Chapter 6
Since arriving at Nottingham Castle, Louise had felt that like she didn’t belong there. She had no choice but to be there as Guy had brought her there when leaving the hospital.
Laying on the bed with the covers covering her, with her eyes closed, she tried to process everything on what had happened during the day. Realising that she wanted to know the truth, she was trying to figure out if there was anyone who could give her the truth, but her own conclusion was that she wouldn’t be able to find out the truth.
Being lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear Guy coming into the room. It was only when she felt an arm around her, that she was brought back to reality. Opening her eyes, she allowed them to fall on Guy. During the evening, Louise had got the impression that the Sheriff wasn’t happy with her being at the castle, but on the other hand Marian was.
“You look tired,” he whispered, moving some of her hair, tucking it behind her ear.
“I am,” she started, gently kissing Guy on the cheek.
Resting her head on the plush, soft pillows, Louise closed her eyes, drifting into a nice peaceful sleep, free from nightmares. It was the first night in where she hadn’t been filled with the nightmares of the battle of Hogwarts.
With the sunlight streaming in, adding warmth to the room, Louise’s eyes flickered, adjusting to the light. Ideally, she would have liked to be asleep for longer. Opening her eyes, Louise had been secretly hoping that the events of the previous day had been a bad dream, almost like a nightmare. Glancing around the room, she quickly realised that it had all happened and that she had some decisions to be made. Turning her head, she glanced at Guy, a weak smile appearing. To her, she felt lucky to be in a relationship with him, let alone for her to be his fiancée.
Removing the bed covers, Louise got up, sorting her nightgown out, making her way to where the light was coming from. Looking out, she tried to figure out what she would do regarding her biological parents. Now that the shock had worn of, she was ashamed of how she acted and the words she had said to them. Did they deserve a chance? She wasn’t sure- her heart was screaming yes while her mind was saying, she already had her family in the Mikaelson’s and Harry. Thinking of the Mikaelson’s, she wondered what they would say about her parentage and whether they would encourage or discourage her from knowing them.
“Louise,” Guy called out, wondering where she was.
“I’m here,” she said quietly, coming out of her own thoughts, turning her attention to Guy. Looking at him, a smile came on her face, making her way over to the bed.
“I thought you had gone,” he said, keeping his gaze firmly on Louise.
“I wouldn’t do that,” she said simply, sighing, “But I do have to go and sort things out and also see some other people,” she said, taking his hands, hoping that he wouldn’t try to stop her.
“Be safe,” he whispered, knowing full well what she meant and if the other people she mentioned was Snow and David.
“I’ll try to,” She reassured him but seeing an uncertain look on his face, Louise sighed defeatedly, “I will be safe.”
“Promise me,” Guy spoke sternly but with a caring tone in his voice. He hadn’t been entirely convinced that Louise would keep her word.
Sighing in frustration, Louise rolled her eyes wondering if it was absolutely necessary for her to do, “I promise that I’ll be safe,” she said quietly, sitting down on the bed.
For the past few hours, Louise had kept herself in Guy’s bedchamber at the castle as she didn’t fancy bumping into the Sheriff and having snide little comments made about her. If that happened, she was sure that she would retaliate, and she wasn’t going to put Guy in a position where he had to choose. It wouldn’t be fair on him.
Looking in the makeshift mirror (a very shiny silver tray), Louise tided her hair up, putting it in a ponytail. Wearing burgundy t-shirt and black denim skinny trousers, with a pair of sequined black boots, which clicked on the stone floor as she walked through the corridors of Nottingham Castle, getting lost more than a few times. Arriving in the courtyard, Louise allowed the glow of the sun to shine on her, before instructing a guard, that she would like a horse saddled up and brought to her. Waiting for the horse to come, Louise was deciding on where she could go but there were two places where her heart was saying. They were to see the Mikaelson’s and to also see Snow and David. When the guard returned, with a stable boy escorting the horse, Louise instantly decided on where she was going. Getting on the horse, she took the reins and rode of before the guard could ask her where she was going. Being out in the open fields, Louise had allowed herself to return to her thoughts, but she also tried to keep an eye out on where she was going. Taking in the surroundings, yesterday’s events seemed so far away, as if it was in another world. Entering the focus, Louise focused on where she was going, due to her promise to Guy. If he had known she was in the forest, he would have deemed it as unsafe, but to Louise, she thought it was safe due to her meeting a member of the Outlaws. As she got deeper in the forest, the trees became closer and limited the daylight. Keeping her attention on her surroundings, she was caught unaware, upon hearing a rustling sound along with an arrow flying past her, in which she caught sight of out of the corner of her eye. Before she could gain her composure, the horse got spooked and throw Louise of, bolting away from the scene. This wasn’t safe, it was the opposite. Upon falling from the horse, Louise had landed on one arm, while she swung the other arm to protect her belly. Standing up, she quickly dusted herself off, mentally cursing herself. Glancing around, she tried to see if she could see anyone. Not seeing anyone, Louise was beginning to think of the best way back to either Nottingham Forest or to Locksley Manor.
“Empty your pockets,” A male voice called out from the trees.
Glancing around, she swallowed hardly, wondering if she could get away, “I’ve got nothing on me,” She called out, preparing to walk away.
“Louise,” another male voice was heard and revealing that it was Robin Hood. Noticing a surprised look on Robin’s face, Louise smiled weakly.
“Lady Marian told us you were unwell,” Robin stated.
“That’s true, but I’m better now,” she explained, walking closer to Robin, catching sight of the outlaws appearing from their hiding places, “Out of curiosity, is that offer of a quiet place still available?” she asked sweetly.
“Robin,” a little well-built scruffy man said in quite a deep ton of voice, “She’s Gisborne’s fiancée!”
“We can trust her,” Robin said, turning his attention to the man, before glancing at Louise, “Come with us but if he finds out…”
“He won’t,” she said, as she heard the man scoffing in what Louise guessed was in annoyance with Robin’s decision.
“So why do you need the quiet?” Robin asked curiously wondering what would have happened for Louise to ask, knowing the risks.
“Need to gather my thoughts and to figure out what I’m going to do,” she explained, biting down on her lip.
“What happened?” Another man asked.
“Unexpected family news,” Louise replied, noticing that the men all seemed to stop and stare at each other and then onto her, “Not that kind but the kind where you thought you knew everything and then a secret is revealed ripping your world apart,” Louise explained, looking at the men who all seemed to be wearing a confused look.
“What secret?” Robin asked.
“I was adopted at birth,” Louise replied, saying it out loud for the first time. With her saying, it made her realise that it was true.
“Yesterday I found out who my biological parents are and upon seeing them, I reacted badly saying some things I regret now.”
“I’m not being funny, but don’t you think you should give them a chance,” Another man said.
“Allan,” Robin said, glancing at Louise, “He’s right though.”
Upon hearing the words, Louise was shocked to hear them, but she guessed that she needed to hear them. They did deserve a chance and the first opportunity they got, Louise had wasted it by being angry towards them, something she regretted now. Allan’s words had also reminded her of the time when she was thirteen years old and had reacted with anger at seeing her father Sirius Black, well adopted father, even though at the time she had been unaware that she had been adopted.
“He is and he’s just reminded of something I had forgotten about, “Louise said.
When Louise had left the castle, she had decided that she was going to see the Mikaelson’s, but since the meeting with the outlaws, she found herself on the outskirts of the forest, looking into Storybrooke. Exiting the forest, Louise let a small sigh leave her, swallowing hardly. She hadn’t expected to be nervous, but she had butterflies in her stomach. The streets of Storybrooke were quiet, turning a corner, Louise noticed a little boy playing out in a garden. With the size of the boy, Louise guessed that he was either 4 or 5 years old. As she looked at the boy, she felt that a funny feeling in that he looked familiar. Thinking this was a bad idea, Louise was ready to walk away but upon hearing a female voice calling, “Neal.”
As the female appeared in the garden and was looking at Louise suspiciously, Louise was ready to walk away.
“Can I help you?” The woman asked, keeping her gaze firmly on Louise.
“No thank you,” Louise replied, a small smile appearing, turning as she started to walk away.
“You’re Louise?” The woman stated.
“Yes I am.” Louise replied, looking to the woman, wondering how she knew, “And you are?” she asked.
“Emma Swan,” Emma replied, “You can come in if you want,” She suggested.
Hearing the last few words, Louise was surprised to hear them, raising an eyebrow, she looked at Emma, “How did you know?” Louise asked, walking into the garden.
“I can see my father in you,” Emma explained, “I was the same when I first found out.”
Listening to Emma, Louise was surprised to hear those words. She had a sister, an older sister. With Emma’s last words, Louise swallowed hardly, looking away but she guessed that her and Emma must be the same.
“You were brought up not knowing them?” she enquired, noticing Emma nodding her head.
“They won’t be long,” Emma stated, “But please do come in.”
Having been out of the castle for a few hours, Guy was glad to be back, even if that meant the Sheriff humiliated and disregarded him. Upon his arrival back at the castle, he had been notified that Louise had gone out and hadn’t disclosed in where she was going. Wherever Louise was, he knew that she would come back to her. Hearing a commotion in the courtyard, Guy came out of his thoughts and glanced to see what all the fuss was about. Seeing a horse in the courtyard, he immediately knew that it was one of the castle’s horses, yet it didn’t seem to return with its rider. The rider was probably a guard who got unlucky in the forest. Another family he would have to notify. Out of all the duties, which was the least favourite one. Sighing mentally to himself, Guy made his way into the courtyard to see what all the commotion was about but stood frozen to the spot hearing Louise’s name. Louise had been riding that horse, if it was to be believed- where was she now? So much for her being safe, he thought to himself, trying to keep the cold, unapproachable expression while his insides were screaming with worry and concern.
“Gisborne!” the voice of the Sheriff came booming loudly, through the corridors. It was enough to distract him of his thoughts on Louise- maybe she was safe, and the horse had run of.
“My Lord,” Guy said, hiding any emotion from his voice.
“Ah Gisborne, if you are going to act like a lovesick idiot, do not do it in my time,” the Sheriff stated, a sadistic smile appearing.
“I wasn’t,” Guy said defensively, glancing through the windows, hoping to see a glimpse of Louise.
Sitting in the living room of the Charming’s, Louise felt like she didn’t belong there. With the way Louise and Emma was getting along, it felt genuine, real and most of all to Louise, it felt right. Noticing that Emma was looking at the door Louise watched for a moment, seeing the front door opening. Swallowing hardly, Louise was filled with nerves.
“Looks like they’re home,” Emma stated, standing up.
“Emma,” Snow greeted Emma, quickly glancing around the room, when her gaze stopped on Louise to her surprise. Snow hadn’t expected or even anticipated another meeting with Louise, especially with the disastrous one yesterday, “Louise,” she whispered, barely audible.
Standing up, Louise looked towards Snow allowing a weak smile to appear. As Snow reached her, she brought her into a hug, “You’re here,” she said quietly, letting her daughter go.
Being hugged, Louise tentatively wrapped her arms around Snow. Being hugged by Snow, felt weird, but right at the same time. Feeling tears rolling down her cheek, Louise pulled away from the hug, wiping the tears away.
“I am,” She said quietly, “And I’m sorry for what I said yesterday.”
Watching the scene in front of him, David smiled, approaching Snow and Louise, “It’s fine,” he said placing a hand on her shoulder, “You are back home where you belong and that is all what matters.”
Hearing the words, Louise raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear that she was back home. The only place which had felt like a home was Hogwarts. Before she could say anything to what David had said, Snow spoke,
“Before you protest, meal at Granny’s with the rest of the family.”
Hearing this, Louise was a bit surprised but mostly overwhelmed, acknowledging that up to recently her family had been Harry.
“Rest of the family?” Louise asked, wondering who else was part of the family.
“There’s my husband, Killian and also my son Henry,” Emma replied.
“Well, I will look forward to meeting them,” she said kindly.
As the five of them arrived at Granny’s Diner, Louise started to feel nervous, especially with meeting the other members of the family. Seeing Killian and Henry sat at the table, waiting for the Charming’s to arrive, Louise swallowed hardly.
“Killian, Henry, this is Louise,” Snow introduced Louise, “Our daughter.”
“Daughter?” Henry repeated, surprised to hear the news, letting his gaze fall on Louise, his new-found aunt, “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you,” Louise said, looking at Henry.
“What made you come here?” Killian asked, glancing at Louise suspiciously.
“My brother recently moved here with some of my friends,” Louise replied, wondering if Killian had a problem with her.
“The one with the lightning scar,” David enquired.
“Yes,” Louise replied, “He’s the only family I had for the past few years”.
Hearing that Louise only had a brother for the past few years, Snow and David glanced at each other, hoping that Louise didn’t have an upbringing like Emma’s.
“What happened to your parents?” Snow asked.
Hearing the question about her parents, Louise swallowed hardly, taking a seat in the booth.
“My mum Lily, was murdered along with my step-father, while I stayed with my father, Sirius and his fiancée Freya,” Louise started to explain, “I was a year old when that happened but at the same time Sirius got arrested and was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. So, it was left to Freya to raise me with the blessing of my godfather. We moved to New Orleans where we lived with Freya’s family.”
“Sounds like you’ve been through a lot,” Emma said, not wanting to believe how Louise’s life had turned out.
“Yes, a lot. It certainly feels like my whole life has been one incident after another,” Louise said, forcing a smile.
With the sun just about to start its descent, Guy was hidden in the shadows, trying to calm his thoughts about Louise’s whereabouts. It had been a while since the return of the horse in which Louise had allegedly used and her had hoped for her safe return to no avail. Sighing deeply out of frustration, Guy knew what he needed to do and that was to make sure Louise hadn’t been taken by the Outlaws. Coming out of the shadows, Guy made his way through the corridors, hoping that the Sheriff wouldn’t need him for the rest of the day. Not paying much attention in where he was going, he was surprised to hear the Sheriff’s voice.
“Ah Gisborne, you’ve not been yourself, anything I need to know about,” the Sheriff asked, not really caring.
Hearing the words of the Sheriff, Guy sighed to himself, knowing that the words had a hidden meaning behind them, and he knew exactly what they meant. Knowing he had no choice to tell him, Guy looked to the Sherriff, “Louise is pregnant,” Guy said, bracing himself for the Sheriff’s reaction. He knew instantly that the wedding would have to be brought forward, even though he had agreed to Louise that he would wait for as long as it took for her to be ready to become Lady Gisborne.
With the reply, the Sheriff was surprised to hear such news, “My boy, congratulations. When’s the wedding?” The Sheriff asked, with a sly smirk on his face.
“In due course,” Guy replied, “Now if there’s nothing you need me for, I’ll see you in the morning,” Guy finished, turning on his heal, making his way into the courtyard.
Leaving Granny’s Diner, Louise glanced back to the family, she had met and also enjoyed spending time with them.
“I should get back,” She stated, “It’s been nice meeting all of you.”
“It’s getting late, why not stay at ours?” Snow asked.
“I can’t,” Louise replied, “It’s too soon.” She said truthfully hoping that they would understand.
Looking up and down the streets of Storybrooke, Louise was surprised to hear horse hooves clattering on the tarmac. Before the horse and its rider came in close enough, Louise knew exactly who it would be.
“Well take care,” David said as the horse and its rider came with close proximity to them, slowing down.
Noticing the man, David was curious as to how he knew Louise, especially with him being at the hospital yesterday. As the horse stopped in front of them, Louise smiled slightly to Guy, taking his hand, sitting behind him, wrapping her arms around him. It was in that moment, that Louise realised that Guy must have been worried about her, especially with the horse, she had returned without her.
“Sorry,” She whispered.
Heading back to Locksley Manor, the journey was quite unbearable for Louise as Guy hadn’t said a word to her. With this, she was unsure on how to be around him. Throughout the journey, she feared what his reaction would be when they were both finally arrived back home.
With the horse stopping in front of Locksley Manor, Louise swallowed hardly, noticing that Guy had dismounted the horse and walked into the manor. There had been no hand to help her get down and with this Louise started to fear his reaction. Getting of the horse, she followed Guy into the manor, knowing she had a lot of making up to do, especially with her promising to be safe earlier in the day.
Noticing that Guy was stood in front of the fireplace in the main living room, Louise stood by one of the wooden chairs, resting her arm upon it.
“You should have told me,” Guy said coldly, glancing behind him for a split second.
“I know,” Louise said quietly, “But it was a decision I made while I was out,” She continued not allowing any emotion to show in her voice, “I didn’t anticipate being out for that long,” She finished, walking slowly towards Guy. Standing at the side of him, Louise kept her gaze on him, a weak smile appearing, “Earlier today, I promised that I would be safe and I believe I kept that promise.”
Listening to the words in which Louise was saying, Guy was hesitant to believe her, but unbeknown to him, his heart actually believed Louise.
“I believe you,” He whispered, turning to face Louise, taking her hands, “However, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Hearing this, Louise raised an eyebrow looking at Guy, wondering what the news could be.
“And I’m guessing that I won’t like it?” She asked with the two heading towards the chair as Guy sat down, with Louise sitting on his knee. Whatever it was, Louise knew that it was important and was wondering on what it could be.
“No, you won’t,” Guy replied, swallowing hardly, “The Sheriff knows which means we have to get married soon.”
As if it wasn’t bad enough that the Sheriff knew, she was now forced to bring her wedding forward even in her mind, she wasn’t ready to become Lady Gisborne.
“Ideally before it becomes noticeable?” Louise added quietly, noticing that Guy was nodding his head.
“Ideally yes,” Guy replied, letting his gaze fall on Louise.
“Well then, looks like I’ve got a wedding to plan,” she said grinning, resting her head on Guy’s shoulder, enjoying their time together.