So, forgive me, I did it again. I left this story alone for too long, but what can I say? Life happened, and now I'm short one Grandpa, added another job, and countless other things. I truly mean it when I say this, what a year it's been! So once again, I sincerely apologize for not writing, I'm really going to try to be better about it.

The next few months flew by for Emma. She found a job at the local adorable diner waitressing for lousy pay, but at least she was earning her keep living with her mother. The diner, "The Place" could have been nicer with its dated wallpaper that looked like it belongs in the 1970s that was peeling off, as well as the linoleum that was starting to come off and was causing cracks that anyone could trip over. Why the customers still frequented the establishment was a question best answered by the amazing chef Kory. He was the only reason people came by, for his food was absolutely to die for, and she wished he owned his own place that she could work at, instead of the slightly sketchy owner Al and all his antics. Kory was amazing though, anytime he even suspected that she was pushing herself too hard or needed a break, he would make her sit down and have a little snack and a glass of water or orange juice. This got a little annoying at certain times, but the farther along she got, the more she appreciated the little breaks, even if she swore up and down that they were unnecessary. Everything with the baby was progressing nicely and although finding out the sex was an option, she opted against it and wanted so desperately to be surprised. As her bump grew larger, her love for her unborn child grew exponentially. She was now 7 months along and very uncomfortable but she didn't mind, all her thoughts were on the future and figuring out how she can possibly provide for her baby. She intended to work full time and even grabbing extra overtime until the baby was born, and then she would take some time off. She didn't want to waste any time that she could be spending with her child. Starting when the baby reached three months old, she would go back to work as well as attend night classes at the community college so she can provide a better and brighter future for them both.

The diner was somewhere she constantly loved to be, if Al wasn't around that is, and then it was bearable, but she was thankful to have a job. The many customers that frequented "The Place" were always doting on her and some even going as far to buy or make things for her baby. Kory's girlfriend had many things left over from when she was a baby, and was more than happy to give them to Emma. Thanks to all the goodwill in the town, Emma had been able to set up a full nursery in her room including a changing table, a crib, a swing, and a bouncer. Her mother had even been making a blanket that when the time came she would stitch the name into just like the blanket Emma has from before she was born. Emma was getting increasingly excited as time went on. She knew her baby would be well loved. She couldn't even believe that she had even entertained the thought that she would give her baby up, she couldn't even bear the simple thought.

Standing in the diner one evening, she smiled as she felt a kick under her hand, and the old woman, grey in the hair and cruel in the eyes that she had been serving sneered at her and mentioned that "Aren't you too young to be having children, in my day, if anyone was that young, she was considered a whore and not to be spoken to by anyone decent. What does your father think of this disappointment?" This was the first time that anyone had expressed a negative outlook on her state, well at least to her face, and she was at a loss of words, but could feel the tears that were welling in her eyes. Before saying anything she just turned on her heel and ran into the bathroom. On her way, she passed Kory who was standing and not understanding what just happened. Even though he was very concerned about Emma, he had a customer to attend to. He would check on her after the customer's order was taken. When he walked over, he apologized for the inconvenience, and asked for her order. She asked if he was the owner, and when he said that he wasn't, she commented on how incompetent his employer would have to be to hire someone of "her state" and mentioned what a disappointment she is for being pregnant so young. Kory, who had a very large heart, but a very short fuse for his gigantic temper, went off at the woman. "You listen here! That woman is so incredibly strong in every way and in no single fashion is she a disappointment. I will not have you coming in here and insulting that amazing young lady that works harder in one day than I'm sure you have ever worked in your entire life! If you want to continue making a complete bitch out of yourself than feel free to walk out that door and never come back." By the end of his spiel, he was yelling at the woman and watched as she left a 20 on the table and walked out. Other bystanders in the place of business started applauding as soon as she got in the car. Kory took a look around and realized that Emma wasn't anywhere to be seen so he went to the bathroom and knocked. When he didn't hear any reply, he said that he was just going to come in but the door was locked. Getting more worried by the second, he ran and got the keys and shouted to everyone that they were closed now and that they could take their food on the house. When he unlocked the bathroom door, he found Emma on the floor sitting up, but unconscious against the wall, he ran and got the phone to call 911. After completing the call, he called her mother. By the time, Mary Margaret answered, the paramedics had arrived and were loading Emma into the ambulance. When Kory explained, what had happened, she said that she would meet him at the hospital and on the ride there, all he could think about is the fact that he wished he could have taken the entire last 20 minutes back and just gone after Emma instead of going off on the old woman. Maybe things would have ended differently.

Uh oh, what's going to happen to Emma and the baby? What will Mary Margaret say? Poor Kory, it's not his fault for whatever happens. I, myself am actually nervous because to be honest, when I write, it's like I'm just watching a movie and its playing out in my head so I don't know what's going to happen next. Anyway, I'm hoping to update next week sometime, but like I said, I'm stretched pretty thin these days. If you are seriously having any thoughts on this story, please review or feel free of course to Private Message me! Thanks for reading everyone!