CHAPTER 4

After a while, out of breath, Amanda pushed him away. Cameron looked at her, with so much love in his eyes, he thought he would die. He still had her in his arms, when she pulled away from it.

"-Cameron, I don’t think we should be doing this. She said

-Why? I know from the way you kissed me you still love me. I still love you. Every time I think about you, my heart stops. You take my breath away.

-I do love you, but we never can work things out. I can’t accept William, and I never will. I think like Gary, that you getting your sister-in-law pregnant wasn’t pretty smart.

-It’s done, can you get over it?

-I can’t, that’s the problem."

Amanda looked around, and put her hand on his cheek, as a good-bye. Without saying a word she left. Cameron was standing in front of William’s room, when he realized she was gone. He knew then what he had to do.

The next morning he woke up, took a long, hot shower, because a long battle was in front of him today. After getting dressed and got his coffee, he went straight to the hospital. He stopped by the window, to see William. The baby was wiggling and moving, and when he saw Cameron, he stopped and fixed him. While the father and the child were seeing each other, a bond was create. He blew a kiss at him and went to Josie’s room. She was up, and when she saw him, she turned her head away. He sat next to her, and took her hand into his. She started to turn around, to face him. He knew what she would tell him, just by her face. Her eyes were full of tears, and the began falling down on her cheeks.

"-I talked to Gary last night, and you win Cameron. I’m going home today, and I’ll sign the papers giving you soul custody of William. Cass will be here later to write up the terms of my visitation rights. I don’t want to lose my husband, so I’ll see my son on week-ends, and when I’ll stop by your place to kiss him all right? I HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY, BECAUSE YOU’VE RUIN MY LIFE!

-I never wanted to ruin your life, I just wanted to be a part of my son’s. Now if my idiot brother can’t accept that, that’s not my fault.

-You knew he wouldn’t accept it, that’s why you took advantage of it to take my son away from me.

-Josie, when are you going to get it in that thick skull of yours that he is my son too? We made the mistake TOGETHER, why should I take all the blame? Oh sure, blame it on Cameron, he’s so screwed up, but I’m not the only wrong in this one. Now, when can I take my son home?

-In a week or so. Cam, promise me you won’t cut me out of his life?

-Why would I? You are his mother, and will always be, I can’t change that fact and I won’t even try."

Josie understood the meaning of that phrase and shut up. Cameron got up, and went back to see his son. The first step of his plan was completed. Now, after a couple of minutes, he got out of the hospital, and went to Carlino’s, to explain to Paulina that he would have soul custody of his son, so wasn’t going to be able to work as often as he once thought. Paulina, wanting to know how come he was the one having William, grilled him for answers, but he didn’t give them to her. The terms were between him and Josie. What made him mad was that the people always assume that it’s the mother’s who have to get the baby when the parents aren’t together. Well not only will he prove them wrong, but he would be the best darn father a kid could ever had!

He went back to his place, after buying stuff to paint William’s bedroom. The furniture would be delivered later in the week. He got Tyrone to help him paint the apartment, and they had a lot of fun. After Josie and Gary cut him out of their lives, he went to Tyrone for advice and they became good friends. Now, working with him to make his place good for his child, Cameron realized his life would never be the same again. He had someone depending on him now, for everything. He couldn’t make a mistake, because it would be William who would pay the price.

He went to see Vicky, because he needed her to recommend a good baby-sitter, for when he didn’t have a choice and worked. She said she would gladly baby-sit for him when he would work. She didn’t, and during the day, he sons were in school. That taken care of, he went to back to the hospital, and saw they took William out of the incubator. He had been taking a lot of weight in three days, and he was big enough now to be in a normal baby bed.

"-Mister Sinclair?

-Yes?

-I’m doctor Spencer. I said to Mrs. Sinclair that William could get out next week, but from the look of things, he’ll be out by the end of this week.

-So soon?

-Yes, he is quite strong. We thought we might lose him, but he is a fighter. Now he is almost ready to start his new life. The mother told me he would be living with you?

-Yes, I just finished his room. I bought everything, from his bed, to a changing table.

-That’s good, but I’ll need to discus with you the frequency I’ll need to see him after he gets released. Why don’t we go to my office?"

Cameron listened to the doctor tell him all he needed to know about the shots, visits, diseases, and he understood he would need all the help he could get because he didn’t what the heck he was doing. Didn’t know the first thing about babies, and now he would take care of one.

William was coming home today. Cameron was going crazy, he couldn’t wait anymore. The first time he held the baby, he knew the days would be long until he could do that again. Now, he was finishing his meal, and after that he would go pick his son up from the hospital. The only darkness in this day, was that Amanda wasn’t there to share it with him. William may be Josie’s son, he thought, but I would have liked the chance of raising him with Amanda. After all, he was willing to accept Alli, why couldn’t she accept William? It was not the kid’s fault his parents were stupid enough to sleep together. Amanda would have been a great step-mother to him, as she was a great aunt to Jasmine. If only she could forgive him. What was the difference with before? She forgave him for sleeping with Josie, how could they know they created a baby? It was the same time so what was so different, so hard to forgive?

He decided to stop thinking about sad stuff, after all, the man of the house was coming home today! After washing his dishes, he went on his way.

Arriving at the hospital, he saw Josie there. She was holding William in her arms. He smiled at her, happy to see she still cared about their son. Gary was no where in sight but that didn’t surprise Cameron, and, in a way, he couldn’t blame his brother.

"-Hi Josie, came to see the little man getting into the world? He asked

-Yes I did. He looks happy to go home today huh Billy, are you happy to go with daddy?

-Where’s that doctor? I’m tired of hospitals. Are you coming with us to see him get settled?

-If you don’t mind, I’d like that very much.

-Josie, how many times do I need to say this? You are always welcome in our house.

-Thanks Cameron, I guess I just need to keep hearing I’m still a part of Billy’s life.

-As you will always be. Now, mister man, he said to the baby, are you ready to go home with your old man?"

William fussed and cooed. Cameron laughed saying he was already talking back to him. Josie was smiling, but obviously hurting. This was the hardest thing she ever did, letting her baby go like this, but she trusted Cameron, she knew he wouldn’t cut her off like she did with him a couple of months ago. Cameron was going to be a good father, he would take good care of William.

After he signed the release paper, Doctor Spencer gave William a pacifier and went on his way, but not before he made sure Cameron knew his next appointment date. When they arrived to Cameron’s apartment, William was sleeping. Cameron put him in is brand new bed, and made coffee for him and Josie. They were talking when it knocked on the door. Cameron got up, opened the door, and saw Paulina, Rachel, Matt and Lila standing in the doorway.

"-My God! He said

-Paulina told us William was getting home today, so we stopped by to give him a homecoming present. Matt replied.

-Well come in!"

They started talking and Cameron offered them something to drink. Rachel, Paulina and Lila took coffee, and Matt took a coke. Josie, feeling unwelcome all of a sudden, went on his way. Cameron told her again to come anytime, and she kissed him on the cheek, saying in his ear she missed Boca Lynda.

Cameron was shocked, because he thought she hated what went on as much as he did. Matt looked at Cameron and said he would be right back. While he was out, Cameron went in his son’s room and picked him up. William started fussing to be waken up in the middle of his sleep.

"-Lesson in life number one, always be nice to the company. Cameron said to him. Mrs. Hutchins, Paulina, Lila, I’d like you to meet William Patrick Cameron Sinclair. Billy, this is Mrs. Rachel Hutchins, Mrs. Paulina Carlino, and Mrs. Lila Cory.

-What about me? He heard in the doorway.

-Amanda! He said with a huge smile on his face. Billy, this is Ms Amanda Cory. Amanda, meet William Sinclair.

-Hi Billy, how are you? Sleepy huh? Did your dad wake you up for these vultures? Here Cameron, let me take him a minute. She said, while taking him out of Cameron’s arms."

The women started cooing in front of the baby, while Matt and Cameron went into the living. Matt said he wanted to talk to him man to man. Cameron started by asking why didn’t Amanda went up with them in the first place, but he already knew the answer. She didn’t want to see Josie with the baby. That was the problem. Neither Amanda nor Gary wanted to see the partners together with the baby, too much painful. Amanda showed up right after Josie left. She was waiting in the car for Matt to tell her the coast was clear. Matt asked Cameron how he still felt about his sister, without even coating the question. Cameron answered that he would do anything to get Amanda back, except giving up on his son. Matt started saying how Amanda was still in love with him, and didn’t quite know how to cope with her lost. When she heard that William was coming home, she was fighting with herself not to come, but she lost, and she came. While Matt was talking, Cameron was looking at Amanda holding the baby, and she was looking right in his eyes. The air was charged will electricity.

"-So what are you going to do about it? Matt asked

-Matt, I’m gonna win your sister back by showing her she belongs with me and Billy."

CHAPTER 5

Amanda fell in love with Billy the minute she held him in her arms at Cameron’s apartment two weeks ago. After Matt and Cameron came back in the kitchen, Cameron was near her, troubling her. When she had to give the baby back so he could sleep, her heart broke. She wanted to stay there, with Cameron and William, but the hurt and betrayal was too big to get passed it.

Cameron wanted Amanda to stay with him and Billy, but in spite of what he said to Matt, he had no idea how to make her understand. He knew the baby and her bonded, but how to make her understand he wanted her with them?. He knew if he just told her she would run away, like she always does.

Today was a beautiful, warm day, so Cameron decided to take Billy for a walk in the park. After all, he was working only at 7, he had all the time in the world to take him for a ride, and after take him to Carlino before taking him to Vicky’s.

He put William in his stroller, before heading to the park. Billy was looking at the skies, and cooing away, not a care in the world, while his dad was tortured with thoughts about the woman he loved. When he arrived to the park, he sat on a bench and with his foot made the stroller moved forward and back. He took a book and started to read, when he heard shouting. He got up and watched to see where it was coming from. He saw two teenager harassing a young teenage girl. He picked his son up before heading to the teens.

"-Is there a problem here miss? He asked

-No man, get lost, said one teen

-Yes sir there is. They don’t want to let me walk through the park. She answered

-Why not? He said looking to the boys.

-Not your business man! Replied the other teen

-Could you hold him for me please? He asked while giving Billy to the young girl. When he saw her up close, he saw she has been crying. Now, if you feel like making trouble, make some with me.

-We don’t want to fight with you! Said the first teen

-Well, why do you want to fight her?"

Without answering they started to move away, but before they ran off, the second teen said;

"-We’ll be seeing you around Fowler!

-And she’ll be with me! Answered Cameron"

He took Billy back in his arms, and took a good look at the young girl.

"-Hi, I’m Cameron By the way, and this is Billy.

-Hi, she answered back, I’m Alexandra Fowler. Nice to meet you. Thanks for coming to my rescue. I’m new in town, and I thought they were nice.

-Well, you have to take care Alexandra, because one time I may not be there to take care of them.

-yeah, but I won’t stay cooked up inside. Even though I did miss my mom

-Do you want to sit down with Billy and me? He said pointing the bench

-I won’t be in the way?

-Nah come on, we’ll talk a little. I have nothing else to do before 7 anyway."

Alexandra sat beside him, and she asked if she could hold Billy. She started talking about why she moved here for the summer, and how she was living with her mother and grandmother. Cameron thought she was so cute, with the baby in her arms. She told him her dad was living in Europe, where she studied, and that she wouldn’t see him all summer.

"-Where is Billy’s mother? She asked

-Oh, we are not together, never was. Long story.

-And you have him during the week? That’s odd!

-Why? He asked, amused by this 12 year old who had an opinion on the subject

-Well, I wouldn’t complain, I lived with my dad quite a while and I think I turned out all right.

-You are a fine young woman he replied

-Well, thanks for the help, I have to run. Hope to see you again Cameron, you too Billy!"

She gave him the baby, kissed him on the cheek and ran off. Cameron was laughing, still thinking about her, when he heard a voice behind him saying;

"-You know, some people are intern for less than laughing alone.

-Well, well, well, if it isn’t Amanda? He said with a big smile

-Hi Billy! Can I hold him?

-Suit yourself, looks like I won’t hold him today!"

They started talking about all and nothing, avoiding important stuff, because they knew it would turn into a fight. They spent the afternoon together, in peace, with William traveling from his arms to hers. When he came back into Cameron’s arms, he put him in his stroller and got closer to Amanda and put his arm around her. She got closer and put her head on his shoulder.

"-Amanda, Billy needs a woman in his life, a steady one. He said, his heart beating like crazy

-Cameron, please don’t ruin this by saying anything, PLEASE.

-You are right. I won’t say anything, but I have to do something though.

-What?

-This"

And he started kissing her passionately. Things heated up and Cameron asked her if she wanted to go back to his place, so they would be alone. Without saying a word she nodded her head and got up. They started walking slowly towards his place, hand in hand, pushing the stroller. Once in a while they would share a kiss, then would start walking again. Cameron thought his heart was going to explode in his chest. His hands were wet, and he kept drying them on his jeans. They finally got to Cameron’s apartment, and he put the baby in his bed, carefully not to wake him up. Nothing would stop them now. Took the phone off the hook, and locked the door.

Cameron woke up by Billy’s scream. He asked Amanda to move a little so he could attend to him, but realized she wasn’t even there. He put his underwear on, and rushed to the rescue when he noticed the screams stopped. He found Amanda in the kitchen, giving the bottle to the baby. She was in her underwear, wearing his tee-shirt.

"-I guess I’m too late huh? He said in a laugh."

He went to her, and gave her a long, nice kiss. Seeing her with the baby in his arms, his heart stopped. He just wanted to drop on his knees and ask her to marry him. But instead he said;

"-I have to get ready, I work at 7, and I have to get Billy to Vicky’s place.

-Why Vicky’s?

-Because she’s my baby-sitter.

-Yeah but I can watch him and that way, it’ll be a reason for you to stop by and see me after work.

-I’ll go call Vicky!"

He went to work light-headed, and even sang during all his shift. Paulina was looking at him go, and she was laughing to see him happy. When she called Rachel to tell him how was acting Cameron, she told Paulina that Amanda showed up with Billy. The Mrs. Carlino went to her employee, and smiled at him.

"-How come your son is at Rachel’s? She asked

-Because Amanda wanted to baby-sit. He answered

-And how come she wanted to baby-sit?"

Instead of answering, he gave her a huge smile and she said "Oh My God!" With her hand over her mouth. He started to whistle and went on with his work. Paulina went to him two hours before the end of his shift to tell him to go home, to see Amanda. They were starting to patch things up, she gave him the rest of his night to get her something nice.

he went to the flower shop and got her a rose. On his way to the Cory’s he thought about a way to convince her to spend the night with him. He rang the bell and waited. After 30 seconds the door opened in a bang and he was face to face with Alexandra.

"-Cameron, what are you doing here? She said, surprised to see him

-I could ask you the same question Miss Fowler. He answered when he heard

-Who is it Alli?

-My friend Cameron mom!"

Cameron saw Amanda arrived at the door, with jeans and a sweat shirt. He just wanted to kiss her then and there, without further talk. But he just said;

"-YOU ARE ALLI?

-And you are the Cameron?

-Oh My God! Said Amanda. My Daughter and my boyfriend already bonded!

-Your boyfriend? Said Cameron and Alli in one voice"

Amanda blushed so hard she backed away from the door, while Cameron and Alli bursted with laughter. Cameron gave the rose to Amanda, when she asked him to come in, saying Billy was sleeping. Alli went nuts! She didn’t even know he was there! Amanda said it was a good thing because she would have wake him up! Alli then proposed for all of them to play a board game. Cameron, even though he wanted to spend the evening with Amanda, didn’t have the heart to say no to his new friend.

CONTINUE