The Devastating Truth

Chapter 7- Breakdowns

“Tomorrow’s our last day here, what do you want to do? Hang out and watch movies? Go shopping some more? Anything you want, and that’s what we’ll do.”

                “I wanna go see my mom and dad.” I replied. Knowing that this was most likely my last time here until this little munchkin was born, and not knowing if I was going to get to come when Zayn went on tour, I really wanted to see them. “I haven’t seen them since Ryder’s 4th birthday and I know they’re dying to see me.”

                Pushing his hand through his dark hair, he sighed. “But babe, they’re all the way in Florida…”

                “So?” I questioned, slightly confused as to why he would have a problem with seeing my parents. I mean c’mon, I saw his parents all the time… whenever he wanted.

                “You better be glad I love you.” He said, already dialing a phone number, most likely to change flights. We would be able to visit for a day and then leave the airport there and head to Paris.

                “I’m very glad.” I said, smirking. “Thank you…” I mumbled as he began speaking to someone on the other end of the phone line. He talked for a while, then came and sat beside me on the small couch in the back of our hotel room. His arm was around me and we stayed like that for a few minutes before he spoke up.

                “We leave here in three hours… We need to pack.” He kissed my forehead and then stood up with his arm outstretched in front of him, offering to help me up.

                I took his hand as he pulled me to my feet.

                “Thank you.” I told Zayn again. We were in the air, flying to see my parents. I was really getting tired of plane rides. I never have liked planes. It took a great amount of effort to fly here with Ryder a few years ago- plus they made me sick unless I slept- but it was something you got used to when you were married to one of the biggest superstars in the world.

                “Anytime, love. I know you want to see your parents as much as you can. I was stupid to have not set time for that on this vacation. I’m sorry.”

                “It’s fine I…I just figured…While we were here….We could see them…” I managed to force out through clenched teeth. Looks like this plane ride would be just like the last one.

                Zayn stared at me. “Are you okay?” he asked, sounding concerned but more scared then he should have been.

                “Yeah, little monkey here just doesn’t like the plane ride. She didn’t on the way here either, but I just went to sleep to ignore it. Oh god… I’m going to get sick.” My stomach was cutting flips, but I managed to keep my breakfast down… well at least I was able to this time.

                “We have a few hours to go… Just close your eyes and take a nap. I’ll let you know when we get there.” Zayn said before he kissed my head and pulled me over to lie on his shoulder. This was going to be a long flight.

 *****

  “God, I don’t remember the weather being this hot in November.” I said as we loaded into the rental car that was waiting for us at the airport in Florida. It was almost cold enough to snow back at home and now… I really wanted to trade these jeans for some shorts. And these boots for some sandals.

                “Yeah it’s pretty hot here.” Zayn said, turning the cool air on in the car. “You know how to get to your parent’s house right, Ellie?”

                “I’m not stupid… I lived there for twenty years.” I know I was sounding a whole lot meaner than I was trying to be. My head was killing me and my feet hurt. And that nap on the plane only made me grumpier

                 “Okay… Just making sure.” He paused for a second and then spoke up again. “Is it the baby…? Is she making you feel this bad? Or is it me?”

                Sighing, I pulled my hand away from my forehead. “Listen, Zayn. Sometimes it’s her. Sometimes it’s Ryder. And yes, sometimes it’s you. I’ve been thinking too much lately, and I’m stressed out and that’s not good for the baby. And all these plane rides are killing me. Don’t get me wrong, this vacation has been nice, but I’m just so tired… All the time. And that’s getting annoying too. Sometimes this week, I’d want to go home, but then I’d think ‘We don’t have any room for a baby. Where is she going to sleep when she gets here?’ and that’s more stress because I don’t want to ask you if we can move, because you already do too much for me and Ryder but still…” I sucked in a deep breath. “Sorry.”

                Zayn, who was driving down the interstate, was turning pale. I don’t think he realizes everything that’s going on with me. I wanted to get a new house, but I didn’t want to ask him if we could move. I wanted to go home, but then I’d think about moving. I wanted to sleep, but I wanted to make him happy so we went shopping or out to eat. I just wanted to have this baby already, but I had twenty weeks to go. Most pregnant women get this feeling closer to their due date, but no. Not me… I was more then anxious to get my little girl here.

                Finally, he said something. “I’m sorry… I didn’t realize all of that was running through your mind. You’ve got to tell me when you need something, or want something. I’m here for you, Ellie. You know that. You know you can talk to me about anything at all. And hey, if you want to move, let’s do it. Just another adventure to add to our stack of memories.”

                I smiled for the first time all day. “I shouldn’t have just blurted everything out like that. I just needed to get it off my chest I guess. Hormones… they suck. One minute I’m happy, one minute I’m screaming at you. I’m sorry.”

                He reached over and took my hand. “Don’t be sorry… I can deal with your mood swings. You’ve given me a family and that’s worth every single breakdown you have. If you want to scream at me for fun, just because it’ll make you feel better, do it. I won’t mind. I’ve got you, Ryder, and this wonderful baby girl and nothing else matters…” he said, rubbing my belly.

                “You’re too good to me, Malik.” I said, lightening the mood of the conversation.

                “Well you deserve to be treated like a queen.”

                “Why are you getting so sappy all of a sudden?” I asked, giggling. “I mean it’s cute, but c’mon. No one wants to deal with someone pregnant in the first place, let alone me.”

                “But that’s my daughter. And when you’re happy, she’s happy. So I’m going to keep you happy. Now suck it up and deal with it. It’s okay to have someone be nice to you.”

                “Turn here, Zayn.” I said pointing to the road, completely ignoring his statement.

                “Yes, love.”