Rose had been driving for days, the endless highway burning into an endless montage of fleeting landscapes, each one mirroring the turmoil within her soul.
After the accident, a searing pain that seemed to consume her entirely, she had sold her belongings, traded in her uniform for civilian clothes, and drove to the furthest point from her past. There was no plan, no destination, just a burning need to escape the suffocating grief that threatened to drown her. The town of Storybrooke had appeared on their drive almost out of nowhere. There'd been no mention on any map. It's as if the city called out to her the moment she read the sign "Welcome to Storybrooke". She felt drawn to this place, a pull from her chest guided her ahead towards its embrace.
As she drove through town she noticed a stillness, an eerie quiet that felt out of place in the daytime. The town felt like it was waiting for something, holding its breath, waiting to be jumpstarted. The car rumbled to a stop, its tires crunching on the gravel of the town's main street. She parked her car in front of the local diner, a place that looked like it had been frozen in time. The windows were dusty, the paint chipped, and the sign creaked in the wake of a gentle breeze.
"Storybrooke, hmm interesting name." She muttered to herself.
The name was like a whisper in the wind, a promise of a new beginning. Rose, weary from the long drive, stepped out. She Takes a deep breath of the crisp autumn air. The leaves were ablaze with color, a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, painting a landscape of breathtaking beauty. This season alone is her favorite. Yet, the quaint shops, their windows adorned with cheerful displays, seemed to beckon with a warm invitation. There was a sense of stillness here for sure, a peace that settled upon the soul, a stark contrast to the life they'd left behind.
Beneath this surface of idyllic charm, there was a subtle undercurrent of unease. There seemed to be an energy, a hint of something magical and unknown. The silence, though calming, was punctuated by an unsettling quietness, as if the town held its breath, waiting for something to happen. A feeling of unseen eyes observing their every move sent a shiver down Rose's spine. Storybrooke was a town of mysteries, its secrets hidden behind a facade of normalcy.
The town's charm was undeniable. A bakery, its windows filled with rows of freshly baked pastries, offered a tantalizing aroma. Across the street, a bookstore beneath a clock tower beckoned with its promise of forgotten tales. Rose made a mental note to check it out later. Each building is crafted with a uniqueness a splash of history laid out in the craftsmanship. The pull to this place felt so irresistible. For the first time in what feels like forever Rose felt a strange sense of belonging, a recognition of something familiar despite the complete unfamiliarity. It was as if Storybrooke had been waiting for their arrival, an unspoken promise of the new beginning she'd been longing for.
As Rose meandered through the town square, their gaze was drawn to a stately building, its facade was a blend of classic elegance and modern practicality. The town hall, an obvious cornerstone of the community, emanated an air of authority and purpose. A woman, her presence both commanding and mystifying, emerged from its entrance, a dark coat wrapped around her slender frame. Her piercing gaze, a kaleidoscope of emotions, swept over Rose. There was something in her eyes, a flicker she couldn't quite place set Rose's heart racing. There seemed to be a moment of vulnerability in her eyes, a longing for something more. Something Rose completely understands. She broke the gaze feeling a wave of guilt and embarrassment. Rubbing the back of her neck to rid herself of some of her anxieties, she then turned and walked back towards the diner. The diner was the only sign of life in the town square that felt truly calming. It was dimly lit, the smell of stale coffee and burnt toast filling the air. It was almost deserted, just a few locals nursing their cups of coffee and reading newspapers. The chime of the bell startled Rose and with her entrance brought the eyes of all the patrons. Rubbing her neck again. she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She then brings herself to sit at the end of the bar. She looks at the menu sitting on the counter, hesitantly she glances around the diner again the townspeople seem to be on autopilot and expressionless. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she brought her thoughts back to the task at hand.
"Good morning honey, names Ruby, what can I get ya?" she stated smirk forming on her lips and leaning in too close for comfort.
Gremising at the flirtatious nature, Rose takes a tentative breath and responds "Hot chocolate and a piece of toast, please." It's been a long couple of days and she knows she should eat something more substantial, but, the twisting anxiety in her chest paired with all of her pent-up overflowing emotional baggage you've been forcing away. Toast is the best you can manage.
"Coming right up, sweetheart. You let me know if I can do anything else for you." she winks as she reaches out and grasps Rose's shoulder. At the contact Rose flinches, her face remaining impassive, mask firmly in place.
"Yeah, Thanks." She replies curtly.
As Ruby walked away to place the order, Rose finally felt free of the grip her anxiety had on her heart. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath forcing her feelings down.
"You're completely fine. Stop being dramatic. You used to communicate with touch and empathy. She was just being nice nothing more. Let it go, remember the little boxes pack up our feelings and seal them away." muttering to herself softly attempting to calm the constant buzzing of thoughts. She forces herself to imagine this process for a second.
"Here you go, Beautiful". Ruby called out immediately breaking Rose's thoughts, She placed the food atop the counter.
"Thank you, Ruby, looks great". Rose replies with faint enthusiasm. Just as Rose is about to take a bite Ruby interrupts.
"You know, we don't usually get visitors around our sleepy little town. Are you just passing through?"
Roses' anxiety starts to creep up her chest. She masks it with a slight smile. Clearing her throat she answers. "Well, I'm relocating and stumbled upon this town. Perhaps fate is telling me a sleepy town is just what I need."
"Really? I couldn't fathom wanting to move to a place like this one. Not, when there's a whole world of possibilities out there." Her gaze turned wistful at the thought, in turn sending her far into her imagination.
Ruby again meets Rose's eyes while Rose offers up a polite smile. There's something in this look like she's expecting Rose to share the parts of the world she knows. Sensing this and wanting to avoid awkwardness Rose opens her mouth to respond but is cut off.
"Ruby! Get back to work and stop flirting with the customers. It's not what I pay you for."
Rose immediately covers up her laugh and shocked expression with a cough looking down at her plate. Her shoulders gently shake as she's holding in her laugh. Rose pulls a pen from her pocket and starts to doodle on a napkin. While she distracts her mind eat the toast and Coco. The Bell chimes breaking Rose's concentration with a start. She goes back to her silly doodling it was a fish with big teeth.
"Hello," A young boy says as he climbs up on the stool next to Rose.
"Ruby, could I get a hot chocolate, Please." He calls out enthusiastically
"Sure thing little man. I know how you like it" Ruby responds soothingly. This is the first time she's spoken and not made Rose uncomfortable. He then sets his gaze on Rose and stretches out his tiny hand.
"My name is Henry, Oh! You like hot chocolate, Me too! You've got to try it with whipped cream and cinnamon it will change everything," He's smiling and gesturing with the hand he's not grasped Roses with. His excitement is contagious. She finds herself smiling back as she gently squeezes his hand.
"I'm Rose, I will try it that way the next time I have coco. Cross my heart." She takes her index finger, makes an X over her heart, and smiles holding out her pinky finger to Henry. "How about a pinky promise to seal the deal"
"Deal" He connects his pinky with hers beaming. She lets out a slight laugh feeling a sliver of true happiness. Her smile falters for a moment as she gently shakes away unwanted thoughts covering up her feelings not wanting to hurt the young sweet boy.
"Where are your parents kiddo?" I'm sure they wouldn't have wanted you to wander off on your own" She furrows her brow tilting her head. He looks so young maybe about eight years.
"Don't worry" he says placing his hand over mine on the counter. "I promise my mom knows where I am. She always does. It's okay though she's pretty busy." She's surprised by the entire encounter for a moment she feels calm. She feels a pull at her heart at the sadness he doesn't speak of behind his eyes. She turns her hand over and gently holds his hand.
"You say it's okay, but, are you truly? Is there anything I can do?" He's shocked, his expression changing so quickly and he pulls her in for a hug. She hears him sniffle, and without thought or doubt her arms embrace him. She holds him until he slightly pulls back.
"Sorry," he clears his throat avoiding the question. Rose smiles down at him "It's not a problem at all kiddo. Please, don't ever apologize for reaching out for help even if it's without words. Okay?" He nods and moves to sitting fully in his seat taking a sip of his coco.
Thoughts are swirling around Rose's head. The only thing she knows for certain from this moment forward is that she will do anything for this boy. She rubs her forehead for a second and he speaks again.
" We don't get visitors here, you know? I can't remember having ever seen someone new. " It made her slightly sad he avoided the questions she'd asked. She wanted to help him.
"You're not the first person to mention that to me." She lets out a sight chuckle giving a teasing statement. "Maybe, this place is hidden and only to be found by someone that's special."
"Then how'd you find it?" He laughs so hard he almost falls out of his chair.
"Nice one, little stinker. But, in all seriousness hopefully, I won't be considered a visitor too long. I think I'm starting to like this place." She states smiling down at this sweet young boy. She looks down at her watch and It's stopped ticking. Frowning she taps the glass. "Darn, I'll have to get some new batteries."
"Don't bother, Not one clock works in this town they're all stuck reading the same time. No one knows why that is." He states
"Interesting" Rose mutters "Wait, kid don't you have school?"
"Yes, pretty soon actually," Henry says
"I'll pay for your hot chocolate buddy. Why don't you head out? I don't want you to be late."
"Will you walk with me?" He asks nervously.
"Oh, Honey, I don't know if that's a good idea. I mean, I haven't even met your mother. I'm not entirely sure she would appreciate a stranger walking her son to school." She places a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Please" His face changes to an adorably convincing pout.
"You're good." A giggle blooms from deep within her chest. She smiles at Henry.
"Well, Will you?" He smiled up at her "I feel like you're my friend now, and I really enjoy your company. It would be nice to not walk alone for once." he spoke so quietly that she almost didn't catch all his words. She pinches the bridge of her nose thinking to herself. "This little boy is gonna get me into trouble I can feel it. Why am I such a pushover?" She breaks and a smile takes over her face.
"Alright little man, I'll come. I want you to know that I feel like we're friends too. However, as your friend you must know that if any trouble comes my way from your mother I'm going to tell her you forced me with your adorable pout. Not fair by the way." She pulls her wallet out of her pocket places a 20 dollar bill on the counter and pockets her pen. She doesn't notice Henry put her drawing into his pocket.
"Lead the way, little man. I have no idea where anything is in this town."
"Okay! Come on!" he states with excitement as he grabs her hand and pulls her towards the door. Once they make it outside she notices he's walking on the side of the sidewalk closest to the street. She gently tugs his hand "Switch sides with me, little man, walk on this side, please." He scrunches his brow and complies but asks her, "Why?"
"Just safer this way is all." She holds his other hand as they switch sides. She feels herself relaxing and begins to enjoy the scenery of this quaint town. She looks back down at him and sees a faint smile. "This is truly a beautiful town." She says looking back around at the different buildings.
"Yeah, I think so too but, somethings missing I can feel it" he states with a shrug.
"Whatever's missing I'll help you find it," she promises.
They arrive right outside the school, he slowly lets go of her hand. Rose can see he's getting sad again. She crouches down to his level, gives a soft smile, and opens her arms offering a hug to the young boy. "I'll see you later," she states. She's answered with a fierce hug. "See you later Rose. I'm really happy we became friends." She squeezes him gently before letting him go, feeling her heart constrict at the admission. "Me too Honey, Me too," she says with emotion. She masks it with a smile. She ruffles his hair and he giggles.
"Henry, It's time to come inside." Rose presumes this is a teacher. He smiles and waves as he runs to the gate. Rose waves back.
The teacher locks eyes with her squinting. Trying to identify a strange face Rose assumes. Rose just shyly waves and turns on her heel heading back towards the diner. She's enjoying the quiet walk back taking in her environment again. "This is it. This is the first time in months I can breathe," she says softly She makes it back to her truck and grabs her bag, deciding to explore more of what this town has to offer.
She's in her thoughts as she's walking around. "This place is so soothing." The years of overcrowded loud atmospheres truly took their toll on me. The stark contrast was welcoming. In the back of her mind, she felt a strange undertone for the peace she felt. Some of the townspeople seemed to just be going through the motions of life but none had the spark of her new young friend. She put aside her worrisome thoughts and just accepted the feeling. The calm. Sure the wooden buildings lining the street were weathered, and worn and their paint was peeling in some places. This seemed to only add to the charm. Every chipped window pane every crooked brick told a story. This place felt like a haven for lost souls, a sanctuary from the chaos of her own life for sure. The unsettling truth was she had nothing about this place and she desperately wanted to fit here because it fit in her heart.
She's making her way towards town hall where she sees the mysterious woman from before. As she walks past she gets a better look at the architecture than she saw this morning. She feels a pull towards this building unsure what was drawing her there and why. Rose shook her head and became cautious of her decisions. She turned around and headed towards the oceanfront. As she got closer a cool breeze brushed against her cheeks. It smelled salty and fresh the sea and the beach were once places she'd found solace with her family. When they'd go to the beach somehow the whole day would get away from them, it was always truly an adventure. She and her wife would just watch the girls as they'd play in the sand and bask in the sun. The real world would be paused. No stressors could reach us. Seeing a bench Rose sat down holding her head in her hands as her emotions and her memories washed over her. The thoughts were once peaceful now these memories tear through her soul. She misses them so much, without them, her heart would always be fractured.
She tugs at her hair begging herself to put her emotions away. "Why am I opening the boxes?" she whispers to herself. The hurt she feels is much more than the physical pain she's lived with for years. When she lost her family, her wife, and her daughters, she became a ghost along with them. She saw the toll it was taking on her parents trying to help her stay together. Everywhere she had looked there was a reminder of them especially in her home. It became too painful to stay in the tomb that held all their belongings. For months everything was left untouched a shrine to them. The loss was too much. Work wasn't even a comfort or enough of a distraction. She was medically retired. Her brain suffered now as much as her body and she was no longer a good leader for her sailors. Once she'd been officially retired she sold or donated everything she could that wasn't essential, necessary, or held an emotional attachment. She even traded in her vehicle for a truck. The goal was to limit her memories as much as possible. There was only one tote in her car she'd probably never open.
This next chapter has been the hardest. Looking for a reason to live, to move forward that's for her not just living to not hurt the people she has left who still loved her, looked up to her, or relied on her guidance. While those are good reasons, she was begging for a reason that felt most true for her. As she finally looked up she wondered out loud "Who am I now, without them? What value do I still hold? Does it hurt me or help me to block out all this pain?"
She pulls her feet up onto the bench and holds them to her chest resting her head on her knees. The incessant sound of clicking draws her attention but, she doesn't move she feels disoriented and exhausted. As the noise gets closer she turns her head. It's the woman from this morning. She quickly wipes her face and sits up straight attempting to cover her vulnerability. Looking into the stunning woman she can tell she's attempting to project strength, her face a hard smile not reaching her eyes, but her eyes show confusion and maybe fear. It's hard to be certain Rose thinks. Rose shakes her head gently looking away. Whatever her problem is it isn't my business. Another thought passes her mind. She crosses her arms loosely and looks back to the ocean.
"Excuse me," The elegant woman with charcoal chestnut hair and bright red lips states before continuing "Who might you be? As the mayor I pride myself on knowing everyone in my town. I'm Regina Mills." She seals it with the same false smile but, those eyes keep pulling me in.
Rose turned her head back looking at the mayor. Oh wow. She thinks maybe these townspeople are smarter than I thought if they made this stunning woman the mayor. She's wearing a form-fitting black pencil skirt and a dark purple button-up shirt that clung to her in all the right places and her heels. Rose shakes her head to break her train of thought. Unconsciously Rose licks her lips and begs her mind to recall what she was asked but she's lost. The stunning goddess of a woman clears her throat roughly and Rose's eyes meet hers once more.
"I'm sorry. Um, I'm not sure what you asked me. I, well, I was stuck in my head for a moment so again I apologize Mrs. Mills."
Regina smirks and Rose's eyes are drawn to her lips she notices a scar. "I said, Who are you? What brings you to town." The mayor speaks more firmness in her voice.
"Oh, Right. My name is Rose I'm just-" Rose reaches up to rub the back of her neck while she speaks anxious. "I'm trying to find-" She looks to her lap "a way to start again Ma'am. I haven't quite hashed out all the details yet. I'm sorry if that's not the answer you're looking for." Rose answered Regina honestly getting quieter after each word she spoke. She clears her throat trying to hide the blush she feels forming by slightly turning away.
"And you found our quiet town how, exactly?" She snaps back voice laced with confusion.
"I don't know ma'am I think your quiet town found me. I was just driving searching for a place that didn't-" She swallows roughly "hurt, and there it was. It wasn't on any maps or in my sights. This place I have no connection to and that's what I needed" Rose had no idea why she was being so open to the mayor at this moment while Regina was hiding behind pleasantries with an aggressive undertone, she just didn't fight her at this moment to be defensive. "The only thing I can tell you that I know for certain is something about this place calls to me, brings me the peace I've longed for for quite some time. I Don't wish to give that up right now. I'd like to stay and explore this feeling. See if just maybe I can find myself again. All I've known for years is pain and hurt. I'd like to feel something new. Can you understand that?" When Rose glances up at the mayor and catches her eyes she sees many emotions flashing across her face, amusement, sadness, and understanding stuck out the most to Rose.
"Your rambling reminds me of my son." She smiles and for a moment Rose relaxes letting a smile show of her own. "Honestly, Rose I do resonate with a bit of what you said. As long as you mean no harm to anyone in this town you have my blessing to stay. Please, reach out to me personally if there's anything I can do for you." Reaching out she hands over a business card. "Wait-" She's patting her pockets. She scoffs and says "I guess I don't have one."
"What do you not have?" Rose probes
"A Pen." The mayor states.
"One second I do." She reaches into her jeans pocket and pulls out the pen handing it to Regina "Here you go." She hands the mayor her pen.
Regina begins to write her personal contact information on the card.
"Regina-" Rose pauses "You don't have to do this, you know, I can manage. " She speaks gently "I do however appreciate it. So thank you." She smiles softly slightly biting her lip to avoid further rambling.
"It's honestly my pleasure your sudden appearance is refreshing."
"Um, Thank you I think" Rose chuckles.
"We don't get many visitors to Storybrooke. I think a new resident here might shake things up, break the mundane cycle, and bring some new life back into the town." Regina says she looks more relaxed and genuine.
Amused with this information Rose states. " You're the third person today to mention that there's never visitors here. I can't understand that it's very beautiful here, Serine even." Rose closes her eyes as a breeze washes over her. Trying to memorize this feeling and lock it into her memory. The waves crashing is quite soothing almost like a lullaby.
Still standing next to the bench Regina is watching her, she can feel it. Holding out her hand she says "Please, join me I'm just enjoying the atmosphere your company is not unwelcome. I feel quite comfortable with you for a reason I'm not sure of, much, like the young boy I met at the Diner today."
She laughs and it's wonderful. Rose takes notes to make her laugh more often. "I find that hard to believe Rose. No one finds my presence comfortable, well, no that's not quite true my sweet son Henry. He's most likely the only person that cares for me here but, in return, he's the only one I care for and can actually tolerate she lets out a small chuckle."
You smile wide and gently touch her shoulder. " Henry is your boy? Wow. He's truly wonderful. He pouted at me and now I think we're best friends. You've raised quite an exceptional young boy. He's so alive." Rose looks over and sees the same soft smile she held earlier. Rose Rubs her neck and lets out an anxious chuckle "Sorry I'm rambling again. But, To your earlier thought, I am comfortable around you. I like no-bullshit direct questions and I appreciate honesty. I'm not intimidated by a woman in power I respect it and I understand that with that power you have a responsibility to your town and its people and you need to be strong. I admire that you vetted me for your people's safety and peace." When Rose turns back to her she sees a look she can't place it's quivering changing. She blinks and then Regina's arms are around her. Just like with her son she just reacts and hugs her back. There's mumbling against her chest and so she pulls back slightly to hear her. "What was that?"
"Tell anyone I hugged you and was vulnerable and I'll rip your heart out" Rose just laughs and hugs her a little tighter.
"Your secrets safe with me Mayor Mills cross my heart." the mayor watches her put an X above her heart and then sees an outstretched pinky finger.
Leaving the one arm around Rose's back she pokes at the finger and says. "And what exactly is this for dear?"
Rose chuckles and says "It's a pinky promise wrap your pinky around mine and the deal is done"
Shaking her head and Looking up at Rose. "And you want to do a pinky promise with me?"
"Yes silly now take the damn pinky and I swear I'll tell everyone you're a softie and a hugger."
"You wouldn't" A soft glare and challenge are sent her way. Rose just smirks down at Regina. "Oh, I so would" She wiggles her pinky at Regina takes it, and huffs out "So, childish" catching the smile on Regina's face.
Rose quietly said, "It made you happy though even if it was only for a moment."
Regina pulls back and straightens out invisible wrinkles.
Attempting to change the subject Rose states. "There is someone in town who sets my anxieties at a ten for some reason."
"And who might that be, do I dare ask?" There's humor in her tone so Rose takes this as an opportunity to be playful.
"Well, before I answer may I at least ask a question of my own?" Rose responds
"Ask and I'll decide." The mayor challenges but, there's no bite to her words.
Rose admires her profile briefly before turning her eyes back to the ocean. "Well, maybe it's a lengthy question but, you say you don't want people to know we hugged. Am I allowed to talk to you like a friend-" She looks down and shakes her head clearing her throat softly "or would you prefer I speak to you professionally?" Rose begins picking at the skin on her fingers waiting for a response her legs bouncing.
Regina sounds shocked "You wish to be friends with me?" She's pointing at her chest.
Anxiety pushing her to the road of humor she says "Well, you're new my best friend's mom we're bound to bump into each other." She bumps her shoulder gently into Reginas. At this Regina Smirks. Rose continues spotting it out of the corner of her eye. "I suppose your company is nice as well of course and isn't that the first stage of friendship-" Using quotations she says "- This person doesn't irritate me."
Her laughter starts and It's as if it finds a home in Rose's heart. As she directs a smile to the gorgeous mayor.
Regina States "You know that's quite true. Who says you don't irritate me though?" There's a pause and she arches her brow and smirks. It fades into a soft smile and she reaches across the bench and gently squeezes Rose's hand. "I could use a friend."
Rose Squeezes back in confirmation and returns the smile. "Me too, who would have thought my first two friends would be you two."
"It wouldn't have been my guess I assure you." sadness flashes across Regina's face.
Scooting closer Rose wraps an arm around Regina's waist pulling her into a side hug. She felt her tense for a moment but instantly relaxed. Rose rests her head atop hers "I'm glad it is. Who else am I supposed to be friends with the over-flirtatious waitress?"
"Is that who makes you uncomfortable" she probes.
"Yes, kind of things kind of irk me now. It's hard to explain. For instance, I can't stand pet names from people that I don't have an intimate connection with. You know honey, baby, sweetheart, I use nicknames once I feel that connection not just for anyone. It's a special thing. There's also unwelcomed touching. It startles me sometimes, especially in the areas where I have nerve damage." She felt Regina slightly tense as she spoke about this. Clearing her throat she lets out. "Before you say anything you didn't make me uncomfortable. It was very welcomed"
There's silence but, it feels nice. "I'm grateful for whatever led me here."
Regina gently pulls back "I'm glad it brought you here too." She smiles and stands up. I've got to run I have a meeting with a somewhat incompetent reporter for the paper. She rattles off that venting remark. "I'll see you later, maybe?"
"Don't let me make you late, and of course, I've got your number as soon as I get back to my truck I'll send you a message."
"Okay," She says with a wave and Rose repeats the gesture.
Now, left in her thoughts it doesn't feel as peaceful as it did a second ago. Frowning Rose grabs her bag and stands. "What to do next?" she huffs out. She began walking back to the diner there were some things she needed to work out before the day was done. She begins making a mental list. Find a place to sleep and an intrusive impulse to a new hairstyle. One she'd had years before. She kept her eyes out for a barber or beauty shop but saw nothing of the sort. She made it to her truck grabbed her phone, swiftly shutting the door, and headed straight into the diner.
"Good Afternoon youngin' people call me Granny. What can I do for ya? The older woman who made me laugh earlier stated.
"Good afternoon ma'am, I'm Rose, I actually had a couple of questions and am wondering if you'd point me in the right direction."
She smiles at Rose and it makes her feel warm. "Sure, I'll see what I can do. I'm not sure if I'll be a great help to you, but, I can sure try." Something about the way she was speaking to Rose made her feel important, like you were speaking with family the way her kind eyes held her gaze and her smile like a hug.
"Do you know of any apartments or places for rent? Also, Does the town have a barber?" The longer she's speaking with her the more comfortable she feels there's a spark of emotion on the older woman's face but, it's gone before Rose can decipher it.
"Turns out the answers to your questions aren't far at all dear." She states
"What do you mean?" She lightly inquires
"Well, what I mean is, Ruby and I run the Inn in town as well It's not much but, it's a good start. It's right behind the diner. As far as the haircut while no there is no barber; depending on what you're looking for maybe we could help you with that as well." Rose pulls her phone out of her pocket and shows her an old photo of herself. (It's a skin-faded undercut the rest of her hair has a few braids and it's up in a high bun. "I used to cut my late husband's hair, if you don't mind waiting once we close up here and get you checked into a room I could cut it for you."
"Really! You say with excitement. "Thank you so much. I don't have much to do would it be alright if I helped in the diner, wash dishes, do minor repairs, whatever you need really."
Granny's face shifts to slight embarrassment. "We could use the help, but, I can't afford to pay you. She speaks softly.
"I asked you if you needed help because I have nothing but time. Please, let me know where I could be the most help." Rose says with conviction
With a soft sigh, Granny places a hand on Rose's shoulder. Rose forces away the anxiety she feels with the touch. she's guided her to the kitchen "If you insist dear." she said, "I'll need help with the dishes first." Rose's eyes widen upon seeing the amount. "It can be hard to keep up with the dishes sometimes." Granny tosses her an apron and Rose removes her bag setting it near where she will be working. She observes the dishwashing space.
"Alright, I'm going to be wearing headphones to power through this. Please flick the lights if you need me."
"Of course dear, it should only ever be Ruby or myself that disturb you I'll let her know of your request." With a nod, she leaves her to get to work. Rose Chooses an 80s/90s/00s playlist so she could easily lose herself in the task. She put in her headphones and got started. First, she sprayed everything off one by one with the sprayer and then she got to work diligently scrubbing. She'd do a dance move or two and hum along to each song. She was a little over halfway through. She paused using a clean towel to dry off her hands and wipe her brow. Placing the towel over her shoulder she pulled out her headphones. She began her search for some ice-cold water, grabbed a cup, and walked towards the kitchen she tossed a smile to Granny as she passed her at the stovetop.
"Be right back just taking a quick water break," Rose called.
"No worries kid," Granny responded causing Rose to chuckle.
She steps out from the back and spots the pitcher at the bar. "Ah, there you are." she pours her cup and brings it to her lips taking a big gulp"
"Rose?" That Velvity voice that soothed her at this particular second caused her to choke and spit some water out coughing. She smells fresh apples and cinnamon and then feels arms around her patting her back. "Are you alright? I didn't mean to startle you." Rose nods and gives Regina a thumbs up still clearing her throat. Regina lets out a light laugh "And you said you were comfortable around me now you're choking."
Rose begins to laugh and states. " I am comfortable around you your majesty you just happened to come up behind me and speak. You may as well have said boo." She continues to chuckle. Regina though teasing is still gently patting her back.
Ruby speaks causing them to break apart. "Madam Mayor, what brings you to this side of the counter." There's something about Ruby's tone her arms are crossed, the way her eyes kee
p shifting between me and Regina.
Rose becomes irritated and steps forward standing between Regina and Ruby "I was choking, she was helping it's truly that simple. Take a breath, and I'll take her order there's a need for whatever all that-" she gestures to Ruby. "is." Ruby stomps off and Regina's already made it back to her seat by the time Rose has turned around.
"So, Madam Mayor was it?" She smiles at Regina "Sorry about all of whatever that just was. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"You work here now?" She questions brow furrowed "I just saw you an hour ago that's fast work on the job front."
"I'm just helping Granny out. Keeping busy." Rose leans against the counter "I do think I have some pull with the owner if you're looking for something special."
"Oh, do you now? Can't leave you alone for an hour, you're already up to something." she's laughing and it feels contagious. She reaches out and gently touches Rose's shoulder and she finds she's drawn to it, leaning into it. " I assure you dear if I want something I'll get it." She gently rubs Rose's shoulder " You think you could go ask Granny if she'd get my usual."
"Sure thing Gina, I'll make it happen" Rose turns to leave but there's a grip on her shirt. Rose places her hand over Regina's "Hey, you alright?" Her eyes are soft and glistening. Rose tries one more time to get her attention. "Regina, are you alright she gently touches her cheek with her thumb." Snapping out of it quickly you see her eyes finally focus on you. Rose gently placed her hand from her shoulder on the counter. "It's okay, you're okay." Rose gently squeezes her hand for support.
She quietly says "Daniel was the only person to ever call me Gina."
"I apologize if I upset you, Regina, truly." Rose gently squeezes her hand again.
Regina Just smiles at her. "No, I like it. I was just surprised is all."
"You're sure?" she worries.
She squeezes Rose's hands back before moving them to her lap. " I'm sure dear."
Rose nods and heads towards the kitchen. "Hey, Granny could you whip up the Mayors usual?"
"Alright, I'll let her know and head back to the dishes." She simply nods
Rose steps back out to the front of the Diner. "Hey, Gina she's working on it right now it shouldn't be too long. I'm gonna get back to finish up these dishes. If you're still here I'll stop by to chat."
"Okay, Thank you." She calls. You're both smiling as you turn to head back to the sink which no longer is an intimidating sight.
Just as she's washing the last dish the lights flicker. She removes your headphones. "What's up?" She calls out as she turns her head, her eyes meet Granny's and she's beaming. "Wonderful Job. I appreciate this more than you know."
"It was no trouble at all"
" What do you wanna eat kid, you've gotta be hungry. You only had toast this morning for breakfast."
Rose smiles as she removes her apron and thinking for a moment she says "A cheeseburger."
"With all the fixings?" she questions and Rose nods her head.
"Alright, go find a seat, and I'll bring it out when it's done."
https://www.tumblr.com/lezzbehonesturhaught/768083467172986881/destination-unknown?source=share PART 2
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