#julian got his hotness from his mama clearly

[nexility-sims]

more attention for blanca when

[cristinablackthornkingson]

Shadowhunters Short Story #35.

The year is 2031 and Cordelia Carstairs, who just turned 18, has found herself sitting on the floor of her en suite bathroom, her head in knees, tears rolling down her face.

Cordelia is the second eldest of 4 children, there was her older brother Kit, her younger sister Jade and her little brother Will. Kit is 15 years older than Cordelia, Jade is 2 years younger than her and Will is 4 years younger than her.

 At 18, Cordelia should be planning her travel year, deciding what countries she would visit and who she would be going with, but instead she is sitting on her bathroom floor, sobbing over a positive pregnancy test.

A few months ago, after years of crushing on him, Cordelia started dating her close friend Rafael Lightwood-Bane. They had grown up together, Rafe’s papa and Cordelia’s mama were very close friends and her mama was related to Rafe’s Uncle Jace. Rafael is 5 years older than Cordelia, and never considered her anything but a friend until she turned 18 a few months ago, when he started to really notice her beauty. They had a very happy, healthy relationship and all their friends and family were happy for them. Magnus in particular was utterly thrilled, he had always hoped one of his boys would end up with one of Tessa’s children, so that they would officially be family. The moment Rafe announced he and Cordelia were dating, Magnus began planning their wedding. 

A few weeks ago, Cordelia began to feel odd, and very much not herself. It started out with some mild nausea and fatigue, which at first Cordelia put down to over-exerting herself with her training, but then came the stomach pains, the heavy nausea and the heightened sense of smell. Cordelia knew something was wrong when she had been training with her cousin Emma, in the LA Institute (Which was now run by Emma and her husband Julian.) and the smell of pancakes had wafted up to The Training room, immediately hitting Cordelia with a severe wave of nausea and causing her to end up vomiting into her back pack which was lying in the corner of the training room. But she had never considered that she could be pregnant, until a few days after this incident when she missed her period, for the first time since her periods began. She knew then and there that this was not just the flu or some bug, it was something else entirely. 

Yesterday evening, Cordelia had claimed she was going for a walk, and went to the chemist and bought two pregnancy tests, which she hid in her jacket pocket until she arrived back home. She didn’t have the courage to take them until now, and now that she had, it was real, she was pregnant, at 18, she would have to cancel her travel year,she would have to tell Rafe and her parents, she would have to give up training and fighting for the next nine months or so. She wasn’t sure how Rafe would react, they had never talked about having kids, they were far too young.

Tossing the test into the bin, Cordelia pulls herself up from the cold marble tiles and makes her way back into her room, where she collapses on her bed, sobbing, unable to believe this is really happening to her.

Downstairs, Kit and Ty are getting ready to travel to London with Will and Jade, who they had promised to take to see Hamilton today. Kit was currently looking through his bag to make sure he has everything he’ll need. 

“Have you got everything?” Ty asks him. 

“Forgot my phone, must have left it in my old room when we stayed here last night, I’ll go grab it, be right back.” Kit lightly says, leaning in and kissing Ty on the cheek, before running upstairs. When they were 21, he and Ty had moved into a house of their own in LA, where they were extremely happy, but they still often stayed with Ty’s family in The Institute and Kit’s family here in Devon.

As Kit walks past Cordelia’s room, he hears sobbing coming from the inside. Concern filling his entire body, Kit stops outside the room and lightly knocks on the door. 

“Cordy, can I come in?” He softly asks. When she doesn’t reply within a few seconds, Kit slowly opens the door, steps in and shuts the door behind him. When he turns to face his sister, he sees her sitting on her bed, tears rolling down her face. “Cordy what’s wrong?” Kit asks, taking a seat next to her and pulling her into his arms. 

“I-I’m pregnant Kit!” Cordelia sobs.

“Oh Delia, it’s okay, it’s going to be okay, I’m here for you, I support you no matter what.” Kit gently says, running his hand over her messy, black hair. 

“Mum and dad will hate me!” Cordelia exclaims in a tight tone of voice. 

“Don’t be ridiculous Cordy, mum and dad could never hate you, they’re going to be there for you and support you too, they would never turn their backs on you. Have you told Rafe about the baby?” Kit cautiously asks.

“Not yet.” Cordelia quietly says. Kit realizes that this is going to take a lot longer than he thought it would, he won’t have time to talk with Cordelia and go to London with Ty, Will and Jade. 

“I’ll be right back Delia, then we can talk some more.” Kit gently says. 

Kit quickly makes his way downstairs where Ty, Jade and Will are waiting for him in the hallway. 

“Kit! You took forever! We’re going to be late!” Will exclaims in a tone of annoyance. 

“Sorry Will.” Kit quietly says, ruffling his younger brother’s hair. 

“Are you alright?” Ty gently asks, noticing the tone of concern on his husband’s face. 

“Y-yeah, it’s just.... look I can’t tell you everything right now, but I can’t come to London with you, Cordelia needs to talk to me, she’s going through something difficult right now and she needs me, I’m sorry but I have to stay with her.” Kit reluctantly admits, feeling guilty for breaking his promise to his siblings. 

“But Kit you promised!” Jade exclaims. 

“I know, I know Jade and I’m sorry but Cordelia really needs me, I can’t just leave her, I would do the same if it were you or Will, you two and Ty can still go and have a great time and I promise I’ll make it up to you, I’ll take you to see two shows.” Kit ensures his sister.

“It’s alright Kit, we’ll be okay, it’s only a day trip, come on you two, we’ll be late if we don’t go now.” Ty says, ushering his brother and sister-in-law out of the hallway. 

Once Ty, Will and Jade are gone, Kit quickly makes his way back upstairs to Cordelia, sits beside her on her bed and holds her hand tightly, just as he did all those years ago when she received her first Rune. 

“So why haven’t you told Rafe about the baby yet?” Kit gently asks. 

“I just found out myself, and also I’m pretty sure he won’t want this baby.” Cordelia quietly says, laying her head on Kit’s shoulder.

“What makes you so sure of that? Did he tell you he doesn’t want kids?” Kit asks. 

“No, but... we’re both still so young, Rafe is only 23, I really doubt he’ll want a baby at 23.” Cordelia says in a tight tone. 

“Alec was 23 when he and Magnus adopted Max, I was 23 when I married Ty, 23 is still quiet young, but it’s not really young and it’s not too young to do things like start a family, I think Rafe would love to have a baby, to be a father, I think he’ll be delighted if you tell him, and I think you’ll be a great mum.” Ty gently explains. 

“Not as good as our mum.” Cordelia quietly says.

“Cordy, our mum had two kids before us and two more after us, she is extremely experienced in raising kids, but she can teach you everything she knows, I know you have it in you to be a great mum.” Kit gently says.

“You really think so?” Cordelia asks in a weak tone. 

“Absolutely, I think any baby would be lucky to have you as a mum. Do you want me to come with you when you tell Rafe?” Kit offers. Cordelia shakes her head and says

“Thanks, but no, I need to tell him alone.

“Well if you change your mind, all you need to do is ask.” Kit softly says, squeezing her hand gently. 

“Thanks Kitty, I love you.” Cordelia softly says, using the nickname she had given Kit when she was little. 

“I love you too baby sister.” 

_____________________________________________________________

*The next day*

The day is warm and hot and Cordelia sat on a park bench in central park, nervously waiting for Rafael to arrive. She had asked to meet up with him in New York so that if he did break up with her, her home town wouldn’t be filled with horrible memories. 

Cordelia had never felt so nervous in all her life, she had decided to keep the baby, she already felt a deep love for this baby and a close bond with them, she just hoped she wouldn’t have to bring them up alone.

“Why so serious?” Cordelia is pulled from her thoughts by Rafe’s familiar voice. She turns to see him standing in front of her, his dark hair tousled by the breeze, he was dressed in his gear, clearly having just got back from training or patrolling or even a mission. Her heart skips a beat at the sight of him, she loves him so much and the thought of having a baby with him was both terrifying and amazing, she only hopes he would want the baby as much as she does.

“I... I have to tell you something.” Cordelia quietly says, as Rafe takes a seat next to her. 

“You’re not breaking up with me are you? You’ll break my papa’s heart!” Rafe exclaims in an amused tone. Cordelia laughs lightly and says

“No, but you might break up with me when I tell you what’s going on.” Cordelia says in a tight tone, tears welling in her eyes. 

“Mi amor, why would you say that? I love you, I don’t ever want to break up with you.” Rafe softly says, putting an arm around her and pulling her close. 

“I’m pregnant.” Cordelia quietly says. Rafe does not speak for a few minutes, leading Cordelia to believe he doesn't’ want this baby. “You don’t want the baby do you?” She asks in a fearful tone. 

“No! I mean yes! Yes I do want this baby! Cordy I know we are young but we can be good parents, I have always wanted children, and for you to be the mother of my child is more than I could have ever of hoped for. I would love nothing more than to raise a little person with your hair and my eyes, who is fierce and brave like you and sarcastic and witty like me, that sounds like absolute heaven to me.”

Cordelia looks up at Rafe with eyes full of tears, hardly able to believe what she’s hearing.

“Really?” She quietly asks. 

“Really, I love you Cordelia Carstairs, and I love our baby.” Rafe softly says, placing a hand on Cordelia’s stomach and kissing her forehead. In the loving embrace of her boyfriend, Cordelia begins to relax, letting go of all her fears and worries and embracing this beautiful moment.

A few days later, she and Rafe agree that they ought to tell their parents, and opt to tell Rafe’s parents first. Currently, they are sitting side by side on the sofa in Magnus and Alec’s loft, across from Magnus and Alec, holding tightly onto each other's hands.

“So what is it you need to tell us? What did you do?” Alec cautiously asks his son, knowing that this was going to be something big. 

“Nothing dad, well nothing bad.” Rafe says. 

“What does that mean?” Magnus asks in a curious tone. He had a feeling Rafe and Cordelia were about to announce their engagement, it was rather soon, but Rafe was not someone who liked to wait around for things. 

“Well... in about 9 months, you’re going to be grandparents.” Rafe quietly says, giving Cordelia’s hand an encouraging squeeze. 

“I’m sorry, what?” Alec asks in a tone of shock. 

“Rafael if this a joke it’s not very funny!” Magnus firmly tells his eldest son, who had a reputation for playing pranks, thanks to Lily’s influence.  

“It is not a joke papa, Cordelia is pregnant, it is my baby and we are keeping it and we are going to be wonderful parents, I hope you will support us but even if you don’t we will not change our minds.” Rafe firmly says. 

“Oh Rafael, of course we support you, we’re hardly going to turn our backs on you, it’s just... you and Cordelia are so young, I know I was your age when your papa and I adopted Max but it was still difficult, being such a young parent, and Cordelia you’re even younger, this will set you back quiet a bit with your training.” Alec gently explains. 

“I know but I don’t mind, I’m a fast learner, I don’t have that much left to learn anyway, and I can still keep up with the academic side of my studies, and then I can catch up on my training when the baby is born, Kit will help me catch up, and Emma and Jace, I’ll have two of the best Shadowhunters helping me.” Cordelia says. 

“I cannot believe you are making me a grandfather Rafael Santiago, I am far too young!” Magnus exclaims. 

“Oh come on papa, you can’t pretend you don’t love the idea of a kid that’s half me half Cordelia, running around, we’re two of your favorite people, and this baby will mean you and Tessa are officially family.” Rafe lightly says.

“Well, I can’t argue with that.” Magnus agrees. 

“We’ll be here to support you both and help you with the baby, it is going to be hard, but I have every bit of faith that you two can handle it and will be excellent parents.” Alec softly says. He was not thrilled at the idea of being a grandfather so young, and he was sure Tessa and Jem would not be thrilled that his son had gotten their 18 year old daughter pregnant, but he knew Rafe would stand by Cordelia and their baby, and they could have a good life together, the three of them. 

The day after Rafe and Cordelia told Magnus and Alec about the baby, they portal back to Devon to tell Cordelia’s parents. 

Currently, Rafe and Cordelia were sitting in the living room, side by side on the sofa, across from Tessa and Jem, both slightly more nervous than they had been when they told Magnus and Alec. 

“Well what is it you need to tell us?” Tessa asks Cordelia and Rafe, once they had all settled comfortably. 

“Is this about your travel year, Cordy?” Jem softly asks. He knew Cordelia was nervous about leaving her family but also very excited about getting to see the world, she had gone back and forth about going or not going, for the past year, perhaps she had finally made up her mind.

“Um no, actually I... won’t be able to go on my travel year.” Cordelia quietly says. 

“Why not?” Tessa asks in a tone of confusion. 

“Uh.... because I’m pregnant.” Cordelia quietly says. 

“What?” Jem asks in a tone of disbelief. He couldn’t believe it, his baby was pregnant at 18! How could this have happened? Cordelia is a smart girl and knew about the importance of Birth Control, Tessa had had that talk with her when she was 16, and one day soon Jem would have that same talk with their son. 

“Please don’t be mad, I know I’m young and so is Rafe but we really want this baby, we know we can be good parents, it will be hard I know, but I know Rafe and I can do this and be good parents, please don’t hate me.” Cordelia says in a teary tone. 

“Oh baby, we could never hate you, we’re not mad, we’re not thrilled but we are not mad either, we’re just worried, you are so young and this will put you back quiet a bit with your training.” Tessa softly says, leaning forward to grasp her eldest daughter’s hand in hers. 

“I know but I don’t mind, I can finish the academic part of my studies and then when the baby is born I can catch up on my training, it won’t take me long, and Kit, Emma and Jace can help me, while I’m training Rafe can watch the baby, though we haven’t figured out what we will do when we’re both busy.” Cordelia quietly says. 

“There’s nothing to figure out about it, Cordy, your mother and I will watch the baby, anytime you need us to.” Jem softly says. He wasn’t thrilled that his daughter was pregnant and that he was about to be a grandfather, but he couldn’t be mad at her, he knew she would be a wonderful mother and the thought of having a little baby in the house again was actually quiet lovely, he sincerely missed when Cordelia, Jade and Will were babies, it would be nice to have a little one around again, someone who would call him grandpa and Tessa grandma. 

“Really? We don’t expect you to help out with the baby, you really don’t have to.” Cordelia hurriedly explains.

“Don’t be silly Delia, we want to help out, this baby is our grandchild, our first grandchild, we want to help out as much as possible.” Tessa gently says. Cordelia feels her shoulders sag in relief, she had been so worried her parents would hate her and never want anything to do with her or her baby, but they didn’t, they still loved her and they loved their grandchild and it seemed that everything would be okay. 

Cordelia’s pregnancy progresses without any complications or hitches along the way, although the pregnancy was quiet physically harsh on her, she often had a lot of pack pain and hip pain, but that was to be expected. She had regular check ups form The Silent Brothers, who always reported that she and the baby were perfectly healthy.

 She and Rafe had decided not to find out the sex of the baby, though they had chosen one boy’s name and one girl’s name. If they had a boy they would name him James Max Lightwood-Bane, after Cordelia’s father and Rafe’s brother. Rafe would have liked to have one of his father’s names in there, but he simply couldn’t choose between them, so he opted to use his brother’s name instead.

 If they had a girl, they would name her Sofia Teresa Lightwood-Bane. Rafe did not know his birth mother’s name, but Sofia was a name he had always loved and a name that he always associated with his mother for some reason, Sophia was also the name of Cordelia’s parent’s friend, Sophia Lightwood, and Teresa of course was Tessa’s full name, so if Cordelia and Rafe had a daughter, she would be named after both her grandmothers. 

When they had told their siblings about the baby, they were all very happy for them and couldn’t wait to meet their little niece or nephew. Rafael’s aunt Lily was delighted that two of her favorite Shadowhunters were going to have a child together, this little Shadowhunter, she was sure, would be her all time favorite Shadowhunter. 

When Cordelia had asked Emma and Jace if they would help her catch up on her training after the baby was born, they immediately said yes and were also very excited to meet the newest member of the family. 

Currently, Cordelia was 9 months pregnant, just weeks from her due date, currently she was sitting at home in the library, with Kit, pouring over history for an upcoming exam she had. She was finding it quiet hard to focus today as she was feeling quiet unwell, she was experiencing some pretty bad stomach cramps which seemed to be getting worse. 

“Cordy! Cordelia!” The sound of Kit’s voice pulls Cordelia from her thoughts. 

“Sorry, what?” Cordelia asks. 

“I asked you if wanted to go over the events of the dark war, are you okay? You don’t look too good.” Kit asks in a concerned tone. 

“I’m fine I just.... ah!” Cordelia is interrupted mid sentence by in intense, sharp stabbing pain in her lower abdomen. 

“Cordy! What’s wrong?” Kit asks in a tone of concern, dropping to his knees by his sister’s side. 

“Ohhh it hurts Kit! It really hurts!” Cordelia exclaims, gripping the table in front of her in one hand and doubling over in pain. 

“Stay there, I’m going to get mum, I’ll be right back.” Kit gently says, before darting out of the room.

A few minutes later he and Tessa come rushing in just as the pain finally starts to subside. 

“Cordelia, baby, are you alright?” Tessa asks her daughter in a concerned tone, rushing to her side and brushing her hair back from her face.

“I think the baby’s coming.” Cordelia weakly says, trying to catch her breath now that the pain is subsiding. 

“I think you’re right, come on, let’s get you somewhere more comfortable, Kit can you summon The Silent Brothers and tell Rafael that Cordelia is most likely in labor?” Tessa calmly asks, helping Cordelia out of her chair and turning to look at Kit. 

“Yeah of course, should I call the midwife too?” Kit asks.

“Yes but summon The Silent Brothers first.” 

Half an hour after the pains began, Brother Enoch confirmed that Cordelia’s pains were in fact contractions and she was in active labor. Not long after this, her waters broke and the contractions started to get more intense and closer together. Throughout her labor, Cordelia had her mother and Rafe by her side, while Jem, Kit, Ty, Jade, Will, Magnus, Alec and Max waited downstairs. 

Cordelia’s labor had been long and painful, she had never felt such awful pain and just wanted her baby to come out already. 

She labored for almost 14 hours before she felt the need to push and so far had been pushing for just over an hour. She had hardly any energy left, and was really struggling to deliver her baby, which meant she needed the assistance of a Silent Brother. While the midwife stayed by the bottom of the bed, Brother Enoch had drawn unfamiliar runes on Cordelia’s stomach, then took over from the midwife. 

As another contraction tears through her, Cordelia grips her mother and Rafe’s hands and pushes with all her strength, squeezing her eyes shut so she could concentrate on what she is doing. 

“You’re doing so well baby, almost there now.” Tessa softly tells her daughter, brushing her damp hair back from her sweaty forehead, remembering back to when she had held Lucie’s hand when she had given birth to her first child, a beautiful baby boy she had named James William, after her brother, Uncle and Father. 

Seconds later another intense pain hits Cordelia and she pushes again.

“Oh God just get this baby out!” Cordelia exclaims, groaning as the pain becomes more intense. 

You are almost there Cordelia, the baby’s head it out, it won’t be much longer now. Brother Enoch assures her. 

Cordelia grips onto Tessa and Rafe’s hands and pushes down once more. Seconds later, she feels a weight lift from her followed closely by a sharp wail. Cordelia sighs in relief and relaxes back into the pillows. 

“Well done baby, you’ve done so well, I’m so proud of you.” Tessa softly says, bending to kiss Cordelia’s forehead, unable to hold back her own tears of joy.

“Brother Enoch, is it a boy or a girl?” Rafe asks, leaning forward and try and catch a glimpse of his baby. 

You have a very healthy daughter, congratulations. Brother Enoch tells him, lowering the baby into Cordelia’s arms.

Cordelia pulls the blankets back from her daughter’s face and is thrilled to see she is a perfect mixture of her and Rafe. She has beautiful brown skin, Rafe’s eye shape and bone structure, Cordelia’s mouth shape, nose shape and hair color and as they would later discover, she has beautiful gray eyes like her mother and grandmother. 

“Oh Dios mío, she’s perfect.” Rafe quietly says, gazing at his daughter in awe. He had never seen someone so absolutely amazing and perfect, he had never felt a love like this either, it was amazing.

 “Yes she is, she really, really is, I can’t believe we made her Rafe.” Cordelia quietly says, moving her gaze from her baby girl to her boyfriend, who smiles softly at her leans in to kiss her.

“Max has always been the creative one out of us, I have always been envious of his creativity, but now I have finally made something too, the most perfect little girl ever.” Rafe softly says. He may not be able to paint like his brother and Aunt Clary, but out of his love for Cordelia, along with her, he had created the most beautiful little girl to ever be born. 

Cordelia and Rafe spend another little while fussing and cooing over their daughter, before Cordelia begins to grow very, very tired. 

“Mama, can you look after her while I sleep?” Cordelia asks in a sleepy tone, holding the baby out to her mother. She wanted Rafe to stay with her while she slept and much as she wanted to cuddle with Sofia right now, she didn’t trust herself to take care of her daughter while she was so exhausted. 

“Of course sweetheart, come here Sofia, lets go introduce you to your grandpas and aunts and uncles.” Tessa softly coos to the baby, gathering her into her arms.

“Can I come with you and introduce her to my dad, papa and Max?” Rafe asks. 

“Of course, here why don’t you take her out and introduce her to your dads and brother, I’ll sit with Cordelia for a bit and when you come back I’ll take her and introduce her to Jem and the kids.” Tessa softly says, gently placing Sofia in her father’s arms.

Rafael carefully makes his way downstairs to the living room where his parents and brother were waiting. He had no idea where Jem, Will, Ty, Kit and Jade were, but Tessa would find them later on to introduce them to the baby.

Stepping into the living room with Sofia cradled in his arms, Rafe grins proudly and says

“Dad, papa, come meet your granddaughter, Sofia Teresa Lightwood-Bane.” 

Part 2 coming soon!  

[dannybnnt]

Running From the Past

Summary: Isley’s ex-boyfriend makes a reappearance and things blow up. (TW: abuse, violence)

@isleydrewbennett

Daniel07/15/2018

Daniel looked up from his computer as a young man walked carrying a flower arrangement walked in and asked for Isley. "She's on maternity leave.. I'm her husband, I'll get them to her." He said and took the flowers. He didn't think much of them, figuring someone was congratulating giving birth, until he went to leave and the card fell out. He picked it up and opened it, seeing that it said "I'm sorry. I love you. -love, J". Who was sending her cards like that? He shoved the flowers and card onto the front seat and drove home, his mind buzzing with questions. Surely with how much they had been together during her pregnancy, she hadn't been talking to someone else. But there was always the possibility, especially since they had fought so hard over Avery when he left the hospital. When he got home, he was so irritated after working himself up with those thoughts that he barely gave her a hello. He set the flowers, which had clearly not been cared for delicately after the way Daniel held them, on the counter and walked past her up to the bedroom to change into clothes to workout in.

Isley07/15/2018

Isley was excited to see Daniel after having a rough day with the babies. Daniel obviously was feeling differently, because he walked in and slammed a bouquet of flowers down. "Thanks for the flowers, what'd they do to you to piss you off so much?"

Daniel07/15/2018

"Read the stupid card." He replied in agitation. "Who's J and why is he sending flowers to the office telling you that he loves you?"

Isley07/15/2018

Curious and confused, she picked up the card. When he asked who J was, a cold chill passed through her body. She knew exactly who J was. "No," She whispered as the blood seemingly left her body. She opened the card and read it, suddenly unable to move, just staring as the note fell from her fingers to the floor.

Daniel07/15/2018

"So? Who is it? Have you been fucking around with someone else?"

Isley07/15/2018

Tears began to fall from her eyes but she hardly registered them. "Julian." Was all she managed to say.

Daniel07/15/2018

He raised his eyebrows as she said his name. Her ex-boyfriend? She had been talking to her ex? "Real nice, Isley. That's just fucking great. When did this start? Because of Avery?"

Isley07/15/2018

"I..." She trailed off, not knowing what to say as she began to hyperventilate. How did he find her? He was why she had moved to Chicago anyway. "He found me."

Daniel07/15/2018

Daniel had no idea what that meant and in his anger he was being irrational enough that he was just sure her reaction was because she had been caught. "I'm leaving for a while." He stated, pulling his keys back out of his pocket.

Isley07/15/2018

Finally, she started panicking more. "Daniel, no, you can't leave me, he knows where I am! He's going to kill me!"

Daniel07/15/2018

He paused his movement, looking at her. "You didn't tell him where you were?"

Isley07/15/2018

"He's going to kill me."

Daniel07/15/2018

Daniel wanted to still be mad, it was his instinct in the moment, but he also remembered the last time she had a panic attack and this seemed to be the start of one. "No one is going to kill you."

Isley07/15/2018

"How did he find me? I don't know how he found me, he's going to kill me, he's going to kill me, he's going to kill me...." She had officially retreated within herself as she began to scratch her neck roughly.

Daniel07/15/2018

He felt bad for coming in so hot when she clearly had not known that Julian knew where she was at all, let alone had been cheating with him. He stepped forward and grabbed her hands to stop her from scratching, not willing to let her do that even though he knew that touching her was a struggle for her at the moment. "Isley, stop." He said softly.

Isley07/15/2018

She backed away from him, not realizing it was Daniel and she was safe. She backed up until she hit a wall and sank all the way down to the floor.

Daniel07/15/2018

He let her go, deciding that he would as long as she didn't try to hurt herself. He wasn't sure what to do other than to sit a few feet across from her until he heard one of the babies fussing on the baby monitor. "I'll be back." He said softly before moving to the nursery to take care of Mila.(edited)

Isley07/15/2018

When she heard the babies on the monitor, she snapped out of it. She had to leave. If Julian knew where she was and was coming to kill her, he could be a danger to her babies. Standing abruptly, she ran out of the house and got in the car. She had to find Julian, give him what he wanted.

Daniel07/15/2018

Daniel got their daughter to calm down fairly quick and walked back down to check on Isley. Seeing she wasn't there and that the door was open, he ran out of it and found her in the car. Thankfully, he still had the keys in his pocket. He pulled the car door open quickly. "Where are you going?"

Isley07/15/2018

"Julian's gonna kill me, he's gonna kill you and our babies. I have to find him so he can kill me and then he won't kill you. Don't worry, I won't tell him you guys exist, you'll be safe then, okay?" She said, frantic but somehow calm.

Daniel07/15/2018

"What? Isley, that makes no sense. He's not going to kill us. He probably doesn't even know where we live!"

Isley07/15/2018

"Yes he will. He didn't know I was in Chicago, but he still found me. He'll find out where we live. He finds me every time I try to leave. I was so dumb to think that I could get away from him, he was right, I belong to him."

Daniel07/15/2018

"You don't belong to him. Stop this. Just.. Come inside and we'll talk about this."

Isley07/15/2018

She shook her head vehemently. "No. No! I can't! He's going to come get me and take me back with him!"

Daniel07/15/2018

"I'll fucking kill him if he comes near you at all, Isley. No one is taking you."

Isley07/15/2018

She kept shaking her head, tears continuing to flow as she hit her head back against the headrest over and over until she wore herself out. "Daniel, I'm so scared."

Daniel07/15/2018

He felt helpless watching her, unsure how to help at all. When she stopped hitting her head, he kneel down to get at eye level with her. "Look at me."

Isley07/15/2018

Obeying helplessly, she faced him, tears continuing silently.

Daniel07/15/2018

"I would never, ever let anything happen to you." He said, his eyes on hers.

Isley07/15/2018

She nodded, still crying. "How did he find me?"

Daniel07/15/2018

"I don't know, baby. Do you have a LinkedIn profile or did you have that you worked for me on Facebook?"

Isley07/15/2018

"I put it on Facebook, but I blocked him from my page."

Daniel07/15/2018

"I don't know.. Maybe we should both delete social media for a while. and see if that helps."

Isley07/15/2018

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter anymore. He sent those flowers to tell me he knows where I am."

Daniel07/15/2018

"He knows where you work. That's it. We just moved to this address, he would have no way to find that information out already."

Isley07/15/2018

"He found me when I moved in Georgia. He found me in women's shelters. You're underestimating him."

Daniel07/15/2018

"Okay, but how far do you think he can get? We are together nearly 24/7."

Isley07/15/2018

"What if he comes when you're at the office?"

Daniel07/15/2018

"I just.. Won't go for a few days, okay? We can get a better security system."(edited)

Isley07/15/2018

She nodded pitifully. "I'm so sorry."(edited)

Daniel07/15/2018

"This isn't your fault." He shook his head. "Can you come inside and try to calm down a little? I'll draw you a bath." He offered.

Isley07/17/2018

She nodded. "The babies, I want my babies." She needed to hold them and know they were okay.(edited)

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel was nervous about her being around them when she was having a panic attack, but he nodded his head. "Then come with me. Can I hold your hand?" He held his hand out for her.

Isley07/17/2018

She tentatively took his hand, but immediately leaned into him completely for support once she was standing.They walked inside again and Isley started for the stairs to get to the babies.

Daniel07/17/2018

He didn't want to upset her more, but he tugged on her hand to stop her. "Can we calm down before you see the babies?"

Isley07/17/2018

"I'm not going to hurt them, Daniel, they're my babies!" She said indignantly.

Daniel07/17/2018

"I'm aware and I trust you,  but I just think it's a good idea to be calm."

Isley07/17/2018

"I need to make sure they're okay..."

Daniel07/17/2018

"They're okay,  I promise. "

Isley07/17/2018

She was crying again, but now because Daniel was refusing to let her see her babies. She wanted to stomp her foot and scream. Shrugging him off, she walked to the kitchen where their downstairs baby monitor was. Seeing Liam sleeping soundly and Mila kicking her feet silently, she was able to take a deep breath.

Daniel07/17/2018

He sighed as she began crying and slowly followed her to the kitchen. "See? They're great. "

Isley07/17/2018

"And I'm calm. I'm going to see them. Don't try to keep me from my children again." Isley said, her eyes narrowed as she walked back towards the stairs.

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel rolled his eyes, really not liking this entire situation. He followed Isley up the stairs and stood in the doorway of the nursery to keep an eye on her.

Isley07/17/2018

Since Mila was already awake, she picked her up and walked to the rocking chair with her, ignoring Daniel. She stared down at her little girl who stared right back up at her. "Mama's got you." She whispered. "I'll never let anything happen to you, or anyone keep me away from you."(edited)

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel couldn't help but feel as though she was making him into a villain alongside her ex. "I wasn't keeping you from them. I wanted you to relax from your panic attack. "

Isley07/17/2018

"Holding them relaxes me. How could you think I would put them in danger?"

Daniel07/17/2018

He shook his head "It wasn't about hurting them. I'm done trying to help."

Isley07/17/2018

"Fine, then stop hovering like I'm going to strangle her."

Daniel07/17/2018

He had been worried about her but she was just getting under his skin now. "Fine, then deal with all this shit on your own." He said and walked back into the hallway.

Isley07/17/2018

Since Mila had fallen asleep in her arms, she put her back in the crib and followed Daniel into the hallway after closing the door quietly. "You knew about all this shit when you knocked me up! But sure, walk away when it gets tough." She called to his back.

Daniel07/17/2018

"Yeah, I'm not going to stand there while you lash out at me for trying to help. If you want to be left alone then stay away from me." He walked to their bedroom.

Isley07/17/2018

She rolled her eyes at him and walked back downstairs. She wanted a glass of wine, but she remembered she couldn't since she was breastfeeding. She sighed, collapsing on the couch. "Trouble in paradise, huh? Never should've run away from me, Isley Drew." A voice from behind her said. Chills ran up her spine as she recognized the cold voice. She stood up abruptly and whirled around. Before she could speak, Julian's fist came crashing down on her in quick succession. One to the eye, one to the nose. She was too shocked to yell. "Now Isley Drew, you didn't think you could hide from me, did you? Tsk tsk, you know I find you wherever you are. Or wait, should I call you Mrs. Bennett now since you've gone and gotten yourself knocked up? Did you do that on purpose once you landed a job with some rich dickhead? Either way, I always knew you'd make pretty babies." As soon as he mentioned her children, Isley snapped out of the trance the was in, ignoring the blood gushing out of her nose and the bit dripping into her eyes from her busted eyebrow. She rushed at him, trying to fight him to protect her babies. "Daniel!!" She screamed as loud as she could.

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel lay on the bed with a sigh, trying to be understanding of the situation. It would blow over, he decided though he was still going to find a better security system. He was looking through his phone when he heard Isley scream. Quickly, he got up and ran downstairs, finding her fighting against a man. He wasted no time in grabbing him by the back of the shirt and pulling him off of Isley, then using his grip on him to hit his head against the wall. Julian was able to get out of Dan's grasp and lunged at him hard enough that they both fell to the floor and Julian hit Dan in the face, though it didn't have much effect. He pushed him off of him and pinned him on the floor. "Get upstairs and call the cops!" He yelled at Isley before he began hitting Julian, hoping to knock him out at least.

Isley07/17/2018

"Daniel!" She yelled as he was hit, but he quickly gained the advantage. She didn't run upstairs, though, because she didn't want to leave him alone and wanted to be able to help him if she needed to, or just provide another barrier from the babies. She did grab her cell phone from the kitchen, quickly calling 911. She gave their address and told them what was going on. They dispatched someone but told her to stay on the line.

Daniel07/17/2018

He gave up on hitting Julian, deciding that he was going over board as the man was clearly giving up beneath him. "Are you okay, baby?" He turned his head to look at her and saw blood. He stared at her for a long moment, long enough for Julian to get his arm loose and head butt Daniel. He had hit Isley? This made him lose all control. Though Julian was now out of his grasp, Daniel grabbed his leg before he could get away and was quickly back on top of him. "I'm going to fucking kill you for touching my wife!" He punched him in the face hard.

Isley07/17/2018

The scene in front of Isley unfolded in slow motion. Daniel's face as he registered her own, Julian headbutting Daniel and trying to leave, Daniel pummeling him. "Daniel, you're going to kill him!" She cried out, not because she didn't want Julian dead, but she didn't want Daniel in jail. She tried to pull him off, but failed. Thankfully, the cops were busting through their unlocked doors moments later. They separated Julian and Daniel, a woman cop coming to Isley to soothe her and get the story. After she told her the story and Daniel corroborated it, Julian was placed in handcuffs and arrested. She wanted to run to Daniel, but the cop was concerned and told her to stay still as an EMT came to check her out.

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel had never felt so out of control in his life. It made him more angry that he was pulled off of Julian before he was satisfied with his pain. He slowly calmed down enough to explain to the cops what had happened then sat quietly as an EMT checked him out. When they finally let him walk away, he moved to Isley's side. "Is she okay?" He asked the EMT.

Isley07/17/2018

Isley was silent as the EMT spoke. "She's got a broken nose and may need a stitch or two in that eyebrow." She turned her eyes to Daniel, concerned about him. "Will you check on Mila and Liam? I'll be okay." She asked, trying to get him to focus on something good and positive.

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel could have been worked up all over again by that. But ultimately he just felt guilt for not being able to protect her. He stared at her, trying to decide if he should leave her side but he knew that he needed to check on the babies. He nodded his head and disappeared up the stairs, feeling calmer in the quiet nursery.

Isley07/17/2018

She talked to the EMT for a few minutes until she was all cleaned up. He said she would need to go to the hospital, or at least urgent care. Nodding, she said she understood as she watched Daniel come back down the stairs a few minutes later. She excused herself from the EMT and made her way to Daniel. "Did he hurt you?" She asked, scanning his face for any major injuries.

Daniel07/17/2018

After making sure both babies were safe and sound, he descended the stairs again. He shook his head, "I'm fine. We need to get you to the hospital though."

Isley07/17/2018

She would have rather gone to urgent care, but she knew better than to argue with Daniel right now. Nodding, she put her arms around his waist. "I'm okay, baby."

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel was still feeling angry- not specifically at her but in general- so he wasn't thrilled about physical contact. He loosely wrapped an arm around her "I'm going to get the babies in the car."

Isley07/17/2018

She frowned at his emotional distance but didn't push it. "Okay. I'll finish with everything here." She turned and walked away. After she finished her statement to the police, telling them she wanted to press charges and everything, she asked them to leave and told the EMT she wouldn't need to take the ambulance, that she'd meet them at the hospital in a few minutes. Then, she went to find Daniel. "Are you ready to go?"

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel got both babies in their carseats and carried them down the stairs. Nodding his head, he moved out to the car and got the carseats settled. "Do they want you to go in the ambulance? We can meet you there." He told her.

Isley07/17/2018

"No, it's okay. I told them I'd go with my family." She answered, climbing into the front seat. "Are you okay?"

Daniel07/17/2018

"I'm fine." He shrugged. "I just want you to get fixed up so he can get the babies back home." His hand gripped the steering wheel tightly as he spoke, still trying to calm down completely. He had almost killed someone that night, someone had threatened his family in their brand new house. He had a million thoughts running through his head.(edited)

Isley07/17/2018

“I’m sorry.” Was all she managed to say. She felt terrible. None of this would have happened if Isley hadn’t come in to Daniel’s life. She put their family in danger.

Daniel07/17/2018

"Unless you somehow had contact with him for him to know where you were then you have nothing to apologize for." He said, then turned the radio on so they wouldn't have to talk. When they arrived at the hospital, he got out and grabbed both carseats to walk in. He stood in the waiting room, unable to sit with how much energy was still flowing through him.

Isley07/17/2018

She was quiet. She hadn’t had any contact with him, of course, but she still felt guilty. And he seemed mad at her, which didn’t help. Maybe he was having second thoughts about her and their relationship. They entered the hospital and checked in, Daniel still keeping his distance. She rocked their car seats with her feet, watching Daniel. “Please come talk to me.”

Daniel07/17/2018

He sighed and sat beside her. "He could have hurt our babies."

Isley07/17/2018

She nodded. “I know. I’m sorry. If you want to take them away now you can.” She said pitifully.

Daniel07/17/2018

He shook his head, looking down at his bouncing leg. "That wasn't what I was getting at." He said quietly. "Let's just talk about all of this when it's not so fresh. I honestly don't know what to say." His eyes moved back to her and he couldn't help but reach out to brush her cheek with his thumb. He hated seeing her hurt.

Isley07/17/2018

The contact was like an oasis in the desert. She rested her head in his hand, tears slipping out of her eyes. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but to be honest, she was afraid he wouldn’t say it back. Thankfully, her name was called before she could say anything. After a quick exam, she was told she needed two stitches and a nose brace after they set it. Luckily, they were out and headed home within an hour. She was silent in the car, leaning her head against the window.

Daniel07/17/2018

Daniel decided to stay in the waiting room with the babies because he didn't want to be in the way. When she returned, he set their children back up in the car and drove home. "Just your nose and stitches on your eyebrow?" He asked after a long silence.

July 18, 2018

Isley07/18/2018

She nodded in response, unsure of what to say to him. She wanted to know what was going through his head, but she was afraid what he would say.

Daniel07/18/2018

"Do you feel okay now? " He was feeling a little more calm now, so he reached over for her hand.

Isley07/18/2018

“I knew he was going to come. You thought I was crazy.”

Daniel07/18/2018

"I didn't think you were crazy, I was trying to calm you down because you jumped in the car to go find him."

Isley07/18/2018

“So that that,” she gestured to the bruises forming on his face, “Wouldn’t happen. And so he wouldn’t be near our babies. You should’ve let me go, then you’d all be safe.”

Daniel07/18/2018

Daniel rolled his eyes. "You're right. I should have let my wife jump in my car and find her abusive ex-boyfriend so he could beat the shit out of her where I couldn't stop it at all. Just.. Quit talking." He was getting worked up again so he used the hand that he tried to hold hers with to turn the radio on again.

July 19, 2018

Isley07/19/2018

She crossed her arms, completely confused and feeling even more broken. Finally, they pulled into their driveway. She went around and took Mila’s car seat and went inside.

Daniel07/19/2018

He took his time getting Liam out of the car and walking up to the nursery. He changed his diaper and lay him back in his crib before grabbing the extra baby monitor they bought and putting the camera in the kitchen. He knew that there was no way Julian could get out tonight, but there was also no feeling like his family was safe at the moment. He would be up all night, waiting until morning to call someone to set up a security system. For now, he would have to fiddle with the baby monitor until he felt it would work for him.(edited)

July 20, 2018

Isley07/20/2018

After nursing and changing a fussy Mila, Isley went to look for Daniel, finding him in the kitchen looking at the baby monitor. Watching his strong back in the kitchen of their home, where they were supposed to be safe, was suddenly too much for Isley and she crumpled, sobbing.

Daniel07/20/2018

Daniel hadn't noticed Isley come down the stairs until he heard her crying. Quickly, he turned around and was relieved to see her by herself, but not to see that she was so upset. He walked over to her slowly "What's wrong?" He asked stupidly, as he just didn't know how to make her feel better.

Isley07/20/2018

She looked up at Daniel helplessly, unable to control what was happening to her. “I-I-“ She stuttered, not able to form a sentence before she fell into Daniel’s arms.

Daniel07/20/2018

He wrapped his arms around her, trying not to do so as tightly as he wanted. "Isley, you have to let me protect you." He said quietly.

Isley07/20/2018

Her tears finally subsided as she found solace in her safe place-her husband. She nodded meekly at his words. “I’m so sorry, for everything.”

Daniel07/20/2018

"The only thing that I want you to be sorry for you in all of this is treating me like I was taking the kids away from you and for trying to leave. You scared me."

Isley07/20/2018

“You scared me! You wouldn’t let me near them and I needed to hold them. I didn’t understand at the time.” She didn’t mention trying to leave, because she wasn’t sorry for that. She had been trying to protect her family.

Daniel07/20/2018

"I just wanted you to take a moment to breathe first. You have no idea how scary it is watching you scratch at yourself."

Isley07/20/2018

She buried her head deeper into his chest, ashamed. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to deal with that.”

Daniel07/20/2018

"There is plenty about me that you have to deal with so I'm not going to hold any of this against you. I just want us to be able to handle stressful situations in a healthy way. " He rubbed her back softly.(edited)

Isley07/20/2018

“I just can’t believe I thought I could actually run away from him.”

Daniel07/20/2018

"You can, okay? I'll make sure he's put away." He paused. "You should have let me kill him."

Isley07/20/2018

“Baby!” She lifted her head to look at him, a little shocked. “Why?”

Daniel07/20/2018

"Because I don't want that piece of shit walking around like he didn't just break into our house and hit you." He had to pull away as he spoke because he was getting mad all over again.

Isley07/20/2018

She pulled him back to her, squeezing him as tightly as she could without hurting herself. “Then what would Mila, Liam, and I have done? They need their daddy, and I need him too.”

Daniel07/20/2018

"It would have been self defense. There's no way I would have ended up prosecuted for that. I'm just saying, from a legal standpoint it would have been fine." He had thought about this the entire time they were at the hospital.

Isley07/20/2018

“But then you would have killed a man. You’re not a murderer.”

Daniel07/20/2018

"I just want to protect you and our kids. If he comes back here, I can't promise that I will be able to hold back at all."

Isley07/20/2018

She nodded. “I don’t think he will, since you’re going to be putting him away. I mean, that’s breaking and entering and at least two charges of assault. Maybe even attempted murder or kidnapping, but I don’t think we could prove that.”

Daniel07/20/2018

He sighed, nodding his head. "Yeah, there's plenty that we can put him away for." But not as long as Daniel would have liked. He almost wished that he had more injuries to fuel that. "I'm trying to get the baby monitor set up in here so that I can see the front door but it's being a piece of shit. I'm going to end up down here all night, I'm sure." He decided to change the subject slightly.

Isley07/20/2018

She tugged on his arm lightly. “Come to bed with me, baby. I need you.”

Daniel07/20/2018

"Can we just cuddle down here?" He asked softly. He wanted to be there for her, but he was paranoid. He needed to be sure that everything was safe.

Isley07/20/2018

She wanted to be in their bed, but she knew right now that he needed this. She nodded, leading him to the couch and settling in his arms. What she really needed was sex. A physical connection that proved they were okay, that she was safe and belonged to him, but it had only been 2 weeks since the babies and she wasn’t healed. Sighing, she snuggled as close to him as she could. “I love you.”

Daniel07/20/2018

He sat on the couch and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you too. I wish I wouldn't have walked away from you at all today.. Then he wouldn't have hurt you. " He was honestly a little afraid to even kiss her with her nose in a brace.

Isley07/20/2018

“It’s not your fault. We didn’t even hear him come in. How were you supposed to know?

Daniel07/20/2018

"I could have not been a huge dick and locked myself in our bedroom like it was going to fix anything." He pointed out.

Isley07/20/2018

“I could’ve not freaked out and egged you on.”

Daniel07/20/2018

"That's true." He gave her a playful smile. "It sometimes feels like we are just supposed to have our shit together because we're married and have kids so things like this are just.. Disappointing. Not the actual event, just the way we handled it."

July 21, 2018

Isley07/21/2018

“Yeah. And you’ve done this before, so...” she teased him.

Daniel07/21/2018

"Hey, low blow." He nudged his shoulder against hers. "I think we can just blame it on lack of sleep and sex."

Isley07/21/2018

“I agree. And I really wish we could have sex right now, I was just thinking about it a few minutes ago.”

Daniel07/21/2018

"I wish we could too. It kind of makes it feel like we only half made up."

Isley07/21/2018

She giggled, shifting in his arms. “Me too. Too bad we had too much sex nine months ago.”

Daniel07/21/2018

"Just wait until we can have sex again. If you thought that was a lot..." He joked.

Isley07/21/2018

“You’ve been deprived for too long?” She laughed, turning to face him.

Daniel07/21/2018

"Look, I went years with like.. Little to no sex. I can't help it if you spoiled me and then deprived me."

Isley07/21/2018

“I can’t help that you’re so damn sexy, okay? That’s your fault.” She nestled her head into his neck, wincing a little as she bumped her nose.

Daniel07/21/2018

He chuckled, stopping when he remembered she was still in pain. "I think... I could give in and sleep in the bed." He offered, wanting her to be comfortable.

July 24, 2018

IsleyLast Tuesday at 5:10 PM

She looked up at him with a weak smile. "Okay." She said. "You have to carry me, though. I don't have any legs."

DanielLast Tuesday at 5:12 PM

"But I'm weaker tonight." He groaned, but gave her a playful smile before he got up and picked her up. He carried her up to their bedroom and lay her down on the bed before moving to lay beside her.(edited)

IsleyLast Tuesday at 5:12 PM

Settling in as close to him as she could get, she whispered, "Thank you for protecting me."

DanielLast Tuesday at 5:16 PM

"You know I always will, baby." He said softly.

IsleyLast Tuesday at 5:17 PM

She laughed morosely. "It's different for me to have someone who will fight for me, instead of just fight me."

DanielLast Tuesday at 5:24 PM

"You should be used to it by now." He nudged her side.