AN: Continuing on with from previous chapter, another long chapter

Chapter 12

Courtney's POV

I pulled out an album from a drawer underneath the coffee table. " That's sneaky " said Duncan impressed as I opened the album on the surface of the table, " here it is " I said pointing at Serenity's first picture as a new born.

Duncan swallowed trying not to cry " she was so small " he breathed " I wish I could of been there Courtney " he adds looking the collection of new born pictures.

" I did too especially during the birth " I sighed remembering what happened during and after...


* Flashback *

Hospital

9:00pm

On the way to the hospital I tried calling both my parents multiple times trying to inform them that I'm in labor early, but neither one answered.

Meanwhile Geoff was trying to focus on getting us there in one piece while going over the speed limit while chanting...

" baby is coming baby is coming baby is coming "

I was in the back seat feeling my contractions starting to get closer, Bridgette was sitting in the front coaching me to breath as well as telling Geoff to slow down.

Suddenly I felt the baby move down and as much as I didn't want to panic everyone " guys I hate to say this but we're not going to make it the baby is coming " I breathed holding my stomach.

" WHAT!!! COURTNEY HOLD THE KID IN!!! " screeched DJ as he scurries away from me " thank god we're here...DJ run inside and get a wheel chair " Bridgette orders as Geoff pulls up to the emergency entrance. Once the car stopped DJ ran inside while Geoff and Bridgette immediately got out and helped me, but trying to stand was impossible for me.

Thankfully at that moment DJ arrived with the wheelchair along with two nurses. Once in the chair one of the nurses pushed me inside, Bridgette came with me while the other nurse instructed DJ to park the car and Geoff got the bags.

11:00pm

After checking in then changing into a gown the labor just kept getting intense.

When the nurse checked to see how dilated I was they happily said I was 6 1/2 centimetres and progressing well. As much as I was pleased to hear that I honestly wanted this over.

I couldn't wait to meet the baby but it's true labor is the worst, I was gripping the sides of the hospital bed trying to get through my current contraction which hurt like a motherfucker.

" Remember inhale and exhale " says Bridgette in a calm voice while placing a cold towel on my forehead " trying to trying...eeergh " I exclaimed feeling another contraction this one was really painful.

Just then DJ with a pitcher of ice and Geoff who was holding his phone walked into the room " how's it going? " DJ asks nervously " do you really want to know " I answer glaring at him for asking a stupid question.

" Hey Courtney I'm just making a little video so that we can remember this day anything you wanna say? " asks Geoff approaching me pointing his phone at me which was the worst idea.

I currently was sweaty, tired, my hair was tied up in a messy bun and I was in the worst kind of pain that was none existent to me til today.

" Uh Geoff " warned Bridgette and DJ looking scared along with taking a few steps back.

Without warning I grabbed Geoff's shirt in a very not so happy mood...

" Duncan if you ever watch this just know that I would be breaking your hands to the point of unrepairable along...UGH!!! " unable to continue another painful contraction came.

Grabbing Geoff's arm I squeezed it tight to the point I might of heard a bone crack...

" DUNCAN YOU ASSHOLE YOU DID THIS TO ME!!! AND I HATE YOU!!! " I scream " SHES BREAKING MY ARM!! " screeched Geoff trying to escape my grasp.

2:30am

Finally I was at 10 centimetres.

After my outburst I sincerely apologized to Geoff which he accepted even though I nearly crushed his arm, he walked away with a sore arm that was getting iced. Afterwards both DJ and Bridgette took turns coaching me through my breathing.

When it was time to push Bridgette stayed in the room with me while the guys waited outside.

As soon as everything was set it was time, the Doctor was at the foot of the bed along with two nurses...

" Alright Courtney on this next contraction you're going to push " instructed the doctor, nodding I couldn't help but start crying, " hey it's gonna be okay you got this " encouraged Bridgette standing beside me" I'm so scared what if I ruin the baby's life " I cried feeling my contraction coming...

" Push Courtney " ordered the Doctor...

And with that I started pushing " OH GOD OH GOD " I screeched using all my strength " you won't ruin this baby's life " said Bridgette before I stop pushing...

Catching my breath I looked up at the doctor " Good first push Courtney here comes another...push now " instructed the doctor followed by me pushing again.

Shutting my eyes tightly as a way to forget the intense pain of my lower half getting ripped apart, " I am alone Duncan doesn't know about our baby because I couldn't tell him " as I cried my regrets...

" And stop great job Courtney we see the head coming "...

falling back on the bed feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by not only pushing but for Duncan being left out of this moment " Bridge I'm so tired I can't do this anymore " I breathed as tears fell.

" Listen Courtney you can do this and I know deep down you wanted Duncan here and eventually your going to tell him " answers Bridgette as she helps me sit up and grabs my hand.

Looking at me with a stern expression she speaks " your going to be an incredible mom to this baby who will be raised right and strong now be the bossy CIT chick I met on total drama and PUSH just like how you got through every challenge we faced ".

I never heard such a motivational speech before but it was exactly what I needed especially with everything I've had to go through.

" Push Courtney " orders the Doctor...

Taking a deep breath I start pushing again...

" Here comes the head "...

My breathing became hyperventilated quickly a nurse placed an oxygen mask on me, since this stage was known as the ring of fire because the head and shoulders were the hard parts to get through.

( AN: it's an actual term a few friends with babies told me it's the worst part of delivering )

" The head is out Courtney keep going "...

I was extremely exhausted and lightheaded, but I knew I had to push with everything so I gave it my all.

The last thing I remember was hearing a ringing sound along with a loud cry and faint voices before everything around me went black...

" COURTNEY!!! " someone screamed...


? Days Later

9:30am

My eyes slowly started to open everything looked blurry but then it was clearing up. Sitting beside me was Bridgette and Geoff leaning against one another sleeping on chairs.

Turning to the other side was DJ sleeping on another chair. They all stayed I can't believe it. Slowly sitting up on the hospital bed I pull down the oxygen mask only to start crying.

" Courtney " gasps Geoff making me turn which also got Bridgette and DJ to wake up, " I'll go get a nurse " he adds getting up to go find someone, " thank goodness your okay " cries Bridgette hugging me " yeah you scared us there " said DJ putting a hand on my shoulder.

Feeling exhausted I only remember pushing then passing out " what happened? I asked looking at them.

Bridgette started tearing up a bit " Courtney you passed out from lack of oxygen and blood loss " she whimpered " you needed a blood transfusion they rushed me out of the room right away after you gave birth " wiping tears away from her eyes.

My eyes opening up I panicked " the baby is my baby okay? " I ask looking around not seeing my baby anywhere " it's okay your baby is just fine it's in the nursery " says DJ calming me " you've been out for 2 days Courtney we couldn't leave you alone " he adds smiling.

Feeling choked up hearing what they were saying I couldn't help but feel lucky and blessed to have them all here.

Geoff came walking in smiling entering the room with a nurse following him while gently pushing in a clear baby bassinet, " hello Miss.Preston " she greets smiling but all my eyes could focus on was the little pink blanket " someone wants to meet you " she adds bringing the bassinet next to the bed.

Tears were already flowing, " here get comfy " said Bridgette helping me sit up against pillows that DJ put behind me so that I could be comfortable.

The nurse gently picks up the baby then walks over to me " congratulations mommy it's a girl " said the nurse carefully placing my daughter in my arms, " she's perfectly healthy " adds the nurse.

My eyes couldn't stop looking at my daughter, she was bundled up in a pink blanket and wearing a little matching pink hat. " Hi little one it's me mommy " I whisper before lightly kissing her forehead " I promise I'm gonna do everything to make sure you have a good life for now on ".

How is it possible that I already love someone I just met so much, to the point that nothing else in this world matters but this life I brought into the world.

" She looks just like you Courtney " said Bridgette smiling looking at the baby " yeah no doubt " whimpers DJ trying to hold his tears " hey look her eyes are moving " says Geoff making us wait to see if she will fully open them.

When she did myself and the others gasp " wow " exclaims DJ " well looks like she inherited something from Duncan " said Bridgette looking up at me " either way she's perfect " I answer looking into her blue - green eyes which only make me smile more " so what's her name going to be? " asks Geoff smiling.

Upon hearing that question I immediately knew which name to give her, " Geoff do you mind recording and don't worry I won't break your arm " I joked making the others laugh...


* End Of Flashback *

Turning the TV on I connect my phone to it so that I can play a video.

Sitting back on the couch with Duncan watching my every move waiting for me to say something " when this was recorded I honestly thought we would never see each other again " I explain keeping calm " but also to keep this memory " I add before pressing play and our eyes on the screen...

* Video *

~ View of the hospital floor shows then Geoff's face shows ~

" Okay I got it...* clears throat * what's up world so it's been 2 days...we got a bit of scare but Courtney is up and she's doing okay " explained Geoff giving a thumbs up...

~ turns camera to face Courtney holding the baby looking at her with deep affection along with Bridgette and DJ ~

" It's a special moment as today mother and baby are meeting for the first time " says Bridgette smiling...

~ Everyone looks at the camera waving ~

" Hi " greets Courtney with Bridgette and DJ waving...

" And here cuddled up in mommy's arms is our new killer bass team mate " says Geoff rolling his fist...

" Welcome to the team sweetie " cheered Bridgette quietly " yeah little sunshine your a killer bass for life just like your parents " says DJ smiling.

~ Courtney gets emotional looking back at the baby ~

" Would you like to announce her name Courtney " asks DJ excited " I can't wait to know " said Geoff pointing the camera at himself for a second before returning back to Courtney...

Thinking momentarily everyone waited " I'm gonna go with the name her dad loves " starts Courtney " everyone I'd like you to meet Serenity...Serenity Rose Preston " she whimpers looking at her daughter...

" Aw that's a beautiful name " said everyone together...

Just then Serenity was moving her head against Courtney's chest trying to feel or want something...

" Oh I think she's hungry " says Bridgette trying to gesture to both DJ and Geoff to exit the room...

~ Camera is shown looking away and showing Geoff ~

" Oops...Uh we'll go now DJ let's get some grub bro " said Geoff walking out of the room " right behind you " answers DJ following behind.

" Okay that's it for now later everyone " says Geoff before turning off his phone.


* End Of Video *

Pausing the video I turn to look at Duncan currently sitting still, I wasn't sure what was on his mind so I waited for him to gather his thoughts.

" Duncan I'm so sorry I never told you anything and for missing everything " I spoke looking at him not responding or saying a word. It was making me nervous seeing him like this. " I'll understand if you never forgive me ".

Finally moving Duncan exhales " Courtney I already forgive you...you didn't have a choice plus you showed me these and that matters to me " he answers looking back between the screen and the photo album on the table " but if you had written to me about Serenity I would of reached out to my parents to help you " he adds looking at me. " If you had read my letters Courtney you could of eventually mentioned it ".

Expressing a look of confusion " what letters? " I asked " I wrote to you every week Courtney but I never heard anything " Duncan answers confused " I never got any letters from you " I replied feeling my chest hurt a little.

My eyes open up coming to a conclusion " my parents they must of taken your letters out of our mail before I could even look " I explain putting my face in my hands " all this time I thought you didn't want nothing to do with me " I whimper only imagining what Duncan was thinking of me in jail.

" Hey it's okay your parents are the worst but also " says Duncan uncovering my face " there was no way I could not want nothing to do with you, if anything I thought after what happened you didn't want anything to do with me " he explained holding my hands.

Looking at Duncan sad I speak " I was mostly mad at you for not contacting me instead you had your parole officer call me, how could you have someone do that? " getting upset recalling that phone call.

" Yeah that was a lousy move on my part I was such a coward for not manning up to talk to his woman about going to jail " he explains making me blush hearing him say " his woman ".

I was about to say something til Duncan spoke " but also while being sentenced to go to jail it made me realize I didn't deserve you and lost everything we could of had " my heart sank listening to his words.

Squeezing his hands " Duncan you do deserve so much like I said your a good man and I'm proud of you of how far you've come especially for being a good dad to your daughter " I replied smiling at him.

Duncan stares at our hands " thank you princess " he whispers raising his hand to my chin " your welcome " I breath nervously feeling my heart beating fast.

My breathing starts getting slow and no doubt my cheeks were red, Duncan gently pulls my chin towards him along with seeing him lean towards me. Our lips were inches away from touching, oh god his lips...


" Mommy Daddy "

Our eyes open up and we immediately pull apart looking to see Serenity enter the living room rubbing her eyes..

" Hi sweetie " I greet her as she walks towards us " hi honey did you have a good nap? " asks Duncan holding his arms out towards her " Uh Hu " yawns Serenity as Duncan lifts her up to the couch.

" What you doing? " Serenity asks looking between us " uh we were just talking " I answer smiling at her " yes we were just using our lips to talk " Duncan teases along with winking at me only to make me blush again.

Thinking of something to talk about an idea came to mind " how about we watch a movie " I suggest looking at Serenity getting excited " good idea " Duncan replies " yay, can we watch beauty and beast ? " asks Serenity mentioning her favourite movie " okay " I answer knowing there's no other choice.

As Serenity went to look for her movie I went to the kitchen to make some popcorn knowing it's no movie night without it " need help " asks Duncan following me.

My face going red I look at Duncan " Uh...sure do you wanna get some sodas from the fridge and juice for Serenity " I answer opening the cabinet to get the popcorn out.

I can't believe we almost kissed my heart was still racing, just stay calm you can handle this Courtney. Plus there's no way Duncan would be vulnerable to do anything with Serenity around.

As I took the popcorn out of the wrapper I put it in the microwave once the time was set the fridge opened meaning Duncan was getting the drinks, all good.

All of a sudden I'm turned around quickly and next thing I knew Duncan's lips were on mine, pulling away from him I look around to see if Serenity wasn't anywhere.

" Are you crazy? " I asked looking back at Duncan before checking if Serenity wasn't in the kitchen or living room " I said next time " said Duncan smiling " come on babe you liked it " he adds teasing as I turn my back to him.

Feeling a sudden rush of heat throughout my body I'll admit it was a good kiss well really good, god why?

Just then I feel lips on my neck along with hands rubbing my thighs making me gasp, " w - we c-ca s-sto..." unable to finish what I was saying. Shit! That overpowering chill that I haven't felt in so long was coming back and it was only with Duncan that I ever felt this sensation with.

One of Duncan's hands take out a pin from my hair letting it fall, " I like your hair down " he whispers very seductively into my ear.

Turning towards Duncan I kiss him again only this time I wrap my arms around his neck followed by his arms around my waist. He presses me against the counter for a second then lifts me up onto the counter top.

We continue to make out aggressively I wrap my legs around his waist to bring him closer. I know he said that he still loves me but if I'm doing this with him then clearly that means I still feel the same for him...right?

" Found beauty and beast " announced Serenity making us quickly pull apart from one another ( again ).

Holding her favourite movie in hand we compose or fix ourselves to show as if nothing happened.

" That's great " we both say at the same time " why don't you go wait for us in the living room " I said just as the microwave goes off " and I got the drinks " adds Duncan grabbing them from the counter " okay " answers Serenity before leaving.

Grabbing the popcorn out of the microwave then putting it in a big bowl I make my way out of the kitchen with Duncan behind me.

While watching the movie we glanced at one another every so often most likely thinking of what happened before Serenity came in.

One things for sure this was gonna be something...or a new beginning?

AN: Hope everyone is doing good