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Chapter 8

Mary, David, Henry, and Cora all were in the waiting area, Mary pacing, Cora trying to read and David and Henry working on a puzzle that was on the table. Cora put her book down and stood, going over to Mary. She took her shoulders and looked at her. "It's going to be okay. You're wearing a path in the carpet."

Mary sighed. "I'm sorry. I know I told Emma that everything was going to be okay, but now I'm worrying."

"Because you love her. I get it but take some deep breaths." Cora smiled at the woman. "Your daughter is going to be fine."

Mary took some deep breaths and nodded. She looked over as Mal came out and right away, thought the worst. Mal looked at her and smiled. "I'm not here with bad news. They just finished with Regina's part and are now working on Emma. Regina is doing great and will be in recovery shortly. Mr. and Mrs. Mills, you'll be able to see her in about an hour. Zelena is still asleep as we need to have the kidney in Emma for an hour before we can say it was successful."

"Thank you, Doctor." Henry said, relieved his daughter was doing okay. He looked at David. "You'll get the same news next; I just know it."

"How much longer?" Mary asked, concern etched in her face.

"It should be another two to three hours. I know that seems like a long time, but we don't want to rush it."

"I know. I'm just ready to see my girl."

"So am I." Mal stated, putting an arm on Mary's shoulder. "Go to the staff room and get some good coffee for everyone. I know it's hard, Mary, I know this is our…your baby, but please just try to not worry."

Mary smiled warmly. "You were right when you said our baby, Mal." She then nodded. "Okay, I'll do my best."

Mary and Cora went to get some coffee and muffins for everyone, and Ashley came in and saw David. "How's it going?" She asked, sitting by him. "My shift just finished, and I wanted to stop in."

David smiled at her. "Thanks. So far so good. Regina's done with her part and they're working on Emma now. Mary is a bit worried, but that's expected." He gestured towards Henry. "This is Regina's dad Henry. Henry, this is Ashley. She's not only one of our good friends, but also the overnight nurse in Emma's ward."

Henry shook her hand. "It's nice to meet you."

"You as well." Ashley stated. "I'm so glad to hear everything went well with Regina. Your girls are so great to be willing to do this; it says a lot of your parenting."

"Thank you, but I don't know if I could have stopped them if I wanted to, which I didn't, by the way. I'm so proud of both of them."

"As you should be." Ashley said with a smile. "Do you mind if I stay for a bit? Thomas was wondering if he could come too, but we don't want to impose. He's off today and while he may not have ever met Emma, between me and you guys talking about her, he'd like to be here. We don't have to stay to see her as we don't want to overwhelm her, but we want to be here for you and Mary."

David smiled warmly. "I really think Mary would appreciate that. Of course, you can stay, Ashley."

"Ashley. I didn't expect you here." Mary said with a smile. "Here, take a coffee, I don't know why I grabbed an extra one."

"Thank you. I just finished my shift and I'm off tonight, so I thought I'd stop by. I was just asking David if you'd mind if Thomas and I hung around for a bit, just to hear how everything goes."

"That's so sweet of you. I don't mind at all." Mary then introduced her to Cora and Ashley sent Thomas a text.

Thomas, David, and Henry all chatted about guy stuff while Cora, Mary, and Ashley talked about the horrible article written about Regina. Mal came out and smiled softly. "Mr. and Mrs. Mills, Myra is going to take you back to see Regina. She's doing really well, but she is a bit groggy."

Cora and Henry stood but before they left, Cora looked at Mal. "Any updates on Emma?"

"She's doing great. Go see your daughter." Mal said with a kind smile. When they left, Mal sat by Mary and David came over. "Emma's doing wonderful. It's a long surgery and she's got about another hour to go then an hour in recovery. Just know that she's in great hands."

"Thank you." Mary said. "Time is going so slow."

"I know. Being that I can only watch, I feel the same way. However, it will be over soon and you all can start the rest of your lives."

David smiled. "I can't wait. Emma deserves so much after everything she's been through."

"You're still confident it will turn out okay?" Mary asked.

"Very confident." Mal said, looking at her watch. "I'll come back out as soon as she's stitched up."

As Mal left, Ruby came in with cups of coffee. "I'm on break and wanted to check in."

Mary smiled. "It's all going as planned. Regina is out and her parents are with her and Emma's got about another hour." They all sat and talked, trying to pass the time.

Regina felt groggy as she tried to keep her eyes open. "How's Emma?"

Cora took Regina's hand. "She's still in surgery, baby girl. How do you feel? Do you have any pain?"

"I just feel tired. My throat hurts a little, but that's to be expected. How's Zelena?"

"They still have her asleep baby." Henry said, holding a cup of water with a straw to her lips. "They just want you to stay awake until you're back in the room and then you can go back to sleep."

Myra came over and checked a few things. "Regina, you're doing really well. Let's get you up to your room."

Once there, Regina laid back in her bed and closed her eyes. "You guys can go back to the waiting area if you want. I'm just going to sleep, and I know Mary and David would appreciate the company."

"We will, sweetheart, but not until you're asleep." Cora said, stroking Regina's forehead. "If you wake up, call us."

"Mkay, mama. I love you. I love you, daddy."

"We love you too." Henry said, watching her fall asleep.

An hour and a half later and Mary, David, Cora, and Henry were alone in the waiting area, Mary once again pacing. "It's been over an hour. Mal said she'd be back in an hour. Something is wrong."

David went and hugged his wife. "Honey, let's not worry just yet."

However, another hour later and he was up pacing with his wife. They had asked for updates at the desk, but there were none. Mary kept wiping at her tears that she couldn't hold back and though David wanted to assure her, he was nervous himself. Cora and Henry felt helpless, but there was nothing they could do to help them.

Finally, Mal came out and held her hands up. "I'm sorry it took longer than expected. She's okay; she's better than okay actually, she's doing wonderfully. Her new kidney is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. We're waking Zelena up as we speak, and you'll be able to see Emma in about an hour."

"She's okay? Really and truly okay?" Mary asked, not hiding her tears.

"She's great, Mary. Absolutely great." Mal said and smiled as Mary hugged her. She hugged the woman back and wiped at her own tears. "Okay Mills family, let me take you to Zelena."

Zelena stretched and smiled at her parents. "That was the best nap ever."

Cora chuckled. "You don't seem as groggy as Regina did. I suppose that's because they didn't have to give you anything more."

"So, Emma took Regina's kidney?"

"So far, so good. You're still on standby, but Mal is very optimistic about it."

"How's Regina?"

"Sleeping but doing well. She called us about a half hour ago and said the nurse had her eat and drink and she's doing well."

"Good. You guys should go up by her. Seriously, all I did was sleep."

"We'll go up by her when you get to come with us."

"We can take her up now." Myra said, coming into the room. "And Zelena, you did more than just sleep. You agreed to basically 'be on call' to have your kidney taken. Don't cut yourself short."

They rolled the bed up to the room where Regina was and the sisters smiled at each other. Once Zelena was set up in her bed, she looked at Myra. "How long until I can eat?"

"Let me check with Dr. Dracon. They may have you wait another hour or so to be safe, but everything seems to be going swimmingly with Emma, so they may change their minds. I'll call your nurse and let her know."

Ruby peeked her head in. "I'll be your nurse for the next few hours and Dr. Dracon said you can drink water to your hearts content, but she's asking you wait about an hour to eat just to be safe."

"That's fine." Zelena said, taking the cup of water from her mother.

"Emma's okay?" Regina asked and Ruby filled her in on everything.

Emma heard someone softly calling her name and she blinked a few times before opening her eyes and trying to focus. Her head was foggy, but she recognized Dr. Dracon's smiling face. "Did it work?" She croaked out, her throat raw from the breathing tube that had just been taken out.

"You have one working kidney, Emma. Your body is accepting it and the surgeon has already called it a success."

"No more dialysis?"

"No more dialysis, medication, doctor appointments, pain, bladder issues, nothing. Well, okay, maybe some follow up appointments, but no more living here. You should be able to go home by next Monday."

Emma smiled, tears in her eyes. "I can't…can you hug me? My body is tired."

Mal chuckled and hugged the girl. "I expect a real hug once the meds are out of your system."

"You'll get it. How are Regina and Zelena?" Emma asked, taking a sip of water.

"They're doing great. Zelena is still on call, but honestly Emma, no one sees this taking a negative turn." She stroked Emma's hair. "Your parents can't wait to see you."

Emma looked at her and put her hand over Mal's. "Don't tell them this, but I'm glad I got to see you alone. Thank you for everything, Doc."

Mal leaned over and kissed Emma's forehead. "You're very welcome, sweetheart."

A few moments later, Mary and David came in and Emma smiled at them. The three talked and soon enough, Emma was being taken up to her room. She was shifted to her hospital bed and Ruby made sure she was all comfortable. "Now, we did take the catheter out so when you do need to go, please use your nurse call. I know your mom can help you, but legally, we need you to please call for one of the nurses."

"I will." Emma took Ruby's hand. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Dr. Dracon will be up here shortly and I'm sure your neighbors will want to come see you as soon as Regina's allowed to get out of bed."

"Will you just check in before the end of your shift?" Emma asked, laying back.

"You bet I will." Ruby then leaned in and kissed Emma's cheek. "I'm so glad everything went so well. I'm gonna miss you, squirt."

Emma smiled, happy tears in her eyes. "I'll miss you, too. So much."

"Not too much." Mary said softly. "Because you better come around and see us."

Ruby wiped at her eyes. "I will. You can't keep me away. Emma, you'll have to come meet my Granny at the diner too. She told me to tell you that your first meal there is free."

Emma just smiled, her emotions making it hard to speak. "I can actually make plans for my life now. Tell her I can't wait to meet her."

"I will." Ruby said, standing. "Now just rest."

Emma slept for a bit but was awake when Dr. Dracon came in. She checked her temp and blood pressure and then took some blood to sample. "Emma, do you think you can use the bathroom? We need a sample."

"I think so, but I don't wanna get out of bed." She said, a bit whining.

"I understand, but we need to get you walking anyway. Regina is out with a nurse right now and I know she's going to want to see you."

"Not fair bringing her into this." Emma teased, wincing as she sat up. "I'm supposed to call for a nurse."

"A doctor isn't good enough?" Mal asked, helping her out of the bed.

"I'll tell Ruby to come yell at you then." Emma said, but when she was up, she hugged the woman. "I couldn't do that properly before."

Emma did her thing and Mal brought her back out before collecting what she needed. "I'll be back soon."

Ruby came in as Mal left and smiled. "You up for company?"

Emma looked to David and Mary Margaret who gave a nod and then smiled. "Yes."

"We won't stay long dear, we just wanted to see you." Cora said, wheeling Regina in. Zelena and Henry followed.

Emma smiled and reached her hand out, Regina taking it. "I'm so happy to see you all. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Emma. A little sore, but Ruby gave me some ibuprofen and I can take something stronger later. How are you? Dr. Dracon said it went really well."

"I'm more tired and fuzzy than anything, but I'm good. I can't believe this has all happened. A part of you is inside me, saving me, giving me a longer and better life."

"That's kinda cool to think of it like that." Zelena said, smiling.

Emma smiled at her. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, I'm fine. I just had a good nap. I am hungry, but they wanted to wait until your latest results before I eat."

"I'm sorry." Emma said, frowning and feeling guilty.

"Don't be. The last thing I'd want is to eat and then find out they need my kidney and we have to wait because I ate."

"No offense, but I really hope that doesn't happen." Emma said. "I mean, I'm so thankful that you're willing to do it, but I'd hate having you both recovering."

"I really don't think we have to worry about that, Emma." David said softly. "Everything is going so well."

"I know. I just…I feel bad."

Regina shook her head. "Emma Swan. You didn't even know we were going to do this. You didn't ask us to, you didn't guilt us to, you didn't force us to. You should not be sitting there feeling bad."

"Yes, ma'am." Emma said with a soft smile. "I guess…I'm a bit emotional. Ruby started talking about me going to see her Granny and stuff and it dawned on me that for once in my life, I can make plans. I mean sure, anything can happen, but realistically, I'm no longer looking at six months to a year before I die." Emma said, brushing at her tears. "It's such an amazing feeling and it's making me emotional."

Regina smiled softly and kissed Emma's hand. "That makes total sense. I can't imagine what's going on in your head, Emma, but please know that the last thing you have to worry about is me and Zelena."

"She's right. You just focus on recuperating." Zelena said, wishing she hadn't mentioned how she was hungry.

The group sat and chatted, and Ruby came in to say goodnight before she left. Emma felt so loved and was so glad to have everyone around her. She'd had procedures before at different hospitals and had no one with her, no one to care about her, no one to check on her. Even the nurses acted like she wasn't worth their time. Here, however, things were so different, and she was so thankful. Ruby noticed the tears in Emma's eyes. "Honey, I'll be back bright and early."

"It's not that." Emma said, wiping at her tears. "It's…I'm just so thankful for all of you. I think the best thing that ever happened to me was being sent here. I was just thinking about how nice everyone here is compared to previous places. I mean, I had surgeries and stuff way back when I was like seven or eight and had no one. No volunteers, no social worker to be with me, even the nurses treated me like I was wasting their time. I know that when I've thanked you before you said you were just doing your job, Ruby, but that's so not true. Those nurses who gave me dirty looks, rolled their eyes, huffed, and complained while "helping" me were just doing their job. You, Ruby you do so much more than that and you have since the day I came here. I'm sorry for anytime I was rude or a brat."

Ruby wiped her own tears and kissed Emma's forehead. "You were never a brat. Sure, sometimes you were a frustrated kid who was facing so much pain and thoughts of death and you lashed out, but never ever were you a brat. You've been a joy to take care of and while I'm so happy for you, I'm sad I won't be seeing you every day." She stroked Emma's hair and tucked it behind her ears. "I love you, Emma Swan. You're like the little sister I always wanted, and I swear we will stay friends after all of this."

"I love you too, Ruby. You better keep your word on that."

"I will. Now, you have a great night, Emma and I'll see you tomorrow."

"You too." Emma rolled her eyes as Ruby left and took a tissue from Regina. "Why the hell am I so emotional?"

Cora smiled softly. "I think it's because you've been through so much. How long have you thought you only had a year at most to live? Then you find out you have donor, you get set to have surgery, you know there's a chance this surgery may not work taking you down to six months to live while attached to machines, you then woke up finding out everything went well, surrounded by people who love and care about you. You have a future, a family, a good kidney, everything you never had before but wanted. I mean, if you weren't emotional, I'd be worried."

"Well, when you put it like that, I guess it does make sense." Emma said with a chuckle.

"I smell pizza." Zelena said, not meaning to have said it out loud.

"Zelena, you should eat something." Emma said, looking at her.

"I can wait."

The door opened and Mal came in with pizza and a big smile. "Emma, your tests all came back with flying colors. It's celebration time. I know we technically can't say you're 100 percent yet, but everyone who has done this before is positive you're in the clear."

Emma smiled softly and looked at Zelena. "You get the first piece."

As everyone chatted and ate, Emma looked around feeling so much love. She couldn't wait to be healed and to go home and go on proper dates with Regina. She looked over at her girlfriend and caught her staring at her. "What?"

Regina smiled and shook her head. "I'm just so glad you're here. I know I was keeping positive but I was worried."

Emma took her hand and kissed it. "You're stuck with me, babe."

Regina chuckled. "And you're stuck with me."

a/n I could end it here, so let me know if you want more.