Family is Forever

Wow I can't believe it, over a hundred reviews after just the first six chapters. I am stunned and blown away! You guys are simply amazing, thank you so much for the inspiring comments!

Chapter 7

It had become dark and once again I didn't finish dialing Ginnifer's number. Every time I started dialing her number I kept trying to see what I would say to her. When I really started to think about what I was trying to do, my mind was screaming at the insanity that I was attempting.

I mean here I am some foster child that was about to cry to a celebrity and practically beg her to let me sleep over, even though we barely knew each other! I know the actress said that I could call her at any time, but, but what if she thought I was taking advantage of her generosity? I suddenly found myself not wanting this actress to hate me. I still hated celebrities, but this one just seemed to keep calling to my aching soul. I sighed and put the cell phone away; finally deciding that calling her this late would only make me sound annoying and needy. The rain had stopped long ago and I let my hoodie down so that my hair could fall down freely as I placed my headphones into my ears and begin listening to Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne on my way back home. I knew that once I return I was probably forfeiting my life, but I couldn't burden my problems onto someone like Ginnifer Goodwin. The woman maybe an actress, but she was too kind to deserve to see my dark world. I wasn't exactly sure what would happen to me when I made it back to the house, but all I could think about was wishing that I had a mother that was kind and warm like the actress I got to meet today.

All too soon the house came into view and Dayne's truck sat in front of the home, almost mocking me silently. My heart was racing and each step towards the front door felt like it had been the longest walk of my life. I removed my headphone and placed them along with my IPod back into my pocket and slowly open the doorway to hell. When I walked inside the place was hauntingly quiet.

I glanced over to the stairs that could lead me to sanctuary up to my room. If I could just make it to my room, then I could lock the door and be safe for the night at least. With determination flowing through my weak body I silently crept my way to the stairs. I was so close that hope washed over me as I nearly made it up the first step. But in a fast movement I suddenly felt someone grab my hoodie and threw me back harshly. I folded my arms over my head as my body rolled over until my back slammed into the wall loudly. I couldn't stop the painful cry that escaped from me. My misty green eyes looked up in horror at a very pissed off Dayne. I wanted to beg him to let me go, to show me some mercy, but my body was in complete shock with fear.

"You have got some nerve to come running back here after you ran out on my wife while she was trying to discipline you!" he yelled. His voice was dark and completely void of any human emotion.

My body flinched in fear and I whimpered at the pain that shot through my body like a burning fire. He knelt down to my level as his dark eyes locked onto mine.

"Once I'm through with you, I want you out of my house for good" he spat. He slowly stood back up as the tears threaten to fall from my already clouded eyes. I already knew what was coming, but my mind was begging for darkness to take me away. He harshly begins to kick me in the stomach, hitting my already broken ribs and I couldn't help but cry out in agony. Every strike felt like a knife gutting me into my skin over and over again. I cried more than I had ever cried in my life I think tonight. He kept striking me with no sense of mercy coming from him. I wasn't sure how much time passed, it felt like an endless nightmare without a single light of hope coming my way.

Eventually Dayne finally stopped the abuse, but not for long. He forced me to sit up as tears fell freely down my stained tear cheeks. He grinned at me wickedly and before I knew it, he was forcing his lips on to mine! He reeked of cigarettes and alcohol. This wasn't the first time a man has forced his lips onto me, but I fought with whatever strength I could find with my small body. I shoved my arms against his chest, desperately trying to push the giant man away from me but it only made him become more violent towards me. He shoved his tongue into my mouth as I tried not to gag while he explored my mouth with his disgusting tongue. I felt his hand going up my shirt while I continue to try and get him off me. I was crying so much so that my body was shaking in horror and disgust as his hands kept going further and further towards my breast. I wanted to scream; I needed to breath and was quickly losing air. He squeezed my right breast hard and finally removed his mouth from mine as I cried out in pain.

"I bet you like that didn't you, you slut" he mocked cruelly.

I couldn't speak, all I could do was let the tears fall in agony knowing that no one was ever going to save me.

"Lucky for you I don't fuck slutty minors" he spat. He finally stood up, looking down at me like I was dirt as my broken body continued to shake. "I want you and your things out of here in no more than thirty minutes or I'll throw you out myself" he warned.

I wanted to move, I begged my body to get and run away but everything hurt. Dayne left me alone and headed for the living room to watch the television with his wife, who had ignored my painful cries without care. Where would I go, I had no place else to turn to, no one to save me. I weakly leaned against the wall in order to help pull myself off the ground. I whimpered in agony and had to let my body catch its breath once I was finally able to somehow get myself standing. Going up the stairs was going to be pure hell, but there was one thing that I just couldn't leave behind. It was the only thing that my birth parents left me, a baby blanket with my name on it. It was a hand-made pink blanket, and the only shred of proof that showed my parents may have wanted me. I couldn't leave it here with these horrid people! Despite the pain waves shooting through my body I slowly made my way up the stars, while having to use the stair handles to keep my body from falling. Once I finally made it to my room I grabbed the baby blanked that hid safely under my pillow and brought it close to my heart crying softly as I tried to picture a place away from all this pain. Other than a few pair of clothes, my phone, my IPod, a tooth brush, and my baby blanket, these were all the things that I have ever owned in my life. Once I had everything I owned in my backpack I slowly and carefully made my way down the long set of stairs. Going down the stairs almost seemed worse than coming up. I stubbornly fought back a new set of tears, I was so sick of crying tonight! When I mercifully finally it made it to the door I didn't even bother to look back at the two people who have brought nothing but hell into my already painful existence.

With a low sigh I looked up into the starry night sky and began to wonder where I should go. I could call up Lilly, but her parents didn't care for me too much. I had only met them once and I could easily see that they didn't like me for no real reason really. I shoved my hands into my front pockets and felt the familiar piece of paper touching my hand. I know calling Ginnifer really was the only option I had left, but I so afraid. What if I sounded like a pathetic homeless child begging her to take me in. I would never ask her to do such a thing of course; I just needed a place to stay until I could figure out what to do. I sighed and began walking into town as I pulled out the slip of paper to call Ginnifer for real this time. If I was going to have the actress come and get me, I certainly didn't want her picking me up at home. No thanks; I rather endure the pain then having the chance of the beautiful actress meeting my ugly foster parents. I only hoped that Ginnifer Goodwin wouldn't be angry at me for calling so late, it was already near midnight.

-Meanwhile back at the hotel-

The cast members were having a celebration party for arriving to Redwood and getting excited for their new season in the lobby of the gorgeous five star hotel. The entire cast was drinking and having a good time, while the kid actors were drinking soda and munching on yummy snacks.

Robert (Mr. Gold) and Lana were chatting away about the new season and how dark their characters are going to be this time around with excitement. Alissa (Grace) and Jared (Henry) were playing checkers. Meghan and Beverly (Granny) were also enjoying a good chat amongst each other, as the rest of the cast were either dancing, drinking, or chatting about everything and anything.

-Ginnifer's POV-

Jennifer Morrison and I were chatting about taking a shopping trip soon when Josh came over with a smug smile gracing his lips.

I grinned as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder while I was sitting at the bar with my good friend. "How are my two favorite Ginnifers doing tonight?" he asked.

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Oh I'm sure I know which Gin is your real favorite, lover boy"

I giggled, as he laughed. "What are you smiling so smug like for?" I asked raising an eye brow.

"Oh I just beat Colin (Hook) in a game of pool" he grinned.

"Really, what did you two bet on this time?" asked Jennifer.

"We'll sense he lost he has to take his shirt off in front of a bunch of screaming fan girls next week" he explained happily.

We all laughed and knew that the poor actor was probably going to be jumped by all the extras come first day of work.

"You know that is just cruel Josh" Jennifer laughed. She was laughing so hard that she had to rest her head on the bar. This night was turning out to be blissfully fun. Josh and I were able to dance and laugh and just enjoy the evening with our friends that were more like family. Hours passed and it was probably near three in the morning when Josh and I finally made it back to our room. I felt a little tippy, easily knowing I drank more than I probably should have tonight. When we made it to our room Josh gently laid me on the bed with him on top of me.

"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you looked this evening" he praised.

My green eyes shined into his. "More times than I can count dear" I smiled.

He smiled back and brought his delicious lips onto mine. My body melted and I couldn't believe how this man made me feel so loved, even after all these years. While getting lost into his touch I suddenly herd my phone going off, I had completely forgotten it earlier this evening and didn't bother to come back to get it once the party had gotten started down stairs. Josh removed his lips from mine and groaned at being interrupted.

"Who the heck can be calling you this late?" he asked.

He had his head resting against my neck as I giggled. "Relax dear, I'm sure it's a missed message or something let me take a look" I answered. I was about to get up and get my phone that was charging on the bed stand table, but stopped when Josh started sucking my neck playfully with his lips. "Josh let me get the phone so it'll stop ringing" I laughed.

"Let it ring, it'll stop eventually" he mumbled.

I giggled and soon enough he finally let me get up as I walked over to check my phone. It was a missed voice mail. I dialed in my password and waited to hear the message as Josh sat on the bed. "Ginnifer….this…is Emma…sorry for calling…so late…please call me back…soon please. So….cold…so…tired" My heart was pounding heavily, I quickly glanced at the time of the call and gasped. Emma had called nearly three hours ago. Her voice sounded so weak and shaky from the cold, what could have happened to her!? My eyes were widen in horror and Josh saw the fear in my eyes instantly.

"Ginnifer what's wrong?" he asked quickly.

"It's Emma. I have to call her back!" I called the unknown number that belonged to Emma and prayed that she would answer.

"Gin…Ginnifer" Her voice was so weak it broke my heart.

"Emma, oh Emma I'm so sorry that I missed your call. I had forgotten my phone and didn't get your message until now. Where are you dear?" I asked her quickly with panic filling my voice.

"School…at…the school" I could hear her teeth chattering from the cold outside.

"We'll be there in less than ten minutes Emma, just hang in there ok" I replied as I grabbed my purse and black leather jacket. Josh and I were already running out of the room.

"Ok…" I then hear the line go completely dead.

"Emma, Emma!" I shouted as Josh and I took the elevator.

"Gin what's happening?" Josh asked with his voice full of concern.

"Oh Josh!" I cried. "It's Emma I don't know what's happened but she's at the school and she sounded so cold and weak" I explained with panic.

Josh's face paled with worry as he wrapped his arms around me until the elevator door opened to the lobby. We ran out of the hotel and got to the rental car as fast as possible, not caring about any speed laws Josh drove faster than ever in the Volvo. I was filled with so many different emotions on our way to the school.

I was scared, confused, and angry. "Where are her foster parents?!" I nearly yelled with venom. It was rare for me to get angry, but when I did I wasn't afraid to show my feelings.

"Don't worry Gin, well find out everything soon enough. What's important now is finding Emma" He replied while taking a sharp turn. It didn't take us long to finally reach the school and I was out of the Volvo faster than my husband as I searched the area for Emma. Once my eyes spotted her I brought my hands over my mouth as I gasped in horror at what I saw. Emma was cuddle at the school entrance laying on the ground as her little body shook from the cold.

"Josh!" I cried. He was walking over to me when he finally saw Emma. The two of us quickly ran to the cold teenager and Josh easily took his thick jacket off and wrapped it around Emma. There is no way that hoodie could be giving her any kind of warmth in this cold weather.

"Hold on Emma, where here now" he said gently. He carefully lifted her into his arms and I grabbed the small backpack that had been beside her.

"We need to get her to the hospital" I said.

Josh nodded and we quickly headed back to the car in the empty parking lot. I sat in the back with Emma as I laid her head down to rest on my lap. "Oh Emma, what could have happened to you? If only I hadn't forgotten my phone earlier" I said filled with guilt. I had told Emma that she could call us at any time, but I had been completely stupid and wasn't there for her when she needed me most.

"Gin you can't blame yourself for this. Emma would understand, let's just be grateful that we were able to get to her when we could" he replied.

I let a tear slip through my eyes as I ran my hand through her gorgeous long hair. Emma was still shaking and that was really scaring me as I felt her cuddle in closer to me for warmth. Once we made it to the hospital Josh quickly and carefully carried the shaking Emma out of the car and we both ran inside.

"We need a doctor quick!" I yelled demandingly.

The nurse at the front desk saw us and her blue eyes widen in horror at the small girl's state. It didn't take her long to get a doctor as he and a few nurses quickly brought in a gurney and they let Josh gently placed Emma onto it. Without even a word they rolled her out of our view and into another room. One of the nurses explained to us that we would have to wait in the waiting room until the doctor returned. I called up Lana, Meghan, and Jennifer and they were able to get to the hospital in just under 15 minutes after I explained everything that had happened. Meghan and Lana had filled Jennifer in on the whole story about Emma on the way to the hospital. The hours seemed to pass by slowly and all I could feel was guilt swimming through my body. If I had just gone up and gotten my cell when I realized I had forgotten it earlier then I could have received Emma's call sooner, we could have gotten to her sooner. I told the girl that she could call me whenever she needed me, and I already let her down. I placed my face into my hands as I sobbed silent tears. Josh was rubbing his hand up and down my back, trying to comfort me, but even his touch could not fade my guilt away. I needed to see that Emma would be alright, and pray that she would forgive me.

I wasn't sure how long time passed as I starred at the door where they took Emma away from me, but finally at long last an exhausted but young look doctor walked through the doors and headed toward our group. Immediately we all stood up as Josh still had his arm wrapped around me.

"Doctor how is she!?" I asked quickly.

"She's going to be all right" he answered calmly.

Relief washed over me as tears of joy began to fall and I leaned into Josh gratefully.

"She had an extremely high fever that had become almost life threatening. If she had been out in that cold any longer then she was, she probably wouldn't have lasted much longer. We were able to finally get her fever down and out of the life threatening zone, but unfortunately it isn't completely gone so obviously I want to keep her here until I know for certain that she'll be all right. She also has many broken ribs, some look to be at least nearly a day old, while others look like they had recently been broken just a few hours ago. Mrs. Dallas, I am going to need to have contact with her guardians" he explained.

I gasped at the thought of Emma being in so much pain, I needed to know who hurt her!? How could anyone even want to hurt her? "I'm afraid we don't know their names, but we do know where they live" Josh explained.

The doctor clipped his pen open and began to write some information down on a pad. "Just give me the address, and I'll make sure that we get ahold of her family. I want to know exactly how this child had broken her ribs so badly" he replied. His voice seemed cold and distant while he wore an unreadable mask for such a young looking doctor.

"Are they really that bad?" I asked sadly.

"Let me just put it this way, if that child had to walk around with broken ribs like hers even for one day. Then I couldn't even begin to imagine the aching pain she must have been feeling" he sighed warily.

"Can we see her?" asked Meghan hopefully.

The doctor nodded. "I don't want more than two visitors seeing her right now, and I'm afraid you can't see her for very long. She is sleeping right now, and the child really needs her rest"

"Go on and see her, we'll wait for the two of you out here" said Lana.

I nodded and thanked my friends. "You all can return back to the hotel if you like. I know you guys have to be tired. We'll be heading back after we check on Emma" I said gratefully. With that said Josh and I headed for Emma's room. When we walked into the room my eyes became misty with threatening tears at the small fragile body lying on the hospital bed. "Oh Josh, she looks so small and helpless" Old memories of my tiny infant fighting for her life came flashing back to the day my baby was born. Josh and I silently pulled two chairs close to Emma's bed.

I placed my hand onto Emma's smaller hand and just set there in silence unable to think of anything but being here for her. I had already failed her once when she was a helpless infant fighting to stay alive, and now the girl had to fight for life once again and I wasn't there for her. How many times does this child have to fight to live on her own? While holding her fragile hand I made a silent vow that I would not let Emma fight her battles alone anymore. Whether this child was my Emma or not I was not going to leave her, not as long as she wanted me in her life, I would be here.

After minutes of silence passed by I suddenly felt a weak but gentle squeeze to my hand. My head instantly shot up and my green eyes widen as I saw Emma's eyes were also now open.

"Ginnifer" she said weakly.

Josh also instantly sat up when he heard Emma's weak voice speaking for the first time since arriving to the hospital.

"Emma, how are you feeling?" I asked quickly. My heart was beating rapidly at finally seeing her awake.

She moaned as she turned her head to look up at the ceiling. "Like a truck ran me over" she joked lightly.

"Do you need anything, food, water, the doctor?" I asked. I wanted to help take whatever pain I could away from her, even if just a little bit.

She turned back to face me and gave me a sad smile. "Don't worry I'll be all right. This isn't exactly the first time I've felt like hell" she explained. When she spoke she looked so tired, like her soul was completely broken.

"Oh Emma I'm so sorry for letting you down. I said that you could call me whenever you needed and then I completely forgot my cell phone back in the hotel room while the cast and I were throwing a part down stairs" I finally let the tears of shame fall as Josh tried to comfort me.

Emma once again squeezed my hand gently that still held hers' protectively. "It's all right silly I'm not mad. Honestly when I was calling you I really thought that I must have finally hit rock bottom" I looked at Emma completely confused and she sighed heavily once again looking back up at the ceiling. "I told you how I hate celebrities' right, I still won't explain to you why I truly hate them. But since meeting you I've become so confused. Here I am supposed to be hating you, but a part of me doesn't really want to. It was so strange because even though I had only just met you, I feel like I have met you once a long time ago. With you I actually almost feel, safe…like I'm home" The last part was so soft that I had nearly missed it, but my heart swelled up with joy at how open Emma was being with me.

I wanted to say something, anything, but I was so speechless that I didn't know what to say. There was a knock at the door and the young Doctor Jonathan came in.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dallas I am going to have to ask that you let the patient get her rest now" he explained carefully.

No, I didn't want to leave Emma behind, I could feel her hand tightening around me. I gave her a sad smile as Josh began to stand and I leaned towards the young girl. "I promise to be here first thing visiting hours are open" I promised.

"Promise?" she asked tiredly.

"I promise" I assured her. I then leaned in closer and placed a gentle kiss onto her forehead. She sighed and I watched as her eyes closed, allowing the darkness to consume her. I finally stood up and walked over to Josh and the doctor as we quietly left the room.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dallas there is something that I would like to explain to the two of you. While you were visiting Emma I had one of my coworkers look up the phone number to the address that you gave me. When they called nobody answered so they headed over to the home in order to let the family know in person that their child was here. Once they got there they found the house unlocked, and it looked like the family had grabbed whatever they could and simply took off" he explained.

Anger flowed through my blood like boiling water rising without any chance of calming down. These people had the nerve to hurt my Emma, and then run off like cowards!

"I'm afraid I also have some bad news" he added sadly. "If no one claims Emma, then she is going to have to be put back right into the foster care system as soon as she is able to leave the hospital"

"No!" I yelled. "I won't let her back into that system. It is because of that system she is here in the first place!" I yelled angrily.

"Isn't there any other way?" asked Josh calmly as he could. I could tell that he was trying to remain calm even though I knew that the thought of Emma being put back into the very system that got her here in the first place was making his blood boil as well.

The doctor sighed, suddenly looking much older than he really was. "I'm afraid it's out of my hands"

"Then Josh and I will take her in" I said quickly without hesitation.

"Gin, dear" Josh said carefully.

"Mrs. Dallas you really need to think about what you're saying. Taking in a teen foster child is a lot of work. And nothing personal but won't your careers keep the both of you constantly busy. Emma needs someone that can be there for her when she needs them, and with people that have time and patient to help build back her trust that has problem been broken more times than we can count" he explained carefully.

"Josh and I will make time for Emma. Well always put her first before our careers no matter what. Please Doctor Jonathan I can't just let her go back to that system, what if they just put her with the same kind of parents all over again. I can't bear to see her like this again" I nearly begged.

Jonathan sighed again but took a few minutes to think about my words before finally speaking. "If you both agree to take her in then I'll support your decision. But you both need to be on board for this. This is going to be a long journey for all three of you" he warned lightly.

I looked at Josh who looked like he had been in deep thought. "Josh?" I said carefully.

"Ginnifer if this is want you really want then I will be with you every step of the way. You know this won't be easy right?" he asked.

"I know Josh, but she needs us. And I need her, please Josh I can't bear to send her back into that horrible system" I said softly.

He wrapped his arms around me and brought me into a loving embrace, I felt so safe in his arms. "If this is want you really want Gin, then I will gladly welcome Emma into our home" he smiled.

The two of us finally faced the young doctor. "We want to open our home to Emma please Doctor Jonathan" I said in a strong but warm tone.

He smiled. "Then I will need the two of you to come to my office so that you can fill out some papers"

I nodded, as Josh and I followed the doctor to his office I made a silent vow that I would do everything I could to make Emma finally feel like she was truly home with us.

TBC!

Wow this has to be my longest chapter yet! Keep those views coming guys, as always I'll update ASAP! :D