AN: Ready? Let's get this going!! Also, remember to stay healthy

Chapter 45

Courtney's POV

? Time

My head hurts so much...my throat is killing me...and I feel warm but cool at the same time.

Cool?

Wait I felt warm before I went to sleep...that's right I wasn't feeling so good this morning especially after I dropped off Serenity...wait...

My eyes suddenly burst open...

" OH, MY GOD!!!" I screamed quickly looking out my window I see that it was dark outside, I throw my blanket to the floor...

I was about to go to the door when Duncan came running " Courtney what's wrong " he asks concerned " I...I...slept all day " I answered in a very raspy voice holding my throat " Serenity I gotta go get her " I strained only to feel more pain when I spoke trying to leave.

" Hey it's okay...she's fine I went and picked her up," says Duncan grabbing my shoulders " The school called me when they noticed you didn't arrive " he adds calming me.

My eyes started to get wet from tears that were forming "Oh god * sniff * how...how could I " unable to finish what I was going to say I started crying " I'm...a horrible...mother " I cried falling to my knees.

How could this happen? I am so terrible to have let this happen...what if Serenity was all alone or if something happened to her I could never forgive myself.

I suddenly felt myself get lifted from the ground, feeling a pair of strong arms carry me. Through my blurred vision, I turn to see Duncan walking to my bed and laying me down.

" What are you doing? " I asked watching him pick up my blanket from the floor followed by tucking me in "How did you get here? " I add continuously looking at his actions.

Duncan picked up a hand towel from the floor " This is warm I'll go re-wet " he answers leaving my room to go to the bathroom.

I started coughing due to my throat being so dry but when I coughed it also hurt a lot, " ow " I groaned resting on my side.

Duncan walked in with a fresh wet towel in one hand and a glass of water in the other, " here drink a little " he says handing me the glass "Thank you " I answer taking a few painful sips.

Before laying back Duncan put two pillows behind me and then afterwards placed the wet cloth on my forehead causing me to sigh in relief.

" Oh yes...that's nice " I breathed slowly laying back and then closing my eyes " It'll help you cool down a bit your fever was pretty high," he says sitting beside me " I'm heating some soup for you as well as making you some tea " adds Duncan smiling at me.

Opening my eyes a bit our gazes meet but also my heart raced "Why are you doing this? " I asked trying to make conversation " I couldn't leave my child's mother all alone when it's time for her to be taken care of " he answers smiling at me.

I couldn't look away from Duncan I don't know if it was the fever or the fact that he was being the nice guy that he didn't want people to know about.

" Is Serenity okay? " I asked noticing how quiet it was "Yeah I figure she should stay with mom and dad so that she doesn't get sick " he explains sitting beside me " and so you could properly recover " Duncan adds adjusting the wet cloth resting on my forehead.

Sighing heavily I close my eyes for a second "Thank you " I said "No problem...I'll go get the soup and tea then you'll take some medicine " says Duncan before getting up to leave.

Watching him leave for odd reasons made me feel a bit sad...

1 Hour Later

8:00 PM

After having a bowl of soup I took some medicine followed by some tea.

I was sitting up against my pillows staring at him while Duncan looked at his text messages, for a while now he has been getting them nonstop.

" Someone's popular " I teased my attempt at making a joke " You could say I am but it's something else " he answers looking up at me "Tell me what's going on...remember no hiding things " I breathed waiting to hear an answer from him.

Not saying anything Duncan holds his hand out to me "Give me your hand " he says in a low tone of voice that made my spine shudder.

Placing my hand in his I wait to hear him " I've officially been out of jail for 2 years " he says tightening his grip on mine "The guys from work along with Geoff, and DJ all wanted to take me out to celebrate my freedom " Duncan adds smiling lightly.

My eyes open up hearing him " Why didn't you tell me? Duncan that's a huge milestone for you " I said attempting to get up "Hey lay back you need rest " he says pushing me back lightly " But you still haven't told me why you didn't say anything " I reply.

Exhaling heavily Duncan's eyes meet mine " Because I've been trying to make things right with you but you were angry about what happened so I couldn't tell you " he answers gazing away from me.

I felt a sting in my heart and my stomach became a knot " I'm so sorry " I say biting my lower lip " I can be so inconsiderate most times * sniff * I knew you wanted to fix things but I just kept being a..." I started breaking down again.

How could I be like this?

Duncan's POV

I always thought if I ever got the chance to hear Courtney admit her flaws when we were on TDI, I assumed I'd be laughing hard and maybe throw in a few " I told you so ".

But seeing her like this wasn't worth it just knowing she understands is enough.

Sighing heavily I tilt my head to the side "Yeah you can be along with stubborn, uptight and headstrong it still drives me crazy but it's also what I find attractive about you, " I say making her stop crying before she looked at me...

Looking at our joined hands today I needed to be the bigger person, breathing in I start speaking " Courtney I'm sorry for being a Neanderthal, I thought after being released I'd go back to my life and get back to normal " I start thinking back to my post-release syndromes it wasn't til a week after I started feeling it kick in.

" I didn't think I'd still be like this after that especially when I'd already gone to juvie a few times, " I said " I guess jail was what opened my eyes and losing you "Feeling the grip on my hand tightened Courtney was looking at me lovingly.

" Duncan I've wanted to hear this, you telling me your fears and worry is the most important part of your recovery " replied Courtney her voice sounding raspy " I wish I could sound normal " she adds cringing from the pain in her throat.

" Just take it easy for now princess, " I said taking the wet towel off her forehead "This sucks " she croaked only to make me snicker " I'm sorry but you sound hilarious " I laughed only to get frowned at "Ogre, " she says but I once again laughed at her.

This was going to be an entertaining weekend.

For the next 2 days true to my word I took care of Courtney.

Friday she spent all day in bed resting especially when she had no energy to move. Meanwhile, I did housework which I discovered was not easy, laundry, cleaning, washing dishes, and cleaning up a kid's room were not fun.

I also made sure to let Zoe know Serenity was going to be dropped off and picked up by her grandmother.

On Saturday after I made sure Courtney ate and took her medicine I went out to check on a few things including going to the shop to make sure it wasn't burned down to the ground. The guys understood and made to keep things in order.

When I came back, Courtney had just woken up from a nap. Along with having some energy, she wanted to take a shower. When I offered her some assistance to scrub her back or any other places, rolling her eyes at me she called me a " pervert" before closing the door.

Once refreshed and clean, I asked if she wanted anything in particular for dinner. Courtney oddly requested mac & cheese which sounded simple but maybe she didn't want to trouble me too much. Plus I gotta admit it's been ages since I've had it myself.

( AN: you have to admit mac & cheese is the best lol )

Once ready we both settled on the couch flipping through the channels, trying to find something we can agree on and when we did it got both our interests.

I wasn't into fairytale movies but this one had a dark twist to it " red riding hood ".

I don't know why but I related myself to Peter he looked like the bad boy but also he was the outsider of the village.

The movie suddenly got hot a scene where Red and Peter get frisky in the barn, and I couldn't help but whistle followed by hearing Courtney say "It's nothing we haven't done before ".

My eyes must have nearly come out when I heard that I wish I could have recorded it, it was very surprising for her to say that.

When the movie was close to ending we both stayed quiet cause now there was a hot sex scene going on, taking all my willpower to not get the same idea. And as though Courtney read my mind she says "Don't even think about it you animal ".

As soon as the movie finished we called it a night.

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

I was in the middle of making coffee trying to be as quiet as I could so I didn't wake up Courtney.

" Good morning "

Turning around I see the patient walking into the kitchen looking good as new, she was wearing a robe which showed her curvy figure.

" Morning you look much better, " I said smiling at her "Yeah and my throat doesn't hurt anymore " sighs Courtney happily "Is your fever gone? " I asked placing my hand on her forehead and then moving it down her cheek "Doctor my fevers are gone too " she breathes sounding nervous.

Realizing how close we are I rest my forehead on hers " I'm tempted to kiss you right now " I whispered placing my hands on her hips " I don't want you to catch it " she says caressing my face making her smile "You can wait " Courtney teased only to make me smirk.

Exhaling heavily I lower my head down to rest it on her shoulder.

Courtney's POV

My heart was racing as Duncan rests his head on my shoulder, why does he have this effect on me?

Could I just love him that much?

I'm so thankful that he took care of me this entire weekend while I was sick, he didn't have to do it but he did without hesitation. Along with making sure Serenity was looked after, I hope she's been okay without me.

Bringing my hands up I rest them on Duncan's back " I forgive you Duncan " I breathed feeling his head move " I've been meaning to tell you for a long time now and I thought you should know you're forgiven " I add sliding my hands in his hair but when I didn't hear him say anything I lift his face with my hands.

As I was about to ask him if he was okay suddenly his lips are pressed over mine followed by his arms going around my waist to hold me close. Unable to resist I kissed Duncan back, I had to admit I missed not being able to kiss him these past few weeks was torture even to me.

And by how this make-out session we were having was progressing I'd say Duncan felt the same way.

We somehow ended up on the couch, I think Duncan carried me to the living room. My thoughts were elsewhere because my robe and Duncan's shirt were tossed on the armchair, while I was in my pink matching shorts and crop top.

Needing air we parted momentarily from each other "You're gonna catch my flu " I breathed pressing my legs against his sides "Worth it " he answers smiling and pressing his hard dick on my womanhood causing me to gasp " Oh fuck " How does he have this effect on me.

Oh god, I wanted to ride him hard...

* knock * * knock *

Our eyes open up " Who could that be? " I asked sitting up as Duncan leaned his head back " Ugh seriously right now...damn it " groaned Duncan sitting down...

" Mommy...Daddy "

Now we both panicked " I thought we were picking her up " I asked getting up to get my robe on " shit " hissed Duncan quickly grabbing his phone to discover an unread text message...

8:30 AM

Mom: Good Morning honey, I hope you're well also I hope Courtney is feeling better. I'm guessing your sleeping but I wanted to give you notice, Serenity misses you both and has asked if she can see you both. I'll be more than glad to bring her home. We'll be arriving @ 12, talk to you soon.

We looked at the present time reading 12:03...

* knock * * knock *

" Put your shirt on, " I said throwing Duncan his shirt before I quickly fixed my hair "Alright it's on " he answers fixing himself up.

Once we were ready I opened the door to see both Melinda with an overnight bag and backpack while Serenity holds flowers...

" Mommy," she says rushing up to me "Hi honey," I said happily to see my baby I held her tightly " I'm so sorry I wasn't there " I breathed trying not to let my tears fall.

" Are you better now? " Serenity asked looking at me," gamma said you were sick " she adds so kindly " Yes I'm all better " I answered caressing her cheek " For you Mommy," says Serenity holding up three daisies " Oh thank you there beautiful," I said accepting them.

" She picked them herself from the garden," said Melinda smiling as she walked inside the apartment "Aw so sweet...Melinda, I can't thank you enough for taking care of her while I was sick " I explained smiling brightly at her.

" Yeah Mom I know it was last minute but we greatly appreciate you doing that for us," said Duncan as he walked up to us "Daddy," said Serenity going to him next to hug him.

Smiling kindly at us both Melinda spoke "It was no trouble at all and very understanding, as you both know well I'm more than happy to help " she says looking at us " But also it was so nice having children in the house again " she adds looking at Serenity.

Duncan takes the overnight bag and backpack from his mom " I just couldn't believe how quickly I got sick " I explained thinking how fast it happened.

" I understand once when Duncan and his brothers were young I was sick for a week " explained Melinda looking at us smiling "Their father had to do everything and I recall how all of them took turns bringing me things I needed," she says I turned to look at Duncan who smiled " but when I was better the whole house was a disaster " she finishes making my expression change.

"You guys couldn't keep the house clean while your mom needed help," I said looking at a nervous Duncan " I mean we tried to keep it clean " he tries explaining "Did I mention how the boys used the vacuum to unclog the kitchen sink only to make a bigger mess," said Melinda shaking her head.

I could only look at Duncan with a shocked expression with my mouth hanging open " After that day I made sure they knew how to clean, wash dishes and do laundry " Melinda looks around and smiles " And I see that Duncan has done very well ".

That explains why he was doing housework for me, Melinda did good. I'll need to ask her more, cause I will need it for who knows when. But also I'm glad to have extra help when I need it.

AN: Let me know what you think, I look forward to hearing from you all of you