About a week later Neal is sentenced for twenty five years in prison. Emma is happy, that bastard can finally pay for what he did to her. She finally feels like she can move on with her life.
A car horn lets out a short beep and brings her out of her train of thought. Killian. She smiles. She picks up her bag and runs downstairs. She shouts goodbye to her parent and runs out the door. Killian is patiently waiting in the Jolly Roger. She hopes in and they kiss. Killian breaks away.
"Sorry, love, but we are going to be late if that keeps up," He says reluctantly. She nods. He puts the car in drive and they speed off. Emma adjusts her glasses and looks out the window.
"Don't worry everything is going to be fine," Killian reassures.
"Killian, you don't know that. How would you know? No one has ever gossiped about you. Everyone loves you. You're the golden boy. Its not the same for me. I am the nobody who gets in trouble all the time," Emma says in a bitter tone. They arrive at the school and Killian pulls into the nearest parking spot. He unbuckles her seat belt and pulls her into his lap.
"Hey, look at me. I know things haven't always been easy, but I wasn't always the golden boy. I know girls are catty and mean, I am here and you know Ruby has been on damage control," He says with a smirk. She nods. He brushes strands of her out of her face.
"I just hate that everyone isn't ashamed to talked about me. They don't even hide it anymore," She says unbelievably frustrated.
"Yes, but are you really going to let them bother you? You shouldn't. Who gives a damn about what they think? Once we graduate you and me are going to leave this town and never look back," he says with a smile. Her eyes widen.
"Don't make promises you can't keep," she whispers. His fingers run through her hair.
"I promise I will take you away from here," he whispers and places his forehead against hers. She smiles.
"Ok now I really don't want to go to class," she says with a smirk. He leans back.
"No. Come on. We will have plenty of time later for that," he winks. She opens the car door and climbs off his lap.
"Party pooper," she says as she sticks out her tongue at him. He smiles and grabs their bags.
"Not really, but if you didn't get to school you know your parents would freak and try to kill me," he says as he gets out of the Jolly Roger. She takes her bag from him. Hand in hand they head into school together.
The whispers aren't as bad when she bruises covering her face, but they're still there. Killian was right she can't let them keep her down. She holds her head high and smiles at Killian.
"Is it as bad as you thought?" he asks.
"No, but you were right," she squeezes his hand.
"What was I right about? because I'm a smart guy. You're going to have to narrow that down, love," he says with a smirk. She playfully punches his arm.
"Very funny. You were right about not letting them get me down. They don't matter," she says as they head up the stairs.
"Oh about that. Yes, I was right. I'm glad you see that now," they pause in front of her math class, "I know you're strong woman and you just need to realize it." She nods. He cups her cheek with his hand. The bell rings and he kisses her forehead.
"I'll see you at lunch," she says with a smile. He nods and heads off to his class.
At lunch they meet up with Ruby and James, who are officially dating now.
"Honey, you have nothing to worry about. I have done damage control," Ruby says with a proud smile.
"Thanks, but lets not talk about it. What's been going on around here?" Emma asks. She wants to talk about anything, but the trial.
"Hmm, Rapunzel got caught drinking again, so she's being home schooled now," Ruby whispers as she leans in. Emma leans in. They lose the boys at this point the begin talking about something boys like.
"No way! Anything else?" Emma asks excited. Ruby ponders, but the shakes her head.
"Just the trial. I mean its the biggest thing to happen in this town since Cindy got knocked up," Ruby says with a smirk.
"I know and if it was anyone else besides me we would talk about this twenty four seven," She lets out a sigh.
"That's true. Come on I think we need a night out. There is a party this weekend at Eric's. Let's get the boys to go," Ruby places her hand on James' shoulder, "Hey we are done gossiping. The four of us are going to Eric's party this weekend," she orders.
"We are?" Killian asks eyebrows raised.
"Yes, Killian Jones, we are. You know why?" She didn't give him time to answer. "I'll tell you why. Because Emma needs a real celebration. What better way to celebrate than a party?"
"The party isn't for her. Eric is having it because he wants to get drunk," James challenges her. She holds up a hand and closes her eyes.
"It doesn't matter. To us it is a party for Emma. We are going and that is final," Ruby says sternly. She opens her eyes and glares at the boys. They nod in agreement. Ruby smiles.
"Now onto more important things like prom," Ruby says with a serious face. Emma rolls her eyes. Both the guys eyes widen in shock.
"Ruby, look you've scared them off. It's only december we have months the plan," Emma tries to discourage this conversation. She has no desire to talk about dresses and shoes today.
"Well no we don't. I am the head of the planning committee and we needed more help, so I signed you three up," Ruby says quickly like that would lessen the blow. The boys jaw drops. Before they can collect themselves Emma responds.
"No. Not a chance in hell," Emma says with her arms crossed.
"Emma, it won't be anything like last year. I am in charge this time. Things will be different. Please do it," Ruby begs, but Emma doesn't budge.
"What happened last year?" Killian asks.
"Yeah I want to hear what happened," James leans in interested.
"Do you want to tell them or should I?" Ruby asks. Emma uncrosses her arms.
"It was my awful experience I will tell it," at this Ruby rolls her eyes. Killian just chuckles. Its nice to see her break free from the fear and sadness Neal caused her.
"We were cleaning up last year and I found none other than our charming host for this weekend, Eric, sleeping behind some decorations. So I wake him up. It took a while, but eventually he woke. He sat up and said he wished I was his date. He was drunk off his ass. I could not deal with anymore shit, so I told him his drunk ass had to leave. He then proceeded to throw up all over my shoes," Everyone bursts out laughing. Killian collects himself.
"I am sorry, love. That's awful, but come on its kinda funny," he said with a smile.
"Oh I haven't even gotten to the best part. When I told my dad he was so mad. So in class on monday Eric had to run around the track all class no breaks," Emma said with a smug smile. Killian stops laughing.
"What? Thats why that happened? Everyone thought he had hit on you in front of Coach or something. When in reality he threw up on you," Killian chuckles. Now it was Emma's turn to laugh.
"Oh Killian. If that why he punished boys you would be running a lot in class. Eric's a big boy he could handle it," Emma states and Ruby giggles. Killian nods and they all break out laughing again.