag with apples.

"Regina's?"

"Yeah. The second day I was here, she brought a whole basket to me before she tried to run me out of town." I paused. "Again."

"Again?!" I nodded. "No one has ever stood up to her before. Not politically or personally."

"Some people," I motioned towards Ruby, "think she needs someone who's strong enough to stand their ground and push back."

"I don't disagree. But that person has an uphill battle in front of them."

We sat in a comfortable silence for a while as we ate. There's something on her mind. What is it? "Penny for your thoughts?"

"I just…" The petite woman chose her words carefully. "I feel like I know you. It's crazy, I know."

"I'm starting to reevaluate my definition of crazy." Finishing my dinner, I toyed with an apple before taking a bite. "I'm walking a fine line with the Mayor. I think I want to stay in town but she's not very fond of the idea." I paused. "Or doesn't seem too fond of it." She says one thing but her facial expressions and eyes say another. My superpower also tells me she's lying to an extent.

"I don't think she's fond of anyone new that she can't control with fear."

"How did she get like that? It seems like she treats Henry well."

"He's all she has. We all need someone to love and care for." The woman's demeanor turned somber. "I actually tried having a date the other night. It failed."

There's that 'someone to love' line again. "Who was it with?"

"Doctor Whale from the hospital. He paid more attention to Ruby's butt than me."

"Ass." I smirked.

"Anyway, it's getting late. I better head home." Placing money on the table, Mary Margaret stood. Before walking away, she turned back. "If you do decide to stay, I have a spare room. You can't live at the B&B."

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Xxx

The next morning, I got up, showered, and went to Granny's for a quick to-go order. "Two coffees, a bear claw, and a cheese danish." Placing the small bag and drink tray on the counter, Ruby grinned. "Taking a certain someone breakfast?"

Eyeing the woman, I shook my head. "Yes, because-."

"Aaaww! Trying to win back your love to become one happy family with the son you share." Ruby's voice was laced with overdramatic hope.

"No." I deadpanned. "I need to ask a favor."

"Oh." She pouted. "That's less fun."

Grabbing the tray, I smirked. "I know you want this crazy love story, but it's not in the cards for me." Or at least I don't think it is. "Later, Red."

"Later, LG."

Knocking lightly, I waited. "Come in."

Pushing open the door, I smiled. "Good morning, Madam Mayor."

Dark eyes moved from the computer monitor to me. "Miss. Swan, what are you doing here?" Her attention fell on the drink tray. "Coffee?"

"And breakfast." I paused. "A piece offering before I ask you a favor that deals with Henry."

Taking the offered coffee, the brunette studied me. "What favor are you asking? It must be something big to ambush me in my office with coffee and a cheese danish." The corner of her mouth twitched. "Warmed." Meeting my gaze, she continued. "Information you could have only gotten if you asked what my order is."

Taking a seat, I sipped my coffee. "I'll admit, I asked Ruby what you ordered for a special occasion." I paused, noticing her red string was longer than the other day. "I wanted to know if I could take Henry to Granny's for a milkshake and lunch Saturday. As long as you don't have any prior plans."

The businesswoman was quiet as she thought over my proposal, sipping her coffee. "I don't see why that would be a problem. Will an hour be sufficient?"

Wow. That was easy. "That works. What time should I pick him up?"

"One in the afternoon." Taking a dainty bite of the danish, the Mayor fought the urge to smile with joy at the taste.

"Perfect." Why is she suddenly okay with me spending time with Henry? Not that I'm complaining. Maybe it has something to do with the string. Ugh! I want to ask about hers. My stomach fluttered thinking that she could see my string and what that meant. "How has your day been so far?"

The Mayor studied me for a moment. "Good, so far. Especially with this surprise." A soft smile graced the woman's lips.

My heart started pounding. That smile will be the end of me. "Glad I could surprise you."

"How has your day been? Without a job, I'm sure you're getting restless." She paused. "Unless you plan to leave for Boston soon."

She's phishing. Does she want me to stay? I can't tell. "I want to keep my word to Henry and stay at least the rest of this week. After that, I don't know."

Tossing the empty bag away, the Mayor finished her danish. "Well, Miss. Swan, I need to get back to work."

"Of course." Getting to my feet, I tossed my empty cup away. "Thank you for the favor."

"You're welcome."

Xxx

Days passed, and it was time for me to pick Henry up for lunch. Before I could knock, the door opened. "Afternoon, Miss. Swan."

She dresses up even on the weekends? "Afternoon, Madam Mayor. Is Henry ready?"

"Almost." Silence fell between us. It wasn't uncomfortable but there was something hanging in the air. "Would you like to bring Henry back here or would you rather me pick him up?"

"I can bring him back. A full hour to yourself can be productive. I don't want to cut into that." I paused. "I promise to bring him back. Loaded with sugar." The Mayor smirked. "Then he's all yours."

"If he can't sleep tonight, it's your number I'm calling."

Was that a joke from the woman who threatened me just under a week ago? What's going on? I like it though. "I don't doubt it."

"Hi, Emma!" Henry came down the stairs and ducked under his mother's arm. "See you soon, mom. Thanks again!"

"You're welcome, Henry." She paused, choosing her words. "I hope you both have a nice time." With a smile, the young boy ran towards the car.

"Thanks." My gaze lingered on the powerful woman. All she did was nod. What's this feeling in my chest?

"Emma, you coming?" Henry's voice pulled my gaze.

"Y-yeah."

Mary Margaret entered Granny's as our order arrived. "So, how'd it go?" Henry was nearly bouncing with excitement.

"He's waking up."

"What?!" Henry and I questioned.

"I mean, he grabbed my hand. And I swear I saw a blip on the monitor but Dr. Whale says it doesn't mean anything." Hope and excitement shined in the teacher's eyes as she told us everything that happened.

That is not how this lunch was supposed to go. Shit. "That's…interesting."

"Do you know what this means?" Henry beamed. "Happy endings will come to Storybrooke! The curse will be broken!"

"Hold on, if everything you said does happen, how is the curse going to break?" I peered down at the shaggy haired boy who's grin only became bigger.

"True Love's Kiss. It can break any curse no matter how strong it is."

"Okay…" I questioned. "So, who has to kiss who?" Does a kiss between soulmates count? I glanced at the red string around my wrist. Did I just admit to myself I believe in the whole soulmate thing? If I did, that means I'm supposed to be with the Mayor. A woman. The thought of being with a woman didn't unsettle me. The idea of destiny choosing the woman who adopted Henry unsettled me. If what Henry says is true, the town will go after the Mayor. Most likely kill her for what she's done.

"Emma?" Mary Margaret's soft tone pulled me from my thoughts.

"What?" I blinked away confusion.

"Are you alright? You look sick."

"Uh…yeah, I'm fine." Now I think I really do need to talk to her.

The hour passed and it was time to take Henry home. We rode in silence until he asked a question I wasn't expecting. "Will you protect mom when the curse breaks?" He pleaded. "I know she did a lot of bad things but…she's still my mom. I know it's a lot to ask since she ripped you away from your parents but.." Henry's voice cracked.

Pulling over, I turned towards Henry. He's two seconds from crying. Poor kid. "Of course I'll protect her." My chest swelled with some emotion I wasn't used to. "She's your mom. She gave you a life I couldn't. I'll always be grateful for that." Cupping the boy's cheek, I saw the ribbon around my wrist glow brighter. That's going to be an interesting conversation starter. "I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason."

Sniffling, Henry tried to smile. "Does that mean you're going to stay?"

Oh, crap. I didn't think about that. Smiling, I shrugged. "I guess so."