ENCHANTED FOREST

Rumpelstiltskin.

He had been her last hope.

There had to be some way the Dark One could free Jefferson from the spell Regina had cast all those years ago. It had been Rumpelstiltskin who had used magic to make it so that Jefferson was able to get into Rebekah's prison. Surely he could use his magic to reverse the spell and save Jefferson's life. He was the most powerful man in all the realms. How could there not be a way to save Jefferson? Regina's magic was powerful; Rebekah was well aware of that. But Rumpelstiltskin was stronger. There had to be a way he could stop this from happening!

Jefferson worked for the Dark One for years. That had to mean something, had to be worth something. If Rumpelstiltskin trusted Jefferson enough to do his bidding, surely he wouldn't want the man to die. But the days went by and Rebekah couldn't find it in herself to leave Jefferson or Grace for even a minute.

No matter how desperate she was to stay with her husband and their daughter for the rest of her life, she knew that Regina always got her way in the end. She knew that even if Rumpelstiltskin found a way to save Jefferson, who was to say that the evil woman wouldn't go after Grace next?

No. They would be fine. They would be safe and they would be able to go on with their lives even if she wasn't there to see it. Jefferson would raise Grace wonderfully and as the years went by, her sweet little Grace would grow into a kind young woman.

Rebekah hoped her daughter would someday find a partner as good to her as Rebekah had found in Jefferson. Rebekah wanted her daughter to meet someone who made her heart beat rapidly in her chest and caused her stomach to flutter with just one look. Rebekah wanted Grace to find True Love. To find someone someday who respected her, treated her right, made her smile, but most importantly someone who loved her unconditionally.

She just wanted her daughter to have a happy life filled with love and laughter and adventure.

Rebekah knew that Jefferson was stronger than her. He would go on without her and be able to survive it. But she couldn't say the same about herself. Rebekah couldn't imagine living in a world without Jefferson in it. She needed him to remain safe. She needed him alive. If he died, it would be because of her and that would destroy Rebekah's heart. It would turn black as stone and Rebekah would become the image of her mother and sister. She needed Jefferson to survive because if he died, Grace wouldn't just be losing a father. She'd lose a mother as well.

"Bex!" Jefferson shouted from downstairs. "Breakfast!"

Rebekah smiled sadly, trying to capture each moment in her mind. She'd hold onto each moment to get her through being Regina's prisoner -- to relive and cherish when she felt like she was losing all hope.

"Mama! Papa made a surprise!"

Rebekah let out a shaky breath and forced herself out of bed. "Coming!" She shouted, trying to keep her voice from wavering. Rebekah dressed herself quickly, pulling her hair out of her face and into a small bun and then searched her room for her old sketching pad. When she found it, her eyes filled with tears as she went through all the old pictures she had drawn. Sketches of Jefferson rocking Grace to sleep, of Grace taking her first steps, of Jefferson teaching their daughter to make Rebekah's favorite cup of tea. Pictures of her life with Jefferson before Grace was born. The sharp line of his jaw, the dimple in his chin, the hat atop his head.

When Regina came, they would need to flee. They would need to use the hat to hide in a different realm until enough time passed to return to the Enchanted Forest and go on with their lives. They would leave their home and all their belongings and stay with Victor where Regina couldn't reach them, and Rebekah prayed they would be able to move on with their lives and let her go. Jefferson had to let her go.

She knew he wouldn't but Rebekah needed him to because if he didn't let go of her, he'd risk his life by foolishly trying to save her again. Rebekah closed her eyes as a tear fell onto the sketch pad, landing on a picture she had drawn of Jefferson asleep in their bed at Victor's mansion.

"Bex?"

She sniffled and quickly wiped away her tears before looking over to where Jefferson was standing in the doorway. Rebekah smiled at him and held up the sketchpad. "It feels like a lifetime ago," she admitted.

Jefferson smiled with a nod. He walked over and stood next to Rebekah, looking down at the sketch. "I always knew I was good looking - but I am dashing in this sketch," he teased causing Rebekah to let out a raspy laugh. "You really do have quite the talent."

Rebekah smiled, setting the book down on her vanity and faced Jefferson. "Maybe I just have a great muse." Her arms looped around his neck, fingers gently scratching at the back of his neck. "You are quite dashing."

Jefferson smirked while raising his brows. "It's about damn time you admit it."

She laughed and pushed up on her toes to meet him in a kiss. Jefferson's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to his body while her fingers continued to run down his scalp. "Jefferson," she whispered against his lips. He silenced her, mouth moving forward to capture hers while moving towards the bed. "Grace is downstairs." She chuckled as the back of her legs hit their feathered mattress.

"She's having a tea party with her dolls." He mumbled while loosening her updo, fingers running through the long, brown hair once it was free. "She'll be busy for at least an hour bossing them around." He chuckled, making Rebekah laugh as well. It was their last chance. She wouldn't deny him one last chance to be with her, even if he didn't know that it was the last time they'd ever be together like this again. "I'll be quick." His mouth moved down her jaw, pressing sloppy kisses all the way to her neck.

"No," Rebekah shook her head, hands moving to pull Jefferson's face back to hers. "Take your time," she said once he was looking into her eyes.

Jefferson grinned at her words. "As you wish." He said before picking her up and placing her down on the bed.

Thankfully, he had been right; Grace hadn't come upstairs for at least an hour, complaining that the muffins Jefferson had made were now cold and that the tea tasted bitter. They had both laughed at the pout on their daughter's face as she crossed her arms over her chest in a huff, telling Jefferson that he'd need to make more muffins and tea now.

"She's so much like you," Jefferson said softly after promising their daughter he'd come downstairs and make a fresh cup of tea, but saying that they'd still eat the muffins. It was a compromise, but he won in the end. Grace was waiting patiently downstairs for her parents to join her - well, probably not patiently . Rebekah could just imagine that cute little pout on Grace's lips while she waited for them.

Rebekah smiled as she snuggled her head in the crook of her husband's neck, pressing a light kiss just below his jaw. "She'll be a lot of work for us," she said with a chuckle, only to frown when her words hit her. There would be no us -- it would just be Jefferson raising Grace. Rebekah swallowed hard, trying her best not to cry.

"Tell me about it," Jefferson laughed, not sensing his wife's mood change thanks to the fact that she kept her face hidden against his neck. "When I first met you, you were a complete brat." His words made her laugh, her sadness getting pushed down as she sat up to playfully swat at his chest.

"I was not a brat!" She disagreed while laughing. "You were just an arrogant man-child!" Rebekah pinched at his side causing him to laugh while grabbing at her hand. "You still are at times!"

Jefferson grabbed her hand and moved their bodies so that he was looking down at her. His fingers going through her hair. "You still fell in love with me, though," he reminded her.

She smiled sadly at him and nodded her head. "And you fell in love with me," Rebekah said back, the sadness coming back as she tried desperately to fight against the tears that were building up and the sob that was trapped in her throat.

He frowned down at her, nudging his nose softly against hers, now sensing her sadness. "Regretting it?" Jefferson said and Rebekah could hear the sadness and fear in his voice.

Rebekah moved her hand to press against his cheek while shaking her head. "Never," she whispered. "Not a single day." She stressed each word. His eyes grew worried and Rebekah shook her head with a smile. "I love you so much Jefferson and I could stay in this bed forever with you but..." She thought about telling him the truth -- about how Regina was coming at sundown to take her but she stopped herself. "Our daughter, as you said earlier, is a lot like me and when I'm hungry..."

He laughed, "You're a grump. I know." Jefferson smiled before pressing a quick kiss to her lips. But when he pulled back, Rebekah moved her hands to pull him back down for a longer kiss, arms wrapped around his shoulders holding him tightly.

"Mama! Papa!" Grace yelled from downstairs.

Jefferson groaned and Rebekah giggled when he dropped his head in the crook of her neck. "We owe her a tea party, my love." She played with his hair. It was starting to get longer and Jefferson had even complained about needing to get it taken care of two nights earlier. But Rebekah had smiled at him fondly and told him she liked that his hair was getting longer. He had laughed at her and told her he'd keep it this way for one more week for her benefit but that she was cutting it once the week was over. Rebekah had pouted but he kissed her sweetly and she agreed to cutting his hair.

But she wouldn't be here in a week.

"Let's go," Rebekah told Jefferson, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "I'll make the tea."

She felt the vibration of his chuckle against her neck, the feeling of his warm breath lingering on her skin as he pulled away from her.

"She likes your tea better anyway." He grinned down at her, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before pushing himself off the bed and getting dressed.

Rebekah dressed and pulled her hair back into a bun. "Help me?" She asked, holding out her necklace for Jefferson to put back on her. He smiled and moved to stand behind Rebekah, gently clasping the necklace together. Rebekah pressed her hand to the stone and closed her eyes.

She opened her eyes when Jefferson started to speak. "Ready?" Jefferson asked, moving to stand in front of her, holding out his hand for her to take. Rebekah smiled and took his hand, following him downstairs.

Sundown, Rebekah felt dread. That's all the time she had with them. Now until sundown.

_________________________________

Jefferson watched as his wife and daughter played together outside, Rebekah chasing their little girl as she giggled each time Rebekah got closer.

Grace had grown so much in the past year; she was no longer their little baby. She was the spitting image of her mother, the only thing she got from Jefferson was the same shade of hair he once had when he was a young boy growing up. Her big beautiful eyes were a greenish brown shade and whenever Grace wanted something and her eyes grew bigger with her pout, he was putty in her hands. So much like her mother.

Rebekah could ask him for the world and he'd find a way to give it to her. He loved her so much, more and more each day. Jefferson didn't think it was possible to love a person that much. But he now loved two people that much. Rebekah and Grace, his whole world. They were his everything and watching them run around in their big, open field just outside their home made his heart soar. And he hoped that someday it would be more than just Rebekah and Grace running around the yard.

Another child, or five. He chuckled at that thought. If Rebekah was still sure she wanted more kids, he'd happily give them to her. But Rebekah told Jefferson that she wanted Grace to be a little bit older and more independent before they had another child.

"Before Regina became...who she is now," Rebekah told him one night, "I never felt more safe than when I was with my big sister. The age difference wasn't too drastic but Regina was the one to take care of me, she'd stay up late with me when I'd have nightmares, she'd wake up early to do my hair, she even volunteered to teach me how to read and write so that Cora wouldn't be able to punish me if I did something wrong." Rebekah had told him this before, but when she told him again, she had sounded so sad. "Grace would be the most amazing big sister. And I don't see her ever turning out to be like Regina later in life." She tried to joke but Jefferson could sense her sadness.

So, he agreed. They'd wait. And Rebekah was right. Grace would never grow up to be anything like Regina.

Regina may have been good once, but having a mother like Cora truly damaged her. And after Daniel -- and Jefferson's part in lying to Regina about being able to resurrect him -- her heart grew dark and there was no saving her. It didn't matter how much love she was shown by Rebekah, or even their own father. Regina was beyond repair. Rebekah lost her sister long ago, the person she once was, now gone.

Jefferson watched his wife as she grabbed Grace by the waist, spinning her around in circles causing the little girl to squeal with happiness.

"Papa! Save me!" Grace giggled as her mother continued to spin her.

Jefferson laughed and went out into the field. "And go against your mama?" He smiled down at Grace. "That would be as foolish as trying to slay a dragon!"

Rebekah laughed at his words and set Grace down and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she pressed a kiss to his lips. "Don't you forget it." She smirked after pulling back a bit. He chuckled, his hands placed on her hips. Rebekah let out her own squeal when he squeezed her hips, catching her off guard and was able to pick her up and spin her around, just as she had been doing to Grace. Their daughter laughed loudly as Rebekah giggled, trying to squirm out of Jefferson's arms.

"I surrender, I surrender!" Rebekah shouted while laughing.

Jefferson set her down on the ground and watched as he and his wife exchanged a look before both of them surged forward and began to tickle him, causing him to stumble backwards and fall onto the grass. Rebekah and Grace followed after him and moved their hands to continued to tickle them, but he raised his hands in the air to stop them.

"Alright, alright!" He laughed. "Now I surrender!"

Rebekah smiled down at him, "Who is the true champion?" She asked him, nudging her head in Grace's direction causing Jefferson to laugh. Of course he knew to say that their daughter was the winner of their games. But he loved that Rebekah always would signal to their daughter when she'd ask the question.

It showed just how much she truly loved their little girl and wanted her happiness more than anything.

"Grace," he answered. "She managed to beat us both."

"I won!" Grace got up on her feet and ran around her parents in a circle. "I am the champion!"

Jefferson grabbed Rebekah's hand and pulled her down to join him in the grass. She smiled as she snuggled up against him, her hand resting on his chest, right above his heart. "You know she's gonna end up becoming a poor sport once she's older," Jefferson commented as they watched their daughter's theatrics out of making a show that she had won.

"Oh, absolutely!" Rebekah laughed. Jefferson felt a chill in the air and Rebekah shivered, snuggling closer to him. "It's starting to get colder," she said with a sigh. "The days are getting shorter." He nodded his head. The days of sunny blue skies were officially over, the warm weather disappearing as well. "Gotta make sure to get Grace a proper coat. She's outgrown her one from last year."

"We can send word to the Blue Fairy." Jefferson pressed a kiss to her hair. "I'm sure Granny won't mind making one for Grace again."

"You'll need one, too," Rebekah added, her fingers playing with his tunic. "The both of you will need a scarf."

He chuckled. "We still have time, Sweetheart," Jefferson assured her.

"I know," she said softly. "I just want everything to be prepared before..." She trailed off.

"Bex, the snow won't start falling for at least another month. We have time."

"Look horses!" Grace said.

Jefferson felt Rebekah's body stiffen against his. He moved them so they were both sitting up and his eyes widened in shock when he saw what Grace had been talking about.

"Bex," Jefferson breathed out, "Get Grace inside and grab the hat."

"Jefferson, I..."

The sound of laughter echoed all around them as Jefferson let go of Rebekah, getting up off the ground to grab a hold of Grace as Regina and her dark knights continued to move closer to her. He picked Grace up in his arms and turned to face Rebekah only to see that she was being held by one of the dark knights, a dagger to her throat.

"Do not let her go," Rebekah said through gritted teeth, knowing that Jefferson would set Grace down to try and free her.

"Rebekah, darling." Jefferson looked over his shoulder and watched as Regina got down from her horse and walked over to Rebekah. He moved forward but Rebekah shook her head furiously at him, not wanting him to put Grace's life at risk. "It's been so long." Regina smirked. "How lovely it is to see you!" She chuckled while looking around the area. Jefferson held tightly onto Grace while keeping his eyes on Regina. "And Jefferson . " The evil queen looked directly at him. "My old friend."

He glared. "Friends is a strong word." Jefferson seethed. Regina rolled her eyes and walked forward to stand in front of Rebekah. "I swear to God, if you hurt her--"

She laughed at his threats. "You'll...what?" She turned around. "Looks to me like you're in no position to be making threats right now." Regina made a point to look at Grace, who was holding onto Jefferson tightly, her arms wrapped around his neck as she tried to hide her face.

"Jefferson, don't," Rebekah said, crying out a little in pain. He looked to his wife and saw blood trickling down her neck, her movements causing the blade to slice her skin.

There was nothing he could do, there was nothing to save them. They were trapped. He didn't understand how this happened. The magic should have kept Regina from ever finding them. What had happened? How was she able to cross the border? When he saw one of Regina's knights gripping onto Grace's arm he nearly lunged at him. But Rebekah stopped him at the very last second, telling him not to make things any more worse than they already were.

He inhaled sharply and tried to remain strong for his wife and daughter. "What do you want?"

Regina let out a laugh. "Really ?" She shot back. "What do you think I came here for? I want what you stole from me all those years ago, Jefferson!" Regina glared at Rebekah.

"No." He shook his head. "Leave," Jefferson ordered her.

Regina grinned, eyebrows raising in amusement. "Do you really think you have any say in this?" She chuckled darkly. "Oh, Jefferson. Poor simple Jefferson." She walked over to where he stood. "You were much more fun before you tied yourself down." She smirked, now standing in front of him, head tilting as she looked at Grace. "What a beauty." Regina smirked, moving her hand to touch the young girl's face. But before Regina could, Rebekah stopped her.

"Enough!" Rebekah said loudly. Regina cocked her brow at Rebekah, continuing to smirk but dropped her hand away from Grace. "Just," Rebekah said in a shaky breath. "Allow me to say goodbye."

"No!" Jefferson shouted, not wanting his wife to give up. "No. Bex, don't!"

Regina motioned to the knight holding onto Rebekah and gave him a nod. He let go and Rebekah walked over to where Jefferson and Grace stood.

"I love you both so much." She whispered as tears fell down her cheeks. Jefferson shook his head, using one arm to grab at Rebekah only to have Regina raise her hand, sending Jefferson down onto his knees. "Regina, stop it!" His wife shouted at his sister as Grace sobbed, reaching out for her mother.

"Mama, please!" Grace cried. "I'm scared."

Rebekah got down on her knees and looked to Regina, "Please just let me hug my daughter one more time."

Regina rolled her eyes dramatically but the barrier keeping Jefferson and Grace from touching Rebekah disappeared. Jefferson let go of Grace and let her wrap her arms around Rebekah's neck. "You'll be okay." Rebekah whispered to Grace, pressing kisses to her hair. "My sweet, sweet girl, you'll be just fine."

Grace pulled away and Jefferson watched as Rebekah forced herself to smile, trying to be brave for their daughter. "Mama, what's happening?" Rebekah smoothed down Grace's hair and pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead before looking to Jefferson.

"Go to your Papa."

Grace shook her head. "No. I don't want to leave you." She wrapped her arms around Rebekah's neck again.

"Jefferson," Rebekah cried out his name, wanting him to take their daughter.

But he shook his head. "No," he said as he moved forward and gripped onto her arms tightly. "No." This wasn't happening - she was not saying goodbye to them right now. "Rebekah, don't." They could run -- they just needed a distraction. Where the hell was the Blue Fairy? Why hadn't Snow White's and Prince Charming's army been alerted of Regina's presence? Where were the people who swore to protect his family?

She gave him a teary smile as she pressed her hand to his cheek, wiping away his own tears. "I love you so much," Rebekah said to him. "I need you to promise me something, okay?"

He continued to shake his head and dropped his hands from her arm. Before she could grab at him, Jefferson stood up and ran at Regina only to be held frozen in place, his chest tightening as he tried to gasp for air.

"Papa!" Grace screamed in fear.

Rebekah got up from the ground and grabbed at Regina, pulling at the arm she held raised to keep Jefferson frozen in place. "Let him go, Regina! Now! I'll go willingly with you! Please! Stop hurting him!"

No, Bex. Run! Jefferson screamed inside his head. This was his chance to grab Rebekah and run. Jefferson noticed the knight who had been holding Rebekah moved the dagger slightly when she winced in pain. He knew it had to be the Huntsman, and Jefferson knew the Huntsman would never willingly hurt Rebekah. He would help them escape to get the hat and they could jump to another realm.

"Mama!" Grace sobbed.

"Please , Regina!" Rebekah cried. "Please!" Her voice grew high, almost a shriek.

Jefferson fell to the ground, gasping for air and grabbing at his chest. Rebekah ran to him, dropping to her knees and moving her hands to his face. "Bex." He could barely get her name out. "Don't...leave." He could see Grace gripping onto the back of Rebekah's arm, not letting go. "Please, don't leave us," he begged.

"I have to." She cried, pressing a kiss to his lips before pulling back. "Don't try and rescue me again, do you hear me?" Rebekah took in a shallow breath after letting out a sob. "There is too much at stake now!" She moved Grace, pulling her against her chest, letting their daughter wrap her arms around her again.

"No," Jefferson shook his head.

"I love you so much," Rebekah said again. "But I need you to protect her now." She looked down at Grace briefly, her face crumbling when she did so. "Promise me that you'll never miss a tea party, okay?" Her voice broke when she looked back to Jefferson. "And tell her that I love her every day."

"Bex, please!" His hands grabbed at her, pulling her and Grace to him. "I can't," Jefferson cried. "I can't do this without you, please!"

"You can," Rebekah mumbled against his cheek. "I know you can."

"Grab her," Regina ordered.

Rebekah gripped onto Jefferson tightly. "When they're gone you get the hat and you go to Victor and stay there!" She whispered quickly. "Don't come back!"

"Bex--"

The Huntsman grabbed Rebekah away from Jefferson and Grace, the little girl screaming for her mother. "No!" He shouted as he watched Grace lose her grip on her mother. She reached her little arms to grab at Rebekah again. But the Huntsman dragged Rebekah away and Jefferson grabbed at Grace before she could try and follow her mother.

"You keep her safe!" Rebekah shouted as she was dragged to Regina. "Keep her safe!"

He didn't know what to say. Jefferson had to use everything in him to not run after Rebekah and grab her, to not risk his own life for her, to not sacrifice himself. Because he made Rebekah a promise long ago that if something like this ever happened, they'd put Grace first.

"Keep her safe, Jefferson!"

That was the last thing she said before Regina grabbed onto Rebekah's arm and raised her hand, a cloud of purple smoke gathering around her entire army and when the smoke cleared, the field was empty, leaving only Jefferson and Grace.

She was gone.

Rebekah was gone.

He lost her.

Jefferson stood up, Grace still sobbing in his arms and ran to the house. He grabbed the hat and a few things they'd need and shoved them into a bag, Grace crying at his leg as he did so, begging for her mama to return.

He placed the hat down on the ground, in a state of shock, and kicked it into a spin, gripping onto Grace's arm tightly and lifting her back into his arms.

He needed to be strong for her. He couldn't let her see him break down.

Jefferson jumped into the portal, looking back one last time at his home before leaving it for good.

_________________________________

LAND WITHOUT COLOR

It had been a week. Grace still wasn't adjusting to her life in this world, let alone the fact that she lost her mother. Jefferson wasn't handling it very well either.

He had finally managed to get Grace down to sleep and slipped out of the room to find a drink. Now he sat alone looking around at the monochromatic room, remembering how that when he and Rebekah were here, she was the only thing he saw in color.

"She asleep?" Jefferson didn't bother looking over his shoulder at Victor, only brought the glass of alcohol to his mouth and swallowed a large amount of it. The large bottle of dark liquor was almost gone and Jefferson had long since lost track of how much he drank. His old friend sighed and moved to stand in front of him. "What's the plan?" Victor asked.

Jefferson let out a bark of a laugh. "The plan?" He looked to the man.

Victor nodded his head. "I assume you don't plan to sit around on your ass and become a horrid drunk while your daughter desperately needs her father." Jefferson licked at his lower lip, jaw clenching as he looked away from Victor. "Rebekah will never forgive you if you do this."

"Rebekah isn't here ." Jefferson said bitterly. "What Grace needs is her mother and that evil bitch took her," he spat out.

Victor sighed, shaking his head. "You're still here."

"I don't want to be," Jefferson admitted out loud. "I don't - I don't want to be here in your home," He glared, drinking more of his alcohol. "I want to be at my home with mywife. I want my daughter to grow up with both of her parents . I want Rebekah back but because we have Grace , I can't risk trying to save her."

Victor gave Jefferson a stern look. "Do not take this out on Grace."

"Don't be a fool," Jefferson said after he drank more. "Grace is the only reason I'm holding it together."

Victor huffed at that, motioning to Jefferson. "You call this holding it together ?" he mocked.

"What else am I supposed to do, Victor?" He looked up at him, speaking through gritted teeth as his eyes burned. He watched the look of regret sweep over his friend's face. "She's gone..." He held back his tears, instead focusing on his drink.

"Someday," Victor said, moving to sit next to Jefferson, "when the time is right...you two will be together again."

Jefferson sucked in his lower lip and bit down hard and when a tear fell, he quickly wiped it again, rubbing his cheek hard and causing it to redden. "Regina will kill her," he managed to say without crying.

Victor shook his head in disagreement. "No," he told Jefferson. "I know Regina is an awful woman but...killing Rebekah? I can't see her doing that." Jefferson closed his eyes, holding onto his glass tight. "Whatever pain you're feeling right now, you need to let it go."

Jefferson shook his head, opening his eyes to look at Victor. "I'm not letting her go."

"You don't have to let her go," Victor told Jefferson. "But your daughter needs you and this ." He grabbed the glass in Jefferson's hand, taking it away from him. "This is not going to help the pain go away. It's just going to make it worse."

"How am I supposed to do this on my own?" Jefferson let a tear fall. "I need her. How am I not supposed to fight for her?"

Victor frowned, looking away from Jefferson. "Focus on Grace," he told Jefferson. "And maybe one day when she's older, you can start fighting for Rebekah. But she's just a little girl and she needs her father. I know how much you love Bex, trust me, I do. But you have a responsibility to protect Grace."

Jefferson sniffled, nodding his head. "I know," he agreed. "I know."

"Go freshen up," Victor told him, clapping his hand against Jefferson's shoulder. "I'll make you some tea."

Jefferson closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He didn't think that he'd ever enjoy a cup of tea again for the rest of his life.

Not without Rebekah.

_________________________________

ENCHANTED FOREST

"How are you?"

Rebekah spun in the direction of the voice and let out a little cry when she saw the Huntsman standing on the other side of her prison. "Are they safe?" she asked, running to the door, gripping tightly to the bars as she looked to the Huntsman.

"There's been no spotting of them," the Huntsman told Rebekah. "Your home was searched and no one could find the hat."

Rebekah sighed in relief, dropping her hands from the bars and moved her hand up to grip onto the stone of her necklace. They got out, she thought as a calm washed over her. They're safe.

"Your sister," the Huntsman began to say but stopped. Rebekah looked at him and watched as his eyes avoided hers.

He looked upset -- scared, something was wrong. "What?" She whispered. He didn't answer. "Tell me!"

The Huntsman sighed. "Your husband...he was never in any danger. It was only an illusion. There was no spell. He wasn't sick." Rebekah took a step back, lower lip quivering. "Regina cast a spell to make it as if Jefferson was sick because she knew that you'd come to her for help."

She inhaled sharply. "Why didn't you say anything!?" Rebekah shouted.

The Huntsman shook his head, tears filling in his eyes. "She has my heart, Rebekah. I'm under her complete control."

Rebekah shook her head, tears falling down her cheeks as she moved farther into her cell. "You go away."

"Rebekah, please."

"Leave!" She screamed.

The Huntsman closed his eyes, letting a tear fall before he turned around and walked away. "I'm sorry," he apologized before he left. "I hope someday you'll be able to forgive me."

He was never sick, Rebekah held tightly to her necklace. He was safe -- this was all for nothing!

Rebekah breathed deeply in and out, in and out before she let out a blood curdling scream that could be heard all throughout the castle. It didn't take long for Regina to show up in her cell.

"A little dramatic, don't you think?"

"You bitch!" Rebekah ran at her only to be thrown back into the wall. "I know what you did!" Rebekah said once she pushed herself off the ground, marching right back over to her sister. Regina smirked and shrugged her shoulders innocently. "I hate you!"

Rebekah could have sworn she saw her sister flinch. But Regina composed herself. Her eyes landed on where Rebekah was gripping onto her necklace. "What a lovely stone," she commented before snapping her fingers. The necklace left Rebekah's neck and was now in Regina's open palm.

"Don't!" Rebekah said, knowing what Regina was about to do. But before she could try and grab at the stone, Regina crushed it in her hand. Rebekah fell to the ground, gripping onto her hair. "Why are you so hateful?!" She screamed, finally looking up at her sister.

Regina glared, lip forming into a snarl. "Because if I can't have my happy ending... no one can." She seethed.

She disappeared and Rebekah crawled over to the pile of dust that was once the necklace she wore on her wedding day. She piled it up and tried to cup it in her hands. But the dust disappeared with a gust of wind.

Nothing, Rebekah curled up on the ground. This was all for nothing .

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

"I can't believe you're selling this place," Ruby said causing Rebekah to stop rummaging through her closest, looking over her shoulder to where Ruby was currently packing up her bedroom. "Where the hell are you going to live?"

Rebekah sighed. "A place with two rooms."

She had finally told Ruby about the pregnancy and her friend was thrilled, yet heartbroken for Rebekah. She didn't know that Jefferson was the father. She only knew the lie that Rebekah told her, which was that the father wanted nothing to do with the baby or his 'baby mama' as Ruby referred to her.

"Wanna make it three?" Ruby suggested.

Rebekah laughed at that. "I saw Granny's face when I told her I was pregnant. She's not thrilled. I highly doubt she'll allow you to live with a unwed mother-to-be."

She felt Ruby move next one to her, now in the closet as well. "You know Granny is judgmental of everyone and every thing," Ruby said, looking through an old box of Rebekah's. "It's just her nature."

Rebekah let out a huff of a laugh at that. Oh, she knew it. And after telling Granny about the pregnancy, Rebekah was sure that half the town already knew and were judging her as well.

"This is beautiful!" Ruby said causing Rebekah to look over at her. Her eyes landed on a piece of jewelry that her friend was holding. "I've never seen you wear this. Is it new?"

Rebekah blinked, not recognizing the necklace. She took the piece of jewelry from Ruby and examined it. The stone had the most beautiful mixtures of blues in it. Her fingers trailed over a speck of blue and as soon as her finger traced against the stone, a flash of Jefferson's eyes invaded her mind. She blinked again and studied the stone. It felt so... familiar. And even touching it sent wave of calm through Rebekah. A warmth she had only felt when she was in Jefferson's arms now filled her. Rebekah shook her head, getting ready to hand the necklace back to Ruby but stopped.

Don't, a little voice said. Keep it.

She frowned, looking down at the necklace again before turning to Ruby. "Help me?" She asked, motioning for Ruby to help her put the necklace on.

Ruby smiled and moved to stand behind Rebekah, moving her hair over her shoulder as she put the necklace on Rebekah, clasping it together. Rebekah walked out of the closet and through her room to her bathroom.

She stood in front of the mirror, her hand resting on the stone.

Jefferson, she thought. Jefferson, Jefferson, Jefferson.

What the hell was happening?