I'm back and this will be the Part one of two of last chapter of this story (It was supposed to be the last but got way too long before I was even halfway done) before I take a small break and decide if there will be a 4th in the series. I'm going to admit, this one will be hard (emotionally) to write and maybe hard for you to read, and it will be long, but when my brain comes up with something, I can't stop it. I don't want to give anything away, but I have to put this in here.

***Trigger warning for character death***** (Not one of our lovely ladies, I could never do that)

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 20

Henry sat in the plane as he headed home for his winter break, having survived his first half of the school year. He stared out the window as a tear went down his cheek remembering his mother's words to him.

"It's not good, Henry. We all thought she had longer, but this is it. She doesn't want to try a surgery that only has a 20% chance of working and I can't blame her." Regina had said, trying to hide the emotion in her voice.

"How much longer?" He asked, knowing he sounded like a kid again.

"Honestly? Henry, I think she's holding out for you." Regina said, her voice shaking.

"Then I won't come home." He said, though he knew that wouldn't work.

Regina sighed, wishing she could hold her son. "I understand why you're saying that, but she really wants to see you before…before she goes."

"I can't say goodbye." He said, his voice fighting the lump in his throat.

"So, don't. Just listen to her and then tell her how much you love her."

Henry sighed, wiping his eyes. "Are you okay, mom? You and Ma? I know you're both just going to worry about me and my siblings, but are you two okay?"

Regina smiled softly, her son was always so loving and caring. "It's hard. I've cried to your Ma and she's cried to me, but we try to stay strong in front of your siblings. Your sisters are…" Regina broke off there, needing a breath. "Well they're taking it hard."

"I'm sure they are. Eva and Gramma have always been so close, but we all know Gramma never played favorites. She loves us all."

"That she does. I think it's hard for the girls because, just like you, they've had her here for so long. She's been another mother in a lot of ways. Henry, when you're here, you can break down to us, to Ma and me. You don't have to be strong."

"Neither do you, Mom." He said taking a breath. "I'll be home tomorrow morning. I love you so much. Tell…tell gramma that I love her?"

"I will, Henry. Ma and I love you, too."

The sound of wheels hitting the runway snapped Henry out of his trance and he wiped at his face, both looking forward to and dreading being home. If his grandmother was suffering, he didn't want her to suffer much longer, however, he also wanted one more Christmas with her. He smiled softly thinking of past Christmases with Cora and how she was always the life of the party. She'd have snowball fights with them, sled with them, make snowmen and then make the best hot chocolate for them. She'd always make sure they got one practical and one fun give from her and never once did one of them feel like theirs was better or worse than someone else's gift. The best part, however, was how on every single Christmas Eve, she'd wake him up so they could "play Santa" for all the kids in the 'compound'. He loved doing that with her and having his special time. He decided then and there that he'd continue on her tradition as long as he could.

Henry got off the plane and smiled when he saw his blonde mother, his little brother, and two of the quads. Oliver was now eight, and his smile lit up Henry from the inside. He ran up and hugged his big brother tightly. "I've missed you, Henry!"

Henry smiled and hugged him back. "I've missed you, too. You keeping your sisters in line while I'm gone?"

Oliver rolled his eyes. "That's far too much work. They are impossible."

Henry chuckled and then hugged Emma. "Hey Ma. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, kid." She smiled and held his shoulders as she looked at him. "I swear you've grown a couple inches. I love the haircut. I wasn't really into the longer hair, but this is nice. Lilly will love it."

He blushed a bit. "She said she loves it. We video chatted the other night." He looked at the stroller and grinned. "Looks like we have Lottie and Addie here today." He said, tapping their noses and causing them to giggle. At two and a half, they were easy to distinguish because they weren't identical. If it were Lottie and Gabby, he'd have to look at their eye color. "I'm surprised they're sitting so nicely in a stroller."

Emma laughed. "That's why I have them. Chris and Gabby refuse to sit in it and I didn't want to listen to screaming toddlers for the whole trip. Let's get your suitcase and head home."

"Henry! Mom, Henry's home!" Came Eva's voice as Henry got out of the car. He chuckled and looked up, seeing his now thirteen-year-old twin sisters come out to greet him.

"Hey girls." He said with a smile, dropping his bag to hug them.

"We missed you!" Malory said as Eva nodded.

"I've missed you two, too." He said and then checked to make sure Emma wasn't close enough to hear him. "How are they doing? Ma and Mom?"

Eva sighed and looked at him. "They're trying to hide it, but they're sad. We all are, Henry, but Gramma keeps saying it's just her time." She stopped as tears filled her eyes. She turned away and tried to stop them, but Malory rubbed her back.

"It's okay, Eva. Remember, everyone said we're allowed to cry."

Henry pulled Eva into a tight hug. "She's right. It's okay to cry. It's better to let it out than keep it in." He put his right hand on Eva's cheek and his left on Malory's. "This is a scary and sad time. If you need to cry, you cry."

Emma came over and handed Lottie to Eva and Addie to Malory. "You girls okay?"

"Yeah, Ma." Eva said, kissing Lottie's head and heading inside, Ry following her.

Emma helped Henry with his bag, and they came inside the house. After he took his things up to his room, he came back down and found Regina hugging her. "Hey mom."

Regina hugged him tightly. "It's so good to see you. How is school going?"

"Really well. I'm top of the class." He said with a grin. "What are you making?"

"Well, in honor of you coming home, we are having the whole family over so I'm making a few different pasta dishes."

A girl walked in and smiled. "Hey, Regina. Eva said I could come early, and I know last time I knocked, you said I didn't have to do that and…"

Regina put a hand up and smiled. "Layla, it's alright. You're right, you don't have to knock when you're expected. Come on in and meet Henry. Henry, this is Layla, Mal and Lacey's new daughter."

"Foster daughter, for now." The girl said and smiled. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Layla!" Eva said with a huge smile as she came in. "Come on, we have some time before dinner." She took the girls hand and pulled her out of the kitchen.

Henry rose a brow as he watched them leave. "You know Eva's got it bad for her, right?"

Regina chuckled. "Officially, I know nothing of the sort. Unofficially, yes and I find it adorable."

"So, will Gramma be at dinner or should I go talk to her now?" Henry asked as he gazed down at his fingers on the counter.

"I don't know, Henry. She doesn't always feel like eating. Why don't you go see her?" She said, kissing his temple.

Henry nodded and took a breath before going to his grandmother's door and knocking. "Gramma? It's Henry."

"Come in, come in." She called.

Henry came in and smiled, though it was weird to see his grandma in bed, she didn't look as bad as he had expected her to. "Hey Grams." He said, coming and sitting on the chair by the bed.

Cora smiled and reached to take his hand. "My boy. I was hoping you'd come and see me. How is school going?"

Henry told her all about his classes and friends and what he did in his spare time. She listened, a smile on her face. "I'm so glad you're having a good time, Henry. So, grown up and doing things on your own. I'm so proud of you." She tapped his hand and shifted her look at him. "Now, I know your mom told you what's going on. I don't have much longer, and I'm okay with that. I don't know how much time I have, but whatever it is, I want you to know that you don't need to take time off school when it happens."

"But Grams, I'll want to come home for…for you know."

"My funeral. You can say it, Henry, there's nothing wrong with saying it. I know you will, but then you'll go back to school. Your moms will have support from the others and your siblings will have your moms."

Henry blinked, trying to hide his tears. "Who will I have?"

Cora took Henry's hand and kissed it. "You'll have your moms. Henry, I should have worded what I meant differently. What I meant was I don't want you to transfer here or anything like that. I just don't want my death to be the reason you don't go back to school."

Henry nodded; his eyes close. "Grams…I don't want you to die." He said, a sob escaping him as he moved to lay next to his grandmother.

Cora held him in her arms and rubbed his back as he cried. "Henry, listen to me. I've lived. I mean I have lived. I have had a few lifetimes, but the last fourteen years have been the best. My daughter forgave me and accepted me back into her life. I got to watch you grow up, watch your sisters be born and develop such amazing personalities, watch your brother come into himself. Yes, I'm sad I won't know the Quads as they grow, but I know they'll know me. You will be there to tell them about me, and I trust you to do that. I trust you to make sure Oliver and Victoria never forget me. If Zelena and Anslie have another child, make sure they know about me and how much I would have loved them."

Henry sniffed and gave a nod. "I will, Grandma." He looked up at her. "I love you, Grandma."

"And I love you, Henry. Never, ever forget that."

"Never." He said and stayed cuddled with her for a while.

That night at dinner, Henry had a good time catching up with everyone, but called it an early night, saying he was tired. With everyone in bed and Regina relaxing in the bath, Emma went down to Cora's room. "You okay, Ma? Need anything?"

Cora shook her head and reached for Emma who got in bed next to her. "I'm just fine. Your mom made sure I had some soup and that my water glass is full for the night."

Emma gave a nod and laced her fingers with Cora's. "How are you feeling, really?"

Cora sighed and with her other hand, ran her fingers through Emma's long blonde hair. "Tired. Emma, I…I don't think I'm going to make it until Christmas. I can't keep fighting."

Emma sniffed, but gave a nod. "I understand, Ma. I hate the thought of losing you, but I don't want you to fight when you're too tired to do so. But fuck, I'm going to miss you so much."

Cora smiled softly and kissed Emma's head. "I'll always be with you, Em. Every stern look from Regina, every attitude filled remark from Eva, every time Malory does magic better than you, that's me. I'm not going to say that I know what happens when we die, but I know that I will never forget you and if I can, I'll watch over all of you." Cora stroked Emma's cheek and under her chin, making her look up at her. "Emma, I am so proud of the woman you have become, the mother you are to your children and the wife you are to my daughter. I hate how you lived the first eighteen years of your life, but I'm so proud of you for turning that around. You did that, Emma, you were so strong and did that. You can say it was because you had us, but in the end, you did that."

Emma sniffed and gave a small nod. "Thanks, Cora. That means a lot to me, but it's not all true. You did help. You, Regina, the others, you all helped. Cora you…you've been the most amazing mother in law I could ever have. I will never forget you and I'll make sure all my kids know everything about their gramma Cora. Thank you for everything you've done for me, for my kids, for everyone."

Cora cupped Emma's cheek. "I love you, Emma, as if you were my own."

"I love you too." Emma stayed there until Cora was asleep and then carefully got up and went to her bed, cuddling with her wife. She shook her head, telling Regina she didn't want to talk, and instead just cuddled with her.

"Hey Henry." Tori said as she came in the next day. "Grams said she wanted to talk to me."

Henry smiled. "No problem, Tori, can you take her coffee with you?"

"Sure can." She said and took the cup, going into Cora's room. "Hey Grams. I have your coffee." Tori said, placing the cup down on the table.

"Come on up here, Tori dear." Cora said, sitting up more. "I want to talk to you for a little bit."

Tori got up on the bed and looked at Cora. "Mommy said your heart is bad. She won't say it, but I am ten, I do know what that means."

Cora gave a smile. "You're a very smart girl, Tori. Yes, my heart is bad, and I don't think I'll be around much longer. I just wanted to talk to you so that you'll always know that I love you. I love you just as much as I love my other grandkids, Tori. I'm so glad my daughter found you because you were meant to be hers."

Tori smiled softly, tears in her eyes. "She and Anslie were meant to be mine, too. Gramma, you were my first ever gramma and I love you so much. I will never forget you."

The two talked for a while and then Anslie came in, sending Tori back home to Zelena. "How are you feeling, Ma?"

"Tired. Come here, dear." Cora said, holding her hand out. Anslie took it and sat on the side of the bed. "I'm taking time in telling everyone what I want them to know before…before I can't anymore. Anslie, you have been a miracle on earth sent to our family. The way you took care of Malory and explained things to Eva with the cancer, the way you took care of Regina and Emma during that time as well, has never been forgotten. However, the way you loved my daughter when she needed it most is what really touched my heart. Zelena grew up thinking she wasn't loved and until I met Emma, I admit, I never once thought that Zelena would have had the same fate. You loved her when you didn't have to and the two of you are amazing together. You are my daughter, Anslie, and I love you so much. Please never forget that."

Anslie smiled and wiped at a tear. "I lost my mother years ago before the curse and I never thought I'd find anyone to come close to filling her shoes. I did though, the day I found you. Cora, you are amazing, and I know you have a past you're not proud of, but look around here; you did all this, Cora. You can say it was Emma or Regina all you want, but you created Regina and Zelena and you brought them together. Everyone loves you, Cora and your memory will live on through generations."

Cora smiled, her own tears falling. "Thank you, Anslie. I truly appreciate that." She moved her hand to Anslie's still flat stomach. "You tell that little one that their Gramma loved them before they were even born."

Anslie looked surprised at Cora. "How did you know? We were waiting to say anything until we felt safer about it."

Cora gave a wink. "You can tell anyone you want now; this baby is going to thrive."

Anslie leaned over and kissed Cora's cheek. "He or she will know how much you loved them, Cora." She stroked Cora's cheek. "I love you so much. You're going to leave quite a hole in our lives."

Cora smiled softly. "One that will be filled with love from all of you. I understand you'll all be sad, but I need you all to move on with your lives. I need to know my girls will all be okay, all four of you."

"Eventually, we will be. Now you let me know if you're in any kind of pain. I know you don't want to fight nature, but that doesn't mean that you have to do so in pain."

"Okay, dear. I'll let you know." Cora gave a small smile. "I think I have energy for one more of these talks and then I have to nap. Can you see if Mal can bring her whole troop in here?"

"I sure can." Anslie said and kissed Cora's temple again. She left and stood against the wall, taking a few breaths as she tried to calm her emotions.

Emma was coming by and saw her and hugged her. "You got your talk? I got mine last night and I'm still recovering."

Anslie gave a nod. "It's just so sad. I get why she's done fighting; I get she's tired and ready to go, but she's such a huge part of our lives."

"I know, but she deserves to go the way she wants to go." Emma said sadly. "At least she's surrounded by love."

"That she is. I'm going to go see if Mal and her family can come over. Cora wanted to talk to them together."

"Okay. I'm going to take the littles outside for a bit if you want to join us."

"You bet. See you in a bit."

"Lilly? Layla? Please come down here." Mal called after talking with Anslie. Lacey and Owen were already in the living room. When the girls came down, Mal smiled softly at them. "You all know that Gramma Cora is not doing well. She wants to see all of us and talk to us for a little bit."

Lilly gave a sad nod. "To say goodbye?"

Lacey nodded. "Yes, honey, to say goodbye and to say things on her mind. We know that this is hard, but we're asking that you all give her just a bit of your time as this is important for her."

Layla nodded. "She wants to talk to me too? She don't even know me that well."

Maleficent smiled softly. "Yes, she wants to talk to you, too. In her eyes, as in ours, you're part of this family." That made Layla smile and then feel sad because she was losing the woman who was always so kind to her. Owen was still a bit young at five years old, but even he knew something sad was going on. The five made their way over and Maleficent knocked at the door. "Cora? You wanted to see us?"

"Yes, yes, please come in." Cora said and was seated in her chair, blankets around her and a fire going in the fireplace. "Maleficent dear, after I speak with your family, will you stay just to indulge me a little longer?"

"You know I will." Maleficent said as she sat on the sofa next to her wife, their son on her lap and their girls on the loveseat on the other side of Cora.

Cora gave a nod and then turned more towards the girls. "I won't keep you two for long, I just wanted to have a little chat. I know that in this world's terms, I'm not technically anything to you as far as relations, but in my heart you two are just as much my granddaughters as Malory, Eva, and the others. Layla, I know you've not been here long, but my dear, I already know you have a heart of gold. I see amazing things for you in your future and while it won't be easy, if you fully let Maleficent and Lacey into your heart, you will not regret it. Please know that I love you, child and I wish you nothing but the best in your lifetime."

Layla didn't expect to feel such emotions, but she blinked tears and gave a small nod. "I love you too, but I do wish I'd have had more time with you. Eva tells me the best stories about you and I wish I'd have known you when I was younger."

Cora smiled kindly at the girl. "If you want to know anything about me, you ask Eva. You're right, she has some good stories. It doesn't matter that I've only known you a short time, I already know I love you."

Layla smiled and then got up and hugged the woman. "We'll miss you." She said softly, not sure if that was okay to say, but when she got a nod from Cora, she knew it was okay. She went back and sat down, leaning into Lilly as the older girl put her arm around her.

Cora looked at Owen and smiled as he gave her a cheeky little grin. "Come here, little man." She said, holding her arms out as he came over and carefully climbed up into her lap. Ever since Cora had found out about her heart, she had taken the time to get to know every child in their 'family' and had a soft spot for all of them. "Owen, you are a charmer." She said and hugged him. "Gramma Cora is going away soon, buddy, but I want you to know how much I love you."

Owen looked at Cora as if he understood, and maybe in a way, he did. "I love you, Gramma Cora. I'll miss you very much." He then kissed her cheek and she smiled softly.

"You're a good boy." She said, helping him off her lap and then looked at Lacey. "My dear Lacey with the heart of gold. You took in this family with no questions asked and have helped out so many times, especially with Emma in the early years. Thank you for making that old dragon over there happy and for being a part of our family."

Lacey smiled back at her before going and hugging her. "I love you, Cora, just like a mother. Thank you for all you've done for all of us and don't worry, I will be sure Owen never forgets you." She then looked at her wife who gave a nod and then at Layla as she picked up Owen. "Let's give Ma and Lilly some time while we see what the others are doing."

Layla nodded and gave Cora one more hug before heading out with Lacey. Cora then looked over to Lilly and smiled softly. "Lilly honey, come here." She said holding her hands out as Lilly came over and sat on the foot stool in front of Cora. "I know you and Henry are dating and going strong and I hope the highest of hopes that all works out, but please know that if it doesn't, it's not going to change how anyone feels about either of you. You are a darling girl and you have such a pure heart. I love you for you, and I love you for Henry. You make him happy and I hope he makes you happy."

"He does. Even while we've been apart, he's made me happy."

"Good. You deserve it. Please make sure he gets through all this because he will need someone to lean on. He and I are close; closer than I think people realize and it will be hard for him."

Lilly nodded. "I know that, and you're right, he loves you so much. But Cora, this will be hard on everyone. You've touched all of us and we're all going to miss you. I'll be there for Henry however I can be, I promise you that. I love you, Cora, as my own gran." She then moved and hugged the woman who suddenly seemed so small.

After Lilly left, Maleficent came over and sat in front of Cora. "I cannot believe this time has come. I find I'm not ready to see you go." She said, tears building in her eyes. "I always saw the best in you, even when you didn't. I used to wish I could have changed you somehow, helped you back then. Especially when Regina came to me and she was so saddened over her relationship with you."

"You couldn't have, Maleficent, because I didn't want it back then. I was so blinded, and no one could have changed me."

"I know, and now, I'm glad I couldn't. Look at what we have, Cora. None of this could have been accomplished back there, back then. All of us needed to go through what we went through to get the where we are now, to what we have now."

Cora gave a nod as she gazed into the fire. Her gaze shifted to Mal and her eyes filled with tears. "Watch over my girls, Mal. Promise me you'll keep them all safe."

Maleficent took Cora's hand and held it between hers, bringing it to her lips. "I promise I will, Cora. No one can replace you, but I'll be sure to keep them safe." Maleficent's crystal blue eyes gazed into Cora's. "Are you scared?"

Cora smiled and sat back, shaking her head. "No. I know most would be and maybe I should be, but I'm not. I'm hoping that it's like they say it is where I'm free of pain, my spirit is free and I can watch over everyone, but who am I kidding, if it is like that, I'll be going somewhere else."

"Cora Rose Mills, that is not true. You have redeemed yourself and you know it." Mal cupped Cora's cheek. "You'll be free out there in the wind, free to soar and watch over all of us. You'll be free of pain, free of stress, free of worry. You'll be alive." She said, smiling

Cora smiled back, tears falling. "Thank you, Maleficent." She got out before she started coughing. "I need to lay down."

After helping Cora to her bed, Maleficent left and took a breath before going to see Regina. "How are you holding up?"

Regina looked over and shrugged. "I don't know. I hear she's giving little talks to everyone and I'm not sure I can do that, Mal."

"Are you sure you can't? How would you feel if you didn't and you never knew what she wanted to tell you?"

"It would drive me crazy. It's just…Emma was so sad after her talk and I get it, I just…" Regina sighed, tears filling her eyes. "It makes this real."

"Oh honey, I hate to tell you this, but it is real." Mal said, coming over and hugging her dear friend. "When she calls for you, go to her, and then remember you have support."

That afternoon, Gold came in and saw Cora and had their conversation before Cora talked to D.J. and Ben. "Send your parents in please." Cora said after hugging the boys. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them when she heard a soft knock. "Come in, come in." She said and smiled. "Ah, the Charmings."

David grinned. "The Swans now, remember?" He asked as he sat by the bed.

"Of course, of course." Cora said, watching as Snow sat by him. "Listen, I'm sorry for everything in the past."

"We're past that, Cora." Snow said softly, taking her hand. "We're way past that."

"Are we?" Cora asked, cupping Snow's cheek. "You were so little and so trusting and I…I tricked you and, in the end, that one lie, that one manipulation caused you so much pain, heartache, hell it caused you to lose your baby girl for years. How can you be past that?"

Snow put her hand over Cora's. "Because look what we have now, Cora." Snow said, her eyes brimming with tears. "I lost eighteen years with my baby, yes, but I've had almost eighteen years with her since. Not only that, but I get to see my baby girl be so happy with someone she never could have been with had all that other stuff not happened. I have eight beautiful grandchildren I never would have had in any other situation. I have this big extended family filled with people who never should have ended up together, but we did, and it works. I look at the good, Cora, not the bad, and if I look at the good, then I am over the past because this just wouldn't exist any other way."

Cora smiled softly. "You and your insufferable hope. Don't ever change, Snow."

Snow chuckled. "I won't."

"I won't let her." David added. "Cora, I love you and I want you to know that you mean so much to us and our kids, all of them. Thank you for being someone Emma could turn to and thank you for all you've done for us. I'm going to give you and Snow some privacy, but please know, I love you."

Cora smiled and took David's hand. "I love you too, David. You be there for your daughter, as you always are, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am." He said, kissing her temple.

Cora looked at Snow as they were left alone. "Snow, I know I'm not as innocent as people try to say I am, so when you tell the little one's about me, don't feel like you have to lie. Use my life as a lesson for them, to show them that anyone can be redeemed." Cora paused, taking a breath as she held out a hand to signal, she had more to say. "Snow, I know Emma's going to take my death hard, but so is Regina. I know we have all these people surrounding them, but I would feel so much better if I knew you would be there for my baby girl. I know she pushes people, but Snow, please push back and let her lean on you. I ask you this, mother to mother."

Snow blinked, tears falling as she nodded. "I will, Cora. I could never fill your shoes, but I'll be there for her. I promise."

"Thank you. I love you, Snowflake, don't ever doubt that."

Snow leaned forward and kissed Cora's cheek. "I love you, too. Please let me know if you need anything."

"I will, but right now, I just need to sleep."

"I'm not surprised, it is getting late. Good night, Cora."

"Good night."

As Snow left, Zelena came in and smiled. "Good night, Snow." She said and then went to the chair by her mother's bed. "Are you warm enough?"

"Of course, honey. I still have some magic left and the fire isn't going out any time soon." She said as she stretched. "Zelena, I do want to talk to you, but I don't think I have the energy tonight."

"I'm not here for that, mom, I just wanted to make sure you're okay and settled in for the night."

"I'm fine, my darling." Cora said and sighed as she looked at her daughter. "Zelena, you know how much I love you, right?"

"I thought you weren't doing this tonight." Zelena said with a smirk before getting on the bed and cuddling with her mother. "I know you love me as much as I love you."

Cora chuckled and ran her fingers through Zelena's hair. "I guess I was wrong, and I am doing this tonight." She kissed Zelena's forehead. "I'm sorry you ever went through life thinking I didn't love you. I'm sorry I did what I did, my darling."

"I know, mother, and I've forgiven you a long time ago." She looked at her mother. "I love you so much, mom. I'm going to miss you more than you know."

"I know this may sound bad, but I am glad to know that. The day I sent you away was one of the worst days and I never thought I'd have a second chance with you. Zelena, my love, I'm so proud of the woman you've become. You're an amazing wife and an amazing mother and I'm so glad you got a chance to live that life." She stroked Zelena's hair. "I love you with all my heart, Zelena. Please, please never forget that."

"I won't, mom, because I love you just as much." She looked at her mother. "I know you know that Anslie is pregnant. If it's a girl, she'll be named after you. I think it'll be too soon for 'Cora', but we were thinking of using Cora as her middle name or names like Coralie, Coraline, or Coralynn. What do you think?"

Cora smiled softly. "I think they're all beautiful, thank you. If it is a girl, you will know which one to go with." She looked at her daughter. "Stay with me? At least until I fall asleep."

Zelena hugged her mother and pulled the blankets up. "I'm not going anywhere."

The next morning, Cora sat looking at a framed picture and sighed. A visit with the Quads and four more talks left and she knew she was saving the hardest two for last. "Gramma?" Ollie asked as he came in. "Mommy said you wanted to see me."

Cora nodded and put the pictures down, holding her arms out for him to come sit on her lap. He did so carefully and looked at her. "Are you saying goodbye?" He asked unshed tears in her eyes. "I'm not ready to say goodbye yet."

Cora smiled softly. "I know, Ollie, but the time has come, and I just feel like it's better that I say what I want to say than to leave things unsaid. It's not like I'm leaving right after I talk to you, but I know the day is near. Oliver, I have been so blessed to have you as a grandson. I love you so much and I have loved watching you grow into this amazing young man. As you get older, never forget who you are and to be true to yourself."

Oliver tilted his head. "What does that mean?"

"It means that you are enough just the way you are. Sometimes, things you want to do for yourself won't make others happy, but that's okay. Your life is yours and you have to live it to make you happy. Don't change who you are for anyone else."

He gave a small nod and looked at her. "I'm gonna miss you so much, Gramma. It'll be so weird not having you here to talk to when everything is crazy at home."

Cora smiled softly. "I may not be able to answer you, but you can still talk to me. You also have your Grandmother Snow who loves your company and your Grandfather David. Just, don't forget me and my love for you."

"I will never forget you, Grams. I love you so much. Thank you for being such an awesome gramma." He said before hugging her. She smiled and hugged him back, wiping her tears before sitting back.

"You make sure Chris, Addie, Gabbie, and Lottie know all about me as they get bigger and that they know how much I love them."

"I will, I promise."

After Oliver left, Cora sent Regina a message and waited. Soon, Regina came in with Chris and Addie, Eva with Gabbie, and Malory with Lottie. Because the littles were so young, Cora simply kissed them and told each of them she loved them. She then looked at Eva. "I want to talk to Malory, and then you, okay?" Eva gave a nod, trying not to show her emotions as she helped Regina take the Quads back out. Cora moved to the sofa and sat with Malory, her arm over her. "Oh Malory, I can't believe you're almost fourteen. I will never forget the day you were born." She said smiling at the memory. "Your moms were so scared, but I think they've done a pretty good job."

"They have." Ry said softly. "They're the best." She looked at Cora. "So are you. You and Grandma Snow and Grandpa David are the best grandparents anyone could ask for. I know you…you have to go, Gramma, and I know you're ready to go, but I really wish you didn't have to." She said, tears now escaping her eyes. "I can't imagine life without you. But…I also can't imagine life in pain or being tired all the time. I mean, I kind of remember when I had cancer and feeling like that, and some days feeling like giving up, but with you, I know it's different."

"It is, my sweet. If I had the option of something like the Chemo and medications you had and there was a higher chance of it working, I would do it, but baby, the only thing that may help…the chance is so low that it's not worth it. Besides, I'm not five like you were, baby girl, I'm much, much older. I've lived my life and it's been amazing. You helped it be such a great life." She turned a bit more towards the girl. "Honey, you know that I love you just as much as I love, Eva, right?"

"Yes, Gramma, of course I do. It's always kinda been where I have more in common with Grandma Snow and Eva had more in common with you, but we both know we're loved the same by each of you." Ry said and cuddled in with her grandmother. "I'm gonna be really sad, but I know Eva will need me, so I'll be there for her."

Cora stroked her hair. "Honey, you can be as sad as you want to be. Eva has others who can be there for her and so do you. You be as sad as you want, but you promise me that you won't let it take over you. Be said for a while, but then remember that I'm okay. I'm no longer in pain and I'm always with you." She kissed Ry's head, letting the young one cuddle with her as long as she wanted.

After a bit, Malory wiped her eyes and looked up at her grandmother, kissing her cheek. "I love you so much and I'm so glad I get to call you my gramma. I'll never forget you or how much you loved me, Gramma. Never, ever."

Cora smiled, her tears filling her eyes. "Good, because my biggest fear is you kids forgetting me or wondering if I loved you."

"That would never happen." Malory said, wiping Cora's cheek gently. "Don't you worry about that."

After a bit, Malory hugged Cora and then went to get her sister. As Eva went into Cora's room, Malory went and found Emma, sitting on her lap and hugging her as she finally let herself cry. "I'm gonna miss her, Mama."

Emma rubbed her back and let her own tears fall. "I know, Honey Bee, but she'll always be in our hearts."

Eva came in Cora's room and sat on the chair, even though Cora held her arms out. She crossed her arms and shook her head. "No. You're not leaving me yet, Gramma. I'm not ready to miss you, and you can't go if I don't say goodbye."

"Oh honey." Cora said, looking at her granddaughter. "I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. I'm going, Bumble Bee, and I guess it's up to you if you want to remember your last days with me being stubborn on that chair or cuddling with me over here." Maybe it was low, but it worked. Eva sighed and came over cuddling Cora and burying her face into her chest.

"Don't leave me, Gramma." She cried, even though she knew it wasn't fair.

"My love, I'm not leaving you. I'll always be with you in your heart and your memories. I'll always be watching over you, watching you grow and watching you become the amazing woman you're destined to become. I know it'll be different; I won't be here to hold you or tell you off for your attitude, but when you need me, you'll feel me there with you."

Eva smiled a little at her grandmother's words but kept her eyes down. "If I say goodbye that means you're going to be gone." She said, quietly.

Cora lifted her chin and looked deep into those chocolate brown eyes that were so much like Regina's. "I'm going to be gone if you say goodbye or not. You don't have to say goodbye, you can say see you later if you want, because one day, we'll all be back together. I just get to go first. I get to go and see if my husband forgives me for my mistakes and with or without him, I get to start setting up for when the rest of you come. Granted, I hope no one joins me for a long, long time, but when they do, I'll be ready." She stroked Eva's cheek. "You are so much like your Ma. Beautiful and smart but lacking in confidence, and no matter how hard I try, I never know how to fix that. Eva, you and Malory are going to be okay. You're both amazing at your magic, you've got family, and you've got each other. I know that you sometimes worry about being evil, but just remember what I told you."

"Evil isn't born, it's made." Eva said quietly. "I'm too good to be evil. Sassy and naughty isn't the same as evil."

Cora chuckled and kissed Eva's forehead. "That's right. You get your sass from me, so don't always suppress it." She pointed over to a box by her bed. "Be a dear and go get that for me." She waited as Eva went and got it and came back. "Now, each of you are getting things from me, I have it all planned out. The others have to wait, but I wanted to give you this myself, so you know just how special it is."

Eva looked at her grandmother, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Anything from you is special, Gramma." She then opened the box and found a silver chain with a simple, small heart pendant on it. "It's pretty."

Cora smiled softly. "That is one of two things I had from my mother. She died giving birth to me, but luckily, she had hidden this and a ring in the house, knowing I'd find it when I got older. She had a letter that said she hid these just in case something happened to her. She knew my father would have sold these for money. Now, they aren't really worth much here in this world, but this necklace has always been special to me. To me, it was my mother giving me her heart and I wanted to make sure you knew that, because I'm giving you a piece of my heart." Cora took it and used her magic, putting a red ruby in the heart. She then put it on Eva and smiled. "You will always carry a piece of me."

Eva's eyes were overflowing with tears as she reached down and touched the heart. She then looked at her grandmother and wrapped her arms around her, hugging her tight as she cried. "Thank you, Gramma." She got out between sobs. "I'll never, ever, ever forget you. If I ever have a baby girl, I'm naming her Cora."

Cora chuckled through her tears. "I'm holding you to that." She then just held her granddaughter and smiled softly when she realized the girl had stopped crying and had fallen asleep. She shifted to lay down with her, since they were on the sofa and closed her own eyes, her heart feeling both heavy, but lifted. Her girls, her babies, and her grandbabies would all be okay.

That night, Cora, Zelena, Anslie, and Tori joined the Swan-Mills family for dinner, and it was a time enjoyed by all. As things were winding down, Cora gave Emma a look and Emma nodded. "Girls? Will you please help me with getting the littles ready for bed?"

"I can help, baby." Regina said, looking confused.

"Actually, I think your mom wants to talk with you." Emma said, ushering the kids out.

Regina looked at Cora and sighed, she wasn't ready for this. Cora put her hand over Regina's. "Please don't put this off longer."

Regina nodded and took her mother's hand, walking with her to her room. Once Cora was changed and in bed, Regina joined her and lay in her arms. "My baby girl." Cora said softly. "You have been my greatest achievement. I didn't deserve your forgiveness and never expected it, yet you gave it to me. You forgave me and accepted me and let me be a part of your wonderful family. You were also the reason I changed, why I put my heart back in, but it still never took away the guilt I felt from how I was when you were growing up. You deserved so much better than what you got, Regina, and I hope you do know that I'm so sorry for all that."

"I do know, Mother, it's why I forgave you. You may not have been the mother I wanted back then, but since you've come here, you've been exactly the mother I needed, the grandmother my kids deserved. You've more than made up for my childhood many times over." Regina shifted and looked at her mother. "I know you're ready to go and I respect that, but I'm having a hard time thinking what life will be like without you here." She said, her eyes filling with unshed tears. "I respect your choice and understand it completely, but…mom how do I go on without you?"

"You keep being the amazing person you are, Regina. Take time to grieve, I'd never tell you not to, but then you go on and be the great mother you are, the amazing wife you are, and the wonderful woman you've become. Plant roses in my memory and talk to them as you would me. I've already told you I don't want to be in a box, and I know we have plans for some of my ashes, but the ones that remain should be put into the dirt with the roses. In my book, you'll find a spell that will keep those roses alive for always, much like your apple tree." She cupped her daughter's cheek. "Promise me you won't let my passing keep you down, baby girl. I would feel so guilty if you did that. I'm not saying don't be sad, but please don't let it take you to a dark space."

"I won't mom. I'll be sad and for a while, but I have so many around me to help me not go dark. Eventually, a new normal will start and though I'll always miss you, I know I'll be able to keep living. I have so much to live for. Just know, I won't forget you."

"I hope not." Cora said with a chuckle. "I've always loved you, Regina. I hope you know that. It may not have been how it should have been, but it was always there."

Regina hugged her mother. "I know and I always loved you, mother."

She then pointed to a box on her table and Regina reached for it. "Open it." Cora said. "It's for you. It was my mother's and while it may not be much in value, it was always priceless to me. It belonged to her mother and she passed it down to me, though, I only knew about that through a letter she left for me. I always knew I'd want you to have it Regina, and one day, you can carry on the tradition and decide which of your daughters get it…though Eva did get the necklace that belonged to her, so maybe pick one of the other girls. Anyway, I want you to have it because you have always been the most important person to me. Please don't repeat that to Zelena, I don't want her to think badly of me, but you were my baby girl."

Regina looked at the ring and then hugged her mother. "Thank you, mother. I'll cherish it always."

The two stayed in each other's arms for a while and though Regina knew she should go see her own kids, she just couldn't leave. Something was telling her to stay, and when it hit just after 3AM and her mother woke with a gasp, she was glad she was there. She bit her lip as she looked at her mother who was breathing hard. "Call your sister." She said and Regina nodded before getting out of bed and calling Zelena and Anslie, and then calling Emma, not wanting to leave her mother alone.

Don't worry, part 2 will be up by the end of the night.