I am really enjoying writing in Emma's POV. I am sorry I am stretching out about Emma but if you read my original story of this the pace of the story was very sloppy and seemed force. I really want to focus on Emma before going to Killian because the next chapter is where she will get ready for the show to meet Killian for the first time. But I want to add a little twist about Killian. If you guys read my original, then you will see some differences about the character. Anyway, enjoy this.

Henry handed me one of the warm hot dogs with the relish and mustard. "This one is yours. I made sure the guy put extra mustard just the way you like it."

I took it from his hand and took a big bite from the end. A few pieces of the relish dropped to the ground.

"Pepsi or Sprite?"

"Sprite. Let's sit down, Henry."

We sat down on the bench near the lake. Henry handed me the Sprite and started to eat his hot dog before it grew cold.

I licked a bit of mustard off my thumb and looked down at my son. His eyes wandered toward the lake, watching a family of ducks swim to shore.

"Aren't you happy I'm not one of those OCD mothers who expect you to wash your hands before eating?"

"Yeah." He raised his eyes to mine. "But are you glad that I brought wipes before leaving the house because I knew you wouldn't?"

I laughed. Henry grinned widely at me and stole a bite of my hot dog. I pet his hair back and forth that made him dodge away from my touch.

"Hey, hey, no mustard in the hair, mom."

"That's what you get for taking my food. This is natural selection, kiddo, the strongest one is far more guaranteed to thrive in life than the weak."

"How is this natural selection, mom? You can't get that bit of portion I bit off back from rubbing your dirty hand in my hair. Also, it doesn't prove you the strongest."

"This was paid from my money – in the subject of hot dogs, it does make me the strongest one."

"Oh, so that's where you're going? Well, I'll beat you to it, mom, sooner or later I'll buy you as much hot dogs when we come here and you won't be able to afford it."

I winked down at him. "Just like that house you promised me? You'll get that for me too?"

"Duh. You won't be the strongest one for long, mom. You're gonna have to depend on me one day."

"Can't wait to see that day." I nudged him on the shoulder. "Good game today, kiddo."

"It was. But it's not gonna be a good night for you, Aunt Ruby is gonna be pissed when she sees you, mom."

"Oh she won't be seeing me until the show. Now remember, when I drop you off at Granny's, don't mention anything about the show or what Aunt Ruby has been up to. Got it?"

"Ok. Do you think this modeling thing is gonna last for Aunt Ruby?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I have no idea. I'm just happy that it keeps her grounded. You remember what a wild child she was and still is in a way. This show is a big deal so I'm hoping she'll get another shot in a gig like that again."

"Yeah, but I like her a little wild."

"That little black sheep in her is never gonna leave. Modeling is just going to tame her a bit. Maybe if Granny sees that she'll be supportive in her granddaughter's decision to get into modeling."

"Is Granny that conservative? What is so terrible about getting into modeling?"

"Well, kiddo, when you grow up you'll understand where Granny is coming from. It is not just because she is conservative. Models go through a bad rep on how they look, how much they should weigh, and other models backstab each other to get to the top. Aunt Ruby is a confident, beautiful girl, but being part of that kind of environment might destroy her."

"Gee then why model?"

"For Aunt Ruby, it might be for fun and a way to find a direction in her life. But every career you turn to has a bad side, the one she wants might just teach her on how to keep on going through struggles. And if modeling is gonna work, she's gonna go through a heck a lot of struggles."

"Yeah but the way you said it seems like it will psychologically affect her, mom. I might be on Team Granny if it affects her that horribly."

"I'm sure you would – and boy the words you use for your age. Are you really twelve?"

Henry rolled his eyes. "Since last December, mom."

"But listen, you gotta let Aunt Ruby stretch out her wings and explore in life. For a long time, the longest I remember, she has been meeting the wrong guys, partying, and fighting and leaving Granny. She has never gone this far from her life."

Henry held out his hand. I looked down at it and back to his eyes.

"What do you want me to promise now?"

"That if modeling goes overhand for Aunt Ruby you will team up with me and Granny to stop her. Now shake on it."

"Deal. You give the signal and I'll prepare the intervention."

I took his hand and we shook it.

"Speaking of signals, we need to make a signal for us."

Henry opened a can of Pepsi and took a quick sip before it overflowed. "A signal? What for?"

"Well, when I went to fetch the ball earlier, I accidentally bumped into this guy. He spilled coffee on his shirt – the food we're eating right now would have never happened if he didn't brush it off like it was nothing."

"So you made a mistake. What's the signal for?"

"I want a signal that we both could use in case we come across people we want to walk away from without seeming rude. The guy..well, I had a weird vibe about him. H-He, well, you might think I'm exaggerating about it if I told you, but he stared at me. It was a stare as if I was someone he thought he might have lost or something for a very long time."

Henry pushed the small bit of relish to the bitten end of his hot dog. He shook his head with a roll of his eyes.

"You're right, mom. I think you're exaggerating a bit. He probably thought you were some friend he knew long time ago – no big deal."

"He did say that I reminded him of someone he knew. That was the first time I reminded somebody of anybody. Anyway, I-I really wanted to walk away the minute I realized it wasn't a big deal of the mistake I made. So can we make a signal anyway?"

"Alright, if it makes you feel better. What about one arm up in a fist and hold it up for a little bit if one of us is near like today?"

"Left or right?"

"Doesn't matter."

"Time?"

Henry took a big bite of his hot dog. He held up three fingers.

"Three as in what?"

He covered his mouth and chewed quickly. "Th- ….Three seconds. It's a signal. You have any idea how weird it'll look if you hold your arm up for three minutes."

"Alright, alright."

A small family of ducks ran across the pathway, flapping their wings. Three young boys who looked about Henry's age ran after them. Their feet stomped hard from every step they took to scare the ducks away by the loud sound. Henry forced his food on my hand to hold and ran after them.

"Hey, guys! Wait up!" He shouted.

The boys stopped and turned around. When they saw who was calling, they ran straight to Henry. I watched them and ate in silence.

Guess bonding time ends here.

The four of them ran to me. Already I'm prepared to excuse Henry for the day.

"Hey, mom. These are my friends from school."

I smiled at them. "Nice to meet you, boys."

They gave me a nod. Only one of them blurted out "Hi, Ms. Swan".

"Can I go play with them for a bit? I'll meet you back here."

I nodded. "Sure. Just make sure you get back here in an hour."

"I will but..I need you to get something for me right now."

He's hiding something.

I steadied my expression poised and grinned widely at him. "Oh? What do you need, kiddo?"

"I need a book for my book report. I haven't decided which book I should use it on. i I might present it if my teacher likes it. So can you pick one for me?"

Okay not a complete lie there.

"You think I'm the best candidate?"

"Mom, you lean toward the fun and fantasy kind of books. You know I'd only read things that are under my requirements."

That's not a lie either. Guess I'll have to hide and find out later.

"Very well. You boys be safe. I'll be back."

~ I thought of which book would be best for Henry while I was on my way to Once upon a time. He will need a book to keep him grounded and something he would not force himself to read. I know this kid if something is far from reality then he would not enjoy it.

Maybe the Alchemist? Yes it is very close to my taste and a little bit of a tall order for a twelve year old but I think his teacher knows how special my little boy is when it comes to school. Also could boost some credits from his teacher to choose a high school level book.

Belle greeted me when I walked in the room. There was a tall mountain of books in her hands that rose up to her chin. I stepped forward to offer help but she shook her head.

"I'm alright, Emma. No need to help me, I can manage. So, what brings you here?"

"I came here to buy that book I've been trying to finish."

"So you finally decided to purchase a book? Oh Mr. Brooks won't believe me when I report him about this."

I rolled my eyes. "Hey, he is lucky I am a loyal customer who attends to this damn store. Everybody now is buying all their books for cheap online. Call me old-fashion, but I stick to the old times to actually walk up to the store."

Belle laughed softly. She headed to the counter and lowered the mountain of books down. Carefully she lowered half the stack down to prevent it all to fall.

I walked down the aisle between the fantasy and adventure category. It was not so hard to find my book. I always hide the book I am currently reading behind neatly stacked books in case Belle rearrange the books again or a customer purchases it.

I dug my hand in between three books and fished out the Alchemist. The book is not hard covered so the edges are bended and ruined.

Guess Brooks has another reason not to like me.

I smoothed the damage with my hands and walked up to the counter where Belle is to purchase the book.

Belle took the book and scanned it. "That will be $7.80. First book of the year."

I fished out a ten out of my pocket and placed it down on the counter. She took it and gathered my change in her hand.

"Bag?"

"I normally say yes if stores didn't charge me 10 cents a bag. But since Brooks charge 15 cents, as a cheapskate, I say no thank you."

Belle grinned widely and pushed the book to me, leaving my change on top. "There. Why aren't you with Henry? Today is your day off. I figured you two would have mother and son time."

"We did until the little sneak brushed me off to get this book for school. I think he is hiding something from me."

Belle's grin disappeared. "Then what are you doing here? You should be hiding in the bushes and spying on your son like a good mom you are."

"You don't think I was going to do that?"

"Well yes, but I was hoping you'd do it right away."

"Well, I learned more than a thing or two living with this kid. When he is doing something sneaky, I gotta give him time to do whatever he is doing. That way when I go back to see what he's doing I'll catch him."

"And if you're too late?"

"Oh then I'll talk to him. That kid can't lie to the human lie detector."

"You're a scary mom, Emma."

"And a damn good one, thank you very much."

~ I practically ran my way back to the park. Belle might have been right. I did give too much time for Henry to do whatever he is doing. I returned back to the same bench where Henry and I were earlier. Henry was not there.

I stopped to catch my breath and looked around. From across the lake, I found Henry and his friends playing ball. But I noticed Henry was a little distracted. Most of his focus went straight to a little girl reading a book in a bench facing the lake.

Thinking back, Henry did pay awful lot of attention to the lake across from where we sat. Did he know all along that she'd be sitting from across the lake? Those ducks were not the main focus for him after all.

What are the odds? My twelve-year old son is already reaching the age to like girls. Even though he is my little genius, girls are inevitable to him now.

One of Henry's friends nudged him on the shoulder that shook Henry back to attention. His friend laughed at my son and said something to him I cannot hear. But the way Henry shrugged his shoulders and scratched his head I can guess his liking to this girl is no mystery to his friends.

Whatever is his next move, the last thing he needs is to have his confidence blown away by seeing his mother. I quickly hid away behind a few trees. I tucked my hair in and pulled my hood on my head. I watched Henry gather the courage to slowly walk up to where the girl is.

His hands were in his pockets and he gently gave the little girl a nod. She smiled widely when she saw Henry. I wish I could hear what they are saying. But I could only watch the two exchange a few words. From the way she holds that smile since the minute he said hello, I can detect Henry is not the only one who is interested.

I watched his hands come out of his pocket. He gave a scratch on his head again.

Uh oh. I know that move. He's stuck.

Both of them were not moving their mouths. It is never easy talking to girls when your friends are not around you to barge in between awkward moments. I am starting to understand why kids still leave their friends to find out who likes who to make a relationship happen.

The girl waved at Henry. Henry nodded and walked away, returning to his friends. The same friend who nudged him lifted his thumbs up with his eyebrows raised, a way of asking in mute if it went well. Henry just shook his head.

That's it. My son needs a woman's perspective.

His friend padded Henry on the back and whispered in his ear. When he pulled back to hear what Henry has to say, my son shook his head.

Uh oh. That kid might pull the I'll-ask-her-for-you card. Henry you're just going to have to get that girl the old fashion way.

I plucked a daisy from the ground and jogged my way around the lake to reach to my son. Henry bit his lower lip and turned around from me when he saw me run to him. I am now close in close proximity to listen to these kids now.

The same friend took Henry's shoulder. "Hey I can still ask her for you, you know?"

I shook my head. "Oh no you don't."

I went over to my son and turned him around. I ignored how upset and embarrassed he looked. I placed the daisy in his hand and kneeled in front of him.

"Listen you, what is the occasion to get this girl?"

"Mom, please leave me alone."

"Hey kiddo, I'm only asking. And I'm a woman, your best chances from winning that girl is to get a little advice from me. I get you are young. But if you have your friend d do the job to get that girl for you, that girl is going to remember forever. Trust me, kiddo, later in high school she'd be thinking back all the boys she's been with so far and put you in the sorta boyfriend that doesn't count file."

Henry finally looked at my eyes. I smiled widely.

He knows I'm right.

"Now what's the occasion?"

"There's this…dance coming up and I wanted to ask Grace if she can go with me."

"You two friends?"

Henry nodded in silence. "So what's the flower for?"

"For her, silly. Go back up there and be honest. Say that this flower is for her and then ask her to the dance. What do you have to lose, kiddo?"

"Uh her."

I turned him around and pushed him forward where she is. "This won't fail. Have a little faith."

The boys gathered close to me. All of us watched Henry drag himself back to that girl. I can tell these boys agree with Henry's doubt on my plan.

"Ms. Swan, this won't work. I've helped my guys before. I could have asked her."

I did not look down. From hearing his voice, this kid is the same one who wanted offered Henry to ask Grace for him.

"Listen, kid, that asking for your friend thing gets old in the mean time. Sometimes, the old way is so lost it turns new when you pick it up again. Girls your age watch movies and read stories about moments like this while half of them know it won't happen to them in reality. Well, for Grace, she is just going to be lucky."

"Well, I still don't think…Hey."

We watched Henry smile widely and give me a look for a split moment – a look I know so well that only means "you were right". He handed the daisy to Grace and she took it. Still with that smile, he waved goodbye and returned to me.

I crossed my arms across my chest and gave him a coy smile. His friend next to me who doubted more on my idea had his mouth slightly dropped.

"Well," I started with a clear of my throat. "We're going to get you some shoes for next play day."

"She said we could meet outside the school."

"Alright. I approve of you going now that you have a date."

His friend faced me. This time I looked down at him. "M-Ms. Sw-wan..Uhmmmm. I-I'm sorry. Maybe you can help me?"

"Sorry, kiddo. I'm only cupid for one per day. And word of advice, don't try asking a girl the same way as Henry. When you guys go back to school, the story of what Henry did will fly fast out of that little girl's mouth. Never pull off the same way. Find your own art."

"Oh come on, Ms. Swan. Gimme some advice."

Henry threw an arm around his friend's shoulders. He looks happier than a drunk who received a free beer.

"Hey you heard cupid, one at a time, man."