Far Longer Than Forever

17

"Well, I hope you two find them."

"Thank you."

Jefferson tried to walk, but had an obvious limp.

"Oh, you are hurt," Emma noted.

"No, I just twisted my ankle, I think," the man answered. "I live just a mile down the road. I'll make it okay."

"No, let us drive you. I insist."

"Thank you. I'm Jefferson."

"Emma."

They got into Emma's car.

ENCHANTED FOREST - PAST

Jefferson ran through the woods, seemingly trying to escape from something. He stopped to rest by a tree, but was caught by his daughter, Grace.

"Papa, I found you," Grace said.

"You certainly did," Jefferson replied. "You must be part bloodhound, my dear Grace. Where's Uncle?"

Derek poked his head from behind a tree. "Here. It was a good try, Grace."

"Now it's my turn to hide, and you seek," Grace said, turning to Derek. "You too."

"I'm afraid playtime's over," Jefferson said. "Though, you can still use that nose of yours to hunt mushrooms. Enough to sell at market tomorrow. Do you think you and your uncle can do that? Ready or not, here we come." They headed back to their house, where the Evil Queen's carriage was parked outside. "Wait."

"Whose carriage is that?"

"The Queen's."

"In our house? Do you know her?"

"Of course not. Now, listen carefully. Hey. I want you to stay hidden in the woods. Like our game. Stay with Derek. I'm going to find out what she's doing here." Jefferson entered the house, while Grace ran off into the forest. Inside, the Evil Queen was waiting.

"I'd like to say you're looking well, Jefferson, but I'd be lying," the Evil Queen said. "Poverty doesn't suit you."

"What are you doing here, Regina?"

"I have a job for you."

"I don't do that anymore."

"Yes, I heard you hung up your hat. Why? Is it because of your sweet daughter Grace and your big brother?"

"Because of my work, she lost her mother. I don't want her to lose her father, too. Or her unvle."

"So, now you're foraging for fungus. What kind of future does your daughter have here with you? Do this one last favor for me, and you can give her the life she deserves."

"That's why I'm staying. You don't abandon family. That's... What she deserves. Now, please leave."

"All I need is your special skills to get me somewhere. Somewhere you've been before. Do it, and I can change your life." She handed him a piece of paper.

"What business could you possibly have there?"

"Something of mine was taken and found its way over there. I want it back."

"Then, find someone else to get it."

"I see. Hard living has strengthened your resolve. Well, I'm sorry I couldn't convince you, but I understand. There's nothing more important than family."

STORYBROOKE - PRESENT

Eventually, they pulled up to a large house on a hill and exited the car.

"Wow," Emma commented. "This is your house? It looks more like a hotel. You must have a huge family."