01x04 -The Price of Gold

Episode transcripts for the TV show "Once Upon A Time". Aired October 2011 - May 2018.*

Moderator: baileybelle

Watch/Buy Amazon  Merchandise

A woman with a troubled past is drawn to a New England town where fairy tales are to be believed.
Post Reply

01x04 -The Price of Gold

Post by bunniefuu »

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(A group of well dressed women walk to a carriage and get in. The carriage heads off, leaving behind a scruffy looking woman. In the background, there is a castle. There are fireworks being set off. A fairy appears and flies towards Cinderella.)

Godmother: Do not despair, my dear. You will attend that ball.

Cinderella: Who are you?

(The fairy transforms into a woman.)

Godmother: I’m your fairy godmother. And I’m here to change your life, Cinderella.

Cinderella: But, my stepmother told me that I couldn’t go. She forbade me to leave.

Godmother: Your stepmother doesn’t have this. This wand has the power to take you to your ball, to your prince, and to-

(The fairy godmother suddenly disintegrates, dropping her wand. Rumpelstiltskin appears and picks it up.)

Cinderella: What… What did you do?

Rumpelstiltskin: Now, now. I got what I wanted. There’s no need to be frightened.

Cinderella: No need? You just k*lled my fairy godmother. She was trying to help me.

Rumpelstiltskin: Was she? Do you know what this is?

(Rumpelstiltskin holds up the wand.)

Cinderella: Pure magic.

Rumpelstiltskin: Pure evil. Trust me – I’ve done you a favour. All magic comes with a price. Go on back to your life and thank your lucky stars you still got something to go back to.

Cinderella: My life… It’s wretched.

Rumpelstiltskin: Then change it. You can’t handle this.

(Rumpelstiltskin turns to leave.)

Cinderella: Wait. Please, wait. I can handle it. Please. I will do anything to get out of here. Anything.

Rumpelstiltskin: Anything?

Cinderella: Do you know how to use that wand, Mr…?

Rumpelstiltskin: Rumpelstiltskin. And yes, of course I do.

Cinderella: Then help me.

Rumpelstiltskin: Well, if I do, and you can, indeed, shoulder the consequences, then you’ll owe me a favour.

Cinderella: Name it. What do you want?

Rumpelstiltskin: Something…precious.

Cinderella: I have nothing.

Rumpelstiltskin: Oh, but you will. With this wish, will come riches more than you know.

Cinderella: I care nothing for riches. I’ll give you anything you want. Just get me out of here.

Rumpelstiltskin: Now we’re talking.

Cinderella: Well, how does it work?

Rumpelstiltskin: Fear not! My needs are small and all you have to do is sign on the dotted line.

(He takes out a long contract.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Do we have a deal?

Cinderella: Yes. Yes, thank you.

(Cinderella signs the contract. Rumpelstiltskin then waves the wand and she turns into a princess, complete with glass slippers.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Ta-dah!

Cinderella: Glass?

Rumpelstiltskin: Every story needs a memorable detail. Let’s see how they fit, shall we? Now, you have a good time. But be sure to watch the clock.

–[Real World]–

(Emma and Henry are walking down the main street.)

Henry: You sure we can be out in the open?

Emma: Enough sneaking around. If your mom has a problem with me walking you to a school bus, I am more than happy to have that chat.

Henry: You’re brave. We’ll need that for Operation Cobra. Speaking of – do you think we need code names?

Emma: Isn’t ‘cobra’ our code name?

Henry: That’s the mission. I mean us. I need something to call you.

Emma: Oh. Um, well, why don’t you just call me Emma for now?

Henry: Okay. Well then, I’ll see you later, Emma.

(Henry gets on the bus. The bus leaves and Graham’s cop car pulls up next to Emma.)

Emma: What’s with the siren?

Graham: It’s so hard to get your attention.

Emma: Well, you got it. Are you arresting me again?

Graham: I’m thanking you. For your help finding that coma patient. We all owe you a depth of gratitude.

Emma: Well, what do I get? Accommodation? Key to the city?

Graham: How about a job? I could use a deputy.

Emma: Thank you, but I have a job.

Graham: As a bail bondsperson? There’s not much of that going on here.

Emma: I don’t see a lot of sheriffing going on around here, either.

Graham: Well, here’s your chance to see it up close. There’s dental? Why don’t you think about it? And stay a while.

———–

(Emma is at Granny’s Diner. Ruby serves her a cocoa.)

Emma: Thank you.

(Regina enters the diner and sits with Emma.)

Regina: How was your walk with Henry? That’s right – I know everything. But relax. I don’t mind.

Emma: You don’t?

Regina: No. Because you no longer worry me, Miss Swan. You see, I did a little digging into who you are. And what I found out was quite soothing. It all comes down to the number seven.

Emma: Seven?

Regina: It’s the number of addresses you’ve had in the last decade. Your longest in anywhere was two years. Really, what did you enjoy so much about Tallahassee?

Emma: If you were wondering, I did find a place here in town.

Regina: I know. With Miss Blanchard. How long is your lease? Oh, wait. You don’t have one. You see my point? In order for something to grow, Miss Swan, it needs roots. And you? Don’t have any. People don’t change. They only fool themselves into believing they can.

Emma: You don’t know me.

Regina: No, I think I do. All I ask, is as you carry on your transient life, you think of Henry and what’s best for him. Perhaps consider a clean break. It’s going to happen anyway. Enjoy your cocoa.

(Regina gets up and leaves the diner. Emma goes to stand up and spills her cocoa over her shirt. Ruby walks over and hands her a cloth.)

Emma: Oh! Really?

Ruby: Eesh.

Emma: Do you have a laundry room I can use?

Ruby: Mmhmm!

———–

(Emma enters the laundry room. She takes her shirt off and throws it in the washer. There’s a young girl in the room, as well. She is holding pink sheets.)

Ashley: Oh, no, no, no, no!

Emma: You okay?

Ashley: The sheets. They’re uh… They’re pink.

Emma: You try bleach?

(Ashley puts down the sheets and it becomes obvious that she’s pregnant.)

Emma: Oh.

Ashley: Last night, I felt contractions and the doctor said that the baby could come any day now.

Emma: Well, that’s great.

Ashley: It’s just that, um, when the… When the baby comes, no one thinks that I can do this. No one thinks I can do anything. Maybe they’re right.

Emma: Screw ‘em.

Ashley: What?

Emma: Screw them. How old are you?

Ashley: Nineteen.

Emma: I was eighteen.

Ashley: When… When you had a kid?

Emma: Yeah. I know what it’s like. Everyone loves to tell you what you can and can’t do, especially with a kid. But ultimately, whatever you’re considering doing or giving up, the choice is yours.

Ashley: It’s not exactly what you might think it is.

Emma: It never is. People are going to tell you who you are your whole life. You just got to punch back and say, ‘no, this is who I am.’ You want people to look at you differently? Make them. If you want to change things, you’re going to have to go out there and change them yourself, because there are no fairy godmothers in this world.

———–

(Mr. Gold closes up his pawn shop for the night and leaves. Ashley is waiting by the side of building. Once he is gone, she breaks the window on the door with a brick, unlocks the door and enters. She heads to the back of the pawn shop and finds a hidden safe. However, Mr. Gold walks up behind her.)

Mr. Gold: Ashley. What are you doing?

Ashley: Changing my life.

(She maces Mr. Gold. He falls, hits his head and is knocked unconscious. Ashley takes the keys from him and unlocks the safe.)

———–

(Regina is putting on lipstick in the mirror. Henry is sitting at the table reading a comic book.)

Regina: I know you think otherwise, but I don’t enjoy these Saturday city council meetings. Sometimes, they’re just unavoidable. Now, you know the rules.

Henry: Yes on home homework, no on TV, and stay inside.

Regina: Good boy. Under no circumstance do you leave this house.

Henry: You mean, don’t see my mom.

Regina: She’s not your mother. She’s just a woman passing through. Now, do as I say, or there will be consequences. I’ll be back at five sharp.

(Regina leaves. As soon as she pulls out of the driveway, Henry grabs his backpack and leaves the house.)

———–

(Mary Margaret is making food while Emma unpacks her things.)

Emma: I’m so glad my stuff is here. Oh, thanks.

MMB: So, that’s all your stuff?

Emma: What do you mean?

MMB: Is the rest in storage?

Emma: No, this is all of it. I’m not sentimental.

MMB: Well, it must make things easier when you have to move.

(There’s a knock at the door. Mary Margaret answers it.)

Mr. Gold: Miss Blanchard. Is Miss Swan here?

(Emma gets up and comes to the door, as well. Mr. Gold shakes her hand.)

Mr. Gold: Hi, my name’s Mr. Gold. We met briefly on your arrival.

Emma: I remember.

Mr. Gold: Good. I have a proposition for you, Miss Swan. I, uh… I need your help. I’m looking for someone.

Emma: Really? Um…

MMB: You know what? I’m going to go jump in the bath.

(Mary Margaret leaves the two standing by the door.)

Mr. Gold: I have a photo. Her name is Ashley Boyd. And she’s taken something quite valuable of mine.

Emma: So, why don’t you just go to the police?

Mr. Gold: Because, uh… She’s a confused young woman. She’s pregnant. Alone and scared. I don’t want to ruin this young girl’s life. But I just want my property returned.

Emma: What is it?

Mr. Gold: Well, one of the advantages of you not being the police is discretion. Let’s just say it’s a precious object and leave it at that.

Emma: When’d you see her last?

Mr. Gold: Last night. That’s how I got this.

(He shows Emma the cut on the side of his head.)

Mr. Gold: It’s so unlike her. She was quite wound up. Rambling on and on about changing her life. I have no idea what got into her. Miss Swan, please help me find her. My only other choice is the police, and I don’t think anyone wants to see that baby born in jail now, do they?

Emma: No, of course not.

Mr. Gold: So, you’ll help me, then?

Emma: I will help her.

Mr. Gold: Grand.

(Henry walks in without knocking.)

Henry: Hey, Emma. I was thinking we-

Mr. Gold: Hey, Henry. How are you?

Henry: Okay?

Mr. Gold: Good. Give my regards to your mother. And, um, good luck, Miss Swan.

(Mr. Gold leaves.)

Henry: Do you know who that is?

Emma: Yeah, course I do.

Henry: Who? Cause I’m still trying to figure it out.

Emma: Oh. I meant in reality.

Henry: Is that all you brought?

Emma: Henry, what are you doing here?

Henry: My mom’s gone til five. I thought we could hang out.

Emma: Ah, kid. I wish I could. But there’s something I got to do.

———–

(Henry follows Emma outside. The two are walking down the street.)

Henry: Please let me help.

Emma: No! No, it could be dangerous.

Henry: The pregnant maid is dangerous?

Emma: She assaulted Mr. Gold.

Henry: Cool!

Emma: This isn’t a game. She’s desperate.

Henry: How do you know?

Emma: Because I know.

Henry: Well, then let’s find her.

Emma: Oh, no, no, no, no. There is no let’s. You cannot come with me.

Henry: Then I’ll look for her myself.

Emma: Then I’ll find you and I’ll bring you back.

Henry: Then you wouldn’t be helping the maid.

Emma: I am just trying to be responsible, here.

Henry: And I’m just trying to spend time with you.

(Henry gets into Emma’s car.)

Emma: Oh, that is really not fair.

Henry: So, the maid. What’s her story?

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Cinderella is watching the fireworks on the balcony of the castle. Prince Thomas approaches her.)

Prince Thomas: What’s wrong?

Cinderella: Nothing. Every year when I was growing up, I used to watch these fireworks from afar. And I knew what they meant – something special was happening at the palace. Now, they’re for me. For our wedding.

(Cinderella and the prince kiss.)

———–

(Cinderella and Prince Thomas walk down the stairs, where they meet up with Snow White, Prince Charming and Prince Thomas’s father. Cinderella and Snow White hug.)

Cinderella: I’m so happy you could come.

Snow White: You’re beautiful.

(Everyone is paired off and dancing. Everyone switches partners with the music.)

Thomas’s Father: My dear Ella. We’re thrilled to have you join our family. And I hope our family will soon be growing.

Prince Charming: Congratulations, Ella. You two are going to be very happy.

Cinderella: Why, thank you, James.

Snow White: Ella, dear!

(Snow White grabs Cinderella and dances with her.)

Snow White: Sorry! This is truly a night for celebration. Do you realize what inspiration you are to everyone?

Cinderella: All I did was get married.

Snow White: All you did, was show that anyone can change her life. I’m proud of you.

(They break apart. Cinderella then runs into Rumpelstiltskin.)

Rumpelstiltskin: I’m proud of you, too.

Cinderella: You. What are you doing here?

Rumpelstiltskin: I just wanted to make sure you were happy with your end of the bargain. You know – true love, riches, happy endings. Did you get everything you desired?

Cinderella: Yes, yes I did. Now, what do you want? What’s your price? My jewels? The ring?

Rumpelstiltskin: No, no dear. Keep your baubles. What I want is something you don’t yet possess, but something I know is coming. Your first born.

———–

(Cinderella is packing. Prince Thomas walks in.)

Prince Thomas: What are you doing?

Cinderella: I thought you were hunting?

Prince Thomas: I was, but the weather wasn’t agreeing, so we came back early. Are we going somewhere? You’re going somewhere.

Cinderella: Something’s happened.

Prince Thomas: What?

Cinderella: I’m pregnant.

Prince Thomas: Ella, that’s wonderful! Why are you upset? This is what we wanted.

Cinderella: There’s something else. When we met that night at the ball, it wasn’t my fairy godmother who sent me. It was Rumpelstiltskin. I made a deal with him for this life. I was stupid. I didn’t understand the price of magic. So, I promised him something.

Prince Thomas: What did you promise him?

Cinderella: He tricked me. I thought that he would want our gold or jewels.

Prince Thomas: What was it?

(Cinderella rubs her stomach.)

Prince Thomas: Our baby?

Cinderella: I’m so sorry. And now, I’m going to lose it all. My… My life, you…

Prince Thomas: No. I don’t care what that imp said. Magic may have brought us together, but it didn’t create this love.

Cinderella: But I made a deal. I can’t break that – he’s too powerful.

Prince Thomas: Then, the answer is simple. We make another deal.

–[Real World]–

(Emma and Henry are talking with Ruby at Granny’s Diner. Ruby’s car is being dropped off by a tow truck.)

Emma: So, this boyfriend of hers. You don’t think he was involved in her disappearance?

Ruby: Uh, that would mean he was involved with her at all, which he isn’t. He left her in the lurch, right after they found out they were expecting. Hasn’t spoken to her since. Like I said-

(Ruby’s car is dropped abruptly and the wolf charm hanging on her mirror almost breaks.)

Ruby: Hey! Hey! Hey! Billy, be careful! You almost shattered my wolf thing, Billy. It’s good luck.

Billy: I’m sorry, Ruby. But look – it’s fine.

Emma: Um, Ruby. What about her family?

Ruby: Oh, um, she’s got a stepmom and two stepsisters that she doesn’t talk to.

Henry: Wait. Stepmom, stepsisters, and she’s a maid?

Emma: Henry. Not now.

Ruby: Look. I don’t know what you’ve heard, but it’s wrong. Everyone thinks she’s not ready to have this kid, but she’s trying. Taking night classes, trying to better herself… Trying to get her life together. Can you understand that?

Emma: I think so.

Ruby: Then maybe you should just stay out of it. She’s been through enough already.

Emma: I’ve been through it too, Ruby, and I can help her.

Ruby: Then, try her ex.

Emma: Where can I find him?

Ruby: He lives with his dad.

———–

(Emma knocks on Sean’s door. At the same time, Sean’s father is pulling up the driveway.)

Sean: Can I help you?

Emma: Sean Herman?

Sean: Yeah. Who are you?

Emma: I’m Emma Swan. I’m… I’m looking for Ashley Boyd. She’s in trouble. Just thought maybe she came to see you.

(Sean’s father walks up the steps.)

Sean’s Father: My son doesn’t have anything to do with that girl anymore. So, whatever trouble she’s in, I am sorry for her, but there’s nothing we can do to help you.

Emma: You’re the reason he broke up with her.

Sean’s Father: Absolutely. I’m not going to let my son throw away his entire life over a mistake.

Emma: So you just told him to leave her?

Sean’s Father: Well, what are they going to do? Raise the child in the backseat of a car?

Emma: Some people only have the backseat of a car.

Sean’s Father: Well, they’re to be pitied. I’m not letting that happen to my son.

Sean: Dad, maybe we should help her look.

Sean’s Father: It’s a waste, Sean.

Emma: Sean, if you want to come, come. Stop letting other people make decisions for you. If Ashley runs away with this baby, she’s going to be in some serious trouble.

Sean: She’s running away with the baby?

Emma: Yes.

Sean’s Father: Sean. Inside. Now.

(Sean goes into the house.)

Sean’s Father: Look. Believe me, if I knew where she was, I would tell you. I went to a lot of trouble to get her that deal.

Emma: Deal? What are you talking about?

Sean’s Father: You don’t know? Ashley agreed to give up the child. And she’s being paid very well to do so.

Emma: She sold the baby?

Sean’s Father: Oh, you make it sound so crass. I found someone who’s going to find that child a good and proper home.

Emma: And who are you to judge whether Ashley is capable of providing that?

Sean’s Father: Look at her. She’s a teenager. She’s never shown any evidence of being responsible. How could she possibly know how to be a mother?

Emma: Maybe she’s changing her life.

Sean’s Father: Everybody says that. Now, look. I found someone who’s going to pay Ashley extremely well. Someone who’s going to see to it that everybody’s happy.

Emma: Mr. Gold.

Sean’s Father: Well, isn’t that why you were hired? To bring him the baby?

———–

(Emma and Henry are driving in Emma’ car.)

Henry: You can’t make her double cross Gold. No one’s ever broken a deal with him.

Emma: I’m happy to be the first. If Ashley wants to have this baby, she should have it. Anyone who wants to be a mother, should damn well be allowed to be one.

(They arrive at Granny’s Diner. They both enter and Emma approaches Ruby.)

Emma: Why didn’t you tell me she sold the baby?

Ruby: Because I didn’t think it was important.

Emma: Really? Considering that’s why she’s running away.

Ruby: Look, Ashley’s my friend. I don’t like the idea of people judging her.

(Emma notices Ruby’s wolf charm on the counter.)

Emma: Ruby, where’s your car? You didn’t send me to Sean to find her. You sent me there to give her a head start.

Ruby: Look, I’m only trying to help her.

Emma: Yes, so am I. Ashley’s in more trouble than you know, Ruby. Where is she? Don’t make her deal with Gold without me.

Ruby: I can’t talk in front of him. He’s the Mayor’s kid.

Henry: Hey! I’m on your side.

Emma: Henry, I need to find this woman. And in order to do that, I need you to go home, okay? So please listen to me. Seriously. She’s not going to tell me anything if you’re around.

Henry: Okay.

Emma: Thank you.

(Henry leaves the diner.)

Ruby: She left town. Said she was going to try Boston. Thought she could disappear there.

Emma: How long ago did she leave?

Ruby: About a half an hour.

———–
(Emma is driving by herself. Henry, who was hiding, reveals himself.)

Henry: What’d she tell you?

Emma: Henry! What the hell? I’m going to Boston. You can’t come with me.

Henry: You can’t go to Boston! She can’t leave. Bad things happen to anyone who does.

Emma: I don’t have time to argue with you over the curse. I’ve got to get you home.

Henry: We have to stop her before she gets hurt! We’re wasting time! If you drop me off, we’ll never catch up to her.

Emma: Henry.

Henry: And then Mr. Gold will call the police, and he’ll have her sent to jail.

Emma: …Buckle up. Ashley, what did you get yourself into?

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Cinderella, Prince Thomas, Prince Charming and Grumpy are walking through the dungeons.)

Cinderella: Why are we down here?

Prince Thomas: We need a place to keep him.

Prince Charming: Rumpelstiltskin is the most dangerous man in all the realms. He needs his own special prison. So, we converted the mines to hold him.

Cinderella: But how will we get him here? He’s eluded all forever.

Grumpy: His strength is also his weakness. His deals – he can’t resist making them and we already know who he wants to deal with next. You.

Prince Charming: We sent word with one of Snow’s bluebirds. He’s accepted a meeting with you. You’re going to tell him that Doc heard something with his stethoscope – two heart beats.

Prince Thomas: You’re going to tell him it’s twins.

Prince Charming: And if he wants both, which he will, you propose a new deal. Grumpy.

(Grumpy takes out a box and opens it. Inside is a red quill.)

Cinderella: A quill? I-I don’t understand.

Grumpy: The Blue Fairy cast a spell on it. Whoever signs with this will be frozen – their magic made impotent.

Prince Charming: All you must do is get him to sign the contract. Ella, this man is a scourge. You’ll be doing the entire land a service.

Cinderella: Should we even use magic? Isn’t that what’s causing these problems to begin with? What if this magic also has a price?

Prince Thomas: Then, I will pay it. I will do whatever is needed to save you and our child.

Prince Charming: Let’s go.

(They go farther into the dungeon until they come to a cell.)

Grumpy: Hope you like it. A lot of dwarf blood went into it.

Cinderella: You sure this will work?

Prince Charming: Once he’s in there, he’ll never get out. You’ll be safe.

Prince Thomas: I can do this, Ella.

Cinderella: Okay. Let’s get him.

–[Real World]–

(Emma and Henry are driving along the road. Henry sees something ahead of them and points.)

Henry: I told you! It’s her car.

(They pull over and rush to Ruby’s car, which has been driven into a ditch.)

Emma: Ashley!

(Ashley is not in the car. They hear a moan and find Ashley sitting in the grass.)

Ashley: My baby! It’s coming!

———–

(Emma, Henry and Ashley are in Emma’s car.)

Henry: Is the baby really coming?

Emma: Ohh yeah. Don’t worry – the hospital isn’t that far.

Ashley: No! No, no, no. Take me to Boston. I can’t go back there.

Emma: Oh no, we don’t have four hours. Trust me – I know.

Ashley: I can’t go back there. Please. He’s going to take my baby.

Emma: I won’t let that happen. Do you know what you’re asking for? If you keep this child, are you really ready?

Ashley: Yeah.

Emma: Are you sure? Because I wasn’t.

Ashley: You weren’t?

Emma: Nope. If you want to give this kid its best chance, it’s going to be with someone who’s ready, so know what that means. Your whole life is going to change and once you decide that it’s yours, this ‘running away’ can’t happen. You have to grow up and you can’t ever leave. Understand?

Ashley: Yes. I want my baby.

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Cinderella is waiting outside for Rumpelstiltskin.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Well, well, well! You’re starting to show. A little bird told me you wanted to speak?

Cinderella: Yes. I’d like to alter the bargain.

Rumpelstiltskin: That’s not what I do.

Cinderella: I think you’ll want to. I’m having twins.

Rumpelstiltskin: Is that so? Ooo! Let’s have a look. And you would, what? Give up both?

(Cinderella nods.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Why is that, I wonder?

Cinderella: My husband, he’s… He’s having a hard time. Our kingdom is poor, we’re losing money, our crops are dying… We can’t support ourselves or our people.

Rumpelstiltskin: And you would trade your other child for…comfort?

Cinderella: I can always have more children, but I can’t make crops grow where the soil is dead. In exchange for our other child, you will see to it that our land is once again fertile. I think it’s more than fair.

Rumpelstiltskin: Yes! Yes, yes. It is. If what you’re saying is true.

Cinderella: It is. And all you have to do, is sign on the dotted line.

Rumpelstiltskin: What a lovely quill! Wherever did you get it?

Cinderella: It’s from our castle.

Rumpelstiltskin: You know, the only way to stop me, is through magic.

Cinderella: I’m not trying to stop you.

Rumpelstiltskin: Of course you’re not. Because, as we all know, all magic comes with a price. And if you were to use it to, say, imprison me, then your debt to me would only grow. And we wouldn’t want that, now, would we?

Cinderella: Just sign the contract, please.

Rumpelstiltskin: Are you sure you’re happy with this new arrangement?

(Cinderella holds up the contract. Rumpelstiltskin takes it from her and goes to sign it.)

Rumpelstiltskin: Then so it shall be.

(He signs it and is then instantly frozen.)

Cinderella: Thomas!

Rumpelstiltskin: No one breaks deals with me, dearie. No one. No matter where you are, no matter what land you find yourself in, I assure you – I will have your baby.

–[Real World]–

(Emma and Henry are sitting in the waiting room of the hospital.)

Henry: You know, Emma. You’re different.

Emma: What’s that?

Henry: You’re the only one who could do it.

Emma: Break the curse? Yes, I know. You keep telling me that.

Henry: No. Leave. You’re the only one who can leave Storybrooke.

Emma: You left and came and found me in Boston.

Henry: But I came back. I’m ten – I had no choice. But if anyone else tried to go, bad things would happen.

Emma: Anyone, except me?

Henry: You’re the saviour. You can do whatever you want. You can go.

(A doctor approaches them.)

Doctor: Miss Swan. Baby is a healthy six pound girl and the mother is doing fine.

(Mr. Gold has just entered the hospital.)

Mr. Gold: What lovely news. Excellent work, Miss Swan. Thank you for bringing me my merchandise.

–[Fairy Tale World]–

(Rumpelstiltskin is being taken to a cell on the back of a carriage. Cinderella and Prince Thomas stand off to the side.)

Cinderella: Did we really win?

Prince Thomas: Yes. I told you we would.

Cinderella: I was so afraid. I was so afraid that we’d fail. That… That I’d have to go back to that life. That… That terrible life. I was… I was afraid that I would lose you and that nothing would have changed.

Prince Thomas: As long as I’m alive, you will never go back to that life.

(They kiss.)

Prince Thomas: Now. How is our little Alexandra?

Cinderella: Alexandra?

Prince Thomas: Did I not mention that I picked out a name?

Cinderella: A name? That’s more like a prison sentence.

Prince Thomas: Well, I like it.

Cinderella: Mm, men. You really know nothing of ch-

(Cinderella hunches over in pain.)

Prince Thomas: Ella, what is it?

Cinderella: Oh, it’s… It’s the baby. Something’s wrong.

Prince Thomas: No, no, no. It can’t be. It’s too soon. It must be the stress. The excitement.

Cinderella: Oh, I’m dizzy.

Prince Thomas: Sit, sit. I’ll go get you water.

Cinderella: Okay.

(He runs into the forest and finds a well. He goes to drag the bucket up, when he hears a noise in the bushes.)

Cinderella: Thomas! It’s okay! It’s passed! Thomas?

(She goes into the forest and comes across the well. However, Prince Thomas is gone and all that is left is his cape.)

Cinderella: Thomas? Thomas!

(Cinderella goes back to where Rumpelstiltskin is caged and where the rest are waiting.)

Cinderella: What did you do?

Prince Charming: Ella, what’s wrong?

Grumpy: Your Highness, what happened?

Cinderella: What did you do to my Thomas?

Rumpelstiltskin: I haven’t done anything. I case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been otherwise engaged.

Cinderella: Something’s happened to him. You know. Tell me!

Rumpelstiltskin: I have no idea, dearie. But I did warn you – all magic comes at a price. Looks like someone has just paid.

Prince Charming: Don’t listen to him. We’ll find Thomas.

Rumpelstiltskin: No, you won’t. Until that debt is paid, until that baby is mine, you’re never going to see him again. In this world or the next, Cinderella, I will have that baby.

–[Real World]–

(Mr. Gold is getting a cup of coffee at the coffee machine. Emma walks up next to him.)

Mr. Gold: Well, well. Must be my lucky day. Care for a cup, Miss Swan?

Emma: A baby? That’s your merchandise? Why didn’t you tell me?

Mr. Gold: Well because, at the time, you didn’t need to know.

Emma: Really? Or you thought I wouldn’t take the job?

Mr. Gold: On the contrary, I thought it would be more effective if you found out yourself. After seeing Ashley’s hard life, I thought it would make sense. Do you? I mean, if anyone could understand the reasons behind giving up a baby, I assumed it would be you.

Emma: You’re not getting that kid.

Mr. Gold: Actually, we have an agreement. My agreements are always honoured. If not, I’m going to have to involve the police and that baby is going to end up in the system. And that would be a pity. You didn’t enjoy your time in the system, did you, Emma?

Emma: It’s not going to happen.

Mr. Gold: I like your confidence. Charming. But all I have to do is press charges. She did, after all, break into my shop.

Emma: Let me guess – to steal a contract?

Mr. Gold: Who knows what she was after?

Emma: You know no jury in the world will put a woman in jail, whose only reason for breaking and entering was to keep her child. I’m willing to roll the dice that contract doesn’t stand up. Are you? Not to mention what might come out about you in the process. Somehow, I suspect, there is more to you than a simple pawn broker. You really want to start that fight?

Mr. Gold: I like you, Miss Swan. You’re not afraid of me, and that’s either cocky or presumptuous. Either way, I’d rather have you on my side.

Emma: so, she can keep the baby?

Mr. Gold: Not just yet. There’s still the matter of my agreement with Miss Boyd.

Emma: Tear it up.

Mr. Gold: That’s not what I do. You see, contracts – deals – well, they’re the very foundation of all civilized existence. So, I put it to you now. If you want Ashley to have that baby, are you willing to make a deal with me?

Emma: What do you want?

Mr. Gold: Oh, I don’t know just yet. You’ll owe me a favour.

Emma: Deal.

———–

(Emma and Henry enter Ashley’s room. She’s holding the baby.)

Emma: Hey. What’s her name?

Ashley: Alexandra.

Emma: It’s pretty.

Ashley: Thank you for getting me here.

Emma: Mr. Gold was outside. I took care of it – she’s yours.

Ashley: She is? What did you do?

Emma: Made a deal with him.

Ashley: Thank you. Thank you.

Emma: Oh, hey, kid. It’s almost five. We got to get you home.

(Emma and Henry both run out of the room.)

———–

(Regina is zipping up her dress. A shower can be heard in the background.)

Regina: I have to go. Henry’s expecting me home at five. But I’ll see you again. The next council meeting? Oh, and don’t forget – you left your socks under the bed.

(Regina leaves.)

———–

(Emma and Henry are in Emma’s car.)

Emma: Pumpkin. My code name. I was thinking in honour of Cinderella. Pumpkin.

(Henry shakes his head.)

Emma: You got a better one in mind?

Henry: Yep.

Emma: Well?

Henry: I’m not sure you’re ready yet.

(Emma pulls up to Henry’s house. Henry gets out, but Emma calls after him.)

Emma: Henry! About what you said at the hospital. About me being able to leave?

Henry: Yeah?

Emma: See you tomorrow.

(Emma drives away. Henry runs inside, just as Regina’s car pulls in the driveway. He runs upstairs and one of his shoes falls off. Regina enters the front door.)

Regina: Henry!

(Henry runs into his room, throws down his backpack and grabs a book. He lays down on his bed and throws off his one shoe. Regina is yelling as she walks up the stairs. She enters Henry’s room.)

Regina: Henry? What did I tell you? Do not leave your shoes lying around on the stairs. Someone could get hurt.

(Regina gives Henry his shoe and leaves. He breathes a sigh of relief.)

———–

(Sean enters Ashley’s room at the hospital.)

Sean: Is that her?

Ashley: Sean.

Sean: I am so sorry. I never should have left you.

Ashley: You’re back.

Sean: Yeah. I’m back. Here – I got her a present.

(He takes out a pair of shoes and tries to put them on the baby’s feet.)

Sean: I don’t know if they’re going to fit.

Ashley: They’re perfect.

(They kiss.)

———–

(Emma is leaning against her car. She takes out her phone and a piece of paper. She dials a number.)

Graham: Hello?

Emma: Graham? It’s Emma. I was thinking, maybe some roots wouldn’t be so bad. That deputy job still open?

Graham: Absolutely.

Emma: Then I’m in. Regina going to be okay with this?

Graham: I don’t care. It’s my department. I’ll see you Monday morning.

Emma: See ya.

(Emma hangs up. Elsewhere, Graham is in the same room that Regina was in earlier. He looks under the bed and grabs his socks.)

–[End]–
Post Reply