Chapter 10

Slamming the bathroom stall door, Snow took a deep breath.

She had enough issues to deal with right now without worrying the other teachers and students. They would probably assume she'd gone crazy. So what's going on? She asked inside her head. Was this really going to work? Her heart beat faster and faster.

I missed you Charming said tenderly. How he could have a "tone" for his voice when he didn't really have a voice right now, was beyond her, but somehow, he managed it.

I missed you, too! So much! But Charming you need to tell me what is going on! Quickly! I'm teaching, and I'm going have to return to my students soon. Apparently, it really was working. She was talking to her Charming…inside her head. How was that possible?

You're teaching again? Charming sounded confused. Of course, she hadn't been teaching for a while when they were all in Storybrooke before. And how could he sound confused when he had no real voice right now? None of this made sense.

Yes, she told him. I needed something to do with my time besides missing you and Emma…Speaking of which is Emma with you? Could I…talk to her, too?

Okay, one thing at a time Snow. She could hear his laughter in her head.Yes, Emma is in the same world as I am, although she's not with me right now. She's looking for information on how to get back home. And I'm afraid you can't talk to Emma. It's just you and me. But I can give her a message, if you want.

Yes, I'd like that. Tell her…we all miss her. Me, and Henry, and…even Neal does, too.

Snow felt Charming bristle at that. Charming… you know Neal is a good man, and he seems to really care about Emma. It was weird. Somehow she managed to sound stern speaking to him just then, even though she wasn't really speaking. Or do you doubt the power of True Love's Kiss?Snow added, teasing him.

She could feel Charming laugh in her head again. Of course I don't doubt the power of True Love's Kiss. And I know Neal is a good man. I would never have helped her get him back in Neverland if he wasn't. I just don't like to think about Emma and him…together.

Snow smiled. Her Charming, grumbling that her daughter had a boyfriend, just like any other father. I love you.

I love you, too. Listen, we're going to have to wrap this up, soon. Didn't you say you were teaching right now?

Oh, right. She had to get back to class now, didn't she? Snow, Charming said in a warning tone. If you are teaching, you're going to have to return. You know that. You're responsible for those kids.

Yes, she knew. It was just going to be so hard. How about we talk again, tonight? You can contact me whenever you're ready?

How would I do that? I still don't understand how this works, Charming! Can't you just contact me at say, 8:00 at night?

Yeah, I guess I can do that. But before you go, can you tell me which world you are in? Emma and I realize portals don't always work the way you expect. We ended up in a world neither of us had ever heard of. Emma and I need to know which world to find you in.

Snow laughed inside her head. Yeah I can do that. It's Storybrooke.

That's why it was so easy for you to go back to teaching, Charming replied, understanding. We have to go now, you know.

Snow sighed. I know. I know.

Hey,Charming told her softly. Exactly how could she tell he was speaking softly when he wasn't speaking again? I'll talk to you again tonight. And we're looking for a way home. We will find one, and we will be together again as a family.

Snow smiled as she exited the ladies room. That was her Charming. Always so optimistic, so sure everything would be okay. And now that she had talked to him, she believed that again, too. She couldn't wait to tell Henry! First, however, she had to finish that Language Arts lesson. Had anyone figured out the verb yet?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Suddenly David was sitting at the conference table at Rain and Ellysetta's palace instead of with Snow.

"So I take it by your silence for the last five minutes that it worked?" Rain asked as he grinned. Ellysetta grinned, too.

David gave a soft smile. "Yeah, it worked. I sure gave Snow a surprise, speaking to her like that!"

Ellysetta nodded. "I remember when Rain first spoke to me like that. It was a bit of a surprise. I really liked it though." She smiled at Rain, with love in her eyes.

David looked down for a second. Sometimes it was really hard to be around these two, being able to touch each other and look at each other in a way he couldn't do with Snow right now. But he needed to concentrate on what he had now. He had talked to Snow. Tonight, he would talk to her a lot more. And he had these people to thank for showing him how to do it. He looked back up at the couple and smiled at them. "Thank you for helping me understand how to do it."

Rain shrugged. "All we did was showed you how to use the bond you already have. If you had grown up here, you would have known how to do it anyway. It's something we are all familiar with."

David shook his head. Rain didn't understand how unfamiliar it was for him or how important it was for him to have a way to communicate with Snow. "Yes but the point was I wasn't familiar with it. The idea that I could talk to Snow in her mind would never occur to me. No one had ever brought up the idea, much less showed me how to do it! And I desperately needed to talk to Snow. I needed to know she and Henry were okay. I needed to know where they were….I just needed…her." He choked back tears with that last comment. "How would you feel if Ellysetta was in another world and you hadn't seen or talked to her for a week and a half? If you didn't know about this 'bond' thing?"

Rain looked horrified. "I think I get it now." He no longer sounded so causal.

"I don't care what you do for the rest of the time we're here. I don't care what you say. I don't care if we never see you again after we leave. I'll always be in your debt and I'll consider you a friend…forever."

Rain and Ellysetta nodded, unable to say anything.

David got up from the table. "I should go find Emma and tell her we're returning to Storybrooke after all. She'll be happy about that." With that, David ran to the Hall of Scrolls.

David waved at Tealah, sitting at her desk, then quickly headed on to the spot where Emma was. "Hi. Are you finding anything?" He was bursting with his news about talking to Snow, but he thought he should ask Emma how she was first. He didn't want Emma to think he didn't care about what she was doing.

Emma looked up from the scroll she was reading. "Not yet. Not today, anyway. I found something yesterday, although I don't know if it would work. I meant to ask them about it, but when Ellysetta and Rain weren't there last night…I didn't think about it at the right time."

David nodded. "I'm sure they'll be happy to help tonight. What was it?" he asked excitedly. This could be important. If they had a way to communicate and a way back home already, they could be ready to see the rest of their family again soon!

Emma shrugged. "Something about how a type of magic called Azreisenahn, whatever that means, can allow travel to the Well of Souls. But I don't know whether it would allow us to travel anywhere else. I also don't know what this 'Well of Souls' is. Ellysetta mentioned something about it when we first met, back when you were unconscious…It didn't sound good."

David sighed. He should have known it wouldn't be that easy. "We'll you can ask them about it anyway."

"Yeah," Emma replied going back to reading.

"Wait!" David tried to get her attention again by speaking a little louder. "I know where they are. You'll be happy to hear they're in Storybrooke, Emma."

Emma smiled, but seemed guarded. What was wrong? He expected her to be ecstatic they would be returning to Storybrooke, after all. "That's nice," she replied pleasantly. "So you were able to communicate with Mary Margaret?"

"Yes! It was great to speak to her. I didn't get a chance to do it very long though, because she was teaching. I guess she went back to teaching for the last few weeks."

Emma nodded again, still looking uncomfortable but trying not to show it. "That's great. I'm glad she has that. And it's nice to know she's in the school with Henry, even if she isn't teaching his class."

David nodded. He hadn't thought about it, but it was probably another reason why she took the job. "I'll let her know how much you appreciate it next time I talk to her…or whatever you call it." How do you describe talking to someone without really talking?

"Thanks." Emma sounded grateful and upset at the same time. What was bothering her? Was it him? He had thought Emma was comfortable with him by now.

"Emma,… I hope you aren't bothered by my asking but…what is your problem? Is it me?" he asked almost afraid of the answer. "I thought you'd be happy we're going back to Storybrooke."

Emma sighed. "I am. Really I am. And no…I'm not upset at you." She sounded sincere at that, at least.

David sighed in relief. "Then what is bothering you? Is it Ellysetta and the…tairen thing?"

Emma shook her head. "No, I'm still working through that. I hope I can get past it. She was a good friend before that happened. David,…I'm just going to have to work through it myself, okay? You can't help me." She said that last sentence firmly.

David's face fell, feeling the pain in his heart at that comment. He was her father. He was supposed to fix all her problems. But…maybe he should stop asking. Someday maybe, she'd come to him.

Suddenly he remembered something that should make Emma happier, even though it made him uncomfortable. "Snow told me to give you a message. She said she and Henry missed you, and that Neal misses you, too."

Emma's face had brightened when he mentioned Henry but faded when he mentioned Neal. Why was that? "Emma, what's the matter? I thought you forgave Neal for the problems you had in the past. I thought you said you…loved him."

Emma sighed. "I did. I just don't see it working out between us anymore."

David wondered if this was what was upsetting Emma earlier. Should he press? It was quite possible whatever reason Emma had for 'not working out' with Neal wasn't a good reason. After all, how many times had he incorrectly believed things wouldn't work out with Snow? Still, would Emma be willing to talk about it to him?

He picked up some texts and began reading. He had to remember he was looking for portals that would lead to Storybrooke.

Two hours later, David realized he didn't remember anything he had read. He was too worried about Emma. He put down the book and took a deep breath. He knew he shouldn't push Emma into talking about something she didn't want to…but he had to try to help! "If I may ask, why don't you see it working out with Neal anymore? What changed since we left Neverland?"

Emma gave him a dirty look. He knew this wouldn't go well if he tried to force her to talk about it. "It's complicated, okay? Why are you so interested in me and Neal, anyway? I thought you couldn't care less about him!"

Well, she wasn't responding very positively, but at least she was talking. "What gave you that idea? I helped you get him back in Neverland, remember? I'm interested in him because you said you loved him, and I want you to have that, Emma."

Emma shook her head. "I don't believe you. I know you helped me get him back in Neverland, but when we were talking to that elf guy, you only said we were looking for Henry and Mary Margaret. It made it pretty clear you didn't want anything to do with him. Not that I care. It'll never work out."

David sighed. Clearly, he had made a mistake in Emma's eyes by not asking about Neal. He could understand where she was coming from, too. "Okay, I'm sorry about that. I should have asked about him, too. It's just…hard for me to…think of you with a man like that. So I tried not to think about it most of the time we were here. But I do want you with him if he makes you happy, Emma. I want you to have love."

The look Emma gave him was so mean he'd have thought it was Regina if he didn't know it was Emma. "With a man like that? You mean a man who's made mistakes? Yeah, I know he made some big mistakes, but you know what, so did I! I never even told him he had a son, David! Do you know how much that hurt him? Or do you mean man who is the son of Rumpelstiltskin? Just because Neal his son doesn't mean he's exactly like Gold! I know you think you're always so perfect but you know what, you're not!..."

Emma took a deep breath, preparing to continue her tirade, when David stopped her. "No, Emma that's not…not what I've meant at all. I know I've made mistakes. Some of the biggest were when I thought I should give up on Snow, even though I still loved her." David hoped that comment hit home. It was obvious Emma still loved Neal; her defense of him now proved that. But Emma didn't seem affected by it. "Emma what I meant was it was hard for me to think of you…with…" Say it, David. He told himself. You can do it. "…a boyfriend. No father wants to think of his daughter with a boyfriend, you know?"

"Well, actually, since I've never had a father, I really don't know," Emma snapped.

Feeling a knife twisting in his heart, David sighed. He knew this is exactly the kind of attitude he should expect from Emma if he tried to push her into a conversation she didn't want to have. But it didn't make it any easier to hear. "Well…you have a father now, Emma. And I'm still getting used to it. And you and…Neal."

Emma shook her head. "If you keep talking about me and Neal, than you're never going to be my father. How many times do I have to tell you? Neal and I are finished and I don't want to talk about it!" She picked up a few of the books and moved to another table. Obviously he pushed too hard. Maybe he could try reading again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOOO

Emma didn't find any other information that might help them the rest of the afternoon. Maybe David had better luck. Of course, she'd make sure to ask Ellysetta and Rain about the "Well of Souls" portal. What did that mean? Could it be of any use to her and David? She sighed and began gathering things in a neat pile for the next day. She glanced over at in his direction. He was also gathering the materials for the end of the day.

David didn't look very happy, Emma thought to herself as she finished her materials. His face was worn and there was no bounce in his step, as there had been this morning. Emma had a feeling he was upset because of their argument. After all, this morning he had been bursting with excitement because he was able to speak to his wife. He had also obviously been looking forward to communicating with her again.

Had Emma ruined his day because of her comments? She hoped not. She was still bothered that her parents had a relationship she would never have; that's why she wasn't interested when David was talking about communicating with Mary Margaret earlier. But that didn't mean she wanted to see David this upset about something she said. It was hard for her to admit sometimes, but…she cared about David. She wanted him to be okay.

She walked toward him. He was right. They would be returning to Storybrooke. Her home. The only home she had really ever had. That made her happy and she should tell him so. "David," Emma called as they headed out of the building, "You were right. I'm happy we're going back to Storybrooke."

David turned around and smiled at her. There was relief on his face. "That's great," he replied.

Emma sighed and looked at him. Could she apologize for the rest of it? She had said some pretty mean things earlier. "And… I'm sorry about when I said I've never had a father."

David nodded and shrugged. "Well, it's true, isn't it?" Despite his relief that she was talking to him again, Emma could tell this still bothered him.

"Yeah, I guess it was. But it's not true anymore. I do have a father now, right?" Emma looked straight ahead as she said that. It made her nervous to talk about their true relationship. She didn't know how to deal with it. Still she knew it needed to be said.

"Yes, Emma. You have a father now. For always." She could hear the awe and the love in his voice as he said that. How was she going to deal with this?

"So…please tell me if I'm speaking too much but, about Neal? The problem wasn't because of what I said, was it?" David sounded extremely nervous. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and noticed he was looking straight ahead as he talked as well.

Emma bristled inwardly. She really, really didn't want to talk about Neal. She had made that perfectly clear before. Their relationship just wasn't meant be. But it was obviously hard for David, with his optimistic nature and belief in True Love, to understand. Some people just didn't have that kind of relationship. That… what did Rain and Ellysetta call it? Truemates?

Still she had to say something. Emma certainly didn't want David to think her and Neal's problems were his fault. "No, David," she replied finally. "It wasn't because of what you said. Thank you for explaining your problem with him was more the idea of me and a man than about Neal, though. It…makes the situation better." She said that so softly she wasn't even sure he had heard.

But as they left the cobblestone path that led to the Hall of Scrolls and turned toward Rain and Ellysetta's palace, David finally replied. "I'm glad it wasn't my fault, at least."

Emma entered the palace, being greeted by Ellysetta's guards, Bel, Tajik, Gil, and Rijonn. David and Tajik began talking immediately. It was nice he had a friend.

As Emma headed toward the dining room, she wondered how knowing David had more of a problem with the idea of Neal than with Neal himself "made the situation better" if things weren't going to work out with Neal after all. Did it mean she could eventually find someone else?

Shaking her head violently at that thought, Emma's blond hair tumbling all around her. She could never find someone else she loved as much as she had Neal. Or who was the perfect father for Henry. She was done with relationships. But she still couldn't stop thinking somewhere deep inside her, that what she had told David was true. Somehow, he had made the situation better.

Emma sat down, wondering what strange foods and concoctions would be available for dinner tonight. At least she didn't have to worry about getting used some of the weirder items they served here, since they would be returning to Storybrooke after all. Soon a dish that looked like potatoes but smelled like a piece of cake was placed at the center of the table. Also available was a piece of meat that looked like chicken (Emma had no idea what it actually was) and thankfully, pieces of bread. Emma picked up two of the pieces of bread and began munching. At least the bread still tasted like bread here.

"So," Emma began trying not to show her nervousness. She was still a little uncomfortable around Ellysetta because of the 'tairen incident', but she was trying to not let it bother her. Ellysetta had been really upset that she lost her as a friend and a magical trainee, after all. If she could just learn to get over it, she could have a friend and a magical instructor again.

"Yesterday I had read something I wanted to ask about, but there wasn't a good time. There was something about how Azreisenahn could allow travel to the Well of Souls. What does that mean? Could it let us travel other places as well?"

Rain shook his head, looking horrified at that thought. Ellysetta didn't look so horrified, but still shook his head. "The Well of Souls is the land between life and death. You can use Azrahn or Azreisenahn as the text calls it, to travel there in order to save someone trapped there. But when you pull them back, you pull them back to the world they were last in." That didn't sound promising. You had to die in order to get to the Well of Souls? And then they'd end up back here anyway? Not worth it.

"So it's of no use to us?" David asked, obviously wanting to make sure. "We can't use the Azra – whatever to travel to other lands?"

Rain shook his head firmly. "No. Azrahn is dangerous magic. It can be used for good; Ellysetta is right, you can use it to save a life. I've used it to save Ellysetta and she's used it to save people, too. But it's not magic to experiment with. Mages were born by too much use of Azrahn."

David and Emma sighed and nodded. "Okay. We'll find another way. I've had enough exposure to dark magic to know it's not something I want to be a part of," David told them. Tajik patted him on the shoulder. They all knew he meant Regina.

David took a bite of the cake – smelling potato and smiled as he chewed. Emma decided she'd have to eat something besides bread, so she ate a piece of it. It was really weird. It tasted like potato mixed in with yellow flavored cake. But she supposed she'd eat it, anyway.

They all finished dinner. Emma tried to eat most of it. She couldn't wait to go back to Storybrooke with real food. As soon as they did, David took off. "I've got to go. I've got someone waiting for me." He dashed off to the room he was sleeping in. As he left the room, the clock rang eight times. 8:00.

Emma sighed as she left the table. Mary Margaret, of course. She tried not to let it bother her too much. She didn't want to make her father think she was upset at him again. She retreated to her own room. There were some picture books in there that were fun to look at.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO

Snow White had finally finished school. She was done with nouns and verbs, and multiplication and the importance of chlorophyll in plants. She couldn't wait to tell Henry she had talked to Charming! He and Emma were together, and they were looking for a way home.

She gathered her belongings, humming to herself as she went. Snow was feeling 100% better than she had felt this morning. This morning she had been so heartbroken her plan to talk to Charming had failed; now she was elated that she had talked to him and would talk to him again tonight. This morning she didn't know what to do about Henry, who had discovered she tried to talk to Charming and it had failed. Now she had wonderful news for him!

As she sat down to pick up her chap stick out of her bottom desk drawer, Snow remembered she wasn't really 100% better. She still had that burn on her bottom! Ouch that hurt! She chuckled as she got back up. It really didn't matter that it hurt to sit down, though. Not when she had a way to talk to Charming. She would even be able to hear from Emma, indirectly, anyway. Henry would love that.

As Snow went upstairs to the sixth grade, she began humming again. This was so wonderful! "Hi Henry!" she called as she entered his classroom."

Henry looked up and saw her. "Hi Grandma," he replied, sounding irritated. Apparently, he was still upset about what had happened this morning. He'd get over it soon, she knew.

She leaned over to him, intending to whisper in his ear, but he backed away from her, with a grimace on his face. Maybe this would be harder than she had expected. "Come on, Henry we need to get going." She held out her hand to him.

Henry shook his head. "I wanted to go to the park with Pinocchio today."

"Maybe we can do that in little while," Snow replied. "But have something to tell you first. And Henry, you're going to want to hear it."

Henry sighed and walked outside of the school with her. "Whatever."

As soon as they climbed into her jeep, Snow gave him her news, "I talked to your grandfather today!" She held back a grimace; sitting still hurt.

From the review mirror, she could see Henry's face go back and forth between happiness and anger. "That's great," he replied. "How did that work? How come you didn't tell me you had another plan to communicate with them and you didn't tell me either!" He grumbled. "I'm sick of this! The Curse would've broken if it hadn't been for me figuring it out first! But everyone still acts like I'm a little kid that needs protection! I'm twelve years old now! I want to be a part of everything!"

Snow sighed. Maybe they had been keeping Henry out of the loop too much. Were they two overprotective of him because they had never got a chance to protect Emma? It was something to think about, especially when Charming and Emma returned. As she drove, she explained what happened to Henry today.

"I'm sorry Henry. Maybe you're right that we keep too many things from you. But as for what happened today, it didn't have anything to do with 'my plan' because I didn't have one. I didn't know what to do when my plan for talking to your grandfather in the burning room didn't work. Somehow, he was able to speak to me…in my head! I really don't understand how it works at all, but he said he'd contact me again tonight."

Henry nodded. "Okay. So, they're alright?"

Snow nodded, talking excitedly. "According to your grandfather, they're fine. He and Emma are in the same world, and they're working on finding a way back here."

"They're not in Neverland anymore?"

Snow shrugged. "Apparently not."

"Well, that's good. That place was scary. What it does to your mind…"

Snow nodded in agreement. "I know. But he said they were somewhere new. Somewhere neither of them had ever heard of, apparently, but at least they're not in Neverland."

"So, will I be able to talk to him, too? Or Emma?"

Snow stopped short. She should have realized Henry would want to communicate with them, too. How was she going to explain that wasn't possible? Especially since she really didn't really understand it herself? "No, Henry, I'm afraid not. For some reason, it's only between Grandpa and me. But he said he can give a message to Emma, if you want. Or I can give him a message from you."

Henry nodded, accepting. "Tell him I can't wait until he gets back so I can show how well my horse is doing!"

Snow laughed. "I'll do that. Do you still want to go to the park today?"

Henry shrugged. "Nah, I'd rather go to the stables. My horse needs me!"

Snow smiled and turned toward the stables.

OOOOOOOOOOO

A couple of hours later, Snow brought Henry home for dinner. "…and he looked up at me as soon as I walked in the stable! You have to tell that to Grandpa!"

"Of course," Snow replied as she checked on the chicken in the oven and began mashing the potatoes.

"I really think I'll be able to ride him real soon! Wouldn't it be great if I was riding it when they came back? Grandpa would love that!"

Charming really would enjoy seeing that, Snow knew. Charming loved being able teach Henry things he already knew how to do. Like caring for a horse and someday, riding a horse.

Snow finished mashing the potatoes and dished them out, then removed the chicken from the oven. As she sat down, she was once again reminded of the burn on her bottom. At least Henry was happy tonight, as he chattered on.

"And I want to show Mom my Science essay!" Henry continued as they began to eat. "I got an A on it! Don't you think she'll be proud?"

"Definitely," Snow replied, taking a bite of potatoes. Henry spent the rest of the meal telling her all of the things he was going to show them and do with them when Charming and Emma returned.

They finished supper and Henry even helped her with the dishes as he continued to talk excitedly. "…Maybe Neal and my Mom will even get back together when they get back!" Snow shrugged. It was quite possible, especially after what happened in Neverland. For Charming's sake, and hers' too as well, Snow had to admit, she hoped they didn't move too quickly.

Finally it was 8: 00. "Henry, why don't you go upstairs to do your homework?"

Henry's face fell. "But I thought maybe I could sit with you well you spoke to Grandpa? I mean I know I can't talk to him, but you said you could give him a message and so I thought…If I was right here…we could all…sort…of talk together."

Snow sighed wondering what to say. She had really hurt Henry's feelings before, not telling him about her plan with the burning room. She had to be careful. But somehow she had to explain to him that as much as she and Charming loved Henry…some of their conversation wasn't meant for him. It was going to be a private conversation between husband and wife.

"Well," she began, hesitantly. "Henry, I'm more than happy to give him messages from you. And I can tell you what he said tomorrow. But we need time to talk… just the two of us, too."

"I see," Henry replied, sounding irritated again. She could tell he thought they were keeping things from him again.

"Henry, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about what I did last night. I probably should have told you. This isn't about keeping things from you. This is about time for…just us."

Henry didn't seem to be angry at her anymore, but he still stared at her blankly. For all his obsession with True Love, thanks to the fairytale book, Henry didn't really understand what happened between a husband and wife. No t that was a conversation she wanted to have right now, especially since Charming would be in her head any minute, but…how else did she explain this to her twelve – year old grandson?

She shook her head. "I think the why is a conversation for another time, okay? I will give your grandfather your messages, and I'll tell you what he said tomorrow. In the meantime, go start on your homework. You don't get As like you got on your Science essay without working, you know?

Henry finally nodded, reluctantly, muttering "teacher" as he went up the stairs.

Snow settled down on her bed to wait for Charming. And waited. And waited. And waited.

Forty – five minutes later she was still waiting. Did he forget? That was ridiculous, she said to herself. Charming had been just as eager as she was to resume their communication tonight. Had something happened to him? Was unconscious for some reason? If only she had asked him how to initiate the "communication" thing! Then at least she'd know he was alright.

Picking up a copy of Sign of the Beaver, Snow began to read. She was considering using this in her classroom, but she needed to look through it first. Keep yourself busy, she thought. Isn't that why she returned to teaching? Hopefully it would work tonight. And hopefully Charming would contact her soon.

OOOOOOOOOO

Snow looked at the clock again. It was almost midnight. Where was Charming? She couldn't get over her fear that something must have happened to him. It was the only reason why he would miss their appointment…or whatever you called this arrangement to "meet" in her head.

What if he didn't contact her at all? How would she deal with that? Should she tell Henry? He had been so upset with her for not telling her about the burning room the night before. She thought maybe Henry was right; they were protecting him too much. Still, he was so excited about being able to tell Grandpa about his horse, and he couldn't wait to hear back from his grandfather. How could Snow tell him there were no messages at all? She bit back her tears and returned to the book. She needed try to finish this.

Snow had just finished another paragraph o Sign of the Beaver she felt Charming's presence with her. She dropped the book in shock. Was she imagining things?

Hi Snow, he said in her head. Of course you're not imagining things! It's me. I thought we went through this already this morning.

Okay, Snow growled inside her head. Then what took you so long? You said you'd contact me at 8:00! It midnight! Are you okay? I was afraid something terrible happened to you! Did you hurt yourself?

No, I didn't hurt myself. I promise, Snow. He told her tenderly. It was amazing how she could still 'hear' his tone of voice even though he wasn't speaking.

Of course she had no problem giving her voice a tone inside her head, either. Then why, why, why, why, are you so late? I thought I was more important to you than this! I thought you wanted to communicate with me. But I guess you just figured you'd get around to me whenever!

But I'm not late!Charming argued back. The clock here says it's 8:00! Or eight bells, as they call it here. The bells rang eight times. How could you think I didn't want to speak to you Snow? Couldn't you have more faith in me than that? Why didn't you realize there was another reason? He sounded hurt.

With good reason, Snow supposed. If it was 8:00 in whatever world he was in, it must be a different "time zone." Why hadn't she thought of that? There would be no way Charming would miss the chance to talk to her otherwise.I'm sorry.She responded to him. You're right. I should've realized there was another explanation. I don't know why… I was just so frustrated… and worried that something might have happened to you, I didn't think of anything past that. Forgive me? Please? She pleaded.

It's okay, Charming responded. You had to wait for me to contact you. That's the harder job than just waiting until the right time. I know, Snow. And I didn't think that time would be different here than in Storybrooke, either. I wished I had thought it might be. I could have spared you the heartache.

It's okay, Charming. Neither of us thought of it. Personally, I was so excited I could speak with you, I didn't really think of the technicalities.

Yeah,Charming replied. Me too. I should teach you how to contact me, too. That way if you need me for any reason, I can be there for you. If you're worried about me at all, like you were today, you can speak to me, instead of just waiting for me. Waiting is the worst.

It really is, She agreed. I never knew how hard it was for you and Henry, when Emma and I were in the Enchanted Forest.

Yeah, but that's not what we need to worry about now. So, the people here, they told me how to do this. What you do is focus on that part of you that always knows I'm alive. You know what I'm talking about, right?

Yeah.It was true there was always a part of her that was connected to Charming, even though she never talked about it. It was how she knew he was alive tonight, even though she thought he might be injured.

Okay, so you focus on that. Then you think of all the reasons you love me, and how much you wish you were with me. And then you'll be with me. Or rather you'll reach my mind, like I reached yours.

I see Snow replied, trying to understand. So what exactly is this land that you're in? Can you explain it to me so I know where to send the message?

Ah…well, I can explain it to you. It's kind of interesting, actually. But don't try to send the message to where I am. That's the mistake I made the first time. I tried to send it to where I thought you were, and I couldn't reach you. Send it to me. Don't worry about where I am; just think about me and how you wish you were with me.

I think I understand now. So how are your plans for coming home coming? Snow stretched out her legs on the bed as they communicated.

We're working on it. The place where were staying has this archive; it's huge Snow, even bigger than our library at our palace. They call it the Hall of Scrolls. So we're looking up information on portals.

That's good, she replied, picturing what this Hall of Scrolls might look like. So, what else can you tell me about this world?

It's weird, Snow. This place reminds me so much of the Enchanted Forest. They have magic here, and the food…it's like home. In the neighboring kingdom they even have horse and carriages!

She could hear the longing in his voice. Despite everything they had been through, he still obviously wanted to return to the Enchanted Forest. She didn't know how that was possible anymore.

Snow, Charming interrupted her thoughts. It's true. I still do miss the Enchanted Forest. But getting home to you and Henry is so much more important than going back there. And…maybe you were right before. Emma told me she doesn't really want to go back there. She said Storybrooke is her home and she's never had a home before, so she not ready to give it up yet.

OhSnow replied, not really sure what else to say.

It's okay, Snow. I can be happy if I have our family together. That's what's important. I miss you.

I miss you too. I wish I could kiss you. She loved that she could talk to Charming again, but if she could touch him, kiss him, be with him…

MmmmmmCharming hummed in her head. I wish I could do those things, too. Soon, my darling, soon. We'll find a way home.

Henry told me to tell you he can't wait for you to get back so you could show you how well his horse was doing, Snow told him, changing the subject to something lighter.

That's great! Charming replied. I knew when I gave him the horse he'd do well with it. I can't wait to see him ride the horse someday!

Neither can he.

That is one thing this kingdom doesn't have much of. Horses. The next kingdom over does, which we visited last week, but not this one. At least Storybrooke has horses. At least there was something about Storybrooke Charming was looking forward to seeing besides their family. It made Snow feel better.

But it made her even more curious about the world Charming and Emma were in. How did they get around without horses? Did they have cars like they did on Earth?

No, Charming laughed. They don't have cars here, either. We've basically walked everywhere.

I'm sure Emma loved that, Snow joked.

Yes, it was hard for her,Charming replied sadly, feeling for their daughter. And she really didn't like sleeping on the ground, either.

She hated that when we were in the Enchanted Forest last year, too, Snow told him, remembering.

But our hosts are great. I've made a few good friends here. There's this one guy, his name is Tajik. He's one of the guards. He didn't get along with one of the rulers we went to see, but he knew we had to work with him anyway. So I told him how we had to deal with Regina because of Henry. How is it going with her anyway?

I don't know. Henry likes to see her, so I let him…but even he isn't sure how close he wants to get to her. And of course she and I don't know how to deal with each other at all…

And the others are good, too,. Charming continued, obviously wanting to steer them to a safer topic. Rain is the king here. He's the one who explained how to speak to you this way. Ellysetta is his wife. She and Emma get along pretty well, or they did before the…incident.

What incident? Is Emma okay? Did she get hurt?

Calm down Snow, Emma is fine. Ellysetta has magic just like Emma's. And I don't mean she has magic like Emma does, I mean all of her powers are the same as Emma's. So Ellysetta was helping Emma to understand and control her magic better. It was going pretty well. Ellysetta apparently only learned how to use magic a little while ago, so she understood what she was going through. But Ellysetta has an extra…instinct…I guess you call it inside her. They call it a tairen. When Emma and Ellysetta were having a small argument, Ellysetta's tairen apparently felt threatened and lashed out. It frightened Emma. So now she's uncomfortable around Ellsyetta.

Okay,Snow replied, trying to make sense out of what Charming had said. So Emma had a friend and someone to help her with her magic, and then that friend bothered her. Is Ellysetta dangerous? Should I be worried?

No,Charming replied. I wondered that too, for a little while. But she barely scratched her with her magic. She's not dangerous,..unless maybe you're an enemy. She just made Emma uncomfortable because she used magic against her.

Well she shouldn't have done that! Snow snapped.

I understand why you're upset, Snow, but you have to understand she didn't set out to hurt or frighten Emma. You should have seen how upset she was after her magic attacked. She kept sobbing and sobbing that she lost Emma as a friend. I do hope they make up…eventually.

Okay, Snow sighed inside her head. If you say so. I trust your judgment, Charming.

Thank you,He replied. Besides, Ellysetta also helped Rain teach me how to contact you. They say we have a "truemate" bond that allows us to do this, without magic. That's why it can only be you and me who can communicate.

A what bond?Snow asked, confused.

A truemate bond.It meant we had a connection the moment we met, including a fierce desire to protect each other, even before we actually fell in love. Snow thought back to what happened at the troll bridge. They definitely had that.

And extreme possessiveness that seems irrational when you think of it later.

Huh? Snow couldn't think of anytime that happened.

I can think of one. Charming replied. Do you remember the party after we won one of the battles against King George? One of the knights hugged you, as a way to congratulate you. I…didn't react well.

Snow thought back for a moment. Yeah, I guess I remember that. I was so angry with you that night! He didn't mean anything by it!

I knew that then and I know it now. I just couldn't tolerate him touching you for some reason. At least Rain explained to me why that was, so I understand it now.

And most importantly, according to Rain, was that we have felt each other's pain when we have extreme injuries or magical aliments. I felt it when you ate the apple, Snow. And I remember you felt my pain when I injured my leg in a scrimmage with some outlaws once.

I see,Snow replied trying to digest all of this information. Well, it's late, at least here it is. I need to go to sleep, Charming.

Of course,he replied lovingly. Why don't we say you can contact me tomorrow night? At whatever time is good for you?

Sure. I should be able to do it if I follow your instructions right?

Righthe replied. I wish I could be there with youtonight.

Snow sighed picturing her Charming cuddled up against her side. I wish that too. But thank you for contacting me.

Of course. It means just as much to me as it does to you. I love you.

Love you too, Charming. Always. With, Snow no longer felt Charming's presence in her mind. Hopefully she could sleep tonight.