Chapter 5

Emma ran her fingers through her hair as she finished getting ready. She hadn't had a first day of school for three years and was more nervous than she was letting on. Sure, Regina would be there before school, at lunch, and after school, but they didn't have any classes together. She and Ruby had a couple, but Ruby wasn't Regina. No one was Regina. The blonde sighed and turned a little, making sure her skirt wasn't too short. Most kids hate uniforms, but Emma loved them. In past schools, no one could tell she had old, dirty clothes if they had uniforms. Sure, Mal bought her a whole new wardrobe, but she still felt better knowing she wouldn't stick out in any way.

"Emma sweetheart, Regina's here." Mal said, knocking on the door. She smiled and fixed some of Emma's hair. "You look great. And you're feeling better?"

"I've been healed for weeks, Mal." Emma said with a smile. "I just feel nervous. Really nervous." She said, holding her stomach.

Mal cupped Emma's face softly. "You're going to do just fine, Flower. If you need to, you can always call me." She kissed her forehead. "Now, do you want money in case all the cool kids buy lunch? You can still take the packed lunch and decide once you're there."

"Really? I get a choice? Wow, thanks. Yeah, if that's really okay, that's what I'll do."

"Okay, come on down."

The two went down and Emma smiled at Regina. "Hey, sorry. I'm ready now." She said, putting on her shoes.

"It's okay, I'm a bit early."

"And you're sure being seen with a sophomore won't ruin your reputation?"

Regina chuckled. "I am sure. Besides, I'm only a year ahead of you. I missed a lot when my parents died."

Emma reached over and squeezed Regina's hand. "That's nothing to be ashamed of."

"And having to take math with a tutor is nothing to be ashamed of." Regina said and smiled.

"Thanks. Honestly, I'm okay with that. I always had a hard time with math, so maybe one on one will be easier." Emma took a breath and smiled, taking her backpack from Mal. "Thank you." She then kissed Mal's cheek. "I'll see you later."

Mal smiled and hugged her. "Have a great day, girls."

Emma and Regina started walking to school and met Ruby on the way. "Hey guys. Ugh, summer is officially over."

"Hey Rubes. Yeah, but I'm kinda looking forward to this year. Are you trying out for track again?"

"Yep. I got my mile down to eight and a half minutes." Ruby said. "I also have been working on my long jump. Emma, do you do sports?"

Emma shook her head. "I never have. I always kinda wanted to, but I never stayed anywhere long enough. What do they offer here?"

"Track and field, golf, softball, tennis, they even have girls powerlifting. No offense, but I wouldn't try that one." Ruby chuckled.

Emma smiled softly. "Yeah, probably not. I'm a bit small. I probably won't try out for anything though. I'm sure everyone else has been doing whatever sport they do for years."

"So? Don't let that stop you." Regina said. "If you're interested in something, go for it. I play tennis. I wanted to do softball, but I don't like getting dirty."

Emma laughed softly at that. "I don't think I've ever even held a racket. I used to play catch with a baseball when I was at one foster home. I wasn't terrible. I'll think about it." She stopped as they reached the school. It wasn't big, even though it was kindergarten through seniors, but it was new for Emma and therefore, scary. There were kids all over and Emma already was getting curious looks.

"Come on, Ems. It's going to be fine. Do you know where your locker is?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah, I came to the open house. I um…I guess I'll see you guys later?"

"I'll see you second period." Ruby said.

"And I'll see you at lunch." Regina stated, squeezing Emma's hand. "You'll be okay."

They all went their own ways and Emma went to her locker. She put her bag in it and took out her books for her first few classes and made her way to her first one. Part of her hoped she wouldn't have to introduce herself or anything since this was the first day for everyone, but every teacher made her tell the class something about herself. She kept it short. 'I'm Emma Swan and I'm new to town.' Was her story before she sat down. By lunch, no one had asked her to elaborate, and she was thankful for that.

Emma took the lunch Mal packed for her and found Regina and Ruby sitting at a table with a few others. It didn't look like there was room, so Emma looked elsewhere. However, Regina waved for her. "Over here, Ems." She said and shifted to make room. "Come sit. How's it going?"

Emma gave a small smile to the others and sat by Regina. "A lot of introducing myself." Emma said with an eye roll.

"Well, let me do that for you then." Regina said with a chuckle. "You know Ruby, this is Kat, Jennifer, and Megan, and those to bozo's are Colin and Jamie. Guys, this is Emma. She's new to town and is staying with my aunt Mal."

"Hi." Emma said, giving a small smile to them before digging into her bag. She blushed when she pulled out a note, but still read it to herself. I hope you're having a great day. Remember, relax and have fun. Love, Mal.

"So, are you and Gina related?" Jennifer asked as she bit into her sandwich.

"Not exactly." Emma said, letting out a breath. They would find out anyway. "I'm a foster kid. Mal is my foster mom."

Kat smiled. "Is she? Oh, you'll love her. I mean, I'm sure you already do, but she's so nice. Oh, you're so lucky." After seeing Regina and Emma's looks, she blushed and smacked her own forehead. "No, no not that you're lucky to be a foster kid…oh I didn't mean that like it sounded."

Emma chuckled a bit. "It's okay. You're right, she's great. Best one I've had so far, and hopefully my last."

"You mean you could get moved again?" Neal asked. "You don't have to answer anything you don't want to; we just don't get a lot of out of towners here."

Emma nodded. "I could. I have before. I've been in places I thought were perfect only to get out of school and find they up and moved away without me, or my social worker picks me up and takes me to another home."

"That's terrible." Ruby said with a frown. "Mal would never do that to you. I hope you know that."

"I'm doing my best to believe it. I know it's hard for you to understand, but when it's happened to you so many times, it's hard to just believe it won't again."

"I get it." Megan said. "I'm sorry that's happened to you."

"It's not your fault." Emma said with a shrug.

They all talked through lunch and when it was over, Emma sighed as she went to her next class. She was tired and ready to be done. It had been years since she went to school, and she wasn't used to it. Thankfully, her next class was her one on one for math. She was about to go into the room when a woman stopped her. "Are you Emma?"

"Yes, ma'am. Are you my teacher?"

"Oh please, call me Kristin. I am a teacher, but when I tutor like this, I don't like all that jazz. Let me just grab some things and we'll take this outside, is that okay?"

"Um, sure." Emma said, shrugging.

The two went outside and found a patch of grass. "Okay, so you're not too far behind, Emma. Honestly, I think we'll have you back in class in no time." The time went too fast for Emma as she was actually enjoying learning this way.

When the time was over, she helped bring things back in. "Thanks Kristin. I think I'm going to like having this time with you."

Kristin smiled. "You don't have to thank me for doing my job, but you're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow."

Emma got through the rest of her classes and once school was done, she was ready to go home. She, Ruby, and Regina all walked out and Emma smiled. "Mal, you didn't have to meet me here." She said, hugging the woman.

"I wanted to see how your first day went. I know it's probably not cool, but I thought maybe we could get some ice cream? Ruby and Regina, you can come with too."

"I have to get to work, but thanks. I'll see you guys later." Ruby said, heading off.

"Actually Mal, Zelena wanted to do something after school. I think she's trying to make this easy for us, you know?"

"I get it. How about Friday, I take you all to the city for a nice dinner?"

"I'm in. I'll tell Zelena. See you guys later."

Emma smiled. "I guess it's just you and me."

Mal put her arm around Emma and started walking. "Just our secret but that's what I wanted anyway."

The two chatted at the ice cream shop about school and everything. "I didn't know I'd be so tired. I haven't had to do that in a long time."

Mal smiled softly. "If you need time, you tell me. Your mental health is the most important."

"I'll be good. I think it's good that I just get back into it."

"I'm proud of you, Emma. I know this has all been a change for you, but you've embraced it and are taking it head on."

Emma shrugged a bit and looked down. "I feel like this is my last chance. Before I came to you, I had no hope of a future. I figured I'd be homeless my whole life and…well that my life wouldn't be long. Now, you've given me a second chance and I'm not going to take that for granted. If I can at least graduate high school before I'm an adult, I have a bit more of a chance."

Maleficent took Emma's hand. "Emma, I wanted to talk to you about that. You keep saying you only have until you're an adult, but I'm telling you, that's not true. I…Emma, how would you feel if I adopted you? I want you to always, always be in my life."

Emma was shocked and she felt tears in her eyes as she looked at Mal. "I…I want that. I do, but…I don't want you to regret that. We're still in what they call the honeymoon phase and I'd rather you wait until I've been here longer before you decide."

Mal smiled softly and squeezed Emma's hand. "How about you come to me when you're ready?"

"You're not mad?"

"Heavens no. Emma, no. Why would I be mad? This is your life, you haven't gotten to make a lot of your own choices. I won't take that from you now. Just know, the offer is open and is always there."

"Even if…"

"Even if." Mal interrupted. "No matter what."

That week, Emma came home from school tired every day, but was enjoying herself. She'd met some people and Regina always made sure she wasn't alone. "I think maybe we should get you into the doctor, just to make sure everything is okay." Mal said as she hugged a tired looking Emma. "Should we cancel tonight?"

"No please. Regina and Zelena are looking forward to it and so am I. I think I'm just adjusting. Nothing to worry about."

They all drove to the city and had a nice meal together. Emma was sleeping within a block of the restaurant and Mal looked at Regina. "Is she okay in school? She comes home so tired at night."

Regina chewed on her lip. "She…she didn't tell me until today Mal or I would have told you. She has nightmares at night. Old memories that haunt her and she doesn't sleep. She said it's just easier to stay awake."

Maleficent sighed. "Thank you for telling me. I wish she'd just be honest with me."

"Mal, she got kicked out of a home when she was younger because of nightmares. She's terrified to say anything. I tried telling her she could talk to you, but she won't listen."

"Thank you for telling me. I'll have a conversation with her. I hate knowing she's not getting sleep when I can help her." She bit her lip. "Does she tell you what they're about?"

Regina shook her head and looked at Emma. "No. She just says they're memories from her past."

Emma did wake up to say goodbye to the Mills sisters and move to the front seat. "Sorry I fell asleep. That food was so good it just knocked me out."

Maleficent parked in front of her house and turned to Emma. "Emma, you know you can tell me anything, right?"

Emma nodded, her heart pounding. "Yes. Did I do something wrong? I've been good, haven't I? I haven't argued or anything."

Maleficent put her hand over Emma's. "Breathe, Flower. I'm not upset with you; you've done nothing wrong. Emma, why are you so tired lately?"

Emma looked down and wiped at a tear. "Regina told you, didn't she? I told her not to. It's not a big deal. I just have nightmares sometimes." She shook her head. "I can't have any privacy!" She said and got out, slamming the door. She wasn't exactly mad, more embarrassed, but didn't really know how to express it. She crossed her arms, waiting for Mal to open the door.

"Emma, sweetheart please don't be upset." Mal said as she got out and went to unlock the door. "I was worried and asked and she told me. She's worried too. Can we please talk about this?"

"I'm tired. I don't want to talk." Emma said, coming in and taking her shoes off. She did something she hadn't for a while and picked them up to take them to her room with her. "Just leave me alone." She said, slamming her door.

Maleficent sighed and while she wanted to follow Emma, she also needed to give her space. Her phone rang and she sighed when she answered it. "Hey you."

"Hey yourself." Ingrid said with a smile. "I do want to catch up with you, but I was wondering how Emma's first week of school went?"

"This isn't a great time." Mal said, her voice shaking. "I've upset her, and I feel terrible. This is our first fight and I feel lost."

"Tell me what happened." Ingrid said softly.

Mal did and sighed. "I just want to help her."

Ingrid took a few moments. "You didn't do anything wrong, Mal. She's probably embarrassed. She's fifteen and having nightmares and probably thinks that's not normal. Give her some space, and before you go to bed, just assure her you're still there. Let her come to you."

"I will. Thanks, Ingrid." She sighed. "I miss you."

"I miss you too. I have off on Monday, how about we have lunch?"

"I'd love that. I'm editing during my spare time, so I'd love a break."

"Great. Then Tuesday, remember we have Emma's update meeting. If she doesn't want to come, don't force her, but we do like having the kids there. I know you didn't have these with the girls, but like I said before, it's nothing to worry about. We're just making sure everything is going well."

"Right, got it. Thanks for the chat, Ingrid. I'll see you on Monday."

Emma paced in her room, hating that she acted as she did. She wasn't really mad; she just didn't want to admit to anything. Now, she messed it all up. She had been about to come down and talk, but she heard Mal talking to Ingrid and her heart sank. She knew what that meant. She knew she was being sent back.

She cried silently as she packed up a few things, not wanting to take everything Mal got her. Maybe Mal could get some of her money back. She sighed as she put her phone on the desk, knowing it wasn't right of her to take it. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and opened the window.

"Emma, if you're leaving, I'd prefer you go out the front door." Mal said from the doorway, trying hard not to let her fear take over her. This was a test and she had to pass it. "I'd also prefer you take your phone in case you need it. I'd love for you to stay, but if you really want to go, I can't keep you here." Emma was about to say something, but Mal put her hand up. "What I can do is as soon as you step out, I can call the police and report you as a runaway. I then call Ingrid who has to come over and take a report and talk to you when the police bring you back here. Honestly, it's so time consuming but if that's the road you want to take, I'm ready."

"You mean…you'd take me back? But I thought you called Ingrid to take me away and I don't want to do all this again. I don't want to start all over. I…" Emma let her backpack fall along with some tears. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

Maleficent came over and wrapped Emma in her arms, glad the girl didn't fight her. "Emma, you've done nothing wrong. I'm sorry I shouldn't have…no, I'm not sorry. I'm not. I want to know when something is upsetting you. I want to know if you're struggling with anything because I want to help you."

Emma sniffed and buried her nose in Mal's shirt. "I'm not used to that." She said between breaths as she tried hard not to cry.

"I know, Flower. That's why I let you storm off. But I will not let you risk your life to get away." She looked down and cupped Emma's cheek. "Do you want me to call Archie?"

Emma shook her head. "No. It's late on a Friday." She said softly. "I…if I take a shower, will you braid my hair?"

Maleficent knew that meant Emma wanted to talk without having to be face to face. "Of course. I'll go shower and meet you back here."

Not long later, they sat on Emma's bed as Mal did her hair. "I finally am letting myself fully sleep and I keep getting nightmares. It's not like monsters under the bed kinda stuff, but memories of past things happening to me again and again. I talked to Archie about it, but the only thing that prevents them is not sleeping."

Maleficent finished the braid and as usual, wrapped her arms around Emma from behind. "I can talk to the doctor about some sleep aides. Emma, I don't want you to stay up all night; especially by yourself. Come wake me when it happens. I'd rather be up with you than know you're alone."

"I just…I know it's kinda against the rules, but I do feel safe when you're with me."

Maleficent smiled softly. "It's against the rules to continuously co sleep. But, I can lay with you until you're asleep and if I end up falling asleep now and then, it's no big deal. I think it's coming out because you feel safe. It's your mind trying to warn you about what can happen. But I make you feel safe, right?"

"Yes. You do. That's what Archie said too - that it's because I feel safe that it's coming out. I know I'm somewhere where I can process it now. But I don't want to bother you all the time."

"Emma, I am a part time editor. I set my own hours. It's no bother if you wake me up. How about we call it an early night? I'll stay with you until you're asleep."

"Thank you." Emma said with a nod. "Hey Mal. If you um…you know if you wanted to go out with Ingrid, I wouldn't stop you. You're allowed to have a life even if I'm here. I can watch myself for a few hours you know."

Mal smiled softly as she got up to turn the lights off and snuggle in with Emma. "Thank you for that. I'd rather be here for you for now, but I am going out with her while you're in school Monday." She held Emma in her arms. "We have that meeting on Tuesday. Ingrid said you don't have to come, but they'd like it if you did."

Emma let out a breath. "I hate them. They all just sit around talking about me and what's best for me as if I'm not there."

"I get that's your past experience, but give Ingrid a chance, Em. If it goes that way, you have permission to walk out."

That weekend, Emma fell asleep in Mal's arms each night and didn't have a single nightmare. Mal enjoyed her lunch date with Ingrid, even if she found herself talking about Emma most of the time.

"You told her you're interested in adopting her?"

"I hope that's okay, but yes. I want her to know she's home, you know? That no matter what, I am her home."

Ingrid smiled softly. "Don't take her response as rejection. She's fifteen and has gone through a lot. It'll take her some time."

"I know. I also know it is soon. Maybe too soon. I just want her to be a kid, Ing. I want her to relax and enjoy life."

"She will. Give her time."

On Tuesday, Emma came home after school and helped Mal get coffee and snacks ready for the meeting. They'd be in Mal's living room, and it would be them, Ingrid, Principal Nolan, Ingrid's boss, a CASA worker, and someone taking notes on the meeting.

"Mal? What's a CASA worker?" Emma asked. "I've met some, but no one has told me what they do."

"They're a Court Appointed Special Advocate. They aren't social services or foster carers but are appointed by the court to make sure you're in a safe environment. Because of what you've gone through, they want one dedicated to you. They're just another person on your side, Emma."

"I wonder why they never cared before." Emma said with a sigh.

"They do now." Mal said as the doorbell rang.

They all shuffled in and once everyone was settled, a man stood. "I am Jason and I'm what they call an independent reviewing officer. I take notes and make sure Emma gets the best care possible. Let's start by introducing ourselves."

"I'm Ingrid and I am Emma's social worker."

"I'm Liz and I am Ingrid's boss."

"I'm Mary Nolan and I am the principal at Emma's school."

"My name is Evan and I'm from CASA."

"I'm Mal, Emma's foster mom."

Emma blushed. "I'm Emma. Foster kid."

There was a soft chuckle from the room and Jason looked at Emma. "I've reviewed what we have for you, and it looks like you haven't had many of these meetings like you're supposed to. Honestly Emma, it looks like many things weren't done the way they were supposed to be. Let me apologize for that. I'm assuming you don't trust us and judging by what little I know, I don't blame you. However, we are here for your benefit; to make sure you're okay. Ingrid, let's start with you."

"Alright. We are here because Emma has recently been placed with Mal and we want to review how that's going. Emma, did you fill out your question form?"

"Yes." Emma mumbled. "I don't have to share my answers, do I?"

"Not out loud if you don't want to, but we'd like to have it on record. Can I ask why you wouldn't want to share it?"

"I just…wrote a lot of personal stuff in here." Emma said, sinking into her seat. "I've never filled one out before."

"That's okay. Emma and I have talked when I've had my visits and from what I can tell, things here are going exceptionally well. I haven't had any complaints; I haven't had any concerning issues arise and both Mal and Emma have reported that they are happy."

Evan smiled. "Emma, you don't have to share everything, but would you mind sharing how you feel about how this is going?"

"Good." Emma said with a shrug. "Honestly, this is the best place I've been. I am scared I'll mess it up, but Mal assured me she won't just send me away like the others have. I'm trying to trust that. It's a lot to ask, but I am trying. I believe it's worth trying for."

"I'm very glad to hear that." He stated.

"Mrs. Nolan, would you care to share how Emma is doing in school? I know it's only been a week and a half-ish, but how do you feel it's going?"

"Emma is wonderful." Mary beamed. "She came in before school started so we could test her and see where she was at. As you can tell, she hasn't had the best schooling, but she is a smart cookie." She chuckled. "All her teachers say she's a bit shy, but participates and is getting all A's in her classes - even her math which is where she struggles the most. Her math tutor thinks she'll be in mainstream math class by the end of the semester. Emma is a bit shy in general, but that's expected. She has a couple great friends from what I can tell and is social."

Emma blushed hard, not used to having so many compliments about her. "Thanks." She said quietly.

"I'm not saying it just to say it, Emma. I mean it."

Jason finished his notes and looked at Mal. "Mal, how do you feel things are going?"

"Oh, I think it's great. I've only ever had my nieces, so this was a first for me. Emma is a survivor. She's sweet, kind, funny, and so strong. I know we're in what you all call the 'honeymoon phase', but I really do enjoy caring for her."

"Great to hear." Jason said and finally looked at Emma. "This part of the meeting is all about you. How is this placement working for you?"

Emma took a breath. "I didn't want to be in foster care again. I ran away and stayed away for three years, living day to day not knowing what would come. I…I had to do things I never wanted to do. When I was in the accident, as much as it hurt, it was the best thing to happen to me. I now have a social worker who cares about me and a foster mom who makes me feel safe and…loved. I feel worth it for the first time in a long time. I know I have a long way to go, I still have nightmares, small panic attacks, I am shy, but I feel I'm in a place where I can heal and grow. I…please don't make me leave here. Please." She said with tears in her eyes. "I've only liked three places I've been to in the past and I was taken each time. Please don't do that to me again. I know I'm just a kid, I know you all think you know better than I do, but please don't do that to me."

Mal put her arm around Emma and rubbed her back softly. Elizabeth softly cleared her throat. "Emma, we aren't planning on taking you away. That's not the point of this meeting at all. I'm so glad you have a place where you feel as you do and honestly, it would take a lot for us to take you from here."

"That's right, Emma. This meeting is nothing more than checking in on you. I'm happy you have a home again."

They talked a bit more before wrapping up the meeting, everyone except Ingrid leaving. Emma smirked a bit. "I have some homework to do. You two should talk or whatever."

Ingrid chuckled. "Thanks Emma, but I have to talk to you actually. Nothing bad, I promise. Can we go up to your room?"

"Sure." Emma said, trying hard not to have a panic attack.

"Em? It's okay. Breathe." Mal said softly.

Emma nodded and took some deep breaths before going up to her room with Ingrid. She sat on her bed and Ingrid sat at the desk. "I have to meet with you every so often, so I figured we'd do it today since I'm here anyway. Now, I'm speaking to you as your social worker and not Mal's…friend."

Emma tried not to laugh at that. "Okay."

"Now Mal told me she brought up adoption. I know it's soon, but is that something you'd ever be interested in?"

Emma took a breath and slowly let it out. "Yes. When Mal asked, I wanted to scream yes, but…Ingrid I know this is different, but I can't stop thinking about the past. I don't want her to jump into adopting me only to regret it later. I mean…obviously there's something wrong with me. No one has ever wanted me before now and maybe she'd regret it. I don't want that."

Ingrid sighed a bit and nodded. "I understand what you're saying. The reason I ask is because if you did decide that, there are legal things we need to do and I could start that now so if you decide to be adopted, you're not waiting so long. But one thing I do know? Even if you don't decide to be adopted, Mal will always be here for you. I'll always be here to help any way that I can."

The two talked a bit more of how things were going and finally, Ingrid left Emma to do her homework. She chuckled as she heard Emma on the phone with Regina as soon as she left.

"You are doing a great job." Ingrid said as she hugged Mal from behind. "She's so happy. Even if she doesn't quite feel completely safe, she's happy."

Mal smiled as she stirred the stew she was making. "I'm happy too. I got through my first test with her and I'm ready for her to bring more on. I want her to do it, you know? Just so I can prove I'm more than my words."

"Don't wish for too much." Ingrid said with a chuckle. "That smells good. Is that cornbread in the oven?"

"Sure is. Want to stay and have dinner with us?"

Ingrid smiled. "Sure. Why not?"

That evening, Emma ate dinner with Ingrid and Mal; the three talking and joking and she couldn't help but wonder if this would be her life one day. Two moms and a permanent home sounded pretty wonderful to her.