Ten of Hearts

Chapter 31: Newly Good v. Evil

A Week Later...

Emma giggled as August pulled her body against his. Their faces were close and she stared into his brilliant blue eyes with her green ones. "I've always had a big crush on you," she said.

   He chuckled as his lips met hers in a passionate kiss.  He wrapped his once wooden arms around her waist, pulling her closer.  She in return snaked her arms round his neck.  They continued to make out as Regina quietly entered the hallway.  She stood there proudly as she watched her friend in love.

   "I'll go get us a shake," he whispered and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

   Emma blushed wildly and felt her lips that tingled from the feeling of the kiss.  Regina couldn't stop smiling once Emma turned around.

"Really Regina?"

   "I did a nice job, didn't I?"

   Emma scoffed.  "Yeah I suppose you helped with that."

   "Suppose?  Swan--I made that happen."  The blonde rolled her eyes as Regina passed by her.

...

The Mansion

   Luca took a sip of his coffee as his son sat down in front of him.  "Now son...I still don't know everything thing that happens after you left."

   Jefferson sighed and shook his head.  "A lot happened Pop.  Eighteen was rough.  I was impoverished and I stole and I stole.  I stole just to be able to survive.  That's when I began stealing for people and I would get rewards in return.  But there was this one day I found a special hat in a market."

   "It was an old top hat that looked worn.  It came with a box to store it.  I bought everything and I took it "home".  My home that was never permanent. I discovered the hat's magical properties once I spun it. I fell into a portal which lead me to the Hall of Doors. I ended up in Wonderland--I hate that place."

Luca chuckled slightly as his son continued. "That happened a lot--I would find myself in different places.  Then I met Regina; absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking.  She lost her first love and I hadn't even experienced it yet.  Then I visited Oz I found my first love there.  Farah was her name.  She was beautiful; long light brown hair, brown eyes, the most adorable smile.  Grace looks just like her.  She's a reminded of her, every time I see my daughter's face."

   "But I'm not prepared to ever loose Regina.  I love her papa I really do!  If I ever lost her o don't know what I'd do.  She's the love of my life papa.  I can ever loose her.  I almost have already though!!  She was shot and she could of died had I not been there in time-"

   "Jefferson my son.  Listen, you will never loose her.  You haven't even lost Farah or your mother.  They're always in your big heart.  Death is simply a stage in life.  But you will never loose anyone as long as your remember them.  Memories last an eternity while lives are temporary."

...

A Week Later: Gold's Shop

Cora walked into Gold's shop after she raised hell on the streets. Everybody immediately thought it was Gold. This time it wasn't. "Hello Rumple."

"What is it that you want?" He snapped as she walked closer. He sensed a bit of déjà vu.

"Your power. Give me the dagger, Rumple or else," she threatened.

"Or else what?"