The Historian (No 16)

by DeadGirlEtarnal

As a Historian, it is their job to watch over the land and record everything that happens, but unlike the Author, they write facts, not fiction, or manipulate the story. Landon Mills loves to write and begins writing stories, much to his Mother's love and when Storybrooke appears, that doesn't stop even when the Saviour rolls into town in her yellow bug. OCs only.

4. What did you ask for this time?

III. "What did you ask for this time?"

A long time ago, in the Enchanted Forest, Prince Charming's carriage travels along a path through the forest. The Prince sits inside with a Princess, who doesn't seem very interested in his company, and he isn't any better. "What do you think of the view, my dear?" Charming asks her, trying to start up a conversation.

"I've seen better," Abigail scoffs, turning away. "This is taking forever. I told you the Troll Road would've been quicker. And far less bumpy. Are you even listening to me?"

"Yes, of course I am," He replies, though he wishes he wasn't.

"Whoa, whoa!" The driver shouts, seeing something up ahead and stopping the horses.

"Now what?" Abigail asks, looking around as the carriage stops. The Prince gets out to investigate, leaving behind his bag on the seat.

"Worry not – it's but a fallen tree," Charming assures her and turns to the guards. "Fellas? Shall we?" While the guards and Prince are distracted, someone jumps on top of the carriage, startling the Princess inside. Prince Charming looks at the base of the tree, seeing something suspicious.

"My Lord? What is it?" A guard asks him, seeing the concern on the Prince's face.

"These markings. This tree didn't fall – it's been cut. It's an ambush," He announces, and the person on the carriage jumps to the ground and takes the Prince's bag left in the carriage, making Abigail scream in terror as she looks at the other woman. Prince Charming rushes back to help his future wife.

"Sir!" The guards shout after him.

"Guards! Stop, thief! Help me!" Abigail shouts, and Prince Charming jumps on a nearby horse and chases after the thief. When he catches up to the thief, the Prince tackles her to the ground.

"Show your face, you coward!" Charming snaps, turning around, and seeing the face of the thief. "You're…a girl."

"Woman," Snow corrects him. She grabs a rock and hits him across the face, forcing him off of her. She scrambles to her feet and back onto her horse, riding off.

"You can't hide from me! Wherever you are, I will find you!" He shouts after her as she rides off into the distance.

{BLESSING}

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret and Dr. Whale are having a date in Granny's Diner, and she doesn't feel like it's going well. "Um, where were we?" Whale asks her, not really listening to her. "Something about you wanting fifteen kids?"

"No! Good lord, no," Mary Margaret replies, shaking her head. "I meant in my class where I teach. You'll meet them tomorrow. They're coming to the hospital as part of the volunteer Outreach Program."

"Oh, yeah. That is a great program," He agrees.

"I mean, obviously, I don't want fifteen kids of my own. Um, I mean, not that I don't want kids. I do. I want kids, marriage, true love – I want it all. But that, of course, is…" She rambles, growing nervous, and Dr Whale ignores her, ogling Ruby as she clears the table. "... Wildly inappropriate for me to discuss on a first date."

"Hm?" The Doctor questions, turning back to look at Mary Margaret.

"Ruby!" The teacher shouts, gaining the waitress' attention.

"Yes, Mary Margaret?" Ruby asks, walking over to the table.

"Cheque, please," Mary Margaret snaps, glaring at Dr. Whale.

{BLESSING}

Mary Margaret storms down the street when she comes across Emma reading in her car. "Hey. You okay?" Mary Margaret asks, startling the blond.

"Oh, in the world of tight spots I've been in, crashing in my car doesn't even rank in the top ten," Emma replies, shrugging.

"You're sleeping here?" She gasps, looking at the small yellow car.

"Til I find a place," The blond woman replies, having been kicked out of the B&B.

"You decided to stay. For Henry," The teacher confirms, smiling.

"Yeah, I guess. This town doesn't seem to have any vacancies. None, actually. Is that normal?" Emma asks her, looking at the newspaper.

"Must be the curse," Mary Margaret jokes.

"Why are you out so late?" She wonders, looking at the other woman.

"Well, I'm a teacher, not a nun. I had a date," The raven-haired woman tells her.

"From the looks of things, it went well," The bail bondswoman remarks, seeing that it's not that late.

"As well as they ever do," Mary Margaret replies, shrugging.

"Tell me he at least paid," Emma questions, feeling sorry for the other woman.

"Mm-mm," She says, shaking her head.

"Ew," The blond woman groans.

"Well, guess if true love was easy, we'd all have it," The sweet teacher retorts. "You know, if things get cramped, I do have a spare room."

"Thanks. I'm not really the roommate type. It's just not my thing. I do better on my own," Emma replies kindly.

"Well, goodnight. Good luck with Henry," Mary Margaret says before walking away.

"Yeah…" She mutters, returning to her newspaper; when she looks up again, she sees a car pull up next to Mary Margaret. She goes to get out but sees the teacher calmly talking to them, and Landon gets out of the vehicle as she points back to Emma, who stupidly tries ducking in her seat, but it doesn't really work. Landon strolls towards the yellow car with a smirk as Emma scrambles to make it seem like she isn't living inside. Landon knocks on the window, and she rolls it down, looking at him with a nervous smile. "Hey, what's going on?"

"I just left Henry with Regina, and I wanted to talk to you about something on my sister's behalf." Landon informs her, and she looks at him in surprise.

"What is it?" The blond questions.

"She wanted to apologise about before with Henry, she really didn't know he was coming to meet her," He tells her, and Emma can't help but scoff a little. "And she wants to offer an olive branch."

"Really?" Emma asks. "What is it?" Landon fishes something out of his pocket, and she looks at it to see it's her old room key at the B&B.

"For however long you need it," The Newspaper Chief replies, smirking, and Emma takes the key, smiling.

"Tell her thank you," She says, taking the key happily.

"No problem. It's kind of sad that you're sleeping in your car," Landon teases her, and she rolls her eyes at him.

"Very funny," the blond scoffs, rolling up her window. He watches her, laughs, and heads back to his car.

{BLESSING}

The following morning, at the local hospital, Mary Margaret and her class run around the ward, helping decorate it for the patients. Mary Margaret notices Henry in a side room with a John Doe. The kid's about to touch his face, where there's a scar on his forehead, when Mary Margaret steps in behind him. "Henry," Mary Margaret calls him, startling the boy. We could really use your help with the decorations."

"Is Mr Doe going to be okay, Miss Blanchard?" Henry asks her, looking at the man in the hospital bed.

"His name's not John Doe, honey," She tells him. "That's just what they call people when they don't know who they are."

"Do you know who he is?" He asks her, turning to look at him.

"Nope. Just bring him flowers on my rounds," The teacher replies, looking at him.

"What's wrong with him?" The Mills boy wonders.

"I don't know. He's been like this as long as I've been volunteering," Mary Margaret tells him, looking at the man in the bed.

"Does he have any family or friends?" Henry asks.

"No one's claimed him," She replies sadly.

"So, he's all alone," He says.

"Yeah… It's quite sad," The raven-haired woman agrees, her gaze not moving from the man.

"You sure you don't know him?" The young Mills boy asks her.

"Course I'm sure. Come on. You shouldn't be in here," Mary Margaret tells him, turning them out of the room to see Landon walking into the ward with Dr. Whale. "What's going on?"

"I thought a little coverage about the Volunteer Outreach Program seemed like a good idea. And none of my reports were available, so I came down. And it gives me an excuse to spend some time with Henry," Landon replies, looking at his nephew, who runs into his side. "Just act naturally. I'll take some photos throughout the visit and ask some questions." Mary Margaret looks a little nervous, but the kids look excited to be in the local newspaper.

{BLESSING}

Later, Emma meets Henry at his 'castle' by the marine as he asks to talk to her about something. "I found your father - Prince Charming," Henry announces.

"Henry…" Emma sighs, looking at her son.

"He's in the hospital, in a coma. See the scar? He has one, too," He tells her, showing her the book.

"So? Lots of people have scars," She argues.

"In the same place? Don't you see what this means?" The Mills boy questions. "The Curse is keeping them apart with the coma. Now they're stuck without each other. We have to tell Miss Blanchard we found her Prince Charming."

"Okay, kid. Telling someone their soulmate is in a coma is probably not helpful. Not having a happy ending is painful enough, but giving someone unrealistic hope is far worse." The blond woman reasons, trying to stop him from upsetting the sweet woman with something like this.

"But what if I'm right? We know who they are. Now they have to know," Henry argues.

"And how do you intend to make that happen?" Emma asks him.

"By reminding him. We have to get her to read their story to John Doe," He replies. "Then, maybe, he'll remember who he is."

"Okay," She agrees, not seeing the harm in it.

"Okay?" The young Mills boy questions, looking at her.

"Yeah, we'll do it. But we'll do it my way. Let me ask her," The bail bondswoman tells him.

{BLESSING}

Mary Margaret makes herself and Emma cocoa as they sit and talk at her apartment. "You want me to read to a coma patient?" The teacher asks questions after Emma explains things to her.

"Henry thinks it will help him remember who he was," Emma replies.

"And, who does he think he was?" Mary Margaret asks her.

"Prince Charming," She answers.

"And if I'm Snow White, he thinks me…and him…" The raven-haired woman reasons softly.

"He has a very active imagination, which is the point," the blond woman tells her. "I can't talk him out of his beliefs, so we need to show him. Play along, do what he says, and maybe, just maybe."

"He'll see that fairy tales are just that," Mary Margaret adds. "That there's no such thing as love at first sight or first kiss. He'll see reality."

"Something like that," Emma agrees.

"Well, sadly this plan is rather genius. We get him to the truth without hurting him," She replies.

"I told him that we will all meet tomorrow for breakfast at Granny's. And you will give a full report," the bail bondswoman tells her.

"Well, I suppose I'll get ready for my date. I guess I'll have to do all the talking," The teacher jokes.

{BLESSING}

Mary Margaret sits later that day with John Doe in his room, away from every one, with Henry's book as she talks to the comatose patient. "Look, I know this is odd, but I'm doing it for a friend," Mary Margaret mutters, feeling foolish. "So please, just bear with me." She starts reading to John Doe about Snow White and Prince Charming. Near the end of the story, John Doe reaches out and grabs her hand, startling her. She quickly jumps from her seat and rushes out of the room in search of someone.

Mary Margaret and Dr Whale walk back into John Doe's room after she finds someone and tells him what happened. "No, I'm sure he's waking up," She argues. "He… He grabbed my hand."

"Everything's steady. The same as it's always been," Dr. Whale argues, looking over the machines. "What were you doing in here?"

"Oh, I was just reading h-him a story," Mary Margaret replies nervously.

"Oh. Well, perhaps you, um, dozed off. Perhaps you imagined it," he lies quickly.

"No, I didn't imagine anything," She snaps at him.

"Miss Blanchard, I can only tell you what I see, which is nothing," The Doctor retorts. "Sometimes, there are minor fluctuations in readings. Perhaps you heard the machine register something and misunderstood? Look, why don't you go home get some rest? If anything changes, I'll call you, okay?" Mary Margaret scoffs and storms out of the room. Once he knows the coast is clear, Dr. Whale grabs his phone and calls someone.

"Yes?" Regina answers the phone, still in her office.

"It's Dr. Whale. You told me to call you if there was ever a change in a John Doe," He replies. "Something's happened."

"What?" She asks him.

"One of our volunteers said he grabbed her," The Doctor informs her. "And there was a slight fluctuation in brain activity."

"And who was this volunteer?" The Mayor asks him.

"Mary Margaret Blanchard," Dr. Whale tells her, and Regina's face screws up in anger at the thought of the woman.

{BLESSING}

Mary Margaret goes home and sits on her bed, flipping through the book before she goes to sleep. She looks at the illustration of Snow White, feeling as if she knew the story already, and she goes to sleep, her mind racing as if memories are awakening.

{BLESSING}

Snow White gathers various things and puts them into a bag, needing to escape quickly after being almost caught by the Prince. She puts a necklace with a tiny dust-filled bottle around her neck before slinging the bag over her shoulder and heading outside her hideout. She walks a short distance and gets caught in a net, a trap set by Prince Charming, who comes out of hiding, laughing at the woman's misfortune. "I told you I'd find you. No matter what you do, I will always find you," Charming teases her.

"Is this the only way you can catch a woman? By entrapping her?" Snow taunts him.

"It's the only way to catch thieving scum," He replies.

"Aren't you a real 'prince charming'," She sneers angrily.

"I have a name, you know," The Prince argues.

"Don't care. Charming suits you. Now cut me down, Charming," the fugitive retorts.

"I'll release you, when you return the leather pouch you stole with my jewels," Charming argues, needing them back.

"Not the jewellery type," Snow replies sarcastically.

"Indeed. I noticed," He remarks, looking at her.

"What is that supposed to mean? Are you insulting me?" She snaps at him.

"No, quite right. My apologies. How dare I cast aspersions at the person who robbed me? Where are my jewels?" The Prince demands, growing annoyed at her for not telling him where his jewels are.

"I sold them," The raven-haired woman informs him.

"What?" Charming snaps, glaring at her.

"What do you care? Don't you have a palace full of treasures somewhere?" Snow asks, scoffing a little at his anger.

"These were special. Among them was a ring that belonged to my mother. A ring I was about to give-," He tells her.

"The nag with the bad attitude? That's what this is about?" She questions, looking at him.

"She's my fiancée," The Prince argues, though he knows Abigail isn't someone he truly cares about because she's so closed off.

"Good luck with that. You must be getting something impressive to have agreed to that union," The former Princess comments.

"Excuse me?" Charming questions, looking at her.

"I know how this works. True love? It doesn't exist," Snow argues. "It's all arranged marriages and business transactions. There's no such thing as love at first sight or first kiss. Let me guess – her kingdom wants to take over yours, and this is, what, a last-ditch effort to avoid war?"

"This is not a takeover. It's a merger, and quite frankly, it's none of your business," he retorts. "Now, this is what's going to happen." Snow hums, not really listening. "I'm going to cut you down and you will take me to whoever has my jewels and then, you're going to get my ring back."

"Mm-mm. Why would I do that?" She asks, looking at him.

"Because you don't want me to tell anyone who you really are," he argues and takes out a piece of paper, a wanted poster for Snow White. "Snow White, help me get my ring back, or I turn you over to the Queen's forces. And I have a feeling the Queen's not as 'charming' as I am."

"Well, I wouldn't want to stand in the way of your getting true love," The Princess sneers. He cuts Snow down, causing her to fall to the ground with a thud.

{BLESSING}

Henry and Landon sit at Granny's Diner, talking, when Emma walks out of the restroom after changing her shirt and walks back to the booth, not noticing the man now with her son. "Thanks for the shirt," Emma says, trying to smooth it out. "Hey, is this your mother's?" She looks up and sees Landon sitting next to Henry with a smirk.

"She'll never notice," Henry shrugs, looking at his uncle, who doesn't say anything.

"Where does she think you are, anyway?" She asks him, sitting down next to her son opposite Landon.

"Here with me and you," Landon tells her.

"And she's okay with that?" The blond asks, looking at him.

"She's okay that I'm here too, I think," He replies.

"Oh, imagine that," Emma laughs, and Mary Margaret enters the diner, looking for them.

"She's here," Henry announces, spotting his teacher. He is disappointed that the moment between his uncle and biological mother is cut short.

"Hey, don't get your hopes up. We're just getting started, okay?" She reminds her son.

"He woke up," Mary Margaret says, sitting beside Landon.

"What?" Emma and Landon question.

"I knew it," Henry beams.

"I mean, he didn't 'wake up' wake up, but he grabbed my hand," Mary Margaret explains.

"He's remembering," He tells her.

"What did the doctor say?" Landon asks her, looking concerned, knowing Regina will know about this. He is surprised to see the man in the hospital bed, never having seen him around town before, and knows that Regina wants him and Snow to pay for what they did to her back home.

"That I imagined it, but I'm not crazy. I know it happened," Mary Margaret replies firmly.

"We have to go back. You have to read to him again," Henry suggests.

"Let's go," She agrees quickly.

"Wait, wait what?" Emma asks, looking between them.

"If I got through to him, if we made a connection," The teacher tells her, looking at the blond woman.

"You don't believe…" She wonders, growing worried for the other woman.

"That he's Prince Charming? Of course not. Somehow, some way, I touched him," Mary Margaret replies.

{BLESSING}

Emma, Henry, and Mary Margaret jump out of Landon's car as he drops them off at the hospital. He then heads back to work, needing to sort some things out. "You're right—he's waking up," Henry says, walking into the hospital.

"Henry, you should stay back," Graham tells him, stopping the group from going any further.

"What's going on? Is it John Doe? Is he okay?" Mary Margaret asks, growing frantic as she looks around.

"He's missing," He informs them, and they notice Regina inside John Doe's room. Regina sees them and approaches them.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Regina asks. "And you – I thought you were with your uncle. Now you're lying to me?"

"I was!" Henry argues, earning a glare from his mother.

"What happened to John Doe? Did someone take him?" Mary Margaret asks, turning the attention to her.

"We don't know yet. His IVs were ripped out but there's no sign for sure there's a struggle." Graham informs them.

"It is curious that the Mayor is here," Emma comments, looking at Regina.

"I'm here because I'm his emergency contact," Regina replies calmly.

"You know him?" Mary Margaret questions.

"I found him on the side of the road years ago with no ID," she tells them. "I brought him here."

"Mayor Mills saved his life," Dr. Whale adds.

"Will he be okay?" Mary Margaret asks, looking at the Doctor.

"Okay? The man's been on feeding tubes for years on constant supervision. He needs to get back here right away or, quite honestly, 'okay' might be a pipe dream," He warns them of the worst-case scenario.

"Well then, let's quit yapping and start looking," Emma says, wanting to help.

"That's what we're doing," Regina assures her. "Just stay out of this, dear. And I only allowed you to see Henry because Landon assured me that he would be there. I don't like being lied to. Keep the shirt," She says to Emma and then turns to Graham. "Sheriff, find John Doe. You heard Dr. Whale. Time is precious." "Regina takes Henry, leaving together.

"Uncle Landon was there, he had to go back to work," Henry defends his uncle and Emma. Regina looks at him and gets out her phone, seeing a text from her brother.

"Fine, I believe you. But I don't want you to go looking for John Doe. You don't know what could happen," Regina argues, wanting to keep her son safe, and he seems to agree, nodding.

"Doctor, how long between your rounds since you last saw him?" Graham asks, beginning his search for John Doe.

"Twelve hours or so," Dr. Whale replies.

"Then that's what we need to account for," He says grimly.

{BLESSING}

The Sheriff heads into the security room, and Mary Margaret and Emma follow to find Walter and Leroy waiting inside. "You two were the only employees on the floor last night. And you saw nothing," Graham questions the men.

"Not a thing," Walter answers.

"Did anyone walk by?" Emma asks them.

"I didn't see nothin'," Leroy denies.

"Miss Blanchard, was there anything unusual you saw during your trip with your class?" Graham asks, turning to the teacher.

"I don't think so," Mary Margaret replies.

"We're looking at the wrong tape. This is the ward where Henry's class put up decorations. If this was really the tape from last night, we'd see the banners the kids hung," Emma argues, looking at the screen.

"Tch, you fell asleep again," Leroy snaps, looking at his friend.

"You selling me out?" Walter asks, looking at him in betrayal.

"I ain't getting fired for this," He argues.

"At least I don't drink on the job," The security guard snaps back.

"Gentlemen, enough. Where's the real tape?" Graham asks, stopping their bickering, and Walter switches the tapes back. They see John Doe leave his bed and walk out the door.

"He walked out alone. He's okay," Mary Margaret sighs, glad he isn't in any immediate danger from anyone else.

"Four hours ago. Where does this door lead?" Emma asks, looking at the screen.

"The woods," Leroy answers with dread.

{BLESSING}

Prince Charming and Snow White travel through the forest to look for the Prince's stolen jewels. "I thought you weren't the jewellery type. What's that around your neck?" He questions, gesturing to the necklace around her neck.

"Don't worry about it," Snow replies, and he takes the necklace from her. "Careful! It's a weapon."

"Dust? What kind of weapon is dust?" Charming asks teasingly.

"Fairy dust," She tells him.

"I thought that was a good thing?" The Prince retorts.

"When it comes from a good fairy," The former Princess argues. "This stuff? Is deadly. It transforms the most fearsome of adversaries into a form that's easily squashed."

"Then why didn't you use it on me?" He asks her.

"Cause you're not worth it. It's very hard to come by. I'm saving it for a special someone," Snow tells him, glaring at the image of the Queen in her mind.

"Ah, the Queen. You got a lot of anger there, don't you, Snow?" Charming questions, guessing right away at the person she hates the most.

"The charges on her posters are lies. Her brother made them up. It didn't stop her from sending her huntsman to rip out my heart," She argues.

"What happened?" he asks her, not knowing the real story, just what he's heard from others.

"Well, not everyone is a soulless royal," the fugitive retorts. "He took pity on me and let me go. I've been hiding in the forest ever since. Trying to amass enough fortune to leave this place. Escape to another realm. Somewhere isolated. Where I can never be hurt."

"Sounds lonely," The Prince comments, looking at her.

"No lonelier than an arranged marriage," Snow replies, looking back at him.

"At least I don't prey on the innocent," Charming argues.

"Up until now, I've only ever stolen from the Queen. I thought your carriage was one of hers. No one else ever uses that road," She tells him, though she doesn't feel that guilty about stealing from him.

"I took the scenic route," He replies, shrugging.

"Well, lucky for me. All I'm doing, Charming, is what it takes to survive. She wants me dead." The raven-haired woman argues.

"So, what did you do to incur that much wrath?" The Prince asks, not being able to stop himself.

"She blames me for ruining her life," Snow answers.

"Did you?" Charming asks her, and she stops, thinking about what Landon told her long ago.

"Yes," She answers, walking with him until they reach a river. "I'm thirsty. May I?"

"Sure. Make it quick," he agrees, and they drink from the river. While he has his back turned, Snow hits the Prince and then pushes him into the river. She digs through the bag to find the pouch. Snow runs back into the forest until she gets to the road. There, she encounters the Evil Queen's guards, led by Landon, who surround the fugitive Princess.

"Huh. Look who we found, gentlemen," Landon muses as he looks at the Princess, who looks back at him with terror. "There's nowhere to hide. My sister, the Queen, wants your heart. And we're not going to disappoint her."

{BLESSING}

Emma, Graham, and Mary Margaret search for John Doe in the woods but don't know where to start when Graham stops and spots something. "What is it?" Emma asks, moving towards him.

"The trail runs out here," Graham informs her.

"You sure? Because I thought tracking was one of your skills," She replies, teasing him a little.

"Just give me a second. This is my world. I got it," He assures her and looks around at their surroundings.

"Right. Sorry," The blond mutters, moving towards Mary Margaret.

"What does he mean, 'His world'? Isn't finding people your thing, too?" Mary Margaret questions, looking at the other woman.

"Sure. Just, people I find usually run places like Vegas. Not a lot hit the woods," Emma replies.

"That's an interesting job – finding people. How'd you fall into it?" She asks, wanting to get to know her better.

"Looking for people is just what I've done. As long as I can remember," the bail bondswoman tells her, thinking of her past.

"What made you start? Your parents? Henry told me that your… Th-that you were from a similar situation to his own. Did you ever find them?" The teacher wonders.

"Depends who you ask," Emma argues. They hear a crack from behind them, and they turn around as Henry runs down a hill to meet them.

"Henry!" Mary Margaret exclaims, looking at the boy.

"Did you find him yet?" Henry asks, looking around.

"No, not yet. You shouldn't be here," Emma tells him, moving towards her son.

"I can help. I know where he's going," He argues, looking at the adults.

"And where's that?" Mary Margaret asks him.

"He's looking for you," The Mills boy tells her.

{BLESSING}

Landon slams Snow against a tree as a guard takes a dagger and approaches her. "Hold her still," The guard sneers, raising the dagger above Snow's chest, but is suddenly hit by a knife from behind and collapses dead. Prince Charming emerges from behind a tree and begins fighting with Landon, who is more muscular than the Prince, who puts up a better fight. Snow runs towards the fallen guard's horse, trying to find a weapon, but she's grabbed by another guard on horseback. Charming stabs Landon in the lower abdomen, winning his fight as Landon falls, clutching his bleeding stomach; then the Prince notices the retreating guard and Snow. He takes a bow and an arrow, shooting the guard off the horse.

"Are you alright?" Charming asks her, walking towards her.

"You… You saved me," Snow gasps, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Seemed like the honourable thing to do. Are you ready?" He asks.

"For what?" She questions.

"My jewels," The Prince replies.

"Right, you've got a wedding to get to. The trolls I sold them to are just beyond the next ridge. We need to be careful," The fugitive tells him.

"What? Of Trolls?" Charming questions.

"You've clearly never met one," Snow retorts.

"Aren't they just little people?" He argues, never meeting one before.

"You're thinking of dwarves. Show a little respect. They'll cut your hand off sooner than they'll shake it," she warns him, then she looks back to see Landon has disappeared.

"Well, then let's get this over with," The Prince tells her.

"Yes, we've both got places to be. So, let's go," The former Princess replies, not wanting their time together to end and not knowing he feels the same way.

"You have your lonely little corner of solitude to find?" Charming jokes.

"And you have a ringless fiancée to appease," Snow retorts, smiling at him, which he returns.

{BLESSING}

Emma, Graham, Mary Margaret, and Henry are still searching the woods for John Doe with no luck. "You're the one who woke him up," Henry tells his teacher. "You're the last one he saw. He wants to find you!"

"Henry, it's not about me," Mary Margaret argues, shaking her head at the idea. "I just… I think he's lost and confused. He's been in a coma a long time."

"But he loves you! You need to stop chasing him, and let him find you," He replies.

"Kid. You need to go home. Where's your mum? She's going to kill me and then you…and then me again," Emma says, knowing that Regina still doesn't fully trust her with Henry alone.

"She dropped me at the house. Then went right out," The young Mills boy informs her.

"Well, we need to get you back immediately," She argues.

"No!" Henry shouts.

"Guys!" Graham calls, stopping their shouting, and they turn to see the Sheriff's found John Doe's bloody hospital bracelet on the ground.

"Is that…" Mary Margaret gasps.

"Blood," Emma replies grimly.

{BLESSING}

Prince Charming and Snow White arrive at the bridge they need on the guard's stolen horseback. They get off, and Snow sends the horse away. "Trolls don't like horses," she tells him. "We walk from here. Follow me and keep quiet."

"Where are they?" Charming asks her, looking around.

"Oh, they're here," Snow tells him, placing a pile of gold coins on the edge of the bridge. Several Trolls then climb up the side of the bridge, confronting her and the Prince. "It's fine. I know them."

"Why're you here? I thought we were done," The Troll leader questions, glaring at the Princess.

"I want to make another trade," She replies firmly.

"I'm not talking in front of him. Who is this guy?" He asks, glaring at the Prince.

"No, he's with me," The former Princess argues.

"Oh, that's good. With you. That makes it all fine," The Troll sneers.

"He's no one. Look, I want to buy back the jewels I sold you," Snow tells him.

"Who is he?" He demands.

"I said don't worry about it. Look, I'll give you back all your money. Just give me the ring. You can keep everything else," She assures them, and another Troll takes out the pouch, going to give it to the Prince.

"Thank you. We appreciate the help," Charming says.

"He's too eager. This is a setup," The Leader snaps.

"It's not!" Snow promises.

"He's a royal!" The Troll shouts angrily and grabs Snow. Charming draws his sword to defend her.

"Let her go!" Charming demands.

"No! You can trust me. Look, you can trust me," Snow promises them. "If I wanted to set you up, I would have done it the first time."

"The time for dealing is done. Seize him!" The Troll orders the others. The other Trolls check Prince Charming's bag and pat him down. They take the necklace of Dark Fairy dust and throw it aside. They find the wanted poster for Snow White. "Snow White. Quite a reward. Take her." The Prince picks his sword off of the ground and attacks the Trolls. Snow runs away but looks back for the Prince as he fights off the Trolls.

"Go! I'm right behind you," Charming assures her, and the former Princess runs. But grabs the Dark Fairy dust on her way. Charming fights off the Trolls and manages to kick one off the bridge. One of the Trolls trips the Prince, and the others drag him back. Snow runs through the forest, thinking he's behind her.

"Follow me! They don't know the forest like I do," Snow says, soon realising that the Trolls have the Prince. The Trolls are about to kill the Prince back at the Troll bridge.

"Royal blood is the sweetest of all," The Troll Leader sneers and Snow returns to the bridge, using the Dark Fairy dust to transform the Trolls into bugs.

"You… You saved me," Charming gasps, looking at her.

"It's the honourable thing to do," Snow replies, smiling as she mimics his reply to her from before.

"What about your special someone?" He asks her.

"I'll think of something else," She assures him.

"Thank you," The Prince replies.

"Anyway, how could I let Prince Charming die?" The Princess questions.

"I told you – I have a name. It's James," Charming tells her, though he gives his twin brother's name.

"It's nice to meet you, James. We should go. There may be more of them coming," Snow warns him, and they leave quickly together.

{BLESSING}

The four continue their search in the woods for John Doe, heading further in after finding the bloody ID bracelet, and they come to the Toll Bridge. "Where is he? Can you see him?" Mary Margaret asks, frantically searching.

"The trail dies at the water line," Graham informs them, and they spot John Doe lying partially in the river.

"Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!" She gasps, racing towards him.

"I need an ambulance! At the old Toll Bridge, as soon as possible," He calls into the radio, and the adults drag John Doe to the shore.

"No, no, no, no, no! No, no, no! I found you!" The teacher mutters, looking him over.

"It's going to be okay," Emma assures her friend.

"Help's coming," Graham tells them.

"Is he okay?" Henry asks, moving closer.

"Henry…" Emma mutters, looking at her son and moving towards him, trying to shield him from the scene.

"Is he going to be okay?" He asks her.

"Henry, don't look. Okay? Don't look," She tells him.

"Come back to us. Come back to me," Mary Margaret mutters, starting CPR, and when she puts her mouth on his, John Doe starts breathing again and coughing up water.

"You saved me," John Doe mutters, looking at the woman above him.

"She did it. She did it! She woke him up," Henry beams.

"Yeah, kid. She did," Emma replies.

"Thank you," John Doe mutters.

"Who are you?" Mary Margaret asks him gently.

"I don't know," He replies, confused.

"It's okay. You're going to be okay," She assures him as the sirens grow closer.

{BLESSING}

John Doe is brought into the hospital, with the others following behind. The paramedics are replaced by nurses and Dr Whale. "Watch your back. Coming through!" a nurse shouts as they wheel the bed through.

"We got it from here," Dr. Whale assures them, and they watch through the glass as John Doe is treated by the doctors and nurses. A blond woman frantically bursts into the room where John Doe is being treated and rushes to his side.

"David! David, is that you?" She questions nervously, looking at the man lying in the hospital bed.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" Dr. Whale says, gaining her attention.

"Oh my god…" The woman gasps.

"Ma'am, you can't be in here. Please, you can't be here right now," He tells her.

"David…" She mutters.

"You can't be here, ma'am. Can you wait over here for a second, okay?" The Doctor requests, leading her out of the room as she watches from the window.

"Who is that?" Mary Margaret asks, watching from afar, and Regina and Landon walk up behind them.

"His wife," Regina informs them, much to their shock.

{BLESSING}

Snow White and Prince Charming walk through the forest away from the Troll Bridge before splitting up to go their separate ways. "So… Well, you probably want this," Charming says, giving her the pouch of gold.

"Right, the gold. Thank you. And, um, you can't get married without this," Snow replies, giving him the pouch with his jewels and the ring back. He takes out his mother's ring.

"Ah. I know – not your style," He teases her.

"Well, there's only one way to find out," She replies, trying on the ring. "Yeah, not me at all. I'm sure your fiancée will love it." She lies, giving the ring back, not wanting to admit the butterflies it gave her.

"Yeah. Yeah, if you need more, you can have the rest. The ring is all I require," The Prince tells her.

"Oh, no. I'm good, thanks. We both got what we wanted," The fugitive argues.

"Well, wherever you're going, be careful. If… If you need anything," Charming stutters nervously.

"You'll find me," Snow replies.

"Always," Charming adds.

"I almost believe that," She laughs.

"Well, goodbye, Snow White," He laughs, shaking his head at her antics.

"Goodbye, Prince Charming," The Princess says, smiling sadly.

"I told you – it's James," The Prince lies, using his dead brother's name.

"Nah, still like Charming better," Snow jokes, and they part ways, looking back at each other separately.

{BLESSING}

Kathryn and David are in the hospital room together, and Emma, Regina, Landon, Henry, and Mary Margaret stand outside the room, watching the married couple talk inside. "His name is David Nolan," Regina informs them. "And that's his wife, Kathryn. And the joy on her face, well, it's put me in quite the forgiving mood." She turns to Henry. "We'll talk about your insubordination later. Do you know what insubordination means? It means you're grounded." Kathryn walks out of the room towards the others.

"Thank you. Thank you for finding my David," Kathryn says, looking at the search party.

"Um, I-I don't understand. You didn't… You didn't know that he was here in a coma?" Mary Margaret questions nervously.

"A few years ago, David and I were not getting along. It was my fault; I know that now," she explains. "I was difficult and unsupportive. I told him if he didn't like things, he could leave. And he did. And I didn't stop him. It was the worst mistake I ever made."

"You didn't go look for him?" Emma questions, frowning.

"I assumed he'd left town all this time," Mrs Nolan replies. "And now I know why I never heard from him. Now I get to do what I've wanted to do forever – say I'm sorry. Now we get a second chance."

"That's wonderful," Mary Margaret mutters almost bitterly, and Kathryn turns to Landon.

"Thank you for telling me," Kathryn says, making the others look at him.

"I only ran the story," Landon replies, not caring too much, though he does feel a little sorry for Mary Margaret's broken heart. He didn't intend to reunite David with his wife, only find out his name.

"Well, it's something of a miracle," Dr. Whale remarks, walking over them.

"He's okay?" Kathryn asks the Doctor.

"Ah, physically, he's on the mend, um, his memory is another issue. It may take time, if at all," he informs them.

"What brought him back?" Mary Margaret wonders.

"That's the thing. There's no explanation. Something just clicked in him," The Doctor tells them, just as clueless as the others.

"He just got up and decided to go for a stroll?" Emma questions.

"He woke up and he was delirious and his first instinct was to go find something, I guess." Dr. Whale replies.

"Someone," Henry mutters, looking at Mary Margaret.

"Can I see him?" Kathryn asks the Doctor.

"Yeah, of course," Dr. Whale tells her, and Kathryn returns to David's room.

"Henry, let's go," Regina announces.

"Wait, my backpack," Henry replies and goes back to grab his backpack, whispering to Mary Margaret. "Don't believe them. You're the one he was looking for."

"Henry…" Mary Margaret mutters, looking at him.

"He was going to the Troll Bridge. It's like the end of the story," he tells her.

"Henry, he was going there because it's the last thing I read to him," She argues.

"No, it's because you belong together," The Mills boy replies firmly.

"Henry," Landon calls for him, and Henry runs to his mum and uncle, leaving.

{BLESSING}

Emma catches up to Regina, Henry, and Landon, who are leaving the hospital entrance. "Madam Mayor!" Emma calls for Regina, making her stop.

"Wait by the car," Regina tells Henry and Landon, and they leave the two women alone. "Miss Swan, I let you off the hook back there. Don't press it."

"I'm sorry about letting Henry stay, but I promise it won't happen again," She assures her, and Regina nods. "But I have to ask, Mrs Nolan? Kind of feels like her story could be a load of crap. All this time, there's a John Doe lying around in a coma and nobody puts it in the news, nobody goes looking. Something's not right here."

"Well, what else would make sense to you?" She questions. "My brother only became Chief a few years ago. I can't answer as to why it wasn't in the news anymore than you can. And why would Miss Nolan lie? Do you think I cast a spell on her?"

"No, I don't," The blond woman tells her, surprising the Mayor. "I think it's rather strange you've been his emergency contact all these years and you only found her now."

"Well, this town is bigger than you know. It's entirely possible to get lost here. It's entirely possible for bad things to happen," The Mayor argues.

"And just when it's convenient, you manage to solve the mystery?" the blond woman asks, still not trusting Regina.

"Thanks to you. That tape you found was a stroke of genius," Regina replies. "So, we went back and looked at past tapes. Turns out Mr. Doe's been talking in his sleep. He's been calling out for a 'Kathryn'. After that, it wasn't hard to put the pieces together. And Landon put the information into the late addition. And here I thought you and Mary Margaret would be pleased. True love won out. So bask in the moment, dear. Were it not for you two, they would have lived their lives completely alone. That's why I'm willing to forgive your incessant rudeness. Because all this has reminded me of something oh-so-very important. How grateful I am to have Henry. Because not having someone? Well, that's the worst curse imaginable." She turns to leave but stops. "I'm not going to stop you from seeing him. But I want it reminded that I want my brother there at all times till I can be assured nothing will happen to him." She walks away to join the others in the car.

"That was very nice of you," Landon comments, getting into the front passenger seat. "But you're going to have to trust her with Henry sooner or later."

"I'd rather it be later," The dark-haired woman replies, starting the car.

{BLESSING}

Mary Margaret watches David and Kathryn hug in his room from the hallway. She looks down at her hands, fiddling with her ring—the same ring Prince Charming would give to his fiancee. She leaves quickly, wanting to get home to be alone after the heartbreak.

{BLESSING}

Mary Margaret later sits at home alone when there's a knock on the door. She opens it to see Emma standing there nervously. "Emma," Mary Margaret mutters, looking at her.

"Sorry to bother you so late. Is that spare room still available?" Emma asks nervously, wanting to put down permanent roots for Henry. Mary Margaret nods, letting Emma inside. She looks at the teacher, close to tears, hugging her stiffly and trying to comfort her.

{BLESSING}

A group of well-dressed women walk to a carriage and get inside before heading off, leaving behind a scruffy-looking woman. In the background, there is a castle. Fireworks are being set off in celebration. A Fairy appears and flies towards the woman. "Do not despair, my dear," The Fairy Godmother tells her, making her look at the Fairy. "You will attend the ball."

"Who are you?" Cinderella asks, and the Fairy transforms into a woman.

"I'm your Fairy Godmother," She announces. "And I'm here to change your life, Cinderella."

"But, my stepmother told me that I couldn't go. She forbade me to leave," The scruffy-looking woman argues.

"Your stepmother doesn't have this," The Fairy tells her, showing the wand. "This wand has the power to take you to your ball, to your prince, and to-." The Fairy Godmother suddenly disintegrates, dropping her wand. Rumpelstiltskin appears in her place, picking up the wand.

"What… What did you do?" Cinderella asks, looking at him in fear and confusion.

"Now, now. I got what I wanted. There's no need to be frightened," Rumpelstiltskin assures her.

"No need? You just killed my Fairy Godmother. She was trying to help me," She argues.

"Was she? Do you know what this is?" He questions, holding up the wand.

"Pure magic," The woman answers.

"Pure evil. Trust me – I've done you a favour," The Dark One retorts. "All magic comes with a price. Go on back to your life and thank your lucky stars you still got something to go back to."

"My life… It's wretched," Cinderella mutters soulfully.

"Then change it. You can't handle this," Rumpelstiltskin warns her and turns to leave.

"Wait. Please, wait. I can handle it. Please. I will do anything to get out of here. Anything," She pleads with him, gaining his attention.

"Anything?" He questions.

"Do you know how to use that wand, Mr…?" The scruffy-looking woman asks him.

"Rumpelstiltskin. And yes, of course I do," The Dark One assures her.

"Then help me," Cinderella begs him.

"Well, if I do, and you can, indeed, shoulder the consequences, then you'll owe me a favour," Rumpelstiltskin argues, looking at her.

"Name it. What do you want?" She asks him.

"Something…precious," He tells her.

"I have nothing," The girl in Cinders argues.

"Oh, but you will. With this wish will come riches more than you know," The crocodile replies.

"I care nothing for riches. I'll give you anything you want. Just get me out of here," Cinderella pleads.

"Now we're talking," Rumpelstiltskin smirks.

"Well, how does it work?" She asks him.

"Fear not! My needs are small, and all you have to do is sign on the dotted line," he tells her, taking out a lengthy contract that he knows she won't read. "Do we have a deal?"

"Yes. Yes, thank you," Ella smiles, signing the contract. Rumpelstiltskin waves the wand and turns her into a Princess with a blue ballgown, and the look wouldn't be complete without the glass slippers.

"Ta-dah!" The Dark One exclaims dramatically.

"Glass?" Cinderella questions, looking at the glass high heels.

"Every story needs a memorable detail," Rumpelstiltskin argues. "Let's see how they fit, shall we? Now, you have a good time. But be sure to watch the clock." He watches her leave in the carriage, but he's not alone. Landon comes up behind him, joining him as they watch Cinderella head to the ball.

"That was nice of you," Landon comments, and Rumpelstiltskin turns to look at the older Mills child. "But nothing with you comes without a price. What did you ask for this time?"

"Why? Worried you won't be able to cash in with the King?" He questions, glaring at the Historian.

"Not at all. Worried you won't," The Historian smirks. "See you around, Rumpel."

{BLESSING}

Emma, Henry and Landon walk down the main street, heading towards the school bus. "You sure we can be out in the open?" Henry asks, knowing his mum is still overly protective of him.

"Yeah. Your mum has made it very clear that the only time we can spend time together is when we're with your uncle Landon," Emma replies. "Even if it's just walking you to a school bus, I am more than happy to do that."

"You're brave," Landon laughs, earning a mocking shove, though he doesn't even budge.

"We'll need that for Operation Cobra. Speaking of – do you think we need code names?" Henry asks, changing the subject.

"Isn't 'cobra' our code name?" Emma questions.

"That's the mission. I mean us. I need something to call you," He tells her.

"Oh. Um, well, why don't you just call me Emma for now?" She replies nervously and looks at Landon for help.

"Okay. Well then, I'll see you later, Emma," The Mills boy says. "Bye, uncle Lala." He jumps onto the bus, which leaves shortly after.

"That boy," Landon grumbles as he hears Emma giggling. "Think that's funny?" He turns to her, and she dashes off ahead when Graham's cop car pulls up before her.

"What's with the siren?" Emma asks, looking at Graham as Landon walks up behind her.

"It's so hard to get your attention," Graham replies.

"Well, you got it. Are you arresting me again?" She questions, though she knows she hasn't done anything wrong.

"I'm thanking you. For your help finding that coma patient," He assures her. "We all owe you a depth of gratitude."

"Well, what does she get? Accommodation? Key to the city?" Landon asks jokingly. "I'm sure she'll love the attention."

"Not funny," Emma hisses, but he smirks at her.

"How about a job? I could use a deputy," Graham offers.

"Thank you, but I have a job," She replies offhandedly.

"As a bail bondsperson? There's not much of that going on here," he argues.

"I don't see a lot of sheriffing going on around here, either," Landon retorts, making the Sheriff glare at him, though the glare back makes him falter.

"Well, here's your chance to see it up close," The Sheriff tells her, ignoring Landon. "There's dental? Why don't you think about it? And stay a while."

{BLESSING}

Emma sits alone at Granny's Diner as Landon has to go to work, and Ruby serves her her regular cocoa. "Thank you," Emma smiles politely, and Regina steps inside, spotting Emma and sitting with her.

"How was your walk with Henry?" Regina asks her, surprising the blond. "That's right – I know everything. But relax. I don't mind."

"You don't?" She questions.

"No. Because you no longer worry me, Miss Swan. You see, I did a little digging into who you are. And what I found out was quite soothing. It all comes down to the number seven," The Mayor replies.

"Seven?" The bail bondswoman wonders.

"It's the number of addresses you've had in the last decade. Your longest in anywhere was two years. Really, what did you enjoy so much about Tallahassee?" Regina ponders.

"If you were wondering, I did find a place here in town," Emma tells her.

"I know. With Miss Blanchard. How long is your lease? Oh, wait. You don't have one," She retorts. "You see my point? In order for something to grow, Miss Swan, it needs roots. And you? Don't have any. People don't change. They only fool themselves into believing they can."

"You don't know me," The blond woman argues.

"No, I think I do. All I ask is, as you carry on your transient life, you think of Henry and what's best for him. Perhaps consider a clean break. It's going to happen anyway. And I don't want Henry to be hurt with you leaving suddenly. Enjoy your cocoa," The dark-haired woman replies before getting up and leaving the diner. Emma goes to stand up and chase after the Mayor but spills her cocoa over her shirt. Ruby rushes over to help, handing her a cloth.

"Oh! Really?" Emma groans, looking down at her ruined shirt.

"Eesh," Ruby cringes, looking at the mess.

"Do you have a laundry room I can use?" she asks, and the waitress nods, humming, and points her toward the back.

{BLESSING}

Emma angrily walks into the laundry room, removes her shirt, and throws it into the washer. A young girl is also in the room, holding pink sheets. "Oh, no, no, no, no!" She mutters.

"You okay?" Emma asks him.

"The sheets. They're uh… They're pink," Ashley replies, showing her.

"You try bleach?" She suggests, and the younger woman puts down the sheets, showing her heavily pregnant belly. "Oh."

"Last night, I felt contractions, and the Doctor said that the baby could come any day now." the younger blond woman tells her.

"Well, that's great," The bail bondswoman replies, smiling.

"It's just that, um, when the… When the baby comes, no one thinks that I can do this. No one thinks I can do anything. Maybe they're right," Ashley sighs, frowning.

"Screw 'em," Emma tells her.

"What?" She asks, looking at the older blond.

"Screw them. How old are you?" The blond woman asks her, trying to help.

"Nineteen," The pregnant woman replies.

"I was eighteen," Emma tells her.

"When… When you had a kid?" Ashley questions.

"Yeah. I know what it's like. Everyone loves to tell you what you can and can't do, especially with a kid. But ultimately, whatever you're considering doing or giving up, the choice is yours," She encourages her.

"It's not exactly what you might think it is," The young blond woman argues.

"It never is. People are going to tell you who you are your whole life. You just got to punch back and say, 'No', this is who I am.' You want people to look at you differently? Make them. If you want to change things, you're going to have to go out there and change them yourself because there are no Fairy Godmothers in this world," The bail bondswoman replies, trying to tell her what is best, though mainly projecting onto her.

{BLESSING}

Mr Gold closes up his Pawn Shop for the night and leaves as Ashley waits by the side of the building for him. Once he's gone, she breaks the window on the door with a brick and unlocks the door, entering the deserted shop. Ashley heads to the back of the shop, finding a hidden safe. However, Mr Gold surprises her, walking up behind her. "Ashley. What are you doing?" Mr Gold asks her, surprising the woman, who turns to look at him.

"Changing my life," Ashley replies and maces him, making him shout in pain as he falls, his head hitting the floor, knocking himself unconscious. Ashley quickly takes his keys and unlocks the safe.

{BLESSING}

Regina puts on lipstick and looks in the mirror as Henry sits at the table reading a comic book, waiting for his uncle. "I know you think otherwise, but I don't enjoy these Saturday city council meetings," Regina comments, looking at her son. "Sometimes, they're just unavoidable. Now, you know the rules."

"Wait for uncle Landon. Yes on homework, no on TV, and stay inside," Henry repeats, sulking.

"Good boy. Under no circumstance do you leave this house," She warns him.

"You mean, don't see my mum," He argues.

"I don't want to have this conversation again, Henry. I just want you to be safe. That's all I want for you. We don't know her all that well. I'm just trying to protect you," The Mayor reminds him, and he looks back to his comic. "Now, do as your uncle Landon and I say, or there will be consequences. I'll be back at five sharp." Regina walks out of the door and pulls out of the driveway. Henry quickly grabs his backpack and heads for the door as it opens to Landon.

"Whoa! Kid, hold your horses. Where do you think you're going?" Landon asks him, making Henry squirm.

{BLESSING}

Mary Margaret makes food while Emma unpacks the things sent from her old apartment. "I'm so glad my stuff is here," Emma smiles, looking around at the small number of boxes. "Oh, thanks." She accepts the dish.

"So, that's all your stuff?" Mary Margaret asks, looking at the boxes.

"What do you mean?" She questions, looking at her stuff.

"Is the rest in storage?" The teacher wonders.

"No, this is all of it. I'm not sentimental," The blond woman argues.

"Well, it must make things easier when you have to move," Mary Margaret comments. There's a knock at the door, and she answers it.

"Miss Blanchard. Is Miss Swan here?" Mr Gold asks, and Emma gets up and comes to the door. Mr Gold shakes her hand. "Hi, my name's Mr Gold. We met briefly on your arrival."

"I remember," Emma replies.

"Good. I have a proposition for you, Miss Swan. I, uh… I need your help. I'm looking for someone," he tells her.

"Really? Um…" She says, looking at her new roommate.

"You know what? I'm going to go jump in the bath," Mary Margaret announces, leaving the two standing by the door.

"I have a photo. Her name is Ashley Boyd," Mr Gold tells her. "And she's taken something quite valuable of mine."

"So, why don't you just go to the police?" Emma asks him.

"Because, uh… She's a confused young woman. She's pregnant. Alone and scared. I don't want to ruin this young girl's life. But I just want my property returned," He tells her, not telling her the whole truth.

"What is it?" She asks.

"Well, one of the advantages of you not being the police is discretion. Let's just say it's a precious object and leave it at that," The man replies.

"When'd you see her last?" The blond woman questions.

"Last night. That's how I got this," Mr Gold tells her, showing the cut on the side of his head. "It's so unlike her. She was quite wound up. Rambling on and on about changing her life. I have no idea what got into her. Miss Swan, please help me find her. My only other choice is the police, and I don't think anyone wants to see that baby born in jail now, do they?"

"No, of course not," Emma replies, thinking of her conversation with the girl the other day.

"So, you'll help me, then?" He asks.

"I will help her," She corrects him.

"Grand," The Pawn Shop owner replies, and Henry walks into the apartment without knocking.

"Henry," Landon scolds him, pulling him back when he spots Mr Gold.

"Hey, Emma. I was thinking we-," Henry says, stopping when he sees Mr Gold.

"Hey, Henry. How are you?" Mr Gold greets the boy.

"Okay?" He replies questioningly.

"Good. Hello, Landon," The man says, looking at the News Editor. "Give my regards to your mother. And, um, good luck, Miss Swan." He passes the Mills boys as he leaves.

"Do you know who that is?" The young Mills boy asks, looking at Emma.

"Yeah, course I do," Emma replies.

"Who? Cause I'm still trying to figure it out," Henry replies, looking at his uncle.

"Oh. I meant in reality," She retorts.

"Is that all you brought?" Landon asks, changing the subject.

"Henry, what are you both doing here?" The blond woman questions, looking at her son and his uncle.

"My mum's gone til five. I thought we could hang out," Henry replies.

"Ah, kid. I wish I could. But there's something I got to do," Emma tells him.

{BLESSING}

Henry and Landon follow Emma outside, walking down the street as the blond heads off to find Ashley. "Please let us help," Henry pleads with her.

"No! No, it could be dangerous," Emma argues, looking at Landon for help.

"The pregnant maid is dangerous?" He questions.

"She assaulted Mr Gold," She tells him.

"Cool!" The Mills boy exclaims, earning a soft nudge from his uncle.

"This isn't a game," Landon argues.

"She's desperate," Emma adds.

"How do you know?" Henry asks her.

"Because I know," She replies.

"Well, then let's find her," He suggests.

"Oh, no, no, no, no. There is no let's. You cannot come with me," The bail bond woman argues.

"Then I'll look for her myself," The young Mills boy counters.

"Then I'll find you and I'll bring you back," Landon tells his nephew.

"Then you wouldn't be helping the maid," Henry argues.

"I am just trying to be responsible, here," Emma retorts.

"And I'm just trying to spend time with you," He replies, getting into Emma's car.

"Oh, that is really not fair," She groans, looking at Landon. "You not going to help?"

"Oh, I think you have it handled," Landon laughs, and his phone goes off, stopping his laughter. "Hello, Landon here." He listens before growing angry. "Tell them I'll be down there immediately." He hangs up and turns to Emma. "I have to go. I will let Regina know, Henry's with you."

"Are you sure she'll be okay with that?" The blond woman asks, growing worried.

"You'll both be fine. Find Ashley quickly," He tells her. "I'll try to get back as quickly as possible."

"Thank you," Emma says, surprising him before she gets into the car with Henry.

"No problem," The tattooed man mutters before walking away.

"So, the maid. What's her story?" Henry asks, turning to Emma, who starts her car.

{BLESSING}

Cinderella watches the fireworks on the castle balcony sometime later after meeting Rumpelstiltskin, and Prince Thomas approaches her. "What's wrong?" Thomas asks his new bride.

"Nothing. Every year when I was growing up, I used to watch these fireworks from afar. And I knew what they meant – something special was happening at the palace. Now, they're for me. For our wedding," Elle replies, kissing her husband.

{BLESSING}

Cinderella and Thomas walk downstairs, where they meet with Snow White, Prince Charming, and the King, Thomas' father. Cinderella and Snow hug happily, the two being close friends. "I'm so happy you could come," Ella smiles at her friend.

"You're beautiful," Snow compliments her, and everyone pairs off, dancing. Everyone switches partners with the music.

"My dear Ella. We're thrilled to have you join our family. And I hope our family will soon be growing," The King says, looking at his new daughter-in-law.

"Congratulations, Ella. You two are going to be very happy," Charming tells her, changing partners.

"Why, thank you, James," Cinderella replies.

"Ella, dear!" Snow says, grabbing Elle and dancing with her. "Sorry! This is truly a night for celebration. Do you realise what inspiration you are to everyone?"

"All I did was get married," She argues lightly.

"All you did was show that anyone can change her life. I'm proud of you," the raven-haired woman retorts. They break apart, and Cinderella runs into Rumpelstiltskin.

"I'm proud of you, too," Rumpelstiltskin smirks, making her look at him in fear.

"You. What are you doing here?" Cinderella demands.

"I just wanted to make sure you were happy with your end of the bargain," He replies. "You know – true love, riches, happy endings. Did you get everything you desired?"

"Yes, yes, I did. Now, what do you want? What's your price? My jewels? The ring?" she asks him, wanting to get rid of him.

"No, no dear. Keep your baubles. What I want is something you don't yet possess, but something I know is coming. Your first born," The Dark One tells her.

{BLESSING}

Cinderella quickly packs her things away while Prince Thomas is away hunting for a few days after the ball. Thomas enters their room and sees her frantically putting stuff into a trunk. "What are you doing?" Thomas asks her, catching her attention, and she turns around to look at her husband.

"I thought you were hunting?" Cinderella asks him.

"I was, but the weather wasn't agreeing, so we came back early," He replies. "Are we going somewhere? You're going somewhere."

"Something's happened," She tells him.

"What?" The Prince asks.

"I'm pregnant," The Princess informs him.

"Ella, that's wonderful! Why are you upset? This is what we wanted," Thomas argues, not seeing what upset her.

"There's something else. When we met that night at the ball, it wasn't my Fairy Godmother who sent me," Cinderella explains, needing to get it off her chest. "It was Rumpelstiltskin. I made a deal with him for this life. I was stupid. I didn't understand the price of magic. So, I promised him something."

"What did you promise him?" He asks her.

"He tricked me. I thought that he would want our gold or jewels," She cries, feeling guilty.

"What was it?" The Prince repeats the question, and she rubs her stomach. "Our baby?"

"I'm so sorry. And now, I'm going to lose it all. My… My life, you…" Elle sobs, and he pulls her into a hug.

"No. I don't care what that imp said. Magic may have brought us together, but it didn't create this love," Thomas argues, reassuring his new wife.

"But I made a deal. I can't break that—he's too powerful," she argues.

"Then, the answer is simple. We make another deal," He tells her firmly, not wanting to lose their baby.

{BLESSING}

Emma and Henry talk with Ruby outside Granny's Diner as a tow truck drops the waitress's car off. "So, this boyfriend of hers. You don't think he was involved in her disappearance?" Emma asks Ruby.

"Uh, that would mean he was involved with her at all, which he isn't," Ruby remarks sassily. "He left her in the lurch right after they found out they were expecting. Hasn't spoken to her since. Like I said-." Ruby's car drops abruptly, and the wolf charm on her rearview mirror almost drops. "Hey! Hey! Hey! Billy, be careful! You almost shattered my wolf thing, Billy. It's good luck."

"I'm sorry, Ruby. But look – it's fine," Billy assures her.

"Um, Ruby. What about her family?" Emma asks her.

"Oh, um, she's got a stepmom and two stepsisters that she doesn't talk to," Ruby replies.

"Wait. Stepmom, stepsisters, and she's a maid?" Henry questions, knowing who she is in the Fairy Tale world.

"Henry. Not now," Emma mutters, looking at her son.

"Look. I don't know what you've heard, but it's wrong," Ruby argues. "Everyone thinks she's not ready to have this kid, but she's trying. Taking night classes, trying to better herself… Trying to get her life together. Can you understand that?"

"I think so," She replies.

"Then maybe you should just stay out of it. She's been through enough already," The waitress retorts.

"I've been through it too, Ruby, and I can help her," The blond woman argues.

"Then, try her ex," Ruby suggests, needing her to go away so she can help Ashley.

"Where can I find him?" Emma asks her.

"He lives with his dad," She replies.

{BLESSING}

Emma knocks on the Herman's house. At the same time, Mitchell Herman pulls up the driveway. "Can I help you?" Sean asks, opening the door as his dad exits the car.

"Sean Herman?" Emma questions, looking at the young man.

"Yeah. Who are you?" He asks.

"I'm Emma Swan. I'm… I'm looking for Ashley Boyd. She's in trouble. Just thought maybe she came to see you," She replies, and Mitchell walks up the steps towards the front door.

"My son doesn't have anything to do with that girl anymore," Mr Hermen snaps. "So, whatever trouble she's in, I am sorry for her, but there's nothing we can do to help you."

"You're the reason he broke up with her," The bail bondswoman frowns, looking at the man.

"Absolutely. I'm not going to let my son throw away his entire life over a mistake," He snaps.

"So you just told him to leave her?" Emma questions.

"Well, what are they going to do? Raise the child in the backseat of a car?" Mitchell argues.

"Some people only have the backseat of a car," She retorts.

"Well, they're to be pitied. I'm not letting that happen to my son," He snaps.

"Dad, maybe we should help her look," Sean argues.

"It's a waste, Sean," Mitchell growls.

"Sean, if you want to come, come. Stop letting other people make decisions for you," Emma tells him. "If Ashley runs away with this baby, she's going to be in some serious trouble."

"She's running away with the baby?" Sean questions, surprised.

"Yes," She replies.

"Sean. Inside. Now," Mr Herman orders, and Sean goes inside and does what his dad says. "Look. Believe me, if I knew where she was, I would tell you. I went to a lot of trouble to get her that deal."

"Deal? What are you talking about?" the blond woman asks, adding another piece to the puzzle Mr. Gold left out.

"You don't know? Ashley agreed to give up the child. And she's being paid very well to do so," Mitchell tells her.

"She sold the baby?" Emma questions in shock.

"Oh, you make it sound so crass. I found someone who's going to find that child a good and proper home," He argues.

"And who are you to judge whether Ashley is capable of providing that?" She snaps.

"Look at her. She's a teenager. She's never shown any evidence of being responsible," Mr Herman retorts. "How could she possibly know how to be a mother?"

"Maybe she's changing her life," The blond argues.

"Everybody says that. Now, look. I found someone who's going to pay Ashley extremely well. Someone who's going to see to it that everybody's happy," Mitchell replies, and she realises who he means.

"Mr. Gold," Emma mutters.

"Well, isn't that why you were hired? To bring him the baby?" He questions, and she frowns, thinking about what to do next.

{BLESSING}

Emma and Henry drive in her car as she considers her next move. "You can't make her double cross Gold," Henry warns her, thinking he finally knows who he is. "No one's ever broken a deal with him."

"I'm happy to be the first," Emma replies. "If Ashley wants to have this baby, she should have it. Anyone who wants to be a mother, should damn well be allowed to be one." They quickly arrive back at the diner, and they both walk inside, and Emma approaches Ruby. "Why didn't you tell me she sold the baby?"

"Because I didn't think it was important," Ruby lies.

"Really? Considering that's why she's running away," She argues.

"Look, Ashley's my friend. I don't like the idea of people judging her," The woman in red snaps, and Emma notices Ruby's wolf charm on the counter.

"Ruby, where's your car? You didn't send me to Sean to find her. You sent me there to give her a head start," The blond woman realises.

"Look, I'm only trying to help her," Ruby tells her.

"Yes, so am I. Ashley's in more trouble than you know, Ruby. Where is she? Don't make her deal with Gold without me," Emma assures her.

"I can't talk in front of him. He's the Mayor's kid," She argues, looking pointedly at Henry.

"Hey! I'm on your side," Henry snaps, glaring at her.

"Henry, I need to find this woman. And in order to do that, I need you to go home, okay?" Emma tells him, but he looks like he wants to argue. "So please listen to me. Seriously. She's not going to tell me anything if you're around."

"Okay," He agrees grimly.

"Thank you," she replies, and he leaves the diner and heads to the car.

"She left town. Said she was going to try Boston. Thought she could disappear there," The waitress tells her.

"How long ago did she leave?" The bail bondswoman asks.

"About a half an hour," Ruby replies, and Emma runs out of the diner to her car.

{BLESSING}

Emma drives by herself, unaware that Henry is hiding in the backseat, till he reveals himself, almost startling her off the road. "What'd she tell you?" Henry asks, making Emma nearly swerve into the next lane.

"Henry! What the hell? I'm going to Boston. You can't come with me," Emma argues.

"You can't go to Boston! She can't leave. Bad things happen to anyone who does," He reminds her.

"I don't have time to argue with you over the curse. I've got to get you home," She tells him.

"We have to stop her before she gets hurt! We're wasting time! If you drop me off, we'll never catch up to her," The Mills boy argues.

"Henry," The blond woman groans.

"And then Mr. Gold will call the police, and he'll have her sent to jail," Henry tells her.

"…Buckle up. Ashley, what did you get yourself into?" Emma mutters.

{BLESSING}

Cinderella, Prince Thomas, Prince Charming and Grumpy walk through the dungeons to where they will hold Rumpelstiltskin if their plan works out. "Why are we down here?" Cinderella asks, looking around at the dingy walls.

"We need a place to keep him," Thomas tells her.

"Rumpelstiltskin is the most dangerous man in all the realms. He needs his own special prison. So, we converted the mines to hold him," Charming explains.

"But how will we get him here? He's eluded all forever," Cinderella argues.

"His strength is also his weakness," Grumpy argues. "His deals—he can't resist making them, and we already know who he wants to deal with next: you."

"We sent word with one of Snow's bluebirds. He's accepted a meeting with you," Charming informs her. "You're going to tell him that Doc heard something with his stethoscope – two heart beats."

"You're going to tell him it's twins," Thomas explains.

"And if he wants both, which he will, you propose a new deal. Grumpy," He says, and Grumpy opens a box. Inside is a red quill.

"A quill? I-I don't understand," Cinderella questions, looking at them.

"The Blue Fairy cast a spell on it," Grumpy explains, and they all don't know who really gave it to the Blue Fairy. "Whoever signs with this will be frozen – their magic made impotent."

"All you must do is get him to sign the contract," Charming tells her. "Ella, this man is a scourge. You'll be doing the entire land a service."

"Should we even use magic? Isn't that what's causing these problems to begin with? What if this magic also has a price?" Cinderella questions nervously.

"Then, I will pay it. I will do whatever is needed to save you and our child," Thomas assures her.

"Let's go," Charming says, and they go farther into the dungeon until they come to a cell.

"Hope you like it. A lot of dwarf blood went into it," Grumpy comments, looking at the fine work.

"You sure this will work?" Cinderella asks.

"Once he's in there, he'll never get out. You'll be safe," Charming assures her.

"I can do this, Ella," Thomas tells her.

"Okay. Let's get him," Cinderella agrees.

{BLESSING}

Emma and Henry drive along the road, heading out of town, and he spots something ahead of them and points it out. "I told you! It's her car." Emma pulls over, and they rush to Ruby's car, which is sitting in a ditch.

"Ashley!" Emma shouts, but the girl isn't in her car. They hear a moan and find Ashley sitting in the grass.

"My baby! It's coming!" Ashley groans, feeling another contraction.

{BLESSING}

Emma, Henry, and Ashley get into the small yellow car and drive back into town in a panic. "Is the baby really coming?" Henry asks nervously, looking at the young blond.

"Ohh yeah. Don't worry – the hospital isn't that far," Emma assures him.

"No! No, no, no. Take me to Boston. I can't go back there," Ashley groans with another contraction.

"Oh no, we don't have four hours. Trust me – I know," She argues.

"I can't go back there. Please. He's going to take my baby," The young blond begs.

"I won't let that happen. Do you know what you're asking for? If you keep this child, are you really ready?" The older blond woman asks, looking in the rearview mirror.

"Yeah," Ashley replies.

"Are you sure? Because I wasn't," Emma tells her.

"You weren't?" She asks, looking at her in surprise along with Henry.

"Nope. If you want to give this kid its best chance, it's going to be with someone who's ready, so know what that means. Your whole life is going to change, and once you decide that it's yours, this 'running away' can't happen. You have to grow up, and you can't ever leave. Understand?" The bail bondswoman warns her, trying to make sure the young adult is ready.

"Yes. I want my baby," The cleaning girl replies firmly.

{BLESSING}

Cinderella waits outside for Rumpelstiltskin at their designated meeting spot for the 'new deal'. "Well, well, well!" Rumpelstiltskin exclaims, coming into view. "You're starting to show. A little bird told me you wanted to speak?"

"Yes. I'd like to alter the bargain," Cinderella replies nervously.

"That's not what I do," He argues.

"I think you'll want to. I'm having twins," She retorts.

"Is that so? Ooo! Let's have a look. And you would, what? Give up both?" The Dark One questions, and she nods. "Why is that, I wonder?"

"My husband, he's… He's having a hard time. Our kingdom is poor, we're losing money, our crops are dying… We can't support ourselves or our people," Elle lies, though she doesn't know that the reason for all their prosperity is because of the Historian and the deal he made with the King.

"And you would trade your other child for…comfort?" Rumpelstiltskin asks.

"I can always have more children, but I can't make crops grow where the soil is dead," Cinderella argues. "In exchange for our other child, you will see to it that our land is once again fertile. I think it's more than fair."

"Yes! Yes, yes. It is. If what you're saying is true," He replies, making her more nervous.

"It is. And all you have to do is sign on the dotted line," She tells him, taking out a contract and the red quill.

"What a lovely quill! Wherever did you get it?" The Dark One asks her, already knowing where.

"It's from our castle," The Princess lies.

"You know, the only way to stop me is through magic," Rumpelstiltskin tells her.

"I'm not trying to stop you," Cinderella replies.

"Of course you're not," He giggles. "Because, as we all know, all magic comes with a price. And if you were to use it to, say, imprison me, then your debt to me would only grow. And we wouldn't want that, now, would we?"

"Just sign the contract, please," She pleads.

"Are you sure you're happy with this new arrangement?" The Dark One questions. Cinderella holds up the contract, which he takes from her and goes to sign. "Then, so it shall be," he writes on the bottom and instantly freezes.

"Thomas!" Elle shouts, wanting her husband.

"No one breaks deals with me, dearie. No one," Rumpelstiltskin warns her. "No matter where you are, no matter what land you find yourself in, I assure you – I will have your baby."

{BLESSING}

Once they reach the hospital waiting room, Emma and Henry sit there, and Ashley is wheeled away. "You know, Emma. You're different," Henry comments.

"What's that?" Emma asks, looking at him.

"You're the only one who could do it," He tells her.

"Break the curse? Yes, I know. You keep telling me that," She replies.

"No. Leaving. You're the only one who can leave Storybrooke," The Mills boy corrects her.

"You left and came and found me in Boston," The blond woman argues.

"But I came back. I'm ten – I had no choice. But if anyone else tried to go, bad things would happen," Henry retorts.

"Anyone, except me?" Emma questions.

"You're the Saviour. You can do whatever you want. You can go," He tells her, and a Doctor approaches them.

"Miss Swan. Baby is a healthy six pound girl and the mother is doing fine," The Doctor informs her, and Mr Gold enters the hospital, walking towards them.

"What lovely news. Excellent work, Miss Swan. Thank you for bringing me my merchandise," Mr Gold says, gaining their attention.

{BLESSING}

Rumpelstiltskin is taken to his cell on the back of a carriage, and Cinderella and Prince Thomas stand off to the side, watching. "Did we really win?" Elle questions.

"Yes. I told you we would," Thomas tells her.

"I was so afraid. I was so afraid that we'd fail," She cries, holding onto her husband. "That… That I'd have to go back to that life. That… That terrible life. I was… I was afraid that I would lose you and that nothing would have changed."

"As long as I'm alive, you will never go back to that life," He replies, and they kiss. "Now. How is our little Alexandra?"

"Alexandra?" Cinderella asks, looking at him.

"Did I not mention that I picked out a name?" The Prince questions.

"A name? That's more like a prison sentence," She jokes.

"Well, I like it," He argues.

"Mm, men. You really know nothing of ch-," Ella says and hunches over in pain.

"Ella, what is it?" Thomas asks, growing frantic.

"Oh, it's… It's the baby. Something's wrong," She replies.

"No, no, no. It can't be. It's too soon. It must be the stress. The excitement," he panics.

"Oh, I'm dizzy," Cinderella says, making her husband panic even more.

"Sit, sit. I'll go get you water," The Prince tells her.

"Okay," She replies, and he runs into the forest, finds a well, and goes to drag the bucket up when he hears a noise in the bushes. "Thomas! It's okay! It's passed! Thomas?" She goes into the forest and comes across the well. However, Prince Thomas has disappeared, and all that's left is his cape. "Thomas? Thomas!" Cinderella storms back to Rumpelstiltskin's cage, where the rest are waiting. "What did you do?"

"Ella, what's wrong?" Charming asks, seeing her distress.

"Your Highness, what happened?" Grumpy asks her.

"What did you do to my Thomas?" Cinderella demands, glaring at the Dark One.

"I haven't done anything. In case you haven't noticed, I've been otherwise engaged," Rumpelstiltskin argues.

"Something's happened to him. You know. Tell me!" She orders angrily.

"I have no idea, dearie. But I did warn you – all magic comes at a price. Looks like someone has just paid," He tells her.

"Don't listen to him. We'll find Thomas," Charming promises her.

"No, you won't. Until that debt is paid, until that baby is mine, you're never going to see him again," The Dark One argues. "In this world or the next, Cinderella, I will have that baby."

{BLESSING}

Mr Gold gets himself a cup of coffee from the machine, and Emma walks beside him. "Well, well. Must be my lucky day. Care for a cup, Miss Swan?" He asks her.

"A baby? That's your merchandise? Why didn't you tell me?" Emma questions angrily.

"Well because, at the time, you didn't need to know," Mr Gold argues.

"Really? Or you thought I wouldn't take the job?" She retorts.

"On the contrary, I thought it would be more effective if you found out yourself," He tells her. "After seeing Ashley's hard life, I thought it would make sense. Do you? I mean, if anyone could understand the reasons behind giving up a baby, I assumed it would be you."

"You're not getting that kid," The blond woman snaps.

"Actually, we have an agreement," Mr Gold argues. "My agreements are always honoured. If not, I'm going to have to involve the police and that baby is going to end up in the system. And that would be a pity. You didn't enjoy your time in the system, did you, Emma?"

"It's not going to happen," Emma replies firmly.

"I like your confidence. Charming. But all I have to do is press charges," Mr Gold warns her. "She did, after all, break into my shop."

"Let me guess – to steal a contract?" She questions.

"Who knows what she was after?" He retorts.

"You know no jury in the world will put a woman in jail, whose only reason for breaking and entering was to keep her child," The blond woman argues. "I'm willing to roll the dice that contract doesn't stand up. Are you? Not to mention what might come out about you in the process. Somehow, I suspect, there is more to you than a simple pawn broker. You really want to start that fight?"

"I like you, Miss Swan. You're not afraid of me, and that's either cocky or presumptuous. Either way, I'd rather have you on my side," The Pawn Shop owner says, smirking at her.

"so, she can keep the baby?" Emma asks him.

"Not just yet. There's still the matter of my agreement with Miss Boyd," Mr Gold tells her.

"Tear it up," She orders him.

"That's not what I do. You see, contracts – deals – well, they're the very foundation of all civilised existence," He replies. "So, I put it to you now. If you want Ashley to have that baby, are you willing to make a deal with me?"

"What do you want?" The bail bondswoman asks, growing annoyed at him.

"Oh, I don't know just yet. You'll owe me a favour," Gold replies.

"Deal," Emma replies.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Landon warns her, making the blond woman jump and turn around to see him walking inside.

"What are you doing here, Mr Mills?" Mr Gold asks, growing nervous around him.

"I heard about Ashely Boyd, thought I'd see what's going on," he replies, glaring at the older man. "Maybe write something about what happened at your shop last night."

{BLESSING}

Emma walks into Ashley's room while Landon talks to Henry quickly. She looks at the new mum as she holds her baby. "Hey. What's her name?" Emma asks, moving towards the bed.

"Alexandra," Ashley replies, and the Mills boys walk inside.

"That's a pretty name," Landon comments, making the women look at him.

"Thank you for getting me here," She says, looking back at Emma.

"Mr Gold was outside. I took care of it – she's yours," Emma tells her.

"She is? What did you do?" The young blond asks curiously.

"Made a deal with him," The bail bondswoman informs her.

"Thank you. Thank you," Ashley says happily.

"Oh, hey, kid. It's almost five," Emma announces, looking at Henry. "We got to get you home." Emma and Henry move out, and Landon takes out a business card and hands it to Ashley.

"If you ever need anything, call me," Landon tells her before heading outside.

{BLESSING}

Regina zips up her dress as a shower runs in the background. "I have to go," She says to the person in the bathroom. "Henry and Landon are expecting me home at five. But I'll see you again. The next council meeting? Oh, and don't forget - you left your socks under the bed." She walks out of the room, leaving the man alone.

{BLESSING}

Emma and Henry drive in the blond's car, and Landon follows them. "Pumpkin," Emma says suddenly. "My code name. I was thinking in honour of Cinderella. Pumpkin." Henry shakes his head, thinking it doesn't fit. "You got a better one in mind?"

"Yep," Henry replies.

"Well?" She asks.

"I'm not sure you're ready yet," He argues, and Emma pulls up to the Mills' house. Henry gets out, but Emma calls him back.

"Henry! About what you said at the hospital. About me being able to leave?" The blond woman asks, watching Landon get out of his car.

"Yeah?" The Mills boy questions.

"See you tomorrow," Emma replies and drives away. Henry runs inside behind Landon just as Regina's car pulls into the driveway. He runs upstairs, and one of his shoes falls off. Landon laughs as he moves into the living room. Regina opens the front door and steps inside.

"Henry!" Regina calls him. "Landon!" Henry runs into his bedroom, throwing down his backpack and grabbing a book. He lies on his bed and throws off his other shoe. Regina yells as she walks up to the stairs. "Henry? What did I tell you?" She enters his bedroom. "Do not leave your shoes lying around on the stairs. Someone could get hurt." Regina gives Henry his shoe and leaves, making him sigh in relief.

"Nice time at the city council meeting?" Landon asks, moving towards the stairs.

"Shut up," She groans, shoving him away playfully.

{BLESSING}

Sean nervously enters Ashley's room at the hospital after arguing with his dad. "Is that her?" Sean asks, startling the young blond.

"Sean," Ashley mutters, looking at her ex-boyfriend.

"I am so sorry. I never should have left you," He tells her.

"You're back," She argues.

"Yeah. I'm back. Here – I got her a present," The young Herman boy tells her, taking out a pair of shoes and tries putting them on the baby's feet. "I don't know if they're going to fit."

"They're perfect," The young blond replies softly, and they quickly kiss, happy to be together again.

{BLESSING}

Emma leans against her car and takes out her phone and a piece of paper before dialling the number. "Hello?" Graham answers his phone.

"Graham? It's Emma. I was thinking, maybe some roots wouldn't be so bad. That Deputy job still open?" Emma asks.

"Absolutely," He tells her, glad to have some help.

"Then I'm in. Regina going to be okay with this?" She questions, knowing she isn't in the Mayor's good books most days.

"I don't care. It's my department. I'll see you Monday morning," The Sheriff replies firmly.

"See ya," The new Deputy hangs up. Elsewhere, Graham is in the same room Regina was in earlier. He looks under the bed and grabs his socks.