First Love Reunited

chapter 3

And that's what happened," said Danielle. "I didn't mean to take Cody's heart. Honest!"
Danielle's blue eyes were wide, pleading for the Mayor to believe her. Regina placed a comforting hand on Danielle's shoulder.
"It's alright, dear," she spoke softly. "I believe you and I know that magic can be frightening. There is one thing I'm curious about," Regina continued. "How is it, that you have such powerful magic? Someone as young as you shouldn't be able to rip out hearts."
Danielle shrugged her shoulders and become very interested in the floor. "I don't really know. I've always had magic, but this is the first time that something like this has ever happened." The mayor opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Principle Smith.
"Who cares about her magically history," he said angrily. "I want to know how you intend to punish this witch." Regina stood up from her kneeled position and gave the balding man the infamous glare of the Evil Queen. The principle had the decency to be afraid.
"I happen to care a great deal, Mr. Smith. Uncontrolled magic is a ticking time bomb and dangerous to not only Danielle, but to my town." Regina made sure to put emphasis on "my town." A reminder that she was in charge. "And as far as punishment goes. Well, I honestly think a punishment is necessary for Danielle. Seeing as she was acting in self-defense. However; Ms. Blanchard and I will discuss a game plan concerning Danielle's magic." Regina said in her mayoral voice. She face Snow White and kept her voice professional.
"Ms. Blanchard, I trust that you have a punishment in mind for Cody." Snow nodded her head. She had been appalled to hear Danielle's story. Although she had suspected that Danielle was being bullied, but suspecting and knowing were completely different. "I'll be sending a seven day suspension notice to Cody's parents." Regina nodded her head in approval of Snow's plan.
"Have you contacted Danielle's parent's yet?" The mayor questioned.
Snow shook her head.
"No, said the schoolteacher. "She hasn't given us a name of any parent or guardian."
Regina nodded once again and dismissed Principle Smith, saying that his presence was no longer wanted. However, the mayor's tone was clear, he was no longer wanted. Regina pulled Snow to the side so that they could speak privately. She told the teacher that she wished to speak with Danielle alone. Snow White agreed and left to return to her classroom. During the two women's brief conversation, Danielle retreated to sit in one of the office chairs.
The young girl was nervous. She recognized the mayor. Danielle was almost certain that Mayor Mills was the young woman from her dreams. The one in the stables with the handsome young man. This woman looked different though. Older; and her hair was shorter. Despite the changes, Danielle knew who she was. If her dreams were correct, the mayor could answer a lot of questions Danielle had. Question like, why was she given up? Was she ever wanted? Would she be wanted now? The nine year old girl was distracted by the worrisome thoughts that raced through her mind, so she did not notice the approaching mayor.
"Sweetheart?"
Danielle looked up at the sound of Mayor Mills' voice. The older brunette smiled warmly.
"Would you like to take a walk with me?" The mayor asked Danielle. "We could talk some more."
Danielle nodded in agreement. She got up from the chair and followed the mayor out of the principal's office. The two brunettes strolled down the hallway, side by side. Their pace was unrushed and Regina kept in step with Danielle.
"Ms. Blanchard," the mayor broke the silence first. "She tells me that you haven't told her your parent's names. How come?"
Mayor Mills' voice was calm, neutering and motherly. 'No don't go there,' Danielle told herself. 'She's just being nice.' The girl was nervous. She was unsure of how to act around the older brunette. Danielle only shrugged in response to Mayor Mills' question.
"Having magic and no one to help teach you how to use it can be a very scary thing."
Danielle's voice was small and so quiet that Regina almost missed her response.
"You're right. It is scary."
"Do your parents know that you have magic?"
Danielle went silent once again. Regina was beginning to notice a pattern. Every time her parents were mentioned, the girl's lips zipped up tight. Regina studied Danielle more closely. Her blue eyes would be bright, if it wasn't for the sadness that was present in them. Regina recognized that sadness. It was the same look that Emma got when she talked of her years in the foster system.
"Danielle," the older women continued. "Are you an orphan?"
Danielle's eyes filled with tears, but she did not answer. She didn't need to. Her silence spoke volumes. Regina's voice was understanding.
"Dear, I have a friend. Her name is Emma. I think that it will help you to talk to her. What do you say?"