TemperanceTales: I do not own Once Upon a Time in anyway shape or form and I give full credit to the creators. I don't own any fairytales not done in the show either and give credit to respectful owners.

Chapter Seventeen: Birthday wishes.

"My Queen."

"Hello, my little Mouse King," Snow Queen said, crossing her legs in a fluent moment, "Have you succeeded in what I asked?"

"Yes, Queen Morgana," The Mouse King said, his mouse like head looking more rat like than anything, "I have. That stupid prince had a fitting ending!"

"Yes, yes he did," Queen Morgana mused, "Tell me, my Mouse King, what did he turn into?"

"A Stupid Nutcracker, I made sure to drop him into the Iceland Waters," The Mouse King cackled but Morgana didn't look as pleased. Instead, she said, "Well it matters not, be prepared my Mouse King, he will return. Magic has ways of not working as expected and he will want to take back his Kingdom from our clutches."

"How?! He nothing more than a stupid doll!" Mouse King said, snorting in disbelief. Waving her hand, Snow Queen said, "That is all Mouse King, you may go!"

The Mouse King scampered away, chuckling at his cleverness. Snow Queen sighed and said, "What an unexpected turn of events. Well, let's check on my young enemy now."

Snow Queen gently spun her hand to reveal a mirror of ice. It wasn't as big as her other but it still showed her what she wanted to see, no matter how far in time and space. After all things worked differently here, with this being an everlasting Frozen Zone. Snow Queen whispered, "Show me the weakness to my enemy."

Swirling magic finally cleared to reveal a man hold a baby wrapped in a blue blanket. He was sitting in a rocking chair, softly whispering something. He looked happy, but there was a bitter sadness in his eyes. Raising her brows, Snow Queen whispered, "It looks like love was not as kind as he thought."

"Emma Swan."

"Hello Regina," Emma said walking in with a package. Regina was leaning against her desk with a lazy glare on her face. Emma ignored the Mayor putting the package down so she could pull off her jacket. Regina noticed but did not comment on the act of indifference. Instead she asked, "What did you learn about the stranger?"

"His name is August," Emma said, hoping to get rid of Regina as soon as possible, "He's a writer. Apparently it wasn't so much August having an interest in Henry but Henry having an interest in August. He said Henry wanted to know what he was doing in Storybrooke."

"I see," Regina said, standing up, "Do you believe him?"

"Yes," Emma said, "It's consistent with what Henry tells me."

"Well then," Regina said, grabbing her clutch, "Good day to you then, Sheriff Swan. If you will excuse me I have to go talk to Kathryn about a certain matter."

"Mhm," Emma said, as Regina left, "Good day to you."

Emma watched Regina leave and then quickly go over to the package she had brought with her. Opening it, she pulled out a hard envelope. It was about time it finally arrived, it had taken her a few weeks of searching and a few phone calls to get it. Thank God Felicity had left specific instructions about how to find the birth certificate or she would have been here forever. Opening the envelope, Emma pulled out a sheet of paper. Autumn's real name had been stamped across the line in black ink Alison Marie Kinsleigh.

S.C.

Autumn opened her eyes to see the bright light shining through her window. It was Saturday, so Autumn didn't feel the need to wake up early. Shifting underneath the covers, Autumn opened her eyes to look over at her clock. Eight thirty; as much as she was an early morning riser that was not happening today. Throwing the blankets over her head, Autumn groaned. She just had to be a morning person. Burying her face into the pillow, Autumn let out a heavy sigh.

It was her birthday.

If Autumn had been any other kid, she would be excited about this. But Autumn was not any other kid, she was a girl who wanted one thing and she wasn't getting it any time soon. Breathing quietly, Autumn listened to hear any noises in the house. This didn't surprise her all that much since Kathryn and David both had work today. Kathryn had been very reluctant to go to work, since it had been Autumn's birthday, but Autumn had told her it was alright. There was no sense in getting upset because Autumn wasn't much of a celebrator of anything. Settling back into the pillows, Autumn closed her eyes.

"Autumn?"

Autumn shot up, clearly shocked to see Kathryn standing in the doorway in sweatpants and a long open sweater. It revealed a simple light blue tank that fitted her body well. Autumn, whose hair was slightly disheveled, looked wide eyed at Kathryn. Kathryn chuckled and walked over to Autumn, who said, "I thought you had to work."

"I did," Kathryn said, sitting on the bed with a warm smile, "But I refused to work today. After all, it is someone's special day."

"It's really not all that special," Autumn said laying back down with a flop, "I haven't celebrated it in forever."

"That's because you didn't have someone to celebrate it with," Kathryn said, stroking Autumn's hair. She moved herself so she was lying down next to Autumn, propped up on her arm. Autumn looked at her with curious confused blue eyes as Kathryn said, "We're going to change that. So what do you want to do today?"

"Well," Autumn said, making a face at the sun outside "I tried sleeping in, but that didn't work out so well."

Kathryn laughed, stroking Autumn's hair. She then said, amused, "You must be a morning person. So I have an idea, why don't I make breakfast and I bring it up here so we can have breakfast in bed?"

"Sure," Autumn said, smiling at Kathryn. Kathryn kissed Autumn's forehead lightly and quickly before saying, "Alright, I'll be back."

Autumn watched Kathryn leave with a worried expression. Autumn was rather nervous with Kathryn being so…close. While Autumn truly appreciated everything Kathryn was doing for her, Kathryn was just a foster mom. Sooner or later, Autumn could (or hopefully would) end up leaving. The last thing Autumn wanted to do was to hurt Kathryn. But Autumn didn't like having Regina so close in control. With a flick of her wrist, Regina could easily send Autumn right back to Boston. In thinking of Regina, Gold came into her thoughts in a flash.

What in the world was he up to? She had gone to go see him several times within the last week but he wasn't around. It bothered her really, because she had no idea what he was planning…and because she missed him. Maybe he was tired of all the drama that surrounded her? That made her heart ache and she tried dismissing that from her mind. He was probably still working with Jefferson… but if she had known it would mean him ignoring her, she would have thought twice about it.

Staring out the window, she looked at the clear blue sky. It had been a relief to tell Henry partially what was going on, but she still had the problem of telling Gold. She remembered talking to Jefferson yesterday about it.

"I think it's coming to a close," Jefferson said, slowly running his hand up the frame they had just set up. It wouldn't have been so strange if it hadn't been in the middle of the woods, "If you don't tell him soon, he might find out in a way that's not so pleasant. And then you can never have happiness."

"But," Autumn said, her voice somewhat falling, "If he finds out, he could get angry…"

"I know," Jefferson said, "It's something I hope doesn't happen for your sake. But you'll never know unless you try."

He walked over to her and bent down with a weak smile. He said, "I know it's terrifying, but don't you want this story to end with a happily ever after?"

"I do," Autumn said, as Jefferson took her hands, "But I don't think it will."

"Just try," Jefferson said, softly kissing her hands comfortingly, "What do you have to lose?"

Everything. She had everything to lose when it came to Gold. Shifting in the bed, a sinking feeling grew in her gut. Gold didn't like secrets, even though he kept many himself. He liked knowing everything so there were no surprises. She loved Gold, not in a little girl crush way, but a family way. He was very much like a guardian, a male figure that she hadn't had in forever. As much as she didn't want to lose that, she didn't want to be tricking him.

"I've come with breakfast!"

Autumn watched Kathryn come in with a tray of food, smiling warmly. She settled down next to Autumn, placing the tray onto a flat part of the bed. As Kathryn took toast, Autumn asked in a hesitant voice, "Kathryn?"

"Mm?" Kathryn looked at Autumn who said, "It's not that I'm complaining about being here, since it's been the best place I've been in a really long time…but you do realize you're only my foster mom right?"

"Yes," Kathryn said matter of fact.

"So you know that this isn't permanent," Autumn said slowly. Kathryn nodded and said simply, "I know it's not."

"So then why…," Autumn swallowed, feeling a little wary, "Why do all this? Why…invest so much into something that's not permanent?"

"Because," Kathryn said, smiling understandingly, "You will be with me for quite some time. At least until a permanent adoption comes along. Being foster mom means acting instead of parents to take care of you. All of this, this is for your benefit; to have someone and some place to come back to."

Kathryn gently grasped her hand and said, "I don't care if you end up with someone else, I will always be here for you."

"Why?" Autumn asked, baffled. Kathryn laughed and gentle stroked back Autumn's hair saying, "Because I care about you. I may only be your foster mom, but I will always treat you the way you should be treated: with love and respect. Which is how you should treat others…"

Autumn looked at Kathryn with curious eyes and looked away. Autumn stared at the breakfast tray and said, "So… say there is someone I want to be close too and I know something that they don't; something that they should know. But it's really touchy for both of us… should I tell them?"

"Yes," Kathryn said, gently, "You should."

"Why?" Autumn said in protest, "It could ruin things."

"Yes, yes it could," Kathryn said, with a bit more firmness, "But if you keep it from them, then you're not respecting their right to make a decision. If you hide it, then you prevent them from making a clear cut decision. If they don't make that decision, then it's not a real relationship because that person failed to be able to make that decision."

Kathryn leaned in pressing her forehead against Autumn's gently, "And that's not fair to anyone, is it?"

Autumn wrinkled her nose, but playfully said, "You've been talking to Archie haven't you?"

"Well we all need to be on the same page for giving you answers," Kathryn said grinning, "After all, this is for your benefit."

Autumn chuckled and Kathryn said, "Come on; let's finish eating before it gets cold!"

S.C.

Gold glanced at the Jefferson Manor before slamming his car door. His face looked determined as he walked around to the back of the house. Agitation filled him, he didn't like doing this. He had wanted things to go differently but it was not going as planned. As if on cue, Jefferson came walking out of the woods. Looking neither pleased nor displeased, Jefferson said, "What is it you want Gold? Has there been a change in plans?"

"Oh no," Gold said, his voice growing darker by the minute, "But there is something you're not telling me."

"Well," Jefferson said, almost amused, "Aren't you being direct today?"

"I'm running out of time," Gold said, glaring at Jefferson, "I have no time to wait for the child to tell me, so now I need to talk to you."

"Well, I don't know what you could mean, she's been looking for you," Jefferson said, indolently, "But you haven't been in the shop. What in the world have you been up to, Oh Dark One?"

"I've had to deal with a few circumstances," Gold said, somewhat rushed, "But it seems while I've been busy, someone has been doing something that should be quite impossible."

"Oh?" Jefferson asked, "And what is that?"

"Someone is using Magic," Gold said, "And I can't exactly pin point where it's coming from."

"Perhaps it's Regina," Jefferson said, somewhat annoyed, "She would be able to bring magic."

"Yes, she would," Gold said, "However, this magic feels absolutely nothing like her Majesty's. It feels more delicate, blithe, and… unruly. Now, you wouldn't happen to know what it is?"

"No," Jefferson said stone faced, "I don't."

"Well," Gold said and suddenly grabbed Jefferson's collar and yanking him forward, "I will warn you now, Hatter. If Autumn gets hurt because of your lies, I will end you."

Gold let go and Jefferson said, "That's the second time you've threatened me in regards to Autumn. And yet you've been avoiding the young child. I thought you said you would talk to her. Having second thoughts?"

"Oh of course not dearie," Gold said, "I'm just making sure there is no room for error. Good day to you."

Jefferson watched Gold leave, gently rubbing his neck. Smiling, Jefferson noted how protective Gold was getting. Hopefully this might make it easier for Autumn to open up. He didn't like how the muchness was dimming in her due the secrets blanketing it. And yet, at the same time, her was making it worse by making her keep another. But it was necessary, Belle had a right to a choice.

Jefferson didn't pretend to understand why Autumn liked Gold. He knew the situation but couldn't understand her reasoning. But there was one thing he was certain of: Gold was more a man with her. Gold needed Autumn, he needed to have that light back that the man had lost so long ago. Walking into the house, Jefferson walked over to the tea set in deep thought. Autumn would be able to reach Gold, to defeat the dark one, to help get the savior to believe, to get them back home. She just needed a little push in the right direction.

He just hoped she could cope with the ups and downs that came with it.

"Is everything okay?"

Jefferson looked up to see Belle coming down the stairs. She was dressed in a floor length skirt and an orange floral top. Her blue eyes watched him in concern, something Jefferson did not feel he deserved.

"Everything is fine," Jefferson said smoothly.

"That man out there…" Belle said concerned.

"He is a friend of Autumn's. He is helping me with a job," Jefferson said, "Now why don't I make lunch? Autumn should be coming over soon and I want her favorite tea ready before she gets here."

"Oh?" Belle asked curiously.

"Yes, it is her birthday after all," Jefferson said.

"Oh!" Belle said surprised, "I didn't know that."

"That's because the muchness is dimming," Jefferson huffed before disappearing into a doorway. Belle stared after him, her mind whirling. Autumn hadn't mentioned anything about a birthday. Walking back up the stairs, Belle wondered what she could possible get or do for her. What did she really want?

Her father. But Belle couldn't get that for her even if she tried.

S.C.

"Hey."

Autumn, now fully dressed and sitting out on the back porch, looked over to see Henry coming out the back door. Walking over to the swing she was sitting on, Henry held out a wrapped gift and said, "Happy Birthday."

"Oh, thanks," Autumn said with a smile, "You didn't have to."

"Yeah but I wanted to," Henry said, shrugging. Autumn took the package and unwrapped it patiently. Opening the box, she saw a leaping cat keychain. It was silver, blue, and green stripped. Grinning, Autumn said, "This is awesome, where did you find it?

"In a store off of the main street downtown," Henry said, "I think it's called Unplaced."

"Weird name," Autumn said, give Henry a strange look. Henry shrugged and said, "Anyway, I find it weird…"

"What?" Autumn said, looking curious. Henry looked down meekly, as if he was ashamed of something. Shuffling his feet, Henry said, "My birthday is today too."

"You're kidding!" Autumn said surprised, "Wha-Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because the evil queen likes to keep it a family occasion. She let me come over here, but she wants me back real soon," Henry said, almost bitterly. Autumn watched Henry for a moment before grabbing his hand. Pulling him to his feet, Autumn said, "Come on, I want to show you something."

Henry followed Autumn as she led him away from the town to a secluded area of the park not too far away. Watching her curiously, Henry felt Autumn let go of his hand. She walked a distance before holding out her arm. Gently moving her hand around, the wind began to pick up in a playful manner. Suddenly leaves that had been on the ground began to dance around her in circles. The wind whistled in a musical magical manner as the leaves danced intricately about her. Her eyes opened looking up and around with a growing smile on his face. Henry grinned and said, "Yes! It's working."

Autumn looked around at Henry with a warm smile. Some of the leaves began to swirl into a tight ball, growing smaller and smaller until it was no longer a ball. It was a miniature chess piece: a knight upon his horse. It landed safely into his open hands. She began to laugh and said, "I guess this was a good make up birthday present."

"Duh!" Henry said, grinning. The wind died down and Henry walked towards Autumn. The remaining leaves floated down to the ground as Henry hugged her. Autumn froze for a moment before hugging him tightly back. Henry's grin turned into a smile as he released his friend. Autumn's smile slowly faded into a kind look as she said, "You know, if we did show Emma, she would probably believe. It's hard to deny magic if it's done right in front of you."

"Well," Henry said, as they walked along the park trail, "She still could…Emma is still really stubborn about it. It almost feels like cheating… besides doesn't magic weaken you?"

"Huh?" Autumn looked over at Henry to see him looking at her concerned they had made it all the way to the sidewalk of one of Storybrooke's many streets. Henry then explained, "You said that magic entered you unwillingly, that it was the price you paid. So doesn't that mean magic makes you weaker?"

"Well yes," Autumn said, unsure, "My limit so far is definitely lower that it was in Wonderland."

"So then we shouldn't use it, unless it is absolutely necessary," Henry said firmly, "As much as I want Emma to believe, I don't want to risk losing you."

"Henry-," Autumn started but felt someone crash into her. She fell backwards, blinking stunned. The male voice swore and said, "I'm sorry, love, I didn't watch where I was going."

Autumn froze up as Henry scrambled to help pick up the items the young adolescent had dropped. He couldn't be any older than sixteen, yet he wore a tie with purple shirt and black pants. Autumn looked at him with wide horrified eyes. His light brown hair, his eyes, there was no mistaking it. He looked up at her and tilted his head curiously worried. He then extended his hand and said, "Are you alright?"

"W-I'm fine!" Autumn took his hand, allowing him to help her up. The male looked relieved as he said, "Good thing, a fall like that could rather hurt in more ways than one. Well, I'm off! That blasted Gold will want his order soon and I can't keep him waiting."

He walked away with a spring in his step as Henry and Autumn watched him. Henry didn't seem all that fazed and said, "Well he's kinda odd, isn't he? But what do you expect from a guy that owns the store Unplaced. Right Autumn?"

Autumn didn't answer which cause Henry to look back. She looked like she had been swept away by the nonexistent wind. She didn't seemed to have heard him as she was still staring after the man. Henry's face went from concerned to stricken as Autumn said:

"Chesshire."

S.C.

"How could you not tell me!"

Jefferson didn't even flinch as Autumn came barreling in. He was setting the tea cups out at the already set table. Stopping his action, he glanced in her direction. Her eyes were glassy, staring at him indignantly. Her hair was a windblown mess as well as he sweatshirt in disarray. Jefferson sighed, not at all surprised by her sudden entrance as he said, "What a way to be coming in on the anniversary of your birth."

"I saw him!" Autumn thundered.

"Which of the many hims?"

"Chess! I saw Chesshire!" Autumn snapped, a tear slipping down her face.

"Hardly not, since he doesn't know who he is," Jefferson said a little hardly. Autumn looked as if she was about to hit him when he quickly moved. Sweeping her up, he placed her on the counter so they were at same height. Pushing back her hair, Jefferson said, "I'm sorry. But I didn't want you going and doing something reckless."

"Why is he here?!"

"Because," Jefferson said, "The Evil Queen had us both imprisoned."

"Why? How?!" Autumn asked, sharply as Jefferson shook his head.

"That doesn't matter," Jefferson said, "All that matters is that he is here and he doesn't remember anything about our lives before."

"He doesn't remember me," Autumn sniffed, staring at him vexed.

"Don't go poking a sleeping bear just yet," Jefferson said, "He is safe. If you start trying to wake him, you will alert people that are already suspicious."

"Suspicious?" Autumn asked.

"Gold felt someone use magic," Jefferson said, idling twisting her hair, "He's already voiced his suspicions about it being related to us."

Autumn grimaced, cursing at this development. She should have known just because he couldn't use his magic didn't mean he couldn't sense it. Jefferson huffed and said, "Enough of this, enough of them. I wanted to surprise you."

"If you wanted to surprise me with lunch, you shouldn't have invited me for a lunch."

"Not the lunch, your gift," Jefferson said, pulling something out of his pocket. It was a small box, gold in color. Autumn took it and opened it, only to gape at the contents.

"Happy Birthday," Jefferson said, quietly.

It was a vial. A vial with a blue glow to it and the liquid only being enough for a mouthful. Autumn took it out and stared in awe.

"Is that-?"

"A memory potion?" Jefferson said, "Yes it is. I had some stowed away when I was trying to get back home. I was going to use it on you, but then another situation arose…"

Autumn stared at it a moment before looking at him strangely.

"Why didn't you use this on Grace?"

"No!" Jefferson suddenly boomed, a dark look overcoming him, "I don't want two lives stuck in her head, two lives conflicting and tormenting while the curse is ongoing! If you even-!"

"Hatter!" Autumn interrupted, touching his cheek with her hand, "It was just a question."

Jefferson's eyes stormed a moment longer before his shoulder's sagged a bit. Resting his forehead on hers, he said, "Questions, you are always too curious for your own good."

Jefferson blew playful at her, sending a few wisps of hair flying and making her giggle.

"This," Jefferson said, "This potion is for you to use on someone special. Whether it's Belle or Chess… the potion is for you. As long as it's not Grace, you can choose whoever you please. It's not smart to wake anyone, but I can't force you to live with the consequences of my influence."

Autumn bit her lip, staring down at the potion conflicted before tucking it away. Jefferson noticed but said nothing more on the matter. Instead he backed away saying, "Belle is upstairs. I think she has a surprise for you too."

"For me?" Autumn asked baffled.

"Yes, after all it is your birthday. People do celebrate those things," Jefferson huffed as he began attending to the table once more. Autumn hopped off the counter, making her way up the stairs. She walked towards the library where Belle usually was and found her sitting in her favorite spot on the balcony. Looking over at Autumn, she smiled brightly. Before Autumn could even speak, Belle had come over and scooped her into a tight hug.

"Happy Birthday!" Belle said cheerfully. Autumn hugged back a little more awkwardly before saying, "Thanks…"

"I have something for you," Belle said, pulling away. Taking Autumn's hand, she pulled her towards the balcony where a package laid waiting. Autumn felt a stab of exasperation and guilt when Belle sat down on and handed it to her.

"Here," Belle said, "It's for you."

"You really didn't have to get me anything," Autumn said, taking the gift.

"It's not much," Belle said, sheepishly, "Something I had from the asylum that I thought would be nice to do together."

Autumn opened the package, revealing a book. A book on sign language.

"I figured it could just be our special little thing," Belle said cheerfully, "Something we can do together."

Autumn smiled weakly as she looked at the slightly worn cover. For the moment, Autumn let herself forget about the little potion in her back pocket. Instead she sat down beside her and replied.

"I'd like that."

S.C.

"Mr. Gold."

"Well hello, Mrs. Nolan," Gold said, looking away from his display case. It had only been a few hours since, but it made it to his ears on what happened that day. Regina had once again gone after Kathryn about he and Autumn spending time with each other, which resulted in a fight. Kathryn looked rather distraught as she came closer to Gold. Something told him this wasn't going to end well. He came around behind his desk and said, "What is the matter dear?"

"I don't mean to trouble you with my problems," Kathryn said stiffly, "But as you probably heard, Regina and I had a fight in regards to parenting Autumn."

Gold watched Kathryn stop by the mobile and say, "She says you're not good for her…but I disagree."

"And you're telling me this because?" Mr. Gold said, pointedly. Kathryn didn't seemed bothered by his statement as she said, "there was only one thing Regina said that I agree with. Autumn needs consistency. She needs a permanent home."

"What are you saying?" Mr. Gold frowned and Kathryn said, with a weak laugh, "I know you and Regina are having a power struggle between the two of you…but at least you're doing it because you actually care about what Autumn wants. She needs that."

Kathryn walked over to Gold with a tearful expression, "I want to strike a deal with you."

Gold watched her intently as she said, "I'm willing to cooperate in you adopting Autumn. You will have all the rights we do in want comes next with her. You can visit her whenever you like, she can come stay with you whenever you desire. That way we won't worry about Regina interfering anymore."

"But," Gold said, sharply.

"I keep her with me," Kathryn said, "And until the adoption is completely finalized, I won't tell her what's happening. For her sake, I can't get her hopes up and then be crushed if things don't work. I just have one question."

Gold watched this woman with intrigued eyes. Somewhere beneath the surface, guilt swarmed up in him. How horrible… this woman truly loved this child. And unfortunately his deal with the queen would cause this woman to be caught in the middle for some time. But he was Rumpelstiltskin, and this is what he had to do in his plan on bringing down the Queen. And now that Kathryn had come to him, this made things so much easier. With that ever so business like grin, Gold leaned in and said, "What?"

"Do you love her?" Kathryn asked, determination creeping into her expression. Gold's smile disappeared and he asked, "What?"

"This is pointless to do if I don't know if you love her," Kathryn said, "I know you care for her but caring for someone and loving them are two different things. So do you love her?"

Gold watched her a moment in silence before speaking quite clearly.

"Yes."

S.C.

Autumn walked into the shop looking around with a hesitant stare.

The shop was filled with scarves, jewelry, clothes, and much more. It definitely seemed like a shop he would own, but she didn't see him anywhere. Autumn looked around, staring at the jewelry rack curiously and hesitantly. She paused at one, looking at the leaping cat necklace, much like the key chain Henry had gotten her. Reaching out to touch it, Autumn smiled as she saw the smile etched on its face.

"Cat lover, are you?"

Autumn nearly jumped out of her skin when she turned to see him standing in the doorway to the back of his shop. Placing the box in his arms on the counter, he walked around it towards her saying with a grin, "I prefer them myself. However, I'm cursed to be surrounded by dog lovers for neighbors."

Autumn smiled weakly as she said, "Dogs are alright… as long as they don't bark all night long."

"Sadly that is also a part of my curse," he said, sheepishly, "Now enough of me. What can I do for you?"

"Ah, I was just looking," Autumn said, "My friend had bought my gift from here and I wanted to see the rest of the store!"

"Well feel free to look around," he said, cheerfully, "I'll be off in the back if you need anything."

Autumn watched him go into the back, biting her lip. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the potion in hand. She wanted to give it to him badly. She didn't like him not knowing her. However, there was still the problem of Belle and Gold. Belle deserved to remember and to make her choices with full awareness as well. Clenching her hand around the vial, Autumn knew that once Belle remembered, Gold would find out and hate her for not telling him the truth. She might even lose Belle in the process too. That thought was getting harder and harder to think about.

"Just my luck," Autumn muttered before hurrying and leaving the shop with a confused conflicted heart.

S.C.

The man stood in the darkened kitchen with a single cupcake with a candle lit upon it. His eyes were sorrowful and hard as he watched the flickering flame. He was alone, that much was obvious. And quite sad as well. Tears went down his cheeks as he watched the flickering candle. He did not even bother to wipe his tears away as he closed his eyes. Exhaling shakily, he whispered softly, "Happy Birthday, Lisie Girl."

The candle was blown out, leaving the man alone in the dark.