Chapter Text
Emma Swan lay on her back staring up at the ceiling and counted the spots made by previous foster kids. She pushed the scratchy and too small blanket down further, the layers of clothes she had put on before crawling into bed making her warmer than normal in the cool room. Her eyes danced around the room, the walls a mixture of holes, plaster, and crayon that had just begun to fade more from time than anything else.
She could hear the television going downstairs and wondered if Mr. White had fallen asleep in front of it again or if he was still awake. The small room was dark and windowless and she longed to be able to stare up at the moon instead, to try and pass the time til she was able to leave. It had always brought her a feeling of calmness and it was one of the things she disliked most about this current foster home.
She closed her eyes, straining her ears to try and listen for any signs of whether Mr. White was asleep or not. She sighed, not able to hear anything distinctive and opened her eyes again, looking at the space in the wall where there should have been a door. Her fingers tapped on her thigh impatiently as she shifted her weight on the creeky and too small bed.
Her gaze fell to her small black backpack and she tried to remember what she had put into it, hoping she hadn’t left anything important out. It sat between her and James’ bed, a younger foster kid who had been with the White’s for the last month. She worried what would happen to him when she was no longer around to be the punching bag for Mr. White.
Her heart stopped as she heard the television downstairs turn off followed by a gruff cough that sent a shiver of discomfort down her spine, and footsteps leading further from her room. With a quick glance over at James to be sure he was still asleep she slowly climbed out from bed, careful to avoid making the worn springs creak.
Her shoes were already on her feet and she quietly pulled on an old red leather jacket that a girl at her previous foster home had given her. She picked up the bag and opened it, looking at the clothes, book, and few granola bars she had managed to snatch throughout the week. She grabbed a small rabbit, more gray than white now, and stared at it for a moment. She thought back to the family who had given it to her, she remembered clutching the rabbit tightly to her chest as she was taken away by the social worker, the only parents she had ever known standing on their porch, the wife’s hand resting on her growing stomach.
She bit her lip and quickly wiped the tears that had begun to form from her eyes before stuffing the rabbit into the bag as well. Looking over at James she whispered a quiet apology before making her way out of the room and down to the kitchen. She knew she wouldn’t find much, but hoped to find a few more things to keep her going over the next couple of days.
The pantry was mostly bare, the good food kept in a locked cupboard that only the White’s had access to. A few moldy pieces of bread, some crackers, and a few cans of soup sat on the shelves. She stuffed a can of soup into her jacket pocket, grabbed the crackers, and quietly shut the pantry door jumping and almost dropping them as she came face to face with Mr. White.
“What on Earth do you think you’re doing?” His face red and pursed as he towered over her.
Emma froze, her mouth refusing to work as she eyed the door behind him, wondering how she was going to get past him and out it.
“I said. What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Stealing food in the middle of the night? You know the punishment for that.” His hand went to his belt buckle beginning to undo it as a sick smile came across his face. A drop of sweat tickled it’s way down the back of her neck and she shifted uncomfortably as she felt it slowly trailing down her back. The marks that had been left on her back were still there from the last time he had pulled out the belt and used it on her. She needed to run. Now.
With as much strength as she could muster she grabbed the can of soup from her pocket and threw it at his head and ran around him as quickly as possible. A loud thud echoed through the once quiet house as she crashed into the wall, stumbling over her feet and throwing herself at the door.
“You ungrateful bitch!”
Her heart pounded, the sound echoing loudly in her ears as she scrambled to unlock the door, the heavy sound of footsteps behind her causing her hands to slip on the knob as she tried to open the door. Finally, she was able to throw open the door and launched herself out onto the front step before she took off running down the familiar and empty street.
“Get back here!” His voice echoed behind her and she didn’t dare turn to look for fear that he had followed. Her heart pounded in sync with her feet slapping the pavement, the cool air drying the sweat that had formed in her struggle to get out of the house. As soon as she hit the main road she slowed down, walking along the sidewalk past the mostly closed shops.
The neon ‘Open’ sign blinked on the side of a building, she looked both ways down the empty street and ran across before slipping inside of the dark dive bar called Nifty’s. Her face wrinkled up at the stale smell of cigarettes and alcohol as she pushed past a group of drunk guys, ignoring their catcalls, as she made her way to the bathroom.
Once inside she locked the door and slid down the wall, resting her head on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. She slid the backpack off and opened up the small side pocket, pulling out a wad of cash she had managed to sneak from Mrs. White’s purse earlier that day and counting out the large bills for the first time since she had stolen it. Her eyes widened as she realized she held $500, more money than she had ever seen in her life. She put one of the $20s into her pocket, zipped the rest back into the pocket of her bag, and walked out of the bathroom.
Emma looked around the bar, taking in the sports photos on the wall before making her way up to the bar. She patiently waited for the bartender to make his way over before ordering a coke. He raised an eyebrow at her but nodded as he went about grabbing a glass and filling it up with coke, setting it down in front of her. She handed over the $20 and took a sip as she waited for her change. The bubbles fizzed on her tongue and she smiled, she couldn’t remember the last time she had had soda. She took another sip as she nodded her thanks to the bartender, pocketed the bills, and made her way to the end of the bar.
The TV above her had a wrestling match on and she watched it for a few moments before she lost interest and began watching the people around her instead. She had never been inside of a bar before but she thought it looked a bit crowded for a Tuesday. A few different groups of people were seated at tables, the rest scattered around a pool table, and a couple of guys were pushing each other around as they played darts.
“Do you guys have food?” She asked as the bartender walked within ear shot.
The only response she received was a laugh as he pushed a bowl of peanuts her way. The bowl was half empty and she debated if she was hungry enough to eat them. She reached forward, her hand brushing against them before she was interrupted by a voice behind her.
“You know how many people have had their hand in that bowl tonight?”
Emma jumped slightly and whipped around at the husky voice.
“And do you know where there hands have been?” Her face was twisted in disgust as she eyed the bowl for a moment before looking up at the blonde girl.
Emma scowled, not in the mood to deal with anyone, “And you are?”
“Regina. There’s no way you’re old enough to be in this bar.”
Emma rolled her eyes before turning away from the woman and looking back up at the wrestling match. Her eyes closed and mouth pursed in frustration as she heard the scrape of the stool next to her being pulled out. She glanced over and raised an eyebrow at the woman, her eyes running over her neatly styled brown hair, taking in the somehow flawless make up and slightly puffy eyes, the designer suit shouting just how out of place she was here.
“Is there something you need?”
Regina raised her hand at the bartender before looking over at Emma, “Not particularly.”
“Is there a reason you sat next to me?”
“Is there a reason I shouldn’t have?”
Emma groaned before raising her glass to her lips. She watched as Regina ordered a drink, her eyebrows raising slightly as she then watched the liquid quickly disappear from the first glass. She ran her finger around the rim of her glass and pulled out the small pay as you go phone from her pocket. She had saved for months for it and tried to only use it in emergencies. She swore as she saw the time, realizing it was too late to call anyone to come get her.
“Something the matter?”
“No, just lost track of time.”
“You know, you never told me your name.”
Emma stared at the woman, watching as she raised an eyebrow and stared back, she couldn’t help but wonder again what a woman like that was doing in a dive bar, and more importantly, what she was doing talking to her. Rolling her eyes she finally relented to the woman, “Emma.”
“Emma.” She repeated it, nodding her head and turning back to her drink.
The two fell into silence as Emma flipped her phone around between her hands wondering if there was any chance Neal was still awake at 1am on a Tuesday. The bar would be closing soon and she had yet to find a place to stay for the night. She could use the money that was burning a hole in her backpack, but she knew how quickly money could go, and would prefer not to use it on a motel room her first night.
“What brings you here on a Tuesday night Emma?”
“What makes you think I owe you my life story?” She shot back.
Regina laughed and shook her head, downed the rest of her drink, and stood up, “Last chance to vent to someone.”
Emma ignored her, staring straight at the TV, unwilling to look back at the stubborn woman next to her. The glass beneath her fingers had since warmed and she wished the bartender would come back this way so she could get some ice. Eventually she heard the stool scrape against the ground as it was pushed back in and watched as the woman walked out of the bar without a word.
Her shoulders sagged in relief at finally being left alone and her head fell down as she took a couple of deep breaths and looked up again. Her eyes landed on a man towards the middle of the bar and she breathed out a quick ‘fuck’ as he made his way over to her. She watched him stumble, steadying himself on the bar before he stood directly in front of her.
The overwhelming stench of marijuana and alcohol washed over her as he leaned in close enough for her to see the scar on his forehead, “Hey baby, what do you say we go back to my place?”
“How about no?” Emma spat back at him, attempting to move further away from him.
“Don’t be like that, a girl as pretty as you would look even better beneath me.”
Loud laughs pulled her attention from him and she looked over in disgust at the two men obviously rooting for the guy in front of her.
“Does that line ever work?”
Instead of a verbal answer he set his drink down on the bar and before she could process what was happening he had her pinned against the bar and his lips sloppily were on hers. His tongue shoved roughly into her mouth feeling more like she was having a dental exam than being kissed and the taste of alcohol caused her gag reflex to kick in. She managed to pull her hands free and pushed his chest as hard as she could. She brought her right hand up to wipe her lips in disgust as she shot him a glare, her eyes flaming and chest heaving.
“What the fuck is your problem bitch?”
He stepped close again this time his face taking on a completely different look, the lines of his jaw clenched visibly and she swore she could see a muscle in his neck jump. She hand reached down slowly and she clutched her bag tightly in one hand before looking back up at him.
“Get out of my-” Her head flew to the side as his hand came up to stop her mid sentance. She could feel the blood starting to run down her cheek and her hand flew up to press against it cringing at the sharp pain that went through it.
“Fucking fridgid bitch, you can’t speak that way to me, you’re going to pay for that.” His eyes narrowed as he stepped in closer to her, the sound of his friend’s laughing echoing behind her.
“Hey, what’s going on over here?”
Emma had never been so happy to hear the bartender’s voice behind her and she took the moment to shove the man out of her way and ran out of the bar. No sooner had she made her way to the sidewalk did she hear the familiar voice from the bar shout out her name.
“Emma! Are you okay?”
She groaned as she realized Regina was still hanging around the outside of the bar, “I thought you left.”
“I did, I forgot to cash out, I was coming back to do so. What happened to your face?”
Emma flinched as Regina’s hand softly brushed against her face, just underneath the cut, “Nothing.”
Regina rolled her eyes, “Obviously something happened Emma, is there anything I can do to help? Do you need a ride home?”
At that Emma’s eyes widened and she shook her head.
“To a friend then? Or a motel?
“Uh. Okay, a motel would be nice, thanks.” Emma relented as she slowly followed Regina to the black sports car parked just down the street.
“Stay here and keep the doors locked, I’ll be back in just a moment.” Emma clutched onto the bag between her legs as she watched Regina make her way back into the bar. The streets were empty and she was slightly afraid that the guys would be coming out to look for her. She reached down and grabbed the pocket knife from her bag, switching it open and gripping it tightly in her right hand.
As the door opened she held her breath, ready to duck and hide before sighing in relief as she saw Regina walk out and begin walking back towards the car. She unlocked the doors and watched as Regina sat down and started the car, “Any preference on which motel?”
“Just the cheapest one around is fine.”
Regina nodded before typing a few things into her phone. She set it down on the dash and took off, following the directions on the screen. Emma stared out the window losing herself in the blur of the lights as they sped past them. Her thoughts raced around what had happened tonight and she wondered what she was going to do about school, whether she dared to go back tomorrow or if that would lead to Mr. White waiting outside for her.
The bright red vacancy sign stood out against the sky, the closest street light flickered dimly, and Emma shivered at the thought of staying here, but it couldn’t be worse than some of the homes she had been in before, and at least here she would have her own room. She lifted her bag onto her lap and turned to the woman next to her, “Thank you for dropping me off here.”
“You’re welcome Emma, listen, if there is anything else I can do…”
“Unless you can magically just turn my luck around, there’s not much anyone can do.” Emma scoffed bitterly.
Emma watched as the woman froze for a moment, her eyes widened just slightly and her lips pursed before she spoke, “What if I told you I could do that for you?”
Emma startled herself with the loud burst of laughter that came out at the suggestion, “I think those drinks you had at the bar affected you a bit more than you thought.”
Regina smirked, “What makes you think I can’t change your luck?”
Emma rolled her eyes, “What makes you think that you can?”
“Would you exchange your first born child for better luck?”
“Who are you? Rumplestiltskin?” She laughed at the idea and wondered if she had just accepted a ride from a woman who was completely out of her mind. Her gaze slowly moved to the lock, wanting to check that she could make a run for it if needed.
“No dear, not quite.”
“How could you turn my luck around?”
Regina’s eyes glinted as the smile on her face grew, “Magic.”
The laugh that escaped Emma’s mouth this time was not one of amusement, it was tight and forced, the uncomfortableness filled the car and she found herself nodding, “Okay, you do that, turn my luck around and I promise you my first born. Thanks again, but I need to get going, I need to get some sleep.”
With that Emma tossed open the door and practically ran from the car to the motel. After she got to the front door she started to pull it open before pausing for a moment and looking back over her shoulder. Regina was still sitting in her car staring at her and as their eyes met a shiver ran down Emma’s spine before she slipped into the motel.
“From one crazy situation to another Swan, good going.” She mumbled before making her way up to the front desk.
“How can I help you?” The guy behind the desk asked as he stood up and walked over to her.”
“I just need a room for the night.”
“Smoking or non smoking?”
“Non smoking.”
“ID?”
Emma froze briefly before pulling open her bag and made a show of looking through it, “Shoot, it must have fell out at Nifty’s.”
The man raised an eyebrow, “Sorry lady, without an ID there’s nothing I can do.”
“Please, I just need a bed for the night, I’ll be out of here by 8am.” She bit her lip and looked up at him, ready to beg for the room.
He sighed and looked around, “Alright, but I never did this for you. Got it?”
“Got it. I won’t tell anyone. Thank you so much.”
He didn’t respond as he typed a few things into the computer before grabbing a key card and handing it to her, “Room number is on the card, upstairs and take a right. Sign here. It’ll be 50 for the night.”
Emma scribbled her name on the sheet and grabbed the card before he could change his mind, “Thanks.” She fumbled with her bag for a moment before pulling out 2 20s and a 10 from her pocket, handing it over to him.
She made her way up the stairs and took a right following the signs for room 212. She swiped her card and opened the door, peering in from the hallway. It was small and smelled funny but had a bed bigger than what she’d had at the White’s.
After quickly looking around the room for anything out of place she locked the door behind her and secured the extra locks. She placed her backpack on the table and put her jacket over it, kicked her shoes off, and left them under the table. She pulled off the extra layers she had piled on before leaving the White’s and folded them quickly, leaving a new shirt out for tomorrow and storing the rest into her backpack.
She turned the light off and crawled into bed setting her phone on the night stand by the bed and setting the alarm clock beside her for 7:30am. She rolled over and stared up at the ceiling as her eyes slowly drifted shut.