Meant To Be

Chapter Three

We walk on the Toll Bridge and look over the railing at the splashing water. "This is gorgeous." Robin spoke softly, enjoying the scenery. "I'm glad you like it." I reply. He walked across the bridge and I followed. We stopped at the shoreline beside the other side of the bridge. "Roland would love this. He loves seeing tiny fish swim around in ponds and lakes." He said pointing at the fish that were swimming happily. "How sweet." I smile and look closer. I see a gold speck wedged in the sand. "Oh my-" I start to say. My ring. I quickly lean in to try and pick it up, but, apparently I moved to quickly. I fell into the water. It all happens suddenly. I scream, Robin shouts my name, and I'm soaking wet. I feel a hand grasp mine. He pulls me out of the water and into his arms. "Are you okay?" He asks. "Yes, I'm fine." I say shivering. The water was really cold but the atmosphere was warm and had a pleasant breeze. "So, you fell into the water for no apparent reason?" He laughs and hands me his jacket. I take it and wrap it around my shoulders. It has a pine tree smell to it. "No, I thought I saw my ring." I mumble. "Ring? Was it an important ring? Like a wedding ring." He asks quickly. I look into his eyes and see hurt. "No, no. It was just a ring given to me by the stable boy, back in our land." I assure him. "So you two-" He starts to say. "Courted? Yes. He proposed to me. But, we weren't able to get married. There were some very unfortunate events." I cut him off and look down at my now soaking wet shoes. "Oh, well I'm sorry." Is all he says. I feel all of my past emotions overwhelm me. Losing Daniel, losing my mother, losing Henry. I've lost too many people that I care about. "I have to get home." I quickly mumble and start walking towards the bridge. He jogs behind me. "Wait, I'll walk with you." He says and catches up with me. "No, you don't have to." I say before I break down. "It's okay, I -" He looks at me and stops walking. "Are you crying?" I wipe my cheek with my hand. "No, of course not!" I stammer and instantly feel myself blushing. "Did something happen between you and this stable boy?" He asks. "No, absolutely nothing. Nothing you should be concerned about." I reply, waving him off and walking faster. I hear him running behind me. I give up. He walks next to me but doesn't say anything. We walk back towards my house. "You're really persistent aren't you?" I laugh and sniffle. "Not persistent. Just caring." He replies. I can tell he's being genuine. I laugh again. He's so likable. He has almost the perfect personality. We continue to walk in silence from then on. I open the gate and walk towards the door. "Thank you." Robin calls from behind me. "For what? Totally embarrassing myself?" I ask, looking at myself. I look like a complete mess. "No, for showing me the Toll Bridge. And letting me get to know you better. I doubt you open up to many people." He says and walks towards me. I stand still, trying to figure out what he's doing. "Sure, I'm glad you enjoyed the Storybrooke scenery." I say, avoiding the last part of his statement. He stands in front of me and holds my hand. Then, all at once, he kisses it. "I had quite a pleasurable time." He whispers. Then he walks back towards the gate and leaves. I look down at my hand, which is now placed back at my side. Astonished. Shocked. Dumbfounded. All words to describe my current state. I slowly turn around and walk up to the door. I open it and step inside. The fresh smell of crisp apples overwhelm me. I close the door and smile. "I had a pleasurable time too, Robin Hood." I say aloud to myself. I walk over to the steps leading upstairs and sit down. I feel absolutely..... Disgusting. My makeup is probably ruined, my dress soaked, and my hair a mess. I take my shoes off and then remember I have his jacket on. I laugh to myself and slowly take it off. He didn't ask for it back. Maybe that was his way of insuring we would meet again. I hug it, embracing the smell of pine trees. And this time.....

I don't mind.

End of Chapter Three