Lights (P.F.T Sequel)

Chapter twelve

— Lux Halloway —

For any parent, raising an infant is a stressful and daunting progress but when the father of your child is a worldwide pop star with an immensely hectic schedule, the stress doubles. Two weeks ago, Justin had returned to the chaotic world of work. Thrown straight into business meetings, studio sessions and an odd photoshoot, I was slowly adjusting to being alone with only my three month old, adorable daughter too keep me company.

Being stretched out on her sofa with his thumbs speedily clicking the buttons of the xbox remote, I felt my anger build as I folded the freshly washed laundry. Scarlett was asleep in her nursery, tucked safely away from the rage that was about to implode from inside. My slippers scraped along the wooden floors, my arms crossing and an unimpressed scowl masking my makeup free features as I stared down at the childish twenty-two year old. Not daring to tear his eyes away from the game, he gave a nod.

"You want something?"

My tongue burned with profanities, my stomach bubbling with anger and my eyes turning into dangerous slits. With his acknowledgement still firmly planted on the violent game, I was quick to walk towards the entertainment system and unplug the xbox. The plasma screen turned black and he roared.

"What did you do that for?" He cried. I crossed my arms again, glaring irately.

"I'm slaving around this house like some maid while you sit there and play stupid games!" I snapped, "That's all you've been doing all morning! I had to ask you to change Scarlett's diaper while I got her food!"

"I've been working—"

"I understand that Justin but you've got responsibilities that you can't just push to one side if you're tired or stressed, or want to play a stupid, teenage game." I seethed, "I work every day while you're not here. I do the housework, do the laundry, make dinner, look after Scarlett and it's a never ending process but you don't see me sitting down with a magazine. Sure I'd love too but my priorities come first! And for Christ's Sakes, get your feet of the coffee table, I've just polished it!"

The look in his eyes told me he was taken back from my outburst that had been bottled up for days. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, I recomposed myself.

"I'm sorry." I apologised, slumping my shoulders. "I just—"

"It's okay." He murmured, cutting me short. Removing his feet and standing up, I rubbed my arms timidly and coward as he walked the short distance between us. "I'm the one who should be apologising. I didn't realise it was bothering you that much. Every time I asked you would tell me that it's okay and you would do it."

"Because I don't like asking you for things."

"But you're going to need too, Lux." He sighed, rubbing her forehead with the heel of his palm. "Babe, I can't read your mind. I can barely read you never mind knowing what you're thinking!"

"I shouldn't need to ask you though." I stubbornly replied, "You shouldn't need to be asked to throw empty cans of pepsi or sprite in the trash, or ask you if you could changed Scarlett's diaper, or ask you to put away laundry."

"Then I promise I'll do all them things more and I won't play my xbox anymore, okay?"

"I don't care if you play the stupid game, Justin. I care about being treated as a mother and a girlfriend, not a slave or a maid." I grumbled, "All I'm asking is if you could possibly help a little bit more. I know you're tired when you get home from work but even just washing the dishes after dinner or putting away clothes would be enough to make me happy."