Student/Teacher story! A lot of these towns in my story are fibbed so just use your imagination. I've been thinking about this a lot and needed to get it off my chest. I'm bad at summaries so just give it a chance! I do not own Once Upon A Time or its characters. This is supposed to be a stress free hobby for me so take this story with a grain of salt. Enjoy! I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine. Of course the first chapter is rocky, so let's get the boring stuff out of the way first.
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"I am so sorry Emma… That's all I can do for you right now. I wish I could do more."
A woman in her late fifties scrunched her face sadly as she looked at the girl on the other side of her desk. This older woman had an amazing way of making you feel good and yet unnerved. Mrs. French was her name, however she has always made it very clear for everyone to call her 'Miss Belle'. With an Australian twang to her tone, along with that sweet spirit, Miss Belle was very warm and welcoming. This older woman had dark brown hair that had gray roots starting to show at the hairline and brown gentle eyes. She kept most things close to the chest and enjoyed being the secretary here at Storybrooke College University. Miss Belle was one of fifteen secretaries at the college campus. Out of the twelve thousand six hundred and forty nine students here, Emma of course had to have the sun shiniest woman as a mentor and counselor. Mrs. French jobs included helping file paperwork, applications, guidance, tutoring assignment and now in Emma's case… Homelessness.
That brings us to Emma Swan. A twenty three year old woman that had chosen to be the first of her generation to go to college. A noble thing to do but not without cost. Emma was raised on her father's farm that was passed down by his father. Immigrants from Italy that wanted a better life and moved to the midwest United States of America. Population: one thousand and seven hundred. A far cry from Storybrooke, Maine that had over one HUNDRED thousand people. That was considered a small city in Maine. Forty-five minutes away there was a bigger city with four times that amount. You could say Emma was a farm girl placed in a city world. Even though it was a big city, thankfully it was surrounded by rivers and an ocean just five minutes away from the campus. Very quaint, beautiful city that takes pride in its greenery and historic buildings. Horns from boots can be heard from a distance if you really sat still and listened. Fresh air from the ocean could be smelt as students walked around the campus.
The Dean of the University was Mr. Robert Gold. Dean Gold was known for his strictness and rude attitude. Emma had only heard him once in an auditorium where the freshmen were invited to listen to speakers and get to know some of the faculty. This was about two weeks ago and Emma still has that creepy image of his cracked smile embedded in her brain. President Gold was also condescending towards his faculty and if you weren't on his good side then you were on his blacklist. There was no in between. Adults were being treated unfairly because you didn't have high standings with the school, such as having a wealthy family pay under the table. There were definitely a lot of secrets and things going on that maybe one or two people knew about. Some very shady things but Emma couldn't tell. The campus was beautiful, large and full of energy. The blonde made a mental note to stay on her good behavior so that she never had to get to the point where she had to see the Dean.
There were many walks of life at the college. Emma had been afraid that she'd be the oldest one there since she hadn't gone at the age of eighteen. Tours of the campus had started a few days before the new semester. In her group, there were ages ranging from eighteen to sixty five. It felt good to know that there were people just like her and also wanting a better financial future for themselves. Even foreigners from different countries came here in pursuit of the American Dream. It warmed Emma's heart and made her feel less nervous about her situation.
Emma had been raised to put work ahead of studies mentality. Even being pulled out of high school early freshman year to help with the farm. Her family consisted of her grandmother who spoke very little English. The old woman was all robust and all Italian. Emma's father David, tall and handsome with blonde hair and green eyes. Sadly, David's father passed when Emma was resulted in pulling Emma out of high school. David married the town's sweetheart, Mary-Margaret. Who was short with pixie cut brown hair and brown eyes. They both had Emma and then sixteen years later they had a son named Henry. The boy was now seven years old with brown hair and brown eyes like his mother and enjoyed reading more than working on the farm. He loved reading fairy tales and adventures about dragons and knights. He almost hated the farm except for his chicken. Whose name was Neal. That's all that consisted of their family here in the states. Emma's grandmother, whose name is also Emma but they mainly call her Grandma E or nonna, had many family members in Italy. That being the place where they had originated from. Always being homesick to their native land. Only having the money to make it here for a better life. It's exactly what Emma was trying to do. Maybe not cross an ocean to do it but she really wanted to help her family. Education felt like the only thing that was going to help. With a degree, the blonde would be able to hopefully become a lender, extension agent, a ranch manager or just anything to help bring in more money.
The farm is where they have been making all their income. It was a small town so everyone knew everybody. It wasn't hard to find buyers and sometimes they would branch out to other cities in hopes that their crops or animals would be purchased. Unfortunately for the past four years, big marketing companies have been coming in and buying off people's properties. At first it was a bit of a battle to get people to bend the knee but the price was too good to turn down. The Swan's though, refused time and time again. CEO's and the governor of this state, Colorado, wanted to turn this town into a pit stop for tourists. It was always funny when men in perfectly tailored black suits would come up to the Swan's home and an old robust Italian woman would chase them down with a ladle. It put a lot of stress on David and having to come up with the money to somehow keep their farm alive. His parents worked hard to make a name for themselves and he wasn't going to throw that all away without a fight. The family was beautifully stubborn and the town had nicknamed Mary-Margret and David 'The Charmings'. All David had to do was flash that gorgeous smile to get what he wanted. Teaching their daughter, Emma how to smile as well to get what she wanted. Which of course, backfired on her parents. The town even considered Emma to be the new crown of the 'Charming's Smile'.
Three years ago, Emma decided it was time to get her GED, which she got by going to the local library to get it online. Then with the help of the librarians there, the blonde was able to cook up a resume and application to apply for Storybrooke College. It was an even longer and nightmarish process to apply for loans and pell grants. She couldn't thank the local librarians enough for helping her get this fresh start that she needed. The whole reason why she wanted to go was to save her family's farm. Emma got some money from the pell grants but not a lot. The emerald green eyed girl knew that going to college would put her into some debt. Not just some. A LOT of debt. Her family did not approve of this idea at all. At times, Emma had to be discreet about what she was doing. Nonna did not approve of it all but thankfully, with Emma's smile, her father loaned the blonde the family's truck to make this cross country trip to Maine. Henry was a little pout and Mary-Margret cried but Emma felt in her heart that she needed to do this.
Emma had packed very little things. They were poor so it wasn't like she could pack much anyways. With lots of kisses from her mother, hugs from half the town that was there to congratulate her and wish her luck, she was on her way to her destiny.
Sadly her destiny would be spent living in her truck for the next 2 to 3 months.
Emma Swan rubbed her eyes from the lack of sleep she was getting. Not knowing that she had to apply for dorms before April 1st and it now being August 23rd. Two days before classes would start. Sitting there now in Miss Belle's office on the other side of the older woman's desk. The blonde shifted in the red velvet, mahogany chair contemplating what to do next.
Emma could be described as very athletic. Most would think she was in college for weightlifting. All her years of farming and taking care of the animals has really made Emma look like a Greek goddess. You wouldn't know though because her body was hidden with a white baggy shirt and light blue jeans. The jeans had some wear and tear on them that could pass for a cool design. Brown shoes that had seen way too many miles on them. Long curly blonde hair that was a little matted since it couldn't be taken care of as well as it could be back home. But somehow still just as beautiful. A soft tan that crossed her skin from being outside all the time and deep emerald eyes that could make any guy swoon over. Worked on women too. The blonde didn't have a cocky personality. Emma was very well mannered and took care of others before herself. The blonde was taller than the average women and stood at five foot and seven inches.
"It's okay Miss Belle. I appreciate your help." Emma replied back with a half smile. Running her fingers through wavy blonde curls and reaching for her simple black backpack. With the leftover loan money, she was able to purchase it along with a cheap notebook that she could afford. It worked and that's all Emma cared about. She was still learning some tricks to the laptop but it was going to take a long while. The blonde was used to the older model back in her hometown when she was working on her GED. Emma was starting to think that the only reason why the college campus accepted her was for a charity case. Maybe they were getting complaints but all Emma knew was that she was accepted and that's all that mattered.
Miss Belle stood up from her chair when she saw Emma standing from hers and with a concerned look she said, "just remember to use that number for the shelter. OH! And also, don't forget to call the gym number as well. OH! And another thing-"
Emma chuckled and shook her head as she put her hand up to make the older woman stop talking, "Please Miss French. I got it. Thank you again."
Mrs. French smiled gingerly and made a small wave with her hand as the younger girl excited her office. The older woman held both hands in her chest, thinking of what more she could do for Emma. The woman really means well, even if she is a little pushy. The blonde exited the doorway and closed it behind her.
With a sigh of relief and sadness, Emma let out a long breath she felt like she was holding in. The strong girl never wanted to hear bad news. It was already tough as it is being hundreds of miles away from your family. Maybe feeling a little bit regretful of her decision but she had to follow what was in her heart. She would have to come up with some more creative ways to eat, shower and sleep. Having a free gym membership did help. It was provided for those students experiencing homelessness. The blonde did have some money left over but that would surely run out in two to three months time. Not to mention that it was late August and the chill of fall quickly approached then there was winter.
"One day at a time…" Emma told herself out loud.
Emma could hear students pass by her. Some rather quickly try to get to their destination and others merely look around. Students were talking about their classes, where to find them, seniors laughing, college football season coming next month, homecoming dance and everything in between. All things that the blonde never got to experience in high school and was now given a second chance. There were about forty buildings on this campus. It was very easy to get lost but also a lot to look at. Buildings that were very large, some medium and some small. Buildings that had deep red brick, white roofs and gray cement walkways. There were areas of the campus where the walkways had stone. Trees everywhere and some being taller than the buildings. The college was old but it seems like they took great pride in preserving its history while giving it a modern twist over the years. Most of the buildings are named after donors or historic people that made a difference on the campus. One name in particular that Emma noticed that stood out over and over again was the last name 'Mills'. Must be some rich family that has been here for centuries. As Emma would think. One of the teachers that she had on her schedule actually had the last name of Mills. It was a history class that she needed to take for her generals. The blonde was in for a very rude awakening when she finds out that college is nothing like the GED classes.
The green eyed girl was trying to get her Bachelors in Agricultural Science. Being here full-time and also on the lookout for a small part time job to help with expenses, was going to be a stressful time for her. The blonde already thought that she was in too deep to back out and made a commitment to her little brother and her family. Thinking back on the last words her little seven year old brother said to her.
"Emmy… You sure you have to go?" The brown haired boy looked sadly down at the ground as he held his chicken named Neal under his armpit. The dark orange and black little thing just hanging there with no care in the world.
Emma sighed and then got down on her knees to be eye level with her brother. Ruffling the boy's head and trying to conjure up a happy smile, "I do have to go. That makes you in charge of the animals. Okay?" Animals that consisted of chickens, cows, horses, goats, sheep and a couple dogs. With the occasional lizard that Henry would sneak into their home.
The boy nodded and mumbled under his breath an 'okay' back to his sister. Suddenly Neal pecked out towards Emma but the blonde was too quick and dodged the little devil. Laughing a little Emma says, "See? Even Neal doesn't want me here." The little boy giggled a little at the statement.
Mary-Margret could be heard sniffing behind the boy with a tissue in her hand. Emma stood up and gave a hug to her five foot two inches of a mother. The blonde pulled back to look into swollen, pride filled eyes for their daughter and whispered, "I'll call every day." The woman could only nod and hug her daughter again. On the other side of her mother, Nonna was giving her a distasteful look but also trying to hide her tears. Being raised that crying was for the weak but was also proud of her granddaughter. The old Italian woman pulled on Emma's shirt to bring the girl closer to herself.
Whispering in Emma's ear, "Here…" The woman then pulled out a wooden ladle from her cooking apron that she was wearing, and handed it to her granddaughter. "To keep the boys away."
Emma grinned at the memory then shook her head at the flash back.
With the blonde's heart feeling heavy, she looked out down the hallway and she could see out towards all the students…a woman. Slender in figure. Dark brown shoulder length, slightly wavy hair bouncing with each step. Black stiletto heels that helped accentuate olive skin calves. Black skirt that hugged perfect curves and held in a long sleeve silk, deep green emerald button up shirt. A blouse is what it was. The woman held on to stacks of tanned files in her arms as she glided across the hallway. Emma's lips parted a little as she looked at the beautiful woman, a little ways away from where she was standing in front of Miss Belle's door.
As if her heart was already having enough "fun" as it was, suddenly the brunette headed woman turned and before she could turn the corner, stopped and looked right into Emma's eyes. The younger woman had never experienced anything like this moment in her life. Yes she had crushes growing up but never this hunger and urge she felt now towards this stranger. Maybe it was a student body officer that was getting ready for a meeting or perhaps it was one of the faculty. Emma didn't know. The brunette woman had stopped in her own tracks for just a moment with, not a deadpan look on this other woman's face but more of a soft stillness. Both locking eyes before Emma blinked and the other woman was gone. The blonde took a step forward and reached her neck out. Hoping to catch another glimpse of the woman but proved to be hopeless. Emma rubbed the back of her neck before making her way out of the building and towards her truck that would now be her home for the next few months. The blonde's heart was still pumping hard from that beautiful spectacle of a woman she just saw. Couldn't be a professor at this school. All she saw was older men and a handful of older women.
Not knowing… That on the other side of that hallway, was the brunette headed woman. She had hidden herself quickly and her heart was equally pumping in her chest as well. Things like this never happened to this forty year old woman. Besides, this woman was dating someone else. A man named Robin Locksly to be in fact. A man who was another professor here. So how on earth would this woman be feeling this way and a 'woman' no less. The brunette woman looked at the front that was labeled, 'Professor Regina Mills'. This wasn't just some woman. She's a professor here at Storybrooke College University. Not only that but she was part of one of the wealthiest families in the city.
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(Thank you for reading! Please leave a review if you liked it or didn't like it. This is something I desperately needed to get off my chest and I'm excited to share that all with you.)