Mal's POV.

I woke up after feeling like I have been asleep barely five minutes. I reached under my pillow and pulled out my phone to check the time, 4:38am. Well at least I managed to get a few hours. I thought to myself before I got out of bed, slowly and carefully so I didn't wake Ben. I grabbing my sketch pad and pencil from the bedside cabinet and wrote Ben a quick note telling him where I would be and after placing it on the pillow I was using I left the room.

Quietly, I went to the kitchen to grab a drink and went into the library. I checked as I walked in to make sure Belle wasn't in there, since I didn't want to disturb her and upon seeing the library empty I went and sat in one of the chairs. Once I had curled my legs underneath me my mind began to wander and I thought back to various times while I've been here in Auradon. The first thing that popped into my mind was when me and Adam finally talked about things. I allowed the thought to consume my mind and I found I could remember it like it was yesterday.

Flashback.

It was about a month after Ben's coronation and once again I was at the castle. I seemed to spend most of my time here lately although I tried not to be here without Ben. I had no issue with Belle, she had been nothing but kind and welcoming to myself and my friends and had even asked us to call her and King Adam by their first names (no titles) but I got the impression Adam still didn't like me so I avoided being alone with him. However, today was not my friend. Ben had a long meeting he had to attend as King and Belle was off helping Mrs Potts with something leaving me and King Adam alone in the castle. Usually I would have Evie with me at least when I stayed at the castle but they all had other plans this weekend so I slipped out of the castle and into the gardens to draw until Ben was finished.

I had no idea the garden's were this big and before long I found a small area filled with rose bushes and a beautiful fountain. So here I was sat in a beautiful garden sketching in my pad. Lately my drawing tended to be of me and Ben and this one was no different. It was us at the coronation after party. I had almost finished it when a voice startled me. "I thought I might find you out here." I quickly turned my head to find no other then the one person I desperately tried to avoid, King Adam, walking towards me. Before I could even think of something to say to him he had sat next to me. "That's a wonderful sketch, Mal. Is it from memory?" He asked me, not seeing anything I could be sketching it from.

"Thank you, your Majesty. And yes it is from memory. I have no phone." I answered him. I saw his face drop when I told him I had no cell phone. I hadn't felt this uncomfortable around someone since we arrived at Auradon seven weeks ago.

"Mal, please call me Adam." He told me, I could only stare at him. It was one thing for Belle to tell me to call him that but to hear it from him was just weird. "And I will have Belle order you a phone." The hesitation and fear I felt must have shown on my face since Adam quickly carried on talking. "Don't worry about paying for it. We will pay for it along with ours and Ben's. Do your friends have phones?" He asked me. This was too much. That he would even want to do this for me left me speechless so I nodded that the others did indeed have cell phones as I turned my head to stare at the floor near my feet. Doug, Audrey and Jane had given them phones they no longer used. Lonnie had tried to give me one but I politely refused it. At the time I felt like I wouldn't need one, I mean I coped for sixteen years without one. Plus, I felt Lonnie probably felt obligated to offer me it and I didn't want that. This conversation couldn't get more awkward or weird. I thought he hated me yet here he is offering to pay for a phone for me.

"Mal," he started. The uncertainty in his voice causing me to look up and meet the gaze of his sincere brown eyes. "I realise I haven't been the most welcoming person with you and your friends but I have seen the changes in you all and even Ben since you have been here. I judged you all, especially you, based on your parents and I realise now none of you are like them. I am sorry for painting you with the same brush as you mother" I just stared in disbelief at him. Was he really apologising to me!? Maybe he didn't really hate me. I mean I understand why he was cautious. When you look at our parents especially my mother it is only natural right. "You make my son incredibly happy, Mal and I am very happy he has someone as strong as you by his side. Could we try and get to know each other a little better? I would like to know more about the girl who I can see is my sons future."

I nodded again before I finally found my voice. "I would like that, Adam" I told him as he smiled at me. "But you really don't have to pay for a cell phone for me. As I told Ben, I'm not with him for the presents." This caused Adam's smile to get a little bigger before he answered me.

"I understand you aren't with him for that Mal but I would like to do this for you. That way you always have a way to contact someone should you need to." He stated with such conviction I didn't even try and talk him out of it. "Anyway, come on." he said as he stood. "Lunch is ready." I stood and followed him back into the castle feeling much better about him now. It was then I realised choosing good was the best thing I have ever done. I now seem to be gaining the kind of family I always wanted growing up.

End Flashback

The thought of that day alone was enough to make me smile. Ben had handed me my phone a few days later. It was then I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I took it out to see a message from Evie.

From Evie: Hey M, I can't sleep. You awake to talk? E x

I responded to Evie text immediately and noticed as I did it was almost 6:00am. I knew exactly what she wanted to talk about and it was what happened while I was with my mother and probably the baby. Knowing Evie she will definitely talk about the baby.

To Evie: Hey E, yeah I'm wide awake in the library. Come down and we will talk. M x

Minutes later the door opened and in walked Evie. For the second time in that many days I was pulled into a fierce hug by my blue-haired friend who I saw as my sister. "You okay, M?" She asked, concern clear in her voice as we moves to the couch so we could sit together. I just nodded. I was seriously fed up of that question now. I know people mean well but it's a little annoying.

Evie just looked at me. We may have only been friends for about a year but she could always tell when I'm hiding something just like I can with her. "Okay so I'm not. What do you want me to say, E?" I asked her. I really didn't want to have to admit what happened with my mother, especially what she said about the baby. That still terrifies me.

"How about the truth. You holding something in, Mal. I can tell. Talk to me or if not me talk to Ben." She stated. I knew it came from a good place but it was still hard.

"Just give me a little time please, E?" I practically begged her. There was no way I was ready to talk about it yet. Plus I knew Ben would go mental once I told him. Evie agreed not to push it right mow but I did promise her I would tell someone soon. Without realising it I had placed my hand over my stomach. Evie however, noticed straight away.

"So when were you going to tell me?" Evie asked, confusing me.

"Tell you what E?" I still hadn't noticed my hand was resting over my stomach until she pointed. I kept my hand there as I answered her question. "I was actually going to tell you the day I went missing but obviously I didn't get the chance." I explained to her. "So who else knows?" I asked her. Knowing Ben and Evie they would have told someone else.

"No one. Ben explained you only wanted me, Ben's parents and Fairy Godmother to know right now so it's our little secret." Evie smiled at me as I sighed in relief. "Thanks E. I'm just not ready for the rumours and accusations yet." I told her. I knew for a fact people would say I had gotten pregnant to trap Ben. To make sure he wouldn't leave me and so on.

"Yeah but Mal, you do realise since your not married to Ben the baby can't be a legitimate heir don't you?"

"Yeah I know E but what am I supposed to say to Ben. 'Oh Ben by the way we need to get married so the baby can be the future heir', come on Evie, how's he going to take that? He would freak out." I asked. We both laughed at the absurdity of me saying that to Ben before I noticed Evie's face turn serious again.

"You never mentioned you freaking out, M. Are you saying if he proposed you would say yes?" I knew that question was coming but would I say yes? Oh who am I trying to kid of course I would. I know deep down I'm going to be with Ben. Sure things are moving fast but should he ask I would agree without hesitation. I nodded at Evie before she squealed in delight. Only calming when I shushed her since the others were still in bed and it was a Sunday morning. I knew it was a mistake to admit that to her. I blocked her out when she started rambling about her making my wedding dress. Seriously, E. I highly doubt it'll happen anytime soon. Calm down. It was then I looked over to the clock on the fire place and noticed it was gone seven in the morning. We had been talking for over an hour and I noticed how hungry I was. I hadn't eaten since I threw up yesterday so I still had nothing in my system.

"E? It's gone 7am. We should probably get ready for the day." I informed Evie. She quickly agreed but before she could get up I carried on talking. "Maybe after me and Ben talk to Fairy Godmother we can have a girls day in town? Maybe get a little shopping done?" She nodded very enthusiastically to this. If there's one thing Evie loved it was shopping. I was even thinking of asking Belle but I would ask the girls first as I know some of them aren't as comfortable with her as I am. We stood and went to get dressed before breakfast.

I left Evie at the top of the stairs and went into my room. After a quick shower I threw on a purple dress Evie had made for me. Usually I only wore dresses when Ben took me on a date or I was invited to a party/function but as there was a possibility of going into town with Belle today I decided I may as well dress the part. I went into Ben's room, knowing he would be awake by now. Sure enough as I closed the door he came out of his bathroom fully dressed for the day. "Morning." Ben greeted me as he walked over and kissed me. "Feeling better?"

"Yeah, a little. Listen Ben I think we should tell Fairy Godmother about the baby today." I told him. I really didn't want to worry about how she will react anymore. I saw Ben look at me a mixture of relief and confusion on his face before he asked me. "Are you sure Mal?" Seeing me nod he carried on talking. "If your sure then I have no problem with it. I will ring her after breakfast and see if she is free. You do know she will want to talk about what happened with your mother though don't you?" He asked.

I lost my temper a lot quicker then I usually do "Don't call her my mother!" I snapped at him causing a confused and worried expression "She gave birth to me but she is not my mother, nor is she family as far as I'm concerned." I told him. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself and it seemed to work but it worried me slightly how fast I snapped. "I'm sorry Ben. I didn't mean to snap at you." Ben just walked to me before pulling my towards him again.

I took comfort in the hug as Ben spoke to me. "It's okay Mal. Your stressed and hormonal. I understand." I muttered 'thank you' into his chest hugging him tighter. I have no idea where that anger came from. "Hey Mal, do you want to take my parents with us to see Fairy Godmother? That way when you talk about Maleficent you only have to say it once?" It amazed me sometimes how considerate Ben was. "We can maybe go out afterwards?" He asked me. I nodded I was okay with that before I realised I had told Evie we could have a girls day.

"Oh, Ben" I started as I pulled away slightly so I could see his face "I promised Evie earlier we would have a girls shopping day." I explained. To my surprise he didn't look upset at all. "Is that okay?"

"Of course it's okay, but..." Ben began to explain but stopped. I gave him a questioning look and he continued. "Who will be going with you?" Now I understood what was bothering him. He was being overprotective again.

"There will be me, Evie, Audrey, Jane and Lonnie." I told him but that only seemed to calm him a tiny bit. "I was thinking of asking the girls if they would be okay with me asking your mom to come with us as well." That seemed to relax him a lot more.

"I will admit it makes me feel better you are asking mom. Maybe me and dad can meet you both for lunch or dinner out." He explained and I just smiled at him and nodded before giving him another kiss. We broke apart when we became slightly breathless. "Come on, lets go down to breakfast."

Breakfast went by quite fast and all the girls seemed excited about our trip into town later. I talked with them about it and we agreed I would meet them all at mine and Evie's dorm room, since we still needed to clear it up, after I had met with Fairy Godmother. I had asked the girls after we had breakfast if they minded having Belle with us, none of them had any objections. As everyone left to go back to Auradon Prep I walked back to the dining room with Ben where we caught Belle and Adam leaving. "Mom, Dad can we ask you something?" Ben asked his parents. They looked at each other briefly before nodding. Ben looked at me and I took a deep breath. We both knew this would be better coming from me.

"Were going to see Fairy Godmother in about ten minutes and wondered if you would both come with us?" I asked them. Seeing their confused looks I decided I needed to explain why I was asking them this. "We are going to tell her about the baby but we know she will also ask about what happened with Maleficent and I really don't want to have to explain it twice." I stood there looking at them for a few minutes waiting for one of them to talk. They just looked at each other seemingly having a conversation with their eyes.

"If you want us there Mal, we are happy to go with you." Belle told me. Relief washed over me. I honestly thought they would say no and I would have to relive it twice. Hopefully things went well with Fairy Godmother. We had no idea how she would react to this, it could go either way.

"Actually Belle could I talk to you about something else as well?" Belle looked at me curiously before Ben announced he was going to tell the driver we were almost ready to leave. I have no idea why Adam went with him but I didn't mind. "I actually have two questions to ask you if that's okay?" Seeing Belle nod her head I continued. "Okay this is probably going to sound weird but when you were pregnant with Ben did you ever get mad really fast and for no reason?"

Belle suddenly seemed to understand were this was going as she said "Oh that's started already has it? Mal you will probably have that a lot." She informed me, as she started to chuckle "I remember when I was about 6 months pregnant I made Adam sleep in one of the guest rooms after I got mad when he told me wasn't any pickles in the kitchen. After I yell at him for about half an hour that is." We both laughed at that. I couldn't imagine Belle getting mad at all let alone shouting for half an our about not having and pickles. After a few minutes we calmed down enough to continue talking. "So what's your other question, Mal?" She asked me.

"Oh right, erm... well you know me and the girls are going out for a girls afternoon. I was wondering if you wanted to come with us?" I asked her. The smile fell off her face and a look of shock spread across her face. "Mal, are you sure you want me to come?"

Nodding I answered "Yeah, I would love it if you would come with us and the other girls are also fine with it."

"If your sure Mal, I would love to come. I can get a few early Christmas presents in." Christmas? What the hell is that? I thought to myself. I'll asked Ben later I think. That's when I noticed Ben was on his way back with his dad. "Car is waiting outside." He told us as he stood beside me, his arm around my waist.

It wasn't long before be were at Auradon Prep. I let Ben, Belle and Adam go ahead to Fairy Godmothers office while I headed back to mine and Evie's dorm quickly. As I walked in I noticed the room had been cleared up and Evie was sat on her bed. "Hey E, did you clean the room up?"

"Yeah I did it Friday night, since I couldn't sleep. Why?" Evie explained to me. Jeez, did nobody sleep that night?

"Did you find my spell book?" I asked her, remembering I was looking for it before I got the fake phone call. Evie shook her head and told me she thought I had it with me. "Crap!" I exclaimed. As I turned and headed for Fairy Godmothers office. This isn't good. I reached the office door in a matter of minutes and knocked. After hearing a faint "Come in" I entered, still a little flustered which Ben noticed immediately.

"Mal? Is everything okay?" He asked me causing all heads to turn towards me.

I shook my head as I walked over to Ben, hugging him as soon as he was in reach. Taking a little comfort in his hold I turned to face the others. "My spell book isn't in my room. That's why she trashed my room, to find it." I rushed out, I didn't even care I was barely making sense right now. I dread to think of what my mother could do to the people of Auradon with that book. I looked between Belle, Adam and Fairy Godmother to find them all watching me concerned what had me so worked up.

"Mal, calm down." Fairy Godmother told me. I took a breath breath as she carried on talking. "I don't understand what you mean about your room being trashed. Can you start from the beginning?" I nodded as Ben sat down on one of the chairs near the large desk, carefully pulling me down onto his lap. I explained that we went to Ben's parents to talk to them about me being pregnant, my going back to my dorm, the call from Evie and everything that happened with Maleficent (minus what she said about the baby, that is better saved for later). Everyone had a disbelieving look on their face. It was a few moment before Fairy Godmother spoke. "Okay, first of all, I think a congratulations are in order for the pair of you. Mal, if you need any time off just text me. Ben has my number." She told me. I can't believe she took it this well. I was expecting a similar reaction to Adam's if I'm honest. I didn't have much time to dwell on it though as she carried on talking. "Also, I thin it would be beneficial for us to resume yours and Evie magic lessons starting on Wednesday." She told me in a tone I knew meant it wasn't up for discussion.

"Okay, but I have one request." I said. She looked at me curiously before waving her hand, signalling me to continue. "I want Jane to join us this time. The extra pair of magical hands will be good since I have no idea how the pregnancy will affect my magic." I explained my reasoning.

"I agree." Fairy Godmother informed us. "Please tell the others we will be meeting in our usual place on Wednesday night, 6pm." After waiting for me to nod to her she continued. "Okay if that's all I really must make a few calls." The four of us nodded as we stood and left the room. Ben explained the limo would be back outside Auradon Prep to take us into town after him and his dad had been dropped off at the castle. Both myself and Belle nodded and after I had hugged and kissed Ben, Belle doing the same with Adam, we said our goodbyes and headed to mine and Evie's dorm.

As we walking in we noticed everyone was already there and ready to go. Since it wouldn't be long before the limo was back we all decided to take a slow walk to the front of Auradon Prep. Once outside we found the limo already waiting. We all climbed inside as Belle told the driver to take us to the mall. She told us all she was buying our dinner and although we all informed her it was too much for her to pay for it all she insisted, so we shrugged and left it at that. None of us wanted to offend Belle, me especially. Everyone became involved in the conversation as we rode to the mall but it wasn't hard to see everyone was slightly distracted.

Evie's POV.

I was worried about Mal. I could tell she was still hiding something and it was really bothering her. She promised me this morning would talk to someone but she needed time but after the way she acted before going to see Fairy Godmother I had become even more worried. She has misplaced her spell book before... Oh crap now I get why she was so worried. Maleficent. She is worried what will happen if her mother has the spell book!

Hopefully this afternoon would take her mind off things a little. I can't wait for when they announce Mal is pregnant. I can finally stop keeping it a secret and can freely make her some baby clothes without worrying about someone seeing them. I may or may not already have some designs, I just hope Maleficent doesn't find out. It would devastate both Mal and Ben if anything happened to the baby. We had to come up with some kind of plan to protect Mal. I needed to talk to Ben about it.

We had to work something out, Mal doesn't need the stress and we certainly can't risk Maleficent getting to Mal again. After what Mal told us she went through on the Isle. Just the thought of it sent shivers down my spine. I hadn't seen this since Maleficent put me and my mother under house arrest when I was six. I was, what me and Mal call, 'castle schooled'. I had only become Mal's friend about a month before coming here so I didn't know what Maleficent would do to her but I have no doubt if she got hold of Mal again, my sister would probably suffer. We had to work on something to keep Mal safe.

Audrey's POV.

I can't believe what Maleficent put Mal through. Who does that to their own child!? I'm just glad Mal was able to escape before anything serious happened to her. After what she told us last night about her mother we haven't seen the last of her and neither had Mal. I had apologised to Mal a lot since Ben's coronation but now I felt like a bitch. I gave Mal such a hard time when she first came here yet she had already endured so much. All I did was add to it because I was too set in the ways my Grammie had taught me.

My Grammie was very mad when I told her I was friends with Mal and the other VK's. She still isn't happy about it now. I thought she was going to explode when I told them I was dating Jay. Whereas even after everything I had put her through, Mal was nothing but supportive of us. Mal's confession last night also made me wonder just how she got those bruises. She was wearing her leather jacket right now so they wouldn't be seen while we were out but we still knew they were there. How could Maleficent have done that. Surely even villains love their kids, right?

Belle's POV.

While the girls talked amongst themselves I glanced at Mal, who had sat between myself and Evie. It was nice to see her looking forward to this trip out but I was extremely worried about her. She held back yesterday when she told me about her nightmare and then again when she was telling us about what happened with her mother. Mal doesn't usually open up about things anyway so it shouldn't really bother me but something was telling me what she was hiding was serious. I vowed then to be there as much as I could for the young girl.

There was her worry about her mother. Maleficent picked such a time to come back. Mal really doesn't need the stress right now. Mal is so worried about her mother having the spell book. I've never seen her as worked up as she was when she came into Fairy Godmothers office. The poor thing could barely even speak properly.

Then there was her confession last night to consider. I barely slept last night worried Maleficent was going to turn up for Mal again. She was like my daughter and I am fairly certain, sooner rather then later, she will be my daughter in law. To hear when she went through was heartbreaking. I mean to have her mother do that to her, it's no wonder she was closed off from everyone when she first arrived. The one person she was supposed to rely of for protection and love just used her as a punch bag. Not to mention the fact that Maleficent didn't love Mal. I had realised that when she turned into such a small lizard at Ben's coronation but you would think she would care enough to treat her daughter like a human being. I guess there is a reason Maleficent is known as the Mistress of Evil. She truly is heartless!

Then there's Leah. I swear if she doesn't back off soon I'm going to explode. Every time we see her she is calling Mal or spreading accusations. I can hardly stand to be around her anymore. Heaven knows how she will react when she finds out Mal is pregnant. Poor Mal. Everything just seems to be coming at her at once. I just hope she took my words to heart yesterday and will come to me, Ben or Adam if things start getting to much or if she is upset.

Mal's POV.

We talked all the way to the mall, everyone getting involved, apart from Belle. She was just looking out of the window seemingly lost in thought. However, she smiled at me when she noticed me looking at her. It was then the car stopped. It wasn't the first time I had been here, even in the company of Belle but for some reason I felt very self conscious. I even smoothed my dress down as I got out of the limo. Belle was the last one out of the car and told us since it was almost twelve we should eat first so as we headed inside we headed straight for the food court. Belle was still insistent on paying for our food, so after we ordered the rest of the girls went to find a table while Belle paid. I decided to stay with Belle to help her with the trays of food. "Are you feeling okay, Mal?" She asked me, causing me to look at her. I had been watching the others push two tables together so we could sit together while we ate until she spoke.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I told her. It was easy to see that she didn't quite believe me but right now I couldn't tell her what was bothering me. It was to crowded and the last thing we needed was an article about my pregnancy being released. "I'll explain it later." I promised her. She seemed satisfied with that answer and smiled down at me, showing my she understood why I wouldn't say anything.

It wasn't long before we each had a tray piled with food and a cup holder full of drink each. Belle wasn't happy about me carrying them, you could tell by her face. But she didn't have to worry for long as Evie came to take them off me, after we got half way to the table, and she noticed me. Belle just smiled at my best friend who winked at her in return. I know people mean well but seriously this was annoying me a little now. I'm pregnant not an invalid. I can carry a god damn tray of food.

I let those thoughts leave my head as I sat down, once again between Belle and Evie, and started my dinner. I just hoped I wouldn't throw this up. I didn't even know where the bathrooms were in here. The conversation flowed as we ate and even Belle was laughing along with us. It was then I realised how lucky I was. I had an entire surrogate family here, including two people I classed as my parents (even if I hadn't told them). Even with the threat of Maleficent, my birth giver, and what she would do next looming over me I don't remember ever being this happy. This was my home, where I belonged. With the people here at this table and they boys back at home and school.

Author's Note: I wasn't planning to upload this chapter so quickly but my uploads will be less frequent for a few weeks as I have just been given a lot of coursework. I will try and update at least twice a week but I can not guarantee it. But I will most definitely not be giving up on this story. I am having lots of fun writing it and the reviews I have had so far have been wonderful. I apologize for jumping between points of view towards the end. I just wanted to include some others thoughts about recent events. We will also see Ben's, Jay's and Carlos' thoughts on things soon but I felt it best to leave this chapter here for now. Hope you guys like it.