A tiny bell chimes above my head as I push my way into Mr. Gold's Pawn Shop. Even though its mid-afternoon, the shop is dark and gloomy. I bite my lower lip nervously, gazing at the trinkets and antiques lining the walls and glass cases.

I close the door behind me, noticing two wooden puppets seated by the front door. Their tiny mouths are wide open, eyes sprung open in obvious terror. Their wooden hands lay in each others.

I shudder, moving past them and taking in Mr. Gold's other items.

A dust-covered spindle in one corner.

A gleaming, curved samurai sword hung on the wall.

A giant, silver hook displayed in one of the glass cases.

"May I help you?"

I jerk around, my insides turning cold.

A curtain in the far back parts as Mr. Gold limps out, a polite but mysterious grin shaping his delicate face. He halts behind the far counter, resting his gloved hands on his intricately designed cane.

I straighten up, forcing myself to take timid steps toward him. "Hi..." I start, my voice barely above a whisper. I clear my throat. "I'm Selena Silver. Leah Silver's niece."

"Ah." He nods in recognition. "What can I do for you today?"

I study a unicorn mobile stung from the ceiling, unable to meet his eyes. "My aunt and I have been staying at Granny's Bed and Breakfast because we haven't been able to keep with our rent, after Moe French let Leah go." I mumble.

Gold's face morphs into something similar to a smirk.

I go on. "Neither of us have had much luck trying to find a new job, so I was wondering-"

"If you are hear to ask me about giving you an extension on your rent, the answer is no." He cuts in, walking over to one of his heavily decorated shelves. "Leah is a fine young lady, I'm sure she'll find a more decent job with a respectable employer in no time."

A grim quietness passes through the room. I watch Mr. Gold closely. "What do you mean, a 'respectable employer?'" I don't sound nearly as brave as I hoped I would. "Moe French is a good man."

"Moe French and I have had our differences in the past." Gold retorts almost immediately. He reaches up to one of the shelves, taking down a delicate, white cup. He gazes fondly at it. I noticed a tiny part off the top is chipped off.

I dare myself to meet his eyes. They aren't drawn to me, but I can still see the despair reflecting off them. A pang of remorse hits me. It's as if he's forgotten I'm here, and is lost in his own, haunted memories.

But as quickly as it comes, the moment passes on. I frown, unsure of what just happened.

"If that is all you are here for, Miss Silver, I suggest-"

"That's not why I'm here." I exclaim a little too rudely.

He just chuckles softly in response. "Then what brings you here, dearie?"

I narrow my eyes, knowing it's now or never. "I came to..." My voice trails off. Despite the coldest of the winter, I find myself sweating underneath my heavy jacket. I start again. "I came to ask you if I could possibly work here? You know, like have a job? Just until Leah and I have enough to pay the rent!" I add quickly, studying his face.

He's obviously surprised by my request. His eyes widen, and for a moment he almost seems at loss for words. "You want to work here?" His thick Scottish accent is clearer than before as his voice raises. "I must say, I've never had this suggestion offered to me before."

"I'm not surprised." I mutter under my breath.

Gold moves around his counter, coming to halt in front of me. I've seen him around town before, but up close, I can see the chiseled features of his face. In an eerie way, they almost seem familiar. "I'm currently not looking for help at the moment." He says, and my heart sinks. "But," He suddenly smiles, gazing past me. "I suppose I can allow you to do a little work around here for some time," He grins knowingly. "Since you are so keen on helping your dear aunt."

I laugh happily, clapping my hands in front of me and bouncing on my heels, unable to keep to joy contained. "Thank you so, so much!" I respond with glee. "I promise I'll be the hardest worker in town! I won't let you down."

He smiles at my happiness. "Just come back around tomorrow at noon. I will try to have your first task ready for you." He nods politely.

"I will!" I sigh with content, backing away to the door. "See you tomorrow, Mr. Gold!"

I open the door, unaware of the brisk cold that hits my face. I've done it! I've got a job that will keep Aunt Leah and I in Storybrooke!

I make a note to myself not to screw this one up. Working for the mayor was scary enough, but Mr. Gold? Who knows what kind of terror could be unleashed if I fail at what he has me do?

I shake my head, reminding myself not to overwhelm myself with those kinds of thoughts.

I turn the corner and head for Granny's, pushing past the leaves crowding the gated entrance. The broken flower pots that dirty the steps have still not been cleared away. Ruby and Granny never thought to clean the place up, even after Emma and August showed up in town.

I push my way into the inn, hearing Ruby humming to herself in one of the back rooms. I head her way to tell her about my good news, but decide to unshed all this winter clothing first. I pound up the stairs, shoving my key into the brass lock on the door. It clicks open, and I begin unraveling the scarf from around my neck, and shrug out of my jacket. I toss them both on the bed, smiling to myself as I turn toward the mirror leaning against the wall.

My reflection smiles back at me, but something seems off. My facial features are all accounted for, but they don't strike me as /me/. I see someone else entirely.

I don't look like my mother. Leah always told me I took more after my father.

My father...

I scream, stumbling backwards in terror, and collapse by the foot of my bed. My breathing catches in my throat, turning to horrified sobs. My ears catch sounds of frantic footsteps stomping clumsily up the stairs.

Ruby barges into my room, her red eyeshadow outlining her shock. She couches beside me, grabbing my wrists. "Selena! What happened!?"

She sounds so inaudible, seems so far away. She pleads for to me to tell her what happened, if I'm hurt.

I look at her, shivering. My voice cracks. "I know who my father is."

"What?" She whispers, clearly not understanding. "Who is your father?"

I swallow, allowing myself time to calm my breathing before replying gloomily. "It's Mr. Gold."