I had some help

Thirty-two

Morgan walked around Mississippi by himself. He knew breaking the news to Alex would be hard, but he hadn't expected her to disappear for so long. His thoughts were a tangled mess as he navigated the bustling streets, replaying every moment they had shared and wondering if there was any way to mend the rift between them.

Things between Alex and Morgan had finally been going great. He had dared to hope that on the path they were on, Alex might break up with Bailey, and maybe-just maybe-he'd finally have a real chance with her. But the news about Katie's pregnancy had shattered that fragile hope, leaving him adrift in a sea of regret and uncertainty.

As Morgan walked alone, Alex found solace in Lainey's company. She didn't have the strength to face her emotions by herself. Lainey offered a supportive presence, allowing Alex to lean on her as they strolled through the streets. The two women walked in silence, the gravity of the situation hanging heavily between them.

Back at the hotel, Michael had to make a decision. He dialed Caleigh's number, knowing that Alex needed more support than any of them could provide at the moment.

"Caleigh, it's Michael." He said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm sorry to bother you, but Alex needs you. Can you come to Mississippi? She really needs you right now."

Caleigh didn't hesitate. "Of course, I'll be there as soon as I can. Tell Alex to hang in there."

Michael hung up, feeling a small sense of relief. At least now, Alex would have someone who understood her deeply, someone who could provide the emotional support she desperately needed.

Alex and Lainey returned to the hotel and sat on Alex's bed. The weight of the day pressed heavily on Alex as she turned to Lainey, her voice filled with despair. "Lainey, he got another girl pregnant. What am I supposed to do?"

Lainey's heart ached for her friend. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. It seemed like things were going great between you two. How are things with Bailey?"

Alex started crying harder, the tears flowing freely. "Lainey, I'm the worst girlfriend ever. We've been together three and a half years, and Morgan comes back into my life and I almost cheat like, three times." She sobbed, and Lainey pulled her into a comforting hug.

"Honey, you have history with Morgan, a long one. Nothing's happened, right? So there's no problem. You're okay." Lainey said, trying to calm Alex down.

Alex wiped her tears, her voice trembling. "He found someone who can have a kid. That's all he ever wanted. When we were seniors, I got pregnant but had a miscarriage. No one else knows but the two of us. He was so supportive; I think he really wanted it. And two years ago, I had a miscarriage with Bailey. Same thing-he really wanted it too. I don't even know if I can have kids, Lainey. They'd both be the best dads ever."

Lainey held her friend tighter, feeling the depth of her pain. "Alex, you can't blame yourself for what happened. You've been through so much, and it's okay to feel this way. But you need to give yourself grace and time to heal. You'll figure out what's best for you."

Alex nodded, though her heart still felt heavy. She knew Lainey was right, but the path ahead seemed so uncertain and fraught with emotional landmines. All she could do was take it one step at a time, with the support of her friends to guide her through.

Morgan met everyone at the venue, his mind as clear as it could be given the circumstances. He took a deep breath, determined to focus on the show and push through the day's challenges. The thought of hitting the bars again tonight provided a small sense of relief, a way to temporarily escape the turmoil in his personal life.

The group gathered backstage, a mix of excitement and nervous energy filling the air. Morgan scanned the room, catching Alex's eye. She gave him a small, encouraging smile, and he nodded back, grateful for her silent support despite everything that had happened.

As the show began, Morgan channeled all his emotions into his performance. The music, the lights, and the energy of the crowd provided a welcome distraction. He poured his heart into every note, hoping to lose himself in the moment.

By the time the final song ended, the crowd erupted in applause. Morgan felt a rush of exhilaration, the adrenaline temporarily washing away his worries. He exchanged high-fives and hugs with his bandmates, the camaraderie lifting his spirits.

Once they were offstage, the group started talking about their plans for the evening. "Who's up for hitting the bars again tonight?" Michael asked, a grin spreading across his face.

"Definitely." Morgan replied, his mind already drifting to the prospect of another night of distraction.

Alex, standing nearby, overheard the conversation. She hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "I'll join you guys." She said, her voice steady. "I could use a drink or two."

Lainey gave her a supportive nod. "Count me in too."

The group made their way back to the hotel to freshen up before heading out. Morgan lingered behind for a moment, taking one last look at the empty stage. He knew the night ahead wouldn't solve his problems, but for now, it offered a much-needed escape.

Alex sat in the waiting room, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling her nostrils. Her hands were clammy, and she kept fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. She glanced at Bailey, who was sitting next to her, staring blankly ahead. He looked as anxious as she felt.

They had been so excited when they found out about the pregnancy. It was unexpected but welcomed with open arms. They had already started planning, talking about names, and imagining their future with a little one. But now, here they were, in a hospital, hoping against hope that the cramps and bleeding Alex had experienced were not as serious as they feared.

A nurse called Alex's name, and they both stood up. Bailey took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly as they followed the nurse into a small examination room. The doctor entered shortly after, her face serious but kind.

Alex laid back on the examination table, Bailey by her side, holding her hand. The doctor performed the ultrasound, and Alex held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The silence in the room was deafening.

"I'm so sorry," The doctor said gently, looking at the screen. "There's no heartbeat."

Alex felt like the ground had been pulled out from under her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she looked at Bailey, who was already crying. The doctor's words seemed to echo in her head, each one a painful reminder of their loss.

Bailey wrapped his arms around Alex, holding her tightly as she sobbed. The pain was unbearable, a mix of physical and emotional agony that left her feeling hollow inside. She had never felt so devastated, so utterly broken.

The days that followed were a blur. Alex and Bailey leaned on each other, finding comfort in their shared grief. They talked about their hopes and dreams for the baby they had lost, mourning the future that would never be. It was a painful time, but it brought them closer together in a way they hadn't expected.