Happy birthday maressaonce! This one's for you! xoxo
''Mom, we're back!'' Henry enters the apartment, closely followed by Neal.
The two are a bit out of breath, and Emma sends them a frowning look. ''I thought the two of you only were going to get some groceries from the store?''
''That was the original plan,'' grins Neal, ''but the kid felt otherwise.''
''I picked up two wooden swords at Gramps and Grams' house, and we had this awesome swordfight in the park!'' explains Henry. After the excitement had slightly faded away, he asks with some concern in his voice: ''you're not mad at us for not being back on time are you?''
''Of course not!'' answers Emma as she takes the grocery bag from him. As she starts putting away the food in the fridge and cabinets, she glances at the two men in her life. She couldn't be more happier than she was at this very moment. Quickly after Snow and Charming had moved out, Neal had started to take his father role very seriously. Emma has watched her son blossom now he had both of his parents back in his life.
''Henry, don't you have homework to do?'' asks his father.
''Yeah, I guess…'' replies the boy with some disappointment reflected in his voice. He makes his way up the stairs to go to his room.
''Homework?'' asks Emma surprised. ''I thought I was always the one reminding him about that?''
''Yeah well, there is something I would like to discuss with you.''
''That sounds serious.'' She giggles a bit, but when she sees the thoughtful look on his face, she puts away the last groceries and joins him on the couch. She glances at him expectantly.
''Well, everything just got me thinking and…'' he's at a loss for words. ''Just now, we're living with the three of us here, and I was just wondering if…'' He takes a deep breath. ''How do you feel about having a second child?''
Emma didn't expect this. She didn't expect this at all, and is taken aback by the question. ''But… aren't you happy with the situation as it is? We're happy now right?''
Neal takes the blonde's hands in his. ''Of course we are happy. I can't remember a moment in my life when I was any happier than I am now with you and Henry, but it's just, I thought it's good to get a second chance. We weren't given the chance to see Henry grow up to that amazing kid he has turned out to be. And I figured that now that everything has calmed down around here, this moment would be perfect to have a second child.''
''I don't know Neal… And what about Henry? How would he feel about it? I don't want to make him feel replaced or something. Of course that would never happen,'' she quickly adds, ''but I can imagine him feeling that way.''
''Don't you think he would be thrilled? He gets to be a big brother!''
''Let me talk to him first okay? If we do this, I want to do it right.''
''Does that mean that you agree on having a second child?'' Neal asks. When he sees the little sparkle in her eyes, he wraps his arms around her. ''You have just made me even happier than I already was, do you know that? I love you Emma Swan!''
''Don't get too enthusiastic about it, I said I would talk to Henry first,'' she says in a serious tone. Her eyes however reveal her excitement.
''Henry, can I come in?'' asks Emma after she has knocked on her son's bedroom door.
''Yep, please do!'' Henry is sitting at his desk, working on a school assignment when Emma enters. His hands are both placed on his head and he looks down at the paper in front of him. ''Mom, I really don't understand these math problems. Why does Grams have to make them so hard?''
''I think Grams is just following the assignments in the textbook,'' laughs his mother. She takes the pencil from Henry's hand and places it on the desk. ''Henry, there is something I need to talk to you about.'' She sits down on his bed, and asks him to join her.
The boy notices the tense atmosphere that suddenly is felt in the room. ''What's wrong?'' he therefore asks.
Emma ruffles his hair. ''Nothing's wrong kid. There's just something I wanted to ask you. Well, discuss with you actually.''
''What is it?''
The blonde doesn't know where to start. ''Henry, are you happy here? With Neal and me, I mean?''
''What are you talking about? Of course I'm happy with the two of you. This is what I've always wanted, to be with both of my parents. But I thought you knew that right?''
''Yes Henry, yes of course.'' Panic suddenly takes over. ''You know what, I'm not good at this. I think your dad's much better at this, he should do this.'' She makes an attempt to get up.
''Mom, whatever it is you want to discuss with me, I'm sure you'll do great.''
Emma freezes for a moment. Still her son knows how to surprise her with his wisdom. He seems so much older than he actually is. She sighs and sits back down on the bed. ''Fine. But before I'm going to ask you the actual question, I want you to know that I love you, and that I will always love you. With all my heart.'' When there's no reply from the boy, she takes another deep breath and continues. ''Henry, how would you feel about getting a baby brother or sister?''
''Are you pregnant?!''
''No, no, I'm not pregnant. You see? I can't do this. I'm saying it all wrong.''
''Mom!'' Henry says with a strict voice. ''Don't doubt yourself so much.''
The way he says this makes her giggle. ''You're right Henry. You're always right. Okay, no so what I'm trying to say is that your dad and I are thinking about having a second child. But, before we make that decision, I wanted to discuss it with you first. I want to know how you feel about it. And I need you to be honest with me.''
The boy's eyes grow big with excitement. ''Are you kidding me! That would be the most awesome thing ever! I'm going to be a big brother! I'm going to be a big brother!'' He jumps up from the bed and hugs his mom tightly.
''Henry, I need air, please!'' begs Emma as she's bursting out with laughter. Her eyes fill with tears at her son's reaction.
''Oh yes, sorry,'' replies Henry as he lets go.
Quickly, the blonde dries her tears with the sleeves of her sweater. She hopes Henry didn't see it. ''Are you really okay with it?''
''Of course I am!''
''But Henry,'' she takes his hands in hers and looks into his bright eyes, ''I want you to know that there is no one in the world who can replace you. Not even a baby brother or sister. Neal and I love you with every fiber in our being, and a new child can't change that. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?''
''Mom, I could never feel replaced. I know it's unfair that you and dad didn't have me around when I was little. And that you weren't given the chance to see me grow up. You can have all that with a new baby. It's like your second chance. And I think you should take it. Besides, I love to become a big brother!''
''Henry, come here!'' She takes her son in her arms. ''Look what you did. The hormone-hell hasn't even started yet, and you have me sobbing already.''
They both laugh at that, and enjoy their unique mother- and son moment.
Thank you so much for reading, and please leave a review! :)