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.