MAREE

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.

ANDRE

Now that the baby is home, Camila wants to get settled in before the girls come back to the house. I opted to go pick them up from my brothers house but Camila didn’t want to be alone. So to honor her wish I called my brother to have him bring the girls home. Jorden is sleeping, Camila is finally taking a shower and I am cleaning and sanitizing our home. Although it’ll be awhile before our baby boy can get his hands into anything I feel like he should be in a super clean environment. Especially with his immune system being so vulnerable I want to take precaution in keeping him healthy.

Throwing the linen into the dryer I put the towels in the washing machine, getting that load started. I ran through the front of the house and replaced the wall plug-ins to a much lighter scent than we had before. I checked my phone realizing the girls will be home in about thirty minutes. I cleaned up their bedroom, bathroom, the nursery and landed back in our bedroom. Camila walked out of the bathroom bringing a heavy trail of steam with her.

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

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

Coming up from underneath the water I moved my arms and legs around to keep my head up to see the sky. I haven’t seen a view like this in the longest time. The water is crystal clear, the sun is bright and the air is warm. Turning around to face the shore I headed back to shore.

Soon I felt hard sand under me. Coming up for air I stood tall and began walking the rest of the way. Using my hands I pushed my hair back and cleared excess water from my face. The sight of my family genuinely enjoying themselves on this beach is what makes me more than content. I live to see my beautiful kids and my handsome man with smiles and bright eyes. Jorden looked up from the sandwich in his hands and waved to me and had me cheesing like a fool. My sweet baby boy almost lost his life in the arms of his father at the hands of crazy women seeking revenge. Thankfully I caught up to what was going on and put an end to one final threat in our lives.

CAMILA

Opening the blinds to let in the slightest amount of light I glanced over my shoulder. Andre’s been out for four days since the surgery and I’m growing impatient. I’ve prayed every morning and night since the shooting with hopes that he will wake up soon. The kids have been rotating their stays here with me but I always send them home before their bedtime rolls around. I can’t fathom staying home right now so Divya is taking my place.

A soft knock on the door reverted my attention from Andre to the entrance of his room. Elaine, the night shift nurse, walked in the room with a fresh set of towels, linen, flowers and medication.

Smiling gently at her I met her halfway to take some of the items off of her hands. “Good morning and thank you for bringing these in.” I began.

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. 

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. 

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

Opening the blinds to let in the slightest amount of light I glanced over my shoulder. Andre’s been out for four days since the surgery and I’m growing impatient. I’ve prayed every morning and night since the shooting with hopes that he will wake up soon. The kids have been rotating their stays here with me but I always send them home before their bedtime rolls around. I can’t fathom staying home right now so Divya is taking my place.

A soft knock on the door reverted my attention from Andre to the entrance of his room. Elaine, the night shift nurse, walked in the room with a fresh set of towels, linen, flowers and medication.

Smiling gently at her I met her halfway to take some of the items off of her hands. “Good morning and thank you for bringing these in.” I began.

CAMILA

Coming up from underneath the water I moved my arms and legs around to keep my head up to see the sky. I haven’t seen a view like this in the longest time. The water is crystal clear, the sun is bright and the air is warm. Turning around to face the shore I headed back to shore.

Soon I felt hard sand under me. Coming up for air I stood tall and began walking the rest of the way. Using my hands I pushed my hair back and cleared excess water from my face. The sight of my family genuinely enjoying themselves on this beach is what makes me more than content. I live to see my beautiful kids and my handsome man with smiles and bright eyes. Jorden looked up from the sandwich in his hands and waved to me and had me cheesing like a fool. My sweet baby boy almost lost his life in the arms of his father at the hands of crazy women seeking revenge. Thankfully I caught up to what was going on and put an end to one final threat in our lives.

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.

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

Opening the blinds to let in the slightest amount of light I glanced over my shoulder. Andre’s been out for four days since the surgery and I’m growing impatient. I’ve prayed every morning and night since the shooting with hopes that he will wake up soon. The kids have been rotating their stays here with me but I always send them home before their bedtime rolls around. I can’t fathom staying home right now so Divya is taking my place.

A soft knock on the door reverted my attention from Andre to the entrance of his room. Elaine, the night shift nurse, walked in the room with a fresh set of towels, linen, flowers and medication.

Smiling gently at her I met her halfway to take some of the items off of her hands. “Good morning and thank you for bringing these in.” I began.

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.

ANDRE

Now that the baby is home, Camila wants to get settled in before the girls come back to the house. I opted to go pick them up from my brothers house but Camila didn’t want to be alone. So to honor her wish I called my brother to have him bring the girls home. Jorden is sleeping, Camila is finally taking a shower and I am cleaning and sanitizing our home. Although it’ll be awhile before our baby boy can get his hands into anything I feel like he should be in a super clean environment. Especially with his immune system being so vulnerable I want to take precaution in keeping him healthy.

Throwing the linen into the dryer I put the towels in the washing machine, getting that load started. I ran through the front of the house and replaced the wall plug-ins to a much lighter scent than we had before. I checked my phone realizing the girls will be home in about thirty minutes. I cleaned up their bedroom, bathroom, the nursery and landed back in our bedroom. Camila walked out of the bathroom bringing a heavy trail of steam with her.