Emma
After a long discussion with the police, I returned back to bed and curled up next to Henry. The apartment is small, but it sure did feel large when the two of us were once three musketeers.
I could feel Henry shiver - his teeth rattling against each other harshly, and his skin barely warm. I wrapped my arms around him, and covered him under the bed sheets. I pressed his forehead gently on my chest, and rubbed his back smoothly. I rubbed his back until my eyelids closed to darkness.
~ Morning soon came. Its Saturday. Henry overslept in bed. I got out of the bed, and changed into my blue maid's uniform and washed up. 'I could just eat leftovers in the motel.' I thought, so I didn't bother going to the kitchen. I grabbed my purse, and headed out the door.
Ruby's grandmother owns a small motel. Everybody I know apparently has a little nickname for themselves. Everybody calls her grandmother Granny. She's a sweet old lady, but at the same time a hard -working, serious employer. She stood behind the customer check - in stand. She lowered her head, scribbling something down on some papers. She lifted her head, and gasped as she saw me walk in. "Emma, what happened to you?" Granny walked out of the stand, and rushed toward me. "I had a fight with my landlord. It's nothing serious, I just crossed the line with him, that's all." "Emma, you look like you were in a woman's wrestling match for the first time." I snort out a quiet laugh. Granny looked at me with a stern expression. "I'm serious, Emma. You really have to be careful with people. Your hurting yourself, also Henry. Please take some precautions." "I will, Granny." She took my arm. "Emma, you looking terribly thin. When was the last time you eaten?" "Yesterday. But I'm not hungry," I lied. I could feel my stomach growl with disappointment, and desperation for food.
Granny took my arm. "You are going to start your work after you eat. Go to the kitchen, and eat something. No charge." "Thanks Granny." "Go." She urged.
~ I spent hours stopping by each hotel room for any customer service, cleaning bathrooms and collecting laundry, and mopping the hallways. I stepped outside of the motel, taking my lunch break. I chewed slowly on a piece of gum. I leaned on the wall as I watched people walk by.
Suddenly, I spotted Jimmy walk by. He saw me, and walked toward me. "Hello, Emma." "Hi." His dressed in his usual retire - a blue striped dress shirt beneath a green knitted vest, and brown pants. He was holding a fancy envelope. "You going to some party, Jimmy?" "Oh, well yes. I recently participated to a children hospital charity a few years ago. I receive these invitations every year." "Your a saint, Jimmy. Always helping others out. I admire that about you." "You know if your interested about attending, you can come with me. There are some good people you could meet who can help out with your financial problems." "Oh, Jimmy I'm really-" Jimmy continued. "Emma, I know what you go through. It's hurting you and Henry. In this party, there are many available people who could help you to get a better job so you could support Henry. I been trying to find some appropriate ways to help your problems. But I couldn't find any, and really Emma I can't bear to see you and Henry spend hungry nights and days every day." "Jimmy. I appreciate it. But I think a person like me can't be helped." Jimmy took my hand, and placed the invitation between my index fingers. "Just think about it. It's going to be held next Friday." "I'm busy that day." "Emma, its either increase your salary, or go through another cold harsh day with Henry. Think about it. Good - bye." Jimmy quickly walked away. I released a sigh.
Ruby came outside. "Hey, Emma your lunch break is over." "Yeah thanks." I opened the beautifully crafted envelope, and removed a red velvet letter. I whispered by the short description and details about the party. "Friday. Eight pm." Ruby snatched the invitation from my hands. "Ooooo. What's this?" I tried to take the invitation back, but Ruby dodged my demanding hands clawing from hers. "You got a party for Killian Jones? How is this possible?" I stopped my protest. She turned to face me, her eyes still lowered down on the invitation. "Who's Killian Jones?" Ruby lifted her head with wide eyes. "Girl you must be crazy. You got an invitation from one of the wealthiest bachelors in the city, and you don't know who he is." "The invitation was from Jimmy, my neighbor. He participated for a children's hospital charity, so he receives these events every year. He gave me the invitation. He said the people there will help me with my financial problem." "Yeah, how? Marry a rich bachelor who has so much money in his pocket you could spend it all till the day you die. You have some helpful neighbor." "Oh shut up." But her idea doesn't seem that bad.
Married to a rich bachelor. Of course, I hadn't been seeing anyone since Bae left. But being able to have someone to support me and Henry could solve my problems, and my unbearable worries. Henry isn't growing any younger. And the people Jimmy told me about will require education. I'm a woman in my late 20s with an education of a fourteen year old. Those perfectionist will convince me to start a job by going back to school. That'll cost me more money, and time. I need help now. Some kind of miracle, or a magic genie to change my life, and save my poor son from this bitter world. What more would I ask for then this?
Ruby giggled. "Not a bad idea, Rube. Thanks." Ruby stopped laughing. She looked at me with wide eyes. "Wait what? Your actually agreeing to my silly idea." "No it's not a silly idea. It's a great idea." I grabbed the invitation off Ruby's hands, and carefully put it back in the envelope. I walked back inside the motel. Ruby followed me from behind. "Emma, I was just joking." "Well, what I said a minute ago wasn't." She grabbed my arm. "You are serious about this." I nodded. "Ruby, for two years I worked like this. It's has been really bad. I can't feed myself or my son enough, I could barely pay for the rent and the apartment is so cold and cramped, and Henry needs money for his education fast. I need a solution, a medicine to cure the deep scars in my life. Including Henry's. I love him so much. I would risk anything to support him." Ruby gave me a long look. "Well, if your serious about this you'll need a "tutor." You have a short time to plan this out." A tutor, for what?" Ruby smiled. "Honey, I may work in two places everyday, and still work for my grandmother. But I know the definition of the rich. God knows I tried. But my reputation doesn't blend in with those type of people, unfortunately. I mean seriously, you'll need proper guidance what to wear, who to avoid, how to properly eat and drink, and so much more. There are going to be a lot of "targets" (a.k.a. bachelors) for you to shoot. But all of them has a catch. That you must be careful with. But my recommendation for you, honey is Killian Jones. His a gorgeous man, he owns the club your attending. After the kids say a few words about their thanks for the help the charity is supporting, they leave and then the guests start the real party. That's the way it will always go. So are you really going to be in, or are you out?"
"I'm in." I said. These two words will probably be the last words I'll ever say as Emma Swan. Who knows what last name will replace my maiden name now.