Helping Emma

Chapter 5

"9 weeks ago I was kidnapped and assaulted".  Regina is very sad to hear the words that came from Emma's mouth. "I'm so sorry you had to go through something like that. No one should ever have to have that happen in there lives". Emma is quiet for a few more minutes. "2 men who I had arrested from when I was a cop in Lowell came here to find me. They broke into my home. One held me while the other slapped and punched me till I passed out". Regina stayed quiet while they continued the walk. This was Emma's time. She can talk, yell or cry. Anything it takes to work through her tragedy. "When I woke up, I was naked and tied to a bed in a camping trailer. I could here them in the next room laughing and I could hear what sounded like beer cans being opened. I'm not sure how long it was before they opened that little sliding door to the bedroom, but it did open and one of them said. "Lookie here, it's finally awake". Rocinante stops walking and snacks on the grass a bit, Emma gets closer to him and pats him. "Before I continue with what happened, I should tell you that I'm not like other women. I was born with a penis and a male reproductive system. Does that change how you think of me now?"  Regina spoke softly. "No Emma. Not at all. Sexual organs don't make us who we are. Who we are is what's in our hearts and souls". She would really like to reach out to try to comfort her, but that would not the best best thing for Emma in this moment. Emma gives a small smile. "Thanks for saying that. Well, needless to say they were surprised by my appearance and they wanted to let me know just how much. It was really ahh really horrible what they did and I don't want to talk about that part. When I was finally rescued, I had been there for a little over 2 days. When I never went to work they called and went to my house and saw that it was broken in to and they brought everybody in from my department and the state police. When they found me I was all bloody and had bruises everywhere on my body, along with 3 broken ribs". Tears are quietly rolling down Emma's face and Regina can't hide her hurt for Emma and cried along with her. "I was in the hospital for almost 2 weeks. They say my body is healing well, but I can't get these memories out of my head. I hate to go out in public now. I hate the sound of a mans voice because it takes me back to that room. That's why I don't think I can stay here because you have those guys here".  "I can't say that I understand, because I don't, but I'd like to help you if I can. There are many techniques that can be used for anxiety. I don't know how I can help you as far as the young men that live here, other than to tell you a little about them. 2 are brothers, ages 16 and 18. They've been here for about 7 months. Their mother is an abusive drug addict, who would sell herself and her children for money or drugs. They are very soft spoken nice young men just looking for a chance at a better life. And the other young man is 19 who's parents threw him out when he told them he was gay. He has nowhere else to go. Archie Hopper got in touch with me about all three of them. They are very nice and hard working. It's all up to you Emma. You are in control of how you want to heal".  "I don't know what to do Regina, I really don't". Regina looks at her watch. "Would you like to stay for dinner Emma? Maybe it will help you make a decision if you met them. My sister Zelena will also be there along with our house keeper Alice Nelson".  "This my sound childish, but could I sit near you please?"   "Of course Emma, I'll be right by your side the whole time I promise". Emma nods. "I guess it's ok to try it then". "Great. Let's get Rocinante back to the barn and all locked in. I hope you like lasagna".  "Ya, sure. This will actually be my first dinner in months. I usually just make a burger or a tuna sandwich or something like that".  "Well, I made this one and it's the best. You can have as much as you want".  Regina says with a smile. They get the horse back into his stall and double check to make sure it's locked. "Are you ready to go into the house Emma?"  Emma shrugs. "Ya I guess so". Regina takes hold of Emma's hand. "It'll be ok, I promise. It's just a nice quiet dinner". She squeezes her hand and they start walking towards the house.

A/N. For the house keeper I was imagining Alice from the Brady Bunch. Lol. I did no who else to use.