Chapter 14

Granny smiled as she saw the whole Swan-Mills family come in and push two tables together so they could all sit. Ruby rushed over with a high chair and they put Oliver's car seat on that as he was still sleeping. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and Granny brought over mugs of cocoa for everyone.

"Well, what brings the whole family in on a school day?" She asked, smiling and winking at the kids.

Malory smiled. "I had to have a blood test today and everyone wanted to come and be with me."

"Oh that's great. You're on your break from Chemo then?"

"Yep. Thank goodness. I wanna eat everything!" Ry giggled and picked up the kids menu.

"Well it's your lucky day then. Everything is on the house, so go crazy."

"Oh Eugenia, you don't have to do that." Regina stated, giving her a look.

"It's Granny, and I know I don't have to, I want to."

She then left the family to look over their menus. Ruby came over a bit later and took their order and then left them to talk.

"Moms, since there's only one day left this week of school tomorrow, I think we should just stay home." Henry said with a side smile.

Emma raised her brow. "Isn't your last football game on Saturday? You have to go to school tomorrow if you want to play."

"Oh right. I forgot." He said, slumping down.

"Can I go to the game? I haven't gotten to go because I've been sick."

Regina grinned at Malory. "Yes. We'll all go and you and Eva can wear little cheerleader outfits and Mama and I will wear our 'We're Henry's Mom's' shirts."

Henry groaned. "They can be cheerleaders, but please don't wear those shirts."

Emma chuckled. "Don't worry, we don't own any shirts like that, and I doubt that Eva will want to wear a cheerleader outfit."

"Actually...that kinda sounds cool." Eva said, whipped cream on her upper lip from the cocoa.

"Great!" Ry stated. "We can be Henry's cheerleaders!"

Henry chuckled. "Yes, yes. At least it's the last game."

The group had a nice lunch and then headed home so the kids could all play a game Henry was telling them about on his Xbox. Regina kept checking her phone and Emma knew why. Kathryn said they'd get the results today and they were both anxious.

Cora smiled as the kids went into the living room and she reached for Oliver. "Dr. Nolan called. She knew you were all going for lunch so she didn't want to disrupt you there. She asked to have you guys go to her office to see her. She wouldn't tell me anything, I'm sorry."

Emma looked at Regina and her heart sunk. "Why do we have to go there. It's not gone, is it. If it was, she'd tell us over the phone." She felt tears in her eyes and was glad to feel Regina take her hands and center her.

"We don't know that, Em. Come on, let's go." She looked at Cora. "Are you good with the kids for a bit? The older ones are going to play a game, so they'll be in their own zone."

"Of course. Go on, I'll be fine."

The drive to the hospital was quiet as Emma stared out the window biting her nails and Regina just focused on the road. Once there, they were able to go right to Kathryn's office and sit down. Kathryn got out some folders and looked at them - there was no putting this off.

"I'm sorry. It didn't work." She said softly as she opened the folders with the results. "It...did nothing. I was so hopeful." She sighed and let the news sink in.

Emma's breathing stopped and Regina's heart was pounding. It didn't work. Why didn't it work?

"What do we do now?" Emma asked, her voice shaking.

Kathryn sat back in her chair. "You have a choice. We can try another four week round of chemo and hope it makes a difference, or we can discuss the bone marrow transplant."

Regina put her head in her hands and rubbed her temples. "So these last four weeks were for nothing? If we do this again, it could still be for nothing?"

Kathryn hated this, but she nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry, Regina."

Emma sighed. "It's not your fault." She said quietly and reached over to rub Regina's back. "Before we put Eva through anything, what are the chances of this working. We knew the chances of Chemo and Radiation weren't all that good, but what about the transplant?"

Kathryn looked over some papers. "It's got about an 80% success rate. The issue, and the reason we don't do it first is that remission doesn't usually hast as long with the transplant versus the chemo and radiation." Kathryn sat forward as a ding on her computer came through. "I'm sorry, I wouldn't normally check this, but this is the answer I was looking for. I contacted a leading specialist on childhood cancer. He looked over Malory's file and he says that if he were treating her, he would do the transplant with another round of chemo and radiation. The treatment will give the transplant more of a chance of attacking more cells."

Regina rubbed her eyes and forehead. "Tell me again how this works for Eva. Yes, I want to do all we can for Ry, but I need to make sure Eva's not going to get hurt in this."

Kathryn nodded and pulled out an information sheet. "She will be put to sleep since she's so young. Then we will go in with a long needle and extract some marrow. The only side effects she will have is soreness where the needle is done. For Ry, we would do the same. Put her to sleep and then inject the marrow into her. We can do it all at the same time, in fact, they can be in the same bed."

Emma looked up at that. "They would probably like that." She was still trying to process all of this. "If Eva agrees to do this, when can it happen? When should it happen? Ry is really looking forward to a little break from her chemo treatments."

"She needs the break. We can set this up in a month. They can have their procedure in the morning and she can start her new round of Chemo that afternoon."

Emma noticed that Regina had gotten quiet and she reached over for her hand, frowning when Regina pulled away. Kathryn gave Emma a sympathetic look and folded her hands.

"This is not the news any of us wanted. We were all so hopeful for this treatment to be all Ry needed. Unfortunately, it didn't happen that way, but we can't give up hope. We can't."

Regina nodded and wiped at her tears. "We'll let you know once Eva decides." With that, she stood up and headed for the door. "Emma? You can take the car home, I need to take a walk."

Emma took the keys that Regina offered and stood to give her a hug, but once again was rejected when Regina just walked out and closed the door. Emma felt on the verge of a breakdown and Kathryn could tell. "Sit down, Emma. Breathe. It's okay, you know she loves you. She's just letting all this sink in."

Emma sat down and wiped at her tears. "I know. She's cried a few times, but she hasn't had an actual breakdown. I just worry about her when she doesn't even want me." Emma looked at Kathryn. "Why didn't this work?" She let out as more tears came. "Ry did everything she was supposed to. We all did."

Kathryn moved over to the chair by Emma and put an arm around her, her own tears forming in her eyes. "I don't know, Em. I don't know why it didn't work. We can't stop fighting though."

Emma nodded. "I know. We won't. You just have to understand that Eva has a say in what's done to her body."

"Oh of course. I couldn't ethically do this with out her permission, nor would I."

The two set a tentative date for the procedure, deciding to change to Mondays so that Ry would feel better on the weekends before Emma headed out. She looked around for Regina, but didn't find her. She drove home, calling Mal on the way and telling her everything. She told her not to say anything because she didn't want to tell the girls until after Henry's game so they could all have a good weekend. Mal told Emma to give Regina some time and if she didn't hear from her in two hours, they'd start looking for her.

Emma pulled into the garage and sat in the car, feeling so empty. She put her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes. This wasn't fair! Why was this happening to their baby girl?! She was breathing hard but could still hear the car door open and then close. She turned her head and opened her eyes to see Cora.

"Oliver is sleeping and the kids are zoned out. Come here." She pulled Emma into a hug and held her as Emma let out quiet sobs. "Regina called me. She's with Zelena. She told me to tell you that she loves you,but that she needed to do something to let out her anger." Cora said softly as she rubbed Emma's back. "Now you just let it out. If you want to go see your mother or father, do it. I can handle the kids."

Emma wiped at her eyes and sat back up. "Cora I love you so much but...would you mind?"

Cora shook her head. "Of course not. Go. I happen to know that your mom is at home with DJ as he's not feeling well." Cora gave Emma one more hug and then got out of the car, letting her go.

Emma wasn't sure if she should bother her mother while her brother was sick, but when she went to the station, her father wasn't there. She sat in her car and called her mom.

"Hello?"

"Mom? Can..." Her voice broke. "Can I come over?"

"Oh Emma. Yes. Of course. DJ is asleep. Are you okay to drive, you sound upset."

"Yes. I'm close."

Emma drove to her mothers and didn't even need to knock as Snow was watching and opened the door for her. "Oh baby girl. You look so devastated."

Emma just went to her mother, letting her wrap her arms around her. Instantly, the tears came, the sobs came and Emma was shaking by the time they made it to the living room. "It didn't work. It did nothing. She's no better than before."

Snow let out a sigh and just held her daughter close, rubbing her back and stroking her hair. "I'm so sorry, Emma. I so wish I could fix this." She said, her own tears fogging her vision. "Where's Regina?"

Emma sniffed and just stayed in her mother's arms. "She's with Zelena. She needed space."

"That's understandable. Cora is with the kids? Emma, do you want me and dad to watch them tonight? Give you and Regina a night off?"

Emma thought a bit. "Let me ask Regina." She blew her nose and sighed. "We aren't telling the kids until Sunday. I want them to have a good weekend, so if you do watch them, please don't give it away."

"Of course not. I promise." Snow wiped at Emma's tears. "I'm glad you came to me."

Emma gave a small smile. "I almost didn't. I heard DJ was sick and didn't want to bother you but...but when dad wasn't at the station I started to feel that feeling and I knew I had to go to someone. I decided I'd rather bother you and DJ than bother anyone else."

Snow kissed Emma's forehead. "You're not a bother. Ever. Never ever ever."

Emma leaned into her mother as she got her phone out. She called Regina, expecting to get voice mail, so she was surprised when she answered.

"Emma? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..."

"It's okay. It's really okay. You had to let out what you were feeling, and I get that. That's why I'm with my mom right now."

"Oh good. I'm glad you're with her. I was a bit worried."

"I'm sure you were, but you don't have to worry. Mom said her and dad will watch the kids if we want a night off. I thought I'd call and ask what you thought."

Regina let out a breath. "Actually...I think that's a good idea, if she's sure."

"Yeah? I do too."

"We need a break. I'm not going to be much good to them tonight and I'm sure you're not either."

"Is it bad that we're not telling them right away?"

Snow went to go make some cocoa as Emma and Regina talked.

"No. Let them have a good weekend. A night with their grandparents, we can do a family movie night tomorrow and the game on Saturday. Maybe even go do something fun with them after that and then sit and talk to them either Saturday night or Sunday morning."

"That sounds good. I'll talk to mom about the details for tonight. Do you want me to wait to bring them here until you're home?"

"Yes please. I...I let out some emotions on some trees, much like you did before and now Zelena and I are going to go riding. There's some horses that they let people ride and I think that will be good for me. I'll be home in about two hours. Will your mom mind feeding them or should we stop for something?"

"Good. I'm glad you're getting it out, Regina. I really am." She looked over at her mom. "Do you want us to feed them before they come tonight, and are you sure you want them?"

"I'm so sure. I already texted your dad who agreed. We can feed them, don't you worry about that. Just make sure you have bottles and diapers for Oli. We haven't had a baby here for a while."

"Thanks, mom." Emma then went back to the phone conversation. "Did you hear that?"

"Yes. Tell her thanks from me too. I'll see you in a few hours. I love you, Emma. So much."

"I love you, too."

The two hung up and Emma spent about another half hour with her mother. By the time she left, she was feeling a little better, even if her heart was heavy. She went home and came in by the kids who were still playing a game.

"How would you guys like to have a slumber party with Grandma and Grandpa tonight?"

"On a school night?"

"Yep. Grandpa will take you to school tomorrow, Henry, with DJ if he's feeling better. Eva, you can decide what you want to do since starting Monday, you'll be home schooled."

She thought a bit. "I wanna stay with Grandma. I bet she'll teach Ry and I tomorrow."

"She will. She already told me she would. Henry, it is up to you. If you don't want to go, you don't have to, it's just that you know you won't be able to play on Saturday if you don't go."

"I know. I'll go. It's okay. Grandma will make us all go to bed at the same time, even if we don't have school. But it's always fun to see them."

"Great. Then you guys go pack an overnight bag."

They all headed upstairs and Emma went to pack Oliver a bag. It would be the first time he stayed away from them, but she knew he'd be okay.

Regina came home a bit later and said goodbye to the kids before going to take a shower. Emma drove them over to her parents newer farm house and helped bring everything in.

"I probably have too much stuff, but I'm a mom. I have Oli's extra car seat, his portable crib, his portable baby swing, a bag full of clothes, bottles, formula, bibs, and diapers. You should be good for a week much less a night." She chucked and kissed her mother on the cheek before handing Oliver to her. "How's DJ?"

"Oh he's feeling much better. It's just ear infection, so nothing contagious. Emma, you didn't have to pack so much." She chuckled as she kissed Oliver's cheek.

"Sorry, but I did." Emma stated as she went out to grab some more stuff. When she came back in, she put her things down and then found herself being enveloped in a hug. She knew it was her father and hugged him back. "Not now, dad. I can't talk with out..."

"I know. I just wanted to hug you." He tapped her nose and then went to find the kids. "Your mom is leaving, go say good bye before we party it up in here!"

Emma chuckled and looked at her mother. "Call me if you need anything."

"Don't worry. I will if I have to, but I don't plan on having to."

Emma said goodbye to each of the kids and then went back home. It was weird walking into a quiet house. She sat on the couch and just laid her head back and closed her eyes. She just felt so empty right now.

Soon, Emma felt Regina in her lap and she smiled at the kiss to her neck. "Emma? Would it be bad if we just stayed her all night? Just cuddle and hold each other?"

Emma shook her head. "It's not bad at all. It sounds perfect."

They sat like that for a while before Regina broke the silence. "We're going to keep fighting, right?"

Emma ran her fingers through Regina's hair. "Of course we are. I just hope Eva is still willing to help out."

"I'm sure she will be. She loves her sister."

That was the bulk of the conversation that night. The two just spent their child-less night cuddling and holding each other. In a way, it helped built each of them back up, giving them both strength.

The next day, Regina went to work while Emma spent some time just to herself. She relaxed in bed, relaxed in a bath and then spent some time cleaning. She called her mom around noon but her mom said her and the girls were having such a good time with home schooling that she asked if she could keep the kids until 3. Emma was fine with that and decided just watch a movie.

Cora had spent the night with Zelena as she wanted to give Regina and Emma some alone time but now came home. She came in and sat by Emma, taking her hand into her own. "You okay?"

Emma gave a nod, but cuddled into her mother in law. "Just a bit sad."

Cora ran her fingers through Emma's hair. "I understand."

They talked a bit about the next steps and soon enough, it was 3 and she heard her girls coming into the house.

"Mama!" They rushed into Emma's arms, kissing over her face. Emma couldn't help but smile as she felt the love from them.

"Oli's asleep. I'll go put him up in his room."

"Thanks, mom." Emma looked at the girls. "Did you have fun?"

"Yes! We learned so much today." Replied Malory.

"Yes, she's a great teacher." Agreed Eva "Oh and Grampa is going to bring all the crap that you brought for Oliver yesterday."

Emma raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

"That's what he called it." She grinned. "He said you got so much crap for a baby when in his day, you just let babies sleep in drawers."

Emma let out a chuckle. "Oh did he? Well I'll have to have a talk with him later."

The rest of the afternoon and night went by smoothly. Everyone was happy, everyone was getting along and the girls were so excited to watch Henry play football the next day.

Saturday morning, Emma was making breakfast as Regina was making sure they had everything packed for a morning of watching peewee football. Water and juice for the kids, blankets to sit on, things to keep the girls busy once they get bored. Surprisingly, all three older kids were up and eating breakfast. Malory was so excited to finally be going to a football game that Eva decided not to tell her how boring it was.

The girls wore their blue and yellow Storybrooke Elementary cheerleader dresses that Regina picked up for them, their hair in pigtails, and matching smiles on their faces. This would be one of the rare times that they could easily confuse people on who they were. They never usually dressed like each other, so of course, Emma was snapping pictures.

Surprisingly, the girls stayed attentive during the game and cheered on their brother. Henry ended up making the winning touchdown and they had a celebratory lunch in the park. Henry went with his dad for the weekend and Zelena asked to spend some time with Oliver. It was hard, but Regina agreed and she, Emma, and the girls went home.

Once in the house, they sat the girls down and looked at each other before looking at them.

"Girls, we have something important to talk about." Emma stated and the girls right away sensed the severity of the situation.