Family is Forever

I'm back! Yes my wonderful readers I am still alive and kicking. I know it has been forever since my last update and I am so sorry. Life has been hectic with work and blah, blah, boring stuff.

I also want to plead to my readers in case any of you are fans of the TV series Dark Angel to check out my new story. I promise not to neglect this story if you read it and send some reviews that way. Anyway love you guys, and enjoy the new chapter!

Oh and P.S I know some of you were wondering if the story was going to start leaning towards Ace and Emma now, but no need to worry about that. The story will still mostly focus on Emma getting close to her family and the cast. Ace is just going to pop up every now and then to help Emma out, just like Lilly does.

Chapter 13

It was Monday evening and I was getting ready for the big pool competition. I was nervous and excited all at once. I excited to show off my skills, but I was terrified about meeting the entire cast of Once Upon A Time. The few members that I have met were nice, but a room filled with celebrities wasn't exactly my idea of fun.

Once I was finally dressed in my black jeans, black boots, and a long sleeve candy coated top in plum, I made my way out of the restroom and into the living room.

The actress was sitting at the counter drinking some water as she waited for me to get ready. Josh had already left early in order to meet up with some of the guys before the game. As always she looked stunning, she was wearing a spaghetti strap white dress that hugged her curves perfectly, along with white heels to match.

"Emma you look wonderful" she smiled.

I blushed and looked down, still not use to getting kind compliments. "Thanks, you look good to" I replied lamely.

"Shall we get going; I'm sure Lilly is probably already bouncing around the room driving my poor friends crazy" she laughed lightly.

I smiled at the thought of Lilly, I could already see her in the game room going from one actor to the next, asking them each a million questions with squeals. Part me wishes I had asked Ace to tag along, but I wasn't so sure that Gin and Josh would be so excited with the fact that we were officially dating. To them he was an old friend I hadn't seen in years, they wouldn't understand how we could hook up so suddenly like we had. They wouldn't understand the bond we had as children. Nope, Ace and I both thought it would be better to wait a few months before letting the news out. That way they wouldn't think we had just suddenly jumped into something we weren't ready for.

Gin opened the door as I walked behind her and was surprised to see Jared waiting for us out in the hall. I smiled at seeing the kid dressed in nice black pants, shoes, and a white fancy collared top.

"Jared I figured you would have already been in the game room by now" said Ginnifer surprised.

"I wanted to walk with you and Emma" he beamed happily.

I popped around the actress grinning at the kid. "Wanted to walk with the winner huh kiddo?" I asked.

He laughed. "Of course, everyone is really excited for the match" he explained.

"Well then I suggest we get ourselves down there" Gin smiled.

We agreed and followed the actress towards the elevator. It didn't take us long to finally make it to the game room that was crowded with celebrities all drinking and chatting about random topics. My body instantly froze as I stared at the gorgeous people in the room, I suddenly felt so plain and dull compared to them.

"Emma?"

Gin's voice was filled with concern; I didn't want her to worry about me. I didn't want my pathetic fear to ruin everyone's fun so I knew I just had to ignore my fear and grow up.

I glanced up at the actress and smiled. "No worries, was just surprised to see so many people that's all" I explained lamely.

"Emma if this is too mu…"

I shook my head. "I'm fine" I quickly cut her off and headed into the room after Jared had already taken off.

Ginnifer's POV

I could easily tell that she wasn't fine; it was obvious that her fears were getting to her but she wasn't letting me in. I didn't want to upset her; I knew that all I could do was be here for her when she needed me.

"Emma!"

I smiled as I saw Lilly running over to Emma and made my way over to the girls.

"Hey Lilly" she greeted.

"Oh My Gosh Emma I have so many pictures that I have to show you!" she squealed as she held out her phone.

Emma shook her head and laughed. "Please tell me you haven't traumatized any of the actors Lilly"

I giggled as Lilly pouted like a kid. "I did no such thing! They all adore me Emma, Meghan and I are like long lost sisters I swear! We love the same music, movies, books, everything!" she cheered.

Emma glanced at me with a grin. "Looks like you've lost your best friend to mine"

Lilly beamed. "Oh Emma no worries, Meghan is awesome and everything but you'll always be my bestie!"

"Hey Gin" I heard Josh call.

We all turned to see Josh and Colin walking towards us. Josh was wearing nice jeans, dark shoes, and a red collared shirt. Colin was also wearing jeans, a dark blue button down shirt, and black shoes.

I smiled. "Hi dear"

He brought me into his arms with a happy grin. "A kiss for luck?"

"You're going to need a lot more than a kiss and luck to beat me" Emma warned lightly.

Our friends laughed as Josh ignored them and planted a short but passionate kiss onto my lips. I instantly melted into his loving touch, but all to soon he had to pull away.

"All right, all right enough of the mooshy stuff" said Colin.

"Time for introductions!" Jared cheered. He was now standing next to Emma as he suddenly pulled her hand and brought her to the center of the room. "Everyone this is Emma! She's staying with Gin and Josh from now on!" he announced proudly.

I could see how stiff Emma looked at suddenly being the center of attention. I cursed at myself for not talking to Jared about Emma's fears sooner. The poor girl looked like a deer caught in headlights. Everyone was cheering and shouting for the match to begin. I glanced towards Josh and silently begged him to help Emma somehow.

Josh nodded as if instantly understanding what needed to be done and walked over to Emma. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump suddenly. Her green eyes looked up at him filled with different kinds of emotion; I knew she wasn't ready for this. I should have made her talk to me before.

"As you all know Emma here has decided to make a bet against me and Colin in a game of pool. Gin and I also figured that this would be a perfect way to introduce the newest member of our family" he smiled.

I beamed at his thoughtful words, but I could see that Emma was fighting back tears and quickly wanted to bring her into my arms. I know neither of us had really talked about officially adding her to the family but even without the papers and such we already saw Emma as family. We wanted our friends to see her as family also, and knew that tonight would be the perfect way to introduce her. Everyone clapped and welcomed Emma to the family.

"Now that the introductions are out of the way it's time to play!" said Colin.

"Agreed. Since you lost to me the last game I think it's only fair I get to play Emma first" Josh grinned.

Colin rolled his eyes and shrugged as he went to get himself a beer. Josh turned to Emma. "You breaking or am I?" he asked.

"I'll break, you set it up" she replied.

I walked over to Lana, Meghan, Emilie, and Jennifer and took a seat next to Jennifer. "Looks like Emma is doing all right" said Lana proudly.

"I don't know she looked a little freaked out when Jared dragged into the center like that" I said concerned.

Meghan nodded. "Guess we should have explained a few things to him, but he didn't know so we can't really blame him. At least she looks happy now that Josh is setting up the game"

"I think she is mentally blocking the crowd out" I added.

"I'm sure she'll get comfortable once she realizes that no one here wants to hurt her in any way" said Jennifer.

"I hope so, do you think she's happy that we see her as family?" I asked.

Emilie smiled. "I'm sure she is, you just have to let her warm up to the idea"

"All right people here goes the first shot" Josh announced, just as Colin came back with his beer. He headed over to Eion (August), Raphael (Jiminy), and Robert on the other side of the room.

Emma grinned as she aimed her pool stick and struck the white ball. Once the white had made its strike, she was able to get three solids in with just that one hit! The room cheered.

Emma's POV

I couldn't stop smiling, at first I had been scared stiff when Jared had made my announcement. But now that I was finally playing my game I felt like I was completely in control. I could hear Lilly cheering the loudest next to Jared and Alissa after getting three solids in.

"Damn Josh looks like you've met your match" Lee Arenberg laughed. (Grumpy)

I grinned and aimed the white ball for the number five ball, easily making it in as well. I was eventually able to get a totally of five balls in before finally missing.

"Emma you said you were good, but you didn't say you were pro good" Josh said in awe.

"Better get ready to take that shirt off come Friday!" Meghan whistled. The entire cast laughed as Josh rolled his eyes and aimed his stick at the white ball. Once he struck it he was able to get in four balls before finally missing his next target. Only a few minutes into the game and I only had two balls, including the black eight ball left, while Josh had three. Minutes later and we both had one ball left, and the eight ball as well.

It was Josh's turn as he tried to hit his last ball in but miss. "Damn" he mumbled.

I grinned and made my way over to the white ball as I easily shot the last one into the far right corner.

The crowd cheered. "I knew Emma would win!" said Jared.

"She still has the eight ball" Josh reminded Jared.

Colin laughed. "Face it man you've already lost"

And just to prove Colin right Emma hit the eight ball right in, causing everyone to jump and cheer.

"Yeah! It's about time that someone could finally beat Josh at his own game!" Colin yelled happily.

"Poor Gin better start looking for a new husband once those extras get their hands on a shirtless Josh" Jamie Chung laughed. (Mulan)

Josh's POV

I groaned; I couldn't believe that I had just lost to a kid after always being the winner of this crew. I watched as my friends came over to congratulate Emma on her first win and couldn't help but smile proudly. I was glad to finally see her getting more comfortable around everyone. If being beaten by her was the price to make her more relaxed around my friends than I was actually glad to lose. I eventually made my way towards my beautiful wife with a defeated smile. Her smile seemed to glow as her green eyes proudly watched Emma actually interacting with everyone calmly.

"Hey love" I said.

"Looks like I don't get to plan anything romantic for you this evening" she mocked lightly.

"Better enjoy your husband while you can Gin" Meghan warned as she and the girls giggled.

Gin wrapped her arms around my neck and I couldn't help but grin proudly as a dangerous gleam seemed to sparkle in those forest green eyes that I loved so much. "Those fan girls will have to try mighty hard to keep my man away from me for very long" she warned lightly. Her lips crashed into mine and I gladly accepted them, it didn't matter what work would be like come Friday. Gin knew she had nothing to worry about, I could out run fan girls better then Colin ever could. In fact I think I'll trip him for all those wise cracks he's always making when where running from the fans.

Emma's POV

It didn't take long for Colin to start setting up for the next game. I couldn't believe how relaxed I was feeling with all these celebrities around. Granted it helped to be playing pool and blocking my mind at times, but even so I couldn't stop smiling. I have never been in a crowded room filled with people that actually seemed to enjoy me being here. It was strange that nobody here felt like they had some kind of secret agenda to torment me.

"All right Emma don't you think I'll be so easy to beat like Josh was" Colin warned lightly.

"Oh please Colin you've already lost to Josh, there aint no way you're going to win if Josh couldn't!" Lee laughed.

"Can it Lee, just wait and see before you go jumping to conclusions" he grinned proudly.

I couldn't help but grin back. "Don't go making promises that you can't keep"

The celebrities all laughed at Colin as he just shook his head while I went to strike my first hit. Nearly twenty minutes later and the game was practically tied. People were cheering and laughing as we continued to play. I was surprised that Colin was actually able to get his last ball in before me and was just left with the eight ball. Everyone eyes were glued to the game.

"Better not mess this up Colin!" Robert taunted.

Colin seemed to ignore him, but with everyone warning him not to miss the eight ball. He eventually did while just barely making it into the whole.

"Damn it!" he yelled.

Everyone laughed as my hearted pounded from the anger in his voice. My mind flashed to a dark time and I desperately shook my head in order to clear my thoughts.

"I wonder who can away from the fan girls faster?" Lana laughed.

"My money's on Colin" replied Emilie.

"Neither of those shirtless hotties will be able to out run me! I use to be on the track team a few years back!" Lily squealed.

Everyone laughed as my body still seemed to be frozen in place while Colin walked away from the pool in order to get a sip of his beer. I could see Dayne drinking away with his hatred ringing in my ears.

"Hey Emma go and finish the game, you've got this in the bag!" Jared cheered.

I knew he was right, I couldn't let my fears get in the way. Once again I shook my head and cleared my mind as I told myself to focus on the game. I was finally able to get myself together and get my last ball into the whole; all that was left was the eight ball. It was an easy hit seeing as the ball was already close to the whole. I aimed the white ball and slammed it right in, easily taking my victory. The crowd cheered and I smiled, everyone came to congratulate me and I thanked them.

"That was so awesome Emma!" Lilly shrieked.

"I knew you would win" Jared stated proudly. I grinned and ruffled his hair playfully, as if he was my kid brother.

Things were going well and I could even see that Josh and Colin laughing together, I guess they weren't too mad about losing. The rest of the evening was filled with laughter as Ginnifer introduce me and Lilly to everyone, although everyone had already met Lilly by this point. It still amazed me how comfortable I felt around these people. A few months ago if you had told me that I was going to end up being friends with a bunch of actors I would have called you mad.

For most of the evening I pretty much hung out with Gin, Lana, Jen, Emilie, Meghan, and Jared while everyone else was in different groups, wondering around from one group to the next. Music played loudly and we were all just having a really great time. I haven't felt this lose or relaxed in so long that I almost forgot what it was like not to have to constantly look over my shoulder in fear. I went back to thinking how Josh had introduce me as their family. Does this mean that I had finally found the home I had always hoped for? I know I shouldn't let myself get attached, that had always been my number one rule. But it was getting harder and harder not to fantasies about being allowed to stay with these people.

Sometime during the evening I excused myself in order to use the restroom. Once I had finished with my business I was washing my hands when I suddenly heard my cell phone ringing in my back pocket. I dried my hands and stared at the unfamiliar number that continued to ring.

Curiosity getting the better of me I finally answered it. "Emma speaking" I announced.

'Think you can have your happily ever after, huh you little brat'

I froze and my heart pounded with fear, I knew that voice. I hadn't heard this voice in a long time, but I would always recognize it.

"W…what do you want?" My voice was shaky, and I knew the bastard could hear my fear.

'I think you know what I want, I want you back sweetie' he mocked..

"No!"

'You know what I can do don't you, I will take everything you love away from you' he warned.

Tears threaten to fall from my eyes, why was it whenever I thought that I could finally have a small ounce of happiness that someone out there just had to take it away from me. "If you do anything to hurt my family…." I began to warn angrily.

He began to laugh over my desperate plea. 'Do you honestly think that these people really see you as their family? They just see you as a pathetic reject needing a place to crash for a while, I'm sure they'll get sick of you just like all the other families have. Do you really think they would want you after they knew the truth about you, after all the things you let me do to you" he mocked.

I leaned against the wall and allowed myself to slip to the floor. "I didn't let you do that to me willing!" I cried. My body was shaking, I was seeing his face, his hands, his violence all over again, my mind was shutting down into the dark place I never wanted to go back to. How did he get my number, how did he know how to find me?

'Do you really think that's how they'll see it if I show them those photos, the ones with you smiling at me?' he continued to taunt me.

"I didn't want to smile! Please just leave me alone, I won't go back to you!" I cried.

'Such a shame, maybe your friend Lilly would love to have her pictures taken'

"You stay away from her you sick bastard!" I warned dangerously.

'Or maybe that lovely actress oh what was her name, Ginnifer Goodwin I believe?"

"If you touch anyone that I care about I will kill you, you son of a bitch!" I practically growled. Suddenly the fear and horror that this man could usually have over me disappeared into anger. I would rather die than allow this freak to be anywhere near these people, especially Ginnifer. That woman has been nothing but kind to me, she doesn't deserve to suffer because of my dark past.

'Oh my, it appears the scared little rabbit has grown some claws over the years. I suggest you and I meat and we can have a nice little chat, I want to see how much you've grown. Meet me tomorrow night at the school, if you don't show then those around you will end up dead, one by one' he warned. 'Be there at midnight' he added just before the line went dead.

Damn him! Damn him if he thinks I'm going to follow his orders, not like last time, I won't let him win! I told myself that I could handle him on my own but then the memories of his torture came flooding back to me, I let out a painful cry as if I was completely reliving the past all over again.

Ginnifer's POV

Time seemed to pass and Emma hadn't come back from the restroom yet. I excused myself and decided to go and check on her. When I was just about to open the door I suddenly heard the most agonizing heart breaking scream my ears had ever heard. Panic filled through my very soul and I quickly rushed inside.

"Emma!" I cried.

For a moment I watched in horror as I saw her shaking back and forth with her hands over her head. My heart literally braking at the sight, I ran over to her aid and knelt down beside her.

"Emma sweetheart what's wrong?" I asked completely horrified. I slowly tried to wrapped my arms around her but she quickly pulled away and she started screaming as if she were in pain. Tears threaten to fall almost instantly; I didn't know what do to, how could I let Emma know that I was here without hurting her. I couldn't stand seeing her like this. I wanted to see her laughing and smiling again just like before, instead she was crying and screaming in pure terror. What could have suddenly triggered this; she seemed completely fine around our friends. Damn it, I felt so blind for not being able to see what was wrong.

"Emma sweetheart please tell me what's wrong" I pleaded. My voice was soft and soothing.

Eventually Emma finally raised her head just barely and my eyes saddened at the stained tear cheeks that she had.

"Emma?" I said carefully.

Out of nowhere she suddenly launches herself into my arms and just allowed herself to cry. They weren't the soul crushing cries she had before, but it still broke my heart to see her in so much pain.

"Whatever it is sweetheart I promise you that you are not alone, I'll always be here for you" I vowed.

The two of us sat on the floor with Emma wrapped around my arms. At this moment in time I wished with all my heart that I could just stay like this with Emma, with her wrapped around my arms, away from anything that ever wanted to hurt her. I wanted her to know that she was loved, I wanted her to know how brave I thought she was and how lucky I would be to be her mother. I began to rock her back and forth and started to sing to her just like last time.

"Dancing bears, painting wings,

Things I almost remember,

And a song someone sings,

Once upon a December…."

Emma's POV

As soon as she started to sing the darkness of that place seemed to almost fade away completely in my mind. Instead I was seeing a different memory, just like before I saw a younger Ginnifer looking down at me with the warmest smile I had ever seen as she brought my little self into her arms. She was singing the same song as she soothed my cries into silence. In my memory she stopped singing for a moment but continued to smile proudly at me.

"That's it my sweet little Emma, mommy's here and I'll always be here for you" she promised gently.

In the present time just as the actress had stopped singing my head instantly shot up and my green eyes looked at her in pure shock. This woman, she couldn't possibly be my real mother!

TBC!

Dun, Dun, Dun! Makes an evil laugh as I see all my readers screaming at me for leaving them with a cliff hanger. Don't worry I promise not to make you wait for the next chapter too terribly long like the last time. My muse if finally back and ready to write! You know what to do, leave those reviews and I'll update soon!