A/N: Hello everyone! - I'm sorry it took so long to upload a new chapter. I've been busy with work and my little babygirl. Well I hope you enjoy the new chapter and it would make me happy if you left a comment on your thoughts of this fanfic. Thank you all for standing by :)

Chapter 7

Deals

The rest of the week went by quickly. I have not messed up – which is just as a surprise for me too. I had expect – with everything going on – that I would be fired the next time I checked in for work. But as I said I rocked it and I started to enjoy my work a little more.

It is my day off and since I don't have that many friends I just sit at the table browsing the internet. Well I just feel this is not going to be a fruitful day. Maybe I should get some cleaning done…?

It was afternoon and all of the cleaning was done. That was surly a good thing about having such a small place. There wasn't much space to clean. Hell, there isn't even enough space to make it messy. Deciding I have been enough lazy-ish I put on my jacket and went out for a walk around the park. It is kind of making me feel better. You know that feeling when you get all lazy and the day after you regret being a useless turd. Well – I know it at least. And I hate it.

The fresh but cold afternoon air gushes through my hear and I snuggle my nose under my scarf. I forgot my mittens so I put my hands in my pocket fiddling with the change I always keep there – in case of emergency, you see.

I think about the last time I went here. The time Gold had caught up with me and asked me to work for him as a – eh – maid? I chuckle. Sounded like the dreams I had. I pictured myself in one of those outfits you see on TV – the black dress and the white apron, finished off with a white headpiece. Before I know it my legs had taken me to the very place of the very man I was wondering about. Mr. Gold's pawn shop. I watch thought the windows but it is too dim to see the details. In my head I go over this little battle again:

You should walk ahead , Hazel. It will do no good to wander around in his shop. Go and never – ever – go here again.

But too late, this other little devilish voice in me spoke convincing me it would do no harm to just look around, would it?

I open the door as the little bell announces my arrival. I see no one so I proceed to walk around – looking at all the small little trinkets and gewgaws. Some look expensive – most of it look like something my Nan would have lying around. Then my eyes fall onto this small brass kettle. Like – I've seen it before. But not really – do you guys follow me?

"How can I help you, miss black?" I hear his voice say from behind me. I have been fixated on the kettle that I didn't hear him come in at all. "Oh – eh – hello, Mr. Gold. Sorry I didn't hear you come in." My cheeks start to heat up and I just knew I am blushing furiously. He keeps bringing this feeling up in me. "I just saw this kettle and I thought I recognize it from somewhere. But – " I look at it again. "I must be mistaken."

"Well," Mr. Gold began limping behind the counter and opening up the glass display with a small key. "It is a rather unique kettle. It once belonged to a king far – far away from here." His smile is pleasant and I can't help myself but smile at him too. "The legend says you can hear the kettle talk if one listened quietly enough." He puts his ear at the kettle and listened to it. "I must be getting deaf with the years. I don't hear it anymore." I laughed thinking he was a good salesman. "Well, maybe it isn't in the mood for talking…"

Enchanted forest…

"Bring me my tea, Sarah." He said while sitting frustrated on a sofa. These dunderheads in the village had manage to set foot on his land again. How dare they even think of it – going to the Dark One and trying to undermine his authority. Did they have a dead whish? He slayed them anyway.

Sarah rushed over to the kitchen – seeing his foul mood. Nope – she was not going to wait for him to lash out at her. It made her nervous – knowing he was in such a bad mood. Often he would use magic on her when he was acting this way.

Once he waved his hand and she would trip, making him giggle devilishly. Childish little things like that – it made her embarrassed. She could use magic on him too, but Sarah would rather die a natural cause – thank you very much!

"Sarah! Get on with it!" She heard him yell. Impressive though, as it was a few halls away. She wondered if he'd use a curse for that. She picked up a brass kettle and filled it with hot water and with one swish of her hand the wood underneath the kettle started to burn. Smiling at her improving skills she went for the teapot and matching cups.

Days like this made her feel uneasy around him. He could be her best friend the one day and could be the worst man the very next day. It made her cautious. Always trying to avoid upsetting him. As the kettle whistled and the water bubbled she took the blasted thing of the fireplace and poured it into the teapot. "What is taking you this long?" she heard him grumble and looked up. There he stood his arms crossed – his forehead showed deep lines, tracing his irritation. "It's not like you have to fetch the water out of a well. Rumpel walked over to her – his strides are firm and angry. "I – I…" Sarah nerves reached her head and without thinking she burned herself on the hot water that remained in the kettle.

"Ouch!" Waving her hand up and down – hoping it would cool down she let the kettle drop as a reaction to her pain. "Stupid girl." Rumpel snippet and grabbed her hand. He inspected the red spot, covered with blisters. "I'm sorry, Ru- sir. I… I will have your tea ready in a few seconds." She rambled on and turned to go back to work – but he hold on to her wrist – holding the angry looking burn mark in front of his face. "Hmmpf…" looking down she hoped he would be releasing her soon so she could cool it. "This looks rather painful." Rumpel said – darting his eyes to hers back to the wound.

Raising his hand, he placed it on the angry looking spot. Flinching – Sarah's first reaction was to pull away. But he would have none of it. No - instead he tightened his grip on her and pulled her even closer. "I can fix this." He whispered.

Purple and green light surrounded her and the pain eased. "There. All done."

Storybrook…

"Hazel! Bring me those steaks now!" I hear Granny practically yell as she slams the door shut again. This woman makes me nervous even when I am doing my job right. Let alone when I am a total wreck full of nerves. "Gran, the oven is not working like it should be. I told you it needed to get fixed!" I yell back – breaking my habit to be the quiet one. My temper is creeping out of this hidden spot deep inside the core of my spirit. Angrily I throw the plates on the stainless steel kitchen counter and start to prepare the plates. In my head I'm still fuming about the way I get threatened over here. I work my ass off and even on a busy day like this one she doesn't hire another cook. "Granny! Two steaks!" I yell again and when nobody comes through that door I open it myself and bring the plates to the front of the diner. "Granny which ta…" I couldn't finish my sentence as I feel myself crash to the ground.

Do you remember those scenes in movies where a person is in slow motion. Well that is how I imagine it happened. The plates fly into the air – doing a few flips for a special effect. I swear I could feel my heart jump out of my chest as I watch the lettuce and tomato land on the face of none other than the lady that was looking like she is going to kill me. "In my defense… this floor is wet." Quietly I stand up and gingerly pick the food off her face.

"YOU!" She begins – her face as red as the tomato that I got off her face. "YOU…" The grey old lady points a wrinkly finger in my direction. "are FIRED!" she yells right in front of everyone. "Get out of here and don't come back."

My feed are glued to the ground. Gravity makes me feel as heavy as a rock. "Granny… I'm – I… Sorry." I mumble and look around.

I see everyone staring at me. The strength and courage I felt earlier today slips away. I quickly got out of my apron and briskly walk out of the diner – leaving the piece of white cloth on the coat rack.

The cold air hit my face and when I'm far out of eyesight I break. Tears start falling like little rivers down my cheeks. My step quickened hoping no one would see me.

The sadness I feel is unbelievable. I need this job and now I'm not even sure if I even have enough money to keep my apartment. My thoughts are like this downward spiral. It even got worst when I realize that everyone would know by tomorrow morning – meaning I can't show myself anywhere for the rest of my life.

As I lay on my bed I could only stare at the ceiling – unable to close my eyes. What would I do now when I no longer have this job. A deep sight escapes my lips and I turn around to get my phone.

The light of the screen makes me blink a few more times to get my eyes used to the brightness of it. My inner feeling is telling me to do it – a small voice that is telling me to do it. But there is this other feeling – the one whispering 'it is against your nature'. Before I know it my text message is done.

I'll do it. Can we meet tomorrow? - Hazel

I'm pondering it maybe for an hour before hitting the send button. After a few minutes my phone beeps – telling me the receiver had replied.

At the diner 2 p.m.? – Mr. Gold

A pang hit my heart. No – surely not at Granny's.

My place? - Hazel

See you tomorrow – Mr. Gold

That was it. Tomorrow I will have this conversation. My only hope of not living on the streets any time soon.

There was a knock on the door so I straighten out my skirt. Okay – this is it. I feel weird. Why making all those nervous motions and why not just relax more. But then I remember I'm talking to the most powerful man in town. I have every right to be nervous.

As I open the door I see him smiling this innocent smile of his. "Mr. Gold." I say – backing down the nerves. "Hazel." He said and without me inviting him in he just walked in – just like that. "I received your message earlier." He says while sitting down on the sofa. "Good." I say while I get the tea and cookies out of the kitchen.

Mr. Gold made this gesture for me to talk. "I am fired at the diner." He gets two sugar from the pot and a little bit of milk. "Well, what do you want me to do? Talk to Granny for you?" A little smirk appears slowly on his face – letting me know he was not going to make it easy.

"No. Hell no." I say while the scene of the old woman flashes through. "I think it is too late for that." I can't help it but feel the sadness overcome me and I sure know it must be showing on my face as well. Damn me and my stupid woman emotions!

"So what is it you need me for? It won't be for the great tasting tea and chocolate cookies, now – is it?" Straight to the point he is – this man.

"I wanted to know if that job offer is still open." It is silent. He sips at his tea for a while and I – well I'm just a nervous piece of shit that needed that job! So here I go on the path of sliming my butt off.

"I would really appreciate it if you would consider it. I mean – I don't think there are any options for me open. And if… if I can't find another job. Well…" do I really need to spell it out for him. He just stares a time and – his brow quirks up – implying to keep on going. "If I can't find another job I won't have enough money to pay the rent." There it is. All the time while speaking I am looking at my hands – as if it is the most interesting thing I can lay my eyes on.

"Hazel…" He begins – his voice is soft. His voice is like a soft wind that – although you know is there you need to focus to hear it properly. "I have someone else for the job." My stomach made some backflips when the news hit my brain. A picture of me outside my house with only a camera in my hand flies by.

"Oh… well. I just thought…" I cannot finish. I actually didn't know what I was thinking yesterday. It had been what…? More than a month.

"However- " He began. My eyes dart to the man in front of me. How is it he can make me nervous bit at the same time – I don't know – feel good? "I do need someone in the shop when I'm not there – or just to clean the inventory." I smile as my hope for a good end is near.

"When could you start?" He ask as now a smile plays on his own lips. "Right now." At that he stands up. "Follow me then."