Unexpected Love

Days passed by and luckily for Mary Margaret, flowers weren't being sent by David to her apartment anymore and she had not lost her job from the singing incident. She was relieved. And she found it was not as bad as she thought working for Mr. Gold; most of the time he kept to himself. They exchanged a few words to one another but that was about it. Though, she found it a tad bit boring. Nobody walked in, except for Emma and Henry to say their hellos. How Mr. Gold stays in business, she wondered was beyond her. She had told her roommate about the boredom part and the response was "Get out of your comfort zone." In other words, try and speak to him, do things you normally wouldn't. That was easier said than done, but today perhaps she'll try it. Turning on the stove, she filled her tea kettle with water and sat it to the flame. She took a quick shower and dressed for another day of work. Filling two carrying mugs with water, she placed a tea bag in each one and placed the covers on before she walked to her new job.

The mayor's Mercedes was parked in front of the shop. Mary slowed down her pace. What was Regina's car doing here? Cautiously she peered through the glass. Mr. Gold stood behind the counter and Regina positioned the opposite of the man. Unfortunately, Mary could not hear what they were talking about. A quick glance from the shopkeeper, made the brunette hide on the side of the building. Did he see her? A car door slammed closed and the mayor's vehicle sped off. Relaxing, she made her way inside. "Good morning Mister Gold." She said calmly, with a smile. She was back to her cheery self again. "Morning Miss Blanchard." He gave a small smile in return. He did not mention anything about the mayor and she dare not asked. "Tea?" Mary asked as she held out one of the mugs to him. The sharp-dressed man grabbed for the cup and their fingers gently touched, causing a small spark to shock through her body. She quickly drew her hand away and the feeling stopped. Was that a static shock? If he had felt anything, she could not read him. "So, anything new?" She asked, awkwardly, she didn't really know what to ask him. "No my dear, nothing new in the world." And with that, the storeowner tottered off into the backroom with his tea. Could this day get anymore uncomfortable?

The brunette settled behind the counter. Another boring day would start again but, a customer came into the shop. She was ready to try and sell an item but as the man's face was more visible, her smile fell. It was no other than David Nolan. What was he doing here? Hopefully he was here to buy something. But she didn't want to confront him. Quickly she ducked out of sight but it was too late, he had seen. "Mary Margaret." His voice sounded pure and for a second she almost melted, standing she smiled at him. Staying professional was key. "Hello David, how may I assist you today?" His blue eyes were mesmerizing but she couldn't fall into his gaze again. "I came here to speak to you since you hadn't responded back to my flowers." Oh those flowers, yeah she received them and they were thrown out by Emma, which she had not minded. "And was wondering what had happened at the cabin and why are you working here?" He asked sincerely, he truly did not know. "After you and Kathryn had left, Regina revoked my license." His mouth opened agape. "I am truly sorry." Sure you are. "I don't want to speak about it. If you're not here to buy anything, please leave. I'm sure your wife is waiting." Emma would be so proud of her, and coming out of her 'comfort zone' was becoming a little easier. David closed his mouth and nodded. "I just want you to forgive me." The man left the store. But could she ever forgive him? She tried not to think of it, she just wanted the day to be over.

As closing time was nearing, Mr. Gold stood in the doorframe to the backroom. "You may leave Miss Blanchard, I will lock up shop." She flashed him a small smile as a thank you. He held the now empty mug to her. "Wrongs are often forgiven, but contempt never is. Our pride remembers it forever." Mary slowly reached for the cup as she was a bit perplexed by his statement. Then it finally dawned on her that he was talking about the situation between herself and David. She had hoped that he had not heard, but that was very unlikely since he was only a few feet away and voices do carry. His advice did make sense to her but she kept quiet as she now took hold of the mug. The brunette walked out of the pawn store.

A hand clutched onto her upper arm from behind. A scream escaped her lips as the grip became tighter and she was pulled to the side of the building where she walked out of. Her mugs fell out of her hands in the process. The man towered over her. He stood at six feet and four inches. His body frame was massive, rippled with muscles. His hands were huge and he wore all black. Jet black hair rest upon his head as it was unkempt and shaggy. A scar gleamed under the light upon his chin. His eyes were dark, sullen and dilated. His expression became disgruntled. "I'm warning you, you have been a naughty girl." He growled in her ear. She turned her face away from him; his hot breath reeked of cigarettes and beer. Struggling to get loose from his grip, her leg shot up to his crotch. Another growl came from the stranger as he doubled over. Mary took this advantage and she scrambled to get away but he caught her by the ankle, making her fall to the ground. "You little bitch!" A whack to the back of the head made the stranger release Mary and to turn his attention to the cause of the hit. Mr. Gold stood with his cane in the air and took another swing, this time a direct hit to the man's face. The beast of a man tackled the pawn broker. They landed on metal trashcans. His meaty fists pummeled into Mr. Gold. There wasn't a chance that the man could escape from the wrath of the beast. Mary rose to her feet. She grabbed onto one of the man's arms. "Stop it! Stop hurting him! You could kill him!" The man halted his attacks with the store owner and turned his attention to the brunette. He pushed her violently into the wall. Her head impacted the bricks hard and then it all went black.