Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 42: The Moment

Joe's POV:

I was drenched in sweat, still buzzing from the electric energy of the crowd. The concert had been a success. One of those nights that felt like the universe was in sync. The last song was a blur, a whirlwind of flashing lights and deafening cheers. But despite the euphoric highs, there was a gnawing feeling in the back of my mind.

I handed my mic and in-ears to one of the crew, my mind drifting back to Ally. I hadn't heard from her since the show started. I had texted her during soundcheck, and she assured me she was fine—just resting at the hotel, a precaution, she'd said. But now, that small voice in my head was getting louder. Something wasn't right.

I wiped my face with a towel, pacing in the green room, when my phone rang. Dani's name flashing on the screen.

"Dani? What's wrong?" My voice was tight, already bracing myself for bad news.

"Joe, Ally's in labor," Dani's voice was breathless, sharp with urgency. "She's—she's at the hospital. Her water broke and—"

"Wait, what?!" My chest tightened instantly, "Why didn't anyone call me sooner? Is she ok? What's happening? Where is she?!"

"I tried to get a hold of you earlier, but your phone was off. She's fine, but it's happening, Joe. She's in a lot of pain. I'm with her, but we need you here. You need to get here, now."

My breath caught. Dani paused, then continued, more softly.

"She fainted for a few seconds earlier—it scared the hell out of me. But the doctors said she's okay. Stable now. Just... you need to come."

My body went cold as the reality hit me all at once - My baby's coming.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath.

The room around me seemed to tilt. My thoughts scrambled. Allyssa. The baby. She needed me. They needed me. She has been so strong through everything, but now? Now, when she was in the most vulnerable moment of her life, I'm not there.

"Ok," I forced out, trying to keep my voice steady, "I'm on my way. I'll be there. Tell her I'm coming."

I hung up, my hands trembling as I called out my brothers names.

"Joe? What's up?" Nick's voice sounded distracted, but there was an underlying concern.

"Allyssa's in labor," I snapped, my words coming out in a rush, "I need to get to the hospital, now. Can you get the guys together?"

"Wait, what? Right now? Holy shit, man, are you serious?"

"I'm serious,Nick! She's in labor, and I need to be there for her. Right now."

"Ok. Ok, we got you. Kev's gonna flip, but we'll make sure he's good. Go. We'll handle everything else."

I didn't even hear the end of the conversation. I was already halfway out the door, my legs carrying me quickly down the hall, toward the exit of the venue.

The air outside was cool against my skin as I sprinted to the waiting car. I could hear the chaos behind me; the band and crew still wrapping up, fans cheering outside the gates. But none of that mattered anymore. None of it.

I slid into the backseat, my phone already in my hand. My thumb raced over the screen as I dialed Allyssa's number again. My heart hammered harder when the call went straight to voicemail.

"Come on, baby, pick up," I muttered, dialing Dani's number.

It rang and rang. No answer.

Cursing under my breath, I threw my head back against the seat. The car lurched forward, pulling out into the street, but the traffic was a nightmare. Every second felt like a lifetime.