A/N- Hey everyone, I'm back with another chapter! A little FYI, I'm going to Florida with my family and so I won't be able to update after this for about 10-12 days. I thought you guys should know. But as soon as I'm back I'll have an update for you. In the meantime, enjoy chapter 29!
After Dr. Hill finished checking me out when I woke up from the medicine he gave me earlier, he authorized my move from the ICU to a regular room and told my "family" to wait outside as Laura was going to remove my chest tube.
"Alright Emma, I'm going to remove your chest tube now. You aren't going to feel any pain, but you might feel some discomfort. Are you ready?" Laura asked.
I nodded, ignoring the rapid thudding of my heart against my sternum. Laura cut the sutures holding the tube in place, then she put the scissors down.
"I'm going to pull it out now. Like I said, it won't be painful, but it will most likely feel uncomfortable," she quickly repeated before beginning to slowly pull the tube from my chest.
My face scrunched up as she was removing it. It definitely felt weird and uncomfortable, but not painful which was a relief.
"Great. I'm gonna tape this bandage over it now, and we'll check on it in two days."
She taped the bandage over, and once that was done, she tied my gown back up and helped me sit back against the pillows.
"Feel alright?"
"Yeah, thanks Laura."
"Anytime," she replied, giving me a smile.
I gave her a small one back. She was definitely my favorite person here. She didn't smother me with questions and concerns, she was straightforward and honest when I asked questions, and she was able to calm my "family" with her words. It also helped that she snuck me little treats from the doctor's lounge. So far she's snuck me a few miniature candy bars and even some ice cream.
"The pain will start soon, especially when we start doing breathing and coughing exercises with and without your incentive spirometer, but that goes away in two weeks. The incision won't heal for 3-4 weeks, and the scar will be small, but it'll disappear over time. Now, are you up for some visitors? I know they're anxious to see you after this," she said, gesturing to the equipment she used to remove the tube.
I sighed and immediately winced from the pain it caused. "I guess so," I mumbled.
"I'll get them. Do you want me to stay?"
"No, it's alright. Will you come back later?"
"I wouldn't have it any other way," she assured me. "I'll show you how to do some exercises then too."
I gave her a smile, and she returned it before letting my family in.
"How are you feeling, sweets?" Stef asked as soon as she set foot inside my room.
"Fine, it didn't hurt," I replied.
"Are you sure?" The redhead woman, Sharon (Stef's mother and apparently my grandmother) asked.
"I'm sure," I repeated.
"Do you need anything?" Lena asked.
For you to stop asking me the same questions over and over again, my mind said. I faked a smile and shook my head. "Do you care what we watch?" I asked.
"Not at all," Lena said, giving me a sweet smile.
I looked down at my arms and growled. Because I broke my wrist and collarbone, I was basically restricted from making any movement with my upper body. I hated having to ask them for help, but I didn't have much of a choice. "Can someone turn the tv on?" I asked, my cheeks warming from the embarrassment of having to ask.
"Of course honey," Stef said, giving me a smile while reaching for the tv remote on my bed. She flicked through a few channels before I asked her to stop on a cop show that looked interesting. It was called Blue Bloods.
The previous episode had just ended and a new one started only seconds after. We all watched for about fifteen minutes when I felt a yawn coming on. I stifled it as best as I could, but apparently not good enough because Callie looked over at me. She looked around, and seeing everyone was occupied with the show, she leaned over and whispered to me.
"It's ok if you want to sleep. No one will say anything about it. We know it's just your body trying to heal combined with the medicine."
"Thanks, but I'm not tired," I said with a tight smile.
Callie tilted her head and gave me a look. "Emma, I'm serious. If you feel like you need to rest, then rest."
"I'm not tired. Now can I please watch the show?" I harshly whispered.
Callie sighed and turned her focus back to the screen, but her gaze returned to me continuously.
I was determined to show her that she was wrong and that I wasn't tired, so I forced my eyes to stay open and watch what was happening on the screen. I was blinking every few seconds, but eventually the tiredness won. The next time my eyes closed, they stayed shut.
Callie
Everyone was watching for about fifteen minutes when Callie noticed Emma trying to stifle a yawn. She looked around at her family, and seeing everyone was occupied with the show, she leaned over and whispered to Emma.
"It's ok if you want to sleep. No one will say anything about it. We know it's just your body trying to heal combined with the medicine."
"Thanks, but I'm not tired," Emma said with a tight smile.
Callie tilted her head and gave her a look. "Emma, I'm serious. If you feel like you need to rest, then rest."
"I'm not tired. Now can I please watch the show?" she whispered rather harshly.
Callie sighed and turned her focus back to the screen, but her gaze returned to Emma continuously.
She could tell Emma was determined to show her that she was wrong and that she wasn't tired because Emma stared at the screen with complete focus. But her eyes were blinking every few seconds, and Callie could tell when the tiredness won, because the next time Emma's eyes shut, they stayed that way. She smiled slightly and shook her head at her stubborn sister. She was a lot like the whole family in that way, especially herself and their mom.
Stef
Stef looked around the room, and smiled sadly at the sight of her daughter sound asleep on the hospital bed. She told Lena she was going to make a few calls before stepping out into the hall. The first number she dialed was Henry's.
"Stef? Is everything alright with Emma?" he asked, garnering concerned looks from his family.
"Physically, yes, she'll be fine with therapy. Mentally, no," Stef sighed.
"What happened?"
"Emma's got amnesia," Stef said, fighting the lump in her throat for what seemed like the umpteenth time in the past few days.
Henry blew out a breath and ran a hand over his graying and balding head. "Does she remember anything?"
At that, Regina, Mal, Zelena, Kathryn, and Cora put the pieces together.
"She remembered her name and birthday, but nothing else. She received flashes of two memories, reuniting with Neal and the things she told us about her birth parents, but that was it. She hasn't remembered anything else since."
"I'm sorry Stef. Is there anything we can do?"
"No, I'm afraid not. I just thought I should inform you. Also, her physical therapist is David Nolan. Is he by any chance related to Kathryn?"
"Yes, he's her uncle. And Stef, don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
"I won't," she replied before hanging up.
Stef sighed and waited a second before dialing Belle's father next.
"Hello?"
"Hey Maurice."
"Stef! How's Emma doing?"
She told him the same things she told Henry, and received the same offer of "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call."
"Hello?" Eugenia asked into the phone.
"Hey Eugenia."
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Granny child?"
Stef couldn't help but to chuckle. "As many times as it takes."
"Is Emma alright? How are you all holding up?"
Stef sighed. "She's got amnesia Eugenia. She doesn't remember any of us or anything about herself other than her name and her birthday."
"I'm sorry to hear that Stef. Have you informed anyone else?"
"You were my last call."
"Is there anything you need?"
"A miracle?" Stef laughed wetly.
"Oh my child," Granny murmured, and this time Stef couldn't stop the tears streaming down her face.
"I'm sorry Eugenia, I have to go. Tell Ruby I say hello and that I'm sorry her friend doesn't remember her," Stef said, hastily ending the call.
She took a few calming breaths and wiped her tears away, laughing at herself. "I don't think I've cried this much in my entire life," she said to herself.
Stef made herself presentable and walked back into Emma's room calmly. Lena noticed the dried tear tracks and laced their hands together, squeezing her wife's hand in silent support. Stef gave her hand a squeeze back before settling back in her chair.
Regina and Kathryn
"She doesn't remember anything?" Regina asked, looking directly into her father's eyes.
"According to Stef, the only things she remembered were her name and birthday," Henry said with a sad look in his eyes.
"So she doesn't remember us? School? Anything?" Kathryn asked, desperately clutching her best friend's hand for support.
"I'm afraid not," he replied.
"As if Emma hasn't already gone through enough," Regina muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I'm sure she'll get her memories back. From what you've told me, I believe she's too stubborn not to," Zelena said, placing a hand on her sister's back for comfort.
Regina and Kathryn laughed.
"Thanks Zee," Regina said, giving her sister a grateful look.
"Anytime sis, anytime," Zelena replied, giving her little sister a smile.
"When can we go see her?" Regina asked.
"Whenever you girls are ready," said Cora.
"And what was that part about someone's uncle?" Mal inquired curiously.
"Oh, yes. Apparently Kathryn's Uncle David is Emma's physical therapist."
Kathryn smiled a little at that, as did Regina and Zelena. "Emma will be in good hands then, provided she doesn't tear him into pieces," Zelena said, cackling like a delusional witch.
"David's done this for almost seven years," Kathryn said defensively.
"She's right," Regina agreed, garnering a smile from Kat and a curious head tilt from her sister. "If anyone can get through the walls Emma's built that are no doubt higher than ever, it's David."
Belle
"She's got amnesia?" Belle asked, staring at her father with wet eyes.
Maurice nodded and pulled his daughter into a hug when she began crying again.
"Emma's been through enough. Why this too?" she sobbed out.
"I don't know sweetheart, I don't know," he mumbled, placing a kiss on her head as he held her close.
Belle pulled away and looked at her father. She wiped the remnants of her tears away. "When can we go see her?"
He gave her a surprised look. "Are you sure you're ready for that?"
Belle nodded. "She's my friend, even if she doesn't remember it. I think she needs someone by her side, now more than ever."
Maurice looked at his daughter, wise beyond her years, and gave her a smile. "Whenever you're ready."
"Let me just text Ruby," she said.
He nodded and Belle went back up to her room to text her girlfriend.
Ruby
Ruby stared at her granny, mouth agape in shock. "Emma lost her memory?"
"She did pup."
Ruby didn't cry. Instead, her gaze turned murderous and let out a wolf-like growl. "I'm going to murder him," she said thunderously.
"The man who hit Emma?" Granny asked knowingly.
"Yes," Ruby hissed. "I'm going to kill him."
"Why don't we leave his fate up to the law? I'm sure Emma needs you much more than a murder agenda does, even if she doesn't know who you are."
Ruby's anger deflated at her granny's words. "I know," she exhaled. "This is just so frustrating, Granny."
"Believe me child, I know."
"Do you think she'll remember?" Ruby asked, the tiniest bit of hope shining through her eyes as she looked into Granny's.
"I don't know pup, but I'm praying to the Moon that she does regain her memories."
"I'm just gonna go call Belle," Ruby said, getting her phone out of her back pocket while heading back up to her room.
"While you're up there, change into something that doesn't have your ass hanging out!"
"Yeah yeah!"
Belle: Emma's got amnesia!
Ruby: I know, was just about to call u.
Ruby's phone instantly began ringing and she answered.
"Are you going to the hospital?" Belle inquired.
"Yeah, I was gonna bring some sweets from the diner. I figured it might cheer her up a little."
"That's a good idea. I was going to bring her a few books in case she gets bored watching television."
"When are you going?"
"I was going to head over as soon as I texted you," Belle informed her girlfriend.
"I guess I'll see you there then."
"I'll see you there Rubes. I love you."
"Love you too Bookworm."
They both ended the call before sighing and running a hand through their long hair. Ruby went back to Granny in the diner and got some pastries while Belle gathered a few books she thought Emma would enjoy. Ruby placed the sweets in a box and told Granny she was ready to go. At the same time, Belle put the books in a carrier bag and informed her father she was ready to head out.
The hospital
The doors to the elevator were about to shut before Belle heard a "Wait!" Recognizing her girlfriend's voice, she put her hand in between the door, effectively stopping them from shutting.
"Thanks Babe," Ruby said as she and Granny got inside with Belle and Maurice.
"No problem," Belle replied, giving her girlfriend a warm yet nervous smile.
The two adults were chattering mindlessly behind the two girls. Ruby's foot was tapping on the ground while she twirled a brunette lock with a hint of red around her finger.
"Rubes," Belle said, placing a hand on her girlfriend's back.
The incessant foot tapping stopped as Ruby smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, I'm just—"
"Nervous? Scared?" Belle interrupted gently.
Ruby nodded.
"Me too," Belle admitted.
Ruby grabbed her girlfriend's hand and interlaced them. Belle shot her a grateful smile. The elevator pinged, signalling their arrival.
"Brandon?" Belle asked, seeing the boy in the hall texting someone on his phone.
He looked up at his name and gave them a sad smile. "Hey guys," he said, giving Belle and Ruby a quick hug and politely nodding at Granny and Maurice.
"Is that Emma's room?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, everyone's inside."
"Is it alright if we ask them to step out?" Belle asked, worrying her lip while they awaited his response.
"Of course. We all got some one and one time with her," Brandon said.
He stepped inside and exchanged some words with his parents before everyone filed out, greeting Belle, Ruby, Granny, and Maurice the same way Brandon did.
"Eugenia, there's an emergency at the shop. Would it be alright if Belle stayed here with you?" Maurice said after checking his phone.
"Of course, go deal with those imbeciles," Granny said.
"Thank you. And I'm so sorry everyone," Maurice said before leaving the hospital.
"I told Emma you were coming in, so you guys can just go right ahead," Lena said, giving the two girls a small smile.
"Thank you Lena," Belle said, Ruby nodding her head in agreement.
Emma
I stared at the two girls who just entered my room, searching my mind to see if I recognized them, but there was zilch.
"I don't know if this is more awkward for me or for you," I said with a little laugh at the end.
"I'm Belle," the brunette with curls and electric blue eyes said.
"I'm Ruby," the one with the red streaks and quite revealing clothing said.
"Nice to meet you guys again," I responded.
"I know you don't remember, but we met at school. Lena is the vice principal and she wanted me to show you around. That's when you met me and Ruby," Belle explained. "And if you don't mind my asking, what exactly are your injuries?"
"I've got a broken collarbone, wrist, a surgically repaired femur fracture, and the most obvious, a head injury that resulted in memory loss."
"That sucks," Ruby said rather bluntly.
I chuckled at that. "You don't know the half of it."
I could see why I became friends with these two. They were personable, funny, and fit well together. I had a gut feeling they were together, but I felt it rude to ask when I didn't remember them.
"The answer is yes you know," Ruby said nonchalantly after Belle and I finished discussing the books she brought for me, which was something I felt nobody had done for me before. She had brought me the first three books of the Percy Jackson and Harry Potter series along with a few other books: The Hate U Give, Wonder, How to Kill a Mockingbird, A Wrinkle in Time, and The Outsiders, just to name a few.
"To what?" I inquired, tilting my head.
"Belle and I are girlfriends."
"How did you know—?"
"The question you wanted to ask?"
I nodded.
"Because I'm observant. And I could see it in the way you were looking at us."
"What way was that?"
"With curiosity."
"Well you're right," I admitted.
"Of course I am," Ruby smirked.
"What did you bring?"
"Oh, just some sweets from the diner my Granny owns."
"Your Granny owns a diner?"
"Yeah, it's this adorable and quaint little place. Very nice for studying or just hanging out," Belle supplied. She had just been listening, finding it rude to interrupt a conversation that she didn't have much input for.
"That's pretty cool. Have I been there before?"
"I was going to invite you today," said Ruby. "We have a test next week in algebra so I figured we could all study there."
"I'm sure I would've liked that," I told her.
"I think you would've. Maybe one day after you get out of here we could all go."
"I think that would be awesome," I said with a small smile. "Now, what exactly have you brought me?"
"Let's see, there's a few slices of different pies, different cheesecakes, muffins, and bear claws."
"That all sounds pretty good."
Ruby looked around, and seeing the coast was clear, got herself a cranberry muffin, Belle a slice of cherry pie, and myself a bear claw. She even had paper plates and napkins.
"Which one is this?" I asked, looking at the dessert with a newfound curiosity.
Ruby took a moment to swallow the bite she had just taken. "It's a bear claw."
I studied it for a while longer.
"Oh my God Ems, I'm so sorry," Ruby said, her face ridden with guilt when she remembered my arms were confined. "Do you need help?"
"No, I think I can manage." I carefully moved my right arm (the one with the broken wrist) and managed to grasp the treat with my fingers (the only parts free from the bandages). I awkwardly maneuvered it to my mouth by slightly leaning in while simultaneously bringing it up. I took a bite and immediately moaned. I practically scarfed the thing down.
"Good?" Ruby asked while licking her fingers from the leftover sweetness of the muffin.
"Delicious," I agreed.
"Yeah, Granny makes the best sweets," she boasted.
"Wait until you try the milkshakes," Belle added.
"Basically everything there is good," Ruby said.
"If it's anything like this bear claw, I'll believe it," I replied.
They both smiled at me and I smiled back.
"How long have you two been dating?"
"We met in middle school but we didn't start dating until freshman year of high school. We're sophomores now," Ruby told me.
"How did you meet?"
"Ruby was looking for a book for her english class but she couldn't find it. She saw me shelving some books and asked me where it was. I showed her, she thanked me then asked for my number because she wanted to know more about me and the book. We quickly became friends and developed feelings, but like Ruby said we didn't start dating until freshman year," Belle explained.
They both took a seat as we continued to chat, not realizing how much time had passed until Stef came in and told us it was time for me to order something for lunch. I told her to just order me some soup or something because I wasn't feeling all that hungry. I took a few more sips of my water after I told her and started to cough.
"Are you alright Emma?" Belle asked, looking like she was about to jump out of her seat.
It finally stopped and I took a few ragged breaths before nodding.
"Should I get someone?" Ruby asked, looking worriedly between me and Belle.
"No," I croaked out. I cleared my throat. "No," I repeated.
"Are you sure?" Belle asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It just went down the wrong pipe."
"Have you done any coughing exercises yet?" Belle inquired.
"Laura was going to show me later," I said.
"Later is now," Laura said as she walked towards my bed.
"What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too," Laura said with an affectionate eye roll.
"Sorry, but I didn't realize so much time had passed," I said.
"Well it has. Do you want your friends to stay or leave for these exercises?"
"I don't feel comfortable doing it with them in here," I responded, giving them an apologetic smile.
"It's fine, we probably have to get going anyways," said Belle.
"We'll come back tomorrow if that's alright," Ruby added.
"I'd like that," I said, giving them a genuine smile.
"We'll see you tomorrow then," Belle said before exiting the room.
"See you tomorrow," I echoed.
"Are you ready?" Laura asked me kindly.
"Do I have a choice?"
She simply chuckled.
A/N- Thoughts?