Chapter 11
Emma
I followed Killian inside of his apartment. I usually didn't feel nervous meeting new people, but right now, I did. It blew my mind what Killian had unloaded on me. He really believed his story, which screamed "crazy" to me. But there was something in his eyes that kept me intrigued. As much as he had ruined my trust I had gradually began to build for him, I still wanted to know more about his tale about "my" family.
Killian held his hand open for me to enter first and then stood behind me as he closed the front door of his place. Hope was wailing and her little face was beat red. A woman with short brown hair and green eyes was holding her, sitting on the sofa. Her mouth opened as she gawked at me. Then her lips formed a brilliant smile. "Hi, Emma," she said, as out of breath. She was rubbing the baby's back and bouncing her, but the baby wasn't satiated.
The man with light hair that had hit on me gaped at me also. An uncertain smile flickered on his face. He nodded at me in greeting.
The young boy, (well, my age that was-my-son, as far as Kilian was concerned) smiled at me with a lopsided grin. He slowly approached me and observed me carefully as he appeared to either want to hug me or shake my hand. He lifted his hand with a cautious, expectant expression. I took it and he shook it. His eyes ticked to Killian before he said, "Hi I'm Henry."
I smiled at him warmly. "Nice to meet you all." I said. The way everyone stared at me indicated that either they were pleased that Killian had a girlfriend, or that Killian's story was true.
I looked up at Killian and faced the woman with Hope. She said kindly to me, "Do you want to sit down Emma?" She gestured her hand at an empty place on the sofa next to her.
Killian touched the small of my back as if to usher me toward Hope. I was struggling to believe that they were my family. But something elusive in the vibes in this room were loving and welcoming and mostly, warm.
The woman with jet black hair, Regina I think it was, smiled at me with a formal kind of way. I wasn't sure who she was supposed to be in Killian's tale. "Welcome." Said Regina.
"Thanks." I said awkwardly. It was obvious they believed what Killian had said by the expectant expressions. The man and woman who Killian claimed to be my parents, exchanged a look of confusion. "I'm Snow," said the woman holding Hope. She had such a sweet bubby voice. I felt immediate comfort resonating from her. My "mother", as Killian would have it.
"This is my husband, David." Snow said as she glanced at the blue-eyed man. All I could think about was when he brushed my arm with his hand, and made a pass at me at Fat Olives.
I pursed my lips into a smile. "The one who flirted with me. I remember."
No one seemed surprised at that comment.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I was helping Killian. Nothing more." David said bashfully, with an ashamed look that crossed his face. He shifted his weight uncomfortably and ticked his gaze at Killian, then back at me. It made sense now.
I dipped my chin down at replied evenly, "No harm done."
Killian's hand settled on my side. I realized that he probably thought that I was his already. It made me want to shake it off, but it also excited me at the same time. I let him guide me over to unhappy Hope. She was still crying as Snow hushed her with soothing whispers as she rocked her in her arms.
"Emma came to see what she can do with helping me with Hope's rather frightening condition," Killian looked down at his daughter. His eyes seemed softer yet full of worry. His brow creased as he gazed at Hope. It did something to my chest. My heart sank, and I immediately felt badly for Killian, and for Hope.
I said, "I can't promise anything. Never held a baby before."
Immediately, Hope stopped crying as she looked at me directly. There were tears in her eyes. She seemed astonished. I gazed back at her and smiled a little bit. She was a beautiful baby. I could see Killian in her features. I wondered if the mother really was dead or in a nut house, or if she had left him. Or, as uncanny as the notion was, perhaps I really was who he claimed.
"Hi there hope," I murmured to the baby.
She still didn't cry.
"Do you want to hold her?" Snow asked me with a brilliant grin.
I looked up at Killian, who was behind me with a proud smile on his face. I nodded and sat down next to Snow. I held my palms open, and Snow gradually placed the baby in my arms. Hope was so light and so little. I felt like I may hurt her. I pulled her to my chest slowly and cradled her awkwardly. Hope and I were holding each other's gazes. She cooed and then a wondrous thing happened. She smiled up at me. I gawked at her, amazed that a newborn liked me.
"Wow…" Henry said.
I heard Killian sigh.
Snow stood up and Killian took her place and sat next to me, close enough so our arms were touching. I glanced up at Killian. He was smirking down at me. I could see love in his eyes for me, because he held my gaze a few more seconds than he should. It weirded me out, but I also felt at peace with it. I smiled down at Hope and whispered, "Hi there."
She moved her arm against my chest and continued to stare at me. It was difficult to believe that I was the one who could pacify her. She seemed absolutely fine.
"She hasn't stopped crying until now," Snow said in awe. She exhaled with a light, relieved laugh.
Killian's hand rubbed my back. "She likes you, Love. It's like magic," he said softly as he admired his daughter.
"We'll leave you alone," David said. They all filed towards the apartment door with wondrous glances in our direction.
Snow ushered a little boy towards the front door. He cried, "Emma!" He ran toward me and threw his arms around me.
I gasped and stared at the little boy, stunned that he knew my name and spoke to me as if he knew me. I gawked up at Killian who had a knowing look in his eyes.
"This is Neal," Killian said with a gentle stroke of his hand on my side. He was holding me to him now with one arm. So many confusing emotions blended inside of me.
I said, "Hi Neal."
He was grinning at me as if he missed me.
This was eerie, but also amazing. Neal hugged me and then followed Snow and the others.
Snow reached for Neal's hand and said, "Come on Neal we're going out for ice cream."
Once the family left I gawked up at Killian, unable to put into words how incredulous, yet curious I felt.
Hope was still silent.
Killian flashed me another crooked smirk, seeming like he was gloating. "I told you Love," he said gently as he held my waist, his arm securely around my waist. I swallowed hard. I felt a deep, strong emotion for him within, but was not certain what it was or how to react to it. It was evident I was still attracted to him, and becoming less and less angry with him for hiding all of this from me.
Hope yawned and looked up at Killian, then at me again. She cooed and smiled at me and wiggled contently.
I shook my head, astounded, as I met Killian's eyes. "How can this be?" I whispered. I held Hope closer to my chest and supported her head in the crook of my arm. She nestled her head against my breast and closed her eyes, blinking up at me as if to ensure that I was still there.
Killian whispered in my ear, "Because. She knows you." His hand ran up to my arm. He cuddled me to him. It felt awkward and a little invasive, but for some uncanny reason, I enjoyed his touch. It felt like every time he touched me, I felt more alive. I should get up and leave, which would be my first instinct, but I didn't. What surprised me other than Hope falling asleep in my arms, was that the child, Neal, knew me and I had just met him.
"Neal?" I shifted my eyes to the door and looked up at Killian. I shrugged and shook my head in question.
Killian nodded once. "Your parents, they…named him."
I realized it was after my ex. I didn't know what to say. I stared down at Hope. I was confounded. What else could explain all of these coincidences?
"I know this is quite a bit to take in, Love." Killian murmured in my ear, "I think she's cured. I told you, you have the touch. I knew you would be the one to soothe her." His hand caressed my back slowly, as if it was normal and comfortable to him. As if everything between us was right. I searched his eyes and after a few moments, I whispered, "Is it really true? That she's ….mine?" I started to think he was right, as wild and impossible as it was. Hope did seem familiar with me. It was evident that no one could ease her, and she hadn't made a whimper since I sat down next to her.
That had to mean something. I thought Killian had been leading me on and lying to me. But now, I wasn't sure that this was his insane fantasy anymore. What if he was telling me the truth? He certainly believed it.
He nodded gravely. "How else would you be the one to calm her down Love? She has not slept in hours, and she is never quiet. This is the first time I've not heard her cry." He was amazed himself. Wonder filled his eyes as he looked at me with adoration. He seemed just as stumped.
I smiled a little at him and looked down at Hope again. After a while I whispered, "So…if this is true…which I'm not sure I believe yet, but…could you prove it, if I were to ask you something?" I stared at him earnestly.
"Anything," he said lovingly. His gaze was intense. He held me closer affectionately to his chest with his only arm. I was uncomfortable now. I swallowed hard and gazed down at the tranquil baby in my arms. It felt natural and it even comforted me to hold her. She was asleep. This was a little too perfect. Things like this didn't just happen.
I searched his eyes. "Can I ask a favor? Because I'm still having a hard time believing this. That Hope is my daughter." I said, still incredulous that Hope was still peaceful as if nothing was wrong with her.
Killian nodded.
I let out a shaky breath. "If she's ours, then one thing will undoubtedly made me believe this is true." I glanced down at Hope and then looked at Killian. I felt badly for asking this net question, but it would be enough proof to allow me to have no doubt in what Killian had claimed about me. "What would you say to a maternity test?"
Confusion crossed his face, but his eyes dropped down to Hope, then back at me with certainty. "Aiye, if you need that to believe then I will allow it."
I parted my lips, astonished that he had just agreed to the ultimate test. I was stumped that the answer was probably that I was Hope's mother, or else Killian would have protested. I lifted my fingers to stroke hope's hair. She nuzzled her face into my chest and stilled. I smiled up at Killian and nodded with a small smile. I whispered to him, "The process is painless. It's just a swab in the inside of her cheek and mine."
He didn't seem the least bit intimidated by my request to go through with the maternity test. He stared down at his baby. "You have a mother's touch," he murmured.
His eyes were intent as he lifted his eyes to me. His lips inched closer to mine. It felt invasive that he was about to kiss me, but for some reason I wanted it. His lips slowly and gingerly touched mine. I closed my eyes and stayed still as his lips caressed mine again. His mouth opened tenderly around my upper lip. I looked up at him as he gazed into my eyes. He moved his lips to mine again and this time, he opened his mouth and tilted his head to the side. He was persistent, given that I had asked for space today. He kissed me hungrily and slid his tongue into my mouth. I felt need and desire blossoming in my belly. Adrenaline kicked in and I moaned softly as he kissed me deeper. His lips grazed over my cheek, his mouth brushing against my jaw. He whispered, "I want you."
I opened my eyes and stared at him. He smirked and kissed me again, his tongue running over my bottom lip. I closed my eyes and inhaled sharply as I felt my stomach to flips. He had awakened that same feeling of desire within me. The same as I had last night. His hand held the back of my head as he kissed me harder. I breathed hard as he kissed under my chin. I wanted him too. He moved his head back and caressed my cheek with his fingers. He smiled at me and then eagerly kissed me again. He groaned softly as I parted my lips and kissed him slowly. His fingers dug into the hair behind my head. He was breathing hard.
I stopped the kiss and sighed, realizing how much I wanted this man. I should just listen to my first instinct and not trust him. As much as I didn't want to admit it to myself, I really wanted to be with Killian. Every time he touched me or kissed me, I felt aroused and I felt safe. I craved his touch and his kisses. It scared me also.
I whispered, "We should stop." I licked my lips and averted my eyes down to Hope. She squinted her eyes up at me and then fell back asleep.
Killian murmured, "How can you explain this?" He raised an eyebrow at me expectantly, and dropped his eyes at Hope. He nodded. "I think you know it, Love."
I shook my head slowly. "But this doesn't prove anything."
"You know that I am not lying." His fingers brushed my cheek softly. "You also know that I would be willing to allow anyone that was in this apartment earlier, answer any questions you may have. Course it would be easier if you would just believe me."
I exhaled and gave him another incredulous look. "How can I?" I shrugged.
"If you need solid proof, then let's do the maternity test. I can order the test to be mailed here." His earnest eyes drilled into me. If he believed this, then maybe there was a possibility it could be true, but how? Unless I really lost my memories. It was ridiculous to entertain this story, but I still wanted proof, as silly as it may seem. "Then you shall find out at least that you are her mother." He said warmly, as he stared into my eyes.
I didn't respond as I watched Hope sleep. I shook my head in bewilderment. "That's what I want to know," I whispered up at Killian. He seemed like he already knew the answer, because there still was no sign that he was lying. I wondered if his family entertained his delusions. Was he mentally ill? Did he truly think that I was his wife and this was our child? I couldn't believe it. There was no such thing as time travel. If I was the only one able to pacify Hope, then perhaps it was only because Hope missed her mother. I had a feeling that this maternity test would prove that this was an idyllic aberration on his part.
I leaned back into the sofa and leaned into Killian. I wished the attraction to him would dissipate, but it kept me allured.
He sighed in pleasure and rubbed my upper arm up and down with his hand. He held me against him. A satisfied, relieved smile touched his lips. "You're amazing Swan," he said as he averted his eyes to his peaceful daughter.
"Well it seems you may not have to take her to the ED after all," I whispered. I looked down at the placid baby in my arms.
It made me happy that I was able to comfort Hope. As freaked out as I was of all of this, and against my better judgment to hand him back his daughter, I felt like I should give him another chance and give him the benefit of the doubt. I also wanted to help Hope, and as ridiculous as it was, I wanted to be with Killian, which made me question my own sanity. I could tell he was in love with me, which strangely comforted me.
Killian turned to me with an earnest look in his eyes. He seemed pensive. "Emma…there is something else I should tell you. Before you find out from elsewhere."
I raised an eyebrow. "There's more?" I figured that all of the secrets had been divulged. Apparently I was mistaken.
He nodded gravely. "Aiye." He glanced down at the baby's basinet. I gingerly leaned down and placed Hope in it on her back. She stirred, and then fell back asleep with a tranquil sigh.
I turned to Killian and prompted him with a lift of my eyebrow.
He rubbed his forehead with his fingers. He was building this up, which made me stiffen.
"This will not be easy to say, but you've told me to come clean." He said. He had a morose look in his eyes, but he also appeared determined.
"Just be blunt. Get it all out," I replied.
"Alright. There is more about you, about me. About all of this." His eyes wandered around the living room that we sat in. His hand rested on my elbow. He took a deep breath. "You are special. You're what is known as a Savior. You have the gift that saved all of us, from curses."
I frowned and moved my head back a bit as I stared at him in confusion. "Gift of what?"
He lowered his chin as if about to confess a sin. He whispered, "Your parents are Snow White and Prince Charming. Which is Snow and David." He paused to gage my reaction.
I gawked at him, positive now that he was insane. "Kilian. What are you doing?" I whispered. I slowly shook my head. "I'm worried about you."
"I'm telling you the truth. I'm not bloody crazy. You have magi. Magic exists. And I'm…"
I gave him a weird look, afraid of him. I leaned back, out of his grasp. I shook off his hand. "You're what?" I asked cautiously.
"I'm known as Captain Hook. I know this sounds insane. But it is true. It's how all of this is possible. Being thrown in the past." His eyes were soft and afraid somehow. "Whatever took you from us is evil. We need your help Emma. I need you to remember. To believe."
I swallowed hard and scooted back slowly. "Killian…I hope you don't believe this. Because I sure as hell don't." I was wrong. He really was crazy.
His hand gently rested on my left hand. He murmured, "Please believe me. Again, your parents, Regina, even Henry your son can tell you it is true."
I sat there, dumfounded. "Stay away from me." I said as I quickly ripped my hand out of his reach and got up from the sofa before he could react.
"Emma please, wait" he said zealously. "Let us prove this to you. Wait until they get back. They'll agree with me. We're here to get you, to take you back home. I wouldn't lie to you, not anymore." He rose to his feet.
I quickly stepped back and reached for the handle.
"Please!" he said as he followed me.
I put up my palm warningly. "I'm not sticking around for this. It's over, just leave me alone. I mean it." I hardened my eyes and clenched my jaw. His eyes were sorrowful. He frowned and slowly shook his head.
"You're my wife Emma. You know this all seems crazy yet it seems right. You know we all recognize you because we know you. Were all your family."
"My family is gone." I hurried out the front door before he could catch me. He had scared the shit out of me. I hoped he wasn't nuts, but clearly, he was long gone in his fantasy land. I had to get out of here, get out of this apartment complex. Before he could find me. As disappointed and sad as I felt, I knew I would get hurt again with Killian. Lies would have been better than this world he had made up. The only thing that I believed now was that something dreadful had happened with his wife, or something else. Perhaps he just had a mental condition, and he was trying to deal with this by creating this story that he clearly believed.
He was a creep, and he was dangerously insane. And I had fallen for him. But I would force myself out of this reverie that I could be happy with him again.
I quickly fled into my apartment, grabbed my wallet and my keys and raced out the door towards my car, before he could chase me. I had enough money to find another place to live. I could change my phone numbers. My mind was wild with fright and determination to escape him. Because he had stalked me and weaseled his way into my life and my affections. Not anymore, I wouldn't allow to be sucked into his incongruities. I felt sorry for him. And for that poor baby, Hope…
Playlist
This Love – Taylor Swift
Outside - Staind
Lithium – Evanescence
Lost In Paradise – Evanescence
Torn To Pieces – Pop Evil
Give Me A Sign – Breaking Benjamin
