New Territory
Roland found Regina out by her apple tree. He was finally ready to talk now.
"Hey mom." Roland said. It's been a while since he spoke to her so it was music to her ears. She smiled then turned to him.
"Hi sweetheart." She went over to him.
He sighed. "I'm trying to move forward. I'm forgiving you. It's not an overnight thing but I'm trying. I love you. I know you're not the same person you were when you did all those horrible things."
"I love you Ro. I am so sorry. I really am." They hugged. Regina could see that Roland didn't really look at her the same but she was glad he didn't shut her out forever. At least they could work on it.
-v-
Bae took a walk around the neighborhood in which the diner was located. He had been working there a couple weeks and still hadn't actually seen the area. He always just appeared behind the diner then went to work. He saw Albion College on his walk which was the school Vella and most of the people who hung out at the diner attended. It was a nice area, plenty of land and very peaceful. It reminded him of home. It was a big contrast from the hustle and bustle of New York. He continued on his way and came across a horse ranch. A man who was about fifty-ish, with a salt and pepper Tom Selleck mustache and a giant cowboy hat was riding through the ranch. He stopped at the gate after seeing Bae standing there.
"Hello young man. I don't think I've ever seen you here before. Do you go to the school?" The man asked with a strong baritone voice.
"No sir. I just work at the diner down the road." Bae said.
"I don't know many people your age around here who don't go to the college. Like horses, huh?"
"Yes. My family owns horses. I've had my own since I was ten… Do you need any help around here? I already know what to do. It kind of reminds me of home."
"I usually only let the students work here. I can't afford to pay much."
"You don't have to pay me? I just ask that you let me ride."
"We can try it out on a trial bases. I'm Mr. Dan."
"I'm Baelfire. Friends call me Bae."
"Baelfire?"
Bae was tired of people repeating his name as if he was speaking a foreign language but at least he gets to ride.
-v-
Jane and Rumple were still miles upon miles away in the jungle and on one hand, Jane couldn't wait to see the animals and learn new things, especially gorillas. For some reason, the creatures fascinated her. On the other hand, maybe she didn't totally think this through. I mean they're sleeping outside and there are bugs and stuff. Ew!
She was asleep in her tent when she heard something collapse. She peeped out of her tent and sure enough, there was a cute little baby baboon trapped under some crap they probably shouldn't have brought in the first place. She crawled over and helped the little one out. He seemed to have hurt his little hand.
"Aww! Poor baby, let me dress this for you." Jane picked him up and took him to her tent to use the first aid kit. "Papa never liked how close I always got to animals." She laughed. "I know it hurts now but it'll be better soon enough. Want to sleep it off?" She cradled the baboon in her arms and they fell asleep.
A couple hours later, Jane felt movement from the baboon so she awoke. He crawled out of the tent. She chased after him.
"Wait! You're not well yet!" She continued to chase him. She's so caring, sometimes to a fault, kind of like her mother.
Jane ran into the deeper, less open part of the jungle.
"Why am I chasing after a baboon? He's just a cute little baby baboon!" She rambled in her mind before she was surrounded by a family of baboons, not so cute, not so little. Her voice shook, her lips quivered. "And this is why no one ever lets me go anywhere." She took off running as fast as she could, barefoot in jungle grass. Faster. Faster. Faster. Scream. They're getting closer. Faster. Faster… Right off a cliff. Scream. "Hey, am I flying? It's so freeing? Do I have magic I don't know about? No." She looked behind her. There was a man swinging on a vine, holding her up with one hand." Scream.
He finally landed with her, high up in a tree. She panicked as he continued to hold her in his arms so he put her down. The baboons crept back up and the man started to fight the family all on his own, almost effortlessly. They thought Prince Charming was bad, wait until you meet the prince of the jungle. His physique was extraordinary, his brown hair was long and so was his facial hair. He moved like a gorilla. Jane never saw anything like it. After he took down the pack of baboons, he went back over to her with his head turned to the side, curious and fascinated with those piercing yet innocent green eyes. He got closer and closer, invading personal space, totally in her bubble.
"Getting a little close there." She said, scooting back until she couldn't scoot anymore. He touched her feet, she laughed. That's her tickle spot. She couldn't help it. He touched her face, prettiest thing he'd ever seen. Then he held up her hand to his. They were the same. He put his head to her chest. If this wasn't already awkward, it was now. He heard the beat to her beautiful heart. It was in synch with his own.
He finally stepped back. Her look of discomfort, faded somewhat.
"Tarzan." The man uttered as he pointed to himself.
"Tarzan… I'm Jane." She pointed to herself.
-v-
Hope went to Bedrock Diner trying to figure out what she was going to do with herself while she was here. Undoubtedly, Emery was somewhere asking himself that question. They were really there for moral support of Bae but he didn't need them all the time, they weren't like bras or something. He was there to connect with what he believed is his soulmate. They wanted some adventure on the side if possible.
She sat at a booth waiting to be waited on when a man with sandy brown hair, blue eyes and clean cut face came to her table.
"Is this seat taken?" He asked.
"No. Feel free." Hope invited so he joined her at the table.
"I'm Andy. Andy Davis." He introduced himself.
"I'm Hope… Hope… Cassidy. Nice to meet you."
"You probably didn't notice but I saw you here a few times and I just thought, if I ever see you again, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to talk to you."
"Wow. I'm flattered." Hope blushed, smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear.
The waiter came to their table. "May I take your orders?"
"My treat." Andy offered.
"Thanks!" Hope smiled then ordered a fruit salad (no apples) and hot cocoa with cinnamon. Andy decided to try the hot cocoa and cinnamon too. "I ate earlier and fruit salad is one of my favorite deserts. I could eat it all day.
"You don't eat apples?"
"No. It's a family thing. Do you always order your hot cocoa with cinnamon?"
"No but now is as good of time as any to try it."
Hope dreaded what she had to ask next but as much as her mom believes that she's like her and her grandmothers, she's smart enough to learn from any of their past mistakes. "Andy, how old are you? Most people here were college students so there was a good chance he'd be older than her. The real question was, how much older?
"I'm-" Andy began to answer before he was cut off by Bae.
"Hope! Word. Now." Bae said and walked away for her to follow. They went over to the counter.
"What is your problem?" Hope asked.
"You agreed, no romance here."
"Uh… Do I have a twin because I do not recall any such conversation taking place?"
"This is a bad idea. I told mom and papa I'd keep you out of trouble and you're going to have to go home at some point, you can't get attached here?"
"Seriously? You traveled here for someone knowing you have to go home at some point."
"It's a risk."
"Well let me risk. Not everyone will fall in love with the first person they meet. I just met the guy. We're used to the first key in the ring of keys being the right one but sometimes it isn't. You and Alex didn't work."
"What if you're not like me and Alex?"
"Some things are meant to be. Grandma didn't think mom and papa should've been together but they were destined and no one knew but them. Their souls told them. You know. You're responsible for recording such stories of people's lives. Now, can you let me be? I won't get in trouble and I know you'll be there making sure I don't."
"… You're right about that."
"I'm right about all of it. Now may I go brother?" Hope asked. Bae nodded. "Don't worry, I get good vibes from him." She went back to Andy. "Sorry. My brother's a tad protective."
"That's okay. I have two little sisters myself. I get it… So I was saying, I'm twenty." Andy replied.
"Okay. I'm… sixteen. If that's not a problem for you, it's not a problem for me. I'm very mature for my age."
Andy had a concerned uncomfortable look on his face. "Well you're very upfront and honest."
"It'd be a shame if we hit it off and it all got screwed up because of a secret."
"It's just if we were to date, I could go to jail."
"Not necessarily."
"Why aren't you ever in school?"
"Homeschooled…" Sort of.
"Maybe I should meet your parents first. If they're okay with it then maybe I can take you out sometimes."
"Very honorable. I'm actually away from home right now with my brother and uncle so they're sort of responsible for me until we go back. You'll have to talk to them. I don't think they'll be any easier than my parents. Speaking of me being away from home, I don't know when I'll go back. Could be sooner, could be later. I just thought you should be aware."
"Okay. You are very straight forward. I like that."
"Thank you! Do you have anything you need to tell me?"
"… No." He hesitated.
"You hesitated." Hope pointed out. He looked unsettled. "Look, everyone has secrets. That's fine but you're not a murderer or rapist or anything, are you?"
"No!" He couldn't believe she just straight up seriously asked him that.
"A girl needs to know these things. Not that you would tell me if you were but as long as those aren't your secrets, I think I can pretty much handle anything."
The waiter brought their orders.
-v-
Henry and Goldie were cuddled in bed together at Goldie's cottage in the wood. Goldie caressed his body as her head lied on his chest.
"What do you say, we get more than just a little old cottage in the woods?" Goldie suggested.
"What do you mean?" Henry inquired.
"Why should we settle for just this? We can have so much more. An entire village, servants, gold, power."
"Uh… I don't know." Henry pulled away and got out of bed.
"Why not? What are you afraid of, Henry?" She sat up with her arms crossed and eye brow raised. "Are you bad or not? If you want your family to stop treating you like a boy then act like a man, the man you want to be."
Henry paced the floor once and ran his hand through his hair. He didn't know what he wanted or if that was a good idea. If and when his family caught him doing this… He didn't know what they'd do.
-v-
Tarzan brought Jane back to the camp. Rumple was about to lose it, he was so worried and the fact that some young gorillas were going around breaking things did not help. He had a sigh of relief when he saw Jane and embraced her tightly. Meanwhile Tarzan joined the gorillas in their play.
"What is that?" Rumple asked.
"He's a man daddy and it seems the gorillas are his family."
"Can he tell his fellow beasts to stop destroying our sight?"
"Daddy! I'm surprised at you. Don't call the man a beast. I recall you were the ultimate beast once upon a time. In fact, there's a whole book about it."
"Okay. You're right but make him stop!"
"He only speaks gorilla but I will try."
"Be careful."
"He won't hurt me daddy. He just saved me." Jane took a step over to Tarzan but a giant grizzly gorilla ran out in front of her. She screamed. Rumple waved his hand and threw the gorilla. It growled loudly and the other gorillas ran off. The big grizzly king of the jungle ran off too. Tarzan followed reluctantly. He just left the first thing he's ever seen in his life that looked like him. Jane was hoping she'd see the fascinating man again.
-v-
Roland was helping out at the orphanage. At the moment, he was trying to get a five year old boy who didn't like to eat much, to actually eat something.
"Come on Mikey. Just a little. If you eat, I'll teach you archery tomorrow." Roland attempted to bribe.
"Roland!" Alexandra exclaimed in a reprimanding tone behind him. She just walked in and overheard.
"What? We won't use real arrows… It didn't work anyway. What are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd come by and help out. Mind if I try?"
"Please do."
Alexandra sat down with Mikey and spoke to him sweetly. He was giggling and blushing then he finally began to eat a couple minutes later. No one can get Mikey to eat but Alexandra did it.
"No fair. He fell in love with you." Roland said.
"Bippity boppity boo, I guess I have the magic touch. No fairy godmothers needed… or Dark Ones." Alexandra joked. "I know what I'm about to do is a tad unorthodox but hey, I'm a strong woman. This may be a bit unexpected or weird to you but-"
"Alex, what is it?" He cut off her rambling.
"Will you escort me to Prince Kopa's ball? King Simba and Queen Nala always have amazing balls."
"Of course. I would love to. Before Bae left, he said you were in love with someone else. Why didn't you ask him? You'll never know until you try."
"That's the thing Roland, I am asking him."
The shock was apparent on Roland's face. Never in a million years would he have guessed that he was the one Alexandra was in love with. "Oh…"
"Not quite the reaction I was hoping for."
"No, it's not like that. I just didn't know. Bae knew?" Alexandra nodded. "Wow. I never looked at you in that way."
"I understand." She started to walk away but he caught her hand. "I'm not against it. I'm just surprised. We can see where this goes. Why don't we just start with the ball?"
Alexandra smiled. "Okay."
-v-
The next day, Bae appeared in the back of the diner like he usually did but this time he wasn't alone like he usually was. Vella was there and she turned around startled when she felt his presence. Luckily, she didn't see him appear there.
"Baelfire! How long have you been there?" She asked, eyes full of tears. "Never mind, I have to go." Vella started to rush off but he ran in front of her.
"Wait. What's wrong?" Bae asked.
"Nothing."
He embraced her in a hug and she soaked in it for a moment until she realized what she was doing and pulled away.
"I have to go!" Vella exclaimed.
"Vella, if you won't tell me what's wrong, at least let me comfort you. Whatever it is, you don't have to deal with it alone. I'm here for you."
"You hardly even know me."
"I know you enough to care and I know enough to see that you haven't been happy since I walked back into your life. I just want to see you smile. Let me do that for you."
"What? Baelfire, I told you. I have a boyfriend."
"Is he the one making you cry? Anyway, this isn't about him or me. This is about you needing a little light in your life. You deserve happiness Vella. Let me give you just a little bit of that." She seemed interested in whatever idea he had. "Meet me here, at 3:30 and I will surprise you with only things that will put a smile on your beautiful face.
Vella nodded. "3:30." She reiterated.
-v-
Three o' clock rolled around and Bae got off work. It was time for him and Emery to have a little chat with this guy who is interested in Hope.
Bae, Hope and Emery sat at their usual booth as they waited for Andy.
"Think he's too afraid to show?" Emery asked.
"No." Hope rolled her eyes. "He said his class might run late."
"I don't have all day. I'm taking Vella out." Bae informed.
"Ooh! Date?" Hope said excitedly.
"It's not a date. I'm just trying to make her feel better. Do you think I'm being selfish? Coming here, hoping she'll fall in love with me?"
"No." Hope and Emery said in unison.
"It's like when Tinkerbell told grandma that Grandpa Robin was her soulmate and she walked away. Tink said, she didn't just mess up her happiness, she messed up his. Eventually, they found their way to each other but if you and Vella are meant to be together the way you believe you are, you owe it to both of you to try. Whatever Vella is going through right now, maybe you came back into her life now so that you could do something about it. There is no such thing as coincidence." Emery said.
"I see the way she looks at you. Whatever you feel, she feels it to but she already had a life in progress, she can't see herself just dropping it for some guy she met three times, seven years ago when she was fourteen. I see the look on her face every time one of these girls flirt with you. I believe in you two. That's a lot coming from me. I damn near doubt everything." Hope said.
"Yeah and if my mom and dad can survive evil step mothers and evil fake fathers, curses, engagements to other people, memory loss, constantly being separated to the point they spent more time finding each other than actually being together in the beginning of their relationship…" Emery started.
"… Finally getting married with a baby on the way just to be cursed and separated again less than a year later and not finding each other again for another eighteen years…" Hope continued.
"Then surely you and Vella can survive a little pain and an asshole boyfriend." Emery finished.
"Well! That was certainly the pep talk I needed. Your love has to be epic to survive all that." Bae shook his head, reflecting on all his grandparents had to go through.
"Hello. Sorry I'm late." Andy said after approaching the table.
"That's okay. Join us." Hope invited. He sat next to her. Bae and Emery glared at him from across the table, they wanted him to know they meant business. "Andy, this is my uncle, Emery and you've met my brother Bae."
"Nice to meet you both. I realize Hope is a bit younger and I don't want to cross any lines. I have sisters myself and I wouldn't want anyone to hurt them so I understand." Andy explained.
"What are your intentions with my sister?" Bae asked.
"I just want to date her, get to know her. I will only show her respect."
"Damn right about that. You don't want to know what we'll do if you don't." Emery threatened.
Hope knew her brother and uncle were coming off so cold and frankly a little scary because they just wanted to protect her. You really couldn't meet anyone nicer than the two of them but they can kick some ass and they will if they have to. She didn't stop them because she wanted to see how tough Andy was. If he can't handle a little interrogation what can he handle? So far, Andy was passing the little test Hope was conducting in her head, though she noticed the nervous tick he had, tapping his fingers on his knee.
"You seem like you might be a nice guy so you can date my sister. That means I'm trusting you. Don't let anything happen that I wouldn't want to go back and tell my parents. Hope knows the rules. None are to be broken. I know our family is notorious for not listening so do you understand Hope?"
"Yes big brother. I understand. You don't have to worry about me." Hope said.
"Good. Nice meeting you Andy. If you'll excuse me, I have to go work some magic before I go out." Bae said. Hope and Emery shared a look.
"What are you going to do?" Emery asked rhetorically.
"Don't get caught." Hope reminded Bae about not using his magic in public but of course he thought about that. Bae walked out of the diner. "So what are you going to do, Em?"
"I'm going to see Melody today. Little secret, don't tell Bae yet but we're engaged."
"Oh my gosh! I'm so happy for you!"
"Congratulations." Andy said.
"Thanks. It's exciting." Emery said.
"We should double date… Would you mind?" Hope asked Andy?
"No. What about tonight, our first date?" Andy replied.
"Works for me." Emery said.
-v-
After working his magic Bae waited for Vella outside. She had on sweats and a cap and her curly hair was pulled back into a pony tail but still was the most beautiful woman in any room.
"So what's on the agenda?" Vella asked.
"I told you. It's a surprise but believe me, you'll have fun." Bae replied.
"How do you know what I like?"
"I know you like this but before we get there…" Bae whistled and a horse and carriage showed up.
"This is for us? Where did you find this?"
"Nothing a pumpkin and a couple of mice couldn't handle." Bae joked… Sort of.
Bae helped her into the carriage then they headed on their way.
"You know, I would've been cool with an Uber or something?" Vella said.
"What's an Uber?"
"It's like a taxi but better."
"Oh. Well, I told you I wanted you to smile and nothing makes a girl smile like being treated like the princess she is."
"This isn't a date." Vella reminded.
"Never said it was. It's fun day, that's all."
They soon arrived at their destination…
"An arcade?" Vella questioned. "You got a horse and carriage for the arcade?"
"So I'm a little over the top. My sister says, if you're going to do something, do it in style. It's probably something she got from one of my grandparents but still applies."
"Hmm, your sister and I would probably get along." They walked into the arcade as the horse and carriage pulled away. Vella smiled. "We met at an arcade. That's why you chose it."
"Yes. You remember."
"Of course I do."
"I got to see those dimples and those hazel eyes all lit up. I know I'm supposed to be making your day but you just made mine."
"Okay Charming. Ready to get your butt whooped again in a car racing game?"
"Ooh. Still the competitive spirit. I'm ready."
Bae got them tokens then they ran over to the racing game. Vella won about three times and Bae spent most of the game crashing.
"You've never driven have you?" Vella asked.
"That obvious, huh?" Bae replied.
"I've never driven either, I'm a New Yorker but aren't you a small town boy or something? Don't you all drive at like thirteen?"
Bae laughed. "Not exactly."
"You're Amish, aren't you?" She was still trying to figure out what his deal was.
He laughed again. He didn't even know what Amish was. "No. Not Amish. So it's your day, what would you like to play next, Princess?" Bae asked. As much as she was trying to keep her cool, everything he said made her blush. They played every game in the arcade then they decided to try their hand at the basketball game before they left.
"Are you any good at sports?" Vella asked.
"Not most traditional sports but…" Bae picked up a ball and made the shot. "My father taught me this one." He continued to make shot after shot and won so many tickets.
"OMG Baelfire! That was amazing." Bae exclaimed.
"Thanks…" He just ignored the fact that he didn't know what OMG meant. He really only knew the slang of this world from his parents' time.
"Look at all the tickets we've won!"
"Let's see what we can get with them?" They went over to the gift shop and turned in their tickets. "What do you want? We have enough so that you can choose anything?"
"Aren't you going to get something?"
"I told you, this is about you? What about that big bear right there?" He pointed to a five foot tall, fluffy, light brown bear.
"Baelfire, it's huge."
"Better to cuddle with. You know you can call me Bae."
"I know but I like your name. It's unique and… hot." Now she was flirting. What had gotten into her?
They got that giant bear and stuffed it into the carriage with them. Bae helped her take it up to her dorm.
"Mission accomplished. I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun… My roommates are going to kill me for bringing this giant bear to take up space but they'll just have to get over this one. Thanks for everything."
"Glad I could be of service. If you ever need me. I will be there." He kissed her cheek. "Good night Princess." Bae left. Vella entered her dorm room with her big ass bear, leaned on the door and smiled.
"Where you been?" Vella's friend Sam asked.
"Arcade." Vella replied simply then put the bear by her bed and sat down.
"Damon take you? He win you that big ass bear?" Her friend Amy asked.
"Uh… No actually. Baelfire took me."
"Baelfire?" Amy and Sam repeated, emphasizing his name.
"Why do you always say his name like that?"
"Because he's hot, charming and he likes you." Amy said.
"It's no big deal. He's my friend."
"Tell that to your puppy dog eyes." Sam said.
"I do not have puppy dog eyes and do not tell Damon. He'll read way more into it than he should."
"Secret's safe with us. Right Sam?" Amy said.
"Right. I won't tell but I like Damon. I don't want to see him get hurt. I hope you know what you're doing." Sam said.
Vella rolled her eyes, squeezed her bear, smiled and took a deep breath. The day was a breath of fresh air.
