Misgivings
"I cannot believe I was so stupid," Mary Margaret practically cried. She was lying face down on her bed, ranting to a twelve year old girl who didn't have a clue about love. Man her life was sad.
"Everyone is stupid at some point in their life," Emma tried, completely unsure of what to do. Mary Margaret groaned, and pushed her head further into her pillow. Okay, so that didn't work.
"A wife. A wife. Of course he had a wife. Just lovely. Just fabulous. Because it's me. It's like I'm cursed," she finished her sentence by somehow sinking even lower into her bed.
"It's not like you guys are terminated," Emma tried. "You can still be friends right?" Mary Margaret groaned, shaking her head.
"I don't think I can face him again," she said, rolling over, and finally looking at Emma.
"Why don't we go to Granny's?" Emma suggested. She was way out of her league for this kind of stuff. Maybe Ruby could help. Snow nodded, dragging herself off the bed.
"Yeah. You're right. You know what, I don't even care anymore. Let's just… let's get going," she said brightly, stepping into the bathroom to brush her hair. Emma stared after her in confusion. She'd just been acting like the apocalypse was upon them. Now everything was sunny again. Emma certainly didn't understand adults.
"I'm sorry sweetie," Ruby said, after listening to Snow's half rants in the diner. "I could tell that you liked this one."
"No no," Mary Margaret protested, waving her away. "That's ridiculous." She sipped at her coffee again, unable to look either girl in the eye.
"If the kid can tell you like him…" Emma trailed off, raising her eyebrow. Mary Margaret glared at her.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," she defended. "I only met him a few days ago."
"And he had you crying into your pillow," Emma reasonably pointed out. Mary Margaret opened her mouth, only to find she could not find a defense.
"Oh crap," Ruby muttered, as the door to the diner swung open. She bit her lip nervously.
"What?" Mary Margaret demanded. "Is it him?"
"Uh, no," Ruby responded. "It's Regina. And she's coming over here and I have to go." Ruby was gone in a flash.
"Oh, hello Miss. Blanchard," Regina said, sitting in the seat next to her.
"Regina," Mary Margaret said curtly. She took a deep breath, before facing the mayor.
"It's okay," Regina said, smiling. "I'm not here to kill you or anything."
"Hm," Mary Margaret muttered.
"No really. In fact, I came to thank you," Regina said, a grin spreading on her face.
"For finding David. I was so worried. When I found him on the side of the road, I wondered how his story would end. And now, he's finally been reunited with his wife. And he's doing so well." She rejoiced to see the flash of pain in the younger woman's eyes.
"I'm happy for them," she said flatly. "It's a fairytale ending."
"Yes, it certainly is," Regina said, jumping on the new weakness. "They've been separated for so long. I can't imagine what that must be like. Wanting someone so badly. But they're always out of reach." Now she was just playing. In an unnaturally cruel way.
"Yes, it must be horrible," Mary Margaret responded. "But at least they're happy." She wished she could believe.
Emma had watched the whole thing, in a battle between speaking up, and letting Mary Margaret handle things. However, now it seemed that the teacher seemed perfectly happy letting the mayor torture her. She was about to suggest they leave, when the diner door swung open again.
Crap.
David stayed in his truck for a few moments, taking the precious time to gather his thoughts. At least Kathryn hadn't been pushing. Once she'd dragged him back home, he'd hotly protested that he didn't remember anything. That she was completely foreign to him. The entire freaking town felt foreign. Like he was lost in a city that wasn't even on the map. The only thing that felt comfortable was Mary Margaret.
Kathryn had promised him they would build everything back. That they could resume their life. He'd been half listening, half planning his escape. He'd finally told her that he wanted to go to Granny's. Just to think for a little while.
He took a deep breath, and opened the door. He shut it, and continued in to Granny's. He pushed the door open, and saw her. She was there. Of course she was. Because that was the kind of day he was having. She was deep in conversation with the mayor. He saw Emma turn around, and her eyes widen slightly. He managed a smile, before slipping over to a corner booth. Mary Margaret noticeably stiffened when Emma whispered in her ear. He flinched, and prayed that it had nothing to do with him.
"Oh, hey stranger," came the kind voice of the waiter. And wait. He kinda remembered her.
"I'm Ruby," she said, holding out her hand. He shook it, before glancing at the menu.
"I'll just have some coffee," he said, not really up for eating.
"Uh huh," Ruby said, scribbling in her notebook. "So, do you remember this town?" she asked, not curious for herself, but more for a friend.
"Bits and pieces," David admitted. "I mean, I feel familiar with a lot of people. But, it's weird. I don't really remember them."
"Well, you were lucky Mary Margaret saved you when she did," Ruby said, gesturing over to the brunette. At that exact moment, she turned around, and their eyes connected. David felt his heart actually beat a little harder. Felt his breath hitch for just a second. So what? It didn't mean anything. Did it?
"Yeah, I should probably thank her," he said, determinedly getting up from his seat.
"Hello again," he said, joining them over at the counter.
"Oh, Mr. Nolan," Regina greeted. "How lovely of you to join us. Please, have a seat."
"Um, I have to go," Mary Margaret mumbled, dragging Emma out the door. David watched them go, pure confusion on his face.
"Something wrong?" Regina asked innocently. David could only shake his head dumbly. There was just something about Mary Margaret. He was getting drawn to her like a moth to the light. But, she seemed to now be repelled by him. And he couldn't figure out why. Regina smiled sweetly again.
"Nice to see you," she said, before fishing a twenty out of her purse, and setting it down on the counter.
"I hope to see you around," she called out, before leaving the diner. David stared after her, before walking back to his booth. He got the feeling that life was about to become very complicated.
Big drama coming up!
Next time… Mary Margaret and David try to fight the urges they have to be together. Before they hurt everyone around them.
NightLightning21
