A New Beginning

Chapter Twenty Eight

"I can't believe you're really here," Belle whispers, her voice choked with emotion.

"We missed you so much," Baelfire adds, his voice muffled against Rumple's shirt.

"I'm so glad you're home, Papa," Gideon murmurs, his small voice filled with gratitude.

Toni just nods, tears streaming down her cheeks as she hugs Rumple tighter. Rumple stands in the middle of the hug, feeling overwhelmed by their affection. He closes his eyes, soaking in the love and warmth of being surrounded by his family once again.

Rumple spoke in a voice choked with emotion. "It's only been a day, but those few hours in there felt like an eternity. I missed you all so much, and I'm so glad to be home." He chuckled softly, his eyes tearing up as he continued to embrace his family tightly.

The family's embrace tightens even further as they take in his words. They hold onto each other for a few more moments, cherishing the feeling of being reunited. Finally, they break apart, their eyes still misty with tears.

Belle gently wipes away a tear from Rumple's cheek with her thumb. "We missed you too, Rumple. Our home felt hollow without you here."

"We were worried about you," Baelfire chimes in, his voice filled with concern. "We didn't know what was going to happen during the trial or what kind of sentence you would receive."

Gideon nods, his eyes still wide with relief. "I'm just glad you're home, Papa," he says in his small voice.

Toni steps back, her tears finally subsiding, and glances down at Rumple's ankle monitor. She looks up at him, her expression filled with a mix of relief and curiosity. "I'm glad you're home too," she says quietly, her voice soft but sincere.

Baelfire notices the ankle monitor as well and points it out. "What's with the ankle monitor?" he asks, his voice tinged with confusion.

Rumple looks down at the device around his ankle and sighs. "Ah, this little thing," he says, trying to sound nonchalant. "It's part of my conditions for house arrest. The judge decided that I have to wear it until my three-month sentence is over."

Belle's eyes widen in surprise. "House arrest? So, they let you stay here instead of sending you to prison?"

Rumple nods, his expression a mix of gratitude and resignation. "Yeah, the judge took pity on me apparently. Said I didn't deserve prison time, but still wanted to impose a suitable punishment. So here I am, under house arrest for the next three months."

Baelfire looks at the ankle monitor skeptically. "That thing looks pretty uncomfortable. Are you allowed to take it off at all?" he inquires.

Rumple shakes his head. "Nope. It's attached for the duration. The monitor tracks my location at all times, ensuring I stay within the confines of our property."

"And if you try to leave or tamper with it, then what?" Belle asks, a hint of worry in her voice.

Rumple shrugs, trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation. "Then I guess they'll know, and there will be consequences. But don't worry, I'm not planning on doing anything stupid. I just need to bide my time until this sentence is over."

"At least you'll be here with us and we all will keep you company" Toni rubs his arm as she smiles, happy that Dad is here

Rumple smiles faintly in response to Toni's touch and words. He appreciates their understanding and support. "Yeah, I'm glad to be home with you all too," he says, his voice slightly cracking with emotion. "I'll do my best to make it a bearable three months for all of us."