I'm aware that court doesn't exactly happen like it will in this story; the fact is, I just want to get it moving lol
Chapter 6
Emma sat in Regina's office looking at the sealed envelope in front of her. "I can't believe the results came back so quickly."
"I think the idea of closing a twenty eight year missing persons case made it go a bit faster than normal."
"I hope the media doesn't get wind of this. I really do not want to talk to them."
"If they do, you just say 'no comment'." Regina assured Emma as she watched. She was going to give Emma as much time as she needed.
Emma sighed and handed it to Regina. "You open it."
"Are you sure?" When Emma nodded, Regina took the envelope and slid it open. "Dear Miss Emma Swan, The following are the results of the DNA test against Ms. Malory Dracon. The test confirms with a 99.999 percent accuracy that Ms. Dracon is in fact your biological mother." Regina looked at Emma. "Well there you have it."
Emma kept telling herself to breathe, but nothing was happening. Regina came over, put her hand on Emma's back and lifted her chin with her other hand. "Breathe, Emma."
Emma gasped and felt tears falling, though she didn't feel sad. "I don't know why I'm crying. This is good, right?"
"I think it is. You have a mother who never wanted to lose you, who wants to be in your life. I think that's a great thing and that's why you're crying."
"I hate that I have to wait until Monday to meet her. I wish this was a visitor's weekend." They only had one weekend a month for visitors and it wasn't for two more weeks.
"You can call her if you want. Use my phone."
Emma stood and started pacing as Regina went to her desk. She looked at Emma and when she got a nod, she dialed and put it on speaker. "Regulations."
"It's okay." Emma said, listening to the phone.
"Hello?" A friendly voice answered. "Emma?"
"How did you know?"
"Caller I.D. I don't know anyone else there." The woman said. "Emma, I…thank you for doing the test. I just got it back."
"Me too. So I…I guess you're my mother."
The woman's smile could be heard through the phone. "I finally found you." She went on to tell Emma the story Lilly had told her. "I swear I wanted you so badly. Your father had left as soon as he found out, but I wanted you. I had your room all ready and so many things for you." The voice broke. "You wouldn't have gone through what you did had you never been taken and you wouldn't be there right now. I'm so sorry, Emma."
"It wasn't your fault." Emma said, sitting on a chair by Regina's desk. "I went to our library and found the old articles. Though I still didn't know if it was me you lost, I saw how hard you tried to find your daughter…me. You never gave up, Mal, even after so long, I saw you do an interview when I'd have been twenty five. I can't imagine what you went through and I'm sorry for that."
"Oh sweetheart, that's not for you to be sorry for. Lilly told me so much about you that I knew you had to be mine. Emma, I cannot wait to meet you…well I mean, if you still want that."
"I do." Emma said, meaning those two words more than anything. "I wish you could come this weekend, but Lilly said you'll be at the courthouse on Monday?"
"I wouldn't miss it, Emma. I took the full week off of work." The woman paused. "Emma, when you get out, you can come stay with me. I have room."
Emma panicked as she looked at Regina. "I…I…"
"Emma, it's okay. You don't know me. That was presumptuous of me to ask. Emma, there's no pressure."
"It's okay. I can't imagine how this feels for you and it's not that I don't trust you, I just, I don't know you. My therapist here has a rental house she said I can stay at and her sister runs an employment agency. But Mo…Mal, we don't know for sure that I'm getting out."
"I have no doubts and I'm glad you have people looking out for you. I'm sorry if I'm rushing you."
"You're not. I get why you'd ask and I love that you did." Emma said. "I'm with my therapist now, just so you know, she can hear us."
"Ah, so that's why I didn't get a recording about an inmate calling me like they do on the T.V. shows."
Regina smiled, already liking this woman. "Hello Mal, this is Dr. Regina Mills. I hope I didn't step on your toes when I invited Emma to stay at my guesthouse."
"Not at all. Thank you for looking out for her. Lilly said you're the reason Emma's even getting out."
"Not me exactly, but my good friend. As soon as I heard her story and met her, I wanted her out of here." Regina licked her lips. "Mal, I'm saying this to you in front of Emma so I have to back up when she gets out. She needs to take her time in finding her life out there. This is going to be a huge adjustment for her and I think, knowing what I know, I'll need help in assuring her it's okay to take her time. I've offered her my rental at no cost and don't expect rent for at least six months to a year. I've told her this, but she insists she can just start working once she finds a job."
"I see. Emma, Dr. Mills is right. While it's great you want to get a job and take care of yourself, give yourself time to adjust. It's a different world out here and it's going to take time to get used to it. Take the time offered."
Emma grinned and gave a nod. "I'll do my best. Mal? You'll be there Monday?" Though she already said it once, Emma needed to hear it again.
"I will be there all week, my darling. Emma, please put me on your list so you can call me any time. Call me collect, I don't care. I just want to hear from you, even if I'll see you on Monday."
"I will. Mal? Be patient with me? These are a lot of changes all happening at once. I don't know how to feel or act with any of it."
"Emma my darling, that's completely expected. I know this is going to be hard, but please do your best not to worry about how you should be acting and how you should be feeling and just…be. Emma, just feel and think and act however you do and don't think there's something wrong with you."
"I couldn't have said it better myself." Regina said with a grin. "I think you're going to be exactly what Emma needs."
"And she's exactly what I need and want. Emma, I do now and have always loved you and will love you forever. I cannot wait to see you in person."
Emma wiped at her eyes, her throat tight with emotion. "I can't wait to see you, too. I…can I call you tomorrow?"
"Please do, Emma. Call me tonight if you want to. I don't know how that works or if there's a set time, but I always have my phone by me."
"I can use the phones anytime between seven in the morning to seven at night. I just…I think I'll need to reassure myself tomorrow that this was real."
"I understand and like I said, call me any time."
"I don't really want to hang up."
"I don't want you to, but I also don't want to take advantage of Dr. Mills' kindness. I don't think I've ever wished for a Monday to come so fast as I want this Monday to come."
"Me neither. I can't wait to meet you."
"I'll talk to you later, baby girl. Stay positive."
"Thanks Mal. We'll talk later." After ending the call, Emma was quiet for a bit before she looked at Regina. "I waited my whole life to talk to my mother."
"How do you feel? First thoughts."
"I want to be out there with her." Emma's eyes filled. "I've never wanted to be out of here so badly. Regina, if I don't get out…I'm going to need you because I'm going to go to that dark place."
"Emma, I don't see that happening, but if it does, I'm here."
The two talked a bit longer and once Emma was feeling better, she went back to her bunk.
That weekend, the blonde spent hours on the phone with Mal while Regina raided her sister's closet. "I want something that looks nice but not over the top." She said, holding up a silky green shirt. "This with black pants would be perfect."
Zelena grabbed a nice pair of pants. "These will fit?"
"She's tall and skinny just like you, so I think so."
"Take a couple shirts and pants just in case. I have enough and she can use them all week."
"Thank you so much, Zee. She'll really appreciate this."
"No problem. I've got feelers out for donations for her for clothes, food, and everyday things that she'll need. I haven't looked at jobs yet because…well one thing at a time, right?"
"Right. I know she wants to work, but she's been incarcerated since she was 13; I don't think she knows what it's like out here."
"I think she'll need an adjustment period before anything like work or romance…"
"Zelena, stop. Okay yes, I admit I think she's attractive and kind and everything I'm looking for in a partner, but I also know she's gone through and will be going through a lot. The last thing I'm adding to that is romance; especially if she's not interested. She needs to find herself first and I know that."
"Knowing that and making your heart cooperate can be two different things."
"I know, but I mean, I haven't jumped her during her sessions, right?"
Zelena chuckled. "It'll be different being here and not being her doctor, but I am proud of you. Mom would be so proud of you for doing this, Gina."
Regina smiled softly. "Thank you, Zee. I'm going to make sure the guest house is cleaned up. We don't know what day she's getting out, so I want it ready."
"Regina, she may not…"
"She is, Zelena. She fucking deserves to be let out." Regina said, turning and heading out.
Though Zelena wanted Emma to get out, she was afraid maybe her sister was giving the poor woman too much hope. Instead of arguing, she went through her jewelry box and found some necklaces that the woman could also borrow.
"I'm going to be sick." Emma said as Red walked with her and guard Martina to the intake/outtake area that Monday morning.
"It's nerves, Malyshka. I'll have a special meal ready for you when you get back. Don't worry, from what I've heard, you're in good hands. You're going to be nervous, that's natural, but Malyshka, this is such a good thing."
"I know that, but it's so much. The case, my mother, just everything."
"Don't focus on everything." Martina stated. "Right now, focus on what Dr. Mills brought you to wear. In the car, focus on your breathing. Emma one moment at a time."
Emma gave a nod, taking a deep breath. "Thanks. Are you coming with me?"
"I am." She said with a smile. "I'm pretty excited for this, to be honest."
"Do you know legal jargon? I mean, if it sounds bad, but the lawyer tries telling me it's good, will you tell me the truth? My last lawyer kept telling me things were great and here I am."
"I will, Emma, I promise. I know it's easier said than done, but try to relax."
They arrived at the doors and Red pulled Emma into her arms. "Things will be great. Come see me when you're back, okay?"
"I will; thank you." Emma hugged her back. "Tell Nicky I said thank you for the yogurt this morning. It was all I could stomach."
"I will. I'll see you later." Red then headed off, silently praying to any being out there that this goes well for Emma.
"I hate to do this, but before we go to the cell where Dr. Mills has clothes for you, we have to do a full check."
Emma sighed. "I know. It's fine." She then went into the small cubicle and did what needed to be done before putting her clothes back on and finally went to the holding cell where Regina had clothes all set up. "Regina…this is…wow."
"Zee told me to bring enough for you to have all week. She included some necklaces and bracelets too."
"I don't know the last time I wore normal clothes." Emma said, her fingertips dancing along the material. "And I never wore silk."
Regina took the green silk shirt with a smile. "Today, you will."
Once Emma was dressed, Regina did her hair, pulling half of it back. "Emma, breathe."
"I'm trying." Emma stated. "I haven't felt this nervous since my sentencing."
"I understand, and that's normal, but you don't want to pass out. Deep breaths with me."
"There's my star client." David stated, being led in. "How are you feeling today? Nervous? I won't say don't be, because of course you are."
"Terrified." Emma admitted as she looked up and noticed the beautiful blonde with him. "Who are you?"
The woman held her hand out. "I'm Alexandra Cabbot; you can call me Alex. I'm so glad to finally meet you. I have a few things to discuss, but we can do that on the ride to the courthouse as I've been given permission to sit in back with you."
"In back of what?" Emma asked, having never left before.
"Of the carrier van. Don't worry, it has windows so it's not like what you may have seen on tv."
"I haven't seen much tv." Emma said quietly. "Will I be shackled?" Why hadn't she thought of that before?
"No. Emma you're a model inmate. Yes, you will have to have handcuffs on in front of you from here to the van and then from the van to the court house, but as soon as you're in the van, we can take them off and once you're in the courthouse, they will come off." Martina stated. "I wish I didn't need to do it at all, but we have to."
"I get it. I just didn't think about it." Emma said, her nerves quickly getting the better of her. "I'm going to be sick."
"Let's go before your nerves really get to you." Alex said, standing. "David, we'll meet you there."
"You bet. Oh and Emma, Mary, my wife, said to tell you she's sorry but she ended up having to go to an emergency case. She still wants to meet you though."
"Sure yeah. No problem." Emma nervously replied. She looked at Regina and felt like a lost little girl. Regina could tell and she took Emma's hands. "You're in good hands, Emma. You're going to be okay. I'll be here waiting when you get back. Just breathe."
Emma nodded and took some deep breaths. "Thank you."
In the van, the blonde tried hard to answer Alex's questions, but her voice was as shaky as her hands. Alex reached over and put her hands on Emma's. "I know you're scared and have absolutely no reason to trust me or David, but Emma, I am on your side. I swear I am."
"I know and I can't thank you enough. I'm just scared. The last time I was in court, it didn't go so well."
"Forget about last time, Emma, this time, I'm fighting for you. Now, there may be things said that you don't understand, but that's okay. David and I will have a briefing with you afterwards."
"How long will this be?"
"Today, I'm guessing a good couple hours. We're getting the case established today to see if they'll just reverse it based on evidence found or if they will do a full re-trial."
"A re-trial?"
"Yes. I don't see that happening, but it is a possibility. To be honest, I think social services will want this settled quickly and quietly."
"So they don't look bad. But this could have been prevented if they wouldn't have put us with him to begin with."
"Exactly and we will cooperate until you're free, but once you are, we are ready to go after them publicly for what they've done. We want to 'play nice' until we know you're free."
Emma gave a nod, though she really didn't care about all of that. "Will I need to say anything today?"
"I'm honestly not sure, but if you do, it would just be the judge asking you clarifying questions. Just tell the truth."
Emma gave a nod. "Right. Thank you."
Once at the courthouse, Emma got through security before they took off her handcuffs. She saw Lilly and smiled, going to hug her. "You came."
"I told you I would. Mal is just in the restroom."
The group chatted a bit, mostly Lilly to Emma and David to Alex until Mal came out. Emma's breath stopped when she saw the woman. The woman smiled, her crystal blue eyes filling. "Emma. Oh I'd recognise you anywhere."
"I look like you." Emma said, tears in her own eyes.
"You sure do." Mal answered, continuing walking towards her. "Can I hug you?"
Emma nodded and when Mal's arms were around her, she couldn't stop her small cries. "You're really my mother?"
Mal rubbed Emma's back, taking in her daughter's scent as only a mother could. "Yes, baby girl, I am your mother. I'm so sorry I ever lost you, but I will never lose you again."
"It wasn't your fault." Emma said, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm such a mess today. I'm excited and nervous and scared and feel sick."
"Don't be sorry, baby girl. Now, are you ready for court today?"
Emma, Mal, and Lilly all talked, joined on and off by David and/or Alex and finally, it was time. David stood and smiled at Emma. "You'll sit by Alex and me while Lilly and Mal sit behind us. I don't know if the judge will ask you anything, but if they do, please, just be honest. You're not on trial, Emma, so you have nothing to hide."
Emma gave a nod, suddenly wishing she'd have just stayed back in jail and was cooking right now. Alex seemed to sense this and softly touched Emma's arm. "We've got you, Emma. You're safe."
Emma barely had time to nod again before the doors were opened and she was walking just slightly behind David and Alex. Then she was sitting, feeling like she'd pass out before she stood as the judge came in. She tried to pay attention but she didn't understand what was going on. It seemed the people on the other side weren't really trying to fight Emma's release, but weren't exactly just sending her home either.
"Yes, there were mistakes made, but no trial is perfect. She said she killed him."
"Even if she did, she was thirteen and questioned without adults present. She also told her lawyer she didn't do it; that Ella did it, but no one once brought that up. We have evidence that Ella did it and that Emma took the blame for her. We also have evidence that shows this man should not have had these girls with him to begin with. Three teenage girls report sexual abuse and no one took them seriously and when something happened, they simply took one, locked her up, and threw away the key."
"Your honor, we are not denying that things were not done correctly in Miss Swan's case. In fact, we're glad this is getting a second glance." The woman at the other table stated. "Because of this case, there is a new investigation into Social Services along with any connections at that time to Miss Swan's lawyer."
Emma zoned out a bit, her mind going back to that day. She had no idea how long they were there when suddenly the judge cleared his throat. "Miss Swan, did you ever tell your lawyer at the time that you did not do this?"
"Yes sir. I mean yes, your honor." Emma said quietly.
He sat back. "Tell me in your own words what happened that day."
Emma swallowed and started telling the story from when they got home from school all the way until she was sentenced. She didn't leave anything out and told her complete truth.
"Thank you, Miss Swan. I understand there's a Lillith Paige here who was also there that day?"
"Yes, your honor. She's right here."
"I have her sworn statement and have read it. Thank you, Miss Paige, for sending that in." He then sighed, folding his hands. "I hated this case back when it happened and I'm so glad it's getting looked at again. I know that we normally would set up a future date for this, but I want this done swiftly. Are both sides prepared to start this today?"
"Yes, your honor. The sooner, the better." Alex stated, feeling victorious already.
"Your honor, the state would like to motion to overturn Miss Swan's conviction. We've looked over the case ourselves and it's quite obvious that her counsel was…well, non-existent at best. We are not fighting this case and are in agreement to let Miss Swan go and erase all her records. We only brought this to court because we had to, as you know, have a judge agree. Also, we were hoping Emma would help us with the investigation into Social Services, but of course, there's no pressure." She looked over at Emma. "I'm so sorry for the years you've been locked up and for failing you in so many ways."
Emma wasn't sure what to say or what all this meant. David and Alex both seemed surprised but happy, but still, Emma had no idea what that meant. "I'm sorry if this sounds stupid, but…what does that mean?"
The judge smiled kindly. "It means, Miss Swan, that for the first time in the history of my career, everyone agrees that you were wronged and should be free. It means, you will only go back to the prison to get your things before you are released, your record wiped, and, with the help of the state, you'll get your life back on track as it was meant to be." He looked at the woman on the other side. "I presume you will be available with resources for Miss Swan? I'd hate to release her only to have her be homeless."
Emma raised her hand and when the judge nodded, she cleared her throat. "I've been blessed to have support for the past few months and have a place to stay, although no one expected this today. I won't turn down help with other things only because…I have no idea how to live life outside of jail, but I won't be homeless, your honor."
The judge's face was kind. "I'm glad to hear you have people and won't be homeless. Miss Swan…Emma, you deserve this right now. I hate that it took so long and that it ever happened, however, please do not be ashamed to reach out for help. There are programs out there exactly for these situations. Also, I can't begin to imagine what you're going through or your thought process, but if your lawyer is willing to go for restitution, let him. Emma, you deserve it." He sat back. "I know there's more to this situation that we are meeting on later, but for now, are all parties happy to consider this resolved with the overturning of the case?" When all parties agreed, the judge banged his gavel. "So ordered. Miss Swan, enjoy your freedom."
Emma sat stunned as the judge left and David and Alex congratulated each other. "That was easier than even I anticipated." Alex stated, packing up her briefcase.
The lawyer from the other side came over and shook hands. "Emma, here's my card. If you need anything, any kind of assistance, call me and I'll help you."
"I don't know if I can go after social services like you want me to." Emma admitted, though she hadn't exactly planned on saying that. "I just…I kind of want to forget it all happened."
"I understand and if you continue to feel that way, we can do this without you. We just like for juries to put faces to the cases, however, it's understandable you'd want to forget. Don't worry, the help doesn't come with strings."
Emma sat back as the lawyers talked and was deep in thought when she felt a touch to her shoulder. Emma turned to see Lilly and Mal smiling at her. "You're free!" Lilly hugged Emma tight.
Emma hugged her back. "I still don't believe it. I feel like when I get back there, I'll just get locked up again."
Guard Martina, who was happily waiting her turn to congratulate Emma, stepped forward. "Not exactly. Yes, you will have to go back, but you will not have handcuffs on this time. You'll stay in booking until all the paperwork goes through, which has been known to sometimes take hours, but the alternative is that you get a full search, go back in and wait there."
"I don't want a full search. I hate them, no offense, but it always reminds me of when I'd be touched as a child. But…I told Red and Nicky that I'd say goodbye. And Regina, I mean, I can't very well go to her guesthouse without knowing where it is."
Emma was starting to panic and Mal could tell. She gently rubbed Emma's back. "Emma, love. It's okay. Deep breaths, baby girl. I have no plans for today and will wait in the waiting room for however long it takes to get you discharged. I'll stay with you until Dr. Mills is done with work. Emma, you're not alone."
"I can't promise, but I will ask Gold if you can wait in a room with your mother. I mean, you just met her today and I'm sure you want to talk. If he allows that, I'll also see about having Red and Nicky come see you while we wait for both Regina and the paperwork." Martina stated.
"Really? I know that doesn't mean he'll agree, but thank you so much for being willing to ask."
"Emma, are you ready to go back for the last time?" Alex asked with a grin. "We'll talk in the van. I'm sure you're feeling overwhelmed."
"I am. Thank you." She then looked at her mother. "If they don't let you sit with me, please don't think you have to stay. I don't want you sitting out there for hours."
"I'll wait for days if I have to, Emma."
"And I'd wait with her. We'll see you later, I promise."
Emma gave them hugs before they all headed out. In the van, she listened to Alex and asked questions, but it was hard for her to grasp everything. All she knew was she was no longer a prisoner, she no longer would have a record, and her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even fully comprehend. Finally a smile appeared on her face as she sat back, letting that sink in.