Complete Harmony (Sequel to The Missing Lyric- Nemi)

Chapter 4

Nick

I could tell Lyric felt bad when Demi walked away from us, on the boat. I could see it on her face. I tried to let her know I was there for her, by rubbing her arm gently with my thumb. I didn't want Demi to think I was glad Lyric had been honest, but I couldn't help but to feel some sort of satisfaction because I was justified in my thinking. It actually made me feel good that I knew my daughter so well that I guessed she might not be totally on board with a new baby. I watched Demi walk away, feeling bad for her. I wanted to go after her, but I knew she needed a little time to herself.

"You don't want a baby, do you?" Lyric asked, surprising me. I looked down at her, amazed at how perceptive she was.

"Why do you say that?"

"I've heard you & Mom fighting over the last month or so. I didn't get it until just now because I would only hear bits & pieces of the arguments. I could see it in your eyes & the way Mom looked at you, while you were talking to me. I just got a feeling that you don't want to have another kid." Lyric shrugged her shoulders a little, but kept her eyes on my face.

I took in a deep breath & glanced to where Demi had walked off to. As I let my breath out I looked down at Lyric. "I don't have a desire to have another baby. I don't know if I would feel differently later, like in a few years, when my life isn't so crazy."

"Your life isn't that crazy."

"I'm putting out an album & then I'll probably do a tour. I've got TV shows & other stuff going on. It's just not a good time to have a baby." I leaned down on my knees, then I heard Lyric inhale & exhale slowly. "Are you okay?"

"I feel bad for Mom." Lyric said, looking out at the water.

"She'll be okay."

"Yea, if she has a baby. If she doesn't have another baby, I feel like she will never be completely happy." Lyric looked like she might start crying so I put my arm around her & pulled her to me. I kissed her head. I couldn't help but think Lyric was right, but I didn't want to admit it. I knew either Demi had to have a baby with me or she needed to find someone who she could have one with & neither option sat well with me.

I sighed, deeply then stood up. "I'm going to drive us back to shore since it's starting to get dark." Lyric nodded, then hugged her legs to her chest & looked out at the horizon.

I headed to the controls of the boat & Demi was standing nearby, so I detoured to go to her. "You okay?" I asked her as I leaned on the railing beside her.

"Oh yea... why wouldn't I be okay?" Demi made a face at me, then rolled her eyes before she looked back at the ocean.

"I know that was hard to hear, but she could change her mind."

Demi's head snapped to glare at me. "Oh sure... everyone is going to suddenly change their mind." She snapped her fingers. "Just drive us home, please." She walked away from me & I sighed. I headed up to the wheel, then started the boat. I drove us back to the docks, then we got out & headed home, none of us really talking.

When we got home, I didn't want the silence to continue. "How about we order a pizza & watch a movie?" I asked as I hung my keys up.

"Sure." Lyric said with a soft smile.

"I'm not feeling well. I'm going to bed." Demi said, in a quiet voice. Lyric looked sad, then she walked out of the room, while I went to Demi & grabbed her arm.

"Demi. Don't shut us out. I know you're upset, but you're making both of us feel guilty. Lyric feels like crap right now & probably thinks you hate her. She was being honest & it is possible that she could change her mind."