The Song of Darkness

Memories

KILLIAN

I go to Mary Margaret's apartment early in the day to get Layla. It was nice having some time with just Lottie, but I miss my daughter. My little love. I get to her apartment and knock on the door. The sheriff opens it. I forgot she lived here.

"Morning Killian. Layla's still asleep."

"Alright I can come back when she wakes up."

"Or you could stay."

"I guess I could. She should wake up soon."

She nods and lets me in. There's a hook sitting on their table. "So um. Layla had a really good time. We stayed up kinda late though i hope that's not a big deal."

"No that's fine. I'm glad she had fun."

She nods and gets two mugs down from the cabinet, "Coffee?"

"Sure, why not." I look over at Layla and smile. She looks happier and more rested here.

Emma hands me a mug and I sit next to her at the island. "How's Lottie?"

"Good, I think last night was good for us."

She practically gags. "Well that's good." Layla sits up.

"Ready to go home sweetie ?"

She rubs her eyes and climbs up on Emma's lap. "Can I show you something?" She asks while looking at me.

"Anything little love."

She gets off Emma and brings back a book. She climbs in my lap and opens it to the middle. "Look daddy. That's a pirate, Captain Hook actually. He has one hand, just like you."

I laugh a little. "Yeah, he does. What's your point, love?"

She sighs and grabs the hook off the table. "Look. Hold it." I take it from her. She gets a really big smile. "Do you remember?"

"Remember what love?"

"Who you used to be! Before you were cursed."

"Did you watch a movie little love?"

"Yes. We watched Tangled."

He shrugs. "I can't say I've seen that." She groans at me.

"Daddy it's not about that! You're Captain Hook. You just got to this world with Emma because you saved her from being a siren. I just got to this world with mommy to make you forget who you are and who you really love!"

She's talking absolute nonsense. I pick her up and shut the book. "Someone stayed up too late." She tries to wiggle her way out of my grasp. "Layla, we're going home." She has tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I don't want to live with her anymore." She whispers.

"Layla you can't say that just because you're upset with her. She loves you very much."

She shakes her head and pushes my chest to get away from me. "No she doesn't love me. She hates me. She only loves you and forces you to love her with magic. She's insane."

"Layla, look at me. I promise you I love your mother. And she doesn't hate you. She loves you so much." She keeps shoving me until she escapes. She runs back to Emma and hugs her while still crying. What the bloody hell happened last night? "Layla come on. We'll discuss this with Mommy."

Emma picks her up and rubs her back. "Killian I don't think it's safe for her to be at home with Lottie."

"All due respect Sheriff but you don't get to insult my wifes parenting. She's just throwing a tantrum. Give me back my daughter."

"I'm not insulting her parenting. Layla said that Lottie hits her and yells. She's being abused and if she goes home it's not going to stop and I'll have to call child protective services. And both you and Lottie will have her taken away from you."

"She is not being abused at home. Layla, little love, please lets go home." She doesn't let go of Emma or stop crying. "How about we go to the park and talk before going home?"

She turns her head to me. "It's not like you'll listen to me."

"I will. I promise." She hugs Emma one more time then comes to me. She takes my hand and I walk her to the park. We go to a bench and sit down. "Why do you think Mommy doesn't love you?"

"She tells me every day that she hates me and wishes I was never born. And every time I talk to her, or don't pick up a toy off the floor she yells at me and says I'm the worst daughter anyone could ask for."

"I've noticed she's been snapping at you more but I think she's stressed. I think we may start visiting Dr. Hopper."

She just looks at me like I killed someone in front of her. "She's stressed? So she gets to be mean and hit me? For not picking up a doll that was next to my dollhouse? Or for not putting a fork in the dish machine thing?"

"No she doesn't. I'll start telling her to stop. But Dr. Hopper can help her not snap at you. I'm sorry I haven't done anything or noticed until now."

She groans. "I don't want to go home and be near her."

"I know she has some stuff going on but she's still your Mom and she does love you. Give me a chance to try and get her to change."

"If she hits me again I'm calling the police."

"So what you can get taken away to a family that won't love you?"

She rolls her eyes and gets off the bench. "Do you like Emma?"

"I think she's a good sheriff." I think she's a nosy bitch that put ideas in my daughters head. Layla just nods and walks me home. When we get inside she goes straight up to her room with her door open and just sits on her bed. That's all she ever does. "Do you want to play dolls? Mommys asleep."

"No thank you." She just lays down and gets under her blanket. "I'm taking a nap."

"Ok little love." I kiss her head. "Have good dreams, I love you."

"You don't even know me." She whispers. I feel my heart shatter.