Okay two updates, one day. Doubt I will keep that up but hope you like it!
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Chapter 5
Tricia's POV
For weeks now, I have avoided Daniel at all costs. Daniel has texted and called so many times it verges on stalking, so I got a different phone. He has even came by a time or two, but my daddy set him straight the last time so he hasn't tried that again. Jenn, tried to talk to me about him, but I wouldn't have that, the louse probably put her up to it. I was pretty dang rude to her, but she is my best friend and will get over it. Tonight, I will not be so lucky because Dhira has invited me over for dinner and I couldn't tell her no, but I have an exit strategy. If I get too uncomfortable I have an app on my phone that calls me so I can fake my way out of there to take care of something really important that cannot wait. There have been questions running through my mind all day. What if she is there, his baby momma? What if they are being the ultimate happy little family? It will crush any little part of my heart that has survived the beating he has given it over and over. I decided that I will show him what he is missing tonight. I even went to the stylist and had my hair done. It looks uber cute. As I put on the red sundress that sets my azure eyes off like magic, I think eat your heart out Danny!
Checking myself in my full length mirror, I think dang I look nice. Smoky eye make-up making my eyes look sexy as hell, check. I laugh out loud at my silly thoughts. I sigh, knowing that I am in for one hell of a night, because no matter how beautiful or ugly she is she is the mother of his baby and will be linked to him forever. The worst question plaguing me would be; does he love her?
Walking down the hall to leave I was stopped by my mother's voice calling me.
"Yeah, mom I was just leaving," I called back to her. She came barreling around the corner nearly knocking into me.
"Geez mom kill me why don't ya," I said laughing. Her smile lit her face at my laughter. She leaned in and gave me a big crushing hug.
As she pulled back, she still had that smile in place. She whispered, "Go in there with your head high and a smile on your face, trust me. Make him wish he had never messed with my baby girl," she said with an evil glint that I for one had never seen on her and she was still smiling. Maybe I did get something from her.
"That's what I plan to do," I said as I made my way out the door with a little more confidence.
Parking my car I could feel the cold sweat on my clammy hands. I wiped them on the seat of my car.
"I am fine. I am smart. I am not in love with him. I am strong. And I am beautiful," I said to myself trying to put in place all the bravado that I didn't feel.
Daniel's POV
Tonight will be hell. Mom invited Tricia over for dinner with us. Jenn and Marty are supposed to come over as well. It has been weeks since Tricia and I had our fight at the restaurant. In those weeks, I have come to know my daughter better with the help of my mother. The relationship between mom and me has improved a great deal. The resentment I held for her for so long has seemed to melt away over these weeks. I have read that letter from my father many times and I just cannot get why he would abandon us like that. He chose between his families instead of being a man and just owning what he did and making the best of it for all of his kids. It feels like he chose his favorite family. That may sound childish but it's how I feel.
I have decided tonight instead of chasing after Tricia like a love sick, stalker ex, I will admit defeat and let her have a nice dinner with the family. I am actually going to do all I can to try and totally ignore her presence altogether, which will be a monumental feat.
Christine is growing so fast and I haven't heard anything from her mother. The only option I have is to contact some of our mutual friends to see if they have heard anything from her.
After calling numerous people from California, I finally ran across Deanna, one of Natasha's old roommates.
"Daniel, I am not sure that I should tell you where she is. She really doesn't want anyone to know," she said. Frustrated beyond belief I tried to keep my voice calm and nice.
"Deanna, we have a child together. What if something happens to Christine? I need to know where she is," I say trying to reason with her maternal side, hoping that she has one.
After a long silence Deanna finally spoke, "Memorial hospital in Lancing, Michigan."
"What? Just how sick is she and what the hell is wrong with her? I asked truly perplexed.
"They have the best cancer ward in the United States," she stated flatly.
"She has cancer? How bad?" I asked.
"She has breast cancer, Daniel she found out when she became pregnant with Christine. She wouldn't do anything about it until now. She wanted to have time with Christine because the prognosis they gave her doesn't look good at all," she said.
"Daniel? Are you there?" she asked. I snapped out of the trance I had been in.
"Yeah, I didn't know," I said.
"Please don't tell her how you found out I don't want her angry with me," she said her voice a little shaky.
"I won't, I promise," I said as I hung up the phone. Mom came in with a bottle and tossed it into the sink.
When she seen the devastated look on my face she asked, "Daniel what's wrong?"
"It's Natasha, sh-she has cancer and they said it don't look good," I said nearly coming unraveled.
Mom hugged me and I just took in the comfort she provided.
"She is in Michigan and I have to take Christine there. If it were me, I would want to spend time with my baby before it was too late," I tell her.
"Of course, do you need me to come with you?" she asked.
Shaking my head I told her, "No, but I could use a small loan to get me there and back."
"You got it son. I will get Christine ready and you can follow me to the bank and I will withdraw what you think you need," she said without giving it a thought. I was really lucky my mom supports me so much.
"Thank you mom I will repay you as soon as I can," I tell her.
"No, I won't hear of it. Take care of my grandbaby and come back safe," she said as she rushed to get Christine ready.
Tricia's POV
Walking up the driveway of Daniel's house my palms were still clammy but I had nowhere to wipe them now. Straightening my shoulders I rang the bell. I heard some scurrying footsteps coming to the door. When the door opened Dhira stood there looking a little frazzled.
"Oh dear, I forgot about the dinner. Come on in hun," she said sounding even more frazzled.
"We can do dinner another day if you have other stuff going on," I tell her anxious to be away from where I would have to be civil to Daniel in any way.
"Nonsense, Jenn and Marty will be over soon. Get in here and I will order some Chinese food," she said as she disappeared into the kitchen.
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The secret is out...Now you know why this mother would give her child to Daniel. She had no other choice.
