The Other Swan Sister

Chapter 1

-Happy 21st, kid!!! We all miss you so much. Let me know when we can catch up! Life in Maine is a little crazier than I thought... We love you and are so proud of you.

You moved away to New York to go to college a couple years ago and haven't really been in contact with your family too much since then. You don't really remember a time before you were in New York at all, and to be honest, you had no idea what to do now.
You'd just graduated, so...
what now?

-Em, as much as you may wish, I am not a kid anymore. Thank you, though, I miss you too. Do you think Maine is crazy enough to handle a visit anytime soon?

You had friends, of course, who were very willing to get drunk with you tonight. To be fair, it sounded better than sitting in an empty apartment for the evening, but for some reason you felt this compelling desire to reconnect with your family.
It sometimes felt as if they were living a totally separate life to you and you were missing out on something you just couldn't pinpoint.

Suddenly your phone starts to ring.
"Emma?" You ask down the line.
"Ivy! Happy Birthday!" Emma cheerfully announces back. You smile softly. "Are you seriously saying you're going to come to Storybrooke?" Emma practically squeals and even though you can't see it, you know she's grinning on the other side.
"How about right now?" You wince as you blurt out your response, trying to hold in your own excitement.
"Ivy! Mom and Dad are going to be so happy! Do you need me to give you a ride?"
"No, Em it's okay." You chuckle lightly. "I have a car, remember?"
"Of course you do." Emma reminds herself, clearly a little frantic on the other end. "But it's your birthday! You should be out celebrating not driving to come see us."
"There's nobody else I would want to spend my birthday with, Emma. I seriously miss you guys and I could think of nothing better to do with my evening. Saves me from hanging out of my ass tomorrow, too."
"I wouldn't count on that. There's no way you're having a sober 21st birthday under my supervision. We'd be more than happy to have you. Jesus, I can't wait to tell Mom and Dad!"
"I want to surprise them! Don't say anything Emma. I mean it!" You scold down the phone, still grinning.
"Okay! Okay, cool it! I'm not like Mom, I won't spill." Emma laughs down the phone. "I'll text you the address. Call me when you're here I'll come and hide you."
"Okay. Thanks, Em."
"Love you, bye."
"Love you too."

So, I guess it's final.
I'm going to Maine.
Right now.
Jesus.
You exhale heavily... your stuff's already been packed up due to graduation and funnily enough your makeup is done too. Although you were getting ready to get shit-faced, the make up will do fine for a trip to see the family.
You plant yourself into the cold car, rubbing your hands to warm up a little. As you turn your keys you hear a ding on your phone.
Emma's address.
Perfect.
Let's get this journey over with.

"Hey, Em?" You call into the phone, still driving along the highway.
"Yeah?"
"I think I'm like twenty minutes away..."
"Okay, Mom and Dad are at home so I'll come outside and get you."
"Okay. Can you tell me about the place?"
"What place? Theirs? Well it's-"
"No. I mean the town. What's it like?"
"Oh. Well... it's quiet, sometimes. And most of the people are nice."
"Most?" You question, chuckling at your sister. "Em, you're not really selling it to me."
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I claim to be a Real Estate Agent? Just trust me, Ivy. You're going to fall in love." Emma sarcastically quips through the speaker, you roll your eyes.
"Okay. Well- gimme 5 more minutes and then come outside."
"Okay. I'll see you in a second."

Eventually the country road filled with trees dissipates and suddenly you're turning into a quaint little town. You frown a little as you pass some small shops, unsure what to make of it just yet. If your family likes it here, it must be something special... especially if Emma's stuck around.
You pull up to a parking space and grab your jacket, surely it's harmless to have a little walk around?
Your parents are inside.
They won't know a thing.
You slam the door shut and begin putting on your jacket when you hear a voice calling out. Somewhat startled, you turn to see a beautiful brunette standing to on the sidewalk, giving you just about the coldest stare you've ever seen. Assuming she's asked you something, you frown quizzically before locking the car door.
"Excuse me?" You ask, in a somewhat haze, stuffing your keys into your pocket.
She rolls her eyes.
"I said- Welcome to Storybrooke, I'm Mayor Mills, and you are...?" She smiles politely but you can see that there's nothing polite about it.
Two seconds in and you've already got someone up your ass.
Perfect.
She's going to be a handful.
"What are you? The people police?" You challenge in return with a chuckle.
It's a cheap shot but you weren't going to give up without at least a small rebuttal.
That habit was definitely Emma's fault.
She scoffs at you and you have to fiercely hold back an eye roll.
"As I said, dear, I am the Mayor. And as I recall, I asked you. You're not from here, correct?"
Damn.
She's cold.
"I'm just passing by." You tease nonchalantly, knowing how much it will infuriate the intimidating brunette. She rolls her eyes again and purses her lips. "No need to worry yourself, Madame Mayor. Why? Is there some kind of law against visiting Storybrooke? Do you have a book I have to sign or something?" You ask sarcastically, only angering her even more.
"Just so you're aware, there's nothing I don't find out. So, I suggest you play fair... because you have no idea what I'm capable of." She steps closer and presses a finger into your chest.
You don't back down.
"I'm very sorry to disappoint you, Mayor Mills, but my parent's told me not to give information to strangers." You stare back. "No matter how polite and appealing they may be." You sarcastically retort. "Even if they're hot."
She falters, her eyes dart with confusion. You've rattled her. You grin at the woman in front of you before turning away and continuing your walk.
"Nice to meet you! Talk soon." You call out to the woman now behind you.
Maybe this town will be fun after all.