Unexpected Love
The next morning, Mary Margaret awoke and she stretched. She took a shower and picked out an outfit to wear. As she started down the stairs, sunlight filled the rooms. The curtains were opened. She smiled as she realized that Mr. Gold had taken out the nails and let the light in. She made her way to the kitchen. Gold was whipping up breakfast. "Good morning." The brunette spoke, not expecting him to be up, or even making breakfast. Gold turned to see Mary standing in the doorframe. "Morning, dearie. Come. Do Sit." He gestured to the island that displayed in the middle of the kitchen. Mary slowly obeyed and sat down on the stool. Pouring oatmeal in a bowl, he placed it in front of his guest. "Thank you." She replied with a smile. "And thanks for opening the curtains." He dispensed a glass of orange juice for her. "It was nothing. I can get used to it." She began eating her breakfast with a spoon that he had provided. He joined her at the island. They ate in silence. Once he finished his meal, he placed the dishes into the sink. "I'll be at my shop if you need anything." She only nodded and watched him leave.
Mary started again cleaning the house. She first started with the dishes and it moved to the whole kitchen. Her next room was the guest room on the first floor. Hours passed. There were still her room, her bathroom and the study. She decided on the latter. Entering the study, books were stocked on the shelves from the floor to the ceiling. It was like a miniature library. A desk was at the other end of the room. She began to dust. Then scrub and lastly vacuum. Her gaze fell upon the door that was behind the desk. She could hear noises from the room. Her curiosity was getting the better of her, even though she was banned from there. Reaching for the knob, she turned and opened the door to stairs. Flipping on the switch on the wall, lights appeared. She bit her lower lip as she made her way into the basement.
Dust layered everything. A washer and dryer were visible. They were not covered by the grey powder. Shelves occupied different kind of tools. As she walked more in the basement, she noticed a wooden wheel. She came closer to come face to face with a spinning wheel. She tilted her head, wondering why Mr. Gold kept one. A type yarn was already attached to it. Examining more of the basement, clothes hung from hangers on the wall. They were for smaller people. A child's perhaps? But they were old fashioned clothes that belonged in the olden ages. A noise distracted her from her examination as she turned to see something come at her, ran passed her and up the stairs. Mary Margaret placed a hand to her chest, to calm her beating heart.
She chased after it; she couldn't let Gold discover whatever that was. A flash of orange was running out of the study. "Hey wait!" She shouted, knowing it wouldn't answer but was a reaction. Chasing it up the stairs into her room, she closed the door behind her. It couldn't escape now. Looking under the bed, the orange fur-ball jumped at her again. Mary fell upon her back and the creature rested upon her stomach. Big green eyes stared at her. It was a male orange and white bellied tabby cat. Mary chuckled to herself. She was afraid of a cat? She petted the animal and it purred to her touch. A brown leather collar was around its neck. A charm hung from the collar; a pair of boots. Mary jumped again as her phone began to ring. "Get a hold of yourself." She scolded herself. "Hello?" She sat on her bed. "Hey, Henry had mentioned that there's going to be a fair type event tomorrow?" Emma brought Mary Margaret in realization that it would be the fourth of July. "Yeah, it's like a fourth of July festival. Most people join in with activities. The money they collect is for the community." She wondered if she should join this year; the citizens didn't seem happy about her. "Oh, do you join in?" The cat jumped on Mary's lap, making himself comfortable. "Yes, I usually bake goods." Instinctively her hand stroked the animal. "If it's a huge event, many people will be there. Not sure if it's a good idea…" Emma trailed off. "But you'll be there, and if you see him, you can bring him in." Mary was trying to convince her friend so she could go. "Alright, but I won't let you out of my sight." The blonde knew that the brunette wanted to participate. "Thank you, I'll see you tomorrow." They said there good-byes. Mary glanced at the time on her phone. Mr. Gold would be coming home.
She placed the cat on the bed and ran downstairs to cover her tracks but it was too late; Gold was already home.
"Is there a fire?" He asked with a tilted head. Mary bit her bottom lip again. To make things worse, the cat followed her down the stairs. Gold's eyes averted from Ms. Blanchard to the cat and then back to the woman. Her head hung, she knew she had been caught. She obeyed his rule. The cat rubbed his body against her shins, trying to comfort her. Gold gripped the top of his cane, his jaw clenched for a second. "Been snooping I presume." She shook her head. "No, I heard a noise. I just went to check." She dared lift her eyes to him. He was not happy. "And the cat ran out." She continued. Mr. Gold took a few steps towards her. They were close. She couldn't handle the tension so she hung her head again, averting her eyes onto the cat who did not leave her side. Gold brought his hand under her chin so she would look at him. They were only inches apart. "Don't let it happen again." And with that he hobbled to the study. Mary let out a breath that she hadn't known she was holding. Her legs gave way and she sat upon the bottom step. The cat once again jumped on her lap. She cuddled him, and the response was a purr and a smile?