The coincidence | Rudy Pankow

32: us against the world

𝐿𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒶'𝓈 𝒫.𝒪.𝒱

It's been four days since my parents showed up at my door offering to buy Maisie off me and Rudy, and spitting those harsh words of me not being a good enough mother, in these past few days I've received endless threats and manipulation throughout text messages and DMs, which is how I'm sat In my apartment living room with Rudy and his parents. clenching my coffee mug so hard that my knuckles were white, as the conversation with Rudy's parents delved into treacherous territory..

The past few days I've has received multiple texts and DMs from her parents, husband threatening to take custody of Maisie, to say it been a whirlwind of emotions to say the least. threats and manipulation by my family, culminating in their latest attempt to take my daughter . With determination etched on my face, i forced my voice to remain calm.

"I think the best course of action is to file a restraining order against Lila and her boyfriend. Heck even my parents at this point, They've proven themselves to be a threat to Maisie's well-being and to our family. It's essential to protect ourselves and Maisie." I say softly despite the anger I'm feeling as I glance at the little girl who's oblivious to any of this happening around her before I look back at Rudy and his parents.

The tension in the room is palpable as i voice my thoughts, my voice barely concealing the anger that simmers beneath the surface.

Rudy's parents exchange a concerned glance, then penny Rudy's mom lets out a deep sigh before speaking up. "That sounds like a wise decision, Layla. Filing a restraining order will create a legal barrier between Maisie and her potentially harmful extended family. It's crucial to ensure Maisie's safety and well-being. Let's look into the necessary steps to file for one tomorrow first thing."

I nod and Rudy reaches over holding my hand. I smile softly at him

Rudy's gentle gesture, reaching for my hand and giving it a comforting squeeze, provides a moment of solace amidst the mounting tension. As my smile softens slightly, a mix of emotions floods my face - relief, gratitude, and the ever-present determination to protect her family.

Penny clears her throat to address the room. "Alright then, let's make sure we prepare all the necessary documentation and paperwork tonight so we can take the appropriate action first thing tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, seriously thank you"

The tension begins to ease somewhat as everyone in the room nods in agreement. Rudy takes the lead, "Absolutely, we'll start gathering all the necessary documents tonight. I'll pull out the paperwork and we can sit down together to fill it out. We're going to make sure Maisie is protected, no matter what."

Penny adds, "We'll cover any expenses if necessary. Safety and stability are paramount."

"Rudy.. baby I know you wanna help but I can't have you pay for this it's too much." I whisper

Rudy's expression softens as my concern tugs at his heart. He looks at me, his eyes filled with love and determination, and whispers back,

"Layla, we're in this together. I want to help, and paying for the expenses is the least we can do. We're a family, and family supports each other. We'll figure it out together."

Rudy's dad Andrew pipes up, trying to help ease my worries, "Honey, let us help. It's okay, we can handle the financial aspect. Don't carry this burden alone."

I sigh looking over at my daughter who's oblivious before nodding and softly speaks "okay... but I'm paying it back ru.. I know you're Maisie's dad but I can't have you and your parents paying for that." I say softly

"Pankow I know your Maisie's dad and my boyfriend now... damn that's weird saying" I chuckle when I say boyfriend "but seriously you don't need to do that" I say softly

Rudy chuckles softly at the look of realisation on my face when I say that he is indeed now my boyfriend. "Believe it or not, you still have trouble getting used to it, huh? But Layls," he says with a reassuring smile, "I'm your boyfriend - a damn good one at that. And as her dad, I want to do whatever I can to protect her, you, and our family. That's what matters most right now. Let me worry about these expenses, okay? Trust me." I feel him softly hold my hand stroking his fingers over my palm. I sigh and nod softly "okay, only because i need her to be safe. I say softly

Rudy's touch is gentle and comforting as he holds my hand, his fingers tracing patterns over my palm. He gazes into my eyes with unwavering sincerity. "I understand, and I'm glad we're on the same page about Maisie's safety. That's what this is all about - protecting her, and protecting us. Together, we'll do whatever it takes."

He gives me a warm smile and squeezes my hand, conveying his support and commitment to their family.

After a while Rudy's parents leave going to their hotel room after me thanking them multiple times.

The apartment falls quiet once Rudy's parents have left, leaving me and Rudy to continue their discussion alone. The tension of the conversation is replaced by a sense of calm as we find comfort in the silent company of each other.

Rudy turns to me with a soft smile. "So, now that they're gone, wanna spend the night together? I could use some cuddles from you."

I chuckle nodding as I hold a sleeping Maisie who's in her pyjamas, we had already ate and got Maisie ready for bed before having that conversation.

"Yeah sounds perfect."  I say softly.

Rudy nods in agreement, his eyes gleaming with a mix of love and tiredness.

"Absolutely, that sounds perfect. Come here, babe."

He opens his arms invitingly, his embrace a warm welcome. As I approach, he carefully takes Maisie from my arms and holds the sleeping child in one arm, leaving one hand available to gently wrap around my waist.

He leans in, planting a soft kiss on my forehead, before guiding me to my bedroom.

I smile when he places Maisie on the bed, I quickly change before Rudy goes to change too. Once we've changed we're laying in my bed Maisie laying between us sleeping. "Ru?" I say softly

Rudy smiles at the sight of me beside him in bed, Maisie asleep between the two of us, her small form snuggled safely into the warm blankets. He reaches out to gently brush a strand of hair from my face.

"Yeah?" he replies, his voice a hushed whisper in the quiet room. His gaze is tender, filled with love and curiosity.

"Thank you," I say softly

Rudy's eyes soften further as he notices the sincere emotion in my tone. He wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer to him, their bodies pressing against each other in a cozy embrace.

"You don't have to thank me," he whispers, his voice filled with tenderness. "We're in this together. I love you, you know that?"

"I love you too, but seriously thank you. And I'm sorry you never knew about Maisie until we met on the beach again months ago. I whisper

Rudy's heart aches as he hears the gentle admission of my gratitude, and he turns to look into my eyes for a moment before speaking.

"Hey, listen to me," he says softly, his hand gently caressing my cheek. "You don't have to apologize for anything. What matters to me is us now, and Maisie's safety. I don't care about the past, as long as you're here with me now. I love you, babe, plus you're a super mom raising a baby my baby alone for nearly two years?"

"I love you too, you and Maisie are my world" i say softly

Rudy's heart swells with affection and gratitude as he hears my heartfelt words. He pulls me even closer, holding me as tightly as he can, his arms a protective and loving force that surrounds both me and Maisie.

"You mean the world to me too," he whispers, his voice filled with devotion. "Me, you, and Maisie. That's everything. Nothing else matters as long as I have you both."

"Us against the world?." I say softly glancing at Maisie and Rudy

"Us against the world cupcake." Rudy says softly kissing my head

And in that moment, I really knew it really was us against the world.