The Magic Within ↠ Once Upon A Time

[Chapter 24] A Pirate's Life for Me

"But, it will only be a matter of time."

"Okay. As long as you don't start with those ridiculous 'Dad jokes'... Dad..." I blush in embarrassment. I can't believe I have to say that. It was already embarrassing enough that I have to go back to calling Regina my mom and Henry my brother, not to mention I might have to do that same for Roland. God, this was easier when I was all by myself.

Once spotting my hint of embarrassment, Robin let's out a chuckle. "Don't wear yourself out."

"I'll try not to."

He patted my shoulder and went his way.

I let out a puff of air before walking towards the kitchen. There was a pie that I was promised and I intended on getting my hands on it. I scurry pass the small group of people, trying my best to avoid any interruptions. Then, after sleazing my way past the group of heroes, I disappear into the kitchen. That's when I spot the mother lode. After all these year, I was finally going savor my mom's pie, again. I grab a plate with the largest piece and a fork from the counter. I didn't hesitate to cut through the dessert and take a bite of the sweet treat.

"I didn't see you come in here, Melody."

I look up from my dessert and at the man in front of me. "That was kind of the point, Charming." I sheepishly grin.

He smirks. "I take it you still haven't gotten use to people."

"Never have, never will. What can I say; I'm just a wild girl." I plop another large chunk of the pie in my mouth. While I was busy savoring the food, I couldn't help but notice the silence between us, not to mention the fact that no matter how hard he tried I could notice his tense state. I sigh, "What is it?"

"You're still a good judge of character."

"Well, when you spend your time around gorillas, you tend to be fascinated by human nature. Now, stop avoiding the subject, what did you want to say?"

"... Just wanted to say sorry."

"Geez, I've been hearing that word a lot now. Anyways, it's fine."

"No, it's not. You're my friend; you're my and Snow's friend. And, we didn't believe that you were really you."

I squint my eyes. "How can you be so sure I'm the real Melody?"

"Because, you're overdramatic."

"Am not!"

"And, that proves my point."

I roll my eyes. "Just as long as you know I'm really me, then everything's fine. You can make sure to tell Snow that."

"I'll be sure to relay the message. So, why didn't you ever tell us you were the Great Tarza?" He places his hands on the countertop of the island.

"Because, I never saw a reason to bring it up. It's in the past, and I'd rather just leave it at that."

"Though I respect your decision, Snow and I told you about ourselves while you left us with nothing. We wanted to know more about you. Why would you just cut off part of your life?"

I drop my plate back on the counter, causing a loud click to echo. "Because, something happened, something bad. Something that is the main reason why I'm here and not back there in the jungle."