And Then There Was You

XI. Bewildering Happenstance

Yay, longer chapter! I got excited writing the last one so the ideas for this chapter were overflowing! My fingers haven't had this much exercise in a while, no pun intended. KIDDING! It's probably the vanilla iced coffee I just had from McDonalds! XD

[Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from ABC's hit show, ONCE UPON A TIME.]

"Emma?" Another familiar voice called out her name. Emma halted her tears, brushing them away, and raised her gaze to meet her friend's eyes. Belle sensed that something had gone terribly wrong. She understood that her best friend rarely showed any vulnerability, especially in public. Belle knew Emma to be a strong person, someone who seldom shed tears unless it was in response to the loss of someone dear. "Ems, what's wrong?"

Emma's nose flared as she whimpered, unable to stop herself. Belle knelt down in front of Emma, meeting her at eye level, and enveloped her best friend in a comforting hug. It offered some solace to Emma, but it couldn't replace what she longed for. Belle was not Regina. The two friends held each other for a few moments until Emma's sobs subsided. When they finally pulled apart, Emma wiped her nose with her sleeve.

Just as Emma's tears began to subside, Belle approached her and extended a white handkerchief. "Here, take this," she said softly.

Emma's eyes widened as she stared at the handkerchief, her mind racing with the possibility that she had given it to someone else before. The intricate design of swans dancing on the fabric seemed to whisper secrets in her ear, but none of them made any sense.

A soft giggle escaped Belle's lips as she nodded in agreement. "You don't remember? You gave this to me," she repeated, her smile growing wider.

Emma's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Huh... when?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

Belle giggled at Emma's puzzled expression. "When we first met, silly. Don't you remember? It was fourth grade and I was being bullied because I wore glasses with thick frames. And you saved me, beating up those little jerks. Right after, you handed me your handkerchief."

Emma's mouth parted in surprise as she stared at Belle. "Oh, wow. That was a long time ago. You remembered all of that?" she asked, her tone laced with amazement.

Belle's smile faltered momentarily as she gazed up at the painting of Claude Monet above Emma's head. "Of course," she said softly, nostalgia washing over her.

Emma's forehead crinkled. "Oh," she replied. Her eyes widened as she too recalled the past event. "Yes, I remember. I remember it all clearly. Your glasses made your eyes bug out. I didn't say anything back then, 'cause I never really thought about it until now." Emma chuckled. "They were so ridiculous. Who wouldn't make fun of you?" Her voice tinged with amusement.

Belle was taken aback by Emma's unrestrained comment but playfully returned the sarcasm. "You only made friends with me because I was the only one willing to help you with homework," Belle quipped, her smirk reflecting a sense of vindication. Proud of her own insight, even at an early age. "Also, I made friends with you because I knew I'd always have backup."

Emma let out a sarcastic laugh. "Wow, you really have a lot of ammo against me, don't you?"

The playful banter exchanged between the two friends was enough for Emma to loosen the grip of negativity that had engulfed her mind. It was akin to a metamorphosis of emotions, albeit cut short when reality pulled her back.

Belle eyes narrowed as she watched Emma's gaze drift away, sensing that she was about to bolt again. She understood that if she didn't allow her friend to express her feelings, she might resort to her familiar pattern of running away.