i had some help | book four

chapter five

As the tour continued, the strain on their relationship began to get tighter and tighter, if as they were suffocating. The days on the bus seemed twice as long as their frustration with their disagreements mounted onto one another. One unsolved issue on top of another.

Laney's patience was thin as ice as Luna's needs became more demanding and high-maintenance. Despite his prior commitments to stay engaged and present, he couldn't have felt more distant to reach. With his interviews, rehearsals, and shows, Laney was left often alone with Luna on the bus so she could spend time with Luna and paint a little more if Luna allowed for it.

The bus felt like it was shrinking and smaller than ever, trapping Laney into confinement. Laney was up bright and early getting a whiny Luna ready for the day. Attempting to prepare a nice breakfast and not lose her mind while soothing Luna, she was getting ready to make sure Luna was set. Laney was unsure if the sitter was available but Laney was paying her solely based on her work needs at this point. If she wasn't going to his shows, she wanted to work. Most nights she would sneak in for a few songs, and he would occasionally catch a glance before she retreated to the bus.

The bus was beginning to fill with noises from the staff talking, meaning that the day was just beginning. Morgan stumbled into the kitchen, looking weary but ready to conquer the day. He flashed Laney a half-smile which she awkwardly returned as she checked the time. She had a meeting to prepare for soon about her auction piece, a little bit of information about her most recent piece, and why the charity she chose.

"Morning," he smiled as he grabbed his cup of coffee, "It's a big day hm?".

Laney stayed focused on making lunch for Luna and didn't redirect her attention. "Yup".

Morgan's smile faltered, "You know I'm trying to help. I have a lot on my plate too".

There was that same excuse. "You know what? I'm tired of hearing you complain about it. You're, not the only one working. While you play superstar, I'm working and being a mother".

He took a step back as he grasped his coffee cup more. "I get it. You think I'm not invested enough as a husband and a father. But I didn't sign up for this either. Trying to make this a successful tour is rough".

"I didn't sign up to be alone in this," she plainly said as she played the dishes in the sink.

Morgan slammed his cup on the counter startling Laney and causing the coffee to spill. "You know what? I think this was a mistake. I don't think you're cut out for this".

Laney felt a pang of hurt and sadness but she couldn't muster up any tears since she was depleted from the past few days.

"I think we need to take a step back and reassess everything. I don't know if this is right for us," Morgan spoke lowering his voice with sadness.

Laney's heart plummeted. "What do you mean? We should give up?".

"I do not know anymore, this isn't working clearly" he stated.

She couldn't bring herself to look at him after those words left his mouth. She felt her bottom lip tremble in sadness as she choked on the tears forming, "I-I thought we were meant to work through this together. Not give up".

Morgan sighed as his shoulders slumped. They were both exhausted.

"I'll leave," she said. "I'm taking Luna and we can discuss everything else later".

Morgan looked up, "Discuss what? Are we on a break?".

She chuckled dryly and sadly, "Married couples don't do breaks. They get divorced".

His heart sank from those words alone. He didn't want a divorce. He loved her. That was not the case. "Laney, no. I don't want a divorce," he said with desperation.

She stared into his eyes, "Then what?".

He took a deep breath and exhaled sharply, "We need to figure this out. I love you. I know you love me. Not just for us, but for Luna too. Or this is going to break us".

She shook her head, as much as she didn't want to. She knew she had to leave. The both of them were on the brink of exhaustion from avoiding each other and being exhausted. As soon as one of them would walk in the room while the other was there, the whole mood would alter the room. It wasn't right for either of them to stay as badly as they wanted this. She knew it was a selfish response of his.

"Morgan, I have to leave. It's not a break or a divorce. We just... I need to go take a step back as you said".