* = Authors Note at bottom

The two story baby blue house before Emma was indeed beautiful. It was everything that Emma ever dreamed for. Right down to the white picket fence. Despite that, Emma didn't want it. She didn't want to live in that house just like she didn't want to live in this small town called Storybrooke.

"This is where you will be living from now on." Mr. Gold's voice rang out. He stood beside her as they gazed at the house.

Emma didn't know Mr. Gold for long. She had only just met him back in *Estrella Women's Jail. She had heard about him and who he was from her ex-boyfriend Neal. Apparently he was Neal's father. Neal had been running away from his father because of personal issues for years. How ironic that it was this man who came to save her when all hope was lost. They were not close per say. The only real reason that Mr. Gold was even helping her in the first place was because of what laid in her belly. Emma wasn't sure why Neal was running from him in the first place. From what Emma could tell Mr. Gold was an all-round about family guy.

"Is this your place?" Emma asked. The house didn't give off Mr. Gold's aura but you can never be too sure.

"I own many houses, Miss Swan, this being one of them. I live in the house further up. The brown one there." Mr. Gold then pointed to a house further up the street. It was beautiful just like the one before her. Only, it gave off a more lonesome look.

Emma found that Mr. Gold was always proper in everything he did. He had a stance of higher authority about him. People like him normally pissed Emma off to no end. What, with the way that they looked down on you. Mr. Gold never gave her that impression. He was simply one of those people who did everything the proper way. Never taking a short cut in anything he did.

Mr. Gold turned to face her. "Here are the keys Miss Swan. I hope you find your stay comfortable. I'll come visit you from time to time to inquire about the child." He then lifted his hand that held onto a pair of keys and dangled them in front of her for her to take.

Emma gently took a hold of the keys. "Thank you, Mr. Gold."

"No thanks needed, Miss Swan. I'm simply taking care of family." Emma knew that he only meant the baby inside of her. Still she found herself swelling up in happiness at being called family. It's been so long since she heard anything like that. So she pretended that he included her as well. "Good day."

Mr. Gold then proceed to limp to his car, a black 1970s Cadillac. His limp was one of the first things that Emma took notice from him. She had asked about it but he just brushed her off. He used a cane to help him walk but the limp was still noticeable.

Emma watched as he drove off into town. She still didn't feel comfortable about living in this town but there was nothing that she could do. She had used and abused her time at her best friend's Elsa place a long time ago. She knew she wasn't welcomed there anymore after everything she did. She should just accept Mr. Gold's help, even if he was only helping the unborn child inside of her instead her herself.

Emma took another glance at the house. It really was lovely. There was nothing wrong with it. Hell, it must cost a fortune to live in and she was living in it for free. Emma was about to take a step to look inside only to be stopped at the sight of a little 1970 yellow Volkswagen bug. She knew that bug well. Her father had bought it from the loyal junkyard to fix it up for her so that she could use it when she turned sixteen. It was never finished and just sat at Elsa's house for years. Its sudden appearances at her new found house surprised her. Did Mr. Gold bring that here? Had he contacted Ingrid, Elsa's aunt and guardian?

Emma shook her head back and forth as if to dispel her thoughts. She didn't even want to think about it. So instead of exploring the house, Emma turned and walked up the street towards the bed and breakfast she saw earlier in Mr. Gold's car. She could use something to eat and a little fresh air before entering that house.

The bed and breakfast she saw turned out to be called Granny's. It was run by a little old lady named Widow Lucas and her granddaughter named Ruby, whom worked as one of the waitresses.

Emma sat on one of the bar stools as she drank her hot chocolate. Something seemed to be off about it though.* She couldn't quite place her finger on it. So instead of asking, she sat in her seat and stared at her drink with a concentrated look. She never liked coffee. She drank it only for it effects. She much preferred an old glass of hot chocolate to sooth or wake her up. So it was quite distressing to find that she didn't like her favorite drink very much. What was it that she didn't like though? There was even whipped cream on top. She loved whipped cream on top of her hot chocolate.

"You look frustrated there."

Emma looked over to her right to see a young petite woman with short black hair sitting beside her.

"What?" Emma asked. She wasn't sure if she heard the woman correct. Her focus was elsewhere. Mainly the stupid drink in her hands that did not satisfy her cravings.

The woman just smiled. "I said you look frustrated. Do you not like your drink?"

"Oh, no. It's not that." Emma took a deep breath, realizing that she was caught. "Actually, yeah. I just can't figure out what it is. It's missing something."

The woman gave out a small giggle as she collected her things. "Try cinnamon. Chocolate always goes well with a dash of cinnamon." She then looked towards the direction of Ruby. "Ruby, a hot chocolate with cinnamon please"

Ruby, who was taking an order from a couple looked up in their direction before giving them a soft nod.

"Oh, no. It's fine. I can drink what I have." Emma tried to deny the woman but she simply shook her head.

"Trust me, you won't regret it. I'm Mary-Margaret by the way." The woman known as Mary-Margaret shrugged the strap of her backpack higher on her shoulder before offering her hand for Emma to shake.

Emma shook it gently. "Emma"

"Nice to meet you, Emma. I must be going though. My parents will start to worry." Mary-Margaret stepped off her stool before making her way towards the door. Just before leaving she turned around and gave Emma a small wave. "Enjoy your drink."

What a strange encounter. Emma couldn't help but think. She had always lived in cities and people didn't normally converse with others unless need be. It must be a small town thing. She did hear that people in small towns were usually friendly.

"Here you are." Ruby sat down a hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top it in front of Emma. "Mary-Margaret has always enjoyed her hot chocolate made this way. Hopefully you will like it just as much."

Ruby took her old cup and before Emma knew it, she was gone behind the kitchen.

Emma picked up her new cup and took a small sip. She had to suppress her moan of pleasure when the sweet taste of chocolate mixed with cinnamon hit her tongue. That was the missing ingredient she was craving. She would have to remember that from now on.

*Estrella Women's Jail is a real prison up in Phoenix, Arizona.

* During a woman's pregnancy they usually face change of taste buds and cravings for certain foods. So I added this in as a sort of reminder to the baby inside Emma. You will see more symptoms and reminders as this story progresses.

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