I'm sorry it's been so long since this was updated. Because of that, I made it longer than usual.
**TW for mentions of assault and blood.
Chapter 5
"No." David said firmly. "Absolutely not. I was not even fully okay with you going to talk to her, and I am not at all okay with you spending any more time with her now. It's because of her that I almost lost you."
Emma sighed. "Dad, it was my…"
"Because of her! You wouldn't have felt so damned low about yourself if she didn't pick on you!" He let out a breath and lowered his voice. "Emma, I love your heart. I love how empathetic you are. But Ems, I won't let you get yourself in a position where she can hurt you again."
Emma blinked tears and looked at him. "Dad, I'm so sorry for what I did. I am so sorry I worried you so much and caused you pain. But dad, I did that. It was my choice. Yes, it was because of how she made me feel, but I made the choice instead of going to you or mom or anyone else. Dad, you didn't see her; she is really sorry. I'm not saying I want to date her or even be her best friend, but I…I do want to not have to avoid her at all costs."
David sat by Emma and wrapped his arms around her. "I was terrified, Emma. Seeing you in the hospital like that, barely hanging on, and knowing it could have been avoided…Emma it killed me. Your mom would have been so disappointed in me and I never want to do another thing that would hurt you."
Emma rested her head on David's shirt and closed her eyes, letting the tears fall. "It wasn't your fault."
Mary cleared her throat. "You know, you make Emma do therapy, but David, I think you should go as well. All Emma is saying is she doesn't want to hold onto this anymore. She's ready to let it go and that's huge."
David sighed and rubbed Emma's back. "I'm sorry. God, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't be putting all this on you. Mom's right, it's good you're able to let this go and…maybe I should see Dr. Hopper as well."
Emma sniffed. "Maybe we can go together? I also am going to talk with Mal. Honestly, I think she's going to help me more than Dr. Hopper is. I like him, but it's just not clicking."
"Then maybe it's best if you see Mal. I'm sure Dr. Hopper would understand." David said and looked at Mary. "Thank you for setting me straight." He kissed Emma's head. "I will try hard to let this go as well, but Emma, I don't know if I can ever be okay with her or her friends."
"She's not friends with them anymore. Dad, I get it, okay I do, but can you please try and understand that this is a good thing. At least try to let things go a bit."
He looked at his baby girl and lifted her chin. "You have your mother's eyes, and her heart. If she were here, she'd want me to let go too. I will do my best. Now go and have a good time with Ruby, Ems. I love you so much." He hugged her again.
Emma hugged him back and then hugged Mary. "Thank you for understanding." She said softly before heading out to meet Ruby.
Emma thought Ruby would be a lot like David and try to dissuade her from even being nice to Regina, so when she got a smile and encouragement, she was surprised. "You're not going to try and stop me?"
"No. I think it's great. Look, I saw her that day when she realized how much she affected you. She was shocked and sad and even sick about it. I believe her. I've also seen she doesn't have anything to do with the others, so again, I think she really has changed. It's…well almost crazy to think she had no idea how much she hurt us, but I don't think she was lying about that."
Emma dunked her fry in her milkshake and shrugged. "I didn't believe her then, but I did after talking to her. She really made herself vulnerable and no one would do that if they were lying." She looked at Ruby. "I really liked Mal. She made everything so easy. I'm thinking of asking her if she does therapy."
"You should. Maybe it would help more if you feel a connection."
"The thing is, I really don't know what to keep talking about. I don't feel like I need to die anymore, I have dealt with all those feelings, so it just seems stupid to keep going. But Dad said maybe we can go together and I think that would be good. I feel so guilty because of how he feels because of what I did."
"I'm so sorry to interrupt," came a voice from behind Emma. Emma smiled when she saw Mal. "I only wanted to say that his feelings are not your responsibility. And yes, I'd love if you'd come and see me. If I can help, I want to."
"Ruby, this is Mal. Mal, my friend Ruby." The two greeted each other and Emma looked at her. "You'd really have time for me?"
"Yes. I can't say until our first session however, from what it sounds like, you really just need someone to talk to, and I can be that for you. Email me later, okay? I do need to get to the call center." She said, picking up her coffee orders. "I'll see you later. Tell Mary I said hi."
"I will. Thank you." Emma watched her leave and looked at Ruby. "Isn't she nice?"
"Oh, she is. She comes in here every weekend, but I guess I never knew exactly who she was. Emma she is right though. It's not your fault your dad is feeling that way."
"I know, but it is. Everyone can say it's not, but the fact is, I made the choice I made and now I have to deal with the consequences."
Ruby sighed, putting her hand over Emma's. "If it makes you feel better, I've forgiven you. I was so mad at first, Emma, but…" She teared up and rolled her eyes. "But as soon as I heard you weren't dead, my anger was gone. I realized just how bad it must have been for you, I mean…I knew it wasn't easy, but I never knew how deeply it affected you until then."
"That's because I didn't tell you. I didn't tell anyone the full truth." Emma sighed and looked down. "I'm sorry."
"No, no stop. I didn't say that to make you feel guilty. Come on, let's go do something."
Emma smiled and wiped her hands before wiping her face. "Okay. Arcade?"
"Arcade."
At the arcade, Emma went to her favorite pinball machine and groaned. "They've beat me again! RMM, whoever it is, is never here when I am." She said as she put in a quarter.
"Wouldn't it be funny if it was Regina?"
"I've never seen her in here."
"And you just said you've never been here when this person is."
"I just don't see her being a pinball player."
"Oh my gods I was right! You're my competition." Regina exclaimed, causing Emma to break concentration.
"I told you!" Ruby said with a satisfied look on her face.
"You?! You broke my two year high score record? I didn't know you even played." Emma said, starting to play again.
"I wasn't, but over the summer I needed something to do so I could stay away from the other two. I figured those were your initials, but I never saw you."
"I was in the hospital most of the summer."
"Oh. I…sorry…"
"Oh no, not for that. That happened before school ended last year. I was volunteering there with my mom." Emma said, never taking her eyes off the machine.
"And she was avoiding you." Ruby added. "And Kathryn and Cruella."
"Ruby stop." Emma warned.
"It's okay; she's being honest." Regina said, though it had hurt, she knew she deserved it.
"Yes, but we're moving forward, not back."
"You're right. I'll try to remember that."
Emma noticed Ruby didn't apologize, but she wouldn't push it. "Ha! Top score!" Emma cheered.
"What?!" Regina gasped, looking. "That took me days! How did you do that so fast?"
"I'm just that good." The blonde said with a smirk, as she stepped aside. "You're free to try to beat me."
"I would, but I have to get going. You know, if you two are ever interested, Mal is always looking for help with the chatline."
"I doubt she'd want me; I still need help myself."
"You never know. I do have to go through; have a great day."
"You too."
"Yeah, see ya." Ruby said and nudged Emma. "I'll race you." She gestured to the race car game.
"Sure." The blonde said, watching Regina leave. She shook her head and followed Ruby. After Ruby won three of the four races, they decided to leave.
"See ya, Ems."
"Bye Rubes." Emma called as she left Granny's, put her ear buds in and headed home - not realizing she was being followed.
"We can't really do this." Kathryn said, watching. "We can get in serious trouble; like BIG trouble."
"Then back out, Kath. You're either in or out, but keep your mouth shut."
Kathryn stopped. "I can't. Come on; let's just go."
Cruella glared at her. "She changed Regina. She's nothing and shouldn't be here!"
"You're crazy! Come on, you're not actually going to do it. Let's go home."
"Then go home! But I'm doing this." She said, turning to follow Emma.
"Damnit!" Kathryn said, pulling her phone out and calling Regina.
Regina looked at her phone and rolled her eyes. However, she wasn't on a chat, so she decided to answer. "I'm a bit busy, Kat."
"Emma's in trouble. I…I can't give specifics, but I needed to tell someone." She then hung up.
"Wait, what? Kat!" She signed off and went to Mal, telling her what was said. "I need to go."
Mal nodded. "Go. I'll call her mom. Be careful and keep in touch."
Meanwhile, Emma turned down the alley that was a shortcut.
"Emma! Emma, stop!" Cruella called out, but when she didn't she pushed the blonde into a wall.
"What the hell?" Emma yelled, pulling her ear bud out.
Cruella pinned her to the wall, holding a razor to Emma's throat. "You failed, Emma. You were supposed to die."
"Leave me alone! I've literally never done anything to you!" Emma hated the desperate tears in her eyes, but couldn't stop them. Before she could do anything, Cruella punched her in the stomach and ran the razor down Emma's right wrist and then her left. It was deep and the blood was already running thick. "You don't belong here."
Emma gasped in pain and slid down the wall, feeling dizzy already. "No…no…" She frantically looked for something to stop the bleeding. There was too much of it and her vision was going blurry.
Cruella watched as Emma got her phone out and then grabbed it from her. "Let's send Daddy dearest a message. 'Daddy, I'm so sorry but I just can't live with the guilt anymore. It's better for everyone this way." She smirked as she hit send and then smashed the phone. She lifted Emma's chin, seeing the girl could hardly focus. "Tell mommy hi for me."
"Fuck…you…" Emma let out before closing her eyes.
Cruella then covered Emma in cardboard and trash before checking both ways and leaving the alley.
Regina saw this, but knew she wouldn't catch up. Instead, she ran and went down the alley. Only seeing trash, she was about to leave when she noticed a pool of blood. "No. No, Emma." She quickly took her sweatshirt off and used the sleeves to wrap both Emma's wrists. "Google, call 911." She said and waited for an answer. "I need an ambulance in the alley between the flower shop and the library. Quick please, there's a lot of blood. Too much blood. I wrapped her wrists but…yes, yes she's breathing, but it's really shallow. Please get here soon."
"David? That was Mal." Mary said, worry on her face. "Regina got a call from an ex friend saying Emma is in trouble, and now, I can't reach her or Regina."
"What? In what kind of trouble?" He pulled out his phone. "I have a message from her." He stood as his heart sank. "No! I knew Regina was bad!" He showed the message to Mary.
While Mary's heart sunk, something told her this wasn't right. "I don't believe it. Emma wouldn't do that again, David." She shook her head and called Ruby to see if she knew anything.
"Thomas is calling." He said as he put his shoes on. "Hello?"
"Go to the hospital now. Regina found Emma with her wrists slit. She's alive, but lost a lot of blood. David, I don't think she did this to herself this time, but we can talk about that later. Go be with your daughter. Oh…do you know her blood type?"
"Um…it's um…yeah just…" He was trying to process everything. "It's O positive, like her mother. I need to go." He hung up and looked at Mary. "Drive us to the hospital, please. I can't." He said, trying not to just break down. "I'll explain on the way."
"Kathryn! Call me! Emma could die and if you know anything, you're an accessory to murder! Who the fuck did this?!" She hung up and looked over at Ruby. "She won't answer." She then looked over to Thomas. "I want to make a statement. I saw Cruella leave the alley. She did this! It had to be her!"
"Regina, if I interview you without your parents or lawyer, I'm dead. There are security cameras and we're waiting on those. We also have someone going to talk to Kathryn and Cruella, but we can't just arrest her on a whim."
Before Regina could argue, David came in followed by Mary. He went over to Thomas and Regina. "What did you do this time, Regina? I knew it was a bad idea to let Emma talk to you."
Regina looked at David with wide eyes. "I didn't do it, sir. I found her. I swear it."
Mary pulled David back. "I told you she was with Mal at the school." She looked at Regina and took her shaking, blood stained hands. "Let's get you cleaned up." She looked at Thomas. "Is that okay?"
"Yes, I got pictures and I'll take her official statement once I hear from her parents." He looked at David, needing Regina to hear what he was about to say as well. "She saved Emma, David. If she wouldn't have found her, wrapped her wrists, and called 911, she would have died. I'm sorry it's harsh, but it's true."
"She could still die." David said, but sighed and looked at Regina. "I'm sorry. Thank you for saving her."
"Come on sweetheart. David, take a breath."
Mary then took Regina to the bathroom. It was the first time she noticed all the blood on her. "It's too much blood. There was too much." She said as she washed her hands.
"I'm sure it was terrifying. Thank you for helping her, Regina. We owe you."
"No you don't. If I never bullied her to begin with, neither would Cruella."
"Even if that's true, you would have never gone this far or allowed this. I believe that with all my heart. I'm sorry about David. It's no excuse, but he's stressed."
"No, it's okay. I don't blame him. Emma's going to be okay, right? They wouldn't tell us anything."
"Let's go and find out. Are your parents still out of town?"
"Yes. Zelena's coming if that's okay. I just don't want to leave yet."
"I'm glad she's coming."
"Then I went into the diner and Emma headed home. I didn't watch her. I should have watched her." Ruby said, dabbing at her tears. "I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault, Ruby." David said, rubbing her shoulder. He looked over as Mary and Regina came back out. "I haven't gotten an update yet. Regina, I am sorry. No matter what, you didn't deserve that."
"It's really okay. I understand and expected it. Mr. Swan, Emma wouldn't do this. She was happy."
Before David could say anything, Dr. Whale came out and called he and Mary over. "She's a fighter. She had to have a transfusion, but we were able to stop the bleeding and get her stitched up. She's going to be okay. She's tired, but wants to see you. Go on back to room three; I need to talk to Thomas because there is no way she did this to herself."
"Thank you." David said, taking Mary's hand as they headed back.
Emma lay in bed with her eyes closed. When she heard the door open, she looked over and her eyes filled with tears. "Daddy…daddy I didn't do it. I promise, I didn't do it. Mama, you have to believe me."
David rushed over and held his daughter the best that he could. "I know baby, I know. Mom and I both know you didn't do this to yourself."
"I want to give my statement before I forget." Emma said, knowing the process. "Please."
"I'll get Thomas." Mary said, cupping Emma's cheeks. "I love you, baby girl, and I'm so glad you fought through this. I know you wouldn't do this to yourself, so you stop worrying about that."
"Do you mind if I record this?" Thomas asked, getting things ready.
Emma shook her head. "I don't mind."
"Just tell me what you remember from when you and Ruby were together."
Emma nodded. "We started at the arcade. We talked with Regina until she had to leave to do the chatline thing and then stayed about twenty minutes longer; just before two because Ruby had to help with the late lunch rush. I said goodbye to her, put my earbuds in, and headed home. I took the alley as a shortcut and was almost through when I was pushed against the wall. It was Cruella. I can't remember what all she said, but I know she called me a failure because I didn't die with the pills. She kicked my stomach and then cut me. I got dizzy right away and slid down the wall. I tried calling 911, but she took my phone and sent my dad a message. Then she broke the phone and everything was blurry and muffled before it all went dark. I remember feeling like I was being buried and then…"
Emma looked at David. "I saw Mama. I knew it was her because her eyes were the same as in the pictures. I do have her eyes. She said she loves me so much and she's so proud of the person I am. She assured me how much she loves me and would never pick death over me. She's proud of you too, dad. She said to tell you that you're doing great and that you need to forgive yourself because she hates seeing you blame yourself for everything." Emma then looked over to Mary and smiled softly. "She said to tell you thank you. She knows she doesn't have to worry about us because we have you." Emma wiped her eyes. "She just held me while I cried. Then she told me to wake up. That's all I remember."
"And you're one hundred percent sure it was Cruella?" Thomas asked, wanting to give the family some time alone.
"Yes. I asked her why; I honestly have never done anything to her. She just said I shouldn't be here. I know we never have been friends, but this…this is extreme. I don't really think I deserved it."
"You didn't, Emma." Thomas said softly. "Was Kathryn with her?"
"No. It was just her." Emma sighed. "I really don't know why, but it was her."
"Thank you, emma. I'm glad Regina found you in time. If she wouldn't have…well it doesn't matter because you're here. I'll come check in and update you later, for now, you just rest." He ended the recording and smiled softly at her. "You scared your godmother and myself, but I promise, we'll get this all taken care of."
"Tell Ashley I said hi." Emma said softly.
"I will."
As he left, Emma looked at David. "Regina saved me? How did she know?"
"Kathryn called her and said you were in trouble." Mary explained. "She didn't give details, but Regina went with her gut and went to find you."
"I need to apologize again to her. They asked me for your blood type, and all I could think was that I was going to lose you. I blamed her."
"I'm so sorry, daddy." Emma said softly.
"Hush love. It wasn't your fault either time, baby girl." He stroked her cheek. "You should rest now. I think you'll be here at least tonight."
"Is Regina still here? I need to thank her. Please daddy. I know you hate her but…"
"I don't hate her." David sighed. "I hate what she's done to you, but I also am so grateful for what she did today. I'll go get her."
When he left, Mary kissed Emma's forehead. "I love you so much."
Emma smiled softly, taking her hand. "My mom was right, you know. Dad and I are so blessed to have you."
Mary smiled softly, touched tears in her eyes. "I'm blessed to have you both."
"Oh good, you're still here." David said as he saw Regina. "If you have time, Emma would like to see you. Ruby, you as well."
Regina nodded and told Zelena she'd be back soon. She and Ruby then went with David to the room. "She needs rest, but I'll give you time."
Ruby and Regina came in and Emma smiled. "Hey guys. Don't look so scared; I'm okay."
"I can't help it. I…it was so scary. There was so much blood."
Emma took Regina's hand. "Thank you for saving me. I wouldn't be here - alive - if it weren't for you." She then looked at Ruby and smiled softly "You're supposed to be working."
"Well, my best friend is in the hospital after being almost killed!" She took a breath. "How are you not freaking out?"
"I'm medicated, Ruby. I'm okay." She said softly. "This isn't like last time."
Ruby sniffed and sat down. "I know. I couldn't see you last time. I'm sorry I'm a mess."
Mary put her hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Don't be sorry. I think you're the first one out of shock right now."
Suddenly, Regina let out a bit of a sob. "I'm sorry. I can't…I need to go. I'm so glad you're okay, but I need to go." She then quickly left.
Emma looked at David who gave a nod and followed the teen. "Regina…Regina wait, please."
Regina stopped and wiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mr. Swan, but please go be with Emma. I'll be okay."
"It's okay if you're not okay, Regina, but you have to be honest. You witnessed something extremely scary."
"And they said I just have shock and will be okay. But you know what? Emma didn't deserve this at all. She shouldn't be in there now, and she shouldn't have been in there then. You can all say it's not my fault this time, but it is. Both times are my fault. If I'd have never picked on her from the beginning, she'd have never taken those pills before, and Cruella never would have done this." She started breathing heavier. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Swan. I…god I can't imagine how much you must hate me; should hate me! You should hate me. Sure, this time someone else did it to her, but last time - that was me. And I look at her in there and think about everything I did and I…I don't belong there."
Zelena could see them, but decided to wait and see if her sister needed her help. David sighed and wrapped Regina into a hug. "You should talk to someone, Regina because you can't be putting all this blame on yourself. Yes, I blamed you, but that was when you were just someone in my head and not face to face with me. I see now that it was wrong. I was wrong, Regina and I'm sorry." He looked at her. "You're a kid, don't take this blame upon yourself. Emma…she's such an amazing girl and she wants to give you a chance. I can't and won't say no to that."
Regina took some deep breaths and found herself holding him back. How many times had she seen him and Emma hug and she wished it was her dad? "Thank you. I'm sorry. Today should be about Emma, not me."
"You were a hero today, Regina. It's your day too." He looked in the waiting room and saw Zelena. He waved her over. "I know Emma would love it if you two at least said goodbye to her, but I understand if you want to just take her home. Maybe…" He looked around and saw Dr. Whale. "Dr. Whale, can you maybe just make sure Regina's okay? She's had a bad shock."
He gave a nod. "Yes, give me about fifteen minutes?"
Regina nodded. "I'll be in Emma's room if that's okay."
"That's just fine."
David took the girls back to the room and kissed Emma's forehead. Emma smiled and looked over. "I'm glad you came back. Regina…I'm so sorry if I upset you."
"You didn't, Emma. I'm sorry. I just…hearing you talk about last time, knowing that was my fault and this…this is my fault too and I'm so sorry. I don't deserve to be here, to be your friend at all."
Emma sighed and reached her hand out, glad when Regina took it. "What I did was my choice, Regina. And what Cruella did today was hers. Please don't blame yourself. You don't control us, even if you try." She said with a small smirk.
Zelena chuckled as she rubbed Regina's back. "She's right, Regina."
"I just…I think I just need you to forgive me. I'm sorry if that's asking…"
"I forgive you. I forgave you already, but I'll say it again. I forgive you. I love having you here, but I think you need to get some rest."
Regina chuckled, wiping her eyes. "I think you're the one who needs rest."
"I'm guessing you both do." Dr. Whale said as he came in. "Emma, I'll be here to talk a bit soon, but I want to just check over Regina. Then, I think it's time Emma gets some rest." He looked at David. "Don't worry, you two can stay if you want."
"Call me tomorrow, okay?" Emma asked Regina. "And please don't fret all night about this. I'm fine, thanks to you."
Regina smiled and hugged Emma before going to the door. Zelena stepped to the bed. "I know you don't know me, but I'm so glad you're okay. I'm here if you need anything."
"Thank you."
Once they left, Emma closed her eyes. "I'm so tired."
Ruby smiled and kissed Emma's cheek. "Granny is here. She wants to see you but knows you need rest. She'll come see you tomorrow, but I do have to go."
Emma took her friend's hand. "Thanks for coming, Ruby. Now, don't you feel guilty either. Your job isn't watching over me. I love you."
"I love you, Ems."
Once Ruby left, David and Mary sat on either side of her. Emma bit her lip. "Are…are you two going to stay?"
"You couldn't get rid of me if you wanted to." David said with a tearful smile. "If I could, I'd never let you out of my sight again."
Emma smiled softly. "Her dad has his own law firm. She's not even going to get charged for this, is she?"
"I don't care if her dad is the president or Pope; she tried to kill you. She's getting charged." He shook his head. "I am so sorry, Emma. You don't deserve any of this."
Emma turned to her side a bit. "It's not your fault, but thank you for saying that. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what I could have done, but there's nothing. I'm not perfect, I know that, but the most I ever did was tell her to shut up and leave me alone."
"Maybe she'll talk about it, but until then, there is nothing, absolutely nothing to justify this." Mary said, firm but soft. "Close your eyes baby, you're so tired."
Emma let her parents kiss her cheeks before she closed her eyes and fell asleep, hoping she wouldn't have nightmares about everything.
