Belle finally gets to be reunited with Gideon, after six weeks away. And the following day, she learns more about Rumple's recent activities from her son's adult brother, plus unexpected news about her family. But finally getting back to Storybrooke, she's immediately confronted with bad news.
Regina has her first ever meeting alone with Henry, who has news of her dead father.
The Liberty Hotel - Boston
Once they'd checked into their room, Ruby immediately crashed out on one of the twin beds.
"That was a long day! I'm shattered!" The former waitress spread herself out on the sheets, kicking off her shoes. One of the first things Ruby noticed after she'd been thrown over the town line, was how much less energy she had since leaving her werewolf strength behind. "But at least we're able to stretch out tonight? A decent bed of my own, at last? No offence babe, but while four-in-a-berth may have been fun, it was seriously cramped?"
"Erm..." Belle wasn't paying attention, instead just staring out over the Charles River, looking grey under the cloudy sky, her thoughts on the days to come. "I'm sorry. What?"
"You're not really with it today, are you?" She sniggered. "I was just saying about getting decent sized beds to ourselves for a change?"
"Oh, yes, I guess so. Mind you, I never saw you go off and sleep in that little berth at the front!"
"Do you blame me? Not when there's-" She stopped when she heard a loud rapping on the bedroom door. "That must be room service. I ordered coffees. Could you get that? Cos I don't think I can get up. I never realised flying could be so exhausting."
Belle crossed the room to open it. They were currently staying in a clearly expensive five-star hotel in downtown Boston, so thankfully the receptionist had told her the rooms had already been prepaid, and there was a message waiting for them that they could charge expenses to the account if they wanted.
However, instead of room service, in the doorway stood two figures she recognised instantly, the shorter one in front, looking up at her, beaming.
"Hi MAMMA!"
"G…GIDDY?"
She looked down at the smiling four-year-old, with his eyes wide, almost demanding a hug. Not only was he smiling, but he looked exceptionally tanned and healthy. His hair was slightly different from when he'd left her in Portland, with his father, over a month ago. And he now wore a T-short, shorts and sandals she didn't recognise. But she dropped to her knees, not even bothering to let them in, to gather him in her arms.
"I missed you," he gasped, the air almost taken from him in her tight embrace.
"But I've missed you so much more, my darling!" Her eyes closed as she breathed him in. He even smelt different? "More than you can possibly imagine!"
As she opened them again, after raining copious kisses on both cheeks, she looked up to find the towering six-foot-four-inch figure of his nephew, also staring at her, also grinning. And he looked even more tanned than Gideon.
"Henry."
"Hi Belle. Clearly all that Caribbean sunshine's done you the power of good! You too, Ruby." "He looked over to the second woman getting up from one of the beds. "You both look great!"
"Hi Henry!" The leggy former waitress stood, and Henry noticed she was wearing a bright blue summer skirt, even shorter than usual, and a short white blouse showing half her midriff, her hair pulled back into a knot, like Belle's. Until six weeks ago, his grandmother's best friend would've automatically hugged him, as she had from the day the first curse broke. But now things were different. "You're looking pretty good yourself? And God, you're even more tanned than we are? You two come alone?"
"Yeah." He could see the now anxious look on Belle's face. "Don't worry, Grandpa's left to start looking at places downtown with someone. Then he's going straight off to New York with her to meet his new partners in the law firm." The palpable relief on Belle's face at that little snippet was obvious. "But dad's here. He should be along in a few minutes, but he figured it'd be best he met you both up here, not in public? Didn't want anyone screaming when you saw a former dead man, I guess? He asked me to text him after bringing Giddy up, to check it'd be okay?"
Storybrooke – Outside the Court
"Well, that went a lot quicker than expected?"
Regina and Emma stood on the steps of the Court, having just sat for the final hearing. Judge Jeffrey Roberts had minutes earlier declared that they were now acquitted, after hearing final evidence and additional depositions since the last court date, from a number of the citizens who'd witnessed their alleged crimes. Roberts had acknowledged that these were almost certainly caused by both defendants having been unwittingly 'poisoned'.
Killian and Robin stood either side of them, outside.
"I thought it was good of Phil Briar to testify in your defence, Gina? And then, when he offered to immediately stand down so you can take up the mayoralty again? Why did you say no?"
"You heard what he also said, Emma. He's called for a new election, which'll be in two weeks' time. It was already overdue so frankly, I should have called for one two years ago. They've also pushed through a new law to make elections compulsory every four years and taken it out of any Mayor's control in future. I'd been in the job too long anyway, so I'm not going to stand again."
"Probably for the best, love." Killian agreed. "From what I've been told, our young Interim Mayor's been doing a surprisingly good job since he's been in the hot seat. He's also stopped any future mayor's having control over the hospitals, or the Sheriff's Office." Despite nodding, he still earnt a glare from the brunette. "What about you Swan? You going back to being Sheriff?"
"I don't know. There'll be an election shortly for that, too. After everything that's happened, I'm not sure people around here will ever look at me the same way again? Not really surprising, when they saw me belt a child halfway across a room in front of them, poisoned or not."
"Roland's already forgiven you for that, Emma. As have I…" Robin wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulder. "Well, if you're not going back, at least Regina should be able to rest a bit more, while this little one grows inside?" His free hand rested on the top of her stomach. "I know you're a lot more tired than you're letting on. Maybe you'll feel better when you get your magic back?"
Both women subconsciously reached for their wrists, and the identical tattoos.
"Maybe. But I'm not really sure I want it back."
"Your magic?" Emma looked surprised. "You're kidding? But you were the one who once told me it's an intrinsic part of us, after Elsa stopped me from getting rid of mine years ago?"
"True, and it is, but my magic's caused me no end of pain, Emma. I've caused so much suffering over the years ever since I first had it. But since I've been back without it, I've been treated…differently? Like people aren't afraid of me anymore?"
"But-"
"Henry told me that since the imp left his magic and the dagger behind, he's become completely different. He says he's much happier. More…care-free?"
"So, what happens when the next villain, or monster or downright loony shows up? If Henry's not here to take your cuff off, what'll you do?"
"Well, you'll be here to protect us all, won't you Swan? The Saviour? Besides, Merlin's changed the spell on the town line, so it's still the case that nobody from outside can get in. But I gather the new protections deliberately deter dark magic more effectively. Or at least, that's what he told me."
"So that's it? You're giving up magic for good? But didn't the Dragon tell us that your baby's got it too? How are you going to cope with your wild little wizard or witch, without it?".
"The baby's got magic?" This was news to Robin. "Already? How?"
"How do you think, darling? True love..." Regina pecked his lips right in front of them. "The most powerful magic of all. So maybe there'll be another Saviour to come to the rescue, given time?"
The Convent, later that evening…
"Did you get the answers you were looking for, regarding that mystery DNA?"
"I think so. Regina's blood's definitely changed; even more so since the sample she first gave in New York. I cross matched it against…other samples."
"Including Robin Locksley's? You said last time he was the father."
"Yes, he definitely is, and his DNA proves it! But I've also taken further DNA from someone else. It would appear that once Regina successfully conceived, this mysterious 'third 'agent' somehow attached itself to the zygote very shortly after, maybe hours or even a day or so later, while also embedding itself into the cervix lining." He saw Blue's confused look. "Her fertilised egg? It somehow fused into it, creating a barrier against all the toxins caused by Regina deliberately poisoning herself many years ago, to prevent any unwanted pregnancy. As a result, the high risk of miscarriage has been dramatically reduced. Plus, as this new agent is still in her blood, the change appears to be permanent. Meaning she could go on to have more children successfully, if she so wished."
"So the child within her can be said to have three genetic parents, not two?"
"Yes, and no. Our mysterious third party only forms a tiny part, maybe one or two percent, but it's still there."
"Fascinating. When I asked you last time, you refused to say, but can I take it this 'third party' is probably Emma Swan-Jones?"
"Whatever makes you say that?" Was it that obvious?
"Again, not an answer, but I do understand why you can't say. It seems the most likely. They were in an intimate relationship for several weeks, around the time. Emma has white magic, including healing powers, so it makes sense. Will you be telling any of them what you know?"
"I'm not sure. Being a seer, I've seen their futures and they're very good, trust me! So, I'm inclined to keep this to myself. I'm assuming I can count on your discretion, Reul?" The fairy nodded. "But there's a part of me that still wants to find out how it actually happened, for the benefit of other women long in the future? There's so much we still need to learn."
The following afternoon
Yesterday's meeting with Rumple's formerly dead, now resurrected, eldest son last night had been awkward, to put it mildly. But nowhere near as bad as she'd expected, considering the fact she'd recently cuckolded his own father, wrecking their marriage. Fortunately, he hadn't raised the subject. Plus, thankfully, she found out that there was no chance of her accidentally bumping into Rumple, as he reconfirmed what Henry had already told her. That he'd already left and wasn't coming back to the hotel.
But it was a short reunion, Neal knowing full well she just wanted to have time alone with her own son. So, he left them, and decided to take Henry and surprisingly, an initially reluctant Ruby, out to see if some of the old bars and places he used to frequent well over a decade ago, were still there. But before he left, he also said he needed time alone with Belle the following day, to talk about some personal issues, plus things regarding the Storybrooke assets. So, he proposed she ride back to Storybrooke with him.
That's how, the next day, she found herself in the passenger seat of the truck he'd hired specifically to collect some furniture from Storybrooke on his father's behalf, which he now drove. Henry took Gideon in his own car, his father following close behind. For the first hour the pair sat in silence until, unable to bear the tension any longer, she finally spoke up.
"So did your father say anything?"
"Uh?" Neal glanced at her briefly, before returning his eyes to the road. "About…?"
"About what happened? Between us?"
"No, not much. But then, I already knew the basics? When you're dead and they let you move on to the better place, you get to see quite a lot of what's going on down here with your loved ones, as and when you want? It's a little hard to explain. But I already knew you two had split up, and the reasons why, before I even came back?" Glancing to the side, he noticed she was still looking away, her hand now resting on her temple, like she had a headache. "But in a way, I guess I should be thanking you for cheating on him? It may prove to be the best thing that's ever happened to him."
That made her finally look at him, frowning. She already felt bad enough. Was he mocking her?
"No, I'm serious. You driving him over the edge like that, resulted in him losing any semblance of control he once had over the evil bastard inside? When he left, just to have a break with Gid, Merlin saw the opportunity and seized it! He spoke to Zeus, Zeus spoke to me, and here we are? Without meaning to, you've probably saved countless future lives from The Dark One!"
"That's as maybe, but I'm painfully aware, more than anyone, how badly I treated him. Not that it matters anymore, but you should know Neal, that I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself for it, and I've apologised to him several times. Even the last time he spoke to me."
"Yeah well, what's done is done? All I know is he's a hell of a lot happier now he's away from all that dark magic crap!"
"He is? Really?"
"Really."
There then followed more silence, as Belle returned to staring out of the window. But once again, her curiosity got the better of her.
"When we first spoke two weeks ago, you said he had a girlfriend?"
"Yeah. She's with him for the next few days, looking at places to live around Boston."
"Is it serious?" Then his brow arched, "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked. Forget it."
"It's okay. I'm not sure to be honest. But I think so. She's a reformed former villain like him, a Scottish queen. Merlin pulled her out and…well, saved her? She's got a kid herself. A girl, a little older than Gideon. They met in France and have been dating, for a few weeks now."
"Really," she repeated. For some reason confirming he really had moved on only made her feel sadder. Perhaps if she'd pulled him out of Storybrooke for a longer break, and away from his magic, she could've had this? But then she went and screwed it all up by screwing someone else in secret for thrills, till he found out.
"So, you and Ruby? Is that serious?"
She finally turned to look at him. It seemed a fair question, considering everything.
"No, not really."
"So, why'd you cheat on him? A thrill? Something different?"
The blunt questions took her by surprise and part of her wanted to snap back at him. But seeing the serious expression, she realised he was genuinely trying to understand.
"I've been asking myself the same thing over and over again, since the day he threw me out! And I honestly still can't explain it. Our marriage wasn't so bad, considering."
"Were you attracted to women before?"
"No, never. Curious, maybe? But no."
"I guess Ruby must have something about her. Some kind of 'Va-va voom'?" He was being light-hearted but judging by her expression, he knew he'd pushed a bit too far.
"It's okay, I get it. You know, I was only here a couple of days the first time when Ruby came on strong to me in that nightclub? Happened to Killian, too. I know Emma once spent a night with her when she was at a particularly low point when she first arrived?"
"Emma?" But she's Snow's daughter? Surely she wouldn't? "What makes you think that?"
"Emma told me herself. We may have not been together by the time I got killed, but I know that woman better than anyone, whatever Hook says!"
"Neal, why are you telling me all this? Just to make me feel bad by slagging off Ruby? Because if you are, there's no point. I already feel bad enough about everything. You know I'm dreading going back there? Possibly bumping into Ruby's ex-wife?"
"I wouldn't worry too much about that. According to Henry, Dorothy's moved on, too. But no, I wasn't telling you because I want to hurt you, or Ruby. I was just trying to…understand why it happened? You're only human after all, but Ruby's only part human through her grandpa, so she doesn't think like us? Sex is just sex to her, but from what I've learnt, she's gone through half the fucking town! Men, women. She-"
"I KNOW!" She suddenly barked, annoyed. "I know what she is! I've just spent the last six weeks, five on them living on a small boat with her! And just like your father, she's changed a hell of a lot since we left Storybrooke! That werewolf side of her is disappearing fast."
"I'm sorry. It's just, despite what you did to dad, I don't want you ruining the rest of your life, by putting your hopes in-"
"I'm not," she cut in again. "Look…again, despite what you might think, and what I did to Rumple, I'm not looking to build any long-term relationship with her. In fact, there's only one woman Ruby's ever been truly in love with, and that's not Dorothy Gale. It's Snow White! What's more, Snow screwed up her marriage to David, and that's over too!" Judging by the look on Neal's face, that was at least something he hadn't already known about. "And you know what? You mentioned Emma. You do know she cheated on Killian, with Regina? And all because of an old faulty potion sitting in a cupboard for years?"
"Henry told me about me some of it."
"Well, all you need to know is that four of the best marriages in Storybrooke got destroyed in a matter of days because of it, whereas mine was due to my own selfishness. So can we…drop this?"
So he did, staying silent for the next hour, concentrating on his driving, until finally:
"Colette came to speak to me?"
"What?" She finally turned back again.
"Colette? Your mum?" She looked at him horrified, like he'd gone mad. "In the afterlife, as soon as word went around that Zeus was sending me back, quite a few people came to see me. Including your own mum. She was with her son. Your brother, Jude? They're worried about your father."
Belle froze, astonished to hear a name she hadn't heard for many years.
"PULL OVER! ANYWHERE!"
~oOo~
The next half hour, sat in the café of a little service station, had been a sobering experience. He could've been lying of course, but the man sipping his coffee opposite had just told her things about her own family that nobody else living, bar one, could possibly know.
She once had an older brother, Jude, four years her senior, who'd had a tremendous row with their father over his reluctance to assemble the army and take the fight to the ogres early, rather than wait for the inevitable. They'd argued. Then Jude had disappeared when she'd barely turned fourteen, and he was never seen, nor spoken of, ever again. She'd heard her mother weep in her room at night for months, but whenever she tried to get the reason for his disappearance, she wouldn't say. And her father had banned all mention of Jude, by her mother or anyone else, ever again.
Now Neal was telling her things about him that she'd never heard before, together with more on her mother's death.
"So what happened? All I remember was hiding under that bed with mamma, before it got lifted up by one of the ogres? She jumped on top of me, to protect me."
Neal kept glancing down at the leather-looking notebook, containing elegantly neat script, to remind himself what he'd been told. Fortunately, as it'd been in the better place, the notes weren't written by him, but magically transcribed onto parchment as she'd spoken.
"One of the ogres pulled your mother off of you, and hit you pretty hard, knocking you out. They took her and…well, killed her, when she wouldn't tell him where your father was." It was easier to say that then the fact the ogre had dashed her mother's brains out against the granite wall. "But she said it was over very quick! She couldn't remember feeling any pain, not that it helps? One of your father's men trying to reach you found him hovering over you and put an arrow in his eye, killing him on the spot."
"And Jude? I was barely a teen when I last saw him?"
Again, he consulted the notes. "He told your father he was going to raise an army in the west, to take on the ogres in their own swamp where they were still vulnerable. But your dad wouldn't have any of it, so he left anyway without his permission. Two weeks later he came back and told him he'd signed some sort of tentative agreement with the Mountain King? They'd promised him the extra troops he needed. But in return he'd have to unite the royal families by way of a marriage, preferably between his eldest son Padraigh, the heir, and you!"
"Me? I was only a child?"
"Exactly. So, he said no way, but he was in a spot, so he offered to marry their own daughter himself. Getting a provisional deal, he came back and told your father; but he went ballistic! Told him he'd never ally himself with the mountain folk, and even accused him of treason! So, Jude told him he'd do it anyway, whether he liked it or not, to save the kingdom. That's when your dad banished him and told him never to return. So, he left, but he was later betrayed to the ogres by one of your dad's Privy Council, who told them where he was. He was ambushed and killed before he even reached his bride to be."
Belle sat, taking it all in, her face buried in her hands. "So, he never actually betrayed us?"
"He was trying to save your kingdom!"
"I always wondered what'd happened…" She finally looked up. "We were never even allowed to discuss him, or say his name, after that. Father forbade any mention, saying he was a traitor."
"Father's can make some pretty stupid mistakes sometimes. Trust me, I'd know!"
"And mamma? Is she…happy?"
"Yeah, she is. She said she's surrounded by most of her family that passed over, and friends, and she looks forward to the day when you're finally all reunited."
"Despite everything I've done recently?"
"She knows you made mistakes, and you paid a heavy price. It doesn't mean she loves you any less. But-"
"But?"
"She doesn't like the way you left things with your father. Because you-" He stopped himself, unsure whether he should say what was written down.
"Tell me? Please Neal?"
"Because you won't have him around much longer. She said he's dying, Belle."
"Dying? How do you even know something like that?"
"Seer powers in the afterlife? Most souls have them, even though they're limited. We can sometimes recognise when people are about to pass over. So, she asks that you make peace with him while you still can? Forgive him, and let Gideon meet him?"
~oOo~
It was another hour and a half before the truck finally crossed over the town line. An hour later than planned. And as they spotted the 'Welcome to Storybrooke' sign emerge from nowhere, Neal felt a violent burst of energy come from somewhere inside him, making him shiver, like he'd caught an icy chill?
"WOW! He shivered once again. So that's what it feels like?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Nothing. Just…just so you know, Henry said he's set things up for us to stay in the old man's house? Your old place? He's made yours and Gideon's rooms up, apparently. You okay with that?"
But she had other things on her mind. "Whatever. But could you drop me off at the florists in Main Street, first?"
"Bit late to be buying flowers, don't you think? Won't they be shut?"
"It's my dad's business. He lives above the shop?" She glanced down at her phone again. "I've left messages, and tried calling since you told me, but he's not answering. Would you mind?"
~oOo~
Five minutes after they'd arrived, she banged on the front door repeatedly. But the lights were off inside, and it appeared empty. Frustrated, she started walking back to the truck, where Neal was still waiting, as the light began to fade.
"Belle?" Said a voice from nearby. "Is that really you?"
She looked up to see the smiling face of the town psychiatrist, Pongo, his dalmatian beside him.
"Archie?"
"Goodness me!" He looked over the suntanned woman in the shorts and T shirt. "I almost didn't recognise you? You're looking exceptionally well. Been staying somewhere hot?"
"Yeah. I've been sailing to Cuba. Look, sorry, I'd love to stop and chat but…have you seen my dad around?"
"What? His happy smile changed to a concerned frown in a heartbeat. "Haven't you heard?"
"I've been away nearly six weeks! Heard what?"
"Oh! Oh dear. Well, he's not here, he's in hospital. I assumed you'd already seen him."
"No, I haven't! Why's he in hospital?" She could already feel a tightening in her chest and saw the reluctant, awkward look on him. "Just tell me please, Archie? Don 't sugar coat it?"
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but he had a stroke a fortnight ago? He's been in the ICU since they found him."
Storybrooke Hospital
Having found out Mo French had suffered a major stroke nearly two weeks ago, Neal drove her straight to the hospital. Ten minutes later, she sat at his bedside, clutching his hand as he lay unconscious in a care unit bed, with an oxygen mask over his face. An IV drip and two monitor wires were also attached, with a drain tube from somewhere under his sheet.
The senior nurse on duty told her he'd been slipping in and out of consciousness over the last few days. His usually florid complexion seemed deathly pale.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?" She spoke more to herself, than her father or the nurse. "It would've only taken a phone call?"
"We didn't know who to tell, Mrs. Gold." The nurse rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Surely you could've told Merlin? Or Henry Mills? They both knew where I was."
"Sheriff Morgan searched through your father's flat, but the number he found for you wouldn't connect. And we didn't even know of any connection to the Sorcerer, even if he'd been here."
Of course not. It wasn't a sensible question. She'd left Storybrooke, and unless they'd been given her new number, no one would've had any idea how to find her. More importantly, she'd fallen out with and made no effort to keep in touch with the man who'd raised her.
"How bad is it, Nurse? Does anyone have any idea how it happened?"
"Doctor Whale said it looks like your father had the stroke first, followed by the heart attack. From the tests, we think it happened at least two days before he was found by Sheriff Morgan? I gather a customer came forward to say they hadn't received an order, then rang him to complain. But they were getting no answers, so one of them contacted the Sheriff."
His home. A dingy little flat above a florists? Lying there, all alone, for two days with no food? How could she have let her relationship with her own father deteriorate to such a terrible state? And all because he wouldn't accept Rumple, the man she subsequently betrayed?
"What're his chances?"
"It's too early to say. It's always possible that he could wake; but because of the stroke, there's a very real possibility that if and when he does, he could still be left permanently incapacitated? Plus, his heart's very weak. I'm sorry, Mrs. Gold."
"Thank you. And just so you know, my name's French again, like my father's, not Gold? Belle French. We divorced."
"Well either way, I'm sorry I can't give you better news, Miss French."
"Nurse?" Neal, who'd been sitting quietly by the window listening, finally spoke up. "You said he was drifting in and out of consciousness? So, he's not in a coma?"
"Well no, his mind's responding according to the monitor, so he isn't that deep."
"If Belle talked to him, there's still a chance he could hear her?"
"Of course. But I must advise you not to build your hopes up? We'll do our very best for him, obviously, but-"
"We understand. Thank you, nurse." As Lydia, the nurse, stepped outside, Neal moved closer to the bedside, resting a hand on Belle's shoulder, as she sat staring at the unconscious man, her hands almost covering her face.
"I know it's difficult Belle, but you remember what I told you on the way up here? About what your mum said to me? And your brother?" She slowly lifted her face to look at him, and he saw how exhausted she appeared. And stressed. "Make peace with him. No matter what's happened in the past, it's all water under the bridge. He's still your father, so make peace with him while you still can?"
She nodded, giving him a smile that still looked like she was in pain, realising it could well be the very last opportunity she'd ever have.
"Take as long as you need. I'll go call Henry, to let him know what's happening and why we're late. Then I'll go wait outside, okay?"
~oOo~
"Papa?" Sitting on the side of his bed, Belle stroked his still, clammy cheek, while holding his hand. "It's me. Annabelle?" Before adding, "Sorry I haven't been here for you?"
As she said it, she half-expected to see him react in some way? Maybe even open his eyes? She glanced up at the little wavy green line on the monitor screen on the rack nearby, seeing it go up and down slightly. "You probably know by now that I got thrown over the town line and couldn't get back in? Well, I'm okay now, but I'm sorry I didn't call you after that, like any decent daughter would?" She waited for a few seconds, desperate to see any change on him or the monitor, giving her more time to gather her thoughts. She lifted his hand to her lips, kissing the knuckles. "But then, I've never been much of a daughter to you, have I? I'm sorry I've been such a disappointment over the years. I guess I have been ever since that day I chose to go off with Rumple, in of his weird deals, to save the kingdom? I should've listened to you. But as usual, I thought I knew best." Was it her imagination, or did the peaks and troughs of the green line seemed to getting larger? Did that mean he was hearing any of this? "Because I'm stubborn, once you made clear you could never accept Rumple, I kinda kept my distance? And for that, I'm so very sorry! It was wrong of me, and I should have found a way? Please forgive me?"
The little green line on the monitor screen now fluctuated wildly, though the old florist and former od country baron's eyes stayed closed, and he showed no sign of any movement.
"Well, Rumple's no longer in my life and never will be, ever again. We've divorced. But oddly enough, it wasn't his fault this time, it was mine and mine alone. I betrayed our marriage. But even though it didn't turn out the way I wanted, at least I still have Gideon to show for it!" She sniffled, pulling a tissue out of the box on the little side table, wiping her nose. "My boy! I know he's a part of Rumple, but he's mine too papa, and he's still your grandson! I want you to get to know him." She took another tissue, wiping a few tears off her cheeks. "He's incredible, and so bright for his age? I know people say that I'm clever, but Gideon really is way beyond me for his age! And I so want him to get to know you? Maybe when you're feeling better, we can leave here, and you can come live with me to Portland? All three of us? There's a lot more people there than here, loads of visitors, and a florist shop would do really well!"
She knew she was rambling, and there was probably no way he'd ever come to Portland with her, or anywhere else. But she had to at least try. "Wake up for me, papa? Spend time with me? Let me at least try and make up for some of the years we've lost?"
She could've sworn she felt a faint squeeze of his hand in her fingers? Could he be responding to her voice? "Papa, I love you. I always have, even though we never saw eye to eye. I haven't been there for you, but I'd like to at least try?" She carried on in the same vein for several minutes, assuring him of her love and how she wanted him to be in her life. How she was sorry for past sleights, while assuring him that whatever happened, she forgave him for his part in it.
But it was when she kissed his hand again that she felt another tiny tweak of his fingers. Ten minutes later, his eyes opened! Tiny, tired blue eyes slowly focusing on her voice.
"Hello there?" She gave him a sad smile, kissing his hand once again. "Welcome back."
As Maurice slowly began to realise who was talking, his parched lips turned into a hint of a tired smile. Even though he couldn't speak, he seemed to try to mouth something?
"I'm sorry papa, but I couldn't hear that?" She moved closer as he tried to speak again, but she still couldn't hear. So, she leant even closer, her ear now just inches from his lips, moving the oxygen mask from off his mouth. "Try again?"
"I've been waiting. For you." What came out from his mouth was less of a voice, more a heavy, wheezy breath. "Forgive me?"
"Of course I forgive you! But I need you to forgive me too?" She kissed his sweaty brow, smiling.
He gave a slow nod, before finally "I love you too, Belle."
And with that, as though the effort of speaking was just too exhausting, Mo's eyes slowly closed again, as he drifted off. But they never opened again.
Mo French, Storybrooke florist and formerly Sir Maurice French, Laird of a small kingdom in the Enchanted Forest, finally passed away in his sleep just before midnight.
Leaving Belle devastated.
The Gold Mansion. The following day
"What's it like?"
"Sorry?"
"Heaven? The better place? I only saw the underworld. What's it really like?"
After they'd finally left the hospital, assuring the duty nurse they'd be back the following morning, Neal took Belle back to the former home she'd shared with Rumple until just six weeks ago. Fortunately, Henry had already settled Gideon, both now fast asleep in their rooms.
Too upset to sleep, her mind was only focused on her grief and childhood memories of her father and family. The father who'd distanced himself from her because of Rumple. The brother she'd lost when she was only fourteen. And the mother who'd died trying to protect her from the ogres who'd stormed the manor. What would they think of her if they could see her now?
Neal had sat with her most of the night, listening, trying to console her.
"It's wonderful, and so completely different to here! And yes, it's nothing like the underworld you went to. After Hades was destroyed by the Olympian crystal, it became the purgatory it was originally designed to be. A place where the Celestial Court sends souls capable of forgiveness, to repent and atone, if they can."
"But so many million have died over the years? How do they even fit in? And how did my mother even know you were being sent back?"
"Not millions, but billions upon billions! But they're not solid bodies like we are down here, are they, so normal rules of space and time don't apply. But they're there, looking down on us. You know, it's been over eleven years since Zelena caused my own death, but it feels like just a few weeks when you're there?" He handed her more tissues. "And as for meeting people, the way to think of it is if you imagine everyone has magical powers to divide themselves up? So you get to meet or be with anyone and everyone you want, at any time, even all at once? Provided they want to be with you too, of course."
"And my mother?"
"Well, you can imagine that once Zeus and the senior gods decided to send me back, because it's so rare, word got around pretty quick? So, anyone who knew about Rumpelstiltskin or The Dark One would have heard about it. As I told you yesterday, you mum appeared to me, along with your brother. And about twenty other souls before I left. That's why I had to take notes?"
"And my dad? How long till he's with her again?"
"That very much depends on how he lived his life, Belle. Everything gets shown on a huge display in front of the Celestial Court, warts and all! If they decide he's been truly wicked…" she frowned. "…which I'm sure he wasn't, his soul would be sent down to Hell for eternity with Lucifer and his chums. If he'd died saving others, or his life was exemplary, he'd go straight through to the afterlife. But most of us are examined, serve purgatory, atone, then go through."
"So, who did you spend your time with once you finally got there?"
"Loads of people you wouldn't know and many famous names you would. But everything I told you's true! So, although you're grieving now, you need to remember that once you finally die, you'll be able to meet all your loved ones again, no matter how many of them there were? Just remember that life's temporary, and death's eternal! It'll help you cope with the loss."
"I'll try. And thanks again, for staying with me all last night? You've been amazing Neal, considering what I did to your father recently. I'm amazed you can even bear to look at me?"
"Hey, it's okay, honest." He shifted closer on the sofa, rubbing her back. "I'll admit, I was angry when I first heard, but I'm cool with it now. And for the record, papa knows what a complete arsehole he'd been throughout your marriage? Finally being away from The Dark One made him realise all the things he'd put you through over the years."
"That's as maybe, but I knew that when I married him! Everyone thought I was insane, including my own father. But I was the one who cheated, not him."
"True, but as I said before, he's happier than I've ever seen him." She frowned again, not entirely happy to be reminded he was so much better off without her. "Sorry, but you know what I mean? But what about you? Five weeks sailing to Cuba with Ruby? What's new?"
Mifflin Street – later that afternoon
"So old Mo French is dead?" Emma was taken aback by Henry's news. He's only arrived at Regina's a few minutes before her. "Poor guy. I can't say I knew him all that well, but it's still sad, for Belle especially, just getting back and all?"
"Yeah. They weren't that close, but still. Dad brought her back yesterday afternoon in the truck and she tried to see him at that little flat of his, above the shop. But it seems he had a massive heart attack, or a stroke or something, two weeks ago? Morgan found him, just lying there unconscious, apparently."
"How tragic…" Regina walked in with a tray of hot drinks, putting them on the coffee table. "Mind you, he probably didn't help himself, carrying around all that extra weight for so long? A bit of decent exercise might have done him some good. So, when's the funeral?"
"We don't know yet, she's only just got the news. She was originally planning to only be here for two or three days max, then go back to Portland. Shame, after she had such a great break? They just got back from Cuba after sailing down the east coast in a schooner with another couple, and they're even more tanned than me!"
"Portland again?" Emma shook her head. "Why's everyone leaving for Portland, for god's sake? That's where your other grandmother's planning to settle and start up a business with Ruby, apparently."
"I know. I met them both in Boston, with dad? They stayed the night at our hotel. Ruby and grandma want to run a small hotel, or a café, near the sea."
"And your father? So where's he now? Still with Belle?"
"Yeah. He's helping her sort out the coroner, and funeral and everything? Then he said they'll just go straight to grandpa's old shop and lockups, to help me sort out all the stuff in there. Jefferson's planning on coming too. Actually mum, he gave me a message to give to you, specifically? He asked if it's okay if he pops over here tomorrow?"
"Of course," Regina recalled what he'd said on their call with Henry when they were all still in Europe. About 'personal messages' from the afterlife? "You can give him my number, to message me direct."
"Did he also ask to see me?" Emma realised the moment she's said it, she'd sounded a little envious? Part of her wanted to avoid her first lover completely, but the other part was more than curious about what he was going to be doing from now on. There was still a small part of her that had feelings for him.
"No ma, he assumed you'd probably be feeling really awkward with him being around, what with Killian, Hope and all? He said he'd keep his distance."
"Oh. Erm, right."
"Onto other things, now old Jeffery's signed the acquittal, I spoke to Robin and Killian and they're happy for me to take those cuffs off. Grandpa reminded me last week how to do it; so, shall we get on with it?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Emma pulled up her left cotton sleeve, exposing the tattoo. "Did he say whether it'd hurt? Most things that man touches tend to have a sting in the tail."
"Henry, I think I'd rather leave mine be for the moment."
Regina had mentioned to Emma only the other day that she'd had doubts about getting her magic back. And how the rest of Storybrooke would treat her? Most people here had actually been reasonably pleasant to her since the truth about Ingrid's potion circulated. But Sneezy's comments in the diner ran deep, and she could tell by their faces that some of the other diners agreed with him. Was it possible she could revert back to how she was when the cuff came off? Would those overwhelming feelings for Emma resurface?
"Really?" Henry was more than surprised. "Why? Surely, you've missed being able to-"
"No Henry, I'd rather not! Not yet anyway. Frankly, I'd prefer to speak to Merlin first? I have my reasons, plus, now I'm pregnant and I don't want to do anything to upset anything. So no, leave me be for the moment. But do go ahead and release your other mother's cuff, by all means."
"Erm…" Emma knew her concerns, and they'd now put fresh doubts in her own mind. Was there any possibility of her going back to being the woman almost choked her own husband to death. "Yeah, maybe she's right. I don't mind waiting."
The Gold Mansion – the following morning
For Belle, yesterday had gone by in a blur. What should've been a happy, relaxing day with her son, was instead tempered by her father's unexpected death. They weren't close. In fact, they hadn't been close for years; but she still felt his loss, combined with overwhelming guilt for the fact she'd never really kept in touch with him.
But at least Neal had stayed by her side throughout. And after having spent the last two days with him, she had no doubt that, resurrected or not, he really was Rumple's oldest son. And Gideon, having spent several weeks abroad with him, clearly adored having a big brother by his side. Yesterday had been spent meeting with the coroner to confirm the death, and the funeral directors to arrange for burial next Friday. Then to the shop to start work, figuring out what to take and what to leave for Henry and Neal to organise.
But today she wanted some time alone, rather than go out with Neal and Killian to explore. So instead, she stayed in the mansion, going through more of their things. Someone had already put a lot of it into open storage boxes. But it was in one of the smaller bedrooms upstairs that she'd spotted a smaller open box, with several photo albums at the top. So, she decided to stop and sit on the bed stop, to look through them. And it was after opening up and looking at a second album, showing photos from their first trip abroad as a family, to the UK, that the tears finally came as she wept for the now broken family.
That's when she heard the chime on the front door ring.
"Go away!" She muttered to herself. "Just…leave me be."
But unfortunately, the chime rang again a minute later.
"Bugger off, will you?"
But it only rang again, this time for a longer, following by the loud rapping of the large bulldog door knocker on the front door. Clearly whoever it was, knew she was in.
"No peace for the wicked!" Belle reluctantly closed the photo album, leaving it on the bed to go downs and see off the unwelcome visitor.
But when she finally opened the large oak front door, it was to discover the last person she'd expected!
"SNOW?" She looked down at the crop-haired brunette who she last saw in a New York hospital nearly three weeks ago. She'd been close to death at the time, awaiting surgery. But now, she looked far more like her old self, albeit tired? And she carried a large bouquet of lilies and chrysanthemums in her arm. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello Belle," she gave her a sad smile. "Trying to offer my condolences? I saw Henry this morning, and he told me about Maurice? I'm sorry to hear of your loss?"
"Oh." Belle had never really got on with the former princess and rightful queen of Misthaven, having clashed with her several times over the years, usually as a result of something Rumple had done. But they were usually polite enough to one another in company. But now, although she looked one hell of a lot better than she did, as she leant against the porch wall, she looked exhausted, ready to drop. "Thank you Snow, they're beautiful. Would you like to come in?"
"If it's no trouble? This is my first proper walk out since the operation, and I have to admit, just walking here has left me a little...shattered?"
So, she let her in, and after thanking her again for the flowers, she led her through to the kitchen, where she put them in a vase that fortunately, hadn't been packed. And a couple of minutes later, with mugs of hot tea, they sat together at the kitchen table, and talked. About Belle's father mainly, and Belle was surprised to hear that Snow and David had got along reasonably well with him over the years, and their opinion was favourable. Then the topics switched to their recent issues. About their marriages ending in divorce and what they planned to do next. Belle was surprised to find that Snow was fairly well informed about her recent trip. Probably the result of talking to Ruby.
"Originally, I'd only planned to be here a couple of days, maybe three, tops?" But after everything that's happened, I'll probably be leaving after the funeral next Friday."
"Do you think you'll ever come back?"
"Unlikely. Gideon doesn't want to stay, as everyone here knows who his father is. Or was? With dad gone, there's nothing for us here now. Besides, as Rumple's going to be settling somewhere around Boston, I'm going to find a place somewhere nearer there, so we can co-parent him more easily."
"Same goes for me, with Neal. Ruby said you've been looking at Portland too?"
"You've spoken to her?"
"We talk nearly every other day and have been close friends for a long time. So, it appears you and I have even more in common than ever? Did she tell you about our plans to run a business there?"
"A hotel and café, apparently? Yes, she said something about it, and that you've already started looking at places to buy? Sounds fun. I guess she also told you about our time in Cuba?"
"She did! Sailing all the way down to Havana in a schooner, with a beautiful, sexy young couple?" The way she said it, and the smirk on Snow's face, told her Ruby may have also given her an idea of what they did on that schooner! "When she first told me about it, I was so jealous? It sounds like you had a fabulous time."
"It was great, but I'd still have traded it in a heartbeat, to spend the last five weeks with Gideon!"
"I feel much the same way about Neal…" She reached across and took Belle's giving it a light squeeze. And for the first time in days, she found herself trying not to weep. "Me being cooped up in hospitals after nearly dying, and taking my husband with me, because of my own stupidity? What kind of mother puts her son through that?"
"You were drugged! We've both done some pretty stupid things we regret, Snow. Me more than anyone! But unlike you, I don't have the excuse of a potion making me do things I didn't want to do?" She turned Snow's hand, squeezing it back. "I've spent a fair amount of the last few weeks trying to figure out why I was so selfish? But now I know from Neal that Rumple's happier than he's ever been now that he's ditched me, I need to put away the tears and move on, for Gideon's sake? And mine."
"If we're both looking to go to Portland, maybe we can help each other? After all, we're two divorced women now, trying to start again somewhere new? Everything's going to feel very strange for both of us. Ruby connects us, so I'd like to think that now everything's changed, we could put the past behind us, to become better friends than we have been?"
"I'd like that, too." Belle smiled, taking a large gulp of tea, before asking her something that'd been on her mind recently. "Speaking of Ruby, you do know she's still in love with you, don't you? She as good as admitted it. And I saw it for myself when we came to visit you in New York. She was worried sick about you the whole time, and that's why she stayed so long. But how about you? She told me you two were together before you first met David? Do you still have feelings for her, too?"
"I do, and I probably always will. I've thought about Ruby a lot recently, while I was lying in that hospital bed, assuming I'd never survive the surgery. I'll always love her, though not nearly the same way as I feel for David, despite everything that's happened, and she knows that. We're close and we understand one another; but we both realise her wolf nature hardly makes her one for, erm, monogamy? But knowing her as well as I do, I've always just accepted that?" She put her cup down and collected Belle's hand again, in both of hers. "But what about you two? You've been close for a while now, and I certainly don't intend to get in the way of any burgeoning relationship between the two of you?"
"Yes, we're close, but no, I'm not in love with her either. And she certainly isn't in love with me! To be honest, what we had was mainly…sex?" As she saw the surprised look on the other woman's face, Belle realised she'd said too much, putting a hand over her mouth, embarrassed. "God, I can't believe I just said that? I'm sorry, I-"
"Please don't apologise?" Snow interrupted her, surprise turning to a knowing grin. "I do understand and frankly, it's nice to hear some plain speaking for a change! Let's face it, we both know Ruby's more than skilled in that particular department, don't we?"
Belle couldn't stop herself grinning, lifting her mug to sip, rather than answer.
And as we're being so open, she's told me about you two and the couple on the boat?"
"Oh god - she told you? What did she tell you?"
"Not the details, just the gist?" Her smirk changed to a broad smile, then a silent chuckle. "As I said, we've been talking regularly since I came back, and we don't tend to have secrets from each other. But threesomes and foursomes in the Caribbean? Wow! Truth be told, I'm feeling jealous of you for that as well! I've wondered what it would be like, doing something really outrageous like that? In a group? Sounds fun."
"You're serious?" Belle almost spat her tea out, before she started laughing. "Okay, who are you, and what have you done with Snow White? Cos the Snow White I knew, would never have said something like that?"
"True, but then, again, the Snow White you knew was married and supposed to be the centre of the town? Their Rightful Queen, source of hope? Treasure of the community? Well now, my husband's dumped me, and has all manner of young women staying with him, I've managed to humiliate myself in front of the entire town, and my only daughter now thinks I'm a pain in the ass to live with? Which frankly, I am at the moment. So I now find myself single, and having to put my life back together again. Maybe this Snow wants to drift a little?"
Another easy laugh from both of them, before Belle rose from the worktop.
"Henry has only packed up a few of the rooms upstairs, and downstairs hasn't been touched yet. There's some nice chilled wine still in the fridge. Unless you need to be somewhere, shall we retire to the living room and make ourselves comfortable?"
"A cold glass of wine? Oh, I'd love that! Yes please!"
Mifflin Street
"Hello Regina. You're looking well!"
She took in the sight of Henry's biological father, Emma's first lover, standing on her front doorstep with a beaming smile. As with the web call last week, he looked heavily tanned like his son, and at least ten years younger than when she last saw him. He was also now much more smartly dressed, clean shaven, and his hair shorter and tidy. He was also carrying a large bouquet of yellow roses, and what looked like a leather notebook.
"But not as well as you, it would seem? Come on in."
As she led him through the lobby, he presented her with the bouquet. "These are for you."
"Thanks, that's kind of you," she took them from him, leading him into the kitchen. "Where did you buy them from? I understand from Henry our only florist has passed away, the shop's closed, and you'd been helping Belle cope?"
"It's true. Although when we went into his place this morning, a van arrived with his last order from a warehouse somewhere. It was already paid, so Belle signed for them. Might be timely, what with the funeral, and all?"
"How is she?"
"Grieving, as you'd expect. Though they hadn't been close for a long time, so guilty too."
"Not surprising, when his only daughter moves in with the Dark One?" She instantly regretted her words, realising her former demonic mentor's son was standing in front of her. "Sorry."
"Don't be, it's understandable."
He watched as she laid out the bouquet, before expertly trimming them, and pulling out a large vase, putting them inside and spreading them to look their best. "So, Henry said you wanted to talk to us? Something to do with…personal messages from the departed?"
"Yes. As I said on the call when we were in Cairo, I had to take notes."
"I'll make us some coffee and we can sit. But tell me, you briefly mentioned my father, Henry. But did you meet my mother, Cora?" But the little shake of his head, and the sad smile, told her all she needed to know. "Ah."
"I'm sorry. But unless you're truly repentant for all the bad things you've done over a lifetime, there really is no escape."
"Ah," she repeated. "Means there's probably not much hope for me and Zelena then?"
"You're wrong, Regina. You're well on the way to purgatory, then the Better Place, if you keep doing what you're doing? So, I wouldn't worry to much."
"Is that what you said to your own father?"
~oOo~
Over the next hour they sat together in the living room. He passed on what Daniel, her first ever love, had told her. About how happy he was to see her change and move on from her past mission to destroy Snow, for setting off the chain of events that first got him killed. About how he'd watched her move on, with Robin, to embrace their potential for a happy future. About how he's happy to be reunited with his parents and family, most of whom had been lost during a plague.
But it was when Neal talked about his conversation with her father, Prince Henry, the man she named her son after and she'd ultimately killed at the peak of her madness, that he said something that really threw her.
"So, he's happy too, but with this other woman?"
"Isabella. She was a Spanish princess he met when he was eighteen. Yes they're together, and happy. He was originally betrothed to her, but his parents changed for some reason and forced him to be with Cora. They're together now, but he's still looking down at you, his only daughter, with pride." He looked down at the elegant script in the notebook. "He's very pleased you've got Robin back, too? Says he's an excellent man, a real hero, and the daughter you're going to have by him will be the making of you."
"Daughter? I wasn't told what I was carrying. We wanted to find out at the birth."
"Oh, well sorry if I messed up the surprise, I'm just reading what it says here? The notes kinda get transcribed while you talk up there. So anyway, he said this girl of yours is gonna to be truly special, and a magically gifted healer, with a great future ahead of her. As will the next one, after her."
"I guess that just confirms what a certain old Dragon in New York told me. Robin and I didn't want to know , so could I ask you not to tell him when you see him, he'll – hang on a minute? Next one?"
"Only reading what it says here?" He chuckled, realising he'd shocked her. "I shouldn't worry. You did a pretty good job raising Henry, so two more should be easy enough for someone like you?"
She arched a brow. "That...is just the sort of thing your son would say! Do you have any idea how hard it is to raise a child, Cassidy?" When his grin changed to a frown, with sadness in his eyes, she realised she'd gone too far. "Sorry, I-"
"It's okay. Whatever you might think of me Regina, I really do appreciate everything you've done for him over the years. When I couldn't? I never even knew I had a son till he was ten! If I had, I would've willingly changed every shitty nappy, tried to soothe every tear, but instead I just...missed everything."
"Not everything. Yes, he's a man now, but he worships you. Now's the time he needs more fatherly influence over him than ever. And I know he's started talking about travelling with you? But remember, I need him here, too, baby or no baby. So does Emma."
"No problem there, Regina. He adores you." Much to her surprise, Neal took both of her hands in his own and pulled himself a little closer, studying her. Regina almost felt intimidated by the penetrating gaze. "We chatted a lot about you, and Emma, over the last few weeks. He'll never be gone for long, trust me."
"You do realise of course, that none of this would've even happened without you, don't you? And I'm not just talking about Henry, but Storybrooke and, and, well everything? It was only by losing you, and being desperate to find you again, that set the imp...sorry, your father, on his quest to cast a curse strong enough to create Storybrooke in the first place! He engineered it for me to cast it, thinking I'd at last have my revenge on Snow White. The rest is history, but you started it."
Having now relaxed in his company, for the next hour, they sat and he answered her questions. Telling her about how he'd been brought back, Zeus and Merlin, his reunion with his father, and his mission to prevent the Dark One's current host from ever being reunited with his powers. Then the conversation turned to Henry, and his own plans. Far from awkward, Regina now started to enjoy it, as she began to see the similarities between the man and her own son. She brought out photo albums of Henry's childhood, and as they both now sat on the floor, while she passed him several loose photos from a box. Then she remembered one particular photo she had, her most treasured of him, which now sat in a heavy silver frame on a higher shelf near them. Normally she would've just used basic magic to make it appear in her hands. She tutted to herself as she realised that, with the cuff on, she'd have to get it the old-fashioned way.
"There's another one I have up there..." She stood up to retrieve it. "That's always been my personal favourite. It's of me holding the baby, but it's a particularly good one of him. Archie, our town psychiatrist, took it on the day after I first brought him back from New York." But as she stepped closer to retrieve the frame, her left stockinged foot landed on one of the photo albums lying on the floor, causing it to slide. Her foot slipping to the side, she toppled forward slightly, her stretched hand now accidentally slamming against the wooden shelf, causing it to shake. Which in turn, made three wooden photo frames overbalance!
"WOAH!" Disoriented momentarily , she watched as they fell to the floor, expecting to be picking up broken glass shortly. But instead of smashing to bits, the frames now hung in the air, suspended? Hovering, just above the carpet!
Looking to the side, she then spotted Neal's right hand, outstretched, his fingers pointing directly at them!
"You've got magic?"
"Complements of Zeus. Surprise?"
~oOo~