Worries & Distractions
Chapter 3: Thanks for the Distraction
Mary Margaret had a small movie collection, just a few old tapes. Emma popped in an unfamiliar title, not recognizing any of the names. The movie was just getting started when Mary Margaret appeared next to her with a big bowl of popcorn.
"So you ever think about having a kid?"
Mary Margaret nearly chocked on her popcorn as she coughed, trying to free the food from her throat. Emma held a grin as she went to the kitchen for water.
Mary Margaret managed to get the popcorn down. Her hand went to her frenzied heart as she looked to Emma through wide eyes. "What on earth made you ask that?"
Emma's grin was a mile long as she walked through the room with a glass of water. "Asking about your personal life distracts me. Isn't that the point of today?"
Mary Margaret took a sip of water, and then put the glass down on the coffee table. Her eyes followed Emma who was falling to the couch.
"It's um, funny that you brought that up."
Emma's stare widened. "Wait, seriously? You want a kid?"
"We have one," Mary Margaret said, "She's all grown up. Everything we dreamed her to be. Everything we could possibly ask for, and more."
A smile took Emma's face as she rolled her eyes.
"I haven't said anything to David, but yes… I think it would be nice to have a baby around… how would you feel about being a big sister?"
Emma was quiet for a moment as she did the math in her head. "Your kid will be more than a decade younger than my kid… this is too bizarre."
Wearing an amused smile, Mary Margaret said, "I didn't mean to make your head spin."
"You guys shouldn't even be young enough to still have kids," Emma murmured in awe.
"Hey, I'm only twenty-"
"Don't finish that sentence," Emma warned firmly. "I don't need to know how old you are. I'd rather not find out that you're younger than me… you're Henry's grandmother. You shouldn't look so damn young."
A wicked smile took Mary Margaret's face. "So, what about you? Ever think about having another baby? I'm sure Henry would love to be a big brother."
"Pretty sure I would need a guy for that."
"Don't tell me you don't see the way Neal looks at you."
"What are you talking about? Aside from the fact that it's been a decade, he's engaged."
"Very true. But it's clear to see that he still has feelings for you."
Emma scoffed.
"I'm gonna go ahead and assume you won't admit you having feelings for him."
"I'm over Neal. I'm over that part of my life. I'm not going down that road again."
"Fair enough," Mary Margaret gave in. "But regardless, just for arguments sake, if you had the chance, would you want another baby?"
Emma thought for a minute… a year ago, her response would have been automatic: no… but now…
"I don't know… maybe."
Mary Margaret looked at her daughter in shock.
"Crazier things have happened," Emma said in defense. "Like me finding out my parents are Snow White and Prince Charming."
"Oh, no, Emma, don't get me wrong; you're a wonderful mother to Henry. I know you would be amazing with a baby… its just a bit of a surprise. When I met you, you were hesitant about Henry and now hearing you say you might want another child… well, I would be thrilled to have another grandchild."
"Okay, I shouldn't have brought this up. We're supposed to be watching a movie, not getting emotional."
"Right," Mary Margaret agreed while turning back to the t.v.
A few moments of silence passed when a thought occurred to Emma.
"Don't be too graphic. In fact, don't be graphic at all, but how the hell did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Have me. There aren't epidurals in the enchanted forest."
"What's an epidural?" Mary Margaret asked in confusion.
"It's a kick ass pain reliever that women take when they're in labor. It numbs you from the waist down so you don't feel much."
Mary Margaret's brows furrowed in curiosity. "Interesting… to be honest, I just… did it. I guess. I didn't have a choice. You were coming. You were born. Coincidentally, where you were conceived."
"Really? You really had to go there?"
Mary Margaraet smirked. "You came early. I wasn't expecting you for another week or so… that's why I couldn't go with you. I was told the wardrobe had enough magic to protect one… I didn't know Pinocchio went through it."
Emma nodded. "When I realized August took your place… you know, the what ifs went through my head."
Mary Margaret nodded, a soft smile on her face, urging her daughter to continue.
"I didn't have to be orphan," Emma said, her tone even. "I wouldn't have felt so damn out of place my whole life… but then I think about Henry… I wouldn't have my kid if things didn't happen the way they did."
Mary Margaret smiled encouragingly as water glossed her eyes.
"Shit happens."
Mary Margaret nodded in agreement while putting her hand over Emma's. "Good things happen too."
With her eyes on the tv, Emma smiled. She turned her hand over to twine her fingers with her mother's. The gesture made Mary Margaret smile a mile wide.
"Thanks."
"For what?"
"The distraction."
"Anytime."
The End
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