Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 12: How Is He?

*time skip to a week later*

Ally's POV

I stood outside Dani and Kevin's house, my hands gripping the knocker so tightly that my knuckles turned white. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to knock.

Dani answered almost immediately, her face a mixture of relief and concern.

"Buba, come in."

The moment I entered the house, the facade I'd been maintaining began to crack. Dani pulled me into a fierce hug, and I clung to her, fighting back tears.

"I've missed you so much," she whispered.

"I've missed you too," I managed to choke out.

Kevin appeared from the living room, his usually carefree face etched with worry.

"Hey, Ally," he said softly, hugging me, "It's good to see you."

"You too, Kev." I smiled into his hug.

We moved to the living room. Dani sat beside me on the couch while Kevin remained standing, pacing slightly.

"How are you holding up?" Dani asked, her hand on my arm.

I let out a bitter laugh.

"I'm... surviving. The paparazzi won't leave me alone. Every time I step outside, it's a barrage of questions about us.. about him." I explained.

Kevin nodded, his eyes not quite yet meeting mine. "We've missed you around here."

An awkward silence fell. I could feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Taking a deep breath, I decided to broach the subject we were all dancing around.

"How's Joe doing?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Dani and Kevin exchanged a weird quick glance.

"He's... you know Joe," Dani said vaguely, "Keeping busy with his music."

I narrowed my eyes, not buying it for a second.

"Dani.. What's really going on?"

Kevin cleared his throat. "Ally, maybe we should talk about something else. How's your new campaign going?"

"No, I want to know about Joe. Please, just tell me the truth."

"Ally-" Dani started, her tone cautionary.

"Stop protecting me," I interrupted, my voice rising, "I'm not a child. I need to know. How is he?"

The room fell silent again. I could see the internal struggle playing out on both their faces.

"Please," I said softly, my voice cracking, a single tear escaping, "I need to know."

Kevin finally met my gaze, his expression pained. He sighed deeply before speaking.

"Ally, he's not doing so well."

My heart clenched. "What do you mean?"

Kevin ran a hand through his hair, a gesture so reminiscent of Joe that it made my chest ache.

"He's a mess, Ally. He's drinking constantly, mostly late to recording sessions, breaking down during songs."

Each word felt like a physical blow. I struggled to breathe, my mind reeling with images of Joe - vibrant, passionate Joe - reduced to this state.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I demanded, anger and guilt warring inside me.

"We didn't want to worry you," Dani said gently, "The breakup has been hard on you too, Ally."

I stood abruptly, my legs shaking.

"I have to see him," I declared, surprising even myself.

"Ally, think about this," Kevin cautioned. "Are you sure you're ready?"

I met his gaze, seeing the concern there, but also a glimmer of hope.

"No," I admitted, "I'm not sure of anything anymore, but I have to try. I can't... I can't leave him like this. Not again."

The room fell silent once more, the weight of my decision hanging heavy in the air. Part of me screamed to run, to protect myself from the inevitable pain. But a larger part, the part that still loved Joe despite everything, knew I had no choice.

"I'm going to New York," I announced with more confidence.

Just as Dani opened her mouth to respond, we heard a commotion from upstairs. Suddenly, four little figures came barreling down the staircase.

"Ally!" familiar voices cried out.

I turned, and my heart stopped. There, alongside Alena and Valentina, stood Willa and Delphine.

"Willa? Delphine?" I gasped, my voice barely above a whisper.

Before I could process what was happening, they threw themselves at me, wrapping their arms around my waist.

I stood frozen, overwhelmed by their presence and the flood of emotions it brought.

"We miss you!" Delphine cried, her voice muffled against my shirt.

Willa looked up at me, her eyes - so much like Joe's - brimming with tears.

"Where did you go, Ally?"

Her words pierced my heart like a dagger. I knelt down, my legs shaky, to meet their eyes.

"I... I'm so sorry," I choked out, fighting back tears.

"Are you coming home?" Willa asked hopeful, "Daddy's been so sad without you."

I glanced up at Dani and Kevin, seeing the pain and worry etched on their faces.

"I'm going to go see your dad now," I said softly, stroking Willa's hair, "He needs some help."

"Can we come too?" Willa pleaded, "We haven't seen daddy in so long."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. I looked at Kevin, silently questioning. He shook his head slightly, his expression grim.

"Not right now, sweethearts," I managed to say.

Both girls nodded, but I could see the disappointment and hurt in their eyes. It was almost more than I could bear.

"We love you, mamma," Willa said, hugging me tightly again, "Please don't go away again."

I held them close, my tears finally spilling over.

"I love you too," I whispered, "Both of you, so, so much."

As I headed to the airport, I made a silent vow. Whatever happened in New York, I had to find a way to make things right - not just for Joe and me, but for Willa and Delphine. They deserved so much better than this.