Chapter Seven

Marry-Ella's pov

 Sorry it's been awhile since you heard from me. Katherine's gotten so big, she'll be in school in another couple years,man time flies. So Joshua and I aren't together anymore. I broke up with him this time, don't feel bad for him though.

He's with someone else now, they're way better together then he and I ever were and I'm very happy for them both. Okay, you're probably a little confused , so lets go back over what you've missed the last few years and how we got here.

I was starting to feel more and more distant from Joshua. Normally I would go to Lyndi when I need someone to talk to but I couldn't find her so I ended up telling Alice.

Alice - Okay,close your eyes.
Marry-Ella - Why?
Alice -Trust me. Now close your eyes.
Marry-Ella - Okay.
Alice - Now, imagine this, you're standing there, in a white dress, your wedding day. .Hey, keep you're eyes closed! Now, you look back towards Mel, Lyndi and me, your brides maids, we smile, then  you lower your head and take a deep breath. Eyes closed!  Lifting your head you smile and look into the eyes of your groom.... Is it Joshua?
Marry-Ella - No...
Alice - Okay, open your eyes. You and Joshua have been together for years, you have a child together, and yet you can't see yourself marrying him? What's that tell you?
Marry-Ella - The same thing I already knew, that we're growing apart.
Alice - It says that you have no future. That the relationship is going nowhere. 

Alice - You need to talk to him.
Marry - Hmm. Thank's Ali, I'm glad I talked to you.
Alice - No prop, you should come to me more often. Don't get me wrong , Lyndi's a great friend and good to turn to in a crisis, but she'll tell you what you want to hear. I'm the one who will tell you what you need to hear.

So I talked to Joshua, he was upset at first but eventually after I calmed him down he agreed that we'd been growing apart and we needed to end things and not drag it out until we both end up hurt and can't even be around each other. Katherine needs us to be able to be friends.

I was just sitting around a few months later when Lyndi plopped down next to me saying she wanted to talk to me about something.

Marry-Ella - Kay, whats up?

Lyndi - Well um,... it's about Joshua.

Marry-Ella - What is it?
Lyndi - I think, I kinda,maybe...

Lyndi - I like him.
Marry-Ella - Oh.
Lyndi - And I wanted to talk to you before I said anything to him , which I won't even do if you have a problem with it, cause you're my best friend and you two have a history and you have a child together and I just wouldn't want it to make you uncomfortable. Are you mad?

Marry-Ella - Mad? No. I'm glad you talked to me first but I have no problem if you want to be with Joshua.

Lyndi - Really?
Marry-Ella -  Yeah, go for it. 

She decided to wait until her birthday before doing anything.

Then she went over to him.

He throw a glace at me clearly wondering the same thing she was when we talked, am I okay with this. I nodded. 

Chapter Six - Sam

(Unedited)

Joshua stayed at the manor with Katherine while Marry-Ella went out with the girls.

They where having a good time when Alice and Melissa suddenly saw something.

Alice - Oh no.

Mel - Shit,Sam.

Marry-Ella looked in the direction they where.

Marry-Ella - That's Sam?

Of course, having been their friend for quite some time by this point, she had heard of Sam,Lyndi's ex-boyfriend but this was the first time she'd seen him.

Sam -  Hey there sweetheart.

The way he said sweetheart, it was mocking and almost derogatory, an insult rather then a term of endearment.

Lyndi - Leave me alone Sam.

Sam -  Aww,  you used to love when I called you that.

Lyndi -  I said leave me alone, please.

Sam - Oh , come on, we both know you still want me.

He reached for her and she quickly pulled away.
Lyndi - D-don't touch me.
Sam - Alright, fine Lyndela, whatever.

Sam - Whose you're new friend? Hi,  Sam Ramsey, And you are?

Marry-Ella - Not interested. 

Sam - Ooh, ouch,why not honey?

Marry-Ella - Because I should probably be getting home to my boyfriend  and our daughter.

~**~

Getting back to the house Lyndi lost it.

Lyndi - Agh! Freaking S.O.B

Marry-Ella - Whoa, come down.

 

Lyndi -  God, I just hate him Emmie. How dare he call me Lyndela? He knows how much I hate that.

What did I ever see in him? What's wrong with me that I could actually have liked that?

Lyndi - What's wrong with me Emmie?

Marry-Ella -  Nothing.

Lyndi - I just wasn't expecting to have to deal with him tonight, I wasn't prepared to see him.

Marry-Ella felt like there was more that Lyndi wasn't saying but she didn't want pry.

Marry-Ella ran upstairs to Joshua.

She told him about the run him with Sam.
Marry-Ella - I'm so lucky to have you.

Chapter Five - Katherine

(Unedited)

(Marry-Ella's P.O.V.)

My life has changed so much since coming to Twinbrook. When the girls saw my place they insisted I move in with them. Can you believe that? Back in North Crest I didn't think I would ever even really know someone like Lyndi and now shes my best friend. I can't place why but I feel closer to her then I do Mel and Alice though they're amazing too.

 

I named my baby girl Katherine, after my sister who was right there when she was born. I've heard that most girls want their mothers but for obvious reason that wasn't that case with me but my older sister was the next best thing. And of course Joshua was there the whole time as well,holding my hand.

Speaking of Joshua,true to his word he has done his best to be here for me and to be a good father to Katherine. I feel I can trust him again and we've gotten back together. The girls, unfortunately still haven't exactly warmed up to him though they're not as cold towards him as they used to be, Lyndi's  . It took some convincing but they eventually even let him move into the manor too. He sleeps in the nursery on a small bed near the crib and my room is just across the hall.

Laying Katherine down in her crib I glanced over at him doing his homework.

Marry-Ella - You almost done?

Joshua - Mhmm. Done.

 

He kissed me and Katherine started crying.

Joshua - I think someone is jealous I'm getting her mommies attention.
Marry-Ella - I wish, she's a daddy's girl and you know it.

~**~

Katherine Elizabeth Woodrow Andrews.

Chapter Four

 Joshua -  I know I ruined everything. Will you give me the chance to make up for it?

Looking into his eyes, Marry-Ella considered it. Of course she knew the baby should have it's father but it can have a father without them being together. But even if he didn't exactly say it she knew he wanted more than just to be in the baby's life, he wanted her back. He said he was sorry but could she trust him with her heart again?

He still held her hands in his as he waited for her to respond.

Marry-Ella - Joshua...

Joshua - Don't you believe everyone deserves at least a second chance?

She pulled away from him, turning her back.

Marry-Ella - What you did doesn't deserve a second chance.

Joshua - Mari, please.

 He rest a hand on her shoulder and she spun back towards him before taking another step back.

 Marry-Ella -You broke my heart Joshua. You expect me to trust you after that?

Joshua - No, I know you can't trust me again right away, I'm not asking you to. Trust has to be earned,right? That's all I want, at least give me the chance to do that? Let me try to earn your trust again?

Marry-Ella - Alright.

Joshua -  That's great. We can go back to North Crest and...

She quickly cut him off.

Marry-Ella - No.

Joshua - No?

Marry-Ella - No, I'm not going back. If you want this it has to be here, in Twinbrook.

Joshua - Twinbrook? Mari, my is home is in North Crest,everything thing I have, my family.

Marry-Ella - My family disowned me, I have nothing anymore. I'm never going back, this is my home now.

Joshua - So because your family turned their backs on you, you're going to ask me to do the same to mine? I want to be here for you and the baby Mari but...

Marry-Ella - But nothing, I'm not going back to North Crest, ever.

Joshua -  Mari, I understand you not wanting to go back but listen to your self. Don't you see what you're asking me to do? I can't just leave my family like that. 

Marry-Ella - Our baby is your family too.

Joshua - I know that, that's why I want to be there for them, and for you, but in North Crest. You're parents my not want to know the baby but mine might. Don't you want them to have at least one pair of grandparents?

Marry-Ella - I, I don't know. I don't know what to do. I don't know anything anymore Joshua but I can't go back to North Crest. I can't! 
Sitting on the bed Joshua put his head down.
Joshua - I don't know what to do either Mari, I can't just leave. What do you want me to do?

Marry-Ella - What I want you to do is stay with me, but what I think you should do is call them. Call your parents and see what they think. 

He nodded and she handed him the phone before leaving the room.

 Marry-Ella - So what did they say?
Joshua - I think you know.

She failed to hide a smug smile.

Marry-Ella - They told you to stay.

Joshua - You knew they would.

She laughed, no longer trying to hide the smirk on her face.

Joshua - I guess I better um register for the school or whatever. My parents said they'd take care of things with my job and stuff so um... yea.

~**~ 

Joshua - This school has the strangest dress code.

 Marry-Ella - Aww, did they take your hat? Haha.

Joshua - I'm not aloud to wear a hat and that girl can go around with her top like that? 

Marry-Ella - Yea, it's not fair but whatever.

Marry-Ella - They're looking again, those girls.

Joshua - Again?

Marry-Ella - Yea, I've tried to stay away from them but...

Joshua - Why? 

Marry-Ella - Why stay away from them? Look at them. Those are just not the kind of people I want to associate myself with.

Marry-Ella stood at the same time as the girl in the knotted top, obviously the leader of the group, and approached Marry-Ella as the blonde smiled.

"Hi, My girls and I have seen you around and I thought I'd invite you hang with us?"

Without thinking Marry-Ella looked her up and down before replying.

Marry-Ella -  Um, no thanks.

"Did you just look me over?  Is there something wrong with the way I look? Wow, this is why I didn't say anything when you first came here, I wanted to see a little of what you where like first. I thought you seemed like someone who wouldn't judge people but I guess I was wrong."

 

"Wow, okay, this is why I didn't say anything when you first came here, I wanted to see a little of what you where like first. I thought you seemed like someone who wouldn't judge people but I guess I was wrong."

Marry-Ella - I,um, you weren't wrong, I don't normally do that at least I don't think I do... look I'm sorry. I'm Marry-Ella.

I'm Lyndi Harlow, the blonde's Melissa but we call her Mel and over there is Alice. Tell you what, your still welcome to come hang with us if you want. We might not seem like your style but why don't you get to know us, we might surprise you.

Marry-Ella - Alright.

Lyndi looked over her head to were Joshua was still sitting.

Lyndi - That your boy? Cute! He can join us too.

Marry-Ella - Joshua's not my boyfriend. Not anymore.

Lyndi -  Ooh.

Lyndi and her friends glared at him.

Mel - Typical.

The other girls just nodded.

Chapter Three - Joshua

Joshua - What do you want Mari? I told you, we're done.

Marry-Ella - I know, but I have something important to tell you. I was going to tell you then but said that you needed to say something first, then you broke up with me.

She hears him sigh.

Joshua - Mari, I'm sorry I told you I just...

Marry-Ella - Don't, just don't.

Joshua - Alright. I'm sorry Mari. So... What do you want to tell me?

Marry-Ella - Um, not on the phone, I need to tell you in person.

Joshua - You want me to come over? I'm not that far from your house.

Marry-Ella - I'm not there.

Joshua - Oh, well where are you?

Marry-Ella - Twinbrook...

Joshua - Twinbrook? Mari what are you doing in Twinbrook.

Marry-Ella - I'll tell you when I see you... I am going to see you? I need to tell you this and it needs to be to your face. 

He sighs again.

Joshua - Alright Mari, I'll come to Twinbrook, but where do I go when I get there.

Marry-Ella - I'll meet you in the town square tomorrow, around noon or so, after church.

Joshua - Alright Mari, see you tomorrow.

After that she changed into her PJ's, said her nightly prayers, and climbed into bed.

The next day Marry-Ella sat on the bench wondering if she had made a mistake,wanting to tell him in person. She had gone straight to the town square after church and now had to wait. She was about to give up on him, assume that he wasn't coming, that she was wrong and he didn't deserve to know, and then she heard that voice... Oh that voice.

Mari??

Marry-Ella - Joshua... 

 Oh Mari... what was I thinking, breaking up with her? I just didn't feel the same, didn't feel that spark anymore but now, ever since that call,hearing her voice, I can't get her out of my head. What's wrong with me?

She remains seated as he walks over and sits next to her. Her growing baby bump is considerably less noticeable when shes sitting down and she hopes to be able to tell him before he sees. 

Joshua - I'm here Mari. What do you need to say?

She was suddenly nervous as she tried not to look at him. She couldn't look at him at, his eyes... oh his eyes

No, control your self Mari, he broke your heart and ruined your life... it doesn't matter that his smile makes you want to melt into his arms. What's wrong with me?

She didn't reply.

Joshua - Well?

Marry-Ella - This is private, maybe we could go to my... 

Joshua - There's no one here Mari. Just stop stalling and tell me what you have to say.

Marry-Ella - I, um...

Joshua - Ah geeze, Mari, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. We can leave I guess, if you want,I'm sorry. Just tell me, okay?

Marry-Ella - Joshua I, I'm pregnant.

Joshua - You're, you're wha-..

Marry-Ella - I'm pregnant Joshua.

Joshua - And it's...
Marry-Ella - Yours?!? Is that what you were about to say?  What kind of girl do you think I am? I don't know about you but my first , and only, time was our first time. How dare you ask me that?
Joshua - I, um, I didn't.
Marry-Ella - But you where going to, weren't you? Don't say you weren't, don't lie to me.

Joshua - I'm in shock,alright, fine, I was going to but I didn't mean it Mari. I'm sorry Mari, I didn't mean it. I'm sorry. Please believe me, I didn't mean it.

Marry-Ella - You don't mean a lot of things you say.

Joshua - Mari...

Marry-Ella - Marry-Ella.

Joshua - Huh?
Marry-Ella -  My name is Marry Ella now. I changed it... when my parents disowned me.

Joshua - They what?!?

She got to her feet, turning back to him.

Marry-Ella - They disowned me Joshua and it's your fault! They disowned me for getting pregnant. That's why I'm here, in this stupid town! I'm all alone, with no friends, and no money, and its all because of you! You ruined my life Joshua. You ruined my life!!

She dropped her head as she fought back tears.
Without thinking he pulled her towards him, to his surprise she didn't resist, and let him hold her.

Joshua - Oh Mari...

She didn't reply and let out a couple dry sobs. 

Joshua - You don't have to be alone.

Marry-Ella - Yes I do.

Joshua - No, you don't...I'm here.

That got her attention. She pulled away.

Marry-Ella - Joshua...  I just thought you deserved to know, you don't have to do anything ,I know you don't want anything to do with me. 

Joshua - You're wrong. I haven't stopped thinking about you since that phone call, I can't get you of my head Mari. Braking up with you was a mistake.

He kissed her catching them both by surprise, he hadn't thought about it, just done it. 

It was...instinct? Muscle memory? What ever it was, it was automatic, her lips responded to his, and she kissed him back, putting her arms around him. Snap out of it! This can't happen, we can't do this, we can't go there again.

She pushed him back.

Joshua - Mari?

Marry-Ella - .

Joshua - Oh, Okay Mari. 

She could hear disappointment and sadness in his voice but forced herself to ignore it.

Walking into the little house he looked around, his eyes resting on the crib for a moment before he looked back to her.

Joshua - This is where you're living now?

The sadness was still in his voice,he couldn't help comparing it to the large family home she had grown up in.

Marry-Ella - Well it's nothing like the church house but it's not so bad and it's all I can afford.

He took her hands expecting her to pull away again but she didn't. 

Joshua -  You deserve better then this Mari and it is all my fault. I meant what I said though, I want to be here for you.

Joshua - I know I ruined everything. Will you give me the chance to try to make up for it?

Authors Note:
Okay, time for a little reader participation folks.Should Marry-Ella give Joshua another chance? Tell me yes or no,and your reason for your answer in the comments.