Hi there, guys. Hope everyone has had a good week. This chapter is a little bit longer than usual just because you guys waited so patiently! Hope you like it. Also just a disclaimer I have no idea how the legal system works, so just bare with me for the next couple chapters and remember this is a work of fiction. Thanks for reading!
Previously...
"Henry's adoptive parents just died in a car crash and they had no other living relatives that can take care of him. He's about to go into the foster system," Regina tells her.
"What? Excuse me?" Emma asks, shocked. She blinks at Regina a few times, not really sure what is happening right now.
"Henry, he's going into the foster system," Regina says rather expectantly.
"Regina, you're looking at me like I can do something about it!" Emma raises her voice.
"You're his mo-" Regina starts and Emma stops her right there.
"No, I'm not. I gave up that right the moment his parents took him home," Emma snaps.
"That was true then, but now he has no one and is about to go into a system that is less than perfect," Regina snaps back. Emma throws her hands in the air.
"What can I even do?"
"I'm working with a family lawyer right now to see what can be done, but you could go meet him. I talked to the temporary foster home he's in and the foster mom there said you could visit if he's okay with it," Regina suggests and Emma's heart is hammering in her chest. She never thought she would be able to meet him. Emma had closed off that part of her heart years ago. She did it to protect herself. Now this boy, her little boy needs her. It's overwhelming and her head is spinning. She feels a hand on her shoulder and jumps at the contact. Killian is staring at her, concern in his gaze.
"Swan?" he asks her quietly. Now not only her head is spinning, but the room is spinning too. Emma grabs Killian's arm as her knees buckle beneath her, everything going black.
Panic raises through Killian as he takes Emma into his arms, not letting her fall to the ground.
"Regina, call a damn doctor and David too," Killian shouts over his shoulder. He carries Emma up to his room and lies her on his bed. He sits on the edge and kisses her head.
"Emma, my love," he whispers before pressing a kiss into her hand. After a few panic filled minutes (for Killian) Emma wakes up. She finds a concerned Killian sitting on the edge of the bed. Emma reaches up and touches his face.
"I'm okay, I'm okay," she whispers. Emma tries to lift her head, but finds the room spins once again. Emma lies back down.
"Yeah I'm not sure that's entirely true, my love. Especially when you fainted and I had to carry you upstairs," Killian tells her, clutching to her hand. Regina knocks on the door, but stay in the doorway.
"I called Whale, he can be here in a few minutes. The foster mom called back, Henry agreed to meet you," she tells them, looking between the two of them.
"Oh okay that's good. You called a doctor?" Emma sighs, looking to Killian.
"Thanks, Regina," Killian says. Regina nods and leaves them be.
"Of course I called a doctor you collapsed in my arms! Of course I called a doctor," a tone of desperation in his voice. She brings his hand to her lips and kisses it softly.
"I know, I'm sorry." Emma squeezes her eyes shut.
"You scared me there for a second, Emma. What happened?" He asks her, his hand still gripping hers tightly. Her eyelids flutter open and sighs.
"I got overwhelmed. Regina told me Henry's adoptive parents died and she thinks I should go meet him," Emma says nervously.
"Do you want to meet him?" Killian asks her, unsure.
"Of course I do. I just never thought I would be able to... what if he doesn't like me?" she asks him tearing up. Killian embraces her.
"Oh he'll love you. He might have a lot of questions at first, but he'll love you," He says softly. One of her tears spills down onto his shoulder.
"Jones, away from my patient. I need to examine her," Doctor Whale says from the doorway. The doctor is tall and thin with blond hair. He's wearing a nice suit and carrying a black leather bag. Killian kisses Emma's forehead and releases her.
"Still an ass I see, Whale," Killian mumbles as he moves aside.
"You pulled me away from dinner with a stunning redhead, what did you expect?" Whale says playfully, "Now, are you going to leave or what?" Whale raises an eyebrow.
"I'm staying," Killian says harshly.
"He can stay. It's fine," Emma says and tries to give him a reassuring smile.
"Alright, I'm going to take your vitals and then I'll have a few questions for you alright?" She nods. After completing his physical exam Whale perches himself on the edge of the bed while Killian paces behind him.
"It's Emma, right?" She nods, "We'll get the awkward ones out of the way first, when was your last menstrual cycle?" Killian's head snaps up and he looks to her with wide eyes. Emma just shakes her head.
"A week ago," she states.
"Alright, not pregnant. Any underlying medical conditions?" She shakes her head and he moves on.
"When was the last time you got a full night's sleep?" He asks her. Her shoulders slump at this question.
"What would you consider a full night's sleep?" she asks.
"Minimum eight hours," Whale answers quickly and Emma winces.
"Then it's been a couple of weeks," she admits. Whale sighs and she can feel Killian's glare without even looking at him.
"Then this all probably happened because of exhaustion and slight dehydration. Get some much needed rest and drink more water," Whale says as he gathers all his instruments back into his black bag, "Don't hesitate to call if anything else happens." He shakes Emma's hand and nods toward Killian before walking out.
"Emma," Killian starts.
"Killian," she says back.
"You need to take care of yourself," he says sitting back down on the bed.
"I know. We're just trying to finish filming and there were a lot of weird hours. I'll be fine," She says and tries to get up out of the bed. Killian places a hand on her shoulder.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"The whole thing with Henry. I should drive down to San Diego. Regina says she's working on the legality of this. I should be there," she explains.
"What good are you going to be to Henry if you can't even take care of yourself?" Killian snaps and she winces at this.
"He's right you know," David calls from the doorway with a worried Mary Margaret at his side. Emma's gaze finds them. David comes into the room and hugs her tightly. Mary Margaret practically shoves David out of the way to hug her.
"Also I don't want anymore phone calls saying you've collapsed. I have a kid on the way I don't need to be worried about my other kid too," he jokes, but holds her tightly.
"Ah well what are friends for," she chuckles as David finally releases her. David finally spots Killian there and gives him a nod.
"Not funny, Emma. We were seriously worried," Mary Margaret scolds her.
"I'll give you guys a minute," Killian kisses her forehead, "I'll grab you some water as well."
"Thanks," she smiles. David and Mary Margaret wait for him to leave before saying anything.
"Emma, what the hell?" he asks her. Mary Margaret places her hands on her hips.
"I just went through this with Killian, now I have to do it with you guys too?" she says throwing her head back.
"He's right you have to take care of yourself. Regina told us about Henry… what do you want to do?" Mary Margaret asks her.
"I have no clue what I can do. I just know I don't want him in foster care. I don't want him to end up like me. I don't want him to be alone," she admits.
"Maybe we should work on you getting him then," David says cautiously.
"But…." she shakes her head.
"But what?"
"What if he doesn't want me or he hates me?" she asks the question that's been eating away at her.
"Oh Emma no. You'll be a great mom. He'll love you, I promise. Right now he's alone and with you he won't be. This will be hard, but I believe in you," David says and a tear streaks down Emma's cheek.
"Thanks David." Emma wipes away the tear.
"Anytime. Now are you going to tell me what the doctor said?" Mary Margaret pesters her. Emma rolls her eyes.
"Exhaustion and dehydration," Killian says as he walks back into the room handing Emma a glass of water.
"You're drinking all of that," Mary Margaret tells her. Emma just grumbles cursing all of them before taking a sip.
"You're not driving to San Diego tonight either," Killian says with a warning tone.
"Oh so you're in charge of me now?" Emma snaps.
"Of course not, but you're in no shape to drive and if you're going to insist on making dumb decisions then yes I am going to stop you," Killian points out and Emma just rolls her eyes and drinks some more water.
"Ems, you know he's right," David says with a raised eyebrow.
"Fine, but I'm going first thing tomorrow."
"I expected nothing less from you. Look, I'll take you in the morning. Don't argue I don't want to worry about you on the road," David tells her and Emma nods. Mary Margaret hugs her tight then they say their goodbyes and the married couple leaves.
"Is everyone still downstairs?" Emma asks.
"Regina and obviously Liam are still here. Do you want to talk to Regina about Henry?" he asks and she nods. He kisses her head before going downstairs. A couple minutes later Killian reappears with Regina at his side.
"You're looking better Miss Swan," Regina says.
"Thank you. I don't want Henry in the system. I did that and I don't want that for him, I never did. That's why we arranged a private adoption. I want him with me. He shouldn't be alone out there. Do you think you and your family lawyer can help me do that?" she asks carefully, not wanting to get her hopes up.
"We can try our best. Get some rest and we'll make a plan in the morning," Regina tells her.
"Thank you," Emma says and Regina nods before leaving. Killian stares at Emma in awe.
"Do you think I am crazy for trying to get him back?" Emma asks and Killian climbs into bed with her.
"No, not at all. He deserves to have a family, someone who cares for him. He deserves you," Killian says while bringing her into his arms. Emma buries her head into his chest and it doesn't take long for sleep to overcome her.
Despite all the sleep she got last night Emma falls asleep in the car too. She rubs the sleep out of her eyes sitting up in the passenger seat.
"Shit, are we there yet?" Emma asks David.
"No, about an hour out. You slept for a while there. Ems, why didn't you tell me things were so bad with Zelena?" David says flipping on the turn signal on before merging.
"Hell cause I barely noticed it was bad. I was either on set or in my hotel room asleep then back to set. I didn't have many days off or down time, which I didn't mind. I wanted to get back here, back to Killian," she shakes her head.
"I didn't realize things with him were so serious. I knew both of you had developed feelings, but I didn't think it was anything like this," he says, carefully.
"Is that a bad thing?" Emma asks starting to get defensive.
"No, of course not. You're happy and that's all I want for you. It was just an observation," he shrugs. For the first time in a while she was happy and it was different for her. It was wonderful to spend the night in Killian's arms, to be with him when she woke up. It hurt to leave him this morning.
"Emma, I'll take you down there you shouldn't do this alone," Killian tells her at breakfast. Regina scoffs.
"You can't, you have rehearsal and with the tour around the corner you cannot miss any rehearsals," Regina said with a point look before her gaze returns to her phone.
"Regina's right. Besides you should be spending time with Liam anyway. David called and he's offered to drive me there," she pulls him away from Regina, "I love how supportive you are, but I think this is just something I need to do on my own." Her eyes searching his for disappointment, she never finds it.
"I understand completely. I just want you know I'm here," he whispers before pressing a kiss into her forehead.
"I know you are. I love you," she whispers.
"I love you too," he says with a smile on his face. Emma didn't want to leave him this morning. She has to do this, but she just got back. Emma didn't want to leave him again.
"Have you figured out what to say to Henry?" David asks her, breaking her train of thought.
"Not really. I thought I would just say what felt right in the moment," Emma shrugs. David just gives her a look that can only be understood as you-cannot-possibly-be-this-stupid.
"What?" she asks.
"Emma, no you need to come up with something, hell anything," David says with a stern look.
"That I'm his mother and I don't want him in the foster system," she sighs. David can be an ass sometimes.
"What about when he asks why you haven't been around," David says and Emma winces at this.
"David, do you have a problem with all of this because now would be the time to say something," Emma says clenching her fists.
"No, but perhaps you haven't exactly thought this through," he points out.
"No, I have. He will not be subjected to hells of the foster system like I was. It may seem rushed, but goddamn if I can help his pain be a little bit less than so be it," she snaps at him. Knowing he's crossed a line David simply nods and shuts his mouth. The car ride from there is mostly silent.
The house mother at the foster home is waiting for Emma when she gets there. David stays in the car waiting for her.
"You must be Miss Swan. I'm Mrs. Scott," the elderly woman with gray hair greets her.
"Nice to meet you," Emma nods as the woman lets her into the house.
"You as well dear. Henry is in through the living room here," She says as she guides Emma into the living room. Henry has brown shaggy hair, brown eyes, and a round face. Emma's heart skips a beat, he's absolutely perfect. He is patiently waiting on an old brown couch, the room smelling musty with a bookshelf against one wall. Emma's left speechless at the sight of him.
"I'll give you two some time," Mrs. Scott says before leaving the room. Emma turns back to Henry who she finds is taking her in.
"You're my biological mom?" he asks her.
"Yes, I am," she says moving closer and sitting on the opposite end of couch.
"I mean I knew it was you before you know…" Henry trails off, his gaze unfocused, "They told me and Dad actually really liked your movies." He says tearing up a bit.
"That's pretty cool, did you watch them with your dad?" she asks, unsure of what else to say. He shakes his head quickly.
"No, Mom said I wasn't old enough, but one time Dad let me watch one. You were really good in it," Henry tells her.
"Thanks, kid. What do you like to do outside school?" she asks, wanting to know more about him.
"I really like comic books and soccer. Are you really dating Killian Jones?!" He asks excitedly.
"What- how do you?" she asks surprised, a smile spreading across her face.
"It's been all over the tabloids and stuff. Mom always pretended she didn't read that stuff, but I always caught her looking in line at the grocery store," he shrugs. When she looks at him she can see the hurt in his eyes, the pain of losing someone. How it can tear you apart from the inside. Emma wishes he never had to know that pain.
"Killian and I are dating," she nods and Henry smiles, which might be the best thing in the world.
"That's so cool! Dad and I liked to listen to Black Sails together. He was starting to show me bands he liked," Henry says sadly. This time the tears fall freely down his cheeks. Without even thinking about it Emma pulls him into a hug, letting her thin sweater soak up the tears. She rubs his back.
"I know it hurts, kid. It's okay to cry," she whispers to him. Henry cries for a few minutes before the tears stop and his breathing slows down. Emma finds some tissues on the coffee table and hands him some. Henry dries his face and blows his nose.
"When Mrs. Scott asked me if I wanted to meet you she mentioned that you want me to live with you… Is that true?" he asks unsure.
"I would like to, but only if that's what you want," she tells him.
"I-" he starts, but then Mrs. Scott walks back in.
"I'm sorry to interrupt Miss Swan, but dinner is starting here shortly and I have other kids to feed besides Henry here. You're more than welcome to come back tomorrow," the elderly lady says curtly. Emma looks to Henry and sees the disappointed look on his face. She wants to stay and finish their conversation.
"Hey kid, I'll be back tomorrow and we'll talk some more. When do you get out of school?" she asks him.
"Three o'clock," he tells her. Henry's face lighting up with a smile. She wants that smile to always be there.
"Then I'll be here," she smiles back.
"Go wash up, Henry. Dinner will be ready shortly," Mrs. Scott orders him. He frowns, but waves goodbye to Emma before running off.
"Miss Swan," Mrs. Scott prompts her. Emma stands and Mrs. Scott escorts her out of the house. Once the door shuts and the lock slides into place Emma stops holding back her tears. They flow freely down her face. Emma walks quickly over towards where David parked the car and slides into the passenger seat.
"Drive," Emma says through her tears. David hurriedly starts the car and drives off.
After a couple minutes of silence David speaks, "Did it not go well?" The concern apparent in his voice.
"No it did. I just didn't want him to see me crying through the window or something," she says while drying her eyes, "David, I have to get him out of there. He's a sweet, kind kid. He needs a parent. Not a house where he's just another kid there," She takes a deep breath in order to calm herself.
"Ems, we are doing everything we can in order for you to be his parent," David reassures her.
"I know," she nods, looking at the scenery pass them by as they pass through the streets of San Diego.
"I thought you'd stay longer," he comments.
"They were about to have dinner. I'm going back tomorrow when he gets out of school," she tells him.
"That will be really good. I know I didn't seem supportive earlier, but I do think this is a good thing," she smiles appreciatively, "I got us a couple of hotel rooms for a few nights. I think you should go get some rest and I'll find out what progress Regina has made," David informs her. Emma nods. She could definitely use a nap right about now, despite having a full nights sleep.
After crawling into bed at the hotel Emma can't seem to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. She pulls out her phone and calls Killian. After a few rings in he picks up, "Hello, my love," his voice fills her ear causing her to smile.
"Hi there," she says, her voice a little nasally from crying.
"How did it go?" he asks, concerned.
"Killian, he's a great kid. He shouldn't be there. He deserves a good home," she sighs.
"Of course he does. I have no doubt he'll get that with you," Killian reassures her. Emma hears some shouting in the background.
"Did I interrupt rehearsal? Do you need to go?" she asks.
"No, they knew I was waiting for your call. It's just Will being his usual charming self. We have a few minutes," he tells her. She shifts her phone to her other ear.
"No, I should let you go," she says, feeling guilty.
"Definitely not. Don't tell Regina, but I don't give a damn about rehearsal. You're more important," he tells her. A slight blush creeps into her cheeks.
"I definitely won't tell Regina. She'll have your head for that," she chuckles softly.
"What's he like?" Killian asks.
"He's kind and curious. He likes comics, soccer, and you," Emma says, waiting for his reaction.
"Me?"
"Apparently his dad introduced him to Black Sails," she says, sadness creeping into her voice.
"Oh gods, Emma," Killian says, his voice cracking.
"I know. He cried and I couldn't help, but to pull him into my arms. I don't know how to help him exactly, but I can't stand the thought of him alone in the world," she explains tears welling in her eyes again.
"He's not alone. The lad has you," he says, his voice wavering slightly. There's another shout in the background.
"I'm afraid I have to go now, my love," he sighs.
"I understand."
"I'll call you tonight. I love you," he says, sweetly.
"I love you too. We'll talk later," she smiles. They exchange goodbyes and hang up. Emma drifts off to sleep shortly after.
After being able to sleep for a few hours calls Mary Margaret.
"Oh Emma, I wish I was there," Mary Margaret says the moment she picks up the phone.
"I know you would be, if you could. You've got to be on set. Although I thought David said you were quitting or something," Emma says sitting up in bed.
"I'm not, David wants me to quit. I'm not an invalid, I'm pregnant. Anyway I'd get bored all day at home," she scoffs.
"You do what you think is best. David just worries about you," Emma reminds her.
"I know, but this is the twenty first century rest isn't necessary and children are expensive. Don't get me wrong I am so excited to meet this little boy or girl, but they are going to be expensive. Also I like my job," Mary Margaret rants on. Emma lets her go on sensing her friend needs to get this out.
"I can't imagine not working and you like to keep busy," Emma adds on.
"Exactly, see you get it. Anyway, this is not why you called. You called to talk about Henry," Mary Margaret says waiting expectantly. She's done this before she will wait all day for Emma to say what's on her mind. Mary Margaret is fully aware that Emma hates when she does this. Emma sighs knowing she should just spit it out.
"What if I'm not a good mother? I mean I gave him up," Emma says rather quickly. Mary Margaret scoffs.
"Oh Emma. No, you're going to be a great mother. You've already made sacrifices for him," Mary Margaret reminds her.
"What?"
"Emma, you gave him up for a better life. You had no idea you'd have money and fame when you were a scared eighteen year old. You put aside your feelings for his well being. You did what was best for him, not you. I don't know what else could make you a better mother. This will be a huge adjustment, but I know you'll be able to do it," Mary Margaret says, full of hope. Speeches like this are her speciality.
"Thank you. Seeing him, god it brought up all the fears I had when I was pregnant with him," she whispers.
"I have no doubt it did. Emma, he needs someone in his corner and right now it's you. We will be there with you every step of the way," Mary Margaret tells her.
"Thank you," Emma mumbles.
"Of course, that's what family is for," Mary Margaret tells her. Soon after Mary Margaret is called back to set and has to go. They exchange goodbyes and hang up. Emma lies back in bed, thinking over what Mary Margaret said to her.
Emma waits for Henry on the porch of the foster home after school the next day. David was dealing with some legalities for her so she could spend time with Henry.
When Henry spots her he runs up the porch and crashes into her with a hug. She releases a grunt at the impact.
"Hey there, kid. How was school?" she asks him as he pulls back.
"Pretty much the same, nothing great," he shrugs, before plopping into the porch swing. She joins him, the swing swaying softly.
"What about your friends?" she asks, curious. Henry's smile fades and his head drops.
"I don't have a lot of those," he mumbles. Emma bumps her shoulder with his.
"I never did either. I just didn't quite fit in anywhere I went," she tells him.
"They think I'm weird, I think it's cause I'm adopted," he tells her, a certain understanding in his eyes.
"Kids aren't always nice about things like that," she shrugs, "I know we didn't get to finish our talk yesterday, did you have any questions for me?" Emma asks her green eyes searching his brown ones.
"Do you really want me to live with you?" he asks her.
"Yeah I really do," she nods.
"Then why did you give me up for adoption in the first place?" he asks and it definitely takes her by surprise. She sucks in a deep breath before answering. She knew this would come up at one point, she just didn't think it would come up now.
"When I was pregnant with you I was beyond broke and hadn't starred in a single movie. I was about to stop trying to be an actor. As much as I wanted to keep you I knew that I couldn't give you everything you deserved in this world, but I found your parents and they could do that for you. I didn't want to do it, but it was what was best for you," she says, honestly.
"It's not because you didn't love me?" Henry asks her.
"Oh no, Henry not at all. I love you so much and I knew I couldn't care for you like you needed," she says bringing him into her arms. Henry stayed there for a long time and cried.