3x02 ; Back to the start
"Why are you staring at me?" Snow asked. She had absolutely no patience, and Becca was staring at her like she was something she'd never seen before. They were eating a late lunch, and no one had still told her why she'd woken up in a strange room, wearing an ugly dress and with a guy hovering over her. And why was Jefferson in the castle? Who was Charming? Her head was aching.
"I'm not", Becca said quickly and stared at her plate. There were many new people at the table Snow didn't recognize.
"What's new with you, Ella?" Snow turned to Cinderella, who was looking highly awkward.
"Oh, not much. We had a baby", Ella said, and Snow's eyes widened.
"Wow. Congratulations", she even gave them a small smile. But it didn't reach the eys.
August was observing in facination. He always liked to stay and see how his project turned out. He hadn't been much affected by Becca's little threat, though. He was three times stronger than she would ever be.
"How are you feeling?" Red asked Snow quietly, and she turned to look at the best friend she could no longer remember.
"Fine, whoever you are", she said, and then groaned. "Will someone just tell me what's going on?"
Becca was about to speak, but August answered: "In time."
"Why in time?" Becca asked as she and August were in the kitchen, surrounded by the staff, but at least they had privacy.
"We have to see if her memories come back on their own", August said simply.
"That's funny, because you told me she'd never be the same", Becca said. "So which is it?"
"I don't know", August said. "Everyone's different. We will see. Give it time."
"Go to hell", Becca snapped and walked past him out of the room.
Snow was in the garden, sitting on the bench, looking into the distance.
"Hey", she turned to see that guy Charming looking at her.
"Oh, hi, James.. Right?" Snow gave him a smile and turned away again.
"Yeah, I..", Charming sighed and sat next to her. "Are you ok?"
"What's wrong with me?" Snow cut to the chase and stared at the man she didn't remember. "Why is everyone asking me that?"
"You were in an accident", Charming explained. "You were badly injured."
"Why can't I remember?" Snow whispered.
Charming just closed his eyes and shook his head. "I don't know. I really don't know.."
"Is there something wrong with my memory? Are you my doctor or something?" Snow asked.
Charming bit his lip. "Yeah", he lied. "I guess I am."
"What's wrong with my memory? Why can't I remember the accident?" Snow asked eagerly.
"Charming", they both turned to Becca, who was standing a few feet away from them. "Thomas needs you inside."
"I'm good here", Charming said, but Becca only replied: "Now."
Snow watched in confusion as James walked away and Becca took his seat.
"What's going on?" Snow asked for about the 100th time. "Who is that man?"
"It's a long story", Becca said.
"He's handsome", Snow said. "Are you with him?"
"No", Becca chuckled. "Certainly not."
"Really?" Snow chuckled. "Well, look a that", she got up.
Becca observed her.
"You don't like apples", she said as Snow picked up one of the apples from the tree and took a bite.
"Yes, I do", Snow protested. "What's up with you?"
"Nothing", Becca said as she got up as well.
"Can I please go change my clothes? This dress is horrible."
Becca sighed and nodded. "Go."
"Thank you", Snow said in boredom, dropped the half-eaten apple to the ground and walked up the steps into the palace.
"She punched me", Becca turned around to see Jefferson walking closer to her.
"She's changed", Becca said in concern.
"Yeah."
"Can we override what August did?" Becca asked. "Make her come back?"
Jefferson shook his head. "This is dark magic. August's magic. Not mine, or Eric's."
Becca nodded.
"Where do you know him from, anyway?" he asked in curiosity.
Becca blushed. "Long story, my friend. One hell of a long story."
"I have time", Jefferson shook his shoulders.
Becca nodded ans they sat on the bench.
"You do realize that this means a second chance for you, too?" she turned to Jefferson, whose jaw clenched at the words. "You can get her back."
"No", Jefferson said. "I had my chance. And another one. Her heart belongs to Charming."
"Snow's heart belonged to Charming", Becca pointed out. "This woman's not Snow."
"Then I don't even want her", Jefferson snapped. "Can you just tell me the story?"
Becca smiled. "About a few years ago I travelled far away, even further than the far away mountains. I just wanted a break from everything. My hate for Snow was exhausting me. Anyway, as I travelled through the mountains, a huge snow storm hit me, and I probably fainted. I thought I was going to die, but the next thing I knew, I was awake in a house I didn't recognize, with a man I didn't know looking at me."
"August", Jefferson said.
"Yes. He took care of me. He was amazing. Different, clever, brave, sarcastic..", Becca chuckled. "I thought I loved him. But then, one day, he told me of this place called Neverland."
"Neverland?" Jefferson's eyebrows rose. "I've heard of that."
"Yeah, the place where you don't grow old. Anyway, he told me he'd heard about me and what I'd done in the past, and he said he wanted my assistance to get there. To Neverland. I realized he'd only used me, that he'd never loved me, so I left. And he let me go."
Jefferson nodded. "How did you contact him this time?"
"I told the birds to find him", Becca smiled. "Despite it all, despite how I've changed, what he did, what I feel for Eric.. I still can't help but to think that maybe my love for August was indeed real."
"He's a wizard", Jefferson said. "He could have enchanted you."
"I know", Becca nodded. "But aren't all loves just spells waiting to be broken? Because what happened to Snow and Charming seems quite a lot like that."
Jefferson nodded. "You're right."
"I'll leave you to your thoughts", Becca said and got up.
"I'm worried about Snow", Ella said as she and Thomas were packing, ready to go back home. They'd left the baby with Thomas' father, and it was time to go back.
"So am I", Thomas agreed. "But we have to go home. Let them sort this out theirselves."
"Am I a horrible person for thinking that maybe it would have been better if Snow would have stayed dead?" Ella whispered. "At least then her memory wouldn't have been.. ruined.. like this. Compassion was always such a huge part of her. So was love."
"I know", Thomas sighed. "She'll come back. I promise."
"You promise?" Ella smiled as she looked into her husband's eyes, and as he nodded, she kissed him gently.
"Eric, how long are you going to be Becca's doormat?" Snow asked as she and Eric were in the library. Actually, Eric had been there, and Snow had somehow wandered there."
"Excuse me?" Eric asked.
"She treats you like trash. I mean, she's my sister, and I love her", Snow said, and didn't mean it. She couldn't. "But she doesn't love you."
"Things have changed", Eric said. It was true, but maybe not the thing he was arguing about.
"I hate to see you waste your life", Snow shook her shoulders. "But if you truly think she's worth waiting for, then fine."
"Love is worth waiting for", Eric said firmly.
"I've never been in love", Snow said. She couldn't even remember what she'd felt for Jefferson.
"Not even with my brother?" Eric asked in disbelief.
"Of course not. That bastard stole from me and embarrased me", Snow said as she got up to leave. "I hate him."
Eric watched as she walked away and then scoffed. "Wow."
Snow reached her bedroom just in time to find Charming there, packing up his things.
"What are you doing here?" Snow asked in confusion.
"Oh, I'm sorry. This was.. uh.. My room when you were gone", Charming said. "Sorry. I'll go."
"Thanks", Snow said. "Where was I again?"
"That's not for me to tell", Charming said sadly as he walked past her, his things in his hands.
"Where are you gonna go?" Snow asked.
"I'll find some other place to stay."
"There are plenty of rooms here. You'll be fine", Snow said.
"I don't know if I'm staying", Charming said. He wasn't sure if he could.
"Well, it was nice to meet you all the same", Snow shook her shoulders. "Hey, do you know what this is?"
Charming watched as Snow removed the ring from her finger. Her wedding ring.
"This must be some kind of a mistake. I'm not married. I'd remember", Snow snorted.
"Yeah", Charming whispered.
"Can you take it? I have enough crap of my own, and you're my doctor, so.. Sell it or something", Snow said and handed him the ring.
"Thank you..", Charming's voice almost broke as he watched the ring in his hand.
"Bye now", Snow meant that as a sign for Charming to get away from the doorway, which he, reluctantly, did.
"Eric", Becca found Eric still in the library and sat next to him.
"What?" Eric asked. "What's wrong?"
"You can't seriously be asking me that", Becca scoffed.
"I know that this situation is horrible for Charming and Red and the others, but you.. You get a second chance", Eric said in confusion. "So I don't understand your distress."
"I guess I've changed", Becca smiled, and Eric couldn't help but to think that maybe giving their relationship another go wouldn't be such a bad idea...
"Jefferson's pretty upset", Becca said, and Eric chuckled.
"Well, yeah. She slapped him."
"Snow is so different", Becca said. "She's more like me than I am right now."
"Maybe you've changed for good", Eric said, and he truly hoped it was the case.
"Don't get your hopes up", Becca smiled, but touched his hand anyway before standing up. "I have to go try to clean this mess up."
"August", Becca caught up with August as he was walking down the halls, bags in hand, obviously ready to leave.
"Oh, Rebecca", he said lazily. "I'm sorry for not taking your threat seriously, but I have more important business to attend to."
"If you stay and help Snow, I'll help you find Neverland", Becca said, and August slowly turned to look at her.
"You remember."
"Of course I remember", Becca said. She eyed August for a moment, thinking he was going to say no, but then he smiled.
"Sure. If you can pull it off, get me to Neverland, yes, I will help Snow White."
"I thought you said there was nothing to be done", Becca said angrily.
"A true liar never reveals all of his secrets at once", August smiled. "You used to know that."
"I've changed."
"I've noticed", August nodded. "But under these circumstances, the previous, powerful Becca might have been more useful." Becca watched as August begun to walk away. "Don't worry, just heading to my room. You keep your end of the deal, I keep mine."
Becca scoffed and watched him walk away.
"Hey, you..", Snow found Charming in the stables, getting ready to leave. He'd decided that it was too painful to be around Snow, for now. But he was never going to leave for good. He just needed time.
"Stay", Snow said simply and stared at Charming. She didn't know why she cared, but she did.
"Why?" Charming was hoping maybe she'd remember..
"I don't know. But I drove you away from your room. I'd hate to drive you away from the castle", Snow shook her shoulders. "So stay. What do I care?"
Charming smiled as Snow started to back away from the stables.
"Horses scare me", she said, absent-minded, before walking out.
"Charming", he turned around to see Becca looking at him.
"What?"
"I need your help", Becca said simply.
"With what?" Charming asked in confusion. "I thought you were going to fix this."
"I am. But I need you to find out everything you can about a place called Neverland."
"Why?"
"Why? Because that's our key to bringing Snow back", Becca said.
"Why are you staring at me?" Snow asked. She had absolutely no patience, and Becca was staring at her like she was something she'd never seen before. They were eating a late lunch, and no one had still told her why she'd woken up in a strange room, wearing an ugly dress and with a guy hovering over her. And why was Jefferson in the castle? Who was Charming? Her head was aching.
"I'm not", Becca said quickly and stared at her plate. There were many new people at the table Snow didn't recognize.
"What's new with you, Ella?" Snow turned to Cinderella, who was looking highly awkward.
"Oh, not much. We had a baby", Ella said, and Snow's eyes widened.
"Wow. Congratulations", she even gave them a small smile. But it didn't reach the eys.
August was observing in facination. He always liked to stay and see how his project turned out. He hadn't been much affected by Becca's little threat, though. He was three times stronger than she would ever be.
"How are you feeling?" Red asked Snow quietly, and she turned to look at the best friend she could no longer remember.
"Fine, whoever you are", she said, and then groaned. "Will someone just tell me what's going on?"
Becca was about to speak, but August answered: "In time."
"Why in time?" Becca asked as she and August were in the kitchen, surrounded by the staff, but at least they had privacy.
"We have to see if her memories come back on their own", August said simply.
"That's funny, because you told me she'd never be the same", Becca said. "So which is it?"
"I don't know", August said. "Everyone's different. We will see. Give it time."
"Go to hell", Becca snapped and walked past him out of the room.
Snow was in the garden, sitting on the bench, looking into the distance.
"Hey", she turned to see that guy Charming looking at her.
"Oh, hi, James.. Right?" Snow gave him a smile and turned away again.
"Yeah, I..", Charming sighed and sat next to her. "Are you ok?"
"What's wrong with me?" Snow cut to the chase and stared at the man she didn't remember. "Why is everyone asking me that?"
"You were in an accident", Charming explained. "You were badly injured."
"Why can't I remember?" Snow whispered.
Charming just closed his eyes and shook his head. "I don't know. I really don't know.."
"Is there something wrong with my memory? Are you my doctor or something?" Snow asked.
Charming bit his lip. "Yeah", he lied. "I guess I am."
"What's wrong with my memory? Why can't I remember the accident?" Snow asked eagerly.
"Charming", they both turned to Becca, who was standing a few feet away from them. "Thomas needs you inside."
"I'm good here", Charming said, but Becca only replied: "Now."
Snow watched in confusion as James walked away and Becca took his seat.
"What's going on?" Snow asked for about the 100th time. "Who is that man?"
"It's a long story", Becca said.
"He's handsome", Snow said. "Are you with him?"
"No", Becca chuckled. "Certainly not."
"Really?" Snow chuckled. "Well, look a that", she got up.
Becca observed her.
"You don't like apples", she said as Snow picked up one of the apples from the tree and took a bite.
"Yes, I do", Snow protested. "What's up with you?"
"Nothing", Becca said as she got up as well.
"Can I please go change my clothes? This dress is horrible."
Becca sighed and nodded. "Go."
"Thank you", Snow said in boredom, dropped the half-eaten apple to the ground and walked up the steps into the palace.
"She punched me", Becca turned around to see Jefferson walking closer to her.
"She's changed", Becca said in concern.
"Yeah."
"Can we override what August did?" Becca asked. "Make her come back?"
Jefferson shook his head. "This is dark magic. August's magic. Not mine, or Eric's."
Becca nodded.
"Where do you know him from, anyway?" he asked in curiosity.
Becca blushed. "Long story, my friend. One hell of a long story."
"I have time", Jefferson shook his shoulders.
Becca nodded ans they sat on the bench.
"You do realize that this means a second chance for you, too?" she turned to Jefferson, whose jaw clenched at the words. "You can get her back."
"No", Jefferson said. "I had my chance. And another one. Her heart belongs to Charming."
"Snow's heart belonged to Charming", Becca pointed out. "This woman's not Snow."
"Then I don't even want her", Jefferson snapped. "Can you just tell me the story?"
Becca smiled. "About a few years ago I travelled far away, even further than the far away mountains. I just wanted a break from everything. My hate for Snow was exhausting me. Anyway, as I travelled through the mountains, a huge snow storm hit me, and I probably fainted. I thought I was going to die, but the next thing I knew, I was awake in a house I didn't recognize, with a man I didn't know looking at me."
"August", Jefferson said.
"Yes. He took care of me. He was amazing. Different, clever, brave, sarcastic..", Becca chuckled. "I thought I loved him. But then, one day, he told me of this place called Neverland."
"Neverland?" Jefferson's eyebrows rose. "I've heard of that."
"Yeah, the place where you don't grow old. Anyway, he told me he'd heard about me and what I'd done in the past, and he said he wanted my assistance to get there. To Neverland. I realized he'd only used me, that he'd never loved me, so I left. And he let me go."
Jefferson nodded. "How did you contact him this time?"
"I told the birds to find him", Becca smiled. "Despite it all, despite how I've changed, what he did, what I feel for Eric.. I still can't help but to think that maybe my love for August was indeed real."
"He's a wizard", Jefferson said. "He could have enchanted you."
"I know", Becca nodded. "But aren't all loves just spells waiting to be broken? Because what happened to Snow and Charming seems quite a lot like that."
Jefferson nodded. "You're right."
"I'll leave you to your thoughts", Becca said and got up.
"I'm worried about Snow", Ella said as she and Thomas were packing, ready to go back home. They'd left the baby with Thomas' father, and it was time to go back.
"So am I", Thomas agreed. "But we have to go home. Let them sort this out theirselves."
"Am I a horrible person for thinking that maybe it would have been better if Snow would have stayed dead?" Ella whispered. "At least then her memory wouldn't have been.. ruined.. like this. Compassion was always such a huge part of her. So was love."
"I know", Thomas sighed. "She'll come back. I promise."
"You promise?" Ella smiled as she looked into her husband's eyes, and as he nodded, she kissed him gently.
"Eric, how long are you going to be Becca's doormat?" Snow asked as she and Eric were in the library. Actually, Eric had been there, and Snow had somehow wandered there."
"Excuse me?" Eric asked.
"She treats you like trash. I mean, she's my sister, and I love her", Snow said, and didn't mean it. She couldn't. "But she doesn't love you."
"Things have changed", Eric said. It was true, but maybe not the thing he was arguing about.
"I hate to see you waste your life", Snow shook her shoulders. "But if you truly think she's worth waiting for, then fine."
"Love is worth waiting for", Eric said firmly.
"I've never been in love", Snow said. She couldn't even remember what she'd felt for Jefferson.
"Not even with my brother?" Eric asked in disbelief.
"Of course not. That bastard stole from me and embarrased me", Snow said as she got up to leave. "I hate him."
Eric watched as she walked away and then scoffed. "Wow."
Snow reached her bedroom just in time to find Charming there, packing up his things.
"What are you doing here?" Snow asked in confusion.
"Oh, I'm sorry. This was.. uh.. My room when you were gone", Charming said. "Sorry. I'll go."
"Thanks", Snow said. "Where was I again?"
"That's not for me to tell", Charming said sadly as he walked past her, his things in his hands.
"Where are you gonna go?" Snow asked.
"I'll find some other place to stay."
"There are plenty of rooms here. You'll be fine", Snow said.
"I don't know if I'm staying", Charming said. He wasn't sure if he could.
"Well, it was nice to meet you all the same", Snow shook her shoulders. "Hey, do you know what this is?"
Charming watched as Snow removed the ring from her finger. Her wedding ring.
"This must be some kind of a mistake. I'm not married. I'd remember", Snow snorted.
"Yeah", Charming whispered.
"Can you take it? I have enough crap of my own, and you're my doctor, so.. Sell it or something", Snow said and handed him the ring.
"Thank you..", Charming's voice almost broke as he watched the ring in his hand.
"Bye now", Snow meant that as a sign for Charming to get away from the doorway, which he, reluctantly, did.
"Eric", Becca found Eric still in the library and sat next to him.
"What?" Eric asked. "What's wrong?"
"You can't seriously be asking me that", Becca scoffed.
"I know that this situation is horrible for Charming and Red and the others, but you.. You get a second chance", Eric said in confusion. "So I don't understand your distress."
"I guess I've changed", Becca smiled, and Eric couldn't help but to think that maybe giving their relationship another go wouldn't be such a bad idea...
"Jefferson's pretty upset", Becca said, and Eric chuckled.
"Well, yeah. She slapped him."
"Snow is so different", Becca said. "She's more like me than I am right now."
"Maybe you've changed for good", Eric said, and he truly hoped it was the case.
"Don't get your hopes up", Becca smiled, but touched his hand anyway before standing up. "I have to go try to clean this mess up."
"August", Becca caught up with August as he was walking down the halls, bags in hand, obviously ready to leave.
"Oh, Rebecca", he said lazily. "I'm sorry for not taking your threat seriously, but I have more important business to attend to."
"If you stay and help Snow, I'll help you find Neverland", Becca said, and August slowly turned to look at her.
"You remember."
"Of course I remember", Becca said. She eyed August for a moment, thinking he was going to say no, but then he smiled.
"Sure. If you can pull it off, get me to Neverland, yes, I will help Snow White."
"I thought you said there was nothing to be done", Becca said angrily.
"A true liar never reveals all of his secrets at once", August smiled. "You used to know that."
"I've changed."
"I've noticed", August nodded. "But under these circumstances, the previous, powerful Becca might have been more useful." Becca watched as August begun to walk away. "Don't worry, just heading to my room. You keep your end of the deal, I keep mine."
Becca scoffed and watched him walk away.
"Hey, you..", Snow found Charming in the stables, getting ready to leave. He'd decided that it was too painful to be around Snow, for now. But he was never going to leave for good. He just needed time.
"Stay", Snow said simply and stared at Charming. She didn't know why she cared, but she did.
"Why?" Charming was hoping maybe she'd remember..
"I don't know. But I drove you away from your room. I'd hate to drive you away from the castle", Snow shook her shoulders. "So stay. What do I care?"
Charming smiled as Snow started to back away from the stables.
"Horses scare me", she said, absent-minded, before walking out.
"Charming", he turned around to see Becca looking at him.
"What?"
"I need your help", Becca said simply.
"With what?" Charming asked in confusion. "I thought you were going to fix this."
"I am. But I need you to find out everything you can about a place called Neverland."
"Why?"
"Why? Because that's our key to bringing Snow back", Becca said.