A/N: Hi! Next chapter is up. Don't expect much :p it's very random and short, because I had difficulty ending the Ed/Delphine relationship. I'm not happy with this one, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyway. Have a good weekend!

I glanced at my watch for the hundredth time this morning, counting down the minutes until a creaking sound filled my ears. I held my breath, curling my hands around my cup of coffee as my boyfriend walked into the French bistro. I raised my head slowly, waving at him when his eyes darted around the room, looking for me. He looks exhausted, a nervous look plastered on his face, bags under his eyes and there's a heavy stubble on his jaw, like he hadn't shaved in days. I finally called him yesterday, a week after our fight, and invited him for coffee to talk things over. I didn't want to meet him in our apartment and suggested to see each other somewhere on neutral territory.

"Hi babe," he said, kissing my cheek before he sat down across from me.

"Bonjour," I whispered before I pointed to his cappuccino. "I already ordered you a coffee."

"Thank you."

He added some extra milk into his cup, swirling the coffee with his spoon, before he tilted his head and locked his blue eyes on mine.

"How are you?"

"I don't know," I said honestly, feeling uncomfortable and nervous.

"Listen Del, I've been thinking about us and I really wanna fight for our relationship. I love you babe, you're the love of my life. I'm convinced that we can work this out."

"Ed," I whispered, letting out a deep sigh as I tried to find a way to say the things I wanted to say. "I am…"

"I've found a professional therapist honey," he continued, reaching out to grab my hand. "She's from Scarborough and has helped a lot of couples with their issues."

"Ed, I don't…"

"I can stay at Frank's parents' house, they're on a trip around the world and won't be back until summer. You can stay in our apartment, but I don't think it's wise if we'll stay in the same house during those therapy sessions. I'll come back to the apartment when we both feel ready okay?"

"I can't…"

"Her name is Angela," he continued, handing me the woman's business card. "Our first session is scheduled this Thursday around 3 pm."

"I have a class to teach Ed and I.."

"Take a day off Del. This is important right?"

"No," I shook my head, finally feeling the courage to say it. "I don't think therapy is going to help us."

"What do you mean?" he asked, a shocked expression on his face.

"I don't want therapy Ed. I don't want to fight for our relationship."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not in love with you," I whispered, withdrawing my hand. "Not anymore. I don't want to continue this Ed. We're done."

He gaped at me, his eyes nearly popped out of his head, before he gave me a small smile.

"You don't know what you're saying babe. You're clearly confused."

"What!" I exclaimed. A blush crept up my neck when a few heads turned into our direction.

"You don't know what you're saying."

"I know perfectly well what I'm saying Ed!," I hissed, losing my patience. "I'm sorry to disappoint you like this, but we're over."

"Why Delphine? Please, give me a chance. I love you babe, we can work this out. I'm sure I can be happy without kids. I just want you. You're everything I need."

I hated myself in that moment, hated myself for crushing his heart, for cheating on him, but I really need to do this. I'm not in love with him anymore and there's no future for us.

"Wait a minute! Is there someone else?" he asked quietly and I quickly averted my eyes from him as the blush on my cheeks grew more pronounced.

"Are you fucking kidding me!" he huffed, making me wince. "Who?! What's his name?! You can't possibly be serious Delphine! We just moved here! Do you seriously wanna throw all those years away for a guy you just met? You've lost your mind!"

"Ed, it's not just something."

"Who is it? Tell me his name."

I didn't want to tell him about Cosima, about our relationship in the past, but he has the right to know.

"It's Cosima," I whispered, staring at my cup. I couldn't bear to look at him.

"Cosima?"

"Oui."

"A woman?" he laughed, grabbing my hand again. "Oh sweetheart. You scared me for a sec babe. You could've just told me that you've made a new friend."

I snapped my head up, yanking my hand away as my anger reached its boiling point.

"It's not just a friendship Ed! I love Cosima."

"Nein, you don't love her babe, you're just a bit confused because you like spending time with her, but that doesn't mean you love her. Friendships and love are not the same thing sweetheart. I know it's hard for you to separate those two things, because you're not very familiar with deep and meaningful friendships, but that's exactly what this is, a deep and meaningful friendship and nothing more."

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Not familiar with serious friendships? I know he doesn't mean it like… in a bad way, but it still hurts. I've had a couple friends in university, but nothing… meaningful. Merde, I guess he's right, but that doesn't mean he's right about my feelings for Cosima. I think I need to be more clear.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, I wanted to spare you the details, but you're clearly not getting it. I kissed Cosima and we slept together Ed."

I looked him straight in the eye and saw a hint of confusion in his blue irises as he studied my face.

"Oh… okay...but that still doesn't mean anything Delphine. I've slept with a bunch of girls while I was in college, but that doesn't automatically mean I loved them all, quite the contrary actually," he chuckled at his own joke. "You and Cosima are probably both bi-curious and you want to be curious together and experiment a little, explore new territory. That's perfectly fine with me if that's what you need right now babe. We can discuss this with Angela okay? It's just a phase, it will be over when it's not as new and exciting anymore."

"It's not new Ed!" I shouted, the couple next to us gave us an angry glare and I quickly apologized. Merde, maybe meeting at a public place wasn't such a good idea.

"What do you mean?"

"Cosima and I," I whispered, clutching the cup of coffee in my hands. "We were together seven years ago, during the time I worked for DYAD. We were in love, she was my girlfriend and I'm falling for her again. I love her Ed, and she loves me."

He swallowed thickly and clenched his fists as his face grew red with anger. I averted my gaze from him, not wanting to see the hurt and betrayal in his eyes.

"You dated a woman before you met me? What the fuck Delphine!"

"I'm sorry I haven't told you," I said, my voice shaking with emotion. I can't cry right now. I don't have the right to.

"You're sorry? That's all you can say? Fuck Delphine, you're completely insane."

"What do you want me to say Ed?"

"Tell me more about this dyke who loves to lick my girl's pussy," he growled, slamming the palm of his hand against the table.

"ED! Don't insult her!"

"You're already getting defensive over her?" he spat, laughing sarcastically. "Where does this Cosima live?"

"Wh..what?" I stammered, completely caught off guard by his question. "Why?"

"So, I can pay her a visit Del! So, I can confront her with her actions. You don't fuck a woman who is already taken, taken by a man no less! Who does she think she is? Don't even think of flirting with a woman who already has a boyfriend, that's lesson number one and I don't think Cosima is aware of that rule, maybe someone needs to tell her."

A wave of panic rushed through my body when the threat left Ed's mouth. He can't be serious right?

"Don't you threaten Cosima" I hissed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Seriously Ed, if something ever happens to her, I'll be paying you a visit."

"Big mouth Cormier," he smiled maliciously, glancing at his watch before he stood up. "I've a meeting. We're over Delphine. The apartment is mine, I'm the one who paid for it. You'll have three weeks to pack your stuff, find a place to live and get the hell out of there."

"Excuse me?" I laughed. "I don't have anywhere to go Ed! I can't go to Viv, I have classes to teach."

"Go to your girlfriend or book a hotel. I really don't care."

I slumped back in my seat, completely dumbfounded and in shock, my eyes following him as he walked away from me.

My eyes flew open and I gasped for breath, feeling dizzy and disorientated. My body feels like it has been run over by a truck, the pain in my lower abdomen is unbearable, but something is missing…there's no movement… no kicks. I reached under the blankets and touched my flat belly, realizing that it wasn't round and big anymore. My hands threw the blankets aside and my heart began to race when I saw the hospital gown that covered my naked body. I lifted the fabric over my thighs ans hips, exposing my belly to the sterile air that lingered in the hospital room, and let out another gasp when I noticed a wound on my lower abdomen, held together with stitches, a spot of dried up blood above my pubic bone. I turned my head to the left and got a glimpse of my sister behind the window, talking to two tall doctors in white coats. Pure panic rushed through me and my heart was pounding against my ribcage. I didn't think when I yanked the IV-line out of my hand, wincing in pain when the needle left my vain. I jumped to my feet, ignoring the excruciating pain in my belly and between my legs, as I ran towards the door.

"SARAH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, making her turn around instantly. "THEY TOOK HIM!"

"COS!" she shouted, running into my direction, a look of utter shock on her face.

I burst out crying and clutched my belly in my hands before my body collapsed to the ground. The two men Sarah had been talking to scooped me off the floor and I don't know how, but I found the strength to kick one of them in the groin. He howled in pain, stumbling backwards as his coworker pushed the alarm button in my room.

"Cos," Sarah whispered, lowering herself to the ground to meet my bewildered gaze. "Go back to bed, you just had a major surgery."

"NO! THEY TOOK MY BABY!"

"Cosima, please," she begged, tears streaming down her cheeks at my complete distress. "You need to listen to me. Go back to bed."

"NO! You need to listen to me Sarah," I cried, grabbing her shoulders, shaking her roughly. "They took my baby, look."

I lifted my hospital gown and pointed at the raw wound on my lower abdomen, a few of the stitches came loose when I jumped out of bed, but that wasn't my main concern.

"My baby," I sobbed, digging my nails into the sensitive skin of my belly. "They cut him out of me and they're gonna euthanize him Sarah. We need to safe him."

I crawled the the door, reached for the door handle, and pulled myself up. My legs began to move, running off in a random direction, but I didn't make it far, because two men grabbed my arms and dragged me back to that damn hospital bed.

"NO!" I screamed, high on an adrenaline rush, while I kicked my legs in the air, but the men were a lot stronger and my body became limp in their arms, completely exhausted.

"Cosima," Sarah cooed, stroking my forehead as I relaxed into the mattress. "Everything is fine. Your boy is in good hands love."

"NO! They're going to euthanize him Sarah!"

"This is your trauma talking Cos, stop it. Please trust me."

"NO! I never gave permission for any of this. It's my body Sarah, and they cut my baby out of me without my consent."

"No sweetheart, they didn't, see that tub over there?" she asked calmly, pointing to the corner of the room. "You've had a very peaceful waterbirth Cos, just like you wanted, very serene and relaxed. It all went smoothly."

I blinked a few times, staring at my clone's face in disbelief, as if she were making it all up to make me feel better.

"They didn't cut him out?"

"No, you pushed that boy out of your twat honey. That was the plan right? For science remember?" she laughed, squeezing my hand in reassurance. "You have that wound because the uterus didn't contract on its own after you delivered the placenta. You were losing a lot of blood, so they brought you into the operating room and removed it."

"Did they remove my ovaries too?" I aksed, holding my breath. It's been years ago since I cured all the Ledas around the world, but three of them were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the past year and it could be a coincidence, but I'm not convinced. It has nothing to do with the cure itself, but I suspect that it's yet another unforeseen consequence of making us infertile… a consequence the treatment didn't cure. I already knew my doctors had to remove the uterus and cervix after the birth, but I begged them to remove my ovaries too when Art told me about those three Ledas.

"Yeah they did. That's the last thing you screamed before they put you under sedation."

"Good," I sighed, guinenly relieved. I know the recovery is going to be hard, but that could wait until later. Slowly, a few images of the past hours came back to me… me sitting in that tub, wearing my ex-lover's grey sportsbra she had left behind in Revival, Sarah massaging my back, the crowning… oh my God, the crowning. I shuddered at the memory as a slight blush colored my cheeks.

"Did I scream a lot?" I asked tentatively, knowing how traumatizing it can be when a woman screams in pain during delivery.

"No, I've never seen a woman so calm and relaxed during childbirth Cosima, you breathed your way through it all. You only screamed once when the baby was crowning."

I let out a chuckle, rubbing my flat belly when a sharp pain shot through me. "I was just thinking about that part."

"You're remembering?"

"Yeah, it's slowly coming back to me. Give me a few hours and I'm sure I'll remember everything."

"Good," she whispered, leaning in to press a kiss against my cheek. "I'm so proud of you. You're such a strong woman. Hugo is so lucky to have you as your mum."

"Thanks Sarah," I blushed, still not used to my new role. "Can I see him?"

"Yes, but only if you're going to use a wheelchair."

I nodded reluctantly, allowing the two doctors to put me into the chair. Sarah pushed me down the hall while I peeked into the other rooms. New mothers cuddling their babies and pregnant women rubbing their swollen bellies, waiting for their bundle of joy to arrive. I never ever thought I would find myself in this place. I wonder what my parents would think of this. Would they be proud of me? Would they approve of my decision to become a single mom? I desperately need my mom in this stage of my life, I don't know how to be a good mother and I don't know anything about boys… I really need my dad too.

"Here we are," Sarah said happily, pushing me into a room that was located at the neonatology unit, while I quickly wiped my tears. Eight babies. Eight sleeping babies in plastic bassinets with little colorful identification bracelets around their tiny wrist. I quickly scanned their chubby faces and clapped my hands in excitement, looking like a childs myself, when I spotted the infant that belonged to me. I suddenly remembered the moment he left my body and I pulled him out of the water, tears streaming down my face while I kissed his soft cheek, studying him intently as he filled his tiny lungs with oxygen for the very first time.

"Can I hold him?"

"Sure," the nurse nodded, gently lifting my son out of his bassinet before she placed him into my waiting arms. Sarah quickly took his wristband between her thumb and index finger, reading his name to make sure I was holding the right baby. Hugo Niehaus. I smiled to myself, of course I had recognized my son correctly.

"Sorry. They all look a like," Sarah mumbled, a blush creeping up her face.

"I'll make sure he'll get transferred to your room now that you're awake Cosima," the nurse smiled, patting my shoulder.

"Thank you so much."

I traced my finger over his full lips, his tiny nose and long eyelashes before I stroked the dark curls that covered his small head.

"He's so handsome Sarah. So much hair. I can't believe we made this," I beamed, kissing his tiny ear.

"Woah Cos! Don't say that. It sounds creepy and insane."

"But he's here because of your help."

"But I didn't make him, you did," she chuckled, amused with my highly emotional state.

"Have you thought about his middle name?" I asked, brushing my fingers over my baby's bare chest.

"I can't believe you're giving me the honor of choosing his middle name Cos," she said quietly, her voice shaking with emotion. I tilted my head back and gave her a bright grin.

"It's the least I can do Sarah."

"Elias," she whispered, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. "It goes well with Hugo, don't you think?"

"You wanna name him after Beth?" I asked tentatively, even though I already knew the answer to that question.

"Yes. He's born on her birthday and she meant a lot to us. It fits perfectly."

"I love it sestra," I smiled, squeezing her hand before I shifted my attention back to the little person in my arms…

"Delphine," I moaned as I opened my eyes and slowly regained consciousness. The hand that stroked my arm to wake me up from my dream suddenly came to a halt and slapped my bare skin a second later.

"Oi Cos!" she said, sounding offended. "Don't think about your girlfriend when I'm lying next to you in your bed. I'll have to find myself another place to crash if you keep doing that."

"I'm sorry Sarah," I snickered, turning around to face her. "You could've gone home if you didn't drink so much… and Delphine is not my girlfriend."

"But you want her to be."

"Hmm."

"Have you written or called her already?"

"No."

"Cosima, come on. It's been two weeks and you know what your heart wants love."

I merely nodded before I turned around again, sleep washing over me when memories of Delphine swirled around in my mind.

I slowly opened my eyes when I heard the front door of the apartment open. It's been almost three weeks since Ed give me an ultimatum, but I still have one day. One day to pack my stuff and find myself a place to live… c'est impossible.

"Ed?" I asked in a confused voice. He's not going to kick me out right now, is he? Merde.

The door that seperated the livingroom from the hallway swung open and a dark-haired woman marched in, locking her beautiful eyes on mine as she knelt down in front of me.

"Hi Del, how are you feeling honey?" she whispered tenderly, stroking my cheek with her thumb.

Her angelic voice, her presence, her warm blue eyes, her concern… it made me cry instantly. I let out a loud wail and buried my face in my hands, allowing her to take me into her arms.

"Sweetheart," she cooed, tucking a curl behind my ear. "Don't cry. He's not worth it."

"I know Viv, but I don't know what to do. Dan gave me a month off, because of this, but I still have to come back next week and I don't have a place to live. I can book a hotel, but for how long? I don't have the income to…" I couldn't finish my sentence, because another sob escaped my throat, my diaphragm contracting with every inhale.

"Have you packed your bags yet?"

I shook my head, not even bothering to wipe my tears. Vivienne stood up and walked over to kitchen to pour me a glass of water.

"We're gonna grab your things Del and we'll leave tomorrow."

I almost choked on the water, coughing to clear my windpipe.

"What?"

"Robert and I… you can stay at our house. You'll have all the time you need to find yourself an apartment. No rush."

"I can't Viv! I have a job here."

"Quit! Claire arranged a lecturing job for you at NYU. You can start this Monday."

"Mon Dieu," I gasped, "I… I can't."

"Why? You have nothing here Delphine. There's no reason to stay."

"Cosima," I whispered quietly, averting my gaze.

"Cosima? Come on Delphine! Don't be naive. You haven't spoken to her in how long? A month?"

"Oui."

"That's a clear message sis! She's not going to forgive you. You need to get your priorities straight. Come with me, start your new job at NYU on Monday."

"She has sent me a letter Viv," I sighed, a blush covering my cheeks before I opened my handbag and took out the envelope. "A week ago."

"A week ago? Delphine! Did you respond?"

"Non."

"Why?"

"Because of her kid! I'm so scared."

My sister rolled her eyes at me while I unfolded the piece of paper and another cry erupted from my chest as Cosima's messy handwriting danced in front of my eyes.

"You want me to read it to you?" I asked, trying to get my emotions under control.

"Yeah, of course," she smiled, squeezing my knee affectionately as I cleared my throat.

"Dear Delphine," I began, my heart swelling with love when I took in the handwritten letters of my name. "I've been thinking about you… about us…like… a lot over the past three weeks, and I'm sorry for not writing or calling you sooner, but I needed time. I haven't seen you around campus all those weeks and I'm worried about you. I hope everything is okay and that your boyfriend didn't kill you and dumped your body in a swamp or something. Anyway, I miss you, I miss you and I'm so in love with you. I've had a lot of conversations about us with my sister and it made my realize that I want to be with you, even though you really crushed my heart again.

I swallowed thickly and took a deep breath as a single tear escaped the corner of my eye.

"We only have one life Delphine and I don't know how much time we have left. We could be dead by tomorrow, or in ten years… or when we're ninety and old and drooling, but I can't bear the thought of living the rest of my life without you. I want to give you another chance and I hope you're willing to give me one too. I haven't been honest with you either right? I know you're hesitant, because there's a kid involved, but maybe I should tell you a little more about my son.

His name is Hugo and he'll turn two on April 1st. He's a very affectionate, sweet and curious kid, very intelligent and obsessed with books. He loves it when I'm reading him stories, loves dancing and playing with his blocks or going to the playground. He's the baby in our weird little family so everyone spoils him rotten. He loves all the sestras, but Alison is his absolute favorite. Charlotte babysits him a lot. I'm very grateful for her support and she's happy to do it because I'm paying for her violin lessons as a thank you. Allright… I'm not sure if you want to know more about him, but you probably have a few questions, so maybe you should come to my place to meet my little man and I can answer all the questions you have. Let's make a new start Delphine, start over and take it slow. I really hope you'll give me and my child a chance.

Give me a call okay?

Love,

Cosima

PS: you can ignore this letter if you and your boyfriend have decided to fight for each other. X.

I looked up from her letter and locked eyes with my sister, raising my eyebrows at her as I waited for her repsonse.

"Wow," she whispered, eyes wide. "This woman is so in love with you Del. My God. She's giving you another chance, that's great isn't it? She must be very forgiving. She doesn't sound like the woman you dated seven years ago. I guess she has changed a lot and I really want to meet her now."

"I'm in love with her too Viv."

"But you haven't called her yet?"

"Non."

"Are you insane?"

"I'm scared. I want to meet her son, I really do, but what if he hates me? I'm sure it will influence how Cosima sees me, maybe she'll hate me too."

"You sound like a kid yourself Del! Just bring a small present and you'll be amazed."

"Really?" It can't possibly be this simple right?

"Of course, he's barely two years old. Just give him something to play with and you'll be fine."

"But it doesn't matter if I'm moving to New York. We can't take it slow and see each other frequently if I'm coming with you."

"Uhm," she said and I could literally make out the confusion in her face. "Yeah, you're right. Shit."

"I can't call her Vivienne. It will give her hope and I'm going to break her heart again if I'll leave."

"Call her tomorrow, when we're at my place" she shrugged, standing up before she took my hand and dragged me into the bedroom. I can't do this to Cosima. I know my sister is worried about me, but I can't leave Toronto without telling Cosima. I don't even want to go with Vivienne, but there's no better option. We gathered my belongings and carried five different suitcases into the livingroom, sweating like pigs when we were finally done.

"My God," Vivienne sighed, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "You should take a shower Delphine, and I'm going to the grocery store to buy us some food. You're hungry?"

"Oui," I nodded, trying to catch my breath as sweat trickled down my back. This will give me the perfect opportunity to call Cosima in private, tell her what happened between me and Ed, and that my abrupt departure has nothing to do with her.

"You're welcome little sister," she smiled before she turned around and left the apartment.

I collapsed on the couch and took off my sneakers, longing for a hot shower after I lifted my arm to smell my armpit. Merde. I could hear footsteps in the hallway and let out a soft chuckle. Vivienne is so forgetful, she must have forgotten her wallet or something.

"Delphine?" a raspy voice filled my ears and a gasp escaped my mouth when a short woman with dreads and a white coat entered the livingroom. "Sorry, the front door was open."

She glanced around the room, focusing her eyes on the five blue suitcases next to the couch.

"Uhm," she whispered, pointing at my travel bags, her brows furrowed in utter confusion. "Are you leaving?"