Once Upon A Wondrous Love (A Once Upon A Time Fanfiction)

Chapter Four: The Bluest Eyes in Storybrooke

Alice

The morning came far too quickly and I pulled myself out of bed at the sound of the clock tower chiming for seven.

After a quick shower, I dressed in some clothes that had been placed out for me by Ruby and made my way out of the bed and breakfast's backdoor and into the rear of the diner. 

Inside, the diner was animated with light chatter and an old tune coming from the jukebox. I walked past it and into the dining room where Ruby stood at the counter talking to a tall man with blonde hair. 

"Thanks again Ruby. Pulling double shifts at the hospital s killing me." Ruby saw me and smiled. "Victor, you know Alice?" she said, looking at me. 

"Ah, yes. Happy to see you are feeling better." he said, shaking my hand. "Thank you." "Well I better go. I will see you later." he said, smiling at Ruby before walking out the door. 

Ruby bit her pen and watched him leave, eyes batting. 

"Is that...yearning I see?" I asked as I hung up my coat where Ruby pointed. 

"Maybe, although I'm not supposed to be talking to him. Granny thinks he's bad news." "A doctor? Bad news? Now that is a new one." she dropped her eyes and handed me a red pen and order pad. 

"You said you worked in a diner. Do you need any pointers?" she asked. I shook my head. "Saturdays almost always get crazy."

****

"Ruby, I need a favor." "Extra fries? Already taken care of." Ruby responded as she handed Emma her change. 

"Not that. I need you to keep an eye on Alice." Ruby glanced over her shoulder at Alice who was chatting with Leroy and Astrid. Nuns usually didn't go out on dates, and she hoped Alice wouldn't notice. 

"I don't see anything really weird about her...but that is coming from someone who turns into a dog every full moon." she added softly, throwing another glance at Alice. 

"I just want to know her intentions here. Regina is on my ass, big time." Emma said, grabbing the bag. "I thought she was working on that...being good and all." Ruby said quietly. "She is and she is really trying, but you know how she is around new people." 

"Alright, I'll do it." "Thanks Ruby." Emma grabbed the bag and exited the diner. 

Outside the chilly April air nipped at her face. "Ms. Swan." Emma rolled her eyes and turned to see Regina. "Are we really back at that again?" she asked as she approached Regina. "We are when I don't have answers. Two days ago this girl magically appears and now she has a job. I hope you have let her know that she should have no intent on staying." Regina said, glancing at the OPEN sign. 

"Look, she came here to find her parents." "And I want you to make sure that she knows they aren't here." "Regina, how do we know that?" "Every time someone has come into this town, trouble happens. Anyway, how could she possibly have made it into the real world...and escaped the curse?" Regina hissed.

"Maybe the exact way I did." Regina snorted. "Oh please. And who are her parents?" Emma swallowed hard. "I don't know, but I am going to find out."

****

By the time 2:30 had come, I felt just a little closer to the townspeople. I finished my last order and looked to Ruby for confirmation. "Wow. I have never seen someone quite like you." she praised as I rang up the order and gave Leroy his change. He let out a gruffed thank you and left. 

"Nice first day. How'd you learn to do all of this so well?" she asked as I grabbed my coat. "Working in a truckers diner, you learn a lot of things. Mostly more bad than good, but as you can see the work was not all in vain." 

"Any plans after work?" she asked. "Yeah, I am going to the library to look at some town records. Maybe it will give me an idea of where to start." 

"Where's the library?" I asked, half out of the door. "The clock tower. Right underneath."

****

After changing into more comfortable clothes, I made my way down the street towards the clock tower. It chimed for three just as I opened the door. 

"Oh hello!" A beautiful woman appeared from behind the counter and smiled at me. Her features, though striking, were oddly familiar, as if I had seen them before. I brushed it off as she spoke. "What can I help you with?" 

"I am looking for census books." I said, wringing my hands. "Census books? What years?" she asked, walking towards the back of the library. We passed a young girl who was reading at a table. 

"Uh, about 18-20 years ago." She hmed and then handed me some large, thick books. "Why, if you don't mind me asking, do you need these?" she asked softly. "I am looking for my parents. I figured this is where I should start." "Well I wish you the best of luck." she said, leaving me to silence. 

I placed the books down on the nearest table and took a seat. I couldn't help but notice the young girl who sat a table away and how she eyed the books. Shifting, I could see that she was reading Alice in Wonderland. 

"Are you enjoying Alice's adventures?" She looked a little surprised that I had spoken to her. "Yes. It's one of my favorites." "Mine too. I absolutely love the Mad Hatter's tea party." 

"I do too. It is my favorite part!" she gushed, glancing at the woman who helped me. She smiled. 

"My name's Grace." She held out her hand and used the other to swipe a lock of golden hair from her eyes. "I'm Alice." I took her hand, and my head began to spin once more. 

"Like the girl in the story!" she realized, widening her smile. "Yes, like the girl." I glanced at the woman who had been staring at me and instantly felt like I did that day. Shaking my head, I stood and started out of the door. 

"Finished already? You haven't had a chance to look?" the woman said. 

"I-I have to go." I clutched the book to my chest and ran from the building. My heart raced as I made a quick pace down the sidewalk. 

I had to get somewhere where no one was. Where I could think. I was so set on finding a place, I didn't realize the person heading for me until I collided with them. 

Down I tumbled onto the cool concrete. The book flew out of my arms and to the ground beside me. 

"Are you alright!?" I pushed my hair from my face to meet the bluest eyes I had even seen...the same blue eyes I had been dreaming about. 

I sat transfixed as he keeled to see me. His hand was touching my arm, and I could feel the warmth rush through my body. 

"I-I am so sorry." I said quickly, as he helped pull me up. "Here's your book." he said nervously, avoiding my eyes. 

I nodded and took it before starting off again down the street. 

As soon as I turned the corner and the woods came into view, I ran and didn't stop.

****