HAPPY NEW YEAR! First and foremost, thank you for all the replies To answer some questions, Yes, there will be a Season 3 and yes, this is SQ end game. It's just…how boring to have a story where everything is roses and rainbows and perfect, right? I wanted some angst, some teenage drama, and for Emma to really find herself. After this chapter, there will be one more chapter of Season 2, then when Season 3 starts, there will have been a time jump, but things will be explained then. Until then…

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 29

"We're almost there, Chloe baby." Emma cooed as her daughter started whining from the back seat. It was about a two-hour drive to her birth parent's house and Emma had hoped Chloe would nap, but the little one woke up just as she was pulling into the neighborhood. "You get to see grama and grampa today." Chloe quit her whining and Emma smiled. She knew how much the little one loved grama and grampa.

Emma parked her car and got out to stretch her legs before going to the back to get Chloe. The front door opened, and Emma looked over to see her mom coming out. "Emma, you made it." She said smiling.

"Of course, I did. I've got navigation in this baby." She said with a smile, putting Chloe on her hip and the diaper bag over her shoulder. "Someone needs a diaper change and probably a drink."

Mary took Chloe. "I'll take care of it." She said, taking the bag as well. "I couldn't wait to see both my babies today."

"Mom, I can do it. She's…"

"Nonsense." Mary interrupted her. "I can do it. I think Izzy is waiting to see you. Come on in."

Emma followed her mother and smiled when she saw her sister. "Hey Izzy." Emma said, kneeling down to hug her.

"Emma! Mama said you was coming today."

"Mama said you were coming today." Mary corrected. "You're six now, sweetie, you know the difference."

Izzy rolled her eyes. "I'm at home and not at school, mom."

Emma tapped Izzy's nose. "She's right though. Speaking correctly makes you look better."

Izzy let out an exaggerated sigh. "You're too much of an adult sometimes, Emma."

Emma couldn't help but laugh at that as she picked up Izzy, tickling her. "Yet, you still love me."

Izzy giggled and then hugged Emma. "I love you very much."

Emma sat with Izzy in the sitting room as Mary took Chloe to change her. She watched her sister color and shook her head. She had grown in many ways in the last two years and she couldn't believe the little one was six already. Emma saw herself, well pictures of herself, in her sister and smiled as she was lost in thought.

"What are you smiling at?" Mary asked as she came out into the room.

Emma looked at her mother and then at Izzy. "Her. I swear my moms have a picture of me coloring and it looks just like her. She looks just like me when I was little."

Mary smiled softly and gently stroked Emma's cheek. "They do have a picture of you coloring. They gave me a copy and you're right, she looks just like you." She then kissed Chloe's cheek. "I think this one will end up looking just like you two as well."

Emma smiled at her daughter. "She does have a lot of my features. Honestly, I'm glad for that."

Mary patted Emma's knee. "Me too, honey. Well, your father should be home any minute now. We have your birthday gift and wanted to give it to you together."

"Mom, you guys paid for the party and the hotel room that night. That's gift enough."

"First of all, you weren't supposed to know that we paid for the full party and secondly, we missed your first fifteen years' worth of birthdays; we're going to spoil you while we can."

About an hour later, Mary sat at the table with Emma and David while Ryan and Jacob watched Izzy and Chloe. Emma had opened the card and was staring at it with tears in her eyes, shaking her head. "You guys…this is too much."

David shook his head. "No, it's not. Emma, your moms have done such a wonderful job in raising you to be such a wonderful person. You've worked so hard this year at being a mother, student, daughter, sister, and friend and you deserve a little break." He scratched his neck as he looked at his daughter. "When we purchased those tickets, we thought you'd be…well, with Regina, so that's why there's only two. However, if you can't decide who to take with you…"

"Dad, no. I will figure out who to take with me, you're not getting another ticket." She wiped at her eyes. "I can't take these, dad. It's too much."

David put his hand over Emma's. "It's not too much. You deserve it. Look, your mom told me what you said the night of your birthday about wanting to be a normal teen." Emma opened her mouth, but David held up his hand. "I get it, Emma, and fully understand. I am so proud of the mother you are to Chloe, but this gives you a break for a few days. You can go and have fun with out worrying about being home at a certain time."

"Where will Chloe go while I'm gone?"

Mary smiled. "We'll figure that out. Between us and your moms, she'll be just fine." She sat down by Emma. "Please, take the cruise. It'll be two weeks after you graduate, so you'll still have the rest of the summer."

Emma chewed on her lip as she looked at the two cruise tickets. "Okay, but only if you agree that this is also your graduation gift." David's eyes shifted, and Emma gave him a look. "No, you can't get me anything else."

"Emma…we already have your graduation gift." David said and looked at her. "We've had it since the day we found out your mom was pregnant."

Emma was confused at that. "What do you mean?"

Mary looked at David who nodded at her. She took Emma's hand. "The day we found out about you we set up a college fund. Even after you were taken, we couldn't stop ourselves from adding to it, we couldn't close it either."

"What are you saying?" Emma asked in a whisper.

"Your college is paid for. No matter where you go or what program you do, it's paid for." David answered. "We talked to your moms and they have a fund set up for you as well, so you could go literally anywhere you want for any degree you want. You can get a masters, bachelors or PHD, what ever you decide, it's paid for and then some. You won't have to work while you're in school, you won't have to worry about bills, gas, insurance, anything."

Emma sat there, feeling so overwhelmed with all of this. "I…I don't know what to say. I don't deserve all this."

David moved to his knees and held Emma's arms. "Look at me. You do deserve all this and more, Emma. Your mother and I were supposed to protect you and we didn't, we couldn't, but we can do this for you. Your siblings have accounts as well, so it's not just you, Ems. Please, please just accept these gifts."

Emma looked at her father and nodded. "Thank you. Thank you so much." Emma hugged her father and Mary came over to join the group.

After a few moments, Mary kissed Emma's head. "So, who will you take on the cruise?"

Emma let out a watery laugh. "Ruby. She's been my best friend since the day Olivia brought me home." Emma had a good night with her family and when the others were in bed, she called Ruby. "Hey Rubes. What are you doing June 6th to June 13th?"

"Hmm. Let me check. Oh right, nothing. My life is boring." Ruby answered with a chuckle. "Unless mom makes me get a job, but if that's the case, I'll probably just work for my Grandma. She needs a caretaker sometimes. Wait, why do you ask?"

Emma grinned. "Because I got two tickets for a Bermuda Cruise and I was wondering if…"

"OH MY GOD, NO WAY!" Ruby screamed into the phone. "You wanna take me with you?"

Emma smirked. "Actually, I was wondering if you'd watch Chloe so Mal and I could go." Emma almost felt bad as there was a silence on the phone.

"Oh. Right, um sure I…"

"I'm kidding, you dork, yes, I want you to come with me!"

"That was mean! You're cruel and evil and…"

"And taking you on an all expenses paid cruise to Bermuda." Emma finished.

"You're amazing and wonderful and oh I'm so excited!" Ruby called out. "Sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to be loud, but Emma just asked me to go on a cruise with her." Pause "Yeah, it's a gift from her parents." Pause "Yes mom, it's all paid for." Pause "Emma, mom said she'll help take care of Chloe if you need it when we go."

Emma smiled. "Well, between my moms and my parents, I hope we'll be covered, but I'm sure if they need help, they'll call your mom."

The two spoke for about an hour about the trip when Emma realized she never told her mothers about it. She hung up with Ruby and called Olivia. "Hey mom. Did you know what they got me for my birthday?"

"Yep. They asked me first and I told them they could give you what ever they wanted. Are you excited?"

"So excited! Ruby is too oh and Tracy said if we need her to watch Chloe while I'm gone, she can."

"Emma, I don't want you to worry about that. Your mom – Mary – and I have already talked and between us, we'll get it worked out. Your job while you're gone is only to have fun and not to worry about Chloe or anything else here. Be a teenager, adult, what ever you want to call it, and have fun."

Emma smiled a little and laid on her back on the bed. "Mom? They have a college fund for me too."

"I know. David told me. Emma, your mother and I aren't doctor rich, but we have one set up for you too."

"Mom, you don't have to be doctor rich you know. I love you so much, even if I had to get scholarships and a job. I'd be lost with out you two, please don't feel like you've not done enough. Maybe…maybe you can give my money to Preston. Put it in his fund."

"No. You're getting that money, Emma, and if you use it for food, or gas, or books, or fun, I don't care. It's yours.

Emma sniffed. "I don't deserve all of this."

"Yes, you do, Emma. Your parents, your mother and I are going to do everything we can to make sure you're able to get the education you want."

"I don't even know what I'm going to go for. I keep going between Social Services and Psychology."

"Well, maybe you could double major. It'll be a lot of work, but I'm sure some of those classes overlap."

Emma bit her lip. "They do, actually. You think I'd be good enough to do that?"

"Oh definitely. Emma, you're not stuck on a four- or five-year program you know. If you need to do part time, you do part time."

"But what do I do while I'm doing that? I mean, I can stay at home for a while, but I'm sure you and Ma want me out at some point."

Olivia sighed. "No, we don't Emma. I keep telling you, we never want you to leave. Ever. If you want to leave, if you want your own place – which I would understand – we'd work that out. Emma, we'll work it all out no matter what you decide."

Emma smiled softly. "Thanks, Mom. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Emma. Oh, by the way, your friend Lilly will be staying with us for a while."

"Lilly? Why?"

"I don't know too much yet, but her social worker called and asked if we'd be willing to take her in. I'll know more tomorrow when she brings her, but you know I can't give you details."

"I don't need details, mom, I just want to know if she's okay." Emma asked, worry in her voice. "Did someone hurt her?"

Olivia was quiet for a moment. "I'm not sure, but she is in the hospital tonight."

"What? I've got to call her."

"You can try, but I don't think she has her phone with her. Emma, it may just be shock or something. Her social worker was very much convinced she'd be out first thing in the morning, so it can't be too bad."

"True. I'll try to leave early tomorrow so I can be there when she comes."

"You don't have to, but I won't stop you if that's what you want to do. Try not to worry too much, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you for telling me and thank you for taking her in."

"You don't have to thank me. I love you, baby girl, and I miss you and Chloe. We'll see you tomorrow. Drive safe."

"Love and miss you too, mom." Emma sighed when she hung up and tried to call Lilly, but her call went right to voicemail. She didn't leave a message, instead she plugged her phone in, turned the light off, and went to sleep as she cuddled Chloe.

The next morning, Emma enjoyed breakfast with her biological family before packing her car up and heading back home. She had to stop at a rest stop because Chloe was restless and needed to stretch her little legs. After letting her run up and down the sidewalk a few times, Emma put her back in the car and headed out. Chloe fell asleep almost instantly and Emma relaxed back into her seat, driving home. Once home, Emma hauled Chloe and the diaper bag in from garage to their kitchen door and came in, forgetting that Lilly and the social workers would be there. Everyone turned, and Emma froze for a moment. "Sorry." She whispered. "I didn't mean to interrupt. Don't mind me, I'll just put Chloe up to nap."

Olivia smiled at her and gave a nod. "Come on back down once she's in bed, okay?"

"Sure." Emma gave Lilly a smile before going up to her room and carefully moving Chloe from her car seat to her crib before grabbing the monitor and going back downstairs. She came and sat by Lilly at the table and looked at her. She didn't notice any injuries or anything. "You okay?" She asked quietly as the social worker talked with Amanda and Olivia. Lilly nodded and tried to smile, but her eyes quickly went back to the table. Emma reached over and put her hand on her friends. "It's okay, you don't have to tell me."

Amanda looked over and smiled softly. "Emma? Wanna go show Lilly the two spare rooms we have? Lilly, you can pick which ever one you want, and we can make it yours."

Lilly looked at her. "I…how long am I going to be here?"

The social worker looked up. "Well, honey, it depends on how long the investigation takes and what is found. I think for now you should plan on being here at least until summer, maybe even through summer. We'll keep you informed with everything going on though."

Emma stood up. "Come on, Lilly, I'll show you the rooms and we can talk."

Lilly nodded and got up, picking up a bag. "I don't have much because I didn't have a lot of time to pack."

"It's okay. I've got stuff you can borrow and usually, they will either let you go back and get things or have your parents pack it for you. Anything you don't have but need, my moms will get for you." Emma said as they went up the stairs. "There's one room here on the second floor and one up on the third. I'm on the third floor, but the only bathroom up there is in my room, and the room is smaller. But you can see both if you want." Emma showed her both rooms and Lilly decided on the one on the second floor since it was right across from the bathroom.

"Emma? I'm scared." Lilly said as she sat on the bed.

Emma came over and sat next to her. "I have no idea what happened, and you don't have to tell me, but what I can tell you is you're safe here. No one will hurt you here."

Lilly took a pillow and hugged it, laying her head on it in her arms. "I…I don't even know what happened. One minute I was watching TV and the next, my mom was just beating on me and screaming at me. I don't even know what I was supposed to have done. I must have been screaming because then the police were there, and they were taking my mother away and trying to calm me down. I had to stay in the hospital and no one told me what was going on. Then today, some lady comes in and says she's my social worker and I'm going to a foster home. I only calmed down when they told me it was with your moms."

Emma listened and put her arm around Lilly. "That sounds terrible. I'm sorry you're going through that. I was only in the system for a few years, but my moms will make sure they do keep you up to date with whatever is going on."

"I'm just glad I came here because I know you. But Emma, you don't have to feel like you have to spend time with me if you don't want to." Lilly said as she wiped her eyes.

Emma playfully nudged her. "I never feel like I have to do anything. Between school and Chloe, I don't always have a lot of extra time, but I'm always here for you. My moms are too."

Lilly nodded lightly. "I need to talk to them anyway. I…I have to tell them something."

"Okay. They'll have time for you, Lilly. Is it something you feel you should tell your social worker?"

Lilly let out a breath. "Probably. I probably should have told someone a while ago when it started."

Emma took Lilly's hand. "I'm here with you, Lilly. Do you want to go tell them now?"

Lilly nodded and stood up, leading the way downstairs. The three adults looked over as the girls came in and smiled. "Did you find a room, Lilly?" Amanda asked.

"Yes, ma'am, thank you. I um…there's something I need to talk to you all about."

"Okay, but first, I'm not ma'am. I'm Amanda." Amanda said with a smile. "Come sit."

Emma looked at Lilly. "Do you want me to stay?"

Lilly nodded and sat down, still holding onto Emma's hand. "I um…I think I need to tell you something. I know I'm here because of what my mother did last night but…but last night wasn't the first time something bad happened."

"We know that, sweetheart, we were working on getting the okay to come see you and your mother based on reports from the neighbors."

"Reports?"

"Yes. Reports about physical and verbal abuse."

"Oh." Lilly looked down. "There's more though." Lilly let out a breath and closed her eyes. "Mom doesn't work but she likes to drink. She borrowed money from people and couldn't pay it back…so she…she sort of sold me to pay off her debs."

Emma gasped and held Lilly's hand tighter. "Oh, Lilly."

"Don't tell anyone, please."

"I would never. Oh, I'm so sorry."

The social worker put her hand over Lilly's other hand. "Honey, I hate to do this, but I'm going to need you to be a bit more specific."

"I…they'd come over to my house and mother would tell them that they could have me for an hour or two and then her debt would be paid. She told them they could do what ever they wanted to me and they did. They raped me over and over." Lilly said, tears falling from her eyes.

"How many times did this happen?" Olivia asked softly.

"At least six times. I hated it, I swear. I didn't want it."

"Of course, you didn't. Honey, you did nothing wrong. How long ago was this?" Amanda asked, knowing if it was recent, they'd have to do a rape kit.

"The last time was two weeks ago. I think that's why she got mad last night. I wasn't home when she wanted me to be and I think I missed whoever she had planned on coming over."

"Honey, we're going to have to take you to the doctor. I know it's too late to find any evidence, but we need to get a report made." Olivia stated as she stood. "I'm going to see if Dr. West is available today."

Emma patted Lilly's hand. "That's who I saw when I was little. She's really kind and gentle. It'll be okay."

"Okay. Is Olivia coming with me?"

"Yes. I can come too if you'd like." Amanda stated.

"It's okay. I appreciate it, but I know you have Preston too."

Emma hugged Lilly before she left and then spent the next hour wondering how Lilly was. When they came back, Lilly seemed okay but said she was tired, so she went to lay down. Emma went to get Chloe when she woke up and as she passed Lilly's room, she heard her crying. She softly knocked at the door. "Lilly? It's Emma, are you okay?"

"Yes. I just need time to myself, please."

"Okay, but if you change your mind, just let me know." Emma waited, but when no answer came, she left and went downstairs. She fed Chloe lunch and looked at Olivia. "Did her doctor visit go okay?"

"I think so. She's just processing everything. I think she's going to stay home from school tomorrow. We're going to take her to town and get things she may need along with a new phone."

"That's good. She could probably use a day out like that. Do you want me to ask Tracy to take Chloe?"

"No honey, we'll be fine."

The next few weeks went by and Lilly seemed to be feeling better about everything. Emma focused hard on school as she'd have finals in a month and wanted to be ready. She talked to her school counselor who got her in contact with a student rep from NYU about her plans. She knew she had to figure out soon what she wanted to do, even though she had already been accepted, she needed to finalize her classes.

"I've decided to major in Psychology and Social Services." Emma announced one day as she put her bag down at home. "The student rep said it would be easy because there are many overlapping classes. She even said I could get my bachelor's degree in three years and my Master's degree in five if I take summer classes. Otherwise, it's four years for bachelor's and my masters in five to six. The social work is a bit different. It's two years full time for a masters and four for a bachelors. But again, it could all be different because of the overlapping classes. Anyway, I filled everything out for registration and I have forms for the financial part of it. Would it be rude to call David or Mary and ask them about it before my graduation? I know it was to be a gift, but I'd like to get secured in my classes."

Olivia took in all Emma said and looked at the paperwork. "I think Ma and I will pay for your first semester, Emma. We have the money all ready to go and have enough for that and your books. You let your parents pay for your second semester." She looked at her daughter. "Have you thought about what you want to do for housing?"

Emma gave a shrug and looked down. "I think my only real option is to stay here. I mean, I'd love to get a flat like Mal, but it's not very realistic with Chloe. At least here, I have you and Ma to watch her while I'm at class and stuff and I don't have to wake her up to get her here before class or wake her up if I have a late class to take her home. I have to think about her and what's best for her, not just about me."

Amanda had just come in with Chloe and handed the little one to Emma. "Honey, we'll do everything we can to make this a good time for you. If there are parties you want to go to, we'll watch her. If there's dates you want to go on, we'll watch her. We want you to have as close to a normal college life as possible."

Emma kissed her daughter's head as she cuddled with her. "I know, and I'm so lucky to have you guys. We'll figure it out and it's not like I hate living here. I love you guys so much and want to stay as long as I can. I do kinda think at some point though, I want to get this one into day care at least part time. I think it would be good for her to be around other kids."

"I think that's a good idea." Amanda stated. "When you're ready, we'll do research and find the best place. We'll also pay for it. Emma, education is very important and as long as we can afford it, we will."

Emma smiled a bit. "Thank you. I do think that starting next summer, however, I should look into just a summer job. I mean, I want some kind of work experience."

"Or you could volunteer. That looks amazing on resumes."

Emma bit her lip. "That's true. I'll look into it next year." She sighed a bit. "I have so much homework to do to finish up some final projects, but all I want to do is cuddle my baby."

"Well, go get it done and then you can cuddle her all night." Olivia said, reaching her arms out for her granddaughter. "I'll take this one for a walk. Did Lilly come home with you?"

Emma handed Chloe over and shook her head. "She had a meeting with her social worker."

"Oh, that's right. She should be back by supper time."

Emma watched Olivia and Chloe go and got her bag, bringing it to the table. About an hour later, she was done with two out of the three assignments and decided to break for a snack. Amanda and Preston were outside, and Emma watched them through the window and smiled. She missed being little sometimes, missed being a kid. She missed having her freedom and only living for herself. She loved Chloe with all her heart, but some days, she missed who she used to be. She also missed Regina, missed being a girlfriend and having a girlfriend. She knew life was changing and all she wondered was if she could keep up with it.

Two months later, Emma stepped across the stage as her name was called. She took her diploma and posed for the picture. Afterwards, she found all four of her parents and let them envelope her into a hug. Mal came over and kissed her cheek, congratulating her before Preston got his chance to hug her. Lilly smiled, she'd hug her later.

"Congratulations, Emma dear." Emma turned and saw Cora. Surprised, she went and hugged her and then Zelena.

"Thank you. Did you come here just for me?"

"Well you and Ruby." Cora said as she hugged Emma again. "I've missed you and little Chloe so much."

"I know, I'm sorry. I was so busy working on getting all my school work done that I really haven't seen anyone. I can bring her over sometime this summer…I mean…like maybe if Regina isn't there." Emma bit her lip, but Cora let out a laugh.

"Oh honey, I'd never ask or expect you to come over if Regina's here. She will be home for a couple weeks, but she's doing summer courses and staying closer to school. We'll have time to visit and for me to see that beautiful baby of yours."

Ruby and Emma had a joint graduation party and it was everything they wanted it to be. During the party, David pulled Emma to the side and handed her a card. "I know your moms paid for your first semester and we're paying after that, but I have this for you too. Now, this isn't just for emergencies, it's for anything you need or want. I get and pay the bill, but again, you can use it for anything."

Emma opened the card and pulled out a black American Express with her name on it. "Dad, this is too much. You've already given me a bank account and college money and told me I can come to you for anything. I don't' need this too."

"You take it. I mean, what if your car breaks down and you don't have the money with you to fix it and you can't get ahold of me? Just take the card out and you're good. Hungry? Use the card. Chloe needs diapers? Use the card. Emma, please let me do this for you."

Emma sighed. "Fine, but I'm only using it if I have to. I don't want you ever thinking I'm taking advantage of you."

David kissed Emma's forehead. "I'd never think that. Emma, I trust you to not go crazy with it, that's why I'm giving it to you. You're not like others who would go out and buy cars and electronics or what ever with it; I know you'll use it for good. Now, that being said, if you do need a new laptop for school, use this card."

Emma smiled softly. "I would kinda like a new laptop. Mine is three years old, and the memory is low so it's slow. I'd kind of like to keep that one for personal use and use a new one for school."

"Then that's what you will do. Get whichever one you want and put it on the card. Now, are you all ready for the cruise?"

Emma smiled and nodded. "Yes. Ruby and I are all registered for excursions and we're reading on what we can and cannot pack. We're so excited."

Mary came over and smiled. "Talking about the cruise?" Emma nodded, and Mary stroked her cheek. "Now, on the ocean, rules are a bit different. Drinking age goes down to 18 for example and while I know you're not into alcohol, I think if you and Ruby do indulge, just remember it tastes worse coming back up."

Emma chuckled. "You don't have to worry about me. Ruby on the other hand, she may learn early not to drink too much. But don't worry, we'll be good and have fun."

As it turned out, Emma didn't need to buy a new laptop as that was what Amanda and Olivia got her for her graduation. Emma also decided to take her birthday money along with her graduation money and bought a bunch of back packs to donate to social services for foster kids. It was always sad to her to know – and remember – that most foster kids pack their clothes in nothing more than garbage bags when they change homes. This way, they could each have their own backpack going forward. Emma felt good about that and felt good about her future.