Voice in the Thunder

4

"Shh, Layla, please," I beg, pacing the room and bouncing her lightly in my arms. She's been screaming for so long, I can feel myself getting hysterical.

"Layla, shhh, it's okay. It's okay, my love," I coo, tears rolling down my cheeks. Through the ear piercing banshee screaming my child is doing, I hear a timid knock on the door.

"I'm sorry if she's keeping you up," I say, letting Stevie in.

"She's not. Is everything okay?" She asks, placing her hand on Layla's back.

"I don't know," I sniffle, using my free hand to wipe my tears. "I can't get her to calm down. I'm worried she's gonna make herself sick."

"Can I?" She asks. I pass Layla into her arms, running a hand through my hair. Stevie coos softly at Layla, rocking her in her arms. She trails her finger lightly from Layla's forehead to the tip of her nose over and over as she hums to her.

I collapse onto the bed as Stevie gets her settled finally, staring at her.

"How did you do that?"

"I never reveal my secrets," She grins, making me laugh. She sits on the edge of the bed, holding Layla against her chest. "Sweet girl." She presses a kiss to the side of her head, closing her eyes as she starts humming again.

"So when they call you the baby whisperer, they're not joking?"

"Of course they're not," She chuckles, moving to lay the baby down in the bassinet after a few minutes.

"I don't know how you did that, but thank you," I say, sitting up. Stevie nods, sitting next to me. I can see the hesitation in her eyes as she wraps her arms around me. I've been missing her touch for so long, and I don't hesitate to drop my head to her chest, my arms circling her tightly.

Her fingers brush through my hair, and I close my eyes, breathing in her familiar, comforting scent of gardenias and patchouli.

"Get some sleep, angel girl. We have a long couple of weeks in front of us," She whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. I pull back, nodding. How the fuck did I fall in love with her again? Just looking at her now, I want to wrap her in my arms and never let go. I see it in her eyes, how badly she wants the same.

"I don't know what to do right now," I admit.

"About what?" She asks, her hand warm on my knee.

"This. Us," I say, gesturing between us. She furrows her eyebrows, tilting her head slightly.

"Do what feels right. You're in control here, Alina."

I nod, covering her hand with mine.

"Will you lay with me? Just for a little bit?" I ask, almost shyly. I'm not sure what to do, but when she nods and wraps her arms around me, everything feels right. The world is suddenly back on its axis, and I can breathe for the first time in a long time.

She strokes my hair, her heartbeat soothing me as we lay on the semi darkness of the room. The moonlight pours in from the gauzy drapes, illuminating the room just enough for me to see the tears pooling in her eyes. I burrow against her side, my arm draped across her stomach.

"Ali."

I look up, bringing my hand up to cup her cheek, swiping under her eye with the pad of my thumb to catch a tear.

"Yeah?"

She closes her eyes, leaning into my hand.

"I'm so sorry. You have to know that," She whispers, covering my hand with hers.

"I know."

"I love you."

I nod, closing my eyes when she presses a light kiss to my palm. "I know. I love you too."

She smiles at me, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

"Get some sleep, angel girl. Your sweet baby will be up soon, won't she?"

I nod, already half asleep. Her hand stroking my hair has that magical melatonin effect.

"You can't stay," I mumble. "Karen will kill me and then Layla will be orphaned."

She chuckles, tugging playfully on the strand of hair she's got wrapped around her fingers. "I'm staying."

"Not all night," I protest, unable to keep my eyes open any longer. "Just until I fall asleep."

"Okay," She sighs, her fingers dancing over my arm. "Just until you fall asleep."

"Thank you."

~~~~

I wake up and the first thing I realize is Stevie isn't here. The second thing I realize is that the bed is still warm where she slept next to me.

I look towards where Layla is, realizing she's awake and cooing at herself.

"Good morning, little honey. Why are you so calm, huh? Did you eat already?" I coo, pausing when I hear soft voices in the living room. "Who did you invite?"

She gives me a huge smile, letting out a giggle.

"Oh my God!" I gasp, rushing into the living room. "She just laughed for the first time!"

Layla giggles again, making me gasp again.

"That was the cutest thing I've ever heard," Stevie coos. Wait, how is she in here? I scan the rest of the couch raising my eyebrow. Karen, Lori, Sharon and Jessie are sitting in the suite, drinking their starbucks while Karen taps away on her computer.

They're all cooing and smiling, even Karen.

"Having a business meeting without me?" I ask, sitting on the floor, leaning back against the couch. Stevie taps my head playfully, shaking her head in amusement. Layla fusses, her eyes focused on Stevie.

"Well excuse me," I scoff, passing her off to Stevie. Jessie pushes the coffee carrier towards me, and I thank her.

"We're just trying to work out the press stuff with the rest of the managers," Karen says, glancing at her planner to confirm dates.

"Oh, for the band. What studio are they wanting to use?" I ask.

"The same one we're using," Stevie grumbles, rolling her eyes. She tickles Layla's belly, making her giggle again. I can't help my smile as I look up, seeing her kicking her legs.

"My little girl," I coo, kissing the side of her head. Stevie smiles at me, making my heart flutter.