1 comments/ 10877 views/ 5 favorites Love and Mistakes Ch. 01-03 By: AshiraDatya CHAPTER ONE "Netalia!" Sara exclaimed as her sister strolled into the palace. "Hey munchkin!" Netalia said, giving her sister a big hug. "Have you been behaving?" Netalia asked the little girl. "She's a spoiled brat," Paul said, walking into the foyer. He gave his big sister a hug. "Where's mom?" Netalia asked. "In with Aaron and Sam," Paul answered. "Hey Cory," he said, waving at his new brother who had walked in behind Netalia. "Hey kid," Cory greeted. "I am not a kid!" Paul shouted, stomping off. "What in the world?" Netalia wondered. "He's having a phase. He's the oldest in the house now and he wants to be treated like he's older than he is," Dex said, walking into the foyer. "You know you could have come in further than this," he teased, giving Netalia a tight hug. "How do you like being married?" he asked as he led his daughters and new son further into the palace. "It has it's advantages," Netalia said with a blush. Dex laughed. "I don't want to hear about your love life," he told her. "Did you bring us anything?" Samuel asked as he, Aaron and Shella walked into the living room. "What makes you think I'd bring any of you anything?" Netalia teased with a grin. "I've got the goods," Cory said with a laugh, holding out the bag from the toy store. "How come it took you this long to come back? We missed you Neta," Aaron said, climbing into his sister's lap. "It's only been six months Aaron," Netalia said. "I missed you! Paul won't play with me like you do," Aaron complained. "I missed you too kiddo," Netalia murmured. "Mom, let me help you," Netalia said as Shella began to clear the table. "What's going on with you? You've been super quiet all night. Are you okay? You and Cory aren't having problems are you?" Shella asked, setting plates in the dishwasher. "Cory and I are fine mom. We're doing better than fine," Netalia told her mother. "Then what's going on? You seem distracted and quiet. You hardly touched your dinner," Shella wanted to know. Netalia handed her mother a small envelope. "What's this?" Shella asked. Netalia smiled. "Open it," she murmured. Shella opened the envelope and pulled out a fuzzy black and white photograph. She looked at her daughter, comprehension dawning, a small smile appeared on her face. "Are you okay?" Shella asked. "I'm great," Netalia answered, grabbing a glass from the cupboard and pouring some apple juice into it. "Your highness, let me do that for you!" one of the servants exclaimed, walking into the kitchen. "It's okay Martha, I have it, it's just a few dishes," Shella said. Martha curtsied and left the kitchen. "Do you have anything you want to ask me?" Shella asked. "Does it hurt?" Netalia asked. Shella chuckled. "You saw the tape Neta," she said gently. "I'm not going to live through it," Netalia groaned. Shella laughed and gave her a hug. "You'll be fine, I promise," Shella murmured. They finished loading the dinner dishes into the dishwasher and grabbed the tray of apple crisp. "Grab the ice cream," she told her daughter. "You were in there for awhile, is everything okay?" Dex asked as Shella and Netalia returned to the dining room. "Everything is fine, where are the kids?" Shella asked. "Paul went to Micheal's house and the terrible trio went up with Lauren to bed," Dex answered. "I wish you would stop calling them that," Shella told him. "They act like it sometimes," Dex grumbled. Shella laughed and dished out bowls of apple crisp and ice cream. "No thanks mom," Netalia murmured as Shella tried to slide the bowl over to her. Shella studied her daughter carefully and gave a small knowing smile when she saw the look in her daughter's eyes. "What's going on, you love your mother's apple crisp?" Dex asked in surprise. "I know, but I've been having a problem keeping food down," Netalia told her father, really dreading telling him about her pregnancy. "Do you need me to call Doctor Jennings?" Dex asked Netalia. "No dad, I'm okay," Netalia said. "But if you're sick ..." "I'm not sick," Netalia murmured. "But ..." "Dex, she's not sick," Shella said. "Then, what's wrong?" Dex asked. "Nothing!" Netalia exclaimed. Cory slipped his hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "Netalia, watch your tone," Dex warned. "I'm not sick dad, and nothing's wrong." Dex opened his mouth to speak again. "I'm pregnant," Netalia told him. The look on Dex's face was a cross between joy and fury that a man had touched his daughter. "Is he going to hit me?" Cory asked, seeing the momentary look of rage on his father's face. "No," Shella told him. "It's what usually follows a marriage," she added. Dex stood up and walked to the window. Netalia sighed and pulled the bowl of apple crisp over to her and took a small bite. Shella stood up and walked over to her husband. "You're over reacting Dex," she said softly. Dex glanced back at Netalia and Cory and sighed. "She's too young to have a baby," Dex grumbled. "I was the same age as she is when I had her," Shella reminded him. "And you put her up for adoption," Dex shot back, he glanced back at the table in time to see Netalia run from the room, Cory following close behind. "You are such an ass sometimes Dexter David Thorne!" Shella exclaimed. "I was alone! Granted, it had everything to do with Marty conspiring against us, If Dad hadn't called Marty and canceled the wedding, I never would have given Netalia up for adoption! Why do you do this? Why after all this time do you still bring it up?" Shella shouted. "Shella, she's eighteen," Dex said, rubbing his eyes. "And she's married! You gave your approval for her to get married," Shella exclaimed. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Netalia?" Cory asked as he walked into Netalia's old room. "You okay?" he sat down behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "I should have known he'd react like this," Netalia murmured. Cory sighed and turned her to face him. "Neta, he's just surprised. I know he knows that babies usually follow weddings, but you're his daughter. When we have a girl, I'll probably be just as protective," Cory said gently. Netalia gave a dry laugh and allowed him to hug her. "He didn't have to bring up mom putting me up for adoption," Netalia sniffled. "Give him time," Cory advised. He held her while she cried and sighed when she cried herself to sleep. He carefully slid out from behind her and guided her head to a pillow and pulled the blankets over her. Then Cory took a deep breath and went in search for his father. CHAPTER TWO "Neta, are you sure about this?" Cory asked. "Yes. I need to go home to Oak Grove, "Netalia murmured. "Okay," Cory sighed. "Come with me?" she pleaded. He smiled and gave her a hug. "Gladly," he murmured. "Netalia, look at you!" Tina shrieked as she opened the front door. "Hi aunt Tina," Netalia said, giving the older woman a hug. "Jason, look who's here!" Tina exclaimed. "Hey kid!" Jason exclaimed, giving his niece a hug. "We didn't expect you to come around this soon after getting married," he teased, shaking Cory's hand. "We're having problems with Dex," Cory said. "Why? What, did you knock her up already?" Jason asked. Cory and Netalia exchanged amused glances. "Oh my God you did," Jason said. "I think it's socially acceptable," Netalia reminded Jason. "I think its great, I'm just teasing," Jason said, letting them in. "So, what are you guys doing here?" he wanted to know. "I wanted to come see Josh and Andrea's grave," Netalia answered. Jason gave her a sympathetic smile. "Do your parents know where you are?" he asked. "I'm eighteen and married, I don't have to check in with my parents," Netalia grumbled. Jason gave her a pointed look. "Mom knows, but neither of us have talked to my father since I told him I was pregnant," Netalia answered. "Why?" Jason asked. "Because my husband is an ass," Shella said from the doorway. Jason looked up in surprise. "Shel, what happened?" Jason asked. "I left Dex," Shella answered. Netalia and Cory exchanged worried glances. Netalia and Jason hurried forward to help her with the triplets. "Neta," Sara said sleepily as Netalia lifted her sister into her arms. Jason lifted Sam off the ground and carried the boy into the guest rooms down in the basement. "Can we stay for a little while?" Shella asked as she laid the kids down on the bed. "For as long as you need," Jason promised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Netalia?" she looked up to see Carter standing in front of her. "Carter!" she gasped. "You look great," Carter said with a lazy grin. "So do you," Netalia admitted. "How's married life?" Carter asked, hoping she'd say horrible. "It's great," Netalia answered honestly. "So there's no chance of us getting back together?" Carter asked. "You left Stacey stranded and pregnant Carter and you want to get back together with me?" Netalia asked in surprise. "I love you Netalia," Carter murmured. "I have to go Carter," Netalia said, turning away. "Wait!" Carter exclaimed, grabbing her arm and pulling her back towards him. Her jacket pulled away from her revealing her slightly rounded abdomen. "You're pregnant," he observed. "That's usually what happens when someone gets married," Netalia said dryly. "I have to go Carter and I don't want to see you around," Netalia added, wrenching her arm free and walking away. She walked into a diner a few shops away and looked around. The sound of a gurgling baby caught her attention. "Stace?" Netalia asked. "Hey!" Stacey exclaimed, standing up as Netalia walked over to her. Netalia gave her old friend a hug. "Wow, you're joining the mommy club too huh?" Stacey joked. "Yeah," Netalia said with a laugh. "We have jackets made up, what size are you?" Stacey asked with a grin. Netalia laughed again. "And who is this?" Netalia asked. "This is Calla Lily," Stacey introduced. "She's beautiful," Netalia said honestly. "I have a job now," Stacey murmured. "That's great Stace. Where at?" Netalia wanted to know. "Our high school. I'm working in the office. I get health insurance and they give me free daycare," Stacey answered. "I'm happy for you. Has Carter made any attempt to see her?" Netalia asked. "He came by the hospital after I had her long enough to tell me that he didn't want anything to do with her. Despite you getting married, he still has delusions that you're going to take him back," Stacey answered. "I ran into him outside. I can't believe I liked him," Netalia murmured. The waitress came over and took their orders. "I'm so sorry that I slept with him, I know you loved him," Stacey said quietly. "Don't be sorry you slept with Carter! You have this beautiful girl as a result! Be sorry you went behind my back, be sorry that he's a loser, but look at that beautiful baby girl and be glad you have her," Netalia lectured. Stacey grinned sheepishly. "You're right," she murmured. "How was lunch?" Cory asked as Netalia returned to the hotel room. "It was good. Look at this picture," Netalia said, sitting down on the bed and showing Cory the picture of Calla. "Stacey named her Calla and stuck the poor kid with the middle name of Lily," Netalia giggled. "She's beautiful," Cory murmured. Netalia nodded. "And Carter's too busy being a jackass to have anything to do with her," Netalia said with a sigh. "I bumped into him on the way to the diner. He wanted me to take him back," she added. "I hope you told him where he could stick it," Cory growled. "I did. I just hope he gets the hint," Netalia said. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "What do you want Dex?" Shella asked, stepping out of the room, her cell phone balanced between her chin and her ear. "For you to bring the kids and come home," Dex told her. "Why, so you can remind me of what a huge mistake I made when I put Netalia up for adoption?" Shella snapped. "Damn it Shella, I've apologized for that statement. I know I never should have said it and I'm sorry. I know you regret it, and I love you, and I've forgiven you," Dex rambled. "And how do you feel about our daughter's pregnancy?" Shella asked. "I'm still not ready for that," Dex admitted. "Are you going to apologize to her for acting like a huge ass?" "I don't believe I did," Dex said. "Then for now, we're done," Shella told him, hanging up the phone. "Mom?" Netalia asked, coming to the edge of the grave. Shella looked up and turned around. "Hi sweetie," Shella murmured. Netalia sat down on the ground next to Shella. "Saying hello to Paul?" Netalia murmured. "I've missed him more than I've admitted," Shella told her daughter. "Your brother looks so much like him that it almost hurts to look at him," she added. "Are you and dad breaking up for good?" Netalia asked. Shella sighed and gave her daughter a hug. "I don't know sweetie," Shella answered. "Did I do something wrong?" Netalia wanted to know. "No, Netalia! You've done nothing wrong!" Shella exclaimed. "He's angry at me for getting pregnant," Netalia reminded her mother. "Netalia Rosa, listen to me. You're married and you're having a baby, there is nothing wrong with that. Now, of course, if Cory starts treating you wrong, you let me know and he'll have problems," Shella told her daughter. "I don't know if I can do this without you guys," Netalia whispered. "You don't have to. Your dad will come around, he loves you Netalia and I'm here, you don't have to do this alone. You have Cory and Jason, and me, and the rest of the gang," Shella murmured. She gave her daughter a hug. CHAPTER THREE "Shel?" Jason knocked on the door to the guest room. "Are you up?" he asked, opening the door. Paul, Samuel, Aaron and Sara had been awake for hours. "Shel, are you okay?" Jason asked, growing more concerned when he saw the way Shella was laying on the bed. He knelt down by the bed and pressed the back of his hand to her forehead; she was burning up. "Tina!" Jason shouted up the stairs. "Yeah?" Tina asked from the doorway. "Call Billy and have him meet me at the hospital, there's something wrong with Shella," Jason said, scooping Shella up into his arms and charging up the stairs. "Darius, it's Jason. I need to talk to Dex," Jason said into the phone a few hours later. "What's up Jason?" Dex asked. "Shella's in the hospital," Jason told him. "Is she okay?" Dex asked instantly. "It's bad, she has a high fever and ..." Jason said. "And?" Dex asked. "Any chance you guys were trying for another kid?" Jason inquired. "Why?" Dex wanted to know. "Just get here," Jason said, hanging up. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Neta," Cory said softly. Netalia looked up and sighed with relief when she saw her father and Darius walking quickly towards them. "Hi dad," Netalia murmured. Dex raked his gaze over his oldest daughter. "You're looking well," Dex said with a small smile. Netalia smiled back. "How's your mother?" he asked. "In a coma." Dex turned around to see Billy walking towards him. "Still working in the ER?" Dex asked. "I like my job," Billy said. "Shel's pretty critical. We don't know what she has," Billy added. "Jason asked me if we were trying to have another baby, what's up with that?" Dex wanted to know. "She's pregnant," Billy told him. Dex's eyes widened. "Only about ten weeks, but the fever is not a good thing right now. If the fever doesn't break soon, she's going to miscarry," he added. "How have you been? Are you feeling okay?" Dex asked Netalia. "I feel great," Netalia said with a small smile. "Except for now," she added. "Do you need me to call Billy back?" Dex asked. "I'm fine dad, I'm just worried about mom," Netalia murmured. Dex breathed a sigh of relief. "So am I," Dex sighed. They both looked up as Jason and Cory walked into the waiting room. "Please tell me you aren't going to kill me," Cory said, holding up his hands. Dex laughed for the first time in over a month. "You're safe," Dex assured him. He looked up at Jason but before he could say anything, Billy walked in. "I think we know the cause of Shel's fever," Billy began. "Jason, does anyone in the house have chicken pox?" he asked. "Julie does," Jason answered. "And Shella never had it as a kid," Jason and Dex said in unison. "She also has strep throat. Two children's illnesses that can be fatal for adults. On top of that, she has pneumonia," Billy said. "Is she going to be okay?" Jason asked. "And what about the baby?" Dex added. "It's too soon to tell," Billy told them. "How would she get all of those illnesses?" Dex asked. "She's been pretty sequestered in Tria. Aside from that, Mary just got over Strep and Julie has chicken pox," Jason said. Billy nodded. "That will do it," he agreed. "How long before we know anything?" Dex asked. "I don't know. I'll keep an eye on her, but Doctor Charles is going to be taking over her care," Billy told him. "He's the best in his field Dex. He'll take good care of her," he added. Dex nodded. "I have rounds, I'll check in later," Billy promised before leaving the waiting room. "I'm here Shel, just please wake up," Dex murmured, sitting down next to her bed and reaching for her hand. "Dad?" Netalia asked from the doorway. "You shouldn't be here Netalia, it isn't safe," Dex told her. "I want to be with mom," Netalia protested. "She would want you here, but you have to protect the baby. You shouldn't be anywhere around your mom until she's no longer contagious," Dex said. Netalia nodded and backed out of the room. He sat back down. "I love you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.