Hey guys! So I know I said there wouldn't be another chapter till the end of next week but I managed to get this one written so I thought I would post it for you guys seen as there might be a slight wait till the next one. I just want to say thank you so much for the reviews on the last chapter! They were really supportive and helpful which really motivated me to get another chapter up for you guys. So one of you guys (you know who you are and you are always so supportive so thank you so much) has given me the idea that maybe Sarah could eat the apple instead of Henry and I want to know what you guys think. So let me know in the reviews if you want Sarah or Henry to eat the apple turnover. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy this chapter my lovelys.
'I can't believe she's alive,' Sarah sat outside of Kathryn's room looking at the white tiled floor below while Emma paced in front of her. It wouldn't seem to sink in: Kathryn was alive.
'Someone went to a lot of trouble to set up Mary Margaret,' Emma crossed her arms rage hitting her through the confusion.
'Yeah and we all know who that is,' Emma gave her daughter a sad look wishing she could spare her the pain. Just as the blonde was about to comfort the teen she saw doctor Whale wave her into the room.
'Come on,' Sarah followed her mom's gaze to the patient's room part of her not wanting to go inside. Reluctantly Sarah followed the sheriff into the dull room not even realising she was holding her breath.
'Look who's awake,' Doctor Whale smiled at the mother and daughter team before writing something down on the pad in front of him.
'Kathryn, hi,' Emma awkwardly began while the teen hid behind her mother. Kathryn looked up at the pair with warm eyes, there was something about this woman that made everyone instantly at ease. 'Listen, I don't want to take a lot of your time. But, do you remember what happened?'
'I don't know much,' Kathryn sat up slightly as she tried to recall the ordeal she had been through. 'Um, I was in a car accident, and…I remember the airbag going off. And the next thing I knew, I was in the dark, in some basement. I didn't see anyone, but there was food and water. And then, I guess I was drugged,' Sarah felt herself tense at the victim's words hoping with everything she had that Regina wasn't capable of such an act and if she was how was the teen supposed to explain that to Sam?
'Yeah. We're still trying to flush that out of your system,' Whale chimed in.
'And then, I woke up in a field at the edge of town, and I started walking. That was it,' Kathryn finished with a sad look.
'You saw no one? You didn't hear a voice? Smell perfume? Cologne? Anything?' Emma felt bad for pushing the woman who had obviously been through hell but she had to know who had put her friend behind bars.
'Nothing, no. I'm sorry. I wish I could help. Especially since… While I was gone, you thought I was dead?' Kathryn couldn't believe what was happening. One minute she was moving on with her life and the next everything had been thrown upside down.
'Your DNA matched the heart we found,' Emma explained although she needed someone to make sense of it to her before she could try and explain it to Kathryn.
'They're grilling everybody down at the hospital lab to see who doctored the DNA results,' Whale frowned as he spoke clearly mad at the hospital error.
'Why would anyone do this?' Kathryn choked out.
'Clearly they had something against blondes I mean I know you guys have more fun but us brunettes try our best,' Sarah rambled wishing she had the ability to keep her mouth shut.
'So not the time,' Emma scolded flashing a warning glare at the teen.
'Sorry… I joke when things get serious it is an awful quality and I'm trying to find the right support group,' Sarah awkwardly apologised but Kathryn just smiled.
'It's okay, after what seemed like forever of not speaking to anyone it's nice to have some light-hearted conversation,' Kathryn gave the brunette a sweet smile to which only gave Sarah more guilt. She should have seen what Regina was doing, how could she be so blind?
'I think someone was trying to frame Mary Margaret,' the blonde saw sadness flash over Kathryn's face. Even though the woman was having the worse day she still managed to feel sympathy for others.
'But why? I mean, who would do something like that?' Kathryn couldn't believe some people could be so cruel.
'Excuse me,' the teen breathed out before leaving the room. She couldn't take any more of this.
After Emma had finished questioning Kathryn she left the hospital to go tell Mary Margaret the news leaving the teen behind to check Kathryn stayed safe. Sarah really didn't want to be in the cold hospital by herself but Mary Margaret couldn't wait to be released any longer. Sarah stared through the glass wall watching the blonde sleep trying to imagine what she had been through. The walls seemed to be closing in as Regina popped into her mind.
'Hey,' Sarah was thankful for the interruption as Sam and David joined her outside the room.
Sarah made no attempt to answer but merely gave a small smile.
'Is she okay?' Sam asked but his eyes were looking in the room.
'Why don't you ask her yourself,' the blue-eyed girl smiled happy to see the boy finally having some peace.
The boys didn't have to be asked twice with David heading straight in followed by Sam who stopped briefly to kiss Sarah on the cheek. Sarah watched the scene unfold mixed emotions rushing through her. She saw all three smile happy to be reunited and finally have the misery behind them. Sam leaned forward to hug his aunt holding on tight as if he was scared she would disappear in his arms. As tears threatened to fall Sarah quickly turned away running as fast as her legs would take her out the hospital. When Sam finally released Kathryn, he looked outside expecting to see the girl he had grown so fond of but was greeted by an empty space.
Sarah woke up the next day for a second forgetting everything that had happen and then it hit her: Kathryn was alive, Regina was responsible for what happened to her and Mary Margaret was home. Sarah's face suddenly broke out in a smile as she remembered the latter.
'Mary Margaret's back,' she whispered to herself quickly getting out of bed and running down the stairs.
The teen was greeted by the smell of coffee and the sound of the familiar humming she had grown to love.
'Look who's up,' Mary Margaret smiled at the teen who was still stood at the bottom of the stairs.
'Look who brought American Idol back to my kitchen,' Mary Margaret couldn't help but laugh, missing the young girl's sarcasm more than she thought.
Without another word Sarah ran forward pulling the teacher into her arms much like the hug Sam had given Kathryn. 'I missed you so much,' Sarah whispered into her friend's shoulder.
'You still saw me every day,' Mary Margaret laughed.
'It wasn't the same,' the teen insisted refusing to let go. 'I missed living with you! I almost had to move into the cell next to you.'
'I always knew I would see you behind bars one day,' the pair broke free of each other's grasp as Emma entered the room.
'Thanks for the faith mom,' the teen argued while the teacher stood back laughing.
'Now enough hugs we have a party to get ready for,' Emma smiled.
'Party?' Mary Margaret questioned giving both Swans a confused look.
'You'll see,' the teen smiled grabbing Mary Margaret's coffee before running upstairs to get ready.
A few hours later the loft was full of friends from town happy to welcome Mary Margaret home. The conversation was in full swing with echoes of laughter filling the empty spaces. It was a nice for all three women to smile for a change. Mary Margaret finished her conversation with Granny making her way over to the two Swans.
'All of these people… Just to welcome me home?' Mary Margaret stared at the crowd in shock of all the love.
'Yeah well we had to pay them all but we figured you were worth it,' the teen commented earning a slight jab from the teacher. 'Ow,' the teen moaned rubbing her side. 'She has been spending way too much time with you,' Sarah turned to Emma who was laughing at her side.
'You've got a lot of friends,' Emma smiled happy to finally have some normal aspects back in their lives.
'Didn't feel like that yesterday,' Mary Margaret sighed looking at the cup in her hand. She stayed silent for a few moments before breaking out of her sadness refusing to stop the merriment.
At that moment Zac burst through the door a raven-haired sulking behind him. 'Hello!' Zac called in greeting.
'Who invited you?' Sarah joked as the boys made their way over.
'There is no party without your dad remember that,' Sarah rolled her eyes at her dad as he quickly hugged Emma and Mary Margaret before heading into the kitchen.
'Hey,' Sarah stepped in Josh's path preventing him from following Zac.
'Hey,' Josh greeted but refused to look at the teen.
'So listen- '
'I best go help your dad find a drink before he wrecks the place,' Josh quickly cut the girl off before stepping around her.
'Erm okay,' Sarah commented to the now empty space leaving the three women alone once more.
'Hey. I have something for you,' the trio directed their gaze to Henry with a card in his hand that was almost bigger than him.
'Well, thank you,' Mary Margaret gratefully took the card opening it up. 'We're so glad you didn't kill Misses Nolan,' the teacher read out loud finding it difficult not to laugh.
'It's from the whole class, and I got you a bell,' Henry said proudly.
'Good job kid,' Sarah laughed wrapping her arms around Henry's shoulders.
'Thank you. Tell everyone I'll be back soon,' Mary Margaret was looking forward to getting back to work it was a step closer to getting her life back.
'Hey, Henry, we should get you home before your mom finds out. That won't be pretty,' Emma noticed her daughters smile disappear at the mention of Regina.
'Do I have to,' Henry wined staring up at his sister for back up.
'Sorry kid but I think the moms have this one,' Sarah gave her brother a sympathetic look wishing he didn't have to go.
Emma gently pushed Henry towards the door people calling goodbye from all angles. As Emma opened the front door she was surprised to be greeted by David. The blonde flashed a look to Mary Margaret who shook her head telling Emma all she needed to know.
'Hey, Henry. Leaving already?' David smiled not daring meet the blondes gaze.
'Yeah,' Henry answered sadly.
'She's kind of tired. I think if you just give it some time,' Emma quickly interrupted trying to get rid of the unwanted guest.
'I just wanted to- '
Before David could continue Emma interrupted once more, 'hey, Henry. Why don't you head home with David?'
'Okay,' Henry answered with a smile while David shot Emma a hurt look.
'Sorry,' Emma whispered feeling bad for the guy.
Without another word David walked away with Henry his shoulders slumped and his smile broken.
'So why are you making me walk again?' The teen moaned holding on to Mary Margaret's arm.
'Because I've been stuck in a cell,' Mary Margaret laughed.
'Exactly so why should I be punished?' Mary Margaret rolled her eyes at the teen as she opened the door the cool air hitting the pair.
'Mary Margaret,' before either of the pair knew what was happening David was in front of them. Without saying a word Mary Margaret continued walking pulling the teen alongside her.
'Please wait. Look, I'll leave if you want. I… I just think we need to talk,' David pleaded running after them.
'So, talk,' the teacher stated bluntly.
'I wouldn't talk I think it's a trap,' Sarah quickly commented causing Mary Margaret to tighten her grip. 'Okay shutting up now.'
'I need to apologise,' David continued.
'Yes, you do. Keep going,' Mary Margaret snapped.
'I didn't believe you. I didn't stand with you.'
At that moment Mary Margaret stopped in her tracks forcing the teen to almost fall. 'Next time a little warning would be nice,' the girl grumbled.
'You know, I will never forget that moment… The moment the world sort of blows you backwards, and the one person you thought would always be there to catch you… He isn't there,' Sarah couldn't help but feel her heart sink hearing Mary Margaret's sadness and seeing David's heartbroken face.
'Look at what was going on. It was your jewelry box, your fingerprints, knife in your apartment-' David tried to defend himself but once again was cut off by the fiery brunette.
'It was a setup.'
'And a really good one. I'm human. I fell for it. I'm sorry, but… We have to move forward,' David's eyes were pleading with the ones in front of him but Mary Margaret remained cold.
'But we can't. It's like something in this world doesn't want us together,' Mary Margaret was about to crack but the anger still bubbled inside her.
'Like what? Dark forces?' David mocked not believing his ears.
'Maybe. I don't know, but it's like something just keeps pouring poison between us. And what I don't want, is to have all of those good memories… Replaced by moments like that. When I looked at you, and I saw that you didn't believe me…' tears started to form in the teachers eyes as everything hit her at once.
'No. I know. I am so sorry,' David couldn't help his own tears that began to fall.
'I know. I know,' Mary Margaret shut her eyes not knowing how to say goodbye.
'But, I love you,' David's voice broke as he spoke tears drying on his cheeks.
'And that… Is what makes it all so sad,' Mary Margaret gave the man one last look before walking away.
The teen looked at the devastated man who seemed to of had his whole world ripped apart. 'Give it time,' was all Sarah could think to say before she ran after the teacher.
'So she really left him?' Emma and Sarah walked down the long corridor heading to the office Sarah filling her mom in on the day's events.
'Yeah and I think it may be for good this time,' Sarah answered sadly hating how things had turned out.
Before Emma could comment anymore they arrived in the station to see Regina sat on one of the desks.
'Regina?' Sarah questioned curious why the Mayor was there.
Ignoring her daughter Regina went straight to talking to Emma. 'Congratulations, Sheriff Swan. There's about to be a big break in your case. You just got yourself a confession. But, I want you to listen to the whole explanation, so you understand why this happened.'
Sarah held her breath as she heard Regina talk not believing she was finally going to admit to what she had done.
'Oh, I'll hang on every word you say,' Emma stated feeling the same shock as the teen.
'Sidney. You can come in now,' with that Sidney appeared from Emma's office playing with the hat in his hands.
'Tell her what you told me,' Regina demanded as both Swans stared him down.
'It was me. I confess. I abducted Kathryn, and I held her in the basement of an abandoned summer home by the lake. I bribed a lab tech to get me the heart from the hospital, and I used that same person to doctor the lab results,' Sidney explained refusing to meet Emma's gaze.
'And the other thing,' Regina pushed.
'I…borrowed some skeleton keys from Regina and…planted the knife in your apartment.'
'My keys. Can't help but feel personally violated about that part,' Regina commented earning a glare from Emma.
'So you did all this?' Sarah questioned the man before turning to look at Regina.
'I'm sorry about Mary Margaret if I had known the truth I would never of let her suffer like that,' Regina insisted standing up and walking over to her a daughter a hand going on the teens shoulder.
'I am supposed to believe you did this for why now?' Emma continued to interrogate the man hating that Regina was worming her way back into her daughter's heart.
'I was going to find her after the conviction, be a hero. Then, get the inside track on the biggest story to ever hit this town. I'd get my job back. Plus, a novel, and a movie, and… I don't know. It sounds crazy now,' Sidney continued to stare into space getting paler by the minute.
'I don't know about crazy. But false, yes. False as hell,' Emma snapped rage flying through her.
'I have maps to where the house is. You'll find chains in the basement. Lots of fingerprints, I'm sure – hers and mine. But, I didn't hurt her,' the man finally looked the blonde in the eyes when he said his last statement needing her to believe him.
'The man has obviously suffered some kind of mental break. He clearly hasn't been himself for a while,' Regina sighed giving Sidney a sad look.
'Yeah. It's like his words aren't his at all,' the blonde snarled staring daggers at Regina.
'Wow. You are so sold on your own rush to judgment that you can't even see the truth anymore,' the Mayor snarled hating how stubborn Emma was.
'A word in the hallway, please,' Emma said no more simply walking out the room.
'I'll be right back,' Regina gave Sarah a soft smile the teen still confused.
Emma tried to get her anger together but it only exploded again when she heard the Mayors heels behind her.
'Well, that's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard,' Emma flew around to face Regina.
'I'm pretty sure that's not true,' Regina smirked loving that she was getting under the blonde's skin.
'That poor man. I know you are behind all this. I understand that you own the game, and that you've set the board so that no one else can win. But I am about to start playing an entirely different game,' Emma took a step forward her voice turning cold. 'I don't care about what happens to you. I don't care about what happens to me. All I care about, is what happens to my kids. And you are going to leave them alone.'
'Am I?' Regina almost laughed.
'Uh-uh. I'm talking,' Emma snapped refusing to let the woman not hear what she had to say. 'You're a sociopath, lady. You tried to take away someone that I love and you continue to try and hurt my daughter. And now… I'm going to take away the two people you love. I am taking back my kids.'
Emma is on a mission! Sorry this is a short chapter but I just wanted to get something posted for you guys. Don't forget to tell me in the reviews whether you want Sarah or Henry to eat the apple. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!