I'm back! I have to admit, I couldn't wait to get back to this story. I'm currently working on 4 different stories and try to update each of them at least once a month. However…I may come back to this one more as I have the most muse for this story over the others. Anyway, keep those reviews coming, I like to know if you like the story or not and if I'm going in the right direction. Also, if you have suggestions, I'm always open. PS. This is kind of long, but I was having fun with it and couldn't find a good spot to break it earlier. Also, this one will probably be updated again shortly lol. I can't stay away from it.

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 3

"NO! PLEASE STOP IT! YOU'RE HURTING ME! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The scream jolted Regina awake and took her a split second to remember there was a new child in their house and she was currently screaming in her sleep. She got up and went right to Emma's room, hoping she could calm her down before she woke Lilly. The little blonde was screaming and fighting with the blanket that was wrapped around her as if she was fighting it off her. She knew it couldn't be good for the girl's injury on her back. She sat on the bed and made shushing noises as she untangled the blanket. "Emma, sweetie, it's okay." She said as the girl cried fat tears from her closed eyes. "Honey, you're safe." Regina cooed as she gently tried to wake Emma up. "Baby, it's Gina, you're safe."

Emma's eyes finally flew open and darted around the room as she tried to figure out where she was. She closed them tight again, but the memories hit her, and she felt sick. She sat bolt upright and put a hand over her mouth. Regina sensed what was going on and brought up the bucket that was by her bed in case she got sick. Emma did get sick and she started crying as she did so. "I'm…so…sor…sorry." She said between cries and retching.

"Shh. It's okay, honey. Just breathe." Regina rubbed the side of Emma's back, trying to stay away from the cut. "I've got you, just breathe. You're safe." Emma was finally done being sick, but she continued to silently cry as Regina tried comforting her. "Honey, it's okay, really. I'm not upset with you, no one is. Do you want to talk about your nightmares? Sometimes it really does help."

Emma shook her head. "No. I just don't wanna have them no more." She sniffed. "Gina? I hurt all over." She said, looking at Regina with watery tears. "I don't wanna hurt no more. I don't wanna be different, Gina. I'm so tired of hurting and being sad and being scared and sick. Why can't I be normal?"

Regina felt her own tears as she wrapped her arms around Emma, rocking slightly. "Honey, you are normal. Those people that did this to you, they're the ones who aren't normal. You are so special, sweet, kind, smart, and so much more, Emma. I know that after just one day. Those other people were too evil to see it, but Mama Mal and I see it." Regina stroked Emma's hair until she felt her calm down. "Let's go brush your teeth and go downstairs. I know a really good warm tea that will make you feel better. Dr. Whale said if you eat some crackers or bread with peanut butter and then take one of your pills, you shouldn't get a funny tummy. Do you want to try that?"

Emma nodded and then looked at the bucket. "I'll clean that up."

Regina shook her head. "No, I'll clean it up."

After a trip to the bathroom, they went downstairs, and Regina sat Emma on the counter munching a peanut butter sandwich as she started her tea. Though she and Mal were limited on what magic they had access to, potions were different. Those took ingredients and Regina knew how to make one that would make Emma's stomach feel better and make it so she didn't have dreams as she slept. She vowed she'd look in her book for one to help with pain and healing as soon as she had the chance. She poured the tea into a cup and then crushed the pain pill into it. Regina then added honey to sweeten it up before also adding some milk to cool it off. "Here you go. I put your pill right in there, so you don't have to try and swallow it."

"Thank you. I don't like swallowing pills." Emma said as she looked at the tea. "But what if I don't like it?"

"Then we throw it out and I'll crush your pill into a glass of warm milk. Emma, I think I'm going to see if Dr. Whale can see you tomorrow. I want to make sure we're doing all we can to make you feel better."

Emma nodded, looking down. "Okay."

"Emma honey, either me or Mama Mal or both of us will be with you. You won't be at the hospital alone and it's just going to take a few minutes. I know you're scared, but we just want to really help you."

Emma sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I want to believe you, but it's hard." She felt more tears in her eyes as she looked at Regina. "I can't 'splain it, but it's so hard for me to believe that you and Mal are so nice and that you aint gonna hurt me or send me back and stuff. Then, I feel bad cuz I don't believe you. I want to believe you. I want to believe you with my whole life!" She said, spreading her arms out wide. "But I don't know why I can't."

Regina couldn't help but chuckle. This girl had some personality and she knew it didn't come from her boring parents. She leaned on the counter towards Emma. "Hey, that's okay, Emma. It would be weird for you to believe me right away after everything you've been through. It's going to just take time. You have to learn you can trust us and the only way you can do that is when you see we do as we say. No one is mad at you for not believing us, Sweetie, so don't even worry about it. Now, why don't you try your tea?"

Emma took a sip and then smiled, drinking more. "It's so good! I never had tea b'fore." She looked at Regina again. "Just talking to you made my tummy feel better."

Regina smiled and gave a wink. "That means you're starting to trust me, even if you don't think you are."

"What does trust mean?"

"You know how you just said you want to believe me?" She asked and Emma nodded. "That's trust. It means you believe I won't hurt you, believe what I say. The fact that talking to me makes you feel better means you're starting to believe me, deep inside. There's a part of you that does, even if your brain doesn't know it yet; your heart does."

"My heart sounds smarter than my brain." Emma said, finishing her tea and looking at her chest. She pointed to where her heart would be. "Hey you. Tell my brain to trust these people." Regina chuckled and leaned in to kiss Emma's forehead, not able to stop herself. Emma looked up at her and smiled. "You make my heart happy, Gina. My heart likes your hugs and kisses."

Regina blinked away some tears. "You know what, Emma? You make my heart happy too. Come on, let's get back into bed."

Regina lifted Emma off the counter and onto the floor where she stumbled a bit and held her head. "I feel dizzy. Those stupid pills make me feel dizzy."

Regina picked her back up and put her on her hip. "It's because it relaxes your body so you don't hurt as much. I'll take you to your bed."

It didn't take long for Emma to fall asleep, due to the pain pill and the tea and once she was settled, Regina went back to her room and laid in her bed with a sigh.

"You okay?" Mal asked, turning to face her wife.

"Yeah. She had a nightmare and then didn't feel good. I made her some tea."

"So she won't dream?"

"That and to help sooth her. Mal, we have to find a way to heal her and take that pain away."

"I know, but we're limited. I'll check the books for potions. I'm sure I could find a healing salve or something to put on her. Is she okay?"

Regina smiled a bit. "She said I make her heart happy after I kissed her forehead." She cuddled in more with Mal. "I already love her, Mal. How is that possible?"

Mal chuckled and rubbed Regina's back softly. "Maybe that's what the prophecy meant, Regina. I mean, it didn't say she'd come and kill the darkness, now did it? It said on her twenty eighth birthday, the final battle will begin. Battle doesn't necessarily mean fighting and death. It also means you try to change the situation – meaning this war between the so called 'good' and 'evil'. I think…and I've been thinking this, that she is meant to unite us, Regina. She's the product of True Love and while we have every right to hate her parents, she only emits light and love." Mal sighed. "I don't know, maybe I'm wrong, but what I do know is, I love her too."

Regina smiled and kissed Mal. "You're so wise. I bet you are right, although, I can't see myself forgiving the Charmings even after the truth comes out."

"You couldn't see loving their daughter either."

"Tuche. Come on, we have a few more hours we can sleep before we take Lilly to school. I want to try to get Emma into the doctor tomorrow as well."

"Okay, my love. Good night."

The two fell asleep in each other's arms and Regina felt good knowing Emma wouldn't have any more nightmares that night. The following morning, Mal got up first and after checking on Lilly, looked in on Emma, surprised to find the little one sitting at her window with her legs curled up. She came in and sat by her. "Emma, darling? How long have you been up?"

Emma looked at her and shrugged, wiping away some tears. "Since the light started coming in the window."

Mal frowned and lifted Emma's chin, she could see the little one had been crying. "What's the matter? Does something hurt, Emma?"

Emma sniffed and shook her head, pulling her head away to look down again. "I'm scared."

Mal pulled her hand away and put it in her lap. "Scared of what, honey?"

Emma looked out the window again. "Scared this is all a dream. A really good dream, but still a dream. I'm scared I'm going to wake up and be back at the hospital or at a bad home. I'm scared I'll be taken away. It's just…it's too good to be true here."

Mal sighed and held out her hands. "Come here, Little One." She said, helping Emma onto her lap. She cuddled her close and put a hand up, gesturing for Emma to do the same. She then touched Emma's hand, laced their fingers together. "Does that feel real?"

Emma gave a little squeeze and then nodded. "Yes but dreams feel real sometimes too."

Mal chuckled and brought Emma's hand to her mouth, kissing her fingers. "Honey, this is real. I'm real, Regina is real, and Lilly is real. You ae really here with us and no one is going to take you away."

"But…what if I'm naughty? What if I don't mean to, but I do something really bad? Won't you send me back?"

Mal shook her head and stroked Emma's hair back. "No matter what you do, Emma, we're not sending you back. You are ours and we are yours. You complete our family, Emma, and nothing in the world would make us send you back. Besides, you're a good girl. You aren't naughty or bad." Mal lifted Emma's chin once more and kissed her forehead. "You are perfect."

Emma closed her eyes and felt comforted in that moment. She didn't know how to make her heart or brain believe Mal's words, but she was sure going to try. "Even if I do have to go one day, I'll always remember how nice you all are."

Mal cuddled her more. "You'll never have to go, Emma. One day, you'll believe me." She kissed her temple. "I have to go start breakfast; do you want to come with me?"

Emma shook her head. "Can I stay here for a bit? My head still feels kinda funny from the pills."

"Of course you can stay in here, but maybe when Lilly comes down, you can try to come down and see if food helps you? I know Mommy Gina is going to call the doctor and see if we can get you in. I also know you're scared about that, but we'll be with you the whole time."

Emma nodded. "Okay. I think I can do that."

Mal smiled and kissed her temple once more before going and getting ready for the day and then to make breakfast. A bit later, Emma went to her closet and stood on her tip toes as she tried to reach some clothes. Since she couldn't reach, she looked around and saw the cover to her toybox. She took it off and dragged it to her closet, but she still couldn't reach. She put her hands on her hips and chewed on her lip as she thought. She then decided to climb the shelves, but just as she was about to reach for the shirt she wanted, she heard a crash and fell to the bottom of the closet. Terrified of what would happen, she pushed the cover of her toybox out and closed the closet door, curling herself up in the corner.

Mal heard the crash and raced up the stairs and into her room. "Emma? Honey where are you?" She looked around and opened the closet door. Her heart sank as she saw the little one curled up. "Honey, what happened? Are you hurt?"

Emma looked up with tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry! I wanted to just get dressed, but I couldn't reach. I didn't mean to make a mess or break anything. Please don't hit me."

Mal sighed and sat down on the floor. "I'm not going to hit you, Emma. Look, nothing is broken that can't be fixed." She lifted the shelves and put them back in their place. She then put everything back on them and reached for Emma. "Come on, little bird, show me what shirt you want."

Emma wiped at her eyes. "I'm not a bird." She sniffed as Mal chuckled.

"Your last name is Swan and a swan is the most beautiful bird."

Emma uncurled herself and sniffed. She came out and looked at Mal. "You think I'm beautiful?"

Mal smiled and stroked her cheek. "I think you are very beautiful. Now, what shirt did you want so badly?"

Regina watched from the doorway and smiled before going to get Lilly up. She got Lilly dressed and ready for school as Mal got Emma dressed.

"Now Emma, I'm not mad, but I just want to be sure you understand how dangerous it is to climb on things that aren't meant for climbing." Mal said as she put two French braids in Emma's hair.

"I know Mama…I mean Mal." Emma said, chewing her lip. "Sorry."

"For what, honey?"

"I meant to just say Mal."

"Baby girl, if you wanna call me Mama Mal, or just Mama, I am not going to get mad. Mommy Gina and I would love it if one day you called us Mama and Mommy. But only when you're ready. There's no rush."

Emma just nodded and the two went downstairs. "Mal? Will I go to school with Lilly one day?" She asked as they came into the kitchen.

Mal helped Emma onto her booster seat and then kissed Lilly's head. "Good morning, starshine." She then looked at Emma. "Yes, honey. Once your back is better and you're ready, you'll go to school with Lilly."

Emma looked to Lilly who smiled at her. "I can't wait to have you meet all my friends! I'm gonna tell them all about my new sister today!"

Regina smiled and came over to Emma, kissing her forehead. "Did you sleep well after your tea?"

Emma nodded as she took a sip of her juice. "Yeah. I didn't have no bad dreams again, but I was up a little early 'cuz I was scared. Mama Mal tolded me I don't gots to be scared anymore and I'm still waiting for my heart to tell my brain that she's telling the truth."

Regina chuckled and tapped the little one's nose. "One day it will." Regina stood up. "So girls, looks like Mama made some oatmeal today. Lilly, do you want yours with your usual apples and cinnamon?"

Lilly nodded happily while Emma looked down.

"What's wrong, Emma?"

"Nothin." Emma mumbled, but Regina wasn't giving up.

"Honey, if you don't like oatmeal, it's okay. You can have cereal or toast instead."

Mal looked over as she prepared Lilly's oatmeal. "Emma? Do you want to just give it a try? I like mine with strawberries and bananas."

Emma looked up. "Okay, I'll try it with those."

Regina smiled. "Great, and if you don't like it, that's fine. No one will be upset."

As it turned out, Emma loved oatmeal with strawberries and bananas, and even asked for a second bowl. "I never had warm oatmeal before. Usually it's cold and lumpy."

Regina sighed, but gave a smile. "Well I'm very proud of you for trying it." Just then, Regina's phone went off and she answered it. "Regina Mills." She was quiet for a moment. "Yes, so you got her medical records. Great, I know we just got her yesterday, but I'd like her to have a quick check up on the wound on her back." Regina said, giving Emma a wink and a smile.

Lilly looked at Emma. "What's on your back?"

Emma gave a shrug as she ate. "I got a cut."

"A cut? Did you fall or something?"

Mal stayed quiet, waiting for a sign that Emma didn't want to talk about it.

"Not really." She said, playing with her oatmeal. "I was pushed onto some glass."

By now, Regina was off her call and listening along with Mal. Lilly looked at Emma again. "Who pushed you on glass?"

Emma let out a sigh and put her spoon down. "My last foster brother. He got so mad at my foster mom and dad that he broke the big glass door. Then, when they told him he was in big trouble, he saw me hiding and pulled me out. He said if he was getting in trouble, he'd make it worth it, and then he pushed me down on the glass and I cut myself. It hurted so bad and I screamed, but no one helped me. He kicked me over and over until I fell asleep. Then I woke up in the hospital and I was all alone."

Mal reached over and put her hand on top of Emma's. "Oh honey, you brave girl. That had to be very scary."

Emma shrugged. "Not as scary as some other things, but it was a little scary."

Regina gave her a smile. "Well, we're going to go to the doctor today and make sure your back is healing like it should be. First, however, we're going to take Lilly to school and when we do, you're going to meet her teacher, so you'll know her when you start school."

Emma smiled at that. "I'm really smart enough to go to school?"

"Yes you are." Mal said and nodded her head. "So smart. Now, let's wash faces."

After they were cleaned, the little ones went to get their shoes on. "Emma?" Lilly said as they stood. "I'll never hurt you like your foster brother did. I'm gonna be a good sister and take care of you and love you and hug you and never ever hurt you."

Emma smiled at her. "Me too. I'm gonna be the best sister you could have!" She then hugged Lilly and Lilly hugged her back.

The whole drive to the school, Lilly was chattering away about her school as Emma looked out the window. She knew she should listen to Lilly because this was going to be her school, but everything was new and exciting. When they got to the school, Regina got Lilly out while Mal got Emma out and Emma clutched to Mal's hand so she wouldn't get lost. Lilly skipped on ahead, saying hi to practically everyone.

As they turned a corner, a woman bumped into Mal. "Oh I'm sorry. I wasn't looking."

"Clearly." Mal said, causing Emma to look up at her. Her voice was different, angry. Mal saw Emma look at her and put a smile on her face. "It's quite alright, Ms. Blanchard. Have a good day."

"My, you're not Lilly." The woman said with a kind smile as she knelt down. "You're a cutie, what's your name?"

Emma pushed herself closer to Mal, letting their joined hands cover her face. If Mama didn't like her, neither did she. Mal couldn't help but smirk before looking at Mary Margaret. "This is our new daughter, Emma. Now, please excuse us as she's obviously very shy and we don't want to stress her."

Mary stood with a nod, though she seemed confused. "Emma…" She whispered as she watched them walk away. She shook her head to clear it and went about her day to her own classroom.

Mal rolled her eyes as she caught up with Regina and Lilly. "That insufferable woman." She huffed. "Emma has some good sense though; she wouldn't talk to her."

Emma watched them and smiled when she noticed Regina seemed happy with her. "That's okay, you don't have to talk to her. She's not your teacher, sweetie." Regina looked around and then waived. "This is your teacher. Emma, meet Ms. Boyed."

Emma looked at the young blonde woman who was smiling and she smiled back. Though she was shy, she trusted this woman. "Hi." She said quietly.

Ms. Boyed knelt down and smiled, holding out her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Emma. I heard you would be joining us soon, so I got a spot all ready for you." She gestured over to the coat rack. "When you come, you'll put your coat and bag right here where it says your name."

Emma looked at it and smiled. "It's next to Lilly's!"

Ms. Boyed smiled. "It sure is. Did you know that because her jacket is in there?"

Emma shook her head. "No I know'd that b'cause it's got her name on it." Emma pointed. "It says Lilly."

All three adults looked at each other and then back at Emma. Could she actually read already? Ms. Boyed stood up and went to another hook. "Do you know what this name says?"

Emma looked at it and nodded. "It says Charlie."

"Wow. Emma, you know how to read?"

Emma giggled a bit. "Of course I do. I didn't go to no school either."

"Then how did you learn?" Regina asked.

"My foster sister and I used to get locked in our room all the time. Sometimes it would be for days and we didn't have nothing else to do, so she would teach me letters and numbers and how to read. It made us forget how hungry or thirsty we were."

Ms. Boyed gave a sad smile. "I'm so sorry that happened to you, Emma, but I think it's really cool that you know how to read. Maybe you can help teach some of the others when you come to class."

Emma shrugged. "Okay. When do I get to come here? I'm not dirty, you know."

Ms. Boyed looked confused. "Of course you're not. Why would I think you're dirty?"

Again she shrugged. "Some people call me a dirty foster kid, but I take baths." She looked at Mal and Regina. "They gave me a bath last night. I'm clean, I promise."

Mal put a hand on Emma's shoulder as Ms. Boyed took Emma's hand. "No one will ever call you dirty, Emma, and if they do, you tell me. I do not allow kids to tease other kids, I promise." Emma nodded, though in her experience, it was always the adults who said things like that. Ms. Boyed sighed as she looked at the clock. "I'm sorry, but I've got to start class. Emma, your doctor will tell you when you can come here, okay? I can't wait to see you again."

Emma smiled. "I can't wait to come here."

Emma was quiet in the car as she knew she was going to the doctor next. Part of her wanted to scream and cry and throw a fit, but the other part of her told her not to do that because Regina and Mal were nice and kept their promises. Emma figured this would be a time she can test them and see if they were telling the truth.

Regina turned in the seat after parking. "Emma honey, Dr. Whale is very busy today, so you're going to see the doctor that Lilly sees. Her name is Dr. Kathryn and she's really nice, and Mama and I will stay with you."

Emma just nodded and waited to get taken from her booster seat. She held onto Mal's hand as they walked into the clinic. It wasn't like the hospital she was at before at all. There were toys and it was bright and cheerful. Emma sat between Regina and Mal as she watched some kids play with the toys.

Regina looked at her. "Do you want to play while we wait?"

Emma shook her head and stuck her thumb into her mouth as she cuddled in more with Mal. She watched the kids and everyone else in the waiting area. She smiled when she looked over and saw a big aquarium. "Can I see the fishies?"

Regina held her hand out. "Let's go look at them." She took Emma over and smiled as Emma seemed to relax.

"Look! It's Dory!" She said, pointing at a Blue Tang. "Dory founded her mommy and daddy." The blonde said and then looked at Regina. "Kinda like I founded my two mommies."

Regina's heart melted at that and she smiled. "That's right, Emma."

"Emma Swan?" A nurse called and Emma gripped Regina's hand.

"You're coming with me, right?"

"Yes. We both are." Regina said as Mal joined them.

The nurse smiled at them. "You must be Emma. My name is Christine." She said as she led them back through a door. "Do you think I can get you to take your shoes off and stand on the scale?"

"I'll get my shoes back, right?"

The nurse looked at her shoes. "Those are beautiful shoes, but I think they're too small for me, so I'll have to give them back to you." She smiled as Emma took her shoes off and stood on the scale. The nurse jotted down the numbers and then asked Emma to stand against the wall and took her height. She then took them to a room and took Emma's temperature and blood pressure. She then took down a gown. "Okay, Emma, I know it's not comfortable, but I will have to have you take off your shirt and pants and put this gown on. You can leave your socks and undies on. The doctor will be in shortly."

When the nurse left, Mal helped Emma change into the gown and lifted her onto the exam bed, sitting next to her. Emma crossed her ankles and chewed on her lip as they waited. It didn't take long before there was a soft knock on the door and Dr. Kathryn came in. "Hello Regina and Mal. It's been a while. And you must be Emma." She said with a smile as she sat down and turned the computer on. "Right, so I see you have a cut on your back and your mommies want to make sure it's healing alright because you've had some pain."

Emma just looked at her. "It doesn't always hurt. Sometimes just everywhere hurts, not just the cut."

Kathryn listened to her and looked at her notes. "Well, I see when you were in the hospital before, you had a lot of bruises along with the cut. Is that what hurts?"

Emma gave a shrug. "I think so, but it's not just my tummy." She looked at the doctor and felt tears in her eyes. "I don't know how to 'splain it. I'm sorry."

Kathryn reached over and put her hand on Emma's. "It's okay, sweetie. Let's just take a look, okay? Mama Mal, can you maybe sit on a chair next to Emma if that's what she wants?" Mal nodded and got a chair, moving it next to the exam bed. Emma laid down and Mal rested the top half of her body on the bed, stroking Emma's forehead. "Okay Emma, I'm going to have to lift your gown and look at the bruises, okay?"

"'Kay." Emma said, closing her eyes.

Kathryn lifted the gown and sighed as she took in the sight. "I know why your body hurts, Emma." She said as she looked closer at the bruises. "Emma, do you remember if they took any xrays when you were in the hospital?"

"I don't know. I just remember being in the bed a lot and having to lay on my stomach all day."

"I thought so. There were no records of Xrays, though I really don't get why they wouldn't do them." Kathryn had Emma take some deep breaths and Emma assured her it didn't hurt to do that. "This may hurt a bit, and I'm sorry, but I have to just check some things, okay?"

"Kay." Emma said and looked at Mal who took her hand.

Kathryn poked around and while Emma winced every now and then, nothing gave Kathryn reason to think there was anything broken or internally wrong. "That's a good girl, Emma." Kathryn said as she put her gown down. "Now, can you roll over to your tummy so I can look at your back?"

"Yes, ma'am." Emma said and rolled over, laying her head down, her eyes finding Regina. Regina smiled at her warmly and Emma smiled back.

"You're doing so good, Emma." Regina said, winking at her.

Kathryn undid the gown and then carefully took the bandage off. She couldn't stop the small gasp when she saw the cut. "I read about it, but actually seeing it…" She said softly as she gently looked closer at the wound. "Emma honey, I'm sorry but I have to clean this a bit. It may hurt, but I have something for you to squeeze if it does." Kathryn said, reaching into a cupboard and bringing out a stuffed swan.

Emma saw it and smiled a little. "It's a swan like me." She said softly as she took it. She then looked at Kathryn. "Do you hafta do this? I don't like when it hurts."

"I know sweetie, but I have to. You have cream on it, which is really good, but I need to see it better."

"Kay." Emma said, subdued as she cuddled the Swan close to her.

Mal leaned down and kissed Emma's head. "It's okay, Princess." She whispered.

Kathryn got to work and softly blew on Emma's skin as she cleaned it. She could feel the little one tensing up and tried to go as fast as she could. After she had it cleaned up, she looked closer at it. "Well, there's no infection and it's actually healing up quite nicely. You don't have to worry about it ripping open any longer. Did you bring the cream?"

Regina reached in her purse and handed it to Kathryn. "Okay, this is only for infection. What I'm going to do is give you some cream that will not only help infection, but it will sooth and hopefully help from scarring too much." She looked at Emma. "This cream you've been using, it hurts when you put it on; doesn't it?"

"It stings a bit."

"Well, the new cream won't sting. It'll actually feel good." She said as she pressed a button to call her nurse. "Christine, can you bring me a tube of that TriDerma cream? The kind for healing and soothing."

"Of course."

Kathryn then went back over to Emma. "I think two more nights of cream with a bandage, then no more bandage. We need to let that air out so it can heal and keeping it wet doesn't always help against infection." She looked at Regina. "However, if she says it hurts or itches, put more cream on, but maybe do it in the morning with a bandage and air it out at night." Christine came in and handed Kathryn the cream. Kathryn thanked her and opened it. "You tell me if it stings, but it really shouldn't."

Emma tensed up, but soon relaxed as she realized it didn't hurt at all. "That feels good." She said softly.

Kathryn smiled. "Good. Now you don't need a lot, as you can see." She said to Regina and Mal. "Tonight, I recommend taking the bandage off and giving her a regular bath. Let it get wet, it's okay, just be sure to dry it off before you put the cream on. It's best we start treating it as normal as possible." Kathryn bandaged up the cut and smiled at Emma. "Hey there, do you think you can get dressed while I talk privately to your mommies before you leave?"

Emma nodded and sat up. "Should I just wait in here?" She looked at Regina. "You'll come back, right?"

"Of course we will, sweetie. You get dressed and then you can color on that marker board over there and we'll just be in the hall. We'll come get you when we're done talking."

"Okay."

Mal and Regina went out with Kathryn and closed the door. "So, anything we need to worry about?" Regina asked.

"That girl has been through hell." Kathryn said. "And I don't just mean this last time. I saw her records, she's got every right to fear the hospital because she's been there so many times. That being said, she's doing better now. She's a bit small for her age, but she seems healthy. Just make sure she get's a well-balanced diet and don't skimp the desserts." She said with a chuckle. "The bruises are most likely what's causing her to hurt. She's covered in them, the poor thing. I see they prescribed her a pain reliever, but it's one I personally wouldn't prescribe to a child. If you don't mind, I'd like to change it to a different pan reliever. This one won't hurt her stomach, but it will make her tired and possibly dizzy. However, I'm only prescribing it on an as needed basis. I honestly don 't think you'll need more than ten days' worth as she is healing well. I don't want to overwhelm her, so we'll leave it at this today, but I recommend setting up just a well check so we can get some lab work and stuff done for her, but I think it's fine to wait on that for until she's settled in." Kathryn went to write a prescription. "Does she do good with pills or should I do liquid form?"

"Well, last night I crushed her pill and put it in her tea and she was okay with that."

"That's fine. I'll do pill then. Not every kid likes the taste of the liquid." She then looked at them and smiled. "What you guys are doing is wonderful. You have a pretty special child in there and I think she's going to thrive with you two. Now, I know I've thrown a lot at you, but just one more thing. I'm not a psychiatrist, but I would recommend you get an evaluation done and see if she would benefit from talking to someone. Just for a while, until she becomes adjusted. The fear she had of you guys leaving her is a real fear and one that I don't think will go away for a while. I can put in a referral to Dr. Hopper if you'd like."

Regina sighed a bit, she didn't care for the cricket, but she knew they had to do what ever was best for Emma. She gave a nod. "Yes, thank you. It doesn't hurt to just get an evaluation done."

Mal smiled at her wife and then looked at the doctor. "So her cut is okay though? There's no signs of infection?"

"None at all. It's healing rather nicely. Just use that cream and you'll be good. If anything changes, call me. If she doesn't react well to the pain medication, call me. Other than being tired and maybe dizzy, there shouldn't be any other side effects, but if there are, call me. Otherwise, I see Lilly is scheduled for her yearly in six months, so I can just put Emma in too and get them done at the same time if you'd like."

Mal nodded. "I think that's perfect. Thank you very much."

They went in the room and found Emma sitting on a chair staring at the door. "I was scared you wasn't coming back." Emma said, relief in her voice as she rushed to Regina and hugged her. "I kept listening and as long as I heard your voice, I knew you was still there."

Regina picked her up and kissed her cheek. "Sorry angel face, you're stuck with us now. We're never letting you go." She said before gently tickling Emma's tummy.

Emma giggled a little but pushed her hand away. "That hurts, mommy Gina." She said sadly and Regina kissed her cheek again.

"I'm sorry honey, I forgot. It won't hurt forever, I promise. Now, let's go get your new medicine and then we have a surprise for you. Can you tell Doctor Kathryn thank you?"

Emma looked over at the woman. "Thank you, Doctor Kathryn. You didn't hurt me too badly."

Kathryn couldn't stop a chuckle. "I'm sorry I had to hurt you, Emma, but thank you for being so good. Here, you keep this swan, okay? Take good care of it."

Emma took the swan and smiled. "Thank you."

As they left, Emma felt much better and happier in the car. "Where are we going next? You said it was a surprise."

"We're going shopping." Mal said with a smile. "Get you some new clothes and shoes that will fit since the ones we got you are a little too big right now."

"You don't hafta do that. I can wear big clothes. I don't mind."

"I know that, but we want to."

Emma smiled as she sat back, looking out the window. Life was good.

Two hours and a trunk full later, the three of them were waiting outside Lilly's school since 4k was only half day. Emma waited and when she saw Lilly, she smiled wide at her. "Lilly! Over here!"

Lilly ran over and almost knocked Emma over as she hugged her. "I missed you, Emma!"

Emma giggled. "I missed you too! I had to go to the doctor, but then I got new clothes and we got you stuff too!"

Lilly frowned. "Why can't I do fun things too?" She asked, looking at Regina.

"Oh you can. We're going to all go eat at Granny's. Doesn't that sound fun?"

Lilly smiled wide again. "Yes! I want fish sticks and french-fries!"

Regina chuckled. "Only if you also have carrots and grapes."

"Fine." Lilly said. "Oh and a chocolate milkshake!"

"Oh! Can I has a strawberry milkshake? I've always wanted one of those!"

Mal smiled. "Yes, sweet girl, you can."

"I have to go back to work tomorrow." Regina said as the girls ate.

Emma looked at her. "But I can't go to school yet."

"I know honey, but Mama Mal will be with you, and you'll see me after I'm done with work."

Mal smiled and tapped Emma's nose. "Just you and me, kid. Then we'll pick up Lilly and have a picnic in the park. How does that sound?"

"Great!" Emma said. "But I really can't wait until next week when I gets ta go to school."

"I know, sweetie, but it'll go by fast.

The family was a happy bunch as they ate lunch and anyone who was there to see it, marveled at them and smiled for them.