Il Cuore del Giardino

5

It's been a week that my car has been in the shop, so I head down to check on it. I was told when I first arrived that it would be done by today. "Hiya, how can I help you?" he asks me, "I'm just here to inquire about my car" I tell him and he pulls it up on the computer. "It's taking a bit longer than expected since I have to order some parts but it should be done soon" he answers vaguely.

"Soon as in..." I prompt, "how about I give you a ring when the part comes in?" he counters and I narrow my eyes. "And what part are you ordering exactly?" I persist, "a headlight. You shattered yours when you hit the sign, concrete tends to do that" he replies with a sarcastic smile on his face. "Right... thanks" I say in the same tone before leaving.

So first it would be done in a week and now all of a sudden there's a part that needs to be ordered? Ever since I got to this town things have been out of place I swear. "Oh hey, Althea. Everything alright?" my gaze meets the concerned eyes of Mary Margaret and I smile reassuringly. "Yes, everything is fine" I sigh, "no, I know that look. What's going on?" she questions softly as her hand reaches out to rest comfortingly on my shoulder.

"Apparently a part needs to be ordered for my car and I didn't intend to pay more than I already am" I explain, "well that's no good" she affirms and I nod while chuckling dryly. "How about you stay with us? I know Granny's isn't the most expensive but it'll help you cut costs" she offers, "no, I couldn't ask you to do that" I say as I shake my head.

"Nonsense. David and Emma wouldn't mind, neither would Henry. There's always room in our house—and hearts—for anyone who needs it" she insists with a genuine and bright smile on her face. "You'd really do that? Just... out the kindness of your heart?" I ask and she nods assuringly. "Of course! You're welcome as soon as you've packed up your things" she promises.

I thank her generously before she says she has to head off to check on David at the station. I guess the police department here is a family business. I head back to my room, re-packing my things from last night when they were strewn across the room. Mary texts me saying she's back home whenever I'm ready.

I follow her directions and am led to a green door. I knock thrice on it and it opens quickly, a gush of wind gracing my face. "Come on in" she chirps, gesturing with her arm to accompany her words. "I just wanted to be here to open the door but I'll leave you to get settled. You can put your things over there" she says, grabbing her purse and heading out the door.

I sigh, heading over to where she pointed which would be the couch. It's a cozy little loft, though I'm not sure it's meant for 4 let alone 5. It makes me appreciate even more that she invited me to stay with them. I set down my things, deciding that I can't stay cooped up all day. I head back out onto Main Street, pulling my jacket a little tighter around me for a sense of security.

I glance down, watching my feet as I step on the fallen leaves. This isn't what I planned at all, well I didn't have a plan really but it's not how I imagined. I bump into someone and my gaze flies up, cursing myself for my luck. Unfortunately—or fortunately depending on how you look at it—the person I ran into happened to be Regina, again.

"Watch where you're going!" she exclaims in a harsh tone as she smooths out the invisible wrinkles in her skirt from our collision. "I'm truly sorry, I didn't see you there" I promise, "oh, really? And here I thought you just liked to ruin people's day" she smiles menacingly and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. "Why don't I take you out for lunch as an apology" I offer, seeing my chance and taking it.

"Why would I ever want to have lunch with you?" she frowns, "because even if you don't have a good time, it's free food and a chance to get to know me" I answer. She seems to think about it for a moment but I already know what her answer will be. Her curiosity as to who I am will certainly get the best of her.

"Fine" she states begrudgingly, "perfect. Let me get your number so we can set a time and place. I can tell you're a busy woman and I'm sure you're off to some fancy mayor duties" I chuckle and for once it seems to slightly disarm her. She gives up her number without a fight surprisingly and I choose not to point it out for fear that she'll change her mind.

"Goodbye, Miss Pearson" she states, her head tilted up slightly as she sort of looks down at me. "See you later, Miss Mills" I reply and she actual doesn't scowl, though she didn't smile either but I'll take my small victory where I can get it. We part ways and I smile to myself as I continue on my little walk. I think the fierce little mayor might actually be warming up to me.