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Torn

One

Harry's eyes stare at the invitation in his hands. Smiling lightly. He's gotten one every year, but could never make it.

When Harry and Carter split, they didn't know she was pregnant. About a week later, she called and told him. They agreed on something. That was this: Harry would give enough for the baby every month, and he's done so. And all Carter has to do is love her, and protect her. Harry didn't want to ruin the baby's life, so he stayed away...

In his mind, he remembers his calender. He's clear for the 19th, when the party is. Harry picks up his phone, but sits it back down on the bed beside him. ''It'll be a..surprise.''He whispers to himself and smiles at the pictures of the little girl he's only held once..and that was when she was born.

He showed up. He wanted to. Carter told him he didn't have to, but he did. He signed his name on the birth certificate and that was that. She had his name, which meant everything to him. He named her too. Mia. He'd always like that. But her middle name, Grace, Carter picked out. Harry liked that too..

Of course he wanted to be involved with her, but he knew that he would wind up hurting them both, just like he hurt Carter before. Breaking his promise, she thinks. But he knows nothing's broken, well, besides Carter's heart, and his own for not being with them. He didn't break the promise...because he still loves her. Like he promised...forever.
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Harry paces around his living room, wondering what he should take her. Just himself? Something nice? Or what? He decided to surprise Carter and show up with out warning her. Since Mia was born, on her birthday, Carter's birthday, and holiday's, he'd sent gifts. Carter always told Mia about her dad. Mia can look at a picture of Harry and know its him. She even calls him 'Dada' which Carter loves.

That's Harry's dream...To hear her say 'Dada' to him. Or 'daddy' or something in that matter. He gulps lightly as he looks at the time. 1:43pm. Carter lives in New York City, Harry, ironically, has a house in New York. Well its like an apartment, but huge. So a penthouse probably what it goes by. Anyways....

Meanwhile, at Kelly's house, Mia has fun playing dress up with her friends from day care and some of Kelly and Carter's friends' daughters. While the little ones enjoy themselves, the 'adults' sit in the living room on the couch.

Each talking about Mia. Kelly and Carter talking about some one in particular. Harry. Kelly doesn't like him. Yes, they know each other. And trust me, she doesn't like him one bit. She hates his guts now and even before.

Everyone quiets down when there's a knock on the door. Everyone automatically looks at Carter, who looks at the door. She looks around quickly.''Who could it be?''Becka, her friend, asks.''Everyone's here.''She adds confused.

''Not..every one.''Carter mumbles and looks at Kelly. She gulps lightly and nods, telling Carter to be brave and go confront the person the two know the identity, obviously.

Carter opens the door and the person looks up.''Hey..''