Chapter Ten: Help

David walked into the waiting room where his daughter sat. She looked up at him with her big green eyes. He could see just how beautiful, how amazing, how caring she was. But he could also see the scars of her past. This little girl should've been loved and cared for from the moment she was born. Yet, the people she was born to, the people who's job it was to protect her and cared for her, hadn't. They had abused her, they broke her. All of this was their fault. Never in his life had he wanted to kill someone. But now, he was glad the biological mother was dead and the biological father was behind bars. He wanted to kill them both.

Mary and he could not have children for so long. They loved Emma, she was their world. And they would've done all that from the moment she was born, if given the chance. They would've rocked her to sleep, taught her how to walk and talk, checked for monsters. They would've welcomed her running to them when they walked through the door.

She should've always been theirs.

"Daddy," she whispered.

David bent down and picked her up, hugging her tightly. He never wanted to let her go again, he just wanted to hold her and let her feel loved. He carried her out to his truck and sat in the driver's seat, holding her close. Emma wasn't sure what was going on, but she wasn't going to fight it.

"I never want to lose you," he muttered, kissing her head.

"You're not going to lose me, Daddy," she told him, burying her head in his shoulder.

He slowly rubbed her back and just held her for a minute, thinking about what could've and should've been. Sure, he was only 15 when Emma was born, but maybe fate could've worked in different ways. He just wanted to save her, from everything.

When they got back to the house, David still clung to Emma, afraid if he let her go, she'd slip away. He lead her back up to his room and laid her down on the bed. They laid there together for quite some time until she fell asleep. A little while later, Mary walked in and smiled at them.

"Look at you two," she whispered. But then she caught a glimpse of his face. "What's wrong?"

He took Emma's arm and pulled up her sleeve, carefully. "She cut herself."

Mary's eyes widened and she sat on the bed. "Oh my goodness."

"The cuts got infected, so I took her to Whale…he said he had reviewed her records," his breath hitched. "She attempted suicide when she was eleven."

Tears gathered in Mary's eyes and she took Emma into her arms. The blonde stirred but didn't wake. She held her tightly, kissing her head.

"But the social worker said she hadn't seen a therapist since she was seven."

"She fell through the cracks, Mary," he whispered.

"Oh my…" She held her daughter tightly. "David, I don't care what you say, I'm calling Archie…"

"I agree with you, trust me. She needs more help than we can give her." He sighed. "And that kills me."

"We're not therapists."

"No, but we're her parents. We should be able to protect her from all of this."

"All of this happened before she even came here."

"It just…" he banged his fist on the bed. "It pisses me off. We tried for so long to have a child and we couldn't. Yet those drug dealers were able to have a perfect baby girl and they abused her and broke her. It's not fair. She should've been ours, they didn't deserve her. We wouldn't have hurt her like that."

Mary sighed, she often thought the same way that he did. She found such disgust for those people and yet…without them, she wouldn't have her daughter. They never should've abused her, but she had begun to see the bigger picture.

"Oh David," she whispered, touching his face. "My love…" She sighed again. "I know how you feel. I feel it too. But at the same time, she wouldn't be Emma if I had carried her in my stomach. Yes, those people broke her, but look at her personality. She's stubborn and kind…"

"She could be all that if she came from us."

"Yes, but she wouldn't be the same Emma and would you change her for the world?"

He bit his lip. "Of course not."

"I wish I could've given birth to her, taught her how to walk and talk, played dolls and princesses with her, I wish I could've been her mother for those first thirteen years, but maybe that's not what fate wanted."

"How could fate want this for her?"

"Maybe because we were meant to stitch her back together. They broke her, but we're the glue. Her past is awful, but she will get better. It won't be over night, it's going to take time. But we'll be there for her." She stroked his cheek. "It's not too late."

He had tears in his eyes, how could his wife make him feel a little better with just a few words. He leaned over and kissed her. "I love you, you know that?"

"I love you too." She squeezed his hand. "I love how you are with her. She became your little girl without much time."

"Same with you."

"I always worried…" Mary bit her lip. "That you wouldn't love a child we adopted, that you would resent them and me for not being able to have a biological one."

"Hey, I could never, not for a minute. I would never say I'm glad you can't give me a baby of our own blood, but if you could…we wouldn't have our daughter. Plus, I could never resent you." He kissed her.

She grinned and kissed him back. "I love you, you know."

"I love you too."

"Once things calm down, we need a date night. We haven't been out just us since we adopted her."

"I agree. Though…" He looked down at Emma. "I'm not sure if I ever want her alone again."

"We'll work it out."

Eventually, David left to get takeout from Granny's and Emma woke up, Mary was beside her. She slightly smiled at her mom and in return, the brunette kissed her temple.

"Daddy told you?"

"Yeah, he did sweets." She bit her lip. "Honey, I have this friend, Archie Hopper. He's a psychologist…"

Emma knew where this was going. "Mom, I said I'd never do it again…"

"Sweetie, Dr. Whale told your father about your suicide attempt."

The teen's cheeks flushed. She remembered that time very, very well. She hadn't really wanted to die, as she would realize later. She had just found out that her foster parents were sending her back into the system because they were getting a baby of their own. It broke her even more than before. When she woke up, she knew it was a mistake. "How…I didn't tell anyone…my social worker said that she wouldn't tell any of my foster parents because no one would want a kid that did that."

"It's in your medical records, which Whale had access to since he's your doctor now," Mary explained. She stroked the young girl's cheek. "I am so sorry you felt like you had to do that."

"It was a mistake. I wouldn't do it again!"

"You also told yourself you'd stop cutting, didn't you?" The blonde didn't respond. "Baby, this isn't because you're bad or that we're mad at you. We just want you to get some help."

"Talking about it doesn't help."

"It might."

"When they made me see someone after…you know…the therapist just told me to get over it."

Mary's muscles tightened. She was beginning to deeply hate everyone her daughter had come into contact with. "Well they were bad at their job then."

"Probably not. I was a case they had to take on for free since I had been molested. They just didn't care."

"Either way. I've known Archie for years, I've had to send some of my students to them. He's really great. He can't work miracles overnight, but he does help."

Emma bit her lip for a minute. "Would I have to go alone?"

"Of course not. I'd go with you, your father too, if you want."

"Okay."

Mary smiled. She really didn't have a choice, but it was going to make things ten times easier since she agreed. "Thank you, baby." She hugged her tightly and her daughter hugged her back tighter.

Later that night, after Emma went to bed, Mary sat in the den, looking over the records that Whale had dropped off so she could give them to Archie. Since she was the girl's guardian, she had access to them. Emma was right, the therapist she saw when she was a child was terrible. There were barely any notes on it. In the meantime, she found some of the drawings she had Emma do. They were adorable, simply just pictures of houses and flowers. But then she stumbled across a piece of paper with childlike handwriting. She put her hand over her mouth as she read it.

David walked in holding two beers, sitting on the couch beside her. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Look at this, she wrote this when she saw that firs therapist." She took her beer and handed David the paper.

It was written in pen and a little hard to read, but not by much. One could tell that Emma took the assignment seriously.

Dream Mommy and Daddy

-Nice

-Bakes cookies with me

-Mommy is pretty

-No hitting or yelling

-No bad touch

-No smoking

-Daddy is a prince

-Big house

-Reads stories

-Watch movies

-Go to park

-Say "I Love You"

David had tears streaming down his face by the time he was done reading it, as did his wife. He pulled her close and kissed her head.

"She has that now," he whispered.

"She shouldn't have had to ask for any of that, it just should've been given to her." Mary whispered back.

"I know, but she's with us now. With her pretty mommy."

"And her prince Daddy."

David chuckled, in spite of his tears. "I wouldn't say I'm a prince."

"I would and I think Emma would too. You're our Prince Charming."

He kissed her and then looked at the artwork. "She was quite good."

"I almost want to put these on the fridge but I don't want to embarrass her."

"Well you can ask her about it."

The next day was Halloween. Mary called Archie and made an appointment, but he was a bit booked so he couldn't see Emma until the following week, but promised that if he had an opening, it was guaranteed to her.

Halloween had never really been special to Emma. In foster care, they would drag her to some trunk-or-treat thing, but she didn't ever enjoy it. Now, she was a teenager and she didn't really want to dress up or anything. She couldn't even go to Lily's party because she was still grounded. But she could tell that Halloween was a big deal to her parents. They were the types to get excited about all the holidays.

She walked downstairs, to find her mother looking through boxes of decorations and costumes.

"What are you doing? This place is decorated enough." It was true, everything was covered in cheesy, pretending to be spooky décor.

"I'm trying to figure out a costume for tonight. What do you want to be?"

"I'm grounded. I can't do anything fun."

"Well, your dad has to work late tonight, so you can help me pass out candy! You have to dress up for that!" She gave her daughter a smile.

"I haven't dressed up since I was eight."

"What'd you go as?"

"A princess, I think. I don't know. The costume was a hand-me-down from a foster sister."

"I bet you looked adorable."

"If I'm doing this, I don't want to look adorable."

She knelt beside the brunette and started going through the box. Nothing had long sleeves. Self-consciously, she tugged down on her own. Mary noticed and rubbed her arm.

"Did your dad switch your bandages and clean them before he left?"

"Yes, even though I could've done it."

"Not gonna happen."

She rolled her eyes. "How much more coddling am I gonna get?"

"Do you really want it to stop?"

Emma blushed. "Not really…it just gets annoying sometimes."

"We just care, sweets."

"I know, I know."

She pulled out a witch hat and put it on her head.

"I'll wear my black dress."

Mary smiled. "Sounds perfect."

"What are you going to be?"

"I don't know, help me choose."

The two looked for another minute, until Emma found a short white dress with red accents, followed by a matching hat. Suddenly she connected the two and dropped the outfit.

"Mom, that's gross!"

Mary glanced over and started to laugh. "Oh yeah, I bought that the first Halloween after your father and I got married. That was a fun one."

"Ew, ew, I need to erase that mental image from my mind!"

Mary wrapped an arm around her. "Oh honey, one day you'll understand."

"Like Daddy would ever let me wear something like that."

"Oh yeah, because I totally asked my parents for permission when I wore mine."

Emma rolled her eyes. "You never talk about them…your parents."

"Well… not a lot to say. My mom died when I was quite young, I don't have very many memories of her. My father remarried."

"Was she nice?"

"She was alright. I don't think she truly loved my father."

"What happened?"

"Well, it was complicated. I came from a very wealthy family, so it was sort of a shock when I brought home a farmer's son for Easter dinner." She sighed. "I made a choice, one I don't regret."

"You mean…" Emma bit her lip. "You chose Dad over your family?"

"They're not my family anymore, he is," Mary stroked her daughter's cheek. "You are. I still talk to my father occasionally, but not often."

"Does he…"

"I told him about you, yes. I don't think you'll ever meet him, though."

Emma sat back, staring at her palms. Her parents had both had seemingly great childhoods, but like her, their biological families were broken. Both of their mothers were dead and they didn't speak to their fathers. It was almost creepy in a way at how connected they all are.

"I'm sorry," she said.

Mary gave her a smile. "Why? I'm not. I love my life. Your father and you are the best things to ever happen to me."

"You're really optimistic."

"It's just my nature." She kissed her daughter's head. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go for it."

"Well, Whale sent over your files, from your old therapy sessions. Since I'm your legal guardian, I'm allowed to view them. Anyway, I found these pictures…" She pulled out the folder and took them out.

Emma giggled. "Dear God, I was awful."

"They're precious. Do you mind if I put them on the fridge?"

"Seriously?"

"Every mother should have their child's artwork on her fridge."

She grinned. "Okay." That's when she saw another piece of paper sticking out of the folder. She recognized one of the lines and pulled it out, suddenly turning bright red. "Did you…"

"Yeah, we did." Mary frowned. "You shouldn't have had to ask for any of that, you know. It should've just been given to you."

"Well I can check all of it off now." She told her, taking her mom's hand.

"All but one." Emma gave her a curious look. "We've never baked cookies together." A twinkle of glee filled the brunette's eyes.

Emma smiled. "I've never baked before."

"I'll teach you. It's a super-secret recipe. I don't even let your father see it."

"Why?"

"Because it's for Blanchard women eyes only and that includes you."

That night, Emma helped Mary pass out the candy and in between, they watched The Nightmare Before Christmas. Technically the teen was grounded, but her mom promised not to tell her dad if she didn't. They also munched on cookies (after a full dinner, Mary wasn't that relaxed to allow desert before diner) and talked some. Around 8, there was another knock at the door.

"We're almost out of candy, Mom," Emma said, grabbing the bowl.

"I'll go get more from the closet."

She nodded and fixed her hat, opening the door. She raised an eyebrow when she saw who was there. It was Baelfire, dressed as Peter Pan. "Uh, hi."

"Hi," he smirked. "Trick-or-treat."

"Why are you trick-or-treating, isn't that for kids?"

"Any excuse for free candy, you know."

She giggled. "I suppose, you're right."

"I would've invited you, but I know you're grounded."

"One more week and I'll be free."

"No ankle bracelet?" He teased.

"No, but I have to report to my parole officer. You know, being the sheriff's daughter and all."

Baelfire chuckled and went to say something, when he saw Mary walk up behind Emma. "Hi Mrs. Nolan."

"Hello Neal, it's so good to see kids your age still trick-or-treating." She gave him a warm smile. "We baked some cookies, I'll go wrap some up for you."

"Oh you don't have to do that…"

"Nonsense, it's no trouble." She turned around and walked off.

"Seriously, you don't want to miss these. They're amazing," Emma assured him.

"Anything you say, Em." Mary walked back over, holding a plastic baggy full of cookies. She dropped them into his sack and Emma put in some candy. "Well, I better go, more houses to hit and I have a curfew." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a plastic harmonica, one they give to little kids. "Here, someone was giving these out, it's perfect for you jailbird, something to keep you busy."

Emma giggled and took it. "Thanks. See you around."

"See you." He walked off as she shut the door.

Emma turned to see her mom smiling at her.

"What?"

"That was just really sweet as all."

"He's a great friend."

"If you say so."

The blonde could tell what her mother met, but she didn't indulge it. She wasn't sure if she even wanted to date. She had been through so much with men, it was enough for her to trust David. But even that was different. She couldn't explain it, but she just knew he wouldn't hurt her. She wasn't ready to open herself up like that.

They ended up watching another movie, Halloweentown. Emma fell asleep with her head on her mother's arm. Mary cuddled her close and kissed her forehead. That's when she noticed her arms again. She sighed, this wasn't going to be fun.

"Sweets, wake up," she whispered.

"Mmm…"

"I have to clean your cuts."

"Later…"

"You're falling asleep Baby Doll. Come on, just real quick."

She got up and walked out of the room, returning a moment later with fresh bandages and cream. Emma was already dozing off to sleep. She sighed and slowly removed the bandages. A frown went across her face. She hated seeing these on her baby's arms. She really hoped the scarring wouldn't be too bad. She carefully applied the cream, causing Emma to whimper.

"Mommy!" She whined.

"I know, but you gotta let me do this. Almost done with one arm." She moved onto the second, which just made her daughter whimper more. "There, all set." She grabbed the bandages and wrapped up her arms. "Why don't you head up to bed?"

"I'm watching the movie," Emma mumbled, with her eyes shut.

"Your eyes are closed."

"I can still hear it. Plus I'm too comfy to move."

Mary giggled. "Alright, I'll have your father take you up when he comes home." She sat back down beside Emma, who curled up in her side. "You know I love you, right?"

"Uh huh."

"So you'll never do something like that again?"

Emma sighed and her eyes flickered open. "Mom…"

"I know, I'm not a therapist and I don't want to upset you…it's just…why would you want to hurt yourself?"

"You don't get it," the blonde whispered.

"Explain. Please."

"It's not about hurting myself…I'm already hurting…it's just using one pain to mask the other."

Mary frowned. "I see."

"I said you wouldn't get it."

"I don't…I wish I could."

"Like you said, you're not a therapist." She drew back a deep breath. "You're not going to tell anyone I'm seeing him, right?"

"Why would I?"

Emma shrugged. "I don't know. My social worker maybe…"

"We don't really have to report any of this to her unless she asks."

"And she probably never will." She sighed. "How much longer…until I'm not a foster kid anymore?"

"Not too long, sweets. I promise." She kissed the top of her head.

Eventually, Emma fell back asleep, before the movie was even over. The door opened around eleven and David walked in, looking exhausted. There was a staffing problem at the station, so he was working a lot of doubles. He saw his girls on the couch and smiled.

"Thought she was grounded," he said.

"One time exception." She explained. "I think she's sleeping in this dress tonight. I couldn't even get her to walk up the stairs."

"She's been tired a lot more lately."

"I'm sure she's fine, probably just the stress."

"Does she have another checkup with Whale soon?"

"Not for a few more months. Really though, I'm not too concerned yet."

David sighed and leaned down, collecting his little girl in his arms. She stirred, but didn't wake up. He laid a kiss to her forehead and stroked her hair.

"Archie can get her in next week," Mary told him.

"Can she wait that long?"

"The thing is, it flares up randomly. Like, she was pretty much okay today, but tomorrow it could be different. It's all going to depend, even with therapy."

"I guess we'll just have to wait it out, but I'm really nervous about her punishment being over next week."

"I know what you mean, we've been able to keep her close."

"I don't think that Ruby and Lily would ever let anything bad happen to her."

"No, but she could easily go out on her own."

David sighed again and held his daughter closer. "We'll figure something out."

I just want to thank the guest who suggested I put Emma/David/Mary tags on the story, it's gotten more favorites and follows since, so I appreciate it! Anyway, if you guys have any suggestions for what you want to see, I'll try to include it. I have a lot of ideas for this story and it may very well have a sequel. But we won't get to the point of needing a sequel for quite some time. So please keep the comments up.