Chapter Text
When Sofia is born, Henry is the first to meet her. Emma brings him into the room, leads him by the hand. His mom looks tired, but somehow, she manages to offer him a smile. Henry’s eyes widen as he gazes upon the sleeping child in Regina’s arms. He’s never seen such a small creature before. He can’t believe he was once that size.
“Would you like to hold her?” Regina asks gently.
Henry nods earnestly and Emma reminds him to wash his hands before.
“Hold you arms out like this,” Emma instructs as she lifts Sofia into her own embrace. “Remember to support her head.”
If Henry wasn’t looking at her, he would never have guessed he was truly holding her. She was light, nearly the same as his pillow. Sofia started to stir, her tiny hands grasping the air. Henry shifts carefully, lets her lower half rest on his leg, and offers her his finger.
The rest of Regina’s pregnancy had gone smoothly. Henry had picked up a few extra chores around the apartment, putting away dishes, cleaning the living room, etc. He’d taken his role as future big brother very seriously, even asking some friends at school what they thought about being an older sibling. Not everyone was thrilled to have a baby brother or sister, but Henry didn’t care. He wasn’t like everyone. He was going to be the best brother ever.
Sometimes Henry felt jealous. Emma and Regina seemed so excited about a baby and Henry wondered if they would still have time for him. They assured him almost everyday that he was their son and that they would not forget about him. When he told Emma he worried that they’d like Sofia better because they get to start from the beginning with her, Emma takes Henry for a drive.
“This is the first foster home I remember,” she tells him when they pull up. “They had three other kids already, all biological.” Henry nods silently. “I know what it feels like to be… an afterthought; to be told that blood is thicker than water. But you have to know, Henry, you are as much mine as this kid will be. That will never change.”
And now, as Henry stares down at his little sister, he finally understands what Emma means. Sofia is his sister. Just as he is Emma’s son.
“Hi Sofia,” Henry whispers he shakes her hand. “I’m Henry. I’m your brother.” He looks over at Emma and Regina, who are watching him with a smile. “I’m kind of new here too,” he says. “But I really like it. Our moms are really cool. They’re not like other parents. They’re… they just get it. You can’t understand me yet and that’s OK. You’ll see what I mean. I’m gonna show you how cool our family is.” At that, Sofia opened her eyes and peered up at Henry curiously. A shocked giggled escaped from Henry’s lips as he locked eyes with the newborn.
Finally, Henry felt like his family was complete.