Like many stories, there's a rocky beginning. And just like every journey, when you work and focus on who you truly love, despite all the hardships, you come out deeper in love, stronger and faith restored, though trauma induced experiences may have once left you feeling numb. Yet there is always sunshine after the storm. This is something the Lomaz's knew oh too well.
Before the couple, many came to know and love, became well, a couple, they had their own set of relationship issues and even problems with others trying to get in between them. Yet they did not stop fighting for one another, even against the biggest of adversities.
On one occasion, before they were even in a relationship, Destiny's father, Nathan, had attempted to be back in Patricia and Destiny's life. Although abandoning her throughout her pregnancy, he still found reason to crawl back into their lives. Nathan and Patricia had been together, off and on, all throughout highschool and parts of their college career. During Patricia's final semesters, she had become pregnant, and left school to work full-time, until pregnancy leave became a must. Nathan had went on to be with another, and while he did, Daniel came along and Patricia was 22 weeks pregnant. He didn't mind the baby bump and even tolerated and handled her "baby blues" moods quite well. He would stay with her at night if she needed him to, and massaged her feet when they became swollen. Even went with her to the doctors when necessary appointments came about. They had become best friends.
Daniel was even the one to take Patricia to the hospital when her water broke and stayed for the delivery. Patricia always thanked Daniel for being absolutely amazing toward her. A true gentleman, she indeed found him to be.
Days later, after the birth of Destiny, Nathan reappeared back in their lives. Calling to say how sorry he was, and he wanted to be back in their lives. Patricia, having a big heart, accepted his wayward apology, forgave him and accepted him as Destiny's father. Not once did she deny him of seeing their daughter and didn't want to deal with the court system. Yet 5 months later, Nathan filed for joint custody. Patricia didn't make too much of a fuss about it, but at night she would cry on Daniel's shoulder, and he would just hold her. No questions asked. Yet one evening an argument broke out...
"Who the hell is this dude around my daughter Patricia?," shouted Nathan.
"I'm the 'dude' that's been here all throughout the majority of her pregnancy and birth and life, that's who!," Daniel shouted right back.
"Stop it! Both of you!," Patricia had to scream at the top of her lungs to get them to quiet down, "Yes you're the biological father, and I'm even giving you joint custody without any argument Nathan! And I could, cause you certainly bailed on me once you found out I was pregnant! I could rob you of all of your money too but I'm not that woman! I want Destiny to know you. However Daniel has and will always be here. He's my best friend! And has not ever disrespected you, despite what you may think. He hasn't even tried to make a move on me, because he appreciates our friendship and I love him. You gave up on us and went elsewhere ok. You're the one trying to crawl back as my man. That was highschool and college, I have other things to worry about right now and I don't want to go backwards Nathan! I still have to get back into school, which you didn't care, because of your own selfish reasons. So do NOT talk to him like that Nathan! And Daniel, just please be considerate...I can't deal with this right now..." Patricia had stormed out of the scene, picking up a sleeping Destiny and walking to the car. Daniel ran after her, while Nathan shouted some more.
"I'm here for you and Destiny and I always will be, no matter what...if you want to be back with him, then I won't stand in your way Patricia," stated Daniel as he held her hands.
"No Daniel. Actually...no what I want, who I need....is you ok! Why don't you get that I need you in my life and yesterday you said the Marines called you...Daniel...this is just too much. Why the hell would you put your life on the line!"
"If only you truly knew my intentions. Don't you see Patricia! I don't go out on dates! I barely talk to other women cause I'm always with you and Destiny! I can't think of anyone else but you two! I have to do this Patricia! I have to become a better man!"
*Destiny cries in the back* "Great, now she's crying...just...take us home Daniel, please. I'm tired."
Days later, Daniel had stopped by Patricia's. They were able to talk yet he still wouldn't say exactly why he HAD to go. Yet Patricia knew that she wasn't letting him without her say. He had informed Patricia, that he was going to be sent off to the Carolinas for basic training in 2 more months, on the day that Destiny would turn 8 months old.
Before Daniel could leave though, other events occured prompting Daniel to want to fight for what was rightfully his even more. Nathan had been calling a lot more to Patricia and even set mini dates, yet Patricia thought he was still apologizing. That was until one day, Nathan ran into Daniel. Words were exchanged, even a *I'm still screwing MY baby mother* was said which caused Daniel to haul off and hit Nathan. An explosive fight broke out between the two and before either one could explain their side, Patricia had already found out.
"Daniel why!? Now he's really going to try to get more days in this joint custody! Daniel ooo oh gosh Daniel! Why!? I just need peace! And then you're leaving ME! You're leaving US for that stupid....stupid Marines! So why do this!?! Destiny loves you so much, do you think she needs to see you in this condition! Oh God! Daniel...I just...I don't get it! Him and I aren't back together. I don't even look at him! But he tries! I only hang around him just for Destiny's sake! That's all!"
"Dammit Patricia! He's not about to talk about you like that! Like you're still giving him your attention both physically and mentally! I defended you! Don't you understand! I'm going to the Marines for US! So I can provide and support US! So that you can finish up your degree and fulfill your dreams too! To hell with that court bullshit! You KNOW things will work out! And I want US to work out Patricia! I want YOU & Destiny! You got that!?"
A stunned Patricia stared at Daniel as he paced back and forth. Then grabbing her up and kissing her passionately. Their first kiss.
Now everything made more sense to Patricia, as she melted from the intensity of their first kiss. Daniel had wanted to be with her just as much as she did. And despite their many issues, they still continued to find a way to make it work.
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