Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 41: It's Time

Ally's POV:

The hotel suite was a whirlwind of activity, everyone rushing to get ready for the evening concert. Luggage was being zipped up, instruments checked, and makeup applied. But I wasn't part of the flurry. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hand resting over my very pregnant belly, my face tight with discomfort.

Something wasn't right. The cramps had started mild, just a slight tightening, but as time wore on, they were becoming sharper, more frequent. I winced as another wave of pressure rolled through my body. It felt like a warning, one I couldn't seem to ignore.

Joe appeared from the bathroom, his towel still slung over his shoulder, but his eyes immediately found mine.

"What's going on, baby?" His voice was soft, concerned.

I gave him a strained smile, brushing off the worry in his voice.

"I'm fine. Really. Just... a little cramping, that's all. Nothing to worry about."

Joe didn't look convinced. He crossed the room in a few strides, kneeling in front of me. His hand gently rested over mine on my belly, his brow furrowing with concern.

"This doesn't look like nothing. Ally, you don't look right. You're pale... you're not yourself. Is something happening?"

"I promise, Joe, I'm fine," I said, but the words didn't quite have the weight they usually did.

I was trying to convince myself just as much as him.

"That's it. I'm going to cancel!" He said as he grabbed his phone to start making the necessary phone calls.

"No, Joe! You need to go to the concert. You can't cancel. It's just some cramping. It'll pass. I'll be ok."

But Joe's concern only deepened. "Ally, we're so close. What if something's happening? What if it's time?"

I gently shook my head. "Joe, it's not time. I just need to rest. Go do the concert. Please."

Joe hesitated, his hands resting on my shoulders as he studied my face.

"Joe, please," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion, "You can't cancel. You've worked so hard for this. I'll be fine. Dani's here with me. If anything changes, I'll call you. I promise."

The words seemed to have hit him like a punch to the gut. He didn't want to leave, but I had always been strong, and I was asking him to trust me. So, reluctantly, he kissed my forehead.

"Ok. But if anything changes, if you feel anything... call me immediately. Don't wait. Don't even think about it. I'm coming back for you. You have my word."

"I promise," I said, my voice wavering just a little.

Dani, who had been standing quietly by the door, gave us a reassuring look. "Joe, I'll stay with her. We've got this, I promise."

Joe didn't like it, but it was the only choice. He kissed me again, deeply this time, before walking toward the door. "I'll be back soon. I love you."

"I love you too," I whispered, my eyes following him until he disappeared into the hallway.

--

Joe's POV:

The concert was alive with energy. The crowd cheered, the lights blazed on stage, and the band was riding the adrenaline of the performance. But I wasn't entirely there. My mind was somewhere else, my heart tied to the woman at the hotel, my baby growing inside her.

I constantly checked my phone. Nothing. No messages. No missed calls.

I glanced at the screen. Everything's fine. They must be. I mean she said so, right?

--

Dani's POV:

Back at the hotel, Allyssa's discomfort was escalating. The cramps had gone from a dull ache to full-blown contractions, and she could no longer hide it. She gripped the edge of the bed, trying to breathe through the waves of pressure building in her abdomen.

"Dani," Allyssa gasped, her voice strained, "I think it's happening. I can feel it. Something's... it's different this time."

I rushed to her side. "What do you mean? Is it contractions?"

Allyssa nodded, her face twisting in pain. "Yes. I think... I think my water just broke."

My heart skipped. "What?! Ok, ok, we need to get you to the hospital. Right now."

But Allyssa grabbed my hand, her face pale and terrified. "I need Joe, Dani. Please, I need him here with me. I don't want to do this without him."

My eyes softened with concern. I grabbed Allyssa's phone and dialed Joe's number. The phone rang once, then twice, but there was no answer. My stomach twisted. I dialed again, but the ringing continued.

Nothing.

Allyssa was breathing fast now, her grip tightening around my hand as another contraction hit. Her face contorted in pain.

"Dani, I need him. I can't do this without him."

My chest tightened. "I know, buba. I know. But we can't wait any longer. We have to go now. Joe's probably still on stage. We can't risk it."

Allyssa's voice cracked as she nodded, unable to speak the fear that was clawing at her throat.

"Joe will be there," I said, trying to sound confident, but the words tasted hollow. I didn't know when or if he'd even hear his phone.

I helped Allyssa to her feet, but the next contraction was already crashing down on her. Allyssa gasped, her body rocking with the force of it, her face pale and drenched in sweat.

"I need him. Dani, please!" Allyssa whispered, her voice raw with desperation.

I could feel the urgency mounting. The seconds were ticking by like hours. I dialed Joe again, but this time, the ringing felt like a death sentence.

The phone just kept ringing.

I got Allyssa into the car as quickly as I could, but with every minute that passed, Allyssa's pain intensified. She was clutching the seatbelt with one hand, her other gripping mine as the contractions came harder and faster.

"Joe," Allyssa gasped, "Please.." "Why isn't he answering?"

"I don't know, Ally," I said, my voice shaky. I dialed Joe's number again.. frantic, desperate, almost pleading, but still, there was no answer.

Allyssa's grip tightened as the pressure inside her grew unbearable. Another contraction, and this one was different. The urgency in her voice as she cried out sent a chill down my spine.

"Dani, it's happening now!" Allyssa screamed, her breath coming in short, desperate gasps.

My heart pounded. "I know, I know. Just hold on. We're almost there. Joe's coming. He's got to be."

—

Ally's POV:

By the time we reached the hospital, I was barely able to walk. The pain was unbearable, and with each contraction, it was becoming harder to breathe. I cried out softly, my body trembling.

"Please, Joe..." I whispered, my voice breaking.

They rushed me inside, but time seemed to be running out. I was slipping further into panic, my breath becoming shallower, my body on the verge of giving way.

And just as we entered the emergency room, I felt something more than just pain. A pressure unlike any she had felt before.

And in that moment, the door to the hospital room swung open.

But before I could look up, I felt the world spinning around me. i was no longer in control of my body, and all I could hear was the sound of my own heartbeat, racing faster than it ever had before.