The morning seemed to come quickly. Lacey never moved from the spot she took on the floor by the door. She raised her head, squinting at the light coming through the window. Her brow furrowed as she pushed her hand onto the carpet and raised her body from the floor. How did she not notice that window before?
Maybe it was because she was so disoriented from the tea she was given. The one that dazed her, allowed him to carry her up the stairs, and lock her in this room. A room she never even knew existed in her own home. Panic hit her instantly as she remembered his last words to her before he threw her onto the bed.
"You stay here, Dearie. I'm going to go have a little conversation with your girlfriend."
After that, she passed out. She awoke terrified, unfamiliar with her surroundings. She rushed to the door, banging on it for someone to help her. It was useless. No one could hear her. She gave up after a few moments. Then, he returned. Offered her dinner. And suddenly, it was morning again.
She walked to the window, reaching up for it. There was no way she could get to it without help. She searched the room for something to boost herself. The bed may help. She just needed a few more inches. She rushed over and began pulling it toward the window. She stopped due to a sudden knock on the door.
"Lacey, darling," he called out. "I'm leaving for the shop now." He paused. "I have a feeling today may be our last together. Things will be different soon and I have things that I must do now that our world will be changing." He paused for a moment. "So I want to say good-bye. I know these last few weeks have been rough and it felt like we shouldn't be together, but I want to thank you for the time you did give me. For the time you allowed me to be your companion."
Lacey furrowed her brow as she walked slowly toward the door. She pressed her hand to it, her lips close to the crack so he could hear her as she spoke. "I have no clue what you are talking about, but if this is our last day together, why don't you let me out of here?"
He chuckled. "I can't do that," he stated flatly. "You'll find a way. Love always finds a way." He tapped the door with his cane. "Good-bye, Lacey."
"You can't leave me in here!" she shouted, banging on the door. "Please! Let me out!" She pressed her ear to the door. She could hear his footsteps as they disappeared down the hall. She slammed her hand against the door one more time. "Damn it! Damn you!"
"So, wait…" Granny said, looking down at her granddaughter. "You've been secretly dating Lacey…"
Ruby nodded. "Yes, Granny..."
"Gold's girlfriend…"
"Yes, Granny…"
"The librarian…"
Ruby grunted. "Yes, Granny! Geez…" She slumped forward on the table, pressing her hands to her temples. "Can we just please get back to the part to where she's missing?!"
Granny slid into the seat in front of her. "I'm sorry. You just have to understand that you being with a woman is kind of a shock."
She raised her head to look at her. "I know, but being with Lacey just feels right. She's what I've been searching for." She played with her hands. "I love her, Granny, and I'm worried I'm never going to see her again."
Granny reached out and took her hands. "We'll find her," she assured her. She squeezed her hands lightly. "There aren't many places in this town he could hide her." She released her hands. "Let's go to the Sheriff station. We'll get help."
Ruby tilted her head. "Granny, Emma has so much going on right now. I don't think she'll have time for this."
"It doesn't hurt to try." She patted her granddaughter's hands and stood. "Come on. Let's go."
They walked quickly down the street toward the station. Ruby wrapped her arms around herself. The wind was shifting. It was suddenly very cold. Then it happened. A gust of wind blew, causing her and Granny to stop dead in their tracks. Ruby felt her head clear, and her eyes widened.
She turned to her Grandmother, tears forming in her eyes. "Granny?!"
Granny turned to her, a huge smile crossing her lips. "Red! Oh my child!" She rushed to her, wrapping her arms around her tightly. "It's over!"
Red held her tightly. "At least we were together," she stated softly as she pulled back and looked into her grandmother's eyes. She glanced over her shoulder to see her best friend walking toward them. "Snow!" She rushed to her, throwing her arms around her.
"Red! Thank God!" Snow exclaimed, hugging her tightly. "It's over! The curse is broken!"
She smiled at her and quickly hugged Charming. When she pulled back from him, it hit her. "Belle!" she blurted out as her eyes shifted from one person to the next. "I have to find her!"
Snow reached out, taking her hand. "Go..." she said, smiling warmly at her friend. "Find her..."
Red offered a small smile as she squeezed Snow's hand and ran off down the street.
The sudden gust of air almost knocked her off the bed. She blinked twice and shook her head, clearing the last bit of fog. Her eyes widened and she released a small laugh. "It's broken…" she muttered, placing her hand on her forehead. She chuckled lightly again before the memory hit her. "Red…"
She pushed herself up and tugged on the window. After several tries, it opened. She applauded herself inwardly and pushed herself up. She made her way out of the window. The drop wasn't as far as she thought. He had her on the first floor. He knew she would find her way out once the curse broke. She dusted herself off and smiled brightly.
"I'm coming, sweetheart…"
She jumped over the hedge in front of her and ran down the street as fast as she could.