I was sitting in front of Archie, "Look, I have never done this type of thing before. I don't talk to people about the problems I have."

Archie nodded, "I know, but Regina suggested it would be good for you."

"I'm only here because Regina asked me to be."

"Anything we talk about will stay between us."

"Well, did she tell you about what happened?"

"Yes."

"I never thought of myself as being broken, you know? I had a hard childhood and even up until I turned twenty-eight. Henry coming into my life was a huge thing that I never expected. Now that I'm thirty-three, everything has changed."

I paused and Archie waited for me to continue.

"I was happy to come back. I was growing so much closer to Henry and Regina. Everything was perfect until Henry accidentally pushed me. He blames himself for it even though I told him it's not his fault. He got upset when I showed up out of the blue and I completely understand. He feels even more guilty after I lost the use of my arm."

I stared at my arm and sighed.

"It's very understandable that he would feel guilty. Regina told me that she noticed a big change after Dr. Whale gave you the bad news."

"I'm so useless now, Archie. I can't hug my son properly or hold Regina's hands! If I do feel anything in my arm, then it's just excruciating pain."

"Didn't Dr. Whale prescribe something for you?"

"Yeah, but I refused it. I couldn't after…"

"I understand, Emma."

I covered my face with my hands, "I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I can't be the Sheriff anymore. I can barely hold a damn fork. What's the point of me now?"

Archie leaned in closer, "Emma, you're not useless. Yes, your arm won't be able to function like normal, but that shouldn't ruin you."

"It already has."

"I know this is difficult to hear, but you can make it through this."

"Oh yeah? What do you know, Archie?" I uncovered my face shouted at him.

Archie didn't flinch when I shouted at him.

"Well, I know that you're a strong person and that you have been through very traumatic things. You have made it through all of them."

"The scars are really ugly too. Regina says that no matter what I'm beautiful, but I feel like she's lying to my face, even if I know she's telling the truth."

"It can be hard to accept the scars, both physical and mental."

"Why does she still want to be with me even after I'm so damaged?"

"Have you ever thought that she loves you for you? No matter what?"

I looked at the ground, "Not really."

"I know your parents are each other's true loves and I believe that you're Regina's just like she is yours."

"We have been dating for a while, you know."

"Everyone is cheering for you."

"Except my Mom."

"Snow is old fashion."

"So is Dad, but he at least he has made more than an effort! He supports us and everything."

"Let her come around on her own, Emma. You'll see, I think she will accept you two as a couple with time."

xxx

After my appointment with Archie, I ended up at the Sheriff's department, and let myself in.

My Dad was relaxing at his desk with his feet up and his eyes closed.

"Dad, you can't sleep on the job!"

He was startled awake, "Hey there, Emma. What's up?"

I sat down across from him, "I went to go see Archie."

He sat up straight, "So how did that go?"

"It went okay, I guess."

"I know that's not all, Kid."

"Why won't Mom accept me and Regina? Is it because she's a woman and because she's the former Evil Queen?"

"Probably both. You see, back in the Enchanted Forest, there weren't many same-sex couples. Everyone at that time was taught that it was wrong. I personally never believed that, but then again, I wasn't exactly raised as 'royalty' until much later."

"So you never had a problem with me and Regina?"

"No, the only thing I was concerned with was that she treated you the way you deserved to be treated. I did notice the change in her and that was what opened me up to you two being together. It makes sense you both share Henry and you've been living with them for quite some time."

"Dad, I'm head over heels in love with her."

My Dad grinned, "Anybody could see that."

"Except me, apparently."

"You're pretty oblivious to things."

"Haha."

"How's your arm?"

"Hurting like a bitch."

"Not taking the pain meds?"

"No, I can't, Dad."

He nodded, "If you're concerned about that, Regina can have them and give them out as needed. That way, you won't feel any pressure of that repeating itself."

"She deserves someone better than me, Dad."

"Why do you say that?"

"I'm...I'm useless."

"Emma, you're not useless. You're my baby girl and a Charming."

"But I can't do much with my one functioning arm!"

"Yes, you can do things, even without it working, Emma."

"What can I do?"

"You can love Henry and Regina with all your heart still. Think about it, you're still alive. Isn't that enough?"

I hadn't really thought of it that way. I had been so focused on feeling sorry for myself that I didn't think about the things that I was blessed with.

"What if it's not enough?"

"Emma, love is more than enough. Love can conquer anything. If Harry Potter's mother's love saved him from death, what do you think your love can do?"

"Dad, that's just a book."

"So? That still applies to you. Just hang in there."

He leaned over to kiss my cheek and I gave him a sad smile.

"Thanks, Dad."