Finding You Always

Wide Awake, Pt 1

Finding You Always

Chapter 26: Wide Awake Pt. 1

The town square was bustling with activity that morning. As Mary Margaret, she vaguely remembered Miner's Day celebrations of the past, but none as joyous as this. There were still many unhappy people. Those missing spouses, who were still with others, and parents missing children.

But some had found their way way back to each other. Though not yet awake, Abigail had found Frederick. And some others were finding their loved ones too. She suspected that Gold was busy drawing up divorce decrees these days. And it was all thanks to her little Emma, whose mere presence was slowly returning happy endings.

Her little girl was enamored by all the sights, sounds, and smells, as she clutched her hand.

"Oh Mary Margaret, I don't know how to thank you!" Astrid praised, as she hurried up to them.

"Mother Superior is so pleased. Thank you for selling all those candles and helping me fix my blunder," she rambled. Snow smiled.

"It was my pleasure, but most of the credit should go to Emma. I could have never sold so many without her. She has her father's charm," Snow bragged, as Emma looked down shyly.

"Well, then thank you as well, Emma," she said.

"You're welcome, sister Astrid. Is Leroy helping you?" She asked. Astrid smiled shyly and her cheeks colored a bit.

"Yes...it was such a surprise when he showed up bright and early this morning. He did most of the lighting," she replied, gesturing to the twinkling strands of lights that glittered all over the square. Snow smiled.

"He did a wonderful job. Tell him I said so," she requested.

"I will. Thanks again," Astrid responded, as Mary Margaret and Emma continued on receiving friendly greetings from most along the way.

They were slowly making their way to David at the other end of the square, but stopped several times to talk and greet various friends.

The smell of Granny's homemade cinnamon rolls had her purchasing a box of the delicious treat for her family and once they had them wrapped up and in a bag, they continued on.

Only Snow collided with Rebecca Jenkins herself. But she did not flinch under the cold woman's glare.

"You should really watch your step, Miss Blanchard," she hissed. Snow smirked.

"Probably, but it's Mrs. Nolan now," she said smugly, enjoying Zelda's furious glower.

"Come on Emma, let's go find Daddy," she said with a smirk and continued on. She heard Zelda growl and start spouting complaints to her mother, as they walked away. That woman seriously needed medication...or a straight jacket.

They soon found David and Emma ran up to him, receiving a big hug from his strong arms and a kiss to her forehead, before he stood up.

"Hey handsome," Snow greeted.

"Hey yourself, beautiful," he replied, as he kissed her tenderly.

"Can we play some games?" Emma asked. They smiled.

"Sure princess," David answered, as they set out together into the heart of the festivities.

About an hour later, they headed for the park with their picnic basket in hand and Emma with a big stuffed unicorn that David won her under her arm, complete with a huge smile on her face.

Picnic blankets dotted the park and they found Paige's family near a large tree. The girls immediately went to playing, while they greeted Paige's

"Thank you for meeting us, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson," David greeted, as they shook hands.