The Girl and the Nutcracker ~ A Once Upon a Time Story

"So, I got some sandwiches and an iced tea. I know you like that stuff." Clara said as she entered Belle's room in the hospital, while Belle was reading a book. Clara put the food on the table next to Belle, "Oh, and by the way, I actually paid for this. I hope it tastes good otherwise I'm gonna be mad."

Belle chuckled as she grabbed one of the sandwiches and took a bite out of it, "Mmm. This tastes really good! Where did you buy it?"

"Got it from the vending machine downstairs." Clara answered and Belle laughed. She took another bite from the sandwich before speaking up, "Were we good friends?"

Clara nodded, "I guess so, yeah. You used to live with someone-"

"Mr. Gold." Belle interrupted, and Clara continued, "Yeah. While you guys lived together, you didn't see a lot of people you could... connect with. But since I work for Gold I was the only one that visited that was actually fun, I suppose."

Belle smiled, "Well, I'm glad. You're the only one in this place that doesn't pressure me into thinking I'm this Belle person everyone keeps talking about. I know I have amnesia, but talking about it doesn't bring back her."

"I understand." Clara responded, "It must be hard forgetting yourself. I know that you cannot force or rush amnesia to cease to exist."

A knock was heard from the door, and Clara looked behind her to see Gold, "Oh, it's you..."

"Hello to you, too, Miss Stahlbaum." Gold greeted and Belle looked at him, "You're alive?"

Gold nodded, "Indeed, I am. I imagine my last phone call was a bit alarming."

"Yeah..." Belle said, "Sounded like you were on your deathbed."

"Miss Stahlbaum, if you please." Gold spoke up as he pointed to the hallway, and Clara sighed, "Sure. You don't even have to ask."

~ The Enchanted Forest ~

Clara was waiting in the main hall while Rumplestiltskin was talking to his new maid, or rather more shouting than talking. She sat on the large table and was juggling with a couple of orbs before the window shattered next to her and a hooded man entered.

He held out his bow and arrow pointed at Clara, "Are you one of his illusions?"

"Illusions?" Clara said with a laugh, "Didn't even know he was capable of doing that. No, I'm not an illusion. My name is Clara. And go ahead and steal whatever you like, I admire your bravery for even daring to enter the castle."

He took his hood off and gave her a grateful nod, "Thank you, my lady. I am Robin of Locksley."

"Nice to meet you." Clara greeted, "So what are you looking for? Maybe I can help."

"Something he won't get his hands on." Rumplestiltskin announced as he walked into the room, "And you won't stop what I'm about to do."

He used his magic to teleport Clara to the dungeons, and Clara rolled her eyes, "Seriously..."

"Who are you?" She heard someone ask behind her, and Clara saw a young girl with a blue dress. Clara looked at her with realisation, "You're the new maid. Right?"