Dear Future

Chapter Two

I searched all of Storybrooke to find my mother. But she was nowhere to be seen. I was about to give up, but then I remembered something.

. . .

October 22, 2023

"Mommy! Up!" I said, giggling. My mother lifted me up and spun me around. I was 5 years old and was in the woods with my mom. We were waiting for Dad to come with his "Big surprise". He had told me about it and I promised to keep it a secret. We waited for twenty minutes, before Mom started to worry.

"What's taking him so long?"

Suddenly, I saw him. I smile, but he puts a finger to his lips. I stay quiet. He creeps up on mom and scares her. She jumps forward before swinging her fist behind her. The punch hit Dad right on his cheek. He grunted and took a few steps back, rubbing his cheek. Mom gasps and rushes toward him. I follow her.

"Killian! Oh god! I'm so sorry, I thought you were-"

"It's ok, love. I get it." Despite his injury, he was still laughing at my mother's reaction when he scared her.

"Hold still," she said. Placing a hand on his cheek, she healed the wound.

I was in awe. "How did mommy do that?"

She took my hand in her's. "Magic, Hope."

"Do I have magic, Mommy?" I ask.

But before she could answer, Dad picked me up and gave me a piggyback ride. "Come on, Hope. Let's go to the docks to show Mommy her surprise."

"Ok, Daddy."

We went to the docks, smiling and laughing the whole way there. Before we reach, Dad puts me down and turns to mom. "Ok, love. Close your eyes."

She laughs and closes her eyes. "I've seen a lot of horror movies end this way."

"Do you really think I'd scare you?" he asked.

"You just did 5 seconds ago."

I giggled as the docks slowly came to view. I let out a tiny gasp. The entire docks were decorated with black, white, dark blue, and red streamers, balloons, ribbon, and candles. In the center was a one tier red velvet cake with black and white swirls. A banner said, "Happy Birthday, Emma".

"Ok, love. Open your eyes."

Mom slowly opened her eyes and gasped at what we had done to the docks.

"I love it!" she said, giving my dad a big hug. I come too, squeezing in between them. They pull me close and we stay there, smiling.

Ever since then, and maybe even before, the docks have been a special place for my family.

. . .

I walk over to the docks to see my mother sitting on the edge, her feet hanging right above the crystal blue water. I sit next to her and place my head on her shoulder. She wraps her arm around my shoulders and pulls me in closer. I feel something wet fall onto my cheek, slowly falling to the ground.

It was a tear.

I look up at her and she's crying. Light tears were streaming down her face. My mother almost never cried. I hold on to her tighter.

"Mom, is this my fault?"

She turns to me. "No, Hope. This isn't anyone's fault."

"But Aunt Regina said my powers. So, technically it's my fault," I pause. "What does she mean by that?"

Before she can answer, the sound of footsteps making their way toward us fills our ears. We look back to see my dad, panting and out of breath. He must have been running. Scratch that, sprinting.

"Emma!"

She didn't respond. Just got up and gave him a hug. He hugged back.

"I'm sorry," she said, quietly.

"It's not your fault."

"I shouldn't have snapped."

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "It's not your fault, love. Although, your father is gonna kill me."

She chuckled. "I'll talk to him about that."

They lean in and give each other a kiss. I wrinkle my nose.

"Ewww. I'm still here, you know."

They laugh and pull me into a hug. I hug back, happy my family is back together again.

. . .

We all head back to the diner, where everyone was chatting over dessert. But their attention went to us and the chatter died down. Gramps gives dad a look.

"We will talk later."

Dad gulps. "Can't wait."

Alice smiles and gives Mom and Dad a hug. "You guys ok?"

They nod. But my eye goes to a beautiful diamond ring on Alice's finger.

"Is that..." I say. She nods and smiles.

"It is," she squeals. Dad notices it and smiles.

"I didn't think she'd do it so soon," he says. "Congrats."

"Wait, what's going on?" asked mom, who was clearly confused.

Alice shows her her ring. "Robin proposed."

Mom's face lights up. She pulls Alice in a big hug. "Congrats! Why didn't you tell us earlier?"

"Because you and Dad were a bit busy fighting," says Alice. Mom walks toward Robin and gives her a hug. I do the same.

"Welcome to our family, Robin."

"Technically, you're already sort of family," said Aunt Regina.

"Don't ruin it, Reggie," says Aunt Zelena.

"Don't call me that."

"Older siblings gotta be older siblings," says Aunt Zelena. Aunt Regina rolls her eyes.

"Whatever."

"Guys, let's be happy for Alice and Robin," says Henry. "One of my baby sisters is getting married."

"Younger," corrects Alice. Henry shakes his head and places his arms around our shoulders.

"You're both my baby sisters. Forever."