Chapter 46

Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time. Also, this is a sequel La Lisboa's orginail "Thicker than Water."

Thanks to Lisboa for betaing and letting me use her story as a starting point, as always.

Some nice Captain Swan feels in this chapter. Hopefully that makes up for what's going on in the show. For those of you that prefer Snowing, plenty of Snowing feels, too.

For a couple of minutes Emma and Killian simply stared as his apartment burned. Firefighters sprayed water all over the place, but it was obvious the building couldn't be used for quite a while. For a moment Emma grumbled to herself. She was supposed to have sex tonight! She was supposed to find out what it was like to be skin – to – skin with Killian. Emma should be able to feel him on top of her as he touched her. Or maybe he would prefer Emma on top? That was fun, too. The point was, they were supposed to experiment tonight! Emma was eager to find out what Killian liked best, as well. More than she ever had before.

Then Emma looked at Killian's apartment again and thought about what it really meant that his apartment was burning. It meant the first home he'd ever had in this world was gone. It meant her boyfriend was at the moment, homeless. It meant all the work he'd done to buy clothing, furniture, and other trinkets with honest money was gone. She looked up at him. "I'm sorry, Killian."

Killian shrugged. "It's all right." He examined her closely. "We should sit down. You don't want to be standing for too long. You're still recovering, after all." He attempted to lead her to a nearby bench.

Emma shook him off. "Don't baby me, Killian. You should know better than that. I'm fine." Actually, her hips were starting to bother her, but she wasn't about to admit that.

Killian shrugged. "Well, I thought we could eat our dinner here, considering my apartment isn't an option anymore. It's a lot easier to eat sitting down. Unless you want to walk back to your parents' place."

Emma made a face at that idea. "No, I think you're right. We should eat here." She carefully sat down and put her cane aside. Then she pulled out her double cheeseburger and took a bite. She looked at Killian as he ate his Big Mac. "So what are you going to do now? About your apartment, I mean."

Killian shrugged. "I don't know. I could go back to the Jolly, of course."

Emma nodded, trying to appear as if that didn't matter to her that he would leave and return to his boat. "I suppose you could."

But Killian shook his head. "Aye, but I don't want to do that. I decided to live here for a reason. To be closer to you, Emma." She sighed in relief. "Remember, I love you, Emma. That means I'm going to always put you first from now on."

Emma's heart soared.

"So I guess I'll have to look for a new place." He smiled at her.

"I could help you," Emma offered carefully.

"I'd like that," Killian agreed as he ate a French fry.

Emma sighed. He was being too nonchalant. She didn't know if he was in denial about what had really happened or if he just didn't want to talk to her about it. Emma could certainly understand, but she was also learning sometimes it was better to talk. "When Storybrooke blew up, I was focused on taking care of Regina and finding my family," she began carefully. "But after everything happened, I…realized it wasn't easy to lose the only home I'd ever had." Emma couldn't believe how good it felt to talk about this, even after all this time. Yes, talking would be good for Killian as well. "I never really talked about it to anyone, because everyone was so buys getting settled. And, of course, being one of the only ones familiar with this world, everyone depended on me. Then Henry was shipped off to that…horrible foster home, and I had even more to worry about. But Killian…I mean…I think it's all right to be a little upset right now. That you've lost your home. You worked hard to make it here."

Killian shook his head as he took a drink. Emma hoped she hadn't pushed him too far. She really hated when people did that to her, after all. "Emma, that apartment wasn't my home. You are my home. You have been ever since I decided to come to Bangor. It means a lot more to me that you're walking around with me tonight than that I lost my apartment. Even the Jolly Roger was more of a home than that place was. And I still have my ship. We should go sailing sometime this summer again on it."

Emma nodded. "Of course. But still. To have to start all over again, finding a place to live…" She took a drink.

Killian sighed. "Yeah. That might be hard, I guess. But you said you'd help me, right?"

"Of course."

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Finally, Emma and Killian finished their dinner. She had expected to be gone a lot longer tonight, because they were supposed to spend most of the evening in his apartment. Obviously, that wasn't an option anymore, so Emma decided she may as well go back to the house. At least she got spend some time away from her parents and out of the house. On the way home, Killian stopped at McDonald's again and picked up a few hamburgers, one for Henry and a couple for Snow. Emma accepted it, considering he had bought one for her son as well.

"Hello, Emma," David commented as they came in threw the door. He was gathering the dinner dishes from their meal.

"Hamburgers!" Snow exclaimed, grabbing the bag from Killian. "Thank you." It looked like she wanted them right now.

"Don't worry lad, I got one for you, too," Killian told Henry, before he could ask.

Henry nodded, grinning right at Killian. It was so nice to see.

David began the dishes. It looked like Snow was more interested in her hamburgers than in helping with the dishes tonight.

"So, why are you back so early?" Snow asked as she munched. "I thought you guys said you were going to spend some time at…the apartment. Are you, okay, Emma? Were you unable to handle the cane?"

Emma sighed. She didn't really like talking to her parents more than she had to these days, but she supposed she would have to answer her mother's question. "We weren't able to go to Killian's apartment. It burned down."

Everyone automatically turned to Killian. "So your apartment is unavailable, I take it?" David asked.

"I'm afraid so," Killian replied. He sighed.

"Where will you sleep?" Henry asked.

"Well, I'll have to find a new place, I guess," Killian replied. "Emma said she'd help me."

"That's fine for the future, but what about tonight?" Snow asked, as she bit into another hamburger.

"I guess I didn't really think about that," Killian admitted. "Maybe I can find one of those motels or something."

David shook his head. "No, I think you should stay here. Motel rooms can be expensive, especially if you have to rent them for several days before you find a new apartment. We've still got those air mattresses around, from before we had beds. You can sleep on one of those, in the living room, until you find a new apartment."

Killian looked right at David in surprise. "Are you sure, mate?"

"Definitely."

"I think it's a good idea, too," Snow agreed. They smiled at each other and then at Killian. Emma didn't know what to think about it.

"I think it makes sense, if you don't have another place to sleep, Killian." Even Henry thought it was a good idea.

So Killian shrugged and said. "All right. I appreciate it."

David smiled. "In this family, we take care of each other. Just stay away from peanut butter, though. It makes Snow nauseous."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOO

Killian slept on one of the air mattresses that night. And the next night. And the night after that. Three weeks later, he was still staying with them. Snow knew they should lend a hand to Emma's suitor because he had no place to stay. And even though she hadn't said anything, Snow believed Emma was grateful that they were helping him. Still, the family wasn't used to having Killian live with them and it could be quite frustrating.

At least once a day, someone bumped into the air mattress that Killian slept on. "Can't you fold it up when you're not using that?" Henry complained.

"Well, mate, I'm not used to removing my bed every morning!" Killian replied.

Killian also left everything all over the place in the bathroom. From dirty towels on the floor, mustache combs on the sink, and toilet seats up, Snow was always picking up after him. Henry was only a thirteen – year old boy, and he kept the bathroom cleaner than Killian! Snow was eager to have another child, and she thought she might enjoy a boy this time. But a thirty – year old man – child wasn't what she had in mind.

Still, the biggest problem with Killian staying with them wasn't picking up after him. It was that Emma spent almost all her time with him instead of her family. He and Emma had been getting closer over the last few months, and Snow had been glad to see it for a while. After all as Snow told Emma she wanted Emma to open herself up to love. But ever since Snow and Charming had announced their pregnancy, Emma had been ignoring her family whenever she could.

It hurt, Snow admitted. She had hoped Emma would understand that she wanted more children. After all, they had talked about this before. Emma had told Snow she could stop taking birth control months ago. And Snow told Emma that she didn't expect to have "a perfect little family" simply by having another baby. But obviously, Emma didn't understand. "She just needs time, Snow," Charming had told her. "We know Emma takes a while to get used to new things. And it seems right now…Emma's angry at us for having another baby."

"But she shouldn't be!" Snow had protested. "There's nothing wrong with having another baby. Couples have more than one baby all the time. Even in this world."

Charming nodded. "Yes, but can you understand it might be more difficult for Emma? She'll get over it, eventually, Snow. She just needs us to prove to her that we still love her as well as the new baby."

Snow had nodded and she tried to understand Emma's moods. She explained to Henry that they would have to wait for Emma to come around. She let Emma take her dinner in the bedroom. When Emma was finally able to move without a walker and she wanted to celebrate with only Killian, Snow agreed. When Killian needed a place to stay, Snow agreed he could live with them for a while.

But although Emma ate dinner at the table now, she talked only to Killian and occasionally Henry. How long would it take for Emma to accept the new baby? She couldn't help but wonder. Sometimes, Snow thought about shaking some sense into her oldest daughter. Sometimes she felt like screaming at her. It was only a matter of time before it happened.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Today, however, they were all going to court to support Emma. That deadbeat who drank alcohol and then hit Emma with a car was on trial. Snow hoped the man was locked up for a long time for hurting her oldest baby.

Emma had been a little surprised Snow and Charming were going to the court. "You don't really need to, you know. You're not even going to be witnesses for this case." She'd shrugged. "I know you're trying to earn more money lately."

Because of the new baby, Snow thought to herself. That was another thing. Emma refused to acknowledge the pregnancy or her new sibling openly. Snow took a deep breath. She wanted to scream. "It's a baby! And the baby is your sibling, Emma!" But she didn't. Today was an occasion to prove to Emma that she and Charming still loved her. "Emma, this man hurt you. I want to see him punished. I want to support you. No amount of money can replace that."

Emma ignored her, as usual.

Snow dressed in a simple light blue skirt and blouse for court. Emma wore a grey pants suit. (It didn't surprise Snow that Emma wore pants.) Charming and Killian also wore nice suits.

Snow made sure to use the restroom before they left. And twice after they arrived at the courtroom. Her nausea was disappearing (so long as no one ate peanut butter around her), but her bladder control was becoming a problem. She didn't know which was worse. At least Charming didn't worry about her the way he did when she was nauseous. Snow hated it when he coddled her. Besides, today they should be focused on Emma.

Snow and Charming sat in a place where Emma could easily see them. (Once again, they weren't allowed to sit with her. Snow really hated that.) Killian was apparently in another room, because he was supposed to be a witness. The case began the same way all the other court cases they'd seen did. Eventually, it was time for Killian to tell them what he'd seen when that deadbeat hit Emma.

"Raise your right hand, please."

Killian did so.

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, for the full justice of the law?"

"I do," Killian replied and then sat down.

"Can you tell the court what happened on February 15? To Miss Emma Swan?"

"Of course. Emma and I decided to try a new cafe for lunch. We were just walking over there when that…excuse for a human…came around the corner way too fast and slammed into her!" Snow took a deep breath and grabbed Charming's hand tightly, trying to resist the urge to punch something. (Or someone.) She knew she would have to listen to this today, but didn't make it easy. Charming seemed to be holding onto her just as tightly, for the same reason, Snow was sure. "I tried to pull her back onto the sidewalk…but it was too late," Killian continued. "That idiot!"

"Thank you, Mr. Jones."

Next, the other lawyer questioned Killian. "I noticed you didn't mention that you and Miss Swan waited for the walk light, Mr. Jones. Is it possible you and Miss Swan are partially to blame for this accident?"

Killian jumped to his feet, "Of course not! We waited for the light, just like we were supposed to. That idiot hurt her and you can't blame it on us." He balled his fist, like he wanted to punch something. Snow and Charming looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

The judge, however, was not impressed with Killian's outburst. "Calm down, Mr. Jones. Step down, please."

Snow didn't like the sound of that. Would this man be punished as he should be for what he did to Emma? As the case continued, Charming whispered to her, "I have an idea how we can help Emma, and other people who get hit by drunk drivers, regardless of what happens today." Snow smiled at him. He always made things better.

Near the end of the day, Snow suddenly sneezed. And with that, her bladder lost control. She had tried to support Emma by being there today, but it seemed she failed. She was wet. And humiliated. And as soon as Emma realized what happened, she would be humiliated, too. Snow looked at the floor. Nausea would definitely be better than this. She hadn't even brought a change of clothes with her.

OOOOOOOOOO

Snow bolted for the bus station as soon as the judge released them. She wanted to go home as soon as possible. She was sure everyone around her could smell her urine. At least no one had mentioned it yet, but that was only a matter of time, she was sure.

Charming appeared next to her at the bus station within a couple of minutes. He squeezed her hand without saying anything. She gave him a little smile. He always knew how to make her feel better.

Emma and Killian followed. They seemed to be having some kind of disagreement. "But Emma, I know I didn't behave the way I should have in court! I behaved like the villain I used to be, letting my temper get to me like that!"

Charming shook his head. "No, Killian – "he began. Charming was about to explain that losing your temper didn't make you a villain, Snow was sure. Especially not when Killian had been discussing that jerk that hurt Emma. She and Charming had come close to losing it in the court room, and neither of them had to talk about that man in front of the court.

But Emma didn't let her father finish. "Killian, don't be ridiculous! I will admit the judge didn't appreciate you losing it like that, but that doesn't mean you're a villain again. You were trying to help me for goodness sakes! You were the only one there really trying to help me."

Snow's mouth dropped in shock at Emma's last comment. She knew she shouldn't get in the middle of this, but Snow couldn't keep quite anymore. "How can you say that, Emma? Charming and I were both there, the whole time, just to support you. Don't pretend we didn't try to help, just because we couldn't be witnesses this time. You have to stop ignoring us. Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean we're not also your parents, too. I'm standing here, with wet clothes and smelling like urine, all because I wanted to be in that court room for you today!"

"Oh, so it's my fault that you peed yourself today? I think it's my so – called sibling's fault!" Emma snapped back. Emma was missing the point, although Snow didn't know if that was on purpose or not.

But before Snow could try to respond to that, Killian spoke up. "Okay, can you both keep your voices down? There are certain things that shouldn't be shouted."

Snow looked at the ground. He was right, of course, especially considering the bus was coming. Snow still wanted to get a change of clothes as soon as possible.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

By the time Snow got home and changed her clothes (from now on, Snow intended to travel with a couple of pairs of underpants and at least one more skirt or pants), Emma and Killian had left again. They claimed they wanted to go out to dinner again. Snow was sure Emma was just trying to avoid her and Charming again. Nothing about this day had gone the way Snow wanted it to. Emma still resented her sibling and didn't accept her parents' love. Snow was still upset at Emma. Snow wasn't even sure the deadbeat would be punished like they wanted him to be. And to top it off, she'd had to sit in urine for close to forty – five minutes!

OOOOOOOOOOOO

That night, Charming wrapped his arms around Snow. "I'm sorry this day was so hard for you," he told her.

Snow sighed. "I know you said that Emma would take time to accept the new baby. And I suppose that makes sense. And I know we shouldn't push her. But Charming…I really thought she would have accepted it by now. It's been almost a month since we told her we were having another baby. I thought, I hoped, if we could show her we still supported her today…she might begin to understand. But she acted like we weren't even there! Like we didn't matter, Charming!"

Charming wrapped his arms around her even tighter. "I know. That hurt me, too, believe me. But we'll have to keep waiting." He pecked her lips.

"For how long?"

"As long as it takes. And speaking of the trial, I have this idea. No matter what happens with that…jerk who hit her…there might be something else we can do for Emma."

"Like what? You mentioned that earlier, too."

"Well, I was thinking we could talk at the next PTA meeting, about doing some kind of campaign against drunk driving. Then at least she won't be hit again."

Snow shuttered at the thought of Emma getting hurt like that again. "Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Even if she won't accept our love, we can still help her. Nothing will stop me from loving Emma."

Charming gave her another kiss, longer this time. "Me either. But I still think she'll come around eventually."

Snow rubbed his arms affectionately. "Of course you do. You know, a part of me thinks it was a bad idea to have another baby. Especially if Emma never accepts the baby or us again. I mean, is it worth the price?"

Charming grabbed the hands she was caressing him with. "Don't think like that, Snow." He began caressing the child inside her stomach. "Another child to love is always a good thing. No matter what the circumstances. Besides, I still think Emma will accept the changes eventually."

Snow smiled and rubbed her stomach along with him. "You're right. Besides, we always planned on having a big family."

"A family which we can share our love with all of them." He kissed her again.

"Yes." She kissed him back. "I love you, Charming."

"I love you, too. Always," he replied. He used one hand to rub her back and the other to lift her head to expose her neck. Then he began placing kisses around her sensitive spots. Things were just starting to get interesting. But it had been a long day, and Snow couldn't keep her eyes open. She fell asleep with her head on her husband's chest.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOO

Emma was frustrated. She was frustrated with her parents, for deciding to have a new baby. She knew it was only a matter of time before they favored it over her. After all, they were already going out of their way to make sure this baby had everything Emma had not. Snow also seemed to think everything would be "fine" between them just because they'd come to her court case last week. Worse, for some reason Snow blamed Emma for her lack of bladder control. Something her new "sibling" was responsible for, obviously. She didn't know how to deal with her mother anymore. David wasn't much better. He was just as excited about Emma's replacement as Snow was.

Emma was also frustrated because of her relationship with Killian. Things had been going very well with them lately, especially considering she was almost recovered from her injury. She remembered how she comforted him last week after he'd made the mistake of lashing out in court.

"I still can't believe I did that," Killian grumbled to Emma that night. "You told me I would have to behave myself in court. But all it took was that other lawyer asking a stupid question and I snapped! I was so close to punching him. And I wanted to kill the man who hurt you, Emma! I really did. I wanted it so badly I could taste it."

Emma shook her head and took his hand. "I'll say it again, Killian. That doesn't make you a villain. It means your temper got the better of you. Unfortunate that it happened in court, but I understand. I have a temper, too, you know."

Killian still shook his head. "But you don't kill people when you get angry, Emma. I have. Many times. And today…I thought about doing it again. I came so close…" He turned away from her, obviously ashamed.

Emma took her hands and pulled his face toward hers. "But you didn't, though. And like I said, your feelings are understandable. I can't imagine I'd react any better if Henry got hit by a drunk driver. Or you, for that matter. You feel that way because…well…because you love me."

"Yes but Swan, it's not the same thing."

"What about when I decided to kill Tamara? I really was going to kill her if you hadn't talked me out of it, Killian. You talked me out of it. And today, you didn't kill the deadbeat or punch the lawyer." She kissed him, deeply, and he wrapped his arms around her. They kissed for several minutes, using different angles to explore each other thoroughly.

"Thank you, Emma," he told her when they finally broke apart. Then they kissed again. This time their hands wandered.

But they'd had to break it off, of course. They always did. Because Emma had made the mistake of promising David she wouldn't be intimate in this house. If she could go back in time to change that, she would. Emma had no idea that when they were ready to make love, Killian would no longer have an apartment! A part of her thought they should disregard the rules. After all, her parents would disregard her soon. But she couldn't quite bring herself to break one of the first promises she'd made to her father. Besides, she still worried someone might walk in on them.

She'd appreciated that her parents had offered Killian a place to stay a few weeks ago. She'd thought it was a way of showing Killian they accepted him in their family. (Emma wondered if that would change when her parents rejected her in favor of the new baby, she had to admit, it was nice for them to give her boyfriend a place to stay for now.) But now…Emma wondered if David was more interested in making sure they couldn't sleep together than he was in helping Killian. It made sense, especially with the new baby coming. Helping Emma and the people important to her couldn't be that important anymore.

Emma and Killian were desperately trying to find him a new, private apartment. It would solve their problems, as far as Emma was concerned. However, that was easier said than done. They needed to find an affordable one (or two) bedroom apartment in the area. Some of the apartments were available right away. Some were too expensive. Some had pluming problems that were too much trouble to deal with. A few were fine but had already been taken by the time they called. Many people in Bangor were searching for a new apartment after the fire, after all.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

At least Emma was able to go back to work. It was such a relief not to have to spend all her time at her parents' house. She drove the patrol car around Hampden, stopping a few people for speeding, gave out parking tickets, and occasionally busted someone for marijuana or investigated a traffic accident.

One afternoon, she was called to investigate a shocking, horrible accident that made her blood run cold. A school bus full of kids hit a woman driving a sedan. She couldn't believe it. The bus's front end was smashed right into the side of the woman's car. "What happened here?" she snapped at the bus driver and the woman. Was one of them drunk, again? If the bus driver was drunk, so help her no one was going to stop her from attacking the man.

"Well I was just coming around the corner, officer, and then this bus comes out of nowhere –" the woman began.

"Well, it's hard to explain. I was trying to concentrate – " the bus driver said at the same time.

"Okay, one at a time, please!" Emma snapped. "Before this, are the children all right?" she asked the bus driver. Please don't tell me one of the kids is hurt!

The bus driver nodded. "I think so. They're a bit shaken up, though."

Emma nodded. "I'm sure," she commented, dryly.

"Okay, ma'am. You first." Emma looked at the woman. She had brown hair that looked as if it was in the process of turning grey. "What is your name and what happened?"

"My name is Taylor McKinney. Well, officer, like I said before, I was coming around that corner," she pointed to a street nearby. "I looked before I turned, I promise! But somehow the school bus was on the wrong side of the road!"

Really? Emma thought to herself. She wondered again if the bus driver was drunk. Still, he didn't act like it or smell like it, either. "I see. Thank you, ma'am. Now, sir, what's your name, and what do you have to say to that?"

The bus driver sighed. He had a full head of sandy hair, sort of like David's, and a big nose. "My name is Harold Booth. I'm afraid I probably was on the other side of the road, officer."

"Why?" Emma snapped. "Why didn't you pay attention to the road, especially when you are driving children?" Men like this shouldn't even have a license, much less permission to drive school children!

"Well, you see it was really hard for me to concentrate today…because of the children. They were yelling, screaming, and carrying on…I couldn't watch the road and try to calm them down at the same time!"

"I see," Emma replied, still not impressed. Was he trying to blame the children for his mistakes? "I will speak to the children now, then."

The bus driver nodded.

Emma climbed onto what was left of the bus. "Hello, I understand you've been in an accident."

The children all nodded.

One boy, who looked to be about nine or ten years old, exclaimed, "Yeah! It was exciting! We came around the corner and then there was this big smash! And there was steam everywhere!"

Emma nodded. "Does anyone else have anything to add?"

Silence.

"I'm sorry this happened," Emma told them, gently. "But it's going to be all right. None of you were hurt. But I need to know. What happened before the accident?" She had to find out if the bus driver's claim that the children were too noisy was true.

More silence. "You won't be in trouble," Emma promised them. "Just talk to me."

A seven – year – old girl with blond hair and a pink jacket finally answered, "It was because of us. The bus driver kept telling us to be quiet…but we ignored him…then he screamed at us…and hit the other car!"

"Be quiet!" a boy next to her whispered.

"Will we go to jail, officer?" another kid asked.

Emma smiled. "No, of course not. But perhaps you can remember to be quieter when you ride the bus from now on."

"We will!"

"We promise, officer."

"Don't worry. This will never happen again," the children told her.

"Good," Emma smiled again as she exited the bus.

"Well it appears you are clear of any wrong, Ms. McKinney," Emma told the sedan owner.

"Thank you, officer," the woman replied. "Will the school department pay for the damages to my car?"

Emma sighed. Objectively speaking, the bus driver was at fault for the accident. "I suppose that's fair."

"But officer –" Mr. Booth protested.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Booth. It appears you are not really at fault, either. However, may I make a suggestion? If the children you drive are ever too loud, pull over to talk to them."

Mr. Booth sighed and nodded. "Of course. A new bus should be here soon, so the children can still go home."

"I'll call my sister to pick me up," Ms. McKinney commented, pulling out a cell phone.

Emma nodded, wondering how she was going to manage to write up such an accident. She had no idea school busses could be so dangerous.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Emma still couldn't get over that bus accident. Henry rode a school bus every day. Would he be involved in an accident like that someday? Many of the kids on that bus had been scared. What if that happened to Henry? "Henry when you ride the school bus, do you ever scream? Are the other kids really loud?" she asked him.

Henry shrugged. "Not usually. There was one time when some kid dumped marbles all over the bus and started screaming that he lost his collection…Why?"

Emma's heart pounded as she pictured marbles dumping all over the school bus floor and one kid started yelling about it. Then others would yell back…Would it go on for several minutes? How long were the kids on the bus today yelling? "Henry, please don't yell on the bus, okay? Ever."

Henry shrugged. "Okay. Mom, are you all right?"

"I'll be fine if you promise not to yell on the school bus, Henry."

"All right. I promise."

OOOOOOOOOOOO

After dinner, (Snow and David tried to get her to talk about what was upsetting her, but she ignored them. She really couldn't deal with them right now, and she knew they weren't interested, anyway. Or they wouldn't be soon enough.) Killian came to see her in her room while Snow and David took care of the dishes. "Would you like to talk to me, Emma? I know something's bothering you. You don't have to but I thought…"

Emma smiled at him. It was nice of Killian to make it clear he wouldn't force her to talk. "I think I'd like to talk to you."

"Was it something about Henry? I noticed how worried about him you seemed tonight. Is there anything I can do to help? I'd hate for anything to happen to that lad." The concern in Killian's voice for Henry warmed her heart.

"Yes. Sort of. I got called in for an accident at work today. It was a collision between a car and a school bus, Killian. A school bus full of children."

"What the bloody – " Killian began as his eyes widened. "How –" he tried again. "Was the driver a deadbeat…like the one who hit you?" She could see him starting to get angry again.

Emma shook her head. "That occurred to me, too, but no, he wasn't drunk. The children on the bus were yelling too much for him to pay attention to the road, it seems." She sighed and looked at Killian's hands.

Killian noticed and took her hands in his. "So that's why you kept telling Henry not to scream on the bus?"

"Yes. I hope that if I can make him understand how dangerous it can be that…it'll be okay. But Killian, it might not be. What if Henry stays quiet but everyone else on his bus start yelling and screaming? How can I protect my son from this?

Killian seemed to have no answers, but he wrapped his arms around her. Emma let him hold her.

"What if Henry gets on the school bus someday and gets into an even worse accident?" Emma voiced her biggest fear, which she hadn't acknowledged until now. "The kids on the school bus today were scared, but they weren't hurt. What if Henry gets hurt in an accident like that…"

Killian held Emma tighter.

"Maybe I should keep him home," Emma mumbled against Killian's neck. "Then I won't worry about what might happen on the school bus." She wasn't being rational, but right now she didn't care.

Killian sighed and pulled back to look in her eyes. "You can't lock Henry up from the world, love. I was pretty nervous the first time you walked out of this house on the sidewalk again. I kept thinking, what if another one of those deadbeats hits you? But, you were so happy to be out of the house, walking outside again, I couldn't stop you."

Emma nodded. She never thought about how nervous he would have been that night. "Okay, but Henry…"

" – Will want to continue to go to school," Killian told her.

Emma sighed and nodded. "You're right. It's illegal in this world for children not to attend school, anyway. But maybe there's a way that I can fix it so he won't have to ride the school bus anymore. I just see those yellow buses and I…"

Killian nodded and kissed her.

"Maybe if I can find a used car. Then I can drive Henry to school. I know we were trying to save money to get an apartment, but…now I think I'd rather use my money to keep Henry safe. I can deal with us living with my parents for a little longer."

Killian nodded and kissed her again. "I understand. I wouldn't want anything to happen to Henry, either."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Emma knew Killian was right, and Henry had to keep attending school. And for now, that meant riding the school bus. But that didn't stop her from worrying. Every time she saw one of those yellow death traps, she'd shutter. She hugged Henry tightly each time she saw him, grateful beyond words that he was okay. And Emma continued to remind him not to scream on the bus every chance she got. Emma hoped to get her own car as soon as possible.

One Friday night, as she rode the city bus home, the passengers became noisy. It made Emma nervous. It suddenly occurred to her that city buses could be just as dangerous as school buses. All of her family rode buses at some point during the day. What if something happened to Killian on the bus? Emma gave him extra kisses to ease her worries.

Emma was surprised to realize how worried she was about Snow and David riding the bus. Not that she'd ever wanted them hurt, but the amount of panic she felt for their safety was unexpected. She was still angry at her parents for deciding to have another baby, after all. But at the end of the day, they were still her parents. She did love them, and she didn't want them to get in a horrible accident. What if something happened to Snow on the way home from work? Or David when they went grocery shopping? For the next week, Emma watched them carefully, from a distance. She still wasn't ready to talk to them, but she needed to make sure they weren't hurt.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO

With everything that had happened, David had almost completely forgotten about George. But recently, he and Emma had received letters that they needed to come to court and tell people how George had tried to kill David. Then the judge would decide whether George was guilty. David still wasn't sure why that was so necessary because it should be obvious to everyone that George was guilty. But if he could help make sure George received a punishment for trying to kill him (in this world, anyway), and more importantly for trying to hurt Emma, he was happy to tell the judge and anyone else who wanted to hear all about it.

Snow had wanted to come to support both David and Emma as they gave their speeches to the court. However, she was told there wasn't anyone to take her place at work, and she already had time off to see Emma in court last month. So unfortunately, she wasn't able to do so. "I'm sorry I won't be there, Charming," she told him the night before the case. "I know facing George isn't always easy for you." She took his hands and gently caressed them.

David sighed. Facing George and not beating him up on sight would be difficult. "Seeing George is never easy on my temper," he agreed. "But I've handled people who make me angry in this world's courts before without losing it. And Emma will be there with me. She'll help."

"I hope so," Snow agreed. She sighed. David knew Snow was still upset about the way their daughter was ignoring them. She worried they'd lost Emma's love for good. But David was certain Emma still loved them. She just had trouble expressing it because of the new baby. Someday, Emma would accept her parents love and show them love again, too. They just had to wait until she was ready.

"I'm not sure you'd want to go back to that courtroom anyway," he joked with her. "I remember how you said you'd never step a foot in there after your…ah, bladder accident."

Snow smiled and chuckled a little. "Yeah, it is a relief that I don't have to face those people again. But seriously, you know I'd be there in a second if I could. For you and Emma. Even if she doesn't accept it, nothing will make me stop loving her."

"I know, darling." He kissed her. "But tomorrow, just concentrate on your job at the hospital and taking care of the baby." He caressed her stomach, loving that their new child was growing in there. This new baby caused a lot of complications, but David was still overjoyed that they were finally having another child. "Is the baby causing you any trouble? Is he or she all right? I'm glad you work at the hospital, because doctors are there if you need them."

Snow chuckled and put her hands on top of his to caress the baby as well. "The baby is fine, David, and so am I. Other than my tendency to need the bathroom all the time, that is. Fortunately, I haven't had any other accidents. But speaking of which, I should go before I have another one!" With that, she dashed off to the bathroom again.

OOOOOOOOOOO

David wasn't able to support Emma when she spoke to the courtroom as he would have like to. Instead, he had to wait in another room until they were ready for him to talk. Still, he was sure Emma was doing well. She had done well in court before, after all. (His daughter was smart like that.) In the meantime, he would wait until they called him. And wait. And wait. And wait. David was a relatively patient man, but even he was having trouble with this. After all, he had nothing to in this little room except wonder what was going to happen when he saw George again.

Eventually, someone opened the door and said, "David Nolan? They are ready for you."

So David got up and followed the man. He was asked to "swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, for full justice of the law," just like the last time he had to speak to the court. Then he sat in the chair next to the judge. George was sitting across from him, with a smug grin on his face. David thought about how good it would feel to wipe the grin right off the despot's face. Perhaps remove his arms from his body as well. This man had tried to kill him, succeeded in killing his mother, tried to prevent Emma and their new child from even existing, and threatened Emma in the past. He deserved it.

But then David saw Emma sitting nearby, although she seemed to be trying not to make eye contact with him. Did he want Emma to watch him rip George apart? No, he admitted. He wanted Emma to know he listened to her when she had told him about proper court behavior before.

So David forced himself to listen to the lawyer that was talking. "What were you doing on April 5 a year ago at the Collins farm, Mr. Nolan?"

"I was working. I've been working for Mr. Collins for almost two years now."

The lawyer smiled and faced a group of people off to the side of the judge. "I'd like to bring it to your attention that Mr. Nolan had a legitimate reason to be at Mr. Collins farm." David wondered why they were so important. But then she turned back to him. "What happened when the defendant arrived on the farm?"

David sighed. "He taunted me with names at first. The defendant and I have…an unpleasant history. But I made it clear he needed to get off Mr. Collins' property, because he didn't have permission to be there."

King George whispered "shepherd" to David, the way an ordinary person would say "prostitute." David reminded himself again that removing his arm from his body, or even slapping him across the face wasn't a good idea right now.

"And what did the defendant say to that?" the lawyer continued.

"He said those rules didn't apply to him and then he told me he wanted to remove my head from my shoulders."

"And then what happened?" asked the lawyer.

"Then he charged at me. Mr. Collins came over to see what was going on at that point, and told the defendant to stop trying to attack me and get off his property as well."

"Did he get off the property at that point?"

"No, at that point, the defendant caught me and tried to strangle me. I tried strangle him at the same time, when…ah, Officer Swan arrived." It wasn't easy to refer to Emma as "Officer Swan," but David knew that was what he should say.

"And what happened when Officer Swan arrived?"

"The defendant," David spat out, thinking about how he'd rather use another word to describe George, particularly when he was talking about the man attacking Emma. "Proceeded to try to attack Officer Swan. She gave him a chance to surrender, but he didn't want to, so she shot him to force him to stop."

"Thank you, Mr. Nolan," the lawyer concluded. "No further questions, your honor." Then the lawyer sat back down.

Then came the most difficult part. George's lawyer would question him and try to make David look like an idiot. At least David had done this before, so he knew what to expect. A man in a suit who had been sitting next to George walked up to David confidently. "Mr. Nolan, who actually attacked first, you or the defendant?"

"Ah, I'm not sure," he admitted. But David still looked right at the lawyer, showing he wasn't afraid of the other man. He didn't think who attacked first was so significant, considering David had already made it clear George had threatened him first.

The lawyer smiled at David smugly and then at the group of people who were sitting on the side of the judge again. Again, David wondered why those people were important. "And the police officer that arrived, is she related to you, Mr. Nolan?"

David sighed. He knew the lawyer was trying to say he and Emma's judgement was impaired when they dealt with George. "Yes."

Still no matter what the circumstances, he wasn't ashamed to admit Emma was a part of his family. He only wished he could tell everyone who she really was to him. He glanced at Emma again, happy that George hadn't hurt her that day. To David's surprise Emma looked back at him for a second and gave him a small smile. It was the first smile he'd seen his daughter give him in weeks.

"No further questions, your honor," that smug lawyer finished.

"Thank you, Mr. Nolan. You may step down now," the judge told him.

David nodded. As he walked by George, he wanted to punch the man so badly he already had his fist ready. But he managed to resist.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Over all, David thought the court day had gone well. Eventually, David and Emma left the courtroom and headed for the bus stop. "Listen, I want to tell you how…glad I am that George didn't hurt you that day. All those questions they asked reminded me how scared I was that he would hurt you." He didn't know if Emma was ready to talk or not, even though she'd smiled at him. But he wanted her to know that, anyway.

Emma sighed and was quiet for a few minutes. He had just decided she still wasn't talking to him unless she needed to when she told him, "I remember how scared I was that he was going to kill you. I'm…so glad he didn't, you know."

"Thank you, Emma."

"I mean it, you know. I know I've been…angry at you and Snow lately. And maybe I still am, a little. But that doesn't mean I'm not grateful I have you. A…Dad."

David's heart soared at that word. "Oh, Emma. You'll always have me. As a Dad and Snow as a Mom." Hesitantly, he leaned over and gently hugged her, wondering if she was ready for that. To his relief, Emma accepted the hug and even managed to hug him back a little.

As they boarded the bus, Emma looked around a little nervously for a second. David pondered what that was about, when Emma looked at him again. "Can you make sure you don't get too loud on the bus?"

"Why?" Emma had never mentioned this before. "Have I ever been too loud?"

Emma shook her head. "No, but a couple of weeks ago, I had to handle a school bus accident which was apparently caused because the children were making too much noise. I get worried. About Henry, of course, but also the rest of the family, because we all ride buses."

David nodded, understanding. "Okay. I'll remember that. But don't worry too much, Emma. We've all been riding buses for almost two years now without any problems, after all."

Emma nodded.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

David's relationship with his daughter improved after that. She smiled at him, made small talk with him, and even talked to him at the dinner table. It was wonderful. It still bothered him that she seemed to be avoiding Snow, but he knew Emma would accept her mother eventually. He was sure she would accept her new sibling as well someday. In the meantime, the family continued to get ready for the new baby.

David and Snow also continued to attend the PTA meetings. The group thought David's idea for an anti – drunk driving campaign was wonderful. The group put up posters around town about the dangers of drunk driving and how to avoid doing so. They even raised some money to put something called a "public service announcement" on the radio about the dangers of drunk driving. David hoped these messages would help less people get into accidents and become hurt like Emma had.

After one of the meetings, the president stopped to talk. "I want to thank you for the idea for the anti – drunk driving campaign. It's a really good idea, especially considering most of these kids will be driving in a few years."

David shrugged. "I just hope it will prevent accidents."

The president nodded, too. "Me too. But seriously, you have a lot of good ideas, especially for people who haven't been here for very long. Both of you do," she added looking at Snow as well.

"And I heard you did well at that trial last week. The guy that tried to murder you? You were very clear, answering the questions, and you didn't let the defense get to you."

David shrugged again. "Yes, well it wasn't that easy, but I did my best." Emma being there helped, he wanted to add, but he doubted the woman would understand why Emma being there was so important to him.

"Have you ever considered running for office? For city council or even mayor? We could use someone like you."

David looked at her, a little surprised. He had considered "running for office" in this world someday, but he didn't expect someone else to bring it up. Was this the right time? "I don't know," he replied.

"Well think about it. I could help you get your name on the ballot for next fall, if you'd like. Or even you, Mary Margaret, if you'd rather. I think you both could do well in city government."

David and Snow looked at each other, not sure what to say.

"Think about it, okay. Please?"

"We will," they both agreed at the same time. Then they left the building. "Well, what do you think of that idea?" David asked his wife.

Snow shrugged. "I enjoyed being queen in our land, and I know most people respected me, but…I'm not sure I want to that in this world. Especially with the new baby coming." She patted her stomach. "What about you?"

David shrugged. "I've been thinking about running for office someday, but like you I'm not sure this is the right time. The baby will make us busy, and I don't want to neglect him or her. Or Emma for that matter. And I'd hate to abandon Bill."

Snow nodded and squeezed his hand. "I understand."

"On the other hand, if I do run, maybe I'll be able to help more people. And it probably pays better as well. That would be nice, with the new baby coming."

Snow nodded. "Well, it's not something we have to decide today."

This is Sara's Public Service announcement: Tell your children, grandchildren, your nieces/nephews and/or friends' children not to yell, scream, squeal, or be too loud on the school bus! (Or any other bus they may ride.) The bus accident in this chapter is based on a true story, that actually happened in Hampden when I was young. I wasn't on the bus (fortunately), but we all heard about it, and it gave us all something to think about when we hear about yelling on a school bus.

Thank you for those who have been giving reviews for this story.

Here's a response from the last chapter.

Guest: Yes, poor Emma had a roller – coaster ride in chapter 45, didn't she.