I wish I could pretend it was a dream. But I'm awake and staring at a pink wall. This ugly room is proof that I'm not in my crappy apartment.
Storybrooke. It's ironic, my worst nightmare being this fairy tale feeling town. Just a week, I tell myself. Get through this week without getting attached to the kids and I'll never step foot in this town again.
I just want to make sure they are fine.
They ran away
Henry called their mom evil
She called him Sophie
Henry ran away again
I don't think their fine
Getting up from my bed, I shake this thought out of my head. You are being paranoid Emma. Remember your foster homes, that wasn't fine. This is fine. It's normal for kids to think their mom is evil.
A knock startles me. I shrug on a white tank top and head over to open the door. It creaks open.
Speak of the devil.
Her fake smile distracts me. Her teeth are so white. Then I notice the basket of apples.
"Did you know the Honeycrisp tree is the most vigorous and hearty of all apple trees? It can survive temperatures as low as forty below and keep growing. It can weather any storm. I have one that I've tended to since I was a little girl. And to this day, I have yet to taste anything more delicious than the fruit it offers," Regina says.
Grabbing one, I awkwardly thank her. There is no way she is here to give me an apple.
"I'm sure you'll enjoy them on your drive home."
There's the reason.
Happy to anger her, I reply, "Actually, I'm going to stay for a while."
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Henry has enough issues. He doesn't need you confusing him and Sophie," Regina rebuttals.
Smiling, I reply, "All due respect, Madam Mayor, the fact that you have now threatened me twice in the last twelve hours makes me want to stay more."
"Since when were apples a threat?"
"I can read between the lines."
Maybe I'm being harsh. She is just a mom looking out for her kids, "Sorry. I just want to make sure they're okay."
She looks at me in a way that makes me regret my pity before responding, "They're both fine, dear. Any problems Henry has are being taken care of."
Taken care of. Spoken like he are a problem to be handled. Trying to keep my cool, I choke out a response, "What does that mean?"
"It means I have him in therapy. It's all under control. And Sophie. She is a perfect kid, clearly she doesn't take after you. Take my advice, Miss Swan. Only one of us knows what's best for my children."
I am done playing nice. "Yeah, I'm starting to think you're right about that," I reply, all pity gone.
"It's time for you to go."
"Or what?" I say, out of patience.
An evil look in her eye, she responds, "Don't underestimate me, Miss Swan. You have no idea what I'm capable of."
She is not lying
—
Stranger destroys historic sign: alcohol involved
This is just great, I think, taking a bite of my apple. Wonder who printed this.
Long brown hair wearing a white shirt, blue jacket, and a plaid skirt.
S- Daniel.
"Hey umm Emma," Daniel says, rubbing his neck as he approaches the counter.
Taking a look at his long hair, I ask, "No hat today kid?"
He looks down at the ground and kicks at the floor before muttering, "The school doesn't allow it."
God his tiny face is so sad. I don't know what to say. God I'm bad at talking to kids. I say something about that being lame.
A hot coco is placed in front of me. Great I'm busy enough and now I'll have to reject someone's flirting.
Seeming to read my mind, Daniel quickly interjects, "It's from Henry, I swear I told him not to but he thought it would be nice to like welcome you to town and stuff and I told him you probably wouldn't like it but said you would and then he put cinnamon in it and you probably hate that but…"
I cut him off from his rambling. "I actually like cinnamon in my hot coco," I responded, giving him a reassuring smile.
Grabbing the coco, I head over to the booth with Henry. I guess I owe the kid a thanks for the drink. Daniel follows behind me.
"Emma! Do you like the drink," he asks, so cheerful.
"Good guess with the cinnamon. Hey aren't you guys supposed to be at school?"
Rolling his eyes, "Duh we are ten, walk us."
—
Wow Henry is insane.
He's a kid it's not his fault but wow does he not understand reality.
He actually thinks this town is cursed. He thinks his mom is the evil queen. No wonder he is in therapy.
Maybe talking to this therapist is a bad idea, I think on the way over. No Emma it is a good idea, figure out what is wrong, if it's Regina's fault.
After a short walk I find myself in front of a guy who looks like the wind could knock him over.
After some awkward small talk, I get straight to the point.
"I'm here about Henry and… Sophie?"
He gives a confused look. "I have never had a session with Sophie, but Henry, that I can help you with."
—
Years of therapy for Henry. Issues that Regina has caused.
Daniel has never been in therapy. Of course not that he like needs it, not like there is something wrong with him. But he is dealing with a lot of stuff, stuff that's really hard to deal with. And he has no one there for him.
Regina framed me. I can't believe she had me arrested. She must be joking if she thinks a shotty frame job will work on me.
Staring up at an apple tree, I start chopping the tree.