Hi,
yes I am finally back. I took a little off to kinda work on my writing a little bit and to figure out how to proceed with this story, but now that this is done, here is the fresh new chapter :P
The sun was up high in the sky, shining down on the earth with relentless rays. The warmth burned her fair skin, but it didn't reach her soul, no matter how many hours she had spent in the cruel summer heat. The fountains were spluttering clear cold water and it felt soothing on her hand. She rested on the cold curb of the water fountains, enjoying the weather and trying to take her mind of the latest drama that has befallen her life.
Her mind was foggy and her mind couldn't recollect how she even got there but the spring breeze was soothing as she dipped one hand in the cold water. She closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of the blooming life behind her. She heard birds chirping, singing mysterious songs to each other, mundy kids playing and chasing each other in delight and the wonderful smell of nature was in the air, the deep wooden scent of trees and refreshing aromatic odor of grass. She closed her eyes, feeling at ease for the first time in many months.
Beneath her closed eyes she could make out that clouds were slowly obscuring the sunlight and she heard baleful thunder. The previously soft breeze that was caressing her body and stroking her hair now turned into abrasive lashes of a cold whip, tousling her hair and leaving an uneasy heaviness in the air. The laughter of kids and the lively sounds of the birds ceased at once and the gruesome stench of rotting flesh filled the air. Her hand started tingling uncomfortably and her eyes shot open panic eating its way through her soul.
She opened her mouth in terror but no sound came out as she saw that her hand was no longer resting in the cool fountain water but in blood. The pure crystal water that was flowing out of the fountain was gone and replaced with thick, red vital fluid. She pulled her hand out of the blood and looked at her trembling palm as strings of the fluid made their way down her arm.
Snow sprang to her feet and looked around. Her scenery was no longer a park in the middle of New York but a wasteland of darkness with the blood spitting fountain in front of her. Frantic thoughts ran through her mind as she stumbled to get away from the fountain that pumped blood mercilessly. She felt her heart race and she started coughing at the putrid stench that was hanging in the air. The wind was blowing her hair in her face, blurring her vision. She could make out a figure standing several feet away from her. The person had his head tilted down and the fists were clenched. She brushed her hair out of her vision and started walking towards the mysterious figure. Could it be…?
"Bigby! It's you! Thank god, we must hurry and get out of the storm" she shouted to him, desperation thick in her voice. Bigby didn't answer, he didn't even look up. Snow furrowed her brows in confusion and stepped in front of him. His hair was covering his eyes and he stood still as if he were a statue, with her blood covered hand she gripped at his coat, shaking him. "What is wrong with you?" she yelled frustrated with him, her voice drowning in the howling wind.
Suddenly his hand darted and wrapped itself around her throat, choking her. Snow wriggled to get out his deathly grip on her throat, her own hands trying to pry open his grip. Tears formed in her eyes and dread clutched her almost as strong as Bigby's grip on her throat. He lowered his head until he was only inches away from her face. His eyes were of a fierce yellow color, his upper lip was curled in anger and he was growling at her. She felt the air leaving her lungs and she was about to pass out, when suddenly his grip was gone. Snow fell down to her knees, breathing heavily, her hands on her neck. She opened her eyes to see Bigby gone, his figure had vanished.
Suddenly she heard an even greater growl and she turned around to see a huge black Wolf standing in front of her, his teeth were bared and eyes were glowing, it was Bigby. She hurried to get to stand on her feet to run away but her legs had been paralyzed, leaving her helpless on the ground.
With a thundering snarl the Wolf leapt forward and the last thing she saw were his sharp teeth ready to maul her, before everything turned into darkness…
Snow's body jolted up from the mattress and it took her eyes a few moments to adjust to the darkness. Birds were already chirping and first rays of soft sunlight made their way through the curtains.
Sweat was covering her, making her clothes stick to her uncomfortably, her breath was ragged and she could feel tears running down her face. It was just a dream, it was just a dream, she tried to calm herself as she took her head in her hands and took a few deep breathes.
This had only been one of numerous nightmares she was plagued with every night. Things just weren't getting better for her and it almost made her regret what she did. Almost.
I did nothing wrong! She stubbornly insisted, repeating it in her head every day to make herself believe it. She thought that after her talk with Bigby things would start to get better for them. She couldn't quite recall the happenings of that night but she remembered how soothing his embrace was for her soul and how she had hoped that they would leave the ugly past behind them from now on.
No, that would have been far too easy wouldn't it? She thought bitterly as she lifted the sheets off of her and got ready to start the day.
She didn't know how much time she spent in his arms but shortly after their embrace an awkward silence had filled his apartment and she quickly left, not saying another word. He kept his promise and didn't leave. She still saw him in his office every day but now he seemed to avoid her. Any trace of fondness was gone from his eyes whenever she looked at them. He is probably still mad at me. This was also why nightmares plagued her, nightmares of the Big Bad Wolf devouring her, avenging his dead child. She knew he would never actually hurt her but she couldn't shake off the uneasiness she felt whenever she stood before him.
Today would be different though, she wouldn't even see him. She planned to visit her sister Rose Red, now leading Lady at the Farm. Snow couldn't deal with the loneliness anymore and even though she and her sister we not exactly close she needed to tell someone. Also this was the only place that Bigby couldn't follow her. The country air will also be good for me. Snow tried to stay positive, still hoping that her problems would vanish.
~oOo~
The cane still supported her every step as she strut through the corridors of the Woodlands. She was a figure of absolute authority and she no one would change that. She was on her way to the Business Office, clad in her usual business attire.
Only a few hours of paperwork and then I can go to the Farm, she reassured herself as she turned down the doorknob to enter the Business Office. What she saw was unexpected.
Bigby was sitting in the chair in front of her desk, his back turned to her, but she was sure he knew she was there. Snow stood there for a few seconds; she didn't want to see him. She shook her head. This better be work-related. She continued to strut to her desk, she didn't look at him as she past him but she could feel his gaze burning into her.
"What are you doing here Sheriff?" she asked trying to keep the displeasure out of her voice as she sat in her chair, turning her head towards him. His posture was stiff and his eyes bore an unforgiving hard glare, it made her uncomfortable and reminded her of her dream.
"Where are you going?" he demanded, not caring to answer her question.
Anger flared in her. How dare he? He had no claim on her, so why did he care if she left the Business Office for a while? She clenched her fists under the table. Her gaze getting icy.
"Excuse me?" she deadpanned. His eyes shifted and he sighed. She was obviously making him uncomfortable and a small part of her smiled at that.
"I heard you were leaving for the Farm today and it seems you didn't waste one thought thinking about informing me of that fact." He explained matter-of-factly while drumming his fingers impatiently on the armrest. His brows were furrowed in annoyance, and she could see that his nights were spent with anything else but sleep.
"When did it become an obligation to inform you of my whereabouts Sheriff?" she tilted her head to the side fighting with the urge to kick him in the face with her cane. She knew this hostility that has formed itself between them was just both of their guards let up, trying to protect them from getting hurt again.
"Snow, since you are always so eager to call me Sheriff, I think you should remind yourself that I indeed am the Sheriff, and that means I have to know when the Deputy Mayor is present. It is nothing personal." He tried to reason with her, aggravation written all over his face. She looked at him for a moment and wondered were the man was hiding who so tenderly held her the other night. Where was the Bigby she had come to appreciate and even accept as a friend?
She stood up, not willing to take any more of his hidden accusations. "I see this conversation at an end Mister Wolf, for it seems you solely came here to throw accusations at me. I am going to the Farm to check on my Sister, I will be back by tomorrow. I trust Boy Blue to handle all sorts of matters until then." She took her cane and was ready to leave the Office; she did not dare to look into his eyes. As Snow closed the door behind her she missed seeing crushed expression of Fabletown's Sheriff, who wondered when things have gotten so complicated between them.
~oOo~
Tranquility filled her as she got out of the car, which was parked on the dry, dusty driveway of rock and thriving overgrown weeds. She breathed in the rural air and she already felt a lot more peaceful. She looked ahead and saw the ancient weeping willow with its huge sagging arms, providing shade from the intense rays of sunlight at this late afternoon.
She looked into the distance and saw vast open fields of corn and a dense wooded forest. Around her life was blooming. The Farm animals greeted her with great respect; the traitorous rebellion seemed long forgotten.
Supported by her cane Snow walked towards the cabin her sister was residing in, only to be already greeted by her, she must have seen her arrive.
"Snow? What are you doing here?" Rose didn't stick with any pleasantries as she opened the door for Snow to enter. Both of them knew they were not quite as close as to hug each other yet. Snow stepped in and looked around for a bit, the cabin seemed old but Rose certainly added her charms to it with questionable portraits and the overall chaos she could expect her Sister to leave behind at any place.
"Tell me Rose, why is no one ever glad to see me around here?" Snow mused out loud, taking a seat on the stained couch. Rose was just like Snow had remembered, walking around in nothing that could be considered appropriate for the post that she was representing at the Farm.
Rose jumped in front of Snow, hands on her hips and smiling sweetly "Well, may I remind you dear sis that not too long ago you wanted to burn this whole place into ashes?" Snow furrowed her brows.
"Sarcasm doesn't suit you Rose" Snow mumbled, suddenly unsure why she even came here in the first place. She couldn't expect any words of comfort from Rose. But I have no one else she thought heavy hearted.
"Actually there is something I need to tell you…" Snow began slowly. Rose came and sat next to her sister, listening intently. "Well then, go ahead, I'm all ears!"
~oOo~
The settling sun washed the garden with a golden glow; any signs of the previous winter and its sugar-frosted coating were melted from the grass and the plants. The grass seemed to whisper in the spring, like a church full of people all saying "ssssh" together. The stalks sway with a salsa rhythm, nodding their heads in delight.
John does a good job with those flowers, he silently appreciated the sight of the blooming flowers before him. He took another drag from his cigarette but it didn't calm him like it usually did. He closed his eyes, trying to soothe his troubled mind. When had life become so complicated for him? He smiled at the memory of a life when he had been free of all obligations, when he could just run through forests and had to take of nothing but his own stomach. Longing for those days spread inside him.
Damn, I miss the woods.
But his mind came soon back to the present day and he couldn't help the frown that plastered itself on his face. He didn't want to be mad at her. But the pain and betrayal he felt when he thought about what she had done was not subsiding. She was constantly pushing him out of her life when it was so obvious that they were at a point where they couldn't just turn around and leave. Both of them were too invested into the others life, but she failed to see it.
Or maybe she is ignoring it.
They were friends once and not long ago they even were at a point of becoming possible lovers and now everything between them was shattered. It is not all my fault! He had tried to help her, supported her at every possible situation and what did he get in return? Nothing but rejection and humiliation. She treats him like a child in front of everyone. His hand was gripping the wooden bench he was sitting on.
He didn't like the enmity between them. He just wanted everything to be as it used to. He flung the stump of the cigarette into the grass and slowly made his way into the Woodlands again, his break was not at an end. He sighed loudly and his mind once again wandered back to the days when everything had been so easy.
~oOo~
Rose Red didn't know how to react. It was like her brain was shutting down. Her face went slack, mouth hanging slightly open, her body unmoving and any color drained from her face, making her almost as pale as her sister.
"Wow, that was…unexpected" Rose gulped, slowly regaining her senses as she processed what Snow had just told her. Snows hands toyed with her cane, she had laid everything open to her sister, showed her full vulnerability. "How are things between you now?" Rose inquired curiously.
Snow couldn't help but think this whole story amused her sister. "How are they supposed to be? He is, of course, too stubborn to move on" she whispered avoiding Roses eyes.
"As he should…" Rose murmured. Snows eyes shot up to look at her sister. Rose had listened as Snow told her the whole story of how she and Bigby ended up in the woods, to the day that he busted Swineheart's door.
"What are you saying?" Snow demanded.
Rose shifted before standing up and putting her hands on her hips once more. "Look Snow, Bigby is kinda right, you can't expect him to just forgive you like that. This was not some appointment you cancelled or a check you didn't write. You killed a baby, do you even realize that?"
Tears of anger made their way into Snow's eyes. She got on her feet, holding tightly onto her cane and spat: "How can you even say something like that? You are my sister, you are supposed to be on my side!"
"Yes Snow, I am your sister, not some servant who just smiles and nods to whatever you say. Bigby is right, you should have at least informed him, but you ran away with the Doc to get the scary thing done as soon as possible without even thinking of the consequences. I didn't imagine you to be so selfish." Rose looked at Snow with raised brows, surprised by her sisters' naivety.
Snow stifled her anger. "When did you become so righteous Rose?" she sneered. Rose shrugged and smiled a week smile.
"Do you even have an idea how that would have ruined my reputation?" Snow hissed. She glared daggers at her sister who seemed unfazed by it.
"My reputation" Rose imitated Snow with a cocky voice. "Do you think you're a queen? Anyone thinks you're a slut anyways Snow…" Rose stood there with her arms folded across her chest, casually throwing this insult at her sister.
Snow couldn't believe what she heard. Rose hadn't changed at all. She thought that maybe now that she had granted Rose some power they might actually go along as they used to do. But Rose Red would obviously never change, she would always look for ways to humiliate her sister. Realization hit Snow, she shouldn't have come here. Rose would never help her and trusting her with this delicate matter was a mistake. Snow gripped her cane and turned around to leave.
"Rose… go to hell" she fumed enraged. In the corner of her eye she could see Rose look at her incredulously. "Oh, go there? I thought I had already arrived, 'cause this surely is hell Snow" Rose spat at her sister.
As Snow made her way to the car she didn't look back to see her sister, for she didn't want her to see the tears that were escaping her eyes.
~oOo~
It was late at night when Snow finally made it back to the Woodlands. The ride home she had spent crying, and now she was ready for her bed, hoping that nightmares wouldn't plague her tonight.
It was so late that not even trusty John was outside to hold the door open for her, she fumbled with the doorknob before she could enter the lobby, the insides of the Woodlands lobby seemed as empty and abandoned as her heart was.
She sighed as she made her way to the elevator only to be surprised by the door opening to reveal a certain person. Of course, she thought exasperated as she saw Bigby who was standing in front of her with a perplex expression on his face. A silence was settling as neither knew how to address the other. Bigby was the first to speak.
"Hey…" he softly spoke.
"Hey…" she mumbled back, avoiding his eyes. She did not want to see what expression they held, she just wanted to fall into her bed and forget this day ever happened.
"How was your trip?" he slowly inquired, hands in his pockets.
"Good." She lied.
He nodded slowly and looked at her remorsefully. "Good…" he replied quietly. They stood there for a few seconds, before Bigby left the elevator and walked past Snow, out of the Woodlands.
And as he left she stood there with the realization that she lost everyone; her reputation, her sister, Bigby's respect and most important of all their friendship. She was left with nothing but tears that started rolling down her face again and an unsatisfied feeling deep in the pit of her stomach.
Poor Snow, I make her go through so much, I'm a terrible human being ;D Rose spilled some truth tea though :P
See you next time!