A/N: So sorry for the long update, I was preparing for school and in school. I've been really busy. Anyways, if anyone wants to suggest a twist or something like that I would be very happy to listen. I kind of have writer's block for this story. Well, happy reading everyone!

"Well, it all started when your father could not pay rent to me. I asked Regina for a little...help. She gave it, she knocked on your Papa's door and demanded he pay me or else."

"And?" Annabelle urged him to go on.

"Maurice scolded your mother to get a job, but she was already taking care of you because they could not afford child care. Your father grew impatient with your mother and argued with her every time he could. She was too shy to fight back, she loved your father dearly and did not want to upset him. He started to hit her and she wore long sleeve shirts and pants everyday. I stopped asking them for money, but his anger had finally reached a boiling point. One day Regina came by your house when you were at school and yelled at your father to stop or she would have him put in jail and that was the day he snapped at your mother. She couldn't take it anymore and she finally took her life."

Annabelle was sobbing she could not believe the news that she had just been told. She never knew her mother was a victim of domestic abuse and the man that she was with now was a trigger for her father's abuse. It was finally Regina that did it all. She had to put the blame on anyone right now, anyone, but her father. She had just started to bond with her father for the first time and years and now she hears this!

"How could you? You started this! You forced my father to do those horrible things! They had a happy marriage before you and Regina meddled."

"I assure you my love, the did not have a happy marriage. Your father cheated on your mother many times, he called himself "king"," Mr. Gold spoke.

"Urg! I'm not your love, I'm not even sure I want to see you right now!" Annabelle responded.

"Belle, I wanted to you this because I.."

"Save it. I don't care anymore," she said, despondently.

She ran up to her room and slammed the door as hard and loud as she could.

"What have I done?" Mr. Gold asked himself.

It was the middle of the night when Annabelle came out of her room. She was hungry so she quietly made herself something to eat. It was just a peanut butter sandwich, but for not eating all day it tasted like a five star meal.

He could hear her stirring downstairs. He thought about coming down and talking to her, but he knew better. He would just have to let her simmer down. She was not mad enough to leave, so that must mean she still cares for him. She would stay at Ruby's if she didn't. Right? Oh dear God he hoped so.

As soon as Annabelle was done eating she returned to her room, trying not to make a sound. She knew Mr. Gold was keen, and she really did not want to talk to him. She slowing fell asleep and dreamed of Mr. Gold holding her.

She woke up in the morning feeling horrible for being so cruel to Mr. Gold. Domestic violence is the only fault of the abuser. With a sigh she walked downstairs in her silk nightgown.

Mr. Gold was waiting for her at the dinning room table, looking glum with a sullen face. He looked like he had gotten no sleep. He could not even bring himself to look at Annabelle. She ran to him. She grabbed a hold of him and hugged him.

She whispered into his ear, "I'm so sorry."

"No, It is I that should be sorry."

"Just shut up and kiss me you dork!" Annabelle said, smiling.

He lifted her up and kissed her soft lips. The held each other for what seemed like hours, caressing, kissing, his hands rubbing her hair and her nuzzling his neck. It seems like she could never stay mad at him for long.

"Thank you Belle."

"For what?"

"For forgiving me. I wanted to tell you because I truly care for you and not a damn thing in this world or any other could change that."

"I'm glad you told me, I would have lived my entire life blinded from the truth and never knowing. How old are you anyways?"

"More than you my dearie."

She smirked and laughed. She wanted him to be like this forever, sweet and caring, but she knew that when it comes to other people in this town, he is not that way. He is cold and calculated, never wanting to let anyone have a break. She would try and change that, because she knew that deep inside he was a kind soul.