Once Upon A Time: The Devil's Next Step, Part Four
By Rebekkalee Mouri-Hibiki
Emma paced the front entryway outside of the convent, getting ready to pound on the door once more when it opened. Mother Superior looked shocked to see her, " Emma? What are you doing here so late? "
" I have some more questions for you, " Emma said firmly. " They couldn't wait. "
" I'll told you I'd answer anything I could, " Mother Superior opened the door a little more. " Please, come inside and we can talk. "
Emma put a hand up, not wanting to walk inside. She wasn't in the mood to feel what she had felt earlier in the day. " I'm not staying long. I promised my mother I'd be back for dinner. "
" How are things going between you and Snow White? " Mother Superior looked keenly interested in her answer.
Emma frowned, " Awkward and stilted. Maybe it wouldn't be like that if she had been able to come with me when I was sent here. Why couldn't she come with me? "
Mother Superior blinked, surprised by the question. She frowned, " There wasn't enough power to send her through with you. "
" Even after August came through? " Emma arched an eyebrow. She scoffed at Mother Superior's shocked expression, " Yeah. I know about that. He told me he came through before I did. "
Mother Superior shut her eyes, pressing her hands together and placing them against her mouth. She took a deep breath then opened her eyes again as she let her hands fall away, " Then your quarrel is not with me, Emma. It is with the one who sent him through. I strictly forbade it but it seems my warning was not heeded. "
" Oh, " Emma crossed her arms over her chest. " YOU lied to MY mother and everyone at the table but you say I shouldn't be angry with you? "
Mother Superior gasped and narrowed her eyes, " If I hadn't made that deal, no one would have been able to come through. "
" So you made a deal with someone? Who was it? " Emma dreaded the answer. The word was usually attached to the man who told her to ask about the wardrobe in the first place.
" I can't tell you, " Mother Superior said. " You have to find out for yourself. "
Emma growled, " Who did you make a deal with? Was it Gold? "
" NO! " Mother Superior said sharply. " He was locked away in his prison and I had blocked his magic by that time. We were in danger but I still wouldn't have considered going to that foul demon for help. "
Emma frowned, silently relieved but offended at Mother Superior's description of Mr. Gold. She pushed that away as she said, " Then who was it? "
" You have to know I told this person not to do it. I cannot stress that enough, " Mother Superior said. " I forbade it and told him to let your mother know the truth but it seems he did not. Are you going to confront this person if I tell you who it is? "
" I don't know, " Emma said. " I guess it depends. "
" Has Pinocchio told you any more about how he came through? About when? " Mother Superior asked.
Emma thought back to August's story. He had told her he had come through before her and they were from the same place. He hadn't given as much detail but she hadn't been receptive to his words at the time... or anyone's for that matter. He kept that part short, choosing to keep with what seemed bare facts.
Now, she was ready to hear more... from anyone who knew the truth. " I'm realizing now he didn't tell me the whole story. "
" Then go to Pinocchio. Have him tell you before you make any rash decisions. He cannot lie to you, " Mother Superior said. " He was there for it all. "
" So that's it? You're not going to tell me anything else? " Emma asked.
" I cannot, " Mother Superior said. " I am not the one who disobeyed. "
Emma frowned, " Alright then but if there's more you aren't telling me, you can bet I'll be back. "
Mother Superior blinked then sighed, " Goodnight then Emma. "
Emma watched as she shut the door before heading back to her car. As she got inside, her cell phone started to ring. She got it out, finding it was Mary-Margret. She frowned and answered, " Hey. What's up? "
" Are you still going to be back for dinner? " Mary-Margret asked, her voice firm.
Emma frowned, " I don't know. I still need to do something. "
" How long is it going to take? " Mary-Margret obviously didn't like that answer.
Emma sighed, " I really don't know. "
" Then come home and let's have dinner. You've hardly been home the last few days and I would like to actually spend some time with you. "
A pang of guilt hit Emma hard in the stomach. She had wanted nothing more to have a family and now she finally had one, she was barely spending any time with them at all. " But I... "
" But nothing, " Mary-Margret cut her off. " Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow. Please, Emma. Come home. It's getting late and dinner's getting cold. "
Emma threw herself back in the car seat, relenting because she knew Mary-Margret was right. August wasn't going anywhere for he was too scared to. She put her right hand to her forehead and sighed, " Alright. Alright. I'm on my way home. Don't start without me. "
" I won't, " Mary-Margret said. " I'll fix our plates and I expect you to be here soon. "
Emma sighed as she started the beetle, " I'm on my way right now. "
Mr. Gold looked at the clock on the wall, finding it was way past eight o'clock. Belle still hadn't come down for dinner and he was becoming concerned. He looked at how he had expertly arranged the meal on the dining room table, making it as intimate and romantic as possible. He knew something was bothering her and hoped the setting would help her loosen up enough to tell him what.
He had tried everything to get her to talk to him but it seemed to not be working. She begged him to spend time with her but when he told her he could, she would walk away. It was all so very vexing and confusing. He longed for them to connect again but it seemed something was stopping it from happening.
So many things were left unsaid when they parted and he had hoped for a chance to say them now she was back in his life. He wanted to see if they could start over but her behavior was giving him the impression it would be a long hard road if it happened at all. There was also the little matter of Emma. Belle seemed reluctant to trust her and Emma was the same.
He got to his feet and walked out to the foyer before crossing the living room and going up the stairs. He had given her the guest room closest to his, the one he had kept locked until recently. It put her close enough so if she wanted to talk but enough distance to keep her from getting uncomfortable. He got to the door, knocking on it but got no answer.
He reached down, trying the knob and found it wouldn't turn. He frowned at the fact Belle had locked herself in. Her behavior was puzzling him but he could do nothing about unless she told him why she was acting so. He knocked again, " Belle? It's past dinnertime. Are you coming down? "
" I'm not hungry, " Belle said. Her voice was so soft, no normal man could have heard it through the heavy wood door.
" You need to eat, my dear. You barely touched your lunch, " Mr. Gold replied. " And I don't even want to discuss breakfast. "
" I told you I'm not hungry, " Belle said, this time louder like she was almost shouting.
" Open the door, " Mr. Gold said firmly. " I will not leave until you do. "
" No, " Belle said sharply. It was then he could hear the taint of tears in her voice.
Mr. Gold sighed, " Why are you crying? "
" You know why, " Belle said then sobbed.
" Please enlighten me to what I have done to make you so unhappy, " Mr. Gold said. " You're behaving this way and I'm not sure what I have done. "
" I don't want to talk about it, " Belle called back.
" Why not? " Mr. Gold said, leaning on his cane so his ear was closer to the door. He had hoped to hear her walking to it but she wasn't. All he ear was her gentle sniffling and sobbing.
" Because you won't tell me anything, " Belle replied. " So I don't want to talk about it. "
" Well, I do, " He said. He lifted his left hand and snapped his fingers. The lock clicked and he opened the door. Belle sat on the bed, blinking at what he had done. " Forgot I could do that, didn't you? "
" Get out! " Belle threw one of the bed pillows at him. Her anger at the intrusion made her look like an impetuous child.
He dodged, " It's my house. I can go where I please. "
Belle frowned, " I said I don't want to talk. Can't you honor that? "
" You've been behaving strangely since I brought you here, " Mr. Gold frowned at her. " Could you please tell me why? "
" You're psychic, " Belle narrowed her eyes. " You figure it out. "
" I want to hear your words. I want to know how you want me to fix this great wrong I have supposedly done to you, " Mr. Gold replied.
Belle blinked, " Are you willing to listen and do what I ask then? "
" It depends on what it is, " Mr. Gold took another step towards the bed. He frowned when she scooted away. He sighed, " I will listen though. "
Belle blinked away some fresh tears and looked him in the eyes. She took a deep breath, her spirit glinting in her blue eyes. " Why did you bring the magic back? "
" I've told you, " Mr. Gold said. " I needed it. Emma needed it so we can defeat Regina. "
" I feel you brought it back more for yourself than anyone, " Belle frowned. " You missed your power for you think you're nothing without it. "
Mr. Gold blinked at her sharp honesty. She had used it on him once before, shortly before she left the castle. It stung just as badly as it had then. " Perhaps once I did. "
" You still do, " Belle said sharply. " You wouldn't have brought it back otherwise. "
Mr. Gold sighed, " You understand nothing of the situation we are all in. Certain things need to be in place or Regina will never be defeated. "
" Then explain it to me, " Belle said. " I want to know every last detail. "
" I doubt you do, " Mr. Gold replied. " It will take a long time for you will have too many questions. "
" Is it so wrong for me to have questions? " Belle looked a little hurt. " Rumpelstiltskin, I want to understand what you are trying to do so maybe I can help you. I WANT to help you. Can't you see that? "
" There's nothing you can do to help, " Mr. Gold replied. " Fate has chosen only two people to carry out this mission. "
" And that woman is one of them, " Belle said flatly.
Mr. Gold didn't like Belle referring to Emma as 'that woman'. It made him feel like Belle saw her as some kind of threat. " Yes. Emma is the savior and she must do this if we are all to live freely and have happy lives. "
" And how do you work into all of this? " Belle asked.
Mr. Gold sighed, " I have already told you that as well. I have to help her learn how to control her magic. "
" And after she does? " Belle arched an eyebrow. " Will you be able to be with me then? "
" I cannot tell you. I saw nothing past the final battle, " Mr. Gold sighed. He actually had but he knew she wouldn't like the truth. There had been no sign of her in any of his visions about the future at all.
He thought it was strange and it was also another reason he thought she was dead. He began to wonder if there were some sort of enchantment on Belle's cell to keep him blind. Regina had kept things from his vision before so it was quite possible she had done something to keep Belle's continued existence from him as well. " We'll have to see. "
Belle frowned, " We'll have to see? Is that all you can say? "
" Yes, " Mr. Gold nodded. " We'll find out once the battle is finished. "
" Okay, " Belle muttered.
" Is that the only thing troubling you? " Mr. Gold wanted to change the subject as quickly as possible. He didn't know if he could answer any more questions about Emma without making her suspicious.
" Yes, " Belle said. " I want to see my father. I miss him dearly. "
Mr. Gold quirked his mouth because she went straight to the other subject he had no desire to discuss. He sighed as he tried to hide his aggravation, " I would not know where to begin to look for him. "
" You have been in this town for twenty-eight years. Surely you've seen someone who resembles him, " Belle sounded desperate. " Please tell me you have. "
Mr. Gold was silent, trying to appear as though he was thinking. He shut his eyes and shook his head, " I'm sorry my dear. I have not. "
" Then I want to go look for him myself, " Belle said firmly. " Tomorrow morning. "
Mr. Gold went cold. Her father was not that hard to find. His flower shop was not that far from Main Street and he knew she would know him instantly when she saw him. " Why don't you let me look for him and I will take you to him once I find him. "
" But why? " Belle motioned around the room. " I've known nothing but this house for the last few days and I want to see more. "
" Because we do not know where Regina is, " Mr. Gold replied firmly. " Or where her spies are for that matter. I would take a great risk if I brought you out in the open like that. I don't want to put you at risk. What if you get captured once more? "
" It's a risk I'd be willing to take. I just want to know if my father is alright, " Belle said.
" But it's a risk I'm NOT willing to take, " Mr. Gold decided to appeal to her tender side. " I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you again. "
Belle arched an eyebrow, " Do you mean that? Really? "
Mr. Gold nodded. It was torture enough to think he was already losing her though she was in the same house with him. She had been distant and so cold after he had brought the magic back he was certain a reconciliation was impossible. It wasn't going to keep him from trying though.
He wanted to do whatever he could to make sure it was as hopeless as it seemed. He had often said that love was a delicate flame that was gone forever once it was snuffed out. She still held a place in his heart and he still treasured what little time they had shared but having her back was not going the way he had hoped.
He sighed, " Yes. I failed to protect you before and I will not fail to do it again. "
" Then prove it to me, " Belle scooted towards him. " I want you to kiss me. "
" I cannot do that, " Mr. Gold said. He couldn't tell her it wouldn't work anymore. That was the catch with True Love's Kiss. It was one and done.
Belle looked hurt, " But why not? "
" There is too much at stake, " Mr. Gold sighed. If it worked every time, David and Mary-Margret would have remembered themselves long before the curse was broken. " If I give up my power now, countless lives will be put in danger, Emma will never learn to use her magic and Regina will win. "
" Is that the truth or are you lying to me? " Belle asked. Her blue eyes were cutting deep into him as she looked him in the eyes.
" I would not lie about this, my dear. It is much to important, " Mr. Gold said firmly.
Belle blinked, " Somehow I don't believe you. "
" You must, " Mr. Gold frowned. " I will not discuss it any further. "
Belle slumped her shoulders, turning her gaze to the bed. " Fine then. I guess you've answered everything I want to know for now. "
" I'm glad, " Mr. Gold started.
" But I may have more questions later, " Belle cut him off. She looked up at him again, " And I expect answers... to everything and I want them to be the truth. "
" I'll do the best I can when that time comes, " Mr. Gold replied. He cocked his head to the side, " Now. Will you come downstairs for supper? "
Belle frowned, " Could you bring it to me instead? I don't feel like leaving my room now. "
" As you wish, my dear, " Mr. Gold said quietly and left the room...
Mary-Margret set Emma's plate in front of her before sitting down across from her at the kitchen table. There was a long silence as they began to eat. Mary-Margret swallowed the bite she had taken then furrowed her brow, " So what was it you had to go do that was so important? "
" I had to get an answer to something, " Emma said after she had swallowed.
" To what? " Mary-Margret asked. " What did you need to know? Was it something about the wardrobe? "
Emma paused. It was the last thing they had talked about so it was no surprise she was asking about it. Emma sighed then nodded, " Yes. "
" Didn't I answer it well enough for you? " Mary-Margret looked concerned. " I told you what I knew. "
" Yes but I still had questions, " Emma said then took another bite of the sliced roast Mary-Margret had given her.
" How could you have more questions? " Mary-Margret looked confused. " The Blue Fairy told your father and I the wardrobe only had enough magic to protect one person. Plain and simple. "
Emma sighed, " Nothing is ever that simple. "
" Then tell me who you asked for more information about it? Everyone we know was there and heard the same thing. Who would know any more about it? " Mary-Margret still seemed puzzled.
Emma sighed. She couldn't tell Mary-Margret that August had come through before she had. " I just have a feeling there's more to it than that. "
" How can there be more? " Mary-Margret asked. She frowned, " Do you think someone lied to us about the wardrobe? "
" I don't know, " Emma sighed. " Did anyone have anything to gain from it if they did? "
Mary-Margret frowned, " I don't believe so. "
" That's what I'm trying to find out, " Emma sighed. " I don't even know if it was an accident or on purpose yet. "
Mary-Margret went pale, " Are you saying someone else came through? "
" Yes, " Emma relented, deciding she just wouldn't give any names. She couldn't until she had answers. " I met someone who said they came through before I did. "
" Who? " Mary-Margret blinked.
" Let's not worry about that now, " Emma said. " I just trying to find out the why. "
" But if the wardrobe could hold more people than just you... I could have been her for you for all these years, " Mary-Margret almost whispered.
" Yeah, " Emma nodded. " I thought about that too. "
Mary-Margret shut her eyes, a sob wracking her shoulders. " But who? Who would have done such a thing? " She said as tears ran down her face. " Who would let a child be separated from their mother? "
Emma got up and went to Mary-Margret's side, kneeling down so she could hug her. " Shh. I'll find out and make them explain themselves. I would love to know as well. "
Emma sat in her office, listening to the recorded non-emergency calls. Everything was so different, she needed something familiar to cling to and that was being sheriff. In spite of Mr. Gold saying the laws of her world no longer applied to Storybrooke, she decided she could still do her job as long as she stuck to the basic tenets of civilization. For now, that would be enough.
Some things never changed, most of the messages being from Miss Ginger about minor nuisances she could do nothing about. Once she had listened to everything, she would head over to the bed and breakfast to talk to August. She had wanted to question him the night before but instead headed home to eat dinner with Mary-Margret. She knew August wasn't going anywhere and she really had been quite rude running out on her mother.
She recalled how hurt Mary-Margret had been when she told her what she had found out. She had apologized profusely to Emma, telling her she would have been there for her if she had only known. She didn't tell her the details but planned on it once she figured out who was responsible. She held Mother Superior partly responsible but she wanted to confront the other person involved.
She finished listening to the messages, hearing nothing too urgent. She stood up, walked over to the coat rack and got her blue jacket, pulling it on over her black silk blouse. She then turned to the desk, grabbing her badge and hooking it to the waistband of her blue jeans. She then grabbed her gun, clipping the holster to the back of her pants.
She walked out into the station, shutting off the lights before heading towards the front door. She walked out of the station and headed for the police cruiser. It was something else familiar and safe, a touchstone she could feel connected to the real world with. With so many things different, she needed a few things to stay the same so she could stay sane.
She got in the car, putting on her seat belt before starting it. She shifted into gear and backed out of the parking space before shifting into 'drive' and heading out of the parking lot. Within minutes, she was on Main Street. She passed Mr. Gold's shop, wondering what he would do with the things within.
The thought didn't last long as she continued on and parked in front of the bed and breakfast. She turned off the engine and got out, Ruby coming out to meet her. " Hey, " Emma called as she walked up the path.
" Hey girl, " Ruby said. She had on a red cloak that covered her waitress uniform, really looking like Red Riding Hood. " What brings you by so early? "
" I need to talk to August, " Emma said. " Have you seen him this morning? "
Ruby smiled, " Yeah. I just checked on him a few minutes ago. He's the same. "
" I don't expect that to change any time soon, " Emma sighed.
" No, " Ruby chuckled nervously. " I guess not. "
" I gotta head off to the diner, " Ruby motioned in the general direction of the eatery. " If you need anything, let the front desk girl know. "
" Alright, " Emma nodded. " Have a good day at work. "
" Good, " Ruby mused. " They've been interesting more than anything. If I had a dollar for all the old friends that have been running into each other lately, I'd be rich. "
" I bet, " Emma chuckled.
" Bye now, " Ruby gave her a little wave and headed down the path.
Emma walked up the front steps and went inside. She passed the front desk, heading straight to August's room. She knocked on the door, " Hey. It's me. "
" Just give me a moment, " August said. Emma could hear him walk to the door and unlock it. He fumbled with the chain then opened it. He smiled his strange looking wooden smile, apparently happy to see Emma. " So did you go see The Blue Fairy? "
" I did, " Emma nodded once. She didn't know if she would ever get used to the sight of August in the form he was in. She tried to remember him the way he looked when he was still real and it helped just a little.
" And can she help? " August arched an eyebrow, a soft creaking noise coming from it as he did. Pretty much everything he did seem to have a noise attached to it.
Emma sighed, " No. "
" She can't? But why? " August looked shocked. " I thought she would be able to. "
" She said can't. But that's not why I came here. I have some questions, " Emma said. " Questions for you. "
" Really? About what? " August blinked.
" That night you drove me out to the woods, " Emma said. Her voice became quiet as she added, " And the things you told me. "
" And you're just now asking me? " August frowned. " Why didn't you ask sooner? "
" I didn't have the questions until now, " Emma said. She pointed into the room. " May I come in? "
August pushed the door open, " Sure. "
Emma walked into the room and waited for August to shut the door. The sound of it released her agitation and need for answers. She turned to face him, " I want to know about the wardrobe. What can you tell me about it? "
August blinked, " I was just a little kid so I don't know how much that I can help you. What do you need to know about it? "
" I want to know how you came through. I asked Mary-Margret and she said she was told only one person could, " Emma said.
" Well, " August said. " You got right to the point. "
" I've been looking for answers for twenty-eight years so yeah, " Emma said.
August sighed, " Can we start with something easier? "
" No, " Emma frowned. " I need to know and I need to know now. I'm tired of wasting time. "
August frowned, " The Blue Fairy lied to your parents. "
Emma narrowed her eyes, " I know that. "
" Then why are you here? " August asked.
" To find out why she did it, " Emma replied. " And for who. "
August sighed, " Emma... "
" I could have had my mother all these years, " Emma cut him off. " My life could have been different, maybe better. "
" Perhaps, " August nodded.
" I want to know whose idea it was, August. Who thought they could make that decision? " Emma crossed her arms over her chest. " Who thought separating a child from their mother was a good idea? "
August looked away, " It was my father but you have to understand... "
" What? " Emma blinked. " Geppetto did this? "
August took in a breath and let it out. He shut his eyes and nodded slowly. " Yes. "
" But why? " Emma whispered.
August ran his hand over his carved hair, " He... he didn't want to lose me. He told The Blue Fairy he wouldn't make the wardrobe unless I could go too. "
" What gave him the right? " Emma tried to fight back her tears. " What made you more important than me having my mother? "
August turned and walked away a few steps then turned back around, " All he ever wanted was a son. He... lost his parents when he was a small boy. His wife died young, before they could have any kids. He was a lonely man. "
" I get that, " Emma said. " Why else would he carve a child from an enchanted tree? "
" Oh, " August perked up. " You've read my story? "
" Yeah. I've seen the movie too, " Emma replied.
" Ah, " August nodded. " You don't know how hard it was for me to watch that knowing the truth. "
Emma narrowed her eyes, " Yeah. The truth can be a terrible burden some times. "
" It can, " August said. " But it can also set you free. "
" I'm not feeling very free right now, " Emma shot back. " I'm feeling really hurt and betrayed actually. So is Mary-Margret. She trusted The Blue Fairy and your father. "
" I'm so sorry, " August took a step towards her.
Emma took a step back, " I don't need your apologies. I need to know what your father was thinking. "
" I was seven so I don't know what he was thinking but I know what I was thinking, " August sighed. " I thought he was doing it because he loved me. "
" He would have gotten you back when the curse was broken, " Emma pointed out.
" But who would have convinced you it was real if I wasn't there? " August arched an eyebrow. " He sent me through to do that. "
" MY MOTHER WOULD HAVE TOLD ME! " Emma shouted. She couldn't fight the tears any more. They streamed down her face as she continued to shout at August. " My mother would have been there! I wouldn't have had to go through that Hell of a childhood I had to endure! I would have had a better life! "
" But would you have been strong enough to accept your fate? " August asked.
Emma blinked, hot tears running down her cheeks. Her life had helped her build up a strong facade but inside, she still felt like a lost little girl. Even now with her parents by her side, she still felt lost and not sure of herself. She sniffled hard then said, " My mother would have made sure I was! "
" You have no way of knowing that! " August replied sharply. " You can't dwell on what could have happened and work with what did happen. "
" But all of that could have been avoided, " Emma's voice cracked. " The Blue Fairy said she told your father not to send you through. "
" I know, " August nodded. " I was there. "
" Then why didn't you do something? " Emma asked. " Why didn't you stop him? "
August frowned, " I WANTED to tell your mother. I wanted my father to tell her but he told me 'no'. He told me I had to go so I could guide you and make sure you fulfilled your destiny. "
" Didn't you know it was wrong? " Emma was shaking from what she was feeling.
August shut his eyes then opened them again, " Of course I did but the curse was coming and my father and Jiminy were both telling me to go. I was SEVEN, Emma. The last time I had disobeyed my father, I was turned into a donkey and got swallowed by a whale. I was scared and I could do nothing but promise them I would do it. "
Emma sniffled hard again and frowned, " A damn good job you did of THAT. You ran off and abandoned me the first chance you got. You threw me to the wolves jut like everyone else! "
" You don't understand, " August said. " Mr. Raskind was horrible to us kids and we had to leave. That group home was Hell. "
" You just said you were supposed to be there for me, " Emma took a step towards him. " You could have at least stayed for me. "
August sighed, " I was a CHILD, Emma. I was easily tempted. "
" But you made a promise, " Emma felt a new wave of tears coming on. " And just like everyone else in my life, you broke it. "
" But I'm here now, " August said. " I came back and I tried to make it right. "
" You should have been there all along, " Emma said.
August frowned, " Don't you think I know that? "
" I hope you do, " Emma said sharply. Her cell phone began to ring and she yanked it out of her jacket pocket. She wiped her tears away so she could see the caller ID and furrowed her brow.
August moved closer, " Who is it? "
" Mr. Gold, " Emma said. She hit the 'answer' button and put the phone to her ear. " What is it, Gold? "
" I need your help, " He said. " Right now. "
" I'm right in the middle of something, " Emma sighed. " Can it wait? "
Mr. Gold sighed, " No. It really can't. "
" What is it then? " Emma asked. It was then she realized he sounded a bit panicked.
" It's Belle, " Mr. Gold replied. He became very quiet as he said, " She's gone. "
Emma furrowed her brow, " What do you mean? "
" She's not in her room and I've looked everywhere for her, " Mr. Gold said.
" Are you sure she's just not out on the grounds somewhere? " Emma knew his backyard was quite expansive.
" I'm sure, " Mr. Gold said.
" Tell me everything, " Emma said. " When did you discover this? "
" A little while ago, when I went to wake her for breakfast. I searched the grounds. When I was making my way back to the house, I found the side gate open, " Mr. Gold explained.
" Do you know when she left? " Emma looked at her watch. It was almost nine.
Mr. Gold sighed, " No. I don't. "
" Crap, " Emma muttered. " She doesn't know her way around out there and will get lost easily. "
" Precisely, " Mr. Gold said. " I have Frederick driving the back roads looking for her but I need you to look in town in case she got that far. "
" What's going on? " August asked but Emma shushed him with a wave of her hand.
" Where do you think she would go if she were coming into town? " Emma asked. " I have to have some place to start looking. "
Mr. Gold let out a long sigh, " She wants to find her father. "
" Her father? " Emma blinked. " Who's her father? "
" Moe French, " Mr. Gold said quietly.
Emma gasped, " Oh no. And she doesn't... "
" No, " Mr. Gold said sharply. " She doesn't know what I did. "
" Then I'd better get moving, " Emma said. " Or you're going to have a lot of explaining to do. "
" Indeed I will, " Mr. Gold said. " Please hurry. "
" Right, " Emma said and ended the call after he hung up.
August blinked and furrowed his brow, " What's going on? "
" Belle ran away from Mr. Gold's house, " Emma glanced at him. " I need to go find her. "
August took a step towards Emma, " Is there anything I can do to help? "
Emma arched an eyebrow, " Are you saying you're willing to leave this room? In your state? "
" I'm going stir crazy in here, " August said. " Please let me help. "
" Okay, " Emma nodded. " You can be an extra set of eyes. "
" Great, " August said then went to the closet. He opened it and pulled out a gray hooded sweatshirt. He glanced at Emma, " Ruby brought it to me. She said it was in case I ever wanted to go outside. "
" Smart girl, " Emma said. " Pull it on. We gotta go. "