Don't Stop | Michael Clifford

Chapter 76

"Alright, we have to get to the ultrasound, then to the store to-"

"Maddie, you already told me," I laugh, shaking my head. She takes a deep breath, taking a hand through her hair. She was now 7 and a half months along, the stress about Luke not being home (he was coming home in two weeks though) and anxiety about having the baby and everything.

"And then to see my chiropractor, my back is killing me," she groans. I love her, but lately she's done nothing but complain. Not that I mind all that much, there was still a spark in her eyes that showed how excited she was about this baby. Also, I was helping her decorating the baby's room.

"Okay, so first stop is the doctor," I say, putting my car in gear as I make my way down the streets of New York to Maddie's obstetrician.

"So, how's things going with Tyler?" Maddie asks, me hesitating for a moment, slightly closing my eyes.

"We, errr," I say, sighing, taking a deep breath. "We actually broke up yesterday."

"El," Tyler says, making me look up at him. We were currently sitting at a café, it being silent between us the last twenty minutes, and it wasn't the first time. "It's okay."

I stare at him for a few seconds, trying to figure out what he's saying. He sighs, sliding his hands over the table to grab mine. I was still trying to figure out what he meant by that, although I had an idea. "I'm sorry," I whisper, wiping a tear away.

"It's okay. I know you're not as committed to us as I am. And I know it's because of your ex."

"I am not getting back together with him anyways," I try, as I look at him. "But... it's not fair to you. I guess, I'm just not ready to actually date someone." He sighs, pressing a kiss to my hand.

"I know. I knew that when I asked you out. I knew there was a possibility of it not working out. Maybe if it had been some other time, but not now at least. You're still healing." I sigh, nodding. I want to say that I am ready, but I would be lying. And even though he's a great guy and everything, I'm just not as into him as I should be. It's more of a way to distract myself.

"I'm sorry," Maddie says, giving my shoulder a rub.

"Well, I don't exactly know if it's technically a breakup, since we weren't really together, but yeah... it still sucks. I just wasn't ready." I sigh out loudly, parking the car before we get out. "But you know, he deserves someone who can give their all. He's a great guy-"

"Not too bad looking either," Maddie laughs as we make our way inside. I roll my eyes a bit as I laugh.

"It wasn't fair of me to use him as a rebound. Anyways, I don't date younger men, he's even a year younger than you are. He's a great guy, but... you know. He deserves someone better." Maddie gives me a weak smile before checking in. "Can we talk about something else?"

"Sure thing. So, I was thinking about a baby shower at the end of this month, a few weeks before the baby is here. We could have a fun baby shower, Luke can go out with the guys, having a fun night out before none of us will sleep for a few months."

"Alright, and I'm guessing as the best friend, it is my job to take care of everything," I laugh, slightly joking although I know the possibility of me actually having to do so is there, and it's not a small chance.

"Not alone," she says, giving me a smile before sighing. "I just can't do it on my own, and I will just need your help, you won't do it alone, I promise." I smile, pulling her in for a side hug.

"Of course I will help. It'll be fun," I smile as we sit down in the waiting room, already planning this baby shower in my head. "So, when will you figure out the sex of the baby?"