Chapter 4
As they walk through town Ruby is determined to wake Dorothy. Others stare as the small band of women make their way towards Granny’s. Red walks in with the others following close behind. She wasn’t about to just give up now that they had some hope of saving the woman she loved. As she walked in the Blind witch informed them, “Sorry no dogs allowed.”
Not one to take such comments Ruby was ready for a fight, “Nobody talks to me like that in my dinner.”
The blonde corrected her, “It's not yours dear. Not yet.”
Wanting to just get the information and get out Emma spoke up. “There's a tombstone in the cemetery, Emily Brown, why don't you make this easy and tell us where to find her.”
Always one to look out for her best interest the witch replied, “What do I get out of it?”
Regina hated these games. “The wolf keeps her cloak on. Unless you want to start putting your customers on the menu?”
The blind woman thought for a moment then caved, “Fine. I know her.”
“Yeah?” Regina questioned.
Annoyed she answered, “Yeah. I hate that Auntie Em.”
“Why is that?” Snow asked.
Still annoyed at the thought of the woman the blonde answered, “Because she's the competition.”
The group went around the corner and found their way to Auntie’s. It was like Granny’s with very few differences. As the four walked in the old woman gave them a welcoming, “Welcome to Auntie's. The pop pie is my own family recipe but we do a good roasted chicken too. Rotisserie any way you want. But the soup the soup is to die for. Unless you're already dead, then it's well you know what I mean.”
Trying to get everyone where they need to be Emma blurted out, “We're trying to help Dorothy.”
Emily paused at the mention of her niece. She turned and looked at the newcomers, “You know my Dorothy?”
“Yes.” Was her short reply.
A little worried about the news she asked, “She's not down here is she? “
“No, she's alive but she needs your help.” Ruby clarified.
“She needs true loves kiss all you need to do is blow a kiss into the bottle.” Emma further informed her.
“Maybe helping Dorothy is your unfinished business. Maybe that's why you're down here.” Snow added as a little hope for the elderly woman. Nodding the woman grabbed the bottle and removed the top. As she was about to blow her kiss into it she started to change. Her body became translucent.
“Emma what did you do?” Snow asked her daughter.
Seeing her hope slip away Red wanted something to be done, “Somebody help her.”
“Emma!” Snow said.
“I didn't do anything.” Emma went over what happened before coming and then when she handed the bottle to the woman.
“Somebody do something.” Red said frantically. Her breathing became hard as if she was trying not to cry as the old woman fell into a puddle on the floor.
Surprised by it all Regina questioned, “What the hell was that?”
Sitting off to the corner was the one who has been a pain in their ass since they got here. “I don't think the soup agreed with her,” Hades said as he took another bite of food.
Everyone turns to look at who spoke. Emma realized why it happened when she sees who it is, “You did this.”
Standing and setting his napkin on the table he agrees, “Hmm, hmm, guilty. A little water from the river of souls gives the soup a little something special.”
Still finding it hard to believe that anyone could be so cruel Snow asked, “Why would you hurt her? She was just a sweet old lady.”
Feeling his annoyance began to surface he answered, “Hmm, isn't it obvious..Because you're trying to help her.” He stood closer to them as he spoke.
It hit the Queen why else he would be helping, “And Dorothy who happens to be Zelena's sworn enemy. Did she put you up to this?”
Wishing she did and he had done something to make her smile he answered, “Trust me she has no idea I'm here but this is about so much more than your sister. Let's call it a teachable moment.”
Feeling like they were getting a look at what could be a chink in his armor Emma observed, “You wouldn't be here unless you were scared we might actually win this fight.”
Trying to hide his worry he laughed at her. “Oh yeah. Is that so, savoir. Because I don't think Dorothy's dear old Aunt Em would agree with you.” He made his way to the puddle, picking up a cloth he started soaking her up. He then put her into a mason jar. He addresses those in the dinner, “Citizens of the underworld, from now on this is what happens to anyone who deals with these so called heroes. So who's next in line for their help?...oh, hmm…” He looks around for anyone who would volunteer. Looking to Emma he walks to her, “It's hard to be a savior when no one wants you to save them.” He leaves the women to think about what just happened.
Red looks at the three other women unable to voice her worry or fears. She leaves them and goes to the only familiar place she has here, Granny’s. As she stood in the back looking out the window she wondered what she was going to do now. She would never get a chance to tell Dorothy how she felt. She wouldn’t get to show Kansas that she was worth a try. She wouldn’t be able to show herself that she was worth it either. As her thoughts continued down this dark path she was brought back by a sigh from someone walking towards her.
“There you are.” Snow. “It's not safe here.”
Not really caring Ruby turned to Snow, “What are we going to do now?”
Knowing her friend was at a lost and seemed to have more on her mind then she wanted others to know. “What we always do. We fix things”
Wishing she could have such optimism she pointed out, “But no one can wake Dorothy up now.”
Knowing she might be pushing her friend by saying anything at the same time though she has to get to the bottom of her suspicions. “I don't think that's entirely true.”
Red freezes for a moment at her words. Does Snow know something she doesn’t? “Well who else can give her true loves kiss?” She asked trying to figure out where her friend was going.
Turning Snow sits down and smirks as she looks at Ruby. “I don't know. I don't know. Maybe...Hmmm...You.”
“What?” Was all the brunette could answer. They stare at each other for a moment before Red finally gives in. She smiles because she realized that Snow knows.
“Ruby you're my best friend, I know you and I see how worried you are. You can tell me.” Trying to be a little gentle because she remembers when she was in denial with Charming.
Giving in she confirms her friends thoughts. “Your right.”
Happy for Ruby yet confused she asked, “So why are you standing here? Why aren't you on your way to OZ?”
Her heart dropped at the questions. She wanted to be but there was a problem, “True love is a two way street and Dorothy I don't think feels the same.”
“Why? What makes you think that?”
“She kind of bailed on me back in OZ.” Red looked down at the piece of fabric she held onto smiling to herself.
“So...Love's a funny thing. When I met Charming I hit him in the face. People in love hurt each other all the time.” Snow wanted Red to finally have what she has.
“Yeah may..maybe. Umm...but...uh. It's just.” She sighs at being so flustered at the whole situation. “I've never been so scared by anything before.” She is trying to hold back tears as she lightly chuckles.
“That's a great sign, love is freakin scary. I'm about to say goodbye to David for what might be a really really long time, and you know why I'm ok with it? Because what you get back when you love someone far out ways the risk.” Snow would do anything to have her friend happy. Red had been there through so much that all Snow wanted was her happiness. That’s why she said goodbye when Red wanted to find her pack. Its why she will find a way for Red to get to back to her true love.
Finally hearing what she needed Red agreed. “Alright I'll..I'll try.” She laughs at how silly she feels at the thought of Dorothy really being her true love.