Unexpected Love
The next morning, Mary groaned to a severe migraine. As she opened her eyes, the room appeared to be spinning. Another groan escaped her light pink lips. What happened last night she wondered? The pool of light from the sun rested on her eyes, she had to turn away. The light was sensitive to her eyes. Turning onto her side a bucket sat next to her bed. Deciding to sit up quickly was a horrible idea as a rush of blood streamed to her head and in response she hurled into the bucket. The taste was repulsive, she threw up again. This was the first time ever to experience a hangover. Emma slowly opened the door to the bedroom. "Are you alright?" She already knew the answer to her own question; she knew the results of too much drinking. The girl only grunted in response. The blonde handed Mary two aspirins and a towel. "This should make the headache go away." She placed the pills on the nightstand and went to retrieve a glass of water. Mary Margaret stared at the tablets, normally she would not take medicine, she would find another remedy to help with a problem but right now she wanted her head to stop pounding right away. Emma returned with the water and handed it over. Placing the pills onto her tongue, she swallowed them down with the cold liquid.
A few hours had gone by and Mary Margaret finally recovered from the hangover. "Are you ready to face the man that takes everybody's money?" Emma joked, as she herself wasn't quit ready to face the pawnbroker. Mary nodded slowly. Today was the day she dreaded. She did not visit the pawnshop nor ever held a conversation with the owner. She didn't even know if he would agree. Hopefully he would not ask to why. The brunette noticed something sticking out of her trash barrel in the kitchen. Opening the lid revealed yellow daffodils attached with a note. Taking the folded note, she began to read aloud. "Mary Margaret I am truly sorry for had happened at the cabin. Please forgive me. David." Emma snatched the note from her and threw it back in the barrel. She wanted to kick herself for not hiding them better. "Was that sent today?" Emma shook her head; she had to tell her roommate the truth. "No, he sent flowers everyday since that day. But you don't need to make a fuss over these flowers. He messed up. You don't need to go back through that again." Mary stayed quiet and then nodded. Both girls left in silence to the pawnshop.
Standing in front of the shop, the girls stared long and hard at the front door that held a sign that read 'OPEN'. Once they decide to go in, there would be no turning back. Emma was the one to break free from the stare and entered with Mary right in tow. The ceiling lights glowed dim. Paintings hung on the wall in wooden frames behind the counter. Antique memorabilia were stocked on shelves and behind glass for display. They were all awe-inspiring. Mary examined the objects, wondering if the townsfolk sold their valuables to be able to pay their debts. Then she realized, this was the first time she has ever stepped into the shop.
Mr. Gold appeared from the back room. The man wore a black suit with a red tie, his hair neat in place, his hands cradled his cane. All he needed was a top hat and he'd resemble a pimp. "Hello Miss Swan. How may I help you?" His soft Scottish accent could be heard. The blonde sucked in a breath. She didn't trust him but it was now or never. "I was wondering if you needed help around here." The store-owner flashed a puzzled expression for only a second. "Not enough work at the station?" Mary Margaret finally stepped forward. "I would be the one that helped." His golden eyes averted from Emma to the brunette. He did not see her behind the other girl. A sly smirk curled upon his face. Mary looked down shamefully, did he know? "Ah, Miss Blanchard. Yes, I do believe there is a spot open." Mary didn't know if she was relieved or timid of his answer. At least she didn't have to worry about living on the streets. Emma felt the same way but she did not show any sign. "Well, good then." She turned to her friend. "I have to go meet Henry for a bit, and then I'll be at the station." She placed a comforting hand on Mary's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. The blonde turned on her heels and walked out, worried of her friend.
The sound of thumps brought Mary back to reality. Mr. Gold limped with his cane as he walked over to her. She noticed that he was two inches taller than her. "You have such wonderful novelties." She couldn't help it; the silence was making it awkward. "Anything specific you like?" There wasn't one item that she could choose from; they were all intriguing. "No. They all give the impression to have a different story behind them, which makes them unique." His paper thin lips curled into a small smile. Mary thought she saw a spark flicker in his eyes. "Exactly!, dearie." And with that the store owner left the shop leaving Mary Margaret confused and alone.
Not knowing when he would return or having the lack of instructions of what to do, she found it upon herself to make herself useful. She would prove herself worthy of his time. Mary made her way into the backroom. Cleaning supplies sat upon a shelf. She grabbed them and began to dust with a rag. There was a light layer of it upon the items. Stopping in front of the radio, she picked it up. The wooden box was sleek with silver dials. She plugged it in and hummed to the music as she continued to clean. After she dusted, she used polish on wooden objects, which made it shine. Then she used the glass cleaner, fingerprints and streaks disappeared. The place was beginning to give the impression of being brand new. A song that she liked came on that had the reaction of her singing as she cleaned. Mr. Gold returned and observed the girl. Her singing stopped him from movement. His ears have never heard such a voice. It was captivating, ominous, enchanting, mesmerizing. Oblivious to his presence, she continued singing but she did notice him as she spun around, getting lost in the music. Her face turned to the color red of embarrassment. Nobody has ever heard her sing and now she felt like a fool as her 'boss' stood at the door. She hurriedly turned off the radio and placed it where it respectively belonged. Mr. Gold had detected her reaction but he did not want her to stop singing.