***TRIGGER WARNING***

MENTIONS OF ORAL RAPE AND VIOLENCE IN THIS CHAPTER***YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Don't hate me. I sometimes can't control what comes out of my mind, but I feel it fits in so well with the story. Please let me know what you think.

Read~Enjoy~Review

Ch. 10

After a couple weeks, Kathryn did go back with her Aunt and Uncle and started therapy. She had proven to Emma that she was sorry and had slowly worked her way back into the group of friends. Emma got the Frozen solo and the night of the performance, she received a standing ovation. Both her moms were there and both cried tears of pride for their daughter.

Regina became a regular and welcomed guest at the Benson residence. Emma would go to Regina's, but Regina preferred to go to Emma's. Regina loved Emma's family and felt at ease there. She also loved Preston and would help him with his homework. As a couple, they didn't do more than heavy make out sessions - staying over the clothes, even if Emma insisted she was ready for more. Regina wanted to wait; the last thing she wanted was for Emma to think she was ready only to realize she wasn't and then feel guilty.

Olivia and Amanda had been busy lately at work, so having both of them at home at the same time was rare. Amanda had been acting weird lately, but when Emma would ask about it, she would just be told that Amanda was stressed about work. However, the way Olivia would look away made Emma wonder what they were hiding.

Regina came over to Emma's for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Emma went to Regina's for Christmas. Regina got Emma a beautiful and soft sweater along with a Swan necklace while Emma got her a leather bound journal with horses on it and a silver bracelet with emeralds.

For New Year's Eve, Emma and Regina's curfews were extended until 2am so they could attend a party Mal was having. While Emma wasn't lying about there being no alcohol, she also wasn't forthcoming with the fact that she did try a cigarette and she liked it. She didn't try anything else and once Mal saw someone had drugs, she kicked them out. Regina and Mal were casual smokers, but Emma didn't feel pressure; she wanted to try it, and she did.

Emma's grades stayed good while she dated Regina, her social life was busy, but it helped that she and Regina had the same friends. Ruby and Mal became close friends and would joke that they were just the 'cast off friends' since Emma and Regina started dating. It truly was a joke, however, as they were happy for their friends.

Zelena was recovering well and had gotten through the court case with Regina and Emma at her side. Cora fully supported her and wished Henry would have at least tried to show up for her.

On Valentine's Day, Emma made dinner for her and Regina and the weather was nice enough for them to eat on the balcony. At the end of February, Emma came down with a nasty flu. It was because of this that Emma was home and found out why her Ma had been acting so weird.

Emma was feeling a bit better, but it had been less than 24 hours since her fever broke so she had to stay home. Olivia and Amanda had both gone to work, telling Emma to call them if she started feeling sick again. Emma was working on her homework that Regina brought for her the night before so she didn't fall behind when the phone rang. The landline rarely ever rang, so Emma ignored it the first time. She finished her homework and showered, thinking she'd feel better once she did. After she showered and dressed, she did some chores and decided to eat a sandwich – she was sick of soup.

The phone rang and Emma sighed, deciding to answer it this time. "Hello?"

"Who is this?" The voice asked, causing Emma to get instantly defensive.

"Who is this?" She asked with attitude.

"Snappy little bitch, aren't you? Just like your mother, well, your adopted mother. Where is that whore anyway?"

"Excuse me? Look, you need to not call here or I will call the police."

"You mean you'll call your moms? Good. I need to talk to Amanda anyway."

"What for?" Emma couldn't help asking.

"She owes me money. Look, you call her right now on your cell phone, I'm sure you have one, leave me on this line and tell her that she needs to call her old bookie now."

"Or what?" She asked, feeling a bit scared now.

"Or I'll break down the door and get you."

Emma's blood ran ice cold and her voice faltered. "I…you can't get up here, it's secured."

"Oh can't I?" There was then a succession of two short knocks and two long ones at her door. "Call your mother."

Emma swallowed and got her cell phone, her hands shaking. She dialed Amanda's desk number and was glad to hear someone answer. "Nick? It's Emma. I need to talk to my ma."

"Emma? Are you okay? You sound upset. She's not here, she went on a coffee run."

"Hang on." Emma said to Nick and she went to the other phone. "She's getting coffee for the office. Do you want me to talk to my other mom?"

"No. Call her cell phone."

Emma swallowed. "Thanks Nick, I'll call her cell phone." She hung up before he could say anything and called Amanda's cell. When Amanda answered, Emma felt she would pass out. "Mama?"

"Emma? What's wrong." Amanda asked, sensing something off with her daughter.

"Mama I…someone called and said you need to call them. He said he's your bookie or something. He's on the house phone but Mama…he's right outside the apartment door. He said you have to call him or he'll get me." Emma was surprised she got it all out as she could feel her throat getting tighter as tears stung her eyes.

"Emma…go into me and mom's room and lock the door. Now. Hang up the phone with him, call down to Joe and tell him to get security up there. I'm calling the police on my work phone."

"Mama, I'm scared. If I hang up, he'll come in."

"Emma, my love, please go into our room lock the door. Wait, make sure the front door is locked."

Emma held her breath as she walked towards the door. She turned the deadbolt and put the chain in as well. That was when the pounding started and Emma screamed as she stepped back. "Mama, please don't let him get me."

Amanda had been calling the police on her other phone and heading home to the apartment. "I won't, Emma, go into my room, lock the door and go into the bathroom and lock that door."

Emma hung up the other phone and ran to Olivia and Amanda's room, locking the door. She then went into the bathroom and locked that door. Emma went into the shower and sat down, hugging her knees to her chest. "Mama…I'm so scared."

"I know baby, just breathe. I'll be there soon and so will the police."

"Mama, I left the other phone out there. I can't call security." Emma said, trying not to hyperventilate.

"It's okay, the police are talking to Joe now."

Emma heard a loud crash and she let out a whimper. "He's inside. Mama, he's inside!"

Amanda swore under her breath. "Shh baby, just stay quiet."

Easier said than done. As the banging started on the bedroom door, Emma let out another whimper and pulled the shower door shut. "Mama…" She let out, feeling the worst fear she'd ever felt.

"I'm almost there, Emma." Amanda stated as she turned the corner. "Oh shit…" She said as she saw all the commotion. The staff from the front desk were all outside with police and Amanda could tell there was something wrong. Joe saw her and went to her. "Amanda, I'm sorry. They had guns and I tried, I tried to stop them but they shot and now…" Amanda raised her hand to stop him.

"Mama, what's happening?" Emma asked, having heard some of the conversation.

Amanda felt her own tears as she looked around. This was now a hostage situation as there were two people in the lobby with guns, not letting anyone in or out. "Emma, I'm going to hang up. Call mom, okay? I'm coming to get you." She was about to hang up. "Emma, I love you. I'm sorry." She hung up and headed towards the building.

"Mama! Mama no!" Emma loudly whispered into the phone. She jumped as the door to the bedroom was knocked open and hugged herself tightly as the bathroom door started getting a pounding. She couldn't call Olivia, she couldn't even breathe.

Amanda went to the doors with her arms up. "You want me. I'm here, so take me. Please leave Emma alone." She called out, seeing one of her old bookies in the lobby.

He grinned. "Oh, I think we'll take both of you. She's good leverage for you. Unless you have the money you still owe us. Just because we went to jail, doesn't mean the debt is paid. In fact, it's four times the amount it was due to interest."

"Give me three days and you'll have it all. I swear, I can even give you a down payment." She looked around. "You're not getting anywhere; the place is surrounded."

He pulled her inside with a grin. "We'll get payback. What we're trying to decide is what will be more fun to watch. Your precious little one watching you die, or you watching her die. That is, after we have our fun with her. She is a pretty little thing." He said, licking his lips. He took Amanda's arm and he along with two others went up the elevator, leaving two still down in the lobby.

The door to the bathroom crashed open and Emma screamed. "Please leave me alone. Please!" She cried as a pair of hands grabbed her and pulled her out of the bathroom. She was thrown on the bed and when she tried to get up, the man hit her across the face.

"Sit still, bitch."

Emma swallowed and hugged her knees to her chest, crying quietly. She heard a noise and looked over, feeling both fear and relief when Amanda came through the door. However, when she noticed someone was pushing her, she knew this wasn't a rescue. Amanda went to Emma and held her close. "Mama's got you. It's okay." Emma clung to Amanda, not able to say anything back.

"Aww how cute." The new man said and Emma looked over. She saw four men and none of them looked happy.

"Just let her go. I told you, I will have the money in three days and I can give you a down payment now." Amanda said, trying to sound strong for her daughter.

"Oh no. I don't think so. As you said before, we're surrounded and not getting away with this. We're going down, but we'll go down with a bang." The man said. "Emma, come here." He pointed to the edge of the bed. Emma shook her head and held tighter to Amanda. "Come here now!"

Emma looked to Amanda and was shaking. Amanda looked at him. "Jackson, please don't do this."

The man, Jackson, sighed and nodded to the man who had broken in. He went to Emma and pulled her off of Amanda while another man held Amanda.

"No! Mama no! Please!" Emma screamed as she was torn away.

"Leave her alone!" Amanda cried out, trying to fight her capture.

The man put Emma down on the edge of the bed, holding her shoulders while Jackson moved closer. "Mmm, a fighter. Just how I like them." He said as he ran his hand over Emma's head and down through her hair. "So pretty." He said, running a finger along her cheek. "I think it's time you put that pretty mouth to work."

Emma felt sick; this couldn't be happening. She tried to pull away from him, but she was held in place by the other man. "I'll bite you!" She said defiantly. "I'll bite it off!"

Jackson got a gun out of his belt and aimed it at Amanda. "You do that and your mama dies. It'll be an involuntary reaction. Better yet, I'll give this to Mick and he will shoot her. That way, my hands are free to guide you like I want you." He handed one of the men the gun who kept it aimed on Amanda while Jackson undid his pants and pulled himself out.

Emma gagged, her stomach burning and her tears flowing. She did not want to do this, but she didn't want Amanda to be shot. He grabbed her head with one hand, pulling it towards him. She kept her mouth shut but could feel his penis against her lips.

"Come on, girl. Open up. Your mama used to be good at this, let's see if you are."

Emma just couldn't her brain was not sending the proper signals to her body. Jackson grabbed her jaw and forced it open and then forced himself inside her mouth. His hands went to either side of her head and pulled her towards his body. Emma gagged as she felt him go further in her mouth and to the back of her throat.

"You can gag, I don't care." Jackson stated as he moved her head forward and backwards. Emma was crying, not wanting to do this at all, but unable to stop.

Just then, a gun went off and Emma screamed as blood splattered over her. She got down on the ground and under Olivia's bed, curling up as the scuffle around her went on.

Jackson was dead as he was the first one the S.W.A.T. team was able to get to. Amanda tried to get up and go to Emma but Mick shot at her. The other men all surrendered as the police came in and shouted at them. Emma was bawling, not knowing what was happening and when someone grabbed at her, she screamed.

"It's okay. Emma, it's Nick. It's okay. Come here please."

Emma looked over and saw his brown eyes. "Nick." She said, going to him. He pulled her out and held her to him, taking her out of the room.

"Mama. Where's Mama?" Emma asked as she let Nick lead her to her own room.

"Emma, let's talk about you. Are you okay? Is any of this blood yours?" He asked, looking her over.

Emma shook her head. "No. It's Jackson's. When they shot him…" Emma felt the tears in her eyes. "Nick he…he made me…" She couldn't say it and he wouldn't force her.

"I know, Emma. I'm sorry we couldn't get up here sooner."

"Where's my mom?"

"They wouldn't let her in, but once we have everything under control here, I'll take you to her." Nick looked over as another police officer came in and then looked at Emma. "Emma, they need to talk to you. I know it's all fresh and scary, but they need…"

"I know." She interrupted. "I know. Nick, can you go find out how Mama is?"

He nodded and the other officer came in. Emma was glad she was a woman as it would make talking to her easier. As Emma went through her story to Officer Martin, Nick went to check on Amanda. He saw her on a stretcher and asked what happened.

"She was shot. She's alive, but he got her in the head. We've got to take her now." The paramedic stated as he rushed past Nick, taking Amanda with him. Nick sighed, not knowing how he'd tell either Emma or Olivia about this, but he knew he had to. Emma would be first as someone else was probably telling Olivia.

Sure enough, about five minutes later, Olivia came in, tears running down her face. "Where's my baby girl? Nick, please tell me she didn't get shot too."

Nick shook his head. "No, Olivia, she didn't get shot. She's got blood on her, but it's not hers. Olivia…he made her…do things to him."

Olivia's heart sank and she shook her head. "No…Nick no. Not Emma. She's been through enough. Where is she?"

"She's in her room talking to Officer Martin. She seems shaken up, but okay." He looked over as the door opened and Officer Martin peaked out.

"She's got to go to the hospital for an oral rape kit, but we've got her statement."

Olivia tried to compose herself, taking some deep breaths. She honestly didn't know who needed her more and she felt so torn. "Okay, we're going there anyway, I'll call ahead and make sure they're ready for her."

Officer Martin nodded and handed her a card. "Sergeant Benson, I know I'm not in your precinct, I'm from SVU Midtown North precinct. I'm here so you can have a fair trial. My precinct is taking all of this with the upmost seriousness and it would be nice to have your cooperation. Please, if Emma thinks of anything else, call me. I'm on your side."

Olivia gave a nod, knowing her crew wouldn't be able to touch this case if they wanted it to be a fair trial. "I trust you." Olivia looked at Nick. "Make sure everyone from our team knows they are not to handle anything here."

He nodded and gently touched her arm. "I will, and then I'll drive you and Emma to the hospital."

Olivia didn't argue. She turned and went into Emma's room.

"Mommy…" Emma said, looking up at Olivia with tears in her eyes. She hadn't called Olivia mommy for a long time, but right now, it felt right.

Olivia went to Emma and held her, rubbing her back. "I'm so sorry baby girl. I'm so sorry." She let Emma cry and then sat back, brushing the hair back from Emma's forehead. "We have to go to the hospital. They have to get some…evidence from your mouth and…and we have to check on Mama."

Emma had no idea what had been going on outside her room. "What's wrong with Mama?"

Olivia felt the tears. "She got shot, baby. They said it's a graze, but she's unconscious."

"No…No. I should have went to her instead of under the bed. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Shhh. Baby girl, this isn't your fault at all. Come on, Nick is going to take us to the hospital."

"Can I have some water first? I feel sick."

Olivia sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but no. You have to save any evidence you can by not drinking water."

"Oh." That made Emma feel even more sick, but she didn't say so. "He's dead though."

"I know, but we have to follow protocol just in case. It's better to have more evidence than not enough."

Emma was quiet in the car, actually, all three were quiet as they drove to the hospital. Emma had her exam, had swabs taken, and was finally able to drink something. They then went to find Amanda. They learned from the receptionist that she was in the ICU. They made there way there and the doctor was there to meet them.

"She's alive and stable." Dr. Nolan stated. He was a younger blonde doctor with the same blue/green eyes as Emma. Olivia nodded to him and he continued. "There's no permanent damage, no surgery needed. She was grazed, however when that happened, she hit her head pretty hard on the wall causing her to be in a coma. We can take her out of it, but we want to be sure all neurological tests come back with good results before we do that." He stated, leading them back to the room Amanda was in. "She's hooked up to a lot of machines, but don't let those scare you. One thing I do want you to know, Mrs. Benson. When she does wake up, there's a good chance of temporary amnesia. This could last from minutes to days to months even. When the brain takes a blow like this, it can take a while to get its circuits running properly again. What she will need is support and love, but I'm sure you and your children can give her that."

They went into the room and Emma gasped as she saw her Mama hooked up to wires and cords and she went to her bedside, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "Oh Mama." Was about all she could say.

Olivia looked at the doctor. "Thank you. How long are we allowed to stay?" He gave a smile. "At this hospital, we don't have set visiting hours. You can stay as long as you want, as long as you don't mind leaving the room if we need to do tests or things like that. My wife will be the nurse tonight, and she will be more than happy to help you get anything you may need. We feel it's best that people have their loved ones around, so we don't like to limit that."

"Thank you. I will have to get our son at some point, but I don't really want to leave her."

"No problem, Mrs. Benson." He said, his blue/green eyes once again making Olivia think of Emma. "I hope you don't mind me saying, but I think it's great that you two have kids and this loving family. My wife and I…we lost our first daughter and it took us a while to try for more. Kids are just…well they're amazing and I know your daughter and wife just went through a traumatic experience, but I can already tell that the love you all have is going to heal this."

"Thank you, Doctor Nolan. For everything." Olivia stated and then went to go to the other side of Amanda's bed. "Hey baby. Have I told you how much I love you today? I hope I did." She said, tears in her eyes as she leaned down to kiss Amanda.

Emma and Olivia stayed with Amanda the rest of the afternoon. Olivia explained to Emma how Amanda had previously had gambling issues and debts and how they had put the men away that had been coming after her. She said Amanda found out they were released and was working on getting money to pay them, but it was taking longer than she expected. "Please don't blame her, Emma. She thought this part of her life was over, we both did, and we never thought it would go this far."

Emma listened and nodded, looking at Amanda in the bed. "I don't blame her. I swear I don't. It's not her fault that people acted this way." She looked back up at Olivia. "Mom? She knows how much I love her, right? I keep thinking…about how when I was eight, she said that she felt like I was closer to you. I know she didn't mean for me to hear it, but I did and I just don't want her to still think that."

Olivia reached over and cupped Emma's cheek. "Baby girl no. She doesn't still think that. She was going through a hard time. She had post-partum with Preston and she just felt things more than she normally would have. Back then, you and I were closer, we had a stronger bond because of all we went through together. She took that as you loving me more and her hormones caused her to get sensitive over it. You and I and she all know that you love us the same, she knows that, Emma."

They sat a bit longer before there was a knock on the door. "Liv? Do you want me to go get Preston?" It was Nick and Olivia stood up.

"I'll come with you. Em? You okay to stay here? I know you're going through your own stuff, so if you'd rather go home, that's fine."

Emma shook her head. "I want to stay here. Can I call Regina though? Am I allowed to talk about this?"

"Yes and yes. I think it's good that you talk to her, to someone. If she wants to come, that's fine too."

Olivia headed out with Nick while Emma stayed with Amanda. She texted Regina first after finding about 50 texts from her friends who had heard something happened on the news. She texted Ruby as well, asking her to tell everyone she was fine as she didn't have the energy to talk to everyone right now. Regina called Emma and when Emma answered, she tried hard not to cry. "Oh Regina…I'm so scared."

Emma told Regina everything that happened that day and what was going on now. "Oh Emma. I'm so sorry, baby. I want to come see you. Is that okay?"

Emma sniffed and nodded. "Yes. Mom said that would be fine. I don't know if non-family members can be in the room, but we can talk in the waiting room. Regina…I need to see you. What happened to me today…" She teared up. "I know this isn't true, but I feel like I can talk to mom about it because she's dealing with her emotion and everything with Mama, but I need to talk to someone. Regina…I feel so dirty."

Regina felt her own tears. "Oh Em. No, you're not dirty at all my love. I'm coming over now. Do you need anything? Clothes, phone charger, anything?"

"I…I don't know how long we're staying. Maybe a phone charger if you have one to spare? Oh, and if I could borrow a shirt? Mine had his blood on it and they had to take it for evidence and so I have someone's old shirt that was in the lost and found and I think that's also why I feel dirty."

"Yes, of course. What about food? Have you and your mom eaten at all?"

"Regina, I can't eat right now and I don't think Mom can either."

"Okay, well I'll be there soon."

"Thank you. I love you."

"I love you, Emma. Always."

They hung up and Emma blew her nose in a tissue. It felt good to get it all out there to Regina, even if she did feel dirty. The nurse came in and Emma dabbed at her eyes, sitting up straighter.

"Oh, don't let me interrupt." She smiled and looked at Amanda. "So, Amanda, this is your daughter, hmm? It must be nice to have her here with you." She looked at Emma. "I like to talk to them as if they can hear me, since we don't know if they can or not. I like to think they can. I'm Mary Margaret, but people just call me Mary."

Emma looked at her and smiled softly. "You're Dr. Nolans wife?"

"Guilty as charged."

"Do you both work nights?"

"Just one week every six months. We have little ones, so it's hard to do more often. When we do, they stay with my friend who runs a bed and breakfast and diner with her grandmother. The kids love it."

Emma nodded and wiped at her eyes again.

"Oh I'm sorry. Here I am going on and on after the day you've had." Mary Margaret came and sat by Emma. "Are you okay, hun? I know you went through something too, though I don't know the details and don't need to know them if you don't want me to."

Emma gave a nod. "I'm okay. I'll be okay." She corrected. "My mom went to get my brother and my girlfriend is also on her way."

"Good. The more love, the better. What's your girlfriends name? We'll get her on the list of approved visitors."

Emma gave the information and Mary went about doing her job, jotting numbers down and then left. Regina got there before Olivia, so Emma figured Olivia was talking to Preston about what happened and maybe grabbing some things from home. Regina came in, lead by Mary Margaret and went right to Emma, holding her in her arms tight.

She held her, rubbed her back and then cupped her cheek, running her thumb along her cheek bone to wipe away Emma's tears. "You are so beautiful. I love you so much, Emma."

Emma couldn't help but look down. "Still? Even after…I mean, you still want to kiss me and all that knowing what was in my mouth?"

Instead of answering with words, Regina leaned forward and kissed Emma. She kept it soft, knowing emotions were high, but firm to let her know she wanted this. She softly broke the kiss and looked into Emma's watery eyes. "I love you. I love kissing you and nothing can change that. What he did to you was vulgar and horrible, but it wasn't your fault and it didn't change who you are or what you mean to me. It didn't change your value or your worth. You can be sad about it, upset about it, I expect you to be. You can feel down about it, but Emma, I will not allow you to let it devalue you. I will not allow you to feel like you're something dirty or used to be thrown away, and I will do everything I can to remind you of that."

Olivia had walked in while Regina was talking and she smiled softly at them, glad Regina didn't stop talking when she and Preston came in. "Regina's right, Em. What happened today should not change who you are and the progress you've made."

Emma gave a small nod, wiping her eyes.

"You're allowed to cry, Em. You're allowed to feel, baby girl. Just because you're not in a hospital bed like Ma, doesn't mean you didn't go through something traumatic. Don't hold it in on my account. You promise?"

Emma gave a nod. "I promise to try, but I know ma needs you more."

Regina sat by Emma, holding her hand and knew Emma and Olivia needed to talk. She kissed Emma's hand and then went to Preston. "Come on, let's go see your Ma." She took Preston's hand while Olivia and Emma stepped out.

Olivia walked with Emma to a small room and closed the door. It was meant for family of those staying at the hospital in case they wanted a more private waiting area. "Emma, what happened to you today was huge and I don't want you thinking you can't talk to me about it because of Ma." She stroked Emma's cheek and ran her fingers through her hair. "Please, please don't let this set you back, Em. Talk to me, talk to Regina, talk to Dr. Norris, just do not let it set you back."

Emma teared up. "I don't want it to. I really don't, Mom. I'm trying hard to tell myself that this was different and all that. I felt better after talking to Regina, after knowing she didn't think less of me. Maybe that's bad, but it meant a lot to me and is helping me not think less of me."

"It's not bad. Not at all."

"I'll talk to you, mom. I will. But Ma comes first. That's how I want it to be."

"Well then you promise me that you'll talk to Regina and or Dr. Norris if you need to."

"Mom, I swear I will. I think I'll set up and appointment with Dr. Norris just as a mental health checkup anyway. How's Preston?"

"Okay good." She sighed. "He's okay. Shocked. I didn't go into detail with what happened to you, or even Ma, really, I didn't know how much to tell him. I call both your schools and explained that at least this week, you won't be coming in. Unless you want to go, that is."

Emma shook her head. "No. I wouldn't be able to focus."

There was a knock on the door and Mary Margaret poked her head in. "Mrs. Benson, Dr. Nolan would like to try and wake up your wife now. The tests all came back looking great and he doesn't want to put it off too much longer."

Olivia put her arm around Emma. "Can we be in there?"

"Yes of course you can. That's why I came to find you."

With everyone including Regina in the room, the doctor put the medicine in the IV that would wake Amanda up. The lights were set to low and it felt as if everyone was holding their breaths. The blond stirred and her eyes fluttered open and shut a few times.

"Amanda? Baby can you hear me?" Olivia asked as she held her hand.

Amanda opened her eyes and looked at Olivia, who was now smiling. "Who's Amanda? Who are you and why are you holding my hand? Why is everyone staring at me?"

Emma stepped forward. "Ma? Ma it's me, Emma." She just couldn't understand how Amanda couldn't know them. "Remember me? Your daughter?"

Amanda slowly shook her head. "I don't have a daughter. I think you have me confused with someone else."

Dr. Nolan stepped forward and put on hand on Emma's shoulder and the other on Olivia's. "Remember we talked about this. Temporary memory loss. Just try to not get upset."

Preston stepped forward. "Mama? You remember me?"

Amanda looked at him, looked at the blonde girl and at the woman and could tell they wanted her to remember. She felt like she knew them. "I…I'm sorry. I can tell you all want me to remember, and I have this feeling that I know you, but I don't remember. I…I can tell I love every one of you. I know that, I feel it. Why don't I remember?"

"You had a nasty blow to the head, Mrs. Benson. From all the tests we've done, this will only be temporary."

Emma put her arms around Preston and the two looked at Amanda. "Do you want us to leave?"

Amanda shook her head. "I may not remember you, but I know I want you here."

Olivia gave a smile. "Then we'll stay."