Where did the love go?

by Alexandria M

It was love at first sight when Dave swept Alex off her feet, but after 7 years they decide to throw their love away and go their separate ways. What happens when they run into each other one night after they've began a new life?

26. Chapter 26

*As always thank-you for the reviews. I really appreciated them. Thank-you.

*You know who I own and who I don't.

It had been 2 weeks since Dave, Alex, Athena and Chelsea moved into the new house. They were still doing some unpacking but for the most part the bedrooms were done. Chelsea loved her Disney princess room. She said it was the best room of her life. Dave and Alex were in the baby's nursery looking at the mural that King had done in there. His walls were dark blue and on each wall there was a bear painted on playing a certain sport. The bears were playing baseball, football, soccer and basketball. One of the walls was blank and that was being saved for his name and underneath his name it was going to read All-Star Champion. "I love it," said Alex. "It is absolutely amazing. I was a little worried about a sports them but I absolutely love it."

"He did a good job didn't he?"

"Yeah a very good job and I love what he did to Chels' room too. His murals are amazing."

"I know. I loved Chelsea's face when she walked in the bedroom and saw Cinderella's castle painted on it with all of her favorite princesses. But my absolute favorite was when she walked in a little further and saw Princess Chelsea painted on the wall with herself painted underneath it. 'This is the best room of my life!' She is too cute."

"Well, maybe since her name is painted on the wall she won't feel the need to write in marker. I seriously wanted to spank her for doing that but you know me and spanking. I hate that stuff but at that point I felt that's something should have been done but I would never hit my children. My parents used to hit us and it did no good. It's just an anger and control thing I want no part of."

"My mom spanked us growing up. I used to spank the girls when they acted up but since you don't believe in spanking I'm not going to spank our kids."

"Thank-you. And I find it hard to believe that you spanked your girls at all. I've known you for 8 years and I've seen you let them get away with murder. Just like you let Chelsea get away with stuff. I know what goes on when I'm not around."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You know sneaking ice cream before dinner, letting her drink and eat in her bedroom and you pretty much let her dress herself for school. And then I pick her up and she's in mismatch clothes. I would expect better from you since you dress yourself so well."

"Well, I let her wear what she wants so I don't have to hear her screaming in the morning. I can't stand her temper tantrums it drives me nuts."

"I know. I thought when she passed the age of 2 we were out of the water but I think 4 is worse than 2."

"Tell me about it. Just wait until she goes to school in the fall. She is going to make her teacher pull her hair out."

"I know that's right. She makes me want to pull my hair out everyday."

"Well, I have no hair to pull out so."

"Dave, shut up. So we have this entire room painted but there is some stuff missing. I think we need to start buying stuff for the nursery," said Alex.

"You want to go shopping?"

"Sure. We can get a dresser, a crib and a changing table. Maybe get him some clothes and other essentials for babies."

"Okay. Let's go to Babies R Us. Do you want to bring Princess Chelsea?" asked Dave.

"I don't know if that's taking a risk or not. I don't want her throwing a fit."

"Remember get her involved."

"All right, let's take her. Where is Athena?"

"She's hanging out with her friends."

"Oh. All right. I guess we don't have a choice then do we. You can get her ready to go," said Alex.

"Alex, why does it have to be me? Can't you get her ready to go?"

"Dave, are you scared of her or something?"

"No, I just don't want an argument."

"Fine. I'll get her ready," said Alex. Alex walked into Chelsea's room to find her playing with her Barbie dolls. "Chelsea, you need to get your shoes on," she said.

"Why, Mama?"

"Because we're going shopping for the baby."

"Mama, I don't want to. I want to play Barbie Dolls."

"You can play Barbie dolls when we come back but right now we're going to go shopping for your brother."

"Fine. Are those people going to be taking pictures of us?"

"Yes probably. Chelsea, you're going to have to get used to that. That is part of our life right now."

"It's weird."

"I know but there's nothing we can do about it."

"Okay," said Chelsea as she got her shoes on.

As soon as she had her shoes on they headed to Babies R Us to do some shopping. The paparazzi was camped outside their house. Alex and Dave had not yet talked to the media about what was going on. Even though they hadn't talked it didn't stop the tabloids from making up their own stories and telling lie after lie. Dave pulled out of their driveway and drove to Babies R Us. When they got to Babies R Us they were paparazzi free for now. They walked into the store and headed to look at the cribs. Alex picked out a light brown wooden crib that could turn into a toddler bed and a full size bed. It cost a lot of money but Dave didn't care he was determined to buy it anyway. They also got a changing table that matched the crib. After they got the changing table they found a four drawer dresser that matched both the changing table and the crib. "Okay, I have a feeling I'm going to be broke by the time I get out of here," said Dave.

"Dave, you're not going to go broke."

"Alex, this is over $800 right here."

"And we're having a baby. They're expensive."

"I know that but do we have to buy it all at once?"

"Well, I would at least like to get the furniture so we can set it up a while. I know I'm only 27 weeks but what if I go early. I want to be prepared," she said.

"Fine, Alex."

"If it makes you feel any better you can go pick out the bedding you want," she said.

"Of course because it's my money that's getting spent and not yours." He mumbled to himself.

They looked through the bedding and Dave finally found the perfect bedding that would match the murals on the wall. He couldn't just get the bedding he had to get the mobile and the wall hangers as well. Chelsea was starting to get bored. "Daddy, I'm bored. Can we leave yet?"

"I want to go look at a few more things," said Dave.

"But I want to go," said Chelsea.

"In a few minutes. Just let daddy go look at some of the clothes. I want to get your brother a couple of outfits."

"Daddy!"

"Chelsea, when I'm done we will leave."

"Okay." she said.

They walked over to the clothes and started looking through outfits. Dave picked out an outfit that said "Daddy's MVP". "Alex, look I'm going to get him this."

"Of course you would."

"What size should I get?"

"I would get 0-3 months and he might get a little wear out of it. I just don't think he's going to be in 0-3 months long. If he's as big as Chels was he'll be out of 0-3 months in a month."

"Okay," said Dave. Dave also picked out a baseball set. "How about this?"

"It's cute but can we get off the sports kick?"

"You didn't mind picking out little dresses for Chelsea."

"I know but never mind. Just get it."

"All right, I think we have enough for today."

"I think so too," said Alex.

"Finally," said Chelsea.

They walked up to the cash register to check out. The bill was really high but most of the big stuff was bought. They just needed to get a stroller, a car seat, a swing, a pack and Play, a high chair and a walker. They also needed other things like blankets, crib sheets, baby toys, and other baby essentials but that could wait for another day. Dave ran his credit card through and everything went fine. Dave brought the car up so that they could load everything into the car. And of course by this time the paparazzi was out there taking pictures.

When they got home Dave carried the things up to the nursery and decided he was going to set up the crib a while. He was having trouble setting up the crib. "Damn it," he said.

"What's wrong, baby?" asked Alex.

"These directions. I don't know why it's so hard to set up a damn crib."

"Dave, calm down. You get so upset over the littlest things. Just calm down and take your time."

"That's easy for you to say. You're not the one trying to read these directions and set up the crib. I never thought at 46 I would be setting up another crib."

"Get used to it because in 2 years when you're 48 you're most likely going to be setting up another crib."

"2 years? You want another one in 2 years?"

"Um yeah. Do you want to wait until you're in your 50's for another baby?"

"Not really."

"Exactly."

"Alex, are you sure you want another one after this one?"

"I think so. I don't really know for sure. I mean according to Bella you are the father of her baby so if it is true that you're the father of her baby that means by May you'll have 5 kids."

"I'm telling you, Alex, that baby isn't mine. She is causing problems. I told you she's a tramp. Yes I slept with her but there is no way that baby is mine."

"Well, once you get the paternity test done and the results are in we'll know the truth."

"Speaking of the paternity test and Bella when did you want to have this big sit down and when are we talking to the media about this?"

"We'll talk to the media after we talk to Bella. As far as Bella is concerned I don't know. I don't want to interrupt her big movie career which I'm pretty sure she got because she slept with a few people. I saw your movie she's not that good of an actress. It's always easy to be a sucky actress and get the lead if you sleep with the director."

"She really does suck at acting."

"That's not the only thing she's sucking."

"Alex."

"What? You left that one wide open for a comment like that but you know it's true."

"It's true but I never heard you talk like this before."

"Yeah well it's not everyday some tramp comes out and says that my husband is the father of her baby."

"What has happened to the sweet Alex?"

"I am still the sweet Alex. I just don't like Bella."

"Is this sit down going to turn into a fight?"

"Maybe. I mean it won't be physical but I will not control what I say to her."

"Great."

"Settle down, Dave. I know it would make your day if I wasn't pregnant and would kick her ass."

"Yeah, I would enjoy that but I would much rather you be pregnant."

"So when are you going to call Trampy McTramp Tramp to talk to her?"

Dave started laughing and said, "Alex, you are on fire today."

"I would blame it on my hormones but I really think if I wasn't pregnant I would still be on fire."

"Do you know how much I love you when you get into protect my husband mode?" he asked taking her into his arms.

"I don't know. Why don't you show me?"

"Where's Chelsea?"

"In her room playing Barbie dolls."

"Is she going to be occupied for a while?"

"She should be. Why?"

"Do you really have to ask?" he said with a smile.

"Okay. Do you have sex on your mind like 24/7?"

"You wanted me to show you how much I love you right?"

"Yeah."

"Plus I'm a guy so yeah. Not too mention you're my really hot wife according to Swagger."

"Oh Swagger. How is he doing by the way?"

"He's still recovering from the beating I gave him."

"He should have kept his nose out of our business. He got what he deserved and the same thing is going to happen to Bella if she doesn't keep her nose out of our business."

"Alexandra! I am shocked that you even said that."

"Eh. Anyway we have a little time before Chelsea gets bored with her Barbie dolls. Let's go," said Alex.

"Okay," said Dave as he picked Alex up and carried her to their bedroom. When he got to the bedroom he shut the door behind them and locked it. He laid Alex down on the bed and they had some alone time. When they were finished Dave and Alex got dressed and headed back to the nursery so Dave could finish setting up the crib.

"Okay, Dave. I'm going to be right back. Chelsea has been awfully quiet for a long time and that usually means she's doing something she's not supposed to be doing."

"Okay and I'm just going to be here trying to set up this stupid crib with the directions that I can't understand."

Alex walked over to Chelsea's room. She opened the door and saw that Chelsea was not in her room. "Chelsea," she called. She didn't get a response. She tried again "Chelsea!" Still she got nothing. She tried one more time "Chelsea!!"

Chelsea came running out of her bathroom. Her face was red. "Yes, Mama?"

"What were you doing?"

"Nothing, Mama."

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Yes, Mama. I wasn't doing anything."

"Then why did it take you so long to come out of your bathroom. And your face is red which means you were doing something you weren't supposed to be doing. Now I'm going to ask you again. What were you doing?"

"Mama, I wasn't doing anything."

"Well, if you weren't doing anything then you won't mind me going into your bathroom to see."

"No, Mama."

"Yeah. That's what I thought," said Alex as she walked into Chelsea's bathroom. When she walked in she saw Chelsea's markers out on the sink. She looked around the bathroom but there was no marker on the wall. She looked in Chelsea's bath tub and saw that there was water in it. "Chelsea, why is there water in this tub?"

"I don't know, Mama. I didn't do it."

"Then who did it, Chelsea?"

"I don't know but it wasn't me."

"Chelsea, stop lying to me and tell me why is there water in this tub?"

"Mama, I didn't do it. It was Lucy. She did it all."

"Who is Lucy?"

"My imaginary friend. She's standing right next to you."

"Chelsea."

"Mama."

Alex walked over to the tub and saw there was something in there. She bent down to pick it up. It was Chelsea's Baby Alive doll. Chelsea had written all over its face. "Chelsea, why did you write on this doll and why is its eye black and blue and what is it doing in the tub?"

"I don't know, Mama. I didn't do it. I told you it was Lucy. She did it. She said she didn't like her."

"Chelsea Alexandra! I'm going to ask again. Why did you destroy this doll like this and throw it in the tub."

"And I'm going to tell you again. I didn't do it, Mama."

"Chelsea, you're the only one in this room right now. You put the water in the tub and you drew on the doll's face and threw it in the tub. Now tell Mama why did you do it?"

"Mama, because I don't like that doll. It gets on my nerves. And I don't want a brother either."

"Chelsea, just because you don't like something doesn't mean you can destroy it. It doesn't matter if you want a brother or not. He's coming either way and he's going to be here in the next couple months," said Alex.

"Well, I don't want him here. I want it to be me, you and daddy."

"Well, Chelsea it's not going to work out that way. And I don't appreciate you lying to me and destroying your toys either."

"Mama, I'm sorry."

"Chelsea, I don't know what's gotten into you lately but you're not the sweet little girl you used to be. My little princess wouldn't destroy her doll and throw it in a tub. Then lie to me about it."

"Are you going to tell Daddy?"

"Yes, I'm going to tell your Daddy. And I'm going to show him the doll. You're on punishment. Go sit on the time out step for 4 ½ minutes and then I'll talk to you when I'm done talking to your daddy."

"I don't wanna go on time out. Please Mama. Don't make me go on time out," she said as she started crying.

"Chelsea, go! Now!"

"No, Mama. I don't wanna go. Don't make me go. I'll be a good girl."

"Keep up the screaming and the crying and I won't even get a chance to talk to your dad because he'll be in here in a minute. He is only right across the hall."

"No, Mama. Don't put me on time out," she cried and pleaded.

"Chelsea, now. You would be half way done with time out if you would just go to the time out step and sit there with out fighting me on it."

"Fine Mama." She said as she stomped to the step.

Alex walked out of Chelsea's room with the doll. She walked into the nursery and saw Dave managed to get the crib together. "Hey, you got the crib together," she said.

"Yeah, what's going on with Chelsea. I heard you yelling at her and I heard her screaming at you," he said as he put the mattress in the crib.

"Dave, I think we have a big problem."

"What do you mean?"

"I went in her room to see what she was up to. I called her name three times before she came out of the bathroom. She had that guilty look on her face that she did something wrong but she was going to hide it to stay out of trouble. I asked her why she was in the bathroom and she told me didn't do anything. I told I was going to go look and she told me no. Which I knew right there she did something wrong. I walk in the bathroom and find her markers laying on the sink and water in the tub. Of course she told me she didn't do it so I walk over to the tub and I find this," said Alex as she showed him the doll.

"Did she mutilate it?"

"What does it look like to you?"

"What in the hell is going on? Did she purposely draw the black and blue eye on it?"

"Yes, Dave. Then she threw it in the tub because she doesn't like it. Then she told me she doesn't want a brother. She wants it to be you, her and me. I told her she didn't really have a choice. I don't even know what to do."

"I thought she loved that doll?"

"That's what I thought too but look at it now. She completely destroyed it. I don't even know how to handle this situation."

"I don't know what to do. I have never had to deal with this. We should probably talk to her and see what her problem is. I mean if she's mutilating her dolls like this then you're right we do have a big problem but she could have gotten bored and done it for entertainment," said Dave.

"Isn't this a little bit sick for entertainment. I want to know where she learned to do this kind of stuff."

"She is kind of evil isn't she?"

"Dave, she's our daughter she is not evil. She obviously has some type of drama going on that's causing her to mutilate her dolls."

"Yeah you're having another baby."

"Yes, Dave because I got myself pregnant."

"Alex, I'm not saying it's your fault. I'm saying she's upset that you're having another baby. She knows that soon it won't be just her. And then with everything going on around here with the paparazzi and stuff she's acting out even more."

"All right, so let's talk to her and find out what is going on with her," said Alex.

"I was going to put the changing table together but I guess talking to her is more important."

They walked out of the baby's room and found Chelsea laying on the time out step. Alex forgot that she was even there. "Chelsea, let's go into your room and talk."

"Okay, Mama," said Chelsea. They walked into her bedroom. Chelsea sat on her bed and Alex sat next to her. Dave took the chair from her desk and sat on that across from them.

"Chelsea, what is going on with you lately?" asked Alex.

"I don't know, Mama. I just don't want to have a brother."

"Why?"

"Because Skylar told me that when her brother was born her mama and daddy stopped worrying about her. She said they only cared about the baby and they forgot all about her. I don't want my brother to come here and take you away from me."

Dave looked at Alex and then back at Chelsea and said, "Your brother isn't going to take us away from you. It's true that when new babies come mommies and daddies pay a lot of attention to them but you won't be forgotten about Chelsea. Babies can't do anything for themselves. They can't use the bathroom like you can and they can't feed themselves so mommies and daddies have to do everything for them. Babies take a lot of work but that doesn't mean that mama or daddy are going to forget about you. We will love you both the same."

"Really?"

"Yes, Chelsea. And you are going to have the best job of all. You get to be a big sister. You can help me out with him. You can help me change his diaper and you can play with him to keep him occupied while I'm cooking dinner. And like daddy said they can't do anything for themselves so as he gets bigger you can help teach him to be a big kid like you. You don't have to worry about your brother taking us away from you because he never will. Another good thing about being a big sister is he is going to look up to you so he can be a great person like you. And your other job is to protect him when he gets older and you two go to school together. I think you're going to be a very good big sister. Little Benjamin/Evan is going to love you."

"Really, Mama?"

"Yes but if you keep doing stuff like this then your brother is going to do bad things too."

"I'm sorry, Mama. I didn't mean to ruin my doll and I'm sorry I lied to you."

"It's okay, Chelsea but what you did was very wrong and it is a little scary that you could destroy a doll like this. Where did you learn to do this kind of stuff?"

"I learned it from Skylar. She draws on her dolls all the time."

"I see. I think you and Skylar need some time apart," said Dave.

"Why, Daddy?"

"Because you're learning bad things from her and I think it is better that you two don't play together for a while."

"Okay, Daddy."

"So no more play dates at Skylar's house for a while," said Dave.

"Chelsea, your daddy and me love you more than words can say and nothing is ever going to change that," said Alex.

"I love you too, Mama and Daddy," said Chelsea as she got up and hugged her mom and dad.

"Just don't do this kind of thing again. Okay?"

"Okay, Mama."

Dave and Alex got up and walked out of the room. "Do you think we should be worried?" asked Alex.

"Not right now but later on we might have to. Even though we just explained it to her that she's going to be a big sister and her brother isn't going to take us away from her I think the jealousy is still going to be there."

"That's true. She seems to be way too jealous."

"I know."

"Dave, speaking of kids and stuff like that. Have you heard from Athena at all?"

"No."

"Where is she?"

"I know she's with her friends. I told her to be home by 5:30 so she can eat dinner with us."

"Okay," said Alex. "I think I'm fixing to start cooking dinner it's getting late."

"All right and while you're cooking I'll be in the nursery putting the changing table together."

"Well, don't get too upset with the directions," said Alex with a laugh.

"You can always put it together and I'll cook dinner," said Dave.

"I'm sorry but I can't really lift anything heavy."

"Yeah. Use that as an excuse."

"I can for the next 2 months," she said with a smile.

"I know, I'm just kidding. I would never make you put a changing table together. So what are you making for dinner?"

"Cajun chicken, rice and collard greens," she said.

"Again with the spicy foods," he said.

"This is Louisiana. Everything is spicy."

"Yeah, but what about Chelsea isn't Cajun too hot for her?"

"No. She's crazy she can sit there and eat a jalapeño pepper without crying because it's too hot."

"And apparently this baby is going to be the same way with all the spicy foods you're feeding him."

"Or he could hate spicy foods. When I was pregnant with Chelsea all I wanted to eat was Chinese food and seafood. And she hates Chinese food and she doesn't like seafood either. Anyway. I'm going to go start dinner. I'll call you down when it's ready.'

"All right," said Dave as he walked into the nursery. Alex went downstairs to make dinner. Alex was cooking and Dave was getting upset with the directions on the changing table. When Alex was finished cooking dinner it was 6:00 p.m. and she called Dave and Chelsea down. When Dave got to the table he said, "Did Athena come home?"

"No, Dave," said Alex as she laid the food on the table.

"Did she call?"

"No. I haven't heard from her all day."

"I told her to be home by 5:30."

"Well, I guess she didn't feel like it. It's not a big deal. She doesn't need to eat with us."

"Yeah, but I told her 5:30 and she's still not here a half hour later."

"Dave, don't get upset. She'll be home. She has school tomorrow. She'll home by 9 at least that's the time I told her to be home on school nights."

"All right," he said.

After they ate dinner Alex gave Chelsea her bath and Dave washed the dishes. After Chelsea took her bath Alex put her to bed and went downstairs to talk with Dave. Dave was in the kitchen just finishing up the dishes. Alex walked into the kitchen "do you need any help?"

"No, I'm all right. You go sit in the living room. I'll be in in a minute."

"Okay," said Alex as she walked to the living room and took a seat on the couch.

Dave came in the living room shortly and sat next to Alex. "So when do you want me to set up this meeting with Bella?"

"I don't know. Whenever she wants to meet and discuss this."

"Okay. Do you want me to call her now?"

"Yeah. Call her and put her on speaker. I want to hear what she says," said Alex.

"Are you sure, Alex? She might say something that will upset you."

"I'm sure. I just want to make sure this tramp isn't hitting on you."

"All right," said Dave as he pulled out his phone. He dialed Bella's number. Bella's phone began to ring

"Dave?" answered Bella.

"Yeah, Bella. It's Dave." He said less than thrilled.

"What did you want gorgeous?" she asked which did kind of upset Alex that she called him gorgeous.

"Well, you're claiming that Kaylee is my daughter. I want to meet with you to discuss this situation. I mean I think we should talk about it."

"What is there to talk about Dave? Kaylee is your baby. She looks just like you."

"I would like to see her if she is my baby and we can discuss visitation and stuff like that."

"Okay. So how is your wife doing?"

Dave looked at Alex and she mouthed "I'm good but I'm not here."

"She's good but she's not here right now."

"Nice. So you're calling me when your wife isn't around?"

"Yeah."

"Good. So when do you want to meet?"

"I don't' know anytime is good for me. Can you get to Louisiana?"

"I can get to Louisiana and bring Kaylee with me. Where do you want to meet?"

"We can meet at my house," said Dave.

"At your house?"

"Yeah. At my house."

"Um that's creepy. Is your wife going to be there?"

Dave looked at Alex and she shook her head no."

"No. It's just going to be me and you," said Dave.

"You're going to meet with me alone in your house when your wife isn't there?"

"Absolutely."

"Dave, are you sure about that?"

"Yeah. Why not?"

"Because old feelings might come back and we might end up sleeping together. I'm all for secrecy from your wife and sleeping with you again but I don't' want to do it in the house you share with your wife."

Alex's face turned red and she covered her mouth before she flipped out.

"Bella, no one said anything about sleeping together. I'm not interested in you. I have a wife and she's pregnant. I have no interest in cheating on her."

"Well, we could meet next week if you want. And I know your wife is pregnant. She can't be attractive while she's pregnant. I know you want to be with someone that looks better."

"Bella, my wife looks very attractive when she's pregnant. Her body responds very well to the pregnancy. And sorry to break your heart but I'm not going to sleep with you."

"We will see, Dave. Anyway How does next Monday evening sound?"

"That works," said Dave.

"All right, gorgeous. I'll see you then," she said.

"Bye, Bella."

"Bye." said Bella.

Dave flipped the phone shut. "Are you happy? She thinks I want to screw her again."

"And when she gets here and sees me here she's in for a big surprise now isn't she?"

"Alex, don't hurt her."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean. Don't hurt the baby."

"It just sounded to me like you were trying to defend your mistress for a second there. And no one said anything about hurting anyone."

"I wasn't defending her. I'm telling you this is a bad idea."

"Everything will be fine," said Alex.

"Yeah you say that now but what if it ends up in a hospital trip?"

"Like I said everything will be fine."

"I hope so."

"And as for her thinking I'm actually going to let you meet with her when I'm not around is stupidity on her part."

"I never said she was smart," said Dave.

"Most tramps aren't."

"Trust me, Alex. She is really dumb."

"I know. She just better keep her filthy hands off of you."

"See you're already getting upset."

"No I'm not. I am just saying she better not touch you."

*A/N: and there is chapter 26. Alex doesn't seem as sweet as she used to be. Chelsea is kind of scary. Athena is most likely going to get in trouble and Bella thinks DAve wants to sleep with her again. Please tell me what you thought of this chapter. Please review! and thank-you for taking the time to read.

*Chapter 27: Is Dave really going to let Athena get away with breaking the rules? And Alex, Bella and Dave are going to have a meeting. I still think it's going to be a bad idea..a really BAD idea.