It had been a long day. One after another customers kept pushing Aspen's buttons, demanding more and more of her. Royland had stopped by on multiple occasions practically desperate to get her to go on a date with him. Finally Granny had stepped in and ushered him to leave before she called Sheriff Graham.

It was just past 11 o'clock in the evening and she didn't bother strapping her helmet on. It was a ridiculous rule Mayor Mills implemented for the safety of her son. No one was supposed to be driving this late. Especially in Storybrooke. No one ever did anything in Storybrooke.

Chills ran up Aspen's arms, she had misplaced her coat. Her hair had been let down to give her some sort of warmth on her journey home. Granny was going to be upset with how long it took to close the diner, but she would deal with that in the morning.

Aspen yawned, again. She hadn't realized how exhausted she was until she started to swerve her bike in and out of the street. To try and stay awake she shook her head and blinked rapidly. "Damn the late shift."

The call for bed was almost deafening as her eyes fell slowly. She didn't feel herself drifting off to sleep or even feel herself drifting into the street once more.

The blaring noise of a horn immediately jolted her upright and saw two bright lights headed straight for her. Adrenaline kicked in and she veered off the street, just before her turn off and felt the ground grow rough and rocky under her bicycle. The tire of her bike lost traction and came to a sharp halt when it launched the rider off from hitting a larger rock. She couldn't stop or halt the fall that came next...

The mud from the ground had coated most of Aspen's clothing, she could feel it coating her skin. Her face felt wet, like mud was stuck to her face also. Aspen's eyes felt heavy, so heavy. Her head throbbed as her eyelids lifted open and saw the few pairs of lights in the distance. She reached out her hand with whatever muscle she could muster. The sharp ringing in her ears caused Aspen to cringe at the pain and her arm fell into the dirt once more. "Help..."

Aspen could see the driver of the car, a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, a blonde woman in her mid to late twenties. She was unconscious from what Aspen's blurry vision saw. She couldn't tell where she was or what had happened. Though it seemed she was involved in some sort of accident.

The sound of police sirens sent another wave of pain through her ears and rippled down her cold body. She again tried to pull herself towards the road but when she moved her arm she yelled in anguish as the twinge in her wrist didn't allow her to move. "Someone..."

She saw the two figures exit the same car door of the police vehicle and wanted to yell again but the dizziness set in and she started to slur her words before her vision went dark again. "Please."

The morning sunshine woke Royland up among his silk sheets. The 6 O'clock alarm hadn't even chimed before he began to stretch and stand up for the morning. He reached for the ceiling stretching his limber body.

"Just another regular day." He showered and dressed in his usual dark three quarter sleeve shirt and dress pants. He tucked his shirt in as he left his room and down into the kitchen. "Morning Royland."

Across the room sat Regina and Henry, his sister and nephew. "Morning." Regina held a coffee mug in her hand as she poured her son's orange juice into a plastic cup. The large dining table extended too much into the kitchen. Regina had gotten it purposefully so she could keep an eye on Henry while she was cooking. "Were you able to finish that paperwork for the inn's faulty wiring?" Roy nodded in response. "What about the cracked pavement outside of-"

"Reg, I've just gotten down here and technically I don't start work till 8 O'clock and it's..." He glanced at the clock, seeing it was a quarter till 7 O'clock. "Not even Seven yet, can I get one this morning?" Henry chuckled at his mother and uncle seeing their dynamic.

"You know, I'm sure the diner is open." Regina hummed, teasing her younger brother. "Young Ms. Foster should be there ready for you to arrive."

"I'm sure Granny took over this morning. She worked the late shift, and rode her bike home." Roy blabbered on longer than he should have and made both Regina and Henry give him a concerned look. "That's what I'm guessing at least... since her bike is always there."

"Mhmm..." Regina hummed. "Could you swing by the police station and pick up some of the older files I need? I can email you a list?" Roy ruffled Henry's hair as he passed him and snagged a piece of the kid's toast.

"Works for me." He nodded, taking a bite of the toast as he grabbed his coat, wallet, phone, and keys leaving the big house. "I'll see you in the office. And lil man, I'll pick you up after school. Your mom has a council meeting that she forgot about. Whatever would she do without us?" He joked and winked towards his sister. Chuckling to himself as trotted out onto the street. It wasn't too cold, but it did give chills as the wind picked up periodically.

Taking out his phone he saw the new email from Regina, he sighed. Not who he expected to text him, it never is. Even though he is so nice to her. He holds the door open for her every morning for her to enter the diner, knows most of the route she takes to get home, he knows that when she wears her bandana as a headband she's either painting again or she had a nightmare and needed comfort.

The main thing Royland missed was the banter they shared in another life. She was stubborn about everything and he was often found challenged by her. It worked for their relationship. Now it felt like they didn't have one - or that it was one sided.

As he rounded the corner onto Main street he smiled to himself seeing the people wandering amongst each other again. Archie and his dog, Pongo, trotting along like nothing was the matter. He spotted Mr. Gold speaking with another citizen, most likely about the rent. Others were walking without a care in the world. It wasn't like they had their whole lives uprooted from the life they knew into this modern simplistic one.

"Good morning Roy," The sultry voice of Ruby Lucas, one of Aspen's co-workers and pretty much a sister to her.

"Good morning, Ms. Lucas," He stated as the two of them walked up to the diner, out of habit he opened the front door for her. "I didn't expect to see you here this early. Normally you work a couple hours after they open as a backup for Aspen." Ruby sighed and rubbed her eyes. Roy noticed that Ruby had smudged makeup under her eyes. He could have sworn she was also wearing the same clothes as yesterday, only with black leggings underneath her short skirt. He deduced she must have gone to the bar - The Rabbit Hole.

"Aspen didn't come home last night," Ruby rolled her eyes irritated with her friend. "I'm not sure if she just didn't wake up to her alarm or if she just didn't want to get up." Ruby shrugged as she took out the notepad from her apron. "Whatcha thinking this morning?"

"Umm..." Roy was taken back, Aspen normally would just get it order when he walked in the door, she knew his order by now. "Well, I'll have the toasted egg and avocado sandwich. Then I'll take the steak salad I know Granny is famous for in town." He winked to Ruby as she began to sway towards the kitchen.

"Order up!" She yelled back to the cooks and returned with a to go cup of black coffee for Royland. "How is your little thing with Aspen?"

"I'm not sure what you're referring to Ms. Lucas." He was attempting to be suave about it, but failing miserably. She saw right through him and so he sipped his coffee. The woman wouldn't budge on the subject. "She is attractive and I find her company nice."

"Her company is nice?" Ruby echoed back to him. "Ridiculous Roy. Just tell her you're going out with her on her next day off." It was easier said than done, considering their history. "You know your obsession with Aspen will soon either dwindle like a dying star or it will grow like a fire... depends on what you do. God knows she isn't planning anything."

Roy nodded understanding he needed to take charge again and practically state they were going on a date, rather than just asking.

Abruptly the door chimed and in stepped Sheriff Graham burst through it followed by a blonde woman. "Granny? Where's Granny?" From inside the kitchen the older woman traveled into the open room holding a plastic bag full of food packaged ready to be given to guests as a to go meal. "Granny..." Graham met eyes with the older woman as she shakily set the food in front of Royland. She met eyes with Royland then Graham waiting.

It took seconds for her face to go white as snow and absent of any thought but one. "Aspen?"

"I found her bike this morning, after an accident was reported just before exiting off the main road out of town..." The Sheriff looked uncomfortable giving the bad news. "I wanted to be the first to tell you, and then I'm going back out there." Granny's eyes started to fill with tears. Ruby grabbed Granny's arm and suddenly the tears were gone, and Granny stepped forward.

"The diner is closing. Aspen is missing. Everyone out!"

Without hesitation everyone in the diner gathered their belongings and began toward the road that Graham had mentioned. Despite not everyone getting along with each other, we were still a community.

The blonde woman crossed the path of Roy as he held the door open, unfamiliar with her face. He coughed to get her attention as he passed holding the door onto the sheriff. "I haven't seen you in town, does my sister know you're here?"

"Depends. Who's your sister?" The way the woman spoke came off harsh.

"Mayor Regina Mills."

"Of course. You're Henry's Uncle?" She stopped in her tracks looking at Roy. He extended his hand to the woman.

"Yes, Deputy Mayor Royland Mills," She was hesitant to take his hand, but eventually did. "Pleasure to meet you Ms.?"

"Swan, Emma Swan," She started to move with the remaining crowd towards the edge of the forest. "I really didn't expect everyone to come after the one girl. She is probably fine."

"Even if she is, a lot of the townsfolk hold their community as precious. Including myself. Aspen - Ms. Foster - has been working at the diner and attempting to bring more wonderful art and beauty to the town for as long as I can remember."

Emma noticed the way the deputy mayor spoke of Aspen, but kept it to herself. It wasn't her business. She didn't plan to stay longer than she had to. "When I woke briefly after the crash I could swear I saw a wolf. I didn't even realize it was a person I almost hit when I crashed..."

Roy stopped listening to Emma. "You're saying you ran Aspen off the road?" She shook her head and attempted to give her perspective but Roy cut her off. "You ran her off the road and left her?"

"No! Her bike was under my car when they found it. No one knew she was there until this morning. I didn't know she was there. I swear it was a wolf that jumped in front of me. She swerved into my lane, her eyes were closed. To be honest I think she was asleep." Roy paused thinking, she did work a lot and he wouldn't be surprised if she had done a close and the open shift... again.

Roy scoffed and pushed passed Emma, " No matter now. We need to find her. She could be seriously hurt from you hitting her." Roy meant it to come off rude this time. To say the least he was angry with Ms. Swan. How do you not realize you've hit someone?

After ten or fifteen minutes of walking the group that gathered reached the town sign and the scene of the crime.

The yellow beetle was still trapped in the ditch waiting to be towed. The half damaged Storybrooke sign lay on its side. It may have been morning, but a nice fog rested on the forest floor blocking most visuals.

"Aspen!" Individuals called out hoping for a response. "Aspen, call out if you can hear us!" The morning air was colder within the shade of the forest. Everything around them seemed to come to a halt. Like it was time stood still.

Roy stepped over a lot trying to go further into the forest, looking for any sign of Aspen. He caught tracks of small animals, and possibly a wolf's track. Stepping over a log he saw what seemed to be something dragging across the forest floor. They could be wolves pulling a deer to their den, or they could be Aspen. He couldn't take the chance it was her. The clammy air stuck to whatever skin was clear of clothes. It felt heavy after ten minutes. Granted Aspen would have been outside in the cold for almost Eight hours without cover besides her clothes. She would have been hypothermic at minimum. "Aspen!"

Royland yelled her beautiful name as loud as he could as he was deeper into the forest and breathed heavily. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if anything had happened to her. She was his person, even if she didn't remember.

From Royland's view he was barely able to see the limp arm raise and then fall. "I got her!" Roy screamed back to the others. He raced over to her figure. The arm had fallen by the time he had reached her. "Aspen." He was the first to reach her. Her small figure shook from the cold and when he pulled her into his arms. He lifted her up off the cold forest floor with ease. Her dark hair slick with both sweat from forcing her to move. "Avira I got you." Roy adjusted her in his arms. Hearing her whimpers to the movement with her arm he tried to limit it as much as possible as he began trekking back to the asphalt.

"Roy?" Roy heard her whimper his name and stopped dead in his tracks. He looked down to Aspen in his arms, seeing that she curled into his touch.

"Aspen?" Her hazel eyes caught his dark ones and his heart melted seeing her look at him. "I got you."

The two made their way back to the road, along the way picking up stragglers. All asking questions about her, hoping to get some form of reassurance that she was alright. Doctor Whale rushed over once they left the forest practically pushing others out of the way to reach them.

"Put her on the gurney. She needs to get to the hospital. She's clearly got a concussion and what seems to be a sprained or a broken wrist from the way she's holding it close to her." While they had searched the Sheriff must have gotten a hold of the hospital to send out the doctor and an ambulance. Roy didn't want to leave her, not ever again. "Deputy Mayor." Hearing his job title he looked to the doctor and seeing the stern look he was given he set Aspen down gently on the gurney. Dr. Whales began to examine her more and move the stretcher towards the ambulance. "You should let the Mayor know what happened. I'm sure she would like to know that one of her citizens was found in the woods."

"Uhh... yes. Of course." Roy pulled his phone out of his pocket and pulled up his sister's contact to call her. It rang twice before she picked up the phone. "Regina. Something's happened."

After the smooth transportation to the hospital Dr. Whale ordered nurses and staff to tend to Ms. Foster with the utmost priority. Getting her core temperature up was a must. The wrist and her concussion were also important, but her body temperature was something that could be fatal if they hadn't found her when they did. She wasn't shaking from the cold which meant her body was in shock and she kept drifting in and out of consciousness. The nurses got her set up in one of the intensive care rooms to keep an eye on her temperature and her brain activity with the concussion.

The nurses had stripped her of her cold, damp clothes and got her set up in a hospital gown and multiple blankets. A IV bag was hanging next to her connected to her via a line in her arm. The doctors were able to set her wrist properly and place it in a brace. She had been asleep for most of the doctor's care and now the rest was up to her.

Aspen began to stir awake and groaned feeling partial pain all across her body. Her bed wasn't super comfortable but apparently she was able to sleep for a day, the whiteboard with her information on it stated it was the following day after she was taken to the hospital. The place smelt of sanitizer and cleaning chemicals. Her eyes scanned the room she was in, a set of hospital pants and shirt rested on the chair in the corner, the blinds were half open letting the light shine upon the flowers that sat on a side table. The television in the corner of the room angled to her showed some drama show that Aspen didn't recognize.

Aspen grabbed the button and hit the call button, she waited for someone to enter the room. A nurse in blue scrubs came through the door with a kind smile. "Good morning Ms. Foster."

"Mhmm..." Aspen moved to push herself to sit up but twinged in pain as her left arm was set in a simple wrist cast. "What happened?"

"You have a sprained wrist, the Doctor can explain better when he arrives," The nurse started to check her vitals and blood pressure. "How do you feel?"

"Tired." Aspen responded and grabbed the glass of water on the right bed side table. "Has anyone called Widow Lucas or Ruby Lucas? They are the closest thing I have to a family. I believe they are my emergency contacts."

"Oh yes, they haven't left the lobby while you slept. I will also call for them to come back and visit. Don't overexert yourself when they arrive." The nurse finalized entering what Aspen could only guess was the vitals she had taken. "We're very happy that you are alright Ms. Foster. The town would have been very upset if something terrible had happened."

The nurse left and Aspen got to look around more. Reaching over to the flowers she saw a card from the Mayor's office. Surprising. She opened the small card and smiled reading it,

Ms. Foster, when we heard that you were missing, most of the town dropped what they were doing to find you because of what a wonderful addition to our town you are. From our office, and our family we are very glad you are safe and sound. If you need anything in the future please reach out, Deputy Mayor Royland Mills and Mayor Regina Mills.

Aspen smiled to herself as she read the card. There was a knock at the door and Ruby and Granny had large smiles of relief on their faces. "Oh Aspen! I'm so glad you're safe!" Granny had gotten to Aspen's side and kissed her temple quickly. "Don't do that to me ever again!"

Ruby rolled her eyes walking over to Aspen's other side and grabbing her hand that had the brace. "What would I do without my sister from another mister?"

"Perish the thought," The ladies teased each other and smiled as they quickly exchanged a soft hug. "I'm okay. I'm pretty sure it was the Deputy Mayor who found me..." Ruby nodded confirming her suspicions. "The Mayor's office sent the flowers."

"I bet Roy was the one who suggested it." Ruby teased.

"Ha ha, it is a sweet gesture," Another knock came from the doorway and the three women turned to see Dr. Whale standing there with a clipboard in hand.

"Ms. Foster, what a lovely sight it is to see your face. Gave us quite a scare," He came over to the foot of the bed and grinned, good news Aspen hoped. "It seems your temperature is within normal ranges, your wrist is a first degree sprain. Which does mean the brace for three to four weeks, depending on your extent of motion and what you do to help your body heal. The concussion symptoms should have subsided by now. Main thing is just rest, fluids, taking it easy and making sure you don't ride your bike at night for a while... or riding your bike in general until your wrist is healed."

"Of course Doctor Whales. Thank you so much for taking care of my girl," Granny advised looking to and from the doctor to Aspen. "She won't be able to work for a while, but that hasn't been a problem for us before. We can make something work."

"I can do the books or something for the store," Aspen shrugged, sighing, she didn't like being useless at the diner. She liked to help as much as she could. "It won't take too long for me to heal I'm sure." Aspen went to raise her head band but realized that it wasn't there and quickly sat up straighter to look further through the room. "Granny, have you seen my headband?"

"No I haven't hon, I'm guessing you must have lost it while you were unconscious." Aspen's eyes grew sad and she slumped in the bed. "What's wrong?"

"It was just lucky, or I assumed it was lucky for me," Aspen shrugged. "Doesn't matter anymore, some bird probably took it to build a nest or something." Ruby glanced at Granny who rolled her eyes. She didn't understand what the simple things meant to a person. Granny was always very blunt when it came to... anything. "I'm gonna get some sleep." Aspen scooted down to lay down in the bed without waiting for anyone's response.

"Oh yes, of course," Dr. Whale motioned for the other women to leave. "We should be able to release you in the morning. We just want to keep you overnight once more to keep an eye on everything." Aspen nodded acknowledging the doctor's words.

"Good night Aspen," Both Granny and Ruby hugged the bedridden woman. Aspen rolled over onto her side facing the partially open window listening to the subtle sounds of the city before the quick call to sleep claimed her once more.

Ruby had stopped by in the morning to drop off better clothes, no one liked hospital clothes. Aspen insisted that she didn't stay and that she went back to work at the diner. Knowing herself Aspen wouldn't be able to stay away from the diner for the day and after she got released she started her way down main street.

Ruby had gotten her a dark sweatshirt that kept the cooler Maine elements off of her and a pair of dark navy jeans. Ruby hadn't bothered to bring more shoes as knowing Aspen, the sneakers that she wore, she would wear out. Black sneakers, paint definitely coated the bottom of them, they were the shoes she would wear when painting or when she forgot to change to her work sneakers. The laces worn and close to breaking if pulled in the wrong direction.

The diner seemed normal enough, no balloons or banner welcoming her back. Aspen didn't want to be seen as a victim of a crime, even by accident. She didn't blame Ms. Swan, the woman who Aspen had learned was driving the yellow beetle.

The familiar scent of both new and old coffee filled her nose as the bell chimed at her arrival. "Aspen!"

Hearing her name exclaimed caught her off guard. Leroy had already spun in his chair raising his mug to her. "We're sure as hell glad you're alright?"

"Well me too Leroy. Who else would be able to get through your thick exterior to see a smile," Aspen half heartedly joked going to the counter. Beside her a small floral arrangement of bluish orchids with a card that had her name on it, at the base of the vase was a small box. "Ruby, who dropped these off?"

"I have no clue, these were here when I arrived this morning to cover your shift." Aspen stuck her tongue out to her friend and grabbed the box and card.

Ms. Foster, hearing you were injured in an accident was nerve-racking. You're so loving and caring to those around you. Especially the children who I've heard love your art classes when you can help it. I thought it only my part to give you the opportunity to further your creative gift. I did also find this when driving past the accident. I feel like this has meaning and you shouldn't be without it. Besides that if you had lost this you wouldn't look or feel like yourself. You seem more like yourself when you paint and have your painted headband on."

Aspen's brow furrowed with curiosity as she opened the box. Spattered with reds, blues, greens, and every other color in the rainbow was her headband. The one she thought lost to the wolves and birds. A smile dawned her face, one extending from ear to ear. "Oh I'm so happy I didn't lose this." Aspen clutched it to her chest smiling.

As Aspen finished reading the card she set it down and stared at the beautiful orchids. She'd always loved orchids. From what Aspen had researched about the flower, they were meant to be prosperity and good health. So far Aspen checked the boxes, and the flowers were beautiful.

The clapping from patrons started to get Aspen's attention. Leroy had started it - of course. Aspen grinned, awkward from everyone looking at her, but appreciating the gesture everyone extended to her.

It didn't take too long for the claps to die down and all the patrons went about their business. Aspen looked next to the box and slipped off the bow that held it in place. A key chain with two keys rested in the center of the box protected by a floof of cotton. One of Aspen's brows raised curiously. She didn't need a new bike lock set. She was pretty sure she was walking for a while - since her bike was trashed. She shrugged and pulled out her own keyring attaching them to it. She would have to figure out what the keys belonged to later. Granny had packed her some food and placed it on the counter top. "Aspen," Granny smiled at the girl, it made their hearts happy when family was around. It felt safe, protected and loved. "Here you are darling, your favorite. BLT with avocado. There is also a small bottle of orange juice for you. Go on and get home, I'll be by to check on you around noon."

"You don't have to do that Gran, I'm a big girl-"

"Hush," Granny wove Aspen's statement to the side, ignoring her request. "I will be around at the Bed and breakfast by noon." She opened her arms and brought the young lady into her arms, hugging her. "Ruby has agreed to give you the next two days off of shifts." Hearing that she would have some time off she smiled from ear to ear. "Now go on. Take the street route and walk around the block. It'll be good to get some fresh air."

Aspen kissed Gran's cheek then grabbed her to go bag. "Bye Gran, bye Rube's, I'll see everyone later." She started juggling the multiple bags and the flowers as she reached for the door. The small bell chimed again and caused her to step back in surprise.

The open door revealing Sheriff Graham. "Ms. Foster," She took a step back, letting slip the box that was with the flowers. It was almost graceful how he caught it. "Don't worry. I got it. Plus I'm pretty sure you are not supposed to be using your wrist."

"Oh god! Thank you Sheriff, my hands happen to be full," not even a second later the Sheriff had taken the flower vase from her hands and given her back the small box. "Wait what did you say? What are you?-"

"I'm gonna walk you home... and carry your new orchids while I ask you about what happened last night." It wasn't a request, it was a statement. Aspen turned her head to the side to hide the blush that crept onto her cheeks as he ushered her down the steps onto the sidewalk.

The two stepped the same down the sidewalk, silent at first. The two of them shared silent glances at each other. Both of them turned away when they met each other's eyes. Others in the community saw the two walking side by side and acknowledged the sheriff before stepping to the side as he was clearly working.

"So..." The sheriff began as he shifted the flowers in arm, "What do you remember about the previous night? Just say whatever you can, don't stress yourself."

"Oh... umm," Aspen stopped walking, letting the memories wash over her once more. "It was a long day, I pulled a double." Seeing Sheriff Graham slow his walk for her she began walking again. "It's normal for me to do so, but I hadn't slept the night prior. I was on my bike pedaling towards home. I probably should have just walked the bike and gotten home slower, but I just wanted to get home quick. I hadn't noticed the headlights until I was right in front of them if I'm being honest. I should have paid more attention."

"What matters is that you are safe, the same thing with Ms. Swan." It was clear that he added the last part to cover bases so he wasn't playing favorites. "The Madam Mayor wanted me to make sure there was no foul play involved so I'm just taking the report." Aspen nodded at the man.

"So what is going to happen with Ms. Swan?"

"You know I can't discuss that, Aspen," She giggled in response to his Sheriff's answer to her question. "No criminal charges at the moment."

"Yes of course," Aspen sighed and stopped in front of the bed and breakfast that happened to be right next to the diner. "Sorry... you didn't have to walk the block with me. Granny insisted..."

"I don't mind. I like to be outside anyways."

"It's probably better than being stuck behind the desk at the sheriff's office." The two of them chuckled at the comment. "Thank you." Graham stopped at the gate opening it with his free hand. "For walking with me."

"Oh I'm happy to. I enjoy the company," Immediately he looked towards the flowers, "These are lovely by the way. No note?" Aspen shook her head. "Well, I'm sure these will look lovely in your studio."

"Granny really just gave me an adjoining room, honestly it's not a studio." She rolled her eyes, it was a nice room, small though. Not what Aspen had dreamed of for a studio.

"But?"

"It's nice and I am very grateful for her allowing me to have that room. There aren't too many of them in the inn." Aspen set the bag of food down, and reached for the flower vase. Their hands briefly touched, and surprisingly his hands weren't as rough as one would have guessed, almost soft. "Thank you sheriff. Was there anything else you wanted to ask me for your report?"

He shook his head, "No and if you need anything else you have my number." Aspen gave him a puzzled look.

"What number? You never gave me your card, Sheriff."

"You have my number," He paused for a moment, a cheeky grin spreading across his lips, "911." Aspen could have groaned from how terrible the joke was, but it happened to make her giggle instead. "I'll be there if you call." She blushed at the comment before picking up the food once more and going inside the bed and breakfast.

The door shut behind her and she leaned against it with a huff of breath. The pain medication Dr. Whales prescribed her helped, but it didn't stop the pain entirely. Quick as her feet could carry her and her baggage she went up the stairs and to the right, end of the hall, her room. It was left unlocked by Granny, no doubt having already made up her bed and cleaned the room. She entered and locked the door behind her.

Aspen wasn't a messy person, but after working a full day the day prior to the accident and then a double it felt like she would only come home to shower and change. Then go right back to the diner to serve food once more. She set the food down on the dresser and the small box on her nightstand next to the bed. The flowers deserved the sunlight, and the sunlight shined best in her studio. The adjourned door was already open as well, paint littered the tables that were spread across the room. The floor had been bare, Aspen rolled up the rug when she was given the room. She didn't want to ruin them of course and it's easier to cover paint on wood floors than it would be to get new rugs. She cracked open the window facing the street and set the flowers there. The window seal was big enough to hold the vase, she would just need to keep track of them to not bump them and to water them. The colors were made brighter by the sun. Purple and blue hues. She smiled watching the town continue on around on the street below.

Off to the corner of the room was her easel, still holding the Snow White piece she had done. The colors had meshed together nicely showing the forest setting that Snow White laid in the glass coffin asleep- cursed. Surrounded by greenery and flowers, her friends the Seven Dwarves at the end of the coffin. Weeping for their Princess- their friend. The only thing missing from the painting was the Prince. "I kinda like this one better, she almost seems stuck. Like she's been waiting her whole life for her Prince Charming to come and rescue her from her life."

Aspen rolled her eyes and made her way back to the bed, "Prince Charming, what a ridiculous thought." She flopped onto her bed and kicked off her sneakers. The bed wasn't by any means the comfortablest, but it had charm and it was the one she liked the most. Better than the hospital bed that was for damn sure. Groaning as she sat up and grabbed the food she tore off pieces of her sandwich and ate them leaning back onto the bed.

Bzzz. bzzz. Aspen's phone called to her. She recognized the number as the deputy mayors. She was surprised he was texting her instead of calling her.

Aspen. I just wanted to reiterate that I'm very happy you are safe and sound.

Aspen rolled her eyes. She thought he was being sweet, but she still wasn't interested.

I just wanted to pick your brain on something... since I did save you from hypothermia, wolves and whatever else is out in the woods. Would you want to get that drink now?

She sighed knowing that she did owe him... Alright. How about you give me a day to recuperate and get used to being crippled with my brace for the next four weeks. The day after tomorrow. Maybe not at the diner... Drinks?

Despite the other people that passed Roy he didn't pay them any mind. His eyes were transfixed with flowers that found their way into a window. Flowers that he hadn't gotten her. He bit his tongue at the notion with the knowledge that those were her favorite flowers.

He had watched, from a few paces back across the street. The sheriff flirted with her as he carried the flowers. It was clear he was rivaled by the Huntsman - at least in this realm.

Royland had watched them walk the block and back again to the front side of the bed and breakfast that his sister allowed to remain open. The place didn't deserve to be standing. He knew Aspen deserved a castle, the castle where they were prior to this place. He still remained in a luxurious home with Regina, but he was often led astray without Aspen at his side. His phone chimed once more, he wouldn't be surprised if it was Regina with something else for him to postpone until the following day.

Alright. How about you give me a day to recuperate and get used to being crippled with my brace for the next four weeks. The day after tomorrow. Maybe not at the diner... Drinks?

Today was the day she went home, and he would be close by when she did.