EXCEPTIONAL

CAMILA

Buttoning my pants up I called for the girls to meet me in my bathroom. The sound of their feet dashing through the house is refreshing. We finally moved back home after a long awaited renovation. The baby’s nursery is complete for the most part minus the miniscule details. 

“Nenas? Come here now, por favor?!” I said again. As I began to straighten my hair I felt the nausea kick in. I counted in my head and took deep and slow breaths to remain at ease. I’ve noticed that when I start to feel sick, I’ll panic and the sickness would hit me so much harder. “Oh baby..you’re giving your mama a hard time but it’s okay.” 

ANDRE

Today is the day of the funeral and I’m nervous as hell! My palms have been sweaty ever since I woke up this morning and I feel that my nerves have peaked at an all time high. It’s been years since I’ve attended a funeral, I’m not sure if I’m in the right mindset to function properly today. Camila and her father both agreed to a closed casket ceremony for their own personal reasons. Victor had his time at Emilina’s house to rake through the belongings he is having shipped to his house. Aside from his brief conversation with me, Victor has kept to himself pretty much.

The girls have too been very quiet today. This I know is due to the fact that they’re still trying to process the loss of their grandmother. I offered to get them dressed in order to grant Camila some alone time. After all, us getting ready is the last time, until tonight, that we have some quiet time. Once the girls were dressed and Camila got their hair done, all they wanted to do was lay around and watch movies. Standing up on my feet I picked up my tie from off of the ironing board to secure it around my neck.

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

INTERLUDE: SEPTEMBER 19

INTERLUDE: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

INTERLUDE: BACK TO THE MOTHERLAND

INTERLUDE: MENTAL INSTABILITY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

INTERLUDE: LATE NIGHT FIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

EPILOGUE: IT’S OUR ANNIVERSARY PI

CAMILA

Excited, joyful, in lust, anxious, nervous, and overwhelmed. These are all of the emotions I was hit with at three o’clock this morning when I woke up to begin my day. Today officially marks five weeks, seventy-two hours and sixteen minutes since I ruined our relationship. Today also marks the same amount of time that Jorden has completely flipped his switch. His behavior is nothing like Andre or I have ever dealt with. I know I’m to blame for calling off our engagement but it’s almost as if Jorden feels like I took his father away. That was never my intention by any means. I only wanted for Andre and I to take some time out to explore every crevice of our relationship. The energy in our union has been off and I want to know what the root of the issue is.

Papi’s been coming by everyday to bring the kids home from school. He’s even stayed to tuck them in, help me clean up from the aftermath of dinner and then he leaves. He’s been distant, rightfully so, but I miss him! I’ve been yearning for attention and I haven’t craved male companionship in ages! Tonight, I’m going to try and do things differently. I’ve been spying on him to get his schedule for today so I can scheme and coordinate in peace. Andre didn’t pick up the kids today because I asked for his mother to do it herself. The girls are helping me choose what to wear for my weekend away while their baby brother is napping.

CAMILA

I’ve been pacing throughout the women’s restroom for over fifteen minutes trying to get my head right. Of course I feel terrible for having Andre wait on me at the table but I needed to have a moment to myself before we continue this dinner. My phone is out there with him in my purse so he can’t reach me to ask if I’m okay. 

“Why am I such a horrible person?” Walking over to the mirror I stared at myself, gnawing on my lip feeling myself about to lose control. The tears built up anyhow despite my efforts to remain cool. When the first one fell I felt my breath quicken and slow down drastically. “I don’t deserve you.” I muttered in the midst of my breakdown. Lifting my hand to give attention to this ring I slapped my opposite hand over my mouth, crying even harder. 

The old Camila used to firmly believe she wouldn’t find a good man. The present version of myself has one and after so many years, memories, security, and the greatest love I have ever known, I’m realizing I don’t deserve him. Noise from outside the bathroom entrance snapped me back to reality. I quickly grabbed some paper towels, wet them and cleaned up my face. I’m not in the greatest head space and the last thing I need is a stranger pestering me about why I look so sad. 

Each chapter for EXCEPTIONAL has been revised and will be listed below. The chapter list on the actual blog is already updated. This is the OFFICIAL & FINALIZED chapter list for this story!

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER  2

CHAPTER  3

CHAPTER  4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

INTERLUDE: SURPRISES

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

INTERLUDE: KEN'TENT

INTERLUDE: HOPE YU DO

CHAPTER 19

REESE

“Come on baby, it’s time to go.” I helped Kenja clean up her toys and place them in her backpack so we could head home. “Mommy, can we come back every Sunday?” Kenja asked, holding my hand as we left the park. “Yeah we can come here every Sunday. Why, do you like it here?” I rebutted, keeping her close. “Uh huh. It’s so pretty.” Kenja titled her head to the sky and breathed in deeply. She’s so dramatic sometimes.

ANDRE

Today is finally the day I take this paternity test. There was some kind of issue at the hospital so our appointment had to be rescheduled for today. I jumped over one hurdle by meeting Camila’s father last week and I enjoyed our conversation. I got to see just how much of a daddy’s girl Cam really is. And I could tell that her father really misses being around on a daily basis.

Now as I sit here staring at the hospital I wonder if I prepared enough for this. I could walk out of there a father. Not to a newborn baby but to a five year old girl.

My phone buzzed from inside my pocket. I took it out to see who it was trying to reach me.

REESE

Burying my face deeper into Dre’s body, I felt him hold me a little tighter. After we got comfortable in my bed last night, I fell right to sleep. And I can’t hide the fact that I liked the feeling of having him next to me. He brought me this much needed sense of security. I’m still a little down about this Damon-Kenja situation but somehow Dre was able to ease my mind about it all. He didn’t say much but the words he did share with me really put my mind at ease.

I lifted my head and looked around my room seeing the sunlight beaming through every bit of my blinds and curtains. Looking next to me I didn’t fight the lazy smile that was forming on my face, seeing Dre knocked out. My guess would be that he too had a good night’s rest. Slowly I got out of his hold and slipped out of bed, going into my bathroom. Very quietly did I close the door behind me to get myself ready for another day. Turning on the shower I pulled my clothes off and stepped inside. Picking up my shampoo I decided to wash my hair before I did anything else. The atmosphere is so peaceful this morning. Dre and Ken are still asleep for the time being and my mind is so relaxed. Talking with Dre last night helped me so much and it also allowed me to lift some weight from my shoulders.

ANDRE

It’s been a little over a week and a half since I last heard from or saw Camila. My concerns as to her and her daughter’s safety has been stressing me out! I can’t shake this feeling of compassion I feel towards the woman so soon but goddamn is it real. Not only did she possess an easy going, kind spirit but the girl is drop dead gorgeous. Seeing her from the back peaked my interest enough and just when I thought I couldn’t get any luckier I saw her face and lost myself. She actually took my breath away for the split second when I first made direct eye contact with her. Can’t forget about how beautiful her body is either. This woman is everything I want and need in my life!

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

INTERLUDE: SEPTEMBER 19

INTERLUDE: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

INTERLUDE: BACK TO THE MOTHERLAND

INTERLUDE: MENTAL INSTABILITY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

INTERLUDE: LATE NIGHT FIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

EPILOGUE: IT’S OUR ANNIVERSARY PI

Each chapter for EXCEPTIONAL has been revised and will be listed below. The chapter list on the actual blog is already updated. This is the OFFICIAL & FINALIZED chapter list for this story!

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER  2

CHAPTER  3

CHAPTER  4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

INTERLUDE: SURPRISES

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

INTERLUDE: KEN'TENT

INTERLUDE: HOPE YU DO

CHAPTER 19

“So how are we supposed to keep this shit platonic as you call it because I don’t think it’s going to work. If we’re being real here.” Andre argued, throwing his hands underneath of his head and staring at the ceiling fan.

“We just keep it casual. We try not to touch as often because that always gets us into trouble. We just act like two friends. It’s really not that hard.” Reese yawned into the pillow. Now turning on her back she stared too at the ceiling.  

“You can’t be serious? I can’t kiss you or touch you at all? Like ever?” He whined. “Are you serious?” His reiteration caused her to laugh and giggle at how displeased he truly sounds at this new deal.

Each chapter for EXCEPTIONAL has been revised and will be listed below. The chapter list on the actual blog is already updated. This is the OFFICIAL & FINALIZED chapter list for this story!

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER  2

CHAPTER  3

CHAPTER  4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

INTERLUDE: SURPRISES

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

INTERLUDE: KEN'TENT

INTERLUDE: HOPE YU DO

CHAPTER 19

ANDRE

The day has finally arrived for our three day vacation and thanks to Matt always being a punctual man, I have the plane back. I’m feeling a variety of emotions because I’ve never taken a girl on vacation before. To make the pressure worse, Camila isn’t technically my girlfriend so I feel like I’m under heavy fire to impress her with what I’ve got planned. Camila told me she got off early today and wanted to spend time with Kenja before she meets up with me. I told her she can take all the time she needs to with her baby girl. Reese doesn’t know this yet but she is going to a vacation spot she’s always dreamed of. My first plan was to get us a nice room at one of my favorite hotels in Vegas. However when I called check on the occupancy of the MGM they were overbooked. At first I was upset but then I came up with a different idea and I’m liking this plan more than my first.

ANDRE

The holiday has finally passed and everything is back to normal. Everyone is gone and my house is back to being filled with my three favorite ladies. Zoe was really upset her mom had to leave but Karissa promised to come back soon. The day everyone was flying out of here, Zoe clung to her mom for dear life. She followed Karissa everywhere! I felt bad seeing her so sad but I didn’t know what to do to cheer her up. I guess there isn’t much to do or say to a child whose about to be without their mother. So instead of trying to preach to Zoe about not begging for attention I let her be all up under her mama. Once we left the airport Zoe was clinging onto Camila’s hip. The only reason she was all over Mil is because she considers her a mother figure as well. To Zoe, Cam is her second mother. Camila didn’t mind feeding Zoe the attention she was seeking throughout the day. Now when it came time for my baby girl to go to bed she was acting up. She wouldn’t sleep unless I read to her and slept in her bed. I stayed with Zoe until she was knee deep in sleep and cuddling one of her many stuffed animals. Kenja was acting normal as usual. She was a little sad that her grandmother was going to be so far away but she understood that she had her mom and grandfather here with her. But as long as Ken has her mother, she’s good.

CAMILA

I’ve been pacing throughout the women’s restroom for over fifteen minutes trying to get my head right. Of course I feel terrible for having Andre wait on me at the table but I needed to have a moment to myself before we continue this dinner. My phone is out there with him in my purse so he can’t reach me to ask if I’m okay. 

“Why am I such a horrible person?” Walking over to the mirror I stared at myself, gnawing on my lip feeling myself about to lose control. The tears built up anyhow despite my efforts to remain cool. When the first one fell I felt my breath quicken and slow down drastically. “I don’t deserve you.” I muttered in the midst of my breakdown. Lifting my hand to give attention to this ring I slapped my opposite hand over my mouth, crying even harder. 

The old Camila used to firmly believe she wouldn’t find a good man. The present version of myself has one and after so many years, memories, security, and the greatest love I have ever known, I’m realizing I don’t deserve him. Noise from outside the bathroom entrance snapped me back to reality. I quickly grabbed some paper towels, wet them and cleaned up my face. I’m not in the greatest head space and the last thing I need is a stranger pestering me about why I look so sad.