+Forbidden Affair-Chapters:31-35+“Hey you’re just in time,” Nickolas said closing the door, as Cheyenne walked out of the bathroom. “I got us some pizza.” “I don’t think Dr. Lopez would consider that proper nutrition,” Cheyenne said. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” He smiled and Cheyenne sat on the sofa. Nickolas joined her a moment later with the pizza and drinks. “Do you feel better?” “Yeah.” “A nice warm shower does wonders.” She nodded and laid her head on his shoulder. “Do you want to eat first or sleep?” “Eat I guess.” She yawned and closed her eyes. “Pepperoni, sausage, ham, and extra cheese? Or just extra cheese?” She didn’t answer him. “Chey?” He looked at her and smiled. “Told ya you were tired. He kissed her forehead and wasn’t sure if he should move her or not. He thought about it a moment then picked her up. He carried her over to the bed and laid her on it. He covered her up and just looked at her a moment. He kissed her forehead again and there was a knock at the door. Cheyenne stirred in her sleep, but didn’t awaken. There was another knock and Nickolas walked over. He opened the door and sighed. “Keera.” “You should be more courteous towards your wife,” Keera said. “I thought I would find you here. The nurses said you and Cheyenne left.” “Brent asked me to bring her home so she could get some sleep and eat. Are you checking up? Are you making sure I don’t do anything with Brent’s ex-fiancée?” Keera just looked at him annoyed. “What are you doing here?”’ “I was hoping we could talk. You’re never home anymore.” “I’ve been at the hospital with Brent.” “May I come in?” He sighed. “Yeah; just keep your voice down, because Cheyenne’s sleeping.” She nodded and walked inside. Nickolas closed the door and they looked at each other. “Are you hungry? I just got some pizza.” “Thanks, but I just had lunch with mom.” “You shouldn’t be on your feet so much; especially this close to your due date.” “My husband’s never home so I have to do something.” “I’m sorry I’m busy, but what more do you want from me?” “A real marriage that consists of love.” “I can’t do that, Keera, and you’ve known that from the beginning. I can’t give that to you.” “Why not?” “Because it’s just not there. All it was was just a sexual attraction and nothing more.” “What about the baby?” “I’m the father, aren’t I?” She just looked at him. “I can give my child the love he/she needs.” “But you just can’t love their mother.” “No and I’m sorry.” “I thought this baby would bring us together so that is why I told you.” “And I’m glad you did so I can live up to my responsibility.” “And you’re doing a bang up job too.” “I’m sorry this marriage ain’t what you hoped for. I explained everything to you when I proposed. You knew why yet you still chose to marry me; cheating yourself out of a happy and love filled marriage. Don’t go blaming all this on me. I gave you a choice and you picked this.” “So you’re blaming me?” “No, because I’m half to blame. We were both there when the baby was created. It’s equal blame, Keera, and if you can’t accept that then that’s your problem. I really don’t have time for this conversation.” She just looked at him annoyed. “I have phone calls to make and I’m tired.” “Well I was just wondering if you wanted to be in the delivery room with me.” “Whatever you want.” “I would like you to be there.” “Alright then I’ll be there.” “Thank you.” He nodded. “Since you don’t want to have a conversation with your wife then I’m going home and getting some rest.” “You should be doing that now anyway.” “I’ll see ya later.” “Yeah.” He watched Keera walk out then looked at Cheyenne. She was still sleeping and he sighed. He didn’t understand Keera’s obsession with wanting a real marriage. She knew and understood the real reason why he married her. He didn’t care about her the way she wanted him to to have a real marriage. Those feelings weren’t there and he wasn’t going to force himself to feel them. It wasn’t that he was incapable of feeling those feelings, because he did feel them; just not with her though. He looked at Cheyenne and smiled. He felt those feelings with her. He felt it with his best friend’s ex-fiancée. It’s not that he wanted to; it just happened. It was forbidden for either of them to feel that way about each other, but he did feel that way about Cheyenne. He loved the feeling. He loves Cheyenne. And the more it was wrong the more it felt right to him. The more he fell in love with her the more he wanted to be with her. But he couldn’t be with her. He was married and had to be faithful to his wife. Plus Vincent was making sure they couldn’t be together…except for now. They were alone and no one was around to interrupt them. He stopped the pacing he started and looked at Cheyenne again. He gave a little grin and walked over to the bed. The first chance they get to be alone together one of them has to be sleeping. He didn’t blame her though, because she spent the whole week worrying about Brent. She probably only averaged an hour of sleep that whole week. Nickolas got on the bed and laid beside Cheyenne. He put his arm around her and she opened her eyes. She looked at him and he gave a little grin. “What are you doing?” Cheyenne asked. “I didn’t mean to wake you,” Nickolas replied. “I just wanted to take a little nap with you.” “Oh.” She grinned and cuddled next to him. “We are alone, right?” “Of course.” “Good.” He smiled and she looked at him. “Now that I know Brent’s going to be fine I don’t feel bad about being with you like this.” He smiled. “He’s going to be perfectly fine.” She nodded and kissed him. “I think I’m going to be fine too.” He chuckled and she pushed him onto his back. She got on top of him and kissed him again. “Maybe you should get some more sleep.” “I ain’t tired anymore.” “That was, like, a fifteen minute nap.” She smiled and kissed him. “That was just a power nap. I’m ready to go.” She pushed his shirt up and he left her take it off. She kissed his bare chest and he said, “Chey, I don’t think we should do this.” “Why not?” “Because this is Brent’s place and his bed.” She looked at him. “He’ll never know.” “That’s not the point. He’s my best friend and I’ll just feel very uncomfortable doing this in his bed with his ex.” She sighed. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be, because it’s ok.” She smiled in assurance. “It is a bad idea.” He nodded and she continued smiling. “What?” “There is the shower?” She kissed him. “But it’s still Brent’s place.” “Can’t you just forget that one little teeny tiny thing for now? This is the first time in awhile we get a chance to be alone. Why not enjoy the most of it?” She kissed him again. “I don’t know, Cheyenne. It’s kind of hard to forget that this is Brent’s place since I know it’s his place and he’s my best friend.” “I think I have a few ways to make you forget all that’s on your mind except for me of course.” He smiled and kissed her. “How about that shower?” She smiled and got off him. She slowly backed away from him and smiled. She started backing towards the bathroom, as Nickolas got up. He started walking towards her just as they both heard glass shatter. “Ahh!” Cheyenne dropped to the floor and Nickolas ran over to her. “Chey!” He rolled her over and she looked at him. “I think I was shot.” He looked at her bleeding arm and sighed. “It hurts.” “I know it does, but just hang on.” He grabbed his shirt off the floor and stuck it back on. “Ok c’mon. We have to get you to the hospital.” He picked her up and walked to the door. “Shit, my keys.” He turned around and walked over to the stand. “It really hurts.” “Just keep your hand on it and I’ll get ya to the hospital as soon as I can.” Cheyenne winced in pain and Nickolas picked up his keys. “Hang on, Baby.” Cheyenne buried her face in his chest and he practically ran out the door. “Dr. Lopez says you’re going to be fine,” Nickolas said sitting by Cheyenne’s bedside. “Now do you believe there’s a hit out on me?” Cheyenne questioned. “Yeah.” “He almost succeeded this time too.” She sighed. “Maybe next time they’ll get lucky.” “Don’t even think like that.” “They must’ve been watching me this whole time and when the opportunity was right they struck.” Nickolas didn’t say anything and just looked at her. “It has to do with us, Nick. They could’ve struck anytime this past week, but they were waiting for us to be together. And we were together. We were together at Brent’s and ready to hit the sheets. The only one that knows anything about us is Vinnie. Vinnie did this to me and he’s the one that shot Brent.” “Vinnie didn’t do this.” “Then who did, Nick? You tell me who did!” “I don’t know, but it wasn’t Vinnie. Why would he betray your father by killing you?” “Quit making excuses for the guy, because I know who he is and what he does.” “Then you would know that he and your father were best friends.” “He’s the reason my father’s dead. If it wasn’t for Vinnie Delgado Carmine and Valentino wouldn’t have gone down to the Congo and the rest of my family wouldn’t have gone down to help bring Carmine’s body back. If it wasn’t for Vinnie Delgado they wouldn’t have been on that plane.” “You blame him for a plane accident that killed your family? Is that what this is all about?” “It was my whole family, Nick, and Antonio was doing business with Vinnie.” Nickolas just looked at her. “As you know, Vinnie’s in the tea business.” He nodded. “Well my father was his business partner. I never liked the idea, because everything I heard about the Delgado family. I never trusted Vincent, but Antonio did. Anyway, about seven years ago there was a theft in the Corinthos/Delgado tea company. Some bad shit went down and people got killed and someone got away with a lot of money.” “How much money?” “Thirty million,” Vincent stated and they looked. “The guy made his way to the Congo.” “And you sent Carmine and Valentino to stop him,” Cheyenne said. “They volunteered to go,” Vincent said. “Carmine was thinking about you and your future.” “My future? He knew I hated you and wanted nothing to do with the business.” “It was the money.” “I didn’t want the money either. I was getting the $500 million from my grandparents. I was set for life. I want nothing from you.” “Well you have Antonio’s half of the business.” Nickolas looked at her surprised. “And I don’t want it. I never wanted anything to do with you, but you just can’t stay away.” “Because I promised your father I’d take care of you if anything happened to him.” “Do you call this taken care of me?” She pointed to her arm. “Someone’s trying to kill me and you’re doing nothing about it.” “I’m working on it.” “That’s bullshit. Ya know why it’s bullshit? It’s bullshit, because you’re the one trying to kill me.” “We’ve been through this song and dance before, Cheyenne. There is no point in repeating it.” She just looked at him. “I am not the one trying to kill you.” “You’re the only one that knows about me and Nickolas besides Brent.” Vincent just looked at her. “Hell you probably knew we were together at Brent’s getting ready to do a little bump and grind.” Vincent looked at Nickolas then back at Cheyenne. “Oh what does it matter what we do? Nick doesn’t love Keera so get over it. What the hell are you doing here anyway?” “I heard what happened and came to see if you were ok.” “I’m fine now leave. I have Nick so I don’t need you. I never needed you.” “Nick should be with Keera.” “She was going home to rest,” Nickolas said. “I was with Cheyenne, because Brent wanted me to keep an eye on her.” “And I’d be with Brent right now if it wasn’t for you,” Cheyenne said. “But I’m here with a bullet in my arm waiting patiently to get it the hell out. Something could be happening to him right now and I’m sitting here.” “Brent’s fine,” Vincent said. “They took him down to the lad to do some tests.” “Ya spy on him now too,” Cheyenne said. “I do what I must,” Vincent said. “Just leave Brent alone,” Cheyenne warned. “I was merely checking to see if there was a change in his condition,” Vincent said. “Will you just leave me please,” Cheyenne requested, as Dr. Lopez walked in. “Dr. Lopez, will you please tell Mr. Delgado he needs to leave. He’s upsetting me.” “You’re going to have to leave, Mr. Delgado,” Dr. Lopez said. “I need a moment with Miss Corinthos.” “Of course,” Vincent said. “We’ll talk later.” Cheyenne turned away from him and he walked out. “Nickolas, you’re going to have to leave also,” Dr. Lopez said. “He can stay,” Cheyenne said. “I want him to stay.” “Ok,” Dr. Lopez said. “So when can I get this bullet out of my arm?” “Very soon, but we can’t do it in the OR.” “Why not?” “None of them will be free for a couple hours.” “Oh.” “But according to the x-rays we’ve done the bullet didn’t hit any major arteries or nerves. So we’ll just numb your arm, get the bullet out, and stitch ya up.” “Sounds easy enough,” Nickolas said. “There’s also something else we need to discuss,” Dr. Lopez said. “It’s another reason why we can’t go to the OR.” “Is there something wrong?” Cheyenne questioned, as a pager went off. “That’s me,” Nickolas said taking it from his pocket. He looked at it and sighed. “I have to return this. It’s Mrs. Delgado. I’ll be right back.” “Ok,” Cheyenne said, as Nickolas walked out and she looked at Dr. Lopez. “So what’s wrong with me?” “Well I got your test results back from the lab,” Dr. Lopez said. “And I have some good news.” “What kind of good news?” “I had the lab run a pregnancy test.” “And?” “And it came back positive.” “Positive?” He nodded. “I’m pregnant.” “Yes.” She shook her head. “No; that’s impossible. The test has to be wrong. It just has to be.” “I can do another test if you like, but the chances it’ll come back different is very slim.” She just nodded, but didn’t say anything. “Do you have any questions?” She shook her head. “Ok, then I’ll leave you alone. I’ll be back in a few minutes to get that bullet out of your arm.” She didn’t say anything and Nickolas walked back in, as Dr. Lopez walked out. “Hey,” Nickolas said walking over to her. “I have to go upstairs. Keera went into labor and she wants me there.” Cheyenne just nodded. “I’ll be back later to check on ya.” “Go be with your wife,” Cheyenne said. “She’s having your baby.” “I’ll be back though.” He gave her a kiss and she watched him walk out. “And so am I.” She wiped her eyes. “But mines going to be a bastard and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.” She continued crying and left the tears go down her face. “Hey, Chey,” Codie said stepping into her room, but she didn’t bother to look. “How do ya feel?” “I’m fine,” Cheyenne lied, as Codie sat next to her. “Don’t lie to me. Tell me what’s wrong.” He rolled her over and saw her crying eyes. “What’s with the tears?” “Nothing.” “Don’t lie.” “It’s just my arm.” “Didn’t they give you any painkillers?” “They’re wearing off already and I can’t have anymore for a couple hours yet.” “Did they get the bullet out?” She nodded. “So you’re going to be fine?” “I guess so.” She wiped her eyes. “What’s with the guard outside?” “That was Vinnie’s idea. Someone tried to kill me twice so he thinks I need a bodyguard.” “How’d this happen?” “Nick took me home to shower and rest and I was headed towards the bathroom and it came through the window.” “That had to be scary.” “Yeah and it doesn’t help any with that bodyguard out there.” “Just imagine he’s not.” “It’s hard to when I look over and see him standing there.” “How long are you here for?” “A couple days, but I have no idea where I’m going to go then. I can’t go back to Brent’s, because it’s a crime scene now.” Codie nodded. “You can stay with me. Or maybe Nick will let you stay with him again.” “I don’t want to stay with Nick.” “Why not?” “He just had a baby and I’ll only be an intrusion.” “Why don’t you let him decide that?” She shook her head. “I thought you two were friends?” “We are. I just don’t want to intrude.” “I don’t think he’ll mind.” “Just forget it, ok? I don’t want to stay with Nick and I’m not going to.” “Ok then you can stay with me.” “Can we not talk about this now? I’m tired and in pain.” “Do you want to talk about what’s really going on with you?” “No.” He just looked at her and sighed. “It’s my mistake and I have to deal with it myself.” “What’s going on, Chey?” She just looked at him and continued crying all over again. “Hey what is it?” Codie hugged her. “What’s going on?” “I did something so stupid, Codie, and I can’t take it back.” “What’d you do?” She continued crying. “Chey, c’mon I’m here for you no matter what. Tell me what you did.” She waited a couple minutes and then whispered, “I slept with Nick and now I’m going to have his baby.” “What?” “I’m having Nick’s baby. I did a stupid thing and now I have to pay for it.” “You made an innocent mistake, Babe.” “And I have to live with it the rest of my life. I’m not going to be able to do it.” She looked at him. “I can’t do this alone.” “You’re not going to be alone, because you’ll have me and Bree and Brent and Nick of course.” “Nickolas can never know.” “Why not?” “Because he can’t. No one can ever know this baby is Nick’s.” “Why?” “Because I was almost killed for being with him. If they find out I’m having his kid then they’ll stop at nothing to kill me. Promise you won’t tell anyone who the father is.” “Then who do I tell them is the father?” “I don’t know.” “Cheyenne, you have to tell Nick.” “I can’t, Codie.” “But you have to. If he’s the father he has a right to know.” “I know, but I’m just afraid. I’m afraid for the baby. I made a stupid choice and I don’t want my child to pay for it.” “And they won’t.” “They will if anyone finds out this baby belongs to Nick.” “Only Nick has to know he’s the father; just until this mess is straightened out anyway.” “Nickolas can never know about this. He has enough to deal with right now and he doesn’t need to know he’s going to be a daddy again.” “And why not?” Nickolas asked and Cheyenne looked at him startled. “You shouldn’t be here,” Cheyenne said. “You’re not supposed to. You’re names not on the list.” “Well the guard said different,” Nickolas said. “I’ll leave you two alone,” Codie said getting up. “No,” Cheyenne said. “Please.” “I’m going to see Brent,” Codie said. “I think he needs some male company.” Cheyenne just looked at him, as he kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back later.” She just nodded and he walked away. “Congrats on the baby, Nick.” “Thanks,” Nickolas said. “A little boy, Kyle Matthew.” “Good luck,” Codie said walking out and Nickolas looked at Cheyenne. He walked over to her and sat on the bed. “How long have you known?” Nickolas asked. “I just found out,” Cheyenne replied. “What do you care anyway? I’m not going to bother you with it so just go live your life with Keera and your new baby.” “If you’re having my baby then I’m going to be there for you both.” “But it’s not going to change the fact that my baby’s going to be born a bastard.” “They’re not going to be a bastard.” “What are you going to do? Divorce Keera and marry me? Vinnie’s not going to let that happen.” “I may not be able to divorce Keera yet, but I can still be a father to our baby, Cheyenne. I want to be there for you. I want to help you no matter what.” “I don’t need your help, Nickolas, but I don’t want to do this alone.” “And I’m not going to let you. I’m going to help you.” “I don’t want your help.” “You can’t keep me out of this baby’s life.” “I want my baby to be safe, Nick, and if anyone knows this baby is yours they’re not going to be safe. Hell I’m not even safe anymore.” She got off the bed. “How far along are you?” “Two months according to Dr. Sullivan.” She looked at him. “I’m due around Valentine’s.” He grinned. “If I’m alive that long.” “You will be.” “Nick, this is the second time I’ve been shot at in one week. I’ll be lucky if I see tomorrow or even next week.” “You will see tomorrow and next week and the week after that and six months later. You’re not going to die.” She shook her head and he stood in front of her. “I’m not going to let you die.” “Why not? Because you want another kid and a girl you can just screw? You can get that from any girl. Getting girls pregnant is what you’re good at, but you just can’t marry them all. You can’t marry them like you can’t marry me.” “Chey, I don’t go out and get girls pregnant. Yeah I guess you can say I whored around a lot, but Keera ending up pregnant was an accident.” “Just like me.” “You weren’t an accident, Baby, you’re a blessing.” “And what about this baby?” He smiled. “He/she is a blessing also. I created this baby with you, because I love you.” “Don’t say that, Nick. You can’t love me.” “And why can’t I?” “It’s not even been four months.” “That doesn’t matter any. I love you and I can’t stop that from happening.” “You can’t come in here and say you love me when I’m trying to get you out of my life.” “But I want to be in your life and our baby’s life.” She shook her head. “I’m going to tell people the baby belongs to Brent.” “You can’t do that.” “If it’s going to keep them safe I can.” “You’re upset by what’s going on so why don’t you just sleep on it and we can discuss it tomorrow.” She just looked at him. “I’m going to be there for you and you can count on it.” She shook her head. “Yes I am and I ain’t going to argue about it with you. Now I have to go, because visiting hours were over a half hour ago, but I will be back tomorrow to see you.” He smiled and kissed her. “Just get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning.” He kissed her again. “Goodnight.” “Goodnight.” They kissed again and Cheyenne watched Nickolas, as he slowly walked out. Cheyenne laid in her hospital room the next afternoon and stared at the ceiling. Nickolas had visited her earlier that morning and insisted he be in her and the baby’s life. She tried making him just walk away, but it didn’t work. She just wanted her baby safe and figured it wouldn’t be that way if Nickolas and her stayed in each others lives. After about an hour of arguing over the subject Nickolas finally convinced her that they can stay in each others lives without anyone knowing the baby belonged to him. If no one knew she was having Nickolas’ kid then the baby was sure enough to be safe…and so was she. Who would be psychotic enough to kill a woman with child? Probably many, but none that she knew. She didn’t want Nickolas out of her life anyway and if this idea of his worked then they’d all be home safe. She went to get off the bed, as the door opened and she saw the guard. “Miss Corinthos, there’s a Brent Pongetti wanting to see you, but his names not on the list.” “Well add it then and let him in.” “Yes ma’am.” The guard left Brent inside and closed the door. “Hey,” Cheyenne said smiling and getting up. “Hey yourself,” Brent said, as they hugged. “How’s the arm?” “Alright. How are you though?” “Never better. They gave me a bunch of painkillers.” She nodded. “Has Nick been to see you yet?” “He was by this morning.” “Yeah; he stopped in to see me on his way up to see the baby.” She just looked at him. “He told me some interesting news.” “What was that?” He looked at her stomach. “Oh.” She sighed and sat on the bed again. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. My kid’s going to be born a bastard.” “Marry me then.” She looked at him surprised. “Excuse me?” “I’m being serious.” “I know you are and that scares me. Why would you even ask me that again?” “To be honest it was Nick’s idea.” “Nick’s?” He nodded. “Why would it be?” “Well he mentioned about how much you’re upset about not being married and having a kid.” “So he suggested you and I get married?” “Yeah.” “What else did he suggest?” “We pass the baby off as mine.” “I see.” They looked at each other a moment. “And you’re ok with the idea?” “If I wasn’t I wouldn’t have asked.” She just looked at him. “After I got pass my surprise and anger and hurt and humiliation and after Nick explained why I was ok with it. I think it’s a good idea. What sicko would want to hurt an innocent child? Especially if it doesn’t belong to who they think it does.” She just continued looking at him. “Cheyenne, you don’t want your child to be born a bastard and I’m offering you my help. Nick said it’ll only be temporarily until he can divorce Keera.” “I don’t know, Brent. This is, like, a great opportunity for you.” “How so?” “Well you wanted to marry me before so why not have your dream come true now that I’m pregnant.” “I wasn’t even thinking about myself when I decided to go along with this. I was thinking about you and helping you out.” “So you just want to pretend that your best friend’s child is your own? Are you feeling ok?” “Don’t act like you didn’t think about it yourself.” “Yes I did at first, but then I decided against it, because it really ain’t the right thing to do.” “Do you have a better idea?” “Yes; do it on my own.” “That’s not an option.” “Why not? This is my kid and my decision.” “I want to help you, Chey.” “I don’t need your help or anyone else’s help. I can do this on my own although I don’t want to.” “I’m not going to let you do this alone. We’re going to get married and there’s not a damn thing you’re going to do stop it.” “We’re not getting married, Brent.” “Yes we are and I’m going to arrange to have it today.” “We’re in the hospital.” “And there’s a chapel here.” “You’re insane.” “I just want to help out a friend.” “This is crazy talk.” “I owe Nick a favor and I want to do this for him…for the both of you.” “But I don’t know if I want to get married.” “I know your decision has to do with how you feel about Nick and I understand that, but you have to understand that you and I getting married is the best thing right now for you and the baby.” “I just want my child to be safe.” “And they will be. I promise.” “This is a lot to take in right now and I just…” “If you need time to think about it then you can have that time.” I don’t need time. I just want to do what’s right for my baby. So…” She sighed. “If marrying you is the right thing for now then lets get married I guess. It’s not like I’ll be with Nickolas anytime soon now that his baby’s here.” “But you’re having his baby also.” “Doesn’t mean anything. Just because I’m having his baby doesn’t mean he’s going to be around for the next seven months.” “He will be around, Cheyenne. He loves you and he’s going to love that baby. Just because he really wasn’t around during Keera’s pregnancy doesn’t mean he’s going to do the same to you. He cares about you both in different ways, but he cares about you deeper than he does Keera.” “He’s in love with me for crying out loud. That’s all ya had to say and it doesn’t get any deeper than that.” “For me it’s easier not to say, because then I can believe it’s not true.” “Oh.” “Nick’s going to be around no matter what, but he just can’t be with you the way you want him to be.” “I know.” “Not right now anyway.” “Well I’m not going to wait forever.” He just looked at her. “Let’s get married. If I end up a divorcee then I end up a divorcee.” She grinned. “You do know us getting married isn’t going to work, right?” “Most likely, but it doesn’t hurt to try.” “No it doesn’t.” “Oh, I asked mom to bring this by in hopes you’d go along with this crazy idea.” He held out his hand and she saw her old engagement ring. “If ya don’t want it I understand.” “It’s ok.” She took the ring from his hand and looked at it a moment. She looked at Brent then stuck the ring on her finger. “I guess it’s official now…again.” She smiled. “Here comes the bride.” She gave a slight chuckle and Brent just looked at her. “I can’t believe you’re marrying Brent,” Bree said. “I had such high hopes for you and Nick.” “Well life’s too short, Bree,” Cheyenne said. “And I can’t sit around and wait for someone who can’t divorce their wife in fear for their own life. Nickolas can’t divorce Keera and I have to accept that. I still love Brent so we’re getting married in…” She looked at her watch. “In two minutes.” “Now give me the real reason.” “That is the real reason. Plus Nick has a kid now and can’t be bothered.” “That’s a lie if I ever heard one.” “Fine don’t believe me.” She started walking the couple steps back to Brent’s room. “Dr. Lopez doesn’t want Brent to leave his room so we have to get married in there.” Bree nodded, as they went into Brent’s room. “Thanks for doing this.” “It’s only right since you stood beside me. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.” Cheyenne smiled and looked at Brent and Codie. “Are we ready?” “Yeah,” Brent said. “We just have to wait for Father Lassen.” Cheyenne nodded. “I thought you would get Nick to be your best man,” Bree said. “He is your best friend, right?” “He’s unavailable right now,” Brent said. “Ya know with the new baby and all.” They nodded. “I didn’t want to interrupt his father/son bonding.” “Of course not,” Codie said. “I’m glad I’m here instead of that Nick guy.” They laughed. “He doesn’t need to see my best friend get married.” “But he’s my best friend,” Brent said. “Who cares?” Codie said smiling. “Chey’s more important.” “I love you too, Code Man,” Cheyenne said kissing his cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late,” Father Lassen said. “I had an emergency in the ER.” “It’s ok,” Brent said. “You have your witnesses?” Father Lassen asked. “Yes, Father,” Cheyenne replied. “Then we shall began,” Father Lassen said. “If it’s ok with everyone.” “We’re ready,” Brent said. “Then let’s begin,” Father Lassen said. He began the ceremony and in about fifteen minutes Cheyenne and Brent were married. Nickolas stood outside the hospital room and watched the whole thing happen. Even though Cheyenne and Brent getting married was his suggestion his heart was actually breaking. He didn’t think for a second that they would actually go through with it; and without talking to him first. It was his child Cheyenne was carrying after all. He should have a say so in how she handled the situation. She shouldn’t make drastic decisions like that. He knew how it was. He made a decision like that and he most likely ruined half his life. He didn’t want that for Cheyenne even if she still loves Brent and he still loved her. They both said that ship had sailed so why get married? He didn’t understand. “Ah, Mr. Carter, I’m glad I found you.” Nickolas looked and saw some strange guy in a long black trench coat and black fedora. “Do I know you?” “I was instructed to give you this.” He handed Nickolas a large manila folder. Nickolas looked at the folder then back at the guy. “Who sent…” Nickolas didn’t see him and looked around, but he vanished just as quickly as he appeared. Nickolas looked back into Brent’s room just as Cheyenne and Brent shared a kiss. He sighed and looked at the envelope. He didn’t want to look at its contents and just burn it, but his curiosity got the best of him. He slowly opened the folder and looked at the several 8x10 black and white photos. He looked at them repeatedly a few minutes not liking what he saw. “Son of a bitch.” He wanted to put his fist through the wall, but controlled himself when I nurse walked by. She smiled at him and he gave a little grin in return. He watched her turn the corner and then heard Brent’s hospital door open. He looked and saw Father Lassen. “Nickolas, it’s nice to see you,” Father Lassen said closing the door. “It’s nice to see you too, Father.” “Did you come to see Brent?” “Yeah, but I think I’ll wait until morning though.” Father Lassen nodded. “I heard Keera gave birth to a son.” “Yep; Kyle Matthew Carter.” He smiled. “I didn’t think that having a child could make you feel so good.” “Children do wondrous things to us, Nickolas, and should never be taken for granted…no matter who they belong to.” “Of course not, Father.” “Well I must continue my rounds before visiting hours end. I will stop by the nursery and peek in on your new son.” “That’ll be fine.” “Will I be seeing you in Church this Sunday?” “Perhaps.” “Well I’ll be looking forward to seeing you.” Nickolas just nodded. “Have a good evening, Nickolas, and God Bless.” “You too, Father.” Nickolas watched him walk away and then looked in at Cheyenne. He looked at the folder in his hand and then walked away himself. Nickolas sat on the floor in front of Brent’s apartment and waited. Waited for Cheyenne. He knew she was released from the hospital today and visiting hours were over. She would stop by the apartment to get her things and he would be there waiting for her. He needed to see her and find out why she married Brent. He looked at the manila folder in his lap. Maybe in a way he did know why. A way he didn’t want to believe. He loved this girl and he was going to divorce his wife to be with her. What for now? She married her ex-fiancé and his best friend. Maybe it was just for the baby and nothing more. He hoped it was just for the baby. He didn’t want there to be another reason why. Yeah they still loved each other, but he was under the impression it wasn’t enough to get married. Then again what did it matter? He married someone he had no feelings for at all. Life wasn’t’ fair. He finally fell in love and she ends up marrying someone else. “Not just anyone else,” Nickolas said to the silence. “My best friend. Ugh!” He sighed and looked when the elevator opened. He watched Cheyenne get off and walk over. They looked at each other, but said nothing for a moment. “Hey.” “Hey,” Cheyenne said, as Nickolas got up off the floor. “What are you doing here? How long have you been here?” “About twenty minutes and I was hoping we could talk.” “Oh.” She ripped the yellow police tape off the door and opened it. She turned to the guard and said, “I’m just going to get a few things and be right out.” He nodded and Cheyenne went inside with Nickolas behind her. “So what’s on your mind?” She turned and looked at him. “I know what you did.” “And what’s that?” “Married my best friend.” She didn’t say anything and got a suitcase from the closet. “I stopped by Brent’s room and I watched the whole thing happen. How could you do it?” “I did it for the baby, Nick. They need a father and not one that’s hardly going to be around.” “I told you I was going to be there for you and the baby.” “But you have a family now and I’m not going to take you away from that.” “But it’s my choice, Chey, and I choose you.” “What about Kyle? You’re a father and a child needs their father. You can’t just walk away from him, because I’m having your baby now.” “I’m not going to walk away from him. I can be a father to Kyle and still be with you and our unborn child. Why did you have to go and marry Brent?” “I told you I did it for our baby. Why are you so pissed anyway? It was your idea. You’re the one that went to Brent and suggested it not me.” “I didn’t think he’d take me seriously. We’ve been friends forever and he knows when I joke.” “Maybe he took my situation as an opportunity to finally get a ring on my finger.” “And you went along with it.” “Well I can’t be with you the way I want to be.” “So you marry, Brent?” She nodded. “Why didn’t you talk to me first instead of making this life altering decision?” “I was going to and I went up to the nursery to see you. I looked in Keera’s room and I saw the three of you together. I wasn’t going to marry Brent, but as I watched you with Kyle and Keera I realized I want that. I want my child to have a father and the only way I could get that was by marrying Brent.” “I can give our child a father.” “And how long will it last, Nick? A couple weeks? Months? A year maybe? How can you father two children by two women who hate each other like Keera and I do? It’s impossible, because I ain’t letting her near my baby and I know she ain’t going to let me near Kyle.” ”I can do it, Baby.” “But I don’t want my baby to have a part time father who’s only going to be around on weekends. They need a father who’s going to take them to pee wee football or ballet class or baseball practice or cheerleading tryouts or anything.” “I can be that father.” “Not while you’re married to someone else.” “Why are you fighting this?” She just looked at him and put clothes in her suitcase. Nickolas watched her a few minutes then looked at the folder he was still holding. “I’m just thinking about my baby and the life I want for them.” “A life without their father.” “No, Nick, you’ll still be in it, but not as their father…not completely anyway.” They looked at each other. “I’m not trying to be a bitch about it, Nick; I just want what’s best for my baby…for our baby.” “I still don’t approve.” “Why are you fighting this?” “Because I love you. I was talking to my lawyer about getting an annulment and we were going to start Monday with it. I want to be with you.” “Then you should’ve told me.” “There are things you haven’t told me.” “Like what?” “Who the real father of your baby is.” “Excuse me?” She looked at him. “What the hell does that mean?” He held out the folder and she snatched it from his hand. She opened it up and he watched her look at the fifteen photos. She sighed and looked at him, but didn’t say anything. She threw the folder on the bed and put more clothes in the suitcase and closed it. He watched her get another suitcase and go into the bathroom a moment then come back out and fill the rest of the suitcase. She closed it and then carried them both to the door. “Maxwell, you can take these down and I’ll be there in a minute.” “I’m not supposed to leave you alone, Miss Corinthos,” Maxwell said. “It’ll just be a minute,” Cheyenne said. “I insist.” He just looked at her and she motioned him away. She watched him go to the elevator and then closed the door. She sighed and looked at Nickolas. “Where’d you get those?” “Some guy gave them to me at the hospital,” Nickolas replied. “My curiosity got the best of me so I looked. I wish I hadn’t though.” “You’re the father, Nick.” “Are you sure?” “Yes; I’m two months pregnant and I slept with Brent a couple weeks ago. I’m positive you’re the father.” “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Yes guilt. I care about you a lot and I know how you feel about me and I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“Well you did.”
“And I’m sorry. What does it matter anyway? I wasn’t the married one during this whole thing.”
“So it was ok to screw my best friend behind my back?”
“It was once and that was it.”
“Were you even a virgin when we met?”
She shook her head and said, “No.”
“So you lied to me.”
“I didn’t think it was any of your business.”
“I trusted you. I thought I finally found a girl that was different from the girls I was use to.”
“You mean the sluts and that’s what I’m going to be to you now. Ain’t I? I’m just going to be another slut with you baby just like your wife. But guess what? You can’t marry me, because we’re both married now.”
“I didn’t say you were a slut, because I don’t think that.”
“Then what, Nick? What do you think of me?”
“I just meant that you’re a liar.”
“I kept a minor detail from you. It doesn’t make me a 24 hour liar.”
“But you still lied.”
“And so did you. When we met you didn’t tell me you were married and expecting a child. That hurt me, but I managed to work around it. I decided not to hold it against you, because I wanted to give us a chance. If you want to hold my little white lie against me then go right ahead, but just know that you won’t see your child…ever.”
“You can’t keep me from my child.”
“I can do whatever I want. If you want to hate me for one or two little lies then I won’t let you see your child. I had a chance to be honest, but I chose not to, because my sex life is no one’s business. My closest friends don’t even know I’m not a virgin anymore.”
“But you should have told me at least since ya slept with me.”
“I don’t have any STD’s, Nick, if that’s what you’re afraid of. Well at least I didn’t before I was with you.” They just looked at each other. “I want you around, Nick.”
“Good, because I want to be around. Ya can’t lie to me though.”
“What could I possibly lie to you about? I have no secrets, Nick, but what about you? I’m sure you still have secrets you’re still keeping from me.” He only looked at her. “But you’re not going to tell me.” She sighed and picked up the folder. She handed it to Nickolas and went over and opened the door. “Just go please.”
“We’re not finished, Chey.”
“And I don’t care. The last thing I need right now is stress and that’s what’s going to happen if you stay here. So please go.”
“Is that what you want?” She looked at him. “It’s not what I want.”
“No.” She went to close the door again, but stopped when she saw Maxwell.
“I got worried so I came to check up,” Maxwell said.
“Yeah, um, I’m going to be a little longer,” Cheyenne stated. “You can wait in the lobby and when I’m ready I’ll let ya know.”
“Are you sure?” Maxwell asked.
“Yeah,” Cheyenne said grinning and closing the door. She looked at Nickolas and walked over to him. She grabbed the front of his shirt and kissed him.
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