Into The Unknown

Chapter 25

Abigail's POV

"Thanks for stepping in before" Nick started a conversation as we walked into the lounge.

"Oh believe me I didn't do it to save your ass" I snap angrily "The only reason I stepped in was because I didn't want my daughter to come downstairs and see her Dad getting his ass kicked kicked, by her Mom's husband. Believe me if I wasn't pregnant I would have kicked your ass myself"

"Okay I get it I fucked up, I didn't think even my Mom would stoop so low to do this"

"Yeah well she did, and now I have to go on a television show and reveal my deepest darkest secrets to millions of people just so your Mom can't use anything else against me"

"I'm sorry..."

"Ryan's got every right to be pissed off, you can't just walk into our home and expect us to forgive you" I frown

"Well I didn't expect him to kick my ass either"

"Well what did you expect? Ryan was just protecting what's his" I instinctively defend Ryan "You weren't here when I saw that email, he was"

"I never meant for you to get hurt..."

"You never do, listen I understand why you came here. And I appreciate you trying to fix it, but you can't"

"Please Abi..."

"No Nick not this time, we will talk about this. But not right now, right now I need to be with Ryan and our family"

"Okay fair enough I should never have come, I just wanted to try and make it right" Nick's apology was sincere enough, but it was too little too late. The damage had already been done, irreversible damage that I was going to have to deal with.

For once in my life though I realised I wouldn't have to deal with it alone. Ryan had stood by the promise he made me when we first got together, he never put anything before me. I was his number one and he had stood by me regardless, he gave me so much and now he was going to be the father of my children.

"Can I go and say hey to Freya?"

"Yeah" I can't exactly stop him can I?

Nick left the room and headed for the stairs, my heart skipped as I watched Ryan walk in the room. I guess he must have been stood waiting at the door. He didn't speak he just wrapped his arms tightly around me. I could feel myself shaking "I'm sorry I hit him" Ryan exhales "It's just seeing how upset you were earlier and then seeing him standing there knowing it was all his fault..."

"It's okay baby I get it" I look up into his eyes "You were protecting me...and if I'm honest seeing you lay into Nick like that...you looked extremely hot" Ryan's laugh makes my skin tingle. He takes me by surprise as he clashes his lips with mine, my mind is wiped clean by this simple gesture.

"Mom can I go out with Dad for an hour" Freya comes bounding into the room and pauses when she sees me and Ryan kissing "Ew you guys are gross"

I see Nick follow her in nervously "I was just gonna take her for some ice cream, there's a parlour near the park"

"Yeah okay, why not" I reply holding on tightly to Ryan's arm.

"Hey Man listen I am genuinely sorry for all of this" Nick apologised to Ryan again.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I..." I nudge Ryan and he frowns, I really hope he gets the hint. Freya is in the room and I really don't want her to know what happened between Ryan and Nick. Luckily Nick knew exactly what I meant.

"It's fine man, I would have reacted in exactly the same way"

We watched as Freya followed her Dad out of the front door "You do realise once this comes out, our whole world is going to explode right? Everything will be turned upside down, the hate will come in thick and fast, my addiction will be brought back into the limelight and everything I do from now onwards will be watched and criticised" I try and prepare Ryan for what's about to happen, my mind flashes back to the painful memories of what happened last time I was in this position.

"Then bring it on" Ryan's reply surprises me a little "You're my wife Abi, the promise I made to you on our wedding means as much to me now as it did then. I knew everything there was to know about you before we got married. Nothing anyone says will shock me baby. Whatever story they cook up, or whatever the fans have to say, I am going to be right here. Looking after and protecting you and our kids" Ryan looks straight into my eyes as he speaks to me "And remember it's not just you against them anymore, you have the support of my whole family now too"

"I know" I am fighting the tear's in my eyes "I love you so much, I really wish you didn't have to go through all of this though. It's not fair to drag you into this and your family"

"Abi I know what I signed up for" Ryan's voice is a little harsh "Nothing they say or do will change that, and I swear to you I won't let anything or anyone hurt you okay" he cups my face in his hands and kisses my forehead and then my lips.

X-x-x

Freya had practically begged me to let Nick take her back to school and although I was reluctant I agreed.

After my chat with Ryan I realised I would have to fill everyone in on what was going on, Ryan and I explained about the article and what exactly had been said. We decided letting our close friends and families know what was going on would make it easier for us to deal with. That way we wouldn't need to worry about who knew and who didn't.

I watched curiously as Ryan talked to Zach, Drew and Brent. Eddie was talking to Harriet, in fact now you come to mention it I would say it looks more like flirting "Hey honey" a familiar warm voice interrupted me from behind, it was my Dad "How are you holding up?"

"Honestly?" I smile weakly.

"I know now princess" my Dad wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer for a hug.

"I just wish, for once that I could have some good news without anything tainting it" I sigh, it's really hard to fight my tears while my Dad is holding me "Why does she have to be so cruel Dad?" I sniff, I can't hold it back anymore I turn fully into my dad and wrap my arms around his neck.

"Because she is a vile human being" my dad rubs my back as I cry into his shoulder as quietly as I can "And I can promise you, you will have alot more support than you think you will"

"I know Ryan told me I have his family now too"

"Yeah you do" I suddenly realise that's not what my Dad meant "But I meant from your fans sweetie. Your real fans have always supported you in everything you do"

"Yeah" I pull away gently and wipe my eyes with my fingertips.

"I mean it, you need to start and pay attention to all the positive support you have and stop focusing on the bullshit" my dad gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear "You have two beautiful babies growing inside you, focus on that. Pay attention to him" he glances towards Ryan for a second "And what he thinks. Listen to what Freya has to say about you...because baby their opinions are the only opinions who matter. Do you understand what I am saying to you?"

"Yeah" I almost start crying again, but I manage to contain myself "Thanks Dad"

"You're welcome pumpkin" my dad hugs me again "But promise me one thing"

"What?"

"Next time Nick fucks up, at least let me get one shot at him" the corners of my mouth curl upwards and I can't help but laugh "I don't see why Ryan gets to have all the fun"