AN: What we're your thoughts on the last chapter. I'll admit I was in suspense myself writing it LOL. I hope you're all enjoying what's going on

Chapter 7

Courtneys POV

Sunday

9:00am

My whole body felt heavy I don't know if it was due to just wanting to stay in bed all day or wanting to hide from the world. Because right now it's what I wanted to completely disappear from reality, but I knew I couldn't.

The door lightly opened even with my eyes closed I could hear the faint sounds of little feet walking towards my bed, smiling knowing well it was my reason I couldn't let my weakness show let alone get to me.

Feeling movement on my bed along with the blanket being raised a small body rests against me, " mommy you okay? " asks Serenity sounding so loving it only makes my heart feel overwhelmed.

Her little hand gently caresses my face, " yes sweetie just mommy is tired " I sighed wrapping my arms around Serenity making her lightly giggle as I cuddle with her.

Truth be told with everything ( and I mean everything) that's happened over the past couple years til today I think I'm finally burned out.

After Duncan went to jail I thought I was going to lose my sanity but when I found out I was pregnant I had a new purpose and courage to keep going. I couldn't tell him but unfortunately he found out sooner then anticipated...

1 Day ago

Saturday Morning

1:00am

My breath was short, my body was shaking and my eyes were flooding with tears as the scenario that's been playing in my head was a reality and it was nothing like this one. Looking at Duncan he stood frozen on the spot his eyes wide open staring at our daughter who came out unexpectedly.

" Hi mommy " she says coming out slowly from the corner holding her teddy bear " honey why aren't you asleep? " I quivered quickly kneeling beside her, " I hear you " she answers before looking over at Duncan. Looking in the same direction I get anxious, " hi " Serenity greets her dad.

It surprised me to see her show no signs of being nervous or being scared, normally whenever she met new people she gets shy and hides. I wonder if she knew ( or felt ) something was different about Duncan.

Clearing his throat Duncan gets closer crouches down, " hello " he said softly " who him mommy? " Serenity asks keeping her eyes on him but before I could answer he beat me to it " I'm a friend of your mommy's " he replied looking at me as if to say " I know ". Looking back at me I nod yes to her " a friend of mommy? " Serenity asks smiling.

" Yeah I haven't seen her in a long time " he explains keeping himself calm Duncan asks nervously, " what's your name? "

Squeezing her teddy bear tightly I brace myself for what's coming next " Serenity " she answers making Duncans lips press together tightly then looks down to the floor. " Pretty name for a pretty girl like you " he says meeting his gaze with hers " you look just like your mommy " he compliments smiling at her lovingly.

Before anything else happened Bridgette came out, " hey cutie where did you go? " she asks nervously seeing us, " oh...uh...hi Duncan good to see you " she says smiling at him.

Smiling back at Bridgette " you too " he answers standing up, " come on honey...um mommy is talking to her friend " explains Bridgette trying to get Serenity away.

" Please sweetie time to go back to bed " I instruct gesturing her to go with Bridgette who reached for her hand attempting to lead her back to her room " but your friend mommy " Serenity said pointing at Duncan " young lady don't make me say it again " I said in a stern voice this time she nods knowing the rule of listening.

Slowly walking away with Bridgette she looks back at her dad " bye bye " she says waving which Duncan responds by waving back.

Once we heard the door close I stand up and start crying again, it took me every ounce to not break down.

Duncan inhale loudly causing me to jump a little " Courtney...one question one answer " he breaths looking right at me as I shook " is she my daughter? " Duncan asks exhaling " her eyes are just like mine ".

Shaking more I look at him " yes" I respond turning away from him walking over to the cupboard " I need a drink " I add quickly grabbing a glass then picked up the wine bottle.

My hand couldn't stop shaking that I spilled on the countertop, as soon as I got a decent amount poured I drank it as if it were a shot.

Without realizing Duncans hands were on both sides trapping me between himself and the counter, " why didn't you tell me? He asks his lips right beside my ear " you could of written to me Courtney " Duncan adds rolling his hands into fists.

Taking a breath I look up at the ceiling " I was so angry at you for not telling me anything Duncan how did you expect me to tell you something so important " I explain " and what could you have done to get me through the hardest 4 years of my life while you were in jail ?" I ask feeling more tears rolling down the sides of my face " Duncan it has been really hard ".

His arms hold me tight along with the side of his face press against mine, Duncans arms were always the safest place for me and it still was.

" I'm sorry...for everything you had to do alone, making the mistake that cost me everything " he says holding me " but especially not being their when you were pregnant Courtney " hearing the last part made my eyes open, " I would of been there for everything especially when giving her the name I love ".

Hearing him say that made me smile lightly " it suits her " I answer before realizing our current position " um...you can let go now " I say making sure to hide my face blushing.

Slowly letting go of me Duncan steps back a bit, " I just wanted to comfort you babe it's been awhile since Ive held you " he explains looking to the side " but one step at time I guess " he exhales.

Nodding I turn to look at him " thank you I appreciate it " I replied crossing my arms, " can I meet my daughter properly? " he asks surprising me I guess after everything he deserves that at least " yeah ' I answer...

* back to present *

We exchanged phone numbers and Duncan left afterwards, I needed the day to rest up after that emotional night/morning.

Tracy called me sometime yesterday afternoon asking if I was okay, I told her everything that happened including how Duncan briefly met his daughter for the first time. She was beyond shocked.

Aside from that she told me that our boss was still furious about the incident and that I could return to work Friday which was ridiculous, I was upset knowing that my cheque was going to be short.

But then again I was only working there til I finished school.

" Mommy " said Serenity standing on the bed, " yes honey " I yawned feeling that I was going to be getting up, " can I have cereal? " she asks realizing that it was already late morning, " okay lets go have breakfast now " I answered sitting up as Serenity carefully got out of bed and run out the bedroom.

Stretching out momentarily my phone buzzed on the night stand, picking it up I see Duncan's name show on the screen along with a text...

Duncan : Good morning, I know it's short notice but can I come by later to meet Serenity

The tired feeling has now officially left me forever.

AN: I really contemplated to either keep going or to leave it here. Hard decision honestly I think it'll work. Lots was going on so I think splitting it was a good call. The next chapter will be longer. Enjoy for now