Emma, and Henry finished their meals and were making up a kids story for Henry's creative writing class. Henry decided who better to ask about a kids story than a kid. While Henry and Emma were distracted Regina slipped from the booth with a quick, "I'll be right back."

Regina got up and sat down at one of the stools in front of the counter. Regina sat directly in front of Ruby who was humming as she wiped the counter down.

Regina sternly spoke, "Miss. Lucas."

Ruby jumped not noticing Regina's sitting right there, "Jesus Regina! You trying to give me a heart attack?!"

Regina just raised an eyebrow and said, "What do you know about Emma?"

Ruby's eyes widened at the question, "Wh-what do you mean? I don't know anything? I know nothing about Emma? Besides that she is like your daughter right now. And that she was found by Henry in the woods. And that she was abandoned as a baby outside of Boston along the highway. And..."

Regina held up her hand stopping Ruby's incessant rambling. "That is quite enough Miss. Lucas. That is not the kind of information I am talking about and you know it. The useless facts you just spouted could be told by anyone who read Sidney's article. What I want to know is what is it about Emma that makes you tense up and stare at her?"

Ruby sighed and looked over at Emma giggling with Henry. Should she tell Regina what she thinks she knows? Or should she just let this play out?

"Any day now Miss. Lucas." Regina said sternly.

"Look, I don't know anything for sure, but.. Emma looks like someone." Ruby said nervously.

Regina looked back at Emma but didn't see any distinct features that resembled anyone she knew. "Care to be more specific ?"

Ruby looked back at Regina and quietly said, "Avery."

Regina looked at Ruby confused, "And who pray tell is Avery and what does this person have to do with Emma?"

Ruby sighed again and said, "You remember about 5 or 6 years back, a kid ran away, 19 years old. Had the whole town looking for him?"

Regina nodded, "Vaguely, but not really I was focused on taking over mothers' position at the time"

Ruby nodded, "Well while you were busy being mayor in training everyone else was out looking for Avery Gold. Rumple Gold's oldest son."

Regina thinks back and remembers search parties and 'missing person' fliers around that time but didn't recall that it was Gold's son. Cora wouldn't allow Regina or Henry to help in the search party for a run away adult. Regina was to focus only on Henry and taking over the mayor position once Cora stepped down.

Regina looks back to Ruby and asks, "Ok, but what does that have to do with Emma?"

Ruby tilts her head in a 'really' motion, "You have to be one of the dumbest smart people I know. I would know those eyes and cheekbones anywhere, Emma is Avery's kid. Emma is Gold's granddaughter."

Regina's mouth opened and she swallowed thickly. "Is this Avery person still around?"

Ruby shook her head, "Nah. No one that I know of has heard from him in almost 6 years. The only person he ever seems to contact is his half brother Neal. But then again we weren't close. He was a year above me and Mary-Margret in High School so once he graduated, we never saw him. Last I heard Avery was in some kind of trouble but worked it out. But again that was almost 6 years ago."

Regina nodded and said, "Thank you for that.. insightful information."

Regina turned to leave when Ruby grabbed her arm, "Regina. I know we aren't close or anything but Emma seems like a good kid. She is good for Henry and she is good for you." Before Regina could respond Ruby continues, "Don't even deny it, before Emma you wouldn't barely look at me much less come to me for information and help. That kid is changing you for the better, don't let that go."

Regina sighed and nodded, "Thank you Miss. Luc.. Ruby. I really do appreciate all that you have told me. Do you think you can keep you trap shut until I figure out how to go about this?"

Ruby smirked and nodded her head, "Of course madam Mayor"

Regina rolled her eyes and walked back to the booth.

Emma and Henry had just finished up their story when Regina came back.

"Hey mom, I finished my kids story!" Henry smiled

"I helped!" Emma chimed in

Regina smiled at them both and said, "Well I am very proud of both of you. What do you say we head home and watch a movie before bed?"

Emma jumped up and said "Yay"

Henry smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "sure, why not"

Regina laughed and said, "Come on everyone."

Emma sprinted forward followed by Henry. Regina paid their bill and left a nice tip for Ruby. Regina walked out of the diner and smiled at Emma and Henry. Henry was playing a scaled down version of tag with Emma on the side walk. They looked like true brother and sister. Regina's smile fell when she felt eyes on her family. Regina looked up, and across the street was Gold; watching Emma.

Regina narrowed her eyes and called out to Emma and Henry, "Emma, Henry lets get going."

Henry helped get himself and Emma situated in the car. Regina walked to the drivers side and opened the door never taking her eyes off of Gold. Regina started the car and quickly drove off. Out of the rearview mirror she could see Gold step into the middle of the street and watched as Regina drove off down the block.

Regina has never felt truly threatened before, but then in that moment she felt that everything she truly cared about was second away from being taken from her.

A/N: pretty sure y'all can guess where this is going. Working on the next chapter now, hoping to have it posted sometime this coming week.. hopefully. If anyone has any suggestions or comments please review or PM me, I love reading them. Thanks for reading!