Today is a Fairytale
 

Tina looked over at her friend as she drove into a little town called Storybrooke. They'd never been to Storybrooke before, but the two had agreed to go on a month-long roadtrip of the eastern seaboard to get away from the stresses of every-day life and jobs and such.

"So, what say you? Drive through or find a hotel? I bet they have a quaint little bed and breakfast place here. And it's a cute little town." She glanced off to the side again, her black hair cut into a short bob, bright blue eyes and almost elfin features stark in the bright light.

Rachel looked out the window as Tina drove down the main road of the street. Their little car was garnering quite a few looks.

"It's a cute little town," she said. "I wouldn't mind staying here for a day or two." As she spoke, she flipped her braid back over her shoulder. Her hazel eyes and dark brown hair didn't quite 'match,' but her fair skin made them both seem to fit. Her features seemed just as delicate as Tina's, but in a more conventional way. She pointed when they passed a sign. "Oh! Right there, a bed and breakfast!"

Tina grinned. "I told you," she said in a sing-song voice, pulling over into a parking lot and getting out, stretching briefly. "Oooh. When we get back on the road, you're driving. I feel stiff now."

Shaking herself, she took another quick look around the town, curious. A lot of people were looking at them, but no one had actually come forward to say anything. She shrugged.

"I wasn't doubting you," Rachel replied, stretching as well. When she stood up, her braid fell to her lower back. "I can drive next time, no problem." She glanced around, noticing the curious looks, but ignored them for the most part. Anything new in small towns was interesting, she knew that.

Tina shrugged before she went into the little inn, smiling at the woman behind the counter. "Two rooms, please," she said with a smile.

"Of course," the grandmother said after a moment, smiling. "How long will you two be staying?"

"Just for a day or two, I think." Tina smiled. "We're just passing through."

Granny smiled at them as she handed them room keys, but inside she was worrying. Nobody ever came to visit Storybrooke, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she should know these girls. But the curse had been broken, hadn't it?

"Well, enjoy your stay," she said cheerfully.

"We will," Rachel replied, taking one of the keys. "Thanks."

Tina took her key and smiled, going up to check out her room.

"Wow," she murmured. "It really is a cute, quaint little place." She smiled. "I kind of love it here."

"I kind of do too," Rachel replied as she opened the door to her room as well. "It's weird, but this place is kind of... I dunno, comfortable."

"It is," Tina agreed. "It's almost familiar. Almost." She smiled. "I don't know why, but it's really neat. I kind of want to go out and explore."

"I like that plan," Rachel said. "Maybe find some lunch? Maybe the owner here can tell us about the good places to go."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Tina smiled and closed her room again, heading back down the stairs to go ask Granny.

"Oh, we own a cafe too," Granny pointed out. "Just right next door."

"Oh. Great." Tina grinned and looked over at Rachel to get her opinion.

"Works for me," Rachel replied. Little cafes were usually better than big chains, she knew.

Tina nodded and settled into a booth, looking over the menu.

"This'll be a good chance to stretch our legs," she commented quietly, looking around again.

"Yeah," Rachel said. "It'll be fun to look around and see what's here." She slid into the booth, across from Tina, and opened her own menu.

Tina nodded and took her time deciding. She figured they had time, after all. So she let Rachel order first when Red came over.

Red couldn't quite stop a double-take when she saw the two new faces in the diner. One was completely unfamiliar, but the other was an old friend. Her heart sank just a little when she realized the girl didn't recognize her.

"Welcome to Granny's," she said, regardless. "What can I get for you girls today?"

"Tomato soup and grilled cheese for me," Rachel replied, oblivious to Red's little inner drama. "And a glass of water, please."

Red nodded and turned to the other girl.

"I'll have the turkey sandwich and iced tea, please." Tina smiled at Red, also totally unaware of the little ineer drama.

"Coming right up," Red replied. "Give a holler if you need anything, m'name's Ruby."

Rachel nodded and Red went back to the kitchen to put the order in. On her way back out, Red saw Granny.

"I guess you've already see the new faces?" she asked.

Granny nodded. "Yes, I've seen them," she said quietly, looking over at the two girls. "I thought one of them looked familiar. But neither of them seemed to recognize me. What do you think?"

"One of them is familiar," Red replied. She glanced at the girls and then back at Granny. "I know you met Rapunzel at least once."

Recognition dawned in Granny's eyes. "Rapunzel's back?" she asked quietly. "I wonder why they don't remember...?" She frowned a little.

Red tilted her head towards the girls. "Braid. That's her." She nibbled at her lip a bit. "I thought the curse was broken for everyone. I don't know why it wouldn't have broken for her too."

"They also weren't here," Granny pointed out. "They weren't in Storybrooke. I wonder why not?" She frowned a little. "This isn't like what we've seen of the curse. It's strange."

"Well, the curse is mostly broken now, right?" Red said. "Maybe what's left is acting weird."

"That could be." Granny frowned a little. "I don't know. Maybe we should ask the Prince about it?"