Living Without A Heart

9 Months Later

"Today we finally get our revenge! We'll get them back and they'll wish they never layed eyes on you..." 

"Finally, after all these years... He'll see that taking other people's toys won't make him any friends."

*****

Seventy two hours ago, Hal had driven Alice to the hospital as her waters broke... They had been to Pop's for lunch and had just stood to leave when she clutched her stomach and a dripping sound echoed through the diner as everyone looked at them both... The nurse who delivered her baby turned around and began to walk away from Alice.

"What are you doing!? Where are you going!?" She screamed breathless. "Bring her back!" Images of 4 years ago flashed through her mind like a knife in her heart.

"I'm just going to clean her up a bit Alice- don't worry!" She reassured. "Does daddy want to hold her first?" She cooed.

"No! Give her to me, please give her back..." She pleaded, her tears mingled in with hear sweat. Alice's throat was hurting from all the screaming and her blonde curls were plastered against her sticky skin.

"Alice, no one is going to take her; she's our daughter." 

"Has she got a name yet?" The nurse asked handing the baby girl to Alice.

"Polly... we're calling her Polly!" She beamed through her tears, delicately tracing a finger over her cheeks.

"Congratulations Mr and Mrs Cooper! If you need anything just press the button- you can go home in a few hours providing everything is okay and you feel well enough to go back."

"Thank you" They both replied in unison.

When she was out of earshot, Hal snapped "What part of a secret did you not understand!? That brat you had in highschool isn't your son! She is our daughter so forget about him and let me hold her!"

"I'll never just forget him! He will always be my son and I'll always despise you for it! I hate the fact and I blame you for the fact our little girl won't have her big brother. I blame you for the fact that I don't have my son!"

"...Alice let me hold my daughter..."

"Not yet..."

"Alice!"

"I'll let you in a minute, just let me hold her a little while longer..."

"I do love her you know. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for her."

"I know..."She whispererd.

Aproximately six hours later, Alice had been discharged and allowed to go back home. She sat in the back of the waggon, refusing to leave Polly's side for even a second. She knew Polly wasn't going to be taken from her like Charles was but she still didn't trust anyone.

"Hiya baby," she cooed at the crying swaddle of blankets.  "Oh what's the matter? huh? What's the matter with my precious little angel?" she gushed.

"Looks like someone has already left a present!" Hal called. He picked the letter up along with a little chamagne coloured elephant and then carried the rest of the stuff in from the car. 

It was now midnight, Polly was finally sleeping after her feed and Hal was writing an article announcing the new arrival. Alice sat on the couch with a huge sigh- she was exhausted. She finally got 'round to opening the letter that  was attached to the fluffy teddy. It read:

Congratulations Ali, I hope your baby provides you with the hope and love you need and deserve... I wish you all the luck in the world. I have no doubt that she will grow to be as beautiful, intelligent, and strong as her mummy. X 

Right at the bottom of the note it had the number 831. 

Her fingers trailed over the writing on the card. Her mind flickered back, reminding her of images from six months ago...

Alice trecked over to Andrews Construction and rasped three times on the office door.

"Alice!" Fred beamed "What are you doing here?"

"I'm sorry to disturb you at work but is FP around? I need to give him something..." she said tensely.

"He'll be back in a minute, how are you doing? enjoying married life?"

"Oh alright, I'm fine- you?" she replied evading the last question.

"...I'm good! Mary's coming next weekend so I'm excited."

"Yeah! She said she'd come and visit me... It's amazing how you have managed to maintain a long distance relationship! It shows just how strong your love is for each other."

"Your love is stronger..."

"I'm sorry?"

"Yours and FP's love. Hal is great but everyone knows he isn't your true love- but he is-" He said nodding towards the door where FP was about to enter.

"Alice!? What's going on?" he shouted, a mixture of shock and panic.

"I'll leave you two to it." 

"I just have to give you something. I would tell you in person but I don't know how to; I've always been better at writing..." She explained handing him a letter.

"Ali? What is it?" he questioned putting a comforting hand on her arm. Concern still remained in his voice.

"Just read it please... It's not a love letter I promise." She breathed giving him a hesitant but lingering kiss on his cheek. She stood there,loitering for a second her lips next to his cheek and then walked out. He saw tears glimmering in her eyes as she looked back at him.

FP scrambled to open the letter and it said:

My dearest Forsythe,

I'm sorry I didn't have the courage to tell you in person... I didn't know how to and I couldn't bare the thought of seeing the look on your face. The thing is, Hal and I have fulfilled half of our deal... I'm pregant. I had my twelve week scan today and then wrote this letter to come and tell you. I wanted to be sure before I told anyone.

I wanted you to find out from me rather than anyone else. I didn't want to hurt you. On the brightside, he/she will keep me company... Please know this doesn't alter the love I feel for you. I don't see how we could be together any more if there was ever a chance before. I want to wish you all the best for your future.

 All the love in the world... Ali x

He let out a shuddering breath as he dialed her number...

"I'm happy for you..." he croaked.

"I didn't have it in me to tell you!"

"That's okay, that's okay... I understand- I'm glad you won't be alone anymore..."

"FP..."

"Me too..." He spoke softly knowing what she was going to say.

"Good luck with your wedding..." she uttered "Be happpy my love... "

"Thank you Ali... you be happy too..."

"Goodbye Jones," she said her voice breaking.

"For now, Goodbye Smith..." He had a sneaking suspicion this wasn't going to be the last time they spoke- they'd said goodbye short of a dozen times already, why would this time be any different.

-

"You okay Alice?"

"Yeah, just thinking..."

"about?"

"Nothing- just how much I love Polly..." she lied.

"You must be shattered, why don't you try and get some sleep before Polly wakes again?"

"Yeah, I will."

A/N 

For anyone who doesn't know what 831 means it means: 

8 letters, 3 words, 1 meaning- "I love you"