DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own any of the characters from ADJL. They belong to Disney. I do however own Rose and Jake's adopted daughter, Emily, along with the angel Joy and anyone else you don't recognize. If anyone would like to use any of these OC's, please ask my permission first.
Thanks!

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Enjoy!

"One Rose, Too Many Thorns"

Chapter 7-An Unexpected Gift

Rose lay next to Jake, unable to sleep. Her mind was racing with so many unanswered questions. Why was Emily so mad at her and what could she do to fix it? She loved Emily and she wanted her to forgive her. Rose hadn't expected Emily to react in the manner that she had. She expected Emily to be upset for a day or two at the most, but not a week.

Rose sighed as she tried to get back to sleep. She was having trouble and she knew having a dream date with Jake would not solve her problems. Jake had tried to persuade Rose to do so, but Rose had refused. She had refused gently and kindly, but had refused nonetheless. She didn't feel like going on a dream date right now. She didn't want to disappoint Jake by having her heart only half in it. She knew Jake deserved better than that.

As Rose lay there, her mind floated back to the day she had found Emily. She would never forget that day as long as she lived…

Rose sighed as she stood there, waiting for the creature to show itself. It was true that she had quit hunting six months ago, but she still had to keep up appearances to the Huntsman, or risk getting beaten. She wanted to avoid that punishment at all costs. She hadn't received one in a week and Rose wanted to keep it that way.

As Rose stood there, she heard a strange noise coming from her left. She thought it was the creature, but as Rose listened harder, she could tell the sound was different. It sounded like a child's whimpering.

Rose listened harder and sure enough, that's what it was. She forgot all about the creature for now and set her sights on where the whimpering was coming from.

Rose approached the left side of the street and followed the sound to a block lined with dirty looking houses. The houses were damaged and it looked like the people who lived in them didn't take very good care of their property.

As Rose approached the sobbing child, she tore her mask off and put her hunts staff aside. She didn't want to scare the little girl and she could always get another staff and outfit.

"Hi there, little one," Rose said, kneeling down to the child's level. "My name is Rose, what's yours?"

The little girl tried to shy away, but Rose held her hand out in a friendly gesture.

"No, it's okay, honey. I'm not going to hurt you. I promise. I want to help you. Are you lost?"

The little girl shook her head.

It was only when she gazed up at Rose, did Rose discover the little girl had the same color eyes as her own. The little girl's hair was also blond, but more of a strawberry color.

As Rose glanced down at the girl's appearance, Rose felt a pang of sympathy in her heart. The little girl's clothes were tattered, as well as caked with dirt.

As Rose gazed up into the child's blue eyes, she saw nothing but fear and longing in them. Fear of what was to happen next and a longing for someone to help make the pain go away.

Rose wanted nothing more than to take this little girl into her arms and tell her everything was going to be okay, but she couldn't just yet.

As Rose stared into the little girl's frightened, blue eyes, she caught sight of a bruise on the little girl's right cheek. She felt a surge of anger boil within her being. How could someone hurt a child? How could someone hurt a precious miracle so innocent and sweet?

Rose asked herself that same question every time the Huntsman would beat her. She never found the answer to it.

Rose was broken out of her thoughts by the sound of a window breaking to her right.

Just then, the door to one of the houses opened and a man came out. He looked like he had been drinking and he glared at Rose while reaching his hand out to the little girl.

"Emily! There you are, you little brat! What have I told you about leaving the house!" He roared, sending shivers down Rose's spine and making Emily whimper and move closer to her.

"Answer me!" The man snarled. With that, he back handed the little girl, Emily, across the face.

Rose was frozen with fear for a second before her protective instincts took over.

"Leave her alone!" SHE shouted, her Huntsgirl tone full and strong.

"And what's it to you?" The man asked, rounding on Rose. "Who the hell are you, anyway?"

Rose gave the man a hard glare.

"Rose." She replied, her voice strong and determined.

"Well, Rose," the man said, sneering as he spoke her name. "I'm sure you have somewhere to be and this brat needs to come back in." With that, he reached for Emily, but Rose blocked him. There was no way she was going to let this man hurt that precious little girl. She felt a tug at her heart and she knew the Father had placed Emily in her path for a reason. He wanted Rose to have her. He wanted Rose to protect her just as He protected them both.

"Leave her." Rose demanded. "Leave her, or you'll have me to deal with."

The man stepped back, a little intimidated by Rose's tone. But the intimidation lasted all of two minutes before he lunged forward.

Rose, thinking he was going to hurt her, jumped out of the way, giving him the out he needed.

Rose's heart leapt into her throat as she watched the man drag Emily back into the house. The child was sobbing and trying to wriggle free. She then yelled something out that tugged at Rose's heart.

"Rose! Rose help! Help me! Rose!"

Rose vowelled to do that very thing. She was going to help Emily get out of that abusive situation, no matter what it took.

For the next couple of days, Rose made sure she made detours to Emily's neighborhood to check on her. Rose found out that Emily was nearly three and she could count up to ten and she knew all of her colors and the alphabet up to L. She was a sweet little girl and Rose wanted more than anything to rescue her, but she couldn't just yet.

Rose had also given Emily a new middle name as well. She had named her after herself. Emily's name had gone from Emily Sara to Emily Rose Long. Rose didn't know why she had used Jake's last name as Emily's, but she felt it was right. Emily liked it as well and she grew accustomed to hearing Rose say it.

It wasn't until four weeks after Rose and Emily met, did Rose get her chance to rescue the little girl and show her a better life.

The Huntsman had sent Rose out on a mission and Rose made sure to send eighty-eight and eighty nine out to do her bidding. She knew that the boys would relish in trying to do her job better and she had more important people to help.

Rose went right for Emily's block, but she didn't find her there. Her heart pounded as she searched the streets, calling Emily's name. It wasn't until a woman who lived four houses down the street, heard Rose's cries and came to help. She was one of the nicer people around there.

"Are you looking for that little darling Emily?" She asked, her face registering worry and concern.

Rose nodded, her heart caught in her throat, not wanting to fathom what could have happened to her. What could have happened to her baby, her Emily Rose. Rose wasn't' aware just how close she and Emily had become these past few weeks, but it was going to be apparent just how close they had gotten in the next few hours.

"Yes. Do you know where she is?"

The woman nodded.

"You can call me Melissa. They took her away some time last night. There was a bit of a commotion and the authorities came. They placed Emily in a home a few miles away from here. Some girls place of some kind."

Rose nodded, relieved that Emily was okay, but she still ached to hold her. She had to see that she was okay for herself.

"She was cryin' somethin' awful. She kept saying she wanted someone named Rose. She said Rose would take care of her. She even went as far as to call Roes her Mama."

Rose's heart melted at this.

"Uh, I'm Rose," Rose said, after she was able to compose herself. "Emily and I met a few weeks ago. I didn't know she viewed me as her mother."

Melissa nodded.

"That little girl didn't have anyone to help her before. She's taken' a mighty likin' to you. You should go and see her. I have a feeling you're just who she needs right now." Melissa winked at Rose before going back into the house. She returned and gave Rose the address to the place.

Rose thanked her and left. She had to get to Emily. She had to save her baby girl.

It seemed like forever, but it only took Rose fifteen minutes to reach her destination. She didn't care if she was late coming home. The Huntsclan academy wasn't really her home anyway. Her home was back in NYC with Jake. It wasn't here.

As Rose rounded the bend and knocked on the door, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. It was like God was telling her this was the right thing to do.

'Please Father, please let this work." Rose prayed desperately in her mind.

Rose was interrupted when someone answered the door.

"Yes, may I help you, sweetie?"

Rose cleared her throat and nodded.

"Yes. I'm here to pick up my daughter. Her name is Emily. Emily Rose."

The woman nodded and her face broke into a grin.

"Do you mean that little girl they brought in just last night?"

Rose nodded.

"Yes. Is she okay?"

"A bit shaken and bruised, but otherwise she's okay. She's been talking about you non stop since she arrived. We've introduced her to several foster families, but Emily didn't take to any of them. She said you would come for her."

Rose nodded and beamed inside. At least someone had faith in her.

"May I see her, please?"

The woman nodded.

"Of course you may. By the way, my name is Katie."

"It's nice to meet you, Katie."

Katie nodded and let Rose in. She motioned for Rose to sit down.

"I'll go get Emily." With that, Katie left.

Rose sat there, praying that she was doing the right thing. She loved children and she had helped several young girls in the Huntsclan academy, but they weren't her own. She had no income and no way of supporting a child of her own.

As these thoughts ran through Rose's mind, she reminded herself of the one thing she always relied on whenever she would get into a jam.

"Have faith and let the Father handle the rest." That's what Rose would do. The Father hadn't led her wrong yet, this time would be no exception.

"Emily, honey, there's someone here to see you." Katie said, giving the little girl a smile.

"Don't wanna see them." Emily replied, her voice full of fear and tiredness. "I want my Mommy! I want Rose!" With that, the dam finally broke.

"Aw, honey, I promise, it's going to be okay." Katie assured her, hugging the child gently. "Come on. I promise you'll like this person."

Emily shook her head and pulled away. She sat on her bed, refusing to move.

Katie sighed. She knew she was going to have to break the rules and allow Rose to come back. There was no other way to get Emily to obey. Unless…

Katie snapped her fingers in triumph, why hadn't she thought of this before. It was a sure fire way to get Emily to listen.

"Okay. It's your choice. But you're going to miss the surprise."

Emily's blue eyes lit up at the sound of the word, 'surprise.

"Supise? What supise?" Emily asked, not sure she wanted to know.

"Well, you'll just have to come outside and see for yourself. Trust me, you'll like it."

Emily hesitated, but her curiosity overcame her fear and she went without question. She followed Katie into the familiar waiting room and her eyes widened when she saw who was sitting there, waiting for her.

Rose grinned as she knelt down to Emily's level and held her arms out.

Emily didn't need any prompting from Katie. She dove into Rose's arms and clung on for all it was worth.

"Aw, Emily, I was so worried about you!" Rose said, sincerely. "Aw, come here, sweetie."

Emily just buried her face in Rose's shoulder and let the tears fall. She was just so relieved to be with Rose again. She knew she was safe now and she didn't have a care in the world.

Katie smiled at the interaction. She had all intentions of letting Emily and Rose leave. She really didn't care if she got fired. She too believed in God and she knew the Father had made this so. This was his work and Katie never messed with God's plans. In fact, nothing pleased her more than doing the Father's work. That's why she had come to work at the Hope for the Children Girls' home in the first place. She wanted to do the Father's work and she wanted to work with children. Here, she could do both.

"All right, I guess you two can be on your way."

Rose nodded, and then blinked. She was sure there would be some questions about her age and her capability to raise a two and a half year old.

"But don't I have to sign anything?" Rose asked, a little puzzled at the lack of inquiry.

Katie nodded and smiled as she got Rose an application to work there.

"Yes. But that's only if you want the job."

"Job?" Rose asked, thoroughly confused now.

Katie nodded.

"Yes. I know you're in a tough spot. I've seen you around here before. I want to help you. Surely your uncle won't mind if you work on the weekends? You can even join in our church service on Sundays if you like. It's free."

Rose nodded and a smile spread across her face. SHE knew she would be able to support Emily now and she also knew the Huntsman wouldn't object to her working on the weekends. He was usually away from Friday till Monday anyway.

"Thank you," Rose said, unable to say anything else.

"You're welcome, sweetie. It's my pleasure." Katie replied, sincerely.

After Rose signed the papers, Katie gave her an advance of eighty dollars to start her off. She could tell Rose needed it.

As Rose and Emily left the home, Rose thanked Katie and Emily even gave her a hug.

"Aw, you're both welcome. I'll see you on Saturday, then?" SHE asked, referring to Rose.

"Yes ma'am." Rose said, saluting, making Emily giggle.

"None of that," Katie told her. "Just call me Katie."

Rose nodded.

"Okay, Katie. I'll be here."

"Good. I'll see you then." With that, Katie watched Rose and Emily leave, confident she had done her job for the day. She had reunited a little girl with her mother and also had given help to someone in need. She knew Rose would be just fine working for them and Katie also knew that Rose would get along with everyone there.

When Rose and Emily returned to the Huntsclan academy, Rose got Emily something to eat and Emily ate it with gusto. She wasn't a picky eater and Rose was grateful.

Emily had started calling Rose 'mommy from day one, which melted Rose's heart. She loved the child with all her heart and she was determined to show her what having a mother was really like.

After Emily was done eating, Rose tucked her in bed and had cuddle time with her.

"Mommy?" Emily asked, laying her head against Rose's shoulder.

"Yes, sweetie?" Rose asked, kissing Emily's cheek and making calming circles on her back.

"I love you."

"Aw, I love you too, honey. Mommy loves you so much. I was so scared when I couldn't find you. I thought something had happened to you."

Emily cuddled closer to her new mother and gave her a kiss while resting her head on her shoulder.

"You won't hurteded me, will you?" Emily's question made Rose fight back tears. She knew why Emily was asking it, but she still couldn't bare the thought of laying a harmful hand on her little girl.

"No. Never. I promise you. I will punish you if you misbehave, but I will NEVER hurt you. I'll put you on time out or take something away, but I will NEVER hurt you."

Emily nodded and felt herself relax.

"You promise?"

Rose nodded, stroking Emily's strawberry blond locks.

"I promise you, sweetheart. I promise you." With that, Rose fell asleep, Emily safe in her arms. SHE knew she would have to explain Emily to the Huntsman, but that would wait until Monday. Right now, Rose didn't care about that. The only thing-or person she cared about was safely in her arms and Rose wouldn't have it any other way.

Before Rose fell asleep, she sent a silent prayer of thanks up to God, knowing He would hear her. She also kissed Emily's cheek one last time and stroked her hair as she fell into dreamland. She hoped Emily was having pleasant dreams as well.

As Rose lay there, she sighed and wiped the tears away from her eyes. She had tucked Emily in, but her daughter wouldn't even let her kiss her good night. Rose had to wait until Emily was asleep to do so. She prayed and hoped that her daughter would forgive her soon. Rose couldn't take Emily not talking to her.

Rose felt an empty place in her heart and wanted it filled again. All she wanted was to hold Emily in her arms and know that her daughter wanted to be held and wanted to spend time with her again.

As Rose lay there, she thought of something Katie often said and used it to her advantage now.

"All in the Father's time. All in the Father's time. All in the Father's time…"

With that, Rose fell asleep, confident that Emily would forgive her soon. She knew her daughter had a big heart and she wouldn't stay upset with her for long. At least Rose hoped Emily wouldn't stay mad at her for much longer.

Rose knew that Emily's fear was that she, Rose, wouldn't love her anymore. Rose prayed that Emily would give her the chance to prove her wrong. Rose loved Emily with all her heart and nobody would ever take her place…