My head feels heavy as I begin to wake up. I rub the dizziness out of my eyes, aware of something soft and cushiony beneath me. Sitting upright, I take in my unfamiliar surroundings. The room is large and slightly curved, the classic woodwork of the walls white and plastered with light brown wallpaper. An abstract painting is strung onto the far left wall, a giant fireplace burning lowly beside it.

I immediately bolt upright, wincing as the sharp pain in my head increases. I have never seen this room before.

I try to recall what had happened before this moment, frowning as I remember passing out in the woods. Dawn light breaks through the many windows surrounding the room, indicating that I have been out for a few hours.

"You're awake."

I stiffen at the sound of the deep, melodic voice. My sweaty palms grip the hems of the white couch to keep themselves from shaking.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to see you again." He continues. I can hear him pacing behind me, and I risk a look over my shoulder. "But living in this small town, we were bound to run into each other sooner or later." He is wearing a long, black coat that falls past his knees. His dark hair brings out the black/brown tints of his narrowed eyes.

I shuffle around cautiously on the couch. "Who are you?" I question, trembling.

He watches me, twirling a glass cup with a red substance around in his hand. He smirks slightly, his eyebrows furrowing with conviction. He steps lightly towards me, his black boots splattered with mud. "I should've known. You wouldn't remember me."

I instinctively edge away as he places himself down next to me. He shows no sign of noticing or caring.

"Evangeline... It's me, Jefferson." His tone is dark and cold, yet hopeful. "We met in Wonderland, weeks before the curse took place."

An awkward silence stretches out across the wide room. I open my mouth, staring at him stupidly as no words come out. "Who is Evangeline?" I manage.

He sets his cup down on a coaster, watching the red liquid swish up along the sides. "You are." He grumbles, rising to his feet. "I don't know what you go by in this life, but your real and true name is Evangeline." He paces around the couch, digging his long fingers into the cushion behind me. "I was hoping you and Grace, of all people, would have been left unaffected by the curse."

"Curse..." I repeat, wringing my fingers together in frustration. Didn't someone recently tell me about a curse?

Jefferson walks over to one of the windows, resting his arm along the wall and glaring out at the morning scenery of his front yard. I slowly heave myself to my feet, ignoring the aching screams of my muscles.

"Everyone in town is not who they used to be." He states. "Regina erased all their memories, giving them all false lives."

I nod in understanding, remembering why the words are familiar. "Did Henry tell you that?"

He whirls around abruptly. "No! Henry told me nothing!"

I stumble backwards, nearly losing my footing and catching myself before I can topple over the carved coffee table. My heart beats manically against my chest.

Jefferson's face falls, his dark eyes burning with resentment. "I'm sorry." He whimpers, shoving his hands into his black coat pockets. "It's not your fault that you can't remember anything, Evangeline."

I can feel my bottom lip quivering, and I turn my head downward before he can notice. "I just want to go home." I croak out, unable to hide my fear and unease for any longer.

He nods reluctantly, sadness playing across his face. "Of course. I will show you the way in a moment." He pushes himself off against the wall, taking off my jacket which I just realized was hung up on a coat rack near the fireplace. He tosses it to me, buttoning up his own and stands in front of the doorway.

I narrow my eyes at him as I slip into my jacket, preparing myself incase he breaks out into some kind of attack. But he just waits calmly for me, almost seeming to burn with regret and disappointment.

"If I may ask," He speaks up suddenly. "Did you ever discover the truth about your father?" I tilt my head to one side, quirking my eyebrows slightly. "My father?" I squeak out a humorless laugh. "Both my parents are dead."

A smirk plays across his cold face, his dark eyes glinting. "I take that as a no." He pushes a heavy white door open, adding. "Your dad is alive and living in Storybrooke."

I cross my arms over my chest stubbornly, enjoying the warmth of my jacket. "What makes you say that?" As I make my way across his empty room, he leans his head back against the door, gazing at the stooping ceiling.

"I know things no one else in town knows." He concludes. "I know everyone's story; who they were, who they are," He pauses, watching me closely. "Who they're parents are."

A cold shiver passes along my spine. I huddle in my jacket, pretending to be interested by the texture of the carpet.

His hand presses softly against my back, leading me down the narrow hallway. We walk in silence for about two minutes. He informs me the path to get back to Granny's from his house, noting to not take the woods again.

"Don't forget what I've told you, Evangeline." He whispers fondly. "You can't hide from the truth forever."

"Selena! There you are!" Ruby smiles as I push my way into her grandma's inn. "I was beginning to get worried about you. You were gone all night." She winds the velvet scarf around her neck, already dressed in her work uniform.

I run my shaky fingers through my hair, yawning hugely. "I got out of Regina's late and had to stay with a friend." I lie, silently hoping my cheeks aren't flushing red against my pale skin.

Ruby just nods, already opening the door to the bitter winter air. "You might want to tell your aunt Leah. She was worried about you." She grins, resting her head against the doorframe. "You'll have to tell me all about working for the mayor when I get of work this afternoon. It must have been fascinating." There is a friendly edge of sarcasm to her tone.

I laugh dryly, stifling down another yawn. "It actually didn't go to well. Regina fired me." Too tired and worn out to answer her oncoming questions, I press on indigently. "I need to look for a new job."

She frowns slyly, her red eyes shadow merging as her brows crease together. "You could try talking to Mr. Gold about an extension on the rent. I know he wouldn't listen to Leah, but he might pay attention to you since you're younger." She shrugs, twirling a diner key carelessly on her finger.

I sigh, feeling drained and hopeless. "I don't think so." I shimmy out of my jacket, a seed of an idea blossoming in my head. "Maybe... Maybe I should just ask him for a job."

Ruby coughs back her surprise, manicured hand flying to her chest. "Ask Mr. Gold for a job? Like working in his pawn shop?" She huffs a laugh. "Selena, Mr. Gold is the scariest, most mysterious man in town. Why would you want to work for him?"

I shrug nonchalantly. "Why not?"

"Why not?" She repeats, her hands resting on her hips.

"Ruby!" An impatient voice calls from outside.

Ruby pouts stubbornly, narrowing her unsure gaze at me. "You go ahead and talk to him. But he is a strange and secretive man. Who knows-"

"RUBY!"

I'm already making my way up the stairs as the voice comes again. "You better go." I inform her. "You don't wanna be late for work." I yawn once more, stretching my arms above my head for emphasis. To myself, I add, "And I don't want to be sleepy when I make my debut to Mr. Gold..."