Authors Note: Thank you so much everyone for all your kind words. Means a lot. I'm glad you like it. More to come.


Chapter 3.

The next morning Emma took Leia to the hospital. Leia looked nervous during the car ride over. She looked out the window, and then looked down. She played with her fingers nervously.

"Hay its going to be okay." Emma says putting her hands on top of Leia's. Forcing the young girl to stop.

"You aren't going to leave are you?" Leia pleaded as Emma drove up to the hospital.

"No I wont leave. I'll be in the waiting room the whole time. I promise." Emma says as she gets out of the car with Leia. Leia looked at the hospital frightened

"Please come back into the room with me?" Leia asked.

"I cant kid. You may be taken into an MRI, and x-ray. I'd have to wait in the waiting room." Emma explained. Leia nodded sadly.

Emma knew why she was scared. Emma held Leia by her arms, leading her in.

"No one is going to hurt you." Emma assured her looking into her daughters eyes. As she looked into her eyes she saw herself.

A nurse took Leia back. Leia looked back at Emma. "I'll be right here waiting for you."

As soon as Leia was out of sight. Emma texted Regina.

-Can you keep Henry for a while longer. Something came up?- E

-Oh course. Shall I give him breakfast. I know u were planning breakfast with ur parents?-R

-Yes, This may take a while. I'll pick him as asap-E

-I'll keep him busy. Is everything alright?-R

-I hope so. I'll explain later. don't worry him-E

-Take ur time.-R

Emma smiled. When she was done texting Regina, she searched her phone for the number she needed.

-Hello

-Hello Hanna, this Emma Swan.

-Emma its so nice to hear from you. How have you been?

-I've been well thank you.

-I'm glad to hear. Is everything alright?

-I was wondering if you could help me locate the social worker of Leia Odette Swan?

-You found her?

-You know her?

-I've been on her case since she was a baby.

-Are you aware she's my daughter?

-Yes, I'm aware.

-Why wasn't I notified that she survived?

-For the same reason you chose a closed adoption for Henry. I assumed you didn't want her.

-I never said I didn't want them. I wanted them to have a better shot at a good life. You know I couldn't give them that. I was homeless. My children deserved a better life.

-You were homeless?

-No thanks to the system. Once we turn 18 you toss us out on the streets and not give a single fuck to what happens to us after.

-I'm sorry to hear that. Look I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Leia. I wasn't allowed to contact you.

-It was never a closed case with her. You should have told me she lived.' Emma says rising her voice angrily.

-What would you have done, closed her adoption as well?

-I don't know. Made sure she was at least got adopted.' Emma says unable to respond.

-I'm sorry Emma. Where is Leia?

-I'm sure you are. She's being seen by a doctor. She found me last night. She was half beaten. If she had been hit any harder she would have died.

-I've been trying to find her a safe place to live. It seems I've failed her.

-Yes you have, as you failed me.

-Emma I did everything to put you in good homes.

-Really, I got maybe one decent home. Lets not mention the group homes, countless orphanages that were all hell.

-I'm sorry.

-Your sorrys are meaningless. Its all in the past. I just hope I can save Leia from what I went through.

-I'll put her in therapy if I have to.

-No, I can take it from here. I'm taking full custody of her.

-Emma, the judge may not grant that to you.

-Because I was a foster child myself, bull shit. I know what she's been through. I can help her better than anyone else.

-But if your life is out of control. There's no way she'll be placed with you.

-You don't know what life is. Its in perfect order no thanks to you. I'm sheriff in a small town in Main, I'm married, and my son has been living with me for the past three years. My son is also at the top of his class. My life is in fine order thank you.' Emma snapped furiously.

-Congrats on finding your way. I'll be up in a few days, and have you fill out paper work to make no one can take Leia away from you. Where will Leia be staying?

-I have a three bedroom apartment. Leia is staying in the guest room that I'll have my husband decorate for her.

-And your husband is a trust worthy man?

-Yes he is. He's an honorable man.

-I can live with that.

Emma rolled her eyes to the phone. Just then Dr. Whale walked towards Emma. His face was serious.

-Hanna I have to go. Keep me informed at all times please.

-I will indeed

Emma hung up the phone without saying goodbye.

"Whale, what's going on. How is Leia?" Emma asked concerned.

Whale looked like he nervous, not knowing what to say. "Emma, I took x-rays, scans. Leia had been beaten horribly. There are a lot of bone injuries that have not healed properly. Her brain injuries worry me."

"And her heart?" Emma asked.

"There are signs of rejection because of all the abuse she has undergone. I do have a way of treating it, and give her medication to prevent her heart from giving out on her." Whale says giving Emma hope.

"That's all I ask. I'll keep an eye on her." Emma says without hesitation.

"Emma if she goes back to the system she won't survive more beatings." Whale warns Emma.

"She's not going back. Not while I'm her mother." Emma says sternly.

"That's what I was hoping to hear. I'd be happy to go before a judge and speak on your behalf to make sure this girl stays in your home."

"Thank you Whale. Can I take her home?" Emma asked.

"Yes, but she needs to start on theses medications immediately." Whale says handing Emma a list of prescription medication.

Emma looked down at them. Her face confused as ever. "I've never even heard of theses medications." Emma says confused.

"I know, which is a good thing. Make sure she takes them accordingly, and she'll needs a lot of rest I fear brain damage." Whale explains.

"I'll keep a close eye on her." Emma assures Whale. When she looks up, a nurse is bring Leia in a wheel chair.

"Emma you're still here?" Leia says happily.

"I told you I wouldn't leave." Emma says kneeling down to Leia. Looking into her eyes. Beautiful blue eyes looking back at her. "Lets go home. I think its time for you to meet your twin brother, and your very large family."

"Family. I like the sound of that." Leia says with a smile.

"I'll bring the car, and get you signed out while the nurse gets you inside the car." Emma says touching Leia's hair tenderly.

Leia smiled as she watched Emma walk out of the hospital.

"Looks like you got a great mom." The nurse says to Leia.

"Yeah I do." Leia agrees. "My mom is amazing." She whispers.