Chapter Eighteen
Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time. Also, this is a sequel to the original "Thicker than Water" written by La Lisboa.
I'd like to thank Lisboa for betaing and letting me use her story as a starting point.
I'd also like to mention that last Tuesday was the anniversary of when Lisboa began posting the original "Thicker than Water." Can we give her a round of applause for creating such a wonderful premise and writing such a great story?
Fifteen minutes later, the judge returned to the courtroom and pounded his gavel. Emma gave Henry one last hug, and then they returned to their seats along with the others. "All rise," the bailiff announced, as soon as everyone was seated. The group then stood up. "Court is now reconvened for the Custody Hearing of Henry Mills, with the Honorable Judge Quincy presiding."
Judge Quincy pounded the gavel again. "You may be seated," he told the people in the courtroom. "Ms. Sherwood," he looked at the other lawyer, "you may begin."
Ms. Sherwood nodded and picked up some documents. "I would like to show you Henry Mills's birth certificate, Your Honor," she announced holding up a piece of paper. "It states that Regina Mills is Henry's only mother. Not only did Ms. Mills have full custody of Henry until she died, but Miss Swan had decided to have no contact with her son at all when he was born. To the point where her name didn't even appear on the birth certificate. She may have given birth to Henry, but she is not legally his mother, nor is she really a mother at all."
Emma ground her teeth again and resisted the urge to scream at the woman. How could she say that? Just because she'd made a dumb decision at eighteen years old to have a closed adoption? She thought it was what was best for him! Furthermore, Emma had done everything she could since she'd found Henry to make it up to him. Behind her, Snow grounf her teeth as well, and whispered something. Emma couldn't hear what it was, but she doubted it was nice. Fortunately, her parents stayed in their seats.
Ms. Sherwood handed the birth certificate to the judge. Then she held up another piece of paper. "This is a list of all the residences Miss Swan has had in the past twelve years, since the birth of Henry Mills. There are fifteen different locations on this list, Your Honor. Miss Swan seems to me to be someone who drifts in and out of towns, jobs, and people's lives without committing to anyone or anything. That isn't a good environment for a child, Your Honor. As far as the argument that Mr. Underwood seems to be making, that Miss Swan made mistakes when she was younger and is done drifting, I'd like you to look at this." Ms. Sherwood pointed to one of the spots on the document. "Miss Swan lived in Tallassee for two years before she left that city." Emma forced herself not to think of what that city was supposed to mean and why she had waited there for two years. She couldn't think about that right now. Ms. Sherwood continued, "How do we know she won't leave Maine again? Even if she has been here for two years, she could still leave, just like she did before." Ms. Sherwood handed the document to the judge.
"I'd now like to call Dr. Holly Donaldson, a child psychologist, to the stand," Ms. Sherwood announced. A young woman with shiny blond hair, good sized breasts, and a big smile approached the witness stand. Emma rolled her eyes despite herself. The opposing side was obviously trying to use sex appeal to sway the judge with this witness. She hoped for their sake the witness was actually a good psychologist, or they could be in big trouble. (Actually, a part of her hoped the witness was all looks; it would make Emma's case easier.)
The woman sat down in the witness stand. "You are a child psychologist, is that correct, Dr. Donaldson?" Ms. Sherwood asked.
"That is correct," the woman responded pleasantly.
"And what is your specialty?" Ms. Sherwood continued.
"I counsel children with all kinds of problems, but most of them have been through the foster system at one time or another," the woman replied firmly.
"What is your experience with foster children that are returned to their parents at some point, Dr. Donaldson?" Ms. Sherwood asked.
"I find the experience is…not as good for them as they hoped for many of the children. The parents return to their old habits, and the children end up having to either take care of their parents themselves, or find a different home again." Emma sighed. It appeared the woman was more than just sex appeal. She sounded like she knew what she was talking about.
Ms. Sherwood nodded smugly at the audience, then the judge. "So here we have an expert witness that testifies parents often return to bad habits after receiving custody of the child. Miss Swan's 'bad habits', I think we can agree, was leaving. She didn't keep commitments. She'll probably do the same thing again." Emma heard a noise from behind her. It sounded like David's grunting and struggling to get out of his seat to 'take care of' the female lawyer. Fortunately, it appeared Snow and Red were keeping him seated.
"What is your opinion about Henry Mills, based on your experience, Dr. Donaldson?" Ms. Sherwood asked her then.
"Based on my experience…I would say Henry Mills would be better off in a stable home, like the Collards', unfortunately." She shook her head, like she was sad. Emma didn't believe it for a moment. If the woman was really sad, she would understand how horrible foster care was for Henry. Emma ground her teeth and folded her arms across her chest. This was getting ridiculous.
Ms. Sherwood smiled triumphantly. "No further questions, Your Honor."
Judge Quincy nodded. "Would you like to cross – examine this witness," he asked Emma's lawyer.
Mr. Underwood nodded and stepped forward. "Dr. Donaldson, you said the experience is not good for many of the children. Does that mean there are some parents don't return to their 'bad habits'?"
Dr. Donaldson nodded. "Yes, that's true. Some parents who have children return to them become good parents and the experience is fine for the child."
Mr. Underwood smiled at the judge. "No further questions, Your Honor."
"You may step down, Dr. Donaldson," Judge Quincy told her.
"I'd like to call Amanda Jordan to the stand," Ms. Sherwood announced. The social worker stood up and approached the witness stand. After she was sworn in, she sat in the chair and waited for questioning. "Miss Jordan, you are the social worker assigned to Henry Mills's case, right?" Ms. Sherwood asked, reminding everyone of the other woman's purpose.
"That is correct," the social worker replied.
"Can you explain to me why you were given his case, Miss Jordan? That is, why was Henry Mills turned to Social Services?"
Miss Jordan sighed and nodded. "Miss Swan wanted to enroll her son in school, but the school found she did not have any legal rights to the boy. Since it was established his adopted mother was dead and Miss Mills had no living relatives, I was called in. I also found she had no job and the boy didn't have his own room."
Ms. Sherwood nodded. "So Miss Swan assumed custody of the boy without having any authority to do so. That doesn't sound like someone who cares about right and wrong to me. It sounds like someone who does things because she feels like it." She smiled smugly again.
Emma ground her teeth and resisted the urge to scream in the lawyer's face. She had "assumed custody" of Henry because she was the only parent he had left! Because that was what Regina had wanted her to do! From behind her, Emma could hear David whispering and moving his feet. He seemed to be staying in his seat, though. Emma would have to give Snow and Red a big thank you when this was over for keeping him seated.
"Would you like to cross – examine this witness, Counselor?" Judge Quincy asked when it was clear Ms. Sherwood was finished.
Mr. Underwood stepped forward. "Yes, I would. Miss Jordan, can you explain why you were sorry you had to place Henry Mills in foster care again?"
The social worker smiled and nodded. "Of course. We are encouraged to place children with family members whenever possible. I really didn't want to take Henry away from the only family he had left, but I didn't see a choice."
Mr. Underwood smiled again. "And since you removed Henry from Miss Swan's care, she has done everything you asked her to do, including obtaining a job dedicated to making sure people make lawful decisions, correct?"
Miss Jordan smiled proudly. "That is correct."
Mr. Underwood nodded. "No further questions, Your Honor."
Judge Quincy nodded. "You may step down, ma'am."
Ms. Sherwood stepped forward again. "I would like to call Samuel Collard to the witness stand," Ms. Sherwood announced. The man got up from his seat and was sworn in. Emma wondered if the promise he just made even mattered to him. She doubted he would tell the truth; she knew his type.
"Can you state your relationship with Henry Mills please?" Ms. Sherwood asked him.
"Of course," Mr. Collard replied, flashing what he probably believed to be a charming smile. Emma knew it was fake. "I am one of Henry Mills's current foster parents."
"And how long have you been a foster parent, Mr. Collard? "Ms. Sherwood continued.
"I have been a foster parent for four years now," the con – artist replied, smiling again. Emma wished she could wipe that grin of the man's face. In his eyes she saw all of her foster fathers who had manipulated the system to get more meal tickets in the form of children. She crossed her arms and snorted under her breath instead.
"You also have a steady job as well, correct?" Ms. Sherwood asked him.
"I do. I have worked in advertising with a very successful agency for several years now." That explained why the man knew how to "sell" his ability as a parent. How could she have let Henry live with people like this?
"How many children do you currently take care of in your home, Mr. Collard?" Ms. Sherwood persisted.
"I have five children in my home, including Henry."
"Do the children get along?" Ms. Sherwood continued.
"Of course," Mr. Collard replied brightly. "All boys enjoy playing together."
From his seat, Henry began to shake his head, but everyone else ignored him. Henry had been having trouble with the other boys? Why hadn't he told Emma? Emma wanted to yell, "Shut up!" to the Collard man. She wanted to run to Henry and embrace him. She wanted to tell him she would never ignore him. But she knew she couldn't make a scene in court. Not if she actually hoped to get Henry back. So she settled for looking straight at Henry, trying to show him that he mattered.
"And how long have you been married, Mr. Collard?" Ms. Sherwood asked.
"My wife and I have been married for five years," he replied cheerfully. "We have a very stable relationship." Emma felt like laughing at that one. She knew the point Ms. Sherwood was trying to make was that the Collard's had been married a lot longer than Mary Margaret and David, so their relationship would be less likely to break up. But that was ridiculous. Emma may be a little uncomfortable with her parents' affection but she knew one thing about them: they had the most stable relationship in this world or any other.
Ms. Sherwood smiled again. "No further questions, Your Honor."
"Would you like to cross – examine this witness?" Judge Quincy asked Emma's lawyer.
"Yes, I would," Mr. Underwood replied, stepping forward. "You understand a foster parent – relationship is usually temporary, right Mr. Collard?"
Mr. Collard shrugged. "Yes, of course."
"So you expect most of the children will eventually move on to other homes, often to their relatives, right?"
Mr. Collard shrugged, trying to look nonchalant, although Emma could tell he was uncomfortable with this line of questioning. "Yes, I suppose."
"So if it were best for Henry to leave, would you accept that?"
Mr. Collard nodded. "Of course. But only if it were best for him," he replied. He said in a way that made it clear he didn't think Emma was best for Henry. Emma felt like screaming at him again, "I'm a lot better for him than you are! I love my son. All you love is the money he brings in!" But she didn't. Instead she folded her arms and tried not to snort too loudly.
"Also, you had told us before Henry gets along with the other boys. But from Henry's reaction when you said that," Emma very glad Mr. Underwood had noticed. "and what he told us himself, I do not believe that is true. Can you explain the difference between Henry's answer and your answer about the other boys?"
Emma smiled smugly at the man. In other words, her lawyer was saying, I caught you in a lie!
But Mr. Collard still gave that fake charming smile. (Emma wished she could have David teach the guy what "Charming" meant. She was sure he'd be happy to do it, if she asked him. But she knew it wouldn't help them with Henry.) "Well, all boys fight sometimes, Your Honor. It doesn't mean they don't get along. I'm sure that's what Henry meant."
Henry shook his head angrily from his seat again. Mr. Underwood smiled again. "I think Henry is trying to tell us otherwise, Mr. Collard. Twelve – year olds usually know the difference between 'not getting along' and getting into a few fights now and then."
Judge Quincy nodded. "That's all well and good, but Henry isn't on the witness stand anymore, Counselor. Do you have any more questions for this witness?"
Mr. Underwood shook his head, "No further questions, Your Honor."
"You may step down now, Mr. Collard," the judge told him.
After he did so, Ms. Sherwood announced, "I would like to call Deloris Collard to the witness stand."
Mrs. Collard immediately stood up and came forward. After she was sworn in, Ms. Sherwood asked, "Can you tell me what your relationship is to Henry Mills, Mrs. Collard?"
Mrs. Collard nodded pleasantly, although Emma could tell her smile was just as fake as Mr. Collard. She hoped the judge noticed that. "I am one of Henry Mills's foster parents."
"You have been a foster parent for four years, just like your husband, right, Mrs. Collard?"
She nodded. "That's right. I have enjoyed it very much." Emma was sure she did enjoy all the money she received from the children. She grinded her teeth again.
"And you also have a steady job, correct?" Ms. Sherwood continued.
"Yes, I have worked at a tanning salon for three years now. It provides me with steady income without having to work long hours," Mrs. Collard replied.
Ms. Sherwood nodded and then looked at the judge. "And what do you do when you're not working?"
Mrs. Collard smiled at the lawyer. "I pack the boys' lunches and I spend time with the boys and my husband."
"So you enjoy taking care of them and having family time?" Ms. Sherwood asked.
"Of course," she replied, flashing that fake smile again. Emma really wished she could wipe it right off her face. She settled for folding her arms and grinding her teeth again.
"No further questions, Your Honor," Ms. Sherwood said, announcing she was finished.
Judge Quincy nodded. "Would you like to cross – examine this witness?" he asked Mr. Underwood.
Emma's lawyer nodded and stepped forward. "I notice you said you pack the boy's lunches. However, you didn't say anything about fixing them breakfast or cooking dinner. Why is that?" Probably because the woman couldn't be bothered with those things, Emma thought to herself. That was usually the case with her foster parents.
The woman paused for a second. Emma loved seeing that. Then Mrs. Collard replied, "Several of the boys are Henry's age, and they're old enough to fix their own breakfast. Dinner…is hard because I get home after most people eat dinner. A lot of times, the boys don't want to wait that long."
Mr. Underwood nodded smugly. "Okay, so how do you know the boys are eating healthy, if you're not fixing most of their meals?"
Mrs. Collard shrugged, "There are old enough to know what they should eat."
Mr. Underwood grinned from ear to ear. "No further questions, Your Honor." Emma grinned too. Obviously the woman's testimony wasn't as perfect as she thought it was. The woman returned to her seat, her husband whispering something in her ear. Probably he was upset their cover may have been blown. Henry was coming home. She knew it.
Ms. Sherwood smiled at the judge. "I have finished with all my witnesses, Your Honor."
Judge Quincy pounded his gavel. "Okay, Mr. Underwood, you may make your final arguments."
Emma's lawyer stood up and faced the judge. "Today we heard the story of a young woman who was forced to give up her son because she had no other options. Unfortunately she made the mistake of asking for a closed adoption, because she didn't think he needed her. Ten years later, the boy found her anyway. She became a part of the boy's life, although she understood he had another mother to care for him. In the process, she also found a support system; a family." Mr. Underwood gestured to Snow and David. "Furthermore, she obtained a respectable job as sheriff in the town where her family and her son were living. But she still didn't force the boy away from his adoptive mother until Ms. Mills passed away. After that, Miss Swan attempted to take care of her son and his grief. Realizing that wasn't possible under her current living arrangements, she did exactly what the social worker told her to do. Now she seeks to be reunited with her son as a mother.
This is not only what is best for Miss Swan but what is best for Henry Mills. Miss Swan knows this, as every decision she made was about what was best for him, not for her. Henry needs a support system of people who love him as he grieves for his adopted mother. Miss Swan and her family can do that for him. Miss Swan is also an excellent person to teach him right from wrong, as she is obviously a respected member of the Hampden Police Department." Mr. Underwood pointed at the police uniform she had on. "She can even provide him with health insurance.
Mr. Underwood turned back to the judge again. "Miss Swan is ready and willing to be a mother. She is no longer a scared eighteen – year old girl with no money and no support. She has a family to support her and a job she believes in. Miss Swan is ready for Henry Mills to join this family full – time, and so is he. Don't take away their family just because of past mistakes."
Finally Mr. Underwood stepped back. "I rest my case, Your Honor."
Judge Quincy pounded his gavel. "Then you may be seated." Mr. Underwood returned to his seat next to Emma. She smiled at him. He was a good lawyer. They would win.
"Ms. Sherwood, you may make your final statements," the judge continued, turning to the other lawyer.
She stood up and turned to Judge Quincy. "Today we heard the story of a woman who keeps abandoning her responsibilities. Miss Swan made it very clear she had no interest in being a mother when she gave the boy up in a closed adoption." Behind her, Emma heard David grumbling and whispering again. Fortunately, it appeared Snow and Red were keeping him in his seat though.
Ms. Sherwood continued pointing at Emma as she talked. "She spent the next ten years going in and out of towns and jobs every few months, making it very clear she still showed no interest in responsibility. When Henry Mills forced Emma to be a part of his life two years ago, she did so, but only up to a point, since she was still unwilling to be his mother. Now since the mother that raised Henry is dead, Miss Swan wishes to be a mother again. But how long will that last? How long will her job at the police station last? How long before Miss Swan's "support system" breaks up as well?" Behind her, David seemed to be getting ready to jump on Ms. Sherwood and beat her, but Snow jumped on him and held him down first. Emma shrugged. Desperate times called for desperate measures.
Ms. Sherwood turned back to Judge Quincy. "It has been proven that people will often revert to their bad habits eventually, Your Honor. Miss Swan will eventually want to leave again, maybe even leave her son. After all, she has no experience being a mother. Don't let Henry Mills lose what little stability he has found with the Collard's." She smiled smugly again. "I rest my case, Your Honor."
Judge Quincy pounded his gavel. "Okay, I will take a short recess to make my decision." With that, he gathered all of his documents and disappeared into his chambers. The Collards and Ms. Sherwood talked among themselves.
Emma got up and gave Henry another hug. "We're going to win this, Henry. You're coming home."
Henry grinned at her. "I know. Because we fought them with their rules!"
Then Emma walked over to Snow, Ruby, and David. "Thank you for keeping David in his seat," she told both women.
"No problem," Snow replied. Ruby nodded as well.
"I'm sorry, Emma. I know I was causing some problems. It's just the things they said…" David growled.
Emma nodded. "Yeah, I know. I didn't like hearing them either. But attacking the lawyers and the witnesses wouldn't help. At all."
David nodded. "But how could that woman say you'd abandon Henry? And that we'd abandon you and each other? That was the worst one. I just couldn't…" he growled again.
Emma shrugged. "We'll I'm glad she's stronger than you are, then," she replied, pointing at Snow.
David smiled. "Oh, I know that. That woman is stronger than a dragon. Literally."
"Don't you forget it, either," Snow told him, playfully bumping him. They both chuckled. Emma decided to return to her seat before they went further.
A few minutes later, Judge Quincy emerged again and pounded his gavel.
"All rise," the bailiff instructed everyone again. They did so. "The Custody Hearing of Henry Mills will now be concluded."
Emma took a deep breath. They would win. They had to.
"I have decided that Henry Mills deserves to be a part of the only family he has left. Since Miss Swan has met the necessary requirements the social worker required, there is no reason why Henry cannot have a home with Miss Swan and the rest of her family." Emma sighed in relief. They did it. They really did it! Henry would live with them again! She pumped her fist in the air. The rest of the family cheered and hugged each other. Henry let out a sequel of delight.
Judge Quincy pounded his gavel again. "Wait! Order in the court! I am not finished. I also believe there is a chance Miss Swan will revert to her bad habits again, especially if a problem arises with the rest of her family. Therefore, I award temporary custody to Miss Swan. A final decision of the boy's guardianship will be made in another ten months. In the meantime, the boy's social worker will continue to visit they boy's family periodically, monitoring his progress and how the family interacts. Miss Jordan, you will also monitor how he interacts and performs in school. For the immediate future, he will return to the Collard's for one more night, to gather his belongings and say goodbye. Miss Jordan will then drive the boy to Miss Swan's home the next morning. Case dismissed," he pounded his gavel again.
OOOOOOOOOO
Emma, Snow and David returned to their apartment after the hearing finished while Ruby went to work. They were disappointed Henry couldn't come home with them tonight, but they understood he would have to pick up his belongings first. At least he would be living with him after that. (They all tried not to think about the fact the Judge said it would be 'temporary custody.' Henry would be staying. Period.)
Snow began fixing dinner as soon as they got home. "I decided to try a recipe for pasta with wine sauce and steamed vegetables. It can be a celebration for the three of us that Henry will be coming home," she told Emma and David.
Emma shrugged. "Okay, but shouldn't we save the celebration for when Henry is here. Like tomorrow night?" Emma was put – out that Snow wasn't including her son in this "celebration."
But Snow smiled. "Don't worry; I have another, bigger celebration planned for tomorrow night. I'm even going to invite Red to come. For that dinner, I thought I'd make something more to Henry's taste. Like those hamburgers and french fries."
Emma chuckled, feeling silly. "Oh. Then that's fine." She should have known Snow would never leave Henry out.
"Sounds like a great idea, Snow," David agreed, giving her a quick kiss. "I'm going to read the newspaper." He left the room.
Emma decided to stay with Snow. She still felt a little guilty for assuming Snow didn't want to include Henry. Maybe she could make it up to her by talking a little.
"Pasta wasn't common in the Enchanted Forest," Snow commented as she took out the pasta and the necessary pots. "But it's popular here, and I've wanted to try it."
Emma nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty good." She watched her mother as she began boiling water and cutting vegetables for a few minutes. What could she say? Then she remembered something she had wanted to as Snow. Could she ask? Emma thought about how she had been brave enough to give Henry to a foster home and convince a judge to give him back. If she could do that, she could certainly manage a conversation with her mother. She took a deep breath and said, "Can I ask you something?"
Snow looked up from slicing some peppers with a huge smile on her face. "Of course."
"When you were on the witness stand today, you said I made 'poor choices' –
"I didn't mean it that way!" Snow protested, misunderstanding what Emma was asking. "I just meant…while the other lawyer was trying to imply you weren't responsible…so…But I do think you're responsible, Emma. I'm proud of you." Her eyes showed her sincerity.
Emma smiled, still a little uncomfortable with compliments. "Ah, thanks. But, that's not really what I was asking. I know I've been irresponsible in the past. What I wanted to know was…how did you know I made those choices…because I thought no one cared about me?"
Snow nodded, obviously understanding now.
Emma continued, "I know I've never told you anything like that. I've barely told you anything about my past, especially since Storybrooke was destroyed. How were you able to read me that well? I mean, it's okay, I guess, but…I just don't get how."
Snow chuckled and began cutting the peppers again. "I guess some of it was because I was able to read you, Emma. We may have only had a couple of months together that we remember, but I'd like to think we've gotten to know each other."
Emma shrugged and nodded.
Snow continued, "But most of it was actually from personal experience."
Emma's mouth dropped open. "That doesn't make any sense. You had a family. You had love."
Snow nodded, finishing cutting the peppers. "Yes, that's true. I did. My parents gave me a very loving home as a child," she smiled sadly as she began dumping the pasta in the boiling water. "But after my mother died…I didn't get as much love from Regina. And then when I was exiled after my father was killed…I really believed there wouldn't be anyone for me."
Emma looked at her mother with new eyes.
Snow continued, "I pushed a lot of people away back then. I hid from Red in her barn for a couple of nights, believing she wouldn't want anything to do with me. I dumped your father in the river, because I was so sure he'd hand me over to Regina, even after he promised not to." Emma kicked herself for the hundredth time for not spending more time reading her parents' story. If she had, she might have realized how much she and her mother had in common.
"And I've already told you how long it took me to try to take back my own kingdom from Regina, even though all my subjects kept asking me to do it," Snow finished. "It wasn't the same as what you went through; I admit that. But I can remember enough of what I went through to imagine what it would have been like for you." She began gathering ingredients for the wine sauce.
Emma was still staring at her mother. "Well, thank you…I guess. Listen, I know you said you wanted to know more about my past, but I haven't really told you that much. But maybe…now that I know we're not that different…we could talk?"
Snow's face lit up with joy. "I'd love that, Emma. I'd really love that."
"What would you like to start with?" Emma asked, ready to share, but not really sure where to begin.
Snow shrugged. "How about your first mistake?"
Emma tried to think of her first. "I don't know. I've made so many. I don't know if I can remember my first mistake."
"One of them, then. I already told you several of mine."
Emma sighed. "Well there was this time when I was in the second grade. Everyone else had brought snacks to school, but my foster parents never bothered. So I started…stealing snacks. Cheese and crackers, pretzels, potato chips, even donuts. I eventually got caught. Had to spend the whole day in the principal's office. Then I got shipped to another family, proving again…that no one cared about me."
Snow patted Emma's arm, and Emma didn't even flinch. "I can't tell you how much food I stole when I was on the run. Red's eggs, knight's bread, all kinds of stuff. There weren't many people who cared about me back then, either." She mixed the sauce on the stove.
"Well, I guess it's good we don't have to worry about that, now," Emma commented as she watched her mother cook.
"You'll never have to worry about that again, Emma" Snow promised. David joined them for dinner, and they all talked about what they would do when Henry returned tomorrow. But Emma could feel the difference in their relationship as she looked at Snow. Her mother wasn't just a pampered princess. She had been lost at one time, even if Snow quite a bit older than Emma when it happened to her. Now they had both found family.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOOO
Henry arrived back at the Collards' and quickly ate supper. (It was a microwavable dinner, since Mrs. Collard could never be bothered with preparing anything. He couldn't wait to taste Grandma's cooking again.) Then he began packing his clothes and books. He also carefully removed Mom's note from his shoe and placed it in his bags. Since he wouldn't be living with the Collards, he didn't really need it with him anymore…but Henry would still like to hang on to it. After all, it had helped him get through his time in this place.
As he was finishing up, Bobby approached him. "So you're really leaving, huh?" Bobby asked softly.
"Yes," Henry replied. He tried not to sound too excited. He was overjoyed that he was leaving this place and would be living with his family again. But Henry knew Bobby would have to stay here. Bobby probably didn't want to hear how great it was to be leaving.
Bobby nodded. "That's great for you. I'll miss you though. Who's going to play with me when you're gone, Henry? Who will sing Old McDonald with me?"
Henry sighed. He felt sorry for Bobby. Why did it seem every time Henry had something good happen to him, it got worse for others? When he moved in with David, he had to leave his other mom. (Okay, so she deserved it then, but still…) When Mom and Grandma came back, it was harder for his other mom to be close to him. After Storybrooke was destroyed, he found Mom and his grandparents again, but his other mom died. Now he was leaving this awful foster home, but Bobby and Ronald had to stay. They would have no one to play with them or pay any attention to them. There would also be no one to protect them from the older boys. If good was supposed to always win, why couldn't Bobby and Ronald find a home, too?
Out loud Henry replied, "I'm sorry I won't be here to play with you, but you can play with Ronald."
Bobby nodded. "Yeah. Until he leaves, too. I just hope my mom comes back for me soon." The boy looked at the floor.
Henry sighed again. How could he make this better for Bobby? "How about we sing "Old McDonald" again? And the "Wheels on the Bus?" We'll sing all your favorite songs before I have to leave!"
Bobby's eyes brightened. "Really? That sounds great!"
They launched into "Old McDonald", first. As they were singing about a duck going "quack, quack," Ronald came in and joined them. Next they sang "The Wheels on the Bus", and "She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain." "I hope Tim and Evan don't get too mean when you leave, Henry," Ronald commented when they finished singing. "There won't be anyone to protect me here anymore." He shook his head sadly.
Henry nodded, remembering the day he defended Ronald against Tim. "But you can be a strong boy on your own, Ronald. My mother…she was in the foster system when she was a kid, too. She got through it with no one to protect her. And she's still a pretty good person. It's possible, I promise you."
Ronald nodded. "I guess. I just…wish I didn't have to be strong. I'm supposed to be a kid."
Henry nodded. He knew the feeling. Then he thought of something that might help. Maybe. "Have you guys learned to read yet?"
Both boys shrugged. "A little bit," Bobby replied. "I can read "The Cat in the Hat" at school! There really isn't much chance to practice here, though."
"Yeah, me, too," Ronald added.
Henry nodded. Of course there wasn't. Because Mr. and Mrs. Collard never had any kids books available. "Well, I have an idea that could help you practice reading, and I could stay around a little at the same time. I could write you some letters. If you want me to, that is. Or would it just make you sorrier your still here?" Henry certainly didn't want to make their situation worse, but he wanted to do something to help.
Bobby and Ronald thought for a few minutes. "I think I'd like that, Henry," Bobby finally answered. "Hopefully my mom will come back for me soon, but until then…"
Ronald nodded as well. "Yeah, if you want to write to me, I can practice reading, at least. Only if you want to, of course." Henry sighed. Ronald was already preparing himself for disappointment.
"I said I'd be happy to write to you guys, and I will, okay?" Henry promised.
They both nodded again.
OOOOOOOOO
Henry drove into his family's new apartment Saturday morning. This was it! He was home for good. He opened the door and jumped into Mom's arms. "I'm back, Mom!"
Mom wrapped his arms around him tightly. Fortunately, he didn't have any bruises to worry about this week. He didn't think he would be able to keep from saying "ouch" with how strongly Mom was holding him this time.
In the background Miss Jordan handed someone his bags of belongings. Henry looked up and realized it was Grandma. He grinned at her. A couple of minutes later, Mom finally released him, and Henry went to hug Grandma and Grandpa. He also hugged Red, who had apparently come over for the occasion.
"Since I will still be working on this case, per the judge's ruling, I will see you in a few weeks," Miss Jordan said to Mom. Mom sighed and nodded. Henry looked at the floor. He had forgotten the judge had only given Mom "temporary custody." They would get through that, though, right? "I will also be visiting your new school in a couple weeks, Henry." Henry nodded. He'd have to make sure he did well in school if he wanted to stay here, in other words. Miss Jordan nodded. "Well, I guess that's it. I'm glad you have your family again, Henry." Then she looked back at Mom and Grandma and Grandpa. Her smile disappeared. "Don't make me regret giving you the recommendation for Henry," she warned. Then she left the apartment and drove away.
Their family looked at each other again and sighed in relief. She was gone! They could finally have time together without an outsider watching. Henry smiled again and shouted, "Grandma! Grandpa!" just because he could. Everyone smiled and laughed at that.
"So, this is your room, Henry," Mom announced, showing him the previously unused room in the apartment. Unfortunately, we still don't have money for furniture, so you'll have to settle for putting your things next to the air mattress."
Henry shrugged and nodded. It was a small price to pay to be living with his family again.
"But I was thinking we could try to find some posters today to put on your walls," Mom continued. "It would make the room feel more like yours. What do you think? We could see what they have at Wal – Mart."
Henry smiled. "Yeah, that sounds like fun."
So they all boarded the city bus that took them to Wal – Mart. Henry found some posters of video game characters that he liked. As they put them up, Henry realized Mom was right. This room really felt like his now.
Grandma said she was planning on making a special supper of homemade french fries and hamburgers for supper. It sounded great. But until then, Henry hung out in his new room.
"Are you okay, Henry?" Mom asked him later that afternoon. "Is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can get for you? I know how foster homes can be, Henry. You don't have to live like that anymore."
Henry smiled. "Yeah, I know, Mom. We fixed it. I'm okay now. And Mom? I want to say thank you, again, for doing so much for me again."
"It was no problem, Henry. You're my son. I love you."
Henry smiled. "I love you, too, Mom. But it's not just that. I mean thank you for doing so much for everyone. I only had to spend about two months in the foster home, Mom. You spent fifteen years, there. But…since I knew you did, I knew I could get through it."
Mom nodded. "I see."
"After living with that for a little while, I'd like to think I understand you a little better," Henry continued. "Maybe it will make our relationship better?" he asked, hopefully.
Mom shrugged. "Maybe. But Henry…that's not what I wanted for you. Everything I ever did since I found out I was pregnant with you was to try to keep you from the foster system. It might make our relationship better if you understand it. But I'd give anything in the world if you didn't understand any of it."
Henry smiled. "Well, now we can keep me out of it, then."
So Henry is finally home! (Although they still have to deal with social worker visits. They're just not thinking about it right now.)
I made David act a little irrationally in the court. That may seem out of character, since I established Snow tends to be more irrational, since she doesn't think things through as much. (Lack of patience, you know.) But in the court, it was more about protecting Emma from insults. David can be a pretty protective guy, so I think it makes sense he would want to pound the other lawyer, even though Emma told them he shouldn't. Snow can be protective, too, but I needed one of them to act rational (because I didn't actually want Ms. Sherwood hit or punched at). That last scene, where Snow had to jump on David, he had the most trouble with it because the lawyer was insulting Emma and Snow. Does this make sense?
I hope you like my Emma/Snow scene, too. I hope I also made it clear I don't think Snow had the level of abuse and neglect that Emma had. Like Snow said, she had a happy childhood. But she also had a lot of troubling years, as established by some of the early scenes in the Enchanted Forest back stories. I don't think their pasts are the same, but they aren't nearly as different as Emma thinks/thought. (The show tries to establish this, too, if you think back to the tree house scene in "Quite a Common Fairy".)
Thanks to all of my readers, particularly those who have followed or favortied this story. Welcome all the new readers. And a special thank you to Alessa, who reviews every chapter!
Alessa: Glad you enjoyed the first hearing chapter and that you thought it was realistic. I have to say though, I can't take credit for all of it. A lot of the reason why it sounds so realistic is because of help from my beta. So you can thank Lisboa again for that. And I'm happy you liked how David acted in court.