*~barbara~*

Chapter 9: The Visit Of The Real Daddy

Destiny made it through the week with Josh's parents. Susan didn't bring up that Andrew didn't look like Josh anymore. Destiny had a week to herself until the everyone showed up. She was scared to see Patrick and his reaction to Andrew. She was picking up before everyone showed up. Andrew started to cry. "Hey baby." She picked him up and he was still crying. Destiny tried to feed him. He took some milk but was still crying.

There was a knock on the door. "Oh great. Their here." She opened the door. There stood the man she still loved. "Oh Patrick." She hugged him. "I missed you." Andrew was still crying. "What's wrong?" "I don't know. He won't stop crying." "Here let me hold him." Patrick put down his bags and took the baby. Andrew stopped crying. "I guess he likes me." "Yeah. I guess so. Where is everyone else?" "They went to the hotel. Becca said she wanted to give us some alone time." "You two are staying here right?" "Yeah, Pete and Tina are going to stay at the hotel." "Okay. Well, come in. You want to sit down with Andrew?" "Sure." They went to the living room and they all sat on the couch. "So what do you think of him?" "He's a cute little thing. I sure don't know how you do it Destiny. I sure couldn't." "Not even with the mother?" "Hell no. Not with everything going on right now. You are doing amazing though. I can tell." "Thanks. I have to go to the bathroom. Will you be alright?" "Sure thing."
Destiny went to the bathroom and broke down. She couldn't believe what Patrick said. It just proved it was a good thing to marry Josh. She didn't want to hurt Patrick. And telling him about the baby would of. She washed her face and went to the living room. "You know I love your mom still. You are one lucky guy to have her as a mom. She will love you with all her heart just like she loved me. If you ever cause her heartache know that your dad and I will get on your butt." Destiny smiled.

"What are you telling my son?" "We were just having a little talk. Oh, I have something for him." Patrick handed Andrew to Destiny and went to his bag and took out a package. "Here you go." She opened it up. Inside was a blue blanket and a teddy bear. "Thank you Patrick. The bear is so cute." She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek, but Patrick accidentally moved his face and they kissed on their lips. Destiny slide her tongue into Patrick's mouth. Patrick broke the kiss. "Destiny, you don't want to do this." "I miss you, Patrick. I should of never married Josh. It's you I still love." "I have someone else. I still love you, but not like that anymore. Please understand." "I do. I'm sorry. I should go and feed Andrew. I'll be in the nursery."

Destiny walked to the nursery and started to feed Andrew. "I feel like a fool. He's moved on and I haven't. God, what a dork I am." She wiped the tears from her face. After Andrew was fed she put him in his crib. She went back to the living room. The rest of them were there. "Hey Tina. I missed you." She hugged Tina and Pete. "Hi Becca. How are you?" "Good. Thanks for letting me stay here." "No problem. Would you all like something to drink?" Destiny went to the kitchen to get drinks. Tina came in.

"How are you doing?" "Not good. We kissed." "What?" "It was an accident. I told him I made a mistake to marry Josh and that I still love him. He said he has moved on. Oh Tina, I'm such a fool." Tina took Destiny in her arms. "Shhh, it'll be alright." "Hey you two. What's wrong?" "Nothing Pete. Just go to the living room." Tina said. "Why did I do this? You know I think Andrew knows Patrick is his dad. He was crying and wouldn't stop and when Patrick came and took him he stopped crying." "Oh hun. Don't do this to yourself. Patrick is happy with Becca. I would love for you two to be together, but it's too late now. You are married. I'm sorry." "I know. I guess I didn't want him to move on. Kinda selfish of me." "It's going to be alright. Now clean up and I'll take the drinks out."

Destiny took a few minutes and went to the living room. Patrick and Becca were holding hands. It was going to be a hard week. They all talk for a hour and then Destiny heard Andrew and went to get him. He was passed around to everyone. Later on they all went out for supper and Pete and Tina went back to the hotel and Patrick, Becca, Destiny, and Andrew went to the house. "I'm going to put him to bed. Make your self comfortable." Destiny went to the nursery and changed Andrew's diaper and put him in a sleeper. Then she rocked him. After he fell asleep in her arms she put him in the crib.

She walked out to the living room. Becca was on top of Patrick and they were making out. "Oh god." Destiny whispered to herself. "Hey you two. I don't want to see that in front of Andrew." She laughed. Becca got off of Patrick. "Well, I'm going to go to bed. You know where everything is?" "Yeah. We'll see you in the morning." Patrick said. Destiny went to the bedroom and got into her nightgown and got into bed. She could hear Patrick and Becca in the living room laughing. She felt so alone. She fell asleep after a few hours of tossing and turning.

~At the hotel~

Pete opened the door and Tina walked in and him after her. "Andrew sure doesn't look like Josh, does he?" Pete asked. "No, but he looks like Destiny." "Yeah, your right. So what was that in the kitchen?" Tina sat on the bed taking her shoes off. "Nothing." "Come on. I know something was wrong." "Destiny still loves Patrick. They kissed and he said he doesn't have romantic feelings for her anymore." "That fucker." "What?" "He's lying." "How do you know?" "Because everyday he talks about her. Sure he may love Becca, but he also loves Destiny. He'll never let her go. He'll always have a connection with her." "You can say that again." "What?" "Um, nothing." "No, you said something." Pete sat on the bed. "You have to promise not to tell anyone. One person in particular. "I'll try." "No, you have to." "Okay. I promise." He kissed her lips.

"I don't know why I'm telling you this. I told Destiny I wouldn't tell anyone." "Out with it." "Andrew is Patrick's son." Pete fell off the bed. "What?" He got up. "Don't be so dramatic. You even questioned it." "I know, but I didn't think this. Why didn't she tell Patrick?" "She found out right when you guys got the record deal and were going on the tour. She didn't want to ruin it for Patrick and the rest of you guys." "Damn. That poor girl. Why did she marry Josh?" "He came up with the idea. She thought it would be good to give Andrew the family life she never had." "I need to tell him, Tina." "No, you can't. He can't find out." "Tina, if it was me I would want to know. I can't keep a child from him. He's my best friend." "And Destiny is mine. I can't betray her. I already did by telling you." "I'm going to talk to her." "Pete, please don't. Let me." "Okay. She really needs to tell him. I know Patrick would love that little boy. He already does." "I'll try and talk to her tomorrow. Now come here."

Pete walked over to Tina. "Yes, what do you have in mind." "Sit down and I'll show you." Pete sat on the bed and Tina straddled his hips. "I love you, Peter." She kissed his lips softly sliding her tongue in his mouth. She ran her hands up and down his chest and when she came to the bottom of his shirt she took it off of him. "Much better." She said. She took her own shirt off. Pete fell back on the bed with Tina on him and rolled over so she was under him. "Now what are you going to do?" He said. She smiled up at him. "I love your smile." He kissed her. He cupped her breast while kissing her. Pete took off her bra and kissed each of her breasts. She could feel him getting hard for her. She reached down and felt him through his jeans. "Oh god, Tina."

She unbuttoned his jeans and he took them off with his boxers. "I want you so bad." Pete said. Tina kissed him while he took off her jeans and panties. He kissed her neck and down her stomach. He slide two fingers inside of her. "Oh Pete. I need you." He moved back up and slide his hardness inside of her. Pete just looked down at her. "What is it?" "I just wonder how I got lucky to have you in my life." "Stop it Peter. I'm the lucky one." "No, I am." He smiled at her and kissed her as he started moving inside of her. Tina wrapped her legs around Pete's waist. "Baby, I love you." Pete fell on top of her.

"Pete, did you mean it?" "What?" "That you love me. You never said it before." He looked up at her. Tina had tears in her eyes. "You mean the world to me. I couldn't go on without you." He took her face in his hands. "I love you with all my heart, soul, and mind." "I love you so much." Tina kissed him. They fell asleep in each other arms.

"What?" Destiny asked. "I know you care for Patrick and things are moving forward for him." "I just thought this way he can follow his dream and you can still have security for you and your baby." "I don't know. What am I suppose to tell Patrick. Oh by the way I'm pregnant but it's not yours. When it really is." "No, break up with him. And go out with me. We can tell everyone you are pregnant in a month or two. Or you can tell him we slept together. I know that will hurt him though, but then we wouldn't have to explain you having the baby early." "Yeah. Can I think about it? I just don't know what to do." Destiny started crying. "Come here." She went into Josh's arms. "Shhh. You will get through this."

There was a knock on the door. "Who could that be?" "You sit and I'll get the door." Josh said. Josh went to the door. "Uh, Patrick." "Josh. What the hell are you doing here?" "Um, I had to talk to Destiny about our project." "At 6 in the morning?" "Yeah. She's in the living room." Patrick walked to the living room. "Destiny, what's going on?" "Nothing." "Something is wrong. Josh is here early morning and you've been crying." Destiny knew what she had to do. "Patrick, I slept with Josh and I'm pregnant with his child." "What? Are you serious?" "Yes. I'm sorry, Patty." "Stop. Stop calling me that. Why? Wasn't I good enough?" "Yes, you were. It just happened once." "Is that suppose to make me feel better. God, this can't be happening." Patrick ran his fingers through his hair. "What are you going to do with the baby?" "I'm keeping it. Josh and I are getting married once he graduates next month." "Married? This just keeps getting better." "Patrick, there will be someone else for you. You have so much going on right now. You don't need me." "What are you saying? I need you. I wanted to spend my life with you." "No, live your life. Go and make music. I love you and always will. Remember that, but there will be someone else." Destiny gave Patrick one final kiss.

He took her and pulled her away. "Don't ever kiss me again. I want nothing to do with you." He turned to face Josh. "And you. What the hell were you thinking? You have always wanted her and now you have her." Patrick threw a punch at Josh. "Stop it Patrick. Don't do this." She grabbed Patrick off of Josh, but he was too strong. Patrick swung back and accidently hit Destiny in the face and she fell to the ground. "You asshole. Get off of me." Josh went to Destiny. "Are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine. I deserve it." "No, you don't." Josh looked up at Patrick. "I'm sorry, Destiny. I didn't mean to hit you." "I know. I'm the one who is sorry. I screwed up everything." Patrick bent down and gave Destiny a kiss.

Patrick walked out and went home. "What happened to thinking about it?" "I had to tell him. I couldn't look at him and know I would ruin his life. Can you leave. I want to be alone." "Are you sure?" "Yes, I'll talk to you later." "Okay. Take care and if you need anything call me." "I will. Thank you for everything." Josh walked out the door and Destiny broke down crying. She finally went upstairs and cleaned her face. She then crawled back to bed. She looked over to her night stand. There was a picture of her and Patrick at the school dance two years ago. "I'm sorry, Patty. I'm sorry it has to be this way." She fell asleep and woke up a few hours later to someone yelling outside.

"No, mom. I'm going. I gotta get out of this fucking town and away from her." She seen Patrick get in his car and tires screaming down the road. "Oh, Patrick." She went back to her bed and cried. "We'll get through this baby. I know we are doing the right thing. Daddy loves music and needs to be free to do that. Josh will be a good father for you." Destiny got up and took a shower and dressed. She decided to tell her mom about the baby.

"Mom, I need to talk to you." "Sure honey." "Can we go to the living room?" They walked to the living room and sat on the couch. "Mom, I'm pregnant. I'm not telling Patrick because of him wanting to be a musician. I don't want to ruin his chances." "Oh honey. Won't he know it's his?" "No, he already thinks it's not. You remember Josh?" "Yeah. The Jensen boy." "Yes. He came up with a plan. I'll marry him and he'll be the baby's father. He's going into the army and we'll live on base. Patrick already believes the baby is Josh's." "Do you think this is a good idea?" "No, but it's what I need to do. Josh is willing to be there and I won't ruin Patrick's life." "I'm here for you. Whatever you need. I think we first need to set up a doctor's appointment." "Okay."

Destiny called Josh and told him that she would have a doctor's appointment and if he would go with her. Later that day Destiny, her mom, and Josh went to the doctor. Destiny had to fill out some paperwork and was called in. "Hello Destiny, I'm Doctor Peterson. How are you doing?" "Good. This is my mom and my, um." "Boyfriend. I'm Josh Jensen." "Nice to meet you all. It's nice to see a family being supportive. Why don't you get on the table and we'll do an exam." Destiny got up on the table and the doctor examed her. "Everything looks good. Your due date is May 30. I am giving you a perscription for some prenatal vitamins. I want you to eat well and get some exercise. It will be good for both you and the baby." "Okay, thank you." "Make another appointment for a month." "Alright."

Josh went home with Destiny and her mom. When they got there the boys were at Patrick's fixing up the van. She looked over and seen Patrick staring at her and Josh. Destiny looked to the ground. "It's going to be alright." Josh whispered. "It'll never be alright." Destiny said. They went into the house and Destiny's mom made some lunch while Josh and Destiny talked. "Did you tell your parents?" Destiny asked. "Yeah, they weren't too happy. But they understand. They know the baby isn't mine. I didn't tell them about joining the army and I think they were more upset about that." "When do you think we should get married?" "What about January 5th. I go into basic training on the 10th. I'll be there for a few weeks. After I complete that we will move to base. You do realize we might have to move away from Chicago." "Yes, I realize that." She started to cry. "Oh baby. I want you to be happy." "I will be. Just these hormones."

They ate lunch and Destiny's mom left for work. Josh and her watched a movie. After the movie Josh left. Destiny went to sit on the front step and write in her journal. Pete and Patrick were still working on the van. She wanted to go over and talk to Patrick, but she knew he would just get upset. Patrick had his shirt off. "God, he is so gorgeous." Destiny said to herself. "Pete, give me the fucking wrench." Patrick yelled. "Trick, why don't you talk to her." "No, she made her bed she can lie in it." "You don't feel that way and you know it. What if the baby is yours and she is just saying it's Josh's?" Patrick moved from under the van and looked at Pete. "What the hell are you talking about?" "Well, face it, she's been with you this whole time. I just don't see her and Josh together." "Well, they are. She told me herself." "Doesn't mean they are." "Just forget it, Pete. I don't want to talk about this." "Okay. I still think you two need to talk and still remain friends. Remember when you two got together, you told me you didn't want to lose her as a friend." "Yeah. You are right there, but how can I when she is having another man's baby and getting married. I love her." "Just go."

Patrick got up and brushed his jeans off. He walked over to Destiny. "Hey." "Hi Patrick. Having problems with the van?" "Yeah, we'll be lucky to get out of Chicago." "When do you leave?" "In a week." "You are going to have a good time." "I"m going to miss you." "I'm going to miss you too." But she didn't mean because he was going on tour. She meant because she left him. "I wanted to apoligize about fighting with Josh and hitting you. I feel so bad." "It's alright. I understand." She smiled at him. "So how have you been feeling? Any sickness?" "A little. Not too bad though. More tired than anything. Do you want to sit down." "Yeah." Patrick sat next to her on the step. "You probably should be resting." "Actually, for once I'm awake." She smiled at Patrick. "I went to the doctor today. Everything is looking good. I'm sorry, you probably don't want to hear this." "No, I do. I still care for you. Hell, I still love you." "I'm so sorry. I wish I could change things. I screwed up." She started crying. "Hey, come here." She went into his arms. Oh, how she missed his arms. "I want us to remain friends. Yeah, I am hurt. But I care for you and I'll care for your baby. I can't wait to see him or her. When are you due?" Destiny prayed Patrick wouldn't start counting. He would figure the baby was his. "May 30. Thankfully, I won't have to be pregnant during the summer." "That'll be good. Um, when are you getting married?" "January 5. Josh leaves for basic training on the 10th. He's going into the army. After his training is done we will be moving. We don't know where yet."

Patrick really looked at Destiny. For someone who was getting married she looked liked her best friend died. "Dest, is this what you want?" "No, but it has to be this way." "Come on now. Lots of people have babies without getting married. You don't need to marry him." "I know. But I want my baby to have that family life. If that makes sense." "Yeah, it does. Will you please keep in touch. Email me, call, text, write my mom. Please?" "Of course. You are my best friend. I don't know what I would do if I lost you." "You won't. It's going to be hard not seeing you every day." "I know. You are leaving soon. When are you coming back?" "Not until April. We will have to say our goodbyes when I leave." "Yeah, oh Patrick. I'm going to miss you." She hugged him and took in his smell. He smelled of cologne and sweat from working on the van.

"Patrick, I think I got it fixed." Pete yelled from the street. "I should be going. I just wanted to talk to you. I will always love you. Remember that." "Same here. You will always be on my mind." "Can I kiss you?" "Yes." Patrick bent down and touched Destiny's lips softly running his tongue on her lips. "I'll talk to you later. Get some rest and if you need anything, come over or call." "I will. Thank you Patrick." She watched Patrick leave. She rubbed her belly. "You daddy still cares about me. I still care about him too. I wish things could be different little one. I know your daddy would love you." Destiny went inside and laid down for a little while.

The next week went by fast. Destiny couldn't believe that Patrick would be leaving so soon. She wanted to tell him, but couldn't. She spent a lot of time with Josh. She was liking him more but nothing like she should feel if she was going to marry him. The day came for Patrick and the boys to leave. She looked out her window and seen Patrick loading the suitcases. She put her shoes on and went outside. "Patrick! Patrick!" He turned around and she ran into his arms. "Patty, I'm going to miss you." "Whoa. What's all this?" "I love you. I'll never stop." "Hey, you have Josh and soon the baby." "I know. But I'm going to miss you. There hasn't been a day that has gone by without seeing you." "You can write, call, text, anything. I want to know how you are doing and even when you have that precious baby. I want to see him or her." That made Destiny cry even harder. She looked into his green eyes.

"Patrick, there's something I need to tell you." "Sure. What is it?" He continued to put the suitcases in the back of the van. "Trick, hurry up. Pete wants to get going." Andy hollared. "Alright. In a minute." He closed the doors. "I need to get going. What did you want to tell me?" "Nothing. You take care of yourself and I'll call or email." "Alright. I'm going to miss you. Remember you are always loved and take care of that little one." He hugged Destiny. He placed his hand on her belly. "You take care of you mom. Don't make her too sick." Destiny felt the tears burning her eyes. "Goodbye Patty." "Goodbye. Tell Josh to take care of you." "I will." Destiny walked over to Tina and watched Patrick get in the van.

"Have you told him?" Tina asked Destiny. "No, he's not going to know. You won't tell him or Pete will you?" "No, but I think what you are doing is wrong, but I support you." "Thank you. It is just how it has to be. If I told him about the baby he would quit the band and stay here. So I wouldn't only be ruining one life, I would ruin Pete's, Joe's, and Andy's." "Oh Destiny, I don't think you would be ruining their lives. But you have to do what is right." They watched the van go down the road and out of sight. "Here, Patrick wanted me to give you this." It was a letter and a box. "Oh, thank you." "I have to go home. I have a ton of homework. See you later." "Bye Tina. Thanks for understanding." "Hey, that's what friends are for." They hugged each other.

Destiny went home and straight to her bedroom. She sat on her bed and took the letter out of the envelope.

Dest,
I'm going to miss you, but you already knew that. I want to write you because I don't know how to say what I'm thinking. I think you are making a mistake by marrying Josh. You aren't the same person anymore. What happened to my smiling Destiny? Please think about it? It doesn't mean that he can't be in the baby's life. I know what you mean about a family life. We both come from divorce families and it's hard. Please think about it. If not for me for the baby.

In June I'm planning on seeing you and the baby. If you are with Josh or not. He better realize I'm still going to be in your life. I love you. I know you slept with him while we were together and I'm so upset by that. But you are my sunshine. Whenever I get sad I think of you and smile. Remember when we were about 5 or so, we were at school and Bobby pushed me in a mud puddle. I remember you helping me up and taking me to the bathroom. You went into the boys bathroom with me. You had guts even then. You cleaned me off and then told me you had something to do. I went to class and noticed you weren't there. You went home and got me some different clothes. You are one special girl.

I got you this bracelet. It has charms on it. I got two so far. One is your birthstone and the other says best friends. I wish we could be more, but if not a best friend is what I will take. I should end this. You take care of yourself and the baby. I'll see you soon. If you need anything and can't get a hold of me talk to my mom. Okay? She is not mad at you. I love you!

Love,
Patty (okay, I finally wrote it)

Destiny smiled after reading the letter and reread it. Afterwards, she looked at the charm bracelet. "It's beautiful." She put it on. She laid on the bed and looked at a picture of her and Patrick that was taken when they were 12. "Everything was simplier than. I know your daddy will make us proud." Destiny fell asleep holding the picture.

Thanksgiving and Christmas came and Destiny was finally getting more energy and not as sick anymore. Josh spent a lot of time with her. Patrick wrote to her and she wrote to him. Josh didn't mind. She talked with Patrick's mom and everything was alright with them too. Josh and her decided on a small wedding. Nothing too fancy. Just friends and family. The day finally came.

Destiny was all dressed and looked in the mirror. The dress didn't hide the fact she was pregnant. She placed her hand on the bump. "My little one, we are going to get through this. I miss your daddy." There was a knock on the door. "Come in." "Hi Destiny." "Hi Patricia." "How are you doing?" "Okay. A little nervous." "Just make sure that you are doing the right thing?" "I am." "Patrick wanted to be here, but they are in New York or New Jersey. I can't remember, but he Fedex this for you." Patricia handed Destiny a box. "I just wanted to see how you were. I'll talk to you later." "Okay. Thanks." Destiny sat down and opened the box. Inside was a letter and a light purple blanket.

Destiny,
I got you and Josh this blanket. I know you love purple. I wish I could be there. Well, not really. But I would like to be there for you. When you use this blanket think of me wrapping my arms around you. I know I probably shouldn't even say that. You are going to be a married woman and I have no right to even think of holding you. I miss you so much. I want that baby to be mine. Late at night when the rest of the guys are sleeping I imagine us married and having three kids. I'm sorry. I shouldn't bring this up now. Have a good day. I wish that you and Josh have a wonderful life.
Patrick

Destiny took out the blanket. "Destiny, it's almost time." Her mom came into the room. "Alright. Look what Patrick gave us." "It's beautiful. Come on or you are going to be late." Destiny stood up. "You look beautiful." Destiny went to her mom and hugged her. "The is the last time I'm going to say this, are you doing the right thing?" "Yes, things have to be this way." "Okay, it's time for you to get married."

Chapter 3: Rough Times

February came very slowly for Destiny. It was finally time for her to leave Wisconsin. "Come on sweetie. Your plane is going to leave soon." "Alright." She got her suitcase and got into the car. "Are you going to miss me, Destiny?" She didn't say anything. She was looking outside. Her dad slapped her. "Ow. What?" "I said are you going to miss me?" "Of course, daddy." They got to the airport and her dad walked her to the gate. "You take care, Destiny. Tell Patrick all about me." "I hate you." With that Destiny walked to the plane. She couldn't wait to get away from her dad. A few hours later the plane landed.

Her mom was waiting for her. "Mom, where's Patrick?" "Um, he couldn't make it." "Oh, let's go home." She grabbed her suitcase and they went home. Destiny went to her room to unpack. After she was done she laid on her bed. She wanted to see Patrick so bad. Why didn't he come to the airport? She decided to go to his house. She walked out and seen him kissing a girl. She had tears in her eyes. He looked up and seen her. He walked over. "Destiny, I'm so glad to see you." He gave her an awkward hug. "Patrick, who is she?" "Destiny, I want you to meet my girlfriend Susan." "Hi, I just got home. I was in Wisconsin. Well, I have to go. Talk to you later." She walked up the street crying.

She went to the park and sat down on the grass. It was cold, but she didn't care. A little bit later she felt an arm around her. She knew that arm anywhere. "Why Patrick? What happened?" "What happened? I never heard from you. I sent you letters and never got anything back. I didn't think you wanted anything more than a friendship." "What? I sent you letters every week and I never got your letters. My dad wouldn't let me call. Oh my god." "What is it?" "My dad. He must of threw the letters away." "How was it?" "Awful. Oh, Patty. I missed you." She went into his arms. "Something happened there." "What?" "I can't tell you." "Yes, you can. When have we kept secrets." "Never, but this is just awful." "Dest, please tell me." She was sobbing. "My dad, the second night, he," She couldn't go on. She got up and ran home.

Patrick just sat there. There was something different about her. He went and followed her. He knocked on the door. "Hi, Becky. Can I talk to Destiny?" "Patrick, she doesn't feel good." "Oh, well tell her I hope she feels better and I'll see her tomorrow." "I will Hun." He walked home and went to his bedroom to finish his homework. He looked over and seen Destiny in her room. She was sitting on her bed. He wanted to make her happy. His phone rang. "Hello? Oh, hi Susan. Yeah, I'll walk you to school tomorrow. Can Destiny come? Okay. She will be happy. Talk to you tomorrow." Patrick sat down at his desk. He really didn't like Susan as a girlfriend. He decided that he was going to break up with her tomorrow.

In the morning Destiny could barely get out of bed. She got up and took a shower and got dressed. She went downstairs and grabbed some breakfast. "Patrick came here last night." "Did you tell him that I wasn't feeling well?" "Yes, is something wrong?" "No, I just was tired." "Okay." There was a knock on the door. "Hi Patrick." "Hey Destiny. Are you ready?" "Yeah. Let me get my things. Mom, I'm going to go." "Alright. Have a good day. I'm back on nights, so if you want to stay at Patrick's you can." "Okay. See you later."
Destiny and Patrick walked down the street. "Um, we have to get Susan." "Oh, alright." "I'm breaking up with her today." "Don't break up with her because of me." "I'm not. I don't like her as a girlfriend. She is so fake. She's nice and all, but not for me." "Alright." "Destiny, what happened last night?" "Nothing. I don't want to talk about it." "Will you come to me when you feel like it?" "Of course." They picked up Susan and went to school.

Destiny met up with Tina. "Oh Dest. I missed you so much. How are you?" "Good now I'm back here. How are you?" "Good. How was Wisconsin?" "Terrible, but I don't want to get into it." "How dare you, Stumph. You led me on until your little tramp came home." Tina and Destiny turned around to screaming Susan. "Be quiet, Susan." "No, you did this on purpose. I hate you, Patrick. I hope you and your slut will be happy." She slapped him and walked away. Destiny walked to him. "I'm sorry, Patty." She hugged Patrick. "Thanks. I've missed your hugs. I'm sorry you had to hear that." "No worries. I take it from the source." He smiled. "What's your first class?" "Ah, English Lit." "I have that. Come on." They walked to class. Maybe things weren't going to be bad anymore.

~Two Years Later~
Destiny was back from her dads for a month now and didn't want to leave her bedroom. She still didn't tell anyone. No one knew her pain. There was a knock on the door. Her mom was at work so she knew she had to get it. She opened the door. "Destiny, I've had enough. You are going to tell me what the fuck is wrong?" Patrick sat down on the couch. "Leave. I don't want to tell you or anyone else. "I'm your best friend. Why won't you tell me? What have I done that you don't trust me?" "Nothing." She started crying. "Come here." She sat on the couch and Patrick put his arms around her.

"Okay, I'll tell you. But promise me you won't tell anyone." "I won't." "As far as I can remember my dad would beat me. A slap here or there. Then it got worse. My mom never knew. When I went there for those six months I knew it was going to be hell, but I never expected it to be a pure hell. The second night," She looked into Patrick's eyes. "The second night he raped me. Then again and again. He continued. Every time I visit, he comes to my room. I wash myself, but I can't get rid of the dirt. I don't know what to do." "Oh my god. Destiny, why didn't you come to me? I would of helped you." "I'm ashamed. I feel so dirty." "Don't. He's the one that should feel ashamed. God. What a pig. We need you to get help." "No, I told you I don't want anyone to know." "Why? Don't you want him stopped? You need the help." "Patrick, just leave." "Hun," "No." She went to the door and opened it. He took her face in his hands. "I'm going to make this right." He walked out.

Destiny shut the door and went to her bedroom. She fell asleep. Around 1AM the phone rang. "Hello?" "Destiny, it's Patricia. Is Patrick there?" "No, he left some time ago. Let me call Pete and see if he's there." "Alright." Destiny hung up and called Pete. There was no answer. She decided to call Tina. Tina and Pete were getting closer, so she knew Tina would know where Pete was. "Tina, do you know where Pete is? I'm looking for Patrick." "Um, no. Not really." "You do. Tell me." "They promised me not to tell you." "Tina, please. Patrick's mom is worried." "Alright. But don't tell them where you heard it." "Where are they?" "Patrick wanted to go to Wisconsin, so Pete and him took the bus there." "What?" Destiny didn't know if she heard Tina right. "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Thanks." Destiny got dressed and took some money she had saved.
She then left a note for her mom and ran next door. "Did you find out anything?" "Patricia, I need to tell you something." "Come in." Destiny quickly told Patricia everything that happened with her dad and where Patrick went. "I have some money. I thought we could take the plane. I'm worried about him and Pete." "Okay, let me call your mom." Patricia called Destiny's mom and told Kevin she was going to be gone. The left for the airport and were able to get on a plane right away. Destiny was so worried. Her dad had guns in his house. She was so mad at Patrick. What was he thinking?

The plane landed a few hours later and they got a car and drove to Destiny's dads. The door was slightly opened. Destiny noticed Patrick laying on the floor. "Oh god no." She ran to him. Patricia kneeled down. "He's breathing. I'm going to call 911." "Patty, please wake up." She then noticed the blood. So much blood. She cradled his head in her lap. "Dest, I took care of it. You are going to be alright." "What? What did you take care of?" "You dad. He's gone." She then looked and noticed her dad on the floor. "Patrick, did you kill him?" "Yeah, but he came after me with a gun. It was the only way. I'm sorry. I just wanted to talk to him." "Rest, Patty. I'm going to try and find Pete." Patricia came over to her son while Destiny looked through the house.

"Pete, Pete, where are you?" She looked in her bedroom. He was in there. "Pete!" She ran to him. "Are you alright?" His eyes opened. "Oh my god, are you alright?" "Not really. How's Patrick?" "Breathing. What were you two thinking?" "He wanted to protect you." Just then the paramedics came and took Pete and Patrick to the hospital. Destiny's dad was taken as well, but he would be going to the morgue. The police asked Destiny and Patricia questions when they got to the hospital. Then they talked to Pete and Patrick. "Patricia, do you think they will arrest Patrick or Pete?" "I don't know sweetie." "This is all my fault." "No, it isn't. Patrick shouldn't of gone off like he did."
The officers came out and talked to Patricia. A few minutes later she came back. "Everything is going to be fine. They said that with it being self defense they won't charge them. But they wanted our numbers in case something comes up." "Good. I don't want them in trouble for this." The doctor came out and talked to Pat and Destiny. "Both the boys will be alright. I want them to spend the night here. They should be good to go tomorrow morning. You can see them if you like." "Go ahead Destiny. Patrick, doesn't need me yelling at him right now." Destiny went to see Patrick.

"Hey, Patty." "Destiny, how are you?" "Mad at you. What were you thinking?" "I want to protect you. Come here." She sat on the bed. "What happened." "Pete and I went to your dads. I just wanted to talk to him. Tell him to stay away from you. He said some stuff and I told him not to talk to about you like that. That's when he started beating the crap out of both Pete and I. You could of told me your dad is huge." "You shouldn't of came here." "Anyway, your dad knocked out Pete. And that's when he brought out the gun. I didn't know what to do. He pointed the gun right at me. I was so scared, Dest. All I could think about was you and what that man did to you. It must of gave me the power because I somehow grabbed the gun, but it went off. I thought I was shot, but then I looked up and realized your dad was the one that got shot." He fell down and at that moment I started getting light headed and passed out. Next thing I remember is you holding me." Patrick smiled at Destiny.

"Your mom is pretty pissed at you." "Yeah, I'll probably be grounded for the rest of my life." "You should be. If you weren't in this hospital bed I'd hit you." "Thanks." "Patty, I could of lost you. Don't you understand." She went to his arms and started crying. "Oh baby. It's alright. Shhh." "Patrick Martin Stumph, I want to talk to you." Patricia came in. "I'll leave. Take care, Patrick." She smiled at him.