NATEDid last night actually happen? I kept asking myself as I lay here at seven AM with Daisy's small arm stretched across my chest. Seeing her sparkly pink nail varnish as I lay here was like heaven. Last night did happen. And it was beyond perfect. And everything about her body was perfect, so beautiful. I watched the swell of her breasts raise up and down as she breathed softly in her sleep. Her tummy had small stretch marks from carrying Hope, and I trailed my finger across them. There was a few times last night she said they made her feel self conscious, but she had no reason to. I'd kissed every one of them too so she understood. Every time I did it she would release a bunch of giggles claiming it was tickling her, I couldn't help join in; her laugh was a unique sound that made my heart swell. I found myself smiling as I thought about it. I didn't want to wake her, but there was no way I was falling back to sleep. I'd had about four hours altogether, but I was wide awake no
DAISYAfter packing most our clothes, toiletries, and any other necessities, Nate drove back to his apartment. "I know I've asked," he began, and turned to look at me. "But are you sure?" "Yes, I've never been so sure in my life" I looked back at Hope, who was having an afternoon nap, then back to Nate. He was smiling endlessly, his eyes sparkling with joy. It hadn't fully sunk in what we were about to do. Over a month ago I couldn't even trust myself to have a friendship with him, never mind date him, and now I was moving in with him. Somehow my trust had magically grown for him, along with my feelings. I always thought - after leaving Robert - that I would never trust again. In fact, I even told myself it was too risky to trust again, until Nate came along. He'd sparked a whole new life inside me; he's made me want things I never thought I was capable of again. How is it possible someone can make you feel that way? "Here's an idea" he said, bringing me out of my thoughts. "Invi
NATEAs soon as Amanda mentioned the police I knew I shouldn't of said anything. I just presumed she'd told her already, or would at least want to. Amanda was right though, she did need to go to the police. They needed to at least be aware of the situation. Maybe there wasn't much they could do, but if he is here - and is watching her - then things could turn ugly. The thought of him hurting her, laying a finger on her, makes my blood boil. It's a good job I'd finished my dinner, because my appetite had vanished as soon as she stormed out the door. "So you were right then" jack spoke, but I had no idea what he was on about. "Huh?" "You said to me that night, you were worried she had reason to run the way she did the first time you met." He explained. "You were right" I nodded, then leaned back, exhaling. "Did she ever go to the police? Before like" he clarified, whispering so she couldn't hear us. "No. Would you?" He winced. Logically the answer was yes, but realistically it w
DAISYI plonked myself down in the metal chair, my leg jiggling up and down like a drug addict needing their next fix. I couldn't sit still at all. Nate was beside me, squeezing my hand. I knew he was just as nervous for me, but he had a great way of not showing it. A guy, around mid fifties, emerged into the waiting area from the cheap wooden door, and approached me. He wore a black and white checked shirt, a slim black tie, partnered with skinny black trousers. It was like looking at a person in the newspaper, did he not own one bit of colour? This place was daunting enough without the colleagues looking as miserable. He was clearly a detective though, or he would of been wearing the typical police officer uniform. "Miss Daisy?" He inquired, holding his firm hand out for me to shake. I gave him a shaky smile before nodding slowly. "I'll be right here" Nate whispered in my ear, giving my trembling hands one last squeeze. Initially, I struggled to lose his grip. My hand shook err
NATEIt had been a week since the terrifying letter from Robert, and Daisy was still on edge. If she wasn't waking up in the night with nightmares, she was bouncing her knee up and down when she sat. I caught her staring out the window yesterday, and it took me two minutes to get her to answer me; she was in a complete daze. Luckily, tonight was my parents anniversary party, hopefully a good distraction for what has happened. "Baby I don't know what to wear" Daisy strolled into the bedroom looking anxious, wearing nothing but her black silk gown. Damn I want to rip that straight off her. "What?" She looked at me quizzically, with her hands on her hips, a scowl etched on her face. "Nothing, beautiful" I slowly edged towards her, and placed my hands over hers. "No, not now" she insisted, pushing me away. "I need a dress" "Okay, we'll find you a dress baby" I started. "But first" I picked her up, and tossed her into the bed. She screamed, breaking into a fit of laughter. "I said
DAISYFrom the moment Nate said he couldn't find us both, I panicked. My whole body shook, terrified for my little baby. Without her I'm nothing. She's my everything. I needed to find her, but I knew where she was; he had her. He must do. I stood with my arms wrapped around myself, shivering from the ice cold nightly breeze. Goosebumps decorated my skin, making the hairs stand up. Nate had placed his black jacket around my shoulders as I was too much in shock to move to put it on. I hadn't even thanked him for helping look, how he was taking care of me, and how he'd organised a huge search throughout the whole place. Maybe I was being selfish, but right now I didn't care. I just wanted my baby back. As soon as I worded that in my head I bent over in hysterics. The tears flowed down my cheeks faster, gushing like a waterfall, and my screams filled my ears. There were no cars on the road, it was as empty as my heart, and so everyone turned to face me as soon as I broke down. Nate wa
NATE"No, he sent a text message" I repeated for the fourth time to the ignorant detective on the other side of the phone. "Okay, and he didn't specifically state it was from him?" "No, but does that matter? You can clearly tell it is!" I argued, tempted to put the phone down and take her phone down to the station and show them. "Look, Sir, I understand you're frustrated but-"Click. "Wait" I interrupted. "Sir?" I heard the door make a noise, and instantly panicked. There was no way he could get up here, but if he did somehow, I wanted to make sure he didn't hurt Daisy. "Sir?" The detective shouted down my ear in a firm voice, but I ignored him as I tiptoed towards the door. As I rounded the corner from the kitchen, I noticed that no one was here. "I'll call you back" I ended the call, and left to find Daisy. As I dashed through the apartment, searching every room, I realised she wasn't here. "Daisy!" I yelled, panic rushing through my veins. I ran outside to the balcony b
NATEThey'd been searching the river ten minutes before they got hold of the baby blanket. It was in fact Hopes. It had her name engraved, and had a tiny Daisy in the corner. My heart reached my toes as soon as they brought it over to me, while my stomach did an acrobatic flip. Nauseated would be an understatement to describe how my stomach felt right now. You know that feeling when something really stresses you out, hurts you, breaks you even, and you feel compelled to do something, yet there is nothing you can do. You go on to feeling angry, building a bubble of frustration around yourself because you just want everything to go back to the way it was, and for everything to be fine. My body is in that moment. I'm exhausted with stress and heartbroken. I just want to find them both. I lay my head on the metal railing of the bridge, ignoring the freezing temperature as it soaks into my forehead, and sob. For once in the past three hours I'd been left alone. Amanda hadn't returned my
Nate ~ 6 months later. I take one look at my beautiful wife and feel a tight pulling on my heart strings. She's so perfect, so beautiful, and goddamn sexy. But she's also amazing inside too. Even more amazing now there's something else inside her. Baby Clarke: Due October 10th. I held the baby scan in front of my face for what felt like the hundredth time, but simultaneously still felt like the first. The excitement building inside my chest, the pounding of my heart, and the love I already carried inside me for this little human that wasn't even here yet, was enough to convince me my life was perfect. I lifted my eyes up to Daisy again, smiling as she laughed so hard at something my mother said about my father, and then dropped my eyes back to the scan picture. I'm sure there was a twinkle in my eye, I was the happiest I could be. After Robert made his final entrance into our lives and tried to officially end Daisies, but ended up dead himself, we were free. He could no longer hu
NateIt's been a week since Daisy's outburst. I've been mentally preparing myself if she has another, but there's only so much I can do. Next time, if there is a next time, she could leave and never come back. The thought makes me anxious and terrified, but hopefully with a counsellor there shouldn't be anything to worry about.We both agreed that at least one session a week would be beneficial and, if she doesn't feel too comfortable, I can attend the sessions with her. The counsellor agreed it was okay and explained it can be extremely helpful in these situations. I just wanted my girl back and happy. I lay beside her in bed, arm possessively wrapped around her and stroking her bare back. She was so fucking perfect. Little snores vibrated on my chest and filled my ears, making me smile down at her. She would definitely call me a creep if she knew I was watching her sleep, but I couldn't help myself. She was soon to be my wife and no woman compared to her, no one could ever hold my
DaisyI woke to soft, feathery sheets enveloping me; memory foam surrounding my head; and a big, strong arm wrapped across me. Nate was holding onto me as if I was about to slip out of his hold if he didn't. Fingers curled around my waist, while the rest of his rock solid body pressed against my back. I hummed contently. I'd missed this so much being in hospital. The beds were uncomfortable and my gorgeous boyfriend - no fiancé - wasn't beside me all night, holding me tight."Morning, beautiful." His husky voice was music to my ears, so sexy and hot. I turned so I was facing him. Sleep looked good on him, his eyes were heavy and his hair was more tousled than usual. "You're so sexy." "As much as I want to ravage you right now, and show you just how sexy I can be," He growled, nipping at my earlobe. "Hope is due in school today and there's nothing better than her mommy being able to take her." A big smile spread across my face. I'd completely forgot about Hope being back at school.
Daisy To be awake, to be alive, and to see the two most important people to me, is beyond amazing. I look up at Nates face to see him tickling Hope and making her laugh, a smile spread on my face. It's all I need right now. Of course, being awake has its disadvantages too. Like the fact Robert was the first face I saw when my eyes opened. I still hadn't told anybody that he was definitely here, albeit I heard rumours. Sometimes, I think the detectives think I'm hard of hearing and not suffering a gunshot wound. Each time they escort Nate outside the room, I hear them. It's starting to get irritating. As if the detective had pulled out a crystal ball and began trying to read my mind, he entered the room. First, he addressed Nate. "Good morning, I see you're all happy today. That's what I like to see." Then he turned to me. His face changed instantly. "And, how are you? Daisy." I scoffed. I'm not sure why I was being so sour towards him today, but I wasn't in the mood for his usual
Nate A week passed and Daisy still wasn't awake. I was losing my mind. Why couldn't she just wake up? It had been nearly four months, Christmas was almost here. "Daddy? I really want mommy to wake up now." Hope climbed onto my lap, blankie in hand, with eyes so sad. "I know baby, so do I." I gave her a cuddle, rubbing her back. "Would you like to see her again?" It was a rational decision. It was about eight in evening, she should have been in bed. But I was missing Daisy more than ever tonight too. "Yes! Can we go now?" She jumped up, accidentally kicking me in the stomach. I hid a groan. "Of course, go put your slippers on. You can go in your pyjamas." I chucked a pair of sweats on with a plain T-shirt while she found her slippers, and waited at the door. She came running in with so much excitement, I couldn't contain my smile. She was so precious. I picked her up and carried her to the car. I was surprised she hadn't fell asleep in the car, but once we got there she was stil
Nate"Hope, which one will mommy love?" "Hmm," she twisted her mouth with her index finger patting her lips. "I think that one, daddy" Engagement rings. She hadn't woke up yet, but she would. She had to. I had faith. In a moment of madness, but definitely not something I regret, I asked Daisy to marry me. I meant every word I said to her and would say it a thousand times over if I could. I was getting this ring, and in a few weeks time - maybe months, I was getting down on one knee and sliding it on her left hand. She was going to be Mrs Clarke. Hope had pointed to a rose gold ring. It was beautiful. I always imagined ordinary gold or silver, but this was different. Beautiful and unique like her. It stood out like she did. The diamond in the middle sparkled against the glass as the tiny bit of sun we had shone through, brightening Hopes little face up. I already imagined both their faces the day it happens, especially when I mention her little girl picked the ring. "Okay, we'll go
Three months laterNate"Now then, Hope, what are you bringing for mommy today?" I kneeled down to her level, pushing her stray hairs behind her ears. "A teddy bear. They always make me feel safe when I'm asleep" she cuddled the grey bear in her arms, squeezing tight with her eyes shut. "Perfect" I whispered, so she couldn't hear the tears in my voice. It had been three months since Robert shot Daisy. I'd spent endless nights lying awake, praying for the positive. It seemed, the positive - if there was any, didn't want to be my friend. If there was such thing as a god, like we all want to believe, then where was he? Where was he when Daisy was being tortured by her husband? Where was he when she was kidnapped? And where was he right now? Daisy had been comatose for three months. Where was he? I was never a church guy, if I'm honest, but now I attended church each Sunday with Hope and spent more time than I ever imagined in the chapel in the hospital. She'd ask why we were sitting,
DaisyThe continuous ring in my ears was agonising. A monotonous buzzing amongst a bunch of muffled screams. It was the only noise surrounding us, yet all I could hear was my fear; the erratic pounding of my heart and heavy breathing. He was here. A life threatening bomb had exploded on the floors above us, and I was more frightened by his presence. Charcoal smoke started to fill my lungs and interfere with my sight as it danced past us slowly but quickly. I could briefly feel Hopes tiny body shaking in my arms, and the agonising sound of her cries. He did this. He was hurting our little girl. Why did he do it? Why was he so cruel? My head felt swamped with anger and memories I didn't want as I remembered all those times he hurt me. Each time there was less physical pain from becoming accustomed to it, but the pain I felt inside, the emotion tearing inside my chest, grew a centimetre each time. His anger-led words, dripping with venom and torture, became believable. Useless. Worthle
NateThe wedding had started over half an hour ago. We were seated on the front row of chairs with my mother and father, and there were several security guards hidden around us. I didn't tell Daisy, I didn't want her to know that I'd hired several tough-looking men to watch over us in case of her ex. She hadn't mentioned any fears of Robert being here today, so I wanted to take precaution without worrying her. "She looks so beautiful" she whispered to me as she gazed at Sheila. "Not as beautiful as you" and I meant it. I wasn't just saying it. She really did look breathtaking. The stylists had made her look gorgeous without going too over the top. She had a baby pink midi dress hugging her curves, which fell off her shoulders. It exposed just enough cleavage to make my cock hard and jealousy spike through me as I imagined all the attention she'd receive for it, but she looked beautiful. Her hair was in big curls, softly floating around her shoulders, and her lips were a subtle pink