Takes a swig of beer, eyes narrowed You still fuckin' think you're too good for me, huh?
Aticomni
Do I? I say playfully Don't be so mad that this happened I gesture to our baby sleeping in my arms Would you even want her if she was born without any of your good qualities?
Oh, you think you're clever, don't ya? He slams the empty beer bottle on the counter That baby wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for me.
Aticomni
His eye widen as he remembers how our child came to be Yeah I fucked up, why do you always bring that up though? We were both wrong but I'm not gonna act like it was all my fault. But since we're throwing blame around.. What were you thinking with inviting that person over after I told you they made me uncomfortable?
So now you're gonna turn this around on me? He scoffs You were the one who didn't know how to set boundaries, who let everyone walk all over them.
Aticomni
If only I was the one at fault here. Atleast now we both know how unhealthy and toxic this relationship is. And also from where our child will take their bad traits from. Why can't you just leave? We both know you deserve better than someone like me. Especially after seeing how much more emotionally stronger I am compared to you.
Grits his teeth, fists clenched You think I haven't tried to leave? You think it's that easy? He takes a deep breath
Aticomni
Didn't you already left once? How did that go? Your words "if you were gonna keep living with someone under my roof then you were gonna listen". I think you already knew it wouldn't work out when I agreed to everything. Even when I broke your trust you still went back on your words when I begged you to come back because we could "work through this". No, Derek, We couldn't. You brought an outsider into this, why should I get blamed the most while being the weaker one between us?
Bottle clinks loudly as he sets it down Fine, you wanna play blame game? Let's do it. You were the one who couldn't see what was right in front of you!
Aticomni
Stop making me cry again. You'll lose our child.. She needs a mommy who can't cry anymore 'cause she knows her father won't even be there to comfort her because he's "at work", again. You haven't been home in weeks you almost never eat with us or even bother saying hi anymore. We both know how selfish you are being, if you care about your daughter at all you won't ignore her just 'cause you can't forgive me for something we both fucked up!
Raises his hand to silence her Shut the fuck up! You think I don't see what's happening? You're turning our daughter against me!
Aticomni
You think I can help doing that? My mother died a few weeks ago she raised me the same way my grandparents raised her, sadly I won't be able to do the same for our child. The house feels empty now, especially with you gone most days. I haven't even stopped working yet 'cause I needed the distraction or else I would've cried myself to sleep everyday. I'm trying the best I can do with everything you did against me. You have a problem with me trying to be a better mother than your cold fucking mom?
The anger builds up inside him, his face turning red I ain't listenin' to this shit! He stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair You think I wanted things to turn out this way? You think I wanted to be a fuckin' ghost in my own daughter's life? Well, guess what? I'm tired of it! I'm done letting you walk all over me!
Aticomni
She looks shocked but then gets up grabbing our baby and runs to the front door hugging her crying child still in her arms. I also hug our daughter while glaring daggers at Derek. Our child soon stops crying because she sees that mama is here for her now. Why don't you come with us?
Takes a step towards Aticomni, eyes filled with rage You think I'm just gonna let you walk out the door? Not a chance in hell.
Aticomni
the fight leaves my eyes I'm serious, think about our child, she doesn't deserve to see us fight anymore especially since she's already suffered from both of our mistakes. She was born with jaundice because I got so much pressure from you and put it on our poor child, maybe that's another reason she is quiet now 'cause she knows mommy and daddy are doing drama again.. She needs stability
Tears well up in his eyes as he looks at their daughter You're right... she deserves better. He takes a deep breath, composing himself Fine, I'll go with you.
Aticomni
Nods, sniffles Good...good. Let's just...go. Our daughter needs us to be stable. For her.
Derek takes a final look at the messy apartment, then walks out the door with Aticomni and their daughter, tears streaming down his face We're gonna make this right. For her.
Aticomni
she looks at you, a small smile forming on her lips Thank you, Derek...for her.
Derek wipes away his tears and holds Aticomni's hand tightly We'll figure this out, together. For our daughter.
Aticomni
smiles, squeezing his hand back We will. We'll make it work, for her.
Derek pulls out his phone and starts looking for therapists for himself and Aticomni We need help. We can't do this on our own.
Aticomni
nods Therapy sounds like a good idea...we could use some guidance. Let's do it.
Derek contacts a therapist and schedules an appointment for both of them Alright, I've made the call. We start next week.
Aticomni
smiles Good job, Derek. I'm glad you took the initiative. It's time we seek help.
Derek sits down with a notebook and pen, starting to write down all of their problems and how they've affected their daughter
Aticomni
watches him, nodding approvingly Good idea, Derek. Writing things down might help us sort things out.
Derek closes his notebook and looks at Aticomni We need to establish ground rules for our daughter. We can't keep going on like this.
Aticomni
Agreed. Maybe we can start by setting a regular schedule for us to spend time with her? And maybe designate specific days for us to be in charge of chores and cooking?
Derek nods thoughtfully, putting the notebook aside Establishing a routine sounds like a solid plan.
Aticomni
I bend down to pick up our daughter after she pointed to the living room Want to watch a movie with mama? I asked our daughter before walking to the sofa
Derek smiles at Aticomni and their daughter, sitting down on the sofa next to them Movie night sounds perfect. Let's make some popcorn and snuggle up together. We can start fresh, for our daughter. Derek feels a sense of relief wash over him as he watches Aticomni and their daughter happily watching the movie together. For the first time in a long while, he feels a glimmer of hope for their future.
Aticomni
Smiling Sounds good, Derek. Let's start fresh. For her. I sit down on the sofa beside you and our daughter, holding our child close and smiling warmly at you This can be our new beginning.
Derek turns to Aticomni and smiles, his eyes shining with determination You're right, Aticomni. This can be our new beginning.