Beautiful Lily

Inhospitable hospice

At Belle's dismay, Gold drove Belle to the hospital the following day. As he drove the Cadillac, he could see out of the corner of his eye Belle's leg shaking nervously. The way she seemed appeared as if she was ready to bolt at the first sign of danger. At her distress, he reached over the threshold of the front seat and held her hand to calm her. At the touch of his hand, she looked down at their fingers intertwining. She gave a quick exhale and glanced up at her husband who gave her an assuring smile. Belle returned the favor with only a half-smile, unable to hide her true feelings of discomfort and apprehension towards their destination. But still, the gesture was sweet and slightly comforting reminding her that wherever she was going she wasn't going alone.

"I was thinking," Gold said breaking the tension filled silence, "that we should visit your father." Belle didn't know what to think as she stared nervously out the window. Gold hesitated for a moment, allowing her a chance to respond and when she didn't he continued, "There's more to your mother's story than what we're being led to believe. I know you mentioned your father's reluctance to talk about her, but now that she's here and walking around Storybrooke, I think he'll be more inclined to talk about her."

"And how will knowing more about my mother benefit us?" Belle calmly asked.

"My dear... I know you, just as much as you claim to know me, and I know that what you fear is what you don't know. Don't get me wrong, it's a legitimate fear. You don't know your own mother and her sudden reintroduction back into your life frightens you. So knowing more about your mother will not benefit me so much as it will benefit you. If you won't talk to your mother about what happened when she abandoned you, then the least you can do to confront your fear is talk to your father. I'm sure his tale on the situation may enlighten your perspective on her." Just as he finished his sentence they pulled into the long-term parking lot and parked in the first vacant spot closest to the entrance. "Just... think on it."

It was certainly something to think about. Gold grabbed his cane that rested between the two seats and exited his side of the vehicle. Belle opened the passenger door, but hesitated getting out; partly because of her size, but mostly because she dreaded the inevitable. Gold walked around to her side of the vehicle and assisted the reluctant Belle out of the car. She closed the door to the car and when their hands found each other again they proceeded to the hospital, entering the building together.

The hospital doors opened automatically and Gold allowed Belle to enter first. With a steady, assuring hand supporting Belle's backside, they approached the front receptionist who did a double-take, recognizing the people in front of her.

Gold spoke with confidence, "We have an appointment this morning. 11:30 for-"

"Belle Gold. Yes," said the female receptionist. "we've been expecting you. Just sign in on the clipboard and Dr. Whale will be with you in just a mome-"

"There's no need. I'm here," Dr. Whale said, cutting off the receptionist. "Mr. Gold," addressed the smug doctor.

"Dr. Whale," Gold replied with a slight growl, showing his obvious distaste for the man. Belle stood close to Gold with an arm wrapped through the crook of his and despite the cane he used to support his maimed leg, he still exhibited an authoritative and intimidating stance frightening both the nurses and patients who were waiting in lobby area.

"I have to say, I was incredibly surprised to see your last name on the patient list," said the Doctor, walking toward the couple with his version of authority.

"And I was incredibly surprised to learn that out of all the doctors in this facility, you happened to be the only one available," retorted Gold. Helpless, Belle silently watched as the tension of their interaction escaladed.