Notes: WARNING: MENTIONS OF ABUSE IN THIS CHAPTER

Chapter Four: Different Circumstances

Princess Snow surveyed the little farm. It was quaint enough, nothing like anything she had known in her life before. When her father had first told her she had to stay on a strange peasant's farm in the middle of nowhere in some other kingdom, she hadn't been pleased.

"They're not in this war yet. It's safer for you there."

"Well then, why can't you and Mother come with me?"

Queen Eva shook her head, "I wish we could, sweetheart, but your father and I have to command the troops and see to the safety of the people. We need to know that you're safe."

She didn't want to leave the palace, or her or family behind, but she knew her parents knew what was best for her. And really, she didn't have a choice. So here she was, stepping up to knock on the door of a peasant family in King George's kingdom.

"Princess Snow," a man said, as he opened the door. Then he blushed. "I'm sorry. I know that nobody is supposed to know who you are; it's just, I didn't know what else to call you."

Snow nodded, following the man inside his farmhouse, "That's quite all right," she said, trying to sound diplomatic. That was what mother would want.

"This is my home, and this is my wife, Ruth." The woman gave a slight bow and Snow smiled. "And my sons are … where is your brother?"

A young man, blonde and around her age, stood against the wall, watching them interact, "He's at the market."

"My sons and wife know who you are, of course, but we haven't told anybody else. We owe your father a great debt; he is a good king."

"He is a very good king," Snow agreed, scanning the room.

Then the door burst open, and a new voice proclaimed, "We'll eat well tonight." In came a young man who looked remarkably like the one standing against the wall. "I bought enough for a small feast. The king will not regret trusting us with his daughter." His eyes went to Snow, and they widened. "You must be The Princess," he said, kneeling. "It is an honor."

"I … people can't know I'm here. It's probably best if you do not all bow to me."

The young man stood up. "My apologies."

"Allow me to introduce my sons, James and David. And I'm Robert, of course."

Snow nodded. "And you may call me … Margaret. For the duration of my stay here."

"Allow me to take you to my bed," the son who had come through the front door said. Then he turned scarlet. "I'm sorry, I meant, the bed you'll be staying in, which is mine, but not-"

"It's all right," Snow said, stopping him, "And thank you." She followed him up the stairs to the bedroom.

"Here," the young man continued, "you shall sleep, safe and sound if I have anything to say about it."

Snow nodded again, "Thank you." She took a seat on the bed while he stood and watched her. After a minute, she said, "Um, I'm sorry, but the introductions were confusing, and you and your brother are twins. Which-?"

"James. My name is James."

Snow smiled, "James. It's a nice name."

"In your time here, I hope you find me as pleasing as you do my name. I'll take my leave of you now."

He turned and left Snow to ponder her thoughts. James seemed nice, charming, and endearing in his way. Still, it was not the same as being around her family. It was not the same as sleeping in her own bed. Right now, back home, her parents were waging a war while she sat here out of the way. Perhaps she should feel guilty for not aiding in the war effort, and a part of her did. However, for the most part, she just missed her parents. She wanted to cry, but that would not be fitting for a princess, and those below might hear her. So she settled into the bed and tried to sleep.

"He's handsome," Aria said, looking at the picture. "Is that James?"

"I think so," Henry said, "He and David are twins, so it's hard to tell."

"And she falls for James? I thought Snow White married a Prince."

"Prince Charming, and it's a little more complicated than that."

"How?"

Henry smiled. "We're not there yet. I don't want to spoil it."

Aria returned his smile. "Thank you for allowing me to sleep here again, Henry. I know I can't make a habit of it-"

"You can sleep over any time you want. I don't mind," Henry said, putting the book aside.

"I'm sure your parents will."

"So I won't tell them. But they're cooler than you think. They might be okay with it."

Aria shook her head and began pacing. "People are supposed to do things, Henry. They have responsibilities. You can't just run away from your problems."

"No, but you can fix your problems. Which is what I'm going to do for you. I just need time."

He recognized her in an instant. It was strange; with her modern clothes, without her wings and the glow of color around her, one would think he wouldn't. It should have taken a second or two, at least. But Baelfire had never forgotten his conversation with the Reul Ghorm, never forgotten what she had done for him. How could she be here?

"Hey." She didn't stop, so he sped up, "Hey! Wait!" She sped up too. When he finally caught up, he grabbed her arm. "How are you here?"

She pulled her arms back, "Excuse me."

"Do you recognize me? Does the name Baelfire mean anything to you?"

"I'm sorry. I need to get to work." She tried to walk around him, but he blocked her. "I'm late. Please -"

"What's going on in this town? Please. You can talk to me."

"I don't have time. And I don't know you. Please, let me pass."

Sighing, he stepped back, letting her through. She scurried off, heading for a purple building that read Drake's Parlor.

He needed to talk to his father. That would be the right thing to do. Rumpelstiltskin would know how to handle this. But …

What if handling it meant leaving? They couldn't leave. Not until he knew how Jamie was connected to him and to his mother. He needed a plan. And maybe a drink.

There was a noise. She wasn't sure what it was exactly, but it was a noise. Mary Margaret was used to the odd noise. When you were secretly living in an old theater, you had to get used to a lot of noises. There was May and the garbage truck, there was the scurrying of the occasional mouse. There were lots of things you had to be alert for.

But Mary Margaret wasn't used to hearing someone walking around the right outside her door. She didn't know if she should hide or defend herself. There were dangerous people in Storybrooke. That wasn't a question. But were they here now? Or was someone just wandering about? Maybe they would go away.

It wasn't just the sound though, it was also the smell. Coffee. Why was someone bringing coffee? And food? She was sure she could smell bacon. Mary Margaret's stomach grumbled. She was hungry. Her food money was running low, and she hadn't gotten that job … maybe she could just wander out and see what was going on. Gathering up her courage, and grabbing the lamp from the desk to use as a weapon if she needed one, she made her way out to the auditorium.

And there was Emma. Sitting on the stage with coffee. And food!

"Emma?" Mary Margaret said, dropping the lamp to the ground.

"Hey? I was a little worried about the cuisine, considering how behind the times this town seems to be, but Granny's breakfast menu has a bunch of great options."

"What are you doing here?"

"Actually," Emma said, hopping off the stage and grabbing the paper bag with the Granny's logo as she did. "I was looking for you. Thought you might want some breakfast. And coffee. Even girls bound for Broadway need a jolt."

She picked up the Styrofoam cup and handed it to Mary Margaret, who took it but didn't drink. Yet.

"How … how did you know I'd be here?"

"Just a hunch," Emma said, taking a sip of her own coffee.

"I just … hang out here. Sometimes," Mary Margaret said carefully.

"I'm not judging. Just thought you could use something in your belly."

Mary Margaret nodded and took a cautious sip. It tasted so good. "I didn't know what you would want to eat," Emma went on, "but I thought a BLT was a good bet. Unless … you're not vegetarian, right? Or kosher?"

Mary Margaret shook her head, "Thank you." She accepted the bag and took a look inside. Then she looked back up at Emma sheepishly, "I don't, I can't, that is, I don't have -"

"I have a good job and so does my husband. I think I can swing a BLT and a coffee."

The sandwich smelled good and fresh. Mary Margaret took it out of the bag and took a huge bite. "Umm."

"Nothing hits the spit quite like bacon in the morning, even in a sandwich."

"Granny knows things about cooking. She tried to teach me when I was in high school, but I'm just hopeless in the kitchen."

"What, was that like an after school program?"

"No, um, my parents … Granny took Selena and me in after the, um, accident."

Emma nodded. "I'm an orphan myself."

"You are?"

"Never even knew my parents."

"I guess that's easier," Mary Margaret said, as she scarfed down her sandwich, "Nobody to miss."

"You'd be surprised. Still, I've landed on my feet."

"Seems like it." The sandwich was gone. Had she really been that hungry? "Well, thank you."

"Anytime," Emma said. "And I mean that. Anytime you need anything-"

"I thought you were just a tourist," Mary Margaret said. "How long are you staying in town?"

"I'm … not sure."

Mary Margaret gave her a skeptical smile. "Right. Well, don't you worry about me."

She started for the door and Emma followed her. "Mary Margaret-"

"I appreciate the free breakfast, really. But I don't need charity from someone who isn't even sticking around."

"It's not charity. I just thought since you're living in a theater," Mary Margaret's eyes got wide, and she started to deny it, "I'm not judging. I've been there. I've done the barely-having-a-roof over your head thing. I've done the having no roof over your head thing. But someone took a chance on me-"

"Well, I'm not you."

"No, but you need a friend."

"I have my sister."

"Does she know you've been living in a theater using cheap costumes for pajamas?"

"I thought you weren't judging."

"I'm not," Emma sighed. "I'm not. I just want to help. And I get that you don't believe that, because nobody has ever said it to you and meant it, but I do. I mean it. Please just … just let me be your friend."

"I don't need a friend; I need a miracle. And miracles don't pass through this town. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have …" she stopped. She didn't have anything. No job. No job interview. She could be stuck in this conversation with this stubborn do-gooder forever.

But then, Emma sighed and turned to leave. As she watched the door close behind her, a small part of Mary Margaret wanted her to stay.

It was a day just like any other. Alana Drake woke up and spent the better part of her morning coiffing her blonde hair. She had always been rather proud of it. She called the hospital to check-in and make sure everything was running smoothly before heading in for work.

Some days, she missed working at the hospital. The hands-on medical experience held a certain appeal for her. But, she had branched out for a reason.

"Good morning Miss Drake," her receptionist said pleasantly, if a little nervously. Alana simply gave her a nod and retreated to her office. The hours ticked by as she filled out paperwork. Then, she heard a commotion at the front desk. Before she knew it, the mayor was flinging her door open. How annoying. They were friends of course, but there was something about Selena that always felt a bit too clingy to Alana.

"What can I do for you?" she asked, wondering if one of her masseurs would mind taking her later. Of course, they wouldn't. It was one of the advantages that came with owning such a place.

"I have a problem, and as much as I hate to do this, I also kind of love it." Alana looked at her friend. How strange she was, sometimes. "Would you come over here?" The mayor went on. "There's something I need to show you." Alana pushed back her chair and went over to her. And then, the mayor slapped Alana right upside the face.

At first, all Alana felt was shock. Things blurred, and her head rang. And then there were images flashing before her, images of things long forgotten. She felt her eyes open for the first time. "Welcome back, dear," the mayor said, smugly.

"I don't recall anything in the curse about slapping someone to wake them up," Alana retorted. "Did I not read the fine print?"

The response came with a cackle. "No, of course not. I can wake anybody up any way that I want. It is my curse, after all. I simply like to go for the dramatic."

She rolled her eyes at the witch, "You always did. Well, Your Highness, what can I do for you?"

"I always hated that title. I was the wicked witch before I was the queen of anything, you know, and frankly, I prefer Oz to the Enchanted Forest."

It was droll. Selena (or was it Zelena now? Did it really matter?) always had been one to ramble on. But Alana had been around the block a time or two, and she knew there was a reason for her friend's visit and the little wake-up call. The question was what? "You woke me up to so you could have someone to complain to? How quaint."

The witch shook her head, stomping away. "Don't be ridiculous. I woke you up because I have a problem. In case you haven't noticed, time is moving." She waited, but Alana said nothing. "How is it possible?" the witch finally asked.

"As you said, it's your curse," the sorceress replied with a smirk. She couldn't help but imagine that her old friend was still green as could be, as she watched her steam like broccoli.

"But I didn't make the blasted thing! Have you forgotten, this was all your idea? You're the one who told me about it, bloody helped me get it-"

"And yet, you were the one who cast it, making this town worship at your feet in that pathetic way of theirs."

Now it was Selena's turn to smirk. "Are you saying you're unhappy? I thought I gave you a respectable life."

Alana nodded. "You did. At my behest, but you did, and I am grateful." She made her way back to her desk and pulled her chair out, sitting as she had been before, "I wish I could help you, but all I knew about the curse, I shared with you," she said, putting her elbows on the desk and laced her fingers, tilting her head just so. "Girls like us so like to share, don't we?"

Selena sneered, "You must know something."

Alana sighed, "Well if you're going to be that way about it, I suggest you start by asking yourself what triggered the change. There's always a catalyst. And now, that's really all I have time for. So if you wouldn't mind?" she made a motion with her hands to indicate that the mayor should leave, and returned her eyes to her papers.

Selena left in a huff. She didn't see the smile that quirked her old friend's lips once she was gone.

"Your humming is annoying," David said, as the two brothers herded the sheep.

"I'm happy, brother. The sun is shining brighter today."

David just shook his head. His brother had been like this all week. Ever since the arrival of Princess Snow.

"Surely you've noticed a change," James persisted. "How things seem brighter?"

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"Brothers talk."

"True," David said, steering a sheep toward him, "but you won't like what I have to say."

"Which is?"

David sighed. "She's a princess. Do you really think she'll have time for a simple shepherd? Do you think she could care for you?"

James looked stricken. "You think she's too good for me?"

"Hardly. You mistake me, brother. I think you're too good for her."

"How can you say that? You've seen her. She's-"

"Quite beautiful. And quite spoiled. She's polite enough, but she locks herself away, not lifting a hand to help us-"

"She's a princess-"

"Exactly. She's a spoiled princess, praised for every small act, and never did an honest day of work in her life. She'll care for pretty things and royal parties and nothing else will please her. If you did win her affections, I would pity you."

David heard footsteps behind him and turned to see the Princess storming up to him. Before he could speak, she slapped him across the face.

"My apologies, Margaret," James said, as David rubbed his cheek. "My brother is-"

"Quite capable of speaking for himself, apparently," Snow interrupted, "I appreciate your apology, James, but you didn't do anything wrong."

"No, I suppose I did," David interjected. "I spoke the truth, and honesty, apparently, offends you."

"Your honesty is not the truth. You don't know me, and you clearly made up your mind the moment you first saw me walk through your door-"

"Looking down your nose at us and how little we have. Yes, I did judge you. Tell me, would you be so unhappy here if we were just a neighboring palace? I suppose you would like us if we were royal. Would you have slapped me for my words if I were a prince?"

"And what sort of prince would you fancy yourself with your insults and gossip? A two-faced, charming backstabber? All hail Prince Charming and his holier-than-thou judgments."

"If a prince were charming and handsome, would that not be enough for you?"

"You are neither charming nor handsome. The only thing likable about you is your family."

"I wish I could say the same."

"How dare you-"

"Enough, both of you." James interrupted. "The ill-will spread here benefits nobody. Now, Margaret, I apologize for my brother. He and I have work to do, so why don't you head back to the house?"

Snow seemed to consider for a moment. Finally, she nodded. Both brothers watched her go.

"Did you have to be so cruel to her?" James asked.

"She'll be cruel to you, brother, and I won't have you hurt. You're my best friend."

"Then, for my sake, be civil."

"My office is closed," Jamie said, not looking up from the papers she was grading.

"Well, there are no hours posted on the door, so I didn't know. May I come in?"

Sighing, Jamie put her papers aside. She rose to meet Neal at the door. "You've been a strange shadow since we met at the gas station. People tell me I should be nervous, but I can protect myself." She crossed her arms, and for the first time, and she could feel Neal's eyes on her prosthetic. "That doesn't mean I'll put up with being stalked."

"Stalked? No, I … it's not like that. I told you -"

"That I remind you of your mother." She shook her head, still not letting him into her office. "It's a nice line. But it doesn't explain you hanging around yesterday. And I saw you accost Ms. Drake's receptionist this morning." It had surprised her, seeing him go after that poor woman. In spite of herself, she found she wanted to trust him. But trust had to be earned.

"That wasn't -"

Jamie didn't let him finish, "I may not be the most powerful person in this town, but that doesn't mean I can't make life difficult for you." She got a little closer, trying to act intimidating. Neal took a step back, then shook his head, and put his hands up.

"I don't want trouble. Really. But, do your parents live in town?"

"My parents are dead." The response was automatic. And why shouldn't it be? Her parents had always been dead. Well, no, obviously not always just …

Neal looked slightly disappointed by her answer. "Well, do you remember them?"

"Of course," she said, the words once again appearing from nowhere, the answer seeming to manifest in her brain as though she had always known it. "My father fixed cars. My mother helped him." And she could remember, couldn't she? Her parents had owned a garage, and her father had loved the place. He had loved cars and taught her everything he knew. For some reason, it felt like new information. "They died in a car accident, ironically."

"Do you have any pictures?" Neal asked, his voice patient yet hopeful.

"Why are you asking about my parents?"

"Because … I think we might be related." Jamie shook her head, getting ready to kick him out of the building, "Just listen to me for a second, okay? My mom, she disappeared when I was little. I don't know what happened to her. Where she went, the life she led. Isn't it possible that your mother had a past? That maybe -?"

"If I show you a picture, you can just say it's your mum," Jamie pointed out. "How will I know you're not lying?"

"What could I possibly have to gain? Us being related would only complicate my life. Trust me."

"That's the problem. I don't." She didn't trust him. But she couldn't help but feel sorry for him, with his kicked puppy look. And the truth was, there was a lot she didn't know about her parents, a lot she might never know. All her family was gone. "What about a blood test? We can go to the local hospital and get one done. If it says we're related … well, then, there you go." He didn't say anything, "And if not, then you'll leave me alone."

"Okay." He said, after a minute, "That seems fair."

She knew she couldn't hide out in Henry's hotel room forever. It was just that the longer she stayed there, the angrier she knew Jack would be. He must have noticed by now, and that scared her. And if she left, she might not be able to come back. She liked Henry and his stories and this quiet little room. It was safe. Aria knew she was not the type of girl to go have epic adventures. She was content to stay at home with a good book and she saw no shame in that.

Maybe she could sneak home. Just to change her clothes and take a quick shower. Would it be so bad?

"Where are you going?" Henry asked, as he saw her head for the window.

"I was just going to pop home for a minute. Don't worry. I'll be back." Should she even be making such a promise?

"Good," Henry said. He had such a sweet, innocent face. He really did believe that all the world's problems could be solved by that book, didn't he? The strange part was, a part of Aria believed it too.

She wasn't suspicious. Seriously, she wasn't. Emma trusted Neal. He had been there for her when no one else had. For years, he and his father had been all she had to rely on. And they hadn't disappointed her. So why would they now? Why would he? It was just that he'd been acting so strange since they got to this town. There had been that phone call yesterday, when he'd tried to deflect her by bringing up Henry's schooling. She knew that had to be what he had been doing because why else bring that up now? It was totally out of left field. The question was, what was he deflecting her from?

She had to know. So when she had seen him and Jamie Jones walking somewhere together, she had followed them. She wasn't proud of it, but there it was. She followed them to Storybrooke's local hospital, which was pretty weird. She hid in the doorway and watched them talk to one of the nurses.

"Everything all right?" Emma jumped. She turned to see a blonde woman in a nice suit and uncomfortable-looking high heels. So, not a nurse then. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's cool." Emma tried to glance behind the woman as casually as she could. Unfortunately, not only was it totally obvious, but Neal and Jamie were gone. "Hey, this is one of those freakish towns where everybody knows everybody, right?"

The woman smiled. "I suppose that's true."

"So, you know Jamie Jones then?"

"We … don't exactly swim in the same circles, but I know her a little." The woman gave her an expectant look, knowing there would be more. What was she doing? She couldn't go around asking a complete stranger about Jamie. And if it got back to Neal… "Was that all?"

"I was just … wondering. About her family. If she has one."

"Everybody has a family, don't they?"

"Technically, I guess. What I meant was, does she have a husband, a couple of kids, all that classic American values stuff?"

"Ms. Jones has been single for quite some time now, I believe. And no, she doesn't have any kids." Emma felt herself wince. "You might want to be careful about these questions in the future, though. Someone might get the wrong idea."

Emma straightened up, "Are you … Is that supposed to be a threat?"

"Believe it or not, it's just friendly advice. You wouldn't want the wrong people to know just how curious our little town makes you. Not everyone is as polite as I am."

"And who exactly are you?"

"You're right. I should have introduced myself. Alana Drake." She put out her hand and Emma shook it reluctantly.

"Emma Stiltskin."

"Pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to check on a few things." Ms. Drake walked right past Emma, and right past the nurses. They didn't seem to mind. Clearly, Ms. Drake had clearance.

"Henry? What have you been up to today?"

Henry shrugged as he grabbed some cereal bars from his grandfather's suitcase. "Just hanging out in my hotel room. Mom and Dad both had errands and stuff to take care of."

"They left you here all on your own."

"I wasn't … I mean, you're here, so obviously I'm not on my own."

His grandfather smiled and grabbed his cane. "Well, I was just going to go out for a walk. Would you care to join me?"

Henry shrugged, "I guess. Just give me a sec to change."

His grandfather nodded in his direction. Henry went back to his room, hiding the book in the closet. He was careful to leave the window open and the rope dangling for Aria when she got back. Then he went off with his grandfather, thinking about what he had just read.

It had been months now that Snow had been living with the shepherd and his family. She still felt sad at night, missing home terribly. The ache of not knowing if her loved ones were safe was so great. But the family was nice to her, mostly. Even the obnoxious one, whom she called "Prince Charming," mostly left her alone, ever since the day she had shown up in the barn and set to work. She didn't know what she was doing, but she refused to be seen as some spoiled brat. So she had figured it out, and he had watched her. He hadn't offered to help, nor had he made fun of her. He'd just watched. And at the end of the day when she was sore and dirty, he had said a begrudging, "Nice work" to her. They hadn't spoken more than that. James spoke to her a lot, though. He was very kind, always trying to make her smile. She hadn't told him how alone she was, or how scared, but she appreciated his kindness. Which was why she felt her chest turn to ice when he said he was going to enlist in the Ogres War.

"You can't. You'll be killed," David said.

"Many have been killed. And if I can help-"

"You're needed here," Ruth said desperately. "James, we love you so much. Why would you do this?"

His eyes flicked to Snow and the cold in her chest intensified. "James," she said, stepping forward, "Don't do this. Not for me. You have nothing to prove and … and your family needs you here. I need you here." She knew, even as she said it, that she didn't need him the way he wanted her to. But she did need him. And she wanted him to be safe.

"You'll be fine here. You'll have David. There's nobody I trust more; much as you two snipe at each other, he'll keep you safe-"

"I've seen how brutal the war can get. And my parents were shielding me. You could die … I won't be the reason you die. I refuse to be the reason your family loses you!"

"You're not the reason. The reason is me. I can help. I want to help. If nobody stops them, the ogres will spread out even more. They've already taken out multiple kingdoms. Someday, they'll come for us. I can't let that happen."

"Then I'm coming with you," David said, stepping forward.

"No!" Ruth said, "I absolutely forbid it. I won't lose both my boys. We need you here. We need both of you."

"Protect them while I'm gone," James said to David. "I'm counting on you."

David looked ready to fight his brother. Their eyes locked and it was like a storm, watching the unspoken war. Finally, David relented. He stepped back and shook his brother's hand. "I'll look after them. But you must promise to look after yourself."

"I will," James said, clapping his brother on the back as the two hugged.

Ruth took her son in her arms, bursting into tears, and Robert rubbed her arm soothingly. "Be well, Son," he said over Ruth's sobs.

Then James went over to Snow. "I have enjoyed getting to know you," he said.

Snow, blinking back tears, leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Come back safely."

Nothing was fair in Jack Scathe's life. Nothing. It had all been off for far too long. Why was the mayor entertaining some elderly gentleman from out of town in the teashop? Why was he sitting at home alone, drinking himself into a stupor?

He wasn't trying to numb the pain, exactly. It was worse than that. He was already numb.

There was a clattering coming from his room, and Jack sat up. Maybe that was Aria. He wasn't sure when he had last seen her, really. Had she come home last night?

Bottle in hand, he came in on her with a dress halfway over her head. She seemed to be trying to shimmy out of it.

"Need a hand with that?"

She started. "Jack. I'm … I'm sorry, I … I didn't know -"

"Didn't know what?" he asked, sauntering in, "That I was home? I am. Now, you need help with the dress?"

"I was just changing-"

"I can see that. That's why I'm askin' -"

"I've got it," she said, pulling the dress down the rest of the way.

"Thought it was comin' off, " he said.

"No, I … it wasn't."

Jack nodded, walking up to her. He pulled her in for a kiss. She seemed taken off guard, but she let him. After a few seconds, he pulled back. Then he threw the bottle he'd been holding against the wall. Aria made a slight hiccupy noise as the glass shattered. He grabbed her again, this time kissing her harder. Then he stepped back, frustrated. "It's never effin' good enough, is it? You notice that? It's never been -" he threw his hands up in the air.

"I'm … I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be sorry. Just be …" he didn't know the word. What did he want her to be? Why couldn't she be what he wanted her to? Why couldn't he be content with what she was? "Where were you?"

"What?"

"Where were you? Last night? You didn't come home."

"I'm surprised you even noticed."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. I just-"

"I could toss you out on your arse, ya know? I don't owe you nothing." Aria nodded, biting her lip. "Well, say somethin' then!"

"What – what do you want me to s-say?"

He shook his head. "I don't know." She just stared at him, and he wanted her to stop. So he slapped her. And then he slapped her again. "I don't know! I don't know!" He kept saying it, kept not knowing, kept beating on Aria.

"Thanks for the ice cream, Grandpa," Henry said, licking his cone. His grandfather nodded, "Hey, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Where do you think fairytales come from?" His grandfather stopped short. Maybe this wasn't the best idea. But Henry decided to go forward, "I mean, I know someone makes them up, but who? And how? Where do those stories come from?"

"I'm … not sure. I never have been, really."

Henry nodded and waited for his grandfather to go on. He didn't. "What about Snow White? Where does that story come from?"

"Oh, I imagine a search engine could answer that."

"But I'm asking you."

Henry's grandfather gave him a strained smile. Then his smile disappeared altogether. "Excuse me!" he started forward, calling out after a passing woman. Henry followed him. It wasn't that hard to keep up with him, after all. "Excuse me!" he called again, but as it turned out, the woman was just too fast for a man with a cane, and a ten-year-old who didn't know why they were chasing her.

"Who was that, Grandpa?"

His grandfather shook his head. "I don't know, Henry. I don't know."

The stars were brilliant tonight. Snow took in a great whiff of winter air as she stared up at them. It was a glorious night. James would have liked it.

"What are you doing out here?" She startled slightly, hearing the voice and some movement behind her. For a minute, she thought it was James, but then remembered that it couldn't be.

"David? Why are you up so late?"

He shook his head, "I … I couldn't sleep. It's been a week and we've had no word. I can't help but worry that …" Snow nodded, knowing there was nothing to say. "Isn't this the part where you tell me he'll be fine?"

She shook her head. "I can't know that. And I'm not going to give you false reassurances. But … I hope he will be fine. I think it's good to believe in hope."

David nodded. "You never said what you were doing out here?"

"When I first got here, I missed home so much. I told your brother that there was nothing familiar here, nothing that made me feel like I was home. He took me out here, pointed up at the night sky and said, 'Isn't that the same view from your castle?'" Snow smiled at the memory and so did David, "After that, I started coming out here a lot. And sometimes. your brother would too. He liked the sky."

"We spent some time sleeping under the stars when we were boys. We were far from home, and we both missed our parents. But then we started looking at the stars, making up stories about how they were families, separated by time itself, and how they would find each other and burst into light with joy."

Snow smiled. "My mother told me stories about the stars when I was growing up. Some families, some lovers, all coming together up there in this big epic show." She pointed upwards. "That star cluster right there, it's a warrior who fought for his people. He fought bravely, and his heart was true. He survived and made it home to his family."

"Are you making that up?"

"Maybe."

David laughed at that, and Snow smiled and went on, "I think your brother is very honorable. He's a good man. Your family is good. You deserve to be reunited."

"Thank you."

"Hey, kid, you about ready to go?" Emma asked through the door.

"Just a second, Mom," Henry said, looking around. Aria still hadn't come back. Henry didn't want to leave the book alone for very long. They were going to dinner at the mayor's house, and with the way grown-ups dragged out meals, who knew when they would get back.

He was also worried about Aria. She was obviously in some sort of trouble, or she wouldn't have been hiding out in his room. But he knew he had to get dressed. Leaving the book might be bad, but bringing it would be worse, especially if this … theory he was developing turned out to be true. He knew it shouldn't. It was insane. And yet …

He made sure the book was well hidden. He made sure Aria would be able to get in. He put on what his mom called his monkey suit, and he locked the door behind him.

"Where's Dad?" He asked as he, his mom, and his grandpa lined up at the door.

His mom didn't say anything for a minute. Then, "He's-"

The door opened and his dad came in, "Hey. Sorry, I'm late. I had something to take care of."

"We can talk about it later," his mom said, a strange edge to her voice, "We're supposed to be at the mayor's in five minutes. You don't have time to change."

"I didn't realize this was a formal affair."

"Come on," his mom urged. "Out the door, in the car, let's go."

Mary Margaret was surprised to see Emma and her family coming up the front walk. After what had happened today, she wanted to run and hide, but she knew she couldn't. So she just stood there waiting for her sister or David to come to the door.

"Hey," Emma said, "Fancy seeing you here."

"I was invited to dinner," Mary Margaret said matter-of-factly. "I didn't know you would be here."

"Your sister didn't tell you she invited us?"

"She said … company. I didn't know it was you."

And then the mayor opened the door. "Well, looks like everyone's here. Come in from the cold," she said, giving her sister pecks on each cheek. "David, they're here," she called over her shoulder.

David came to greet them, smiling pleasantly at Emma and her family. Mary Margaret rolled her eyes.

"You haven't greeted my sis," the mayor said.

"Mary Margaret," David said, giving her a nod.

"David," she responded. He gave her a tight smile, which she returned before turning back to her sister. "Where are the children?"

"Getting washed up. They'll meet us in the dining room."

The group made its way into the house, preparing to break bread together.

David and Snow were working with the sheep, teasing one other as they did, when a man approached the house. He was a soldier, and David felt his heart sink the second he saw him. Time froze. Snow ran to get his parents, and when they returned, the man spoke his piece.

He didn't hear all of it. He couldn't. There was a whirring in his head. But the words, "There was a battle, and your James, he was among those who didn't return." Those words echoed in David's head. He ran out across the field to the very end, as if looking for James, expecting him to show up. But there was no James.

And then something broke. David felt it in his gut. He screamed and wailed. He picked up his stick and he banged it on the ground, lashing out at the air in the field, hitting the dirt until the thing snapped in two. He felt arms reach around him from behind and turned to find Snow, her cheeks tearstained, her face grief-stricken.

He ran from her back to the barn and started looking around for things to smash. He threw himself against things. And again, she was there, this time holding him back. She pulled him down to the ground with her until they were both on their knees. And they cried together until they couldn't cry anymore.

This was weird. All of Emma's alarm bells were going off. She watched the mayor's daughter and son scoop up their peas and put them in their mouths. It wasn't that Emma had never heard of good kids, and Henry was pretty well behaved, but still. Kids complained, at least a little. Or they said something slightly rude by accident that could be ignored because they were cute. They didn't just sit quietly and politely eating their vegetables.

Or maybe they did. What did Emma know about kids, anyway? Other than Henry, the only kids she'd ever really known were orphans, like her. And then, of course, there had been Neal, who had been his own brand of weird. Really, she should be used to weird by now.

"So, what is it you do, Emma?" the mayor was asking.

"I'm a social worker," Emma said. Once, it would have been weird to even think such a thing. Social workers were the enemy, after all. But then, she had seen a way she could maybe help kids like the one she'd been, and it had made sense. Not that she was going to explain all that to the mayor and her family.

"Really? That's fascinating. And what brings you to Storybrooke?"

"We were just … sort of wandering. Henry's in year-round school, so he had time off. And it was my birthday a couple days ago." They hadn't actually done anything for her birthday. They had been so caught up in meeting Jamie and landing in this strange little town. But it wasn't as though it was a particularly special year. Emma had had nice birthdays with her family. She would again.

"Em," she heard Neal say, knowing he was realizing the same thing she had. But she didn't want him feeling bad. Not now. Not until they'd talked about … everything.

"Happy Birthday," David said kindly. Emma smiled at him. "I wish we'd known. We could've had a cake or something."

"I love birthdays," Mary Margaret said, "Remember your sweet sixteen, Selena? It was such a huge bash. I think half the town was there." Selena nodded, "Everybody wanted to celebrate her. Granny pulled out all the stops. And she made her this awesome birthday cake. I always wanted the recipe for that." David rolled his eyes and made a noise. "What?"

"Nothing. I just don't know what you would do with a cake recipe, considering you couldn't afford any of the ingredients. Or is this the part where you ask your sister and me for another handout?"

"You're one to talk. My sister brings in all the money, and you know it. It's her job and her inheritance that you're living off of. The inheritance our parents left her."

"And you think they should have left it to you?"

"David-" Selena started to scold.

"No, she always does this. She acts like she's entitled to everything."

"I am not entitled to everything!"

"You're right, you're not. Do you know why they left her the money, and not you? Because they knew you'd blow it on foolish things. Selena's practical, and you can't hold a job any better than you could keep your GPA up in high school. Despite all that, you still think you're better than everyone."

"Better than you, yes!" Mary Margaret said with a sneer, "Some guy who has never been good enough for my sister, and sees me as some leech."

"You are a leech. You're a leech because you're spoiled. You don't know how to be any other way."

"That's enough!" Emma said, standing, "Not to go into major parent mode here, but I think you two need a time out."

Neither David nor Mary Margaret said anything.

"I'm going to get dessert out of the kitchen. Emma, would you mind helping me?" Selena asked. Emma nodded, following her. "Sorry about them. For some reason, my husband and sister have never gotten along. It's just awful, really. I wish they wouldn't fight so."

Ever since she'd been little, Emma had had an instinct about lies. It was like a superpower. And right now, it was telling her that this lady was full of it. She was lying her ass off. For whatever reason, she didn't want her husband and sister to get along. In fact, Emma would wager she reveled in them fighting.

"So, how did you and David out there meet, anyway?"

"Oh, that was incredibly romantic. Love at first sight. But he tells it better. David!" She called as they headed back out with the dessert, "Emma wants to hear how we met."

David's eyes lit up. "It was freshman year of college. I saw her across the grass, and I just … knew. She was so beautiful, so perfect. There was just an instant connection."

Emma nodded. He sounded sincere enough, but there was still something off about this epic love tale, "Where did you go to college?"

"Here."

"Storybrooke has a college?"

"It's a community college, but it's perfectly respectable. David was studying accounting." Selena said proudly.

"It sounds so exciting, doesn't it?" Mary Margaret asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Accounting! Nothing but math, all day long."

"At least, I went to college," David snapped back.

"Is that pie?" Emma asked, trying to change the subject.

"Yes. Apple."

Henry, who'd had been quiet for most of the meal, gasped. "You're kidding."

"No. Do you like apple pie?"

Henry shook his head, just as Emma said, "Sure he does." She gave him a look. "Henry? You like apple pie."

"Not anymore. I decided that it's … that I don't."

"Okay," Emma said, her confusion growing. "Well, I'll have a slice."

"My sister's gone," Snow said, quietly. David hadn't spoken to her, or anyone, these last couple of days, but she knew she would find him under the stars. Somehow. "When we were younger, there was a bear that used to come to the palace. The guards would scare it off, but one night, it got in our room somehow, and spirited Rose Red away. A hunting party was sent, but nobody ever found her, or the bear. It's been so many years, my parents and I have had to accept that she's dead. My baby sister."

David nodded his head. "I would say I'm sorry, but I know how useless those words would seem." Snow nodded, understanding. "You never did fall in love with him, did you? He went to battle to prove he could be enough so that you might … but you didn't, did you?"

Snow shook her head, tears forming in her eyes, "He was a good friend to me, so kind. I liked him very much. And I wanted to love him that way, but I couldn't … I'm so sorry."

David nodded, "You're not the first princess my brother fell for." Snow looked at him, surprised, "Nobody knows, really. He met her during that year and a half when we ran away. But she chose a nobleman."

Snow shook her head, "And you thought I would be the same?"

"I just never wanted to see him hurt. I thought … I thought I could protect him like he always protected me. We were supposed to look out for each other." David scooped up a rock and threw it into the field, "I should have gone with him. I should have insisted … we've done things together. We slew a dragon together. If I'd been there-"

"You don't know what could have happened. You don't know that you wouldn't both be dead. He wanted you to stay to look after your family, and they need you, now more than ever. They are so sad, so broken. But you can help. Together, you can put your family back together."

Mary Margaret and David bickered on and off throughout the rest of the meal. It was strange, because David seemed like such a decent guy, but he was such an ass to Mary Margaret, who, as far as Emma could tell, hadn't really done anything wrong. In fact, it seemed like she was kind of down on her luck and could use a friend, and for all she had said to the contrary, her sister didn't seem to be stepping in to fill that role. Maybe Emma could. If Mary Margaret would let her. It was a strange thought, but she felt drawn to the woman. Maybe it was because she knew what it felt like to be so lost and so alone. Eventually, everything wound down. They said their goodbyes and headed back to their room at the inn.

Mary Margaret was tired. So tired. She loved seeing her sister, but somehow, it never made her feel exactly happy. Maybe it was that judgmental, sensible husband of hers. Mary Margaret had despised him from the first. She made her way back to the theater, wishing she had more of a spring in her step.

She sang to herself softly as she walked.

"I just wish you wouldn't invite her over. You have such a kind heart, and people like her take advantage of people like you."

"Oh, you are so sweet. I think I'm going to go to bed now. Would you mind cleaning up?"

David shook his head, watching his wife make her way up the stairs. Then he started on the table. He gathered up the trash and brought it out to the dumpster. As he did, he heard someone singing quietly.

"And it seems to me you lived your life

Like a candle in the wind

Never knowing who to cling to

When the rain set in

And I would have liked to have known you …"

The voice faded off into the distance. It made David sad, somehow, like he was missing something, or losing something. Or maybe it was just the song.

Once the Ogre Wars reached King George's Kingdom, Snow knew her family would send for her. She was no longer safe there. They wanted to relocate her somewhere else, but she wouldn't have it.

"These are my people and they're dying. I want to help. I want to help you fight them."

Her father did not want to listen to her, but her mother made him. She was going home with them, and she was going to be part of the war council. After everything that happened, there was nothing she wanted more.

"We're going to miss you around here," David said as he walked her to the waiting royal carriage.

"What, some spoiled princess? I'm sure you'll do fine without me."

David laughed, "I'm sorry about all that. Maybe you aren't so spoiled after all."

Snow shook her head. "You were trying to protect your brother. I understand. It's what you do, Prince Charming." She curtseyed to him.

"That nickname's sticking?"

"You can bet your life on it," she said, smiling.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," David said. He leaned forward and planted a kiss on her cheek. Something fluttered in Snow's chest, and her cheeks grew warm. "Princess."

"Charming."

A footman helped her up to her carriage and she took her seat. She was headed home, and she was happy, despite the work to be done. But there was something else, something a little like sadness and longing that stirred in her chest. She watched out the window, seeing David fade from view. Her hand went to her cheek.

She still wasn't back. Henry was concerned that Aria still wasn't back. Then he heard a noise, like a moan, coming from beneath his window. He looked down and there she was, crumpled up, reaching for the rope, but unable to hoist herself up. Her face was red and a little cut up, and she was clutching her side.

"Aria?" he called down.

She looked up at him, wincing. "Henry. Hi. I … I can't …"

"It's okay. I can-"

"Henry, who are you talking to?" his mom said. She had come up behind him, come into his room, and now here she was. She looked out the window too and then, she ran out the door.