Chapter 5: Now or Never

    Lacey looked down lovingly at the innocent child in her arms for the forth time that night. She had been annoyed to hear the baby crying at first but then she realized that any exuse to see her darling Vanilla was good enough for her.

 
     Reno was bonding well with Vanilla too. Despite not being her biological father he was still more of one than Van would ever be. 

    One day she came into the kitchen  to find Reno grinning at her. He'd just put his phone back into his pocket and was looking somewhat pleased with himself.

    "What have you been up to now?" She asked.
    Reno was always planning things, trips to the park and small parties with close friends. She could help but wonder what he'd come up with this time.

     "We're going out." He announced.
     She raised an eyebrow sceptically. "Where are we going out?"
     "There's a nice spot up in the hills, trust me, you'll love it, but I can't tell you all about it or that would ruin the surprise." He explained.
     "Vanilla..."
     "I just called a babysitter to take care of her while we're gone. So, what do you say?" He asked hopefully.
     Lacey looked into his eyes. He'd really planned this. How could she say no? "Ok then."

     And thats how she ended up standing in the most beautiful place she'd ever seen. The grass was lush and green with small daises growing amoung the sturdy blades. There was a magnificent waterfall that ran down from the hillside into a shimmering pool of water. White mist floated around the base of the waterfall.
     "This is amazing!" She exclaimed.
     "I thought you'd like it." Reno said.
     "Thankyou so much for bringing me here." She whispered as she embraced him in a hug.
     "I'm glad I did." He whispered back. 

     "Lacey, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now."
     "What's that?" She asked, entrigued.
     "Well...I...what I wanted to tell you...was...was that I really-um-well-love you."
     She couldn't believe what she was hearing! I've dreamed of this moment for so long, and now its here I have no clue what to say. You've got to say something or he'll think you don't have feelings for him to!
     "You know what? I think I love you to." You think you love him? Think? You KNOW you love him!
     "You think. Or you know?"
     "I know so." She replied. There you go, that's what you should have said the first time.

    He leaned closer towards her, his dazzling brown eyes staring into hers made her feel warm inside. he took her hand in his. Before she knew it his soft lips were brushing hers with such delicacy and love that she knew that for once she'd made a good decision in life.

   
    He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him so she was pressed tightly to him and pressed his lips to hers once more but with more passion, more love. More love than she had ever felt before. She wanted to stay like that forever, locked in that sweet kiss.

      That wasn't their only visit to that magical place. They came back many times in the next couple of weeks. But one time was most memorable of all.

    "What's wrong?" Reno asked as Lacey released herself from his embrace.
    "There's something I need to talk to you about." She said. Her heart thumped in her chest like a drum, her mind was filled with thoughts and doubts. Maybe this is a bad idea. Maybe I should wait for him to say it. Just get on with it. But... Oh just get on with it, stop putting yourself through this inner termoil! 
    "Oh, whats that?" He questioned.

      It was now, or never.
      She knealt down, feeling for the object in her pocket to check it was still there and safe. She was shaking all over and the cold spray from the waterfall wasn't really helping. She clenched her fist around the object and pulled it out of her pocket, holding it up for Reno to see.
      It was a shiny ring with a sparkling jewel encusted into the top.
      "Reno, will you marry me?" She asked.

     He was obviously shocked, and for a moment she thought that he was going to reject her offer, but then he smiled.
     He pulled an identical ring out from his pocket. "I was just about to ask you the same question."
     She flung her arms around him  and began to laugh, she was more happy than she had ever been before.

      Reno took her hand and led her to the car. When she asked what he was planning he would only put his finger to his lips and smile mischeiviously. When they were home he led her through to the bedroom and that was when she realized what he had planned.
      "Reno, I love you."
      "I love you to."

I hope you liked that chapter. Chapter 6 should be out in a couple of days so keep a look out! ;)

Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

    The next day Lacey invited Van round. She had to face her fears and tell him about the baby.
    She was shaking. Her mind racing. What will he say? Will he be happy? Of course he'll be happy! Don't be so stupid! 
    "Hey Lacey. How are you? You haven't been at work the last couple of days." He asked. "Nice dress by the way."
    If only he knew it was maternity wear. 
    "Well, I-I-I-I have something to-to-to tell you." She admitted.
    "What is it?" He encouraged.
    "I'm-I'm-I'm..." Oh just say it! "I'm pregnant."
    "That's-wow-that's-that's great...I guess." He tried to smile but it just seemed false.

    She could tell he was hiding his true feelings. His facial expression said it all. He wasn't pleased with the news at all. He wasn't excited or happy. Her heart felt like it had been smashed into a million pieces, the fragments lost forever in the empty chasm of her soul.

     "You're not pleased. Are you?" She said, trying to hold back the tears forming in her eyes.
     "Pleased? Why would I be pleased?" He exploded.
     Now the tears came, and she couldn't stop them from rolling down her cheeks like a soundless waterfall.
     "Why are you angry?" She choked.
     He cursed under his breath. "I never wanted this!"
     "Then what did you want?" She cried, the anger boiling within her rushed through her viens.
     He said nothing. Just stood there. Glaring at the barely formed child inside her.
     "All you wanted was a bit of entertainment to lighten up your evening! That's it isn't it? You used me for pleasure and for fun!" She bellowed. "You didn't even think of the consequences or how I'd feel! You barely know me and you probably don't even like me! You just thought I was an easy target because-because-because I'm-I'm shy and-and-and you thought that you could just have me for an evening and then dump me by the side without a glance back!"
     "Yeah. You're spot on!" He spat back. "But maybe, if this hadn't happened, I would have dragged you along for entertainment for a few more evenings, and I'm sure my friends would pay me good money for your entertainment to."
  

    She felt like she was being ripped apart. He had no feelings for her. All he wanted was entertainment and money. The money. She couldn't believe what he'd just said. How could I have been so stupid! I let him walk all over me.
    "So you're going to leave me. Probably never talk to me again. And leave me to care for our child by myself."
    "Yeah. That's exactly what I'm going to do. And you know what? I don't even care." He turned on his heel and left, and never looked back.

   Fresh tears flowed from her eyes like rivers and her vision blurred. How could he do this? How could he be so cruel? In her whole life, she had never felt more alone or abandoned than then.

     In the morning she went to Reno's house, but it was empty. So she made her way to the policestation, hoping to find some answers there. But all she was told was that he'd gone missing after a run in with a criminal. They assured her that he was fine and was probably on his way here now. But this didn't make her feel any better.

    She spent the rest of that lonely day painting. Escaping to the world of imagination, away from her life which she so hated.

    And then, a few days later she woke up to the sound of the television. She was sure she'd turned it off the night before, so quickly got dressed and went to investigate.
    In her living room, sat casually on the sofa watching television, was Reno.
    "Reno!" She exclaimed.
    "Lacey!" He leapt up from the sofa and embraced her in a friendly hug.

    "You're pregnant." He stated, obviously shocked.
    Lacey quickly explained everything that had happened between her and Van.
    "Wow Lacey, you've been up to a lot while I've been gone." He said.
    "You're not angry?" She asked shyly.
    "No! Of course not, it wasn't your fault. May I?" He asked, indicating her large belly.
    She nodded.
    He leant forward and held his hands to her belly. "I can feel the child kicking." He grinned.

     He pulled away, still grinning from ear to ear.
     "Where have you been, Reno?" She asked.
     The smile on his face melted and his expression became serious. "I was out on patrol, and I saw a man running down the street carrying a pink handbag with a lady chasing after him. It wasn't very inconspicuous. So I decided to step in and help the lady, but the man got into a car and began to drive away. I had to get back to my policecar and chase after him. I was busy searching for him because he is known to be a dangerous, and often insane, criminal. I got back as soon as I could."
     "Well, at least you're here now." She smiled, for the first time in a long while.

    A couple of days later Lacey invited Reno round. There was something she wanted to ask him - desperately. What if he says no? What if he doesn't like me after? Oh, stop the 'what if's'!
    "Hi!" He said as she opened the door. "Look, I can't stop for long 'cause I have to go to work."
    "I-uh-wanted to ask you something." She said nervously.
    "Oh yeah, what's that?" He asked curiously.
    "I-well-I was just wondering-you see-I-well-would you-will you-would you like to-to-to move in with me?" She asked, feeling her cheeks flush red. "I know it's only next door but it gets quite lonely on your own and I think it would be nice to have a friend-you know-in the-the-"
    He began to chuckle loudly. Why is he laughing? 
    "Did I say something wrong?"
    "No, no, not at all!" He assured her. "I was just-well-hoping that you'd say that."
    "So you want to?" She asked excitedly.
    "Of course!" He exclaimed.
    She smiled. She was so excited.
    "I'd better get going to work, but I'll move all my stuff in when I get back yeah?"
    "Cool, okay then." She replied as he made his way back to his house.

   
    The next day and Reno had moved in. He still needed to sell his house though.
    In the evening, Lacey was painting when suddenly a wave of pain overcame her. She almost cried out in agony. What's happening? She screamed out.
    "What is it?" Reno questioned as he burst into the room.
    "I-think-the-baby's-coming." She gasped.

    Reno snapped into action. He got his keys and started the car, then dashed back to help Lacey into the car, he had to half carry her. Then he whizzed her off to the hospital as fast as he could. He helped her into the hospital and then the medics took over.

    Several hours later and Lacey had given birth. She cradled in her arms her baby girl, whom she named Vanilla, she'd had to come up with the name herself since Van wasn't interested in her or their child, and Reno was useless at coming up with names. Soon mother and child were aloud to leave the hospital and Reno drove them home.
    There was already a new addition to their growing family.

Chapter 5 should be up in a couple of days.
Please comment if you liked and let me know what you thought. :D

Chapter 3: Van Cream

    A couple of days later and she'd heard nothing from Reno. Maybe he didn't like her after all? She decided to give him a call, but there was no reply.

    She went to his house, hoping to find him there but when she knocked there was no reply. I'm getting myself worried about nothing. He's fine. He's on holiday. But if he was he would have told me. Wouldn't he? Oh, pull yourself together! 

    She went home and, with nothing else to do now that Reno was gone, started a new painting. At least it would take her mind off the missing Reno.

    Then, all of a sudden, there was a knock at the door. She rushed out to the front door. It must be Reno! She thought excitedly. He hadn't gone after all.
    But as soon as she opened the door her smile faded. It wasn't Reno.
    "Hi Lacey, it's me, Van Cream, from work." He smiled.
    "Oh. Hi." She said disapointedly.
    "Let me guess, you were expecting someone else?" He asked confidently.
    "No, I..." She trailed off.
    "Ah well, I'm here now. Can we go inside?" He asked cheerfully.
    "Um...yeah...sure..." She said as he stalked past her and into her house.

    "Nice place you got here." He said as he looked around.
    "Thanks." She replied nervously.
    "You're sweet." He said confidently, leaning closer towards her.
    "Exuse me?" She was baffled. Was he making a move on her?
    "You're cute, really pretty, but shy aswell. That's what makes you so attractive." He smiled.
    "I-uh-" 

    The look on his face was very smug, as if he thought he'd won something he wanted desperately. Then she realized, he thought he'd won her. She barely even knew him! They chatted a bit in the playground while they were on duty, but apart from that not at all. Maybe she was just misinterpreting his body language.

    "I think you and me would be great together." He said sincerely as he put his hand on her neck and oulled her into him.
    She didn't know what to do. She'd never been in a situation like this before. Maybe I should just, let it happen. 
    "Do you agree?" He asked.
    "I-I-I-I don't-"
    "Sorry, I forgot you're shy." He said, smiling sympathetically.

    Before she knew what was happening, he'd pulled her close to him and pressed his lips against hers. At first she went stiff, rigiid with shock. Then she relaxed. It actually felt good. They're bodies were locked together, his hand resting on her back, his lips so soft.

    Then he lifted her up and carried her through the house and into the bedroom. Putting her lightly down on the bed and then clambering on next to her. Everything was happening so fast! She didn't know what to do.
    This was one time her shyness was her downfall. She didn't have to confidence to say no. And she would come to regret later that she hadn't said or done something. She didn't feel comfortable with him, not like she did with Reno.
    He was looking at her hungrily and all she could do was smile.

    The next day when she got up Van was gone, she presumed he'd left early in the morning. She rang Reno again, but there was no reply. She was getting worried about him. Then, just as she was about to leave for work, a sudden feeling of nausea overcame her. She rushed into the bathroom to be sick.
    She called in work to say she was ill and took the day off.

    A couple of days later, and she'd heard nothing from either Van or Reno. She also found out why she'd been so sick. She was pregnant, with Van's child.

Sorry about the big gaps, I'm not sure why they're there.
Chapter 4 should be out tomorrow hopefully! :D

Chapter 2: Befriending Reno

    The next day Lacey decided to make some waffles for the children at work. It didn't take long to make them and she ate her breakfast whilst waiting for them to cook in the oven. Soon they were ready to take to work.

    Soon after she got home from work there was a knock at the door.
    I wonder who that is.
    Lacey put down her book and went to the front door.

    She opened it. Standing there was Reno. He smiled at her, though somewhat hesitantly.
    "Hi." He said.
    "Hello." She said nervously.
    "How are you getting along?" He asked.
    "What?"
    "You know, in Sunset Valley." He prompted.
    "Oh, right." She felt her cheeks flushing. "I-er-got a job at the school."
    "Cool, how's it going?" He questioned.
    "Great." She said.
    "Look...I was wondering..."
    Oh my gosh, is he going to? No, he barely knows me, don't kid yourself! He wouldn't ask you on a date if you were the last person in Sunset Valley. But, maybe...
    "Do you have any milk?" He asked.
    Her hopes were instantly dashed.
    "I'm baking some cake and the recipe requires milk and I don't really have time to go get some from the shop. Do you? I'd really appreciate it." He explained.
    "Um...yeah, sure." She replied.

    She quickly went inside and rummaged around the fridge before pulling out a cartoon of milk.

    She went back to the front door where Reno was waiting patiently.
    "Here." She said as she handed it to him.
    "Thanks."
    "No problem." She smiled slightly.
    "I'll go buy you another tomorrow to replace this one." He said.
    "No, really, it's fine, don't bother." She insisted.
    "You sure?" He persisted.
    "Yeah, totally." She waved her hand dismisivally.
    "Ok then, see you!" He called over his shoulder as he left.
    "Bye!"

    That night, something woke Lacey from her peacful sleep. She was dragged out of her dream by a terrible ringing sound. She opened her eyes and yawned. Then she realized. It was the burglar alarm. She hauled herself out of bed and rang the police as quickly as she could. Then she dashed out into the hallway to find a police-officer tackling a man whom she presumed was the burglar.

    She looked on, distraught at the scene playing out before her. She was very confused, how could the policeman get to her house so quick?

    The policeman soon had the situation under control.
    "Sorry for the trouble ma'am. I'll get this thief out of your way." He said as he led the burglar to the door. "It's late, come by the police station in the morning, I'll need your statement."
    "How did you get here so quick?" She asked, still dazzled by the situation.
    "I was going past your house when I heard the burglar alarm go off, so I came to investigate. Nothing seems to have been stolen so I'll just be on my way." He smiled and made his way to the front to while Lacey went back to bed.

    The next day she called in work to say that she wouldn't be in that day. Explaining what had happened and how she had to go to the policestation.

    She was permitted the day off and as soon as she was dressed she headed down to the police station. It didn't take long for her to right her statement.

    Not long after she got home she received a call.
    "Hi."
    "Hi Reno." She recognised his voice.
    "I heard about what happened last night." He explained.
    "You heard already?" She exclaimed.
    "I work at the policestation."
    "Well that explains it then." She said. She felt more relaxed talking to him on the phone than in real life.
    "How'd you fancy meeting up at Maywood Glen later?" He asked suddenly.
    Her heart leaped. What should I say? "Yeah, sure."
    "Meet you in an hour?"
    "Yeah, ok." She agreed.
    "See you there!" He said cheerfully.

    An hour later she dashed to Maywood Glen with a spring in her step, eager to meet Reno.

    As she arrived, she saw him walking towards her from the other side of the park, smiling at her as he approached.

    "Hi." She said nervously.
    "Hi." He smiled.
    "So..." She was struggling for something to talk about.
    "How's life?" He asked.
    Where do I start?

    She spent the next hour chatting non-stop to Reno, he was really good company once you got to know him. Soon it got dark and she thought about going home. Reno must have seen this in her expression.
    "Why don't I take you home?" He asked.
    "That would be great." She said.

    Reno drove her home in his car. They were still chatting when he dropped her off.
    "See you tomorrow?" He asked.
    "Yeah, see you." She waved him goodbye and went inside.
    She got undressed and crawled into bed. That night she dreamt peacfully. She once again dreamt of Reno. 

Chapter 3 Coming Soon...