Sometimes Love Isn't Enough - TheAmbys 2024

Hold My Hand

We've arrived in Arizona and are heading into the arena. We dump our things in the dressing room. Brendon's in the middle of putting up Skai's travel Cot. It's great as it doubles up as a playpen. She's a bit cranky today as her back teeth are still bothering her. She already has her four front teeth, but these ones are hitting her hard.
"Hey Bren, I'm gonna take Skai a walk in her stroller around the arena, see if I can get her to fall asleep. I gave her some medicine earlier, so hopefully, it will start to kick in soon."
"Ok, babe." He kisses me,"see you in a bit."
I strap her in and head towards the arena. The air conditioning in the venue makes it pleasant to walk in as it's far too hot to take Skai outside. She finally falls asleep, and I head back to the dressing room. On my way back, I see Elise up on the stage talking with Josh and Tyler. She has her back to me. I give the boys a wave, and as they wave back, Elise turns to see who they are waving to. We lock eyes, and she looks shocked to see me. I must look as shocked as she does because her baby bump is very prominent. Obviously, it is. I mean, she is 6 months pregnant, but it still comes as a shock. Just then, I see Brendon heading towards Skai and I, unaware that Elise is on the stage. He engulfs me in a hug, kissing the top of my head. "I see you managed to get the little rugrat to sleep." He laughs. "Carly, are you ok?" He asks worriedly, looking over to see what I'm staring at. "Shit....I'm.sorry Babe."
"Bren, it's fine? I'm OK. It's just been a while since we saw each other, and I was taken aback by her bump. You really need to speak with her."
"I know, but she keeps avoiding me."
I look up at him. He looks so worried.
"Elise!" I shout. She pretends not to hear me.
"ELISE!! You can't avoid us forever. You and Brendon need to talk,"
I can see her visibly sigh as we head towards the stage.
"Don't look so worried, Elise. I'm not going to punch you again. I might want to, but I'm not in the habit of punching pregnant women. Look, I know you've been avoiding Brendon's calls and texts, but you both need to talk about the results and whatever. Whether you like it or not, this baby will be here sooner rather than later." I turn to Brendon."I'm going to put Skai in her cot and give you both space." I say, reaching up to kiss him. "Good luck," I say into his kiss.

**Elise's POV**

I turn to see who the guys are waving to. Christ, I wasn't expecting to see her and Skai here. I'm so not in the mood for another fight with her. Her and Brendon seem happier, though I wonder if they've sorted things out. Ever since the results came through, I've been avoiding Brendon's calls. I know we need to discuss things, but I was hoping to avoid it for now.
"Elise," I hear Carlyn calling my name, but I just blank her.
"ELISE!" She's not giving up. I sigh and turn around, and we lock eyes. She looks shocked at seeing my bump. Mind you, it's been nearly 3 months since we last saw each other. Shit they're coming over.

** Brendon's POV **

Shit I was hoping to speak to Elise before Carlyn saw her, but she kept avoiding me. I can't believe Carlyn is instigating this conversation. As we head over to Elise, Carlyn tells me she's going to put Skai down in the dressing room and give us space to talk. "Good luck," she says into our kiss.
"Elise, look, I know you've been avoiding me, but we need to talk about the baby. How are you feeling? Are you both doing ok?"
"I know we do Brendon, but to be honest, I'm kinda busy just now. We are both doing ok, though.."
"Do you know what you're having?"
"No, I don't want to know, do you?"
"I'm happy to wait if that's what you want."
"Look, Brendon. I've had a lot of time to think over the last few months about the baby, about my job, and what our future holds. I love my work. I'm very good at it, and a baby was definitely NOT on the agenda."
"Well, I hate to point out the obvious, but it's a bit late for that."
"I know kW that Brendon, I'm not stupid!!! It's just..... "
"Just What, Elise? What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying that I've thought long and hard about this Brendon, and I don't want to be a mom. I don't want this baby. I dont want any baby EVER!"
"What do you mean you don't want the baby?? FOR FUCK SAKE ELISE If you felt that way why did you even keep it?"
"You'd have been happy if I'd had an abortion?"
"We could have at least talked about it. I would have supported whatever your decision. I may not have been happy about it, but it was your body. You're 6 and a half months pregnant, and NOW YOU decide you don't want it!! IT'S A BIT FUCKN LATE FOR THAT!! all the heartache this has caused. I can't fucking believe you." I have never felt so angry.
"Brendon I'm sorry. I thought I wanted this, I really did, but I don't."
"So what the fuck DO YOU want??? Do I even get a say in this?" I"m so pissed. I can't deal with this. I need to get away from her. I get up and start to walk away. As I leave I turn around. "This!! This is NOT over!!" I shout at her. I need to find Carlyn.