**I'm sorry this has taken so long, life has been busy**

Chapter 8

Emma sat at Granny's, tapping her fingers on the table. "Emma, right?" Ruby asked, coldly.

"That's right. Can I please get a…"

"You can get out of town." Ruby sneered. "I have been after Regina for years and you think you can just take her?"

"I guess she doesn't want you." Emma said with a shrug. "I'm here to…"

"I don't care, Em-ma. Get out of…"

"Ruby Lucas! You may be my granddaughter, but I can still fire you. You're on a warning. Go and help table three and I'll take over here." Granny said angrily, watching her go with a glare. She then turned to Emma and shook her head. "I am so sorry about that, Emma. What can I get you - on the house?"

"Oh, it's fine." Emma said with a chuckle. "I'm waiting for someone, but in the meantime, can I please get a hot chocolate with whipped cream and…"

"Cinnamon on top?" Mary Margaret asked as she sat down across from her. "That's how I drink it as well."

Emma smiled softly and nodded. "Yes, one of those please."

"Make that two, Granny. Thank you." Mary said and then smiled at Emma as the other woman left. "You came. I was afraid you wouldn't."

"I was afraid you wouldn't." Emma admitted, looking down. "I hate that I think negatively about you when I just found you again."

Mary put her hand on Emma's. "I deserve it. If you didn't, there'd be something wrong."

Emma sighed and looked at her. "I did a lot of thinking last night and…I was wrong to judge you as I have. I can't say what I'd do because I wasn't in your situation. I didn't allow Ryleigh to be in it because that's how I grew up, but if you didn't and this was your first relationship, I think I can get it. It's hard, don't get me wrong, but I get it."

"I've done a lot of thinking as well and you were right before. I should have taken you with me, Emma. I shouldn't have left you there." Mary said, her tears already falling. "I should have…"

"Mom, stop." Emma said softly, squeezing her hand. "We can sit here and play the would have, should have, could have game, but what will it change? It sucks. It hurts, but it is in the past. It will be hard, but I really want to make this work."

"I do too, Emma. I really do." Mary said, sitting back as their hot chocolate was brought to them. She smiled softly. "Your brother looks a lot like you, though it's your sister that makes me think of you all the time. I…sorry, maybe you're not ready to hear about them."

Emma let out a breath. "I'm not sure, honestly. I want to move on, I really do, but when you talk about them, I can't help but go to a dark place and I know that's not fair. It's not fair to them or you, but I don't know how to stop it."

"It's not fair to you either, Emma and your feelings are so valid. Have…would you ever think about maybe talking to someone? We could do it together."

"I think it's past time I talk to someone, but I don't have insurance. I also don't live here." Emma said, taking a sip of her drink. "And I'm sorry, but I can't leave Cora. She may be cancer free, but she's nowhere near ready to be on her own. I'm sorry if this hurts, but she comes first."

"I understand and happen to agree. She's been here for you and she should come first. I think she'll be here a few weeks though because she really shouldn't be traveling so soon."

Emma looked down. "That's my fault. I never even thought to ask her doctor."

Mary lifted Emma's chin. "Emma, it's okay. Don't blame yourself. Besides, it gives you time to be with Regina." She said with a smirk. "And maybe for us to spend more time together."

The two talked for a while and Emma agreed to spending more time with her while she was there. "I want to meet my siblings. Is that okay?"

"Lilly and Conner would love to meet you. Lilly is fourteen and Conner is twelve now."

"What…what did you tell them about me?" Emma asked, finishing her second cocoa.

Mary ran her thumb over her mug. "I told them that they have an older sister who I made the mistake of leaving with her father. They know I tried to get you back, and they know that I've always regretted not taking you with me." She looked at Emma. "They know there's a chance you wouldn't forgive me and they know it's my fault."

Emma gave a small nod. "Mom I…I want so badly to forgive you. I really do. I just…I can't forget."

"I understand, Emma. The two don't have to go hand in hand, but I will never push you to do anything." She put her hand on Emma's. "I'm thankful for this time you're giving me when you'd have every right not to."

Before Emma could say anything, a blonde boy came through the door. "Mom, I'm sorry but I really need you and you're not answering your phone." He whined. "Lilly won't help me with my homework."

"I didn't say I wouldn't help, I just won't give you the answers." A girl said, not far behind him.

Emma could tell these were her siblings just by how they looked. Lilly was just like her, only had darker hair and greener eyes, while Conner had her light hair, but looked like their mother.

"Guys, I told you to give me three hours." Mary said with a sigh.

"It's been three hours." Conner said, sitting next to her. He looked at Emma. "Who are you?"

"Rude, Conner." Lilly said as she sat by Emma and looked at her. "You're our sister, aren't you?"

Emma's heart was pounding and she wasn't exactly sure what to say. "I um…I'm Emma."

Lilly smiled. "I've always wanted to meet you. Mom talks about you a lot and how much she misses you. Did you forgive her for leaving you behind?"

"Lilly, stop pestering her." Mary said and looked at Emma. "I'm so sorry."

Emma shook her head. "It's okay, really." She looked at Lilly. "I'm trying to. I want to forgive her, but I have to do that in my own time. You don't know the details, and you don't need to, but know that I am here and I want to get to know you all."

"Did you move here?" Conner asked.

"No. I'm visiting a friend, but I'll be here for a few weeks."

"Who's your friend?"

Emma chuckled. "You're full of questions. I'm friends with the Mayor Regina."

"Really? How did you meet the mayor?"

"Conner, you're being rude." Lilly said and Emma chuckled.

"It's okay. I've been taking care of her mom for a few years. She took me in when I really needed someone and so when she needed someone, I was there."

"I saw you with Regina." Lilly said. "With a little girl too."

Emma gave a nod. "She's my daughter, Ryleigh. She's almost four."

"Can I meet her? I love kids."

Emma looked at Lilly and then her mother and brother. "Sure. I have to tell her about you though. I didn't know anything about you all until yesterday."

Mary cleared her throat. "Emma, there's no pressure."

"I know, but I want this. My own family."

Lilly smiled and then bit her lip. "So you don't see your dad?"

"Lilly. I told you not to mention him." Mary said.

"It's okay." Emma replied and looked at Lilly. "No. I don't see that man. I hadn't seen him since I left him when I was sixteen and he tried taking my baby from me last week, but it didn't work. I also don't see Ryleigh's father and she knows nothing about him, so please don't ask her about that either."

Lilly nodded and took Emma's hand. "I'm sorry."

Emma squeezed her hand gently. "It's okay." She looked at the time. "I should get going though."

"Can I have your number?" Lilly asked, pulling her phone out.

"I don't even have her number." Mary said with a laugh.

The three exchanged numbers and Emma headed out, ignoring the glares from Ruby as she left. She smiled when she got to Regina's and saw Ryleigh playing around outside with Zelena. "Hi mommy!" She went to Emma and hugged her. "Can we go to the beach now that I can take off this leg thing?"

Emma chuckled. "Let's see what the plan is first, munchkin." She said, kissing her forehead. "Where's Regina?"

"She had to go to work. She said to tell you she's really sorry and she'll be home as soon as she can." Zelena stated.

"Oh, it's fine. She has a job to do. Where's Cora?"

"Right here, Emma." Cora said, coming out to sit on the porch. "Come sit by me. Ryleigh, maybe we can go to the beach tomorrow. Why don't you keep playing so Mama and I can talk for a bit?"

"Okay, Gramma." Ryleigh said and went back to playing with Zelena.

Emma sat by Cora and smiled as the older woman took her hand. "Emma, how did it go?"

Emma squeezed gently. "Honestly? It went really well. I even met my half siblings. Mary and I talked about maybe doing counseling together, but I don't know how that would work once we go home."

"Well, we'll be here for a couple weeks, so if you want to do that, I think you should."

Emma shrugged. "I'd love to, but I don't have insurance and I won't let her pay for it all."

Cora reached into her pocket and put a card on Emma's lap. "You and Lilly now have great insurance. Don't argue, please. I'm too tired for arguing."

Emma was stunned and she looked at Cora. "You're taking something out of my paycheck right? That's how insurance works usually."

"It's taken care of. Honestly, I should have just done this years ago and I'm sorry I didn't. Emma, I think therapy would be good for you for so many reasons, but especially to help you through this. It's emotional to meet someone who left you in the hands of an abuser, no matter how much you may want to act like you forgive her and that it's all in the past."

Emma listened and gave a nod. "I appreciate this a lot, and I won't argue with you this time. I will look into therapy for myself because I think it's overdue, but I don't know that there's time to do therapy with her unless I can do it by phone. In the meantime, I do want to get to know her and my half siblings."

"That's great Emma, I think you should. I also think we should take Ryleigh to the beach this evening. The tide will still be low and we can even pack a picnic supper."

"Are you sure you're up to it? You just got out of the hospital and I don't want you pushing yourself."

"Where I was because I took the wrong stupid pill. I'm fine, but if it changes, I promise I'll tell you."

"Mommy? Can I go to lunch with Auntie Zee?" Ryleigh asked. "She said to ask you."

"Sure, Princess." Emma said, standing to fish some cash out of her pocket, but Zelena stopped her.

"It's my treat. Would you two like anything?"

"Well thank you, but I'm full of hot chocolate." Emma said before looking at her daughter. "Be a good girl and you'll get a surprise tonight."

"I'm always good, Mommy." Ryleigh said with a smile.

"I'm fine, Zelena, thank you." Cora said. "Are you two walking?"

"Do you feel up to walking, Princess?" Zelena asked Ryleigh.

"My leg feels really good. I think I can take this stupid thing off and walk all alone."

Emma smiled softly. "Not yet, baby. But I am glad it's feeling good. You two have fun. Oh, and Zelena…I don't think she'd do anything to a child, but watch Ruby. She hates me."

"She's just jealous. She's been pining after Regina for years. It's sad really. Regina has told her the truth many times, but she just won't listen. Don't worry; I'll keep her safe."

"Have fun." Emma said, watching them go. She looked at Cora. "Have you eaten?"

"I have not. I'm not too hungry, but I suppose I should eat a sandwich. Help me inside?"

Emma did so and they went to the kitchen, Cora sat on a stool at the bar and Emma started making her a sandwich. "Is it bad to get to know my mother and siblings, only to go away again in a couple weeks?"

"It's not wrong, Emma. So you may not be as close, you can still call and visit and all that. When you came home today, you know what I saw? You were happy, Emma. In a way I haven't seen in a long time. Pursue this, get to know them. It'll be good for all of you."

As Emma handed Cora her sandwich, Regina came in and kissed Emma's cheek. "I'm sorry I had to go in."

"It's okay. Regina, if you have to work, you have to work. It's completely fine."

Regina sighed and sat down. "I have to go in again later. People just can't do their work when I'm gone apparently."

"Do you have to today?" Cora asked. "We were going to take Ryleigh to the beach for a picnic dinner."

"I'll be done by four thirty." Regina stated. "I just had to come get some paperwork. I also really wanted to hear how it went today, Emma."

Emma smiled a bit. "Really well. I ended up meeting my siblings, not planned, but they are sweet. I'm going to work things out with Mar…my mom. I don't know what that looks like when Cora and I go back, but I don't want to keep that door shut any longer. I still hate that she left me with him, but I also know what it's like to fear for your life. You can't save someone else if you can't save yourself first."

Regina put her hand on Emma's. "I'm proud of you. You'd have every right to keep her out, but I think you'll be happier this way." She then looked at her mother. "And how are you feeling?"

"Oh, I'm fine. I won't make that mistake with my medications again. I'm sorry I worried you all."

"Don't be sorry." Emma said. "We're all just glad you're okay." She yawned a bit. "Would you mind if I took a nap?"

Cora grinned. "You read my mind. Regina, should I take my usual room?"

Before Regina answered, Emma reached and took one of Cora's hands. "Old time cuddles?"

Cora smiled, her eyes brightening. "Old time cuddles."

Regina smiled between the two. "Use my bed. It's the most comfortable. I'll meet you at the beach?"

"Yes, the one you took me to. I know it's more rocks, but I don't like the idea of Ryleigh getting full of sand." Emma then bit her lip. "Zelena wouldn't take her on her own, would she? I kinda want to be there when she first steps in."

"No. At least, I don't think she would. I'll call her on my way back into the office to remind her not to." Regina said, kissing Emma's lips softly. "Don't worry."

"Tell her to wake us when she gets back." Cora said and stood. "And don't work too hard." She kissed Regina's cheek. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Regina said before grabbing papers from her home office and heading out.

"Regina no. I wouldn't do that." Zelena said as she sat with Lilly eating some fries. "She's been begging me, but I won't."

"I just told Emma I'd make sure. How is she doing? She's not away from Emma much."

Zelena handed Ryleigh the phone and she smiled wide. "Hi, Gina! Did you call Zee to tell her to take me to the beach?"

Regina chuckled. "No sweetheart. I told her not to because your mom wants to do that with you. Mommies like to see special things like when their babies first step into the ocean."

"I'm not a baby though."

"No, but you'll always be your mommy's baby. Trust me, Ryleigh, you'll step in the ocean soon."

"Okay." She said with a sigh. "But Zee did say I can have a chocolate shake and if you say I can't I'll hang up the phone."

"Ryleigh, that's not nice." Zelena said, though she had to fight her chuckle.

"It's okay, Ryleigh. I won't tell you that you can't have one." Regina said, knowing she'd been around herself and Zelena and the two of them were snarky and sassy. "Enjoy it, sweetie pie. I'll see you later."

"Okay, Gina. Sorry I was rude. See you soon." She handed the phone to Zelena. "I didn't mean to be rude."

"I know, Precious. It's fine. Let's enjoy lunch."

After lunch, the two made their way home and instead of waking anyone up, Zelena took off Ryleigh's brace and let her lay in bed with Cora and Emma. She then went down to get some of her own work done.

Emma came down about a half hour later, stretching. "You were supposed to wake us up." She said, grabbing a glass of juice.

"You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you. The weather looks perfect for a picnic by the beach tonight." Zelena looked up, seeing Emma on her phone. "Everything okay?"

Emma sighed. "Yes. My dad found my number, so of course he's messaging me all kinds of abuse. But I can just block him."

"Keep the messages. If he keeps it up, you can put a restraining order on him that includes…wait, the one he has may already include that. Tell him you will call the police if he keeps violating it. He may not know to check."

Emma did just that and smirked. "He blocked me now. Good. I'll save the messages though, just in case."

"Good. He needs to realize it's over for him." Zelena shut her laptop. "So, what are we having for this beach picnic?"

Emma gave a shrug. "I thought Regina would be here. I don't want to go through her fridge and cupboards."

"I will." She said, standing.

"We can just do simple sandwiches and chips."

"I don't have chips in this house." Regina said, coming in the door. "I got done early. Let me go change and I'll whip up something." She kissed Emma's cheek.

"Hi. I can help. Oh, mom…I mean your mom and Ryleigh are napping in your bed."

"I'll be quiet. Besides, they should get up soon anyway." She went to the stairs. "Oh, there's a picnic basket in the cupboard in the laundry room if you want to grab it."

"On it." Emma said and went and found the basket. "This is cute."

Zelena chuckled. "I bet she's never even used it."

Regina went to her room and smiled as she saw Cora awake, but watching over Ryleigh. When Cora saw Regina, she smiled. "She's beautiful, isn't she?"

"She is. A miniature Emma." Regina agreed as she went to her closet. "I'm going to change quick." She gently closed the door.

Ryliegh stretched and opened her eyes. "Hi Gramma."

Cora smiled and stroked her cheek. "Hey there, Princess. Did you have a good nap?"

"Yes." The girl replied with a nod. "Gramma? I like when Gina and Zee are here. I love you and mommy, but it's fun with more people. I wish we could stay here forever."

Cora smiled softly and kissed her nose. "You never know what the future may bring us, baby girl. Now, go on down and see your mommy. I bet she misses you."

"Okay, Gramma." Ryleigh said and kissed her cheek and went downstairs.

Regina came out all changed and sat on the bed. "Mom, why did you say that? About not knowing about the future?"

"Because we don't. What I do know is you and Emma were made for each other, and I will not stand in the way of either of you having happiness. I have a few more details to gloss over, but I will probably be meeting with you girls soon. For now, let's have fun." She got up and put her hand on Regina's cheek. "You've got a wonderful home. I'm so proud of you, Regina. You've made quite a life for yourself. Now, it's time to put your happiness as a priority."

Regina smiled softly. "I'm so glad you're here. I'm glad I went to see you. I'm sorry for all the lost time."

"Regina, the blame for that was on me, but we're past it now. Come on, before Zelena packs all junk food." Cora chuckled.

Regina smiled. "I don't have much here. Not something I keep or else my figure would be garbage."

Cora smiled sadly at Regina. "That's my fault too. I don't know why I was so strict with you on eating."

Regina took Cora's hand and started down to the kitchen. "I always told myself it's because you cared."

"Well I did, but I was too much. I hate that I did that to you."

At the bottom of the stairs, Regina turned to her mother. "I hated it too. I'll be honest. I hated feeling like I was eating too much even though I was still so hungry. Yes, I hated it, but I didn't hate you. Through all of it, I couldn't hate you. I love you, and I loved you then, but I love the way I love you now."

Cora smiled and kissed Regina's cheek. "I love you too, baby girl. Please tell me you've stopped starving yourself."

"Mostly. I still have issues with carbs, but I'm sure Emma will help with that." Regina chuckled and then realized Emma wouldn't be staying. "I mean, when she's here at least."

"Okay, I was going to wait, but let's all talk now." Cora said and made her way to the kitchen. "Emma, we're moving to Storybrooke. I've decided to rent out the house and move here. We'll all be happier this way, you're away from…unsavory people, we're with family, and Ryleigh can go to one of the best schools there is."

All three were a bit stunned but Emma recovered first. "But Cora, the best cancer center…"

"I'm cancer free. Emma, I'm sure Storybrooke has great doctors - your mother included - who can take over my care."

"Mom, what about the house? It's been in the family for generations." Zelena stated.

"And it will remain that way. I'll rent it out, and when one of you girls wants it, it's yours."

Regina smiled softly. "Where will you stay?"

Cora smiled back. "I can find a place if neither of my daughters want me. I did find some cute lofts that would work."

"What if we both want you?" Zelena asked. "And…well what about Emma and Ryleigh? I mean, it's not my business, but I think it's a bit too soon for you two to move in together."

"Emma can stay in the guest room if she chooses to stay here." Regina looked at Emma. "Or you can stay at mom's if she's not ready for this move."

"Or, we could let Emma be the adult she is and say what it is she wants." Cora said with a chuckle. "It's fast, I know, but I'd really like us all to be together."

Emma slowly smiled. "I would love to move here. It's perfect. I do…I mean don't get mad, Regina, but I do think I should look for a place of my own. I don't want to do anything that could mess up whatever it is we have. I also should find a job…"

"Emma, breathe." Cora chuckled. "We have time. I'm just glad you want to do this. I honestly think we'll all be happier this way."

Regina smiled. "I completely agree."