YOU LET HIM WHAT?!

Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time.

Author's note: Don't worry, I'm still working on "Thicker Than Water Part II" and I've got plenty of ideas for "The Voices", too. But after watching last night's episode, I couldn't get this scene out of my head. Most people seem to think Emma wouldn't make a big deal out of the fact that David let Henry drive the truck. I disagree, with Emma's initial reaction on – screen. And as a mother, if someone had let my child drive down Main Street when they were only twelve years old, I'd have a fit, even if the man was my father.

Emma was glad everyone enjoyed the celebration at Granny's. It was almost like they were a real family again. And it was great that Ariel had found her prince. Emma could still remember seeing how happy they were from the mirror. If that could happen…maybe the Wicked Witch could be defeated soon.

But after she and Henry returned to the motel room and he was settled in bed (it was almost 10:00PM by then), Emma returned to her parents' apartment to talk to them about what happened with Henry. She hadn't forgotten how Henry came in, all excited because "David let me drive his truck!" That was unacceptable. She knocked firmly on the door as soon as she arrived.

"Hi, Emma" David greeted her cheerfully. He'd had a great day obviously, from his point – of – view. He'd spent time with his grandson, his grandson thought he was "cool" and to top it off, Ariel had found Prince Eric. Emma knew that was even better news for her romantic, always – optimistic father than it was for her. He was completely unaware of the big mistake he'd made today. She'd enlighten him.

"David, we have to talk," Emma told him marching into the apartment. She looked around the apartment for a minute. "Where's Mary Margaret?" She was pretty sure David was behind the idea to let Henry's drive the truck. After all, it had been his vehicle. Still, Emma intended to talk to Mary Margaret as well. It was obvious she had been aware of the plan to let Henry drive, if nothing else.

"Sleeping," David replied shrugging. "She gets tired easily these days. And since she can't sleep for long periods of time…"

Emma nodded. Right. She remembered being eight months pregnant. "Well, speaking of children, I need to talk to you about what you did with mine today. You seriously let Henry drive a truck? What were you thinking?" Emma put her hands on her hips as she finished talking.

David shrugged, still not getting the problem. "I thought you said Henry wanted to do something exciting. Learning to drive is exciting. And it's my truck, so I can pay for the damages."

Emma's eyes widened. She felt like shaking him. If he was any man other than her father, she would. As it was, she kept her hands on her hips and leaned into David's face. "Damages?! What if there had been damages to Henry? Who would pay for that?"

David's face sobered a little. Good. "Okay I can see why that would upset you, but Emma you let Henry go with Hook last week. What was he doing with him? How is driving a truck any different than doing whatever it was on the boat?"

Emma sighed. David still wasn't getting it. "Because Hook kept him on one boat, David. He may have been doing…things, I admit, but he wasn't in that much danger as long as he stayed in one place. You let him drive down Main Street from what I understand?" David nodded sheepishly. "What if he hit something more valuable than the garbage cans? Like a telephone pole? Do you know how many people are seriously injured by hitting telephone poles? I do! Remember I've been in law enforcement. Or he could have hit someone else and injured an innocent party as well as himself? Did you ever think about that?"

David looked at the floor as he finally realized the mistake he made today. "I'm sorry, Emma. You're right. Mary Margaret tried to tell me it might be dangerous, but I didn't listen. I was just…so hurt that he thought Hook was more fun than I was. I had to do something better than him. Last year…Henry really looked up to me. He loved spending time with me. I miss that."

Emma felt a little sorry for David as she remembered the near – hero worship Henry had once had for his "Gramps." But still… "I understand, David. But there has to be a line between doing things Henry enjoys and doing things that are extremely dangerous. I worry about Henry enough in Storybrooke because the Wicked Witch is on the loose. I don't need to worry about him because he's with you, too."

David was still looking at the floor. "Yeah. I guess I'm not as cut – out for this father stuff as I thought. I can't even take care of my grandson. What am I going to do to the next one?" He glanced at the bedroom, where Mary Margaret was sleeping.

Emma shook her head. "No, that's not true, either. You used to be great with Henry, and you can be again. You just need to figure out how to adjust to his new circumstances. And…you're not so bad with me, either, I guess."

David's eyes lit up at the compliment. "Really?"

"Really. Look why don't you try doing some of the stuff you used to do with Henry? Horses and sword fighting?"

David shook his head. "Henry was interested in that because he knew we came from the Enchanted Forest. Now…it wouldn't mean anything to him. That's why I wanted to do something that would make sense to him now. I just didn't think about it very thoroughly, I guess."

Emma shook her head. "Just because he doesn't remember his heritage doesn't mean he's not the same person, David. Hook showed him pirate stuff, and he enjoyed that, even though he doesn't remember Hook or being on his ship. He likes video games about sword fighting and saving princesses. I'm sure he'd like the real thing, too."

David nodded. "Thanks, Emma."

"But I mean it, David. If I ever hear you let Henry do something like this again, you can't watch him anymore."

"Okay."