Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 3

The next day, Cora couldn't help but chuckle when Emma helped her into the living room. "You three look terrible. Did you party all night?"

"We may have had some drinks." Zelena said, rubbing her head. "I'm making a breakfast run; what would you like, mom?"

Mom. Not Mother. Mom. Cora's heart swelled and she smiled as she told Zelena what she'd like. Ryleigh came over to Zelena. "Can I come with you?"

Zelena was a bit surprised but looked at Emma. "Is that okay with you?"

Emma chewed her lip. Because of their circumstances, she never really was away from Ryleigh, but this was just a quick breakfast run. "Sure, if it's okay with you."

Cora smiled, knowing the trust Emma was putting in Zelena. "You'll have to take my car since that's where her booster seat is."

At Zelena's sudden worried look, Emma let out a chuckle. "Don't worry, she knows how to buckle herself in. Are you going now? I can come out there with you."

"Yeah." Zelena said gathering her purse. "Her Majesty is just going to miss out."

"Hey, I got you a coffee and muffin yesterday." Regina grumbled. "I'll just take an egg white omelet and a large coffee."

"BOR-RING" Zelena said, winking to Ryleigh who gave a giggle.

"Well we can't all be…"

"Okay, Ryleigh, let's get you in your booster seat before you hear things you probably shouldn't."

"Emma dear? Go with them. Get out of the house for just a little bit."

Emma looked at Cora and then the time. "But it's almost time for your meds."

"I'm sure Regina can give them to me. I'll tell her which ones to be careful with." She gave Emma a look and the blonde gave a nod.

Once the three were gone, Regina sat by her mother. "So, what did you send them away for?"

Cora put her hand on Regina's knee. "I wanted to talk to you, Regina. First, however, I do have to ask you to get my lock box of medications." Once Regina had given Cora her meds, the woman looked at her daughter. "I know while you were growing up, I didn't much approve of anything you did, but I hope you know that I was okay with who you were attracted to. That was one thing I knew you couldn't change and one thing I would never have forced you to change."

Regina gave a nod as she sipped her coffee. "I do know that Mother. That…well not to sound rude, but that was your one saving grace."

"That's not rude, Regina, it's honest and that's what I want from now on." Cora said, even if it did pain her.

"Why are you saying this to me?"

Cora gave her daughter a look. "It may not have even been twenty-four hours since you got here, but I know those looks you give Emma when I see them. At first, I was afraid you'd get your heart broken but then, I saw the way Emma looks at you as well."

"Mother I don't…"

"Regina please. Honesty."

"Okay fine, but like you said, it hasn't even been twenty-four hours." She then looked at Cora. "Wait…Emma looks at me that way?"

Cora chuckled. "Yes, very much so. I don't care what may or may not happen between you two, but just know, I fully support you and her."

"Mom that…that's really sweet, but I'm not even sure how that would work. I can't just move here since a requirement of being mayor of a town is to live in said town, and Emma…well I mean, she's here and I'd never ask her to leave you. Mom, she loves you like a mother and I know you love her like a daughter, and I won't come between that."

Cora smiled softly and took Regina's hand. "Darling, all things can be worked out should they need to be. I simply wanted to assure you that I fully approve."

"You really do?" Regina asked, hope in her eyes.

"Honey, ever since I met her, I had wished she was into women because I knew she'd be perfect for you. She never gave me an indication that she was, but now, how she looks at you…well she may not be into women generally, but she's into you. You two were made for each other."

"I'm surprised you don't think she's too good for me or that I'd hurt her or something."

Cora shook her head. "Not at all, darling. I think if anyone were to hurt the other, it would never be intentional. I'm so sorry I've made you think that of me."

Regina saw the sadness in her mother's eyes, and she took her mother's hand. "Hey, I'm sorry. Fresh start and all, right? So, how do I win her over?" Regina grinned.

Cora grinned as well. "Just be you, my love, and be patient. That girl has been hurt badly in the past."

"Yeah, she told us last night." Regina said sadly. "Mom, I tried talking her into letting Zelena press charges against both Killian and her father, but she won't."

"I know darling. I tried getting her to do so when she first came to stay with me. The problem is there's no proof. Even with the 'me too' movement and believing victims, it's so hard when there's no proof. Especially since her father won the lottery. He could get the best lawyer and easily say she's coming after him for his money." Cora sighed. "I decided long ago that I'll leave Emma's past up to Emma, no matter how hard it is to do that. I think you should do the same, Regina."

Regina gave a nod but before she could say anything, the door opened, and little feet came running into the room. "We're back!" Ryleigh announced.

"Ryleigh Mae Swan, you get back here and take those shoes off. You know better than that!"

Ryleigh's eyes went wide. "She middle nameded me."

Cora tried hard not to chuckle at the young one. "She did; you better go get those shoes off."

"Coming mommy!" She ran back out, leaving both Regina and Cora laughing quietly. "I sorry mommy." She looked up at Emma with puppy eyes.

Emma smirked and kissed her forehead. "It's okay. Go wash your hands, sweet pea."

Regina helped Cora into the dining room and they all enjoyed their breakfast. The brunette looked at her sister and smirked. "So Zelena, how slowly did you drive with a little one on board."

Emma smirked as Zelena rolled her eyes. "Hey, don't get on me for being safe."

"You'd go ten under the speed limit when your dog was in your car."

Emma was enjoying the banter between them and when she looked at Cora, she could see the woman was doing the same. The house phone rang, and Emma got up to answer it. "Hello? Oh, hello Doctor Nelms. Yes, she's right here." Emma said, bringing the phone over. "Cora, it's your doctor."

"Hello Doc." Cora said, trying not to show her nervousness. "Oh, okay. Sure just let me check my calendar." She put the phone down and looked at Emma. "They want to move my tests to tomorrow. Does that work for you?"

"Yes, of course."

Cora went on to confirm the appointment and Zelena looked at Ryleigh. "What's that sad face for?"

"I just hate hospitals." Ryleigh said with a shrug. "It's so boring."

"Well, I can see if Mrs. Porter can watch you." Emma said, knowing Ryleigh hated it there more than the hospital.

"No, Mommy." She said shaking her head. "Her house smells funny and all she does is make me read."

"I can watch her." Zelena said. "Or I can take mom to her appointment. Whichever is easier."

Cora hung up and watched them. "Emma, I want you there for the results. Maybe Regina can take me to the lab and then you three can meet us there for the results? I'm sorry, it's just…it's been us since the beginning."

Emma smiled softly. "I understand. That sounds like a plan, but why don't we all go together, drop you and Regina off at the lab and we can take Ryleigh to the kids' area while we wait. You and Regina can meet us there until it's time?"

"Perfect." Cora said and finished her breakfast.

After the cleanup was done, Emma knew Ryleigh was feeling a bit couped up since it had rained the day before. "Cora? Mind if I take Ryleigh to the park for a bit?"

"Of course not, dear. Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to come with."

Regina looked worriedly at Emma. "Is that allowed?"

Emma smiled softly. "Yes, it is. She has a special blanket in the car to bring with and when she's tired, she tells me."

"Mama, can we walk there and 'Gina can drive Cora there?"

Before Emma could answer, Zelena did. "I'll drive her there and Regina can either walk with you or come with us."

"Is it okay if I walk with you?" Regina asked the little one.

"Sure!"

They all headed out and Ryleigh walked a little ahead of Emma and Regina as the two women talked, still getting to know each other. At the park, Emma helped Cora get set up on the bench as Regina played with Ryleigh.

"I've never seen her play with a child before." Zelena said, smirking a bit. "I didn't think she knew how."

"She does look a bit more natural than I'd have expected her to." Cora said before closing her eyes and tilting her head up. "The sun feels amazing." Emma smiled as she watched Regina pushing Ryleigh on the swing. "Emma, go play with them. You don't have to sit by me all the time."

"I just don't want anything to happen to you."

"It won't."

"I'm here." Zelena said, sitting next to her mother. When Emma left, Zelena slid her hand into Cora's and leaned on her shoulder, closing her eyes. "I'm so glad you called us and asked us to come. I've missed you."

Cora gave a little chuckle. "Really? You missed me?"

"I did. I maybe didn't realize it until I got here, but I did. I love you, mom. I mean…Regina was always mad at you but I…I just always figured it was me, not you."

Cora sighed and squeezed Zelena's hand. "I'm so sorry I made you feel like that."

"Can…can I ask why, mom? I mean, I didn't want to be yelled at and pressured as much as Regina, but it was like I got nothing and even a little of what she got would have been something." Zelena tried to hide her tears, but her voice gave them away. "What made me worthless?"

Cora's heart shattered and she wrapped her arm around her daughter. "You were never worthless, Zelena. Gods I hate that I made you feel that way. I'm so sorry, my darling. I don't know why…I honestly have looked back and wondered why I did the things I did, and I don't know. I think…I think maybe when you came, I had no idea how to be a mother. My mother died when I was very little, and my father was always drunk. You weren't expected and I was not ready. When Regina came along, I pushed her to be everything I never was. By the time I realized my mistakes, it was too late. You two were gone and I knew I didn't deserve to try and get you back."

"Did you love me?" Zelena asked, burying her head into Cora's chest.

"I did, Zelena. I do. I've always loved you; I just never knew how to show it." Cora said, her hand stroking Zelena's hair. She bit her lip, watching Emma, Regina and Ryleigh. "You still feel worthless, don't you?"

"I…yes." Zelena admitted. "How did you know?"

"Because you let that man walk all over you, darling. He's cheated on you so many times and you take him back. Baby girl, you deserve so much better than that. You're worth so much more than that."

Zelena closed her eyes, sniffing. "Thank you, mom. I didn't know how badly I needed to hear that."

Regina looked over and bit her lip. "Think they're okay?" She asked Emma.

Emma smiled softly. "I think they're having along overdue chat. This is what your mother wanted; to do her best to make amends. I'm so thankful you and Zelena are willing to do that, and I know your mom is as well."

"You changed her." Regina said, looking at the blonde.

"She changed me too."

It didn't take long for Ryleigh to find some kids to play with so Regina and Emma went to join Cora and Zelena on the bench. They all sat chatting for about an hour when Emma gasped. "Ryleigh! Ryleigh don't do…" Her heart sped as her daughter fell from the top of the climbing tower. "RYLEIGH!" She yelled, and rushed over, joined by Regina.

"Don't move her." Regina said, stopping Emma from picking her up. "If she's hurt, that could make it worse."

"Ryleigh? Ryleigh baby, talk to me."

Ryleigh looked at her mom, tears filling her eyes. "It hurts, mommy."

"What hurts, baby?"

"My head and my leg."

Emma looked and saw Ryleigh's leg bent in an unnatural way. "Okay baby, mommy's here. Regina? Can you please call for an ambulance?"

"Am I gonna die?" Ryleigh asked, tears now streaming down her face.

"No baby girl, you're not dying." Emma said. "Can you sit up?"

Carefully, the little one did so and held her mother. Emma wanted to just pick her up, but knew better not to. "I'm sorry, mommy. I know I wasn't supposed to climb that high."

Emma stroked her daughter's hair. "It's okay honey. I'm not mad at you."

It didn't take long for the ambulance to get there and after being reassured by the Mills' sisters that they had Cora, Emma went with them to the hospital. Emma was thankful she was allowed to stay with Ryleigh as they examined her.

"She's got a little bump on her head, but nothing to worry about there. She fractured her tibia, but not so bad that she needs surgery. We'll get it set, get a cast on her and she'll be able to go home. She's too small for crutches, and a bit small for just a shin cast, so it's going to go up past her knee. If it doesn't hurt too much, she can put some weight on it but will probably wish to be carried at first. It's a small fracture, and she's a young child, so healing time could be as little as three to four weeks."

"Thank you, doctor." Emma said, stroking Ryleigh's hair. "You hear that, princess? Not too bad."

As Ryleigh was getting her cast put on, Emma filled out the paperwork and called Cora who said Regina was already parked and waiting for them at the hospital. Once they were set, Emma picked up the pain killers and carried her baby to Regina's car. "Thank you so much for picking us up." Emma said, putting Ryleigh in her booster seat and then getting in. She told Regina what was going on and then checked on her daughter who was already feeling the effects of her pain pill and was fast asleep. She then let out a sigh and rested her head back on the head rest.

"It's okay, Emma. She's okay."

"I know but it could have been so much worse. And it's going to be so expensive." She said, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose. "Sorry, that's not your problem."

Regina reached over and took Emma's hand. "And you're not alone, Emma. You can talk to me about any worries you have. Look, we can cover the bill…"

"No. Regina, I didn't say that because I want you to pay my bills."

"I know that, Emma, but still. She's like a granddaughter to my mother; she will want to help."

Emma sighed, having no energy for this right now. "I just want to get home and get her comfortable. How is it only three?"

"You two haven't eaten either."

"She did. They didn't want her to take the pills without food, so they gave her a sandwich and fruit." Emma said, her own stomach growling.

Regina chuckled. "Well, we'll get you something to eat."

Once home, Emma put Ryleigh on the sofa next to Cora at Cora's insistence, elevated her foot and covered her up. She told them everything that was told to her, was reassured Cora had gotten her medication, and had just sat down to eat a quick lunch when Zelena came to the kitchen. "Emma, there's someone at the door who says she can only talk to you."

Emma knitted her brows. "Um, okay." She went to the door. "Hello?"

"Emma Swan?"

"Yes, how can I…"

The woman handed Emma an envelope. "You have been served." She then walked away, leaving Emma confused and speechless. She closed the door and came back to the kitchen, putting the envelope down.

"Who was it?"

"I don't know. All she said was 'you've been served'."

Zelena froze and turned to look at her. "What?"

Emma shrugged and sighed, opening the envelop. She read the words and slammed the paper down on the table. "I do not fucking believe this." She said, tears filling her eyes as she started hyperventilating.

Regina came over and rubbed Emma's back. "Breathe Emma."

Zelena came over as well. "Can I read it?" When Emma nodded, she read over the papers, shaking her head. "Emma, it's okay. We can fight this."

"How the fuck did he even find out?! I never told him I was pregnant, and I left him, never called him or anything afterwards! He's not even on her fucking birth certificate."

"I don't know, but we can fight it." Zelena said, trying to speak calmly in hopes it would calm Emma down. "Emma, did you ever call the police on him? File any reports, press charges?"

Emma, who was pacing now, just sunk to the floor, sitting cross legged with her hands covering her face. "No. I didn't do any of that. I didn't trust them." She said and Regina could tell the woman was barely keeping it together.

"Did mom see your injuries?"

Emma nodded slightly. "She helped me bandage them so they wouldn't get infected."

"Good, Emma that's good."

"No, it's not. I bring her into it, and they'll get into her health issues and about how I'm not a qualified caretaker and this all goes to shit! He'll get my daughter and ruin my life. He's already saying I 'kidnapped' his child! I could go to fucking jail!"

"Emma, honey, you're not doing anything that would require you to have 'qualifications'. It's just like taking care of an elderly family member. You won't go to jail, Emma. I will make sure of that." Zelena stated.

"How?" Emma asked in a sob. "You don't live here. I don't even know when this court date is."

"The first court date is the day after tomorrow and that's just to get this going. I'll be there, Emma, and I'll be here to follow through. I don't have any cases that my partner can't take. I'll stay here and we'll win this."

"I'll stay too. Lord knows I have so much personal time saved up. Besides, depending on mom's results, I've been contemplating staying anyway."

"I…I can't afford you, Zelena." Emma admitted, though she was calming down.

"Good thing I'm not charging. You'll be my pro-bono case this month. I try to do at least one a month anyway."

"Zelena I can't…"

"You can and you will, Emma." Cora said from the doorway. "You are not losing that little girl in there."

Emma sighed. "Her broken leg couldn't have happened at a worse time. If he finds out, he'll use that against me."

"He has no right, Emma. He's never once tried to reach out to you or her." Zelena said, looking through the paperwork. "I don't get what prompted this…hang on, Emma, what's your dad's last name? Is it Swan like yours?"

"No. My mom gave me her last name since they weren't married. His is Nolan…why?"

"David Nolan is listed as a character witness for Killian."

"What?" Emma said, getting up. "He never even met him before I left. What the hell?"

"Well, he apparently knows him now."

"That's how Killian can afford this; he's using David's money." Emma said, tears again filling her eyes. "Why are they doing this to me? I left them alone; I didn't ever ask them for anything."

Regina was still rubbing Emma's back. "It doesn't matter, Emma. Zelena will not let them win."

"What do I tell her?" Emma asked softly.

"Nothing for now. If he gets visitations while this is going on, then we can explain it to her."

"Visitations? No. I can't do that. I will not let him have her alone!" Emma started pacing. "I have to leave. I have to take her and leave and hide."

"That will only make things worse." Zelena said softly. "Emma, we can do this okay? Please trust me."

"I do I just…I'm terrified."

"I know you are, but I promise you, you're not alone."

"Emma honey go lay down for a bit. You look exhausted. We'll take care of Ryleigh." Cora said softly. "You've had an emotional day."

"Emma…don't try to contact either of them. Trust me on that."

Emma just nodded before making her way upstairs to lay down. Cora sighed as she sat on a chair. "You're going to win, right?"

"I'm sure as hell going to try." Zelena lowered her voice. "This isn't Emma's fault, but with no reports from police or the hospital, it's going to be hard to prove. I just need to do some investigating. Can I use dad's old office?"

"Yes, of course." Cora said and watched Zelena go. "Regina, did you mean what you said about wanting to stay anyway?"

Regina nodded. "I figured that no matter what your results were, I want more time with you."

Cora smiled softly. "I appreciate that. Now with this, it means even more because Emma can focus on this and not me."

"I feel so bad for her. I don't know what to say or do to help."

"Just be here, Regina. Just be here."