Family is Forever
Hello my fantastic readers, once again I want to thank you for the reviews! You all have no idea how much fun I have writing this story for you guys. Every time I keep seeing my faithful viewers I can't help but get started on the next chapter right away!
Chapter 9
It didn't take long to arrive to the insanely tall hotel. Redwood Hotel was famous for being the tallest building in this small town. It was actually built with red wood and was just absolutely gorgeous. I never thought I would ever even step foot inside a building like this. When Ginnifer wheeled me in I looked up at the high ceilings in awe. I have never been in such an expensive hotel before. It was all a bit overwhelming actually, considering the fact that everything that I own could easily fit into a small backpack.
"Emma would you like us to show you around the hotel?" asked the actress.
I guess she saw me gazing around the giant size lobby, truth was I would like to explore the building but I was starting to feel tired again. "Maybe later, I'm feeling a bit drowsy right now" I answered.
"All right then, let's head up to the room" said Josh.
We headed for the fancy looking elevators that led us up to the top floor. The actress wheeled me down the long hallway and finally made it to the room.
Josh was about to open the door when a cute little kid popped out of a room a few doors down. He was wearing nothing but a bathing suit with a towel hanging over his shoulder.
"Hey Mrs. D and Mr. D you guys are already back from the hospital?" he asked sweetly.
Ginnifer smiled. "Good morning Jared, yes we just got back"
He smiled once his eyes met mine. "This must be the Emma that Meghan told me about" he said.
Josh also smiled. "Emma this here is Jared Gilmore, Jared this is Emma Swan. She'll be staying with us from now on" he explained proudly.
I don't understand why he sounded so proud, I'm nothing special really. "Really?! That's cool, then you could be like my big sister!" he grinned playfully. "Anyway when you gain your strength back you'll have to come swimming with Alissa and I in the heated pool that's down stairs, there's even a game room here to!" he said excitedly.
"Umm…maybe" I said hesitantly. I don't think I was ready to meet more celebrities just yet, and all I wanted to do right now was sleep anyway. The strange part though is that I don't feel uncomfortable around the boy, maybe it was because he was a kid and a few inches shorter than me. I know in my mind that he wouldn't be much of a threat to me, so maybe that's why I didn't feel so scared around the kid actor.
"Emma is a bit tired right now Jarod. Maybe when she feels up to it, you can visit her another time" Ginnifer suggested.
"All right, well I got to get going. Alissa is already waiting for me at the pool. Colin, Robert, and Emilie are down there also" he explained before heading for the elevator.
So many celebrities in one building, once the kid mention who was all here everything hit me like a ton of bricks. I was actually going to be around a bunch of famous celebrities. If Lilly was here she would be hyperventilating right now. Speaking of which, I really need to call her after I get some rest.
When Josh opened the door my green eyes widen at the size of the room, I have never even been in such a big room before! Sure Dayne and Lisa had a nice size house, but I was only allowed to sleep in my tiny room that barely had enough space for a single size bed.
"The living room couch turns into a bed, but you can sleep in the master room for now since Josh and I won't be sleeping" said Ginnifer.
"Thank you" I replied softly. "Umm…can I have my backpack…I want to change into my pajamas" I said.
Gin smiled and handed my backpack, I hated being apart from the few things that I owned for long.
"Well I'm going to let you girls settle in. I think I'll go join everyone else down at the pool area, unless you two need anything or any help here?" he asked.
Gin shook her head. "Go on and have fun dear. Tell everyone I'll see them later tonight maybe" she said. I looked down as the couple hugged and kissed, I wondered if the actress would rather be with her friends then me.
Josh said his goodbyes after he quickly changed into his swim suit and headed out of the room.
The actress just chuckled. "I swear he can be such a big kid sometimes"
Without looking up. "Umm, if you want you can go to. You don't have to stay with me, I'll be sleeping anyway" I said.
The actress then knelt down in front of me, waiting patiently for me to finally look at her matching green eyes. "There isn't any other place I would rather be then here with you Emma" Her voice sounded like a gentle lullaby that I could lose myself in. I didn't trust my voice to speak so I simply nodded and she smiled like it was the greatest gift she ever received. This actress seriously confused me; she wasn't anything like I imagined she would be. "Emma do you think you might need any help with changing? I know your ribs will be aching with that much movement" she asked concerned.
I blushed; I didn't want this beautiful actress to see the scars of my past. My body was ugly with scars that would never heal, I suddenly felt dirty next to the actress.
"You don't have to" I said.
"Nonsense, I don't mind helping you at all dear" she replied. She then wheeled me into the master bedroom before I could even protest. With her help I was able to get seated on the comfortable king size bed. "Let's start with the jeans first, that shouldn't be too painful for your ribs" she suggested. I nodded and unbutton the pants as she slowly and carefully pulled them off. I pulled out a light blue set of pajamas and she helped put the pants on me. Finally it was time for the shirt, I lifted my arms over my head so that she could pull the shirt off me, I felt like a helpless child. But I had to admit that it would have been much more painful doing this myself.
I heard a gasp and looked down shamefully as the actress stared at my scars. I knew she could see old whip marks across my stomach, and my back was far worse. "Oh Emma" she said sadly.
"Sorry, I know there ugly" I replied completely shamefully. I was certain that she would send me away now, no one wanted a broken girl like me, I was nothing.
Expecting to be shunned away I was surprised to feel her arms wrap around me and a protective embrace. "There is nothing ugly about you sweetheart. You are a strong and beautiful girl, I can't even imagine why anyone would want to hurt you like this" she sobbed. "I promise you Emma that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, no one is ever going to hurt you again" she vowed.
Tears clouded my vision. Why did she care so much? How could she think that I was strong and beautiful? All my life I have let people abuse me, and break my heart over and over again. I was nothing special; I was a broken girl with nothing. But still, something about her voice made me want to believe her words. I wanted to believe that I was strong and beautiful, and that she would protect me. Back when I would stay with families that had multiple kids, I would always protect the younger ones from the violence, but no one ever protected me. I finally wrapped my small arms around the gorgeous actress and let the tears fall, with my head buried into her shoulder. I could finally cry without the fear of being hit, without the fear of being called weak or pathetic. I could finally just let all the years of pain out, and I did. I wasn't sure how long I had been crying, but I do remember Ginnifer being careful as she placed my pajama shirt on over my head and helped me lay down in bed with me still clinging onto her like my life line. I could feel myself growing more and more tired. I even found myself being afraid that this would all end up being some kind of cruel dream. I was scared that when I woke up I would be back in the horrible house with Dayne and Lisa ready to make my life a living hell. I felt myself cuddling into the actress's arms even more at the horrible thought. Eventually sleep consumed me, and I couldn't avoid the darkness any longer.
-Ginnifer's POV-
I watched silently as Emma finally fell into a deep sleep. So many things were running through my mind. I couldn't even begin to imagine all the horrors that this child has had to endure. It made my blood boil with anger at the thought of seeing her being hurt by such cowards. I vowed that if I ever were to meet the last family that hurt my baby I was going to make sure they never laid another hand on a child again. I would hire the best lawyers that I could and do whatever it took to make them rot away in jail. I know that I still had no idea if this Emma could be my lost daughter or not, but even so I still felt an incredibly strong bond with the girl and I hoped that it would never break. While Emma seemed to be sleeping away peacefully I carefully laid her down out of my arms so that I could grab myself a book. Once I had something to read I laid right back down beside her, I wanted to be here when she woke up.
A few hours passed by when I heard my name softly being called. "Ginnifer" said a tired voice.
I looked down to see Emma looking up me still half asleep and I smiled. "Afternoon Emma, how was your nap?" I asked.
She yawned as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, I couldn't help but think how much she looked like a little kid at that moment. "Ok" she replied carefully sitting up.
"Are you hungry?" I asked.
"I could go for something to eat actually" she answered.
"Anything in particular? We could order food in, or go downstairs to the lobby. They have a really nice restaurant with a variety of food to choose from" I suggested.
She thought for moment. "I would really like to walk around a bit. My body feels really stiff" she answered.
I nodded. "Would you like a shower first? I already had one earlier when you were napping" I explained.
"Actually a hot shower sounds so good right now" she sighed in pleasure.
I smiled. "A shower can be a woman's best friend" I pointed. My comment actually caused her to laugh lightly and I couldn't help be grin proudly. I loved seeing Emma happy!
"Can you get my backpack for me?" she asked.
"Of course" I said happily. I walked over to one of the chairs near the large window where the curtains were currently closed with. I brought the backpack to Emma's side.
"Thank you" she said, and began digging through the pack.
"Your quiet welcome" I replied. The girl was simply a delight; her manners were so good it still baffled me as to why anyone would want to hurt her.
I watched her pull out the familiar old jeans, a nice blue top that didn't look like she wore very often, and some black boots. I made a mental to note to speak to Meghan; and Lana into a shopping trip for Emma. The girl simply needed new clothes. I know it wasn't her fault that she had such a small collection, but now that she was staying with me I wanted her to truly feel at home. I wanted her to know that she could have anything she wanted, within reason of course.
"While you're getting ready I'll be in the living reviewing over my lines" I said. "If you need any help with anything just call for me all right.
"Are you talking about the lines for Once Upon A Time?" she asked curiously.
"That's right. We start recording for the first episode of the new season next week" I explained.
"Any chances I can see the script?" she asked hopefully.
I raised my eye brow with a slight grin. "You wouldn't happen to be Lilly in disguise now would you?" I questioned.
She laughed and I couldn't help but smile. "I promise you that I am no Lilly. If she was hear you would be hearing a screaming girl bouncing up and down like a cartoon character"
It was my turn to laugh. "Perhaps after a bite to eat I'll let you see it. But you have to promise not to let any information about the show to the public. We like to surprise our fans until the series begins to air" I said.
She nodded. "I promise I won't say anything"
"All right then, enjoy your shower sweetheart" I said and left for the living room so that Emma could have her privacy.
About 40 minutes later Emma came out dress and refreshed. "Umm Mrs. Dallas. Could you please help me blow dry my hair? My ribs were bothering me every time I tried to" she asked.
I smiled and placed my script down as I walked with her to the master bedroom. "I would be happy to help dear. And please you know you don't have to call me Mrs. Dallas. Ginnifer; or Gin is completely fine" I said.
She nodded and I began to help with blowing dry her wet hair. I couldn't get over how long and gorgeous it was. It took about 15 minutes to get it completely dry. "Ready to get some food now?" I asked.
She nodded. "More than ready"
I grabbed the room key, along with my purse and the two of us headed out to the elevator. Of course I offered to help Emma, but she wanted to get use to walking on her own and I waited patiently as she finally made it to the elevator. Once we made it to the lobby we headed for the restaurant. I was surprised to see some of the cast including Jared there, considering that they were all still in there swim suits. Even though the pool was indoors it was in a completely different room far away from the lobby, and the pool room even had a bar there.
I glanced at Emma to see her completely stiff with fear as she stared at my friends. Crap! I should have called Josh and made sure none of the other celebrities were around before bringing Emma. I know Emma has been doing tremendously well, but I don't think she is ready to meet the gang just yet.
I quickly turn to face Emma so that she didn't have to see the other actors. "Oh Emma I'm sorry, I should have called Josh and made sure that they were still in the pool room before bringing you down here. Look we can go back up to the room and eat, I understand if you're not ready to meet more celebrities right now…."
"It's ok" she said. Her voice sounded empty, like she was lost in another time.
"Emma sweetheart, you don't have to push yourself" I assured her. Damn it, what great way to start out. This poor girl has been through more traumas then I can probably even begin to imagine and I just keep making things worse for her!
Emma slightly shook her head. "It's ok Gin; I know I said that I hate celebrities. But these people are your friends. I don't want to keep you away from them. I promise I'm not going to break or anything. I'll be fine as long as you promise to be there" she said softly.
Tears clouded my eyes, I couldn't believe how brave and selfless this girl was. I gave her my biggest smile. "So long as you want me Emma, I'm not going anywhere" I promised.
She nodded and the two of us headed towards the small gang. Josh was the first one to notice us. He looked at me completely surprised after glancing at Emma.
"Gin, Emma what brings you two down here?" he asked curiously.
I smiled. "After she woke up from her nap the two of us agreed that we could use a little something to eat" I explained.
Josh went to pull out two chairs for us and I thanked him as we took our seat. I sat next to my husband, while Emma sat on my other side, with Jared on her other side.
"Are you feeling better after the nap?" Jared asked hopefully.
Emma nodded. "My body was pretty stiff though when I woke up. I really needed to get out of the room for a while" she explained.
"Emma it's so nice to finally meet you. My name is Emilie Ravin (Belle), this here is Robert Carlyle (Mr. Gold), Colin O'Donoghue (Hook), Alissa Skovbye (Grace), and it looks like you've already met Jared"
I glanced at my friend Emilie and gave her a grateful smile to which she happily returned. Emilie was as gorgeous as always, even in her green two piece bathing suit. Alissa wore a simple baby blue one piece, while the guys all had a different colors.
Everyone said there hellos. Emma shyly blushed and said a soft hello, completely avoiding eye contact.
"Hey Emma, do you like playing pool?" asked Jared.
She looked up at the boy with a small smile. "Actually I love pool. The orphanage I use to stay when I was younger had this really old pool table and some of the older kids taught me how to play. I turned out to be really good at it" she explained proudly.
I could see the sad looks in my older friends at the mention of her childhood in an orphanage, but Jared didn't seem to think much of it.
His eyes lit up. "Really? When your ribs don't hurt so much maybe you and I can play a round?" he practically begged.
Emma smiled. "Sure, but don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're a kid" she warned. I smiled I couldn't believe how well things were going. I was really going to have to think Jared for being so kind to Emma later.
"It won't take much to beat him Emma, you might need to teach him a few tricks in order to at least give him a fighting chance" Alissa laughed.
"Hey I'm not that bad!" he whined.
We all laughed, it felt so good to laugh. I loved seeing Emma look so comfortable and unafraid; I really hope that in time she would come to see the cast as her family. Maybe as long as she only met them in small groups like this it would be all right.
Soon the waiter came over and Emma and I order our food and drinks, once that was done we were left alone with our group.
-Emma's POV-
"So Colin you still plan on taking your shirt off?" Josh smirked.
I blinked completely confused by the random question.
"Careful Josh, Emma might get some weird thoughts from that kind of question" he mocked.
"Poor fool, you do realize that a bunch of teenaged girls will be jumping onto you faster than you can run don't you?" Robert warned.
"Honesty must you men act like boys" sighed Emilie. She pretended to sound annoyed, but I could see the smile on her face. It was so weird that I was actually sitting here with these famous actors, when I was just a pathetic foster kid. Looking from Emilie to Ginnifer I felt so dirty compared to them. They were both so gorgeous and I was envious of Emilie. She could wear a two piece to show off her thin body while I never could. I never consider myself fat or anything like that because I know I'm at a healthy weight and don't stress about being a size 2 or such nonsense. No, it was the scars that I didn't want gorgeous people like her to see.
"Hey we should make a bet to see how long he can run away from the fans before they catch him" Josh suggested.
I glanced at Ginnifer really confused; she just gave me her warm smile that I really liked. "The other night Josh and Colin where playing a game of pool. And of course my childish husband had to make a bet with him" she explained.
"Yea, he betted that whoever loses has to take of their shirt in front of a bunch of screaming fans when we start working next week" Jared finished.
I shook my head; they really were like children. Perhaps I could make things interesting. "I have an idea if you two want to hear it" I smirked.
It was so strange that I found myself actually enjoying the company of celebrities! Lilly would never let me live this down when I told her everything that's happened.
"I know I'm interested" said Emilie smiling.
I smiled back and nodded. "Let me play a round against the both of you. If you both lose to me then the both of you have to take your shirt off in front of the screaming fans" I grinned wickedly. These two had no idea just how good I was. I could play one on one with each of them already knowing the games were mine to win. Pool was the one thing I could always be good at.
"But what about your ribs?" asked Ginnifer worried.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful I promise" When I played pool I could block out anything.
"Hey I'm already in the losing boat so I'll take my chances with you Emma" Colin smirked.
"Well it doesn't look like I can back out now since Colin's agreed. But what do we get if we win?" asked Josh.
"If Colin wins then he doesn't have to take his shirt off at all. If you win, then Ginnifer has to do something romantic for you" I suggested.
"Hey Emma!" cried Ginnifer blushing. Emilie just laughed out loud at Ginnifer's blushing.
Josh smirked like a happy puppy. "Sounds good to me!" he cheered.
"Oh this is going to be interesting" said Robert. "We have to make sure the rest of the cast hears about this!"
"After you play with them, you'll play with me next right Emma?" asked Jared.
I smiled. "Sure thing Kiddo, you can count it"
Finally our food came and I devoured the food hungrily while the cast talked amongst themselves and I half joined in every now and then. I still just couldn't believe everything that was happening. I have never felt so comfortable around a group of people who also happened to be the one thing I use to hate the most. When I'm with them like this, just talking and having a good time, it feels like there not even celebrities.
"So when do we want to play?" asked Colin.
"How about two days from now, so that gives us plenty of time to let everyone know what's going on. Also I'm sure that Emma would still like some more time to settle in" Robert suggested.
My heart pounded at the thought of suddenly being in a room full of celebrities. Being with a small group like this was one thing, but being in a room filled with celebrities was entirely different. I know the whole idea was mine, and I really didn't want to ruin everyone else fun with my personal issues. I would just have to take a deep breath and let myself get lost in the game of pool. I shook off the unwanted fears and just enjoyed the pleasant time that I was having now. I've never felt so alive with people that actually wanted to talk to me, that were actually enjoying my company and not sending me out the door on my own. And I honestly found myself not wanting this moment to end.
TBC!