6 comments/  30715 views/  10 favorites

A Love from the Past

By: AshiraDatya



PROLOGUE

"Shel, wait up!" a young woman with golden hair and bright blue eyes turned towards the sound. It was her surrogate brother Jason and their mutual friend Dex and they were making a bee line from the parking lot. "What happened?" Jason asked, noticing her red, puffy eyes.

"They're doing it again," she whispered.

"Doing what? And don't think about lying to me Shella Lynn," Jason warned.

"Taunting me. Calling me the ice princess and telling me that I'm going to be alone forever."

Despite the fact that Shella was graduating in three weeks, she was incredibly shy, withdrawn and self conscious, no doubt due to her father's overbearing and protective nature. Shella's father and Dex's father had gone to Harvard together and after graduation, the families had moved to the same town, despite the fact that Dex's father was the rightful heir of a small country in Europe that nobody had ever heard of; it wasn't even on most maps. 

"Father's set a date for the wedding," Dex said softly. Jason and Shella rolled their eyes.

"I don't want this, and neither do you," she reminded him. Dex shrugged. 

"If it will keep the peace," Dex began and Shella let out a frustrated screech.

"I don't want to marry to keep the peace, I want to get married for love," she said, lowering the volume when she saw people staring at them.

"Shel, it's not like Dex is a perfect stranger. Hell, you've even seen him naked," Jason pointed out.

"Yeah, back when I was thirteen and we were playing truth and dare," Shella reminded him with a slight blush; the image fully engraved in her mind.

Jason and Dex had both just celebrated their twentieth birthdays and were sophomores at the local university. They were tall and athletic with chestnut brown hair. Shella found herself being drawn into Dex's green eyes until Jason nudged her arm with his elbow. Shella looked up at Jason and saw the laughter in his brown eyes and slugged him hard before dropping her bag and dashing off. 

"You little brat!" Jason teased as he chased after her. Dex just shook his head and grinned as he grabbed Shella's bag off the ground and walked after them. Shella shrieked as Jason caught up with her, his arms sliding around her waist and lifting her off the ground and tossing her over his shoulder. Dex started laughing as Shella started pleading with Jason to let her down. 

"Jason, seriously, I'm seeing black spots, put me down!" Shella whined. Jason laughed and set her gently back on the ground, keeping an arm securely around her waist until her balance was restored.

"Shella Lynn, let's go!" her father shouted from the parking lot.

"We'll take her home Phil," Jason said as they walked up to the car.

"No. She needs to come home with me. Her mother and I need to talk to her," Phil argued.

"Phil, Shel needs to be with people her own age, you can't keep her locked up. I promise, I won't let her out of my sight," Jason protested.

"All right, but she needs to be home by eight," Phil relented. Shella rolled her eyes as Jason and Dex led her away from her father's car.

"Where are we going?" Shella asked.

"We're gonna go hang with Kara, Billy, Tina and Tommy," Jason answered, listing off several of his friends. Shella smiled. Kara and Tina were her age and the only girls in school that were actually her friends.

"How are Kara and Tommy doing? I know they got in a fight over her going out of state for her gymnastics training after graduation," Shella murmured. Jason shook his head.

"They're still fighting, but I think they're enjoying making up," he answered. Shella blushed and Jason laughed. "You gotta get over that kiddo," he teased.

"Leave her alone," Dex growled. He cared about Shella, but he wasn't sure if he would be able to have sex with her; she was innocent and sweet. Shella glanced at Dex and blushed again at the look on his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"C'mon Dad, it's my senior prom! I know Dex and I are betrothed, but I deserve to go to my senior prom!" Shella exclaimed, hot tears filling her eyes.

"It's too dangerous Shella. There will be boys and drinking and ..."

"For God's sake dad! There are boys at school and you let me go there!" Shella complained.

"Phil, let her go to prom. I spoke with Jason's mother and Dex's guardians. They're going as a group," Shella's mother intervened. 

"What is the plan then Sue?" Phil asked, looking at his wife. He frowned when he saw the look on her face; he knew she didn't always approve of the agreement he had made with Dex's father before he was killed, but never went against it. "The plan is for everyone to meet at Jason's, then they're going for dinner, going to the prom and then returning to Jason's for one last party before Kara and Tina go off to college. This is Shella's last chance for an evening as a normal teenager. Let her have that at least," Sue answered.

"All right, you can go," Phil said. Shella gave her parents a tight hug.

"Thanks daddy!" she exclaimed, running up the stairs to her room. "Tina, Kara, my parents are letting me go, come on, we have dress shopping to do," she said into the phone.

"You look beautiful," Dex said honestly after being let into the house. Shella blushed. "Stop blushing when someone pays you a compliment," he instructed.

"Sorry," Shella murmured.

"And stop apologizing," Dex said with a grin. He handed Shella her corsage. "I can't believe your dad let you go," he added as they headed to the limo.

"Mom talked him into it. I can't believe we're set to get married in three months," Shella murmured.

"I know, it seems so weird. I've known you since you were born and I've watched you grow up, but it's going to be so different when we're married and not just friends," Dex agreed. Shella studied her hands. "Shel, you know I love you right? Not in the way that our parents want us to, but I do love you," Dex told her.

"I know. I love you too," Shella said softly.

Shella was giggling as Billy led her back to the table they had taken over. "I'm thirsty, I'm going to go get some punch, anyone else want any?" Shella said. Everyone else shook their heads and Billy sat down next to his date Ashley; another member of their group. 

Shella headed towards the refreshment table and as she poured herself a glass of punch, she heard footsteps towards her. "Well well well, look at you." 

"What do you want Travis?" Shella asked with a sigh.

"You actually look half decent tonight," Travis said. His friends laughed.

"What do you want?" Shella repeated.

"Well, now that you're wearing something that shows off your figure, maybe a closer look at what's under that gown," Travis said with a grin.

"Go to hell!" Shella exclaimed.

"You bitches are all the same; show off plenty, but never give up any. That's okay, I bet you're all scarred and ugly under that dress. No matter what you do, you'll never be beautiful. I mean, your father had to arrange a marriage for you. I bet your husband won't even look at you when he fucks you," Travis heckled. 

"We can make it easier for him though, break you in," Travis' friend Jesse added.

"Leave me alone," Shella whispered.

"Aww, look at the little baby, she's going to start crying," one of the girls in the group sneered with a giggle. "You poor, poor ugly duckling. Maybe you'll get lucky and turn into a beautiful swan, but with your looks, don't count on it," she added. Tears fell down her cheeks as she pushed past them and headed for the exit, nearly running Dex over as he returned to the gym from the bathroom.

"Shella, wait!" Dex called.

"Leave me alone Dex!" Shella shouted back. She struggled to get her shawl off of the hanger creating enough time for Dex to catch up. 

"Shel, what's wrong?" Dex wanted to know, tilting her face towards his. 

"Please, just leave me alone, I just want to be alone," Shella whispered.

"Not when you're this upset. Let me get a message to the guys and we can go for a walk, anywhere you want to go," Dex promised. Shella sighed but nodded.

"I can't believe you believe what those jackasses were saying," Dex said as they walked through the play ground. Shella sighed and sat down on a swing.

"They're right Dex, I'm not pretty, and can't even find a guy without parental interference," Shella murmured. Dex sighed and knelt down in front of her, wiped the tears off of her cheeks.

"Shella Lynn Hansen, I want you to listen to me." Shella looked at him, found herself being lost again in his green eyes. "You are beautiful, insanely so. If your father hadn't made that deal with mine, I bet you everything I have that you would have three quarters of the guys in that school begging for a piece of you," Dex told her.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Shella grumbled. Dex sighed.

"No Shel, I'm not," Dex protested. He watched as Shella stood up and walked over to the merry-go-round. "I mean it Shella. You were the most beautiful woman at that damned dance," Dex told her. Shella turned to face him and studied the expression on his face.

"Prove it," Shella challenged.

"Excuse me?" Dex asked.

"You heard me Dexter David Thorne. If you really believe I'm beautiful, then prove it," Shella repeated. Before she had time to think, Dex pulled her into his arms and kissed her, his tongue pushed past her slightly parted lips and mingled with hers. When he pulled away, Shella's eyes were wide and she was breathless. "Wow," she whispered. Dex grinned.

"Dex, what are you doing?" she whispered.

"Proving to you that you're beautiful," Dex answered.

~~~~~~~~~

"Is Dex available?" Shella asked into the phone.

"I'm sorry, Dex is not here," his guardian answered.

"It's Shella. When will he be back?" Shella wanted to know.

"He won't be back Shella. Your marriage contract has been dissolved and he has been sent back to Tria. I'll tell him you called if I hear from him," the guardian added.

"Is Dare still there?" Shella asked, desperate. When she was told he wasn't, Shella hung up the phone and turned to Jason with tear filled eyes. "They're gone J," she whispered. Jason gave his sister a tight hug and held her until she finished crying. When Shella had fallen asleep, Jason eased her down onto the bed and slipped from the room. He was going to kill his friend if it was the last thing he did.

CHAPTER ONE

-10 years later-

"Shella, do you have the report ready for me?" Shella looked up as her supervisor hoovered over her.

"It'll be ready in five minutes Jacki," Shella promised.

"Good. There's a really hunky guy waiting for you downstairs, and it isn't Paul," Jacki said. Shella looked over the side rail and smiled.

"That's Jason, he's my brother and he's spoken for," Shella told her friend.

"Damn," Jacki pouted, walking away. Shella laughed, shook her head and returned from her work.

"Jason Lee, why the hell didn't you call me more often?" Shella shouted as ran through the lobby and into her brother's arms.

"I missed you too kid," Jason said, giving Shella a tight hug.

"Kid hah! I'm only two years younger than you!" Shella reminded him. "C'mon, let's get outta here before they find more work for me," she added. Jason laughed and followed his sister out of the office. "Where's Tina?" Shella wanted to know.

"At the hotel. She's been pretty tired lately," Jason answered. Shella smiled and nodded sympathetically. 

"Long day at the office?" Shella asked.

"Yeah, the kids are being pretty brutal these days," Jason agreed.

"The one she's carrying or the one she's teaching?" Shella asked, her eye brows raised.

"The one she teaches. As for the one she's carrying, it'd better just be one or she's going to bust my balls," Jason said with a laugh. Shella giggled.

"I can't believe that it's taking this long for Tommy and Kara to get married," Shella said.

"Well, they did break up for almost three years after high school," Jason reminded her.

"That damned gymnast got between them," Shella said with a nod.

"I thought Tommy was going to lose it when Kara called and said Dorkous had put her in the hospital," Jason said, shaking his head.

"What a douche," Shella commented. "Reminds me of someone else I know," she added.

"C'mon Shel, he doesn't know," Jason reminded her.

"That isn't my problem," Shella grumbled. 

"Kara, look at you! You look great!" Shella exclaimed.

"So do you. When are you and Paul tying the knot?" Kara asked as Shella handed her the tiara that would hold the veil up.

"I don't know. We haven't set an exact date yet but probably in the next three to six months," Shella answered.

"What are you waiting for?" Kara asked.

"Mind numbing sex which I haven't consented to," Shella told her.

"He hasn't forced you has he?" Kara asked in concern.

"No. I just won't have sex with him," Shella murmured. Kara gave her friend a hug and a sympathetic but knowing smile; they looked up when Jason walked into the room.

"They're ready Kar," Jason said. Kara nodded and the girls took their places in the processional. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you okay?" Paul asked Shella as they danced to a slow song.

"Yeah, but I can't stop thinking that I know that guy over there talking to Tommy. He looks so familiar," Shella answered. As if the man knew he was being talked about, he turned towards them, his eyes locked with Shella's and she gasped, all the blood drained from her face.

"Shel?" Paul asked in concern.

"I'll be right back," Shella mumbled, pulling away from him and running towards the bathroom. Jason followed his sister's exit with his eyes and turned towards the reason for her flight and his eyes narrowed when they landed on Dex.

"Jason, wait until after Kara and Tommy leave. We don't want to spoil their day," Billy suggested. He was sticking close to Jason and Tina in case his medical skills were needed. Jason nodded but kept an eye on Dex for the rest of the night.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Jason snarled later that night, pushing his way past Darius, Dex's long time body guard.

"Tommy and Kara are still my friends and when I found out they were getting married, I decided that I'd been away for too long," Dex answered. "It's okay Dare, go ahead and have some time for yourself. I won't go anywhere," he added.

"You are such a fucking ass hole!' Jason shouted. 

"What the hell are you talking about?" Dex asked.

"How could you leave her like that?" Jason asked.

"Leave who, Shel?" Dex inquired. Jason nodded. "I was told by my guardian and Phil that the wedding was off and I was being sent home to start searching for another bride," Dex answered.

"And did you find one?" Jason asked.

"No. None of them were good enough," Dex admitted. Jason raised his eye brow at that. "None of them were Shella," he added. Jason sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"They called off the wedding because the doctor determined that Shella wasn't a virgin," Jason said after a minute. Dex stared at Jason in surprise. "Yes Dex, I know everything; I know what was said to her at the dance and what you two did on the merry-go-round," Jason told him. "And I know something you don't," he added.

"And what's that?" Dex asked.

"Shella was pregnant when you left," Jason said.

CHAPTER TWO

"What?" Dex asked, the blood draining from his face.

"Yeah. When it was discovered that she wasn't a virgin, the doctor performed a pregnancy test. When it came back positive, the wedding was canceled and you were rushed away," Jason said.

"Nobody told me," Dex said slowly.

"That's because nobody believed her when she told them that it was yours," Jason told him.

"Was the baby a boy or a girl?" Dex asked. Jason shook his head.

"I shouldn't have told you about the baby in the first place, but I'm pissed and drunk," Jason answered.

"You aren't getting off that easily Jason Lee. You're going to tell me the rest, all of it," Dex instructed. "If Shel gets pissed, tell her I pulled the royalty card," Dex added. Jason nodded and accepted the beer Dex offered him.

"Who was that guy?" Paul asked as he and Shella settled into bed.

"My ex," Shella answered, leaving it at that.

"Your first," Paul said slowly.

"Yes."

"And you won't have sex with me why?" Paul asked.

"Because a month and a half after I had sex with Dex, he left me," Shella answered.

"I won't leave Shel," Paul told her.

"Paul, I don't want to risk getting pregnant until we're married," Shella murmured.

"I'll wear a condom," Paul told her.

"I have a latex allergy," Shella reminded him.

"So I'll buy non-latex."

"Paul, I want to wait until we're married," Shella told him.

"And what if I don't want to wait?" Paul asked.

"Then what are you still doing with me?" Shella counter-questioned. Paul sighed and climbed out of bed. "Where are you going?" Shella asked.

"For a run," he answered, pulling on a pair of sweat pants and a tee shirt. Shella sighed as she watched him leave the apartment.

~~~~~~~~

"Did you forget your keys?" Shella asked pulling the door open. She gasped and her eyes widened when she saw Dex standing there.

"Hi Shella," Dex said easily. "We need to talk," he added. Shella wordlessly let him into the apartment. "Where is she Shella?" Dex asked.

"I don't know," Shella answered.

"What do you mean you don't know?" Dex demanded to know.

"I put her up for adoption Dex. I couldn't even look at her!" Shella exclaimed.

"How could you do that?" Dex asked.

"I was seventeen and terrified! What did you expect me to do?" Shella wanted to know.

"Call me!" Dex shouted.

"I did! I called Bob's house and he said you and Dare had gone back to Tria. I tried calling the palace and they refused to patch through my calls!" Shella exclaimed, her voice raising an octave.

"Why didn't you try harder?" Dex asked.

"Because Marty told me you said you didn't want to talk to me," Shella answered.

"I'm going to kill Marty," Dex growled.

"What? Why?" Shella asked.

"He and your father were in constant communication for over a year," Dex answered. Shella stood up, walked into the kitchen and poured herself a shot of rum. "Don't. That won't help Shel," Dex said, placing his hand on hers.

"Who the hell are you?" Paul asked, walking into the kitchen. Shella's head snapped up.

"Paul, this is Dex, my ex boyfriend. Dex, this is my fiancee Paul," Shella introduced.

"What is he doing here?" Paul wanted to know.

"To explain why he took off suddenly," Shella answered.

"And actually, I was her fiancee, until my guardian and her father interfered," Dex interjected. Shella looked at Dex in surprise. "Don't do this Dex," she pleaded, seeing the possessiveness in his eyes.

"Well, she's engaged to me now," Paul said. "In fact, we're getting married in a few months and will probably have our first child nine months after that," he added. Shella stared at the floor, wishing she could just disappear.

"I'm afraid that isn't going to happen," Dex said calmly, despite the fact that he wanted to kill Paul for touching what was his.

"Says who?" Paul asked, not backing down. 

"I do," Dex answered. "My name is Dexter David Thorne, crown prince of Tria," he announced. Paul turned and stared at Shella in amazement. "You were engaged to a prince?" he asked in surprise.

"Yes," Shella whispered.

"And intimate with a prince?" Paul asked. Shella nodded.

"That isn't all," Dex muttered. Shella's eyes met Dex's and she shook her head frantically. "What, you mean you haven't told your fiancee?" Dex asked, a surprised look on his face even though he felt like grinning; he had guessed correctly.

"Haven't told me what?" Paul asked, looking between Shella and Dex. He saw the look of panic on Shella's face. "What haven't you told me?" Paul wanted to know.

"We share a daughter," Dex informed Paul.

CHAPTER THREE


A Love from the Past Ch. 04-06



CHAPTER FOUR

"You had no right to tell him Jason! Who do you think you are?" Shella snapped.

"He has the right to know Shel," Jason argued.

"But not from you! It was not your place to tell him that I put his daughter up for adoption ten years ago!" Shella shouted.

"Stop, both of you," Tina scolded. 

"Jason, you should have asked Shella before you told Dex about the baby and Shel, you shouldn't have hidden it from Paul," Tina said. 

"What happened with Paul?" Jason asked, pulling Shella down onto the sofa. He had spared no expense on the hotel room and had rented a suite. 

"Dex pretty much blurted out that we had a child together, a daughter and then announced who he was and Paul kicked me out," Shella answered.

"I'm sorry sweetie," Tina murmured, giving her friend a hug.

"I don't know what to do," Shella sniffled. 

"Everything will work out," Tina assured her. Shella gave her friend a wan smile, grateful that her friend had sided with her; at least as far as Dex was concerned.

"How are you feeling?" Shella asked. 

"Huge," Tina said with a grin.

"You're not huge," Jason and Shella said in unison. They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"I am sorry Shel," Jason said again.

"I know, and I probably over reacted, but you're right, Dex had the right to know," Shella sighed. Jason gave her a tight hug. 

"Get some sleep kid, things will look better in the morning," Jason advised. Shella nodded and watched Jason and Tina walk into the bedroom portion of the suite, closing the door behind them. Shella settled back against the pillow Jason had brought out and pulled the blanket over her, closed her eyes and wished for sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

"What are you going to do?" Darius asked Dex. Dex shook his head.

"About Shella, I have no idea. About my daughter, I'm going to search for her. I never consented to the adoption, and I want a chance to get to know her," Dex said.

"But Dex, she's going on ten years old, she's not going to want to leave her birth parents," Darius warned.

"She's my daughter D, and I have the right to know her and she has the right to know me," Dex growled.

"I understand that, but be careful man, you could do more harm then good," Darius cautioned. Dex nodded grimly. "I know. I know I hurt Shella tonight. That was not my intention," Dex said.

"I was talking about the kid Dex," Darius said with a roll of his eyes.

"I know," Dex said, scribbling down something on a piece of paper. "First thing in the morning, I'm going to pay a visit to Bob and Carol and then to Phil and Sue. I want to know why they didn't believe Shella when she said the baby was mine," Dex said, his voice was calm, but it had a hint of something else, and that something else made Darius very uneasy.

~~~~~~

"Prince Dex, I didn't expect to see you back in town," Phil said, a surprised look on his face. He bowed jerkily as if unused to the motion.

"You don't have to bow to me Phil, you're one of my father's oldest friends," Dex said. 

"What can I do for you?" Phil asked after he and Sue sat down on the couch, across from Dex.

"You can tell me why you didn't believe Shella when she told you who the father of her child was," Dex answered.

"Because there is no way you would have had sex with her before your wedding night," Phil answered. The look on Sue's face told Dex she believed otherwise.

"You're wrong. Shella didn't lie about the paternity of her daughter," Dex said.

"What?" Phil asked.

"Shella and I had sex the night of prom, on the merry-go-round at the playground. I'm the father of your grand daughter," Dex repeated. Phil looked at him, stunned.

"Why would you take her before the wedding?" Phil asked, his eyes wide; they were so wide Dex thought Phil's eye balls would fall out of their socket.

"It was unexpected to say the least, but you do not need to know the reasoning. What you do need to know is that Shella never lied," Dex said.

"What do you want now Dex?" Phil asked, his eyes narrowing.

"To know what you told Marty," Dex answered. Phil paled. "Now," Dex growled.

"Just that Shella was no longer a virgin and that she was expecting a child," Phil answered.

"Did you tell him that she named me as the father?" Dex asked. Phil shook his head. "Do you know anything about the couple that adopted the child?" Phil shook his head again.

"I haven't seen or talked to Shella since I threw her out," Phil answered.

"Literally or figuratively?" Dex asked.

"That is none of your business," Phil stammered.

"I'm making it my business," Dex growled.

"Literally," Phil admitted.

"You had best hope that I find my daughter and can convince your daughter to leave her fiancee," Dex growled before walking out the door.

~~~~~~~~~

"Wait Nettie!" two girls jogged out of a department store, finally catching up to a lone girl who had plopped down by a tree.

"Will you quit calling me Nettie? My name is Netalia," she grumbled.

"Sorry," the girls chorused. "Your mom said that she and your dad be right out," a girl with brown hair and brown eyes added.

"Thanks Mel," Netalia murmured. 

"What's wrong Neta? You seemed so angry with your parents," one of her friends commented.

"It's a long story Stace and I don't want to get into it," Netalia grumbled.

"C'mon Neta, you can tell us anything," Melissa said. Netalia sighed but pulled out a piece of paper from her back pocket. 

"I found this when I dropped my baby book while working on our definitions homework," Netalia told her friends. Melissa and Stacey read the note together.

"Netalia,

You won't know me or anything about me, not yet anyway. My name is Shella Hansen and I am your biological mother; this is the hardest letter I've ever had to write. 

My father threw me out when he learned that I was pregnant with you; I was engaged to your father, but my father did not believe me when I told him that you were his. You see, your father, is Prince Dexter David Thorne of Tria. His father, your grandfather went to college with my father and they became very close friends; so close that they decided that if one of them had a boy and the other a girl, that they would marry. Dex and I were betrothed from the time of my birth, two weeks after Dex's second birthday. It is all very complicated and I know I'm not wording this well. You're only a few hours old and as much as I long to hold you and keep you, I know I can't; I'm only seventeen, and with the exception of a good friend of both me and your father; Jason, my surrogate brother and his parents, I'd have nowhere to go. 

So I leave you in the protection of your new parents, Josh and Andrea Miller. You may wonder about your name; I know it's a little unusual, but it was your grandmother's; your father's mother's name. I wish you well, and I hope you are happy and well loved. Maybe one day we will meet again.

Your mother,

Shella". 

Before either girl could speak, an explosion rocked the mall. The three girls scrambled to their feet and stared in horror at the burning rubble and debris.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Stacey whispered to Netalia as they walked into a building of marble. Netalia nodded as she looked around in awe.

"May I help you?"

"I'm looking for my father," Netalia said nervously.

"And who is your father?" the man asked suspiciously.

"According to this letter, my father is Prince Dexter of Tria," Netalia answered, holding out the letter.

"Young lady, do your parents know where you are?" the man wanted to know, folding his arms over his chest.

"My parents were killed in the bombing of the mall three towns over last week," Netalia answered, her voice on the edge of hysterical.

"What is going on out here?" Darius asked, stepping into the foyer. He came to a stop next to the security guard.

"This silly chit seems to think that his royal highness is her father," the guard answered. Darius turned and studied both of the girls, but when his eyes landed on Netalia, they widened with shock.

"You will both come with me," Darius instructed without looking back at the guard. Netalia and Stacey both looked uncertain.

"This man is his royal highness' royal bodyguard," the security guard told the girls.

"My letter please," Netalia said, holding out her hand. The letter was placed back in her hand and she and Stacey followed Darius into another room.

"What is it Darius, I'm a little busy right now," Dex said, irritably as Darius pushed him along to his office. Dex stopped just inside the office and his gaze followed Darius' until they landed on Netalia and Dex's mouth dropped open. "Get Shella here now," Dex said quietly. Darius nodded and slipped out of the room to use the phone in the hall.

"I don't appreciate being pulled away from work your highness," Shella said as Darius showed her into the office. Dex stood between Shella and Netalia.

"I got a surprise visitor this morning. A young woman demanding to see me," Dex said softly.

"What this includes me how?" Shella asked. Dex stepped aside. Netalia's wide eyes met Shella's eyes and Shella gasped. "How?" she whispered. Dex shook his head and reached for her hand. Shella jerked her arm away from him. "Don't you touch me," she said, her voice low.

"What are you doing here and how did you find out about me?" Dex asked Netalia gently.

"A bomb went off in the mall in Paradise last week. My adoptive parents were in the mall when it exploded," Netalia began. Shella closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Now was not the time to over react.

"But I didn't know anything about you until almost two weeks ago, how did you learn about me?" Dex asked.

"I knocked over my baby book last week trying to get to the dictionary to do some homework and found a note that Shella wrote for me," Netalia answered. Dex glanced at Shella and gave Darius a worried frown when he saw how pale Shella was.

"Let's go get some air Shel," Darius suggested, reaching for Shella's hand. Wordlessly, Shella took the offered hand and allowed Darius to lead her out of the office.

Darius handed Shella a glass of water and she drank it greedily. "Tell Dex I had to go," Shella whispered. Darius nodded and watched her turn and run out of the building. When he got back to the office, Dex was hanging up the phone. "What's going on?" Darius asked.

"Where's Shel?" Dex countered.

"She had to go," Darius answered. Dex sighed.

"We need to find her. That was Jason on the phone. Tina went into labor," Dex said with a grin. Darius smiled and nodded.

"I'll have the car brought around," he promised. Dex turned back to Netalia.

"Come with me, I'll answer all that I can in the car," Dex told her. Netalia nodded and wordlessly followed Dex to the back door of the building and to the waiting car.

CHAPTER FIVE

When Dex, Darius and Netalia got to the hospital, Shella was already in the waiting room.

"Who told you?" Dex asked.

"I ran into Billy and Ashley," Shella answered. She glanced behind Dex and gave Netalia a small smile as Billy and Ashley walked over to her. Shella was grateful for the allies.

"Dex," Billy said, nodding. As long time friends, none of Jason and Shella's group were required to bow to Dex unless at an official function.

"You look great Ash," Dex said. Ashley smiled and gave Shella a worried glance. She knew how hard it had been for Shella to put Netalia up for adoption in the first place and how long she had gone back and forth on the issue.

"Oh great, here comes trouble," Billy muttered. Shella looked up and instantly began looking for a place to hide. "Oh no you don't! It's way past time you made some sort of peace with him," Billy said softly, pushing Shella forward.

"Father," Shella said stiffly. 

"Hello Shella. I heard from Bev that Tina went into labor, how are things going?" Phil asked.

"So you're considered with my friends medical conditions but not your own daughter's?" Shella snapped.

"How was I supposed to know that Dex was the father of your child?" Phil counter questioned.

"Because I had NEVER once lied to you, so why would I start with something as serious as the paternity of a child?" Shella wanted to know.

"That's enough, both of you," Dex said sternly. "We're here for Jason and Tina, not to reopen old wounds," he added.

"Some of these old wounds never healed," Shella said softly, sinking back into a chair. 

"Any word?" Shella looked up again and smiled at Bev, Jason's mother as she walked towards them.

"Nothing yet mom," she said, noticing her mother finally step out from behind her father a hurt look on her face. Before anything else could be said, Jason stepped out in the hallway.

"It's a boy," he announced, a broad grin on his face. Shella gave Jason a great big grin and a hug. 

"How's she feeling?" Shella asked.

"Well, I'm fairly certain sex is out of the picture for the rest of our lives after that, but she's okay," Jason answered. Shella giggled.

"Don't count sex out yet," she suggested.

~~~~~~~~

"Who are you staying with now that your parents are gone?" Shella asked, nibbling on a french fry. 

"My aunt Victoria. She's awful. She's always been angry over the fact that my mom couldn't get pregnant and that she and my dad had to adopt," Netalia answered, savoring a bite of hamburger. "She thought it made me an outsider, and not a true member of the family," she added.

"That's crazy. How did your parents treat you?" Shella wanted to know.

"They were great. If it hadn't been for the way Victoria treated me, I never would have known I was adopted." Netalia took a sip of her water and swiped at the tears forming in her eyes. "I miss them," she whispered.

"I am so sorry," Dex told her. He glanced at his watch. "We should probably call them thought," he added.

"Do you have to?" Netalia asked.

"Legally, she's your guardian and we can't take you anywhere," Shella agreed with Dex.

"But I don't want to go back to her place, I want to get to know the both of you," Netalia protested.

"We'll work around that somehow, I promise. I'll give you my phone number and you can call me anytime," Dex promised. Both his eyes and Netalia's eyes turned to Shella who resisted the urge to sigh.

"I'll give you my number too," she said finally. Dex nodded, pulled out his cell phone and handed it to Netalia. 

"I should have the both of you arrested," Victoria hissed after walking into the diner nearly an hour later. "Keeping a minor away from her guardian," she added, not missing the resemblance between Shella and Netalia. 

"It's been an interesting day. If we had any intention of keeping Netalia from you, we never would have insisted she call you," Shella said.

"And I'd like to see you try to arrest either of us," Dex added, glancing at Shella. Their eyes met and he gave her a mischievous grin. Shella couldn't help it, she laughed.

"I like a challenge," Victoria said, pulling her cell phone out of her purse. When a police car pulled out front of the diner nearly ten minutes later, Shella had to hold back her outrage.

"Did the two of you kidnap this child?" one of the officers asked.

"No. Netalia showed up in my office looking for me. I brought Shella in and we would have called her aunt sooner, but Shella's sister went into labor. It's been an interesting evening," Dex answered.

"And where is your office?" the officer asked.

"1455 Syracuse Ave," Dex said. The officer called dispatch as Darius walked over.

"Is everything alright your highness?" Darius asked, glancing at the police officers.

"Everything is just find Darius. Netalia's aunt is just trying to have Shella and I arrested for kidnapping," Dex answered, his voice calm. His eyes alone betrayed his amusement.

"I see. Well, ma'am, as the officers are about to tell you, Prince Dex has diplomatic immunity. He could murder someone and unless his government revoked his immunity, he can not be touched," Darius said. Shella giggled.

"But she can," Victoria said, pointing to Shella.

"No, she can't be. As my betrothed, the diplomatic immunity extends to Shella as well," Dex said, giving Shella a glance that dared her to object. Shella said nothing, she just looked at the ground.

"I went to them. I was curious to know what my birth parents were like," Netalia interjected.

"Well know you've seen them, let's go. I apologize for bothering you officers," Victoria said, frostily as she pushed Netalia out of the diner. Dex opened his mouth to say something but Shella shook her head. "Just let them go Dex," Shella murmured.

"She pushed her out the door!" Dex exclaimed.

"It wasn't a hard push, it was just a nudge. Trust me, Jason's pushed me harder than that," Shella told him. She glanced at her watch. "Darius, can you take me back to my apartment? I need to talk to Paul," she added. Darius started to nod but Dex shook his head.

"We need to talk Shella," he said, a hint of finality in his voice. Shella sighed but followed Dex and Darius to the town car.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I saw your dad Shel. He didn't deny any of it," Dex said. Shella sighed and ignored the churning of her stomach. 

"Dex, just let it go. Our betrothal is over and I'm engaged to someone else. I love Paul and I was just starting to forgive myself for pulling Netalia up for adoption," Shella murmured.

"I won't let it go. He had no right to think you were lying. Not about something like the father of your child. On top of that, I spoke with legal this morning. Because you were pregnant and she's mine, our betrothal never ended, despite the actions of your father and Marty," Dex told her. He placed a piece of paper in front of Shella. "We're getting married Shella, and that's final," Dex said.

"The hell we are!" Shella snapped.

"We share a child Shella, why shouldn't we?" Dex asked.

"Because you don't love me and I don't love you!" Shella snapped. 

"Oh no?" Dex challenged, getting out of his seat and walking towards her.

"What are you doing?" Shella asked nervously as Dex placed his arms on either side of her.

"Not letting you leave until we've hashed this out," Dex answered.

"Dex, you're making me uncomfortable," Shella murmured. Dex searched her eyes with his before covering her lips with his. Shella moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. "We can't," she whispered.

"Yes, we can," Dex rumbled in her ear as he slipped his hands up behind her shirt and unhooked her bra. Shella moaned as he drew the straps down her arms and pulled the bra away. His thumbs brushed over her slightly stiffened nipples; she tried to pull away but he pulled her back and continued to kiss her hungrily. "You're beautiful," he whispered, his hands sliding down her body to the waist band of her jeans. Before Shella could protest, Dex popped open the snap and eased the zipper down before pushing the jeans and her panties down her legs.

"No Dex," Shella protested.

"Yes," Dex said with a grin.

"We can't!" Shella protested, pushing him off of her.

"Damn it Shel, why not?" Dex asked, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Because I'm engaged to someone else!" Shella shouted. She reached for her clothing and pulled them back on quickly. "I'll see you around Dex," she added, grabbing her purse and running from his apartment.

~~~~~~~~~

"What are you doing here?" Paul asked, surprised to see Shella standing in the doorway of the apartment.

"We need to talk," Shella answered. Paul nodded and let Shella into the apartment.

"Why didn't you tell me that you had a child?" Paul asked, sliding a mug of hot chocolate in front of her and taking a sip of his coffee.

"I tried so hard to forget about her, which of course, I was never able to do. I was scared and alone. It was a part of my life that I just wanted to forget," Shella answered.




A Love from the Past Ch. 04-06



"But you should have told me. You agreed to marry me, that means we shouldn't have secrets between us," Paul reminded her.

"I know, and I was going to tell you, I just didn't know how," Shella sighed.

"You open your mouth and say, 'Paul, I got knocked up by my ex,' that's how," Paul said. Shella sighed again and took a long draw of her hot chocolate. "Shella, why couldn't you trust me enough to tell me?" Paul wanted to know. Shella shook her head. "No, Shella, I need an answer. If we're going to make it, you need to tell me the truth," Paul said.

"I dated someone about two years after I had Netalia. When I mentioned to him that I had had a baby, he called me a whore and split," Shella answered.

"And you thought I was going to do that?" Paul asked softly. 

"No, I didn't, but I had buried it so far deep inside me," Shella answered.

"That isn't good enough Shel," Paul told her. Shella's eyes widened.

"What does that mean?" Shella asked softly.

"I'm sorry Shella, but if you can't trust me, I can't be with you anymore. I'd like for you to pack a few things, give me back my ring and the key to the apartment. You and Jason can come get the rest of your things when Tina and the baby get home," Paul said.

"Paul, please, give me another chance," Shella pleaded. Paul stood up with a shake of his head.

"I can't, I'm sorry," he told her before he walked away.

"Shel, you called, what's wrong?" Dex asked.

"Paul broke off the engagement," Shella answered, pushing off against the ground, swinging lightly. 

"I'd say that I was sorry but then I'd be lying," Dex told her. "Why did you call me?" he wanted to know.

"Jason is busy with Tina and Parker and you're the first person I thought of," Shella answered.

"I thought you wanted me to leave you alone," Dex murmured. Tears fell down Shella's face.

"I don't know what I want. I wanted to just get on with my life," Shella wailed. Dex knelt down in front of her and gave her a gentle hug.

"Marry me Shel. I know it's been ten years since we've seen each other, but you were willing to marry me once, why not now?" Dex murmured.

"I was marrying you because I was told to. You don't love me and I don't love you and I want to marry for love," Shella answered.

"Please Shel, give us a chance. We loved each other once," Dex said softly.

"But not in a romantic sense. You loved me like a brother loves a sister. I want more," Shella told him.

"What can I do to prove to you that isn't true?" Dex asked.

"Give me time," Shella murmured.

"How much time?" Dex wanted to know.

"I don't know Dex. Can you take me to a hotel? Please?" Shella asked, wiping the tears off of her cheeks.

"No. Not to a hotel. I have plenty of room, you can stay with me," Dex said.

"No way Dex," Shella protested.

"I'll keep my hands to myself," he promised. "Well, most of the time," he amended. Shella couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, I'll stay at your house, but if I find you trying to hump my leg, I'm sending Jason after you with a bow staff," Shella threatened. Dex laughed.

"Deal," he said, extending a hand to help her out of the swing.

~~~~~~~

"I want to know what my options are," Dex said into the phone. "Yes, I'm aware that Shella gave up her parental rights. I never did. I just found I even have a daughter." Dex stopped and listened to the attorney on the phone. "Do you have any idea of who I am?" Dex shouted. "I'm the crown prince of Tria that's who I am!" he exclaimed. He looked up to see Shella standing in the doorway. "What is it?" he asked, covering the speaker.

"Netalia's here," Shella said softly. Dex nodded and held up a finger. Shella backed out of the office and down to the library.

"I've never seen this many books in a single, private collection before," Netalia breathed. "Do you think Dex would mind if I looked at them?" she asked Shella.

"I don't think he'd mind at all." She studied the spines of the books before selecting one off of the shelf. "This one is about the history of Tria. You might find it interesting," Shella told her.

"Actually, it's a pretty boring book, but it has some great facts about the country," Dex said from the doorway. Shella laughed and took a deep breath to calm down. She hadn't been prepared to meet her daughter for at least another eight years. 

"Does Victoria know you are here?" Shella asked.

"Not exactly," Netalia admitted.

"She does now," Darius said from the doorway. "She's in the lobby screaming kidnapping," he added.

"My aunt is insane," Netalia groaned. Shella grinned.

"You probably should go back home," Dex said with a sigh.

"I don't want to," Netalia protested, her eyes widening. Shella could read the panic in them and took a step forward.

"What did Victoria do?" Shella asked.

"I haven't eaten since the burger you guys bought me last week," Netalia admitted. 

"Excuse me please," Dex said as he walked out of the room.

-30 minutes later-

"Where is my niece?" Victoria demanded to know, angry at being kept waiting. Shella stood with Netalia, Jason, Tina and baby Parker while Dex, Darius and a team of lawyers stood in front of Victoria. 

"I'm right here Victoria," Netalia answered, stepping forward.

"It's time to go Netalia," Victoria said stiffly.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Netalia said.

"I'm legally your guardian," Victoria reminded her.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Netalia repeated.

"Do you want to spend another week in your room where all you get is water?" Victoria snapped. Dex looked angry but triumphant.

"That's all we need to temporarily grant custody of the girl to the Prince," one of the lawyers announced.

"Bull shit!" Victoria took two steps towards Dex, her fists clenched in anger. Darius and the other guards stepped up and surrounded her.

"I would think about your next move very carefully," Darius suggested, his voice low, angry.

"My niece is coming home with me," Victoria insisted.

"This is Mr. Braden from Social Services," Dex introduced, stepping back. He motioned for his friends to join him in the library.

"I thought she was going to hit you," Jason said shaking his head.

"She wouldn't get close enough," Dex told his friend, staring curiously at the baby in his arms. "May I?" Dex asked. Jason nodded and slid the baby into Dex's arms. Shella swallowed as she watched her former fiancee hold her nephew. Jason glanced at Tina then watched the look on Shella's face; she felt Jason's eyes on her and smiled weakly. "I'm okay," she mouthed. Jason nodded and took the now fussy Parker from Dex and passed him off to Tina.

"This is where you'll be sleeping," Dex told Netalia, showing her into a bedroom. The walls were a lavender color with white trim and white lace curtains. A full sized bed with light purple and white laced blankets and sheets sat in the center of the room with a white bookshelf and dresser placed against opposite walls.

"It's beautiful," Netalia murmured.

"The cook starts serving breakfast at six thirty and stops with breakfast at eleven, so don't sleep all day. I'll have a tutor here to continue with your lessons by nine," Dex said. Netalia nodded and watched Dex walk towards the door. He stopped and turned back towards her. "Good night," he murmured. 

As Dex walked down the hall, he peeked in Shella's room on his way to his own. She was writing in a leather journal, tears streaming down her face. "Shel, are you okay?" Dex asked from the doorway.

"I'm fine Dex, just please, leave me alone," Shella answered, her voice sounded quiet in the stillness of the night.

CHAPTER SIX

"Shella, are you here?" Netalia called, walking the halls of the house. Shella appeared in the doorway and Netalia's eyes widened. "Dex said the chef doesn't like anyone messing around in her kitchen," Netalia reminded Shella.

"I'm the exception," Shella told her. "C'mon, I'm making cookies," she added.

In the past six months, Dex, Shella and Netalia had fallen into an uneasy routine; Shella was becoming more relaxed around the daughter she had given up, but Dex still made her nervous. It had been so long since she had seen him that she didn't know how much he had changed and she was almost scared to find out. 

"It smells good in here ladies," Dex said. Shella jumped and spun around. Dex was leaning lazily against the door jam with his arms folded over his chest and a lazy grin on his face.

"You scared the crap out of me," Shella breathed.

"Sorry." He turned to Netalia. "Billy's waiting in the foyer to take you to the museum," he said. Netalia nodded, snagged a baggie of cookies and hurried out of the kitchen.

"She seems excited," Dex commented.

"Most likely she wanted to get away from the tension," Shella said absently as she pulled cookies from the cookie sheet and onto the wire cooling rack.

"What tension?" Dex asked. Shella sighed and turned off the oven. 

"We've been dancing around each other for months Dex. You've been having Darius follow me when he isn't with you, even to work, and when we're here together, you keep giving me these 'come fuck me' looks," Shella said. 

Dex grinned. "You can do that anytime you want," he agreed.

"Not gonna happen Dex," Shella retorted.

"But I can dream can't I?" Dex asked.

"Keep me out of your dreams buster," Shella snapped.

"But they're much better with you in them," Dex said, pulling Shella closer to him and kissing her gently. Shella moaned and kissed him back. She pulled away slightly as his hands went under her sweater and cupped her breasts. Dex moved his hands down over Shella's hips and down her legs until his fingers brushed the hem of her skirt. He started pushing the skirt up around her waist, his fingers pushed past the waistband of her panties and into her damp heat. He only stopped when an outraged noise was heard from the doorway. Shella pulled away and blushed when she saw the cook standing there. "This is the last time I allow you to mess with my kitchen," she said. Shella pushed away from Dex and ran from the room.

~~~~~~

"What do you mean I have to go back to Victoria?" Netalia whined.

"The deal made with child services was that if Victoria promised to allow unannounced visits by the social worker, you were to go back to her house," Dex answered.

"I don't want to go back!" Netalia shouted.

"I know kid, and I don't want you to go either," Dex murmured. He gave her a tight hug as Victoria pulled up. "You can call me any time you want to, it doesn't matter how late," he promised, slipping a piece of paper in the book about Tria into her messenger bag. 

"I'll miss you," he added, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"I'll miss you too," Netalia sniffled. She stopped hesitantly in front of Shella. Ever since Dex had told them that she had to go back to Victoria, Shella became very monosyllabic and refused to elaborate on anything.

"If she even looks at you cross eyed, call us," Shella said softly. Netalia nodded and hugged Shella tightly, winced at the pressure Shella's hug caused. "Take care of yourself," Shella whispered as Netalia walked over to the car. Victoria lifted Netalia's bags off of the ground and put them in the trunk. Shella's hand found Dex's as Victoria and Netalia got into the car and drove away.

"Shella ..." Dex began. Shella said nothing, just pulled her hand from Dex's, turned and walked back into the house.

"Where are you going?" Dex asked when Shella walked past the library thirty minutes later with a duffel bag.

"I need some space to think," Shella answered.

"There's plenty of room here," Dex pointed out.

"I can't think if I'm anywhere within a hundred feet of you," Shella retorted. She walked out the door and climbed in the waiting cab.

~~~~~~

"What are you doing here?" Paul asked, surprised to see Shella in the doorway.

"Can we talk?" Shella murmured. Paul nodded and let Shella into the apartment. "I screwed up Paul," she told him. He nodded his agreement. "I stayed with Dex. No, nothing happened, I didn't sleep with him. There are like fifty bedrooms in that place between the main residence hall and the two guest halls," Shella said. Paul studied her closely.

"What's wrong Shel?" he asked.

"Netalia, that's what I named her. Her adoptive parents were killed in the mall explosion about six months ago. She found a letter I wrote to her to be given when she was told about being adopted. She looked Dex up. Her aunt locked her in her room and refused to feed her for a week. The state gave Dex temporary custody of Netalia. They decided a few days ago to give Victoria another chance to be Neta's guardian," Shella manged to say before silent tears began streaming down her face. Paul wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "This is why I couldn't even hold her or look at her when she was born. I was afraid that if I did, I'd never be able to say goodbye," Shella said through her tears.

"It's going to be okay," Paul murmured, rubbing her back gently.

"She went back to that monster of an aunt and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it because I wasn't willing for my life to be more complicated than it should be!" Shella exclaimed.

"Shella, did her adoptive parents treat her well and love her as if she was their own?" Paul asked gently. Shella nodded through her tears. "Could they provide for her in a way you couldn't?" Again, Shella nodded. "Were you able to provide for a baby ten years ago?" Shella shook her head again. "Then you made the right decision," Paul told her, gently wiping away her tears.

"But now what do I do?" Shella sniffled.

"You move on," Paul answered.

"I tried," Shella murmured. Paul suppressed a sigh. "Can we try again, please?" Shella asked. Paul found himself nodding. "I love you Shel, and I've missed you," he told her, pressing a kiss to her lips. Shella moaned and gasped against his mouth as Paul's fingers slipped inside her.

"I have an idea," Shella said, pulling away slightly, her breath uneven.

"What's that?" Paul asked, curling his finger inside her. Shella moaned and closed her eyes as she moved against him.

"Let's fly out to Vegas. I have the whole weekend off," Shella suggested.

"What about your dream wedding?" Paul asked, brushing his thumb by her clit causing her to let out a loud gasp.

"The hell with a big wedding," Shella panted. Paul grinned and began stroking her faster, making her cry out as she came.

"I'll go pack a bag. You save all that energy for later," Paul told her.

~~~~~~~~~

"Did you have fun?" Victoria asked, choosing her words carefully.

"Yes," Netalia answered honestly.

"What do you have there?" Victoria wanted to know, motioning towards the book in Netalia's hands.

"A book about the history of Tria and it's people," Netalia told her. 

"I see," Victoria said, her tone and expression calm and unreadable.

"Please don't tell me I can't see them again," Netalia pleaded.

"We'll see," Victoria said.



A Love from the Past Ch. 07-08



 Sorry about the wait; I had a microeconomics exam and the class is in the process of kicking my ass. Updates will be a bit slower for awhile; I have a 10-20 page research paper to research and write. I will do updates, I promise, but they'll only be written when I have the spare time to do so. Thanks for your patience and for taking the time to read. 

~Ashira

*

CHAPTER SEVEN

"Jace, it's Shella, do you have a minute?"

"What's up Shel?" Jason asked.

"Paul and I are back together," Shella began.

"That's good," Jason said slowly.

"We're in Vegas Jace," Shella added.

"Vegas?" Jason echoed.

"Yes Jace, Vegas. We got married last night," Shella told him.

"Dex isn't going to like this," Jason warned.

"I don't give two rats asses about the way Dex feels," Shella snapped. 

"He loves you," Jason pointed out.

"No he doesn't," Shella argued. She sighed. "Enough Jace, I didn't call to fight with you, just to let you know so you didn't worry about me," she murmured.

"I appreciate it. What should I tell Dex when he asks after you?" Jason asked.

"Try to keep my location from him if you can manage. I don't want him hearing about my marriage the way he found out about his daughter," Shella said.

"I'll do my best," Jason promised before Shella hung up the phone.

~~~~~~~~~

"How could you be failing math?" Victoria asked, her arms crossed over her chest, and her eyes glowing with anger.

"I'm not failing math! If you had bothered to listen to my teacher, then you would know that I am tutoring a kid who is failing math!" Netalia exclaimed.

"According to your report card ..."

"That is NOT my report card! Look at it more closely!" Netalia shouted. Victoria studied the piece of paper more closely and sighed. "I think you owe me an apology," Netalia added.

"I don't owe you a damned thing you little ingrate! If anyone owes anyone anything, you owe me for having to put up with your unwanted ass!" Victoria snapped. "Clean up the dishes when you're finished eating," she added, stalking out of the dining room. 

~~~~~~~

"Why didn't you tell me you and Paul were going to Vegas to elope?" Dex asked.

"I knew you'd try to stop it," Shella answered.

"You're damn right I would!" Dex shouted. "How could you marry someone else after all we've shared?" he wanted to know.

"All we've shared? You've got to be kidding me! We haven't shared anything!" Shella exclaimed.

"Bull shit! We have a daughter!" Dex protested.

"One that was put up for adoption and we probably won't ever see her again!" Shella argued.

"You can't tell me that you didn't feel anything," Dex murmured.

"It was sex, that's it. I was a child in pain. And all it caused for me was heart ache," Shella told him.

"So you don't love me?" Dex asked.

"How I feel about you doesn't matter. Not anymore. It's been a decade and I'm married to someone else. We can never be together," Shella told him.

"And if I were in love with you?" Dex asked as she started away.

"It's too late Dex, I'm in love with someone else. And if you really loved me, you would have found away to come back to town before now," Shella answered, pulling the door open and walking away.

-Months later-

"Are you sure about this?" Shella asked Paul as she watched him get dressed after his shower.

"It sounds like she's going to be part of your life, so yes, I'm sure," Paul answered. He took Shella's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. "I love you Shel, and she's a part of you. Don't worry, things will be fine," he promised. Shella smiled weakly before disappearing into the bathroom to brush her teeth.

"Paul, you remember Dex," Shella said softly. Paul nodded and stuck his hand out towards Dex who took it and shook it politely. "Paul, this is Netalia. Netalia, this is my husband Paul," Shella introduced. Paul gave her a kind smile and Netalia flashed a small smile as if unsure about the meeting.

"You're a very beautiful young lady," Paul complimented. 

"She looks like Shella did when she was Neta's age," Dex said, taking a long drink of his wine. 

"So, how long have you and Paul been together?" Netalia wanted to know.

"Almost three years," Paul answered.

"How long have you been married?" Netalia asked.

"Three months," Shella told her. "How's school?"

"I have to tutor the morons I go to school with," Netalia said, wrinkling her nose. "And Victoria's being horrid," she added.

"How so?" Dex asked instantly alert.

"She thought I failed math, when in reality, what she saw was a note from my teacher explaining how I had helped bring up a different kid's grade from an F to a C," Netalia answered.

"That's quite an accomplishment," Paul commented.

"I'm good with numbers," Netalia said simply.

"It's a good skill to have," Paul told her with a grin.

"One you didn't get from me," Shella added. Dex laughed.

"That's for sure. You needed a tutor yourself to get through math," Dex teased.

"And there's nothing with that. You, Dexter David Thorne, if I remember correctly needed help with English and History," Shella teased back.

"Well, English wasn't my first language," Dex protested.

"But history?" Shella asked.

"Shut up!" Dex exclaimed with a laugh. Shella grinned and took a sip of water.

"So what else is going on with you?" Shella asked Netalia, eager to change the subject.

"I made the honor roll," Netalia answered with a grin.

"Great!" Dex exclaimed. They looked up as food was brought to the table.

"It looks great," Paul said as a plate of manicotti was placed in front of Shella.

"My favorite Italian food," Shella agreed with a grin. 

"Where's your glass of wine?" Dex asked Shella suddenly.

"I didn't want a glass," Shella answered.

"So, Paul, what do you do?" Dex asked.

"I'm a teacher," Paul answered. "University level. I teach history," he added. Dex chuckled.

"Of course you do," he muttered.

"So, Shella, how come you and Dex aren't together anymore?" Netalia wanted to know.

"It's a long story," Dex answered, glancing over at Shella.

"And not one to discuss right now," Shella agreed, taking a bite of her pasta. "Hmm, heaven," she purred, closing her eyes. 

Paul grinned. "Where have I heard that before?" he asked with an innocent grin on his face.

"Stop," Shella hissed with a blush, glancing at Netalia who shook her head. 

"Oh great, here comes trouble," Netalia muttered, looking up as she heard her name called. 

"Victoria, you agreed we had until nine, it's only seven thirty," Dex said, standing up.

"I know, but well, it's past her curfew and the little bitch hasn't finished her homework," Victoria said as sweetly as she could.

"First of all, she is not a bitch, and second of all, if that's your opinion of her, you can go fu-," Shella placed a hand on Dex's arm.

"That won't help," she said softly.

"I see mommy has all the brains in the outfit," Victoria sneered.

"We have a written agreement that we can have time with Netalia until nine, and since it's only seven thirty, you need to leave now," Dex said. Darius stood up from his seat next to Dex and placed himself between Victoria and the table. 

"I suggest you leave ma'am," Darius said, his voice calm and even, but threatening. 

"I don't have to take orders from you," Victoria said, the pitch of her voice raising an octave.

"You need to leave NOW ma'am before I call the police," Darius threatened. Victoria opened her mouth to protest again but Darius pulled out his cell phone and pressed the nine and the one; he held the phone in such a way that Victoria could see the buttons being pushed. "Would you like me to press one and send?" Darius asked. Victoria shook her head, spun on her heel and walked away.

"Please don't make me go back!" Netalia begged Dex as they got ready to leave.

"Netalia, she is your legal guardian," Shella said gently.

"She hates me! I don't want to go with her!" Netalia exclaimed.

"I'm working on it Netalia, but I can't promise anything," Dex told her. Netalia sighed as she saw Victoria waiting impatiently outside of the restaurant. "Remember, you can call me or Shella anytime," Dex added. Netalia nodded and gave each of them a hug which surprised Paul.

Paul studied the look on Shella's face carefully as the three of them watched Netalia return to her aunt. It was a look of sadness and pain, he squeezed her hand gently.

"Let's go home," Paul murmured. Shella nodded and cast one last glance towards Netalia and a glance towards Dex before she followed Paul to the car.

CHAPTER EIGHT

"Well?" Paul asked as Shella walked back into the bedroom. Shella shook her head with a sigh. "It's okay, we can try again," Paul said, pulling her down onto the bed. Shella gave a weak smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What do you mean I don't have any legal standing in this matter?" Dex growled at his lawyer.

"Shella put the girl up for adoption, terminating her parental rights. I know she listed you as the father, but she tried to make contact with you and was told that you did not want to talk to her. Now, I know that wasn't your order, but since she did try to notify you and was unable to, the adoption is legal," his lawyer answered.

"Come on Stu, I pay you a lot of money. Can't you find a loophole?" Dex asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Well, you could fight for custody, but it'll be a long, drawn out process and could be very damaging to you and your image," Stu began.

"Do it. What ever you have to do, do it. I don't want my daughter with that cold hearted bitch any longer than she needs to be," Dex said. Stu nodded and stood up.

"I'll get right on it," he promised.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jason walked into the lobby of the embassy for Tria and waited impatiently for the guards to process him and let him speak with his friend.

"I'm sorry sir, the Prince isn't taking visitors at the moment. You will have to come back later," one of the guards told Jason.

"He'll want to see me," Jason argued.

"I'm sorry sir, orders are orders," the guard said.

"Tell his highness that Jason is here about his daughter," Jason told the guard. 

"Keep an eye on this one Edgar. If he tries anything, arrest him," the guard who was giving Jason the run around said. Edgar nodded as his superior went in search of Dex who hurried into the lobby. 

"From now on Samuel, this man has an unlimited pass to me or to Darius. He is a friend of mine," Dex told the guard. Samuel nodded and muttered an apology to Jason. "What's wrong with Netalia?" Dex asked Jason.

"Shella got a call from Memorial Hospital an hour ago. Netalia's been hurt and told the doctor to call Shella," Jason said. Dex waved off the guards that attempted to follow him.

"I don't need a guard when I am with Jason and his family. Call Darius out of training and have him meet me at Memorial Hospital in twenty minutes," Dex instructed before following his friend out of the building and into the car.

"Shella, what happened?" Dex asked as they reached her. Shella's face was pale and her eyes wide with fury.

"Netalia and Victoria got into an argument about spending time with us. When Netalia tried to leave the house, Victoria grabbed her arm hard enough to leave bruises and when Netalia tried to break free, her arm broke," Shella answered. Dex's eyes glowed with anger and he pulled cell phone from his pocket.

"What do you mean I can't see my niece? Who the hell do you think you are?" Victoria spat several hours later as she tried to get into Netalia's room.

"We are guards for the royal family of Tria. We were given specific instructions by Prince Dexter not to allow you in," one of them answered.

"This is kidnapping! I'll have your heads for this!" Victoria shrieked.

"You're welcome to try ma'am, but we're trained in several different styles of martial arts and hand to hand combat. We also carry the newest guns available," the guard said calmly.

"I want to see my niece!" Victoria shouted.

"That isn't going to happen." Victoria turned around to see a furious Dex. "You twisted Netalia's arm hard enough for it to break in two places. The only thing you're going to see is the inside of a jail cell," Dex growled. Victoria opened her mouth to protest as two police officers stepped forward and reached for her. One of the officers slapped handcuffs around her wrists before they led her away. Dex watched until she was out of sight before walking into the hospital room. "The police have arrested her under child abuse charges and my lawyer is filing the required paperwork to get custody," Dex said. Netalia's face brightened and Shella gave a small smile and everyone looked up as Billy walked into the room.

"Hi Doctor Lewis," Netalia said shyly. Shella grinned; her daughter had a crush on one of her oldest friends.

"You're looking better," Billy observed, looking through the chart. He glanced at Shella. "You on the other hand look like shit," he added.

"I've had a long week," Shella murmured. 

"Wanna talk about it?" Billy asked.

"Maybe later," Shella answered. Billy nodded and took Netalia's vitals again.

"I think I let you out of here tomorrow. I want to keep an eye on the bump on your head," Billy said. Netalia grinned. "Shel, take a walk with me," Billy added. Shella nodded, glanced at Netalia one last time and followed Billy out of the room.

"Do you want to tell me what's going on?" Billy asked. "I promise to keep it to myself," he added.

"Paul and I have been trying for a baby and so far, all the tests have been negative," Shella answered.

"Are you late?" Billy asked.

"A few weeks," Shella confirmed.

"C'mon, I'll run a blood test," Billy told her.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Paul?" Shella called, pushing the door open to their apartment hesitantly. The door wasn't completely closed so she pulled out her cell phone and dialed 9-1-1. "Hello?" Shella called, waiting for someone to answer the phone. She took two steps into the apartment and stopped when her feet ran into something hard. Shella looked down and screamed when she realized the hard object she had run into was the bottom of Paul's shoes.

"9-1-1, what is your emergency?" the operator asked.

"My apartment has been broken into, my husband is unconscious and is laying in a pool of blood," Shella said as calmly as she could; she knew panicking wouldn't help anyone. She gave the address and waited impatiently for the police and ambulance to arrive.

"Billy!" Shella exclaimed as she followed the paramedics into the emergency room.

"What happened?" Billy asked, going into doctor mode.

"I got home and found the apartment door partially open; Paul was pretty much laying in the doorway," Shella answered, her voice shaky. 

"Shella!" Jason called from the information desk. Shella walked over to her brother and took comfort in the strength and warmth of his embrace. "He's going to be fine," Jason told her gently.

"I hope so," Shella murmured. The two of them stood in the door way of the trauma room and watched as Billy and the other doctors worked to save Paul's life.

"Paul? Can you hear me?" Shella asked softly, sitting down on the side of his bed. She reached for his hand. "I have something to tell you. The home tests were wrong. Billy ran a blood test earlier. I need you to wake up Paul, please," Shella said, her eyes welling up with tears. "I can't do this alone. Not again." Shella lay her head next to his, her tears streamed down her face and splashed against his cheek.

~~~~~~~~~

"Has there been any change in Paul's condition?" Dex asked Billy. Billy shook his head.

"Not a positive change," Billy said, taking a sip of coffee. He made a face at the cup and tossed it in a trash can.

"How's Shella doing?" Dex wanted to know.

"She's depressed. I don't think she's even really eaten in two weeks, aside from nibbling on a bagel a few times a day," Billy answered.

"She hasn't said anything to Netalia either," Dex said with a sigh.

"Go easy on pushing Netalia and Shella together Dex. Shel's had it rough in the past decade. Not to mention being pregnant, and finding Paul unconscious ..." Billy shook his head. "I can't imagine what she's feeling," he said.

"She's pregnant?" Dex asked. Billy nodded.

"I shouldn't have said anything, but she needs a kick in the ass. She needs to eat a solid meal and soon," Billy said. 

"I'll get her to eat," Dex promised.

~~~~~~~~~~

"What do you want Dex?" Shella asked, not looking up from the book she was trying to read; she had looked at the same page every day for two weeks.

"To buy you dinner. Billy's orders," Dex answered, extending his hand. She took it with a sigh and followed him out of the hospital to the town car.

"Billy said you're pregnant," Dex said after they had been seated at the table. Shella looked up sharply.

"He had no right to tell you that," Shella said.

"Billy's worried about you Shel. You've hardly eaten anything," Dex reminded her.

"It's none of your business," Shella grumbled.

"Damn it Shella, will you let someone take care of you for once in your life?" Dex snapped. When the waitress came, Shella tried to get away with ordering just a salad. "In addition to her salad, she will have a personal pizza and I will have a calzone with green peppers, black olives, mushrooms and ground beef," Dex ordered. 

"I don't want a pizza Dex, just the salad would have been fine," Shella told him.

"I promised Billy I would get you to eat enough to keep you and the baby going," Dex argued.

"You can't do Paul any good if you wind up in the hospital due to malnutrition," he added. Shella sighed and took a sip of her water.

"I know, you're right, but I'm just so damn tired," Shella murmured.

"It's okay. But stop thinking just about yourself," Dex said gently. Shella nodded and took a bite of the salad that was placed in front of her. Dex snagged a cruton. "So what's it like being pregnant?" he asked.

"Exhausting," Shella answered. She tore off a piece of pita and nibbled on it slowly. "And I've had a hard time even keeping my bagels down," she added. Dex gave her a sympathetic smile.

"And I'm alone again, which makes it worse," Shella said with a sigh. Dex reached his hand over the table and covered hers with his.

"You aren't alone Shel. Never again," Dex promised. "I'm not going anywhere without you, not again," he added.



A Love from the Past Ch. 09-11



CHAPTER NINE

"Shel, come sit with me, I need to talk to you," Billy said a few days later. Shella followed Billy out of Paul's room into a small waiting room. "Shel, sweetie, Paul doesn't appear to be getting any better. I drew the short straw on telling you this but his brain scan isn't showing any activity. He's gone Shel. You need to let him go, he isn't going to get better and he isn't going to wake up," Billy said gently.

"You're wrong! He'll wake up! He has to!" Shella shouted. 

Billy took her hands in his and squeezed gently.

"Shella, listen to me. Paul's brain isn't receiving or transmitting nerve impulses anymore. There isn't anything else we can do for him now. The only thing keeping him alive now is the heart and lung machine," Billy told her.

"No," Shella whispered, silent tears streaming down her face.

"Shella, I know this is hard and painful and I'm sorry. I wish I could tell you that Paul was going to wake up and that it was going to be okay but I can't. He's gone kid," Billy said, swallowing over the lump in his throat as he watched his friend break down completely. He wrapped his arms around her and held Shella tightly against him, looking up only when Jason, Tina, and Dex walked into the room. 

"The nurse said you wanted to see us," Jason said softly. Billy nodded and gently pulled away from Shella.

"Paul's brain dead," he said softly, standing up. Jason was at Shella's side in an instant, his arms around her in a comforting embrace until Shella shrugged him off.

"Just everyone leave me alone!" Shella shouted, standing up and running from the room.

"There you are," Dex said thirty minutes later from the doorway to Paul's hospital room.

"What do you want Dex?" Shella asked, turning towards him. Her face was pale, her eyes red and puffy and her eyes were glazed over.

"Are you okay?" Dex asked gently.

"No," Shella said. Dex sat in the chair next to hers and reached for her hand; Shella took it, grateful for the quiet display of comfort. 

"Excuse me, who are you?" an older man asked from the doorway. Shella pulled her hand from Dex's and stood up.

"Harry, Marie, this is Dex, he's an old friend of my brother's," Shella said.

"I was just keeping Shel company. She's been having a hard time with this," Dex added, not agreeing with, but understanding Shella's need to keep their past relationship quiet.

"Did Doctor Lewis talk to you?" Shella asked.

"Yes. We're in agreement to have Paul taken off life support," Harry answered.

"But ..."

"I know you don't want this, but we've spoken with several other neurosurgeons and they all agree that Paul is brain dead and won't recover," Marie said. Shella opened her mouth to protest again but Billy and another doctor walked in.

"Billy, are you sure that he can't recover?" Shella asked, her eyes wide.

"I'm positive Shel, I'm so sorry," Billy told her. Dex slipped his hand into hers and held it tightly as Billy turned off the ventilator. When it was done, Billy turned back to his friends and sighed seeing the look on Shella's face. "Dex, take her outside," he mouthed. Dex nodded.

"Shel, let's go get some air," Dex suggested.

"I don't want air," Shella snapped. Dex closed his eyes and mentally shook her. 

"Shella Lynn, outside, now," Dex growled.

"Now just a minute, who are you to tell her what to do?" Harry wanted to know.

"Family. And Shella needs some air and some space," Dex answered.

"Please, don't fight now. Let Dex take Shella outside for a few minutes," Billy intervened. He gave Shella a pointed look and with a huff, she followed Dex out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~

"I think he has to be more than a friend of her brother's," Marie murmured to her husband as she watched Dex, Shella, Jason and Tina walk over to the grave site.

"It's none of our business," Harry said.

"She married our son, it is our business," Marie retorted.

"Quiet," Harry hissed. "Morning," he said to Shella.

"Hi Harry, Marie. This is my brother Jason and his wife Tina and you met Dex last night," Shella introduced. 

"I'm sorry about Paul. He was a good guy," Jason said.

"Who are those men?" Marie asked suddenly. 

Dex turned and looked around. "My guards," he answered. "They won't get in the way of the service, I promise," he added.

"Why do you need guards?" Marie wanted to know.

"Dex here is royalty," Jason said. Dex rolled his eyes at Jason's attempt at the laziness in his voice. 

"I am the crown prince of Tria," Dex told them. 

"Impressive. Are you making our daughter your flavor of the month?" Marie asked.

"Marie!" Harry scolded.

"What? We've all seen the tabloids, his picture is all over the front covers with some floozy," Marie said.

"My father and Dex's father went to college together," Shella said.

"Enough, we're here for a grave side service," Jason interjected.

"I want him gone," Marie said, pointing to Dex. Shella looked panicked but Dex squeezed her hand.

"I'll be visiting mom," Dex told her. He kissed her cheek before he slipped away.

"How good of friends are you?" Marie wanted to know.

"We're just friends. We've known each other since we were in diapers," Shella answered. Jason and Tina exchanged glances but said nothing as the minister stepped forward to begin the service.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Dex?" Shella asked softly, coming to a stop at the edge of a grave marker.

"Come sit," Dex murmured. Shella sat down next to him and slid her hand in his. "I haven't been here since the night after the park," he said. Shella sighed. "We can't pretend it didn't happen Shel, not with Netalia around," Dex told her.

"I know. This is hard for me Dex," Shella said.

"And it isn't for me?" Dex countered. He sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry Shel, I know it's been hell for you," Dex said softly as he reached up to brush a stray strand of hair out of her eyes.

"I don't know what I'm going to do Dex. I really don't," Shella whispered. She turned towards the grave marker and ran her hand over it. "How did you manage after your mom died?" she asked.

"I had my dad, and Jason and you. Especially you. You were there whenever I needed someone to talk to and you made it so much easier. I wouldn't have made it without you," Dex said honestly.

"I don't know if I can do this again," Shella said, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Do what?" Dex asked.

"Go through pregnancy and child birth alone." 

Dex tilted her face towards his. "You aren't alone. I promise I'll be here with you, no matter what," Dex said.

"But it isn't your baby," Shella reminded him.

"It doesn't matter. I love you Shella. I didn't realize it until your father and Marty declared the wedding was off. They sent me to Tria to find another bride, and none of the girls were right. None of them were you," Dex told her. He wiped away a tear that slid down her cheek.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Shella sniffled.

"No Shel, I'm not. For years, I wanted to deny it because it didn't feel right; we were too good of friends and I was Jason's best friend. I didn't want to be in love you, but I can't help it," Dex said, his voice low, raw, honest. Shella stared at him, blinking as tears clouded her vision. 

"Shella," Harry called. Shella looked up and wiped her tears away. 

"I need to go," Shella murmured. She stood up and started away.

"Shel." She turned to look at him. "Call me when you get home, okay?" Dex asked. Shella smiled and nodded.

"How are you doing?" Shella looked up to find her friend and boss Jacki standing in front of her.

"I'm okay. I've got some great friends," Shella answered.

"Speaking of. Who is that hot devil?" Jacki asked. Shella looked to where Jacki was pointing.

"That's Dex. He's an old friend of Jason's," Shella answered, a small smile easing across her face. "Is it okay if I cut out early? I didn't sleep well last night," Shella asked.

"Of course! Take tomorrow too," Jacki said. "You're one of my best people Shella, and with Paul's death and finding out about the baby, you deserve some time!" Jacki exclaimed. Shella rolled her eyes but shut off her computer and put her files away.

"Thanks Jacki," Shella murmured before she head towards Dex who was standing in the lobby.

"Hey," Dex said softly. Shella gave a weak smile. "I promised Jason I'd make sure you ate lunch today," he told her.

"Can you just take me home?" Shella asked.

"To the apartment?" Dex clarified.

"Please," she murmured. Dex nodded and reached for her hand. Shella shook her head and Dex sighed as he followed her to the town car.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Shel, I ordered in some Chinese food," Dex said as he sat down on the bed next to her. Shella sat up and took the plate of food from him. "How are you doing?" Dex asked.

"Better than I thought I would be," Shella answered, taking a bite of the broccoli. They sat in silence, the only noise was the crunch of the vegetables between their teeth.

-2 weeks later-

"Shella, are you okay?" Netalia asked from the doorway. Shella looked up and gave a wan smile as she brushed the tears off of her cheeks.

"I'm okay," she said quietly, patting the seat next to her.

"Dad's worried about you," Netalia said, sitting down.

"Dad?" Shella asked, amused.

"He's done as much for me as my dad did when he and mom were alive, it doesn't seem right to keep calling him Dex," Netalia admitted.

"He's a good guy," Shella agreed.

"Why aren't you together?" Netalia wanted to know.

"What has Dex told you?" Shella asked, not really wanting to get into this now; she knew that Netalia had the right to know.

"To ask you," Netalia answered.

"My father and Dex's grandfather went to college together; they were room mates. When Dex was born, they made an agreement that my father's first born daughter would marry Dex, no matter the age gap. Luckily, I'm only about eighteen months younger or things would have been really awkward. We grew up hearing about the agreement so neither of us really dated. Dex went on a few dates, but my father refused to let me go anywhere without Dex or the rest of the gang around. Jason and the gang thought of me as the kid sister. When I reached high school, the boys started calling me the Ice Princess and taunted me. The popular crowd used to say that the only way I guy would want to touch me was to do his duty to carry on the family name. My mother talked my father into letting me go to my senior prom with Dex and the gang. It turned out to be a mistake. A few of the really popular guys, the quarter back and some other guy on the football team offered to break me in for your father. When I told them off, their girlfriends got involved and they said some really horrible things. They told me I was ugly and I tried to leave without telling anyone but your father saw me and refused to let me go on my own. One thing led to another and here you are," Shella said.

"I can't believe how cruel they were. You aren't anywhere close to being ugly, you're so pretty," Netalia remarked. Shella smiled and laughed softly.

"Thanks kid," she murmured.

"Anyway, I came to tell you that Dad wants you to come for dinner tonight," Netalia told Shella.

"What time?" Shella asked.

"Six thirty," Netalia answered. "He said he'd send the car for you," she added.

"Tell him I'll be there," Shella said with a sigh.

~~~~~~~~

"Hey beautiful," Dex said, opening the door. Shella shook her head and smiled.

"I'm not beautiful," she protested. Dex chuckled and took her hand. "What?"

"Do you remember what happened the last time you said you weren't beautiful?" he asked. Shella blushed and glanced behind Dex where Netalia stood. "I remember," she murmured. "So, what's for dinner?" she asked.

"Rib-eye steaks, baked potatoes and broccoli," Dex answered. 

"With dutch apple pie for dessert!" Netalia chimed in. Shella laughed.

"My favorite," she said. Dex nodded and glanced at Netalia.

"I'm going to go finish my homework now," Netalia said before dashing off.

"What's up Dex?" Shella asked as he led her to the living room. 

Dex crouched down on one knee in front of her. "Marry me Shella," he murmured. 

Before Shella could say anything, her cell phone rang. "Jason, now's a bad time," Shella said distractedly.

"They caught the kid who broke into the apartment Shel and they're charging him with manslaughter," Jason said. "Where are you?" he asked.

"With Dex and Netalia," Shella answered.

"I'll be there in ten minutes," Jason promised before hanging up. Shella closed her phone and turned back to Dex, eyes wide.

"What's wrong?" Dex asked.

"They found the kid who broke into the apartment. Jason's on his way now," Shella answered. Dex mentally cursed his friend's timing. "Will you marry me Shel?" Dex asked again. 

Shella gave him a sad smile as she shook her head. "It's too soon Dex," she told him. "And I'm sorry you went through all this trouble to make me dinner. Jason's going to be here soon to take me to the police station," she added, returning to the foyer to wait for Jason.

"Dad?" Netalia asked from the doorway of the living room. "She said no, didn't she?" Netalia guessed by the look on her father's face. Dex sighed and nodded.

"It's too soon for her," Dex answered.

"She'll come around," Netalia assured him. Dex starred at what could have been a miniature version of Shella and smiled.

"I know she will. C'mon, let's go eat that dinner," Dex said. He stood up and led Netalia into the dining room. "No sense it letting this food go to waste," he added. Netalia nodded but said nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"He looks so young," Shella whispered. Jason nodded and squeezed his sister's hand. "Did he saw why?" Shella asked the detective.

"Your husband failed him and refused to change the grade. The suspect was kicked off of the hockey team as a result and lost his scholarship," the detective answered.

"What a waste," Shella lamented. Jason nodded his agreement.

~~~~~~~~

"How are you doing?" Dex asked, slipping into the chair across the table from Shella.

"I'm fine Dex, really," Shella told him.

"Are you?" Dex prodded.

"Yes," Shella said. Dex studied her carefully and frowned a little.

"You look tired," he observed.

"I'm six months pregnant Dex, of course I'm tired," Shella said, laughing a little.

"Not to add to any stress you're under, but I finally got a court date for the custody suit," Dex told her.

"When?" Shella asked. Before Dex could answer, she closed her eyes and gasped.

"You okay?" Dex asked instantly. Shella started to nod then shook her head. "What's wrong?" he wanted to know.

"I don't know," Shella whispered. Dex threw a twenty on the table and helped Shella to her feet.

~~~~~~~~

"Is the baby okay?" Shella asked the doctor. 

"He's a little stressed," the doctor began. Shella felt Dex squeeze her hand. "Are you the father?" he asked Dex.

"I'm just a friend," Dex answered.

"His father was attacked and killed right before I found out I was pregnant," Shella said, the sadness evident in her voice.

"I see. Well, you need to try an eliminate all stress from your life. And I want you on bed rest. You can leave the bed only to use the toilet and take a quick bath then back in bed you go," the doctor told her.

"But Doctor Anderson!" Shella protested.

"No buts about it Shella Lynn." Shella looked up to see Billy in the doorway. 

"She can stay with me," Dex told Billy. Shella opened her mouth to protest but Billy cut her off.

"That sounds like a good idea," he agreed. "You need a new environment. That apartment is going to be a constant reminder," Billy chimed in. Shella sighed, resigned to living with Dex and their daughter.

CHAPTER TEN

"Hey you," Dex said, bringing a large tray of food into her room.

"I'm bored," she complained.

"I know Shel. Want some company?" Dex asked. Shella nodded and grinned when she saw the contents of the tray. "I called Jason's mom and had her make a roast and all the fixings," Dex told her.

"It smells great!" Shella exclaimed. Dex grinned and set the tray across her lap. 

"After we're done eating, I have Netalia waiting with the monopoly game," Dex told her.

"Why doesn't she eat with us?" Shella asked.

"She's eaten already and she has homework to finish," Dex answered.

"I'll give you a grand for the red," Shella told Netalia. 

"Deal," Netalia agreed, handing the deed card to Shella in exchange for the cash.

"Oh we're screwed now," Dex groaned. Shella grinned and doled out another four hundred and fifty dollars and handed it to him. 

"Three houses please," she requested. Dex pulled the houses out of the holder and handed them to Shella who placed them on the red border of the properties.

"I'm out of money," Dex lamented nearly an hour later.

"So am I," Netalia groaned. 

"I win!" Shella said with a wide grin.

"Brat," Dex muttered. Shella giggled and began putting the money and properties back in their spots.

"I'm going to go study a little more, I have a test tomorrow," Netalia said suddenly before nearly running from the room.

"I haven't had this much fun in awhile," Shella murmured.

"Me neither," Dex agreed. "Shel?" he asked when Shella placed a hand on her abdomen. "Do I need to call Billy?" he asked, reaching for the phone. Shella shook her head and grabbed his hand and placed it where her hand had been. "Wow," he breathed. 

"It's pretty amazing," Shella said quietly. 

~~~~~~~

"My brother and sister adopted this girl when she was a baby, and now that they're gone, her birth parents have come out of the wood work and claimed it was all a mistake," Victoria said. "They have turned my niece against me and now she wants nothing to do with me," she added.

By the time they were done for the day, Dex had had enough. The woman was spewing lies left and right and he wanted to knock her senseless. Darius placed his hand on Dex's shoulder, telling him to stay cool. "I am assigning a social worker to this case and I want weekly reports. I'm also going to insist that Netalia spend a week with her aunt and a week with her biological parents so that she can be observed under both circumstances," the judge declared. 

Dex opened his mouth to protest but closed it again.

"Your honor, I must protest letting her biological parents spend any more time with my niece. They are both young and foolish and the mother is a slut!" Victoria exclaimed.

"Mr. Thorne, can you shed some light on the character of Netalia's biological mother?" the judge asked.

"Shella was seventeen when she got pregnant, and nearly eighteen when Netalia was born. We were supposed to be married, but her father did not believe her when she said I was Netalia's father and he threw her out and with the help of one of my father's advisers managed to get the wedding called off. Shella put Netalia up for adoption so that she could have a good home and parents who could care for her," Dex answered.

"But the little whore is pregnant again," Victoria informed the judge.

"Shella is a widow, and the child she carries is her dead husband's child. I have known Shella since she was a child, and she is no more a whore than I am," Dex said with a small smile. Darius chuckled and shook his head. "Although, I must request that the social worker go a little easier on Shella. She nearly had a miscarriage a few weeks ago and her doctor wants her kept stress free," Dex added.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm very impressed by this set up Mr. Thorne," the social worker said.

"It's actually Prince Dex," Darius interjected from behind them.

"Mr. Thorne is fine," Dex said, shooting Darius a dirty look. "And it isn't a set up. This mansion hasn't changed in twenty years," he added.

"Where is the girl's mother?" the social worker wanted to know.




A Love from the Past Ch. 09-11



"Ms. Carson, the girl's name is Netalia and Shella is in her room where she has been told she needs to stay," Dex answered. 

"I would like to speak with her," Ms. Carson told Dex.

"I'm right here," Shella said from behind them.

"You're supposed to be in bed," Dex reminded Shella.

"I had to use the bathroom," she grumbled. "And get a snack." Shella held up the plate of fruit.

"Apples and honey?" Dex asked, remembering an old favorite. Shella nodded. "Shel, this is Ms. Carson, the social worker I told you about," Dex told her. Shella shook the woman's hand politely and headed back into the bedroom. 

"I need to ask you a few questions," Ms. Carson told Shella, following her into the room.

"Ask your questions," Shella told her. She set the plate on the night stand and pushed herself onto the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"That was insulting," Shella grumbled when Dex brought in dinner that night.

"I agree. How's your soup?" Dex asked.

"It's good," Shella murmured. "It reminds me of my grandmother's," she added.

"How's school going?" Dex asked Netalia.

"Boring. I'm way ahead of most of the kids in my grade," Netalia answered.

"We'll have to talk to your teachers about moving you up a grade," Dex mused. He glanced over at Shella who was rubbing her abdomen. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, he's just antsy," Shella answered. Dex laughed. 

"Can I feel?" Netalia asked. Shella nodded and Netalia pressed her hand against Shella's abdomen. "Wow," she murmured. "Do you have any internal organs left?" she asked.

"I don't know," Shella answered with a grin. 

~~~~~~~~~

-2 months later-

"If I don't get that little bitch back into my home, I'm going to miss out on the life insurance money. Her care taker gets a thousand dollars a month allowance to take care of her and I need that money. I don't care what you have to do, find a way to get my niece away from those delinquent biological parents of hers," Victoria growled into the phone. 

"Your honor, I would like to say something," Netalia said, standing up next to Dex.

"I don't think that would be a good idea," Victoria protested.

"I am ten years old, almost eleven. I should have some say as to what happens to me," Netalia shot back. Dex grinned; his daughter shared his spunk. 

"What would you like to say?" the judge asked Netalia.

"I over heard Victoria on the phone a few weeks ago. She was telling whoever she was talking to that she only wanted custody of me to get the thousand dollar allowance that my parents set up in their will," Netalia said. Dex stood up and glared at Victoria.

"Is that true?" the judge asked Victoria.

"I don't know what the little bitch is talking about!" Victoria exclaimed, forgetting where she was.

"Your honor, I don't believe anyone who cares about a child would call that child a bitch," Dex argued.

"I agree Mr. Thorne," the Judge said.

Darius stood up. "Your honor, I hate to appear rude, but I feel I must point out for the record that Mr. Thorne is the crown prince of Tria and as the crown prince of Tria, he deserves to be addressed as Prince Dexter," Darius announced.

"It's all right Darius, please, just sit down," Dex commanded. He glanced behind him and his eyes widened when he saw Shella sitting next to Darius, grabbing his arm and pulling him back into his seat.

"I was going to deliberate for a few moments, but after Ms. Delane's comment, I'm going to award full custody to Netalia's biological parents. I see from my copy of her adoptive parent's will, that there is a provision that she keeps all of her inheritance even if she does find her biological parents so I am going to overturn the adoption so that Ms. Delane can't sue for custody later on," the judge announced.

"What are you doing here?" Dex wanted to know after the judge declared them adjourned.

"I wanted to be here for this," Shella answered.

"You need to be in bed," Dex scolded.

"I'm not going to break Dex," Shella told him.

"You're going back to bed," Dex insisted.

"We should celebrate," Shella protested.

"We will. At home," Dex told her.

"But we should go out and have a great dinner and dessert," Shella said.

"Shella, until you have the baby or your doctor takes you off bed rest, you're staying in bed like a good girl," Dex said firmly. Shella allowed herself to be led out of the court house and to the car. 

~~~~~~~~~

"What do you want Victoria?" Netalia asked.

"To talk to your mother," Victoria answered.

"Not a chance," Netalia said.

"You are such a brat," Victoria huffed, pushing past Netalia.

"Hey!" Netalia exclaimed, rushing after her. "Stop!" Victoria walked into the room that Shella was using, slammed the door shut and locked it behind her.

"What do you want?" Shella asked, looking up from her book.

"You little slut! You fucking little whore!" Victoria sneered.

"What did I ever do to you?" Shella asked. Victoria grabbed Shella by the hair and pulled her out of the bed.

"You and your little boy toy took my niece away from me!" Victoria shouted.

"You mean we took your Ms. Moneybags away from you! You never cared about Netalia, even when she was a child, before she knew about Dex and I!" Shella retorted.

"Whatever I meant is beside the point!" Victoria reached out to push Shella but she ducked awkwardly and performed a near flawless roundhouse kick. "How did you do that?" Victoria asked in surprise. In stead of answering her, Shella raced for the door and unlocked it right before Dex nearly kicked it open.

"Are you alright?" Dex asked gently.

"No," Shella answered. Dex steadied Shella and watched as Darius place handcuffs on Victoria's wrists. They watched as Darius led Victoria out. "Dex, I think I need a doctor," Shella said quietly. Dex glanced at her in concern.

"What's wrong?" Dex asked.

"Cramps," Shella gasped. Dex scooped her into his arms and walked quickly to the town car, Netalia following close behind.

"Dex, will you stay with Netalia?" Dex asked. Darius nodded and rested his hands on Netalia's shoulders.

"Is the baby okay?" Shella asked nervously. Dex squeezed her hand, causing her to look at him. His eyes were wide, concern filled and something that surprised her; fear.

"I don't know yet. I want to keep you over night and monitor things closely. Please try to calm down and relax, I'll do everything I can," Doctor Anderson told Shella. He patted her hand and walked out the door.

"Dex!" Shella's eyes were wide and filled with tears. Dex moved from his spot behind her and sat down on the bed in front of her and took both of her hands in his.

"Look at me Shel. It's going to be okay. I promise," Dex said, his eyes staring deep into hers. 

"I'm scared," Shella whispered. Dex smiled and pulled her in for a hug.

"I would be worried if you weren't." He pulled away from her and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "Do you trust me?" Dex asked. Shella nodded. "You and the baby are going to be just fine," Dex promised. "Now get some rest," he added. Shella nodded and closed her eyes as exhaustion overtook her. Dex stood up and walked out into the hall. 

"Dare, it's Dex. Call Jason and Billy and get them down to the hospital. Shel's gonna need all the support she can get," Dex said, hanging up and walking back into the room. He sat down in the chair beside the bed and slid his hand over hers. "I love you Shella Lynn and I'm going to do all I can to take care of you both," he murmured. He returned her hand to the bed, leaned back in the chair, closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Dex's eyes shot open when he heard Shella shifting in the bed. "You stayed here all night?" Shella asked in surprise.

"Where else would I go?" Dex asked.

"Home," Shella said.

"I'm with you Shel, come hell or high water," Dex promised. "Netalia will be fine. Tina and Kara went over to help Darius out. Jason, Billy and Tommy are out in the hall," Dex told her. Shella's smile faded when Doctor Anderson stepped into the room.

"Doctor Anderson?" Shella asked, the nervousness back in her voice.

"I can't stop the labor Shella, I'm sorry," Doctor Anderson said gently after examining her quickly.

"What do you mean you can't stop it?" Dex asked.

"Shella, you're already dilated to seven centimeters. Like it or not, this baby is going to come today," Doctor Anderson answered. "A nurse will be in shortly to move you to labor and delivery," he added.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Is she going to be okay?" Netalia asked.

"She's going to be just fine. Your mom's had it rough, but she's a fighter," Tina said patting Netalia's hand reassuringly. Netalia's attention was grabbed by the sounds of a fussy baby.

"He's so cute," Netalia squealed. Tina laughed and handed Parker over to her. "It's going to be so weird having a baby in the house. I've always wanted a little brother or sister," Netalia commented. Tina said nothing, just exchanged glances with Kara. "What's wrong?" Netalia asked.

"They can't stop the labor," Kara said gently as Darius led Ashley into the living room.

"Hey Ash," Tina greeted.

"Billy called me. Said you guys could use some company," Ashley said, taking Parker from a shocked Netalia. "Hi pumpkin, you just keep getting bigger and bigger every time I see you," she squealed. Parker blew bubbles and grinned. "He's adorable! Looks just like the pictures of Jason on Bev's mantel," Ashley told Tina who laughed and nodded her agreement.

~~~~~~~~~~

"How are you doing?" Dex asked.

"I'm okay. Thanks to the happy drugs," Shella answered. Dex grinned and looked up as Billy walked into the room, obviously in full doctor mode. "I know that look. Is this where you're going to scold me for getting out of bed?" Shella asked.

"Not this time kid," Billy said with a grin.

"When are you and Jason going to stop calling me kid?" Shella asked grumpily. Before Billy could answer, Shella let out a low moan.

"I thought the morphine was supposed to help with that," Dex said.

"Help yes, take away all the pain, no," Billy told him. He sat on the bed and rubbed her back slowly. "Better?" he asked. Shella nodded and Billy stood up. "It'll be soon, I promise," Billy said softly before leaving the room. 

"How are you doing?" Shella asked Dex.

"I should be asking you that," he told her.

"I'm okay, I've been here before," Shella reminded him.

"I'm sorry Shel, I should have been here," Dex murmured. Shella gave him a small smile.

"It's okay Dex, it's forgotten," Shella told him.

Shella's eyes met Dex's as the baby slid into the doctor's hands, screaming at the top of his lungs. "Is he okay?" Shella asked, dropping her head back against the pillow. 

"He looks and sounds good and he's only a little premature. We'll take him down to the NICU and give him an evaluation," Doctor Anderson told Shella. 

Dex squeezed Shella's hand. "You did great," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

~~~~~~~~~

"How is she?" Tina asked softly. Dex glanced over at the couch and smiled when he saw Netalia asleep, curled up on her side, Parker asleep next to her.

"Shella's fine. So is the baby. A boy, six pounds even, twenty inches long. She sent me home because I was bothering her," Dex said with a grin. Tina laughed. "She'd better get used to it because I'm not going anywhere," Dex added.

"You're here for the long haul?" Tina asked. Dex nodded as he sank down into his easy chair. 

"Come hell or high water, I'm staying here with Shella and the kids," Dex said, glancing back at the sleeping daughter he so recently discovered. 

"Good," Tina, Kara and Ashley said in unison.



A Love from the Past Ch. 12-13



 There are fictional locations near real locations mentioned in this post; any similarity to a real location is a coincidence. Thanks for reading!

Ashira 

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Marie, it's Shella. Again. I know I'm probably the last person you want to hear from right now, but I wanted to remind you that I had the baby, a boy and I thought you would want to see your grandson. I named him Paul Samuel after his father and he looks just like him. You know my cell number, please call me," Shella said, imprinting the message onto the machine.

"No answer?" Dex asked when Shella walked into the living room. It had been nearly two months since she had given birth and it was the baby's first night home.

"I think she's avoiding me. The custody case got a lot of press. She called me a money grabbing whore and then told me she doubted that Paul was the father," Shella said with a sigh.

"She'll come around. Especially when she sees that baby," Dex said.

"He is a dead ringer for Paul isn't he?" Shella asked with a small smile. Dex nodded and stayed silent. Before anything else could be said, Netalia ran into the room. "What's up kid?" Shella asked.

"There are reporters outside and they keep asking about a coup in Tria," Netalia answered. Dex and Shella stared at each other. Shella jumped at the sound of breaking glass.

"Get the baby, now," Dex told her. Shella didn't have to be told twice and rushed into the nursery. She grabbed him out of his crib, startling him awake and grabbed the already packed duffel bag from where it had been hung. 

"Don't cry sweetie," Shella pleaded softly. She flung the strap of the bag over her shoulder and grabbed the pacifier that had fallen to the bottom of the crib and eased it back in the infant's mouth.

"Shel, we need to get you out of here," Darius said from the doorway. He had been given instructions to make sure Shella and the baby were safe.

"Where's Dex and Netalia?" Shella asked as Darius hurried her along. 

"Already in the safe room," Darius said. 

"Wait! I forgot the portable crib!" Shella turned to head back into the nursery.

"There's one in the room, you need to go Shella, now!" Darius gently pushed her in the direction of the library. He found the book he was looking for and pulled it off the shelf which revealed a key and a biometric lock. Darius turned the key and placed his hand on the scanner. The door opened and they walked inside. Darius pulled the door closed behind him just as bullets rained down on the library.

"It's okay Netalia, this room is bullet proof," Dex told her, seeing the fear on her face.

"Dex, what about your dad and grandfather?" Shella whispered. 

"I can't reach anyone," Dex said. Shella reached for Dex's hand and squeezed it.

"Are you sure we're safe?" Netalia asked.

"A nuclear bomb could go off and we'd be safe in here. It's a lead bunker and the lead is about eighty inches thick," Shella answered. Dex grinned and nodded.

"Let's just hope a nuke doesn't go off," he joked. 

"I don't think they have that kind of technology," Darius said from beside the computer. 

Dex turned and saw information dancing across the screen. "The princess you refused to marry right before you returned state side had her father launch an invasion. He had inside help," Darius told Dex.

"Leena had that much hate for me?" Dex asked, surprised.

"You're quite the catch Dex. Tria alone would make any woman want you," Shella said softly.

"Even you?" Dex asked.

"I don't care about money Dex, you know that," Shella answered, lowering her gaze down to the now quite but wide eyed baby in her arms.

~~~~~~~

"You won't get away with this!"

"I already have Sebastian. My father has taken over the government of Tria and has men searching America for Dex. He made a world class mistake in rejecting me," Lenna said with a grin.

"You're as mad as a hatter!" Sebastian exclaimed.

"No, I just know what I want and I want Tria; I have wanted Tria since I was old enough to study a map. You and your stupid friend from America had to make that damned pact for your children to marry. I was thrilled when Dex was sent back home to find a bride after the little tart got herself knocked up! I was beyond thrilled when he refused every other woman that could be even close to worthy. And when he began dating me, I thought my time had come. Until he received that damned wedding invitation and discovered that he was a father," Lenna sneered.

"You won't get away with this. My son is resourceful. He'll find a way out of this," Sebastian told her.

"I'm counting on it. And when he returns to Tria to save his father and grandfather, to save you, he'll have to marry me," Lenna said with a grin. Sebastian stared at the girl in horror as he realized there was no way out but to play her game.

~~~~~~~~~

"How is he doing?" Dex asked as he watched Shella. Shella gave a shy smile.

"He's doing great, despite all of this craziness," Shella answered.

"Good," Dex murmured. He sat down next to her and ran a finger down the baby's tiny nose. 

"Are you mad that I named him after Paul?" Shella asked.

"No. I know you loved Paul and you want to honor his memory. I respect that. I also promise that no matter what happens with us, I won't treat Paul any differently because his last name is Booth and not Thorne," Dex promised. Tears filled Shella's eyes and trailed down her cheeks. "Don't cry," he whispered, kissing them away. 

"We have a fax coming in," Darius announced from the other room. Dex stood up and walked into the smaller room. "It isn't good," Darius told Dex.

"What is it?" Shella asked Dex.

"Lenna, the Princess that wanted to marry me. Her father has taken over Tria and they are holding my father and grandfather hostage," Dex said.

"Until when?" Shella wanted to know.

"Until I marry Lenna," Dex answered. He watched Shella carefully as she gently pried the now sleeping Paul off of her breast; Darius looked away while Shella covered herself. "Shel, you okay?" Dex asked. Shella said nothing, she just walked into the makeshift bedroom and placed Paul in the pack and play. 

"What do you want me to say?" Shella asked when she returned to the living area.

"There's a way to stop Lenna's plan," Dex told her.

"How?" Shella asked, already knowing the answer.

"The laws of Tria state that if a Prince of Tria fathers a child with the person he is betrothed, then they can be married without the head of Tria. Netalia is already a well known fact and the paternity test, taken only to appease the elders of Tria, all we need to be married is for you to say yes and for a judge to officiate," Dex said. Shella took a step back.

"Dex, it hasn't even been a year since Paul was killed, and you expect me to marry you now?" Shella asked.

"Yes. I know it's a lot to ask, and I know you need time. I'm willing to give it to you. But I would rather die and surrender all of Tria than marry Lenna. Please Shella. Don't do this for me, but do it for my father and grandfather," Dex said.

"But even if I do agree, Lenna will be able to tell by the marriage certificate that we got married after she took control," Shella protested.

"That's where I come in. There is a judge in the area that is loyal to Dex and his father. He will put a different date on it. It wouldn't really be lying, technically, according to Tria custom, you and Dex have been married for almost eleven years," Darius told her. Shella sighed; she had forgotten that willing sex with a royal guaranteed a wedding. Shella looked at Dex and sighed again.

"Okay, Dex, I'll marry you," Shella murmured. Dex sighed in relief and Darius grabbed the phone as he left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure about this?" Dex asked. Shella nodded.

"If Leena is as horrible as you say, I wouldn't wish her upon my worst enemy," Shella answered, smoothing a non-existent wrinkle in her lavender dress. "I can't believe you kept this, and even more surprising, it still fits," Shella said, shaking her head. They both looked up as Darius entered with the judge. "Did anyone see you?" Shella asked, anticipating Dex's question. Darius raised an eye brow, grinned and shook his head no. "Then let's get this over with before Paul wakes up," Shella said with a small sigh.

"Does he really have to watch?" Shella asked Dex.

"Just for the first time," Dex told her. "It's the proof that the Parliament of Tria and not to mention Leena and her father will need to recognize the marriage as being consummated.

"Can we choose who watches?" Shella asked. Dex chuckled and nodded.

"Darius is standing by with the camcorder," he answered. Shella shuddered at the thought that she was going to be filmed having sex. "Darius won't be believed by Leena on his word alone, she knows he is too loyal to me. The video is necessary as proof," Dex said. Shella nodded and blushed as Darius walked into the larger of the three bedrooms. He looked as uncomfortable about the whole thing as Shella felt.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to set the camcorder on the tripod and leave the two of you alone. The camera doesn't need me to hold it," Darius said.

"I'm afraid the law doesn't work like that," Dex said regretfully. "Believe me, the last thing I want to do is show you Shella's naked body," he added.

"And the last thing I want to see is your naked ass," Darius shot back with a grin. Dex laughed.

"You at least have to stay for the initial insertion," Dex told Darius. "You know what you need to do," he added. Darius nodded and set up the camera on the tripod before placing a chair just to the side of the camera. 

"Tonight, we celebrate the marriage of Prince Dex and his princess. Shella Lynn Hansen. They were joined by Judge Niro this evening, August fifteenth in the year two thousand and nine. They will join together as man and wife and love each other always." Darius chanted the traditional Trian chants; the chants were to grant the new couple love, harmony and fertility. Shella's cheeks were bright pink when Darius turned to look at them. "You may begin," he said after he finished the final chant.

Shella opened her mouth to say something but Dex covered her mouth with his, slid his fingers to a breast and began caressing the nipple with his thumb. Shella looked past Dex and focused on the camera. "Look at me," Dex commanded softly. Shella returned her attention to his face and gasped as he eased into her. "Relax," he murmured, thrusting hard and fast. Shella tried to relax but she kept focusing on the camera. "Do I need to get a merry go round in here?" Dex's voice rumbled in her ears.

"What?" Shella asked, looking up at him. Dex laughed and gave one final thrust and emptied his seed deep inside her. Darius nodded to Dex and walked out of the room. "Let me up please," Shella whispered. Dex sighed but pulled away from her.

"Are you okay?" Dex asked as he turned off the camcorder. Shella nodded then shook her head. "What's wrong?"

"I feel like I'm betraying Paul," Shella murmured.

"He knew you loved him or he wouldn't have taken you back and married you," Dex told her. "If you'd like, we don't have to have sex often. I'll wait until you're ready," Dex promised. Shella smiled gratefully.

"It isn't that I don't care for you, but ..." Dex pressed a kiss to her lips.

"I understand," he told her. "I am going to ask that once we get this problem with Leena resolved that you give us a year. If you don't want to stay married after a year, I'll grant you a divorce," Dex added. Shella gave a wan smile and nodded.

"Deal," she said softly.

~~~~~~~~~

"What do you mean Dex got married!?" Leena screeched.

"It's in all of the American newspapers," her aid told her.

"You mean in all the gossip magazines," Lenna said. Her aid shook her head.

"It made the New York Times and Prince Dex was on the Today Show this morning." Leena screamed her fury and hurled a crystal vase across the room. "Marty! Find out if this is for real and if it is, tell Dex to get his ass to Tria or his father dies," Leena shouted.

-3 days later-

Dex swallowed hard as he remembered the argument he and Shella had had the day before about him going back to Tria to face Leena alone. He smiled slightly at the thought of Shella worrying about him and glanced at Darius who had insisted on going with the young Prince, despite orders from Leena dictating that he was to come alone.

"You were supposed to come alone," Leena said from the throne.

"Get out of my father's chair," Dex growled.

"What is this I hear about you marrying the little trollop?" Leena asked, standing up and walking over to where her men had detained Dex.

"I married my betrothed and the woman I love," Dex answered. He stared right in her eyes and refused to back down.

"Why did it take so long for news of your nuptials to reach Tria?" Leena asked.

"We kept it small. A good friend of my wife's died recently, was murdered in his own home," Dex answered.

"I see. And where is the proof of your wedding? I know none of the royals has left Tria recently but you," Leena asked, proving her knowledge of the law.

"Shella and I already share a daughter therefore, having a royal present was not necessary. My guard Darius was there, and he witnessed the wedding and the consummation of our vows," Dex answered.

"He would lie for you," Leena told Dex. Dex nodded to Darius who pulled out a video tape. 

"This is the proof you require," Darius announced. He shook off the men standing behind him and walked to the entertainment panel in the wall.

"She doesn't appear to be enjoying it," Leena observed.

"We need to buy a damned merry go round," Dex muttered. Darius choked back his laughter.

"As I said, Shella is grieving the death of a good friend of hers," Dex said. Leena turned the tape off and turned to Dex, disgust written all over her face.

"So you've been married for two weeks, what a shame. We could have been so good together," Leena purred.

"Then you're releasing your claim on my country?" Dex asked.

"No! Did you really think it would be that easy?" Leena spat. Dex smiled a cold, almost cruel smile.

"No," he told her. He placed his fingers in his mouth and released a loud, nearly ear piercing whistle and Trian guards flooded the palace, swooping in and surrounding Leena and her father.

"You have two choices. You can leave voluntarily and promise to never return or we can execute you for treason," Dex said.

"We'll leave and never come back," Leena's father announced from the back of the room.

"Good. You can take Marty with you. I know he was your inside man," Dex said.

"But your highness!" Marty stammered, eyes wide.

"I know it was you. You conspired to keep Shella and I apart," Dex rattled off fact after fact until Marty stood in front of him, head held in shame. 

"You bastard!" Leena shouted, pulling away from the guards who held her. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small pistol. She aimed and fired just as the guards reached her again. It didn't matter; the bullet hit its target: Dex.

~~~~~~~~

Dex opened his eyes and looked around and was surprised to see Shella asleep in the chair beside his bed. He reached out and touched her hand; she bolted awake and when her eyes focused on his face and realized he was awake, she pulled her hand away and stood up.

"You son of a bitch!" she shouted.

"What?" Dex asked, still in a daze.

"You said she wouldn't hurt you! You swore you'd be okay!" Shella exclaimed. Darius walked into the room and placed his hands on her shoulders. "And you! You said you'd protect him with your life and here he lays, recovering from a gunshot wound while you don't have a fucking scratch on you!" Shella screamed. Dex suppressed his grin.

"Shella, I'm fine. It was just a graze," Dex told her.

"Fine my ass!" she said grumpily, but she sat back down after correctly interpreting the look on Darius' face as annoyed. "Netalia wants to see you," she added. Dex sat up and the blanket fell away. Shella glanced at Darius who went to go find Netalia. It was clear to Darius, even if it wasn't to Shella that she loved Dex more than she knew. He had to smile at the sight of Shella clutching Dex's hand as if he were going to disappear on her.

"Dad!" Netalia exclaimed, running into the room.

"Hey kid, did you think you were getting rid of me that easily?" Dex asked. Netalia shook her head and grinned.

"I knew you were tougher than you look," she said. 

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Dex said with a grin. He looked at Shella. "And what did you think?" he wanted to know.

"I thought you were either going to come back a bigger pain in the ass then you were when you left or you'd stay in Tria," Shella answered, trying to cover up her relief at finding Dex alive and relatively unhurt.

"I told you that I wasn't going anywhere," Dex reminded her. Shella nodded and stood up.

"I have to go check on Paul," she said before she walked quickly from the room. Dex started to follow her but Netalia shook her head.

"Just give her time," Netalia advised.

"When did you become full of so much sage advice?" Dex asked with a grin.

"Since I met uncle Jason," Netalia answered. They both looked up as Jason walked into the room. "I have homework," she added before darting from the room.

"She's hurting Dex," Jason said before his friend could ask. "Shel's trying to adjust to being the mother of a ten and a half year old girl and a nearly three month old. You pushed her too fast, and we both know why. And so does Shella, and she agreed for your father," Jason said.

"I love her Jason. I don't know when I realized it wasn't just a brotherly-sisterly love, but I love her so much it hurts," Dex said.

"Well, I'm glad you've stopped seeing her as a younger sister considering you have a daughter with her," Jason said dryly.

"You know what I mean Jason," Dex growled.

"Yes, I do know what you mean, and you know what I mean," Jason countered. Dex nodded and looked up as Shella walked into the room carrying Paul.

"He's gotten big," Dex commented, surprised. He had only been gone for a few weeks. Shella nodded and gave a tired smile. "Have things gone back to normal?" Dex asked.

"As normal as they ever were," Shella answered.

"Except the hate mail," Jason blurted.

"Hate mail?" Dex asked, looking at Shella in concern.

"Just prepubescent girls who think they're hot stuff and can land a prince," Shella answered.

"They're all jail bait," Jason confirmed.

"Who do they think I am, Zac Efron?" Dex asked with a grin. Shella laughed.

"I'm surprised you know that he's a teen heartthrob," Shella teased.

"I'm a cool dad," Dex said with a chuckle. 

Shella smiled. "Netalia is so much more than I thought she would be," she murmured, sitting down on the couch. Dex sat down next to her and hugged her gently and grinned when Paul started babbling.

"I can't believe how big he's gotten," Dex said, shaking his head.

"I can't either," Shella murmured.

-Later that night-

"Whatcha doing?" Dex asked Netalia as he walked into the living room after dinner.

"I have a project I have to do for a class; I have to watch a video of a memorable moment in the life of a family member. Uncle Jason suggested I watch this," Netalia answered.

"Where's your mom?" Dex asked.

"With Billy. They've been getting together a lot these days," Netalia answered. Dex shrugged.

"He's always been the one she's gone to when she's needed to talk," Dex said. "Mind if I watch the tape with you?" Dex asked.

"It's cool," Netalia told him, pushing play on the remote.

 "How are you doing?" Jason asked Shella.

"If I ever see Dex again, I'm going to kill him," Shella threatened.

"No you won't," Billy told her as he handed her a cup of ice water.




A Love from the Past Ch. 12-13



"It hurts though," Shella whimpered.

"I know sweetie," Bill picked up a damp wash cloth and wiped off her face. 

"I'm scared, I don't know if I can do this," Shella said nervously.

"You can do this. You have to," Jason said gently.

"And here she is!" the doctor exclaimed as the baby slid into her arms. A loud cry filled the air and Shella closed her eyes in exhaustion and relief.

"Is she okay?" Shella asked.

"She looks perfect," the doctor answered. The baby was handed off to a nurse who cleaned the newborn up and wrapped her in a blanket.

"Would you like to hold her?" the nurse asked. Shella shook her head.

"I'll take her," Billy said. He glanced at Jason, a worried expression on both of their faces as the tiny bundle was placed in his arms.

"She's beautiful," Jason told his sister.

"Are you sure you want to put her up for adoption?" Billy asked.

"I can't take care of a baby, I'm only eighteen," Shella answered.

"Shella, we'll help you if you want to keep her," Jason said.

"She deserves a father and she deserves parents that are in love with each other, not parents that get together out of parental interference," Shella said.

"Shella, this is Josh and Andrea Miller," a social worker introduced a young couple to Shella, Jason and Billy.

"I'm Jason, Shella's brother and this is our friend Billy," Jason told them.

"Where's the father?" Andrea wanted to know.

"He is at his home in Tria. I tried to tell him about the baby, but he refuses to speak to me," Shella said. Everyone turned towards the bassinet when the baby started crying loudly. Shella started to get up out of instinct, but stopped. "Andrea, would you like to get her?" Shella asked. Andrea smiled, walked over to the plastic bassinet and lifted the new baby into her arms.

"She's perfect," Andrea cooed. Shella smiled, even though it felt like her heart was breaking. "Are you sure you want to give her up?" Josh asked.

"I don't want to, but I can't give her the home she deserves. She needs to be taken care of and loved," Shella answered. "I do have two requests before I'll sign away my rights," she added.

"And what might that be?" Paul asked.

"Her paternal grandmother's name was Netalia Rose. I was hoping you would keep the name I chose," Shella began.

"What name did you choose?" Andrea asked.

"Netalia Rosa after her grandmother. She was such a caring woman who was killed before her time. My second request is I will be writing her a letter explaining this. When she is old enough to understand, I would like you to give it to her," Shella said. 

"I think we can handle that," Paul agreed.

"Good," Shella murmured. "I'll sign the papers as soon as they are ready," she added.

"Shel, they're ready to go," Jason said gently. Shella nodded, climbed out of bed, pulled her robe around her and lifted the infant out of the bassinet and followed Jason to the hallway. Shella handed the baby off to Andrea and took the forms the social worker handed her. Shella signed the forms and handed them back to the social worker. 

"You're all set Mr. Miller, Mrs. Miller. You can take your daughter home," the social worker said. Josh and Andrea smiled at each other and Andrea turned to Shella. "Thank you so much," she murmured before securing the baby in an infant car seat and walking away.

Dex and Netalia looked at each other, wide eyed as Jason walked into the living room.

"I see you saw the tape," he murmured.

"I can't believe you recorded all of that," Dex told his friend.

"It's what Shella wanted," Jason said. 

"How often did she watch it?" Dex asked.

"Every September thirteenth," Jason answered.

"My birthday," Netalia murmured. Jason nodded.

"Excuse me," Dex said, standing up and leaving the room. He walked into the master bedroom. Shella looked up from her diary, her eyes red and puffy. "I'll see you later kid," Billy said gently. He squeezed her hand and left the room. "I saw the tape," Dex murmured. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that alone. I should have fought Marty when he called me back to Tria," Dex told her.

"Why? You never wanted to marry me anyway," Shella said bitterly.

"That's because I didn't realize how much I loved you," Dex told her. Shella looked at him, doubt written all over her face. "Get up and get dressed, you and I are going for a walk and we are going to talk. No more hiding behind your job and Paul," Dex said.

"But ..."

"No but. Jason and Billy and Netalia are here. We're going for a walk," Dex said firmly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What are we doing here?" Shella asked when she saw where they were.

"Talking," Dex answered, sitting down on a swing. "Why did you agree to marry me?" he asked.

"So you didn't have to marry a bitch just after your money," Shella answered.

"Do you feel any affection for me?" Dex asked.

"I've always cared about you Dex. That's why it hurt so much when I couldn't get in touch with you when I found out I was pregnant," Shella answered.

"I wish I had been here," Dex told her.

"But you weren't and we can't change that," Shella said.

"I know." Shella sighed and looked away. "Shel, look at me," Dex murmured. 

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Shella and Dex looked up to find their old "nemesis" Travis sauntering towards them.

"What do you want Travis?" Dex asked, trying to sound bored but at the same time, he was on full alert.

"It took you an awfully long time to get married, what's the matter Dex, are you unable to satisfy your wife?" Travis sneered.

"That's none of your concern," Dex snapped.

"Are you still a virgin Shella? Do you disgust the Prince that much?" Travis asked.

"No. As a matter of fact, the first time Dex and I made love was on the merry go round over there. And it was earth shattering," Shella interrupted. "And as for what took us so long to get married is that Dex got called back to Tria and I was told I couldn't travel," she added.

"And we would like to continue our pleasant evening," Dex added, standing up and holding his hand out to Shella. She took it and followed him out of the park. "Are you okay?" Dex asked. Shella nodded. "I don't care what he thinks anymore," she answered. Dex grinned, pulled her to him and kissed her gently.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How'd you do on your report?" Shella asked Netalia as she came in from school.

"I aced it, thanks to the video," Netalia answered.

"That's great," Shella murmured. "Want to help me with the cookies?" she asked. Netalia nodded and set her book bag down on the chair. Netalia grabbed a round of sugar cookie dough and began rolling it out carefully. "Is something wrong?" Shella asked a few minutes later.

"No, why?" Netalia asked.

"You just seem to be avoiding me," Shella said, setting some cookie cutters down on the counter. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Netalia redistribute her weight. "What's wrong?" Shella wanted to know.

"I keep getting the feeling that you don't want me here," Netalia said finally.

"That isn't true Netalia. I always wanted you. You were my last link, or so I thought at the time to your dad, but I was scared. I'd never had a job, never been made to do anything for myself except my school work," Shella murmured.

"But Jason and his parents were willing to help you," Netalia reminded her mother.

"Netalia, I was seventeen. Things seem so clear now, but when you're going through it, it's cloudy and terrifying. Despite Jason and his parents being there, they had know real way of knowing what I was thinking or feeling. Sure, Bev's had kids, but Bev and Steve had been married for almost five years when they had Jason. I hope you never have to go through what I went through," Shella said softly.

"I can guarantee she won't. I'll believe and trust anything she says, provided she hasn't given me a reason not to trust her," Dex said, walking into the kitchen as Netalia put the last cookie onto the sheet and popped it into the oven.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

-Months later-

"It's almost been a year. Do you have an answer for me?" Dex said as he watched Shella decorate Paul's first birthday cake. Shella nodded, not looking up from her piping bag. "What is it?" Dex asked impatiently.

"I'll tell you tonight after the party," Shella said, adding the final letter to Paul. Dex sighed, grabbed a bottle of water and walked out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"He's out," Dex said, walking into the living room, where he had left Shella nearly a half hour before. Shella wasn't in the living room, but there was a piece of folded paper on the coffee table. Dex picked it up and read it and grinned, dropped the note and hurried out of the room.

"Took you long enough," Shella said, as Dex walked into the room and closed the door behind him.

"Sorry, the boy didn't want to go to sleep," Dex apologized.

"It's okay," Shella said with a sly smile.

"What are you up to?" he asked. Shella grinned again and slid the covers off of her slowly. "Are you sure?" Dex wanted to know.

"I'm sure." Dex slid into bed next to her and slid a finger deep inside her.

"I'll say," he said with a laugh. Shella rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him as her legs fell apart. She moaned softly as Dex thrust deep inside her. She met him thrust for thrust and moaned again when he suckled a breast gently. They were so in tune with each other that neither of them heard the door open.

"Um, guys?" Netalia asked from the doorway. Dex held himself as still as he could as he reached back to pull the covers over them. "There's a guy here, his name is Sebastian," Netalia said, covering her eyes with her hands. Dex swore loudly and Shella giggled.

"We'll be right out," Dex said finally. "And be nice to him, he's your grandfather," he added.

"He told me to wait for you," Netalia said.

"Netalia, go out and tell him that we will be there in a minute," Shella told her.

"Okay," Netalia said, backing out of the room quickly.

"My father's timing is impeccable," Dex groaned, pulling away from Shella.

"Is it a crime to want to strangle him?" Shella asked with a grin. Dex laughed.

"Normally yes, but at this moment, no," he answered.

"Sebastian, it's good to see you," Shella said when she and Dex walked into the living room.

"So you say for a fact that this girl here is my granddaughter?" Sebastian asked. Shella and Dex glanced at each other.

"I'm know she is," Shella answered. "Netalia, why don't you go start some coffee?" Shella suggested. Netalia nodded and headed off to the kitchen.

"Very blunt dad as usual," Dex said.

"I heard from your dad Shella Lynn. He told us that you were no longer a virgin, and that you were pregnant," Sebastian said.

"Yes, all of that is true, but had my father relayed what I had told him, you would have sent Dex back for a paternity test," Shella argued.

"No I would not have." Shella looked at Sebastian through narrowed eyes. She had always liked Dex's father, found him to be a very patient, understanding and fair man; was she about to be proven wrong? "I have known you since you were a child, and even as a young girl, you never lied about anything. Had your father relayed your message that Dex was the father, I would have asked Dex if it were possible, just to make sure and then I would have kicked his ass back here and had the wedding immediately," Sebastian finished. Shella breathed a sigh of relief as Netalia was hurried back into the living room.

"Nancy told me she'd make the coffee," Netalia said.

"Hello young lady," Sebastian introduced himself.

"Do you believe them?" Netalia asked bluntly. Dex had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing.

"Yes, missy, I do. You may look so much like your mother, but you have your father's eyes. He got lucky and got them from his mother," Sebastian said.

"Your name sake," Dex added.

"Your name is Netalia?" Sebastian asked.

"Netalia Rosa," she confirmed. Sebastian smiled at Netalia and then at Shella.

"She would be proud of you," he told Netalia. He turned to Shella. "Get your parents over here, I haven't seen them in fifteen years," Sebastian said.

"I don't talk to my parents," Shella murmured. Netalia faked a yawn.

"I have early band rehearsal tomorrow, good night," she said quickly before practically running out of the room.

"Why don't you speak to your parents?" Sebastian wanted to know.

"They didn't believe me when I said Dex was Netalia's father," Shella answered.

"I'm sure that's not true," Sebastian tried to defend his old friend.

"He threw me out! Literally! I had bruises around my arm for two weeks!" Shella exclaimed.

"I've seen the pictures," Dex confirmed. Shella looked surprise.

"Jason has a big mouth," she said with a sigh.

"I wondered why none of your friends contacted you after you came back from Tria, but Shella, why didn't you call Dex yourself?" Sebastian wanted to know.

"I tried. Marty told me Dex didn't want to talk to me," Shella answered.

"So that's why you made him go with Leena," Sebastian said. Dex nodded. A loud wail filtered through the baby monitor and Shella sighed slightly.

"I'll be right back," she murmured before heading up the stairs.

"I think you'd better tell me what's going on," Sebastian told his son. With a sigh, Dex told his father about what had happened in the last year. He had just finished when Shella returned to the room carrying a cranky Paul.

"He's teething," Shella told Dex.

"Poor kid," Sebastian said.

"How do you know?" Dex asked. Shella held up her hand where small marks were just visible. "Oh." 

~~~~~~~~~

"Do you have a moment? I need to talk to you," Shella asked.

"Sure. Oh, this came for you," Dex said, handing Shella a large envelope.

"It's from Harry and Marie," Shella murmured, tearing it open. She gasped when she read the contents.

"What's wrong?" Dex wanted to know.

"They're suing for custody unless I agree to leave you," Shella answered.

"What?" Dex asked.

"They don't believe I waited the proper amount of time before marrying you and they want me to publicly separate from you or they'll take Paul from me," Shella said.

"They can't do that. You aren't putting him in any danger, nor are you required to wait three years before getting into a relationship with someone else! This isn't the 1800s!" Dex exclaimed.

"He's my son Dex, I don't want to risk losing him," Shella murmured. Dex stood up from behind his desk, walked around the desk and grabbed her gently by the arms.

"Listen to me Shella Lynn Hansen Thorne. I love you and I'm not going to lose you because your formers think you should mourn Paul's desk until you wither away and die!" Dex told her. Shella smiled slightly. "That's what I needed to hear," she said.

"Now what did you need to talk to me about?" Dex asked.

"It can wait," Shella said.

"Shel, you know I hate waiting for things," Dex whined.

"Well, you'll just have to learn, won't you," Shella teased. Before Dex could think of a come back, Darius knocked on the door.

"Some of Netalia's old friends are wanting to meet her birth parents," Darius told them.

"I'm about done here anyway," Dex said.

"I'll meet you at the house, I need to use the bathroom," Shella told Darius. Dex glanced back at Shella and frowned when he noticed she had paled quite visibly. "I'm okay Dex," she assured him. Dex nodded and followed Darius to the living quarters, on the other side of the embassy while Shella slipped into the bathroom.

~~~~~~~

"And what is this, a pre-teen invasion?" Dex asked with a grin as he walked into the living room.

"These are my friends. Stacey, Melissa, Carter, Lucy and Stevie," Netalia introduced. Dex's eyes narrowed when he saw the dreaminess of Netalia's voice when she said Carter.

"Are you really a prince?" Lucy asked.

"Yes. I was born in Tria, but I lived here for most of my life," Dex answered.

"Where the hell is Tria?" Stevie asked. Dex's eyes narrowed again and he frowned at the kid. "Sorry," Stevie apologized.

"Tria is a small island near Elba. Most people have never heard of it, but that's okay," Dex answered. Shella walked into the room with a can of Sprite.

"Wow Neta, you look just like her," Melissa blurted out. Shella glanced at Dex and gave him a small smile.

"How old were you when you had Netalia?" Lucy wanted to know.

"Lucy!" Netalia exclaimed.

"It's okay." Shella sat down on the couch. "Seventeen," she answered. Dex sat down next to Shella and the kids plopped down on the floor.

"My sister saw you in an old edition of Seventeen magazine," Melissa told Dex.

"Oh?" Dex asked.

"She pinned it up on her wall and said if you and Shella ever broke up, she'd be there to lick your wounds," Melissa said. Shella and Dex looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"I knew you would be considered a heart throb," Shella teased.

"Hey now, would be?" Dex kidded back.

"They act like they're still kids," Carter whispered. 

"I'm only twenty eight," Shella pointed out.

"So how did you kids get here?" Dex wanted to know.

"My sister dropped me off," Melissa answered. 

~~~~~~~~~

"Wow who would have thought a group of ten and eleven year old kids could be that hyper," Dex groaned later that night. Shella laughed. "Hey, are you sure you're okay? You've been very quiet today," Dex murmured.

"I'm okay," Shella answered.

"Where did you go this morning?" Dex wanted to know.

"To see Billy." Dex sat up and stared at her.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing. I just needed him to confirm something for me," Shella answered. 

"What?" Dex asked, growing impatient.

"Let me ask you something first. How many children do you want?" Shella asked.

"Why?" Dex wanted to know.

"Just answer the question," Shella said impatiently.

"I don't know, a few," Dex answered. "Why?"

"Because I'm late," Shella said, stretching out on her side.

"Late?" Dex repeated.

"Late," Shella confirmed.

"Late for what?" Dex asked. Shella slapped her hand against her forehead.

"Late for my monthly visitor," Shella said dryly.

"Really? How late?" Dex asked.

"Nine weeks," Shella answered. Dex sat up and stared at her. 

"We're pregnant?" Dex asked.

"There's no we in a pregnancy," Shella reminded him. He gave her a pointed look. "But yes, I am pregnant. Eleven weeks pregnant," Shella added. She studied Dex's face carefully. "Are you okay with this?" she asked, unable to read the look on his face.

"Of course I am! Why wouldn't I be?" Dex wanted to know.

"We're just getting used to the parent thing with Netalia and we have Paul," Shella murmured.

"What do I have to do to prove to you that I think you're beautiful and that I'm head over heels in love with you?" Dex asked.

"Show me," Shella taunted, her voice quiet. Dex laughed and pulled her to him.

"Are you sure it's okay?" Dex asked. Shella resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"Billy said as long as we're not overly rough, everything will be fine," Shella assured him.

-2 weeks later-

"Oh my God, Shella, are you watching tv?" Kara asked.

"No, I just got Paul down for a nap and I was looking forward to some peace and quiet," Shella answered.

"Turn on CBLC!" Kara insisted. Shella reached for the remote and flipped on the suggested channel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This is Miriam Lange with Prince Dexter of Tria. Thank you again for joining us your highness," Miriam said.

"It is my pleasure Miriam, and please, call me Dex," he told her.

"Well, Dex, it's been quite a long time since you've been anywhere near the media. What has your life been like in the past decade?" Miriam asked.

"The second to last time I was anywhere near cameras or microphones was when my mother was run down by a drunk driver. I was very angry and said some awful things about society and the man who was driving the car. I've grown up a lot since then. My life has been a wild and crazy roller coaster," Dex said.




A Love from the Past Ch. 12-13



"Well, let me be more specific. Over the last decade, there have been rumors that you have been dating princesses from all across Europe, and then within the last year, those rumors just died, which coincides with the break up of the kingdom of Hiram. I know you were on the Today show and mentioned that you had gotten married, is it true?" Miriam asked.

"Yes, it's true. We were supposed to be married ten years ago, but life got in the way. I had to return to Tria and an aid conspired with another individual to keep us apart. I finally was able to return to the states about a year and a half ago when two of my old friends finally got married. I got quite the surprise when I got back I might add," Dex answered.

"And what kind of surprise was that?" Miriam wanted to know.

"That I had a daughter that was nearly ten years old," Dex told her.

"A daughter," Miriam repeated.

"That's right. Her name is Netalia Rosa, and she looks just like her mother," Dex confirmed.

"And you don't think there is any chance that she lied about the paternity?" Miriam asked.

"No. I've known Shella since we were both in diapers. She is the most honest person I've ever met," Dex said, growing annoyed with the woman's questions.

~~~~~~~~

"Oh my God Kara!" Shella exclaimed.

"Calm down Shel, he's probably doing this to publicly acknowledge your relationship," Kara soothed.

"Oh God!" Shella groaned.

I just have one question. What did he mean by he was buying a merry go round for sentimental reasons?" Kara asked. Shella burst out laughing. "Shel? Are you okay?" Kara wanted to know as Shella's laughter turned to tears. "I'm coming over," Kara said into the phone before hanging up.

"Shel, are you okay?" Kara asked after making her way into the living room.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. Things are really crazy these days," Shella apologized.

"So what's with the merry go round?" Kara wanted to know.

"Remember prom?" Kara nodded. "Travis and his goons ran into me at the punch bowl and said some awful things. And of course, I lit out of there like a bat out of hell. Dex saw me and wouldn't let me go off alone. We ended up at the Mercy Park. Netalia was conceived on the merry go round," Shella answered.

"Oh my God," Kara laughed.

"I know. It was crazy, but it was the last time I really remember feeling safe," Shella said.

"What about now?" Kara asked.

"Until now," Shella amended. Kara smiled. "So when are you and Tommy going to have your own band of rugrats?" Shella asked.

"I'm still competing in gymnastics, so probably not for awhile. My coach says I have one more chance at the Olympics," Kara answered.

"That's cool, but Tommy seems like he'll make a great dad," Shella said.

"I know he will. He and Jason decided they're going to teach Netalia Tae Kwan do," Kara agreed.

"Yeah, I gave the green light, even if her life will never be the same again, I'd like to think she can handle herself," Shella said. Kara nodded.

"How are you doing? I know everything has happened so fast," Kara murmured.

"I'm dealing. I loved Paul, and if you tell Dex what I'm about to tell you, I'll never speak to you again. I don't think I loved Paul the way I love Dex. I never really stopped loving Dex, and I thought my heart had broken when I couldn't get a hold of him when I found out I was pregnant with Netalia," Shella said.

"We were really worried about you back then," Kara admitted.

"I know. Jason had me on a suicide watch," Shella murmured.

"We were worried you would try, you became so quiet, withdrawn. Especially after you put Netalia up for adoption. We were all relieved when you started college," Kara said.

"It helped a lot. I miss my job now though," Shella sighed.

"So go back to work," Kara suggested.

"I can't. I'll just have to take time off in six months," Shella said. Kara stared at her friend. "I'm a little over three months pregnant," Shella confirmed. 

"Are you okay with it?" Kara asked carefully, hoping she wasn't grinning like a maniac.

"I'm very okay with it. I'm just on pins and needles after what happened with my pregnancy with Paul Junior," Shella answered. Kara finally let her grin escape and Shella laughed. "Holding that back long?" she asked. Kara chuckled.

"I'm happy for you both! How does Dex feel?" Kara wanted to know.

"He seems excited, but he hasn't said much about it," Shella answered. She turned the television on and groaned when a recap of the interview filled the screen. "Wonderful; nothing else will be on television for the next two weeks," she groaned. Kara laughed.

"You can come to my competition next week," Kara suggested.

"Sounds like fun," Shella agreed. 

"Speaking of, I need to go, my coach is starting to get anal," Kara said.

"Figures. I hope he doesn't make you over do it," Shella said. Kara laughed.

"No worries. I can't wait to plan your baby shower," Kara told Shella before giving her friend a tight hug and leaving the house.



A Love from the Past Ch. 14-15



 I know that Kara would be too old to compete in something like the Olympics on the gymnastics team, but since this is a work of fiction, I'm modifying things a little. Thanks for reading!

Ashira

*

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"I've never been to a gymnastics meet before," Netalia murmured.

"They're insane. The pressure on the gymnasts is unbelievably nuts. There's Tommy," Shella said, pointing to a waving figure several feet away. Netalia and Shella made their way across the room and sat down next to Tommy and Jason.

"Where's Dex?" Jason asked.

"He stayed home with Paul so that Netalia and I could get some bonding time in," Shella answered.

"Paul cries a lot," Netalia complained. "Less now then he use to," she added. Shella gave Jason a small smile and shook her head.

"Here comes Kara's gym," Tommy said. 

"Is she up first?" Netalia asked.

"Fourth," Tommy answered before standing up and letting loose a loud cat call.

"If you destroy her concentration, she'll fillet you alive," Shella warned.

"Yeah but the make up s ..." Shella shot Tommy a dirty look and Jason shoved an elbow into Tommy's rib cage. 

"She just turned ten, you don't need to give her any ideas," Shella hissed. Tommy laughed and settled down in his seat to watch his love, his wife do what she trained so hard to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Great job Kara!" Shella exclaimed, giving her friend a tight hug.

"Thanks. One more competition to go and Nationals, here I come!" Kara said. Shella grinned.

"I'll be there to cheer you on," she promised.

"Good." She looked at Netalia. "What'd you think?" she asked.

"It's cooler than swimming, but I've tried gymnastics, I'm pretty horrible at it," Netalia said.

"Maybe Jason and Tommy could get your martial arts training going," Shella suggested. "They have some pretty intense competitions too," she added.

"Sounds like fun," Netalia agreed. "Is anyone else hungry?" she asked.

"Starving," Kara, Shella, Tommy and Jason said together. They looked at each other and giggled and grinned.

"The Pub?" Tommy asked.

"Hell yeah!" Kara exclaimed.

"So, what's so great about the Pub?" Netalia asked as they sat down.

"The food is soo good," Kara said, grabbing a bottle of water from the cooler. "Hi Jill," she said, waving to the woman behind the counter.

"Hey guys, it's been awhile. The usual?" Jill asked.

"Yes, but with a few alterations," Shella answered. "I'm going to get a Sprite instead of a glass of mountain dew and Netalia, what do you want?" Shella asked. Netalia scanned the menu for a moment.

"How are the burgers?" Netalia asked.

"Award winning," Shella told her.

"A burger, well done, onions, ketchup and barbecue sauce," Netalia ordered.

"Give me about fifteen minutes guys," Jill said. They nodded and found a large table.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"What took you so long?" Dex wanted to know when Shella and Netalia walked into the house, Darius trailing behind.

"We went to the Pub," Netalia answered. Dex rolled his eyes.

"I was hungry," Shella said. 

"Okay, Okay. This came for you in the mail," Dex said, handing Shella a letter. She tore it open.

"Harry and Marie are giving up on the custody suit. They finally got around to actually reading Paul's will," Shella murmured. Darius motioned to Netalia to come with him and she followed him quickly.

"What?" Dex asked, seeing the stunned look on Shella's face. She handed him a piece of paper.

 SHELLA,

I KNOW YOU LOVE ME, AND I HAVE FORGIVEN YOU FOR NOT TELLING ME ABOUT NETALIA, BUT I HAVE SEEN THE WAY YOU STILL LOOK AT DEX WHEN YOU THINK NOBODY IS LOOKING. IF HE IS STILL SINGLE WHEN I DIE, WHICH HOPEFULLY WON'T BE FOR A LONG TIME, GO BACK TO HIM. YOU LOVE HIM MORE THAN YOU KNOW AND I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY. HE CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY, PERHAPS HAPPIER THAN I CAN MAKE YOU. I LOVE YOU SHELL. BE HAPPY.

PAUL

"Wow," Dex said. "You okay?" he asked. Shella nodded.

"It's weird how he knew me better than I knew myself," she said softly. Dex gave her a gentle hug.

"He seemed like he was a good guy. I'm sorry you had to lose him the way you did," Dex told her. 

"But you're glad that we have a second chance," Shella murmured.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," Dex admitted. He pulled her into the living room. "I love you Shel," he whispered, nuzzling her neck gently.

"I love you too," Shella told him.

"I have something to show you," Dex said, pulling her down to the basement.

"Dex, what in the world?" Shella asked, ducking to avoid hitting her head on a beam. He flipped on a light and her eyes widened and she began laughing.

"You bought the merry go round?!" Shella asked, surprised.

"Want to try it out?" Dex asked with a grin.

"Well that depends. Am I still beautiful to you?" Shella asked.

"Would you like me to prove it?" Dex challenged.

"Please," Shella murmured. Dex kissed her gently while his hands peeled away the layers of clothing. Shella moaned when he moved his lips from hers and bent to tease a sensitive nipple. Dex quickly pulled his own clothing off and let them drop into a pile on the floor and pushed her carefully back onto the merry go round.

"Dex," she whispered, feeling as if her skin was on fire as he trailed his fingers over her body.

"You are so beautiful," he murmured into her ear. He thrust into her slowly and Shella squirmed and moaned and tried to bring him into her faster than he was moving. "We aren't rushing this," he told her, settling deeply inside her. He gently kneaded her breasts as he began to thrust slowly, tenderly. When she tried to raise her hips to meet his, he planted his hands on her hips and kept them down against the merry go round.

"Dex!" Shella whined.

"We're going to take this slow," he reminded her, moaning as her body clenched around his.

"This is torture," she gasped as he thrust deeply once and held himself still. Dex chuckled and continued to thrust deep and hold still until Shella was writhing under him. He allowed her to push his hands off of her hips and he began to thrust harder, deeper, faster. Shella's hips met his thrust for thrust and she came with a loud scream. He held still, deep within her, wanting to prolong the moment, but the look on her face as she came had him thrusting again, his seed pulsing deep within her. He lowered himself further over her and turned so that they were on their sides, facing each other. He was still deep within her and he didn't want to move.

"Are you okay?" Dex asked after a few minutes. He brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes and tucked them behind her ear.

"I'm better than okay," she said sleepily. Dex chuckled and kissed her hard on the mouth.

"Is everything alright down there?" Darius asked from the top of the stairwell. 

"Everything's fine D, we'll be up in a few minutes," Dex called back. He glanced at Shella and gave a small smile when he noticed her eyes closing. "Come on love, we need to get back upstairs before Darius sends down the guards after us," he said gently. He pulled away from her and she sighed with disappointment when she felt him leave her body. "Later," he promised. Shella grinned and sat up and took her clothing from Dex's outstretched hands and pulled them back on. Darius grinned when they brushed by him.

"Have fun?" he asked Dex. 

Dex grinned and chuckled. "That's for me to know," he answered.

"I can't find my book report!" Netalia exclaimed the next morning.

"I put it in your backpack last night. You left it on the table," Dex told her, grabbing a slice of toast out of the toaster and spreading a small amount of butter on it.

"Where's mom?" Netalia asked, taking a long drink from her orange juice.

"Still in bed. Her stomach is giving her issues this morning," Dex answered.

"Give her 7-up dad, not the orange juice you're pouring," Netalia advised.

"How'd you know about that?" Dex asked, pulling a can of 7-up out of the fridge. "It isn't cold yet," he added.

"She asked me for lukewarm 7up the other day," Netalia answered, popping the last bite of her toast into her mouth.

"Thanks kid," Dex said, pressing a kiss to his daughter's forehead before grabbing the plate of toast and can of soda and heading upstairs.

"Shella?" Dex asked as he walked into the bedroom. The bed was empty. He set the plate and can on the night stand and checked the nursery; no Shella. He turned and saw her in doorway to the adjoining bathroom. "You okay?" he asked.

"I'll be fine when the morning sickness stops," she groaned, climbing back into bed. 

"Toast, light on the butter and lukewarm 7up," Dex told her as she reached for the plate.

"Thanks," she murmured, nibbling slowly on the toast. Dex sat down next to her. "Did Netalia get off to school okay?" Shella wanted to know.

"Yup, Darius is driving her now," Dex answered.

"Good," Shella said, popping open the can of 7up and taking a small sip.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Dex asked.

"I'm fine. Morning sickness is normal for a pregnancy and besides, it was way worse with Netalia," Shella told him. Dex looked as if he didn't believe her. "Ask Billy," she added. 

~~~~~~~~~~

-A few months later-

"She looks nervous," Shella commented.

"She is. She didn't sleep well last night," Tommy answered.

"Kara had better snap out of her funk before her routine or she's going to be kicking her own ass later," Tina chimed in. 

"I'm hungry," Netalia complained. Dex took Paul who was beginning to fuss from Shella. 

"C'mon, let's go walk around, and yes, we can get some food," Dex told Netalia.

-20 minutes later-

"How'd Kara do on the floor?" Dex asked as he sat back down.

"She did okay. She came close to stepping out of bounds twice. I hope her concentration is better because she's on beam next," Shella answered. She winced as Kara mounted the beam. "You okay?" Dex asked. Shella nodded.

"Kidney shot," she murmured. Tommy breathed a sigh of relief as Kara completed her more difficult moves with ease but when she fumbled her dismount, he stood up, noticing the slight limp. "Look, she's shaking it off, she's okay," Shella said, putting an hand on Tommy's arm. He nodded and sat back down as the next group of girls walked over to the beam. Their relief was short lived, two minutes into Kara's routine on the uneven bars, she missed the top bar and landed hard on her back. Tommy and Billy were out of the bleachers and down to the floor like a shot. "I'm a doctor," Billy told the trainer that tried to keep him back. "And that's her husband, so don't even try to keep him back," he added. Billy knelt down beside Kara. "Do you hurt anywhere Kara?" Billy asked, feeling her neck and shoulders.

"Just a headache from not getting enough sleep and my shoulder," Kara answered. Billy did a quick exam and bit his lip thoughtfully as he felt around.

"I think you can stand up, but I want to look you over a little more closely," Billy said. "You are not continuing today Kara, I think you sprained a shoulder," he added.

"But Billy, I've worked so hard for this!" Kara exclaimed.

"I know Kara, but you aren't coming back to the competition," Billy said gently. He and Tommy helped her stand up and back to the locker room.

~~~~~~~~~

"Tommy, how is she?" Shella asked when Tommy came out of the infirmary.

"Billy says she's going to be okay, but she broke her collarbone so Gymnastics are out for awhile. This was her last chance for the Nationals. She's pretty much done with competitive gymnastics. She's older than all of the other girls," Tommy said with a sigh. Billy came out into the hallway with a weird look on his face. "Billy?" Tommy asked.

"You need to come back in here," Billy told him. Tommy followed Billy back into the infirmary. "This is the urine test results they ran this morning to make sure the competitors weren't using steroids," Billy said, handing Tommy the piece of paper.

"What does it mean?" Tommy asked, looking at Kara who had an absolutely terrified look on her face.

"It means it's time to buy a crib," Billy said with a grin.

"What?" Tommy asked again. 

"I'll let you tell him," Billy said, rolling his eyes and leaving the room.

"Is Kara okay?" Jason asked.

"She's fine," Billy answered with a grin. "But she's gonna need some advice from Tina and Shel," he added. Jason and Shella looked at each other.

"She's pregnant?" Shella asked in surprise. Billy nodded. "I thought they were being super careful," she murmured. Billy shrugged.

"It isn't fool proof," he reminded her.

"Wow," Shella murmured, taking a struggling Paul from Dex.

"Kara, are you okay?" Tina asked when Kara finally emerged from the infirmary, Tommy right behind her. Kara nodded but stayed quiet and glanced at Tommy.

"I think I'm going to go talk to Jason and Dex," Tommy said. Shella gave her friend a gentle hug.

"Do you want to talk?" Shella asked.

"I've worked all my life to get to the Olympics and this is the fourth time it's been stolen from me," Kara whispered.

"Kara, I know you've worked hard for this, and you deserve to win it, but what bothers you more about not getting there?" Tina asked gently.

I just want to go to the Olympics," Kara said.

"Kara, there's more to it than that. Is it because you feel like you're letting your mother or Tommy down or are you letting yourself down?" Shella asked.

"Both. Mom sacrificed so much to put me in gymnastics glasses when I begged her and I know Tommy's put so much on hold to help me get to where I am," Kara said softly.

"Because they love you! Your mom wanted to help you reach a goal and so does Tommy, but not at the expense of your health!" Tina told her friend.

"I don't know why he's been this supportive, it nearly cost us our relationship," Kara whispered. 

"Kara Anne Oliver, you listen to me," Shella began. Kara looked at her friend in surprise. "Tommy loves you, that's why he never asked you to give up gymnastics, even though it nearly cost you both your relationship. But now, you need to look at this from a different light. You are having a baby with the man that you are in love with. Are you ready for that?" Shella said as gently as she could.

"I've always wanted children with Tommy," Kara reminded Shella.

"Then embrace that. You don't have to give up Gymnastics, but you won't be going to the Olympics, and I am sorry for that, but it's true," Shella said. She gave Kara a hug. "Tommy loves you and will be here for you, every step of the way," she added. 

"God, we could form our own club," Tina said with a laugh. Kara giggled and Shella grinned.

"The mom's club. Where we bitch about not getting enough sleep or swollen ankles or about the men who got us knocked up in the first place," Shella announced. Kara burst out laughing and groaned when the laughter tugged at her collarbone.

"Sorry," Tina and Shella said sheepishly. The three women walked out to where the guys waited and Kara offered a weak smile. Tommy hugged her carefully and Kara. Shella and Tina motioned for the rest of the group to give the couple a few moments to themselves.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"Damn it!" Shella shouted as she dropped a tray of chocolate chip cookies onto the floor.

"Are you okay?" Dex asked, walking into the kitchen.

"I'm fine. I can't do anything anymore!" she exclaimed.

"What's wrong? Other than you dropped the cookies," Dex asked.

"I can't see over my stomach to do anything!" Shella complained. Dex hid his grin and pushed her gently into a chair.

"You don't have much longer to go, just relax," Dex told her.

"Relax? I've gained forty fucking pounds!" Shella snapped.

"Take a deep breath and relax," Dex insisted, bending down to pick up the now ruined cookies. The expression on Dex's face turned from amused to panicked when Shella began to cry.

"Shel, what's wrong?" he asked gently, looking up as Jason, Tina who was carrying Parker, Tommy and Kara walked into the room, Netalia following close behind carrying a pumpkin almost as large as she was.

"Out," Tina told Dex firmly. "You guys too," she added, glancing at Jason and Tommy. "Neta, you should go work on that pumpkin," Tina told the girl. Jason and Tommy led Netalia out to the front porch and helped her carve out her pumpkin.

"What happened?" Tina asked Shella gently.

"I went to take the cookies out of the oven and I bumped the tray as I was standing up with my huge ass belly and dropped the tray," Shella sniffled.

"Are you okay? Did you get burned?" Kara asked.

"I'm fine, but I really wanted to have chocolate chip cookies," Shella answered, taking the tissue that Tina offered her.

"Hormone moment?" Tina guessed. Shella nodded and wiped her eyes.

"And the forty extra pounds I've gained," Shella lamented. "I swear to God that I'm never letting Dex near me again," she added. Tina laughed.

"Yes you will. You guys haven't been able to keep your hands off of each other," Tina teased.

"I hate being this unbalanced and uncoordinated," Shella sniffled. Tina gave her friend a hug.

"You're almost there, just a few more weeks," she whispered. 

"Why not now?" Shella whined.

"I remember those days," Tina said.

"Parker's getting so big, two now right?" Kara asked.

"In two weeks," Tina confirmed.

"Man that went by fast," Shella murmured.

"So did the last ten years," Tina said. Shella nodded and rubbed her belly. 

"I swear this kid is using my bladder as a soccer ball," Shella groaned. 

Dex poked his head into the kitchen. "Is it safe yet?" he asked. Shella nodded.

"Just a case of pregnancy hormones," Tina told him.

"That seems to be happening a lot lately," Dex observed.

"No shit! That tends to happen when one's pregnant," Shella snapped. Dex raised an eye brow. "Sorry," she murmured. Dex shrugged. "I'll be back to normal soon," she added.

"Unless you get all postpartum again," Tina said.

"Yeah, that was kind of bad," Shella murmured.

"Postpartum?" Dex asked. Shella glanced at Kara.

"Let's go talk Dex," Kara suggested, leading Dex out to the back yard.

"What is postpartum?" Dex asked again.

"It's a type of depression that new mothers experience after pregnancy and delivery. Shella went back and forth about putting Netalia up for adoption. She didn't make her final decision until the day before she went into labor when she read a letter from the Millers. They tried to have kids for almost a decade but were never been able to get pregnant. As much as Shel wanted to keep Netalia, she didn't feel she could, or should, not when a couple who had been together for fifteen years, trying to get pregnant for ten had miscarriage after miscarriage before turning to adoption," Kara began.

"I know all of this," Dex said, rather impatiently.

"What you don't know is that Shella attempted suicide," Kara told him.

"What?!" Dex asked.

"More than once. She felt guilty about putting Netalia up for adoption. In fact, she went into labor after flying, against doctor's advice to and from Tria to tell you she was pregnant, and due any day," Kara answered.

"She did?" Dex asked, stunned.

"I did. Marty turned me away and called me a slutty whore," Shella said from the doorway.

"I'm going to kill him," Dex growled.

"It's done and over with," Shella murmured.

"But you still hurt," Dex said. Kara gave Shella's hand a squeeze and disappeared into the house.

"I'm better now," Shella told him. 

"I hate that you had to go through that alone," Dex murmured, reaching for her and pulling her to him.

"It's the past Dex, can't we just forget it?" Shella asked.

"I don't know if I can. Everything that has happened to you, I feel like it's my fault," Dex said.

"We're both at fault. I should have asked Jason to get in touch with you, I know Marty would have patched his call through," Shella murmured. Dex ran a thumb over her cheek and pressed a kiss to her forehead.




A Love from the Past Ch. 14-15



"I love you more than you'll ever know," Dex whispered.

"I know," Shella murmured.

"Cool pumpkin," Shella told Netalia as they sat in the living room drinking hot chocolate in front of a warm fire.

"Thanks. Uncle Jason helped with the design," Netalia said, taking a sip of her juice.

"Uncle, I love hearing that," Jason said with a grin. Shella laughed and rubbed her belly again. "You okay?" Jason asked her. Shella nodded.

"I swear this kid is trying to destroy my internal organs," she complained. Dex opened his mouth to say something. "And if you say soon, Dexter David Thorne, I swear to God I will shove my foot as far up your ass as I can get it," Shella threatened. Dex swallowed and Tina burst out laughing.

"Can I use that on Tommy?" Kara asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Be my guest." Shella yawned and glanced at the clock on the wall. "Does anyone mind if I go up to bed? I'm exhausted," she groaned.

"Don't feel you have to stay up on our account," Jason said, giving his sister a smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, check this out!" Netalia exclaimed. 

"That's pretty," Shella said, glancing at the dress Netalia was looking at.

"Shella, is that you?" Shella and Netalia looked up and Shella gasped in surprise.

"Hello mother," Shella said.

"You're looking ... well. Who's your friend?" Sue asked.

"This is Netalia, my daughter," Shella answered hesitantly. Sue studied Netalia closely and smiled.

"I should have looked closer. You look so much like your mother," Sue said with a smile.

"What do you want mother?" Shella wanted to know, counting silently in her head, hoping to calm her racing heart.

"I was shopping for Kirsten's daughter. She's turning eight next week, and I thought I saw you. Your father would have a heart attack if he knew I was talking to you. He'd have a stroke if he knew you were pregnant," Sue said.

"Good," Shella said grumpily. 

"Now you don't mean that," Sue said.

"He threw me out when I needed the two of you there with me! And worse, he didn't believe me about Dex being Netalia's father," Shella reminded her mother.

"You know how your father is. He's a very proud man. For you to get pregnant before you were married was a slap in the face for him," Sue told her daughter.

"But I got pregnant by the man the two of YOU decided with Sebastian that I should marry! We were two months off from the date of the wedding!" Shella exclaimed.

"But still two months off," Sue reminded Shella. Shella opened her mouth to say something but changed her mind and sighed.

"Did you find the dress you want Netalia?" Shella asked, ignoring her mother. Netalia nodded and glanced at her grandmother uneasily. "Then let's go, I have to pick up Paul from Tina and Jason's before we head home," Shella said. They turned and walked away. Netalia almost turned around when Sue called after them. "Ignore her, she doesn't deserve to have anything to do with you," Shella said softly.

-Later that night-

"I can't believe she tried to play innocent and blame everything on me! I can't believe she defended my father for throwing me out," Shella complained while she brushed her hair.

"They're married Shel, they back each other up, that's one of the things that makes relationships work," Dex reminded her.

"Like you would throw Netalia out if she made a poor judgment call and got pregnant before she was married," Shella said.

"No, I wouldn't. I'd just kill the boy that touched her," Dex told her. Shella giggled and set her brush on her night stand before settling back against the pillows. "How much longer?" he asked, stretching out beside her.

"A week," Shella answered. 

"And do you feel okay?" Dex asked.

"As okay as I can feel at being thirty-nine weeks pregnant. Why, what are you up to?" Shella wanted to know, turning to face him.

"My father is flying in on a red eye flight. He wants to be here when the baby comes," Dex answered.

~~~~~~~~~~

"What the hell are you doing here?" Shella asked, coming to a stop just inside the living room. Her father stood up. "I was invited," Phil answered.

"By whom?" Shella wanted to know.

"By me," Sebastian said from behind her, a frown marring his still handsome features.

"I refuse to eat in the same room with him," Shella said, turning around.

"You will eat because you need to and you will eat with your parents because I want the company of my daughter and my old friend," Sebastian insisted. Dex walked in, carrying Paul on his hip.

"Did you know anything about this?" Shella demanded to know.

"Not until about ten minutes ago," Dex answered. He set Paul down who went over to his toys and began playing.

"I can't do this Dex, I can't eat with them," Shella said after Dex walked over to her.

"Just come eat, pacify my father, be polite, when you're done, it'll be time to put Paul to bed and you can stay upstairs," Dex murmured.

"You should give your chef a raise," Phil told Dex.

"I made it," Shella said. Phil looked at his daughter in surprise. "I took culinary arts classes in college. Until recently, I worked as a test cooker for a culinary arts school near here," Shella told him.

"Why did you quit?" Sue asked.

"I have a hard time working with the stove and bending over to take things out of the oven," Shella said dryly. 

Sue chuckled. "How much longer?" she wanted to know.

"I'm due next week," Shella answered. Paul took this moment to wave his arms around and let out and angry screech, sending the plate with his food flying off the table. 

"I've got it," Dex said quickly. He cleaned the mess up off of the floor and returned to the table.

"Where is his father? The kid has too dark of a skin tone to be Dex's. What, did he leave you when you got pregnant?" Phil asked in a tone that revealed he was certain that was exactly what had happened.

"He's dead. He was attacked in our apartment right before I found out I was pregnant," Shella said softly. The hurt was almost over shadowed by her anger.

"And they were married," Dex added, reaching for her hand under the table.

"That must have been horrible," Sue murmured. Shella looked at her mother and for the first time in years, was comforted by the look her mother was giving her. Everyone looked up as Jason and Tina walked in.

"What's wrong?" Shella asked. "Where's Parker?"

"Nothing is wrong, Parker's with my mom. We were supposed to come over and plan Kara and Tommy's surprise party," Jason said.

"I completely forgot! Sebastian dropped in for a visit and invited the terrible duo over there," Shella said, slapping her forehead with the palm of her hand.

"It's okay, we'll come back another time," Tina said, giving Jason a look of concern.

"Unless you'd like us to stay," Jason added.

"You're welcome to, there's plenty," Shella said gratefully. Sebastian opened his mouth to object but Dex grinned and stood up.

"Let me get you guys some food," he told them. Jason and Tina sat down at the table.

~~~~~~~~~~

"I can not believe you did that!" Dex shouted to his father later that night after everyone had gone. 

"Phil and I are old friends, and I haven't seen him in close to twenty years! I'm allowed to see my own friends!" Sebastian exclaimed.

"You should have asked first! Shella doesn't need any stress right now and seeing her father is very stressful for her," Dex said.

"I think she needs to get over it. He had her best interests at heart," Sebastian told Dex. Dex clenched his hands into fists, walked over to his desk, opened a drawer and pulled a small box out of it.

"Get over it? You mean this?" He snapped a picture down onto the desk. "Or this? And what about this?" He slapped picture after picture down on the desk for his father to see. "These are the bruises he caused when he literally threw her out of the house. He refused to allow her to take any of her clothing or possessions. She was only allowed to take what she had on her the day she found out she was pregnant. This is what your friend did," Dex said harshly. He studied his father's reaction as his father looked at the pictures.

"I don't believe it," Sebastian said. 

"Call him," Dex insisted, holding out the phone. Sebastian took the phone and dialed. While his father was talking to Phil, Dex slipped out of the library to go check on Shella. "Shel, what's wrong?" Dex asked, walking into the bedroom. 

"Nothing," Shella said with a shaky smile. "But you'd better call Billy, my water just broke." Dex stood there, staring at it her like she had suddenly grown a second head. "Dex, today would be great," she added, taking a deep breath. Her eyes closed and she clutched the foot of the bed and groaned. 

Dex fumbled in his pockets for his cell phone. "Billy, it's Dex. It's time," he said into the phone.

"How are you doing kid?" Billy asked Shella as he watched Dex and Darius assemble the birthing pool.

"I think I'm going to castrate Dex personally," Shella answered with a wince. Billy slipped his hand in hers and rubbed her back with the other.

"Are you sure you want a water birth? It isn't going to be easy and I would feel a lot safer if you were at the hospital. Especially since this isn't my area of expertise," Billy reminded her.

"You're an emergency room doc Billy, you've delivered babies before," Shella panted.

"But not yours and not multiples," Billy said.

"The midwife is only a few minutes away," Dex interjected after rejoining them.

"Call her and have her here. An emergency could come up at any time and I don't want to take any chances," Billy told Dex. 

"I'll be fine Billy," Shella said.

"After what happened to Dex's aunt, I want all precautions taken," Billy said firmly.

"Okay, but she'd better hurry," Shella moaned, holding on to Dex's arm. 

"Darius, get that tub filled now!" Billy exclaimed.

"It's done," Darius announced. Billy and Dex helped Shella carefully into the tub. "Do I have to stay and watch this?" he asked.

"No," Shella panted. Darius headed for the door but stopped when he heard Shella call his name. "Will you call my mom?" she asked.

"Are you sure?" Darius and Dex asked together.

"I'm sure," Shella said. Billy smiled at her over Dex's head; he was sitting in the tub across from Shella, waiting for Billy to give him the final instructions.

"What made you ask for me?" Sue asked forty-five minutes later.

"I wanted you there when Netalia was born, and I sensed that you didn't agree with what dad did and ..." Shella's sentence turned into a loud moan of pain.

"Breathe," Billy told her. He looked up as the midwife finally walked into the room.

"Where are we doctor?" the midwife asked.

"Ten centimeters," Billy said after a moment.

"Let's go then shall we," the midwife said, washing her hands carefully and pulling on the gloves.



A Love from the Past Ch. 16-18



CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"Well?" Sebastian asked, standing up as Dex walked into the living room.

"They're here and everyone is doing well," Dex answered.

"I thought they'd never get here," Netalia grumbled.

"I thought you were asleep," Dex said, sitting down on the couch next to his daughter.

"It's a little hard to sleep through that," Netalia reminded her father. Dex laughed. "But mom's okay? Grandfather was telling me a little bit about what happened with grandmother," Netalia murmured.

"Your mother is fine. Tired, but she's fine," Dex assured her. He glanced at his father and sighed when he saw the haunted look on his face. "Dad, what about you?" Dex asked.

"I haven't heard screams like that in nearly twenty-five years and I had hoped never to hear those screams again," Sebastian murmured. Dex sighed and led his father upstairs.

"See dad, everyone's fine," Dex said softly. "Come on, I'll let you meet your grandsons and grand daughter," he added.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Dex?" Shella asked, reaching out and touching Dex's arm.

"What's wrong?" Dex asked groggily.

"Do you think you could get me a glass of water?" Shella murmured.

"Yeah, hang on," Dex said, sitting up slowly. He rubbed his eyes before he walked into the adjoining bathroom. He poured water into a small glass kept on the counter and carried it back to bed. "Do you need anything else, like some Tylenol?" Dex asked. 

"That'd be great," Shella said with a tired smile. Dex reached into the night stand and pulled out a bottle, popped it open and poured two on to the palm of Shella's hand. He was just about to lay back down when Paul began to cry. 

"I've got him," Dex told Shella as she started to get up.

-A week later-

"I can't believe you're up and around this soon," Tina said from her place at the kitchen table.

"Dex got called into a meeting, Netalia's at school and Paul was hungry. I can't just not feed him because I'm recovering from having triplets," Shella reminded her friend.

"Have you castrated Dex for knocking you up with triplets?" Kara asked with a chuckle.

"No, not yet," Shella answered.

"What did you name them again?" Jason asked, bouncing Parker on his knee.

"The little guy in green is Samuel Jackson, the little guy in blue is Aaron Steven and the only girl out of the bunch is Sara Marie," Shella answered.

"They're beautiful," he told her. Shella smiled and tried to hide a yawn. "Go back up to bed, we can handle the kiddos," Jason said.

"You sure?" Shella asked.

"Go," Jason insisted. Shella kissed Jason on the cheek and disappeared up the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~

"What are you saying Joe?" Dex asked, staring numbly at the words on the page in front of him. 

"Your father has been assassinated," Joe told him.

"He just left here three days ago," Dex said, shaking his head.

"They assassinated him as he walked from the tarmac to the limo," Joe said. 

"Why am I just hearing about this?" Dex demanded to know.

"It took me three days to get out of Tria and I didn't want you to hear about this over the phone or on the news. We've managed to keep things quiet for now," Joe answered.

"What's next?" Dex asked, rubbing his eyes.

"You return to Tria and take over," Joe told him.

"My wife just had triplets six days ago. She can't travel yet, and neither can they," Dex argued.

"You need to go to Tria. Tria needs a leader," Joe insisted.

"I won't leave my wife for Tria. Not again," Dex said.

"Your highness," Joe began.

"That's right, I'm in charge. I will not leave my wife alone. Not now, not ever!" Dex shouted. Darius stepped between them.

"Joe, return to Tria. Get the ball moving for a press conference. I'll talk to the prince," Darius said. Joe nodded and left the room.

"I'm not leaving Shella Darius, so just forget it," Dex said before his friend could say another word. He grabbed his jacket and headed back for the living quarters. 

Darius sighed and followed him. "I'm not asking you to nor suggesting it." Dex stopped, turned and looked at his friend. "What I am suggesting is that you go back for your father's funeral and explain to the people that while you are ready to assume the throne, you need to wait for your wife and children to be able to travel," Darius said. 

"That's the thing, I don't want to assume the throne," Dex grumbled.

"There's nobody else Dex. Your siblings didn't make it past birth," Darius reminded his friend.

"Yes, I remember. I too hear the screams in my dreams," Dex snapped. He sighed. "I'm sorry D. This is a lot to take in," Dex grumbled.

"I understand. You need to go back for the funeral and address the people. Joe is correct, the citizens of Tria are going to feel lost and panicked without a leader. Like it or not, you're our leader now," Darius said as gently as he could. Dex nodded, sighed and turned back around.

"I'll talk to Shella and let you know," Dex said softly as he walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dex stared out at the sea of people in front of him and glanced over toward Darius who stood just slightly behind him, just out of view if someone didn't know he was there. 

"My fellow people, I thank you for your well wishes to the rest of my family and your condolences on the death of my father, our King. My father tried to be a good King, a fair King and wanted to do all that he could for his subjects. Now that my father has passed, been murdered in his own country, as his sole remaining child, I will assume the throne. I will be traveling between Tria and the United States for awhile, as some of you may have heard, my wife gave birth just over a week ago and has not been cleared to travel. I am not abandoning you, I just refuse to permanently move back here without what is left of my family. While I am in the States, I will leave someone here in charge of taking statements from you about any issues or concerns you have and they will be relayed to me promptly. Thank you all for your patience," Dex said. "I will now take a few questions," he added.

~~~~~~~~~

"Poor Dex," Shella murmured, laying her head on Billy's shoulder.

"Tell me about it. How are you feeling kiddo?" Billy asked.

"I'm sore still, and more tired than I knew was possible but happy. Mostly," Shella answered.

"Mostly?" Billy asked, raising an eye brow.

"Sebastian being killed wasn't exactly a joyous occasion," Shella said dryly.

"No depression?" Billy asked.

"I'm fine Billy," Shella assured her friend. Before Billy could say anything, Shella's parents were herded into the room, Jason and Tommy behind them. "Thanks guys," Shella said.

"What's happened? Are you and the babies okay?" Sue asked.

"We're fine. It's about Sebastian," Shella told her mother.

"What happened?" Phil asked.

"He was assassinated on his way from the plane to his limo shortly after landing," Shella said.

"Please tell me you're joking," Phil said.

"Why would I joke about that?" Shella wanted to know. "Dex flew back to Tria late last night. The funeral is in two days if you want to go," she added. 

"Of course we want to go. Sebastian was my closest friend," Phil said.

"You go Phil, our daughter needs someone to stay and help," Sue told him.

"I'm sure she has enough helpers here," Phil reminded Sue.

"What's going on?" Everyone looked up to see Netalia standing in the doorway. "Is this about grandfather?" she asked.

"Yes," Shella answered. "Are the kids still asleep?" Netalia nodded. "Good." She turned to her mother. "Mom, if you want to go to Tria with dad, go ahead. I have Jason, Tina, Billy and the rest of the gang to help," Shella told her mother.

"Are you sure? I know you were angry and rightfully so that we weren't there for you when you had Netalia," Sue murmured.

"You should go if you want to," Shella insisted.

-6 months later-

"Are you packed?" Dex asked Shella.

"Yes."

"Have you seen Netalia?" Dex wanted to know.

"She's saying her good byes to Carter and her friends," Shella told him. She chuckled as Dex took the stairs two at a time until he reached the kitchen.

"I can't believe you're going Neta," Stacey sniffled.

"I'll be able to come back and visit. My parents have family here too, so this isn't forever," Netalia promised. She hugged the rest of her friends before following her parents to the town car.

~~~~~~~~~

"Welcome to Tria," Dex said as they stepped off the plane. Netalia gasped, her eyes wide as she looked around. Across from the tarmac, there was a turquoise body of water and pale white sand.

"It's beautiful," Netalia murmured. Shella and Dex exchanged glances over her head and grinned.

"Your highness!" Dex looked up to see his father's long time adviser walking towards them.

"It's good to see you again Jerry," Dex said, shaking the man's hand.

"This way please," Jerry told Dex, leading them down the tarmac. Shella noticed the armed guards that surrounded them. The guards were not willing to allow another member of the royal family to be killed. Not on their watch.

"Oh my God, look at this room!" Netalia shrieked. 

"This is the room that I stayed in when we visited Tria," Shella told her. "Your father's room was right down the hall," she added.

"Did you have any late night trysts?" Netalia asked.

"God no! Back then, your father and I were just two friends that were being forced to get married by our parents. We'd sneak into each others rooms and talk, but usually only after fancy functions, the balls we were required to go to," Shella answered.

"What was dad like when you were growing up?" Netalia wanted to know.

"He was a lot like he is now, but more optimistic about life," Shella said. "He's always been sweet and kind caring. Quick to defend his friends and family. When your grandmother died, he took it hard. We were ten and it had only been about two years since his mother nearly died giving birth to her own triplets. They didn't make it," Shella told her.

"Dad's had a hard life," Netalia murmured.

"Yes, he has," Shella agreed. "But he's had it easier than some," she added. A noise in the doorway had her looking up.

"And what are you beautiful ladies up to?" Dex asked from the doorway.

"Talking about you," Shella said honestly.

"Oh?" Dex asked, his eyes twinkling.

"I wanted to know what you were like when you and mom were growing up. She said you were sweet," Netalia said. 

"Is that all you thought?" Dex asked.

"I was a kid Dex, who cares what I thought?" Shella retorted with a small grin. She winked at Netalia.

"Excuse me your highness, we need you downstairs for a meeting," Jerry said from behind Dex.

~~~~~~~~~

"Shel?" Dex asked softly, trying to keep from disturbing the peacefulness of the night's air.

"How was your meeting? You've been gone for ours," she murmured. He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him.

"The advisers want a big royal wedding. What do you think?" Dex asked.

"I'd like a wedding, but I don't want it to be huge," Shella admitted.

"Good." Dex lowered his lips to her neck and pressed a kiss to it. The breeze drifted off of the ocean to the balcony they stood on causing her skirt to flow around her. "Have I told you lately how beautiful I think you are?" Dex murmured into her ear. Shella smiled but shook her head.

"Not today," she answered.

"Let me show you," Dex said, reaching his hands up under her skirt. His fingers grasped the delicate material of her panties and slid them down her legs.

"Dex, here?" Shella asked, her eyes wide.

"Here," Dex confirmed, pulling his slacks down his own legs. He let tossed them a few feet away and lifted Shella into his arms; her legs went around his waist. Shella moaned as he thrust into her and ignored the rough feel of the balcony she was pressed against. He thrust into her hard and fast, her hips meeting his in that ancient dance of lovers, their cries melded together as their tongues mingled. Dex thrust once more causing Shella to feel like she was falling off the edge of a cliff and she let out a strangled scream of pleasure. She closed her eyes as she felt Dex stiffen and cry out hoarsely. With shaking arms, Dex carefully lowered Shella so that her legs were once again touching the ground. Shella remained in the safety of Dex's arms until they stopped shaking and went in search of their clothes.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

-years later-

"Mom, are you here?" Netalia asked, poking her head in her mother's room.

"In the bathroom, what's wrong?" Shella asked as Netalia walked into the suite.

"Nothing," Netalia said. Shella put the tube of mascara down and turned to look at her daughter.

"Netalia, I may have only been acting as your mother for the last few years or so, but I wasn't born yesterday. I can recognize when someone has something they need to work out," Shella reminded her daughter.

"There's a boy I like and I think he likes me. He's asked me out on a date," Netalia admitted. 

"Do you want to go out with him?" Shella asked.

"Yes, but I don't think dad is going to let me go," Netalia said.

"Where does he want to take you?" Shella wanted to know.

"To his birthday celebration," Netalia told her.

"I think your dad will be fine with you going to a birthday party," Shella said.

"Well, the thing is, that his party is going to be in Paris," Netalia told her mother.

"I'm going to veto this right now Netalia. You're seventeen, Netalia, too young to be leaving the country with a boy," Shella told her.

"There will be other kids there," Netalia said.

"I'm sorry Netalia, but I've never met this boy and you are not leaving the country with a boy, no matter who comes along, unless it is one of your brothers," Shella decided.

"You're not being fair!" Netalia exclaimed.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but my decision is final," Shella said, turning back to the mirror.

~~~~~~~~

"Mommy!" Sam exclaimed as he, Aaron and Sara ran from the play area to the door that Shella had just come out of.

"Are you behaving?" Shella asked, looking up at their tutor.

"Yes your highness. We are out here getting ready to discuss flowers and plants," the tutor told Shella.

"Very good. Dinner is at seven," Shella said, looking at the tutor with a smile. She looked around. "Where is Paul?" Shella asked suddenly. The tutor shrugged. "David, where is Paul?" Shella asked again. David looked up and looked around.

"He was here a minute ago," David said. Shella took a deep breath and reminded herself that he could just be playing. At seven, he loved to explore and would sometimes forget to tell people where he was going.

"He's over there mom, by the water," Netalia said from the balcony above them. Shella smiled up at her oldest daughter before walking quickly down to the beach.

"Paul?" Shella asked, sitting down in the sand next to her oldest son.

"Hi mom," Paul said glumly.

"What's wrong?" Shella wanted to know.

"I don't have any friends here. I'm not allowed to see anyone. Why is it that Neta gets to go to school with other kids and I have to stay here with the triplets and a dumb tutor," Paul grumbled.

"You're only seven Paul, Netalia is seventeen," Shella said gently.

"I want to go to a regular school!" Paul exclaimed.

"Next year Paul," Shella promised.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Looking good guys," Kara said from the doorway of the dojo. Jason and Tommy stopped sparring as she walked over to them.

"How's it going Kara?" Jason asked, giving his friend a kiss on the cheek.

"Not bad. Can I steal away your partner in crime for a minute?" Kara asked.

"He's all yours," Jason said with a grin. He walked over to the bench and grabbed a towel and his water bottle.

"What's up?" Tommy asked.

"I got a job offer," Kara began.

"Oh? Doing what?" Tommy wanted to know.

"Coaching the a woman's Gymnastics team," Kara answered.

"That's great Kara!" Tommy exclaimed.

"Yeah," Kara said.

"But?" Tommy asked, noting the look of uncertainty on her face.

"We would have to move," Kara said slowly. Tommy took a swig from his water bottle.

"To where?"

"Denver," Kara answered.

"Kara, I can't just up and leave," Tommy reminded her.

"I know, that's why I am going to turn it down," Kara said, trying to hide her disappointment. 

"We can talk about this later, I have a class coming in ten minutes," Tommy promised. He pressed a tender kiss to her lips. "I love you," he added.

"I love you too," Kara murmured as she watched him walk away.

~~~~~~~~

"OH MY GOD! It's great to see you guys!" Netalia exclaimed as her friends stepped out of the limo and onto the palace grounds. She ran towards them and the four girls and two guys embraced in one large group hug.

"Hey beautiful," Carter's deep voice rumbled in her ear making Netalia shiver. He grinned a pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"This place is amazing!" Stacey shrieked. Netalia nodded and looked back as she heard her mother's voice from behind her.

"Did you kids have a good flight?" Shella asked.

"It was long, but uneventful," Lucy answered.

"Are you guys hungry? Lunch is just about ready," Shella announced. She grinned as the six kids made a beeline for the dining room.

"I swear, I like that Carter kid less and less every time I see him," Dex grumbled.

"Dex, they're her friends, and I don't think anything is going to happen between them, they were just glad to see each other. It's been almost a year since they saw each other. I'm glad they could come for her birthday," Shella said.

"I can't believe she's turning eighteen," Dex murmured.

"I can't believe it's been eight years since we've been together," Shella reminded him.

"I love you," Dex said with a grin. Shella laughed.

"I know, I love you too," she murmured, laying her head on his shoulder.

"I wonder what the kids are doing," Dex commented. Shella growled, sat up and straddled Dex with her legs. "Okay, maybe not so much now," he added. Shella laughed and squealed as he grabbed her and rolled her with him so that he was on top of her. "Now what do you have to say?" he asked.

"I love you," Shella whispered. Dex grinned and lowered his lips to hers.

-3 days later-

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Netalia exclaimed, looking up as she bumped into a hard body. "Cory, when did you get here?" Netalia wanted to know as she realized who she had bumped into.

"Thirty seconds ago," Cory said with a grin. Netalia smiled back, hoping to hide the fact that her knees weakened when he smiled at her.

"What are you doing here?" Netalia asked. Before he could answer, Lucy and Melissa walked around the corner.

"Neta, you should come see this," Lucy said gently. Netalia followed her friends curiously; a glance backwards told her Cory had decided to follow them as well.

"What's going on Luce?" Netalia wanted to know. 

"Go look in Stacey's room," Lucy told her friend. Netalia turned the door knob slowly and peeked inside. Her eyes widened and she gasped as her eyes zeroed in on Carter thrusting in and out of Stacey. Netalia took a step back, and being as klutzy as her mother, nearly tripped over her own two feet. Cory's strong hands kept her from falling over. Carter cried out harshly as he emptied his seed deep within Stacey's body and pulled out, grabbed a robe from next to the bed, pulled it on and turned to leave the bedroom.

"Netalia!" he exclaimed, surprised to see the group of people standing in the doorway. Stacey looked back and reached for her own robe.

"How long have you been fucking my best friend while professing your love for me?" Netalia demanded to know.

"It isn't like that Neta. Honestly," Carter protested.

"How long Carter?" Netalia asked.

"Six months," Stacey said, walking towards her friends. "We never meant to hurt you and like Carter said, we're not dating or anything, we're just friends," Stacey answered.




A Love from the Past Ch. 16-18



"With benefits," Netalia said bitterly.

"Once in awhile, yes," Stacey murmured. 

"Neta, I do love you," Carter told her. Netalia scoffed at that.

"Go fuck yourself Carter, or go fuck Stacey," Netalia said, her voice low, full of hurt and sorrow. She spun on her heel and walked quickly to her room.

She looked up when Shella knocked and walked into her room. "I heard about what happened, I'm so sorry sweetie," Shella murmured. Netalia gave a small smile and burst into tears as her mother's arms enclosed around her.

"I loved him mom! I was willing to give myself to him on my birthday and he was sleeping with my best friend!" Netalia exclaimed. Shella sighed and held her daughter, hating the sobs that wracked her slender frame. Shella stroked Netalia's hair and looked up when she heard Dex speak her name softly.

"Netalia, it's going to be okay," Dex murmured, when her tears subsided. Netalia looked up and gave a slightly larger smile when he brushed a few stray tears away.

"What did I do wrong?" she whispered.

"Nothing Netalia, nothing at all," Dex assured her.

"Men, especially young men around Carter's age can be immature and uncaring, but not all men are like that. You'll find someone to love you the way you deserve to be loved," Shella added.

"Speaking of young men, there is a certain prince who is worried about you," Dex said, an unusual twinkle in his eye.

"What are you up to?" Shella asked, seeing the look.

"Dad, are you trying to marry me off?" Netalia chimed in.

"N-no, not exactly," Dex stammered. Shella and Netalia giggled. 

"Spit it out," Shella said.

"Cory's family is from a long line of royals and he likes you; he's asked for permission to marry you. It wouldn't be so bad for either of you, not to mention Tria and Liera to be united by a wedding," Dex admitted.

"I don't know Cory that well," Netalia murmured.

"You know him well enough," Dex said. "I won't push it. Take some time, get to know him, but I want you to understand, he's probably the only one I'll approve of you being in a relationship with," Dex warned.

"You'll approve of Netalia being in a relationship? Wasn't it the other night you threatened to castrate any man that attempted to ..." Dex gave Shella a warning look and Netalia burst out laughing.

"I love you both, but if you don't mind, out! I need some time to think," Netalia exclaimed. Dex chuckled and gave Netalia a tight hug and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"We're just down the hall if you need us," he promised.

"Netalia?" Cory asked, hesitantly as he stepped inside of Netalia's bedroom.

"Hi," Netalia said shyly.

"Are you okay? Your mom said you were pretty upset earlier," Cory wanted to know.

"I'm better. I can't believe I let myself fall for that jerk," Netalia answered. Cory gave a small smile.

"We can't stop what the heart wants," Cory said.

"Dad said you've asked for permission to marry me," Netalia said suddenly. Cory blushed and dropped his eyes to the floor. "Why didn't you just ask me yourself, aside from the fact that we see each other about three times a year," Netalia wanted to know.

"That isn't how it's done Netalia. Around here are there are steps that need to be taken," Cory answered. She sighed and patted the side of the bed next to her. "Your dad would fillet me alive if he knew I was sitting on your bed," Cory told her.

"No he won't. Why do you want to marry me?" Netalia asked.

"I've loved you since I first saw you," Cory answered. Neither of them realized how much time had passed until Paul bounded into the room.

"I'm telling mom that you have a boy in your room!" Paul exclaimed.

"Boys are yicky!" Sara exclaimed. And at the tender age of five, to her, they were.

"Girls are yickier!" Aaron shouted. Netalia giggled and glanced at Cory.

"Girls are not yicky," Netalia said, grabbing Aaron and tickling him.

"Yes you are! You smell like flowers!" Aaron shouted, giggling and trying to squirm out from his sister's fingers.

"And boys are not yicky either," Samuel said.

"Are too!" Sara exclaimed.

"Are not!" Samuel shouted, pushing Sara hard enough to send her into the door. She sat down and started to cry.

"That wasn't nice Sam," Netalia scolded, dropping Aaron gently to her bed. He stood up and started bouncing on the bed and giggling as Netalia headed for the now screaming Sara. Cory got there first and scooped her up into his arms.

"You're okay little one," Cory soothed, pulling up the back of her shirt to make sure she hadn't injured herself too badly. "Just a small bruise," he told her. Sara wrapped her arms around Cory's neck and he rubbed her back gently as he whispered soft words in her ear. Finally, as Shella reached Netalia's room, Sara had stopped crying and had laid her head on Cory's shoulder.

"What do you want Stacey?" Netalia asked, looking up from her diary.

"To apologize. I told Carter that I was off limits here, but ..."

"Don't. You two deserve each other," Netalia said, returning her gaze to her diary.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Dad, can I talk to you or are you busy?" Netalia asked as she walked into Dex's study.

"I'm never too busy for you. Well, almost never," Dex answered. Netalia laughed. "What's up?" he asked.

"I was thinking about Cory's asking you if he can marry me," Netalia said slowly. Dex studied his daughter carefully and struggled to hide the smile that was forming. "I want you to give him permission, and I want the wedding to be on my birthday," Netalia told him.

"That's in a week," Dex reminded her.

"I know. My friends are already here, well, at least the ones from the States and I want them here," Netalia said.

"Even Stacey and Carter?" Dex asked.

"Even them," Netalia confirmed.

"I'll talk to your mother," Dex promised.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Netalia, what are you doing and why?" Carter asked.

"I'm getting married, that's what," Netalia answered.

"Why?" Carter asked again.

"Because Cory cares about me and will treat me the way I deserve to be treated," Netalia told him.

"You hardly know him!" Carter exclaimed.

"And I thought I knew you and guess what, I don't! Cory is patient and caring and great with the triplets so he'll make a great father one day," Netalia said, blushing at the thought of having sex with Cory.

"Give me a second chance," Carter pleaded.

"I can't do that Carter, the wedding has already been announced," Netalia told him. "Besides, even if I was inclined to give you a second chance, it wouldn't happen now," she added.

"Why not?" Carter asked.

"Stacey told Lucy that she's missed two periods in a row, three if you count the one that she was supposed to have starting Tuesday. It looks like you're going to get a go at parenthood," Netalia told him. She felt a twinge of guilt at having told him when she saw the look of utter panic on his face.

"I'll see you later," Carter muttered, leaving the room quickly.

"Everyone's here Netalia. Are you ready?" Shella asked a few days later. Netalia nodded and gave her mother a small smile.

"I'm scared," she admitted. Shella gave Netalia a tight hug, being careful not to wrinkle her dress.

"It's okay. You're going to be fine," Shella promised. The door open and Dex walked inside.

"It's time," Dex told Shella. She nodded, gave her daughter one last hug and slipped out of the bride's room. 

"Hi daddy," Netalia said softly. Dex gave her a tearful smile.

"You look beautiful," he told her. 

The ceremony passed without incident and seemed like a blur to Netalia.

"Are you okay?" Cory asked as they were dancing.

"I'm okay, just nervous," Netalia murmured. He chuckled and pulled her closer. Her eyes widened and she looked up, her eyes met his. "Is that what I think it is?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," Cory confirmed with a grin. He looked up when he felt a tap on the shoulder.

"May I cut in?" Carter asked.

"No, you may not," Cory answered. 

"I almost feel sorry for him," Netalia murmured.

"Why? He hurt you, what's there to feel sorry for him about?" Cory asked.

"Stacey's pregnant and her father is the shot gun wedding type," Netalia answered. Cory could hardly hide his smile of pleasure.

"He knew the risks," was all he said.

When it was time to leave that night, Netalia was a bundle of nerves. "I don't know if I can do this," she whispered to her mother as she hugged her goodbye.

"Yes you can," Shella assured her. 

Netalia glanced over at where Cory was talking with her father. "Is it going to hurt?" Netalia asked.

"A little, at first. It will get better, I promise Neta. You just need to relax and trust Cory," Shella told her. 

Dex and Shella stood, hand in hand as they watched the limo carrying their oldest child and her new groom away from them. "Are you okay?" Dex asked, watching Shella closely after they returned to their bedroom.

"I never thought I'd see her get married," Shella whispered. Dex smiled and gave her a gentle kiss.

"When I walked into the bride's room, I thought I was looking at you," Dex murmured, pushing her against the bed. Shella's giggle turned to a moan as his hands slid up her body, caressing her lovingly.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

"Are you okay in there?" Cory asked, knocking on the bathroom door. His breath caught in his throat as she opened the door and appeared before him. She wore a sheer, ivory robe that tied just above her belly button and she blushed when he saw that he was completely unclothed; her eyes focused on his hard cock that seemed to her, to be too large to fit inside anyone, let alone her slender body. 

"You look so beautiful," he murmured, reaching out a hand. She slipped her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the bed. She shivered as his fingers trailed down her neck to her hard nipples, past her belly button to just above her unexplored womanhood. He grinned at her response and kissed her gently as he eased her to the bed. She lay back among the pillows and he climbed over her, making sure to stay as far above her as he could as his hand roamed her body. After a few minutes, he knelt next to her on the bed and pressed a kiss to her slightly parted lips. His tongue slipped past her lips and mingled with hers as he played gently with a nipple. Netalia gasped as the new sensations rippled through her body. She sighed in disappointment when his lips left hers and he grinned at her before closing his mouth over the nipple his fingers had been teasing. She moaned as his hand moved to the other nipple and squirmed. Cory slid his free hand down her body, using his fingers to tickle her gently before he reached her pussy. She gasped and arched her back as he dipped a finger inside. Cory chuckled as he slid his finger in and out of her. Netalia's hips lifted off the bed as he brushed his finger against her clit. 

She moaned again as he began trailing kisses all along her body. She gasped in surprise as she felt his lips against her pussy and tried to pull away but he gently grasped her arm with his hand. "Trust me," he whispered, before he licked at her gently. She whimpered as he sucked gently on her clit while sliding two fingers deep within her. He smiled to himself as Netalia cried out shakily as she came and held her close, kissed her gently.

"Please tell me that isn't all there is," she whispered. Cory laughed and kissed her again.

"Not by a long shot," he told her, spreading her legs apart. Netalia's eyes flew open as she felt the tip of the head of his cock pressing into her.

"You won't fit," she said quietly, beginning to panic.

"Netalia, look at me," Cory said. She looked up at him. "Relax and trust me," he urged. Netalia took a deep breath and moaned as he tweaked her nipple again. He pushed into her further, making her gasp as she was stretched. Cory took a deep breath as he bumped against her hymen. He looked at Netalia to find her eyes wide, her lips parted. He captured her lips with his, his hand still playing with her breast and she moaned. The moan was enough to have his body send more blood to his cock and it pulsed, pushing against her hymen making her gasp a little. 

"Do you trust me?" Cory asked, peering into her eyes. She nodded slowly and made a sound of protest as Cory started to pull out of her. She cried out loudly as he suddenly thrust back into her, hard and fast, busting through her hymen. Tears filled her eyes and trailed down her cheeks. Cory kissed them away and struggled to hold himself still. 

"Netalia, relax, it won't hurt much longer," he promised. He waited for the tension to leave her body before he began thrusting into her gently. Cory gripped her hips with his hands and pulled them up to meet his. After a moment, instinct took over and he slid his hands back up her body to cup her breasts again. She met him thrust after intense thrust, mewling softly as his cock brushed against her already sensitive clit. Cory closed his eyes, hoping that if he couldn't see her, he would last longer, but her image was already imprinted in his brain and he knew he was a goner. 

"Cory," she murmured, her voice full of wonder and pleasure. "What's happening to me?" she asked, her eyes wide.

"Just let go," he advised, nibbling on her ear lobe as he increased the intensity of his thrusts, reaching deeper and deeper. He could feel the familiar tightening and knew he wouldn't last much longer. He kissed her gently and went back to playing with her already hard nipple. She moaned again and met him thrust for thrust. "Netalia," he groaned, as he felt her hands on his back, her fingers trailed lines down his back before she pulled her arms close to her body. He growled and tried to get around the arms that now impeded his way to her breasts. "Woah!" he exclaimed as a hand slid to where they were joined. Her eyes were wide and she blushed when she realized just how wet she really was. 

He knew he wasn't going to last much longer, but he wanted to make her cum again before he did so he slid out a little, but knew the minute her fingers curled around the tiny amount of his cock that was outside of her body that it was over. He removed her hands and thrust harder and deeper than he had before as he rolled them onto their sides. She gasped as his finger slid to where they were joined and fingered her clit gently. It became too intense for her and she came with a loud, shaky scream. Cory came right behind her and let out a howl of delight as he emptied his seed deep within her.

"Are you alright?" Cory asked gently, rubbing her back gently, making no move to pull away from her. "Did I hurt you too badly?" he wanted to know. He was growing worried, she hadn't answered him yet and when he felt cool tears on his sweaty chest, he tilted her face up towards his. "Netalia, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," she whispered. He looked at her in surprise.

"Then why the tears?" he wanted to know.

"I never knew it would be like that," Netalia answered. Cory laughed.

"I didn't either," Cory admitted. He pressed tender kisses to her lips and cheeks and pulled her close to him. "Sleep," he murmured, pulling a blanket up with his foot before tucking it around both of them. 

"Morning," Cory said when he noticed she was awake. 

"Hi," she said shyly. Cory laughed.

"It's a little late to act shy and innocent," he reminded her. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Okay," Netalia answered.

"Not too sore?" Cory asked.

"A little, but nothing a warm bath won't fix," she told him. Cory smiled.

"Good. Why don't you go take a bath and we'll go get some breakfast," Cory suggested.

After breakfast, they decided to go sight seeing, and Netalia seemed delighted to be in Ireland.

"Oh, Cory, look! Don't you think Sara would like this?" Netalia squealed, seeing a large teddy bear in a window of a toy shop.

"It's cute," Cory agreed. He suppressed a groan as Netalia dragged him into the store. By the time they left the store, they were each carrying two bags full of toys. "You know, the whole point of a honeymoon is to have time to ourselves," Cory reminded her as they returned to their suite.

"And there is plenty of that. I just wanted to bring my brothers and sister back some stuff. They're too little to understand the finer points of a honeymoon," Netalia said. Cory smiled and kissed her cheek.

"You're a great big sister," he told her. Netalia smiled back.

"I try," Netalia murmured.

"We need to talk about something though," Cory said, sitting down on the sofa.

"And what's that?" Netalia asked, dropping to the sofa next to him.

"How soon do you want a baby?" Cory asked.

"What? I haven't even, what?" Netalia asked, surprised. Cory laughed.

"Do you want to have a baby right away or do you want to wait? I'm asking because if you want to wait, then we need to go back to a store and pick up condoms. If you don't want to wait, I predict that it won't be too long with the way it was last night," Cory said, nuzzling her neck.

"I love kids Cory, but I just turned eighteen," Netalia murmured. Cory resisted the urge to sigh. He had known, from the minute he laid eyes on her that she was the one he wanted to have children with and spend the rest of his life loving.

"I understand," Cory said softly.

"You're upset," Netalia said, reading the expression in his eyes.

"It's okay Netalia. I want children with you, but I don't want to rush things," Cory murmured, trying to avoid the confrontation that was sure to come. "If you aren't ready, then you aren't ready," he added. He stood up and Netalia sighed.

"I want to go to college," Netalia blurted out. Cory turned and looked at her with an amused smile.

"I wondered when you were going to mention that," he said.

"I've received early acceptances to Yale, Harvard and Oxford," Netalia told him. His smile widened.

"That's great, really great," Cory murmured as he sat back down on the couch. "What do you want to do?" he asked.

"I really love the idea of owning my own restaurant. My mom has a culinary arts degree and I love cooking with her. I thought maybe ... Cory, what's so funny?" Netalia asked.

"You aren't going to have to work sweetie. Every," Cory told her.

"But I want to work!" Netalia protested.

"We'll figure something out," he assured her. "Now, let's go back to bed," he added, scooping her into his arms and carrying her into the bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What do you want Stacey?" Netalia asked, hesitant to accept a phone call from her old friend.

"Carter left me Neta. I'm all alone," Stacey sniffled.

"What about your parents?" Netalia wanted to know.

"Carter denied having sex with me and dad called me a whore," Stacey said.

"Oh Stace," Netalia murmured.

"I need a place to stay Neta, can you help me?" Stacey asked.

"Are you still in Oak Grove?" Netalia asked.

"Yes," Stacey answered.

"Give me an hour," Netalia said, hanging up the phone.

"Netalia?" Stacey asked, picking up her phone an hour later.

"There is an apartment for you at the Glades. It's a two bedroom and paid up for a year. I also called my mom's old friend Ashley. She runs a daycare center. She'll give you free daycare until you find a job. I've also arranged to have groceries taken to your apartment for you on a weekly basis. Good luck Stace," Netalia said before hanging up.

-2 weeks later-

Cory walked into his and Netalia's bedroom and frowned when he found her asleep. It was only three in the afternoon and she had only been up for about five hours. He found a letter from the family physician on the desk and opened it, worried that something was wrong. His worry turned to relief and a twinge of fear ran through him when he read the words on the paper. He walked over to the bed and sat down next to her. "Netalia, wake up," Cory said, shaking her gently. Netalia woke up with a start and smiled when she realized it was Cory waking her up. "When were you going to tell me?" he asked, holding up the note. Netalia sighed.




A Love from the Past Ch. 16-18



"When you came back from your meeting, I just found out an hour ago," Netalia answered.

"But you fell asleep," Cory said with a small smile. She nodded.

"Doctor Forest said being tired was normal," Netalia told him.

"Are you alright?" Cory wanted to know.

"I'm fine. Doctor Forest told me that both the baby and I are looking perfect," Netalia answered. He pulled her to him and kissed her until she was breathless. "Wow," she murmured. Cory laughed. "How do you feel about having a baby?" Cory asked. They hadn't even been married nine months yet and he knew she hadn't wanted to get pregnant right away.

"I'm excited. I'm terrified, but the more I think about it, I don't know if I can wait another seven months to see our baby," Netalia told him. He grinned, relieved. "But I have to," she said. Cory nodded and kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. 

"I love you," Cory murmured in her ear. Netalia smiled.

"I love you too," she told him.

 This is the end of A Love from the Past, but don't worry, Netalia's story is coming soon! Thanks for reading!

Ashira 



A Love from the Past



"You what?" Paul asked.

"We share a daughter," Dex repeated.

"And where the fuck were you?" Paul wanted to know.

"I was sent back to Tria before Shella could tell me and one of my aids conspired with her father to keep me from finding out. I assure you, if I had known, I would have been back as fast as I could get here," Dex answered.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Paul asked Shella.

"I was scared. I didn't know if you'd stay or if you'd leave," Shella answered, rubbing her forehead; she could feel a headache coming on.

"For making a mistake?" Paul asked. He could feel the daggers shooting out of Dex's eyes.

"You should have told me," he added. "I'm hurt that you didn't trust me enough not to tell me," he said.

"I'm sorry Paul," Shella whispered.

"I need some time Shel. Why don't you see if Jason and Tina will let you stay with them," Paul suggested. 

"You're kicking me out?" Shella asked, saddened but not surprised.

"For now," Paul confirmed. Shella went into the bedroom, packed a large duffel bag full of clothes and hurried from the apartment.

"Shella!" Dex called, following her.

"What the fuck gives you the right to come turn my life upside down?" Shella shouted.

"You had my child Shel and you don't think that turned my life upside down?" Dex pointed out.

"It wouldn't have if you had just stayed the fuck out of town!" Shella reached into her pocket for her keys and swore under her breath.

"What?" Dex asked.

"I left my keys inside," Shella said. She walked back over to the door and tried to open it; it was locked. Shella sank to the floor and began to cry. Darius walked over to them and gave Dex an, "I told you so" look before picking up Shella's bag.

"Shella, come with me," Dex said gently.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Shella hissed.

"Shel, we'll take you to Jason's," Dex told her, emotions clawing to get out. Shella looked up and saw Darius standing there.

"Hey beautiful," Darius said with a grin. Shella found herself smiling back.

"Hi D," she whispered. Dex reached for Shella's arm and she pulled away from him.

"Here Dex, make yourself useful," Darius said, thrusting the bag into Dex's arms. He reached for Shella's hand and when she took it, led her to the town car.

"I'm not sitting in back with him," Shella told Darius. Darius grinned and opened the passenger door, shutting it carefully when she was situated inside. This was going to be an interesting visit.