What Emma has now
oollies2004 asked for a oneshot of Snow feeling stressed and going to a talent show for 8 year old Emma. Emma is singing "I want a mom" about all the things she wanted whilst in the foster system that she has now.
I-hate-report writing. It took up so much time and made me feel like I was unable to properly do my job for a couple of weeks until it was all done. Add to that the talent show that we were all meant to be contributing to and I was fit to burst. The only reason I was even going to the show instead of staying home and spending yet another whole night away from my family and at the computer typing reports was because Emma had entered. We had only broken the curse about six months ago, so we were still new to the whole parenting thing. Charming and I were keen to make up for as many lost moments as humanly possible. If that meant I got no sleep tonight because I had to write the reports into the small hours, then that was fine by me. I was getting to see my baby girl sing her heart out.
Emma had been so secretive over what she was singing. She would only practice when I wasn't home. Whenever I asked her what song she was performing she told me it was a surprise. When I asked Charming what it was (since he was home when she practiced) he just told me to trust him and Emma. What did Charming have to do with this?! What were they up to? I guessed I would find out pretty shortly.
I arrived promptly and got a seat front and centre. Emma was near the end of the show, so I had to sit patiently through a lot of other acts. What was worse was I had to sit through them alone. Charming was right by the stage. He had volunteered to help out with the tech for the acts. By the time Emma came on stage I was nearly bursting with excitement. I looked over and caught Charming's eye. We both grinned at each other. Our baby girl was about to sing! We were both so proud of how brave she was being. I barely restrained myself from squealing when she shuffled nervously onto the stage. She moved over to the microphone, clasping her hands tightly around it.
"Um…I want to sing this song for my mom." She said quietly. My eyebrows nearly hit the roof. This was all for me? Emma looked over to her dad and nodded. I glanced over and saw Charming give her a thumbs up and wink at her. What was going on? As I looked back at Emma, Charming brought the lights down and suddenly, some pictures appeared behind Emma. My heart nearly exploded in my chest. It was the pictures of us. Ever since we got Emma back, we became a rather snap-happy family.
"I want a mom that will last forever
I want a mom to make it all better
I want a mom that will last forever
I want a mom who love me whatever
I want a mom to take my hand
and make me feel like a holiday
A mom to tuck me in at night
And chase the monsters away
I want a mom to read me stories
and sing a lullaby
And if I have a bad dream, to hold me when I cry."
My eyes began to well up, I couldn't stop the tears from tumbling out. I understood. Emma was telling me all the things she wanted from a mom…all the things I was able to give her now.
By the time Emma finished her song I was a wreck. I stood up and pounded my hands together, not caring how stupid I must have looked to some of the other people in the audience. My baby girl deserved a standing ovation!
I could hardly wait until the show was over to get my hands on my little girl. As soon as the final act took their bow I was out of my seat and rushing backstage. I quickly found Emma and wrapped my arms snugly around her. I kissed her cheek repeatedly.
"I am so, so proud of you baby girl." I told her. "Thank you for my song, Emma. I loved it. Just like I love you."
"I love you too, mom." Emma whispered, snuggling into my shoulder. For a moment, I just held my daughter there. My amazing, brave, little girl.
