Second Love to the Right (Neal Cassidy/Baelfire Love Story)

Chapter 19: Back to Reality

I sit straight up in bed. I look around and notice I was in my room in my apartment in Baltimore. I took on a deep sigh of relief. It was a just a dream. Last night, I had a really weird dream about traveling to this town in Maine called Storybrooke which was created because of some Evil Queen's curse and all these fairytale creatures such as Snow White and Prince Charming were sent there. The only reason why I was there was because apparently my godfather Owen, who goes by Greg now apparently, a man I haven't seen or heard from in 20 years, invited me out there to write an article about the town exposing it's secrets. I chuckled a bit. I didn't need an article like that to help me get a promotion. I'm already almost there. But also, in my dream, I saw Baelfire again, all grown up. He lived in New York City, but came to Storybrooke to try and reconcile with his father. I sighed. Now I kind of wish that dream was real. New York is only a couple hours flight. I could get on one right now and go there if I wanted to. But alas, it wasn't real. Plus, I have work today. As I get out my bed, I reach for the locket on my neck. I don't remember when I got this, but inside the locket was a photo of Baelfire and I as kids. I however remember the day that photo was taken like it was yesterday. We found a camera in the attic and decided to goof off with it and take photos of us. As I mentioned, I don't know when I got it, but all I know is that I wear it everyday to remember Baelfire by. I will never take it off, because it's my only piece of him. As I continued to look at it, I began to feel a soft substance purr up against me. I look to see my cat Peach rubbing up against me.

"Hi, Peach" I say.

I pick her up and hold her in my arms and began scratching behind her ears. She closed her eyes and enjoyed it and I began to feel her purring. I giggled. She then jumps out of my arms and runs into the kitchen. I eventually make my way over there and fill her water and food bowl. As Peach becomes preoccupied with her food, I began to get ready. I eat, I shower, I get dressed, I put on a little makeup, I fix up my hair, I brush my teeth, and I am then ready to go. I don't usually take my car to school since it's roughly a 10 minute walk between my house and my job. Plus, it was such a nice day. Before arriving at work, I decide to stop by at Starbucks and grab a quick cappuccino. As I arrive, I take a deep breath of air while having a huge smile on my face. It's a new day. New stories to write. And possibly, a new job position as head writer. I then walk in. As I do, everyone I pass by; from Daryl, one of the main sports editors, to Shannon, the photo editor, says hello to me. I smile as they do and I say hello back. I then take a seat at my station, which was currently one of the news editors. Before I begin, I then hear a familiar sweet voice.

"H-Hello Miss Winter" it says.

I turn in my office chair and see who it was. It was Martin. He was one of the newest employees here. There's still a lot of stuff he doesn't understand, but he'll get the hang of it. A lot of people didn't like him because they saw him as too clumsy or too nerdy or too shy and that he didn't belong here. I'd probably be considered his only friend here, which is probably why he hangs around me the most. 

"Hello Martin" I reply.

"I-I'm sorry if I interfered with your work or anything. I just thought it'd be polite to say hello" Martin says.

"You didn't interfere with anything. I merely just got here moments ago" I say.

He let out a breath which almost seemed like a sigh of relief for some reason.

"Good, too many people complain that I bother them" Martin says.

"That's kinda rude. Maybe you should stand up for yourself" I say to him.

He shyly smiles and shakes his head.

"Is there anything else I can do for you Martin?" I ask him.