A/N Sorry it's been so long. The area I've been had some major snowstorms, and then I got mono. I never intended to take so long. Sorry.

-PS. This chapter is rated PG-13, because I used the word "Damn" a lot more then I should have.

"Mom!"

Emma's shout carried through the silence. Emma could hear footsteps stumbling drowsily. Too slow.

"Mom! It's time!" Emma shrieked this time, so loud people in Manitoba could hear her. Spike ran into the room, disheveled.

"It's time?" she asked hurriedly.

"She's acting like it! Ah!" Emma screamed as Manny grabbed her hand and pulled her down to where she sat on the ground.

"Emma", she said through clenched teeth, "Get Craig"

"What? Manny, we can call him from the hospital!"

"No! I don't trust him enough... he'll do something stupid.", Manny garbled out, her iron grip never ceasing, "Emma, I trust you. Go get him."

"But Mann-" The look on Manny's face stopped Emma mid-sentence.

Emma glanced at Spike. Her mother nodded.

"Run. It's not that far. We'll meet you at the hospital."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emma's feet pounding on the pavement was the only sound on that late summer night. But Emma Nelson's thoughts made noise enough to compensate.

Damn Manny and Craig for hooking up.

Damn Sean for falling in love with Ellie.

Damn the Santos's for kicking Manny out.

Damn Snake for being sick.

Damn Jack for needing her so much.

Damn Spike for never complaining.

Damn Craig for trying to get out the easy way.

Damn life for never ever giving her a break.

-But most of all...

Damn her.

Damn Emma for being so condescending.

Damn Emma for never making the effort to make up with Manny.

Damn Emma for letting Sean slip away.

Damn Emma for blaming everyone.

Damn Emma for her resentment.

Damn Emma for being so blind.