AN: Hope everyone is enjoying what's happening so far?

Previous Chapter:

" Duncan? "

My eyes open up to the max recognizing the one voice that I never forgot. Turning to look there standing with a shocked expression was...

" C-Courtney "

Chapter 5

Normal POV

Maple Brown Community College

2:15pm

The afternoon arrived so quickly that some were surprised by how the time flew, from lectures to papers to exams or term assignments due.

As soon as the class ended Courtney checked to have everything before leaving, after dropping off Serenity at pre school she arrived to her class just before the professor arrived.

When she was in high school Courtney would always arrive early to go make sure all assignments were ready as well as study before class but now a days it was making sure her daughter was getting plenty of attention, having what she needs and once that was done Courtney would do her school work.

Walking out of the class room she hurried off to keep her promise to pick up. Serenity which finished 3:00pm.

Making her way towards the entrance she glanced around seeing everyone relaxed and enjoying time with there fellow classmates, " everyone is lucky to have the time and freedom " thought Courtney to herself walking, " I made my decision and knew the road wasn't going to be easy " she adds finally reaching the entrance.

This was her 2nd year of attending college for her law degree she was working towards, nothing was going to stop her in working towards a better life not only for herself but her daughter.

Walking at a quick pace the streets were busy with traffic and people moving in all directions that needed to get to there destinations and Courtney was amongst the many.

2:30pm

Noticing that her regular route was busier then normal Courtney took a different way she also thought to herself that it could be quicker to get to her destination who knows she might get to the preschool early.

Walking down the unfamiliar area Courtney heard her phone ringing.

Continuing to walk down the street she opens her purse, hearing the ring she searched frantically for her cellphone but no luck. Grunting she looks more until suddenly a howling sound from behind her is heard.

" Hello Foxy "

Stopping for a moment hearing the cheesiest pickup line ever Courtney rolling her eyes ignoring whoever the loser was.

" Hey Sexy, we should hang out "

Taking a deep breath telling herself to ignore the comments Courtney finally finds her cellphone that had stopped ringing.

" Yes found you " she said looking at the screen to see that she missed a call from Bridgette, " I'll call her back " noticing the crosswalk Courtney presses the button only to once again hear another disrespectful howl.

Closing her eyes and inhaling Courtney stays calm " don't let them get to you " she chants to herself waiting to cross.

Just then a louder whistle is heard along with more disgusting profanity making her react...

" Hey baby those are some nice curves you got, do you mind if I explore them sometime "

Suddenly forgetting how annoyed she was Courtney froze hearing this voice and it sounded very familiar...

" Maybe even those beautiful legs too "

Her body shaking she slowly turns, eyes opening wide she looks at the owner of the voice.

" Duncan "

Duncan's POV

I've had the air from my lungs knocked out of me before but I think I was in need of an oxygen tank.

" C-Courtney " I stutter trying to tell myself this wasn't a dream or a mirage I was seeing. Resting my hands on my knees I continue looking back at her.

Taking a deep breath I stand straight and take a step forward, she shakes her head, " no don't come near me " she said looking back at the crosswalk before I could take another step the crosswalk signals to cross.

Watching her quickly run to the other side only made the pain of losing her come back, I wasn't going to let that happen again.

Suddenly sprinting in the same direction she went I ran after her...

" COURTNEY WAIT!!!! " I shout running across the street to catch her. I wasn't going to lose her again I won't.

I made it across just before the lights changed and when I did she was easily spotted not far down the block. Courtney was trying to run but I could easily catch up.

" COURTNEY STOP!!! " I shout speeding up once I was close enough I grabbed the strap of her bag pulling forcefully back towards me so that I had her trapped in my arms.

Both our breathing was heavy from running, " I...I...got you " I breathed holding her tight. I feel her shaking in my grasp " what's wrong? " I asked loosening my arms.

Turning to face me Courtney shoves me back with all her strength making me stumble back.

" You've got nerve Duncan...you are still the same neanderthal...and asking what's wrong " she states while I compose myself listening to her. " I believed in you...that you would change...I had hopes for us " as tears started forming in her eyes.

" Courtney I'm s..." not finishing I feel a hard sting across my face and I knew that was her hand.

" Do you have any idea what I've been through these past 4 years..." breathed Courtney fighting to keep her tears from falling " but you know what we've been good without you and we're better off without you " she added quickly before running off again.

I stood there stunned by what just happened, 4 years have changed her I couldn't imagine what happened after she found out about me going to jail or knowing when I got released.

Touching where she slapped me I hissed feeling pain, boy did she have a good swing. Turning back I kept repeating what she said the one thing that confused me was why did she say " we ".

( AN: _~ )

Courtney's POV

Once I was far enough away I finally let my tears fall covering my mouth so that I wouldn't let anyone hear me.

Why? why now at this moment is he showing up? He was supposed to be in jail?

I thought I was finished crying over him, I kept telling myself that he wasn't part of my life anymore, that I would never let him back and that I would forget him. But seeing him today was beyond harder then I would of imagined.

Quickly pulling my phone out of my jacket I try dialling Bridgette's number with shaking hands...

A few rings and she answered...

Bridgette: Hey, I tried calling you? Everything okay?

Wiping my tears away I speak...

Me: No I'm not. I'm just on my way to pick up Serenity from pre school, please can you come over tonight?

Looking up I see the school coming into my view

Bridgette: Definitely I'll come over tonight after work, do you need anything?

I stop momentarily as I try to calm down

Me: I could use some wine

With how I was feeling right now a bottle or 2 of wine was definitely going to be needed

Bridgette: Sure no problem

Me: Awesome, I gotta go now

After we hung up I wiped my eyes and hoped that I didn't look like I had just been crying.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling I go to the main entrance towards the classroom where I see outside the kids are lined up with Zoe waiting for parents to pick them up.

" Mommy " greets Serenity waving at me in excitement which somehow made me forget the overwhelmed feeling I was experiencing.

" Hi sweetie " I said bending down with open arms as she ran to me. Once in my arms I felt so happy holding Serenity it always put a smile on my face ( or anyone ) even during hard times she always gave me strength.

" Hello again Courtney " greets Zoe coming to us, " hello Zoe I hope everything went good " I answer holding Serenity's hand, " everything was great and Serenity had fun today " Zoe explained smiling at her.

Smiling at Serenity I'm relieved to see her happy, " that's great I'm so glad she had a nice time " I reply knowing I'll be told lots on the way home. " I really like school now mommy " she gushed that even her eyes brightened up. Looking at her blue-green orbs only reminded me more of the unexpected encounter I just had with her father who doesn't know of her, it's probably selfish of me to have kept this secret for so long but what else was I to do?

" Let's go home sweetie auntie Bridgette is visiting today " I said as we started walking towards the entrance, " okay...bye Miss.Zoe " said Serenity waving by to her teacher who waved back at her.

As Zoe finished waving she turned back to the remaining kids waiting in line, " alright everyone your parents should be here shortly " she said smiling at her students.

Just then a little boy with messy textured black hair, light tanned skin, green eyes, wearing a green t-shirt with a hand print and black cargo pants raised his hand up to get Zoe attention. " Yes Louis " she said walking up to him. " Um...Miss.Zoe...c-c-can I ask something? " he answers in a shy voice with his hands gripping the straps of his backpack, " of course you can " Zoe replies looking at Louis.

( AN: any guesses on who's son it is? )

Leaning into her ear he uses a hand to cover what he was about to say, " is she angel? " he asks making Zoes eyes open up, " oh..uh who Louis? " asks Zoe surprised by the questions being asked by a 3 year old. His cheeks turning red and digging his heel to the floor " Serenity " he mumbles feeling embarrassed. Feeling stunned by what she was just told Zoe also finds the situation adorable, realizing that Louis had a little crush.

Just as Zoe was about to say something another child's parents arrived, going up to meet them she went up to them.

Louis smiled lightly thinking of his angel but it was interrupted by a laughing making his frown at who it was.

" Oh Louis " said the child behind him speaking in a mild accent, " what Miguel " answers Louis looking forward ignoring the smug look he was getting from his classmate

Miguel was a mix of Mexican and Asian, his skin was on the darker side from his father, light brown eyes with traces of green, and he had medium dark brown thick hair that reached his shoulders. He wore a red shirt with a white undershirt, blue jeans and a small bull head necklace.

( AN : any guesses LOL )

It was only day one of preschool and still more days to come.

Duncan's POV

5:00pm

After walking back to the shop I walk past everyone ignoring their questions regarding the hand print on my face and went into my office. Sitting quietly at my desk I use a finger to roll a pencil.

My mind was at a loss with what happened today, seeing Courtney was what I've wanted for 4 years. And to finally see her didn't go as I had hoped if we saw each other. Howling and cat calling wasn't exactly how I wanted to see her, which reminds me to come up with a good penalty for Tony and Tye.

Bringing a hand to the side of my face I hiss feeling the sting, " and I thought her kick to the boys was bad " I said out loud.

* knock * * knock *

" Yeah " I answer looking at my door open revealing Tye and Tony, " hey Duncan " they said together in a nervous tone of voice making me raise an eyebrow, " uh we feel bad for what happened with the hottie " said Tye making me cross my arms over my chest " we brought you an ice pack to help with that...you know " adds Tony holding out the ice pack which I gladly accepted and put on my face. These twins definitely were mischief but they're okay at times.

( AN: Character Description: Tony and Tye are twins, they're one of the older members of the auto shop and knew the former owner. They both had slim body types with very little muscle but they are strong, dark blue eyes, and dirty blonde hard. Only difference is Tye had a short mullet and Tony had a medium buzz cut )

" For the events of today your both volunteering to clean the entire shop on Sunday " I said removing the ice pack " we deserved that " answered Tony while Tye nodded, " lesson learned no more howling at chicks " he said scratching the back of his head, " it amazes me that your both married " I remark grinning at that fact.

" Okay okay we get it enough already geez " they both said together only to make me laugh, " sorry I had to get you back for what happened today and for calling my ex girlfriend a hottie " I explain as my expression changes to feeling down again.

" So thats her...Courtney? " asks Tony as his eyes open, " no way we knew you've been trying to find her but who would of thought that fate would lead her to your shop and us howling at her would be the way to see her again " said Tye only to get frowns from both myself and Tony, " shut up " said his brother which is exactly what I would of said right now that or throw something at him.

I could still hear what Courtney said...

" do you have any idea what Ive been through these past 4 years "

Hearing her say that hurt especially when I was the bigger coward of not calling her when I had gotten arrested, I knew that I had ruined any chance of proving those who didn't believe me I was changing all because of the decision I made

" but you know what we've been good without you and we're better off without you "

I couldn't figure out what Courtney meant by " we " or did I hear her wrong?

Apart from that I also couldn't believe how insanely beautiful she was now, I remember how hot she was when we were 16. She's definitely changed since, her body has more curves, she grew her hair and lastly it was very noticeable that her breasts got bigger. She was a fine piece of art.

Deep in my thoughts I didn't realize the guys were trying to get my attention, " yo Duncan earth to you boss " calls Tony waving his hand in front of my face getting me to come back to reality, " what? " I asked annoyed looking at him " 2 guys just walked in they said they know you " explains Tony pointing out my door.

Getting up from my chair I make my way to the front making my way past multiple cars and tool chests as soon as the front comes into view I see a familiar cow boy hat and a tall guy with there backs facing me...

Just as I was about to say something they both turn around making my eyes open up the 2nd time today...

" DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE " shouts Geoff running up to me " YO MAN!!!! " shouts DJ following behind Geoff.

Next thing I knew a huge smile is on my face and I run up to them, " NO WAY!!!!! " I shout back at this point I'm sure everyone in the shop heard the commotion going on in the front.

Once the three of us got to one another DJ lifted me up in a hug and I bumped fists with Geoff.

After a few minutes we stood outside of the shop still feeling the excitement. " Dude what the heck when did you get out? " asks Geoff smiling " yeah you should of contacted us if we had known you got out early we would of picked you up " said DJ putting a hand on my shoulder, " we said we would be here when you got back " sighed Geoff looking hurt.

Looking at the ground I sighed, " I know guys and I remember but after I got out I kinda needed sometime to recover " I explained looking back my best friends, " let me tell you jail another level then Juvi " I add resting my head against the wall.

Geoff looked at me with an understanding expression, " that's understanding man just a call would of been enough to let us know your back " he said holding his fist out waiting for me to bump it, " alright I will " I answered bumping his fist back. " We're glad your back Duncan and that you got something great going for yourself " said DJ looking at my auto-shop.

Grinning with pride " yeah who would of thought I'd own the best auto shop in town "...

" For sure be proud of that and don't let anyone tell you that you couldn't make something of yourself " Geoff replies admiring the inside, " heck I'm sure Courtney would be impressed too" added Dj only to make me feel like I got hit by thunder.

Exhaling heavily " Uh yeah about her guys I actually saw her today " I explain leaning against the wall, " Oh " they both say looking nervous, " so how did it go? " asks Geoff looking uneasy and nervous, " not good " I sighed lightly kicking the ground, " so then she told about your--mmmph " before DJ could finish Geoff quickly covered his mouth with both hands along with shushing him, " dude, remember " he whispers with a finger in front of his teeth.

In the time I knew Geoff I never once seen him react like this to anyone, " you guys okay? And what do you mean about your? " I ask getting suspicious of there behaviour.

Turning to me both of them look at me, " just that when you went to jail Courtney took the news hard " explains Geoff looking sad " yeah she was depressed and angry for months " adds DJ rubbing his arm. " I think what hurt her most out of it was not hearing anything from you? Geoff said putting his hands in his pockets while DJ nodded.

That's all I needed to hear knowing my guess was right that Courtney was angry at me the whole time I was away but also I was confused about something, " I could imagine everything she went through but I sent letters and I never heard back " I replied thinking of the times I wrote to her.

DJ and Geoff looked at each other for a moment, " you did? " DJ asks as I only nod.

" Well I hate to cut this short guys but I should get back to work " I said only to realize what I just said, " wow Duncan wanting to go back to work hell has definitely frozen over " teased Geoff making my eyes roll, " shut up I gotta make a living I actually enjoy" I replied smiling.

" Hey we should all go hang out " suggests Dj getting both myself and Geoff excited " yeah guys night out " cheered Geoff raising his arms up, " definitely I'm in " I answer looking forward to an actual guys night out.

Courtneys POV

6:30pm

Apartment

" What you saw him? " exclaims Bridgette with a shocked expression and holding her wine glass.

We sat at my dining table with a bottle of wine between us and me currently working on my second glass. Putting my glass down I lightly rub the side of my head, " I never thought we would see each other " I said looking at the red liquid in my glass " so did you tell him about her? " asks Bridgette putting an arm on mine. We both look over to Serenity who was quietly playing with her toys wearing her pink onesie pjs.

Taking a breath " no I can't " I answer feeling overwhelmed, " and I couldn't just say it right there at that moment I was so angry at him " I add taking another sip.

Looking concerned Bridgette speaks, " look I understood that you were mostly angry at Duncan for not telling you himself what happened but he must of felt ashamed for getting in trouble " she explains to me as I hold back tears, " but also Courtney you need to tell him " she states " you have done an incredible job with everything so far but you know well that keeping this secret from Duncan is not right or healthy ".

Biting my bottom lip to prevent me from crying so that Serenity wouldn't get concerned hearing me cry, " I've tried picturing what his reaction would be if I ever told him and it's always the same...unpredictable " I say looking at Bridgette, " it's true but also we never know til you try " Bridgette answers taking a sip from her glass, " honestly I think Duncan would be a great dad " she adds smiling.

Resting my head on my palm, " I need more time " I sighed " I just can't randomly go up to him and say hey Duncan we have a baby that you didn't know about " I added laughing lightly as I mentally pictured that scenario, " I agree that would be a lot in one go " said Bridgette giggling.

7:30pm

After chatting more about my encounter with Duncan and encouraged to tell him about our daughter, Bridgette went home a while later. Even though it was a big call to make deep down I knew that I needed to tell him. I just hope that he doesn't reject her, like my own parents did. Shaking my head to not recall the past I glance at the clock seeing that it was bedtime.

" Okay honey bedtime " I announce going to the living room only to catch her yawning meaning good call. " Bedtime now " she yawns while rubbing her eyes " that's right lets brush our teeth " I said picking her up to go to the bathroom.

Once her teeth were brushed I tuck her into bed, " pretty light " she said pointing to her lamp that shine stars when turned on " good night my baby " I whisper before kissing her cheek, " good night mommy " answers Serenity before drifting to sleep. I guess the day at preschool must of tuckered her out.

Quietly closing her door I go to the dining table to clean up the glasses and put the wine away followed by picking up Serenity's toys left on the floor.

Sighing heavily I think about everything. I was practically alone throughout my pregnancy, Duncan in Jail, my parents verbal and emotional abuse that lead me to finally rebelling and moving us somewhere away from them. All in 4 years. Maybe Bridgette was right I think it's time for Duncan to meet his daughter.

AN: Getting their, let me know what you think _