We're All Mad Here (Jefferson x OC)

Chapter Sixty-Three

Serena stood on the balcony of her room, anticipation and fear running through her. Snow went into labor at the absolute worst timing, right before the curse was cast. As the rest of the dwarves prepared, Doc was there with Snow, helping her deliver the little girl named Emma.

Grumpy's voice rang through the castle, shouting about the curse. It wasn't helping Serena's nerves. She was scared. Far more scared than she had ever been. The only comfort was Jefferson's voice in her head.

If the curse was going to kill them all, at least she would be with Jefferson again. Their little family would be together again. Every time she thought about it, a soft smile crossed her face. Then she would be pulled back to reality, the one that told her Regina would never settle for killing everyone. No, it had to be big. She had to make a statement.

A soft sigh escaped her as she went back into her room. Snow had assured everyone that Emma would be the Savior that would break the curse, but it didn't ease her worries. Apparently Grace could sense that because she had been acting differently since Snow's wedding.

"Mama?" Grace's voice made her look up to see the girl scared, hugging the rabbit that Jefferson had made for her. She rarely let go of it, especially when she was nervous about something. It was the last thing she had gotten from her father, the only comfort she had.

"Gracie, what are you doing up?" Serena asked, walking over to her. "You're supposed to be in bed."

"I heard Grumpy yelling."

"It's okay. Everything's gonna be fine." She bent down, cupping Grace's cheek. "Right now, you need to get some sleep."

"Can I stay with you?" She asked, her meek voice barely floated above the sound of the chaos that was going on in the castle. "And Mr. Rabbit too."

"Of course, you can." Serena gave her a reassuring smile, even though inside she was just as nervous. "Come on, I'll tuck you in." Grace smiled and ran over to the bed, climbing up and getting under the covers.

Serena made sure everything was perfect, memorizing her daughter's face. The thought of never seeing Grace again made her stomach churn. If this was going to be the last time they were ever together, she wanted to make it last.

"Mama, can you sing the song Papa used to sing?" Grace asked, hugging her rabbit close to her. It was the song Jefferson used to sing when Grace was a baby. He had learned it during his travels and thought it would be perfect for her.

Serena had tried to learn it many times, but it never had the same effect on Grace as it did when he was singing. He had a surprisingly good singing voice, one that was even able to help her fall asleep.

She missed listening to him singing Grace to sleep. Her heart ached when she thought about him sitting in a rocking chair, watching Grace as she fell asleep in his arms. She missed those days when she didn't have much to worry about. When she was happy.

She started singing quietly, imagining Jefferson singing with her. His voice filled her head as she went on, giving her the lyrics she seemed to have forgotten. It felt like he was right there with her, the soft melody a duet between the two voices.

It wasn't long until Grace drifted off, still hugging her bunny. That was when Serena stopped singing as tears started to fill her eyes. She could feel the curse getting closer, the purple smoke closing in on the castle.

"Aw such a sweet mother-daughter moment." The voice made Serena spin around to see Regina in the corner of the room.

"What do you want?" She stood up, walking to the foot of the bed.

"I came to see my baby sister before the curse." Regina answered, walking towards her. Her gaze landed on the sleeping child, a sinister smile forming on her face. "And my sweet little niece."