Too much time off

A guest asked for a oneshot of Emma breaking the curse early, but still having Henry at 18. She ends up accidentally taking advantage of Snowing's generosity and babysitting. They have to gently remind her that, while they don't mind watching him while she works, she's got her son to think of and can't go out as much as she used to.

Guest: I've covered that kind of thing already.

Guest: I'm assuming you're the same person who requested this from justanoutlaw, who covered the subject beautifully for you already.

Monica: I only write stories with a Charming family focus, not Cruella and Charming. I also think you're the guest who claimed to be a first time reviewer. Nice try.

Emma never imagined having a baby would be so easy. Her life hardly changed. Sure, she was up earlier than normal, and she had to feed him a few times during the night. But other than that, pretty much the same. She was still able to attend her GED class at the community centre. She still socialised with her friends. Her parents had been great with Henry. Too great, as Emma was about to find out.

Neither of her parents minded watching their grandson whilst Emma was at her classes. They wanted her to reach her potential, it was what was best for both her and Henry. But neither were blind to the fact that she was pushing her luck with the amount they were babysitting him so she could go out. The line had to be drawn now. So when she yet again assumed they would babysit for her on a Friday night, they sat her down.

"Emma, we love Henry dearly, just like we love you." Charming began. "But, sweetheart, he is not our responsibility. He's yours. Henry is your son. We realise he wasn't exactly planned, but that doesn't change the fact he's here now." Charming explained as gently as possible.

"We don't mind looking after him so you can go to class in the evenings, or when you help cover shifts at the station or Granny's. But, honey, when you had a child, you must have realised that was going to put a bit of a dent in your social life." Snow told her. Emma shifted uncomfortably. Had she unknowingly crossed a line? "Nobody's saying you'll never be able to see your friends again. We realise you're very young, and going out is what a lot of your friends are doing just now. But they don't have kids, sweetie. You do." Snow told her outright. Emma felt her face heating up.

"Understood." She said quietly. "I honestly didn't mean to take advantage. Sometimes I forget to tell you how much I appreciate all the support you've given Henry and I throughout this whole thing. I couldn't have done it without you both. I truly am sorry I went too far." Emma said honestly. Charming leaned over and kissed her head.

"It's alright Em. Like your mom said, we know you're still young. We're not expecting you to not have your own life. You just need to understand that Henry is now a major part of that life. Trust us, you don't want to miss a single moment." Emma could hear the bitterness behind her dad's voice. She has been so thoughtless. Her parents would have given anything to have been able to raise her from the get go. She would never again underappreciate the gift that was being able to raise her son. Not for one single moment.