The New Curse || Once Upon a Time

Chapter Three

Chapter Three--The Wolf's Lover

~Storybrooke~

Ruby was working early, like every morning. Not that she minded; she loved working at her granny's restaurant. Especially since Granny was actually her granny. The bell dinged, signaling an entrance.

"Hey, Ruby," August greeted.

"Hello. Your usual, I'm assuming?"

August nodded. "Yup. Thanks."

Ruby made August his coffee and handed it to him.

"Thanks." As August walked out, both Mary Margaret and David walked in hand-in-hand. Ruby looked at the clock. 7:15, right on time.

"Hello," Ruby greeted.

"Hi."

"Hello. The usual, please."

"Coming right up." Ruby began to prepare the food.

Mary Margaret and David sat down. On Sundays, David didn't have to be at the sheriff's station as early, so he and Mary Margaret ate breakfast at Granny's.

Ruby set Mary Margaret and David's breakfast on their table. "Enjoy!"

~The Enchanted Forest~

"Put your cloak back on," Granny ordered ordered Red, "you know Wolfstime begins tonight."

"I know." The thirteen-year-old girl pulled the too-big cloak around her and sighed. That stupid cloak was how she had gotten her nickname, Red. She absolutely loved the color, and the nickname was fine, but it was annoying having to wear the cloak all the time.

When Granny wasn't looking, Red snuck outside. Her friend, Peter, was waiting for her.

"Hi," Peter grinned.

"Hello."

Peter knew Red wouldn't have much time. He had dealt with her granny's wrath before, and it was always worse around Wolfstime.

"It's getting dark," Peter pointed out. Red looked at the sunset. She could usually gaze at the pinks and oranges for hours, if a sunset would last that long. But during Wolfstime, she found it harder to appreciate the beauty.

"I know," Red said. "But I had to talk to you before Wolfstime."

"It'll be okay, Red," Peter promised. "It's only for a few days."

Red smiled, trying to absorb some if Peter's optimism. "Granny will notice I'm gone soon." Red gave Peter a quick hug. "See you after Wolfstime."

"See you then," Peter agreed.

Red ran back to her house, the red cloak billowing in the wind. Peter turned and hurried to his house; not wanting to face his own mother's wrath if he was out past dark during Wolfstime.

~Storybrooke~

"Papa, what are you doing?" Roland questioned. His storybook was opened to a page showing a picture of Tinker Bell and the Evil Queen. But the young boy was studying his father, who was combing through his hair.

"I told you, I'm getting ready for a date. Are you ready to stay at Granny's with Granny and Ruby?"

"Yes!"

"Well then, let's go." Robin picked up his son and the storybook, assuming he wanted to bring that along.

"Are you going on a date with Regina?" Roland asked.

"That I am. Remember, behave for Ruby and Granny, okay?"

"Okay. Do you think they'll read me a story? I like the pictures, but the stories are even better."