Chapter Five

From the day Daphne started high school, she couldn't wait to finish it, and Graduation Day was the big day she had been looking forward to. Those were her fantasies as a high school freshman. But those fantasies changed when she became pregnant with Fred and was forced to give up her baby for adoption. As Daphne looked at her graduation gown, she knew she could graduate with dignity as she hoped the gown would cover her figure. Then, there was a knock on her door.

"Who is it?" Daphne asked, hoping it wouldn't be her mother.

Her hopes were dashed as her mother opened the door without checking if Daphne wanted her to come in.

"Daphne, your father and I have come to a decision, and we won't be coming to your graduation ceremony," Mrs Blake said.

Daphne couldn't believe it. As much as she hated her mother, Daphne thought her mother would show a little compassion by attending her graduation ceremony.

"Why not?" Daphne asked, trying to hide the hurt in her voice.

Mrs Blake frowned at her as she thought the answer would have been obvious.

"You know exactly why not," Mrs Blake said. "It's because of the way you shamed our family with that bastard child you're carrying. Do you really think we want to stand next to you in a photo with you over eight months pregnant?"

Daphne felt her throat tighten, but she knew she had to persevere. She walked over to her graduation gown against her bedroom closet and held it up.

"I'll be wearing this," Daphne said. "It'll cover my figure. No one will know I'm pregnant,"

"The whole town already knows you're pregnant, thanks to the yearbook photo," Mrs Blake replied. "Isn't that bad enough?"

Daphne was still furious over how the photographer didn't respect her wishes and took a photo of her exposing her pregnancy as a reminder of what happened to her in high school for decades to come.

"The town already knew I was pregnant before that photo was even taken," Daphne said. "Now, this is one of the big days of my life. Can't you be supportive and be there for me?"

"As I've already told you, we've made up our minds, and we won't be going," Mrs Blake said as patiently as she could. "Is that clear?"

Daphne sighed as she knew it was no use.

"Yes, that's clear," Daphne said.

"Good, and I want to make something very clear to you," Mrs Blake said. "Not only will we not be going to your graduation ceremony, we won't be going to your bastard child's graduation ceremony either. The shame you've brought to our family name can't be forgiven, no matter how much you try, and especially if you get married,"

With nothing else to say, Mrs Blake left the room quickly. Once she was gone, Daphne closed the door behind her, collapsed on her bed and cried inconsolably.

XXXXX

It took Daphne several hours to compose herself so she could call Fred. Based on the fact that she had become pregnant, Mrs Blake took away her cell phone, and any calls made had to be monitored by Mrs Blake. Daphne stood up and opened her bedroom door.

"Mom, I'm going to call Fred," Daphne shouted.

"Why?" Mrs Blake asked with annoyed confusion. "You see him enough at school,"

"I just need to talk to him, and it can't wait until I get to school," Daphne said, nearly in tears again.

Mrs Blake could hear Daphne was upset; the last thing she needed was to listen to her whine about being unable to speak to Fred.

"Okay, but I'll be listening," Mrs Blake said.

"Thank you," Daphne said relieved.

Daphne dialled Fred's number and waited for it to be answered. Mrs Blake picked up the phone in the living room and listened carefully. Then, the call was answered.

"Hello," Fred said.

"It's me, honey," Daphne said. "I really need to talk to you. Have you got time?"

"I'll always have time for you," Fred replied.

Daphne breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good, because it's about our graduation ceremony," Daphne said. "My parents can't make it, and I'm wondering if your parents would be okay with me taking my photo with them and you?"

Fred accurately suspected that Daphne's parents were boycotting the graduation ceremony because of the pregnancy. Fred's parents had been shocked at first, but they were grateful that Daphne was giving up the baby for adoption. They didn't make him feel like he had done something awful, and they didn't think any less of Daphne about the pregnancy either.

"I'm sure they would love it," Fred said. "They think the world of you, as I do,"

Daphne didn't think she would cry, but tears of joy came, and she could do nothing about them.

"Thank you, Fred," Daphne said. "I love you,"

"I love you, too," Fred replied.

On the other end of the line, they heard Mrs Blake laugh quickly, and Daphne felt ashamed.

"Listen, I have to go now," Daphne said. "I'll see you soon?"

"You bet," Fred replied.

"Bye," Daphne said.

"Bye," Fred replied.

They hung up their phones, and Daphne got off her bed and walked into the living room where Mrs Blake was sitting.

"Why did you have to laugh at us like that for?" Daphne asked. "Fred and I love each other,"

Mrs Blake stood up.

"You are as naïve as the bastard child you're carrying," Mrs Blake said. "You have no idea what real love is,"

Then Mrs Blake took another step closer and stroked Daphne's hair briefly.

"Your hair has grown out nicely," Mrs Blake said. "But if you make me and your father look bad again, I'll give you another haircut. Is that clear?"

Daphne's eyes widened with fear.

"Y-Y-Yes, that's clear, Mom," Daphne replied nervously.

Mrs Blake smiled a little, satisfied that her daughter feared her.

"Good," Mrs Blake said. "Now go back to your room. I can't even look at you right now,"

Daphne didn't argue and returned to her room as fast as possible. When Mrs Blake heard Daphne's room door close, she chuckled quietly to ensure Daphne couldn't listen to her.

XXXXX

Graduation Day had finally arrived, and Daphne couldn't have been happier. She was dressed in her graduation gown and cap, and Fred looked very handsome in his graduation gown and cap. The gown didn't cover the fact that Daphne was pregnant. She sat with Fred, Shaggy and Velma in the auditorium, and they waited for the ceremony to start.

"I can't believe the gown can't cover how I am," Daphne said, trying not to sound bitter.

Fred put his left arm around her, and she loved how it felt.

"You are beautiful and glowing," Fred said. "There's nothing wrong with how you look,"

Daphne smiled and was relieved she wasn't crying, as she didn't want her makeup ruined. Then they heard a voice behind them.

"Daphne," the voice said.

Daphne and Fred turned around to see Robert Ballard standing there.

"Congratulations on reaching this milestone day," Robert said. "I'm really happy for you,"

Feeling grateful, Daphne stood up and hugged Robert. Robert hugged her back. Fred stayed seated as he didn't want to bother them.

"Thank you, Robert," Daphne said. "That means so much to me,"

"You're welcome," Robert said. "I've looked around for your parents. Are they here today?"

Daphne was hit with a wave of sadness but refused to give in to it.

"No, they're not, but I'm glad you are," Daphne said.

"You're welcome," Robert replied.

At that moment, the Warden entered the auditorium. He saw Daphne hugging Robert and was instantly jealous. Daphne saw the Warden and was creeped out immediately, so creeped out that she stopped hugging Robert.

"Listen, I better sit back down," Daphne said. "The ceremony is going to be starting soon,"

"Not a problem," Robert said.

Daphne turned around and started to walk back towards Fred when she turned back to Robert.

"Robert, can I have my photo taken with you later?" Daphne asked, hopefully.

"You bet," Robert replied, smiling.

"Great," Daphne said, also smiling. "Catcha later, my friend,"

"Catcha later, my friend," Robert repeated before he turned around and walked away.

Daphne walked back to Fred and sat beside him while Robert looked for a seat in the back of the auditorium. The Warden eyed Daphne closely, and he hated the interaction she had with Robert. Then, he made his way backstage. Daphne felt sick that the Warden was there but decided he wouldn't ruin her day.

"So, who was that you were talking to?" Fred asked.

Daphne hadn't told Fred about Robert, and she wasn't sure it would be right for him to know, given the circumstances of her forced adoption of her child.

"He's a friend of the family," Daphne said. "A terrific guy,"

"Cool," Fred said.

Daphne quickly looked around for the Warden and was relieved he wasn't in the auditorium. She knew he was most likely backstage, but she was determined to keep that out of her mind.

XXXXX

The ceremony went smoothly, but Daphne, Fred, Shaggy and Velma just wanted to get their diplomas so they could celebrate their way. There were speeches from teachers, but there was one speech that none of them counted on: A speech from the Warden. As the Warden approached the podium, Daphne couldn't believe it. As soon as he stepped behind the podium, his eyes focused on Daphne.

"Ladies, gentlemen, distinguished guests, and, of course, the graduating class of 2015," the Warden said. "I have been invited to give a speech at previous ceremonies, but I thought I would make an exception this year. To the graduating class of 2015, you all have bright futures ahead of you, but I think I should give you a word of caution. It's very easy to make mistakes in life, and I've seen many graduates end up behind the walls of Coolsville Prison, which is far from the best place to be. So many promising futures were destroyed because they thought crime was better than a college education. Don't throw your lives away on crime. Focus on the future because if you don't, then all you'll have to focus on are the walls of the prison outside and the jail cells inside,"

Daphne couldn't believe how the Warden was staring at her. It made her feel uncomfortable, and worst of all, no one in the crowd seemed to notice. Daphne wondered if the Warden was playing a sick game with her.

XXXXX

After the ceremony concluded, Daphne had her picture taken with Fred and his family. Then Robert walked up to Daphne, and she couldn't help but smile.

"I'm so happy for you, Daphne," Robert said. "You're going to do amazing things with your life,"

Daphne mostly believed that, and she knew Robert meant well, but she wanted to include being the one who would raise her child.

"Thank you, Robert," Daphne said. "That means a lot coming from you,"

Robert stepped closer to Daphne so no one would hear what he would say next.

"Well, considering what you're doing for my son and daughter-in-law, I think you deserve all the praise you deserve," Robert whispered.

Daphne smiled, then her bottom lip quivered and cried a little. Fred saw this and became concerned.

"Honey, are you okay?" Fred asked.

"It's just hormones, Fred," Daphne replied as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Fred suspected that wasn't entirely the case as he knew Daphne too well, but he decided he wouldn't ruin their day.

"Okay," Fred said.

"Honey, can you take a picture of Robert and me?" Daphne asked.

"Sure," he replied.

Daphne looked at Robert.

"My favorite tree is right over there," Daphne said.

"Okay," Robert said.

Daphne, Fred and Robert walked over to the tree. Daphne and Robert stood in front of the tree.

"Would you like me to put my arm around your waist?" Robert asked.

"Sure," Daphne replied.

Robert put his right arm around her waist. Fred felt a little jealous that someone else was touching his girlfriend, but he kept his mouth shut as he raised the camera to his face.

"Say 'cheese'," Fred said.

"Cheese," Daphne and Robert said in unison.

Fred took the picture, and Robert removed his arm from her waist. Then Daphne gave him a big hug.

"Thank you so much for coming today," Daphne said.

"You're welcome," Robert replied. "I'll see you soon,"

Daphne knew she was talking about the birth, and she was worried about how much pain she was going to be in, but she knew Robert would be there to help.

"You bet," she replied happily.

They let go of each other and started walking to their cars. Fred held Daphne's hand gently, but suddenly, Daphne squeezed Fred's hand. When he looked at her, she looked scared.

"Daphne, what is it?" Fred asked.

"My water just broke!" Daphne said, scared. "The baby's coming!"

Robert heard that, and he ran towards her.

"Then let's get you to the hospital," Robert said.

"I can get her to the hospital," Fred said. "I have my van,"

As the three of them walked to the van, Daphne hoped that the baby wouldn't arrive too quickly and she would have to give birth in the Mystery Machine.

XXXXX

Robert proved to be helpful when they arrived at the hospital. He got Daphne into delivery as quickly as possible, and her doctor was available to assist with the birth. The only thing he wasn't helpful with was getting Fred into the delivery room to help Daphne with the birth. Fred was in the waiting room furious as a Nurse walked out holding a clipboard.

"Excuse me," Fred said. "I need to get into delivery room six,"

"Delivery room six?" the Nurse asked curiously.

"Yes, delivery room six," Fred said, annoyed. "Daphne Blake is giving birth, and I need to be in there,"

The Nurse didn't appreciate Fred's tone at all.

"And you are?" the Nurse asked.

"Fred Jones!" Fred said, frustrated. "I'm the father of the baby Daphne is giving birth to, and I need to be in there!"

The Nurse looked at the chart regarding Daphne Blake for a quick moment, and then she looked at Fred.

"I'm sorry, but you're not allowed in there," the Nurse said.

Fred couldn't believe it as he thought that was impossible.

"What do you mean I'm not allowed in there?" Fred asked. "I'm the father!"

"I have instructions to follow, and you're not allowed in there," the Nurse replied.

Fred knew exactly who had ordered the instructions: Daphne's parents, and he wouldn't tolerate being denied access to Daphne when she needed him most.

"TO HELL WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS!" Fred yelled.

Fred walked away from the Nurse, but a Security Officer grabbed him less than ten seconds later.

"LET ME GO!" Fred yelled. "MY GIRLFRIEND IS GIVING BIRTH TO MY BABY!"

"Young man, you are going to wait outside," the Security Officer said.

"NO, I NEED TO BE IN THERE!" Fred yelled. "DAPHNE NEEDS ME!"

The Security Officer ignored Fred's pleas and dragged Fred outside.

"If you try to come back here, we will call the cops!" the Security Officer shouted. "Have you got that?"

Fred didn't say a word as he defiantly glared at the Security Officer. The Security Officer glared back at him. From inside delivery room six, Daphne had heard Fred yelling, and it broke her heart that Fred couldn't have been in there for the birth. Robert held her hand there, and Daphne gave her one last push.

"It's a boy," the doctor said. "Congratulations,"

Daphne looked at the baby happily, and then she began crying as she knew she couldn't keep him. Seeing how upset she was, Robert hugged her, but Daphne didn't have the strength to hug him back. The baby had bright red hair, just like his mother.

XXXXX

Hours later, Daphne was with Robert in the private room that her parents had arranged for her in advance, and they ensured Fred wouldn't be allowed in. Her parents hadn't shown up, and Daphne was relieved they weren't there. The baby was asleep in the nursery, and Daphne wished he was in there with her.

"You should be really proud of yourself," Robert said. "He's a beautiful baby,"

"Thank you," Daphne said, exhausted.

"Michael and Katherine are grateful for what you're doing," Robert said. "They would have been in town, but they were on one last vacation before settling into parenthood. They didn't know their son was going to come early,"

It hurt Daphne to hear Robert refer to him as their son, not hers. Robert could see the hurt in her eyes and immediately regretted what he said.

"I'm sorry," Robert said. "He's your son,"

"Thank you for saying that," Daphne replied.

Robert also had something else on his mind.

"Daphne," Robert said. "Have you thought of a first name for your son?"

"I would have thought Michael and Katherine would have wanted to do that," Daphne said.

"I know, but it's what they agreed to," Robert said. "So, what is your son's first name?"

Daphne had been thinking about that for a long time and hoped Robert would like it.

"William," Daphne said. "It's a name I've always loved,"

Robert smiled warmly.

"I'm sure Michael and Katherine will love it," he said.

Daphne cried as she was so grateful not to be alone that night as Fred wasn't allowed into the ward to see her, and that Robert was a great guy in his own right.

XXXXX

In the early hours of the following day, Daphne was dozing in her bed. She was nearly asleep when she heard someone approach her bed. Daphne hoped it was Fred, and he had somehow snuck in to see her and their son. But it wasn't Fred. Daphne kept her eyes closed in case it was some orderly or a nurse. Then she heard this person take something out of a bag. That sounded strange, and Daphne was afraid to open her eyes.

Then she heard a sound she knew well: Someone taking photos quickly. Someone was in the room taking pictures of her, and she could sense that a flash was being used under her eyelids as her room was in darkness. Once this person was done taking photos, Daphne waited for this person to leave the room, and this person left quickly. Daphne opened her eyes and hoped she could see who it was, but this person left the room quickly, and she was in no physical shape to get out of bed and follow him. But it didn't matter to Daphne as she knew exactly who it was: The Warden from Coolsville Prison.

"Jeepers!" Daphne said to herself, terrified.