"I-" Haruhi covered my mouth with her hand. "Don't even. I know you're sorry. And you are forgiven. I know it was hard on you." I smiled gratefully at my best friend in the entire world. She wrapped me in a tight hug, her swollen belly keeping us separated. I had been going to sessions with Dr. Ishida once a week for two months, and it was helping. Slowly, I started interacting with everyone, and going out in public. Even if it was just to go grocery shopping, I felt accomplished at the progress I had made. I started reconnecting with my friends and family, and spending as much time as I could with my daughters. I started appreciating everything around me, from the sky to my very own life. Hikaru had to take another semester of school, something about not having enough credits to graduate. But, even he started receiving affection and attention again. My journal, which at first was only one or two sentences a day, was overflowing with paragraphs of the things I looked forward to, things I lived for, everyday.

Today had gone good for me so far. It was October 17th, my due date. Haruhi was the one going into labor instead. Carlisle Akihiko Suoh, Tamaki and Haruhi's firstborn, would be here soon, and we were all in her hospital room until the doctors had to deliver the baby. I thought I would be sad, I thought I would feel depressed, but I was fine. I arrived at the hospital feeling nothing but joy for Haruhi. I sat behind her, braiding her hair as we talked about the baby. "I hope he looks like Tamaki," she sighed. "Well I hope he looks like you," Tamaki chimed in on our conversation. He squeezed Haruhi's hand gently and she smiled, squeezing back. "All done," I grinned. She ran a hand down the braid and smiled. "Now I won't look completely horrible," she giggled. A nurse came in to check on her, and immediately started ushering us all out one by one. "It's time," the nurse announced. "It's time," Haruhi sighed, looking up at Tamaki nervously. "Everything will be fine," he assured her. The door was shut, and we all sat in the hallway with the exception of Ranka and Tamaki. 

Hikaru looked at me with a small smile, squeezing my hand gently. "Are you okay?" he whispered. I nodded slightly, returning the smile. "I'm fine. I'm really happy for her and Tamaki," I admitted. "But...what about you?" he asked. Everyone had dispersed, most of them in the waiting room, Auntie and Mr. Suoh outside of Haruhi's room. I started walking, guiding Hikaru down the hall toward the vending machines. "Honestly? I'm a little sad. It does hurt, knowing that today was the day Willow was supposed to be born. But, he's in a better place, and a new life is being brought into the world. It's a bittersweet day," I mused. We got some snacks and headed back to the waiting room, where Kaoru and the rest of our friends were sitting with Lily and Rose. I passed out the snacks and sat in Hikaru's lap. He looked genuinely surprised; however, everyone else shared a knowing smirk and a soft laugh. "You okay babe?" Hikaru asked, hesitantly resting his arms around my waist. "Yeah," I murmured. "Is there anything wrong with wanting to sit on my husband's lap?" I nuzzled my head against his chest and he laughed. "No, no I guess there isn't." I caught Lily and Rose whispering to one another, and I called, "What you two over there bein' all secretive about?" Lily was the first to answer. "You're happy again Mommy." There it was-- the wave of sadness. Though not for the reason I thought. I was in a dark place for a while, where happiness seemed unobtainable. I felt guilty now, because I had hurt everyone around me. "Yeah, you're aaaaaall better now, right Mommy?" Rose chimed. I smiled at them, feeling everyone's eyes on me. "That's right," I replied.

The doctor came in about an hour later. "You all can come in to see the baby now," he said with a grin. We were all out of our seats and practically running to Haruhi's room. Haruhi smiled, looking exhausted. Mr. Suoh quickly scooped the baby up from her arms, cooing to the newborn. "I'm your grandpa and I love you so much, Carlisle. Little, precious Carlisle." The baby was passed around the room to be fawned over by everyone. Finally, he came to rest in my arms. "Lily, Rose. Come look'a your baby cousin," I whispered, tears filling my eyes. He was the perfect blend of Haruhi and Tamaki. He just barely opened his eyes, yet I could still tell he had inherited Tamaki's deep blue-violet color. A tuft of dark brown hair sat atop his head in wet, flattened curls. "Auntie A.J. loves you kiddo," I murmured, kissing his forehead. He stirred again as my tears fell onto his cheek. Quietly, I handed him back to his father before turning to Haruhi. "He's so beautiful. Congratulations," I whispered, hugging her gently. "I'm sorry, Adrienne. I'm sorry you're so sad." I laughed, pulling away to wipe tears from my eyes. Haruhi was doing the same. "I'm not sad, that's the thing. It's...kinda weird," I confessed. They all laughed, and Haruhi pulled me into another embrace. "I'm glad I've got my best friend back," she sighed softly.