Not much to say lol. Oh, I've never been to Massachusetts, so everything in here is based on google. If it's wrong, I'm sorry.
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Chapter 15
Regina said goodbye to her kids as Zelena and Anslie said goodbye to Tori. All kids promised to be good and Emma promised not to lose any of them.
"Call me later, okay? Let me know if I should bring home dinner or what's going on." Emma said as she kissed her wife.
"I will. I love you."
Cora hugged all the kids and then Emma. "I love you, Emma. Take care of these kids."
"You know I will." Emma said, hugging Cora back. "I love you." She said, meaning every word. "You're in good hands. I did research last night."
Cora smiled. "Whatever happens, happens.
The three made their way across the street to the hospital and check in at the front desk. They were then lead to the cardiology unit, Cora in a wheelchair in which she didn't even argue about. Regina understood why Emma couldn't be there, but she really wished she had her partner right now. Zelena and Anslie seemed to understand as they made sure to include Regina in all their small talk as they waited in the waiting room. Cora was called back, and the family was asked to wait as the doctor wanted to meet alone with Cora first.
"Well Mrs. Mills, I have your medical record here and I must say, I'm glad your hometown doctor called me."
"You think you can help?"
"I know I can." They went through some questions and eventually, Dr. Bass asked to have the family brought in. She greeted each of them and asked them to sit as she sat by Cora on the exam table. "I understand you're all scared, I can see it in your face. Please relax, it's going to be okay. I know small towns are wonderful and most people would rather live there, but sometimes, they lack a bit in the healthcare. Not because they're not talented or smart, I'd never once say that, but because they don't have the technology needed. Anyway, I'm not putting your town or your doctor down, I'm simply saying there is no need to worry because I can help your mother." She smiled. She was a bit brash and bold, and had some accent Regina couldn't place, but she came highly recommended, so they trusted her.
"You can? How?"
"From what I can tell, she only needs a pacemaker and a change in medication. That is something Dr. Nolan could do, but she was a bit worried it was more than that and wanted a second opinion. Since you're here, I'd prefer to do it before you drive back. It's a simple surgery." She went on to explain it and explain the medications. "You'll only stay one night, but I'd like you to stay in town for a week if possible. If anything goes wrong, or it doesn't get better, I'd prefer you to still be here. Will that work?"
Cora looked at her daughters who nodded together. She smiled and looked at the doctor. "Yes. It will work. How long do I have to wait?"
"Have you eaten in the last four hours? Had anything to drink?"
"I was too nervous to eat, but I did have some water about two hours ago."
"Then we will do it today." The doctor said, going to her computer. "We'll get you prepped and you will have the surgery in about two hours. Does that work?"
Regina was shocked, but nodded. "Yes, that's fine. How long is the surgery?"
"The surgery it's self is only about thirty minutes, but recovery takes a bit longer. Expect her to go in at 430 and so long as everything goes to plan, you'll be able to see her around 7. Cora, you'll be tired, but I think you'll feel better right away. You'll be able to eat and visit until 10 and then visitors must go, but they can come back right away in the morning and again, if everything goes well, you'll be discharged around 2. Then I'd like to see you again on Friday and so long as it worked, you will be able to head home."
Zelena listened but bit her lip. "It seems rather fast."
"It has to be." Zelena said before the doctor could say anything. "It's her heart, Zee. If it doesn't get fixed right away, it will only get worse. Besides, Kathryn sent her records here before we came, so I'm sure Dr. Bass was all ready for this."
Dr. Bass smiled. "You're the nurse, aren't you? Oh I feel so much better knowing she'll be with you after she's discharged. You're right. I studied her medical files all night and had a couple of my colleagues look too in order to make sure I didn't miss anything. If you want to wait a couple days, we can, but I'd like to have it done before Wednesday."
Cora shook her head. "We'll do it today, but can I call my daughter in law and ask her to bring my grandkids before I go in? I know it's a simple procedure, but I'd like to just remind them that I love them."
"Of course. Ask her to come around 4 and they can see you before you fall asleep. They can come earlier, but we have to prep you and we don't like having kids in the room when that happens." She looked at Zelena and Regina. "And our administration will need to meet with you to go over all the boring paperwork." The doctor then took them the "back way" through the hospital to the surgery center. "Okay, I'm leaving you with the nurses. You're in good hands, Cora and I'll see you later to do your surgery." She put a comforting hand on Cora's shoulder. "Everything will be okay."
"We'll see you later, mom." Zelena and Regina said as Anslie was allowed to go back with her. The two sisters then went into an office and discussed the finances and all that and assured them that money would not be an issue. While Storybrooke didn't really deal with insurance as Regina never felt people should have to pay to get help, the outside world was different and Regina knew that. However, she had all her money that came over in the curse and could easily afford this for her mother.
Once the meeting was over, Regina called Emma, feeling like days passed by when it was really only an hour. "Emma? Hey are you busy?"
"Uh. No…not really. What's up?"
Regina could hear traffic sounds from Emma's line, and figured she had the kids out. "You have all the kids, right?"
"Uh. Two, three, four and five, yes I have all the kids." She said with a chuckle. "What's up?"
"Mom's having surgery. She's getting a pacemaker." Regina explained everything to Emma. "Can you have the kids here around 4? Mom really wants to see them."
"Yes of course. We'll head back to the hotel now so I can get them cleaned up and changed before we come over."
"Wait…cleaned up from what?"
"Uh…a day out. Don't worry, we'll see you later."
Emma hung up her phone and looked at the three muddy little ones and the big muddy older one. She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "Okay guys, we have to go back and get cleaned up. Grandma is having surgery today and wants to see you before she goes back."
"Mama? I'm sorry." Oliver said, seeing Emma's tension. He hadn't meant for this to happen and he felt bad.
~~About two hours prior~~
Once the four left to go to the hospital, Emma looked at the kids. "Okay guys, put on some comfortable shoes and these shirts I made for each of you." Emma had figured at one point, she'd have all the kids and wanted to be ready for it. She had made shirts for them in neon green so she would (hopefully) not lose them. The front had a simple side view of a swan while on the back each shirt said "Swan-Mills" and then a number. Henry had 1, Malory had 2, Eva 3, Oliver 4 and Tori had 5. While Henry and the twins grumbled, Tori smiled wide.
"I get one too?" She asked, looking at it. "But I'm not a Swan or a Mills."
Emma smiled at her. "You will be, Chickadee, very soon if that's what you want."
"I do! And you'll be my aunt, right?" Tori was still figuring out how family structures worked.
"Yes. I'll be your aunt and my kids will be your cousins, and, my dear, you'll still be my patient if you want to be."
Tori nodded. "Yes, I do. Thanks, Emma." She said with a smile before turning to go get changed. Emma watched her go and then went and got her own shirt on. On the back of hers, it said "Mama Swan-Mills."
When they all were back, Emma lined them up according to age against the wall and paced back and forth in front of them. "Okay troop, here's the rules. We stay together. If you see something that interests you, let me know and we can check it out. If something doesn't interest you, but interest someone else, don't be mean to that person. We won't have a lot of time today, but I've decided we're going to take the subway to Boston Common. It is the oldest city park in the united states and has fountains, statues, a frog pond, splash pad, and a lagoon with Swan rides. If you're all good, we can stop for the best pretzels you'll ever taste. Now, I won't make you hold hands, but I'd like a buddy system. Tori and Oliver, you two watch for each other, Eva and Malory, you two are partners and Henry, you're with me kid." Emma handed Henry a hotel key to hold onto and she had one for herself. "Ready soldiers?"
Henry sighed, but Oliver giggled and gave a solute. "Yes, Captain!" He said, making Tori giggle and copy him.
"Well of my troops are ready." Emma said, winking at them and then stood in front of the other three. "What about you three?"
"Yes, captain." They said, but it was more of a mumble.
"Then clear out!"
Once on the busy street below, Emma smirked as she knew the older kids realized how different this city was from anywhere they had been before. She saw Eva and Ry hold hands and watched as Tori and Oliver did the same. She looked at Henry and raised a brow, but he just chuckled and shook his head. He did, however, realize why Emma was a bit nervous about this. "Ma, you take the lead and I'll take up the rear."
"Good plan. Tori, Oliver, follow me and Eva and Malory follow them."
They headed out and Emma took her time as the kids were in awe of the big buildings and all the life in the city.
"Mama? Did you live here when you were a little girl?"
"For a while, but then I went to Minnesota for a bit before I came back here. I've lived here, New York, and Maine. I used to live in a group home not far from the park we're going to, actually. Maybe I can show it to you while we're here this week."
"Cool." Oliver replied.
"Ma, how did you end up in Minnesota?" Henry asked as they waited at a crosswalk.
Emma scratched the back of her neck. "Well…I ran away." She admitted. "I was being badly abused and hopped on a bus and ended up in the Midwest. I was only there for a little while before they sent me back here."
"The group home you lived in here, was it bad?"
The signal changed and Emma took Oliver's hand as they crossed. "It…the home and caretakers were good. The other girls weren't." Emma's who attitude had changed at that, so Henry knew to drop it.
"Well, I'm excited to see what you have to show us, but I was also wondering if maybe you and I could check out some places this week that maybe the younger ones wouldn't be interested in? There's so much history here."
"There is, and I'd love to take you to as many places as we can go to, Henry, but I can't make promises. I don't know what will be going on with Grandma yet."
"That's fair."
"But hey, if we don't get a chance, then you and I can come back one weekend and see everything."
He smiled at that. "Okay, Ma. Thanks."
Emma smiled back and then stopped. "Down the stairs to the subway."
They all went down and Emma paid for them to ride before they sat on a bench waiting for the train.
"What's that guy doing?" Eva asked, nodding her head towards a man wearing sunglasses and beating drumsticks on tubs.
"He's playing street drums." Emma said with a smile. "He earns money that way. See, people listen to him and put tips in his hat."
"He can't make a lot of money that way." Malory stated.
"No, he doesn't, but any little bit helps. Not everyone is as lucky as we are, Ry. Not everyone can get good jobs or have money." Emma fished into her pocket and pulled out five, five-dollar bills. "Why don't you guys go give him a tip? Tell him thank you for playing his music."
They all went over and put the money in his hat. He stopped playing to shake their hands and thank them. He then watched as they came back to Emma and he gave a nod to her as well. She smiled and nodded back, and he continued playing.
Tori looked around and then moved closer to Emma. "Emma? Why are there so many people just laying around?"
Emma was thankful the girl was quiet, but she wished she'd have had this talk with them before leaving the hotel. They had the 'no magic' talk, but she hadn't thought about this. "Well honey, some people don't have homes to go to. They have to sleep down here or somewhere on the streets."
"Why don't they have homes?" Ry asked, keeping her voice quiet.
"Because of many reasons, honey, but usually because they don't have money. It doesn't make them bad, it just means they've gone through some hard times and maybe they don't have anyone to help them. Not everyone is as lucky as us honey, but that doesn't make us better. I never want you to think you're better than anyone else because we may have more."
"I don't think that, Ma. Can't we give all of them some money?" Eva asked.
"Oh honey, I wish we could, but we just can't. What we can do is not stare at them. Don't make them feel like they're bad people. If they say hi, you say hi back. They're just people."
"Ma? Do they have soup kitchens here?" Henry asked, causing Ry to ask what a soup kitchen was.
"It's a place where they serve food to homeless people and yes Henry, they do."
"Maybe we can help at one if we end up staying here?"
Emma couldn't help herself as she pulled Henry into a hug. "I think that's a great idea."
Suddenly, the ground started rumbling and Tori's eyes widened. "What is that?"
Emma chuckled. "It's the subway." Emma said standing. "Everyone stay close. When it stops, people will get out, but we have to get in before the doors close, so we need to stay together."
The subway ended up not being too busy and when the family got on, they were the only ones in their car. "Mama, it stinks on here." Eva said, holding her nose.
Emma chuckled. "Yes, they do tend to stink. Look Eva, it's an experience okay? We'll do the Hop on, Hop Off trolley for the way back. Besides, we're off at the next stop anyway."
The kids all sat and when the subway emerged from underground and into the bright day, they all gasped and looked out the windows.
"We're going so fast!" Oliver said, his hand on the window. "Why aren't we underground anymore?"
"Well, the T isn't just a subway, it's a train too. It goes above and underground. We'll actually get off on a platform above ground."
"It's such a big world out there." Tori said, almost in a whisper.
Emma chuckled. "It sure is. This is just one city in the big world, Tori."
When the train stopped, Emma ushered the kids out and down the platform.
"Mama! Look at the ducks!" Oliver said, pointing to the famous Duckling statues.
They waited their turn and then Emma got pictures of the kids all smiling, either sitting on or standing near a duck. A kind woman offered to take a few pictures so Emma could be in them and she agreed. They then headed to the fountain where Emma gave them each a penny to make a wish and throw in it. There was a small play ground and while the kids played, Emma checked the schedule for the Hop-on, Hop-off trolley and got tickets for all of them on her phone.
"Mama! Can we go by the lagoon?" Oliver asked, running over.
"We can, but I thought maybe you'd all want a snow cone first?" She said, nodding towards the snow cone stand. That caused the rest of the kids to come over and Emma purchased them each one – including herself. As they walked towards the lagoon, they passed a woman selling bags of birdseed and Emma bought five bags, handing one to each child. "You'll see what this is for in a moment." She said, leading them over a small hill to the lagoon.
"Swans!" Oliver said with a grin.
"Ducks!" Tori exclaimed.
"And geese!" Eva and Malory called.
Emma found an empty bench. "Okay guys, just a word of advice. Ducks are nice, feed them. Swans and geese are mean. If you feed them, they want more. If they see you and come towards you, drop your bag and run." She said, and she was completely serious.
Henry raised a brow. "How do you know that?"
"I was chased by a Swan once. It wasn't fun."
The kids all giggled but agreed to what Emma said. After throwing their snow cone cups away, the kids went to the edge of the lagoon and began feeding the ducks. Emma got a few great pictures and then looked over and smiled. "Henry, can you keep your eye on them? I'm going to go get some tickets for the Swan boats."
He nodded. "Sure, Ma. I got it."
Emma went to stand in line for the tickets and Henry went to the younger kids. He took his phone out and took some pictures. Oliver looked at him. "Can I use your phone and take pictures of you?"
"Um, sure kid, just be careful." Henry said, handing him the phone. He went by his sisters and posed for a couple, but then noticed a swan slowly making its way over, almost as if it was stalking Oliver. Up close, the bird was huge, and Henry didn't know if he could fend the bird off. "Oliver, come here now."
"Why?" He asked, putting his hands out to the side as he asked. The swan grabbed the phone right from Oli's hand and started running away. "Hey! Come back here!" The boy started running after the bird.
"Oliver, stop." Henry said, running after him. The girls all looked at each other and then started running after the boys.
The swan hopped over the edge and into the lagoon, phone still in it's mouth and Oliver watched him. Henry came up and stopped next to him, sighing. "Well, there goes my phone."
"The water can't be that deep. The swan was shorter than me and it's standing there." Oliver said, but before Henry could correct him as to how the bird was floating, Oliver had jumped into the water. It was deeper than he expected, and he went under.
"Oliver! What are you doing?" Henry called, going into the water as well. It came up to his neck and he held Oliver up, trying to get his brother back over the ledge. "Malory, help me please."
She came over and tried to help Oliver over, but she slipped and went over into the water as well. "Malory!" Eva shouted. "I'll save you!" She jumped in as well and Henry sighed.
"Guys! Get out!" He yelled as he finally got Oliver over the ledge.
Tori came over to help Oliver just as the girls came back over the ledge as well. However, they came back over where there was more dirt than grass, so they quickly became caked in mud. Henry grabbed his phone that the Swan had almost given back to him and got out, shaking his head. "Ma is gonna kill me. Eva, why did you jump in?"
"I didn't want Malory to die!" Eva said with tear filled eyes. "I didn't want to be without her again."
Malory sighed and hugged Eva. "Don't get mad at her, Henry."
Henry knew the girls were still going through emotional things and trauma from what happened. He went over and hugged Eva too. "I'm not mad."
"What the hell is going on?" Came Emma's voice, though it sounded more concerned than angry. "Why do I have four muddy kids?" She looked at Tori. "I'm so glad you're not muddy, but what in the world happened?"
Oliver regaled Emma with the whole story, and she couldn't help but laugh in the end. "Your mother is going to kill me. Again, Tori, thank you for not jumping in. I don't need your moms mad at me too."
"I can't swim." Tori said with a shrug.
"Well honey, if you want to learn, we can teach you back at the hotel in a pool. Not in a gross, dirty, lagoon." Emma's phone then rang and she bit her lip. It was Regina and she had no idea how to make the situation seem less bad than it was.
~~~Now~~~
"It's okay, bud. Let's go to the splash pad so you're at least not muddy." After the kids rinsed off, Emma stopped at a store and bought four towels for them. They got on the trolley and the tour guide had the kids in stitches as they laughed as his commentary. They didn't want to get off at their stop and Emma had to promise they'd do it again this week. Based on what Regina said, they'd be around all week, so Emma promised.
Emma was never so glad to have four bathrooms as she was that day. The kids each got their own shower while Emma made a small snack. They had to forgo the pretzels since Cora wanted to see them, so Emma opted for peanut butter crackers. Tori sat on the counter and helped her. "Do I have to change out of my shirt?"
Emma smiled. "Not if you don't want to, but you and I will be the only ones wearing them until the others get washed."
"That's okay. I wanna show my moms…I mean Zelena and Anslie."
"You really like them, don't you?"
Tori nodded. "They're nice and they don't hurt me and they…they want me."
"They love you." Emma said, putting the last cracker sandwich down. "They're so lucky to have found you."
"I'm lucky too, Emma." Tori said with a smile. "I found them and you and everyone!"
Emma smiled and tapped her nose. "You did. Help yourself if you're hungry."
Tori grabbed one and hopped off the counter. She went to the living room and sat on the sofa to watch TV.
At 3:50, with everyone clean, dressed, and fed, Emma headed across the street with the crew and followed Regina's directions to the surgical unit. She smiled when she saw her wife and hugged her. "This place is huge."
"It is, but everyone has been so nice." Regina said and then looked at the kids, hugging them as Tori went to hug Zelena and Anslie. "So, why is only one child wearing their shirt?"
Emma cleared her throat. "We can talk about that later. How's she doing?"
"She's optimistic and cheerful actually." Regina said. "We can see her three at a time. I thought I'd take Oliver and Henry in first if that's okay." Regina said, looking over to Zelena who gave a nod.
Cora smiled from the hospital bed when she saw her Grandsons. She took one of each of their hands and smiled. "Hey guys. I just wanted to see you before I take my nap." She said, winking at Henry. "I don't want you to worry because everything is going to be just fine. I'm in good hands and the doctor thinks this could add at least twenty more years to my life."
Emma had briefly explained what was happening and the boys each nodded. "I love you, Gramma." Oliver said, moving to hug her.
"I love you too, sweet boy. I'll see you in a couple hours." She then looked at Henry and hugged him.
Henry being older, knew more of what was happening. He tried not to show his tears as he hugged her. "I love you." He whispered and she kissed his temple.
"I love you too, Henry." She smiled and cupped his cheek. "My first grandchild." She said fondly and he smiled. He knew he wasn't Regina's biological son; he knew his history, but no one had ever made him feel any different than the others. Cora had never treated him less than the others, but to hear her say those words made him love her even more. "I'll see you soon." She said, brushing his hair back from his forehead.
Regina took the boys out and then brought the girls back. They were a little quieter and Cora again took their hands. "Girls, I'm okay. I'll have this surgery and then I'll be better than before. I only wanted to see you before I go back to remind you how much I love you."
Eva had tears in her eyes and looked down. "I'm so sorry, Gramma. I'm so sorry I hurt your heart so badly."
Cora shook her head and pulled Eva into a hug. "You didn't. Hush now, Eva. This wasn't your fault at all. Come on, little one, there's no need for all this." She kissed Eva's head and then wiped her tears when Eva looked up at her. "Eva, this was going to happen no matter what. But this doctor said that the surgery will help me live even longer. One day, I will die. There's no way around that, but that day is not today, and the fault is not yours. I don't want you blaming yourself anymore."
"Okay, gramma, I'll try not to. I love you."
"I love you too. I'll see you in a few hours." Cora then brought Malory into a hug and kissed her head. "I love you, Ry. When this is all over, we'll go home and do more magic, okay?"
Malory smiled. "Okay, gramma. I love you."
Cora sat back as the girls left and sighed. She really hoped nothing bad would happen because she didn't want Eva blaming herself for this. She then smiled with Zelena, Anslie, and Tori came into the room. "Hello my sweet one." Cora said, taking Tori's hand. "I know we haven't really been able to spend much time together, but I want you to know that I already love you. I can't wait to feel better again and get to know you more."
The little one smiled softly. "Same here. I never had a grandma before."
Cora smiled at her and then at Zelena and Anslie. "You guys don't worry, okay? Go have dinner and I'll be out before you know it." She said and then pulled Zelena to kiss her cheek. "I love you. I always have. Please know that I'm so sorry I ever sent you away. It was never about you, baby girl, it was me. I couldn't be a mother then and I honestly thought you'd have a better chance without me. I'm so sorry for everything that happened to you because of my choice."
Zelena smiled with tears in her eyes. "I love you too, mom." She leaned down and kissed her mother's cheek. "I forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago. We'll see you in a few hours."
"Send Regina and Emma in, okay?"
Zelena nodded and Anslie hugged Cora before they headed out with Tori. Cora sat back and closed her eyes for a moment before she sensed the shift in the room. She opened her eyes and smiled at her daughter and daughter in law. "My girls." She said as the each came to a side of the bed. She loved Zelena and Anslie just as much, but it was different with Regina and Emma. "With everyone else, I've only said that I love them and I'll see them later. With you, however, I'm going to get honest. I know that in all likelihood, I'll be okay and I will see you later, but just in case…"
"Mom, please don't." Regina interrupted, but Cora gave her hand a light squeeze.
"Regina, please let me say this." She reached up and cupped Regina's cheek. "I've loved you so much, Regina and all my regrets in life have to do with you. I hate how I treated you when you were little. I hate that I picked power over love and took out my heart. I didn't love you like I should have and I'll forever be sorry for that. I am so proud of the woman you have become, Regina. Watching you be a mother, such a loving mother to your children is the best thing I've ever seen in my life. You are a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, and person. If something goes wrong, please know that I am happy and I'm at peace with everything. I love you, Regina. I always have and I always will."
Emma wiped her tears as Regina leaned down rested her forehead against her mothers. "I love you, mom. I love you so much. Sure, life wasn't always grand, but you did teach me more than you know. Please let go of any and all guilt you feel, mama, because you have been completely forgiven long ago. I know you say you'd be okay and at peace, but please at least try not to slip away. I still need my mommy." Regina added, her voice cracking.
Cora sniffed and gave a little nod as Regina lifted her head. "I will, Regina, but even if I'm not here, I'm here." She said, placing her hand over Regina's heart. "Now, let me talk to my bonus daughter."
Regina gave a watery chuckle and sat up so Cora could focus on Emma. Emma swallowed the lump in her throat and shook her head. "Cora, I can't…"
"Shh. Just listen. You know all those things I just said to Regina about her being a wonderful mother and all that? It's because of you, Emma. You brought meaning and love into her world right when she needed it. I think more often than not, it's you saying how much you owe to Regina or even me and Mal, but Emma, you have done more than you know. It is because of you that our big family is together and is the way it is. It's because of you that people see the good in us once lost souls. Emma, you are stronger than you know, smarter than you think, and more amazing than you can imagine. I am honestly blessed to have had you in my life." Cora cupped Emma's cheeks and pulled her close to kiss her forehead. "You gave me my daughter back, you gave me my grandkids, and you gave me you, and I can never thank you enough. Should something happen, please know that you have all my love and respect, sweet girl. You're the strongest person I know and if something happens, I know you'll think you have to be strong for everyone else, but you don't. Break down, cry, yell, be mad, but then get over it. Move on and know that I am always with you and always will be."
Emma couldn't hold back the little sob that came from her as she rested her head on Cora's chest. "Cora, I…you have meant so much to me. There are no words to express what you mean to me. You're not just my mother in law, Cora, you're another mother. I know you don't want to hear this, but I am sorry that all of that went down when we weren't home. I know it wasn't my fault either, but…still."
Cora sighed and ran her fingers through Emma's hair. "It's okay, Emma. Just know that even if you and Regina had been there, I'd still have gone out there and I'd still have been stressed and I'd still be here now." She kissed Emma's head as a couple nurses came in. "It's time for me to go. I'll see you later."
Emma got up and went to her wife, putting her arms around her as they watched. One of the nurses smiled softly. "Okay, Cora, you're going to start feeling sleepy soon, it'll feel like you just closed your eyes when we wake you up." She said as she put the medication into the IV. They wheeled her out and Regina rest her head on Emma's chest.
"She'll be okay." Emma whispered and Regina just nodded.
After they gathered themselves, the two came out and assured everyone that Cora was taken back for the surgery. "We have a couple hours. Is anyone hungry? They have a giant cafeteria here or I'm sure Emma knows of where to get good food."
Emma chuckled a bit. "Actually, last time I was here, I didn't exactly have much money, so I stuck to hotdog stands, pizza stands and pretzel stands.
Zelena let out a chuckle. "Hey, let's live a little. Hotdogs sound good to me. They have our number and will call us when she's out."
Emma nodded. "Okay, I know a park that's only a block away. We can head over there and stop at stands along the way."
Not long later, the group sat at a picnic table in the shade at the park. Hotdogs, pizza, pretzels, street tacos, and egg rolls filled the table and everyone was trying a little bit of everything. Emma shook her head at her wife. "Pretzels are supposed to be dipped in mustard."
Regina shook her head. "No. They're far better in cheese."
"That's not even real cheese." Emma laughed. "That's processed fake cheese."
"So what?" Regina asked. "Since when do you care, oh Queen of Processed Grilled Cheese Sandwiches?"
Emma couldn't stop her laugh. "Exactly! It's comments like that that make me wonder how you can eat that right now."
"I like cheese on my hotdog." Oliver said, looking up at Emma. "Bacon, cheese, and pickles."
Emma chuckled at that as well. "That's my boy." She then looked over and put her hand on Zelena's. The woman had been quiet and wasn't eating much. "Hey, she'll be okay."
Zelena looked at Emma and smiled softly. "I know. Thanks Emma."
"Can we play for a bit?" Malory asked as she finished her pizza.
"Sure baby, but please throw away whatever you're done with." Regina answered, sipping at her cola. She was treating herself on this trip and enjoying every moment of it.
"Don't go close to the water." Emma warned them, giving them a look that made Oliver giggle as he got up to throw his garbage away.
Regina narrowed her eyes at Emma. "Are you going to tell me what happened earlier?"
"What makes you think anything happened?" Emma asked, avoiding eye contact as she took a big bite of a hotdog.
"Because it's you and them and none of you are good at lying." Regina said.
Emma sighed and finished chewing. "Okay, before I do, I want to assure all of you that no one got hurt."
Zelena narrowed her eyes. "What did you do, Swan?"
Emma rolled her eyes. "It's Swan-Mills, and I didn't do a thing. The kids wanted to feed the ducks, so I let them. I told them to stay away from the geese and swans and Henry was watching them so I could buy us tickets to go on the Swan boats…which, by the way, we didn't get to do. It was literally maybe 12 feet away, but when I came back all of them except Tori were wet and caked with mud. Apparently, a swan took Henry's phone from Oliver and he chased it into the lagoon and jumped in, thinking the water was shallow since the swan was above it. Apparently, he doesn't know that swans float. Anyway, it wasn't as shallow as he thought and he went under. Henry jumped in to get him but couldn't get him back over the ledge, so he asked one of the twins for help. She fell in and the other jumped in to 'save' her and when they came back over the ledge, it was all dirt, so they were muddy. Tori said she didn't jump in because she can't swim and I'm kind of glad for that." Emma said, waiting to be yelled at. Instead, Regina, Zelena, and Anslie all started laughing.
"Oh Emma, I'd have loved to have seen that." Anslie said through her laughter. "I'd have loved to have seen your face."
"Did Henry get his phone back?" Zelena asked, wiping her eyes.
"Yeah. I guess the swan just spit it at him, almost like it knew what trouble it caused."
Regina laughed even harder at that. "Oh babe, I bet you thought you'd be in deep shit."
Emma raised a brow. "Did Regina Mills just swear?" She grinned. "I like this side of you."
The laughter stopped when Zelena's phone rang and they all grew serious again. "Hello? Yes, this is Zelena Mills…okay thank you, we'll be right there." She hung up and gathered her trash. "She's done in surgery and they want to meet with us to talk about how it went."
"Kids? Come on, time to go." Regina called.
It didn't take long and they were back at the hospital. Emma sat at a table with the kids as they worked on a puzzle that was set out. "You and Zee go, baby." She urged Regina and Anslie agreed, sitting down and helping with the puzzle.
About 20 minutes later, Regina and Zelena came back and both looked relieved.
"It went perfectly." Zelena stated as she hugged Anslie.
Emma smiled at Regina. "Yeah?"
"Yes. Perfectly. They're taking her to a room now and we can see her once she's settled in."
"All of us?" Oliver asked. "Together?"
"Yes, all of us together. The room is big enough, but we won't stay long because she'll need to rest."
Emma looked at her wife. "Will you stay here with her tonight?"
Regina looked to Zelena. "I think Zee is going to."
Zelena looked at Anslie. "If that's okay."
"Of course, my love. Emma and I were just telling the kids that once we get back, we can go down to the pool for a bit. We were wondering though how this would work while Cora's with us. We only have rooms for us."
Regina looked over at her boys. "Would you boys be okay sleeping on the pull-out couch in the living area? We could do it, but with my back, I'm not sure I should."
Henry gave a nod. "We can. Gramma can have our room. We're sharing a bed in there anyway."
Zelena smiled. "You two really are great boys." She ruffled Henry's hair. "Thank you."
They all visited with Cora for about a half an hour before it was obvious that the woman was tired. She also insisted that Zelena not stay since they were only across the street and the nurses had their phone numbers. "I swear, all I'll do is sleep until morning. Go. Have fun with the family and come get me tomorrow."
As they were leaving, Eva waited and then went to her grandmother's bed as the others waited in the hall. "I love you, Gramma. I'm so happy you're okay and that I didn't kill you." Cora sighed, but Eva stopped her. "You can say what you want, but that's how I feel. Get some rest."
Cora watched her family go and sighed but smiled. She'd have more time with them and she couldn't be happier.
