Once Upon A Time. (Book One)

Chapter One: Storybrooke, Maine. (Part One)

A small boy with black hair and brown eyes was holding a book but not just any book, it was a special type of book. He wears a white t-shirt with a navy blue sweater vest that is buttoned up on the front with jeans, a black jacket, a gray and red scarf with black sneakers, and along with him was a backpack. He was reading it on the bus, it was nighttime.

The bus was heading to Boston, New York, it was a long way from home for the boy. A woman looked over and asked, “That a good book?” she asked. The book title was sprawled on it was Once Upon A Time.

The boy looked over at the woman, a bit shyly as he smiled politely and held the book close to his body. “This? It’s more than just a book,” he said to her.

“Oh!” said the woman, chuckling at his response.

“Boston. South Station. Thank you for riding Greyhound.” Said the man over the PA system.

The boy got off the bus, the cars were honking at each other, and there was noise everywhere in the city. It was never quiet. The boy looked for a cab to get to where he was planning on going but he didn’t find one at first, he walked along the sidewalk, spotting four taxis one after another.

He walked one to one and knocked on the window, getting a man’s attention, who was on the phone. “Hold on,” he said into the phone while rolling down the window.

“Uh, you take credit cards?” he asked, holding one between his fingers and showing it to the taxi driver.

“Where to, chief?” the driver asked.

The elevator door dings and this woman with a red dress and red high heels with blond hair to her shoulders, hazel eyes, and porcelain white skin. She looked around to see if her date was here in this beautiful restaurant that he wanted to meet her in. There was upbeat music playing in the background while other couples were chattering away. Everything was in black and white, the walls were black and white glass strips, and the tables were crowded with a bunch of people.

This woman looked down the aisles then she went to her right, walking slowly further into the restaurant as she turned a corner. Her date hadn’t seen her yet because he couldn’t see with the long branches in crystal glass blocking her vision. Then he saw her and he was in shock by now gorgeous she looked, he had a small towel in his hands as he crumpled it up and set it on the table while scooted back and standing up with a smile on his face.

She smiled wearily as she came closer to the male. He held out his hand out for her to shake, “Emma?” he asked.

“Ryan?”

Ryan chuckled nervously while shaking her hand. He was wearing a white button-up shirt with a black blazer and pants, his shoes were shiny and looked new, and he has a buzz cut with no facial hair. He was your average good-looking guy in his late 20s.

“You look relieved,” Emma said, Ryan was smiling wide as he still couldn’t wrap his mind around how she looked, he thought he would see a guy or someone who didn’t look like they said that they were in the picture.

He shook his head for a moment before looking down at the ground. “Well, it is the Internet.” He said, pulling at Emma’s chair for her while she scooted in more. “Pictures can be...” he was saying as he went to go sit in his chair across the table.

“Fake? Outdated? Stolen from a Victoria’s Secret catalog?” she joked, both of them laughing.

“Exactly,” Ryan agreed as he scooted in the chair, smiling.

“So...”

“So... Um... Tell me something about yourself, Emma.”

“Oh, uh, well...” Emma said, looking at the glass of wine in the cup, trying to think of something to say about herself. She never really opens up to people that she met on the first day. “Today’s my birthday,” she said, looking at Ryan.

“And you’re spending it with me? What about your friends?” he asked.

“I’m kind of a loner,” she answered.

“And you don’t like your family?”

“No family to like.”

“Oh. Come on, everyone has family.”

“Technically, yeah. And everyone knows who they are.” Emma said, taking a second and then giving him a tiny smirk on her lips. “Ready to run yet?”

“Oh, not a chance. You, Emma, are, by far, the sexiest friendless orphan that I have ever met.” He said while Emma was smiling at the compliment that he gave her and they laughed softly.

“Okay. Your turn.” She said. “No, wait, let me guess,” she said excitedly. “Um, you are handsome.” He raised his eyebrows slightly at the comment. “Charming.”

“Go on,” Ryan said with a coy smile.

“The kind of guy who, and now stop me if I get this wrong,” she said, her hand gesturing for him to stop, “embezzled from your employer, got arrested, and skipped town before they were able to throw your ass in jail?” she asked with a serious face.

Ryan chuckled nervously, “What?”

“And the worst part of all this is your wife. Your wife loves you so much that she bailed you out. And how do you repay that loyalty? You’re on a date.”

“Who are you?” he asked in a serious tone.

Emma looked at him like he should know who she was but she tells him anyway. “The chick who put up the rest of the money.”

Ryan leaned back against the chair, his fingers locked together. “A bail bondsman?” he asked in disbelief.

“Bail bondsperson,” Emma corrected him, tilting her head to the side slightly.

Ryan looked around at the ground as he tapped the table, sniffling, then with one quick movement, he lifted up the table slightly making everything go onto Emma, the wine splashing onto her. She quickly got up and tried not to get anything on her. He quickly toward the elevator trying to get away from her as fast as possible. Sighing, as she looked down at her dress, “Really?” she asked herself.

Ryan ran out of the building, pushing the glass door, several people turned to look his way. He ran into the street while the cars are honking at him, a few cars slowed down trying not to hit him in the process. Then Emma, came out walking slowly, she was not in any rush on catching him. She knew something that he didn’t. She had that smirk that said I Got You. Emma walked into the street with her head held high as she marched toward him, he was now in his car, starting it up but can’t because he had a yellow metal clamp on the back of his tire.

“You don’t have to do this, okay? I can pay you. I’ve got money.” When she finally got to him, he was trying to get out of the situation.

“No, you don’t. And if you did, you should give it to your wife to take care of your family,” she said she was sympathetic to his wife and family but not to him.

He looked at her, squinting his eyes. “What the hell do you know about family, huh?” he asked.

She looked down at him with a blank face while she grabbed the back of his blazer and slammed him against the steering wheel, knocking him out. “Nothing,” she said to herself.

Emma finally made it back to her apartment with a bag of takeout in one arm, kicking off her heels as she walked in while closing the door behind her. She groaned in relief, she never liked wearing heels. She was more the boot-wearing type of girl. She set the food on the table, got the white box out of the bag, and opened it, revealing a single cupcake. It was a vanilla cupcake with white frosting, she took out a star candle and put it in the cupcake at the dead center of it. Grabbing a match and lit the candle, blowing out the match once she lit the candle. She folded her arms against the marble island in the center of the kitchen, laying her chin on her wrist as she smiled to herself. The candle lighting up her face made her look more beautiful, “Another banner year,” she said while looking at the cupcake, closing her eyes as she made a wish to herself then she blew out the candle while her eyes were still closed.

All of a sudden, her doorbell rings. She wasn’t expecting anyone, she wondered who it could be. Then she looked at the cupcake for a moment then she sat up straighter and went down her hallway to open the door. Upon opening the door, she looked straight on for a few moments before looking down at the boy in front of her. It was the same boy who had that storybook on the bus.

Emma was confused for a moment. “Um... can I help you?” she asked the boy.

“Are you Emma Swan?” he asked, hoping that it would be her.

“Yeah. Who are you?” she asked, even more, confused now that this boy knew who she was but didn’t know who he is. Or how he found her.

“My name’s Henry. I’m your son.” He said with a smile.

Emma was in shock by his words, maybe the boy was confused and was thinking about another Emma Swan but she knew deep down that he was her son. She didn’t think he would find her. She had questions of course but she wasn’t going to be asked him now about them.

Henry went under her arm to get into Emma’s apartment, then Emma tried to get his attention while she closed the door and the boy walked in further. “Whoa! Hey, kid? Kid? Kid?” she said, walking behind him. “I don’t have a son.” He walked into the kitchen/dining room, looking around the place. “Where are your parents?” she asked Henry.

He looked at her as his hand placed on the chair. “Ten years ago, did you give up a baby for adoption?” Emma stood in the kitchen, staring at him in shock. “That was me.”

Emma took a few steps back, still in shock at her son being in the same room as her. “Give me a minute,” she said as she turned to go to the bathroom, closing the door. Placing a hand on the door as she stared off into space for a few moments. She was trying to breathe normally again, but it was difficult.

Henry opened the refrigerator door, looking for something to drink. “You have any juice?” he asked loud enough for Emma to hear. “Never mind. Found some.”

She opened the door to find Henry drinking some juice from the bottle, after he was done, he set it down next to the sink and looked at his mother with a hopeful smile on his face. Emma slowly walked out of the bathroom and leaned across the island to look at her son.

“You know, we should probably get going,” Henry said.

“Going where?” she asked.

“I want you to come home with me,” he answered.

“Okay, kid. I’m calling the cops.” She walked to her landline, picked it up and she started dialing the cops.

“Then I’ll tell them you kidnapped me,” Henry said, turning to the side of the chair while he watched her.

“They’ll believe you because I’m your birthmother,” she said, hearing the dial tone.

“Yep,” he said, nodding.

“You’re not going to do that.”

“Try me,” he said, smirking.

“You’re pretty good. But here’s the thing. There’s not a lot I’m great at in life. I have one skill.” She said, Henry, giving her a triumphant look while she was talking. “Let’s call it a superpower. I can tell when anyone is lying. And you, kid, are.” Emma started dialing the number again.

“Wait,” Henry said softly, Emma looking at him for a minute. “Please don’t call the cops. Please. Come home with me.”

Emma thought for a moment then asked, “Where’s home?”

“Storybrooke, Maine.”

“Storybrooke? Seriously?” she asked, it was totally made up, right?

“Mmm-hmm,” Henry nodded, his eyes pleading.

“All righty then,” sighing in defeat. “Let’s get you back to Storybrooke.”

Henry jumped down from the chair with a smile on his face. He was happy that she was going to his hometown with her.

The castle stood on a huge rock just above the ocean, there were trees, mountains, and blue skies with white clouds. It was pretty peaceful to look out over. Snow White was leaning against a white brick wall with amazing different circular designs, she has her raven-black hair down with little flowers in it and a bluebird on her index finger. She was wearing a white lace, short-sleeved dress. The bird flew away as Snow put her hands on her pregnant belly.

Charming walked up to her, “What’s wrong?” he asked, in a concerned voice.

Snow looked at Charming, shaking her head as she rubbed her belly. “Nothing,” her voice sad.

“You’re thinking about what the Queen said again, aren’t you?” he asked. “Snow, please. I can’t keep having this conversation. You have to let it go. We’re about to have a baby.” He looked into the nursery where their baby was staying as he gestured toward it.

Snow walked in, letting go of Charming’s hands as she pulled up her dress slightly. “I haven’t had a restful night since our wedding.”

Charming followed her and stood by her side. “That’s what she wants. To get in your head. But they are only words.” Placing one hand behind her back and taking one of his wife’s hands, kissing the back of it. He wanted to make her feel better and forget what the Queen had on their wedding day. “She can’t hurt us.”

Snow looked at her husband in disbelief, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She knew what the Queen would do and she always kept her word, it never fails. “She poisoned an apple because she thought I was prettier than her. You have no idea of what she’s capable of.”

“What can I do to ease your mind?” he asked, sighing.

Snow gasped, thinking of an idea. “Let me talk to him.”

Charming looked at her like she was crazy, “Him?” he asked, he didn’t trust him at all. He was evil and likes power. He was nothing more than a low life, he liked seeing people get hurt. “You don’t mean...,” he trailed off.

“I do,” Snow said.

“No! It’s too dangerous.” Shaking his head, he didn’t like the idea of them going to see the most powerful man in their land.

“He sees the future,” she pleaded.

“There’s a reason he’s locked up,” Charming said in a fierce voice.

“Can you promise me that our child will be safe?” Snow asked him, her voice breaking slightly. “Can you guarantee it? Because he can.” Charming looked away from her because he knew that she was right.

He placed his hands on the crib and leaned forward slightly, he was considering all this. Part of him wants to protect their child but the other part didn’t want to put themselves in danger if they do meet the man who is locked up. “All right,” he said, finally deciding as he nodded his head. “Four our child.”

It was night when Emma and Henry got into her yellow bug, Henry was looking out the window most of the drive up to Maine, but he looked at his mother for a moment then he looked away when she looked over at him.

“I’m hungry. You wanna stop somewhere?” Henry asked.

“This is not a road trip. We’re not stopping for snacks.”

“Why not?” he asked.

“Quit complaining, kid.” She was getting annoyed, she just wanted to drop off this kid and go back to her apartment. “Remember, I could have put your butt on a bus. Still could.”

“You know I have a name. It’s Henry.” He said, correcting her.

Emma looked over at the kid. Henry. His name is Henry, she thought. “What’s that?” she asked, eyeing the book while she still drove.

“I’m not sure you’re ready,” Henry said, he wanted so bad to tell her about everything but he knew that she wasn’t ready for it yet.

She looked at him in disbelief, she wanted to know and she was curious about it. “Ready for some fairy takes?” she asked.

“They’re not fairy takes,” he said firmly. “They’re true. Every story in this book actually happened.”

“Of course they did,” she muttered to herself, not believing him.

“Use your superpower, see if I’m lying,” he said, giving her the side-eye look.

Taking a few seconds to answer him, she looked back and forth between him and the road, she was trying to find the right words to say to a ten-year-old. “Just because you believe something doesn’t make it true,” Emma finally said.

“That’s exactly what makes it true. You should know more than anyone,” he said.

“Why is that?” she asked.

“Because you’re in this book.”

“Oh, kid, you’ve got problems,” she said, sighing.

“Yup, and you’re gonna fix them.”

Emma looked at him once again, her eyes widening at him for a moment, she was nervous by the way he said those words. They kept driving while Henry opened up a page.

“When we reach the cell, stay out of the light.” The guard said, holding a torch that was lit with fire. “And whatever you do, do not let him know your name. If he knows your name, he will have power over you.” He said to Snow White and Prince Charming. “Rumplestiltskin.” He called out once. “Rumplestiltskin!” He yelled out even louder and harsher while walking down the dirt path. “I have a question for you.” They finally reached the bars, but these bars weren’t normal, they were like icicles but they were metal.

“No, you don’t,” Rumplestiltskin said, knowing who had the question. “They do. Snow White and Prince Charming!” He said mockingly, laughing evilly. “You insult me. Step into the light and take off those ridiculous robes.” Snow and Charming slid the hoods off their heads then looked at one another in fear then back at Rumplestiltskin. “Ah,” cackling like a psycho. “That’s much better.”

“We’ve come to ask you about...,” Prince Charming said before he got interrupted.

“Yes, yes! I know why you’re here,” Rumplestiltskin said impatiently. “You want to know about the Queen’s threat.”

“Tell us what you know!” Snow demanded, her voice sounding tense.

“Oh,” Rumplestiltskin said. “Tense, aren’t we?” he smirked at the both of them, gesturing his hand up dramatically. “Fear not, for I can ease your mind, but it’s gonna cost you something in return,” he said, leaning close to the sharp bars.

“No. This is a waste of time,” Charming said to Snow.

“What do you want?” Snow asked Rumplestiltskin as she got closer to the cell.

“Oh,” he whispered while shaking his head slightly, “the name of your unborn child?”

“Absolutely not!” Charming said.

“Deal!” Snow said. “What do you know?” Charming was looking at her like she was crazy.

Rumplestiltskin smiled happily when she agreed to the deal, he liked making deals with just about anyone, and it made him feel he was in power. “The Queen had created a powerful curse. And it’s coming. Soon you’ll all be in a prison, just like me, only worse. Your prison, all of our prisons, will be time. The time will stop, and we will be trapped. Someplace horrible, where everything we hold dear, everything we love, will be ripped from us while we suffer for all eternity, while the Queen celebrates, victorious at last!” He said the last few words loud and proud, then he looked at Snow directly with his wide eyes and his face blank. “No more happy endings.”

Snow took a step closer to Rumplestiltskin while asking, “What can we do?”

“We can’t do anything,” he answered.

“Who can?” Snow asked, looking at him intensely.

One of Rumplestiltskin’s hands while trying to touch Snow’s pregnant stomach, Charming slapped his hand away. “That little thing growing inside your belly,” he said.

“Next time, I cut it off,” Charming said, threatening Rumplestiltskin.

Rumplestiltskin clicked his tongue, disapproving while wiggling his index finger. “The infant is our only hope. Get the child to safety. Get the child to safety and on its 28th birthday,” he said, climbing on the bars, “the child will return, the child will find you, and the final battle will begin!” He said, laughing maniacally.

“I’ve heard enough, we’re leaving,” Charming said, taking Snow’s arm and walking down the path they’d come. Snow turned her back towards Rumplestiltskin, while he still laughing maniacally then it turned into exclaiming scornfully.

“Hey, no!” Rumplestiltskin yelled out to them. “We made a deal! I want her name! We had a deal! I need her name! I want her name!”

“Her? It’s a boy.” Charming said, stopping in his tracks to look back at Rumplestiltskin then started walking again.

“Missy! Missy! You know I’m right.” Rumplestiltskin said with a smile. The there of them stopped once again to look at him, Snow looking at him. “Tell me,” he said softly, his hand hanging out of the bars as he looked at Snow, Charming, and the guard. “What’s her name?”

Snow closed her eyes, debating on telling Rumplestiltskin their daughter’s name or not. After a few seconds, she sighed softly and turned around to look at the man who made a deal with her. “Emma,” she said through her teeth, with an even voice. “Her name is Emma.” Turning around as she walked back down the path, Charming stared after her for a moment.

“Emma...,” Rumplestiltskin breathed out her name.

It was raining but not heavily, thank goodness that it wasn’t, Emma hated driving in the rain. Emma saw the sign that said: Storybrooke, Maine. She was in relief to have finally found it.

It was thundering loudly, rain was pouring. Emma and Henry stopped at a stoplight, waiting for it to turn green. “Okay, kid. How about an address?” she asked him, driving down the streets of this unknown town.”

“44, Not-Telling-You Street,” Henry said in response to her question. She hit her brakes hard in the middle of the four-way street, she put her car in park as she took off her seat belt and out of her yellow bug, slamming her car door. The power lines were sparking when she got out of the car, she was getting frustrated. Henry got out of the car as well with his belongings as he came around her car to stand in front of her.

“Look, it’s been a long night, and it’s almost...,” Emma said, looking up at the town clock. “8:15?” she questioned, she was confused. Doesn’t this clock work, anymore? Emma thought to herself.

“That clock hasn’t moved in my whole life. Time is frozen here.” Henry explained to her.

“Excuse me?” Emma said.

“The Evil Queen did it with her curse. She sent everyone from the Enchanted Forest here.”

“Hang on. An Evil Queen sent a bunch of fairy tale characters here?” Emma questioned him, still not believing him.

“Yeah, and now they’re trapped,” Henry explained.

“Frozen in time. Stuck in Storybrooke, Maine. That’s what you’re going with?” she asked.

“It’s true,” Henry whined, he wanted Emma to believe him so badly. he wanted to break the curse and believe him.