Chapter 15:

Aww hell naw, Shaun thought. The last thing she needed was another setback because of this kid, "Lil D it's late, you should rest now and talk to Matthew later."

"Don't worry Shaun this won't take long" Destiny replied.

Something about her tone put a smile on Shaun's face. Sounds like she's finally gonna kick the kid to the curb...good.

"Are you sure? I can stick around..." Shaun offered.

"No, I've got this" She assured.

Matthew walked into her room unsure of what to expect. Since she woke up, she had been civil at best, tolerating his visits because she'd rather have ANYONE there than be alone and scared in her hospital room. She laid down the law though, letting him know that he had to respect that she just didn't remember him.

He agreed to respect it but made it clear he'd never give up on her; she smirked "Whatever, long as you don't try to kiss me hello again".

Matthew smiled "So I can kiss you goodbye?"

His Destiny would've laughed at his obvious ribbing in the past but not anymore, "You just try and see what happens..." a toothy grin accompanying her threat.

"You can't really expect me to not want a kiss from the loveliest lady in Llanview..." Matthew threw in with his puppy dog eyes. She could never resist 'em.

Destiny chuckled, "And YOU can't expect ME to fall for that line."

Matthew had to admit, that sounded like his Destiny, blunt. However, she also possessed this new personality that was indifferent towards him. It was like invasion of the body snatchers; she looked and sounded like his girlfriend but her behavior was so different from the girl he'd fallen in love with over the past three years. It was impossible for him to accept he was nothing more than a stranger in her eyes. He continued to visit everyday hoping he could spark an ember of her memory.

Thus far, she mostly asked questions about school assuming he was a classmate with a crush. After all, she still thought Darren was her boyfriend, until today.

The doctor thought it would be a good idea to wait and monitor her stats before springing any emotional trauma her way.

Matthew understood. He had refrained from any interactions with their child until she was told he was the father. He was trying to be patient for weeks now, but he just couldn't stand to hear her think DARREN was their baby's father.

He knew he was selfish to blurt out the truth once it spewed from his lips. He should have been worried about a relapse but honestly, he was more afraid of her slipping further away.

He hoped if she knew they were irrevocably connected maybe her love for him would come rushing back...but boy was he wrong. That stunt just gave Shaun more ammunition to further destroy his character in her eyes.

Naturally, she believed everything Shaun said and why wouldn't she? It's probably how the whole town saw him anyway.

He scrambled to set Shaun straight knowing Destiny was within earshot. When she called him in, Matthew guessed the next couple of minutes would determine the state of their relationship.

He was more terrified than he wanted to admit.

Thankfully, she didn't begrudge him when he greeted his baby. He rubbed her belly while he bent down and crooned his love, "Hi sweetie, it's Daddy. I hope you haven't been kicking your Mommy too much."

He gazed lovingly into her eyes while still rubbing her tummy. Ok, he's getting creepy...Destiny pushed his hand away, she'd allowed him enough "baby time".

She wasn't thrilled with his daily visits; it was way weird the way he looked at her like he waiting for her to return his feelings. After what she just heard, now she understood he was waiting for his old reliable "Doormat Destiny" to reemerge.

After everything Shaun said, why would she even WANT him? Hadn't he hurt her enough? She was determined to set this guy straight and on his way.

"Is what Shaun said true? Am I lying in this hospital and pregnant because of you?" Destiny stared at Matthew determined to extract the truth.

Matthew looked down at his hands then up into her eyes "Yes and I'm so sorry Des. I was driving the night of the accident when Nate and Dani drove up alongside us yelling at me. A tractor trailer was approaching and I had to swerve to avoid a three-way collision." Matthew noticed Destiny clench her fist anger evident on her face "You need to know the night we spent together was the best night of my life. It was spontaneous and I wasn't prepared but we got a miracle; we have a baby on the way and everyday I feel more love for both of you than I could ever imagine."

Destiny had a perplexed look on her face staring past Matthew at the doorway.

"Destiny are you ok?" Matthew turned around stunned to see Dani standing in the doorway.

"Dani. Your name is Dani right?" Destiny asked staring at the girl in front of her. Something about her looked so familiar, it was gnawing at the back of her head; like an itch you just couldn't reach.

Matthew flew out of his chair, "What are you doing here?"

Destiny gasped placing her hand over her eyes, "I remember, I remember...! You two were standing right there, in my room...kissing. I'm laying in the hospital, open my eyes and see my boyfriend and best friend going at it? How could you?"

"We are not together. Dani and I aren't even friends. Destiny you have to believe me!" Matthew turned around facing her.

Dani grabbed Matthew's hand "Aww baby it looks like the cat's outta the bag."

"What are you smoking? Get off of me!" Matthew snatched his hand away.

"Shaun was right; all you do is hurt me Matthew Buchanan. I never want to see your face again! GET OUT and take your girlfriend with you!" Destiny screamed tears threatening to spill from her ducts.

"No Destiny. You remember me now, you know I love you." Matthew took a step towards her.

"I know what I saw. You were kissing her." Destiny sniffled.

"It wasn't the first time either. Matthew and I have been hooking up for the longest. He wasn't going to wait forever for you to wake up."

Dani taunted twirling her hair around her finger.

"I swear she kissed me and I pushed her away. She was angry that Nate left town" Matthew declared "You have to believe me Destiny."

"Why would I lie Destiny? Just look at the facts, he dropped you like a hot potato when he met me. Plus, I'm his first love. They say you never forget your first love..." Dani walked away with those parting words.

Destiny watched her leave feeling like a complete idiot. She wished she could go back to when she still had amnesia, "You hurt me so bad that I tried to erase you from my mind...Did you ever care about me or were you just biding your time until you could be with Dani again?"