Chapter 2: Getting back what was lost
"Mr. Gold," The nurse at the reception area of the hospital said as John came up to her.
"Where is she?"
"Mr. Gold, the mayor's coming—"
"I told you, I own this place. Tell her she can't come in."
The nurse took a deep breath.
"Where's Isabella?"
"Tryke!" The nurse said, "Accompany Mr. Gold to room 116."
"You know Isabella?" Tryke said.
"I'm not here to answer any questions. I need to see Isabella."
"Okay then," Tryke said, "Sorry. Come with me."
They went further down the hall and stood outside what seemed like a dark room. Tryke opened the door.
"There she is,"
"Isabella," John said, tears forming in his eyes.
Isabella looked at him. She looked sad and hurt, like she didn't know why she was there, or what she was doing, or even who she is. Her hair was all over her face, she was wearing a hospital gown, she was sitting on her bed, holding herself.
"Do you want me to—" Tryke said.
"Go," John said, "Close the door."
"Okay," Tryke muttered, "I'll just be outsde though—"
"Just go." John said.
"Isabella," John said as he walked up to Isabella.
Isabella just looked at him.
"Do you remember me?"
"You look like him," She said silently, "But you're not—"
"Belle, It's me."
"You."
"Rumplestilskin," He muttered.
"That's impossible—"
"How did you get in here?"
"I don't know," She said, "I woke up and...and I'm here. Never been anywhere..."
"I'll get you out."
"She'll get mad."
"She?"
"The mayor," She muttered, "She visits me every once in a while..."
"Regina..." He muttered angrily.
"What?"
"Nothing," He said, "I'll get you out. Okay?"
"But—"
John started crying, "Belle..."
She wiped the tears away from his eyes, "Don't cry,"
He just shook his head.
xxxxxx
"Madam Mayor," The nurse said as Regina came in.
"How is she?" Regina asked.
"Fine," The nurse said, "But uhm, unfortunately, you can't see her right now..."
"That's funny, coz I told you I'd be coming..."
"I know, I'm sorry, but uhm...It's uhm...Maintenance day..."
"Maintenance day? I never made a law about that."
"No, uhm, it's Mr. Gold...he wants to maintain the uhm...cleanliness of this place."
Regina raised an eyebrow, "Is something going on?"
"No, none at all, just...maintenance. Uhm...Maybe you could get back tonight, Madam?"
Regina took a deep breath, "I'll be back around 9. If I find out something's going on, trust me, you wouldn't like what I'd do. Mark my word." She then made her way out of the hospital.
xxxx
Emma Swan opened the door of the house she and Mary Margaret were sharing and was surprised to see Mr. Gold with a woman she didn't know outside the door.
"Mr. Gold," She said, "What a surprise...What's going on? Who is she?"
"I need you to do something for me, Ms. Swan," He said.
"And why would I do something for you?"
"Because I own Storybrooke." He stated.
She took a deep breath, "What do you want?"
"I need you to take her in," He said.
"Her?"
"Isabella." He said, "I need you and Mary Margaret to let her in your house and let her stay for a while."
"And why? Who is she? Where does she live? Does her family know?"
"She has no family," He said, "And don't ask too many questions, just do what I said."
"Sorry, Mr. Gold, but with all due respect, I don't think I should—"
"Regina did something to her."
"What?"
"She put her in that hospital, and I believe she's been drugging her. Emma, you're sheriff, you need to keep her safe. Besides, don't you owe me a favor? Or have you forgotten?"
She took a deep breath, "Aren't you and Regina on the same team?"
"I thought we were," He said, "But apparently, she's a traitor. Vicious. But not anymore."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Do this," Mr. Gold said, "Please."
"Wow, you said please? Did I hear it right?"
"Emma, we all have people we want to protect. I know you know how that feels."
Emma took a deep breath, "Okay," She said, "We'll take her in."
"Thanks," Mr. Gold said, "And if Regina asks, don't say you know anything about Isabella, okay?"
"You have my word."
Mr. Gold extended his arm, and he and Emma shook hands.
"Thanks," Mr. Gold said.
Emma just nodded her head, still confused, but somehow understanding.
xx