Friction [Book 2]

-the question-

"Hey Bronx, how was school?"

Grinning, I made dinner whilst Ellianah greeted Bronx at the front door. He had been at Ashlee's for what seemed like forever and even with the frequent phone calls, I could tell the two of them missed each other a lot.

"It was good. We made the solar system with play dough!"

"That's awesome! Bodhi and your dad are in the kitchen so why don't you say goodbye to your mom and go see them?"

I heard Bronx say goodbye to Ashlee before the kitchen door swung open and Bronx charged in. I hugged him tightly before he squirmed out of my grip and ran over to Bodhi who was playing with toy cars.

It was pretty quiet and I stopped stirring the chilli for a few moments, listening to Ellianah and Ashlee's conversation. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop but I couldn't help it. They were talking like old friends and Ashlee kept reassuring Ellianah that everything was going to turn out okay. I was thankful that our two separate families had a good relationship, it was important to all of us.

Soon enough, Ashlee left and Ellianah appeared by my side. Immediately she started to grab plates and cutlery. I tried to take over but she objected, sending me a strong glare telling me to back off. I nodded and carried on making the food, talking to Bronx about things. We had decided not to tell him about Ellianah until the day of her operation which was in a few weeks. By that time, the baby would only be a month away from being born.

As a family, we sat down and ate dinner together for what seemed like the first time in forever. I had missed seeing Bronx's happiness because it always made Ellianah smile, something I hadn't seen grace her features in a long time. Recently, she looked more distant and tired. I wanted to help but she denied all my offers. She wanted to keep going not for us, but for herself. I just wanted to keep her safe.

******

The next day, we had visitors. Ellianah was up earlier than me which wasn't normal. She was dressed and ready, making sure the rest of us followed in her footsteps promptly. We all quickly had some breakfast before the doorbell sounded.

Bronx carried Bodhi to the front door, opening it wide for Gabe.

"Hey guys! Where are your parents?"

I heard Gabe's voice and wandered into the hallway where he was lifting Bodhi into the air. I greeted him with a smile and we spoke for a short time till Ellianah came downstairs.

"Gabe!"

Finally, she smiled. Gabe placed Bodhi onto the floor as she flung herself into his grasp. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous, with it not being me that made her smile in her darkest of times, but I didn't let it get to me. Whatever the reason, seeing her smile was the fuel to my heart.

It didn't take long for Patrick to arrive with his little family. Bronx and Declan took off upstairs whilst Bodhi stayed downstairs with the rest of us. Together, we had a catch up conversation. It was filled with various topics that ranged from touring, to babies, to what we had for breakfast. It was inevitable that the topic of Ellianah's illness was going to be brought up, but we took it on the chin.

Ellianah spoke confidently and clearly, educating our friends on what was going to happen. She explained the process, leaving out the part about the possible, unlikely effects to the baby.

"You're having an operation?"

We all fell silent, turning to face Bronx who was sat timidly at the foot of the staircase. Tears welled in his eyes and I rose to my feet, but Ellianah held out her hand, telling me to stay put. She walked out of the room to find Bronx. I explained to everyone that we hadn't told Bronx and they understood. I was making drinks when I heard Ellianah and Bronx talking. It almost, almost reduced me to tears.