I got into my little yellow bug and was ready to head out of town, but something told me that I should stay. Not for that bitch of a woman who I still wasn't too sure about, but for Henry. That kid was something special, I just knew it. I pulled up in front of Granny's Bed and Breakfast and parked my car. I killed the engine and walked into the lobby as two women came downstairs arguing. One of them was an elderly woman, the other must've been her granddaughter. They both stopped when they saw me. "Can I help you?" the old woman asked. I gave her a weak smile.
"I'd like a room," I told her. Her eyes widened as she rushed behind the counter.
"Would you like a forest or square view?"
"Square's fine thanks." She smiled as she opened up the large book sitting on the countertop.
"And what's the name?" she asked, her pen hovering over the page.
"Swan. Emma Swan," I replied.
"Emma? Such a beautiful name," a voice behind me said. I turned my head to face a man with a long pointy chin, big brown eyes, and stubble all over his face. He walked forward with a cane, limping ever so slightly. I forced a smile.
"Thanks." The woman brought her hand forward, handing him a thick roll of cash. He took it from her and stuck it into her pocket.
"So, you must be the one that Regina was talking about this afternoon," he said, trying to make conversation. I shrugged my shoulders.
"I guess so. What did she say?" I asked, hope pulsating through my veins. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Just that you would be leaving town, and that I had no reason to worry about you." I raised a brow at him.
"Well, hate to tell you I'm not," I looked back at the woman, pulling some money from my pocket, handing her at least fifty dollars. "I'll be staying for at least a week, and I'll give you the rest of your money then, I promise you that." She nodded as she took the money from me and she gave me my room key.
"Number Three." I nodded my head and turned back towards the man.
"I'm sorry but I didn't quite catch your name." He smiled and held out his free hand to me.
"My name is Mr. Gold," he said kindly. I took his hand in a firm shake.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" I dropped his hand and he gave me a mischievious smile.
"And why do you say that, Ms. Swan?"
"Because you just took money from an elderly woman." I stepped back. "Anyways, it was nice to meet you, Mr. Gold, and if you talk to Regina, make sure she knows that I won't be going anywhere." He nodded his head and walked away, while I walked up the stairs to my room.
The next morning, I was in for a real surprise. Someone's knocking had awoken me from my slumber. I rolled out of bed, not bothering to put my pants back on. I opened the door, and I swear that my heart almost exploded in my chest. Regina stood on the other side of my door, with a basket full of red apples in her arms. "Good morning, Miss Swan," she greeted with a kind smile. I noticed her eyes glance down at my bare legs and then back to my face. I forced a smile.
"Hello, Madame Mayor, I just got up and I have not seen Henry, so if he is missing, you might want to try somewhere else," I told her. Her face softened a little, unlike how hard and unforgiving it was yesterday when she told me to leave.
"I'm not looking for Henry, I made sure that he made it to school today," she replied, unfazed.
"Then why are you here?"
