x. stupid message man

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CANDY. IT WAS hard for the teen to choose which one she wanted to buy. Chocolate was her all-time favorite so she walked over to where the Hershey's were located and grabbed three bars. She walked away only to be greeted by a display of chewing gum. Her eyes widened, then darted to the side in search of Emma before she raced towards the rack, grabbing two ten packs of Polar Ice: her favorite.

Holding all of the candy in her grasp, she walked back over to Emma and Henry who were grabbing the taco shells. Melody dropped the candy and gum into the basket, wiping her hands together like she had dust on them when she clearly didn't.

The savior rose an eyebrow at her items. "Seriously kid?"

Melody shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "I could've gotten a soda, but I didn't."

Emma still didn't look happy but didn't argue it, knowing she was right. After all, if given the option, the brunette would gladly buy the entire chocolate section. So she was lucky all the teen grabbed was a few chocolate bars and some gum. "Fine."

She got a smile of triumph in return as they walked over to the counter to pay.

———

There was nothing wrong with the apartment when the three entered and Melody called out.

"Hey! Guess what?" Melody said as they walked in, "taco shells were on sale."

"Apparently, tacos? Not a big item in the Enchanted-" Emma started but they all rounded the corner to see Mary Margaret and David still in bed. Mary Margaret pulled the covers up to her chest and Melody's jaw fell slack as she blushed in embarrassment.

"What are you guys still doing in bed? It's the middle of the afternoon," Henry asked confused.

The teen didn't want to be there anymore so she quickly turned and walked to the kitchen, suddenly interested in the fridge.

"The trip back was tiring, and I needed to rest," Mary Margaret lied.

"And I needed to... Help her rest," David added. 

Melody did not appreciate their explanation and banged her head against the fridge. "I hate you fridge. I freaking hate you." 

"Uh, let's... Let's go make the tacos. We have to make a lot because there's going to be a ton of people at Granny's welcome back party tonight," Emma said as she pushed Henry towards the kitchen where Melody was still hitting her head on the fridge.

"You ok, Melody?" he asked.

The brunette nodded turning to look at him. "Just peachy."

"We thought you were going to be back later," Mary Margaret whispered to Emma, which was clearly heard by Melody.

"Yeah, well, we weren't. So maybe next time, you could put a tie on the door, or send a text, or... You know what? I'm... I'm... Going to go make some tacos," Emma said, shocked at what she had walked into. She turned and walked into the kitchen.

Melody looked at the blonde and shook her head. "Next time, we should give them a text saying we're on our way."

———

The celebration was being thrown at Granny's and when The Charmings and Melody walked in, everyone stood up and cheered. Melody smiled and blushed once again. Ruby rushed over and hugged Mary Margaret

"I wasn't worried a bit," Ruby said.

"I can tell," Mary Margaret said sarcastically, laughing.

"Oh, we all missed you," Archie said as he hugged them. 

Melody grinned and hugged Ruby. "The Enchanted Forest was crazy."

Ruby laughed and agreed. "I bet."

Everyone was given a glass and David got everyone's attention.

"I just wanted to, uh, thank you all for joining us tonight. Mary Margaret and I – we have a saying... That we will always find each other. And, while I believe that with all my heart, I'd like you all to raise your glasses and join me when I say... Here's to not having to look for a while. To Mary Margaret, Melody, and Emma!" David toasted.

Ruby and Melody clinked glasses and so did everyone else. There was a ring of a bell and everyone turned to see Regina enter with a dish in hand.

"Sorry, I'm late," she apologized.

Melody smiled and went over and hugged her mom. Leroy grabbed a knife and the mother and daughter looked at him. The teen glared at him.

"What is she doing here?" he asked with an equal glare, pointing it at Regina.

"Emma invited her," Melody said simply. "You have a problem with that, Leroy?"

Mary Margaret, David, and Emma walked over and took Melody's side. The brunette continued to glare fiercely and Leroy put the knife down and switched his glare to then teen.

"We're celebrating today because of Regina. She helped us get home. No matter what she did in the past, we owe her our thanks now," Emma revealed.

Mary Margaret pulled Emma over and whispered hushedly to her.

"Didn't you think to tell us about it?" Mary Margaret asked confused.

"I did, but you two were a little busy this afternoon," Emma reminded.

"Emma, she tried to kill us – yesterday!" 

"No, she didn't. She's trying to change for Melody and Henry. They believe in her. And, right now, that's enough for me. I couldn't have changed if I wasn't given a chance, so... She gets one, too."

Henry sat with Regina and Melody and he smiled at his mom while she cut the lasagna.

"I'm glad you came," Henry told her.

Melody smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Me too," she added. 

Regina smiled at the two. "I'm glad I came too."

Leroy watches them with an angry glare and Regina offers him a piece of lasagna.

"Oh, I made a lasagna," she said.

"What's the secret ingredient? Poison?" he snapped.

Melody glared at him once more.

"Red pepper flakes. Gives it some kick," Regina explained, handing it to him.

Leroy suspiciously sniffed the lasagna but took it. Melody raised an eyebrow while she watched him walk away.

"Do you think he's actually going to eat it?" she asked Regina.

Regina shrugged. "The more he eats the faster the poison works through his body."

Melody looked at her mom and laughed fakely, smiling. "Ha ha ha, very funny."

———

Later in the evening, the party is winding down. People have split off into groups to talk, while Regina sat alone in one of the booths.  She grabbed her coat and decided to leave. But before she could, Emma hurries up to her and follows her outside.

"Archie made a cake. You don't want to stay for a piece?" Emma asked her.

"I'm fine, thank you."

"Okay." Emma nodded and turned to go back inside.

"Thank you," Regina said suddenly.

Emma turned around surprised. "You just said that."

"For inviting me," Regina explained.

"Henry and Melody both wanted it. I'm glad you guys got to spend some time together."

"Me, too. I'd like to see them more. Maybe you'd consider letting them stay over some time. I... I have their rooms just... just waiting for them."

"Oh... I'm... I'm not sure that's best," Emma said unsurely.

"Because you know so much about parenting in the five minutes you've been with them. Talk to David. At least he took care of Henry while you were away. Like I did, during the ten years, you were away the first time."

"Okay. Thanks for coming."

Emma turned to leave, but Regina stopped her.

"No, wait. I'm sorry. I... I'm... I'm sorry. Snapping at you – I shouldn't have done that. Will you accept my apology?" Regina asked.

Emma turned back and nodded. "Okay. You're right. Archie said you were trying to change. And, well, you are."

"Dr. Hopper said I was trying?" 

"He said you came to see him. That you're trying not to use magic, that you're trying to be a better person. You understand I was hesitant to invite you. I asked him, and he thought it was a good idea."

"Thank you. It was. I should be going."

Regina left the diner and started to walk home. Not aware of the eyes on her.

———

"Ready to head home?" Emma asked, walking up to Melody and Henry.

The teen nodded with a yawn. "Yeah. Killing an ogre and being kidnap will make you tired."

Henry grinned. "I still can't believe you did."

Melody rolled her eyes but smiled.

"I totally saved Emma."

Emma smiled as they walked down the sidewalk, walking to the apartment.

"Yeah, you did."

They eventually arrived and they all retreated to their rooms. 

Melody had gotten ready for bed and walked out of the guest bathroom. She went over to the dresser and looked at the small charm that laid on top. Her eyes filled with tears and she picked it up, it reminding her of Hook. The teen closed her eyes for a moment and then opened then back up.

She walked over to the bed and got under the covers, laying down, holding the charm in her hand.

———

Music was hands down one of Melody's favorite things. She enjoyed listening to the lyrics and finding out what they meant. The teen could spend hours on end just listening to music. It was a simple thing that she enjoyed yet it meant so much. 

Another thing she enjoyed was scenery. She enjoyed just walking around StoryBrooke and gazing at the sea and taking walks through the forest. Melody didn't know why, but she loved those things.

The girl was in the middle of taking a walk the next morning when she passed an alleyway. Not bothering to look to the side. And before she completely passed the alleyway, someone covered her mouth and pulled her into the side street.

Her body went into a panic mode and she was about to fight and scream when she saw the familiar blue eyes of Hook. Melody slapped his hand away with a glare.

"Seriously? Couldn't you just call my name or something? I thought I was being kidnapped!" she said. "Again." Hook gave her a sympathetic smile and the teen couldn't help but smile. "What are you doing here? How did you even get to town?"

Hook pulled her farther into the street and he looked both ways before looking back at her. "Do you remember that bean the giant had?"

"Yeah, what about?"

"Well, Cora had me plant it and then we used it to get here, simple as that."

"Simple as that?" Melody asked incredulously, "Cora is going to kill Snow. And do gods know what to this town." Hook said nothing. "But you don't care do you." Melody's smile had completely fallen and was replaced by an emotionless mask. "All you care about is revenge on my brother."

"Melody-" Hook started, trying to explain.

Melody held a hand up, stopping him. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to control her anger, not wanting to blow up on the pirate and to collect her thought. Hook was disappointed in himself but he needed to get his revenge. After a few moments, Melody opened her eyes and let out a deep breath, putting her hand down.

"No, it's fine. I know it's wrong for me to ask you to change so I won't. Just promise me you won't let the darkness completely change you. I see a hero in you Hook, whether you like it or not. Just don't let your revenge dissolve that part of you."

She pulled out his hand and put something in it. Melody smiled softly and walked away. Hook watched the girl go and smiled slightly. He looked down and saw a charm with a hook. 

The words, 'There is Good in Everyone,' engraved on it.

The same charm Melody held in her hand the night before.

———

"So, what was it like? Over there?" Henry asked as he, Melody, and Emma ate at Granny's.

"Well, let's see. There were ogres, the dead rising, people trying to kill me. And...more ogres," Emma said.

Melody looked up, smirking. "Don't forget the part where I so expertly saved your life."

Henry grinned. "I still think that's awesome. I'll never forget that."

"Kid, we got to work on your sense of awesome," Emma laughed. "Come on. It's time for school. I'll walk you two to the school bus."

"It's okay. We can go on our own," Melody said standing up and slinging her bag over her shoulder.

"I know that you can. That doesn't mean that you two should."

"David let me," Henry pointed out.

"Well, I'm not David," Emma argued.

"You used to let me."

"Well, I am not me. I'm walking you two because that's what mothers do." Melody raised an eyebrow questioningly. "And best friends," Emma continued. Melody nodded in acceptance. "And I'm doing it."

There was no further arguing and they got up and exited the diner. Melody got a bad feeling and she was about to tell Emma and Henry but then Pongo ran up to them before she could. The dog looked very frightened and whimpered.

"Hey, Pongo. It's okay. It's okay," Melody said, bending down and petting the dog.

"Where's Archie?" Emma asked confused.

Ruby bolted out of the diner suddenly and she had a worried look on her face. "Emma, something's wrong."

Emma was about to say something but then she turned to Henry and Melody. "You know what? Eleven and thirteen are old enough to walk to the bus stop. I'll pick you guys up later."

"Okay," Henry said, knowing there was no point in arguing and walked to the bus stop. 

Melody didn't follow and looked at Emma. "I'll be fine if I skip a day."

Emma gave her a look. "Melody I don't think-"

"Emma, something's wrong and I don't think I'll be able to have a normal day without knowing what's wrong."

Emma looked at Ruby for help. But the wolf shrugged. "I think we should let her help," Ruby said.

Emma sighed and turned back to Melody and nodded. Melody smiled and Pongo started running. The three females followed them and they were led to Archie's office, the door slightly ajar.

"Archie?" Emma called out.

Melody knew something was wrong and she walked in front of Emma slowly and pushed open the door, revealing Archie lying on the floor. The girl screamed and Emma and Ruby ran into the office, seeing the sight before them.

"Archie? Oh, hell," Emma said.

"Archie..." Ruby trailed off.

Emma ran over to him and checked his pulse. Ruby and Melody stood shocked as they saw the look on Emma's face.

"No... No," Melody said, shaking her head, tears filling her eyes.

"Who would do this?" Emma asked.

There was a moment of dead silence before Ruby spoke up.

"I think I know."

———

Melody couldn't believe it. There was a sinking feeling in her chest that made it hard to fight the tears, but she did.

Regina was being framed and she knew it. There was no way her mother would kill Archie after everything she had done to keep her and Henry and Melody was certain of it. Yet it didn't change the fact that Regina sat in the interrogation's room and the Sheriff's station.

Emma and David walked into the room and Mary Margaret and Melody watched through the one-way glass.

"Glad to see the Sheriff's station's now a family business. Why am I here?" Regina asked.

"You know why you're here. Because of Archie," Emma said, glaring.

The blonde knew Regina was responsible and Melody noticed. This pissed Melody off. She knew Emma was going to fight for Henry but Emma was the one who barged in and took Henry from Regina in the first place. But Melody still liked the blonde.

"Oh, it's now against the law to get into an argument with someone?" Regina snapped back.

"It is if you go to their office later that night and kill them," David explained.

Regina's face morphed into complete and utter shock and she processed the new information. "Archie's dead?" Regina said shocked.

"Stop it, Regina. Ruby saw you going into his office last night."

"Then she's lying. I was home all evening. After everything I've done to change, to win Henry and Melody back, why would I toss it all away now? And, if I did and I was going to kill Archie, you would never know it. The fact that he's dead and you caught me shows sloppiness."

"You've been caught before." David looked at his daughter who looked conflicted. "Come on, Emma. Who do you think's lying – Ruby, or her? She's incapable of change, no matter how many times we've given her the chance. Why should this time be any different?"

———

David and Emma had entered the room where Mary Margaret and Melody were and confusion spread over Mary Margaret's face.

"So what do we do with her now?" she asked.

"Lock her up," David said as if was the most obvious thing.

"We can't lock her up because she didn't do it," Emma argued.

"You really believe her?"

"I watched her when we told her Archie was dead. She didn't know."

"Emma's right. She didn't know. Emma can tell when people are lying. Even I noticed," Melody spoke up.

Mary Margaret looked at the teen sympathetically and sighed. "Melody, I know that you want to believe that Regina can change for you and Henry, but-" 

"I know what I saw. Look at her in there. The old Regina would've reduced this building to ashes. That's a someone who wants to change. She just wants everyone else to see it. I know that look. I know her. I believe her."

"With all due respect, you don't know her like we do," David pointed out.

Melody turned to him with a glare. "Maybe that's the problem. In our kingdom, she was the Evil Queen. But here, she's Regina. And she's my mother, and I say she's innocent until proven guilty. Cause I sure don't want to lose someone I care about."

They were all silent and then Mary Margaret spoke to break the tension. "So... Uh, what do you suggest we do?" 

"Let her go," Emma said, backing Melody up.

"Emma, sh-," David started.

"We let her go, and then we find the truth."

Melody looked at Emma and gave her a grateful smile. 

———

The four of them had arrived at Archie's office and were looking for evidence. Melody didn't know who was looking for something to prove Regina was innocent or that Regina was guilty. But she knew she was looking for something that told her her mother was innocent. David brought out a folder and opened it, finding it empty.

"Huh. Regina's file – it's empty," he said.

"So she did it. She killed the kindest soul in this town. A man who only cared about helping," Mary Margaret said, shaking her head sadly.

Melody rolled her eyes. "Yeah because looking at an empty file automatically proves my mom is guilty. What does it say 'Hey it's Regina and I stole my files so you can't have it? Ha ha ha'?"

David gave her a look and Emma agreed with the brunette.

"I promise we'll find whoever really did this," she said sincerely.

"Isn't it time you admit we already have? Regina had a fight with Archie, Ruby saw her outside last night, and now, her file is empty. That's... That's a lot of evidence," David commented.

Melody stood for a moment before making a thoughtful face.

"Maybe that's the point," Melody said, turning around to look at them.

The three adults looked at her intrigued.

"What do you mean?" David questioned.

"Well, in our land it's different, but in the real world, it's usually hard to find evidence. But this has been way too easy. Unless someone wants us to find evidence."

"What? So you think she was framed?" Mary Margaret asked.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time that happened in this town," Emma chimed in.

Melody nodded in agreement, memories of Mary Margaret being locked into a cell for apparently "killing" Kathryn Nolan.

"Who would want to frame her?" David asked.

"That's a long list, present company included," Mary Margaret pointed out.

"Yeah. But there's only one name on that list that would resort to killing to get what they want," Emma said.

Melody sighed. "And let me guess. That person would be my brother."

———

When she, Emma, David, and Mary Margaret arrived at her brother's Pawnshop, she was surprised to see a fellow brunette with him and the two turned to them when they entered. THe other brunette smiled at Melody and the teen smiled back.

"Ah... Nothing warms the heart more than a family reunited. You have your mother's chin, Miss Swan," Gold said.

"We know that you killed him," Emma declared.

Melody rolled her eyes and threw her hands up when a thought came to mind. "Honestly, are you guys just going to go around pointing fingers at everyone?"

Emma ignored her and Gold couldn't help but smirk slightly. She still had the sass she had all those years ago.

"And your father's tact," Gold added.

"Someone's dead?" the brunette beside him asked, confused.

"Doctor. Hopper," Melody confirmed. "I don't mean to be rude but, who are you?" 

"I'm Belle. You're Melody right?"

Melody nodded and smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Belle."

When her brother processed the information, his looked confused. "Why on earth would you think I had anything to do with that?" Gold asked them.

"Because all the evidence points to my mom," Melody told him.

"And she's not possibly capable of doing something so vile?" Belle asked.

"It's a frame job," Emma explained.

"It wouldn't be the first time you used someone to try to hurt her," Mary Margaret pointed out, yet again.

"Nice to see your memory's still intact, dearie. But this time, I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint you. It wasn't me," Gold disagreed.

"Why should we believe you?" Emma asked.

Melody looked at her and shrugged. "Simple. We can't."

"Because I can prove it. Ask the witness," Gold said, ignoring his sister's comment.

"No one was there," Emma told.

"Well, that's not strictly true now, is it?"

———

David brought in Pongo and led him into the shop. Gold petted the dog and Pongo sniffed at him.

"Hey, boy. Good boy. Good boy, good boy," he said.

Melody smiled slightly at her brother's little gesture of kindness.

"I, uh... I didn't know you were such a dog person," Belle said, laughing slightly.

Melody's grin faded away when she saw the look on her brother's face.

"Well... A long time ago, in another life, I got to know a sheepdog or two," Gold explained, looking over at his sister.

She pursed her lip and avoided his eyes. Melody knew he was avoiding her because she now remembered the past and what it held. And what happened that changed the both of them.

"That's fascinating. But unless you speak dog, how is Pongo going to tell us anything?" Emma asked.

"Through magic, of course. It won't allow us to communicate, but it will allow us to... Extract his memories," Gold told them.

"Extract?" Melody questioned, her eyes wide.

"You don't have to worry. He won't feel a thing."

"Why should we trust you? Couldn't you just as easily use magic to fool us?" Emma asked.

"Because I'm not going to be the one using magic – you are."

"Me? How?"

"You have it within you. Told me so yourself. You witnessed it, didn't you?"

"Emma, you don't have to do this," Mary Margaret said softly.

"Can't Melody do it?" David spoke up.

The teen looked at him and glared. "You're really getting on my nerves today Charming." Emma looked skeptically at the fact she had to use her magic and the teen sighed. "Fine, I'll do it."

"You don't have to if you don't want to," Mary Margaret, her worry of the young girl seeping through her words.

Melody shook her head. "If it helps find out what happened to Archie, I'll do it."

Gold took a dream catcher out of one of the cupboards and held it up. "Do you know what this is?" he asked his sister.

"A dream catcher," she replied with an unamused look.

"Well... It's capable of catching so much more."

He slowly ran the dream catcher along Pongo's back, which caused it to start glowing a bright yellow, earning a curious look from everyone else.

"What is that?" Belle asked.

"Memories. Now, Melody. You show us how."

"How? It's just a jumble," Melody said puzzled.

"Will it. Will it, and we shall all see."

Melody hesitantly took the dream catcher and held it in front of her.  She concentrated on the jumbled swirl in the middle of the dream catcher, but nothing happened. "I can't," she said quietly.

"Yes, you can," Gold encouraged.

Melody sighed and concentrated. She focused her eyes on the jumble and took a deep breath. Her veins burned as her magic ran through them. She felt powerful. Strong. She was no longer the scared little girl on that dirt path, giving up by her father who's excuse was because he wanted to be young. Anger was one emotion she felt because of this experience. But sadness and loneliness were the most prominent. But she knew she had to make it look like anger was the strongest. So she looked strong. melody believed she was strong.

In the dream catcher, Pongo's memories of Regina entering Archie's office play.

"Melody... You're doing it," Mary Margaret said astonished.

Melody said nothing as she watched Regina grab Archie's neck. Her breath caught in her throat and she didn't see the ex-bandit look away, not wanting to see it. The teen had seen enough and she dropped the dream catcher.

"No. No. It can't be true," she denied. 

"I'm sorry, Melody," Emma said sadly.

The blonde tried reaching for her but Melody took a step away, not saying anything else. Something wasn't right and she knew it.

———

Emma, David, and Mary Margaret left the shop and Belle had exited the room to give Melody and Gold some time alone. 

"I'm sorry," Melody spoke suddenly.

Gold looked at her and saw that her eyes were filled with tears. And in that moment he felt guilty.

"Melody..."

"No, I know you hate me because of what... of what he did. I know you think it's my fault. And maybe it is but I'm sorry and I don't mean to hurt her. I just... I need my brother back," she confessed, the tears escaping her eyes.

Gold looked extremely guilty and he walked forward and embraced his sister tightly.

"It wasn't your fault, Melody. He made his decision and I was wrong to blame you. I do hope you can forgive me."

Melody exhaled and smiled through her tears. She pulled away and looked at her brother.

"You don't need to apologize either. We both made mistakes."

Gold smiled and hugged his sister again. Then his face fell and he sighed. "I'm sorry about Regina."

Melody sniffled and she pushed the tears away this time. Wanting to prove she was strong.

"Yeah. I have a feeling everyone's going to be telling me that."

But Melody still didn't believe her mother was responsible.  And she had a feeling of who was.

———

Emma knocked on Regina's door, while David and Mary Margaret stand behind her. The three of them waited until Regina opened the door. Regina smiled slightly.

"Miss Swan. I assume you're here to apologize."

"Melody saw you do it," Emma said, getting to the point.

"What?" 

"Melody saw it. You choked the life out of Archie."

"What are you talking about? How is that even possible?"

"Magic," David answered.

Regina stared at them in shock. She knew her daughter had magic. She could feel it radiating off of her. But the fact that they let her daughter use magic, endangering her daughter, made her angry. "You let her-" she started.

"Melody saw what happened, and it was you," Emma said, cutting Regina off.

"Gold," Regina realized. "He helped you. You're going to trust him, of all people, when he's probably the one behind this?" 

"We didn't trust him. That's why Melody used magic instead. We knew he wouldn't hurt his own sister," Mary Margaret explained.

"Well, I can only assume he warned you, then."

"About what?" Emma asked.

"That magic always comes with a price," Regina informed.

"Yeah? Well, that's a price we're both going to pay."

"How's that?" 

"Henry, Melody. They believed in you. His heart's going to break, Melody's already is. That's both our prices."

"No. I will not let you poison them against me."

"It's an interesting word choice since you already did."

They start to leave and Regina followed them down the walkway. Her eyes were wide and desperate, anger filling her entire body.

"I want to see them. They deserve to hear my side of the story! They're my children!" she yelled.

Emma turned to her and glared. "No, they aren't! And, after this, you're not getting anywhere near them! Do it!" 

Mother Superior appeared from behind and tree and fired a blast of blue magic at Regina. But Regina saw it coming and put her hand up to stop it. Her lips curved up into an evil smirk, caused by her anger.

"Did you really think that would work again?" Regina asked. She then casually tossed the magic orb on the ground near David and Mary Margaret "You... You will not keep them from me." Regina magically threw Emma backward down the walkway. Mary Margaret ran to her daughter, helping her up. "So much for fairy dust," Regina taunted.

"There is no way they will swallow your lies about Archie now. You can pretend all you want, but we know how you are, and who you will always be," Emma accused.

Regina let her anger dissolve for a moment. Defeated, Regina magically disappeared in a puff of purple smoke.

———

Emma, Mary Margaret, David, and Melody stood at Henry's bus stop as they waited for him.

"Henry's bus is going to be here any minute," Melody said, shaking her head with a sigh.

"You can do this," Mary Margaret said encouragingly to Emma, who was going to be telling Henry about Regina.

The three adults had told Melody of her mother's anger and how she had acted when they told her about their trip to see Gold. Melody still refused to believe that her mother would kill Archie.

"Tell my son that someone he loved was killed by someone else he cares about? I don't know if I can. Yeah, I don't think I can do any of this. This is like real parent stuff. How can I be a parent if I never was one?" Emma asked with a concerned look.

"I know. I've been asking myself the same question," David confessed.

"Oh, no. You guys don't have to... It-It's different."

"No, it isn't. And yes, we have to. We can figure it out. So can you," Mary Margaret encouraged.

Melody continued to watch down the street, not speaking. Her blue orbs fell upon a shadow on top of a building and she focused on it but then as soon as it appeared it disappeared. Her blood ran cold. It looked just like...

"Melody," Emma said, breaking her trance.

The brunette snapped her head toward the blonde and then Melody saw that Henry was getting off the bus. 

"Melody are you ok?" Mary Margaret asked.

Melody nodded, smiling as convincingly as she could. "I'm fine."

Emma walked over to Henry and talked to him, bringing him over to a bench to tell him the news. Melody shook her head as she watched Henry and Emma embrace. Henry believed Emma so easily. He believed that their mother indeed had killed Archie. And it looked liked she was the only one who knew her mother was innocent.

She turned on her heel and started walking back to the apartment. Not listening to Mary Margaret's yells after her and David telling her to give Melody some space.

Melody clenched her jaw as she stormed away.

Everything was crumbling before her and she didn't know how to stop it.

———

The guest bedroom door slammed and Melody pulled on her hair angrily. Angry and sad tears sprung in her eyes and she held them in, squeezing her eyes shut. Then she screamed and threw the nearest object at the wall, which was a book. Tears fell from her eyes and she almost didn't hear the gust of wind enter the room.

The window had opened and Melody turned. Without a thought, she marched over and was about to close the window when she saw the shadow hovering in front of her. The same glowing eyes looked back at her and she glared fiercely.

"What do you want," she hissed.

The shadow didn't look at all frightened and it simply moved slightly before speaking. 

"Your father just wanted me to check on you. After he learned Cora had kidnapped you, it took him some convincing and he told me to check on you. To make sure you were safe."

Melody scoffed. "Well tell my dad." Putting a vile tone when she said 'dad'. "That if he wants to make sure I'm ok. He can come himself. He can see what a mess I am because of him. I don't want a stupid message man following me around because he isn't man enough to face me himself."

The shadow did nothing but nod. "I will be sure to deliver your message. But just remember Melody, soon, very soon."

And with that, the shadow flew away. Leaving Melody looked shocked and angry. She screamed again and slammed her window closed, locking it. She got ready for bed, fighting the hot tears. Finally, she laid down and then she couldn't hold it anymore. And the girl cried and cried as she clutched her pillow.

Everything was crumbling indeed.

———

What did you guys think about the Melody and Hook moment?

What did you guys think about the Gold and Melody moment where they made up?

How do you feel about Melody so far? 

How do you think her mind works and what type of personality do you think she has?

Do you think I'm displaying Meldoy's character correctly based on what she's been through?

And finally...

Why do you think Pan really only cares about Melody and not Gold?

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