Cheat

Ana asked for a oneshot of Emma being in Snow's class and getting caught letting a kid copy her.

Brenna: I'm sorry but that's one of the few things I definitely won't write.

So, I've watched the finale. I feel weirdly hollow despite not watching most of season 7.

Requests are now closed for good! No new requests will be taken. Thank you to everyone who submitted their final requests (particularly to those who submitted on time lol). As hard as it is, I think it's time I start to write them. I'll start of slow with just one today. With the rest, I'll be interjecting a few of my own final requests. So don't leave me behind quite yet, there are still a few stories to be told.

"Miss…"

"Are you stuck, Curtis?" Snow asked. Curtis shook his head. "Then why is your hand up? You know we can't speak during tests."

"My hand's up because Emma's helping Pamela." The boy spoke back boldly. Snow's eyebrows raised. She looked straight over to her daughter and Pamela. She didn't know what had happened, but something clearly had. Unfortunately for Emma, being the teacher's daughter meant Snow had a much better idea when Emma was up to something. She also knew Curtis enjoyed spying on Emma's every move to get her into trouble since she was the teacher's daughter. Unfortunately, Snow had to concede that this time he seemed to be on to something.

"Everyone will continue just now. When the bell goes for lunch, Emma, you will wait behind." Snow said. Emma nodded guiltily. Snow's heart sank. Emma was feisty, if she thought she was being unjustly treated she would have no problem saying so.

When the bell went, Snow saw the other children out until Emma and Pamela were left behind.

"Ok." Snow sighed. "Who's going to start talking?" She asked. Emma shuffled nervously.

"It's my fault." She admitted. "I was just trying to help Pamela. She shouldn't get into trouble. I told her she could look at my answers." Emma said honestly. Snow turned to the other girl.

"Is this true?" She asked. Pamela nodded. Snow's lips pressed together. "Pamela, even if Emma did let you copy, that doesn't make it ok. That doesn't help me see where you need more help. You'll have to retake the test another time. You're excused." Snow told her. The little girl scurried off, feeling lucky she only had to retake the test. Emma, meanwhile, shrank under her mom's stern gaze. Snow sighed and crouched so they were eye level. "Emma, what were you thinking?" Snow asked her daughter. She was pretty sure she knew the answer, but she had to hear it from Emma.

"Pamela always gets so upset during tests. She doesn't know the answers as well as everyone else. I didn't want her to feel upset anymore." Emma explained. Snow's heart melted. That's what she had thought. Snow tilted Emma's chin so they were looking at each other.

"Pamela had a different test from you." Snow explained. Emma's eyes widened in horror. "You were trying to help, but sometimes, you need to trust that the adults in charge already have a handle on the situation. I can't be mad at you for wanting to help out one of your peers. I can be disappointed that you thought cheating was the best way to help her. I think during golden time this week you can write me a letter explaining why that was the wrong choice." Snow told her. Emma nodded. That seemed fair. Snow then pulled her daughter into a tight hug and kissed the top of her head.

"What was that for?" Emma asked, voice muffled by her mom's tight hug. Snow smiled, kissing Emma again.

"For being the kindest, most big-hearted little girl I know. I'm proud of you." Snow told her. She had to be a teacher in school, and had to make sure Emma understood right from wrong as her mother. Part of that, to Snow, was understanding empathy and helping people when needed. Even if Emma didn't go about it the right way this time.