Chapter 4

Well that was a good nap. Emma leaned over to see someone sat on the chair next to her bed.

"Well it's about time you woke up, I've been waiting almost an hour to see your ugly mug" she said. Emma sat up in her bed, looked at the woman and smiled. Emma didn't really have a clue who this young woman was, but she thought she looked a lot like Little Red Riding Hood which happened to be her all-time favourite story book as a child. The young woman's clothes didn't resemble anything like Little Red Riding Hoods though, they were a lot more inappropriate than anything Little Red would wear. She's wearing a pair of black leather legging's and a red shirt which looked very familiar. "I can only assume you are Ruby" Emma replied.

Ruby looked at Emma and started laughing "Well you would be correct, Oh I hope you don't mind me lending your clothes, I find they always look better on me." Ruby chucked Emma a brown paper bag "here's one grilled cheese sandwich, not sure how good it's going to be it's probably cold."

Emma opened the bag, pulled out the grilled cheese sandwich and took the biggest bit she could. "Oh my god, that is so good" she muttered.

Ruby just sat there staring at Emma eating her food, Emma started to feel pretty uncomfortable. "Didn't you bring anything to eat?" she asked.

Ruby looked down to the floor then looked back up at Emma and smiled "yes I did, I bumped into Regina on my way in so I gave it to her because she looked dreadful."

Ruby climbed up onto the bed, pulled out her phone. "I got some pictures on my phone that might help you remember your life in StoryBrooke."

Emma looked at Ruby's phone and started to giggle "Ruby how exactly are naked pictures of you going to help get MY memory back." Ruby grabbed the phone from Emma's hands and swatted her knee. "Oh come on Ruby, you got to admit it was funny."

Ruby just glared at Emma "No, Emma it's not funny!"

Emma looked at Ruby and couldn't help but laugh at her again.

"Right do you want help getting your memory back or are you going to mock me" she asked.

"Well Ruby if we are such good friends it's only fair that I'm allowed to find this funny" she replied.

Emma really wanted her memory back but she was worried that her life in StoryBrooke may not be one she had wanted and if she couldn't remember then she could start over.

"Come on then, Ruby Roo help me remember" Emma sighed.

Ruby looked at Emma and raised her eyebrows "What did you just call me" she asked.

"Umm. Ruby Roo" she replied.

Ruby leaned over, grabbed Emma's glass of water and drank it. "That's the nickname you gave me the first time we went out drinking. You called me Ruby Roo and I called you Emma Roo because I couldn't think of anything to rhyme with Emma."

Emma couldn't understand how she remembered Ruby's nickname but couldn't remember anything else.

"Emma you sure that you don't remember your life here and you're using this as an excuse to forget all about it?" she asked.

Emma looked at Ruby and shook her head. If her life was so bad that she wanted to forget it wouldn't she of just left StoryBrooke.

"Ruby I really don't know where that name came from, Doctor Whale said that my memory might come back in bits and I guess your nickname was the bit that just came back" she sighed.

Emma started to feel very emotional and her eyes started to tear up. "Ruby, I really need your help. How about we start with our friendship and my job then we can work everything else out" she sobbed. Emma hated showing anyone her vulnerable side but as soon as the first tear fell she just couldn't stop. Ruby pulled her into a hug "don't cry, I promise I will spend every day trying to help you remember. It will drive me insane being in this boring town and not having you as my fun, loving amazing best friend."

Ruby jumped off the bed and grabbed a box of tissues. "Wipe your tears because darling you are an ugly crier."

It was becoming clear to Emma why Ruby was her best friend, even though Emma was feeling crappy Ruby managed to make her feel slightly better.

"Thanks Ruby, it really means a lot. Where shall we start, I hope you haven't got anywhere to be because I feel like this is going to take a while."

Ruby climbed back onto the bed "no Emma I want my best friend back so until that happens I'm staying by your side, well that is until you go to sleep because you sound like a trucker when you snore. So what do you want to know?"

Emma wasn't sure what parts of her life she wanted to know about most. Deep down she knew that she wanted to know about Henry and Regina but she had a feeling that the whole situation was complicated and she wasn't sure if she was read to hear that just yet.

"Our friendship is the best place to start I think" she replied.

Ruby pulled out her phone again and made sure she didn't go on the wrong photo album. "We have a habit of taking lots of photos so hopefully one of these will jog your memory" she said. "This is us your first night here, you didn't know anyone so you sat at the counter in Granny's on your own drinking beer and I was serving you Granny kept shouting at me because I spent most of my shift talking to you" she giggled.

Emma looked at Ruby and couldn't understand it but she couldn't remember that night very clearly almost as if it was yesterday.

"I think I remember, did I spill a beer over some man's lap and he said I owed him a date for ruining his favourite jeans" she asked

Ruby's jaw dropped to the floor "YES that happened OH MY GOD, you're starting to remember" she screamed. "Do you remember anything else?"

"Ruby I still have a headache so please don't shout, but yes I'm starting to remember bits, I remember when we made Mary-Margaret drive us around for an hour because we were both drunk but wanted to go out in the car, I also remember the accident" she admitted.

Ruby stood up, walked over to the nurse's station and came back with Doctor Whale. "So Emma you remember certain things" he asked.

Emma couldn't believe that looking at some pictures would actually help get her memory back but it was working. She was a bit disappointed that she couldn't remember anything else.

"Yes, I remember a few things that I have done with Ruby and also the accident but I can't remember anything else. Do you think we could give me a C.T to see if there is a clot or something that is stopping me being able to remember everything?"

"Yes Emma if you want a C.T that can be arranged, I can take you down for one now and hopefully if it is just a clot we can operate and you will remember everything." he replied.

A nurse brought over a wheel chair "do I really need a wheel chair, last time I checked I had a problem with my memory not with my legs."

Ruby raise her eyebrows and smacked Emma's knee "NO wheelchair, NO C.T so hop in" she replied. Ruby started pushing Emma down the corridor of the hospital, Ruby started to speed up and when she hit maximum speed she jumped on the back of the wheelchair. "I've always wanted to do this" she yelled. They carried on down the corridor until they crashed into a coffee cart. "Oh crap" she shouted.

"Ruby, one accident this year is enough" she joked. They arrived at the C.T machine in one piece well just about. Emma hopped out of the chair and climbed into the machine. Emma really hoped that there was a clot and it could be fixed. She led in the machine humming to herself. Emma really wished this would hurry up, she had a big problem with confined spaces. The C.T was taking ages and she started to get annoyed. Emma was just about to scream when it beeped to let her know she could get out. She climbed out of the C.T machine hoped back into the wheelchair. "Ruby wheel me back and try not to crash!" she giggled.

They arrived back to the bed and Doctor Whale was sat on the edge of the bed waiting for them. "Emma I have some good news, you do indeed have a clot and after a 45-minute operation you should be back to your old self."

Emma couldn't believe it but she was actually happy that she needed to have surgery. "Are we sure that after this surgery I will be good as new?" she asked.

"Yes Emma if everything goes to plan you will be back to normal with your full memory" he replied. "You ready for surgery now?"

Emma was ready for the surgery but she wasn't exactly sure if she was ready to have her old life back.

"Yes I am very ready."

Ruby pulled out her phone "Do you want me to ring Regina when you have gone into surgery and let her know what is happening" she asked.

Emma wasn't sure if she wanted Regina by her side but then when she thought about it, anyone would love to wake up from surgery with a hot woman by their bedside.

"Yes please, can you wait until I'm under though no point in her being here until I've had my surgery" she sighed.

Doctor Whale wheeled Emma down to surgery himself and that got Emma a bit worried. She led there waiting to be put under. "Emma can you count backwards from ten please" Doctor Whale asked.

"Ten...Nine...Eight" she muttered.

Regina led in bed trying her hardest to get back to sleep but she couldn't stop thinking about Emma. Who the hell is ringing me so bloody late. Regina rolled over to check the clock and it was only 8pm. She only fell asleep about 4 hours ago and she was really hoping today would just hurry up and end. She leaned over picked her phone up to see that it was Ruby calling her, Regina really hoped she had some good news.

Hello Ruby is everything okay?

Well I have some good news Regina, they did a C.T and found that Emma has a small clot that could be causing her amnesia.

Regina couldn't help but smile at this news. She knew she shouldn't smile because Emma was most probably going to need surgery and anything could go wrong but if everything goes right then she will have her Emma back.

That's great news Ruby, will she be needing surgery to get rid of the clot?

Regina wasn't sure whether to wake Henry up and tell him or wait until Emma was out of surgery.

She's in surgery right now she told me to ring you once she had gone in.

Emma asked you to ring me, did she remember anything before the surgery?

She remembered a few things, nothing major and I'm sorry nothing about you or Henry. She told me to ring you when she had gone into surgery so you didn't worry about her. Doctor Whale is very confident that the surgery will work. I will ring you as soon as she wakes up.

Thank you Ruby, it really means a lot that you are keeping me informed.

Regina climbed out of bed, walked over to her bathroom and turned the shower on. She climbed into the shower and started washing her hair. She couldn't decide whether to take Henry to the hospital or get Mary-Margaret to watch him. She knew it was probably best to go on her own because if Emma still didn't remember then it will destroy Henry. She climbed out of the shower and walked towards her closet. Regina couldn't decide what to wear, she didn't want to wear something revealing and result in giving Emma a heart attack, she had been through an enough as it is. Regina picked out a grey dress with a slit up the side, it showed more leg than breast and Emma had always loved her in this dress. She now needed the perfect pair of shoes, she found a pair that were still in the box. They were black with a 4-inch heel and a bow on the front, not something she would normally wear and she couldn't even remember buying them

She walked over to her dressing table and did her makeup, she really hoped the surgery worked it's only been a few days without her Emma and it was already killing her. After thinking about it so much, Regina decided to take Henry to the hospital because if she didn't he would never forgive her. Regina finished her makeup and made her way towards Henry's room. It's just after 9pm and even though it was a bit late to be waking Henry up he needs to know everything then he can make his own decision about whether he comes or stays. She walked over to his bed and sat on the edge of it, she didn't want to startle him so she stroked his hair and kissed his forehead. "Henry, darling I need you to wake up so I can talk to you."

Henry sat up, wiped the sleep out of his eyes and smiled at her. "What's wrong mum, what's the time?" he asked.

Henry's smile always had a way of melting her heart and his smile is the exactly the same as Emma's. Regina didn't know how she was going to tell them both no when they ganged up on her when Emma moved in. Regina couldn't believe she was planning a life with a woman who 1. Doesn't even remember her and 2. Might not even want a life with her when she does eventually remember her.

Regina took his hand in her own and kissed his forehead again. "It's about 9pm, I'm just letting you know that Emma woke up but needed surgery on a clot in her brain. Ruby just rung to let us know that Emma will be in surgery for about 45 minutes then we can go see her when she wakes up if you want. I know its late but it's a special occasion" I replied.

Henry jumped out of his bed, grabbed Regina hand and pulled her out of his room.

"Come on then mum we got to get to the hospital" he screamed.

Regina knew she needed to talk to Henry about Emma's memory loss.

"Woah Mr, I need to talk to you about something very important before we go rushing off to the hospital OK. I want you to listen very carefully to everything I say"

He stopped, let go of Regina's hand and just stared at her. "What is it mum?" he asked.

They walked over to the stairs and sat down. "Right Henry, well Emma woke up from her coma early this morning but had something called amnesia do you..."

Before Regina could finish explain Henry interrupter her.

"Yes Mum I know what amnesia is it's when somebody doesn't remember anything of their life" he stated.

Henry was too smart for his own good. "OK Henry, Well Emma had amnesia so Doctor Whale is operating on the clot so hopefully that will relieve the pressure and we will get Emma back" I replied. Regina's phone started to vibrate in her pocket and she knew it must be Ruby because nobody else texts her.

Emma's surgery went great, she has just woke up and is asking to see you and Henry. Her memory is back fully. She told me to tell you to get your pretty little arse over to the hospital NOW (her words not mine).

Regina couldn't help but smile at her phone, Henry just glared at her. "Mum, is that a text about Emma?"

Regina didn't need to use no words she just smiled at him. "IT IS IT IS! COME ON MUM WE GOT TO GO!" he shouted.

"Darling, how about you change out of your PJS and I will meet you in the car" she replied.

Regina had a good feeling that Emma saying she's waiting for her pretty little arse to the hospital means she still loves her. Regina grabbed the car keys and walked to the front door. "Henry are you coming" she shouted up to him.

Henry came running down the stairs and tripped on the bottom step and fell into her arms. "Now do you see why you shouldn't run downstairs" she nagged.

She locked the house up, climbed into the car and patted Henry on the knee "right Emma has just woken up from surgery so you have to be quiet and calm when you see her OK" she warned.

Henry just looked up at Regina, put his seatbelt on and looked out the window. Regina wasn't sure what exactly was going to happen when they get to the hospital. Regina was excited to see Emma and tell her how she felt but then again she thought maybe she should wait as Emma has just woken up from surgery.

The drive to the hospital was a very quiet, Henry just stared out of the window and Regina just went over everything she wanted to say to Emma. They arrived at the hospital, she parked up and climbed out of the car. Regina had never been so nervous in her whole life, she had the worst case of butterflies ever. Henry walked over to Regina grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Everything will be okay Mum."

They walked into the hospital and Regina decided it was best to take the stairs it might get rid of some of Henry's energy. They climbed up 6 flights of stairs and arrived at the ward Emma was on. Henry let go of her hand and ran towards Emma's bed. Regina decided she would give them a few minutes together before going over.

Regina walked into Doctor Whales office. "So how did the surgery go?" she asked.

Doctor Whale looked up from his desk and smiled "Oh hello Regina, the surgery went very well and Emma's memory is back."

Regina tried not to but she broke down in tears, she wasn't sure what time of tears they were. Regina decided they were more nervous than tears anything else. She was worried that Emma decided she didn't feel the same anymore. Doctor Whale handed her a box of tissues, she grabbed a few and wiped her tears.

She walked out of Doctor Whale's office and headed towards Emma's bed. She sat up in the bed, waved and smiled at me. Regina walked over to her bed and felt all the butterflies fly away. She put her hands on Henry's shoulders and kissed his head. "Sweetie why don't you go play on Doctor Whales computer while I have a word with Emma."

Henry just looked at Regina, kissed Emma on the cheek and walked towards the Doctor's office. Regina smiled at Emma, her heart was beating so fast it nearly came out of her chest. Regina had never felt like this before. She sat down on the corner of Emma's bed and held her hand. "Well it's about time you got your pretty arse over here, the nurses haven't got nothing on you" she joked. Regina had missed Emma so much and it had only been a few days. "Well I hope they haven't, they don't look nearly as hot as me in a nurse's outfit" she giggled.

Emma just winked at Regina and gave her a cheeky grin. "So how are you feeling darling?" she asked.

"I'm feeling much better now, I'm glad you're here" she replied.

She pulled Regina's hand towards her mouth and kissed all her fingers. "MMM tastes like vanilla, the best taste in the world" she admitted.

"The best taste in the world really?" she giggled.

Emma looked up at Regina and grinned "OK the second best taste in the world, the first is also on your body."

"Emma, I really need to speak to you." She sighed.

Emma raised her eyebrows and let go of her hand. "That doesn't sound good, is everything OK?" she questioned.

Regina grabbed her hand, leaned over and pressed a kiss to Emma's cheek. "Everything is fine I promise; you always think the worst."

"Well when you've lived my life, a life that everyone always leaves you. And your life is full of complete heart ache then you will always expect the worst."

"I understand darling, but right now I need you to not interrupt me and listen to everything I say."

Emma was exactly like Henry when it came to interrupting her, neither of them could until she had said everything she wanted to before they jumped in and gave their input.

"OK shoot" she replied.

"Emma Swan, we've had more ups and downs than anyone but we always come out the other side. I love you more than anything else in this world. Every time I see you my heart beats faster and my stomach does back flips. I know everything between us has always been plain sailing but the moment I look into your eyes all I can think about I the good time between us. Everyone will think that us being together is crazy and maybe it is but I know that I am crazy about you. I fell in love with your courage, your sense of humour and the way that you never give up. The past few days of you being in the coma and not remembering who I am broke my heart. I don't ever want to be without you. I want me, you and Henry to be a real family. I would like to know if you would go on a date with me, I know we have had sex and all the other stuff but we have never been out on a real date and I would like to treat you how you deserve to be treated. So what do you say Emma Swan would you like to come on a date with me?" she asked. Regina couldn't believe she had just bared her soul to Emma.