The Devastating Truth

Chapter 14- Headaches

                Finally. Finally it was quiet in the house; just me and Scarlett in her teal and pink decorated bedroom, with no other noises interrupting my thoughts but her light breathing. It had been two weeks since we brought her home from the hospital and thank goodness she hadn’t been anything like the screaming munchkin she was that first night. Now, Scarlett was just like Ryder was. She stayed quiet and didn’t mind if I put her in her crib or swing and left her alone. She only cried when she was hungry or needed changed. That was the baby that Ryder was, and I was oh so glad that Scarlett took after her him.

                Ryder was at school and Zayn was back to the studio and working with management to catch up on the tour planning that he had missed. He was leaving in two days to go to the United States, and he begged me to come along, but I wasn’t ready to get on another plane…especially with my two week old daughter.

                Taylor hadn’t been over much, which was a big surprise. She said she was tired, and I could honestly believe that. She was about ten weeks along in her pregnancy, and that was always my rough spots. I was always tired and never wanted to do anything but get over the morning sickness. I knew how she felt. And as if on cue, my phone that was sitting on the edge of Scarlett’s crib rang. I stretched my arm out, trying to reach it without disturbing my daughter.

                “Hey Taylor.” I said right as I slid the unlock on my phone.

                “Hey, El. How are you? How’s Scarlett?”

                “She’s amazing… Rarely wakes up. Only to eat. You’d think she was related to Niall.”

                Taylor laughed for a second but then spoke up. “I just wanted to say sorry for not really being around that much the past few weeks. I’ve made plans several mornings to get up and come over, but this being preggo thing isn’t really a ray of sunshine. I’m always tired… Kinda like you were. And this puking over something that smells is getting outrageous! I mean I got sick yesterday because of the way Louis’ cologne smelled…”

                “Oh my god! That happened with me too. Zayn’s face was priceless!” I heard her laughing on the other end of the line and it made me happy to know that I brightened her day; even it was just for a second. “Oh, and don’t worry about not being over here everyday… it’s been nice actually to have some alone time with Zayn and Ryder. And especially today… no one’s home. Just Scarlett and I, and I’m loving every minute of it.”

                “That’s really good, Ellie. I’m so happy for you. Oh quick question.”

                “What is it?

                “I can get on a plane right? I mean I know you did at like five months, but I just wanted to make sure.”

                “Um yeah. You can fly until like your third trimester. Why are you asking?”

                “I’m going with Louis and the boys…”

                I was quiet for a minute. I didn’t actually think she’s go and leave me behind. I mean Morgan was going too. I had no one. “So you’re leaving me too? I mean I know how to take care of my children, but damn. Everyone’s going but me.”

                “I’m sorry, Ellie. I wish you’d come.”

                “I kinda just had a baby, and I don’t feel like touring a country and going to CD signings and photo shoots and meet-and-greets and interviews with a five year old and a newborn. You’ll know what it’s like one day.”

                “Ellie…”

                “Just don’t call me if you have a question about your baby. I’ll be taking care of my own. Have fun and don’t lose your little accent that you’ve picked up on. Bye.” And without another word said, I clicked the ‘end’ button.

                I hated to say goodbye to my best friend like that, but at this time, I could have cared less.

                Apparently I had fallen asleep with Scarlett because when I woke up, I wasn’t in her room. I was in my bed and I could hear noises coming from downstairs. God, were they loud. And my head was killing me. Not like any headache had ever been. I couldn’t think straight. All I knew was that I was going to check on my family and if they were okay, then I was going back to bed to sleep off this migraine.

                I pulled the sheets back and stood up. I had to grab onto the nightstand to regain my balance. I don’t remember feeling this way when I got off the phone with Taylor. Oh gosh, I didn’t even know what time it was. I had to cook dinner and help Ryder with his homework. Why did I have to fail at being a mom some days? I ignored that thought and rushed down the stairs, nearly colliding into Zayn who had Scarlett in his arms.

                “Oh, you’re awake. I’m sorry if we were too loud.”

                “No… I’m sorry.” I put my hand on my forehead, trying to shield the blinding light of the living room. “Why didn’t you wake me up? I need to do Ryder’s homework…”

                “I already did that.” Zayn smiled. “Are you okay, El? You look kinda pale.”

                “I’m fine,” I said, ignoring his observation. “I need to cook dinner…” I tried to shove past him.

                “Already taken care of, love. Your plate is in the microwave and Ryder’s playing in the bath. I was going to put Scarlett in her swing and get him out and put him to bed.”

                “What time is it?” I asked, getting more confused, and slightly dizzier, by the minute.

                “Almost eight.”

                “Why did you let me sleep this late?”

                “Because you deserved a nap. Even if it was a five hour one… But you look like you need to go back to bed. Are you sure you’re okay?”

                “I have this headache, well more like migraine. Every thing is getting fuzzy and I can barely walk and my head is pounding… It’s like I’m hung over without even drinking.”

                “I’ve got this, babe. Take some medicine and go back to bed. I’ll be there as soon as Ryder’s in bed.” He kissed my forehead. “I love you, Ellie.”

                “I love you too, Zayn. And you too, Scarlett.” Then I turned toward the hallway. “Goodnight, Ryder! I love you!”

                “Love you too, mommy!”

                I climbed the stairs, back up to my bedroom. Not even bothering to put on my pajamas, I crawled back into the bed, pulling the covers on top of me. As soon as my head hit the fluffy pillow, everything went black. I could hear things and through my closed eyes, I could tell that there was light in the room. Goodness! Didn’t Zayn know I had a headache?

                When I was finally able to force my eyes open, the scenery was very different than my bedroom. I was in a bright white room, and the only sound I could make out was a faint beeping from the machine beside me. Why was I in a hospital and where was my family? They wouldn’t just leave me, would they?