Ashley Boyd

[dragoninapurpledress]

"Ah, yes," said Maleficent as she observed the new princess’s uncomfortable mannerisms.  "The rumour is that the crown prince has taken a member of the common throng for his bride."  She tilted her head studiously.

"And he is quite right.  There are all manner of dangerous people lurking about.  Fortunately," she amended with a brief raise of her eyebrows, "most of them mean no harm to those who do not stand in their way."

Maleficent smiled.  It wasn’t perhaps entirely genuine, but then again, it wasn’t entirely false.  “Well then, Ella,” she said, “if you don’t mind my asking, I find it no wonder that the prince should have chosen such a lovely maid for his bride, and yet I cannot help but to wonder: how did your paths cross in the first place?”

[walkingonslippersofglass]

The young princess looked down at her feet as she studied where glass slippers once were. She remembered the day that she had met the prince – she hadn’t expected it to go the way that it had. When her fairy godmother had been killed, she didn’t think she would get to go to the ball after all; but magic turned to her favour.

Very much so with a price --- a price that was going to be on her shoulders for as long as she lived; that was something Cinderella was sure of. “Yes, I would hope that I would be safe.” It was something that she had to deal with. She understood Thomas’ adamant determination to keep her safe. Especially with what could happen if the wrong person came along and she was to be harmed, or worse. There was only so many people lately that she knew she could trust.

Many could easily hold her at ransom if not for who she was then the child that she was carrying. “We met at a ball.” She replied, there was so much more to it than that – but she wasn’t sure she wanted Maleficent to know about Rumpelstiltskin’s involvement in that special day. His magic always had deals. Even if Maleficent knew or not. “My stepmother and my stepsisters were there too.” She lied, just to make it seem like she had tagged along with them.

[archive-aheartlesshuntsman]

"Ashley," Graham said with a polite nod of his head. "Do yoo mind tellin’ me whit yoo came here fer?" He was beyond clueless as to what she meant. He was aware that she had just recently given birth and to his understanding things were going well for her. Now he was starting to think differently. "Everythin’ is goin’ fine between yoo an’ Sean, right?"

[walkingonslippersofglass]

The blonde bit her lower lip and tilted her head to the side. How was she supposed to deal with all this? “Well, about that.” Yes it was still something she was getting used to --- the fact that she and Sean weren’t an item anymore, given everything they had been through to actually get together. But, it just wasn’t enough she supposed. “We broke up. I just can’t deal with it in that house anymore,” She focused on the pram, making sure Alexandra was quiet. “My stepmother keeps trying to take over,” Ashley didn’t know why it surprised her. She was even sure Ruby was the only one in this whole town until Emma turned up that believed she was able to look after the baby. “I need somewhere to stay.”

[queenattina]

"Been there, unfortunately done that," Katrina sighed then smiled softly. Life definitely improved once Elizabeth was able to walk short distances without tiring out. The exercise always ended up making her want nap time as well. "Young mothers need to help one another out." No one else will, she kept to herself. It didn’t need to be voiced. 

She waved her hand in the air, dismissing how the first question may have been taken badly. “Babysitters are hard to come by in Storybrooke,” she nodded. “Actually… they do. Or at least they use to. Elizabeth has attended this day care since she was… five months. One of the women that run the place has three of her own that are in grade school now. She misses holding little ones.” Katrina’s eyes fell to the stroller, imagining a small child tucked away, even asleep. “How old?” she asked in slight awe and adoringly. 

[walkingonslippersofglass]

“No, really --- thank you,” She laughed, “You have no idea how much of a lifesavor you are.” She was sure if she had tried to fuss around with that door then she would end up abandoning Alexandra for a good couple of minutes whilst trying to keep it open and pushing the pram through. Then the little one would only have started crying --- and she was done with that sound for the time being.

“She’s coming up for a month now.” She cooed over her daughter as she looked down the best through the large padded cotton that kept her safe and warm out of this blossoming cold. Yes, the winter months were beautiful to look at – but they weren’t good for children, especially babies. Alexandra was a wriggler too; putting extra layers and then booties, mittens and a hat. It was quite a battle.

“Oh, I’m Ashley----“ She wiped her hand to her side and then pulled one of her gloves off. “----It’s nice to meet you.”

[yougottapunchback-deactivated20]

Emma sank down at the counter, ordering a light breakfast and her signature cup of hot cocoa with cinnamon. She rubbed her temples, leaning forward on her elbows as she waited for her order. 

[walkingonslippersofglass]

                “With cinnamon right?”

Ashley looked at the Sheriff with a look of interest. She knew it was a like or lump it sort of thing; but she was just too exhausted from a late night with a screaming Alexandra that she just wanted to make sure she had caught Emma’s order correctly. Why didn’t she just stay working as a maid, it was easier than remembering all --- this. "Sorry, my head's a little all over the place."

[walkingonslippersofglass]

out of cinders; guess who didn't realise it had been over a month since she had been on ashley, yep, this girl. I'll get to replies that I owe --- I apologise. I didn't mean to get caught up on ruby.

[pureofheartprincess]

"How’s the baby?" she asked, slowly reaching forward and placing her hands on Cinderella’s stomach, "It must be wonderful… knowing that your going to have a child"

"I would love that" she smiled, "Sometimes I wonder why Charming doesn’t let me join them on their hunt, he knows I used ot live in the forest… I know how to hutn" Snow smiled brightly.

[walkingonslippersofglass]

Cinderella simply nodded her head, “I’ve heard the baby is doing well – strong.” She laughed, “Thomas believes we’re going to have a girl.” It was odd really, she knew that princes and Kings tended to believe they were going to have sons – but Thomas had even started brainstorming baby names – and she couldn’t have been happier, really, to have a girl. “But, hey, it’ll be you soon.”

“Overprotectiveness probably,” The blonde laughed as she moved her arm to Snow’s and began to lead her towards the gardens. “I bet you could out hunt them and they just aren’t prepared for that humiliation.” Cinderella released a laugh. “I’d love to see their faces.”

[queenattina]

Katrina held onto her young daughter’s hand, the small backpack in the other hand, as they made way to Elizabeth’s day care. She was never a fan of daycares, and would prefer staying home to care for her daughter herself. If only her means could justify her heart’s desires. Maybe one day, she would have a book published. Anything would help in a world that seemed so against you. 

As the two got to the door, the older brunette reached for the glass door and pulled it open. She soon saw another mother approaching and pushing a stroller. Katrina remembered those days. She guided her daughter out of the way and held the door for the other mother, smiling softly. 

[walkingonslippersofglass]

The blonde pushed the buggy forward and looked up at the young woman who was holding the door open for her. She smiled brightly and sighed, “Thank you,” Ashley grinned. “I almost thought I was going to have to struggle there.” The young mother moved Alexandra through the doorway and stopped a little off so that Katrina could close the door and make sure that Elizabeth was inside too.

“Hey,” Ashley turned her attention to the girl. She had seen her around but she was sure they had never stopped to talk. She had only ever really caught glimpses of her when she was working in the bed and breakfast cleaning. “Do you know if the day-care take babies?” That sounded like a stupid question, she grimaced, “I mean, to care for. I can’t seem to get a babysitter in this town.” Even though Ruby offered – Ruby couldn’t become Alexandra’s full on babysitter when Ashley needed help.

[cursedlavender]

"Good, then let me take care of these," she said as she took the hideous pink sheets from Ashley. "Are there anymore sheets that need to be bleached or these the only ones?" She might as well do a whole load if there were more of them. Besides as Brooke saw it this was a far better task than having to wash the windows.

As she gathered the sheets on the bed, she looked up at Ashley as the other maid looked out the windows. “I think people just want to see their reflections,” she said with a small shrug. She had to agree though. The view of the town was nice but after awhile it got a bit dull. Now that the clock was working again it made a little more sense as to why someone would look out the window but Brooke still didn’t get it. “Maybe they just want to spy on the people walking around?” It was a long shot and probably something that no one was doing but it was the only thing that came to her.

"You know, you shouldn’t be working if you’re that far along…" She was going to tell her friend what to do but if she was expecting soon then overworking herself didn’t seem right to Brooke.

[walkingonslippersofglass]

“They’re the only ones,” She spoke as she waved her hands at the pink sheets. They weren’t that bad – if you were a fan of pink – but Ashley felt horrible. She hadn’t mean to damage them – but her mind had been completely elsewhere. It was difficult; she didn’t think anyone believed that she could do this. She knew the baby was everything she had ever wanted and even without Sean… no, she wouldn’t think of that.

The blonde looked at the window cleaning equipment. There really shouldn’t have been anything in that that would damage her or the baby’s well-being anyway. “Well I really don’t,” She chuckled as she looked down at herself. She wasn’t that attractive with this large bump. Not to mention the sore back, the swollen ankles the tender… “Probably,” She laughed. “But this boring town?”

Nothing much happened in Storybrooke – but, well, if you knew the truth. The only person that Ashley had confided in about giving her baby up was to Ruby. She was the only one that knew that Gold had bought the baby and she was going to have to give the baby up when she gave birth to it. She sighed, moving her hand to her head and rubbing her temples. “I like it,” She assured her. “It’s distracting.” Not to mention the way her stepmother and stepsisters dealt with her. It was like she was just an inconvenience. They loved to tell her how she would be a disappointment to her deceased father. Getting pregnant out of marriage and even without a boyfriend.

[dragoninapurpledress]

Maleficent hadn’t precisely been hiding—what reason would she have to do so?  She preferred to think of it as…observing before she was observed.  Nevertheless, she obliged the new princess’s request and stepped into view, giving a little bow of her head to show the proper deference.

"No subterfuge was intended, I assure you, Your Highness," she said with a smile which did not reach her eyes.  "I’ve merely come to pay my respects to the crown prince’s new wife and imminent child."

[walkingonslippersofglass]

Cinderella looked at the woman that came out of the shadows. She had never met this stranger before – but she gave off an eerie demeanour which told the new princess that perhaps she should be more careful with what she did and said to this woman.

“I’m sorry,” She moved her hand against her stomach and gave it a gentle rub. “I’m still getting used to all of this and Thomas said I should be careful when I’m alone.” After she had told Thomas of the deal she had made and the fact their child was rightfully someone else’s because she had bargained it away her husband had been overprotective. “Thank you,” She nodded to Maleficent’s respects.

When Maleficent called her Your Highness a part of Cinderella cringed. Being raised as a servant girl although her father was upper class she still couldn't get over the titles. "Please, call me Ella."

[derangedquinn]

{ ❀ } — “Are you alright?” Faline asks curiously, though it’s probably not her place to ask the girl. But she seems to be almost swaying on her feet, and the yawn only confirms how tired she must be. “Um..can I get a salad please?”

[walkingonslippersofglass]

“Just tired,” Ashley replied with a small smile. “Still getting used to the lack of routine the baby is in.”

It was her own fault really. She really should have gotten Alexandra into a routine by now – but she had no idea how to do that. She knew that she could have gotten help; but really there was no one in Storybrooke that she could go to for advice; apart from maybe Regina, and she was very reluctant to do that. “One salad coming up.” Ashley nodded with a smile. Maybe she should have swapped shifts with Ruby that morning.

[ameliasaltzman]

Looking up at the blonde in front of her, Brooklyn replied immediately, almost with a bit of panic in her voice. “No, nothing. I’m sorry I d-don’t have any money on me” she answered the woman.

"I’m um, I’m sorry today just hasn’t been my day so far."

[walkingonslippersofglass]

Ashley lifted her head and looked at the strange brunette. It seemed that she was feeling worse than she was. Well, Ashley wasn’t exactly having a bad day – she could still get through her life happily enough with the little bundle of joy at home. “Hey,” She lifted her head and looked at Brooklynn. “Maybe I can help?”

“I mean, you must be hungry?” Unless she had just come into the diner for a drink – but even then, she seemed frazzled. “I’m Ashley, by the way.” She smiled as she looked at the brunette. “What’s your name?”

[brotherofsnow]

      “Nope.”

[walkingonslippersofglass]

"I'm sorry, you don't have to move," Ashley sat up from the chair where she was resting and made sure that Alexandra was secure in her carrier.

"I didn't think she was going to be crying so much." The young mother moved her other hand to her head as she pushed her blonde hair away from her face. "Again... sorry." She looked at the man with a small smile.

[pureofheartprincess]

"I would love to spend some time with you Ella… We haven’t had the chance to it quite some time" Snow smiled.

"I know Charming - He enjoys his hunting trips, I am just glad I don’t need to stay locked up in my kingdom… he can be a bit too protective at times"

[walkingonslippersofglass]

"Yes it would be great to actually catch up," Cinderella nodded with a smile. It seemed like all she had done lately was go to many appointments with Doc and planning the nursery for the little one.

She smiled, "That's like Thomas for me." Sometimes she wondered if he forgot that she was basically a servant most of her life. She basically found herself with an urge to clean when he wasn't around - she didn't really know any better. "We can go for a walk through the gardens?"

[walkingonslippersofglass]

queenattina

Looking up at the brightly coloured ladybug decorated daycare Ashley pursed her lips and looked down at her daughter.

“Worth a shot?” The young mother questioned. She had no idea if the daycare would take babies in or if it was just toddlers and older. But Ashley needed to find a way to keep Alexandra safe whilst she was at work, she had taken on a few extra shifts to help Sean... Thomas. He had assisted the best he could when it came to the apartment, but Ashley was strong-willed and she was determined to do her best to help pay the rent. “Come on,” She smiled as she pushed the pram forward. If not then she could at least get a good look around the daycare centre and see what it would be like for Alexandra's future.

[walkingonslippersofglass]

asinkingsiren

Pushing the pram back and forth the blonde looked out at the park with heavy eyes. She had barely slept since the baby had arrived and now that she had a quiet minute to herself she just couldn't bare looking at the four walls in the apartment. She was thankful that Alexandra had fallen asleep so easily on the walk over to the park – but now what was she supposed to do? She hadn't hung out with Ruby or gotten someone to babysit, although Ruby normally would offer.

“Oh sh-” She cut herself off as she remembered whose company she was with. Even if Alexandra couldn't understand her just yet. Ashley bent down to pick up the toy that she had dropped.

[cursedlavender]

Brooke expected her to snap once again and when it came she put up a strong front to show that Ashley’s words hadn’t shaken her. “It’s alright.” Walking away from the window she had been cleaning and over to the bed, she picked up the sheets and gave them a closer look. Her light blue eyes looked back at Ashley when the other blonde tried to convince her that the sheets weren’t too bad. “Yeah…If you don’t mind sleeping on cough medicine,” Brooke muttered with a small giggle afterwards.

"Look, I’ll take care of the sheets. I think Emma is right about bleaching them and since we don’t want to hurt the baby," she nodded towards Ashley’s stomach as she spoke, "then I’ll take care of them. You can finish cleaning the windows right?" To Brooke it was an even trade given that Ashley would still be doing some work. She didn’t mind taking it back or trying to figure something else to trade Ashley with if that didn’t satisfy the other blonde.

[walkingonslippersofglass]

She rolled her eyes unable to hide the fact that Brooke's little joke didn't settle well. She had a sense of humour normally; just maybe not when she was nine months pregnant and six days away from her due date, or was it six days after? She wasn't sure – all she knew was it felt like she had been carrying this baby around forever.

“Yeah.” She nodded as she turned her attention to the other blonde. “I can finish the windows,” She was sure that there was nothing too harmful in the cleaning product that they used on the windows. Besides, as long as they could look out then that was all that was important. “Don't know why they'd wanna look out here though,” Ashley commented as she made her way over to the window and took the cloth from Brooke. “The town isn't the best of sights.” She smiled trying to crack a joke too.

Mostly it was because Ashley preferred the views from the other side of the Bed and Breakfast that out looked the woods. At least it was a better sight than the townspeople running around Storybrooke going through their day to day business. “You know I could have the little one this time next week, crazy huh?”

[cursedlavender]

The sound of the door opening made Brooke turn around to see how was coming in. The room was technically off limits due to her cleaning it and according to Granny there wasn’t going to be anyone in it until later on that day. But seeing Ashley come in with some new sheets for the bed she didn’t do anything but smile at the other blonde. However when Ashley told her not to say a word she was a bit taken aback. She knew Ashley was pregnant and was almost certain it was her hormones coming out but Brooke still frowned a little as she watched the other blonde.

Seeing the sheets and how pink they were changed her mind, however. “Oh no,” Brooke groaned, “please tell me you’re not going to put those on the bed.”

[walkingonslippersofglass]

“Where else am I supposed to put them?” Ashley asked as she moved her hands up and rubbed the palms over her face. “Sorry,”

Ever since she had started to feel contractions the other day and the doctors told her that the baby could come any day now, Ashley wasn't sure what she was supposed to do. She was far too stubborn to go rest at home. No one believed she was ready for this baby, so she would just go to work – even if Granny had told her to take some time off. She couldn't face her step-mother again.

“Emma suggested bleaching them,” She trailed off as she pulled one of the sheets into her grip. “But I can't exactly do that.” She couldn't use bleach with the fumes and everything. That wasn't good for the baby. It was probably an old wife's tale but she didn't want to harm her baby. “Besides, they don't look that bad, right?” She looekd at Brooke and then down at the bedding before laughing a little. Who was she kidding?