Children of The Dark One: Rumbelle

Widow

Gold rolled over and looked at her alarm clock. 8:31. If he was going to make it to church, he better get.

He pulled his body from the bed. He felt like led. He couldn't move. He couldn't think. He couldn't even breath. Not without Belle.

He started getting ready for church. He made a point to make sure his fresh cut marks from the night before were covered.

When he was finally ready it was already nine. He was going to be late. He transported himself to church.

When the purple smoke fell he was standing in the back of the church. Everything had stopped. Everyone was watching him.

Gold quickly spotted Belle toward the front with Widow Lucas. Widow had pulled a shot gun from under her seat. He almost laughed at the though. 'The old hag thought she could take the Dark One with a twelve gage.'

Next he saw Marion. She smiled and waved. He silently made his way over to her and took a seat next to her.

The serves resumed. The preacher talked about loving people and treating them kindly.

Everyone thought it was good for Gold to here. He looked down at his hands fidgeting with his cane, that sat between his knees.

He felt like an animal on display. Everyone was watching him. Like all evil panda on display!

Marion must have noticed, because she placed a hand on his knee. He felt better. Not quite as alone.

After church they all went over to Granny's, but Widow met him at the door, "Where do you think you're going?"

"I do believe there was a lunch mentioned." He looked up at her from the side walk.

"Yeah, not for you. I don't serve animals."

"And yet, it seems that rule only applies to me. Tell miss Lucas hi, from her fellow beast. Good day." He turned around and walked back to his shop.

It was closed on Sunday, but he couldn't go home. Well, it wasn't home. Just a place he slept.

Soon Marion came in. "Hey, Rumple. Robby is with Ruby. I thought we could have lunch." She sat two grease stained bags from Granny's Diner on the counter.

"Disgusting." He mumbled, going back to the book he was reading.

"I heard you got kicked out."

"I did not get kicked out!" His head shot up. His eyes burning with resentment for one Widow Lucas. "I could have come in if I wanted. I do own the building. Not to mention Regina and miss. Swan couldn't take me together!"

"I believe it." She laughed.

He huffed as she pulled a hamburger from the bag. Marion sat it in front of him. "Eat it. You are too skinny."

"I am no such thing. I've gained wait since..." He trailed off.

"You quit smoking?" She laughed pulling out her own burger.

"How did you know?" He looked at her stunned.

"I have my ways... dearie." The both started laughing.