Into The Unknown

Chapter 4

Ryan's POV

Here we were again sat in yet another airport in a completely new city, waiting to travel back home to Los Angeles. We all had an amazing time in Europe even if it was only a short visit. I loved having Abi with me while I worked, the thought of being away from her for nearly 3 weeks played constantly in the back of my mind.

I hated this part of our relationship, but we both work in an industry that demands so much of our time. As hard as it is, it also makes the time we do get to spend together more precious.

I watch Abi curiously as she fidgets and plays with the cross on the chain around her neck, she was still uneasy about going home and facing the press. I sometimes wish they would back off and let her breathe, she has dealt with so much shit from them recently. I would love to say something, but have been advised to stay out of it by Tony, especially after what happened last time I spoke out.

"Is she ok?" I turned and see Zach has sat down beside me "She doesn't seem herself"

"She's got a lot going on right now" I exhale quietly enough so Abi doesn't hear me.

"Yeah I know what you mean man, it can't be easy having people watching your every move" Zach sympathised, he had seen first hand just how full on the press could be.

"It's not, and with all this bullshit from Nick's family...well I just don't know how much more she can take" it scared me to think like this, but there is only so much a person can take. She has put so much pressure on herself over the last few months.

"Can't she just cut them out of her life?" Zach suggested and I laughed.

"I wish, I think it's more to do with Freya to be honest, Abi doesn't want her to be exposed to the kind of poison they create" I have had this conversation so many times with Abi "I mean just when you think you have turned a corner and are getting on with your life they seem to pull something else out of the bag, they are vicious people man"

"What if there was a way round it?" Zach sounded like he had an idea "What if Abi beat them to it?"

"What do you mean?"

"If she is worried about their next move the maybe she should air all her deepest secrets first" is he crazy, I thought to myself as I stared at Zach "Listen you know all there is to know about her right? And her Mom and Dad know?"

"Yeah of course"

"Well you said a few weeks ago Piers Morgan wanted to do a no holds barred kind of interview with her? Maybe it's not a bad idea" As insane as it sounded, I couldn't help thinking maybe he was on to something. Maybe if Abi got the chance to air all her secrets in her own words, then that would mean Nick's family had no more weapons to use against her "It wouldn't hurt to talk to her about it, right?"

"I guess not, and if she hates it I will say it's your idea" I joke.

"Yeah cheers man" he laughs.

"What's so funny?" Abi comes and perches herself on the end of my lap.

"We were just discussing strategies for tomorrow nights show" I lie, she frowns at me and then turns to talk to Zach.

X-x-x

Getting on the plane was almost like torture for me, I was so freaked out by what happened when we landed in Paris. I had no idea how Abi could do this so effortlessly, we had all managed to get our seats close together this time. Abi was sat between me and Leroy and Drew was on my other side. The rest of the guys were behind us "Relax man, you look like you're going to hyperventerlate" Drew chuckled as my breathing became rushed.

"You ok baby?" Abi asked as she grabbed my hand "Do you want some water?" She hands me a bottle of water from her bag.

"I'm fine" I reassure everyone, my heart rate had started to slow down now and my breathing returned to normal. It's amazing how that one person can have a calming effect on you.

I can feel Abi's head leaning on my shoulder as she drifts off the sleep, we had been in the air for almost 6 hours. I was busy writing some lyrics for an artist that had been in touch with me recently. A few more hours past and Abi was still sleeping, she looked so peaceful.

"It's so peaceful when she sleeps" Leroy sighed jokingly, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Too quiet sometimes" I reply as I move some hair from her face "I'm gonna miss her when we go to Canada"

"Yeah no doubt she will miss you too" Leroy looked at Abi and then looked back at me "Listen I don't normally say things like this but I'm glad you came along when you did, she needed you"

"No I'm the one who needed her" I looked down at Abi again, she was still sleeping peacefully.

X-x-x

We hadn't been home for more than 5 minutes when the phone started to ring "Hello" Abigail was out of the room so I answered "Hey Mom"

"Hey honey, how was Europe?" My Mom didn't sound her usual bubbly self.

"It was incredible" I answer her question "Is everything ok?" Abi was now back in the room, I could see the concern in her eyes.

"I'm worried about you both" My Mom's words left me stunned "There were some pictures online of Abi without her wedding ring on and it said something about your relationship being strained" Abi was stood behind me now, she had her hands on my shoulders.

"Oh no Mom we're fine" I exhale when I realise it's nothing serious "We've seen those pictures, it was taken when Abi was filming. She takes her ring of when she's filming"

"Oh yeah of course she does, I'm sorry honey I just wanted to make sure you were both ok" My Mom's voice lifted again "Is Abi there?"

"Yep" I reply as Abi says "Hey" to my Mom. They talk on the phone form little while before saying goodbye. As I put down the phone I feel my heart skip a beat when I notice the way Abi is looking at me, she looks confused and torn.

"Baby we need to talk" she sighs with tears filling her eyes "I know you have been watching me recently and I know you can sense something is wrong" I don't speak I just reply with a nod, she sits beside me on the breakfast bench and grabs my hand "I can't do this anymore, I love you so much, but I can't keep putting you through this over and over again" my heart stops beating as I look into her eyes. She is barely holding it together as she speaks again "I think it's about time we drew a line under it and moved on with our lives..."