Secrets Out

Destiny was in court with a client before the hearing. Dani, being the District Attorney was the prosecutor on the case. The hearing was getting ready to start so Destiny and her client had a seat. Then the judge entered.

"Where is Ms. Hall?" The judge asked.

About a minute later, Dani quickly walked into the courtroom. She seemed a bit erratic.

"You're late, Ms. Hall!" The judge exclaimed.

"I'm so sorry, your honor, it won't happen again!"

"With you as my lawyer and her as the prosecutor I should be out of here in five minutes." Destiny's client leaned over and said to her.

Destiny watched Dani's erratic behavior and how abnormally fast she was moving. This was the first time Destiny actually saw Dani's strange behavior in person. She definitely seemed like she was on something. Now she didn't feel so guilty about helping Matthew and Jason get custody of the girls. The hearing for the custody case was tomorrow. The hearing couldn't come fast enough because Destiny finally saw what Matthew and Jason saw so she was very concerned for Vida and Del.

The next day, when Dani walked into court for the custody hearing, she looked at Destiny like she was so hurt that she would help them take the kids away from her but Destiny only did it because the guys had legitimate concern for them. Even though she and Dani were no longer friends, she still looked out for the best interest of the girls. They called her aunt Destiny, she would never hurt them just to get back at Dani. Dani still didn't seem like she had it all together but she wasn't as bad as yesterday.

The judge ruled in the guys' favor and gave them full custody of Vida and Del. Dani thought they would win anyway. Rarely does Destiny ever lose a case. When in court she's a lot like Téa and Dani knew it. She never managed to be as good as they were in the courtroom. Even though Dani thought they would win, she was still highly pissed off.

-v-

After a few days of getting Del settled in, Matthew finally was able to have the dinner with Drew, Harvey and Drew's mother, Lilo.

Everyone was quiet during dinner until Lilo said something.

"Well damn, we're having dinner so that we can talk, not sit here in silence. So Harvey, what attracted you to my daughter?"

"Honestly, I've always had a crush on her. We always saw each other in passing."

"Aww, how cute." Lilo said.

"You know, your mom and I were friends when we were kids. We grew apart when we got older, life kind of just got in the way." Matthew said.

"She told me, I was kind of surprised to hear it." Harvey said.

"I know you're a good kid, I love your mom and you seem like a good influence on Drew so everything else aside, I like you and I like you two together. Continue to do what you're doing and we'll be cool." Matthew said.

"Yes sir."

Drew and Harvey hung out and played video games after dinner.

"You must be doing something right. She's like a new girl now." Lilo said.

"I think that may have more to do with Harvey than me. I try, I really do but it's not as easy as I hoped it would be to get Drew and Nicole back on track. I'm glad you were there for them when Drew called you from that party they attended but you could have let me know." Matthew replied.

"I suppose I could have but she trusted me, I went and got her. She was fine. You could have let me see and talk to her for a year but you didn't."

"Thank your boyfriend for getting Nicole out of that party for me." Matthew changed the subject.

"I will."

-v-

A couple days later, Matthew got a surprise visit from Kory.

"Kory... I didn't expect to see you." Matthew said.

"My mom told me the truth that you're my father." Kory responded and Matthew invited him in. "I never knew who my father was, she never told me. I never really thought about it too much but since I know now I figured it wouldn't hurt to get to know you."

"I'd love to get to know you. You have sisters and a brother, it'd be nice for you to get to know them."

"I've met Nicole and Miracle. They're really beautiful. I heard you have like a whole football team of children, how many do you have?"

"That's an exaggeration. Including you, I have six and one on the way." The one on the way slipped out. He didn't mean to say that. "No one is really supposed to know about the one on the way yet. No one knows other than the kids so let's just keep that between us, ok?"

"Why is it a secret?"

"My fiancée's idea, she wants to wait to tell everyone. If it were up to me, I'd scream it to the world. She's also Miracle's mother and she has a son with her last husband. He died a few years ago."

"You're engaged?"

"Not really but I'll never marry anyone other than her which is why I've never been married."

"Interesting, I'd like to meet this woman."

"I'd love for you to meet her." Speaking of Destiny, he just remember he forgot to tell her about Kory. "Let's take the time to really get to know each other and we'll set it up so that we can a nice family gathering."

"I'd like that... I do have something to ask you... Please drop the charges against Daniel. He's my cousin and I get it, you don't like him. It's understandable, a lot of people don't like him but he's misunderstood. He won't go near her again."

"I can't do that."

"I'm asking you for one thing. Drop the case, if Dan goes near her again I will personally be a witness in the case..."

"Fine... But I better not regret this."

"You won't because if he ever made a move on Nicole again, he'll regret it but he won't do it."

"So tell me more about you, what's your full name? What do you like to do? You know, things a father should know."

"My full name is Kory Michaelangelo Corinthos. I decided I'm going to go to Llanview University for business."

"Business, that was my major. I'm the head of Buchanan Enterprises now. You could work for me when you graduate, join the family business. You are a Buchanan."

"We'll see."

Destiny came over later after Kory left.

"I have something to tell you... Do you remember Kristina Corinthos?" Matthew asked.

"That girl you cheated on me with in college, the mobster's daughter?" Destiny asked.

"...Yes." Matthew hoped he didn't have to bring her up too much because Miracle basically had the same response to hearing her name. He didn't want to keep reminding them of that incident. "She's in town and come to find out, she's Dan's aunt."

"I heard from Miracle, small world."

"It's gotten even smaller because I also found out that Kristina's eighteen year old son is my son."

"... Damn Matthew, do you have super-sperm or something? What the hell? I don't know if you heard of this thing, it's called a condom. I don't understand you. You mean to tell me that three years after we had Miracle and went through everything we went through, you were still dumb enough to go bare-back with someone else? Then again, look who I'm talking too."

"Are you angry?"

"You already have a bunch of kids, why would I be angry? It's not like we were together but I just don't understand why the hell you're so irresponsible. You realize there's also a such thing as STD's which is another reason people use condoms, right?"

"I don't need the lecture. This happened eighteen years ago."

"Then five more times after that..."

"For the record, I did use condoms with Farah and Lilo. I think they poked holes in them."

"Whatever, if you love him so do I."

-v-

Miracle walked into Destiny's room with the dress she designed for her to wear to the event. Destiny tried on the beautiful purple and black dress then came back out.

"I'm not going!" Destiny exclaimed.

"Mom, don't be ridiculous. You look beautiful and you have to go. You made a very sizable donation and Infinity is performing for the first time tonight."

"You're right but look at me! You let it out to accommodate my growing belly but it's so obvious that I'm pregnant."

"So? People are going to find out anyway. You can't hide it anymore."

"But do they have to find out tonight? I don't feel like dealing with that tonight."

"Dealing with what?"

"Never mind. You did an amazing job on the dress. How'd Téa and Nora like their dresses?"

"They loved them! You know I had to hook up the most fabulous lawyers and women in Llanview. Aunt Dorian and aunt Vicki loved their dresses too. I dressed Infinity too so my line is going to get a lot of exposure tonight."

"I absolutely love the dress. I'm so proud of you, Miracle."

"Thanks mommy, all thanks to you." She hugged her. "You look beautiful, ok? I have to leave early with the band for a sound check. We'll see you later."

A half hour later, Matthew came to pick up Destiny.

"You look angelic." Matthew said then kissed her. "Looks like everyone is going to find out there's a new Buchanan on the way." Matthew touched her belly.

"I tried to cover it up some way but I can't."

"You're four months now, going on five. You said wait until the second trimester and you're in the second trimester now so what's the big deal if they know?"

"You look handsome." Destiny changed the subject.

"Thank you. Drew, Nicole and Kory are in the car. Are you ready?"

"Yes. So I finally get to meet Kory."

Destiny grabbed her coat then they headed to the event. Meeting Kory for the first time went alright and he seemed like an ok kid but something about him just didn't sit right with Destiny, however, he seemed cool enough like they could get along.

Matthew, Destiny, Kory, Nicole and Drew walked into the event. It already appeared to be a great turn out.

When Destiny took off her coat, she knew that the secret was about to be out and she had to prepare herself for it. Destiny felt a lot of people staring at her. She'd like to think it was because she looked fabulous which she did but she knew it was because she was pregnant.

Drew found Harvey. Nicole and Kory stuck together since Kory didn't really know anyone and Nicole was still embarrassed about the sex video that came out a few months ago. She was actually glad she had finally started homeschooling.

Miracle was with Irvin.

"So what's Lord Love the Children about again?" Irvin asked.

"It used to be an illegal adoption organization but my aunt Vicki took it over and made it legit so it benefits orphans, children need, things like that." Miracle explained.

"Victoria Lord is your real aunt?"

"She's my great-aunt by marriage but she really is my son's great-great-aunt."

"Where's Evan tonight?"

"He, my little sister, Del and her sister are all being babysat by my former step-cousin, Roseanne, if that makes any sense. Téa Lord's niece."

"Who's Téa Lord?"

"Only the most famous retired lawyer in Llanview. You really aren't from around here. I have to catch you up on the Lord/Buchanan history, some of it anyway. I don't want to scare you off... I can't wait to see Infinity perform. I'm so excited."

Neela went over to Destiny, excitedly.

"Des! Oh my goodness! Congratulations, I can't believe you didn't tell me you and Matthew were having another baby." Neela said.

"Everyone is pretty much finding out tonight." Destiny replied. Jason came over.

"I knew you were glowing. Congrats." Jason said.

"Thanks Jase."

Neela went back over to Shane and Jason went over to the food. Then Farah and Lilo came over.

"He knocked you up again, huh? His Precious Destiny, so he says but you're no different than the rest of us. He just knocked you up first, he still dropped you like a sack of potatoes, he still treated you like a one night stand. That's what he likes to call us anyways but it damn sure wasn't just that one night like he wants everyone to believe. You are just another woman on Matthew Buchanan's list of baby mamas. You're not as smart as you thought because you were dumb enough to make the same mistake twice, dumb enough to think he actually wants you anymore than he wants any of us. You're just Matthew's little flunky." Farah said in a calm, patronizing tone. Destiny took a deep breath.

"I'm not about to entertain you two. You both have always wanted to be with him for a status upgrade, I get it but your mission was not accomplished. You both have always had it in for me. I could insult you two but I won't. I'm going to take the high road this time. Just get out of my face ASAP."

"Let's just leave her alone, Farah." Lilo said. "But for the record, I don't want Matthew anymore. I have me a big shot wrestler, honey. Good luck with him for another eighteen years." Lilo and Farah walked away then Matthew went over to Destiny.

"Did I hear correctly? Were they just insulting you?" Matthew asked.

"Yep..." Destiny replied and Matthew started to go after them but Destiny stopped him. "No, don't bother. They were just bold enough to say what everyone else is thinking."

"Everyone else is not thinking that."

"Maybe not our family and friends but some of them are probably thinking it too. I knew people would think what Farah was bold enough to say and that's why I wasn't looking forward to everyone finding out."

"Since when do you care what other people think?"

"I don't... but it's nice for people to see me for who I am and not Matthew Buchanan's 'baby mama.' They see me as your damn baby mama. Never in my life did I want that title to be attached to my name. People used to see me as that dumb girl that had a crush on a guy who only saw her as his flunky best friend and got knocked up in high school. It took me years to break that image. I had a whole new life and people respected me for the good, intelligent woman that I was and a damn good lawyer to boot. Now here I am once again, having your baby and they see me as that dumb ass little girl again, just another one of Matthew Buchanan's baby mamas and someone stupid enough to get with an asshole like you. I don't think you're an asshole anymore but other people do."

"Wow... So that's why you didn't want to have a baby with me?"

"No, I didn't want another baby for the reason I already told you. I wanted to be able to just live for me for a little while once DJ went to college."

"Ok but none of what they said is true. You know that. I love you. You were never my flunky. I didn't intend to have all these kids with all these women but I did the things I did because I wanted to be with you and I couldn't have you. They were all a distraction for me."

"You know that and I get that but no one else does... And it makes me look bad. I wish I didn't care but I do. I feel like it's the first day of senior year all over again. I keep having flashbacks. You weren't there and neither was Dani and I walked in alone. The entire school was staring and talking. I don't know how I would've made it through that day if it weren't for Shane having my back. As strong as I've always been, that was hard and so is this."

"I'm sorry... You're not alone this time though. I love you with all my heart and soul, please don't forget that." They hugged.

"Llanview, thank you for this big turn out for the Lord Love the Children foundation. This is a cause that is very close to my family's heart. Now for our first live performance I am so happy to introduce for the first time, Infinity!" Bree announced on the stage.

Infinity performed and rocked the house. Everyone loved them. This was definitely the start of something great.

Miracle headed backstage to meet Infinity but on her way there she saw Leon's girlfriend, Flora making out with some guy that was not Leon. Miracle shook her head but didn't say anything and continued on her way to the group.

"You all were amazing! How do you feel about your first performance?" Miracle asked.

"When do we get to do it again?" Ace replied, excitedly.

"My adrenaline is still pumping." DJ said.

Back with Destiny and Matthew...

"They are awesome! They are something to watch out for and I'm not just saying that because my son and sister are in the band." Destiny said.

"I agree and I'm not just saying that because my son and cousin are in the band." Matthew replied and they shared a laugh before Téa came over.

"Hey Téa! Infinity is great, aren't they?" Destiny exclaimed.

"Yeah..." Téa replied. Destiny and Matthew sensed some tension in the air.

"Matt, can you give us a minute?" Destiny asked. Matthew left them alone. "What's up?"

"Why did you help Matthew and Jason take the girls from Dani?"

"Oh... Oh no. You don't know. I am so sorry! I've been so preoccupied lately that I haven't had time to talk to you about all this."

"All what?"

Destiny insisted they had a seat before she filled Téa in on what's been going on with Dani.

"Dani is on drugs. We don't know what drugs. Jason and Matthew have been trying to convince her to get help but she won't admit she has a problem."

"Dani does not do drugs."

"Think about it Téa. She's been so distant from everyone lately. When's the last time you've actually saw her? When someone does see her they say she's acting strange. She's not even here. I saw her in court and she was high, like sky high. I'm sorry but she is on drugs."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. I'm sorry you didn't know sooner. I love you, you've been another mom to me. I didn't mean to keep this from you."

"I know. I believe you. I have to go see her." Téa's cell phone rung and the call read, 'Daniella.' "This is her now." Téa said before answering. "Dani?"

"No. This is Jason. I left the party early to check on Dani and well... You need to come to the hospital."

"What's wrong?" Téa panicked.

"I don't want to tell you over the phone, please just come."

"Jason, just tell me what's wrong with my daughter! I know about the drugs. Does it have something to do with that?"

"...She OD'd on cocaine."

"I'm on my way!" Téa hung up. "Dani OD'd on cocaine."

"Oh my God." Destiny said. She and Téa let Matthew, Victor, Todd, Starr, Jack, Sam and Leon know what was going on and they all headed to the hospital.

To Be Continued...