****A/N: Seriously guys I was in a lil bit of a slump because 4 of my other stories are drawing to a close. But this one has def become my fav to write. I've got 6 chapters already and I just started writing this a few days ago. And that's with all these kids who seem to think once I'm busy doing something that's the best to time to start asking questions or for attention. If you think you can't predict the others lemme tell ya this one will have so many twists and turns you won't see it coming. I'm not usually a fan of flashbacks, however this is a story that begins in the middle and the beginning will interweave throughout it. There's no other way to tell it without flashbacks. Before you ask, yes it is SQ endgame. Anyhew... pls enjoy :D

CHAPTER 2

"Ma!" Henry came running through the hospital doors. Ruby was following him looking none too happy. Emma had promised he'd be her first call as soon as it was done. "Did it work?"

"I'm not sure yet kid. They took her in the back and I'm still waiting to hear what's going on."

"It'll work. I know it will. I believe it," Henry took a seat in a vacant chair. He sat with his legs swinging and a small smile on his face.

Emma hadn't seen him smile in weeks. She hated that she'd had to involve him but it seemed only fair he should know the truth. She turned to Ruby who was still frowning with her arms crossed. She knew Ruby wasn't happy about being dragged into the middle of it. She knew she had to make things right with her best friend. She just wasn't sure how to go about it.

She took a step toward her. "Ruby, I - ."

"Save it Emma," Ruby threw up her hand. "I'm here for Regina." Ruby walked over to the other side of the room and took a seat.

Emma slumped down beside Henry. He gave her a smile that said he understood and then took her hand. Emma smiled at him gratefully before putting her arm around him.

The doctor strolled out and walked over to Emma. Emma perked up and waited for the news. "Mother and child are going to be fine. It's just a mild concussion with some bruising that will disappear eventually. We have her on an IV to keep her hydrated and we'll keep her overnight just for observations. But she should be able to return home tomorrow."

Henry turned to Emma, "See I told you, Ma." His grin was so wide it practically went from ear to ear.

"Can we see her now?"

"Sure. She's being transferred to a room now. Then my nurse will let you know where you can see her at," the doctor smiled. He gave a final nod and walked back into the personnel only area.

Emma grinned and hugged Henry. Then she pulled back from him, "We're not sure what all she thinks went on. I'm going to need you to give us a couple of minutes alone first alright?"

Henry nodded eagerly. Then his face took on a worried look, "She's not going to hate me anymore is she?" he asked in a small voice.

Emma turned to him and put her hand on his shoulder. "Henry, your Mom never hated you. She was just – upset. She was the Evil Queen remember? She kinda blows her top for a while but you are definitely what she's always loved the most. And she worked really hard to make you happy. And to change and be a good guy just for you."

Again, Henry gave her a small smile but Emma could still see he was worried. Truth be told, so was she. She had no idea what Gold had put into her head. She just knew that if he messed things up, she'd make sure there was hell to pay.

A nurse came and directed them to Regina's room. The trio made their way there. As they got closer to the room, Emma slowed and pulled Henry to the side. "Remember Henry, I'm going to go in first. I'll come out and get you after I talk to her." Henry nodded and went into the small waiting room across the hall. He took a seat.

Emma looked at Ruby pleadingly. Ruby rolled her eyes and followed him.

Emma cautiously walked into Regina's room. She shuffled her feet nervously as she stood uncertainly in the doorway while she took in the scene before her. Regina was resting with her eyes closed. She must've felt eyes on her because she looked over at Emma with startled eyes. Emma felt sick to her stomach as she realized she'd been played by that damned Imp. Emma held her breath as she waited for what was to follow.

"Emma," Regina's voice was weak but she was still in control. "Come here," she commanded. Emma began to make her way timidly to her side. Her mouth had gone dry and her palms were sweaty. Then, Regina smiled at her. It was a smile filled with love. Emma's mouth dropped as she realized it had worked. Gold had really done it. Regina held out her hand.

Emma wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and took her hand in hers. Regina pulled her down for a kiss. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"And I'm so glad you were there and rescued me."

Emma flushed her guilt. She tried to cover it with a smile. "It was just the right place at the right time. Sorry about your car."

Regina frowned then shrugged it off. "It was just a car. We're really going to need something more reliable anyway for this little doodle," she patted her still flat tummy. Her face took on a pensive look, "I really have no idea what I was doing or where I was going. I don't even know what I hit. I guess my brain's on the fritz because of the accident."

"Yeah," Emma was at a loss for what more to say. "Umm, Henry's outside. He's dying to see you."

Regina's face brightened up. "Well bring him in here. He must be so worried."

"He was. I'll go and get him," Emma bolted for the door and closed it quietly behind her. She leaned her head against it and took a deep breath. Then another, then she began laughing. She ran to the waiting room. She schooled her face before walking in.

Henry stood nervously worrying his hands at one another. "Did it work?"

Emma took a big exaggerated breath. Then decided to let the kid off the hook. He'd played just as big a role in all of this as she did. She broke out in a grin. "It worked. She doesn't remember anything."

Henry grinned. "I can't wait to see her." He took off running down the hall to his Mom's room.

Emma turned back to a still frowning Ruby. She walked tentatively into the room. "Ruby, I want you to know that we really did think this over carefully. It wasn't a spur of the moment thing or anything. I really think," Emma licked her lips nervously as she tried to find the right words. "I really think this is the best way. And you saw Henry. Gold promised no one would get hurt."

"Except Regina when she finds out." Emma found it hard to meet her eyes. "Like I said, I'm just here for Regina," Ruby averted her face and crossed her arms and legs defiantly.

Emma took the hint and backed off. Unfortunately just that second, her parents walked by. They were about to keep walking until they spotted Emma in the waiting room. Damn it! She hadn't told them anything which only left one person. She looked over at Ruby silently accusing her. Ruby rolled her eyes and looked the other way.

"Granny called us," Snow answered her unspoken question. "Emma what the hell did you do?!"