A/N Just wanting to give a little background on the characters in the story. There is no FTL or curse and I will be using everyone's Storybrooke identities and not their fairy tale names. Hopefully that won't be to confusing since in my other fic I use their FTL identities. I might slip up in some places lol.
David and Emma are brother and sister. Emma was married briefly (explaining the different last names.) Their mother passed away a few years ago and they now live together in their family home. I have pretty much just changed everything to suit my purposes. :)
Graham is David and Emma's closest friend and they have known each other since they were children.
I hope you all enjoy!
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Regina smiled as she passed the sign to said "Welcome to Storybrooke." This was it, her new start! She turned slightly in her seat to glance back at her son who was sleeping soundly in the back. He had just turned six years old and his sweet sleeping face brought a smile to her face. "We're here Henry." She whispered lightly. She had read about this town as a child and had thought it sounded wonderful. She had always dreamed of a simple life and remembered thinking when she read about Storybrooke how great it would be to live here.
It had been one month ago that she had decided to come here and try to start her life over. After all there was nothing stopping her now. She hadn't told anyone where she was going. She didn't want to take the chance of someone trying to stop her. Her whole life people had been controlling her, and now she decided to do something for herself. She had no doubt that eventually her mother would track her down, but hopefully by that time she would be settled and have started to grow roots. Maybe then she would feel better able to stand up for what she wanted.
First things first, she thought to herself, she had to find a place to stay, and then a job. She didn't have a lot of money but enough to live on until she was able to find herself a source of income. Her lawyer had advised her to go for more money in her divorce, but Regina had refused. She wanted absolutely nothing from that man. The man who had so methodically ruined her life. The man who had slowly picked away at who she was until she had become a shell of a person. She had become a shadow of her former self, the girl who had longed to find love and have a family, the sweet innocent girl that only ever wanted someone to love and to be loved in return. She was no longer so foolish and naïve as she had once been, but she did admit that at least part of her dream had come true.
She smiled a little as she glanced in the rearview mirror at her sleeping son. He was the only joy of her life. Leo had fought her tooth and nail for custody. He didn't care about Henry of course, but he had wanted to hurt her and had known exactly where to hit. It was because of their awful history that she had been the one to gain custody. She'd had to relive every horrible moment of their marriage to the judge which had been humiliating but she couldn't take the chance that he would end up with her baby. In the end he had sealed his own fate by getting drunk, breaking into her home and showing her just how angry he was that she had dared to leave him. It had landed her in the hospital but had been worth it because she now had full custody of her little boy and he had received two years in prison for nearly killing her.
Leopold Price could not hurt them anymore.
The first thing she had done when she left him was change her and Henry's name back to her maiden name of "Mills." The next thing she had done was to fight with everything she had to have all of his rights to Henry terminated. There had been people who had helped her along the way, women from the shelter, her lawyer who had fought by her side taking her case free of charge. The least Regina could do to pay back their kindness was to make a life for herself and her son and get as far away from the man who had been her husband as she could manage.
He had been a powerful man once, and had connections everywhere, which was one of the reasons it had been so difficult to get away from him. When she had first met him he had been sweet and kind to her. He was much older then she had been but had showed her attention and made her feel beautiful and loved. It wasn't until after they were married that things had changed. He had become cruel and heartless.
After a few years of trying to have a child (he had wanted one for appearances and to carry on his name) He had grown even angrier with her for not falling pregnant. Regina had tried to suggest the two of them seeing a doctor which had earned her a black eye. "How dare you suggest this problem is mine!" He had bellowed at her. He had gone on to point out the problem was obviously hers and marrying her had of course been the biggest mistake of his life. Look at everything he had to put up with.
Regina shivered a bit at the memory.
He had informed her a few days after this fight that they would adopt a child, a boy who was due to be born a month from that time. Regina would never forget the feeling that came over her when her son was placed in her arms. She loved him instantly and from that moment on he had been hers.
Leo had felt differently however and grew more bitter with every day that passed. Constantly reminding Regina of her failure to present him with his "own child." She had never been able to understand his feelings on this. Regina knew with every fiber of her being that there was no way on this earth she could love another person more then she loved Henry, even if he hadn't come from her body. He was hers. It devastated her that Leo hadn't felt the same way. As the years had passed Leo had grown more and more bitter and jealous of her love for her little boy.
She shook her self out of her memories. No, she would not think of him anymore. He was her past and she was moving on with her future. Their lives would be good here. They could have a fresh start just her and Henry. They could be happy together! She pulled her car over and parked by the curb. The town was small enough that they could do some exploring on foot. It was getting close to lunch time anyway.
Regina turned around in her seat and rubbed her son's leg to wake him. "Henry, we're here sweetheart."
He opened his eyes and gave his mother a little smile. "Mommy, I'm hungry."
She smiled back at him. "Well then we better find you something to eat."
She stepped out of the car and opened the door for him to get out as well. She glanced around town wondering which way to go first. This appeared to be the main street so she figured she would continue on it. Surely there was some place close where they could eat.
It didn't take long for her to find a little diner called "Granny's" The sign out front also advertised an inn near the back of the restaurant. Perfect, Regina thought. Two birds, one stone. She knew she couldn't stay in a hotel forever, but it would work for now, until they found a more permanent place.
They entered the diner and the place was not busy at the moment. There were a few locals milling about, who looked at her and Henry a little curiously. Not used to visitors I suppose Regina thought feeling a little uncomfortable. She held tight to Henry's hand and found them a booth to sit in. He slid in the booth on one side and when Regina started to slide in the other Henry shook his head. "No Mommy, sit by me."
Regina smiled at Henry and moved to his side of the booth sliding in beside him. She kissed him on the head when he cuddled up beside her and wrapped his arms around her. He had been clinging to her more since the night Leo had put her in the hospital and she couldn't say she blamed him. It was the only time he had ever witnessed one of his fathers outbursts and he had been afraid for his mother's life.
Regina jumped slightly as she heard a crash and then a shout from the back and turned to see a pretty brunette come barreling out of the kitchen.
"You can't tell me what to do Granny! I'm an adult now!" the girl was shouting behind her.
"Ruby how many time do I have to tell you that I need help in the mornings. It is the busiest time of day." an older woman followed her from the back.
"Granny, I already help you for most of the day as it is! I am allowed to have a life! I'm sorry but I'm taking off tomorrow morning and maybe the day after that. I haven't gotten to spend any time with Billy!" the girl huffed out.
"Ruby, you can't just shirk your responsibilities. You are supposed to be learning how to run the kitchen. What am I supposed to do during the morning rush tomorrow?"
"I don't know Granny, but you will have to figure it out." The girl turned and stormed out of the diner leaving her frustrated grandmother stewing behind her.
It was then she looked up and noticed the woman and the small child sitting in one of the booths. Great! It couldn't even have been a local that is used to witnessing Ruby's emotional outbursts but an out of towner, and one who was looking very nervous at that.
Granny put on her best smile and walked over to the table. "I'm sorry about the display my granddaughter just put on for you. She has a flare for the dramatic." Regina forced a small smile as the woman smiled down at her.
"Are you folks just passing through?"
Regina studied the woman for a moment and relaxed when she saw kindness in her eyes. She shook her head. "Actually we are planning on staying a while. I noticed on your sign out front that you have rooms for rent."
The older woman beamed down at her. Storybrooke wasn't exactly a tourist town and the woman could hardly contain her excitement at having a guest to stay with them. "Yes, we do! We would love to have you both stay with us" she looked to Henry and smiled at him as he looked up shyly from under his lashes. Looking back at Regina she said "I would be happy to show you a room."
Regina looked back to Henry, "That would be nice, but I think maybe we will eat first. My son informed me a few minutes ago that he was hungry."
"Well we mustn't keep a growing boy waiting! What can I get for you?"
Regina ordered herself a burger and fries in a small rebellion against her ex-husband who had always been sure to remind her that he expected her to keep her figure. She then nudged Henry, "Tell her what you want darling."
Henry looked up "Can I have a grilled cheese and fries please? Oh, and maybe a milkshake?" he dared to look at his mother hoping she would allow the sweet treat.
She give him a wide grin "You know what? I think I will have a milkshake too." Henry beamed at her.
"All excellent choices." She smiled at them "Everyone around here just calls me Granny so if you need anything just holler."
Regina gave a genuine smile. "Thank you."
She turned back to Henry, "So my sweet boy now that we're here, what would you like to do first?"
Henry gave her his cutest grin. "I wonder if there's a playground?"
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Lunch had been wonderful and Regina now found herself following Granny up to her room. "This is the largest room we have, but if for some reason it doesn't suit all our others are available."
Regina smiled as Granny pushed open the door. Regina looked around and found her self looking at a charming room that was full of vintage décor. It couldn't have been farther from her old life. She turned towards Granny and gave her a wide smile. "It's perfect!"
Granny smiled back at her handing her the key. "Well I will leave you folks to settle in then."
"Granny? I umm…" Courage Regina, she thought to herself. "Well I couldn't help but notice that you might need some help on your morning shifts." When Granny only lifted a brow Regina took a breath and continued. "I don't really have experience but I'm a very hard worker and I'm a great cook if you should ever need help in the kitchen." She let out a breath as she rang her hands together. "I know I just got here, but I already know I want to stay and I could really use the job."
Granny had watched every move she made as she had told her of her qualities. There was a hint of bravery that lurked behind her nervous eyes. She had spent years of her life studying the people around her and if she had to describe the woman standing in front of her in one word it would be "damaged". Someone had hurt her, but that fact that she was standing here now told the older woman that what ever had happened, this young lady had managed to get herself out. Granny instantly liked her.
"If your staying in Storybrooke I assume you will want to get your boy registered at the school?"
Regina blinked then nodded. "Umm…yes I was planning on talking with them in the morning."
Granny nodded her head. "Well why don't you come on in after you get him settled and I will show you around."
Regina's smile spread ear to ear. "Really?"
Granny couldn't help but smile back. "Really. We will discuss the details later but I think we can work your schedule around when your boy is in school. I won't need you on weekends because I have some teenagers from the high school that help me then."
Regina continued to smile at the woman. "Thank you! You won't regret it!"
Granny smiled at her and turned to walk out. "Oh" she turned back. "I don't even know your names." the woman chuckled.
"It's Regina, Regina Mills" she put a hand on her son's shoulder. "and this is Henry."
"It is nice to meet you Regina and young Henry." She looked back to Regina. "I will see you in the morning." she said as she closed the door behind her. She shook her head once on the other side. Who in the hell would hurt such a sweet, pretty woman and that adorable child? She thought to herself walking down the stairs back into the diner.
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David was getting a later start then normal this morning. He didn't have any appointments until later in the day so had decided to allow himself to sleep in a little. His sister had been gone when he got up and he assumed was already at the sheriff's station. He made his way towards Granny's as he mentally went over the day ahead of him. He had taken over as the town vet 5 years ago and loved his job. Animals never complained the way humans often did and most times he preferred their company over the two legged kind. He also ran the Storybrooke Animal Shelter that was located at the back of his veterinary office.
He pulled the door open at Granny's and was surprised to find the place so busy. Maybe he would just pick something up to go. Crowds were definitely not his thing. He turned when he heard a greeting shouted out behind him and gave a friendly hello and a wave to Archie. He took a step back and as he was turning back around to head to the counter he plowed into the pretty brunette behind him nearly knocking her over. He automatically took her arm to steady her. "Jesus, I'm sorry. Are you ok?"
Regina let out a breath as she nodded her head. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry about that. I should have been paying more attention." She smiled up at him.
James stared for a moment appreciating the beautiful smile that lit her face. "No, that was definitely my fault. I wasn't watching where I was going."
'No harm done." She glanced down at the hand he still had on her arm.
David cleared his throat as he let go of her. "Sorry." She smiled at him again before turning her attention back to the table she had been helping.
David glanced at her one more time before thinking to himself that maybe he would eat here after all. He looked around trying to find an empty table when he spotted his sister and the sheriff. He made his way towards the corner booth. "Mind if I join you?"
Emma looked up at her brother. She had seen him come in the door and had also seen him nearly run over the newest resident in town. Her brother had a tendency to be a bit clumsy which always served a source of amusement for her. She scooted over in the booth so he could sit down.
"Hey Graham." He greeted his long time best friend. "Busy in here this morning."
Emma nodded. "It seems word has gotten around about our newest resident. Everyone wanted to come check her out." she took a drink of her hot cocoa.
David could certainly understand why. His mind seemed to short circuit again when the woman in question made her way to their table and smiled again at David. "I see someone had joined you, can I get you something to drink?"
David sat there dumbly for a moment until he felt his sisters elbow connect with his ribs. "Uh, yeah sorry. Just coffee." she nodded as she wrote it on the ticket.
She looked to Emma and Graham "Have you all decided what you would like to order yet or do you need more time?"
He studied her as she took Graham and Emma's order before turning her smile on him. Why couldn't he think when she was looking at him? "I'll have what she's having" he pointed to Emma who raised her eyebrow.
"Ok, your order should be up shortly. I'm Regina by the way. Let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you." Emma stated as her brother and Graham watched Regina walk away. Then smacked her brother hard once she was out of earshot. "Dope"
"What?" he rubbed his arm.
"You would think you've never had a conversation with an attractive woman before."
He looked away from her to find Graham grinning at him. "Pretty isn't she?" he wiggled his eyebrows.
"Pretty is an understatement" David mumbled under his breath which had Graham laughing.
Emma rolled her eyes. "Yes and I'm sure she appreciates having the two of you sitting here gawking at her."
"Hey" Graham glanced around. "We're not the only ones."
David shook his head. "What in the hell did I just order?"
Emma laughed and shook her head. "Men."
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A/N Please review and let me know what you think! Also let me know if you have any questions about the characters and I will do my best to answer them.