ER [wlw]

Chapter 35

Adjusting to living with Ramona has been easy. It just feels right. Will settled in like he's always been here, and Bellamy loves having more time with Ramona. And me? I don't think I've ever felt this at home before.

When I step inside, the house is quiet except for the low hum of the TV. I was supposed to be off but got called in this morning. I set my bag down by the door and toe off my shoes, exhaustion settling deep in my bones. When I glance at the couch, I find Bellamy curled up against Ramona's side, her eyes heavy but still open.

"She was supposed to be asleep," I say, raising an eyebrow as I walk over.

Ramona shrugs. "She didn't want to go to bed until you got home."

I sigh, crouching down in front of Bellamy. "Baby, you gotta get some sleep."

Bellamy blinks up at me, her lips pressing together before she quietly mumbles, "I m-m-miss you too much when y-you're gone."

My chest tightens, and I smooth my hand over her cheek. "I know, love. But you still need rest, okay?"

She nods reluctantly, sitting up so I can scoop her into my arms. Ramona stands, stretching a little before following us to Bellamy's room. She was happy to get her own room again and Will was glad to have his own. As I tuck her in, I can feel something weighing on her, something she isn't saying.

"What's wrong, Baby?" I crouch down.

She hesitates, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket before she finally speaks. "I f-feel like...like W-Will is t-taking my place. When I s-stay w-with Mama. It used to j-just be m-me."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Bellamy has never been the jealous type, but this isn't about jealousy. This is about feeling replaced, and it breaks my heart.

I cup her face in my hand. "You know that's not true, right? No one could ever take your place. You're my baby."

She nods. "I-I just w-want to st-stay here with y-you more."

I kiss her cheek, my heart aching. "You have to spend time with your Mamá too, sweetheart. You know that. She loves you just as much as I do."

She pulls the covers up to her chin, looking a little frustrated. "I-I know... but I feel like I'm n-not as s-special now that W-Will is here. I just w-want it to be like b-before..."

"I miss you too, baby." I say, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "But we all need balance. And we'll make sure you're not missing out on anything, I promise. You'll still get time with me, and we'll work something out."

Bellamy's eyes flutter a bit, her exhaustion starting to take over. "O-Okay..." She whispers, her voice trailing off as sleep starts to pull her under.

I stand up slowly. "I love you, Baby. When you're not around you're always on my mind. You're not and will never be replaced by anyone. Not Will. Not anyone. Remember that, okay?"

She nods tiredly, a soft "I love you too" escaping her lips.

I linger for a moment, watching her sleep. I can try to give Ari a call and see how she feels about me getting a few more days through the week just for a few weeks. No doubt she won't be down for it but can't hurt to ask.

I slip out of her room and close the door behind me. When I turn, Ramona is leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

"She told you, huh?"

I sigh, rubbing my temples. "Yeah. And I think I need to call Ari."

She tilts her head toward the bedroom. "At least get changed first, you deserve a minute to breathe, amor."