Killian

I don't remember the last time I ever drove my first baby, it's also nice to do it again with someone. I love how Henry smiles, he reminds me a lot of Emma. Of course, it's usually Jefferson who makes her laugh, but even if it ticks me off that he's there by her side, I feel like I'm in a peaceful paradise just watching her there from a distance, it hurts me that I can't be good as Jefferson sometimes.

"Hey, Henry. How about we stop by for some ice cream? What do you say?"

Henry nodded. "Sure. I'm kicking in for something sweet."

"Alright here we go."

When we arrived to a nearby ice cream store, I pulled over the car. The two of us got out of the car and went inside. Henry leaned so close to the glass windows of the ice cream stand, looking carefully at which flavor to choose. I removed my wallet out of my breast pocket.

"Take your time, mate. Visiting hours in the hospital last till eleven p.m."

Henry nodded.

My phone suddenly buzzed. I took it out of my pocket. It's Milah. I didn't expect her to listen to me, but then again, she certainly chose the wrong time to call. I placed it back in my pocket.

"I want the cookie dough vanilla on a waffle cone."

I went beside him. "Alright. I guess I'll have the plain vanilla with crushed Oreos."

A young woman with a pony tail behind the counter came up to us. "What would you guys have?"

"Ah yes. Can we have one cookie dough vanilla and vanilla with crushed Oreos, both on waffle cones?"

"Of course, just one moment."

My phone continued to buzz. Henry looked at me. "Shouldn't you answer that?"

I shook my head. "Nah. It's nothing important."

"It sure sounds important...Killian, I appreciate you taking care of me, but I don't want to get in the way with your work. So whatever it is, just answer that phone call. I could wait. Like you said, we have all day."

"Henry, really its not – "

The woman handed the two cones. I took it, and gave the cookie dough vanilla to Henry.

I sighed. "Alright. I'll answer the phone. It'll be real quick."

He gave it a lick, and took a small bite. I went up to the cashier and paid for the ice cream before stepping outside. I stood near the door and answered the phone.

"I thought you'll never answer."

"Whatever you want to say, just say it fast."

"I know you decided to first figure out what's going on. I played my part as the overprotective mother, but since you're too stubborn to listen to me, I guess I have no power to get in your way. So, whatever might happen, I wish you luck for the worst."

"Thanks. Is there anything I'm missing right now?"

"Are you serious or are you just trying to sound stupid? Of course there's work for you to do. Killian, seriously have you already forgotten you're the owner of this casino!"

I smiled. "And there goes your motherly act. Have you forgotten you just promised you won't do that again?"

"Oh, cut me some slack. If you haven't noticed, I am a mother. Well, not a 24/7 mother, more of a secret business mother. But you get my point. Anyway, just promise me you'll come back to work tomorrow. Because honestly I can't take over for another day."

"Okay, I promise."

"Anyway, although I hate you doing this, how is everything? Is it awkward with you and her kid?"

"Not really."

"Seriously? Be honest."

"I am serious... never thought I liked kids, but Henry is like a little brother to me, someone that I'm willing to do anything for... Like if he wants ice cream, I'll just take him out and buy him one; if he wants to see awesome cars, I'll show him around my garage; if he wants someone to talk to; I'll be there for him and talk to him about anything he feels like talking about..."

Milah paused for a moment. "Who. Are. You?...Is this Killian Jones? He's about 5' 8 ft tall, has midnight black hair, and has the most annoying 'treasure cat smile'."

"Yes it's me. I know it's weird for me to say this, but I really feel like Henry needs someone in his life to look after personal reasons, something he's mother can't do."

"Son, all this is really brainwashing you...Do you know anything about the father?"

"Not much, but I know enough to understand how the situation adds up. Apparently, Emma's love life was just a high school love story. You know boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. Boy commits himself to her and they run off happily ever after."

"Sounds like me. What happened? He just left out of the blue after realizing money doesn't really grow on trees?"

"Well, I don't know, neither does Henry. He left after two or three years after Henry was born. It's a mystery the real reason of him running away. But Emma's life sure wasn't after that."

"What a shame. By the way, I forgot to tell you, some of your girls stop by. And it wasn't pretty, I had to call security to escort them out. Friday girl almost yanked my hair, luckily I got a chance to rip off one of her cheap extensions. "

I faced the doorway to check on Henry before saying anything else. He sat down on one of the tables, licking his ice cream. But a group of kids started to come right at him, they're the same kids who beat him up yesterday.

"Well, if they come back just handle them. I gotta go. Bye."

"Wait, Killian! I seriously think you should give one – "

I quickly hung up the phone and placed it back in my breast pocket. A slight short kid with blonde hair teased him and leaned his face closer to Henry. His other buddies just laughed behind him.

The short blonde kid started. "Hey, how were you able to afford that ice cream anyway? You can hardly afford an extra milk carton in the cafeteria. Let me guess, you stealing things now. We all knew that you'll become like your daddy, Watch Thief. But we never knew it'll happen so soon. Aidn't that right, boys?"

"Yeah." The boys spoke almost in unison from behind.

"So, tell us now, Watch Thief. How did you get extra cash? I don't see how your momma's work at that crummy little diner and stinking motel can afford anything other than half the bills in that old rut you're living in."

Henry tried to get up from his seat, but the short blonde kid pushed him back down. "Leave me alone, dude. I got nothing against you. Why do you have to do this all the time?"

"Because you're always in that mysterious position, you're all full of unknown stuff, but of course, my boys and I and almost everyone in school know you are just full of lies. Your daddy and momma steal to keep the roof over their heads. Now you sitting here eating ice cream – not to mention anyone have ever seen you eat out other than that diner – leaves something fishy on how you ever earned a little stash to your collection. Now answer us, Watch Thief. Where did you steal the money?"

I stepped up to the boys and cleared my throat. They all turned their heads to me, even Henry.

"Come on, mate. We should go now."

The short blonde kid stepped up to me, pursing his lips tightly. "Who are you, mister?"

"I am his mother's boyfriend."

I can see some of the boys' jaw drop, others shaking their heads in disbelief. Henry looked at me confused but stood up and walked out of the shop with me.

"Thanks, Killian. But boyfriend? Are you seriously – "

I hushed him. "They're still looking at us. Don't blow off our cool, mate."

I pressed the unlock button on the car's mini remote. The boys' nose pressed against the glass wall, staring in awe at my beautiful masterpiece. I can see Henry smile and giving them a quick evil wave before getting in the car. I don't think his name is going to be 'Watch Thief' anymore.

Henry leaned back on the car and laughed. "I always wanted to do something like that my entire life!"

"I'm in with you there, mate."

After a few laughs and stand-up shouts out of the open roof of the car, Henry came back to his senses and started back to the serious mode.

"So...Did you really mean it?"

I kept my eyes on the road. "Mean what, Henry?"

"What you said back there to those guys, that you're my mom's boyfriend."

"Ah. Why are you so curious about that? Do you hate me for saying that?"

Henry instantly shook his head in protest. "Oh no, that's not it. I mean, you're really cool and easy talk to, man. Especially what you did back there, I couldn't ask more being saved yesterday and now just giving those idiots a taste of their own medicine today. This car just doesn't know how to make an entrance; it can also crush the mind of premature kids."

"That's why I bought her."

"So really, are you my mom's boyfriend?"

I sighed. I haven't the slightest idea how to answer that question. To be frank, I've been asking that myself. Emma has been dating me and Jefferson like she's some kind of a rented video. One day she's with Jefferson, probably talking about his damn hats and books and of course, that pretty little rascal Grace. The other day she's with me is just long hours of me flirting and making her uncomfortable while she blushes and starts off with her serious motherly attitude, even though I know she likes it and feel a bit flattered. It's odd about all this. Am I her boyfriend? Do I have a number like Thing #1 and Thing #2 in the Dr. Seuss book?

"Um...Yeah, I guess. We've been dating for awhile, sorry I didn't mention, mate. It just didn't seem like the right time to mention when you opened up to me about your father, plus I thought you'll hate me after discovering who I was after your mother was sent to the hospital."

"Oh. But what do you mean that 'you guess'? Shouldn't you reply as 'yes' or 'no'?"

"Well, its complicated than you think. This is as far as I can tell you, mate. Forgive me, but I think I should stop from here and allow your mother to tell you in person about everything...By the way, try to make a good excuse when she sees those small bruises on your face."

"But it doesn't hurt."

"It will hurt her. Promise me that?"

He nodded. "I promise."

"Now that's settled, I got a few questions to ask you. I know you may think it's a bit odd, but stay with me. When did your mother acted somehow strange?"

"Strange? What do you mean by strange?"

"Because when I discussed with the doctor he told me how your mother's illness is due to lack of rest. I mean, what in the world does she do for a living? Does she ever sleep?"

"Shouldn't you already no that by now? I mean, you said you dated my mom. Didn't you notice anything peculiar?"

"No. To be honest, I didn't. She hid her symptoms quite well, unfortunately."

I looked at Henry. He fell silent. I can see his eyes getting watery and his lips hidden in a almost visible line.

Has Emma been suffering that bad? What in the world is wrong with her? Does she not have any pride? She has a kid and me who is just dying for her to be part of my life. How could she be so careless of her health? Why didn't she tell me when she got worse?...She could have collapsed in that apartment with Henry, alone...She could have frightened the kid and never woke up... She could have died. Oh gosh, she really could have died back at the diner. What if that was the last day of her existence? I can – no I mean I will never move on with my life without her. I just can't. And I will not.

"So she really has been working that hard."

Henry nodded. "I knew from the start. But I...I still didn't tell anyone. I feel so stupid for not doing so. I knew a few people who were close with my mom, but I just thought mom will be okay since she went through the same before."

"Same before? You mean she's been through this in the past?"

"Yes."

I can feel a thick lump growing in my throat. My eyes starting to water a pool of liquid while my lips are trembling. I licked my lips and pursed them tightly to stop the trembling. "O-oh. I see...Henry, I want you to know something. You're mom's condition is not your fault. Okay? It isn't. You just had a little faith that her suffering will go away. But now that the two of us know what you're mother is going through, let's help her get back to her feet and take it from there."

Henry sniffled, and wiped his nose with his sleeve. "The two of us? Are you saying you're going to help my mom, Killian?"

"No. No I'm not going to help your mom. I'm going to help you and your mom. When you're mother can be taken home, things are going to change."

I turned my head to Henry. A smile brighten again in that small lips again.

"What's the change?"

"How much do you like my place, Henry? Is it bearable for you?"

~ We arrived inside the hospital. The two of us went up to the front stand.

"Hi, we're here for Emma Swan. I'm her fiancé and this down here is her son." I gave a little wink to Henry. He nodded understanding my little lie.

The receptionist gave me an uneasy look. "Right. You must be Mr. Jones. Um...I was just informed from Dr. Harris that family members or close relatives are allowed to see the patient."

"But I'm sort of part of the family."

"I know, sir. But I was specifically told by the doctor just to allow family. So I believe you should wait outside while I escort her son to her room. If you have any other questions you may go see Dr. Harris. I will call for him to see you here. If you'll excuse me?"

She stepped out of the stand and placed her hand on Henry's back. The two of them walked away through the hallway. I took a seat on one of the arm chairs. I waited for about an hour till the doctor finally arrived. I stood up.

"Dr. Harris. It's good to see you again."

"Ah. Mr. Jones I'm glad you're here. I have something to talk to you about privately."

"What is this about exactly?"

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "It's important. Will you take a quick walk with me outside?"

"Alright."

The two of us slowly went outside. We stopped by rows of roses that were planted near the entrance. Dr. Harris stuffed his hands in the pockets of his white coat.

"Mr. Jones I believe you are aware what I want to discuss about. Do you mind explaining to me your real relationship with Miss Swan?"

"Crap, I'm finally caught red handed. How did you find out?"

"Mr. Jones I believe I was the one who first asked you something."

"Well, I am not Emma's fiancé but I am her boyfriend. I just had to know about her condition when she arrived here. Was Henry the one who told you the truth?"

"No. But I really appreciate if you be honest with me for now on."

"I can promise that."

"But for now on, I must keep all personal medical information just between her and her husband."

"Excuse me? Husband? Did you said her husband?"

He nodded. "Why yes? Didn't you know she was still married?"

"Yes I knew. I guess this is the reason why you're being careful with me. But I can reassure you her husband probably knows who I am by now. So if you're afraid about any crazy love triangle breaking out in here, I promise there won't be one."

"That wasn't one of my concerns. But thank you for telling me that. Henry is still with his mother. Since Miss Swan is awake, I suppose you may go and see her. I only wanted for you two to be in separate places before any mishap could have happened. Well, if you'll excuse me, I have other patients to attend to. Good day, Mr. Jones. I hope there will be no trouble."

"Good day doctor."