Sick Day

This one was originally meant to be in the epilogue, but I eventually decided that one of the focuses of the epilogue would be Anna Elizabeth and Liam's graduation, and it would be the beginning of summer vacation. I had a bunch of other ideas going into the epilogue(s) that this particular scene didn't make it in.

This one-shot takes place during Liam's first few months of kindergarten.

"Anna Elizabeth! Liam! The bus is almost here!" Emma called out from the kitchen.

She soon saw blonde curls sprinting across the house as Anna Elizabeth asked, "How much longer do I have to ride the bus?"

"Until your dad teaches you how to drive," Emma answered.

"He won't even let me drive the boat in open water. You really think he'll let me out on the highway with other cars?" Anna Elizabeth pointed out.

"He's just being overprotective – as usual. Besides, you still have a couple years," Emma began before she added, "Now, go, before you miss the bus."

Anna Elizabeth nodded before she ran out the door and closed it behind her.

Emma then once again called for Liam, who made his way into the kitchen.

"There you are, kid. You're going to miss the bus," Emma said.

"I don't feel good, Mommy," Liam weakly said.

The blonde furrowed her eyebrows before going to her son and bending down beside him. Her eyes widened with worry when she felt his forehead, which was burning up.

"I think you're sick with something. I'm going to take you to Dr. Whale, so he can see what it is, okay?" Emma explained as she ran her fingers through Liam's dark locks.

"I don't like going to the doctor," Liam declared.

"I know you don't, but don't you want to get better?" Emma pointed out.

Liam only nodded in response.

Emma rose to her feet and was about to pick him up when he threw up all over the kitchen floor.

Liam looked ashamed as he looked down and said, "I'm sorry, Mommy."

Emma took his face in her hands as she reassured him, "It's not your fault, Liam. You can't help that you're sick."

She then glanced at the mess on the floor before back at her son and told him, "Why don't you go lay down on the couch for a few minutes while I clean this up, alright?"

Liam nodded once again and walked into the living room.

Emma was on her way to the doctor's office when her phone rang. She quickly picked it up and heard David's worried voice, "Is everything alright, Emma? You're never late for work."

"I'm on my way to the doctor with Liam. He's come down with something – I think he has a fever, and he's throwing up. Depending on what he has, I may have to miss work for a few days to stay home with him."

"Of course, Emma. I understand. I hope he feels better soon."

"Thanks, David. I'll let you know something soon. Talk to you later. Bye," Emma replied. David returned her sentiments before they hung up the phone.

Just then, she pulled into the parking lot of the doctor's office.

When she got out of her yellow bug, she walked around to the back and opened Liam's door. Emma scooped him up in her arms, and the little boy simply rested his head on his mother's chest.

As Emma walked through the door, she was greeted by the receptionist.

"Hello, Emma," she began. The dark-haired nurse then noticed the sick little boy in her arms and asked him, "Do you feel bad, Liam?"

He nodded in response, and Emma then asked, "Is there any way I can have an appointment for like, now?"

The nurse looked down at the appointment book in front of her before she said, "You're in luck. We just had a cancellation. I'll pencil you in, and you will called back in about 10 minutes."

As she looked back up, Emma sighed in relief, "Thank you so much."

The nurse nodded in response before Emma made her way over to one of the chairs. She gently kissed her son's forehead before she told him, "You'll feel better soon, Liam."

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"Mommy, what did Dr. Whale mean when he said I was conta-gi-us?" Liam asked as they were headed back home after a trip to the pharmacy.

"Well, kid, it means that other people can get strep throat from you," Emma explained.

"You, Daddy, and Anna Lizabeth are gonna be sick, too?" Liam asked worriedly.

"You heard what Dr. Whale said – as long as you cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands a lot, we'll all be okay," Emma explained.

Liam nodded just as Emma pulled in the garage.

As soon as Emma and Liam arrived inside, the blonde scooped up her son and placed him on the counter.

"Alright, kid, it's time for your medicine."

Liam crossed his arms as a way to indicate that he didn't like that idea.

Before he could voice his complaints, Emma told him, "Don't start. I know you don't like it, but the medicine will help you feel better."

"Yes, Mommy," Liam resigned.

Emma then grabbed a spoon before unscrewing the lid off the medicine bottle. She poured the clear liquid onto the silver spoon.

She could tell that her son really was feeling terrible when he simply allowed her to give him the medicine instead of trying to do it himself.

As soon as Liam swallowed, he pinched his face in disgust and exclaimed, "Yuck!"

Emma instantly grabbed the apple juice from the refrigerator, and a cup from the cabinet.

She was barely finished pouring when Liam grabbed the plastic cup and downed the contents. The blonde was trying hard not to laugh.

When Liam set the cup down, he asked, "Mommy, will you read Arthur and D.W. to me?"

Emma smiled as she answered, "Of course I will."

She then lifted him from the counter and set him down, and they both made their way to his room.

Liam wasted no time picking out a book and climbing onto his bed. Even when he was toddler, it was clear that he too would be an avid reader. So, Killian had built a bookshelf to place in their son's room as well. Killian liked to joke that it was Belle's sole influence, but both himself and Emma loved to read as well.

Emma sat down beside Liam, who immediately curled up against his mother's side. She took the book from her son's hands and opened it to the first page.

Liam listened attentively to Emma as she read. However, about halfway through the book, he dozed off. Emma didn't even notice until she had finished the book and glanced down at him.

Emma then placed the book on the nightstand before she gently began running her fingers through Liam's thick, black locks. She knew that if she moved, she would wake him, so she was content to stay right there.

As Emma continued to watch Liam sleep, she couldn't help but think about how much he looked like Killian. If his eyes were plain blue instead of blue with a noticeable tint of green, he would be his father's spitting image.

Emma smiled at the fact that Liam also acted like Killian. Her son's second home was on the water. Even at five years old, he had a defined sense of humor and was fiercely protective over his family.

Unfortunately, Emma and Killian could already tell that Liam would have his father's temper, as well as his mother's stubbornness. He already did in some ways.

Just then, Emma heard her phone ring. Liam woke up and grunted before rolling over and going back to sleep.

Emma left the room and leaned against a wall as she answered the call.

"Love, why didn't you call and tell me that Liam was sick?" Killian worriedly asked.

"I'm sorry, Killian. I've been running around all morning with him," Emma explained.

"It's alright, Swan. What does he have?"

"Strep throat. The meds that Whale gave him should help. Since it's Wednesday, he thinks it would be best to keep him out of school until Monday. He should be better by then," Emma explained.

"Sounds good, love. I'll take Friday off and stay with him, so you won't have to miss so much work," Killian told her.

"Thanks, Killian," Emma said.

"You don't have to thank me, love. He's my son as well," Killian said.

Though he couldn't see it, Emma smiled as she replied, "I know."

She then heard the sound of Liam running to the bathroom.

"I've got to go, Killian. I'll see you when you get home. Love you."

"Love you, too, Emma," Killian replied before hanging up.

Emma shoved the phone into her pocket and ran to her son's side. Thankfully, he made it to the toilet in time.

When he raised his head back up, he complained, "I hate being sick, Mommy."

Emma took a rag and wiped his face as she told him, "I know, kid. But I promise you'll feel better in a few days."

"Okay, Mommy," Liam sighed.

Emma ran her fingers through his hair and sighed as well. She felt so bad that her little boy was so sick.

She then said, "Hey, kid, how about you pick out a movie for us to watch?"

Liam nodded before getting off the floor and walking into the living room with Emma right behind him.

He went over to the movie cabinet and stared thoughtfully for a couple minutes before grabbing The Lion King.

Emma set up the movie before settling down on the couch beside her son, who settled into her lap.

As soon as the movie was over, Emma and Liam heard the front door open.

Seconds later, Killian appeared in the living room.

He sat down on the couch and ruffled Liam's hair.

"How are you, lad?"

"I'm sick, Daddy. I feel bad," Liam answered.

"I'm sorry about that. But your mommy and me are going to make sure you feel better," Killian reassured him.

"Which means that it's time to take your medicine, kid," Emma added.

"I already taked it, Mommy," Liam refuted.

"You have to take it two times a day," Emma told him.

"No, I'm not," Liam argued.

"Liam, don't talk back to your mother. You will take your medicine like she told you," Killian scolded.

Liam looked down as he said, "Yes, Daddy."

The dark-haired boy then looked up at Emma and apologized, "I'm sorry, Mommy," before wrapping her in a hug.

"It's alright, kid," Emma began before she pulled back to look into his blue-green eyes and continued, "It's like I told you earlier – I know you don't like your medicine, but it will make you feel better."

"Ok, Mommy," Liam responded.

"You know, Liam, some apple juice and a good cheeseburger from Granny's may help the medicine go down easier," Killian suggested.

Liam simply nodded in response before he climbed off Emma's lap and headed toward the kitchen.

"Isn't it a bit early for your lunch break?" Emma questioned when she stood up.

"Perhaps, love, but I'm in charge," Killian pointed out.

"Whatever you say, Captain," Emma teased with a grin.

Killian couldn't help but roll his eyes before he made his way into the kitchen with Emma behind him.

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"I'm full, Mommy and Daddy," Liam said as he pushed his plate away.

"You only ate half of your burger, Liam," Emma told him.

Liam only shrugged in response before he asked, "Can I go to my room?"

"Sure, lad," Killian answered as he ruffled his son's hair.

Liam then made his way to his room.

Killian then observed, "The lad really is sick – he normally has quite the appetite."

"I know. He's been lethargic all day," Emma began before she thought to add, "Except when it comes to taking his medicine."

"He gets it from you, Swan. When you were pregnant with him, myself – and David – had to beg you to take it easy," Killian pointed out.

"No. You two were just hovering," Emma stubbornly refuted with crossed arms.

Killian grinned as he told her, "I think you just proved my point, darling."

Emma narrowed her eyes at him before she smacked his arm.

Killian feigned being seriously hurt before he and Emma went back to eating.

Once the kitchen had been all cleaned, Killian looked at the clock on the stove and said, "Well, Swan, I must be getting back to work."

Emma nodded before she asked, "Hey, does parmesan chicken sound good for dinner tonight?"

Instead of replying, Killian pulled Emma in for a lingering kiss.

When they pulled away, Emma grinned, "I'll take that as a yes. That wasn't a short goodbye kiss, Killian."

Killian moved a strand of blonde hair behind her ear before he said, "That kiss was for you being you, love."

"What do you mean?" Emma questioned with furrowed brows.

"Emma, you still want to make dinner after spending all day tending our sick and stubborn little boy. You never cease to amaze me, love," Killian answered.

Emma smiled brightly at him as she told him, "It's just all part of one of the best jobs in the world – being a wife and a mother. Even on sick days."

Killian returned her smile before giving her one more quick kiss and heading out the door.

As Emma turned and headed to check on Liam, she thought about how she really wouldn't change her life for anything in this world.