Emma

Henry remained in bed, his arms wrapped around me as he soundly slept through the dark night. Me in the other hand, cannot bear to lie down. My stomach is on fire, filled with rattling rocks bumping against the inside of my flesh. I bit tightly on my night shirt as trickles of fresh sweat fell down my forehead. I tried to silence my cries, but its not easy when your kid keeps pulling you closer.

I managed to carefully put Henry's hands off me with trembling cold hands. The thunder striking pain in my stomach keeps increasing by every inch I move. But I still forced myself to quietly get off the bed. I leaned my hands flat on the wall, and took small steps to the kitchen. The floor is ice cold, but the temperature matches with the more fresh drops of sweat trickling down my back.

My hands reached to the kitchen counter; my back crouched as an upside down L. I lowered myself down on one of the kitchen stool, and leaned my head down on the counter. The cool surface calms me a little, but doesn't rock the pain in my stomach to sleep. This is not the first time I went through this. I sometimes just spend about three to four hours in the bathroom, and the next day my system will be clear by a snap of a finger. But this time, I think its going to take more than sitting on the floor with a toilet in front of my face.

~ I rubbed my stomach in careful, smooth circles. Not that it helps, but it calms my deep worries of my condition. I hate to get sick. It stops me for going to work, and taking care of Henry properly. Plus, I can't afford to go to the pharmacy; Henry's science project is coming up in two weeks and he needs some supplies. Including, my early payment for the rent; Grumpy is in a foul mood as usual. I guess one of the tenants contacted the police again. I wonder why Grumpy can't respect everyone here.

The fancy oval box is placed below the kitchen counter. I crawled down, and picked it up. I opened the box, and removed the paper wrapping. Inside is the most valuable item I ever owned, not counting the wedding ring Bae stole ten years ago. I lifted the flat black beaded hat, a French beret style with a black fish net veil connected half way on it's front curve.

Jefferson arranged a little celebration for me recently on the day of my birthday. He took me to the top lounge of the Empire State Building. We drank a few glasses of champagne and some delicious "homemade goodies" he made with his daughter; I tossed half of the champagne over my shoulder and hid some of my food in my napkin, my stomach just couldn't take any luggage. Once I blew my candles on the homemade Italiano pizza he made with Grace, he surprised me with this box when I opened my eyes. Its fancy for my taste, but I must say the man has some pretty good taste.

Another strike pressed against my stomach again. Without warning, the box slipped away from my fingers. I instantly fell off the stool and landed straight on my knees. I can no longer hear anything, nor see anything but the darkness of the evening.

I could hear Henry moaning, and slowly putting the sheets to the side. His footsteps started slow, and sped up its pace. His hands touched my shoulders. "Mom! Are you okay? Mom?!"

I opened my mouth to speak, but the pain in my stomach just forced out a groan than words.

"Mom! Mom I'm going to find help. Just stay put okay?"

I tried to grab his hand or his ankle to stop him. I can't afford to go to the hospital. To think of it, I don't remember the last time ever going there.

I remained in that position for a while. But the agonizing pain kept me company, and slowed the time. Every two minutes the flesh ripping pain strikes every time I take a breath or move a single muscle. Soon, the door opened and now an extra footstep is heard.

"Henry, call the ambulance now. I'll help your mom get back to bed. Hurry now." I recognize that voice from anywhere.

Hands touched between my legs and supported my back. "Jimmy..."

He hushed me. I just closed my eyes as he slowly lowered me down on the bed.

I could hear Henry dialing 911. "Yes. I need help, my mom isn't feeling well and she needs immediate medical attention...Yes...I have an adult with me, his my neighbor...Please hurry. Please."

~ The ambulance arrived. Half the neighbors woke up and stepped out of their doors to watch what was going on. Two men offered to lift me on the ambulance stretcher bed. But Jimmy insisted to carry me down himself, which was completely unnecessary. But that way it doesn't really cause a scene.

The neighbors watched me as Jimmy walked across the hallway. The two men opened the ambulance truck, and helped me lie down on the stretcher bed. Jimmy sat beside an available seat, and Henry came inside too. The two men stepped inside and shut the doors. One of them removed an oxygen mask out of a case.

I shook my head. "That won't be necessary. I'm not dying, or struggling to breathe. My stomach is just the problem."

The man removed the stethoscope out of a first aid black purse. He placed the ear plugs, and placed the round silver disk on my chest. He listened to my heart beat for a moment, and then pulled away. "Your heart beat is unsteady. Just lie down please, and try not to talk."

I nodded. Henry looked at me. He took my hand, and whispered reassuring words to me along the ride. It was comforting, but it didn't stop the angry "banging" in my stomach. I doubt I'll be able to leave home right away once I go inside that poison hospital.

I know its weird Jefferson decided to put candles on a pizza than a cake. But when I was three or four, I celebrated my birthday with a large pizza. It was pretty good, but I was a kid then so I just ate about everything. Hope you all enjoy. I apologize for taking so long. I had been dreadfully busy and now a little sick...I have a little soar throat that's close to recover, my muscles are weak and a little stiff, and my face is burning. But you had been awesome to enjoy my story. Until then...

P.S. Guys Emma's secret is about to be revealed after just a little more chapters. Maybe one or two. I know most of you are impatient for Killian to find out Emma's secret background. I'll try my best to make it good. Well, see ya.