With a couple of weeks until the center was open, Darnell sat down in her office going over the list of potential employees she had to choose from. She already had a total of hundred and fifty students enrolled, reaching her limit.

Darnell laid out all of the resumes out in front of her on her desk and started to stack them in two different piles; yes and no's. She didn't have time for maybes, it was time to make her final decisions and start calling up everyone and tell them they got the job.

It took a good thirty minutes to get through each application. Starting with her Teachers and TA's she called up Alexa, Miles, Brittany, Alison, Chase, Karen, Sean, Cameron, Jackson, Alejandro, Angel, Jordan, Ellis, Persia, Kyle, Tasha, Trenton, and Dallie.

Next she had to pick people to for the positions of Lifeguards, Coaches, and Receptionists. She called up a young Terri and Keon who had experience in working as lifeguards at the YMCA. Hillary, Gabby, Barbara, and Ryan as receptionists.

Lastly, was the coach and assistant coach positions. She called Darius who would be filling in for assistant coach. Hanging up the phone with him she made her last call of the night. She dialed the number that was printed on the application and waited for the person to answer.

"Hello." His deep rugged voice boomed though the phone causing Darnell's stomach to fill with knots. She hated the way she felt with just the sound of his voice not even the man like that.

She cleared her throat before speaking. "Hi Carter this is Darnell from Kidz Acadamey. I was calling to inform you that I was impressed with you after our interview and wanted to offer you the job of Head Coach."

"Aww man. Thank you so much. I've been waiting on this call."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Um also I wanted to inform you that we will be holding a little party at the center on Friday night for all of the new employees. It starts at six. Just something so everyone can meet and talk about whats ahead of us."

Darnell's thought it would be a good idea to have a little get together for the employees. Just something simple to where they could meet each other and feel each other out.

"Yeah yeah that sounds good. I'm looking forward to seeing you."

"Great. It was nice speaking to you Carter and congratulations."

"Thank you."

The two hung up and Darnell leaned back into her office chair. She found herself blushing and tried her hardest to shake off the feelings she had. She had to remind herself that she had a husband and the fact that she didn't even know Carter that well. She was his employer and he was her employee. She had to keep it all business point-blank-period.

-

Friday

With all of the anxiety surrounding the paternity results and separating from Don, Darnell was happy to be getting out of the house.

Naree had came over to help Darnell get the kids ready. They were going to be joining her at the party and then after they where going to be spending the weekend with her.

Darnell took her shower, did her makeup, and got dressed.

When she was done she went into Kay's room first where she was sitting in her bed watching tv. Naree had her dressed in a jean dress and her nude sandals.

"You ready mama?"

"Yep. Mommy can you do my hair like yours?"

"Mhmm go get your hair box." Kay ran off to her bathroom to get her hair supplies while Darnell moved around the room straightening up a little.

Darnell sat on Kay's bed while Kay sat between her legs. Darnell sprayed leave in conditioner in her hair and detangled it before brushing it up into a high ninja bun. Finally, she brushed down her edges, when she was done she cleaned up all the supplies and put everything up and washed her hands.

"Come on princess let's see if your brother is ready."

They left out of Kay's room and went into little Don's which was across the hall. He was also fully dressed and Naree was helping him put on his shoes. He had on his navy blue Adidas track suit and now his all white shell-toe Adidas.

"Thanks Naree, I really appreciate you."

"Girl you don't have to thank me. With everything going on what kind of friend would I be if I didn't help you?" She said as she rose from the bed straightening out her dress.

"Everybody's ready." Darnell looked around at the four of them and looked down at her watch. "Lets head out."

Naree and Darnell grabbed their bags and keys. Kay and little Don held their small duffle bags full of their over night clothes, hygiene products, and toys of their choice. They all headed out, Darnell locking up and made their way to the center.

-

At the party Darnell made her rounds making conversation with all the new employees. She encouraged them to bring their close family members. Some brought significant others, kids, parents, or close friends.

Darnell looked around satisfied with the outcome of the party. A big Welcome banner and balloons decorated the all white room that was filled with people socializing. Darnell had a buffet of party food out and some liquor for the adults and punch for the kids.

She had the small group of kids in their room that was attached to their room the party was held. With the big glass window in between the two rooms, the children could be seen playing with each other.

Excusing herself for a second, Darnell made her way to the table that held the drinks and grabbed a water bottle from the ice chest. Taking the top off the bottle and taking a sip Darnell felt a tap on her shoulder. When she turned she was met with a gorgeous face that belonged to her new coach, Carter.

"Hey there boss lady." Carter said with a smirk on his face showing off a little of his crystal clear smile.

"Coach Carter it's nice seeing you here. I thought you wasn't going to show up." She said as she gave him a half hug.

"I couldn't just not show up. How would that look?"

"I hear you. How are you?"

"I'm good. You look beautiful this afternoon."

Darnell couldn't help but to blush. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

Carter was dressed causal in a denim button down and matching denim jeans and light brown loafers.

"Thank you." He smiled.

"Did you bring anyone with you?"

"I did actually. I-" Carter was cut off when a mocha skin man came behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist planting a kiss on his cheek. The unknown man was dressed in a light pink shirt, light color jeans, and brown boots. His hair was cut low and his face was clear of any hair making his hazel eyes stand out.

Darnell was taken back for a second but quickly fixed her demeanor before the two men could notice.

"Boss lady this is my boyfriend Mike. Mike this is my boss Darnell."

Darnell stuck her hand out for Mike to take but he moved her arm aside pulling her into a bear hug.

"I'm sorry I'm a hugger. It's nice to meet you Darnell."

"No it's okay." Darnell replied when they separated.

"I just want to say thank you so much for granting Carter with this job. I'm glad he found something he could do that he's so passionate about."

"Me too. It's my pleasure honestly." They all smiled making small conversation about the two on how they met and how long they've been together. To say Darnell was surprised was an understatement. She didn't have anything against Carter being gay, it just threw her off.

Darnell excused herself again as Naree pulled her away from Mike and Carter.

"Excuse us fellas."

Naree pulled her away to a seclude corner so they could talk.

"Please tell me I didn't see that man kiss on that fine chocolate specimen over there."

"You did though. That's Mike, Carter's boyfriend of six years. They've been together since college."

"Lies!" Naree squealed.

"I kid you not." Darnell laughed.

"It's always the fine ones."

Darnell didn't know why she seemed like she was disappointed. At the end of the day she had a husband that she truly did love and cared about. Without him she wouldn't have her two beautiful children and with all this shit going on he still gave her seven years filled with laughs, love, and happiness.

"I need a fucking drink."

"I'm right behind you."

-

After a couple of hours the party was dying down and Darnell knew it was time to wrap everything up since the kiddies where getting restless.

Darnell stood on a chair with the help of the assistant coach, Darius.

"Excuse me everybody." The room began to quiet down as everyone gave her their undivided attention. "I just want to say thank you for all of you coming out today. I just want to say that I'm am so happy to have each and everyone of you here tonight. We are all here because we share the same goal of helping children in some way. It was a true pleasure of having you guys here tonight, but it's time for y'all to go."

The room laughed as everyone began to gather their belongings and disperse. Naree helped Darnell clean up the mess that was made and afterward they too separated. She hugged little Don and Kay goodnight and good bye telling them she would see them later on.

Darnell made her way to an empty home. Her mood instantly changed as she walked through the house. She was so happy after coming from he party knowing she was closer to making her dreams come true with her opening her center, but not having Don there to celebrate with her made her depressed.

She didn't even care to wash her face, change her clothes, or get under the covers. She slid her heels off her feet and fell face first into her bed.