But Baby 2 (Brad Simpson Fanfic)

chapter 22

Zoe's POV;

It'd been eight whole months since I'd left, and them first few weeks alone were the worst. My phone would blow up day and night with calls from my family, and Brad. I know I should have told them I was safe, I regret avoiding them, i regret leaving in the first place. But the idea of ever going back there scared me, it made me feel sick. 
I was devastated at the idea of letting my children grow up without a Mum, in 8 months they'd grown a lot. Thomas had his first birthday, and Bradley had managed to throw him an amazing party, he'd been tweeting plans for Ellie's birthday. I felt awful for leaving them, and I felt awful for not being there every time they needed me, but I knew they were okay, Brad still tweeted photos of them, things they did, places they'd been. 
Numerous times I'd thought about going back, getting help and going back to normal, but I couldn't. Not only was I too scared, but now there was someone else. Someone else looking after my children, someone else he loved. I couldn't barge back in and ruin it all. I was surprised at how quickly Brad moved on, but then my avoidance tactics and dead social media, probably made him think I was dead. I still get comments, asking If I'm okay, and if I'll go home, but it isn't my home anymore. It's Brads and Daisy's...He seemed happy with her- Thomas and Ellie seemed happy with her, and that's what I wanted, them to be happy. 

I was happy in some ways now. A flat in Liverpool, small but homely. A job at the local hairdressers, not cutting hair, being a receptionist, but it was money none the less. I did worry every time The Vamps came to Liverpool, but the chances of them coming to the outskirts, and getting a hair cut, and me being at work? It was highly unlikely.  I enjoyed my job, everyone got along and they were very understanding of the fact i was pregnant. By pregnant i mean waddling around and unable to go without weeing for less than five minutes. But it was like a family; and we helped each other in any way we could. 
It'd become a waiting game, this baby. I was expecting it to come any day, but I was, in all honestly, hoping it could wait a few more weeks. I'm really not ready, financially, physically or emotionally. Part of me wanted to tell Bradley I was okay, but this baby was my fresh start, not a way to change what they'd all adapted to. 

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I sat on the edge of the bed, my bump sticking out in front of me. I'd awoken to immense cramping, the baby wriggling around. I hiss slightly, as it kicks harshly, I close my eyes and breath heavily. I sit still for a few minutes, letting the baby calm down, allowing me to stand up and walk to the bathroom.
Walking towards my wardrobe, I strip of my pajamas and slip into my work outfit. I stroke my hands over my bump, pulling the lose shirt down further. I grab my bag and keys, exiting my flat, locking the door behind me. I rock on my feet as I wait for the lift, the baby still giving me little kicks every few minutes. Eventually the doors slide open, allowing me in. I select the button, watching the lights around in glow, the doors shut and slowly I start to move downwards.

-

I smile at my co-workers as I place my bag in my locker, shuffling over to the sink to grab a drink. 
"Are you alright Zo? You look really tense" I spin around, to be greeted by my boss Vicki. I nod, smiling slightly "Yeah yeah, the babies just kicking a lot" 
"Why don't you take the day off? I've said before, I don't mind"
"No,no, it's fine, I best get to the desk"
"Zoe, you're about to burst, I think it's best you go home, I'll still pay you for today"

"Vicki, i'm fine, honestly" I sigh, trying my best to seem calm. Vicki frowns at me, before waving me off, and continuing her walk to the back office. I swallow the bubble in my throat, not wanting to see the reality everyone else has; this baby is going to be here soon. I shake my head clear of thoughts and sit down at the front desk; waiting for the first call or customer. 

"Zoe are you sure you don't want to go home? You don't look well" Vicki sighs, leaning against the desk. I nod my head, glancing at her. "Zoe, I mean it, You don't look well, I'll take you home,come on"
"Vicki, I'm fine honestly" I wince, as another kick ripples against my stomach. She raises her eyebrows at me, shaking her head. She leans over, and switches the computer monitor off, and grabs my hand "Come on"

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I was expecting to go home, not the hospital. Vicki dropped me off with a "Please get yourself looked at, I'm worried" before leaving. I knew she'd keep bringing me back, so i obeyed, and that is how i ended up sitting in the maternity ward, counting ceiling tiles, waiting for a midwife to come and see me. 
"Hi there Zoe, I'm Fiona, How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, I don't know why I'm here, I'm not in labour"
"We think you're at the very start, can I ask you some questions?" I nod, "Will you being having a birthing partner?" I shake my head, looking down at my hands "Okay, and are you on any medication?" I shake my head again. "I'll be back in a bit then, press the blue button above your bed if you need anything, We've called your next of kin, they should be here soon"

My head snaps up, "what? why?" 
"With your condition, we think it's safer to have someone with you, It's your Mum we believe, she'll be here soon" she smiles and leaves the room, leaving me in a state of panic. I can't have my Mum here, she'll make me go back home, and I don't want to go back home. She'll get angry at me for leaving everyone, and I don't think I can deal with her yelling at me. 

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"Zoe wake up" I feel a hand on my shoulder, shaking my slightly. I peel my eyes open, the dull hospital lighting hurting them. I sit up, and almost have a heart attack at the sight of my Mum. "Hi" i say, not sure what was going to happen next
"How could you? Zoe, do you know what it was like not knowing where you were? Do you know how much it hurts to see someone else bring up your children?"
"She seems nice" I shrug, knowing that it probably wasn't the right thing to say
"Oh she is, but they're your  children Zoe," 
"I know, but they're together now, they probably don't even remember me"
"Don't say that! Ellie asks for you everyday, Thomas cried for you for months! Don't get me started On Bradley, he cried more than all of us put together!"

I sigh, and look away, my eyes settling on the wall, not wanting to continue to conversation.
"Zoe, he's outside. Bradley is here"