Wildest Dreams

Vella stood in a bedroom doorway of a castle wearing a pretty, flowy pale green dress that complimented her golden brown skin and her curly hair was loosely pulled back. There was a man with dark hair gazing out of a wide window dressed like a prince straight out of a fairy tale.

"Hey love." Vella said making her presence known.

The man began to turn around…

Then Vella awoke from her dream.

"Ugh!" Vella exclaimed as she woke up.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." Her roommate Amy said.

"I have had the same recurring dream my entire life and I have never seen the man's face. He starts to turn around and I wake up every freaking time! I know he's not real or anything but it's like when you spend an entire dream trying to get somewhere you've always wanted to go but you never get there."

"I can see how that could be frustrating." Sam said.

"How do you have the same dream your whole life?" Amy asked.

"I have no idea. I've had this dream for as long as I can remember. Trying to explain it at three years old was difficult. I just thought it meant I would grow up to be a beautiful princess."

"It's kind of weird to have the same recurring dream for your whole life but at least it isn't a nightmare." Sam said.

"Maybe it's a past life or something." Amy said.

"I don't know. I stopped trying to understand it a long time ago." Vella said as she got out of bed to start her day.

-v-

It was breakfast time at Maleficent's. They were all gathered in her dining room. Astrea was in higher spirits and started to feel like herself again. Having Bae, Emery and Hope there was a good distraction from her depression.

"I was impressed with how Andy handled us grilling him yesterday." Emery said before he took a bite of his cereal.

"Me too!" Hope said.

"Honestly, after our double date, I quite like the guy." Emery said.

"Good to know I have your approval… So I was thinking that I should go to high school while I'm here. This way I can have something to do and actually be a part of this world while I'm here." Hope threw that out there, not expecting anyone to agree with her but was ready to defend her case.

"How? There's no record of your existence." Bae pointed out.

"Uncle Pinocchio could go to school here, I think I can. Maleficent runs a whole business, so did Giselle."

"Uncle Pinocchio was eight, that's a lot easier to pull off and Giselle's business was in her husband's name." Bae said.

"And really, nothing I do is legal." Maleficent added.

"We can make it happen!" Hope was adamant.

"There's more to it than just having documents. There's a system." Astrea went into explaining how the government worked.

"Can't you just find a hobby?" Emery asked.

"Besides, I don't want to draw attention to us." Bae said.

"I don't know what your idea of school here is but I don't think you know what you're asking for. Kids are cruel and you're used to the royal treatment. That aside, do you even do algebra and calculus in fairy tale land?" Astrea asked.

"Firstly, I may be a princess but I don't need any special treatment. Secondly, algebra and calculus, that's math, right?"

Astrea laughed. "Yes."

"I'm great at math. I'm very intelligent. I learn quickly."

"I'm sure you are. Your mom was good at nearly everything. It was really annoying but she grew up here, she knew how things worked. Algebra isn't just math, it's like the devil of math."

"Maybe we can figure something out." Maleficent said. Everyone looked at her wondering how she planned on getting what was needed for Hope to start school.

"Anyway, I have something for you three." Astrea said then reached down and grabbed three cell phones and handed one to each of them. "You can't live in this world without phones. You'd be like freaks of nature. You're all catching on to technology somewhat so it shouldn't be too hard for you all."

In the meantime, Bae went to the horse ranch. He was looking forward to this side hobby while he was here.

Mr. Dan showed him around. It seemed he really needed more help than he could afford. The bit of staff he did have seemed a little overwhelmed with the load they had each day. Most of his employees were students so they worked part time and they were all pretty inexperienced.

Bae came across a horse named Adonis, who was sad, seemingly depressed and hadn't allowed anyone to ride him for months, hardly allowed anyone to even pet him. He was all white and beautiful like Bae's horse at home. Mr. Dan said the horse was in love and his mate died a few months ago. He hadn't been the same since. Love is universal. Even a horse can feel the loss of it deeply. As soon as Bae met this horse, it was his mission to cheer him up.

"Mr. Dan, you need more help around here. I know you can't afford it but my uncle is as good with horses as I am, I'm sure he'd love to help you."

"And he'll just work for the chance to ride when he wants too? Why? I don't even understand why you would do it. I know that diner doesn't pay much." Mr. Dan couldn't believe this? Who really works for free?

"We don't really need the money. We just want to help."

"People aren't that kind."

"They can be if they know what's truly important."

-v-

Roland and Alexandra arrived at Prince Kopa's ball. He was searching for his future wife. Simba and Nala were known for having the most exciting balls in their world, the music was fun, the dancing was lively. As soon as they entered, they felt like hakuna matata. It helped that that was playing when they entered.

"Shall we dance my lady?" Roland asked.

"I would love to." Alexandra took his hand and they began to dance.

"You look beautiful." Roland said.

"Thanks handsome." Alexandra blushed.

Kopa's ball seemed to be a great way to kick start Roland and Alex's relationship in a new direction. After an exciting night, they headed back to Alex's kingdom but they were far from home so a ship ride was in order. As they gazed out at the sea, conversation sparked.

"I'm curious. What made you- How did you know- When did you know-" Roland wasn't quite sure how to ask his question.

"How did I fall in love with you?" Alexandra asked.

"Yes…"

"When we were cursed, my cursed-self had a crush on you and once the curse was over, I could still see how amazing and cool you are. I never really got over it but it just seemed like something that would never happen. You were older and cooler. Bae and I have had something since we were children. It always seemed like we were just supposed to be together but when he came back from New York or wherever he was, he was different and so was I. We tried and I will always love him but it was time to follow our destinies."

"And your destiny is me?"

"Part of it, I believe so… Does that scare you?"

"No." Roland kissed her hand.

-v-

Jane and Rumple were eating bananas before they went to explore the jungle.

"Tarzan, he's so intriguing. His eyes they're so intense and beautiful." Jane rambled about Tarzan.

"You haven't stopped talking about him since he left." Rumple pointed out.

"I'm sorry daddy. I must be driving you crazy."

"Ooh ooh, ah ah." They heard and turned to find Tarzan running over on all fours. "Jane." He touched her hair.

"Hello Tarzan." Poor thing knew nothing about personal space. "Maybe I can teach him to speak… Tarzan, ba-na-na." Jane held up the banana.

"Ba-na-na." Tarzan repeated.

"I think it's going to work!" Jane exclaimed.

-v-

Bae took Vella out for a picnic on a nice autumn day. He'd been taking her out once a week. They are not dating but it did seem to slowly be lifting her spirits and that was more important than anything at the moment.

"How do you always manage to come up with something cool and different every time we go out?" Vella asked.

"I think. I research. I have my papa and grandpa's voices in my head." Bae laughed.

"So there are more like you? Can't be possible. They taught you well, I must say… You sound like you have a close knit family."

"We are, thank God." Change a couple events in time and that wouldn't be the case. "Speaking of family, my mom's birthday is near and this is actually the first time we're not spending it together. I promised her a new playlist so I want to surprise her. You're a music buff right? Can you help me?"

"Mothers birthdays are important. Of course I'll help you. What kind of music does she like?"

"She's pretty diverse but her favorites, The Calling, The Frey, music like that."

"I love The Frey!" Vella playfully sung a bit of Drops of Jupiter and Bae joined in.

"See, I know some things."

"It's cute what you don't know but while we're working on this playlist, we're going to bring you up to snuff on music and pop culture."

Vella was so happy and playful. The person he met seven years ago was coming out bit by bit. It just warmed his heart to see a smile on her face.

Later they went up to her dorm. She pulled up her playlist on her laptop. They listened to music for hours in different genres, adding songs to a music player he bought for Emma as they went along.

"I have introduced you to the genius of Michael Jackson and given you a taste of my favorite singer. You don't know me until you know how much I love Brandy." Vella said.

"So not only have I gotten music 101 but I've gotten Vella 101."

"At least from a music perspective. You can tell a lot about a person by the music they're most attached to if you pay attention."

Then Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud came on.

"I love this song." Bae said.

"Oh, you know it? It's the kind of love you only dream of." Vella said.

"It doesn't have to just be a dream you know." The romantic tension grew in the moment. They got closer, the first kiss was brewing. The door opened. Her roommates walked in so their lips never met.

"Baelfire. What's going on?" Sam asked. They were surprised he was in the room and they were mighty close.

"Oh we were just creating a playlist for his mom. Did you get what you need?" Vella said.

"I did and I will be on my way now. Goodnight. Pardon me." Bae grabbed the music player and forgot his jacket.

Vella grabbed it. "Baelfire wait!" She went and opened the door already. "How the hell did he disappear that fast?" She closed the door back and when she turned around her friends were staring at her with their arms folded. "Don't look at me like that."

-v-

Bae went home to Maleficent's. Hope, Emery and Melody were in the living room.

"I have the playlist for mom." Bae announced.

"Cool! Now let's make that video." Hope said.

"And I will make sure she gets it on her birthday." Melody assured.

"Thank God for waterproof tech and Ziploc bags just to be safe." Emery said.

-v-

A couple days later in the Enchanted Forest… Emma and Neal were taking a walk through the back perimeter of the castle.

"A beautiful day for my beautiful wife's birthday." Neal kissed Emma as they stopped walking. "Happy birthday Princess."

Snow and David walked over to them. "Happy fortieth birthday baby." Snow said.

"Oh mom. Must you remind me of my age?" Emma asked.

"Darling, we age well and live long. You should be happy." Snow said then they had a seat on the nearby benches.

"It just feels so wrong to celebrate without Bae, Hope, Emery and Henry. Grandma's a wreck worried about Henry."

"Maybe I can help with some of that." Melody walked toward them.

"Melody, what a pleasant surprise." David said.

"I come bearing gifts. Happy birthday." Melody announced then handed Emma the music player with her left hand. "From your children and brother."

"Wow. Technology has come a long way in the last seven years, huh?" Emma said as she held the thin glass like device. She turned it on.

"There's a playlist full of new music for you and a few moving pictures."

"Videos?" Emma said.

"Right! They told me that. Look at the last one." Melody said.

"Before you do, Mel, what's on your left hand?" Snow asked.

"What?" Melody looked at her hand. She forgot she was wearing the ring. She and Emery were going to make the announcement when he came home. "Oh… It's a ring made out of fairy dust… Emery wanted to tell you but we're engaged."

"Congratulations!" Snow hugged her.

"Welcome to the family. Not that you weren't already." David said.

"Thanks. Now Emma, your present!"

Emma found the video and pressed play. There was Bae, Hope and Emery on the screen.

"Happy Birthday!" The three of them exclaimed.

"Mom, you didn't think we'd forget your birthday, did you?" Bae asked.

"We love you. We wish we were there with you but enjoy your birthday." Hope said.

"We also wanted you all to know that we are happy and safe. We're staying at Maleficent's." Emery informed.

"And I start school on Monday!" Hope exclaimed.

"What?" Bae and Emery questioned.

"We'll talk about it later." Hope said.

"Okay… All is well here. Hope all is well there. We can't wait to see you all again." Bae said.

They blew kisses at the screen.

"That was the best present I could have asked for. You know, aside from them actually being here. I just wanted to see their faces."

"Yes. We all did." Neal said.

"How's it going with Bae and Vella?" David asked.

"I don't know much but they're not together just yet. However, she did help him with your playlist so that's a good sign." Melody informed.

-v-

Hope started her first day of school. Maleficent pulled a couple strings with one of her clients who worked at the school. Hope didn't anticipate how nervous she would be to start school. It's not like she'd never gone to school in this world before but then again, one week in cursed Storybrooke doesn't quite count. Even though she probably should have enrolled as a junior, she enrolled as a senior. Everyone knows that's the best part of high school.

She entered homeroom and it felt like everyone was staring at her and whispering but fortunately, she was sort of used to that being a princess and all so she didn't let it phase her. There was a seat open in the back of the class and she just sat in observation until the teacher made an announcement.

"There's a new student joining us today. Everyone, please make her feel welcomed. Hope would you come to the front of the class and tell us about yourself?"

Hope was caught off guard but she made her way to the front. "Hello everyone, I am Hope Cassidy…" She had nothing else.

"Please, tell us about yourself? What do you like to do? What school did you transfer from?" The teacher asked.

"Oh. Well… I was homeschooled. I do a lot of… charity work. I love fashion and horseback riding."

"Why did you decide to go to school now?" A student asked.

"My mother went here. She was a cheerleader, honor student and involved in so many clubs I wanted to see what it was like."

Hope carried herself with so much poise and grace, a lot of the girls were looking at her as a target. Since she seemed to think she was all that, they wanted to bring her back down to earth.

"Who was your mother? When did she graduate? Maybe I taught her." The teacher asked.

"Emma…" What did they use as a last name again? Oh right. "Emma White. She graduated in… 2000."

"Emma? She was just darling. Every teacher loved her. There are still pictures of her around the school. What does she do now? I know she must have done well."

"She owns an orphanage with my father."

"Wonderful. If I recall correctly she loved fashion too."

"Yes but she has nothing on me." Hope joked before she sat down. Some of these girls seemed to be the mean girls Astrea warned her about. She even made her watch the movie. Meanwhile, there was a girl named Mona who didn't fit in with the cool kids. She kept her head in a book, wore glasses and braces and fashion was not in her vocabulary but she had a good spirit.

At lunch, the popular girls invited Hope to their table. They were very good at being nice-nasty and tried to feel her out. She knew these were not her people. She looked over at Mona sitting by herself.

"Excuse me." Hope stood from the lunch table.

"Don't you want to sit with us?" A girl named Claire asked.

"Actually, I'd rather not." Hope said.

"What? You think you're too good to sit with us?" Claire asked. She appeared to be the leader.

"I think it's the other way around. Don't try to intimidate me. It won't work. I'm a kind person but passive I am not. Good day ladies." Hope started walking toward Mona.

"We can make your life hell."

"I wouldn't try me." Hope said with a smile before she went to Mona's table.

"Mind if I join you?" Hope asked.

"Why? They send you over to embarrass me?" Mona asked.

"Nothing like that. I'd just rather sit here. Mind?" Hope asked. Mona shook her head.

"Sitting with me won't gain you popularity."

"I don't need popularity. I just want a friend." And so a friendship began.

-v-

A month passed, it was almost Thanksgiving and the college students were a few days away from their break. Vella was in Los Angeles for work and was now at a fashion industry party with Damon. All of the industry's elite were in attendance. She was only there for a day because she had to get back to school for the last of her finals.

A hot male model from France walked over to Vella. "Vella Swan, comment vas-tu Beauté?" He gave her the double kiss on the cheeks.

"Bonjour Taylor." Vella replied.

"English please." Damon said.

"Sorry. Taylor, this is my boyfriend Damon. Damon, this is Taylor. We've worked together often."

"Really?" Damon replied with a hint of animosity.

Taylor sensed some jealousy from Damon so he decided to remove himself. He didn't want him to get the wrong idea.

"What was that about?" Damon asked.

"What do you mean? He's a friend." Vella replied.

"All of sudden you have a lot of male friends I've never heard of. I bet you're giving them what you're not giving me?"

"What? First of all, Taylor is gay and secondly, I can't believe you would think that of me."

"Stop lying to me. We need some privacy."

"I'm not lying, I promise."

He grabbed her discreetly. "Don't make a scene." He said. They went to the ladies room and when the door closed behind them, Damon turned around and smacked her to the floor. "How dare you make a fool of me? You think because you grace a cover of a couple magazines that these people love you? I love you. Get it together and meet me outside." Damon walked out.

Vella began to cry for a moment then got up, looked in the mirror and examined her face. The pain continued to linger. A model Vella knew named Bonita came out of a stall. She was so embarrassed. She quickly wiped the tears from her face.

"Are you okay?" Bonita asked as she washed her hands.

"Of course. I'm fine." Vella lied.

Bonita hugged her anyway. "Maybe this will help." She went into her purse then handed Vella two white pills. "Ecstasy 2.0." Bonita left the restroom.

Vella stared at the drug then took it to her mouth. She paused and shook her head then threw it down the drain. She wiped her eyes again, fixed her makeup and covered the mark on her face. "Pretty girls don't cry." She said to herself before she left the restroom. It was time to go back to Michigan.

-v-

Jane was sitting in a tree with Tarzan. She had a picture book, continuing to teach him how to speak and the customs of civilization. He improved quite a lot.

She flipped to a page of a man on one knee giving flowers to a woman. He looked at Jane and smiled. They flipped through a few more pages then she asked him to get down. They swung on the vines together until they got to ground level. Jane learned to swing on her own and she wasn't frightened as she was the first time. Now it was freeing to her and overlooking the jungle was beautiful.

-v-

Roland and Alexandra were dancing alone in the ballroom to Emma's new playlist.

"My favorite part about coming here has always been the music. I've never heard any of this before." Alexandra said.

"Bae sent Emma new music for her birthday." Roland replied.

"I hear things are going pretty well for them there."

"I miss them. We all grew up together and now I'm the only one here. It seems so much quieter."

"There's still Nara and you're friends with the staff that's your age."

"Nara's at the age where anyone who isn't one of her friends annoys her. Yes I still have my friends and they're like family but it just isn't quite the same."

"They'll be back but in the meantime, handsome, you're not alone." Alexandra kissed him.

-v-

Henry and Goldie were on their way to conquer a village. They were headed out of the door when Goldie stopped him and kissed him.

"There's something I must tell you before we go… You're going to be a father." Goldie announced.

"Come again?" Henry replied in shock.

"I know. We didn't waste time but aren't you excited?"

"Sure." He said dryly.

She kissed him again. "Let's go!"

They went to a poor village furthest from the castle. Henry made a scene with his magic to get the villagers' attention. They panicked, not knowing rather to stand still or run.

"Things are going to change here today. Do what we say and no one will get hurt." Henry stated.

-v-

It was the day before Thanksgiving break for the college students. At Bedrock Diner, Bae was working and Hope was doing her homework at their favorite booth, at least she was trying. She was clearly frustrated then Andy came in and sat next to her. They've really begun to mesh well together over the past month.

"Oh Thank God, I need you. Please help me with my homework!" Emma exclaimed.

"You got it. What do you need help with?" Andy asked.

"English is easy. Science isn't too bad but history? The only thing I've learned is that this world is more awful than I thought and calculus? What the hell is this?"

"Okay. Calm down. I am here." Andy said putting his hand on hers. She smiled then moved in closer, looked in the eyes and kissed him. Their first kiss, her first kiss.

"I've been wanting to do that." Hope said.

Andy kissed her again. "I guess we have waited long enough… I don't have to worry about your brother, do I?"

Hope laughed. "You don't have to be that concerned about my brother, okay. Don't be so scary."

Emery walked in and joined them at the table tired as can be.

"Long day?" Hope asked.

"Yes. Just finished up at the ranch. Don't mind me. I'll sit here and catch a little nap." Emery went into the corner of the booth and went to sleep while Andy helped Hope with her work. It seemed they all had a long day and after another hour, Bae was finally off work and joined them in the booth.

"How's the homework coming?" Bae asked.

"Better with Andy's help." Hope replied.

One of Bae's co-workers came over. He hadn't really made an effort to get to know them. It wasn't exactly intentional but his focus was elsewhere. They really didn't seem to like him. They thought he was stuck up and took all the female customers. That wasn't intentional either, of course.

"Bae, we're all heading out to this club. It's laid back, there will be some live performances and a little dancing. Want to join us? Before you say anything, we're all trying to give you a chance and not look at you like an asshole who just flashes his winning smile to get what he wants." The co-worker said. Bae was caught off guard but with a momentary reflection he could sort of see why they might have something against him.

"If you don't mind my family tagging along." Bae replied.

"That's cool."

"I know where it is, I can drive us." Andy said.

"See you there." The co-worker said before he walked away.

-v-

Later, Vella walked onto a stage and headed to the mic dressed in an outfit given to her by a famous designer, make up was flawless and her hair was big, curly and sexy like a lioness. Whatever unhappiness she felt, the stage was not the time to show it. The people want a show.

"Hello everyone, I am Vella Swan and this a song by Brandy called Wildest Dreams." Vella introduced then the background music began. Wildest Dreams was a song about someone who never imagined in their wildest dreams that someone could love them so much and they came into their lives in the lowest of times, right when they needed them.

Vella started to sing and looked at Damon in the front row of the audience. He didn't exactly make her feel that way but you know, it's a show and from the outside looking in, everyone thought they were that couple so they just ate it up. Then what Vella least expected in that moment happened. She saw Bae walk in and though she kept singing, she was momentarily distracted. She quickly snapped out of it and tried to keep flirting with Damon from the stage but her attention kept going back to Bae in the back of the club. At one point, she just couldn't take her eyes off of him. She started the performance off calm so she could have something to build up to and as she stood there singing the song and taking in the words, a tear fell. Not that she wasn't already giving a great performance but it got even better. The next chorus came around and she began to move around the stage. She just got hyper, energy was through the roof. Everyone felt it and even though more tears started to run uncontrollably, she sung over that flawlessly. She took the song to church before it was said and done and once it was, she had a standing ovation.

"Thank you. You can find me on all social media VellaSwan. Single and EP coming soon." She got off the stage, walked to the back of the club and turned into a hallway.

"She's amazing!" Hope exclaimed, she couldn't emphasize enough.

"She couldn't take her eyes off you." Emery pointed out.

Damon didn't seem to be following Vella so Bae went looking for her. He found her in a narrow hallway leaning against the wall.

"You did not tell me you could sing like that. You didn't tell me about your performance either or that you have your own music coming." Bae said.

"I know… It's not you."

"… I know. You were amazing. You are amazing. Don't let anyone ever tell you any differently."

They had gotten really close in this little hallway. Their hands intertwined and their lips finally met. They both had flashes. Vella flashed to her recurring dream of her looking at a fairy tale prince staring out of a window with his back turned to her and Bae flashed to his bedroom in his usual attire staring out of his window. He didn't know what that meant and she didn't understand something like that happening but she felt that she saw him as her dream guy but not the guy in her dream because of course he doesn't actually exist anywhere.

They let go of the kiss and stared into each other's eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry, I have to go." Before Damon catches them and shit hits the fan. As she walked out, there was Damon. He peaked behind her and saw Bae standing there. He put his arm around her as to make a statement she was his.

"Let's go." Damon said. They left and Bae went back to everyone else.

Bae went back to his table. "Thanks for inviting us but I'm going to go. We'll do this again." Bae said to his co-workers.

Bae, Emery, Hope and Andy left. They convinced Andy that they would catch a taxi because clearly he couldn't take them home. While Emery and Hope went home, Bae went to the horse ranch. Mr. Dan was still there and it was a nice place for him to think. He went to see the horse Adonis, he recently started allowing him to pet him. Adonis was beginning to open up, at least with Bae he was.

"Adonis, I didn't anticipate love being this complicated but I guess any love worth having is worth fighting for. When I think about it, no one I know with true love had an easy path getting there. I know she can't just give up everything she knows suddenly but what is it about him that makes her stay, I feel it in my bones that he's an asshole."

-v-

Vella and Damon were in his car. She sat quietly with her arms folded as he yelled as if she wasn't right next to him.

"What the hell was he doing there?" He yelled, she didn't answer. "Answer me!" She still didn't answer. He swung, she blocked her face and swung back. He didn't expect that. The car swerved. It was getting dangerous.

"Let me out!" She said sternly.

"Are you crazy?"

"Never been clearer. Pull over!"

"I'm not letting you out of this car." He said so she opened the door, car still moving. He stopped. She got out, he started following her. Trying to be as intimidating as usual, he yelled and hit but a fire was lit in her tonight.

-v-

Bae was still talking to Adonis when he heard a ruckus in the distance.

"Come on, Adonis. I need you now boy." He hopped on the beautiful white steed that hadn't let anyone ride him in months and took off toward what he heard.

It looked like a man hitting a woman. Coward! As he got closer he recognized who it was. He was already heated but now he was on fire more than he'd ever been. He climbed off of Adonis, ran over and punched the hell out of Damon. Damon hit that ground and saw stars. Bae strangled his neck tightly and whispered to him.

"Put your hands on her again and I will break your neck into a thousand pieces." Bae let him go roughly then ran to Vella and hugged her then helped her up. "Are you okay?" She just nodded with tears in her eyes, embarrassed.

He put his hand out hoping she would take it and go with him.

"Don't you dare." Damon said. Clearly, he didn't believe that Bae made a promise and not a threat. Vella looked Damon in the eyes as she took Bae's hand. When enough is enough, it's enough.

Bae and Vella rode off on the white stallion back to the stables with her hands around his waist and head resting on his back. For a while she just cried on his shoulder uncontrollably. That went on for a while. She never felt safer. It took a few hours for her to actually say something. They sat together in the hay and once a while passed after she stopped crying she finally spoke.

"Now you know how perfect I am not." Vella said.

"Like beauty, perfection is in the eye of the beholder. You're perfect to me." Bae said.

"That's because you don't really know me. I'm a hot mess."

"Who's not? Why… did you stay with him?"

"I was convinced I didn't deserve anything better, that I'd never find anything better. Who would want me with my history? Then you came along giving me hope and what not… When one grows up in an abusive home, often they're abused later in life or become the abuser… My father was abusive to my mother. It's why they got divorced. When I was fifteen, my mom got her life together, started dating again and when my father found out…" There was a long pause. "He- he killed- he killed her. Everything went downhill from there."

"I'm sorry." He hugged her.

"Ready to run?" She asked.

"I'd be more worried about you running. You're not your parents Vella. I love you for you."

"You love me?"

"I thought that was obvious."

"It is… I love you… This must be the craziest family drama you've ever heard in your life."

"You'd be surprised. My family isn't perfect. No one's is."

"I have a hard time believing that."

"Honestly, my family has similar stories to yours."

"Stories? Plural?"

"Like I said, my family isn't perfect but we've come a long way. I understand but things do get better and they will. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel."

"I think I'm starting to see it." They hugged.