Juggling

Lacorra wanted a oneshot of Snow having to cope with both her babies being dependent on her after Emma having surgery

Hellish. That was the only way to sum up the last month for Snow and David. Emma had been involved in a nasty car accident during a high speed chase. They still hadn't caught who'd been in the other car, but when they did Snow and David would make sure they paid. Emma had injured her head fairly badly. Whale was hopeful she'd make a full recovery after they'd performed emergency surgery on her brain. But it was going to be a long recovery. Snow and David were at that hospital every day, with Regina taking Henry over as often as possible. David came every evening, as someone still had to run the sheriff's office during the day. But Snow came to both visiting hours. Every day, no matter what she would take Neal up to the hospital and they would visit Emma together. She hated the idea of Emma being alone in there at night, but after the first week Whale refused to allow Snow to stay. No matter how many times Snow threatened to lodge an arrow in his chest. She knew she couldn't stay anyway, David couldn't keep being up at night with Neal and then being in the station all day. He had to be alert. Especially if they were going to find out who'd put their daughter in hospital.

"Only me." Snow said quietly, as she entered Emma's hospital room (they'd given her a private room). "Well, only me and Neal, that is." Snow looked up to see a nurse in the room. "Oh, I'm sorry, should I come back in a few minutes?" She asked. The nurse looked to her, smiled, and shook her head.

"No, not if Emma is comfortable with you staying. We're going to try getting Emma walking using the frame again." The nurse explained. Snow held back a grimace. Last time they'd tried getting Emma walking she'd nearly fell, got embarrassed, and yelled some rather crude obscenities at the nurse who'd been helping that day. Snow wasn't sure things would go better today if there was a repeat performance. Emma shrugged her shoulders.

"Not like it'll make any difference…" She muttered. Snow smiled, and set Neal down in his car seat. She then assisted the nurse in helping Emma up and over to the walking beams (AN I have no idea what they're actually called and can't find it, hope you know what I'm talking about).

"Ok Emma," the nurse said brightly. "Just take your time. No pressure. If you can't do it, just say and we'll get you back to bed. Emma just gave a short nod, already putting all her concentration into getting prepared. Slowly, Emma managed to drag her right foot in front of the other and shuffled her arms (supported by her mom and the nurse) a little along each pole.

"That's it Em!" Snow said encouragingly. Emma didn't answer, she was too focused. She was almost halfway across when she could feel herself wobbling. Unable to keep herself up, the strength in Emma's arms gave out. If it hadn't have been for the nurse and her mom she would have crashed to the floor.

"Dammit!" She cried out in frustration. Snow was about to try and console her when Neal started wailing. Snow glanced over at her son, feeling caught between a rock and a hard place. She hated hearing Neal cry, and she assumed many of the patients trying to sleep weren't so keen either. But Emma needed her too just now. Unfortunately, Snow didn't notice Emma watching her watch Neal.

"Just go!" Emma snapped. "I know you want to stop him from being upset, just go." Emma added, in a slightly more deflated voice. Snow could tell she didn't really mean it. She knew her daughter was just upset with herself for relying on her parents and others just now. It wasn't easy for Snow either. It was hard for her seeing Emma so vulnerable, she knew it hurt Emma. But as well as that she had a baby to be a mother to as well. Her son needed her too. She was having to balance two very different mothering needs. She quickly got Neal settled.

"There," She whispered gently to him. "You're alright, aren't you little one?" She kissed Neal on the head and set him back in the car seat. By this time, the nurse had got Emma back into bed.

"Just pull the cord if you need anything." The nurse said, leaving the room. When she had left, Snow went over to beside Emma. Emma was deliberately looking the other way.

"So," Snow said gently. "What was that snap about?" Emma just shrugged her shoulders. Snow sighed slightly.

"I don't like seeing you upset either, Emma. But when you're upset you don't wake up a whole hospital. Well, usually. Please, don't get jealous of your brother. You know that I'll always be here for both of you when you need me." Emma eventually turned to face Snow, a small smile on her face.

"Even when I'm cussing out hospital staff?" She asked cheekily. Snow smiled back, reaching out and stroking Emma's cheek.

"Even then. But I'd rather you didn't, especially when your little brother's in the room. You will get through this, you know that? We're going to make sure of it." Emma nodded, her eyes growing heavy. Snow bent down and kissed her forehead.

"Sleep, honey. You've earned a rest." Snow told her. Emma nodded, mumbling something Snow couldn't make out into her pillow. She looked over to where Neal was in his car seat, and saw he had fallen asleep too. Snow gave a sad smile, realising this is how things should have been. Emma, maybe about three or four, napping alongside her baby brother. But alas, that was not an option. But she would settle for this. Sure, it was tiring, but Snow would never complain. For she was finally getting to see what it was like to look after both her babies at once, no matter the age gap.