(( HIII! Here's another chapter of Entwined. & I hope you guys like it, it isn't one of my best chapters in my eyes - but I worked hard :) In the next few chapters, I'm going to try and make them a ton longer with more information and development. There is a TON i want to fit into this fanfic, and it's nowhere close to anything happening yet :) So the next chapters, and hopefully the rest ever in this story will be much much longer, and informational. :) ENJOY! ))

The wheels underneath me reeled me down the hall, and nurses hands gripped the sides of the hospital bed until their knuckles were white. The bumps and jolts kept me awake for the smallest amount of time, keeping me consciously aware of the bright ceiling lights that passed by. My head was weary, and I had the urge to just sleep, and let my body relax. It was the anesthesia, obviously. That dreaded drug, that forcefully gripped me by the legs and threatened to pull me into siesta. I leaned my head to the side, and my eyes fluttered open to unveil someone familiar. Her green eyes gazed down upon mine, and her lips stretched into a grin. She seemed to be the only person I had come to know here, the only person who willingly wanted to help me. Weird, huh? Nobody has ever wanted to help me. Only tell me what I should and shouldn't be, and think they are helping me.

"I know this isn't what you want Regina..." her cold palm gently wrapped around the top of mine in assurance, "but I promise you, everything will be fine and you'll be back home in no time." The giddy feeling I had gotten as my name slipped past her lips gave me the littlest burst of vivacity. But quickly faded back into exhaustion.

I forced a tender grin, and rose my brow, "It.. has to be done.." I whispered, unable to give anymore energy into my words. My voice was groggy, and jaded. But no matter how tired I was, and seemed - Henry never left my mind. My skin crawled with anxiety at the thought of him being alone and scared when I didn't call or come home immediately with open arms. I batted my eyes once more, catching a glimpse of the blonde still grinning down at me. For some odd reason, those green eyes seemed familiar to me. I had never been out of Storybrooke more than a few times, and I've most certainly never met this woman. It was unusual. Yet, calming.

And just like that, the bright flickering lights of the hospital and the warming glow of the viridescent eyed woman named Emma, disappeared into the shadows.

For such an old book, it smelled fresh. New. Like it had just come from the library in perfect condition. I liked that smell, but this book revolted me.

My fingertips grazed upon the pages, flipping them back and forth in search of any other truth. I didn't know if I was supposed to be happy, or angry. But I had this mixture of both, that gave me an unpleasant feeling in my stomach. The illustrations that resided on the pages were so splotchy, yet beautiful. The faces were hard to make out sometimes, but I knew each and every face like I had seen them day after day. How could I miss the face of my mother? Or who knew what she was - maybe even evil.

"You found it."

My head snapped to the side, and my eyes locked onto the tall man leaning gently on the door frame to the kitchen. August.

"You decided to leave out a lot of vital information," I scoffed, focusing my attention back onto the cringe worthy novel in front of me.

"And here we go," he shifted his weight back onto his feet, and waltzed over to me, "I was expecting this, so go on. Let it all out, kiddo." He leaned over my shoulder, scanning the book with his eyes as well. I had this lump in my throat, that just wouldn't go away. Like that moment before you're about to cry, but you hold it in because you want to. You have to.

My fingers twitched, then quickly grasped the flimsy pages, flipping them all the way back to square one. The first page, where the dark and evil lady stood and smirked. My eyes continued to search the illustration, trying to find out another plausible explanation than the one that was currently engulfing my brain like an infection.

"Is that-"

"Your mother? It sure is," August cut me off, and sighed deeply as he straightened back up and pulled a chair up next to me. He sat down, and folded his hands together as if he were a father about to give me a depressing speech about something gone wrong. Which, I didn't really see much of a difference right now. I looked to the ground, scanning the white tiles and cracks that lied on the floor. I could feel his gaze on me, searching me for any emotion - any reaction he could find to figure out his next move. I didn't show much, just shock and utter confusion. That's all I've really felt these past few days since she's been gone. I didn't even know if I really wanted her to come back now. The Evil Queen was my mother, well - adopted mother. Same thing, right? She was the great and powerful evil queen that everyone had read about at least once in their lifetimes. The one, that everyone hated and despised with such a passion. Even if it was just a fairytale, a make believe story that made money.

"What was she like?" I spoke, not even taking the chance to look up at him in this moment. I didn't want to give him the chance to lie to me, to tell me that, 'Oh! The Evil Queen? Well, first off. She's real, and second - she's great! She treated everyone fairly, and like her own children. She was by far the best queen we've ever had in fairytale land.' or whatever they called their home.

August shifted in his seat uncomfortably, and tugged on his pant leg, "Kid, I'm not sure you-"

"I've done everything you've asked me to do since you've gotten here. I took advice from a random stranger who walked into my house. I just want to know, what she was like," I took the chance, my eyes caught his. The anger pumping through my young veins made the blood rush to my face. That always happened when I was angry, I would turn a bright red and I could practically hear my heart beating out of my chest. I never liked being angry, but it happened.

He seemed to rethink, like he regretted everything he had ever said to me that one night. Like he never wanted me to go grab that book, and convince my teacher I was into fairytales for goodness sake.

"She was evil," he hesitated, and scanned my face with his dark brown eyes, "she was just... pure evil." His chest heaved out, as he took in a deep breath. This time, his eyes found the floor and I could see all of the memories he had ever had encountered with my mother rush back into his brain. I watched as he ran a hand through his hair, and clear his throat. Something happened, something terrible and I was the person living with her. The person who probably ruined thousands of life's, yet she never hurt me. Why? The great and terrible evil queen adopted me, cared for me, and loved me more than anyone else could. Why?

My heart yearned for more, more answers to my questions that threatened to spill from my lips, "Tell me more." I couldn't stop myself, I needed to know as much as he could give me.

"Henry-"

"Please." I begged, I had to do that a lot with this guy. And I didn't like it at all.

There, I found myself pleading for answers about make believe characters in a book that became so real to me that I found myself weeping into my pillow at night. My brain, my heart, my body ached for answers that nobody could give me. Like why did nobody realize they were being ordered by the Evil Queen, the mayor of Stroybrooke? Was this place even real? Why had I never been told, and why did this August show up on my doorstep like an invited guest? Nothing made sense anymore, and a part of me craved my mothers presence back home. I wanted her to hold me tight, and tell me everything was going to be okay and that all of this was just a bad dream. I was eight, and my mind was filled with more knowledge than the average kid. I was taught and loved by this wonderful mother that I would never give up, just to find out she was a famous villain who killed and tortured many. Maybe she didn't even love me, and she was planning to just get rid of me like my real mom. I didn't know anything anymore, and it made me want to break down in tears and go back to the days where I could just curl up next to my mother, and fall asleep to her soothing voice.

My palm rested on the scalpel that resided on the metal cart next to me. I bit the corner of my lip, as my eyes searched the woman on the bed. She lied face down, her back bare and prepped for surgery. All I had to do was do it, but something held me back. The thought of carving into her silk skin, and forever leaving such a scar sent chills up my spine. I was usually good at this, if not - great. I never thought twice before a surgery, never. It came natural, and easy. But Jefferson was right, I felt like my mother was the one lying on this bed. Even if I had never met her, or even if I hated every thought of her leaving me on the side of the road to die - I would never hurt her. Nor would I hurt the one before me, Regina. I watched her shallow breaths, and slowly gripped the scalpel. The creaking, and squeaking of a door shook me from the silence that had consumed me. My head snapped to the right, catching Jefferson in my gaze as he entered the room. He tugged on the collar of his lab coat, and didn't greet me with a smile like he normally did.

"I specifically asked for this to be a solo operation, Jefferson," I quickly stated, just wanting to be left alone this time.

"Oh I see," he chuckled, "you've found my new replacement." He nodded towards Regina. I cocked my head to the side, tensely as his expression was hard and angry. But he cracked a small grin, and I let that in as a sign to loosen up a bit, "Why solo, Swan?" He rose a brow at me, and stuck his hands in his pockets.

"I just.. feel like I owe it to her in some weird kinda way-" I paused, glancing around in thought. I didn't really know why, I just felt the need to be alone. And, I also told her I'd be the one to get her home as quick as possible. I didn't need any other help with this, she trusted me. And only me. I saw it in her dark brown eyes when she looked at me on the way to prepping. She wanted to go home, and she wanted to go home without worry and quick recovery. And she wanted me to do that, because she knew that I could save her no matter what. I promised her that, that I would save her. And save her I shall.

My eyes locked onto Jefferson, and caught his expression go from warm and cuddly to enraged and irritated.

"I need to tell you something, dove." He tapped his foot, and cleared his throat with a grunt.

"Oh yeah?" The corner of my mouth turned upright in a soft smile, trying to ease the eeriness that filled the air like thick fog, "What's that?" I gave up, and my eyes fell back onto Regina. Who continued to breath softly, and wait patiently in her slumber to be operated on. Her dark hair was tucked into a protective cap, but small strands snuck out and rested on the back of her neck.

"She-" Jefferson caught my attention again. I side-eyed him, and pretended to examine the scalpel I still held in my hand, "she's not who you think she is, Swan." I held down a laugh, but failed miserably. In my mind this came as a joke. My eyes shot up to his as I was still chuckling under my breath.

"What is this? A scene from some crappy soap opera?"

He shot back immediately, "Behind those pretty dark eyes you're always getting yourself caught in - is something far worse than just some mayor. She's evil. A killer, a manipulator-"

"Did you take your medication this morning or?-" I snapped at him, he was being more delusional than he usually acted on the daily. I was used to some of his paranoia by now, after years of his fidgeting and breakdowns over regular patients - it seemed normal. But this, was just a bit odd. She had been here for a few days now, and he hadn't said a word about her other than she was some mayor of a town.

He took in a sharp breath, and swiftly waltzed over to the opposite side of the operation table across from myself. He eyed her limp body, not in desire - but hatred. Like he was an animal ready to pounce on it's prey. It's helpless, prey. My muscles tensed, and I found myself becoming a bit territorial. Ready to jump if he tried anything.

"She.." he pointed his finger down at her, "she doesn't deserve saving." Fright began to fill my body. He had never acted like this before, and it scared me. Gave me memories of foster care, and the horrible children I had to grow up with. But I stood my ground, not letting those walls down for him to see my terror. Or he would surely use that to his advantage.

"Jefferson, you're talking nonsense. Get out of here before you hurt yourself," he growled at him, my grip slowly tightening around the blade in my palm. He looked up at me, and clenched his jaw densely.

"You have no idea what she is, Emma." I let myself react, the shock covering my features and revealing itself to him. He never used my real name, ever - mostly. Not in situations like these anyway. And that's when he really frightened me. Genuinely scared me, even. I didn't get scared often, I was tough. After years and years of running, and fighting, and surviving - I knew how to hold my ground.

"She has a child, for gods sake Jefferson." My throat was hoarse, and my voice cracked as I spoke now. I knew what it felt like to be left alone, with no parents. I wasn't going to wish that upon a child, waiting for his mother to return back home. He deserved to see his mother again, I didn't need to know what kind of woman she was. She was a mother. Like I once was, even if it was for a mere couple of months. I was once a mother, too. And I chose to give the baby it's best chance, and it wasn't with me. It was with someone else, someone better. My feet worked without my consent, and I walked around the bed and straight up to him, "Just get out." I pushed myself between him, and Regina's unconscious body. He leaned closer to me, his hot breath hitting my face like poison.

"You should've let her die the other day," he hissed. That was it - that was the moment where I lost all control I had left. It was like a flame bursting, and burning all the sanity I had. My fists rose, and they connected with his chest - roughly pushing him backwards from Regina. No matter how angry I had been, I made sure not to cut him with the scalpel. He stumbled back, surprise rushed over his face.

"Get the hell out!" I rose my voice drastically. But silence soon took over, and left us standing there giving each other deathly glares for the few moments it stayed that way. My green eyes shot back and forth between his, that flame never going down and settling. His expression softened, as if he realized what he had said and done. I wasn't going to let him in, I wasn't going to show him my vulnerable side. I didn't need someone trying to understand me right now, nor did I ever. I've survived this long, haven't I?

"I said go!" My arm shot up, with my index finger pointed directly at the doors. I found the ground again, and ignored all eye contact I could.

"You'll see one day Swan." His voice softened, and was full of remorse but not regret. He knew what he said, and I knew he didn't regret one moment of it. It made my skin crawl. I felt his presence slowly leave, and his shoes squeaking with each step he took towards the door. I heard them swing open, and close.

The breath I had been holding, I finally let escape my lungs. My body shook, and my nerves were on edge for the first time in a while. I felt like bawling, like letting out all my anger in tears - but I didn't allow it. I was strong, remember? Emma Swan, former bail bonds person - who didn't take any shit from anyone.

But here I was, risking everything I had for this woman I barely knew. This woman who had an eight year old son waiting for her back home, and probably a family, too. Waiting just as patiently. This woman who's hair flowed beautifully from her head - but barely skimmed her shoulder blades and had eyes as dark as chocolate. Did I do it just because it was the right thing to do? Maybe. Or maybe I did it, because of the way she looked at me before she fell into this unconscious state. Her pleading eyes, screaming for her son - but accepted the extra time she needed to become healthy enough to even leave back to him. The way they looked back at me, they were so calm. So- Emma, stop.

I had an operation to finish. A woman to save once again, but I would do it a million times more if it meant getting her back to her son.

There was anxious ticking, coming from the clock that hung on the wall opposite of me. The same clock that read 3:47 A.M. My shift was over 4 hours ago, I usually got a bit earlier than usual on Fridays - but I knew if I left after the surgery I wouldn't be able to sleep without knowing how she was. The curiosity would've eaten me alive, and I would've ended up calling anyway to feed that intriguing feeling.

I chewed at my nail, creating just a painful stub. Three nails down, seven to go I guess. I'd been standing for so long, the numbness in my feet slowly turned into absolute numbness. I'd been there for at least three hours, just waiting outside the door - for that bloody nurse who took he sweet time. What was I saying, she was doing her job - and so was I. Well, technically waiting outside a patients door wasn't really part of my job - surgery's were. But, I counted this as something to do. This time though, I wanted to. I needed to know that I fixed everything, made her as new as possible. Or back to her original state at least.

Four nails down, six to go.

I kept hearing small chatter, which was odd - considering Regina was supposed to be deeply asleep from all this medication we had her on. There was a shuffle of footsteps, and the twist of a doorknob. My eyes watched the knob turn, and the door swing open with a nurse appearing behind it. I put my hand down to my side, and immediately turned to rush into the room. Not even a moments pause, I was practically shoving past the young woman. Her palm gripped my bicep gently, and my head turned back to face her in confusion.

"What?" I asked, raising a brow, "I'm aloud to-"

"I-I know, Ms. Swan," she interrupted, and forced a small laugh, "You've done this plenty of times, especially for this mayor-" she nodded into the room, and I tilted my head in a bit of a shock. Did everyone realize that easily?

"Then.. what is it?" I cleared my throat, looking down at her. I was almost an entire head taller than her, she looked up at me like a small child. Her shoulders rose, and then drooped back down.

"Uh- Ms. Mills-"

"Regina." I didn't mean to interrupt, but I felt the need to correct her. Her shocked expression, and rose brow gave me the permission to continue talking if I liked, "Oh- I mean her name is Regina." I swallowed, and glanced to the ground in embarrassment.

"Uh.. yeah," the nurse re-positioned the papers in her hands, "She has developed an infection in her left foot - it must've been contracted after she had a small surgery constructed on it," she peered at me, like this wasn't any big news at all. Which confused me, shouldn't she be worried - even the tad bit at least? My gaze shifted back and forth between both her eyes, and I shook my head.

"I don't understand- is this good news to you..?" I stuttered, and crossed my arms. I must've been coming off as offensive and rude, because she gave me the same confused and irritated look as before. I seemed to this a lot - do, and say things in a different tone I truthfully didn't mean to do. I was bad at expressing emotion, I had all my feelings locked away behind this door - and whenever I let one out, it turns into this huge mess I didn't mean to make.

She shook her head, "No- I was just letting you know.. you are her doctor and - it's not a life threatening condition right now for Ms.- Regina," she sighed, "Just make sure you keep an eye on it, please. I already gave her some medication for it," I sensed a hint of aggravation in her small voice. But I chose to ignore it, I didn't want to start anything more than a conversation with her. I was already impatiently waiting to enter the room. I nodded, and she finally turned and waltzed away. I let out a breath of relief, and continued to make my way into the isolated room.

My eyes met a bed ridden brunette, wrapped in bandages and casts. Her shallow breathing, and steady movements gave me a little more peace than I had before. My gaze then met her foot, it was wrapped tightly in a dressing.

"It keeps getting better and better, huh?" A groggy voice spoke, and I flinched instinctively in shock. My stare was forced upon an open set of dark brown eyes. I inhaled deeply, and relaxed my muscles that had tensed.

"Do you ever sleep?" I sighed, taking a few sluggish steps towards the side of her bed, "Come on, you need the rest Regina." I urged her to sleep, I knew how tired she must've been even if she didn't want to show it. I had only known her for a matter of days, yet I already knew how stubborn she really was. I bet her son was the exact same way.

"No I don't," she giggled, and stopped quickly resting her hand on her stomach.

"You might want to be a bit careful," I smirked, and pulled up a chair next to her bedside. It squeaked as I sat down, and crossed my legs casually. There was a small moment of silence, as she stared down at her foot and furrowed her brow. I held down a laugh, seeing people being this crazy and loopy while on medication was hilarious to me. I may have been a professional surgeon, but I was still basically a child - or maybe I just had a little bit of humor left in my body.

"..I want to get up-" Regina muttered, as she struggled to lift her head. She put her hands to her sides, and started to try to push herself up. I jumped from my seat, and gently held her shoulders, trying to keep her down and from hurting herself. She groaned, and gave up. Her palm wrapped around my wrist as she lowered herself back down. She gazed up at me, and squinted her eyes, "Oh.. hi Emma," she smiled and rested her head in her pillow.

"Hi, Regina." I chuckled, and smiled back at her. The best thing to do in these types of situations was to go with whatever they said. She wouldn't even remember any of this in the morning, if she would just relax and sleep for once.

"What are you doing here?" She grumbled, still peering up at me as I fixed the sheets to her liking.

"I was just.. checking on you - making sure you were.. okay," I said softly, taking a step back to take a seat again.

An expression of shock, and joy spread across her tired face, "Aw.. isn't that sweet-" she giggled, "Nobody's ever done that for me before."

"I highly doubt that," I grinned, and rested my elbow on the arm of the chair, "So how're you feeling?" I asked, setting my chin on my propped up fist.

Regina scrunched up her face, and had to think about it, not that I wouldn't blame her anyway.

"I'm.. okay, I guess-" She turned to head to face me, and I watched as her eyes scanned over my face and settled body in the chair. She was thinking, which gave me a bit of a frightened feeling that lurked in my stomach. I was never used to people paying this much attention to me, and when someone was on this much medication to make them this loopy - they said whatever they were thinking which wasn't ever a good thing. I wasn't expecting anything flattering.

"You know... I never usually say these type's of things but.." she continued to scan my facial features, that giddiness never leaving, "has anyone ever told you... how beautiful you were..?" She mumbled, and cocked a brow. Her question took me by complete surprise, and my body turned hot. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks, and shook my head softly.

"I- Uh-" I stuttered. I could feel myself blushing, but it was less nerve racking knowing she wouldn't even realize anyway.

"Because you really are..." she muttered, and limply rose her hand to point towards me. I had no words, so I just forced out a laugh. It was the only way I could get out of any situation, "Why're you laughing?"

I shrugged, and fumbled with my hands, "I-I don't know-" I smiled, and glared at the ground.

"My son would like you-" She chuckled, resting her hand back down at her side and suddenly her expression softened. I gaped up at her, and it was my turn to study her face now. Even in this state of in between consciousness and unconsciousness - she still had these strong and special connection to her son and her thoughts about him. It was beautiful to see the love for a child someone had. Especially a mother who was so far away from them.

"Well... I'm sure he loves you and his father much more than he would ever like me," I leered. I guess I was also on the rule of, say whatever comes to mind. Because I sure didn't take a moment to think before I said that. She glared at me, and shook her head with a laugh.

"I'm not married.." she found it amusing, "I've never been married, and Henry's not really mine. I mean - he's mine, of course... he's my son-" her voice turned stern and angry, "he's adopted - but he's still my little boy.. my son," she became upset by her own words, and I could see the tears gathering in her eyes, "And nobody will take him from me.." I heard her voice start to quiver.

"Well he's very lucky to have you," I assured her, and grinned. Her face lit up, and she smiled brightly.

"You really think so?" Her brow furrowed together. I quickly nodded, and stood up from the cushioned seat.

"Yeah.." I said, "Yanno, I never knew my parents - so he's very lucky to have someone who cares so much about him. I've never really had that." I smoothed the covers once more for her comfort, and didn't dare say goodbye. I never had goodbye's, because in my eyes that mean't forever. I'd see her tomorrow, and I didn't need to address anything near goodbye. I gave her one more gentle grin, and slowly turned to leave. But a cold hand wrapped tenderly around my wrist again, followed with a deep and soothing voice.

"Please don't leave me.." Regina spoke, her grip not letting up. I turned back, and my eyes caught hers. They glared at me, softly and managed to hit me like a train at the same time. I took in a sharp breath, and hesitated before nodded quickly.

"Never," I stated quietly for her gentle ears, and mercifully wrapped my hand back around hers as well. I saw her eyes light up, and the corners of her mouth turn up in a big smile. God, she had the most perfect smile.

Without letting go of her arm, I pulled the chair closer to her bed and seated myself once more. I curled up in the plush chair. I didn't care how uncomfortable I was, if it made her feel anymore safe and secure - then I would've done it for years. Because in some weird way, I knew she would do the same for me. And like I had said before, I was going to save her. And to save her, I also needed to respect what she wanted from me.

And if staying by her side the rest of the night to keep her feeling protected. Then damn, that's what I was going to do.