Chapter Fifty Four : Little Fighter

As Milo’s birthday drew near, so did Emmeline’s due date. Milo made the most of his last days of childhood freedom by playing pirate in the park…

While his aunt bemoaned the perils of pregnancy…

But soon it was time for Milo’s birthday party, and Andalie took it upon herself to bake a hamburger cake for the occasion.

Happy Birthday, Milo!

Here is Milo in CAS. He is an active, domestic slob with an aspiration for a successful lineage.

But while Andalie had made a show of attending the party, she ducked out as soon the festivities died down. She had something important to do, and she couldn’t wait a minute longer. She set out in search of Dean. When she called and he failed to answer, she went to his house and knocked on the door. Again, she got no answer, so she walked the neighborhood, scanning the streets for him as she went.

When she found him at last, Dean was in the company of two other women Andalie had never seen. She felt a sharp jab of jealousy but quickly pushed it aside. Nothing would stop her from what she had come here to do.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Last time she’d been passive, but she knew now that passivity does not yield results. Pure boldness had worked for Zara, and it would work for her too.

Dean’s face darkened. Andalie knew what that look meant. Humiliated, she quickly spun into her workout gear and ran off in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, Dean caught up with her.

Dean: How dare you come here and embarrass me like this! You really think I’d ever marry you? Just look in the mirror! You look like a dog and you act like a dog – following me around begging for attention or a pat on the head! It’s pathetic! Now get lost before I call the pound to come and pick you up!

Andalie felt the tears spring to her eyes, but she refused to let him see her cry. She felt her spine straighten and chin tilt up, as if attached to a marionette string. Without a word, she turned on her heel and walked away. She never looked back.

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Emmeline was sitting in the living room when Andalie returned – she had gone into labor and was waiting for Enrique to pick her up to go to the hospital.

Emmeline: Where have you been?! I called you a million times! But of course you can never be bothered by your own family!

Emmeline’s infamous temper reared, taking Andalie off guard. Andalie burst into tears.

Realization dawned on Emmeline’s face. Someone had hurt her sister. Suddenly her temper was uncontrollable. Panting through her most recent contraction, she looked her sister dead in the eye.

Emmeline: WHO did this to you?

Andalie sobbed, managing to wail Dean’s name through her gasps. Emmeline’s kindness, her protective rage, only made Andalie sob harder. She knew she deserved none of it.

Emmeline: I am going to the hospital. I am going to have this baby. And then, I am going to KICK. HIS. ASS.

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Enrique showed up minutes later and before she knew it, Emmeline was in the delivery room. She screamed through the entire procedure, letting go of her rage at her sister and at the sorry excuse for a man who had hurt her.

In the end, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

Happy birthday, Roxas Hasslich!

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True to her word, Emmeline hunted Dean down just as soon as she recovered.

Emmeline: Stay away from my sister, you plum, or I’ll be back – and next time, I’ll break your legs.