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Tony POV
I quickly put Maria in her crib when I heard a loud crash upstairs. I was terrified when I heard screams and sobs that belonged to Pepper. I race upstairs and open the bathroom door to see her lying there.
My Pepper laid helplessly on the cold bathroom floor looking awful. She didn't stop sobbing as she reached for my hand. I clasped my strong, warm hand around her cold, weak one. I pulled her up slowly because there was so much glass around us.
"Easy, Pep, there's glass everywhere."
Our eyes met and she looked at me awhile before saying, "I'm so sorry, Tony, you were right. I need help."
"Oh, Pepper."
I pull her into my arms with ease and we both relax instantly.
After a few minutes she pulls away and whispers, "I see myself clearly now."
"What happened, Pepper?"
"I stared in the mirror and saw what I've been seeing for awhile. I saw another version of myself but then I truly looked clearly. It's like I've been trapped in my body and I couldn't get out. I'm so sorry."
"Don't be sorry because it's not your fault. We're going to get you better and you'll be fine."
"Yeah."
Pepper let's go of my hand and walks out to her bedroom.
"You know I'd do anything for you."
I reach for her hand again but she pulls it away quickly.
"Pepper, please don't shut me out."
"Tony, we're not a couple and I don't need you to comfort me. I can handle myself."
"And look where that's gotten you, Pepper. I know you want to be independent but you're not the same anymore. Let me be here for you."
"I'm such a terrible person, Tony. Why on earth would you want to be with me?"
"That's simple because I love you."
She smiled brightly and whispered, "Help me get rid of this."
"You know I will."
A day later Pepper was going to have her first psychologist and doctor appointment.
She was pacing around the room chanting, "I can do this, I can do this."
"Calm down, Pepper, you'll be fine."
"Yeah, I guess."
Since Austin saw most of what happened to Pepper he would be going with her and I'd stay here with Maria.
"You ready yet, Gin?" Austin said as he stood by the door.
"Yeah." Pepper walked over to a Ria and lightly kissed her forehead. "Bye, sweetheart."
She walked back over to me and said, "Bye."
"Bye, Pep. Good luck." I quickly kissed her cheek before she could protest.
Pepper smiled before leaving with Austin.
I pick up Maria and smile when I say, "Okay, time for a project."
While Austin was out I asked him to pick up another mirror for Pepper. I had big plans for this mirror and I had to get started.
As soon as Pepper walked through the door she knew I was up to something.
"What did you do?" Pepper giggled at my goofy smile.
"What do you mean? I'm completely innocent."
"Yeah, okay. Where's my baby?" She walked over to sit down beside me on the couch.
"She's sleeping upstairs. So, how did it go?"
"It went better than I thought it would. The doctor recommended I gain one to three pounds a week and see her regularly. She's sure I'll make a full recovery."
"Of course you will. Now, come on, I've got a surprise for you upstairs."
"Please tell me you didn't dress Maria up in an iron man costume."
I laugh and say, "Of course not! She's iron baby."
"Tony-"
"I'm just kidding, Pep. The real surprise is in here."
I lead her into the dark bathroom and switch on the light. She gasps and looks at the mirror like it's the best thing in the world.
"Oh, Tony!" Pepper says as her hands cover her mouth in shock.
Bright red words covered the mirror. So many words that described Pepper were written all along the glass.
Lovely. Beautiful. Courageous. Fighter. Strong. Creative. Confident. Inspiration. Dreamer. Independent. Stubborn. Truthful. Trustworthy. Loving. Gorgeous. Perfect Body. My PA. My best friend. Caretaker. Daughter. Sister. Mother. Friend. My Pepper.
"Like it?"
"I love it. Thank you so so much."
Pepper staring crying as she ran over to hug me. "I don't deserve you." She whispered as she buried her face in the crook of my neck.
"I think you got that backwards. I'm the one who doesn't deserve you."
Pepper lightly chuckled and broke away from my grasp when her stomach rumbled.
"Come on, let's get you something to eat."
I lead her out of the bathroom and I start to go downstairs but she stops me.
"I just want to check on Maria, then I'll be right down."
"Okay."
Pepper POV
I walk to my daughter's bedroom and quietly open the door.
She stirs and turns slightly to look at me. Her smile nearly stops my heart.
"What are you doing up, Ria?" I smile too at using the nickname Tony made up for her.
Ria just coos and whines to be held. I pick her up and sit in the rocking chair in the corner of the room.
"I never apologized to you. I'm so sorry that I neglected you all those months. You're my daughter and I should of taken care of you. I was mad and depressed about what happened with your dad. That's no excuse though, I should of put that aside and focused on you. I know you won't remember any of this but I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I love you so much."
I kissed the top of her forehead and placed her back in her crib. I whisper, "Goodnight, Sweetie." I close the door quietly and gasp when I hear his voice.
"She forgives you, you know." Tony said seriously as he leaned beside the door frame.
"I hope so."
"You do everything in your power to keep her safe and healthy. Ria adores you, Pep."
"She adores you too."
"Well yeah, how could she not?"
We both laugh before Tony says, "Come on, dinner's ready."
"You didn't cook did you?"
Tony turns around and raises one eyebrow. "What, you don't like my cooking?"
"No, no just asking."
"Uh huh. For your information, Potts, Austin cooked."
"Well good." I mumble under my breath.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing." I smile innocently as I walk with him downstairs.
"Hey Sis, hungry?" Austin grinned as he put a pot roast on the table.
"Yeah, sure."
Tony pulls out a chair for me and I smile at the gesture.
Austin starts to grab my plate but I say, "I got it."
"No Gin, I'll get it."
He serves me a huge amount of food and I wince. I do want to get better but this is so hard. My mind wants to protest but stomach wants it so bad.
"Here, Pep, eat up." Austin says as he gives me my plate back.
"I can't possibly eat all this."
"Try." Tony says sternly.
"Fine."
Twenty minutes later I eat about half of the food. Austin and Tony want me to continue but I just can't.
"Really, I can't eat another bite."
"Please, Pep? Just a little more." Tony begged.
"No, I'm done." I take my plate and dump the rest of the food in the trash. I look back to see Austin and Tony giving each other a look. I'm instantly suspicious.
"What's wrong?" I question.
"Nothing's wrong, you just seem more happier," Austin said.
I was happier. I laughed and actually enjoyed being around others again. I was fighting this thing slowly but surely.
Tony came over to me and said, "I'm so proud of you, Pepper."
I look straight in his eyes and say, "I'm going to beat this thing you and Ria, Tony."
He takes my hand in his and kisses it before saying, "I know you will."
I loved this cute family chapter! Review and tell me what you think!
