**Adding characters from another favorite show lol. Things will move a little fast in this chapter.**

Chapter 5

"David, you're kidding." Regina said, hope filling her for the blonde that was now constantly on her mind.

"I'm not. Alex wants her out by Next Friday. Regina, I know you haven't told her anything, but I need to know she's going to be willing to do this. I need to meet with her today."

"I think she needs to hear this from you, but I want to be with. Come in about an hour? Thank you so much, David." After hanging up, Regina picked the phone back up and called the guard tower in Emma's block. "Martina, glad to hear you're back after going home sick yesterday."

"I had a horrible migraine. I wish I'd stayed after hearing what happened to Swan though."

Regina swallowed. "What…what happened to her?"

"No one told you? If I'd have been here, I'd have brought her right to you. Hell, it wouldn't have happened at all if I were here." She told Regina the story and sighed. "She's still sleeping. I didn't have the heart to make her get up today and am giving her a sick day. He got fired and will be blacklisted."

"The sooner she gets out the better." Regina said, anger filling her. "Don't tell her but I've been talking to a lawyer friend and he thinks he'll have her out by next Friday. I'm going to come see her there, if that's okay."

"It's completely fine. I would feel better if she talked to you anyway."

"Martina? You're a gem. Don't ever change."

She smiled. "Thanks, Dr. Mills. See you soon."

Regina made her way to Emma's block and sat on the edge of her bed. "Emma? It's Dr. Mills."

Emma's eyes were puffy, her face blotchy, and she hadn't gotten much sleep. She opened her eyes and was confused. "Am I dreaming?" She asked sleepily, with a goofy smile.

Regina couldn't help her smile as she shook her head. "You're not dreaming. Emma, are you okay? I just heard what happened and I'm concerned."

Emma deflated and rubbed her eyes. "I'm fine. I…I had nightmares last night, but not about the guard."

"About your time before?"

Emma nodded and ran her fingers on the silky part of her blanket as she sat. "I haven't had nightmares in a long time." She then gave Regina a look. "Is it normal for you to do bedside sessions?"

Regina smiled softly. "No, but when I heard what happened and I wanted to see you anyway, I thought I'd come to you."

"Wanted to see me about what? Did the test results come back already?"

"No, not yet that I know of." Regina took a breath. "I don't want to discuss this out here. Martina said she booked you a sick day, so when you're ready, come to my office."

"Is it bad?"

"Not at all. I'm glad you're okay, Emma."

She gave a small smile and watched the woman leave before getting up and heading to the showers. Less than an hour later, Martina led Emma to Regina's office. "Do you know what this is about?"

"Yep."

"You're not going to tell me?"

"Nope." She said, knocking on the Doctor's door. "But Swan, it's so good." She smiled at the woman as she went inside. "I'll be back."

Emma came in and was surprised to see they weren't alone. "I'm sorry. I can come back."

"No, Emma, come on in. This is my friend David. David, this is Emma Swan." Regina said and once Emma was sitting, she let out a breath. "Emma, please don't get mad."

Emma let out a breath. "Nothing good ever follows those words." She chewed on her lip. "Regina, I've trusted you."

"I know, and you can still trust me. Emma I…David is a prosecutor at the District Attorney's office. He took one look into your case and knew you shouldn't be here."

Emma's heart was pounding. She knew Regina meant well, but no. She couldn't have hope, she just couldn't. "Regina, I asked you from the start not to give me hope."

"She's not." David stated. "I am. Me and the Assistant District Attorney Alexandra. Emma, you don't belong here, never should have been here, and you are getting out of here. Alex has already set up the court date for Monday. I'll come and get you around…"

"Stop." Emma said, her face showing she was clearly upset. "This is too fast. I don't understand what's happening."

Regina gave David a look and then looked at Emma. "Emma, honey, it has to happen fast. You've already spent too much time being locked up and everyone sees you shouldn't be here."

Emma stood and started pacing. "I can't breathe."

"I'm confused. This is a good thing." David said. "We can have you out by next Friday."

"Friday? And then what? I have nothing, David. I have no home, no money, no clothes, no skills." Emma felt tears in her eyes. "I love that you want to help me; it honestly means a lot that someone took the time to look into this but I have nothing. I can't not live in jail; I don't know how."

"Emma, we will work on that." Regina said calmly. "There are programs to help people in your situation and well…I mean, you've got me as your friend. I have a guest house that is currently not being rented out where you can stay. My sister owns an employment agency and once you're ready, she can get you a job but Emma, there will be no rush. Yes, this is fast and yes, you have a lot going on right now, but this is so good."

"Your guest house? You've really thought about this?"

"Since the day I met you, Emma." Regina said softly. "I will help you. You will not be alone, I promise."

"You're asking me to put so much trust in you."

"I know that, but I guess I hope I've proven myself."

"You have. I just…Regina I haven't been out there since I was thirteen. It's scary as hell."

"Emma?" David asked softly. "Do you want to have justice and get out?"

"I…you really think it's possible?"

"Yes. I assure you that Alex has a high interest in this case and will not give up. Emma, I know you have this need to not have hope and I completely understand why. However, this is something that will happen if you let us fight for you." He took out some paperwork and showed it to Emma. "Things were done wrong from the beginning. You were thirteen and they interviewed you without an adult present. They didn't explain things to you or even listened to you when you finally told them the truth. Your 'lawyer' wasn't even there for this and when he did come, he did nothing." He explained other things that all went over Emma's head, but what Emma did understand was she wasn't wrong when she was thirteen and felt like things were stacked against her.

"They just wanted to shut the case and shut me in jail while they were at it." She said softly.

"It was more than that. The reason Alexandra is so interested isn't only because of the severe lack of following legal procedures but also because." He sighed. "We found out that social services knew what he was doing. You, Lilly, and Ella weren't the first to make complaints about him. In fact, he was hospitalized in the past when a teen girl fought back."

Emma shook her head. "Then why in hell were we placed there? Why would they send three teenage girls to him?"

"Shortage of foster parents for older kids."

"So, just send them to abusers and don't believe them when they report it. Must be nice to just throw kids around wherever they want."

"This is why your case is so important, Emma. You'd be doing this not just so you get justice, but so social services will be exposed and things will change for kids in the system now."

"I'd like that part. I'm just…look, I really appreciate what you're doing. I honestly can't tell you how much it means to me. I'm just terrified. I'm so scared of that world out there because all I ever knew from it was pain, loneliness, and abuse. I don't know how to live out there. I don't even know how to cook."

He smiled softly. "Emma, you're not alone. Regina is good friends with my wife and I and I've known her long enough to know that you are in the best hands. You won't just be set free and forgotten, I assure you. This is just step one, Emma. Once you're out, we go for restitution so that you are compensated for the gross misjustice you've endured."

"I don't know if I want to do all that. I don't want anything in the news or anything. Last time, I was a minor so they couldn't say much, but they can now and I don't want to keep reliving it."

David put his hands up. "Okay, that's fair. One step at a time but Emma, there will be news even with just getting you out. You won't have to say anything, but they'll be there until the next story comes along."

"I'm scared." Emma admitted, sitting back down and rubbing her temples. "Like…you guys don't even understand. It was 2007 when my life changed and I'm sure it's so different out there. I know it's weird, but I feel safe here and have a routine. I get fed, get medical treatment, I even have a job. I have none of that out there and I know you're going to help, Regina, but it's scary."

"I'm sure it's terrifying." Regina stated and took Emma's hand. "But I will be with you every step of the way. I bet David's wife Mary will help out and my sister Zelena will and you have Lilly and Mal - mother or not, it sounds like she wants to be in your life. You won't be alone this time."

"You have work. And I mean…Regina I finally opened up to you; you can't be my therapist out there."

"No, I can't, but I can be your friend and I have a few therapists in mind that you can go see."

"Who's going to pay for that? In here, everything is paid for; it's not like that out there." She looked at David. "Who's paying you? I can't afford any legal help."

"Don't worry about that, Emma, I'm not charging. As for everything else, I know this is near impossible, but you'll just have to trust us. Alex and I already put your name down for a few programs you'd qualify for and I don't see why you wouldn't get them." He looked at her. "Are you in? Just sign your name here and we can start talking court."

Emma chewed on her lip and looked at Regina who gave a small nod before signing her name. "I'm in, but please don't make me regret this."

David and Emma talked details for a couple hours before he put everything back in his folder and shook her hand. "This may sound personal, but what size clothes do you wear? I want to have an outfit ready for you on Monday for when you go to court. I'll be picking you up at nine, but they'll have you ready for me."

" I don't have any money for clothes."

David gave a kind smile. "Emma, let's make a deal. For the next week, I don't want to hear 'I don't have any money'. Okay? Between Regina, Zelena, my wife, and Alexandra, we've got you covered."

"You're probably my sister's size. I'll have a few options on Monday and I'll be in the outtake area where you can decide what to wear."

"I suppose you can't come with me?"

"I'm sorry, but I have meetings all morning." Regina said, feeling terrible.

"It's okay. I'm an adult and I guess Monday is a good time to start acting like one."

"You can see if Lilly can meet us at the courthouse. We're set to be in court room 3 at 11, but we'll be there around ten, so you'll have time to talk."

"I'll have to be searched when I come back, won't I?"

"I'm so sorry, but yes." David said, genuinely feeling bad for her. "But Emma, I honestly feel this will all be over by Friday. One week and you won't ever have to be searched here again."

Emma gave a smile though her heart was pounding. She was terrified, excited, sad, happy, just a mix of everything. "It's okay, I understand. I just…sorry, my brain points out random stupid things sometimes."

"It's not stupid and I don't want you thinking you have to be sorry for asking questions. Emma, this is huge and you're going to have questions and I promise you, they will not make me think you're stupid. I'm on your call list and have been approved to give you my card. Call me any time, okay? No question or reason is too big or too small, and even if it's at 3 in the morning, if you need me, call me."

"Thank you so much, David. I hope I haven't made you think I don't appreciate this. It's just been a shock."

"I understand. Emma, I couldn't be more excited to help someone as I am to help you. Obviously she doesn't know the details, but my wife wanted me to ask if she could meet you at the courthouse Monday as well. She's a social worker and said she feels like she was meant to be your friend."

"I'm not exactly fond of social workers, but maybe she can change my mind. I'd be honored to meet her."

Once David left, Emma let out a breath and sat back. So much information had been thrown at her and she felt dizzy. "Emma? Have you eaten at all today? You look like you're going to pass out."

"No." Emma looked at the clock. "But I don't have time. Visiting hours start in five minutes and I can't make Lilly wait."

Regina went to her small fridge and pulled out a sandwich. "Here. I'll get food in the break room today."

"Regina, I can't eat your lunch."

"You can and you will. Emma, I want you to see Lilly today and tell her about everything, but I want you to come back here if you feel you need or want to talk some more."

"I will if I feel I have to." Emma said, taking the sandwich. She paused as she looked at it. "All I've had is white bread for years. What kind is this?"

"That's a honey wheat bread with chicken salad. My sister makes the best chicken salad."

"Then you should eat this and not me."

"I have more at home. Go on and eat up so you can get to your visit."

Emma bit into the sandwich and closed her eyes, moaning at how good it tasted. Regina swallowed and tried to not stare. "This is amazing." She then chuckled as she opened her eyes. "You know what I want to eat if I get out?"

Regina smiled. "Fresh vegetables?"

Emma made a face. "Maybe that would be the second thing, but first, I want a big, juicy burger from one of those 50's diner type places with Fries and a vanilla shake."

Regina smiled softly. "Tell you what, Emma; the day you get out, I'll take you to Granny's. You can't get more 1950's than that."

Emma took another bite and smiled, watching Regina writing as she ate. "Why are you helping me so much?"

Regina looked at Emma and put her pen down. "I came here to try and make a difference. So many people said I'd be wasting my time, that the women here are just prisoners, bad people who don't deserve anything extra. But you see, my mother was one of you for a long time. She wasn't a bad person, and she was much more than a prisoner. My father died in a horrible car accident when I was only ten. He left us with a lot of debt and no home. My mother did what she had to in order to feed, clothe and shelter us. One night, she got caught and ended up in jail for twenty years. It was unfair, but they wanted to make an example of her. Lucky for me, my sister was old enough to take care of me as I was sixteen by then. My mom, however, suffered. I came to visit and watched her wither away to nothing. I met you and knew I had to do something to make your life better, Emma. I couldn't stand to see you go down that path at such a young age."

Emma had finished the sandwich and looked at the woman. "I'm so sorry, Regina." She shifted to face the woman more. "You are making a difference. Your mother would be so proud of you."

Regina smiled softly. "Thank you, Emma. Now, go see Lilly."

Emma grinned and got up to hug Regina. "Thank you for everything."

Martina came and as they walked to the visiting room, she looked at Emma. "You know, when you get out, you've got friends."

Emma glanced at her. "You think I'll actually get out?"

"You better." She smiled. "Have a good visit."

Emma smiled when she saw Lilly and then back at Martina. "Thanks." She then went to her friend and hugged her. "Lilly, everything is changing."

Lilly grinned. "I heard. David reached out to me and I gave him everything I could to help you. Emma, he swears you'll be out next week."

"I know and I don't want to hope, but holy shit. This is huge. I'm excited and terrified, and happy, and sad, and just…fuck." She chucked. "He said you can be at the courthouse on Monday if you're not busy. We'll be there around ten but won't start until 11."

"I'll be there. Emma, Mal…she wants to come too; no matter what the results are."

"Lilly I…that's so much, but sure. Yes, she can be there."

The two spent the rest of the time talking and when Lily left, Emma was feeling much better than she had been the night before. Though she was excused from work, she decided to go anyway.

"Emma. I didn't expect to see you today." Red said with a wide smile.

"Sorry about this morning. I'm feeling much better now though."

"Don't be sorry, Malyshka." She patted Emma's cheek. "I have nothing for you to do though, so instead, come talk to Mama red."

Emma did just that, sharing with her everything from the night before, that morning, and her visit. "Red, I'm scared."

"I'm sure you are, but I'm so happy for you."

"If this all goes through, I'll come visit you."

"Emma, do me a favor. When you get out, forget about this place. Don't come back here, don't even remember this place."

"Red, I understand why you'd say that, but it's not that easy. I never had family before here, and I know it took a LONG time, but I have that in you and Nicky. I don't want to forget you, I don't want to leave you behind."

"You're such a sweet girl. Fine, I won't argue. I expect you'll be out quite a bit next week then?"

"Yes. Shoot, I'm sorry, I didn't even think of my work schedule."

"Good. You should be thinking about getting out."

"Getting out?" Nicky asked, coming into the office.

Emma filled her in and the redhead smiled warmly. "I think Regina likes you. However, this is amazing, Emma. I'm so happy for you and wish you all the luck. Will you come visit?"

"If I get out and you put me on your list, yes, I will visit."

"You will get out. I have this gut feeling and I'm usually never wrong." Nicky smiled. "Come on, let's go eat and have a good evening."

Emma looked at Red. "I don't know how much I'll be here next week."

"It's fine. Just come and fill me in at least."

"I will. Thanks for everything and…well I'm sorry I didn't open up sooner."

"Hush. Go have fun."