Chapter 17

Regina stood staring down from the hospital's observatory room. The hospital's chief surgeon allowed her to watch as a professional courtesy. She was reluctant, but she knew it was the closest they would let her get. This was the moment she wished she had become a surgeon rather than going into general medicine.

She wiped a stray tear as she watched the team of doctors attempt to stitch up the nearly impossible lacerations. Why hadn't she known her best friend was in such a bad state? Kathryn had seemed fine until those damned detectives came around. She had gone back to work, and she was starting to smile again.

Regina sighed. The blonde must have been putting on a show. But she was her best friend, she should have known, right? She had been so worried about herself she hadn't even noticed that her best friend was in trouble.

"Hey princess." Her father's voice pulled her from her thoughts and she turned towards the door. He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.

They met each other in the middle of the room and he wrapped his arms around her. As she buried her face in her father's chest, she couldn't hold back her tears, "This is all my fault."

Her father tightened his arm and chuckled softly, "No honey, it's not."

The brunette pulled away, looking up at her father's face, "I should have been with her. I should have known things were getting worse."

"Regina, listen to yourself. You have been by your friend's side the entire time. You have been doing everything you can to help her. The rest is up to her, and you're not a psychic, so, there was no way of knowing this would happen." Her father said.

Regina wiped her face, "I shouldn't have been distracted by…" She let her words die off.

"By Emma?" Her father asked softly.

Her eyes moved to the brown ones of her father's, but she didn't respond.

"It's not Emma's fault either. Stop trying to assign blame." He said.

Regina pushed back from him, "What the hell am I supposed to do? My best friend could have died tonight, hell, she still could." She gestured towards the observation glass with her hand. She hadn't realized how hard she had snapped at him until she could see the concern in his eyes.

"Regina, I love Kathryn as if she were my own daughter, you know that." He waited for his daughter to acknowledge his words, once she nodded her head, he continued, "What happened to both you and Kathryn..." He put his finger up to stop his daughter from saying who had it worse, "It wasn't Emma's fault. It wasn't your fault and it wasn't Kathryn's fault. It was and is the fault of those men who actually took part. All we can do now is to offer Kathryn all the support we can and continue to let her know that she isn't alone in this."

Regina turned back to the observation window and looked down at her friend. The doctors were still working hard. Pints of blood were hanging from the IV racks. All she could do now was pray. Henry popped into her mind.

"Where's Henry? I thought he was with you." She said fear rising.

"Calm down. He's in the waiting room with Emma." Her father said.

Regina narrowed her eyes, "I told Emma to take him to you."

"Did you actually think your son, a spitting image of you, I might add, would go along with that plan?" The man chuckled.

"He has school in the morning." She said absentmindedly.

"I'm thinking he will have a good excuse for not being there." Henry walked over to where his daughter stood and peered down at the busy medical staff, "Before you go blaming Emma, you should know she called me. I told her I would meet them here. Henry wanted to be here, Regina."

"He shouldn't have to see this." She nearly whispered.

"There are a lot of things Henry shouldn't have seen in his short life, but your son is strong and he is smart. He's probably the smartest out of all of us." Her father chuckled again, "If I had made him sit at home, he would have sneaked out anyways. He gets that from you, you know?"

Regina's mouth fell open, "I never snuck out in my life. I wanted to a few times, but I never did."

A full laugh erupted from the old man, "No, but he is as stubborn as you are."

Regina couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her lips. It was short, but it was genuine nonetheless. She glanced down at her watch, "They haven't even finished the sutures yet. It will probably be another hour or so before the operation is finished and another hour after that before they allow anyone to see her."

Dr. Mills reached out and patted his daughter's arm, "Go check on Henry. I'll stay here. If there are any changes, I'll come to get you."

Regina hesitated. She didn't want this to be the last time she saw her friend. These doctors were in full control and the chances of anything happening were very low. She nodded her head in agreement, "Okay."

Her father kissed her lightly on the forehead and she turned, leaving him in the room. She was well aware that the only people truly responsible for what happened were the men who drugged and raped Kathryn.

She stepped to the side of the brightly lit hallway to allow rushing staff members to pass, undoubtedly on their way to one of the other operating rooms. Regina remembered when she first started med school that she wanted to be a surgeon. She was quick to change her mind after one week of interning in the ER. She hadn't lost any patients, but the job was intense and emotionally draining. She couldn't imagine what would have happened if she lost a patient, so instead, she followed her father's footsteps and went into general medicine.

Regina pushed through the large double doors that divided the Emergency waiting room from the operating wing. Usually, the waiting room was packed this time of night, but surprisingly, there were only a handful of people.

She stopped in her tracks at the sight she found in the waiting room chairs near the vending machine sign. Emma sat with her legs crossed at the knee, a magazine in one hand and a sleepy 9-year old tucked in snugly against her side. The blonde pointed to something on the page and Henry giggled. Regina slowed her pace as she came closer, curious as to what was going on.

"Those are not cool clothes, Em," Henry said.

"You don't think so? What about his hair, it's a cool cut." The blonde said sarcastically.

Henry let out another giggle, "No it isn't. He looks like he cut his own hair."

"Oh yeah, well I bet he gets all the girls…" Emma stopped when she noticed the brunette and quickly sat up.

"I didn't mean to interrupt. I just came to check on Henry," Regina said wrapping her arms around her middle.

Henry sat up and Emma stood, fidgeting with her hands, "You didn't. We were just messing around. How is she?" She tossed the magazine down into the chair behind her.

Regina bit her lip as her son slid out of his chair and put his arms around her waist, "She's still in surgery, my dad said he would let me know if anything changed."

She pulled Henry away and bent down on one knee so she was on his level, "You saved your Aunt Kathryn's life."

"Why did she do that," A timid voice asked?

Regina glanced up at the blonde and then back to her son, "Well…" She wasn't sure how to explain it. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to push her tears away.

"She's having a hard time kid." Emma's voice drew her back to the present.

The blonde knelt down beside her, "Bad things happened to her and she feels like she's alone."

"She not alone. She had us, right?" Henry peered up at his mother questionably.

Regina could see the way her son was fighting to understand, "She does have us, but sometimes that's not always enough for people who have been through trauma like Kathryn."

Henry stared down at the thin worn carpet for a second as if thinking. He frowned, "Does that mean you are going to kill yourselves?"

Emma was the first to respond, "What? No." Green eyes met Regina's and she spoke again, "Henry, buddy, look at me." She took the kid by the shoulders, "Your mom loves you, and she would never leave you like that."

"But your mom left you." Henry countered.

Regina's heart clenched, but to her surprise, Emma continued, "My mom was in a bad place when she did what she did." The blonde's voice cracked, "Your mom is strong, and fights every single day."

The brunette could see the water pooling in the other woman's eyes, "Henry, honey, I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me."

Henry smiled and wrapped his arms around his mother's neck. She suddenly had a glimpse of what Emma must have felt when her mom died. She could never leave her son like that. She had wanted to run away from her marriage at least a hundred times, but she always thought of her son first and the one time she thought of taking her life it was only for a brief second before Henry's face came into her mind.

"Well, they've finished surgery and she is stable," her father said from behind her. She rose, picking the boy up with her. "They are going to keep an eye on her for a couple of hours before they put her in a room."

Regina figured that was what they would do. Emma had walked away. She was turned so the brunette couldn't see her face, but she knew the younger woman was affected by the previous conversation.

"Let me take Henry home. You can call me if anything changes." Dr. Mills said.

"But I don't want to go home. I want to stay here and wait for Aunt Kathryn to wake up." Henry whined.

"I will call when she wakes up. And Grandpa will bring you first thing in the morning." Regina said to the boy in her arms.

"But I have to go to school." He tilted his head.

"Honey it's late. You may have to miss school. I can go by and pick up your homework from Mrs. Blue tomorrow afternoon," Regina smiled softly.

"But the talent show is tomorrow. If I miss school, I won't be able to perform it," his voice rose.

"Hey, I'll tell you what. How about we see how you feel in the morning if you feel okay then I'll take you to school," her father said.

Henry nodded his head in agreement and slipped from his mother's arms, "Emma?"

The brunette observed the blonde. She looked like she may have wiped a tear before she turned, "Yeah kid?"

"Will you come tomorrow night," his voice was shy as if he was expecting her to refuse.

"You just have to tell me the time and place." Her mouth curled at the edges and the sadness her eyes displayed only moments ago was now matching her lips.

The grin that washed across her son's face was breathtaking, "I'll text you." He hugged his mother again, "Goodnight mom."

He ran over to Emma and motioned for her to bend down. He whispered something in her ear and then trotted back to his grandfather calling over his shoulder, "Later gator."

"After while crocodile," the blonde said with a blush evident in her cheeks.

Regina was curious as to what the boy had said, but wouldn't ask. She watched the only two men that mattered in her life walk out and she spun to face the blonde. Now that there were no distractions, she had no idea what to say.

Clearly, the blonde was having the same trouble. She fidgeted with her hand and looked everywhere except at Regina. She hated that this had gotten awkward and hoped it wasn't because of the kiss, "Do you want to join me in the cafeteria for some coffee?" She didn't want to leave the waiting area, but she was afraid the blonde would leave if she didn't think of something.

"Sure." She smiled.

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Emma sipped her coffee in silence as she watched the brunette across from her. Regina hadn't said anything to her aside from thanking you when the blonde passed her the cream. Staying stuck in their heads at this moment probably wasn't a good idea.

Emma cleared her throat, "Henry will do really well at the talent show."

Brown eyes flicked up to hers, "Henry's always had a natural ability when it came to the piano."

The blonde nodded, "Yeah I can see that." She laughed, "He wasn't too thrilled with the song choice though."

"Why are they playing it if he doesn't like it?" Regina raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

Emma shrugged, "I tried to get him to tell her he didn't like it, but he likes her more than he dislikes the song." She chuckled lightly taking another sip from the paper cup.

The brunette looked away with a slight pink hue to her cheeks, "I wasn't even aware he was still playing. I guess Robin's been forcing him behind my back."

Emma shook her head, "No, actually. He said that he's been practicing with Dr. Mills and at school. Robin doesn't know he still plays or doesn't care, either way, Henry says he enjoys it now."

Relief crossed the older woman's face, "Really?" It was more of a rhetorical question so Emma just nodded her head.

Emma caught Regina chewing her bottom lip out of the corner of her eye. Surely the woman wasn't uncomfortable around her. She thought about what Henry whispered in her ear, 'I told you my mom likes you.'

"Henry says you play." It was a statement more than a question.

Emma rubbed her hands down the thighs of her jeans, "I used to."

The brunette sat sideways in her chair and crossed her legs at the knee, "So you took lessons?"

The blonde wasn't sure how she felt about the questions, but she sat up straighter in a seat, "I started playing the piano when I was young. My father thought that all little girls should have classical training." She glanced up at the woman across from her expecting a bored expression, instead, the woman sat forward placing her elbows on the table. "It's not that interesting, really."

Regina's chocolate orbs bore into her, "I want to hear it."

Emma didn't open up to people well and she had never told another person this story. She licked her lips, "I was like Henry, I think. My dad made me practice every day and I hated it. When he went out of town, my mom would ask me to play for her. I thought it was because of him." She paused again, swallowing the lump in her throat, "Of course at the beginning that was why, but after a while, my mom would request songs. When she got sick," Emma voice crack and her eyes stung, "I mean when the depression came, it was the only time she seemed to smile." The blonde rolled her eyes in an attempt to keep the tears at bay.

"When did you stop playing?" The brunette's voice was gentle and Emma returned her gaze.

"Umm, right after college." The younger woman took another sip from her cup.

Regina looked at her with curiosity, "Why then? I mean if you were able to graduate college, why stop?"

Emma ran a hand through her long blonde hair, "I don't know. I guess the reality of my life didn't fully hit me until then."

Regina bit her lip, "The reality of your life?"

Emma blew out a breath, "Yeah. Everyone around me was excited to finally graduate and ready to go out and be adults. Which I was too, but then they all talked about taking a break before heading out into the world. I guess most of their parents' had planned extravagant vacations and stuff." She rubbed her neck, "I had no one to go home to. You've met my father, so you know there was no love lost there. August and I have never been close, and he was too busy trying to please father." She took a shaky breath, "My brother Will and I were close, but he didn't want me to go back. Of course, then I thought it was because he didn't want me either. Now I know it was because he thought he was doing the right thing." She gave a hollow laugh. Suddenly she was afraid to look into the older woman's eyes. She was afraid she would find pity, she wiped her mouth, "Anyways, I stopped playing and you've seen the tabloids."

There was a long intense silence that fell between them before Regina spoke, "Where did you go to school?"

Emma glanced up, "Baylor."

Regina looked surprised, "Baylor has a music department?"

"Yeah, actually. I didn't know either until I was offered a scholarship." She said lowering her eyes again, "Being a music major isn't comparable to being a doctor though."

"Music can be just as important." The brunette replied sipping from her cup.

Emma shook her head, "Music doesn't help people who are sick and dying, so no, it's not just as important."

"It made your mom smile." Regina's voice was soft.

The blonde meet the other woman's gaze again, this time holding it. She had only ever seen the bad she had done in her life and all of the bad things that had been done to her. She never looked at anything with optimism, but here was this beautiful woman telling her a different story. The same woman who had once put her in the same category as her father. Her stomach fluttered causing her to lower her eyes. She had never met anyone like her.

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Henry paced the small walkway behind the stage. There was still time, where was she? He glanced down at his phone. The time reads 6:45, the show started at 6:00.

His palms were sweaty, he hadn't performed in front of a group since he was little and even then it just a few people. Henry walked around to the edge of the stage and peered out. The auditorium was filled. He spotted his Grandfather who sat in the center row with two empty seats on either side of him. Of course, his Grandfather would be there.

The boy rubbed his hands together as he moved back to the walkway. He didn't even know why he was bothering with this. His Mom and Aunt Kathryn wouldn't be here. He didn't even bother telling his father, and Emma said she was coming, but she had to finish up some things at the club first. He figured something must have happened because she hadn't shown. Violet had texted him to let him know she was on her way, but they were stuck in traffic on I-10.

"Hey, kid." He spun around to find Emma.

"You made it!" He beamed.

"I told you I would be here." She walked closer, "You okay?"

"Yeah, fine." His smile faltered.

Emma reached into her dress pants pocket and pulled out a silk handkerchief, "Here, you might want to wipe that sweat off your forehead." She nudged him playfully, "You're going to do great. There's no reason to be nervous."

He passed her his phone to show Violet's message. The blonde looked at it and grimaced, "Well, that could be a problem. There's a five-car pile-up and it may be hours before it's cleared for cars to make it through."

Henry's face fell, "Seriously? Man, why did I even come?"

"Go out there and play the song as a solo." Emma shrugged.

"I can't do that. It's supposed to be a duet, and besides, I don't even want to play the song. It's not like mom is here to see me anyways." Henry huffed.

Emma walked over to the edge of the curtain and glanced out, "You may want to rethink that kid, your mom just got here."

Henry's eyes widened and if that was even possible his hands had magically sprung a leak, "I can't do this Emma. What if I mess up? Everyone will laugh at me. I was only pretending to be brave for Violet."

Emma's hand grabbed his shoulders, "Calm down and breathe. No one is going to laugh at you. Kid, do you even realize how good you are?"

He couldn't concentrate on her words. All he could see in his head were the two boys who bullied him laughing. An image of his father sporting a look of disgust on his face flashed through his mind.

The McAlley twins were nearing the end of their rope jumping act which meant one thing. Henry was next. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath, "We can just tell them something came up. I had to go back to the hospital or something."

Emma laughed, "Henry, it's going to be okay. You can do this. I know you can."

"No, I can't. Emma please, just tell them…" His words were drowned out by Mrs. Blue's voice that boomed out of the speakers, "Let's give a big round of applause for the Sarah and Natalie." Applause filled the auditorium and Henry swallowed, "Next up, Henry Locksley and Violet Arthur, playing…" Her words stopped and Henry glanced around the curtain.

Someone whispered into Mrs. Blue's ear, "If you all will be patient for one moment, we will continue with the show." She hurried off the stage only to come through the stage door moments later, " I just got word that Violet won't be able to make, I'm very sorry."

"He's still going on," Emma announced.

"Oh?" Mrs. Blue smiled.

Henry flashed his eyes from Emma to Mrs. Blue but was unable to speak.

"Yeah. He's going to perform a solo." The blonde said with confidence.

"That's wonderful. I was worried we would have to end the show early since you were the last act." I will go inform the audience.

The boy's heart was about to beat out of his chest, and for a moment he thought he might pass out. He blew out a shaky breath. He had to go on now or he would let Emma down.

Mrs. Blue's voice came over the speaker again, "Slight change in the program folks. It appears Miss Violet Arthur will not be joining us this evening. Henry will be performing a solo instead. With no further delay, this is Henry Locksley playing Let it go."

The audience clapped loudly and Henry gave one last fearful look at the blonde.

"You got this kid." She said patting him on the arm.

He nodded his head up and down and headed for the stage.

He walked stiffly to the first piano on the stage. He climbed up onto the bench and glanced back at the empty one behind him. What had he gotten himself into? Henry took one look out into the audience finding his mother. She smiled brightly and he swallowed.

His hand moved up to the keys and he took a breath, but nothing happened, "Come on Henry, you can do this." He whispered to himself. His finger started playing the first notes of the song, but only to fumble horribly over them. He stopped again. No, he couldn't do this. He needed to leave. He should have listened to his mother and stayed home today.

Just as he dropped his hands away from the keys, a familiar song began floating through the air. Confusion clouded him and he glanced back at the piano behind him. It was Emma playing You're Beautiful, just as she had two days ago. He stared at her dumbstruck. She tilted her head forward as she mouthed the word, "Go on."

Henry snapped out of it and spun back to face the keys. Without a second thought, his fingers found their way to the ivory and began playing each note smoothly. Emma played her notes in a lower key and he knew it so he would stand out.

Henry looked back towards his mother. She was just as in awe as he had been, but she managed to smile with watery eyes. The auditorium was silent except for the music that drifted through the crowd. All eyes were on him and he suddenly found that he didn't care. With Emma by his side, he could do anything.