Family is Forever
Sorry for the late update everyone, been crazy busy these past few days. But in return of the long wait, I made sure to give you all a nice long chapter!
By the way you guys are seriously the best; I can't believe there are over 200 reviews already!
On another note I was finally able to catch up on some Once Upon A Time episodes that I was seriously behind on. When I saw Rose Mcgowan from Charmed as a guest star, let's just say I was screaming like a little girl with excitement. I loved Charmed and was so sad when the show ended. So it was really awesome seeing one of the sisters again, even if she was evil. Hahaha all I could think about was where the heck are Piper and Phoebe, hurry and come save your sister she is being possessed by a demon! Hahaha ok enough of my rambling and on with the story.
Chapter 10
The next day rolled around and it was still hard for me to absorb everything that has happened. I was sitting at the small bar eating a bowl of cereal while I was watching Josh and Ginnifer going over their lines together in the living room. I had to admit watching Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas transform into their characters was rather memorizing.
Last night before going to bed I finally had the chance to call Lilly and she flipped out over the details of the past few days that I have been through. I told her about everything, including the pool game and invited her to come watch. Although I still wasn't really comfortable being in a room filled with celebrities, I knew that Lilly would be in absolute heaven that day.
Staring at Ginnifer and Josh's stunning clothes made me feel pretty sad with how old and torn my clothes were. Josh was wearing nice jeans, sneakers, and a fancy red collar shirt that looked really expensive. Ginnifer as always looked good in everything! She was wearing black pants, black boots, and a red Silk Roy Tunic with Keyhole Opening featuring a split neckline with hook and eye keyhole closure, long sleeves, and a shirttail hem.
I was lost in thought when I suddenly felt someone touching my arm. His haunting eyes flashed through my mind causing me to jump. I whimpered from the pain my ribs caused me with the sudden movement.
"Emma, Emma, it's all right it's just me" said a calm voice.
I opened my green eyes to see Josh standing next to me with a sad and worried look; Ginnifer was instantly at my side.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Sorry, I was just trying to gain Emma's attention and I guess I scared her" he explained sadly.
I shook my head. "Not your fault. I just don't like being touched so suddenly without me seeing it coming" I explained.
Josh nodded. "I'll be sure to remember that from now on" he promised.
"So Emma, anything you want to do today?" asked Ginnifer.
I thought for a moment, it was Saturday and I remembered that I had no homework to worry about. I shrugged. "I don't know"
"Do you think you would be up for a day of shopping?" the actress asked hopefully. Her eyes sparkled like a kid begging for candy, I cringed, I hated shopping.
"Umm….you don't need to buy me any clothes. I'm ok with the ones I have" I said.
"Oh Emma sweetheart I want to buy you clothes! I know Jennifer, Lana, and Meghan would also love to come with us. I promise it won't be an all-day event. How about just a few outfits for today? We can even invite Lilly over if you want" she pleaded.
"Lilly has dance lessons today she won't be free" I explained.
"But what about you? If you're not up for a shopping trip I'll understand, but I would really love to take you out" she asked.
I sighed, how could I say no to that? I've already met some of the cast, so long as they are in small groups like she mentioned then it shouldn't be too bad. "Only a few outfits, and nothing crazy expensive" I warned lightly.
The actress smiled brightly while Josh chuckled. "You might want to give the girl a budget Emma, or at least warn her friends about a number limit. Once the five of them go shopping together the store owners practically love them because of how much they'll buy" Josh explained.
I eyed the actress suspiciously while Ginnifer tried to look innocent. "Oh Josh dear you exaggerate. We don't go crazy all the time" she laughed. "Anyway I'll go and get the girls and see if any of them want to tag along" she said before heading out of the room.
Josh shook his head with a chuckle. "Emma if you need to rest during the day at any time at all, you just let Ginnifer know all right. You don't need to push yourself or anything" he explained calmly.
I nodded as I continued finishing with my cereal.
Josh decided to sit on the leather black couch in the living room and started watching the 60in flat screen television. He turned on some football game that I wasn't paying any attention to.
A few minutes later when I had just finished washing out my bowl the actresses finally made their way into our room. When I turned around to meet them I froze. These women were all so stunning; I didn't feel worthy to be in their presence. They all looked like they could be models more than just actors, I suddenly felt so plain and dull compared to them. I was wearing nothing but worn out jeans, torn up sneakers, a white tank top, and my faded black hoodie, I suddenly wanted to hide myself away forever.
"Emma these are my friends and coworkers. You've already met Emilie" she introduced.
Emilie smiled brightly. "It's nice to meet you again Emma" she greeted. I nodded shyly as I noticed the expensive looking clothes they were all wearing. Emilie was wearing a Dress Shirt featuring a relaxed fit, sheer black back and sleeves, semi-sheer yellow paisley front, and a button-up design, black pants, and black high heels.
"This here is Lana, Jennifer, and my good friend since high school Meghan" she announced proudly.
"Umm nice to meet you all" I said lamely.
"Oh Gin she really is as gorgeous as you said" said Lana kindly. I blushed; no way did this model-like woman just say I was gorgeous! She was in black tight jeans, boots, and a leather Sleeve Trench featuring classic pea coat styling, epaulets, crosshatch-textured buttons, tie belt and contrast leather sleeves.
"Lana stop embarrassing the poor girl" Meghan giggled. Meghan was wearing expensive red jeans, a fancy black top, with matching shoes.
Jennifer just shook her head. "Hey if these four start to drive you crazy just let me know. You and I can go hide out at the arcade in the mall while there changing or something" she winked.
I smiled, this actress seemed pretty cool. Her clothes didn't look as expensive as the others. She was wearing simple jeans, flat sneakers, a black top, and a nice looking red leather jacket. Not like the one she wore on the show.
"Hey Jen, don't you try and hog Emma all to yourself" Ginnifer whined.
"Are we going shopping or what girls?" asked Emilie smiling.
"Yes, yes we are going" Ginnifer laughed. She walked over to Josh and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "See you later dear"
"Have fun girls. Please try not to traumatize Emma" he chuckled.
"Oh hush you" Ginnifer lightly shoved her husband. She grabbed her leather jacket and purse as we all followed her out the door. I of course was walking slowly and behind the famous group of actresses. My mind was spinning as I kept telling myself that I was not going shopping with a bunch of celebrities! I know I was fine yesterday, but his eyes, his cruel smile keep flashing though my head. I wanted to run away and hide like the coward I was. I thought about doing just that, but it was too late we made it to the elevator and the celebrities waited for me to walk in. I fought back the agitated sigh that wanted to come out and stepped inside, making sure I was in my own little corner.
"So I was thinking we should get you some dresses Emma, and few nice tops, and jeans" Ginnifer suggested.
I cringed. "I don't really like dresses" I confessed.
"Don't like dresses!? I'm afraid where going to have to change that" Lana grinned playfully.
"That looks like the evil queen's smile" I pointed out.
Lana blinked in surprise by my comment while the rest of the girls just laughed like crazy; poor Jennifer and Ginnifer were nearly in tears from laughing so hard.
"All right, all right laugh it up girls" Lana teased.
It didn't take us long to reach to the parking lot of the fancy hotel and to the familiar Volvo that Ginnifer was driving. The actress let me sit up front with her and for that I was grateful. Although I was slightly getting comfortable with the stars, I don't think I would be able to sit so closely to them just yet. Lana and Meghan took the back seat. While Emilie and Jennifer decided to drive the convertible that Jennifer was renting. During the ride there they had the music blasting which was soothing for my soul. But as I rested my head against the window to close my eyes for just a few minutes, haunting memories began to terrorize my mind.
I was twelve years old and I was hiding under my bed with tears falling down my cheeks. My body was shaking with fear as I heard the heavy footsteps coming towards my room.
"Emma Swan!" The voice was loud and angry; it was easy to know that the man was drunk. My door slammed open as my nightmare walked into my room. "I know you're in here you little bitch" he spat.
I whimpered and screamed once he finally found me hiding under my bed. "Get out from under there you pathetic brat" he demanded. His large hands pulled me by my long hair as I cried out pain. "Did you really think that I ever wanted you, you selfish brat. My manager said it would make me look good to take in some pathetic kid into my home and I already wish you were gone!" he yelled.
"I…I….I'm sorry" I cried. I was shaking in fear so badly that I could barely get my words out, I was afraid to say the wrong thing.
"Oh I'm going to make you sorry you little bitch" He threw me harshly to my bed.
"NO PLEASE, NO!" I screamed.
"Emma! Emma! Emma wake up sweetheart, it's just a dream!" a voice cried. That voice, it sounded so warm, so familiar, so worried. Why would anyone worry about me? I was nothing; I was just a pathetic kid that nobody ever wanted to keep around for long.
My eyes snapped open as I looked around in terror for that man, the man who has become my never ending nightmare.
-Ginnifer's POV-
We were nearly ten minutes from the mall and I glanced over to Emma to see her sleeping away peacefully. I couldn't help but smile, it was nice seeing her so relaxed and calm. I decided to turn down the music so that Emma wouldn't be bothered.
"How has she been settling in Gin?" asked Lana softly.
"She's been doing great so far. I mean Emma doesn't really like to open up much, but she has let me in and even comfort her when she really needed it" I explained.
"That's great, so long as you work with her at her own pace she'll eventually grow to learn that she can trust you with anything" said Meghan.
I nodded. "I hope so. I want Emma to know that she is finally safe and that I'm not going to let anyone ever hurt her again" I vowed.
"I still can't believe that her last family actually beat her till her ribs broke, it makes me sick" said Lana in disgust.
"Oh Lana you should have seen her when Josh and I found her at the school. She was shaking from head to toe and looked completely broken" I said sadly. "I never want to see her like that again" I added.
"Well so long as she has us around, nobody is ever going to be able to lay a hand on her" Meghan grinned proudly. I could see her grinning from the mirror.
"Thanks you guys. I know it might take some time before Emma feels completely comfortable around everyone, but she is doing her best" I explained.
"And we think she is doing so well Gin" said Lana proudly.
"Yeah, kids with a difficult past just need time, patient, and understanding" Meghan agreed.
I smiled brightly as I finally turned into the mall's parking lot with Jennifer pulling in right behind, and parking next to me. Once I shut the car off after putting it into park I suddenly heard the most agonizing scream I had ever heard. My heart broke the moment I realized that it was Emma crying. Her body was shaking and tears were falling down her closed eyes.
"Gin what's wrong?" asked Meghan in panic.
"It must be a nightmare" I replied.
"Hurry and wake her!" shouted Lana.
I gently placed my hands on her shoulders to shake her lightly. "Emma, Emma, Emma wake up sweetheart, it's just a dream!" I cried. I couldn't stand to see her screaming with so much fear.
Finally after what felt like eternity but was probably one seconds Emma's eyes snapped open. They were wide with fear as she looked like she was searching for someone. It was as if her eyes hadn't realized where she was yet.
"Emma" I said softly.
Her spooked eyes met mine as new tears began to fill them once again. "Gin?" she asked. Her voice was shaky; this whole scene felt like someone was stabbing my heart.
"It's ok Emma, your safe now. Nobody can hurt you anymore" I said soothingly. I slowly brought Emma into my arms and she easily wrapped her arms around me as she buried her face into my shoulder crying silent tears. I gently rubbed her back whispering soft words of comfort, hoping to help keep her demons away.
A few more minutes later Emma pulled away and whipped away the last few tears. "Sorry….hiccup…Ginnifer" she said sadly.
"Oh sweetheart you have nothing to be sorry for. That must have been some nightmare, do you want to talk about it?" I asked. She shook her head, unable to look at me. "It's all right dear, just know that if you need anyone to talk to you can always come to me" I assured her. She nodded, but was still unable to look at me as her hiccups started to get worse. "Shall I get you some water or something for those hiccups?" I asked. She nodded again, still in silence. "Do you think you are still up for the shopping trip? We can head back to the hotel if you're not up for it" I asked.
She shook heard. "It's…hiccup…ok…hiccup…I want…to….hiccup go"
I choked back a sob; I couldn't believe how strong this girl was. I brought a hand to her right cheek and whipped away a tear. Just minutes later we finally stepped out of the Volvo. Emma stayed close to my side looking down at the ground as we walked over to my friends. When Emma had started crying in my arms Meghan and Lana had silently stepped out of the car in order to give us some alone time together.
"Hey guys, sorry about all that" I said.
"It's all right. We just hope that Emma is ok" said Emilie concerned.
"She's all right. Emma is a strong girl, but I think we would both like to get something to drink" I explained.
Jennifer nodded. "Sounds good to me" she smiled.
With everyone in agreement we all headed inside the mall as Emma tried in vain to stop her hiccups. Once she had finished all of her sprite, soon enough the hiccups finally went away.
-Emma's POV-
Thank god the hiccups were gone! I felt so embarrassed; here I was looking like a complete fool in front of these people. I sighed.
"Emma come over here; come look at this top" said Gin full of excitement. I walked over to the top that the actress wanted me to see, I had to admit it did look kind of cool, something I'd probably even wear. It was a Surfista Hoodie featuring an oversized fit with a hood, batwing sleeves, large front pocket, and heathered fabric with contrast trim. I looked for the price tag and my green eyes widen at the cost, $92 for one top! .
"So Emma do you like it?" she asked.
"I think it would be cute on her" said Meghan.
"Yea Emma you should get it" Jen agreed.
I sighed. "This is way too much for one top"
"Oh Emma please let me get it for you. I know you would love it!" she begged.
"It's not too much?" I asked unsure.
She shook her head. "Trust me it's completely fine" she assured me.
"So are you going to get it then Emma?" asked Emilie hopefully.
I smiled and held the top out in order to get a better look at it. "I'd like to try it on first" I replied.
"Of course, let's take a look around for a few more tops, maybe some new jeans as well before trying things on" Gin suggested.
Our group agreed and about an hour later everyone had a handful of stuff they wanted to try. After trying on numerous different outfits it was finally lunch time and I was starving! While we headed for the food court with some new clothes, I noticed the arcade room that Jen had been talking about from before. Although I was hungry I was more curious about checking the arcade out first. Even though I have been in town for a few months I have never been able to check out the mall. I never had any money on me before and never saw the point in coming. While Jen was having a conversation with Emilie and Meghan, Ginnifer and Lana were having their own conversation as we walked.
I was walking a few paces behind everyone and taking my time because of my ribs. When I made my way just behind Jennifer I gently tugged at her leather jacket from behind in order to gain her attention.
She stopped walking and chatting with the girls to glance back at me. At first she seemed surprised but smiled at me warmly. "Everything ok Emma?" she asked.
At that moment everyone stopped talking and the actresses stared at me. "Umm….well" I shyly pointed to the arcade room like a little kid pleading to their parents for quarters.
Jen grinned. "I did mention an arcade room didn't I? Looks like you want to play some games to. How about we all go, it should be fun" Jen announced.
"I'm game!" said Meghan happily.
"I wonder if they have those dancing games" Emilia asked curiously.
"Course they do, any cool arcade would" said Lana grinning.
"Looks like we are all going to the arcade then" said Gin with excitement.
While in the arcade room I was playing a game of pacman. Emilie and Jen were dancing off to one of those crazy dance games. I decided to stay far away from that, I was a terrible dancer. Gin and Lana were watching the girls dance as they drew in a crowd. I was enjoying my pacman game but eventually lost so I started playing the pinball machine. While I was playing an unwanted voice made me lose my concentration to the game.
"Well, well, well if it isn't freaky Emma. I'm surprised you knew where the mall was" said Patricia. Patricia was one of the cheerleaders from school and was a complete bitch! I am not even exaggerating. This girl came from old money and wasn't afraid to show her status. She was taller than my 5ft, while she was 5ft 3inches high. Patricia was in my grade level, but she was dumb as a rock. She always paid the nerds to do her homework, and I don't think I've ever seen her read anything that wasn't a magazine. She had bleached out blonde hair that went just passed her shoulders, baby blue eyes, and way too much make on.
I grumbled some unpleasant words too soft for her to hear, pissed that she cost me the game. I turned to face the mean girl with a piercing glare. "What do you want Patty" I spat. I noticed once again she was wearing a really short skirt, tight top, and high heels. She also had her two friends Destiny and Estella at her side. Destiny was a heavy black girl that didn't really have much make up on, but had a bad mouth and attitude. Estella was just plain weird even for me. She had a huge obsession about pleasing Patricia, she thought of her as the school Goddess. My theory is that Patricia brain washed her or something. Destiny had short black hair, and brown eyes. Estella had long black hair, with blue eyes.
She glared back at me. "It's Patricia you reject! I don't understand why anyone would want to have you as a kid; I mean your own parents didn't even want you" she mocked. The school I went to was small and everyone knew everyone there, which wasn't so good for me. The first day I started school I was already known as the foster kid that was constantly rejected from homes.
"I bet her foster folks won't keep her around for long. Won't be long till they get rid of her just like every other family she has been with did" Destiny laughed. She along with Patricia and Estella began to laugh at my haunted past, these idiots don't even have a clue to what I've been through. It's a damn good thing they don't know how my foster folks have already abandon me, I know it won't be long though before the school finds out.
As their taunting laughter mocked my tormented mind I looked down and folded my hands into fist of frustration. I wanted to scream, I wanted to disappear, I wanted to be alone. Being alone was better than being in a crowded room filled with people, people were cruel. Finally getting tired of the obnoxious laughter I looked up at my peers with a fearsome look that actually stunned them into silence for a moment.
"What's with that look reject?" asked Patricia annoyed.
"I might be a reject, but I'd rather be a reject then a fake girl with fake friends. The only reason these two idiots follow you around like puppies is because they hope by some miracle they'll become popular like you" I said stubbornly.
"You bitch we are real friends to Patricia!" cried Estella.
"That's right. If anyone tried to hurt her we would break them so fast they wouldn't know what hit them" said Destiny.
Patricia grinned. "You see reject, I know what real friends are. I bet that Lilly girl only hangs out with you because she feels sorry for the lonely reject that was abandon by her own parents" she mocked.
That was it! Without even thinking I suddenly found myself launching at the girl causing us both to fall to the ground. She screamed in surprise as well as her idiot friends.
"Someone help! The freak is attacking our friend!" shouted Estella. So much for breaking me so fast, I knew they were all talk.
I had Patricia pinned to the ground as I looked at her with venom. "So what now reject? You going to hit me?" she asked.
I wanted to; I really wanted to hit her. I was tired of the one always getting pounded on, always dealing with the taunting words that stung my soul every day, I was just so tired.
"Emma stop!" a voice shouted. My body froze I knew that voice; it was filled with panic and anger.
"Oh my gosh it's Ginnifer Goodwin!" cried Estella.
"Holy crap it's the cast of Once Upon A Time!" yelled Destiny in shock.
"Emma sweetheart what are you doing?" asked Ginnifer.
Patricia glanced at the actress and then back at Emma. "Wait a minute you know Ginnifer Goodwin?" she asked stunned.
I shut my eyes blocking everything that was surrounding me for just a moment. "Hey Ginnifer Goodwin I don't know what Emma is to you, but she became insane and just attacked me!" Patricia cried. The girl was indeed an amazing liar, hell she really could become an actress like she wanted tp. My eyes snapped open and I noticed the fake tears coming down Pat's face as she looked at the actress pleadingly.
"Emma honey please get off the girl" she begged.
My hands tighten on Pat's shoulders in anger, how could she believe her so easily?! Anger flooded through my veins, I know as soon as I release Patricia the actress will throw me back into that horrible system. Any time I got into trouble, into a fight that I never started, the foster parents would always kick me out. I can't go back there, I won't! The actress would never believe my side of the story; I was exactly what Patricia called me, a reject. Ignoring the pain in my ribs I quickly stood up and looked at the actresses with a look of betrayal. Before Ginnifer could even say anything I took off.
"Wait Emma!" Ginnifer cried.
I could hear the actress calling for me, but the actresses were all blocked by fans pleading for pictures and autographs. I ran to the exist of the mall without even looking back. Once again I was alone; I would always be the reject that would never find my true home.
TBC!
Muhahahaha I know that I am positively evil to leave you hanging like this, but I couldn't help myself! Send those lovely reviews and I'll be updating soon!