Of Stained Glass Roses and Shattered Dreams

by TardisInWonderland

Summary:

AU- Annabelle French is running away from home. However, her plans are turned upside down when she meets a man at the train station known only by the name "Mr. Gold," who harbors a mysterious secret.
What if magic were real in our world? In any world? Toying with the idea of ageless characters and how they haven't *gone,* they've simply chosen to blend in as the world around them changed. Also, curses.

This story comes with a physical abuse warning.

Chapter 1: Prologue

The closet was empty, the bed was made with bare sheets. The quilt from her mother and her clothes were packed in a large rolling suitcase she’d found hidden in the attic. Toiletries and a few personal items were in an old backpack with worn straps, also from the attic. Stepmom out. Dad passed out drunk.

Time to go.

She’d put the suitcase in the garage ahead of time, and snuck out as quietly as she could. As the bus rolled up she pulled out the only item she’d actually had in the way of preparation: a ticket to the train station.

Feeling oppressed and held back, tired of being neglected and unable to do anything in her current state to rise above the crippling debt, tired of being told she didn't matter, tired of being tired…she had to do something. She’d get a job, find a place to stay, send everything but the bare necessities back. Anything but the fate they had planned for her- anything but that.

Annabelle French was running away.