Chapter 16-Adjusting

As Emma was getting ready, her thoughts were all over the place. Sure, she was home, but it felt so off. She sat on her bed with her head in her hands and just took some deep breaths.

"Emma? I'm sorry to bother you, but are you okay?"

Emma looked at Myranda and gave a smile. She didn't see her as often since Ruby came, but she still liked her. "I'm just…adjusting, I guess. It's weird. I'm glad to be home, but I am still afraid. I don't want to tell Regina that because she rescued me, but I'm scared to use my magic in case I end up somewhere else, I'm scared I'm being watched, I'm frightened that someone will take me. I hate feeling so weak."

"Oh, Emma. You are not weak." Myranda said, taking the blonde's hand. "Everything you're feeling is normal. You're not going to come back and be exactly where you were before right away. Regina doesn't expect that of you, so don't give yourself so much pressure."

"Thank you, Myranda. You're right. I need to stop pressuring myself and just relax." Emma sighed. "It doesn't help that my family is coming, and we have to discuss my father's punishment."

"Emma, I can tell them you're not feeling well. You don't have to go down there."

"Thank you, but I do. I'll be down shortly."

"Okay, but if at any time it's too much, you have a right to excuse yourself."

"I know, thank you." Emma said with a smile.

'It's great to have you back." Myranda said, hugging Emma before heading out.

Emma ran the brush through her hair a few times before finally making her way downstairs.

"Mama! Gramma, Uncle Dave and Uncle James are here." Henry said with a large smile.

"They are? Take me to them." She said with a smile, glad her son could put things aside and love his family that had nothing to do with what happened to him.

As soon as they entered the parlor, Snow hugged Emma. "I'm so glad you're okay." She said, hugging and kissing her daughter. "Emma, I'm so sorry for everything."

Emma hugged her mother back. "Mom, I know. I know you didn't know what dad did. I know you're sorry for what he did and I'm telling you it's not your fault."

"Thank you, but I'm talking about even before that, Emma." Snow said, stroking her daughter's face. "I made you believe you weren't enough, and I hate myself for that. You've always been amazing, and I wish I'd have done things so differently."

Emma lightly touched her mother's cheek where there was still a bruise, though faded, she still saw it. "Mom, I think you paid for it already. I forgive you and love you." She then looked at her brother and smiled. "I've heard you did amazingly well when dad had his break down."

Dave smiled back, standing proud. "I did my best. I was too late to save you though. Emma, I'm sorry I never…"

"Okay stop. Seriously, you all have to stop. Dave, you technically are barely an adult. I never expected you to fight my battles. I've forgiven and just want to move on. Honestly, I'm so happy here; happier than I'd be if I still was ruling the White kingdom. Come on, let's eat, I'm starving."

Little James, who was only a few years older than Henry, came up and hugged Emma. "I miss you, Ems."

Emma smiled and picked him up. "I've missed you too. Let's go eat."

After dinner, James and Henry went up to Henry's playroom to play while the rest discussed David's punishment.

"Normally, the punishment is death." Regina stated. "However, Emma didn't feel right saying that without getting your input. The thing is, he cannot be set free. I know he's your father, your husband, but he's dangerous."

"You're right." Snow said with a nod. "It's hard, but you're right. Especially after what we've found out. He is the reason Daniel died, he tried killing Henry, he allowed Emma to be captured."

"He beat you, mom." Emma added sadly as she sipped her tea.

"He deserves death." Dave said with a nod. "I think it's best it happens at our kingdom though. That way, no one can say we were tricked or magicked to do this."

Everyone gave silent nods and Emma sighed. "When?"

"I think sunrise." Dave said. "Can you have him to us?"

"Of course." Regina said. "Dave, are you sure you want to do this?"

"I don't want to, but it is right. He can't be free, and he deserves to be punished. I'm afraid if he stays locked up, he'll find some way out."

"I…I don't think James should know. Or Henry for that matter." Snow stated. "I'm fine with telling them he died, but I don't want them to see his execution."

"You're right." Emma said and closed her eyes. "Should James get to see him one last time?"

"No." Dave said. "I went to see him before coming in here and he's a different man than who James knows to be his father."

Emma could see how much that hurt her brother, so she lightly touched his back. "Hey, are you okay? This is a lot for you."

Dave took a deep breath. "It isn't how I expected to become the ruler, but I'll be okay."

"It's okay to not be okay, Dave." Emma said, softly. "You can be angry, sad, disappointed, whatever you feel is okay."

"Thanks, Emma." He gave her a smile. "I'm just glad we can talk again."

"Me too. Dave, I never once blamed you, you know."

"I appreciate it." He said. "I feel guilty, but I appreciate you saying that."

That night, Emma lay in bed next to Regina, unable to sleep. Regina pulled Emma into her arms. "What's wrong, my love?"

"I don't want to sleep. I'm scared I'm going to wake up and be back in Oz or be a swan again."

Regina held her close. "I'm right here, my love. Your feelings and fears are valid, but I promise you, I'm right here."

"This may sound stupid, but can you put a protection spell around Henry's room and this room?"

Regina closed her eyes for a moment. "Done."

"Should I go see my dad?"

Regina wasn't at all surprised by this question. "Do you want to? I mean, if you want a final goodbye, now is your chance."

"I think I do but…am I safe to do that?"

"Yes, and if it makes you feel better, I will come with you."

"You will?"

"Yes, of course. I love you; Emma and I'd go to the ends of the earth for you."

Emma smiled softly. "You're the best. I love you so much."