It was finally Sarah's first day in her new class.

The days between the decision to have Sarah placed in a higher grade, and today was a whirlwind of meetings and tests. Sarah was overwhelmed, it was all happening so fast; she didn't know what to think, what to feel, nor how to deal with everything.

The whole ordeal started with a private meeting between the principle and Mr. Gold. Sarah spent the day of the meeting with Belle at the library, and she could not help but notice how nervous Belle was. Sarah didn't understand why. True; Rumpel was still angry with the man for his accusations at the last meeting, but The Dark One could take care of himself. Or maybe Belle was worried for the principle? Sarah scoffed silently at that; the man deserved whatever Gold was going to do to him. In the end, it appeared that the Mr. Gold got his way… as usual.

The next step was for Sarah to be tested; to see if she could even handle the workload of a higher grade. She did really well with all of her marks. Science was going to be an issue, but all the adults agreed that with a little extra help, she should catch up quickly in that subject.

Next was a meeting with her new teacher. Mrs. Cunningham was an odd duck. She acted all prim and proper, like any other teacher. She listened intently to Sarah's history, and her accomplishment. She asked hard, but relevant questions. She outlined her expectations from Sarah, AND the other adults in a no-nonsense way. She acted like the typical strict teacher; and you would think she was… except for her rainbow hair, and the goth dress she was wearing. She was weird, and Sarah liked her.

It was decided that Sarah should start in her new class before the Christmas holidays. It would give her a chance to meet her new classmates, then have a break before starting her new curriculum. This was actually Mrs. Cunningham's idea. Because, as she stated:

"No real work is every really accomplished before Christmas. Students are distracted, and only a moron would try to teach them at this time. I, for one, have no desire to repeatedly hit my head against a brick wall. We learn, leading up to the holidays, just not in the traditional way."

So here she was, standing in front of a class of older students, who were all staring at her like she was an animal in a zoo.

"Alright class." Mrs. Cunningham greeted everyone. She didn't need to ask for silence like she usually did, because the new child had focused their attention from the start. "This is Sarah. Some of you might recognize Sarah from around the school. As of today, she will be joining our class. I expect all of you to help her out and answer any questions she has as she gets used to her new environment."

From the back of the class, a boy raised his hand.

"Yes Phillip?" The teacher acknowledged him.

"Aren't you that thief from Mrs. Lyne's class?" The student asked.

Sarah's heart sank, though her expression stayed the same to everyone looking. She was thinking up a good snide comment; one that would make Rumpelstiltskin proud, when the teacher spoke again.

"Yes she is Phillip; and what a good segue into this morning's topic." She casually indicated for Sarah to take her seat. Sarah was so confused; she did what the teacher asked barely thinking, only reacting.

"So, what happened after that?" Belle asked the child later that night, as Sarah regaled her with the story of her first day.

"It was really strange." Sarah continued. "I thought that after that comment, everyone would hate me. I would just be 'The Thief'… you know? But then Mrs. Cunningham, asked the class to start naming famous thieves. It was odd. Hazel brought up Aladdin, someone else… I don't remember his name… said Robin Hood."

Belle smiled at the mention of her friend.

"Then she got the class to talk about them. About why Aladdin and Robin Hood are good guys, but they are also thieves. Then we talked about why people might steal. If it is ever right to steal. Then we talked about other stuff that could be considered both bad and good; like talking back to adults, or fighting, or lying. Like, you know they say that lying is bad, but if you want to throw a surprise party for someone, then you have to lie to them, and that's a good thing… it's a good lie.

Well we talked all morning about things like that, and it was really interesting. Adults always tell us to do or not do certain things, like not to fight, or always tell the truth, or always be nice to others. But maybe adults are wrong. Like if an adult is mean to you or hurts you, you don't have to respect them. Like my ex-father," Belle had notice she had started to use this term lately to refer to her last guardian, "I don't need to respect him just because he is an adult. But I should respect you and Mr. Gold, because you are trying to do what is good for me. Right? I mean I think I got it right?"

Belle gave a little laugh. Mrs. Cunningham was right, this was definitely a non-traditional class, but she saw what the teacher was trying to do.

"I think you have it right, but you have to know when it is ok or right to break the rules. Sometimes that is hard to know, so you can always ask an adult you trust." She told the child.

"Yea that is true." Sarah agreed. "But it is strange." She continued.

"How so?" Belle asked.

"Well…" Sarah searched for the right words, while Belle waited patiently, "it's not the kinda thing adults normally say. I mean, adults normally just want kids to obey them. You know? Like you aren't supposed to question adults, you are just supposed to do what they say. If you don't, then they get mad."

"Is that what adults are like?" Belle asked, careful to keep her tone questioning and not accusing.

"Well Mr. Gold isn't," Sarah admitted, "but he never does what other people think he should do anyway. I mean, it's not like he is a proper adult... being the Dark One and all."

Belle tried to not the laugh out loud at that, but she failed. It was such a true statement.

"And me?" She asked.

"No." The child admitted again. "But you're weird and cool."

It was the child's highest compliment to consider someone weird, so Belle smiled in thanks.

It appeared, from Sarah's description, that her first day in her new class went well. She had already made some tentative friends, and was enjoying the classes. She had even started hanging out with Henry during lunch. Belle knew it was only the first day, but she was hopeful things were turning around for the child.

"It sounds like it was big day for you," Belle told the child, "I hope you have enough energy to go Christmas shopping."

"Christmas shopping?"

Sarah sounded so confused, that it took Belle aback a little.

"Yes, Christmas shopping. I was thinking that you might like to buy presents for some of your friends."

At the child's confused look, she continued.

"Henry, Dr. Hopper, maybe we can even get something for Rumpel?"

Belle expected Sarah to be excited. With everything that had been happening, Christmas had not been a priority in the Gold household. She was excited to finally have the time to shop, bake, and decorate for the holidays. But from the child's: "I guess so;" it seemed she was alone in that sentiment.

"If you are too tired, we can just head back to the house after I am done here."

"No, no!" The little one quickly stopped her. "We can go shopping if you want to."

Their first order of business was to find a tree for the house. They stopped off at a seller who was stationed near the gas station. The trees were leaning against the station's wall, all wrapped up and ready for transport. A sample of the different types of trees was on display: firs, pines, and spruces were there for the choosing. After much discussion, and a little coaxing from Belle, Sarah chose a pine for their house. Belle paid for the tree and organized to have it delivered.

Next was the toy store, to pick up a few small things for Sarah's new school friends. It was weird getting gifts for people she hardly knew, but Belle convinced Sarah that it was a nice gesture. Next, Belle brought the child to a stationary store to get something for Dr. Hopper, and Mrs. Cunningham. With some prompting, Sarah picked out a loud, colourful, tie-dyed notebook for her teacher, and a glass dalmatian paperweight for the Doctor.

Even though Sarah was choosing the gifts, Belle felt like she was pulling the child along. Sarah seemed reluctant to make decisions. It was a constant stream of "maybe," "if you think so," and "I guess this is ok," the child's reluctance was puzzling to Belle.

Not knowing what to do, Belle thought fervently about how to get the child more confident, more enthusiastic about her gifts. They had not gotten Rumpel's gift; maybe that was the key?

"What would you like to get Rumpel?" She asked the child as they wandered the snowy street.

Sarah stopped and looked at her wide eyed, but Belle was not giving up. She waited patiently for the little one to speak.

Realizing that the silence was stretching Sarah finally spoke: "You know Mr. Gold better than I do, maybe you should pick?"

Belle was not going to give in; so, she tried again.

"Gifts are supposed to be personal; I already got Rumpel a gift from me, we should get him one from you."

When the child didn't respond, Belle led them over to a gentleman's clothing store.

"How about a tie?" When the child gave her an incredulous look, she moved on. Stepping in front of a jewellery store she tried again. "How about some cuff-links?" Sarah just shook her head. Next was the local optometrist. "Rumpel broke his sunglasses a few months ago, maybe he would like some new ones?" The little one only shrugged.

Nothing was working, the child appeared most reluctant to even consider a gift for the man, and Belle was getting at her wits end. Had something happened between Rumpel and Sarah? Was Sarah upset with Rumpel? Did Sarah not think that the Dark One would like gifts? Belle had no idea what was going on or what to do. Then an idea struck.

"How about you make him a gift?"

"No!" came the child's panicked response.

"Why not?" The response was so odd, that Belle had to ask. "I am sure he would love something made by you."

"I can't." her tone was defiant.

"Sarah," Belle tried again, "I have seen your work in the shop, you are very artistic, and…"

"I said: NO!" The last word was screamed at the shocked woman.

"Sarah!" The child had been rude, but when Belle took a closer look she could see the little one was trembling. "Sarah?" she said softly this time. But it was to no avail; the child would not look at her. She tried to reach out, but before she could place her hand on the little ones shoulder, she bolted.

"Sarah!" Belle called after the running child, but she just kept running.

She tried to go after her, but her heels were not conducive to running on snowy pavement. Before she got around the corner, Belle found herself on the ground with a twisted ankle.

"Sarah!" She tried again, but it was too late. With one last turn the child was out of sight.