STORYBROOKE, Maine

Regina watched from across the room as Rebekah sat sandwiched between Graham and Dr. Whale, laughing when Graham had leaned towards her and whispered something in her ear. She was in a rather good mood these past few days. Suspiciously good. Rebekah had always been friendly and had an outgoing personality, but there was a twinkle in her eyes lately and a little more hop in her step. Perhaps it was because Rebekah was no longer working for Regina, who had been furious with her little sister when she told her she'd be working for Mr. Gold. But most of her anger was directed towards Gold, and not Rebekah. Regina wanted to know Gold's endgame and he wasn't telling her what exactly her little sister was working with him on. Just that she was helping him with interior work.

She kept her anger inside and pretended that she didn't mind Rebekah going to work for Gold. But she did. And not just because Regina didn't trust the man – but because now that Rebekah no longer worked in the Mayor's office, the place was absolutely chaotic and the idiot she had hired to replace Rebekah was slower than a turtle when it came to bringing Regina anything that she asked for.

Regina would pretend not to be upset with Rebekah; she'd pretend to be excited that she was spreading her wings because she wanted to remain on her little sister's good side. Jefferson was right; if the curse were to ever be broken (which she refused to let happen), Rebekah would remember every horrible thing that Regina had put her through and she would never forgive her; but worst, she'd come after her with Snow White and Prince Charming trailing behind her. Regina hoped that by pretending to be nice and loving to Rebekah in this world, it might win her some favor if the curse were ever to be broken.

Which it would not. Regina was willing to do anything to stop the curse from being broken. No sacrifice was too high. She'd do what she had to.

The town was gathered at David and Kathryn Nolan's home for a homecoming party welcoming David back to the land of the living while his 'family' and friends gathered in hopes to trigger his memory. His cursed memory that is. There was no way anyone could remember their past lives unless the curse was broken. Regina made sure of that.

But apparently some things had stayed the same for some people. Rebekah still had her connection to Jefferson which made her immune to anything Regina might do to her. Oh, that stupid power of true love. God, Regina hated that. True love. Ugh. Of course, Rebekah had a true love – of course! Regina had to suffer the loss of someone she loved so dearly that had the potential of being her true love (or perhaps he was her true love! She didn't get the chance to find out!) and Rebekah got to run away with a tall, dark, and handsome stranger who stole her away and refused to give her back. They fell in love and had a beautiful child and blah, blah, blah while Regina was left with nothing but her own misery and hatred. True love. True love was a lie.

Rebekah spotted Regina watching her and the Mayor had to fake a smile that some might consider to be genuine and waved her fingers to Rebekah. She smiled back, pushing down on Graham's leg so that she could use him to stand. Regina knew that Rebekah was still in a bit of pain and that even the slightest movement could leave her wincing. But she seemed to be doing just fine getting up. Either way, Graham and Dr. Whale still stood up and helped her.

Regina hated how close Rebekah and the Huntsman had always been, even with Regina whispering into his heart – he was still incredibly protective of Rebekah and was always looking out for her. She knew there was nothing romantic about their relationship, but Graham had never been that gentle with Regina. Not even in this land where he had no idea he was still a prisoner.

And Dr. Whale – Regina was sure that his friendliness towards Rebekah was just a way to get into her pants...which could be useful. An idea formed in Regina's head causing her to full on grin as Rebekah walked over to where she was standing.

"Hey." Rebekah moved to stand in front of Regina. "Quite the party."

"It sure is." Regina agreed. "You seem to be quite popular with those two." Regina motioned over to where Graham and Dr. Whale were now standing. "He's quite handsome."

"-Graham?" Rebekah said, "I mean, yeah. But he's like a brother to me and...that might be a bit weird don't you think?" She made her voice a whisper. "Considering."

Regina raised her brow. It seemed that Rebekah knew about the arrangement between her and Graham. "It would be awkward, but I was talking about Dr. Whale?"

"Whale?!" Rebekah said in a laugh.

"Yes!" Regina tried to keep her temper at bay. "He's handsome, smart, charming, rich!"

"Oh my god, no!" Rebekah laughed still.

"Why not? It's not like you're dating anyone! He's an eligible bachelor, Rebekah and you're not going to be young forever." Regina said and Rebekah frowned. "Oh, don't be upset, Rebekah. A lot of people around your age are still single. I mean, look at Miss Swan. She's alone and seems to be...fine."

"I'm not," Rebekah started to say but stopped herself. Her little sister shook her head and looked back up at Regina, "-Happiness isn't determined by whether or not you are in a relationship. Look at you, you're not technically with Graham but you're the most powerful woman in Storybrooke. You're alone, but you aren't lonely, are you?"

Regina pressed her lips together tightly. "I'm not." She lied.

"Well, I guess I have nothing to worry about." Rebekah said, not smiling, but not glaring either. The youngest Mills daughter turned on her heel and walked away from Regina and in the direction of where Emma and Henry were sitting.

Regina balled her hand up into a fist and repressed the urge to drag her sister back over to her.

Rebekah had always challenged Regina. Even while they were on semi-good terms now, it seemed that she still wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

The little brat.

_________________________________

Rebekah had walked up to Henry and Emma just as the guest of honor did as well. He looked at the three of them and smiled, "Hey," He greeted them causing Emma and Henry to stand, and Rebekah to move next to her nephew. "You're the ones who found me, right?" David asked, a warm smile on his face.

"Oh," Emma said, chuckling a little. "Yeah. I guess."

"It's good to see you up and moving." Rebekah smiled at the man.

"So, uh," David looked around as they stood in the hallway outside of the living room. "You guys are really the only ones I know here," he admitted.

"You can hide with us," Emma said causing Rebekah to chuckle.

David chuckled as well. "Fantastic."

One of the caterers walked up to them and both David and Rebekah grabbed a few of the items on the plate. Well, Rebekah grabbed a few. But only because she was starving! Regina had led her to believe that this little get-together was a small dinner party so she hadn't had anything to eat since lunch around noon and it was now 7 at night.

"So, you ever use a sword?" Henry asked causing Rebekah to look down at him. He was looking up at David who was now laughing, holding a toothpick with his food on it.

"I'm sorry?" He said, still laughing quietly while Emma did, too. But hers seemed a bit more uncomfortable. The blonde woman gave Rebekah a look that she recognized quite well.

"Come on, Henry. Let's go raid the kitchen. I'm hungry and these appetizers just aren't doing it for me," she said as she ushered him away from Emma and David so that they could talk without Henry present. They headed towards the kitchen but they both stopped when they saw Regina with Kathryn talking quietly in the kitchen.

"I lost him once, and now I have him back. But it's like I still don't have him back," Kathryn said, her voice breaking. "You have no idea how that feels."

"Actually, I do," Regina said causing Rebekah to blink in surprise. "I loved someone once, too."

What?

Rebekah knew that Regina wasn't talking about Graham – but there had never been any other relationship that Regina had that Rebekah knew about...Who was it?

"Really?" Kathryn said in a whisper.

"Yes," Regina replied. "But the love I lost, there's no bringing him back."

Rebekah looked down at Henry who was looking up at her in confusion. Who? He mouthed. Rebekah shrugged her shoulders and led them away from the kitchen.

"Do you know who my Mom was talking about?" Henry asked as they went to sit down in the living room.

Rebekah shook her head, looking back over in the direction of the kitchen. "No, I don't. She never told me..." It made her frown. They hadn't always been close or even on good terms – but surely Rebekah would have known if Regina had once been in love!

She felt like a terrible sister.

Emma and Dr. Whale made their way over to where Rebekah and Henry were sitting and began to chat. But Rebekah's mind was on other things.

Jefferson, now, mostly.

He had spent the night a few times now (of course, they only ever slept, nothing more), but Rebekah felt a closeness to him that she couldn't possibly describe or explain. When he would come over during the dark of night and they'd sit at her table drinking tea and he'd mention how late it was, she would feel a panic rise in her chest at the idea of him leaving. So, lately, she had simply nodded her head, stood up, and grabbed his hand and led him to her bed. Rebekah would snuggle up to him and sleep so peacefully that a part of her didn't want to wake up. She just wanted to stay in Jefferson's arms and forget the rest of the world.

But the sun would rise and Jefferson would be gone.

He left before anyone might see him sneaking out of her apartment building.

Regina had too many eyes reporting to her about Rebekah's life and she couldn't risk her sister finding out and refusing to let Rebekah spend time with Henry. But she also didn't want to risk her time with Jefferson. He had become a priority to her now. He became something she desperately wanted to protect. If Regina found out...everything could end. Their...whatever they were doing, would be in jeopardy and Rebekah could possibly lose him. And that was something she most definitely did not want to happen.

They weren't...together. They were friends. Friends who slept in the same bed and snuggled up to each other at night. It was totally platonic. Who doesn't snuggle with their friend at night while also pressing soft kisses to the scar on his neck that he was so ashamed of? All friends do that, right?

Rebekah had never found the courage to ask what had caused the scar around his neck – but she had an idea. And it broke her heart and soul because if what she thought might have caused that scar happened then that meant that there was a time that Jefferson had felt so alone and hopeless that...she couldn't even say it, not even in her head!

So, she pressed soft kisses to his neck in hope that he would know that he was not alone anymore. That she was with him. Platonically.

They hadn't even kissed yet. Rebekah didn't even know if they would ever kiss. Jefferson looked at her and there was no denying that there was a look of attraction in his eyes – but he had never made a move. Which confused Rebekah, but she also hadn't made a move either. Maybe he was as scared as she was. Or maybe it was all in her head and he just wanted a friend? Either way, she would be his friend. Because now that he was in her life, she did not want to let him go.

"-Have you guys seen David?" Rebekah looked up and saw that Kathryn was standing with them now. She pushed herself up a bit and Dr. Whale was quick to help her stand, moving his arm around her waist to help her so that she wasn't in any pain.

"Um," Emma said, looking around the house. "He--." The blonde looked to Rebekah and Dr. Whale for help.

"No," Whale said, arm still around Rebekah's waist. He then looked down at her and she shook her head and then looked back to Kathryn.

"I haven't seen him either," she admitted. "Not since earlier," Rebekah said, looking back at Emma.

Kathryn frowned and walked away from the group. Rebekah looked to Emma with raised brows. "Do you know where he is?" She asked.

"No," Emma said. "But I think I have an idea." She said quietly and wandered off with Henry trailing behind her.

"Rebekah!" She had to repress the need to groan when she heard her older sister saying her name, "Oh, hello, Dr. Whale." Regina said once she was standing in front of them, "Oh, no, Rebekah, are you okay?"

"Yeah?" Rebekah said back, not understanding.

"Well, I assumed you must have been tired or in pain and that is why Dr. Whale was holding onto you," Regina said with a wide smile. Rebekah rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Or perhaps there's another reason?"

"I was only helping her stand, Mayor Mills. You don't need to worry," Dr. Whale said as he removed his arm from around Rebekah's waist. "Rebekah it seems has not been following through with her rehab."

Rebekah looked at Whale with her mouth open and eyes squinted at him in a glare. "Traitor."

He chuckled, "But she has agreed to meet with me twice a week so that I know she's following through with her rehab."

"That is very kind and considerate of you, Dr. Whale. Taking time out of your hectic work schedule just for Rebekah." She smiled, looking down at Rebekah who again rolled her eyes.

"I'm gonna head home." Rebekah announced, walking away from her sister and Dr. Whale. Graham was standing by the coat rack when she walked over to it.

"Heading home?" He asked, grabbing her jacket so she wouldn't put too much strain on her ribs by trying to reach for her coat.

"Yes," Rebekah said, turning around so that Graham could help her put on her coat. "Regina has the insane idea that I should date Whale," She confessed causing Graham to laugh loudly. "I know, right?" She turned back to face him once her coat was on properly. Graham pinched his lips together as he smiled, something was clearly amusing to him. "What?"

"-So,"

Oh God.

Rebekah looked over her shoulder and saw Dr. Whale moving toward them until he was standing in front of Rebekah right next to Graham.

"Your sister has given me strict orders to walk you home."

"Oh, um." Rebekah cleared her throat and then looked to Graham, "Uh, actually Graham just offered to walk me home so, you're off the hook."

"Oh, shoot!" Graham said dramatically, "Rebekah, I completely forgot that I had promised Marco that I would give him a ride home. I'm afraid I can't walk you back to your apartment." Rebekah couldn't exactly glare at Graham seeing as Whale was staring right at her so she forced a smile that she knew Graham knew read; I'm going to kill you. "-She's all yours, Whale."

Graham walked forward and gently hugged Rebekah. "I hate you," she whispered while smiling in case Whale might see.

"Alright now, you two be safe," Graham said, pulling away from Rebekah before ruffling her hair. He then shook Dr. Whale's hand and walked away.

Rebekah watched after him until he disappeared and Dr. Whale cleared his throat.

"So," he said causing Rebekah to look at him. He was holding his arm out for her to grab a hold of and Rebekah knew that it would be awfully rude to refuse the arm – but it didn't mean that she didn't want to walk right into it and towards the door so he'd take the hint. But Dr. Whale was a friend and he had always been kind to her – she just would prefer to never date him. Ever.

So, she took his arm and let him walk her home.

Damn you, Graham.

_________________________________

LAND WITHOUT COLOR

"Rebekah." There was light knocking against the bedroom door, causing Rebekah to wake up from her nap. She sat up a bit and looked over to the side that Jefferson usually slept on, finding it still empty. She frowned, wishing desperately he'd come back soon. He had left a few days ago promising her that he'd bring her back something she'd love. But Rebekah hadn't wanted him to go. She wasn't too far along in her pregnancy, but she was still very nervous. And Jefferson always had a calming effect on her.

She pushed herself off of the bed while the knocking continued, her feet touching the chilly wood causing her to shiver a little. Rebekah had been getting so warm at night that she slept with her window open the past few nights just so that she would feel comfortable. But the mornings were somehow colder than the nights and the cold floors always made her want to run back into the large bed and hide under the covers, but it was late afternoon now so the floors weren't as uncomfortably cold as they were in the morning. "Coming," Rebekah said, walking slowly over to the door. Her feet were swollen, her back ached and the constant need to throw up was becoming a bit overwhelming. She opened the door and Victor stood on the other side holding tray of tea. "Jefferson said that you need to drink one every four hours."

She made a face. Rebekah hated the taste of the tonic that helped hers and Jefferson's baby grow healthily. "Didn't I just drink one?"

"Four hours ago, yes." Victor chuckled.

"Yuck." Rebekah stuck out her tongue but took the tonic from Victor and drank it, making another face after she swallowed the liquid. "When will Jefferson be back?" Rebekah asked, handing the cup back to Victor.

He looked away from her and over at the clock in her bedroom. "Oh, you know how it works with the hat." Victor avoided her question.

She pressed her hands to her hips. "Victor – why are you avoiding my eye?"

He looked back at her and gave her a forced smile. "I'm not, I was just checking the time."

Her eyes narrowed at him in suspicion. "Surely you'd know when he'd be back from Oz," Rebekah said.

"Well, Oz is quite different than this land. It takes a while to navigate."

"That's odd, seeing as he told me that he was going to DunBroch." She glared, feeling worry build in her chest and her stomach start to ache. And then felt the strong need to cry when a horrible thought crossed her mind. "Did he leave?" She asked, voice breaking as she tried to hold back tears. Did he finally run away from Rebekah and the responsibility of raising a child? "Did he finally leave me?"

"No, Rebekah!" Victor said, walking into to her bedroom and set down the tray and then quickly moved to her side, ushering her to the bed. "Of course, he didn't leave you!" He helped her sit down on the bed as she held onto his hand tightly. "He loves you, Rebekah! Jefferson would rather die than leave you or your child."

"Then where is he, Victor?" Rebekah said once she was sitting. "Where could he have possibly gone that he would need to keep it a secret from me?" And then it dawned on her and panic began to set in. She quickly stood up. "He went to the Enchanted Forest!" She breathed out, moving away from Victor who followed after her as she grabbed her cloak. "I have to get to him!"

"Rebekah," Victor said her name in a sigh. "I'm sorry but you know there's no way to get to the Enchanted Forest without the hat."

The pain in her stomach began again and Rebekah clutched onto her small bump. Victor didn't manage to get to her in time before she fell on the floor, landing on her rear while she clutched onto her stomach. "Something's happening!" She cried, her eyes locking with Victor.

"No," Victor said, moving Rebekah's hand away to place his hand on her bump. "No – it's far too early for anything to happen." He told her, "What does it feel like?"

"Pain!"

"Pain?" He looked confused. "Are you sure?"

It wasn't exactly pain. It was more uncomfortable, really. A feeling she had never had before that left her panicking, believing that something was wrong with her baby.

"I don't know." Rebekah said, lower lip quivering as she tried to hold back her tears. "-I, it's...it's uncomfortable."

"Pressure?"

She shook her head. "I don't know how to describe it, Victor! Please, I need Jefferson!"

"It's okay, Rebekah," Victor said, trying to calm her down. "He'll come back."

Rebekah tried to take in slow, deep breaths to settle her rapidly beating heart. "-What if he doesn't?" She whispered once she had managed to slow her breathing, "...I...I can't do this without him. I don't want to be without him."

Victor frowned, squeezing her hand that was still gripping onto his. "If I am sure of just one thing it's that Jefferson would never leave you." He told Rebekah, "You are his family." Victor then pressed his hand to her little bump. "Both of you are. And he'd never abandon you two."

She took in a few more deep breaths and nodded her head, still feeling the strange feeling inside her – almost as if there were bubbles building up in her stomach and popping, like there was something inside twitching.

Rebekah let go of Victor's hand and pressed it against the curve of her belly while breathing in and out, in and out.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

"You really didn't have to walk me home, Whale," Rebekah said, standing next to the man as they walked down the sidewalk. Her arm was still looped with his and he was moving at a slow pace so that she wouldn't put too much strain on her body. He had said that it was his duty as her doctor to make sure she wasn't overexerting herself.

"Oh, it's no problem, Rebekah. And, I think that if I told Regina no, she might have the hospital fire me. Somehow." He chuckled and Rebekah couldn't help but huff out a laugh, too. "She's been oddly protective of you lately."

"Oddly, indeed." Rebekah agreed, "Of course, Regina has always been controlling of my life but she's never really taken an interest in it. It always felt like I was some pawn for her to use in some bigger scheme." She spoke honestly as the turned around the corner, nearing Granny's diner.

"You want to grab a bite to eat?" Victor asked, noticing the diner.

"I'm okay," Rebekah politely declined. She wanted to get home soon, hoping that Jefferson would show up at her door tonight as well.

Whale hummed a little as they walked and then began to talk again. "-I have a question."

Rebekah looked over at him a little but kept walking. "Ask away."

He chuckled, rubbing his jaw with his free hand. "I could be wrong but...is Regina trying to set us up?"

She closed her eyes in embarrassment, feeling her cheeks heat. "Yes." Rebekah answered honestly, "I don't know why she would think I'd be interested."

"-Ouch," Dr. Whale laughed.

"No! No!" Rebekah let go of his arm and moved in front of him. "No – I didn't mean it like that. I mean, I did." She rambled on, "-Look," Rebekah huffed, "-You are a great guy, Whale, and a terrific friend, but I don't see you the way she would like me to see you."

He smiled at her and pressed his hand to her right shoulder. "It's okay, Rebekah. As you have pointed out many times, my interests are elsewhere." He motioned to Granny's diner.

Rebekah frowned and grabbed at his arm to loop hers in again so that they could continue walking, "Why haven't you ever asked her out?" She asked.

"I have," Victor said, chuckling a little. "She turned me down. Said something along the lines of me being a scoundrel."

Rebekah laughed loudly at that, "Whatever!" She nudged him. "You are not a scoundrel. You're just...friendly."

"What a friendly way to call someone loose." He laughed which made Rebekah laugh as well. They were getting closer to her apartment building now. "-And you know she's always had her eye on Graham." Dr. Whale reminded Rebekah. "-That damn beautiful Irishman."

"Looks aren't everything, Whale...I mean, it helps." She smirked when Dr. Whale scoffed. "I'm kidding." Rebekah chuckled, "-You may have the wandering eye – but you're a good guy, Whale. You're funny, smart, at times the littlest bit charming. And you are handsome." They stopped walking and stood in front of her apartment building. "And, dude, you're a freaking doctor. You save lives! What girl wouldn't absolutely swoon over yo-"

His lips crushed against hers, startling Rebekah. It took her a moment to realize what had even happened, but once she did, Rebekah quickly shoved Dr. Whale against his chest and away from her. His eyes were wide as he looked at her, holding his hands up a bit, "-I'm sorry." He said in a whisper.

"-Why did you do that?!" She asked in anger.

"I thought you might--."

"-I already told you that I'm not interested! God, give a guy just the slightest stoke to his ego and he tries to jump you!" She huffed in anger, wincing a little from the pain in her side.

"Are you okay?" Dr. Whale asked, seeing that she was in pain and stepped forward to check on her. But Rebekah took a step back and away from him.

"Go home, Whale." She shook her head at him, digging into her purse for her house keys.

"Rebekah, I'm – please don't tell Regina."

She rolled her eyes, of course he was afraid she'd tell Regina. "It's fine, Whale. Just don't ever try it again."

"I won't."

Rebekah opened the building door and went inside, not even bothering to see if he had left or not. She wanted to go and shower, for some reason. She wasn't mad at Dr. Whale for kissing her. Just a little bit irritated. Because she had told him that she wasn't interested in him and what? He thought she was lying? Rebekah moved the back of her hand to her mouth and wiped at it, feeling like she had done something awful.

Once she was inside the apartment, she looked at the clock on the wall and decided that she did have enough time to shower. It was still a little early (compared to the other times Jefferson had come over), so she would be able to wash off her anger and frustration with Dr. Whale for kissing her, Graham for not going along with her when she tried to use him as an excuse, and Regina for orchestrating the whole damn thing!

The nerve of some people!

She hoped more than ever now that Jefferson would come tonight. Rebekah felt the pain in her side and by some miracle, whenever Jefferson was around or held her, the pain went away or was at least tolerable. But right now, her side was throbbing.

Damn you, Whale, Graham, and Regina.

_________________________________

LAND WITHOUT COLOR

It had been almost three weeks.

And Jefferson still hadn't come home.

Rebekah hadn't known it was possible to worry this much. To feel such an ache in her heart from the fear of losing the man she loved. She needed him. And not just because she was pregnant with his child, but because Rebekah loved him so much that it physically ached to be without him.

Victor had been trying his hardest to help ease her worries by letting her stay in her bedroom without him constantly bothering her – but he still came up every four hours to give her the tonic and would then request that she would go on a walk with him around the garden to get fresh air and exercise for the baby.

It was hard to tell him no when he told Rebekah that it wasn't healthy for her baby if she were to let all of the worry and pain she was feeling take over her, that it would cause unnecessary stress to the baby and that staying in bed all day, every day, wasn't healthy for the baby either. For the baby, that's all he needed to say to get Rebekah to get out of bed.

But each day that went by and Jefferson wasn't home, she felt herself falling into a hopeless despair. She now laid on his side of the bed, hugging the pillow he would lay his head on at night while curled up under a blanket.

The feeling in her stomach would happen whenever she started to overly worry about Jefferson, every time she had the terrible thought that maybe something had happened. That Regina had heard word that he had come to the Enchanted Forest and imprisoned him. Or worse...the fluttering in her stomach started again and Rebekah held onto the small swell of her belly in her hand while hugging onto Jefferson's pillow.

Rebekah looked at the clock on the wall ticking away time, a reminder that she was still alone. No, she had her baby. The child growing inside her was the only thing that was keeping Rebekah sane, stopping her from spiraling at the thought that Jefferson may be gone forever. She had their child and she would try to be strong for the baby. The fluttering in her belly started up again and Rebekah moved her hand to rest on her belly, running her fingers along the side of her stomach in a stroking manner.

It was strange to her; how she could love someone so much and she hadn't even met them yet. The baby she was carrying had stolen her heart and Rebekah knew that there was nothing she wouldn't do for that child. It was a part of her and Jefferson and she would never let anything bad happen to it. She refused to let anything bad happen to it, she'd fight tooth and nail for that baby to keep it safe. Regina would never come near the child – Rebekah would trade her life before letting Regina anywhere near her baby.

Rebekah inhaled before humming softly, fingers still skimming against her skin as she laid on her side, snuggled up against Jefferson's pillow with a blanket on top of her to keep her warm. It was early morning and Rebekah knew that Victor would be coming in soon with her tonic and she would need to dress before he did, but she couldn't find the will to get out of bed just yet. So, she hummed softly and rubbed her little belly and didn't even bother to get up when she heard a light rapping at her door and then the creaking of it opening. She just laid on her side facing the window. "Just set the tonic on the table, Victor," Rebekah said as her fingers drew patterns against the little round bump.

The weight of the bed shifted, startling Rebekah and she quickly looked over her shoulder only to see that Jefferson was now lying next to her in the bed. Rebekah took in a shaky breath, scared that she was still asleep and that this was only a dream. His hand touched her shoulder and gently moved her so that she was lying on her back, his body hovering over hers. "I'm sorry I'm late." He whispered, nudging his nose against hers. Rebekah blinked rapidly up at him, trying to make sure that he was real. He sat up on his knees and pulled her up with him. She sat in front of him and opened her mouth to ask him if he was real but couldn't find the courage to speak.

"-Rebekah," Victor's voice said and the creaking of the door opening filled the room again. She looked away from Jefferson and over to Victor who was using his back to open the door while carrying the tray that had her tonic on it. "I know you hate it, but it's time for your ton-" He paused when he saw that Rebekah was not alone on the bed. His eyes widening when he saw that it was Jefferson. "-You're," he breathed out.

"Give us a moment?" Jefferson's voice made Rebekah look away from Victor and back at him. She registered the sound of her bedroom door closing and then felt Jefferson squeeze her hands. "I'm here, Bex. I'm back."

Her breathing was shaking and the fluttering in her stomach was growing stronger. "You're real?" She managed to whisper out the words. He nodded, she lunged at him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she buried her face into his neck, hugging onto him tightly as he hugged her back with the same amount of strength. "I thought you were dead." She cried, tears spilling against his skin.

"I'm sorry," Jefferson's voice broke as he rubbed her back. "I'm so sorry."

She didn't let go of him, Rebekah was too afraid to let go of him now. Terrified that if she did let go, he might disappear and she'd never see him again. "Why did you leave me?" She whispered, her voice broken, "Why did you leave us?"

Rebekah could feel his hands shaking against her back as he slowly moved them so that he could press one hand to her growing belly. "You've gotten bigger." His voice was hoarse, thick with tears. She pulled away, her hands going to his face, thumb wiping away his tears as she looked into his blue eyes. He moved forward and pressed his lips to hers in a desperate kiss, gripping at her sides to pull her closer to him. "I'm sorry," He whispered between kisses. "I'm so sorry."

Their foreheads were pressed together once their lips finally broke apart. Jefferson was breathing hard as Rebekah's fingers ran through his hair. "Why would you ever go back there?" She asked. "You know how dangerous it is to go back to the Enchanted Forest – why would you risk it?" Rebekah whispered, forehead still pressed against his.

He replied with a throaty little chuckle, "I told Victor to not tell you."

She pulled away from him, moving off his lap and folded her arms over her chest, finally letting her anger towards him sink in. "-He didn't tell me. But once you hadn't come home after a few days – I knew something was wrong. And I thought you had finally left me."

He moved forward at a fast pace, "I would never." He grabbed at her wrists, dragging at them so that her arms were no longer folded over her chest. "-How could you think that? Rebekah, I love you. I would never leave you. You're my whole heart." Jefferson moved her wrist up and pressed his lips against her skin.

"-Can you blame me for thinking that you may have left, Jefferson? You lie to me about where you were going."

"-I knew you'd put up a fight if I told you the truth."

Rebekah ignored his words, "-And then you don't come home."

"I'm sorry." He apologized again, "It was thoughtless and reckless and I only did what I did because I want the best for you and I want to make you happy."

Her brows furrowed together, "You make me happy, Jefferson."

He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm a thief, Rebekah. You should know that better than anyone; I stole you. And you don't deserve to have a life with a lowly thief; you're a princess. And you should be treated as such."

She shook her head, disagreeing with him. But Jefferson got off the bed, pulling her along with him. Rebekah got off the bed, her feet touching the cold ground causing her to involuntarily shake. He shrugged his jacket off and set it on her shoulders before he walked away from her and grabbed the tonic Victor had set down before leaving. Jefferson brought it over to Rebekah and she frowned, really not wanting to have to drink it. But she knew it was good for the baby; so, she swallowed it in one big gulp.

"Come with me," Jefferson said, holding out his hand.

"Where?" Rebekah asked as she took his hand.

"To our home."

"This is our home," she said, not understanding.

"No, my love, it's not," Jefferson said as he led them out of the bedroom. They walked down the stairs and Jefferson dropped her hand, walking over to Victor and whispered something to him. Victor smiled, nodding his head before pulling Jefferson into a hug, patting his back. Rebekah did not understand what was going on and her feet and back were already starting to ache. Jefferson let go of Victor and walked back over to Rebekah, now holding the hat in his hand. "Our last big adventure awaits," he said, dropping the hat and spinning it. Rebekah looked at him with curious eyes but took his hand as they jumped into the portal.

They were inside the hat, hundreds of doors surrounding them. "Jefferson, what is going on? Where are we going?" Rebekah asked as he pulled her forward and towards the doors.

"I already told you," he said, amusement and a bit of mischief in his tone. Jefferson stopped in front of the door she knew that they could not cross and her hand gripped tightly against his, yanking him back and away from the door. Jefferson turned to look at her, moving forward and pressed his free hand to her cheek and kissed her sweetly. "Trust me, Bex." He whispered.

Of course, she trusted him.

Rebekah nodded her head and squeezed his hand, following him as he walked through the door that would lead them into the Enchanted Forest.

Her feet touched the grass and her eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sun, the colors all around them overwhelming her. Rebekah couldn't help but let out a little gasp at how beautiful all the colors were. She had realized how much she missed it. The only thing Rebekah could ever see in color while staying in Victor's land was Jefferson. But now there were so many colors all around her. The greens and browns and blues and reds, and oranges. The colors of wild flowers growing on the ground all around them. Rebekah let out a little giggle, dropping Jefferson's hand as she walked forward, taking everything in. When she turned to look behind her, a large home was standing behind Jefferson.

Rebekah looked at him, eyebrow arching up in suspicion. "Jefferson?" She said his name slowly in a question.

He said they were going to their home.

"It's protected from Regina ever finding us." Jefferson told Rebekah, walking forward and towards Rebekah. His hand reached for hers again and he led her closer to the house. "It took me a while to get Regina's guards off my trail before I could reach Snow White and Prince Charming's castle." He explained.

"You went to Snow?" She said in surprise, "I," Rebekah looked at the house again, "I still don't understand."

"The blue fairy and a hoard of her friends enchanted this area so that Regina would never find us. It's completely protected from your sister."

Rebekah was speechless – how? How was it possible for Regina, the most powerful woman in all the realms, to not be able to find them? "How can you be sure?"

"Because to make sure that Regina couldn't find us, I stayed here for a few days," Jefferson said, his voice a bit uneasy, probably afraid she would lash out at him for not coming back to her sooner. "I needed to make sure that you'd be safe; that our baby would be safe." He pressed his hand to her belly. "Otherwise I would have come back to you much sooner." Rebekah didn't say anything; she only looked at the big house. "Come on," Jefferson said causing her to look away from the house and saw him grinning at her. "I want to show you the inside."

He took her inside, showing her all of the rooms that he had furnished (thanks to Snow White and Charming). The kitchen was cozy as was the front room. The house had a large porch out front that Rebekah could see herself sitting on with Jefferson and their child as they watched the sun set or rise. Jefferson took her upstairs to show her their room. A small bassinet was already placed next to the bed and Rebekah felt tears swell in her eyes.

Jefferson stood in front of her, his thumb wiping away a stray tear. "Sad tears?"

She sniffled, shaking her head. "Happy tears."

He grinned and tugged at her hand, taking her to the next room that was next to their own. Rebekah gasped once they were inside. She breathed out a little laugh as she walked forward. "Seeing as we don't know if it's a boy or girl," Jefferson said, walking further into the room and motioned to all the toys piled into a chest, "I didn't know which toys to get. So, I got all of them."

Rebekah laughed, shaking her head as she looked to the man she loved. Her eyes went to the crib that was pressed against the wall next to the window that overlooked the field of wildflowers. She reached into the crib, picking up the blanket that was inside of it.

"Snow White knitted it." Jefferson told her, watching as Rebekah's lower lip began to tremble and her eyes filled with tears, "-She said that when you were kids; you had one identical to it. That your father gave it to you the day you were born."

She nodded her head, bringing the baby blanket to her chest and hugging it tightly. Rebekah looked to Jefferson. "I love you so much," she whispered, tears still in her eyes. He took in a deep breath and then swallowed hard. Rebekah looked at him in confusion; not understanding the sudden change of demeanor and the look of fear in his eyes. He dropped down on one knee and Rebekah hurried over to him, "Jefferson!" She gasped, fearing that he was in pain.

She moved down on her knees and Jefferson huffed out a laugh, "You're supposed to be standing, Bex." He chuckled.

Her brows knit together in confusion, "I don't understand." And then he pulled a ring out from his back pocket and everything became clearer. "Oh," she breathed out.

"Rebekah Mills," he sighed out her name. "I love you more than I could ever imagine loving someone. At first, you were a way to settle my debts; but I realized, selfishly, that I didn't want to let you go. You then became a real pain in my ass," Jefferson said causing Rebekah to laugh, "But that didn't stop me from falling so deeply in love with you that I would risk everything just to make you smile."

She smiled, sniffling a little as her eyes leaked tears. Damn these emotions! Rebekah let out a little laugh and shook her head in embarrassment at her not being able to control her own emotions.

"-that I would give my own life willingly just to know that you were safe from danger. I would die for you, Rebekah, but more importantly; you make me want to live. I want to grow old with you and have a thousand memories to hold onto. I want to be your husband." Jefferson told her, "And I'd love so much if you'd become my wife?" He held up the ring.

A golden band and at the center was an emerald gem that was a deep shade of green. Her eyes went back to Jefferson and she laughed, moving her hands to his face and pressed her lips to his in a number of kisses. "You don't even need to ask, Jefferson." She whispered. "I'm yours forever." Jefferson now moved forward and pressed a series of kisses on her lips.

"But..." He whispered, lips hovering over hers, "To clarify."

She laughed, "-Yes!" Rebekah said happily, "Of course I will be your wife, Jefferson."

He grinned, sliding the ring onto her finger. "I love you so much, Bex."

Being without him had been torture, the nights she spent awake thinking that the worst had happened to him; the fits of tears when she felt as though she'd never see him again – but this? Jefferson securing a home that was protected from Regina so that they could live happily in the Enchanted Forest that was so bright and colorful; a ring on her finger that meant that she would soon be Jefferson's wife? Oh, it was worth it all. It also helped that Jefferson swore that he'd never leave her again.

Jefferson was going to be her husband.

She couldn't help but laugh at that; her mind going back to the first time Jefferson had taken her to the Land without Color and how Victor had asked if she was his wife and her reaction to the question. Jefferson was a thief; he had stolen her away; and during that time, he had stolen her heart.

He told her that she was a thief, too, that she had stolen something that no one had managed to even touch – his heart.

And she swore that she would never let go.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Jefferson sat in his backyard on the large patio that overlooked the forest nursing his scotch.

Misery. Loneliness. Despair.

Too many emotions. Too many to count, too many to feel. Just when Jefferson had thought that things might work out – that he might still have a chance at his happy ending...fate intervened.

He had gone to see Rebekah earlier tonight, but as he stood across the street waiting for her; Rebekah hadn't arrived home alone, her arm was looped with Victor's, who in this curse was known to most as Dr. Whale. Jefferson had watched as she laughed and smiled, and as the man Jefferson had once considered his only true friend before the curse, stared down at his wife with lust in his eyes.

Jefferson thought there was no way he could feel worse than to see another man make Rebekah smile and laugh, to have another man look at her that way (especially when that man had been a friend to Jefferson) – and then Victor had kissed her. Jefferson left the second Victor's lips had touched Rebekah's, not wanting to see anymore than he had to. It was too much. It hurt. Everything hurt.

Jefferson had thought that even in her cursed state, Rebekah still loved him. He knew it wasn't possible. That it wouldn't be rational for Rebekah to fall in love with him so fast. But he had hoped.

Maybe the affection she had been showing him was purely out of pity after seeing his scar. Perhaps she felt as though she couldn't turn him away after seeing the scar? Maybe she had feelings for Victor the entire time?

Jefferson brought the glass of scotch to his mouth and swallowed a large sum.

He wanted nothing more than to be holding his wife right now; to have her snuggled up to him, face smothered in his neck as she breathed softly against his skin, her warm breath leaving him feeling an absolute calm. Jefferson wanted to feel her fingers grip onto his shirt in her sleep or feel her move even closer into him.

Is she doing that with Victor now?

None of this was real.

The curse, Storybrooke, every single damn person in this town was not real. Not truly. He wanted so desperately for everyone to remember. But what if he was too late? What if when the curse was broken – it wouldn't matter? That Rebekah had moved on in this new life and no longer wanted him? He'd have his daughter; Grace. But would she ever forgive him for leaving her? He had promised her he would be home in time for tea; something that Rebekah made him swear he'd always do – when Regina came for her and took her away, Rebekah had told Jefferson to never miss a tea party with their daughter, she made him promise. And he had broken that promise.

He didn't know how much time had passed where Grace had been without a mother and father; time had worked differently in Wonderland. Would his daughter ever forgive him for abandoning her?

Jefferson sighed. He didn't deserve either of them. He should have stayed away, hidden in his mansion – Grace, now Paige, had the loving parents – ones that would never leave her. And Rebekah; she was happy in this world. She wasn't jumping from realm to realm or hidden away in a home so that Regina would never find her – and she wasn't imprisoned by her sister either. Rebekah was living on her own and had friends and every single time he saw her; Rebekah would be smiling.

He had been watching her for the last twenty-eight years from a far and would feel his chest ache whenever he'd see her smiling brightly. Because Jefferson missed her and he wanted to be the one making her smile that bright.

Victor had done that tonight.

Jefferson inhaled deeply before downing the rest of his scotch.

"You know," Jefferson closed his eyes and groaned upon hearing the voice, "Everyone knows that you're supposed to sip scotch."

He didn't bother to look back at Regina. Jefferson only opened his eyes and looked forward in the direction of the woods where not far away, his and Rebekah's home still stood. "What do you want?" He spat out, his voice raspy.

"Oh, I just wanted to come check-up on my brother-in-law," Regina said with a dark chuckle. "Did you do anything fun tonight? See anything special?" He shook his head, gripping onto his glass of scotch tightly as his jaw tightened. She laughed again, "-Do you really think that I didn't know about you and Rebekah sneaking around?"

Jefferson swallowed hard and closed his eyes, trying to block out the sound of her voice.

"-I run this town, Jefferson – I know everything that goes on. Especially when it comes to my little sister."

Jefferson got up, setting down his glass on the table next to him. "You're a miserable bitch."

Regina chuckled again. "I'm sure many people would agree with you," she told him as he turned to face her. "Rebekah included – but she seems to be too preoccupied to talk to you about it right now." Regina smirked.

"You know it's not real." He glared.

"Well," Regina walked forward, "The hurt on your face looked pretty real when you saw them kissing." She tilted her head as she smirked up at Jefferson. He shoved past her, walking to his backdoor. "I wouldn't bother continuing on sneaking around with Rebekah, Jefferson." Regina shouted after him, "I believe her attention is elsewhere now."

Jefferson slammed the door shut so hard that painting on the wall fell to the ground. He ran his fingers through his hair roughly and stalked up the stairs into the room he had dedicated to making a new hat that would hopefully open a portal to get him the hell out of Storybrooke. He had planned on taking Rebekah and Grace with him...but what if they were better off without him?

He still had a bit of madness in him from his days in Wonderland – why make them suffer by taking them from a place that they were truly happy?

Jefferson's wife and daughter deserved happiness; and all he felt was misery.

_________________________________

Jefferson hadn't come.

Rebekah sat in a booth at the very back of Granny's diner wallowing in her own little pity party while eating her breakfast. She had gotten a late start to her day seeing as she waited up until 3:30 AM to see if Jefferson would show. Rebekah should have given up at midnight, but she held onto hope that there would be a knock on her door and he would be on the other side. Rebekah wouldn't even need an apology – she would just need him. She damn well deserved an apology now!

Though, Jefferson hadn't told her that he'd be back – he never told her when he'd be coming over. It was just something that continued to happen so often that Rebekah simply assumed that he'd come over. Apparently, she was wrong.

Rebekah looked down at her watch; it was nearly 11 AM. Mr. Gold had given her the day off telling her to take the day to try and come up with ideas for the house – but all she could think about was how she hadn't fallen asleep in Jefferson's arms last night. And it was leaving an awful ache in her chest whenever she would think about it. She had grown accustomed to being held by Jefferson; it felt right and as if it were exactly what she needed – where she was supposed to be all along. Maybe he didn't feel that way?

Or maybe he was pushing her away because of the scar on his neck?

She just wanted to know what she did wrong? Had she crossed the line somehow? Had she said something in her sleep that might have scared him away? What did she do?

"What's got you down in the dumps?"

Rebekah looked up to see Ruby standing at her booth with a pot of coffee in incredibly short and low cut red shorts and white shirt that ended just a little bit below her chest. Honestly; Rebekah had no idea how Ruby convinced Granny to allow her to wear the uniform – but the large sum of male customers that Ruby brought into the diner probably helped her cause. Ruby moved forward to fill Rebekah's cup of coffee, but Rebekah moved her hand over the cup to stop her.

"Actually, can I have some tea?" Rebekah asked. "-Coffee makes me too jittery."

Ruby chuckled, "I'm the same way." The young woman pulled out her notepad, "What kind of tea?"

Rebekah yawned, feeling the exhaustion from not sleeping. "Anything strong. I need something to keep me up today."

"Long night?" Ruby smirked, "I saw you left with Dr. Whale last night."

She scoffed out a laugh. "-That was all Regina's doing." Damn you, Regina. "-I would have preferred to walk home alone." Rebekah mumbled, still upset by him kissing her.

Ruby sat down, clearly interested in what had happened the night before with Rebekah and Dr. Whale. "Did something happen?"

"No," Rebekah said quickly, not wanting Ruby to gossip to someone later. "I mean, nothing that I wanted to happen!" She groaned, seeing the way Ruby's eyes lit up. "-Whale kissed me. And no, I did not want it to happen. Like, ever."

Ruby frowned, "Why not? He's handsome, funny, smart-"

"Not my cup of tea." Rebekah said in a stern tone causing Ruby to back off.

"It's just...for as long as I've known you – I have never seen you go on a date or even show interest in a man." Ruby commented, "Are you...maybe not interested in...men?"

Rebekah furrowed her brows, not understanding what Ruby meant. "Oh!" She said suddenly, realizing that Ruby was wondering if Rebekah liked women. "No." She chuckled, "I like men. I just...hadn't found anyone I would want to be with."

Ruby quirked her brow up, "Hadn't? Are you telling me that you have found someone?"

Rebekah frowned, "I thought I did."

"What happened?" Ruby asked.

Rebekah shrugged in reply. "I don't know. Maybe I misread everything and he was never interested in the first place."

Ruby leaned in closer after looking around the diner. "Graham?" She whispered.

That made Rebekah laugh, "No! Not Graham!"

"Good. Because I'm pretty sure he's into Emma – and of course, if he's not, you would have to compete with me." Ruby smirked and Rebekah shook her head with an amused smile. "Whoever this guy is, he's an idiot. You're such a catch, Rebekah, and if he can't see that? He doesn't deserve you." Ruby grabbed at Rebekah's hand, squeezing it softly.

"Thank you, Ruby." She said back sincerely. "But...I think I could have been really happy with this guy."

Ruby frowned again and then got up. "Forget the tea. I'm getting you a chocolate shake and a piece of pie on the house."

"Granny is not going to be happy about that, Ruby." Rebekah chuckled.

"I don't care." Ruby said as she walked away, kicking her leg up for dramatic effect as she left.

It wouldn't be the worst thing to have a chocolate shake and piece of pie.

The rest of her day lagged on and Rebekah felt miserably and her need to go see Jefferson had become overwhelming. As did the ache in her side. The pain in her ribs was more unbearable than the pain she felt in her heart. Which was ridiculous because she barely knew Jefferson.

So, she went to the one person who always made her feel better when she was down. Graham. (Even though she was technically still mad at him for not helping her out the night before; thus, resulting in Whale kissing her.)

Graham was just hurrying out of the station when Rebekah walked up to the doors, nearly colliding into her as he dug in his pocket for something. "Whoa," Rebekah said, pressing her hands to his chest to keep him from running her down.

"Rebekah!" He squeaked in surprise. "I didn't see you, wh-what are you doing here?" Graham said, looking down at his watch.

"I wanted to talk to you about something." Rebekah told him, watching as he looked down at his wrist again to check the time. "But you're clearly in a hurry – so I'll just talk to you later," she said, frowning as she turned around to head back to her car that was parked across the street.

Rebekah could hear Graham sigh and then heard his feet hitting the ground as he jogged after her. "Wait," Graham said, grabbing onto Rebekah's forearm as they stood in the middle of the street. "I'm sorry," he apologized as Rebekah turned to face him. "I just – I have something I have to go to tonight and I'm already late but...I can always make time for you, Rebekah."

No, it wasn't fair of Rebekah to make Graham later than he already was to wherever he had to go. Rebekah gave him a sad smile before saying; "Honestly, Graham, it's fine." She tried to assure him, moving her hand to rest on his as he still held onto her forearm. "-We can talk later."

"Rebekah."

"-Graham," She mimicked his accent with a smile. He shook his head, chuckling a little. "It's fine. Raincheck, okay?"

He frowned but nodded his head in agreement. "I'll check in with you tomorrow, okay?" Graham said, dropping his hand for her arm. Rebekah nodded her hand and squeezed at his arm, sending him off.

"And don't think for a second that I have already forgotten about how you totally betrayed me last night!" Rebekah shouted after Graham as he ran across the street to his car. He laughed, waving her off and then got into the car, honking his horn at her before he sped off down the road. She chuckled, wondering if it was possible for a sheriff to even get a speeding ticket.

Rebekah walked down the streets of Storybrooke to clear her mind, trying to remind herself that Jefferson was still a stranger to her – that it didn't matter that they had fallen asleep together a few times, she didn't know him. And the hurt she was feeling was not rational or justified because it's not like they were dating.

She stopped in front of the clock tower, watching as the seconds ticked by. Rebekah frowned, feeling an urge she knew that she should not act on. Yet, she ran back in the direction of her car and drove off.

Rebekah was going to go to Jefferson's home and demand and explanation – even if it left her looking like a fool. She needed to know what had happened.

And she wouldn't leave until she got an answer.

_________________________________

Jefferson had seen Rebekah's car pull up to his driveway, he watched as she ran from said car and towards his house, listened as she knocked on his front door. But he stayed put. Jefferson needed to stay away from Rebekah – he should have just done that from the start. But he was greedy and selfish and missed her. And now look where he was? Wallowing in self-pity over the fact that Rebekah had moved on with someone else.

"Jefferson! I know you're in there!" Rebekah shouted from his front porch.

He bit the inside of his cheek and closed his eyes, listening as the knocking continued. It wasn't too late at night, barely even eight o'clock so he couldn't exactly pretend that he was already sleeping. And even if he was sleeping; the knocking was getting louder and there was no way he wouldn't have heard it. So, he got up and went downstairs and toward the front door.

"Jefferson...please."

Jefferson paused in front of the door, hearing the sadness in her voice. He pressed his forehead against the door and closed his eyes.

"I...I don't know if I did something to upset you. Please...can we just talk?"

He inhaled deeply, trying to stay strong. Jefferson needed her to stay away from him – he needed to stay away from her. It was too hard on him having to pretend that he wasn't her husband, that she wasn't his wife! It was too hard to watch someone else kiss her or take interest in her. He couldn't be her friend – he was her husband.

Jefferson opened his front door and watched as Rebekah's face lit up with relief upon seeing him. He kept his facial expression unreadable. "What do you want?" he asked, trying to sound disinterested.

It was a verbal blow that Rebekah hadn't expected seeing as she had flinched at the tone of his voice. "I," Rebekah started to say, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "I, you – I wanted to know why you didn't come by last night?" She finally asked.

He bit the inside of his cheek again, this time harder. "I have my own place."

She swallowed hard, nodding her head slowly. "I know that...I just thought that since you've been spending the night at my place lately-"

"-That was a mistake." Her eyes widened and he could see the hurt flash in them. It made him need to take in a quick breath. "Look, I'm sorry if I misled you, Rebekah. That wasn't my intention. But I have feelings for someone else."

She blinked a couple of times. "Someone else?" Rebekah finally managed to say. He nodded his head. She looked down at her hands. "...The woman you told me about?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

"Yes."

But she was the woman.

Rebekah opened her mouth to say something but closed it. Jefferson watched as she tucked her hair behind her right ear and her jaw tightened as she looked away from him.

"I don't want to spend the night with you anymore, Rebekah – I want to spend the night with her. So, if you'll excuse me." Jefferson tried to make his voice sound strong but it broke on the very last. He quickly covered it up by clearing his throat. "Goodbye," Jefferson said as he shut the door on Rebekah.

He pressed his back against the door and closed his eyes. Jefferson could still feel her standing there on his front porch, could practically feel her emotions in that moment and the pain he had just caused her.

"I don't believe you!" Jefferson heard Rebekah shout, pain evident in her voice. He closed his eyes and moved over to where the light-switch was, turning off the front porch light so that Rebekah would be left standing in the dark. He felt his chin start to shake when she shouted at him again, "Screw you, Jefferson!"

He loved Rebekah.

But he couldn't be with her in this world.

It was too hard.

Too painful.

And he couldn't handle anymore pain.