Author's Note: I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Please review if you like it or have any suggestions.

CHAPTER FIVE

Emma was soon approaching her seventh birthday and David and Snow got more nervous by the minute.

One day as Snow was braiding Emma's long blond locks Emma asked her "Mommy? You and Daddy have never been in such a crazy mood. What's going on?"

Snow sighed, knowing there was no way she could hide what was happening from her daughter. "Darling? You know how it's your seventh birthday next week?"

"Of course I do!" Emma squealed. "Are you planning a surprise party for me? Is that why you are so nervous? Actually if that's what's happening don't tell me! Or maybe you should tell me so I could plan some of it!"

Snow tied the end of the braid with a ribbon and Emma turned around to face her causing Emma to notice Snow blinking away tears. "Mommy? What's wrong?"

Snow reached over to Emma and gave her a hug. She whispered in Emma's ear and asked her, "Emma? Do you know how to be really brave?"

Emma scrunched up her face, worry mixing with confusion. "I think so." She responded. "Why?"

"On your seventh birthday" Snow said, her voice shaking, "You are going to live with a man named Rumplestilsken for a while."

"For how long?" Emma asked.

"I... don't really know"

"Why do I havta to go?" Emma cried out.

"When you were in my tummy, I was very sick. The only way to save my life was to make a deal with Rumplestilsken". Inwardly Snow was berating herself. Did we really have to do that? She thought for the millionth time since that fateful day. Was there really no other choice?

Emma didn't respond. She just went over to the corner of the room to play with her dolls. Snow knew she should make sure her daughter was alright but she found it hard to speak. She sat and buried her head in her hands for a few minutes before she realised it was time to cook lunch. Grateful for the opportunity to distract herself, Snow busied herself with her cooking.

The week passed with Emma very quiet unlike her usual cheery self. Early morning on her birthday David went to take her.

"Emma sweety?" He said "it's time to go."

Right before they left, Snow gave a big hug to Emma. "Bye Emma." she said choking up her tears "I love you!".

"no you don't." Emma muttered.

"What was that?" David asked.

Emma just bit her lip and said nothing.

When they got to Rumplestilsken's house, he was waiting for them outside his door. "So you finally showed up!" he crowed.

This made David upset. "What do you mean?" he asked, anger evident in his eyes. "it's not even noon yet!"

"True." Rumplestilsken giggled "but it is a few hours past midnight"

David didn't want to risk seeing Rumplestilsken's wrath so he didn't say anything more. He only kissed Emma's cheek and walked away quickly before Rumplestilsken could see him burst in to tears.

David ran back home feeling the biggest sense of grief he had ever felt before in his life.