The Frog Prince // Mr. Gold

013. JOHN DOE

   "Emma..." The name of my temporary roommate comes from my throat as I throw my head back in exhaustion. All morning, Emma went on about Mr. Gold. Every sentence came down to Emma suspecting something vile about him and I can't help but think the blonde is too cautious or perhaps paranoid. Late afternoon was at its peak and Emma still couldn't get the whole thing out of her mind. "...There is nothing to worry about, okay? He's not that bad like you think he is...he's actually—oddly protective."

"You mean possessive?" Emma looked over to me with one raised brow. Rolling my eyes, I shake my head and she scoffs. "Listen, I don't know what I can say to make you see he isn't good, but—"

Seeing that I wasn't listening, Emma touched the back of my elbow and stopped me from going forward.

"Just promise me something, okay? If he does anything, I mean anything, come straight to me and I'll make sure he won't bother you anymore."

My hand grips the straps of my book bag as I try my best not to argue with her. To an outsider, Emma will listen to any rumors spread across the town. Not everyone liked Mr. Gold and it is clear to me she believed every tale about him. I can only convince Emma over time. One day she will see that her worries are false. For now, I'll ease her concerns;

"Fine. If that is what you think is best."

"Hey, guys!" Henry hurried down the sidewalk to meet us halfway, interrupting our conversation. Behind him, Joseph Mills follows closely behind. His brown eyes kept on me. Every bit of me wanted to run in the other direction, but I couldn't just disrespect Henry like that. So, instead, my attention is forced onto Henry.

"Hey, Henry!" I greet him after Emma is forced into an embrace by Henry.

"What's up, kid?" Emma asked, giving Joseph a quick look of concern.

"Are you two going to Granny's?" Henry asked, smiling between me and Emma.

We both nod.

"Good, we have a lot to talk about," Henry says before leaning forward. "It's about Operation Cobra," the young boy whispered before winking. Emma and I take a glimpse at each other before nodding our heads yet again. But we can't exactly ignore Joseph, Henry's adoptive uncle. How could they hang around Henry without Joseph's permission or his possible big mouth blabbing to Mayor Mills about Henry hanging around us?

Joseph placed a hand on Henry's shoulder, flashing Emma and me a beautiful smile.

"No, worries," Joseph starts. "I won't tell my sister. As long as you keep out of trouble."

Joseph doesn't take his brown eyes away from me. They are chilling. Dark and mysterious; as if he is hiding something. I can't put my finger on it but I will never trust this man.

"Something tells me there is more to this," Emma spoke exactly what I was thinking. The blonde crossed her arms, squinting her blue eyes up at the man. "Why would you let us take Henry?"

Joseph looked down at his nephew, squeezing his shoulder.

"I have some things to do. I don't want to drag Henry around," Joseph says, looking back up to glance at Emma and then back at me.

"We will take him," I say, forcing myself to smile. "But I do not want your sister to come stomping into my job again. Mucking up my floors."

Joseph bowed his head, placing a hand on his heart.

"I promise to keep my word," Joseph spoke.

Despite our suspicion, Henry steps to stand before us. We both hold onto his shoulder in a protective manner.