AN: Ever seen a boxing match? This is one you don't want to miss...

Chapter 17

Courtney's POV

Friday

6:30 PM

Today couldn't have stressed me out more than normal, I spent the entire day cleaning, grocery shopping and cooking for tonight's dinner that I was dreading.

Then again I sort of got myself into this.

I was in the kitchen cutting up some carrots to go with baby potatoes that will go with the prime rib roast I had in the oven, " you can survive this " I whispered focusing.

" Mommy is this enough? " asks Serenity getting my attention "Let's see " I answer putting the knife down and then wiping my hands. It was so cute that Serenity asked to help me cook so I gave her the easiest thing to do, which was tearing up lettuce for the salad.

" Good job this is plenty," I said taking the bowl from her "Mommy Gamma and Gampa coming tonight? " Serenity asks looking at me "Yes they are but also other people as well " I answered putting the chopped carrots in a bowl.

" Who are the other people? " she asks curiously but I feel a lump in my throat " Um...the other people coming are my mommy and daddy " I reply but saying those words I felt ashamed even acknowledging them as my parents upset me.

" Are they like Gamma and Gampa? " Serenity asks getting my attention which she wasn't wrong about "Yes honey there's also your grandma and grandpa too, " I said caressing her cheek.

The same people who disappointed me for keeping my baby and shamed me for everything. But also the ones who don't acknowledge their granddaughter.

I don't know how this dinner was going to go tonight but it's the first time my parents are meeting Duncan and his parents were coming to meet mine. This was going to be one hell of a dinner.

The door opens and Duncan walks in carrying a paper bag " Babe I'm home " he announced walking into the kitchen "Hey, how was your day? " I asked looking back at him.

" Busy today but other than that good " answers Duncan putting the bag on the counter " I got the wines and a whiskey for me " he adds showing me the bottles.

" Thank you we're gonna need it, " I said smiling at the variety of wines " Can I be honest for a moment," says Duncan going to the sink to wash his hands "That you're also dreading this dinner? " I asked opening the oven to check the roast.

Hearing him exhale heavily "Okay then I don't have to feel guilty," he says "No but let's just get through it " I explained basting the meat. " But fair warning your dad says one wrong thing about me or our daughter I'm throwing him out the balcony," said Duncan.

Quickly turning around "Please don't toss my dad out the balcony " I breathed leaning my head back " Fine I'll go shower then and look presentable to the parents from hell," said Duncan making me giggle which is what I kinda needed.

" Hi Daddy " greets Serenity waving at him " Hi sweetie," says Duncan before going to the bathroom.

* knock * * knock *

I suddenly panicked there was no way my parents were here already.

Quickly closing the oven I take my apron off and checked myself, I wore a simple one-piece red dress with black flats.

Rushing to the door I take a deep breath and open it to see Melinda and James, " Hello Mr & Mrs Stone " I sighed feeling so relieved that it was them.

" Hello Courtney thank you for having us," said Melinda hugging me "We hope tonight everything gets settled," said James putting a hand on my shoulder "We'll see " I replied letting them walk in.

Walking back into the kitchen I continue finishing doing the last bit before the roast comes out.

" Everything looks good " compliments Melinda coming in "Oh thank you " I replied grabbing the things to finish making the salad.

" Hi Gamma " greets Serenity rushing up to her "Hello my dear " answers Melinda picking up Serenity. I'm glad to know that she has a good set of grandparents that loved her immediately when they first met her.

" Where's Duncan? " asked Melinda looking around " Oh he's just getting cleaned up " I answered slicing tomatoes " Gampa go to the bathroom," said Serenity getting my attention " But da- " not finishing what I was going to say...

" WOAH DAD!!!! " shouts Duncan...

" YOU STILL DON'T LOCK THE DOOR!!! " says James...

" YOU STILL DON'T KNOCK!!! " answers Duncan...

" Just get your wet self dressed," said James...

Both Melinda and I look at each other momentarily before we start laughing...

7:00 PM

Okay, the table is set, the meat is resting which I'll cut before serving, now all that's left is gravy, the vegetables to finish cooking and my parents to arrive.

Meanwhile, Duncan and his dad were with Serenity in the living room.

Melinda and I were just putting a few things on the table including the wines, which I'm going to be needing a lot of tonight.

" Don't be nervous dear everything will be alright " said Melinda looking concerned.

Heavily exhaling I look at the table " I'm trying but I just can't " I breathed trying to stay calm.

* Knock * * knock *

I froze upon hearing the door "Oh God there here " I said trying to compose myself "Do you want me to get it? " asks Duncan walking up to me "No it's okay I'll get it " I answered before going to the door.

Taking one deep breath I unlock and opened the entrance to see standing there my parents.

" Good evening Mom and Dad " I welcomed them "Hello Courtney "answered Dad looking calm but I could tell he was bothered "You look well dear, " says Mom lightly smiling "Thank you, please come in, " I said stepping to the side to let in.

I should have taken a shot of Duncan's whiskey before I opened the door.

Once they were inside I led them to the living room.

"You're both arriving just in time I have dinner ready " I explain walking in front of them "Sounds good " answers Dad plainly "You cooked? Interesting, " criticized Mom already here and she starts.

Once in the living room, Duncan sees me entering along with rolling my eyes which was code for " brace yourself ".

Walking up to me Duncan stands beside me " Mom Dad this is Duncan " I said introducing him "Good evening sir and mam nice to officially meet you both " breathes Duncan as he and Dad currently gave one another the same tense stare.

" Likewise " answered Dad slightly shaking his head "Thank you for having us, " said Mom looking around the apartment as if she were in an unsafe environment.

" Good evening My name is Melinda Stone Duncan's mother and this is my husband, " says Melinda joining us while pulling James up to where we stood.

Our eyes met briefly and she could sense the tension "Thank you " I mouthed to her as she nods " James Stone Duncan's father " said James quickly shaking hands with my dad.

" A pleasure to meet you both, my name is Peter and this is my wife, Sophia, " said Dad but just then I felt Serenity stand behind me " Oh there she is, " says Mom spotting her grandchild shaking dads arm to get his attention.

"Well now there's the young Lady, " said Dad lightly grinning at her "Let me have a look at you, " said Mom somewhat happy.

Pulling Serenity in front of me she continued holding my leg " Mom Dad this is Serenity " I introduced "Honey they're your grandpa and grandma ".

While Dad kept his eyes on Serenity he crosses his arms" Tell me young lady do you know how many provinces are in Canada? " he asks so casually "Dad" I said clearly not pleased...

" 10 " answered Serenity staring at Dad" And 3 territories " she adds. Thankfully last summer I taught her a bit of Canada's history.

" Impressive " replies Dad "She looks just like Courtney at this age " she adds looking at her face. Dad chuckled "Thank goodness " whispered Dad who didn't go unheard by Duncan was mad.

" Let's all sit down and have dinner shall we, " I said needing a big glass of wine with dinner...

(AN: the tension is high...who's ready for the sit down )

Duncan's POV

10 Minutes Later

The dinner looked amazing. Courtney put all her effort and hard work into making it all look incredible.

Roasted vegetables, green beans, rolls, and gravy. Along with the wines on the table but for myself whiskey on the rocks.

Once the prime rib was sliced up she brought it over to the table and we enjoyed the family-style dinner, that looked magazine worthy.

While I poured the wine into Courtney's glass everyone was helping themselves to the food. Mom and Dad sat side by side, Serenity sat next to me with Courtney on my left, she thoughtfully sat next to her dad so that I wouldn't kill him. Then Sophia sat on Peter's left.

" I'm amazed you made all this Courtney," said Sophia serving herself some roasted vegetables," I thought I'd show you how capable I am to make a decent dinner for company...so enjoy " replies Courtney but it was more like a punch to her mom.

Courtney was hot and it was taking me everything to not get turned on.

As I was about to put the bottle in the Center of the table, "Do you mind filling my glass " says Mr.Preston looking at me as he took a bite of meat "No problem " I breathed mentally pouring the wine on his head instead of the glass " thank you " he says once filled before picking up the glass to drink.

" So tell us what line of work do you do Peter? " asks Dad looking up from his plate and giving me the chance to pick up my knife and fork to start eating.

" I'm in corporate business developments and stock markets " answers Peter eyeing me "My goodness that's something " replies Mom amazed "Yes for the 24 years I've been a part of countless company developments that I've made quite a name for myself " he explains, no wonder he looks down on me.

" And I myself am the head marketer of the multiple companies that Peter was involved in developing " add Sophia smiling at her husband "You both have quite the careers," said Dad nodding his head before biting into a roasted potato.

" Yes we do, we thought the same for another individual but that was a shame," said Dad making Courtney stop eating and reach for her wine glass. That comment wasn't necessary. Geez this guy was an asshole.

Mr. Preston and I make eye contact before he speaks " Anyway Duncan I must ask aside from getting my daughter pregnant at 16 years old, you going to jail for breaking and entering what else have you been up to? ".

Making everyone drop their utensils, my eyes got tense.

There it was...the asshole finally said it.

(AN: who here also wants to punch Courtney's dad in the face )

" Dad " hissed Courtney glaring at him " I beg your pardon," said Dad standing up from his seat " Dad," I say using my arm to hold him back.

" James sit down," said Mom frowning at Mr.Preston " I can't imagine you being able capable of anything " scuffed Mrs.Preston which got moms attention "Excuse me what is that supposed to mean? " asks Mom now looking at Sophia.

This dinner was going down fast.

Suddenly a roll flew across the table hitting Courtney's Dad on the chest...

We looked to see that Serenity had thrown it " Serenity " says Courtney "Don't be mean to my daddy " replies Serenity frowning at him " That wasn't polite young lady " said Mr.Preston in a high voice which wasn't okay with me and I quickly got up from seat.

" You have no right talking to my daughter in that manner " I hissed placing both my palms on the table " Serenity please go to your room," says Courtney watching her get down from her seat.

We all waited for Serenity to walk to her room but she stopped for a moment and looked back at us "You are a dick " she says surprising everyone but I lightly smiled hearing her say that. Then she went to her room.

There was a temporary silence in the room.

" I can only guess where she learned that from," said Mrs.Preston starting right at me " If she said it then she's smart enough to know when someone is being a dick " I replied trying to keep my cool.

" Well then clearly neither of you knows how to even raise a child," said Mr.Preston shaking his head once again "You're both clueless and irresponsible and don't see that neither of you is teaching her nothing of value " he continues speaking " do you plan to put her in a good school, will she be educated enough, will she be accepted into the best IV leagues schools...tell us what do you both plan to do for her future? " he lectures.

Next thing I knew I hit my fist hard on the table causing everything to shake or topple over...

" Duncan," says Courtney in a quivered tone of voice "Dear" breathes mom...

" You listen here asshole...who do you think you are to come to our home and criticize our parenting? " I state keeping my eyes on Courtney's dad "What makes it okay for you to test my daughter's intelligence...instead of being affectionate...but also you haven't exactly been dad of the year " I breathed.

" At least I was a better father than you ever could be " answers Mr.Preston standing up from his seat "Oh really shaming your daughter and treating your grandchild like an outcast is impressive " I replied feeling my anger rise more " Also let's not forget the false rape charges you wanted to put me if Courtney ever told me she was pregnant " I finished.

Dad was still standing by me before he turned his attention to the prick " Who do you think you are? To press those false charges on my son? What person does that to keep a father away from his child " he said "Let me say this to you... a father who teaches his son to be respectful care and protect his family, you sir are just despicable " finished Dad then placed a hand on my shoulder for support.

" Then why didn't you teach him to keep it in his trousers," asks Mrs.Preston only this time it was moms turn "Mom" called Courtney looking mortified.

" Now you listen here, we faced challenges in our lives it wasn't easy but if anything brought us strength it was our children and we did everything to make sure they grow up properly " explains Mom" And when I heard about that false charge to prevent my son from ever finding out about his daughter...it took all my strength to not go and give you both a piece of my mind " taking a breath mom spoke " shame on both of you ".

I couldn't believe what Mom and Dad were doing, they were defending me. Even after all the things I did.

" What was his plan going to be if he knew about the baby stealing cars isn't an exact source of income " mocks Mr.Preston turning his attention back to me.

"As I told you when you got arrested I would have worked as many jobs as possible to support Courtney and Serenity " I answer "Just so you both know I have my own business now, I'm taking care of my woman and child, and I'm staying I ain't going anywhere " I added.

Mr.Preston did a look around and then smirked " And you couldn't do better in finding a better place to live " he answers.

That's it...that's the last of my sanity...

" Get out of our home " I ordered staring at them intensely " And never fuckin come near us again " I added.

" And this is exactly why we wanted to talk to you both," said Mrs.Preston looking between me and Courtney " what do you mean mom? " asks Courtney standing up " We wanted visitations to ensure your child is getting everything from us so that she can succeed " explains Mr.Preston stepping to the side.

I didn't like anything they were saying...

" But seeing that it's not possible then..." Reaching inside his jacket Mr.Preston pulls out a paper " Here court papers were going to fight for full custody of your daughter " he adds tossing the papers on the table.

" GET OUT NOW!!!! " I yelled at them " I'll get the door," said Dad rushing to open it " LEAVE!! ".

Courtney's parents walked quickly to the door with me following close then once they were out I slammed the door behind them.

Taking deep breaths I return to the dining table to find Courtney being held by my mom as she cried hysterically, it was the nightmare that neither of us wanted but unfortunately, it came to reality.

Walking up to Mom I carefully take Courtney and hold her tight...

" No...they can't do this...my baby " cries Courtney into my shoulder with her arms around my neck "We're not going to let them take her away we'll fight back," I said holding her close to me.

What a disaster tonight went...

9:00 PM

Courtney and I needed to talk big time now.

Mom was kind enough to clean the table and pack up the food that was barely touched. Afterwards, we asked her and Dad if they can take Serenity for the night.

As soon as they left I walked over to Courtney who looked so defeated that it hurt me to see her like this.

Taking a seat next to her on the couch I tried to say something but I found that I couldn't think of anything...

" I hate my parents...I hate them " she says sounding calm "There I finally said it ".

" Yeah they are pieces of shit " I replied looking at Courtney staring at the front wall " I'm not letting them have her," she said wiping the sides of her face " And they won't if they think they can " I answered holding her hand.

" Duncan I don't want to lose her she's everything to me...from the moment I held her my world changed and there's...no...nothing...that could...compare " cries Courtney as I was leaning to hug her she immediately pushes me back.

Quickly following her behind Courtney goes into the bathroom and starts crying again only this time louder than earlier...

All I could do was lean against the door and listen "Babe come on open the door...let me in " I said knocking but what I heard next was something I won't forget...

" P-Please...leave m-...me alone Duncan " cries Courtney...

I know what hurt greatly was that she wanted to be alone or if she needed me...

Letting a grunt out I grab my keys to the Porsche and leave, I needed to get out of here and get some air.

This night couldn't have gone any worse than we could have imagined.

AN: So what are your thoughts on what's coming? I'd love to hear your thoughts