Chapter 1

And so it starts again...

Another foster home. The second in a year and the seventh in her sixteen years on this earth. Staring out the window with a glum expression, Emma Swan took in the town that surrounds her as her social worker drives to their destination.

Feeling the car come to a halt, the young blonde straightens her cream coloured beanie hat and looks towards Sarah. "This it?"

Peering over the headrest at the teen, the sympathetic woman grimaces. "Yes but before we head inside, I need to explain something to you. This...isn't just a normal foster home like the others..."

Dropping her mouth, the blonde looks shocked. "Do you hear yourself? In what universe has any of my other homes been normal? If they were, I just might have a family by now"

Rubbing her head, Sarah turns her body round to face the girl better while grabbing the file from her passenger seat. "Emma..listen..when I contacted for another placement, I was informed that there was a court order sent out..there was a hearing carried out by..your parents. They had recently contacted on information of your whereabouts and when they found out that you were still in a home, they wanted you back. Unfortunately the system took in their profiles and found that they could offer you the stability you need so-"

"Stability?!" With a mixture of anger and confusion written across her face, Emma sits forward, hand on the door as if she is ready to run. "Are you serious? They gave me away! How is that stable?!"

Biting her lip at the sudden outburst, the worker takes a needed breath. "Times change..people change, Emma I am sorry that you had to find out this way but with your track record of homes, we are running out of options and until you turn eighteen, you are still required by law to be in the care of an adult. We have looked into their pasts and they do not have any criminal record so they are liable to foster. They both work and-"

Throwing her hands up defeated, the blonde slumps back in her seat. "Well I guess it's all okay then! If they have a job..that...that's just great! At least this time around I won't have to wonder if I am a meal ticket or not"

Reaching across, Sarah holds her arm. "Please just give it a go..we are here now"

Looking over at her properly, Emma looks glassy eyed. "All my life..I've wondered where they were..and if they would ever take me home..and they didn't so I gave up, now they show up out of the blue and I'm expected to just accept it and forgive them because it's what they want? What about what I want?"

Stroking her arm, the woman smiles sadly. "Emma what you want is a family..and these people are your family. I am not asking you to forgive them because I don't know the full story as to why they gave you away but just give it a chance for your sake. This is your chance to live a life without bouncing around the place"

Glancing back out the window at the apartment building, the blonde gulps down a lump that has been forming since the mention of parents came about. "They are not my family..they are just people that decided to let me live then gave up.."

"Then show them what you are made of. Show them the amazing person you are turning out to be and that what they did..didn't destroy you but made you strong. Emma you are so smart and caring and loyal. They will, if they don't already, soon regret giving you up altogether. Personally I already think they do because they came back. It might not of been when you wanted but like they say..its better late than never.."

Looking towards Sarah again, Emma chews on her lip. "You're not gona drive me back are you?"

Shaking her head, the woman lets go of her arm and unbuckles her seatbelt. "Nope..if I did, you will never face this..come on. If you do hate it, I will take you with me but..at least have a conversation first?"

Huffing, the blonde reaches for her bag and gets out the car signalling that she is agreeing with it even if she is not happy with it. Taking a breath, she zips her black leather jacket up and brushes her curls down by her shoulders with her fingers. Turning to see if her social worker is coming, Emma spots a mystery brunette walking along the street on the opposite side. Becoming curious, the teen can see that although the girl is clearly of young age, she dresses older than her years in her pencil skirt and blouse while hugging a couple of books close to her chest. Seeing the girl glance over at her, Emma goes a little red having been caught staring and turns away quickly.

Walking around beside the teen, Sarah braces herself once again for another revelation. "One more thing...your parents..they are not together but have joint custody. This is your mom's place and your dad, he lives in an apartment at the bottom of the street. However they are both here right now to meet you"

Rolling her eyes because of course nothing is ever that simply, Emma walks through the open door that the woman holds out for her and makes her way stomping up the stairs. 'Kill me now..'

Stopping at the landing, Emma stares ahead at the door her parents are hidden behind. Taking a couple of deep breaths, the teen was unsure whether to feel happy or not. Yes they gave her up sixteen years ago but like Sarah said, they have now come back. What if they don't like her or end up being glad for giving her away? after all she does have a bad record of skipping from home to home because the families couldn't 'handle' her. As her social worker stands beside her and knocks, Emma finds herself slipping her hand into the woman's for some form of comfort before they both look towards the opening door revealing a short haired brunette who looks like she is about to cry at any given moment while staring at the young blonde.

"Emma?.."

A/N: yay? Nay?