Sometimes Love Isn't Enough

Little Less Broken

** 6 days later**

**Brendon's POV**

Things have been really hectic with interviews, meet and greets, as well as some technical issues at the venues. I've tried to FaceTime Carlyn nearly every day, but it's hard trying to sync this with Skai being awake. I've managed to see her twice. She was on her tummy time mat, so Carlyn had propped up the screen so she could see me. It was so funny hearing her babble away to me. Carlyn hasn't really said much to me on the calls. I'm going to call her tonight after the show to see how she is doing. Both Josh and Nicole have spoken with her and tell she's doing fine. Everything is such a mess. I have really fucked everything up. Elise is now showing. When she told Joe about the baby and what happened between her and I, he packed his things and left. He doesn't want a child, especially one that could be someone else's. I guess I'm lucky that Carlyn didn't do the same. I know she's upset and angry, but we already have Skai she wouldn't take her away from me. For that, I am truly grateful.

**Carlyn's POV**

I am starting to feel a bit better and more like myself. It's been good having time apart from. Brendon and reconnecting with Dan. It's like no time has passed at all.

The girls and Gerard have been great as well. Everyone now knows what's happening and that Brendon and I are working through it.

Dan's kids are staying with him for a few days, so we are heading to Santa Monica for the day. Skai likes to be entertained and enjoys having other kids around. She likes to be sociable, just like her dad. As Skai and I are getting ready to leave when Brendon FaceTime's.
"Hey, how are my girls doing?"
"Skai's good, Bren."
"How are you, Carly?"
"I'm doing better.."
"That's great, I'm glad."
"Carlyn, what are you doing? All I can see is Skai's foot. "
"Sorry, I'm getting our things ready. We are heading to Santa Monica for the day.
Just then, the doorbell goes.
"Come in, it's open," I hear Carly shout. Then I hear what sounds like a group of kids chatting away excitedly. Who is she talking to?
"Carly....Carly!!.....CARLYN!!!" I shout over the noise.
"Shit sorry Brendon I forgot to sort the phone." As she sorts the phone, I see a man in the background
"Carlyn who the fuck is in the house with you?"
"What? ......Oh hang on, I'll go get him.  It's a surprise"
Suddenly she hands her phone to someone
"Hey, Brendon, how you doing, man?"
Why is Dan Reynolds in MY house with MY wife?
"Hey Dan, it's good to see you, man. What are you doing in L.A? How did you run into Carly?"
Dan laughs gently. "Well, it was purely by coincidence. I've recently moved to LA to be closer to my kids, and it turns out I'm your new neighbour. I never knew you guys lived in this area, never mind next door. It's been great reconnecting with Carlyn. Your daughter is absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations on becoming a dad. It's the best thing ever! Listen, I'll pass you back to Short Stuff. Let's have a few beers when you get back, yeah? Enjoy tour, catch you later." He says, passing Carlyn back her phone.
"Sure, thanks."
What the actual Fuck! Short Stuff?? That was his nickname for her in high school. I used to think he had a thing for Carlyn back then, but he always swore they were just friends.
"Bren....BREN! What's wrong with you? I've been talking to you and you just blanked me?"
"Sorry, I was just surprised to see Dan. That's all.."
Listen, Bren, we need to get going. I'll speak you tonight"
"Ok.....bye," but I'm left staring at a blank screen. Suddenly a surge of anger passes through me, and I throw my phone across the room just as Josh and Mike walk in.
"You ok?"
"NOPE!"
"What's wrong now?" Josh asks
I start to tell them about Dan moving in next door and about him and Carlyn taking the kids to Santa Monica for the day. I can see the two of them smirking.
"Brendon, are you jealous?" Mike asks.
"He's out with MY wife and daughter Mike! It should be me, not another man!!"
"At least he's not fucking her" Josh quips. I look at him seething.
"Not. Funny. Josh!!" I warn.
"Or got her pregnant." adds Mike.
"Fuck off!!! Mike". I yell.
"Brendon, you have a bloody cheek to be jealous about this. Do you seriously think Carlyn would sleep with someone just to get back at you?? You've known her longer than any of us, and we can tell you she wouldn't. If you seriously think that, then you, my friend, you have serious problems!!". Josh shouts at me.
"You didn't see her, she looked almost.... happy. Like her old self!"
"That's a good thing, isn't it?"
"For.Fuck.Sake," I sigh. "Never mind....." I mutter, as I retrieve my phone, leaving the bus for soundcheck.

** Later That night**

The kids had a great day, and Skai was mesmerised by all the lights and sounds on the pier. It was great to spend the day not thinking about Brendon and the state of my marriage. It was good to talk to someone who has gone through a recent split up and to get their perspective of things, especially a dad's point of view. I have a lot to think about. Do I still love Brendon?...Yes.
Can I forgive him for cheating again? I honestly don't know. It took everything in me to forgive him the first time.
If the baby is his, could I be able to help raise a child that isn't mine? That is a hard one. It's not the child's fault they are the result of a one night stand. Could I live with the constant reminder of what he did?
Am I a pushover if I were to stay with him? If it was just me, I think I could walk away this time, but we have a daughter, does that make a difference?
If i stay, will he think that he can get away with it again?
Just then, the Ipad rings.

** Brendon's POV **

"Hey, babe."
"Bren.."
"How was your day out?"
"Yeah, it was good. Skai enjoyed herself. I think the sea air exhausted her. Shes sound asleep."
"She's getting big." I say, trying to keep the conversation neutral. "I see her changing. It feels like forever since I held her. The bus is so lonely without you both."
"She misses you too...."
"What about you? Do you miss me, Carly?" She totally blanks my question.
"Look, Bren. I'm sorry you feel that way, but maybe if you'd kept your dick in your pants and to yourself and been honest with me, we would still possibly be there with you..."
"I know!! I was just saying Carly..."
Well, don't. I refuse to let you make me feel guilty about my decision. How would you feel if it was the other way around and YOU had to see the person I had cheated with every day.....Think about that, Brendon!!"
"I don't want to fight Carly."
"Whatever ..... " she replies, ending the call.

I end the call and put Skai  into her bed. I'm angry at myself for feeling guilty about him not having Skai there, but why should I?  I fucking hate him for putting us through all of this. I hate myself even more for loving him.

**Brendon's POV**

I really, really need this leg of the tour to be over. I need to be at home with Carlyn and Skai. I know I've just majorly pissed her off even more. I really didn't mean to make her feel guilty for not being here. I do get where she's coming from. If she had cheated with Dan or Mike and I had to see them every day, I couldn't handle that. I would beat the shit out of them and make their life hell. Fuck I'd probably fire them. I need to get my act together. Do the shows, finish this leg of the tour, and get home for Christmas. We have the whole of December off, so hopefully, this gives myself and Carlyn time to get this mess sorted out.

Elise has decided to arrange for a paternity test when they do her amniocentesis at her 20-week scan, which will be just before Christmas. At least we will know for definite who the father is. The chances of it being me are very slim, so I'm not worrying about it.