Bailey Meadema: So long London and hello Manchester ( kinda)

6: I FIGHT FOR HER NAME

Leah POV:

The hotel bar was a symphony of clinking glasses, hushed conversations, and the faint scent of citrusy cocktails. It was the kind of atmosphere that felt both familiar and slightly exotic, a perfect backdrop for a spontaneous evening with friends. Danielle, my newfound companion, had suggested it, her eyes sparkling with the infectious enthusiasm that had drawn me to her from the moment we met.

We'd been introduced through a mutual friend, and in the short time since, I'd felt a connection I hadn't expected. There was an ease to her presence, a warmth that radiated out from her like the sun. As we settled into our plush velvet chairs, I found myself looking forward to the night ahead, the promise of laughter and shared stories with our friends.

Beth and Viv were already there, their faces lit up by the soft glow of the bar lights. Beth, radiant in her pregnancy, cradled her growing belly with a gentle hand. Viv, her ever-present smile radiating with joy, was busy entertaining their five-year-old daughter, Bailey, who was gleefully bouncing on her lap.

Dani introduced herself, her voice ringing out with warmth. As she did, a figure emerged from the hotel lobby, a woman with dark, piercing eyes and a determined set to her jaw. She was pushing a stroller, a tiny baby boy nestled inside, fast asleep. The woman, Stefania, according to Dani, was her ex-girlfriend.

There was a silent tension in the air as Stefania paused, her eyes locking with Dani's for a split second. The look she gave Dani was a venomous cocktail of anger and disdain, a silent accusation that hung heavy in the air.

Confused, I asked Dani what was wrong. "It's Stefania," she whispered, her voice tight with emotion. "She's been spreading rumors about me, lies about our relationship. She's trying to make me look bad to everyone."

The conversation took a turn then, shifting from light-hearted banter to a more somber tone. We talked about Beth and Viv's impending arrival, the excitement bubbling over as they discussed names and nursery themes. But the air was thick with a lingering unease, a shadow cast by Stefania's abrupt entrance.

Later, as we decided to head out for dinner and a trip to the beach, I noticed Dani was looking a little preoccupied. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Stefania... she's here," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

The restaurant was bustling, filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and animated conversations. But for me, the only sound that registered was the drumming of my heart. My gaze darted around the restaurant, searching for a familiar figure.

Bailey, tired from the day's adventures, started to cry. Beth, ever the resourceful mom, picked her up, offering her "magic cuddles" – a soothing technique that usually worked wonders. Bailey, lulled by the gentle rocking and Beth's calming voice, drifted off to sleep. Beth tucked her into the pushchair, placing a warm blanket over her.

Dani, noticing my quiet demeanor, reached out to take my hand. "Don't worry," she said, her fingers gently squeezing mine. "It's okay. We can leave if you want."

"No," I replied, my voice firm. "We're not letting her ruin our night."

After dinner, we headed to the beach. The gentle sea breeze carried the scent of salt and seaweed, a welcome respite from the stifling heat. Bailey, still snoozing, was tucked away in her pushchair, her little face flushed with sleep.

The sun was sinking towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. I turned to Dani, her gaze fixed on the waves crashing against the shore.

"Danielle Savre," I began, my voice trembling with a nervous excitement, "since I met you only this afternoon, I have fallen in love with you." My heart pounded against my ribs, my voice catching on the words.

I knelt down on one knee, pulling out a small, seashell-shaped box from my pocket.

"I would be honored," I continued, "to ask you to be my girlfriend."

As the words left my lips, I felt a familiar pang of dread. A figure emerged from the shadows, her face contorted with rage. It was Stefania.

"Leave her alone," she screamed, her voice sharp as shards of glass. "She's mine!"

Beth, sensing the escalating tension, quickly scooped Bailey into her arms, a look of worry etched on her face. She knew me, knew my temper, and knew that I wouldn't stand for this.

Stefania, fueled by her anger, erupted into a torrent of insults and accusations. For five minutes, she hurled her vitriol, her words like a relentless storm. Then, with a violent jerk of her arm, she punched me square in the face.

I saw red. I lunged forward, my fists clenched, and returned the blow, my anger surging through my veins like a wildfire. Stefania stumbled backward, her face contorted in pain and surprise.

"I did that for my girlfriend, Dani!" I roared, my voice hoarse with fury. "I fight for her name!"

The beach, once a serene backdrop to a burgeoning romance, was now a battleground. Stefania, her rage momentarily quelled, backed away, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and disbelief.

The world seemed to shrink to just Dani and me. I moved towards her, my anger fading into a wave of love and protectiveness. I took her hand, my thumb tracing the delicate lines of her palm.

"It's okay," I said, my voice soft, my eyes searching hers. "It's over now."

And with those words, I leaned in and kissed her, a kiss that was as much a pledge of love as it was a declaration of war.

Later, as we walked back to the hotel with Beth and Bailey, I felt the warmth of Dani's hand in mine, a tangible reminder of the whirlwind of emotions that had swept through our day.

We had spent hours getting to know each other, sharing stories and dreams. But it was in that moment, amidst the chaos of Stefania's attack, that our connection deepened, a love forged in the heat of adversity.

We were both aware that the incident had changed things. There was a new layer of intensity to our feelings, a shared understanding of the strength of our bond.

As we stepped into the hotel lobby, Dani turned to me, her eyes shining. "Thank you," she said. "For everything."

"I would do anything for you," I replied, my heart swelling with a love that had blossomed in the most unexpected of circumstances.

The day had been filled with twists and turns, from the initial excitement of meeting new friends to the sudden eruption of drama. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, but through it all, our love had only grown stronger, a testament to the enduring power of true connection.

Authors notes : DUN DUN DUN!!!!

So next part might be a bit of a time jump and it focuses more on Beth and Viv getting ready for the baby. And also it's September already like how!!!

Anyway Lucy_Keira6 hope you enjoyed the part and was it worth me falling asleep again