Baby Boom || Liam Payne <Complete>

Chapter 6: Re-united

I wake up to muffled uncontrollable sobs and the sharp smell of bleach and disinfectants. When I open my eyes, I'm blinded by a bright white light. My vision is blurry and my throat is closed up.

I quietly have a look around my surroundings. The room isn't that big, but it's big enough to occupy at least 5 people all in it at once. The bed I lay on is in the far corner of the room. There's a door right in front of me and there's a bunch of medications, needles, and doctor instruments all along one side of a wall. I came to realize that I was, in fact, in a hospital room. I looked towards the part of the room that was dim lit and in that area, I see a body past out across the couch.

Then, I here the muffled sobs coming outside the door.

"Ssssh. It's okay. I promise, we'll come back to visit Jessie tomorrow Niall. Grab Jakob so we can go back to the flat and get some sleep." Says a voice. I want to try and ask for someone to help me but my voice just comes out as a raspy peep.

I try to get up but I flinch, and fail to, once I feel searing pain coming from my abdomen. I lift up the sheets carefully, only to find the ugliest scar. It's at least 2 inches and poses in a horizontal manner. Little sewing's run along the slit and I can't help but wince. It's absolutely hideous.

I remember everything that happened so clearly. At least I know Jakob is safe since he is in the care of, who I assume, Niall. Along with Harry since that sounded so much like his deep voice. What bugs me is the fact that I didn't get to really see the masked man. I mean, just seeing green eyes isn't really something to give to the police and say, "Yeah. Some 5'11 tall guy with hazel eyes came and attacked me. Now go find him." I don't think so. He seemed so tame when he was looking at Jakob, but he immediately turns hostile when I had disrupted his little 'moment'. How the hell can one do that? It was scary to be honest. The crazed look in his eyes reminded me of a rabid animal. Scared the hell out of me.

But Liam..... Liam saved us. Right? He was the one I called for help. I don't know how he did it, but he did. I'm eternally grateful of that boy.

Speaking of a boy, I looked at the sleeping figure on the couch. I squinted my eyes to try and get them to focus a bit more. Fit build, black tight shirt, work boots, snap back, sandy brown hair.....

Wait.... I know that outfit.

"Liam..." I tried to say. I could barely hear myself.

"L-Liam..." This time it came out more croaked.

"L-L-Lia-" Ah forget it... What could I do to get his attention. I looked around until my eyes landed on the metal bucket they give you for if you're gonna throw up. It was on the nightstand on my left and was the closest to Liam.

Perfect.

I slowly, yet painfully wiggled myself more to the left. I reached out my arm and started swiping at the bucket. It was quite the ways away for me so it's gonna take some effort. Or a lot.

My fingertips could touch the smooth side and with a forceful little lunge, I managed to knock it over. It was as if it was in slow motion. I watched as it descended over the nightstand and onto the cold tile floor with a loud bang.

Liam only stirred. Damn this boy could sleep.

Eventually, after about 10 minutes of watching Liam's breath become faster, meaning he was waking up, he started moving about and slowly opened his eyes. It's as if he didn't even notice I was awake. He sat up and stretched. He scratched the back of his head and his droopy eyes lingered to my bed. He didn't do anything but look at me. With the same droopy eyed, sleepy expression.

I cracked a little smile, and all of a sudden, his eyes widened and his mouth slowly opened into the perfect 'o' shape. I silently laughed but then winced when I felt the pain of the gash on my stomach. Liam bolted up from where he was and flung himself at me. Enveloping me in a massive, breath-taking hug. Literally. The wind was knocked out of me and he only added to the pain. I winced but stopped when Liam's body started shaking a little. I grew concerned in a matter of seconds and waited for any more signs to the theory of Liam actually..... crying. I waited and, sure enough, there was the small whimpers of Liam's heartbreaking sobs.

I pulled back from the hug, cleared my throat, and attempted to ask what the hell was wrong with him.

"Liam, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Liam just shook his head.

"It's just,.... I was just.... you were out for too long and I..." He cut himself off by laughing and wiping his tears away. He sighed.

"Jess.... you were out for 4 days babe."

"Well you don't have to cry about it LiLi!! You scared me! I thought I stopped breathing or something." I said as I started laughing. However, Liam didn't laugh. He looked at me as more tears pooled in his eyes. My laughing died off into a chuckle, then an awkward giggle, to just our breathing.

I sighed. "They had to resuscitate me, huh?" I asked. Liam just nodded and wiped his eyes.

"You don't know how scary of an experience that was to walk into Jake's room and see you deathly pale. You literally blended in with the floor at the time. Jakob's screams only added to the fear. I rushed over to him and did a super fast check up. When I saw he was fine, I looked at you and rushed over by your side. I didn't know where your wound was. All I know is that I didn't even have time to react because you were taken from my arms so fast. The ambulance was gone by the time I recovered from my shock. I rushed over to the hospital, only to find out that you were in surgery. The boys and I have been here most of the time you were here-" I cut him off.

"WHY? You guys said you had interviews and concerts on some days!"

"Jess.... You mean way more to me-" His eyes widened at what just came out of his mouth. I personally thought it was simple and sweet.

"Er, I mean us, you mean more to us than our jobs. Not that you don't mean anything to me it's just that... I er,.." I was hysterically laughing at this point. His rambling was adorable.

"I get it LiLi! I get it..." He sighed again and said, "It's just.... You have no idea, you weren't there when I saw that line, the only thing letting me know you were still here with me, go flat. We lost it. I tried to stay with you, I swear. I kicked, punched, and did everything that I could've..... just to stay with you, but I couldn't. I let you down. And I'm sorry. I wasn't there when you needed me most." He explained. He wasn't exactly making sense. I don't know if he was just overly tired, judging by the bags under his eyes, and tried to spill all the stuff that was on his mind at the same time, but all I know is that he just feels guilty. The look on his face says it all. The tears are returning again and his face expression just looks as if someone murdered his family. It's terrible.

I, for one, hate seeing him like this. I made him face me and gave him the most stern look I could muster. "Liam. Don't you EVER think that you let me down. You and the boys......." He just sighed again and shook his head.

"Who stayed 4 days and ditched their jobs and fans just to make sure I was okay?"

"The boys and I..."

I waited a little bit before asking the next question.

"Who saved me?" I whispered. He looked into my eyes. In that moment, a warm and fuzzy feeling inside me stirred. It was a familiar feeling, but I haven't felt like this before. It was as if the feeling was multiplied by 100 and is more powerful. I'm gonna admit it.

I like Liam.

But, I'm 99.9% sure, he has his eyes set on someone way more beautiful than I ever could be.

We sat there, intently staring at each other until he whispered,

"Me." My face slowly broke into a smile. His face mirrored mine.

"Exactly." I breathed. I hugged him like that was the last time I'll ever hug him again. Our little 'moment' was cut early when Liam yawned, loud. I laughed and scooted more the the right side of my bed, against the wall, to make room for Liam. After he turned off the light, he climbed in and rested on his side, facing me. My back was to the wall and I met his gaze.

"How was Jakob? Was he a good boy while I was out?" I giggled.

"The best. But I honestly don't know what we would've done if Harry and Niall weren't as experienced with kids." I laughed. Liam's face then turned serious. I asked the question that's been bugging me since I woke up.

"What happened to the man? And where's Ms. Reeds?" I said quietly. Liam's face hardened when I asked about the man and turned sympathetic when I asked about Jasmine.

"The man was never caught. The police have an investigation going on right now though." I nodded. He sighed and put an arm around my waist and pulled me into his chest.

"Jessie, I don't know how else to put this. I'm so sorry." He whispered.

"Ms. Reeds is gone." That confused me.

"Gone as in disappeared?" I felt his head shake, and it shook 'no'.

"Babe, police say whoever that man was, had been targeting Ms. Reeds for a while. They believe he wanted money or something valuable. So, since Ms. Reeds is a lawyer, she obviously made money. Plus, with a baby, she was pretty vulnerable. She's gone Jess. As in dead, gone." He said softly.

A sharp pain went through my heart. Jasmine was like the mother I never had. She may not have been around a lot, but when she was, she cared for me and made me feel loved. She appreciated every little thing I did for her. She was so selfless, it was ridiculous. But that's why I loved her. The monster that did this to her will be found and he will pay. She has a son, and she just wanted to be the best that she can be for him. To be there for him. Love, nurture, cherish, and care for him. But that was all ripped away from her. I sighed deeply and just nodded my head.

I was never one to cry. I'm just naturally tough like that. If I do cry, however, I get pissed at myself because I know there will always be someone else out there who has.... probably the most jacked up life and still smiles genuinely everyday because they're grateful for what they do have. I didn't realize this until something.......... someone I didn't think I cherished enough, was ripped away from me.

"Jakob is with us for the time being. Social Services will be here tomorrow to discuss something with you." I was to tired to even be nosy enough and find out what Liam already knew. As long as Jake was okay, I was okay. Before I drifted to sleep, I snuggled closer into Liam's side and whispered, "You saved me Liam.... Thank you."

As a response, I got a light, lingering kiss on my forehead. I smiled and then I let the peaceful aura of sleep take over me.

~-~-~-~-~

My left eye popped open as sunlight peered through the window. Liam wasn't by my side on the bed anymore and I felt kinda saddened by it. It was then that I came to my senses when a familiar wail came from outside the door.

"He won't stop crying Liam! I don't know what to do?!" That voice was along the line of Louis'.

"Well we can't just barge into her room and wake her up! Try singing to him or something!"

"Don't you think I've tried?! I don't know if it's because he's overly tired or he just misses her...." Louis trailed. Liam sighed. Then came Jakob's bloody murder cry, again, except this time he really was asking for me.

"NANA!!! NANA Jessy!!" I smiled to myself knowing the boys would have to come in here. Liam tried shushing Jake, but that kinda made it worse. I silently giggled and hauled myself into a sitting position and waited for the boys to walk into the room. I was a little more excited than I should've been because I haven't seen Louis in a while. There was some shuffling and Louis said something to Jakob that I couldn't make out, but surprisingly, it made his screaming turn into muffled sobs.

"Ready?" Liam asked.

"Hurry up!! I haven't gotten to see her since she's woken up! You're the only one that has, you hogger!" Louis retorted playfully.

The door handle turned and slowly opened. I waited patiently for their faces to show. Louis was the first. His body was hidden behind the door and once his eyes landed on me, he pranced into the room, bouncing Jake in the process.

"OHMYGOD!!! She's awake!! She's awake!! She's awake!! Liam!! She's awake!! Look!!" He yelled at Liam while pointing at me. Liam just nodded at Louis' over excitement and laughed. Jakob looked at me then burst into tears reaching out for me.

"Aaaaaaaaw! Jakey! Don't cry, love." I cooed as I cradled him in my arms. He wrapped his tiny hands around my neck and stopped his sobs, but the tears were still there. I tickled him and gave him a big hug.

"What about me?! I've been worried sick about you! Bloody hell!!! We all have!"

"AW!! Loubear!! Come 'ere!" I said as I placed Jakob down to my side and opened welcoming arms. Louis ran straight into them and practically lifted me 20 feet off the bed. I giggled and sniffed since I was on the verge of tears. I really missed them. But, I didn't want them to see me cry so I pushed them down. Louis started sniffing.

"Aw Loubear!" I hugged him tighter. He half laughed, half cried and whispered, "You gave us quite the scare Jessyboo.... Just don't do it again." I nodded and he pulled out of the hug. I laughed and looked at Liam. He smiled kindly at me and I, being the one wanting to lighten the mood, dramatically threw my arms wide open again. Laughing, Liam made his way and pulled me into a tight hug. He had to pull back cause Jake was pushing him.

"Lee-yum!" He whined. Liam raised his hands in defence and backed away. I laughed as Jakob climbed onto my lap. I smiled lovingly at him.

"I missed you Jakeyboo.... Did you miss Nana?" I asked. Jakob just smiled, since he obviously didn't really understand what we're saying, and put his hands on each side of my cheek. He leaned in an gave me a longing, loving look.

"Mumma Jessy..." He said. I gasped, as did Louis and Liam.I know he's done it before, but it was just different since Jasmine wasn't here anymore, and it overall just took me by surprise. He leaned in and kissed my cheek, then threw his arms around my neck and into a hug. I hugged back as soon as he hugged me. I looked at Liam and Louis. They looked back shocked and Louis' face broke into a huge grin. Liam had tears in his eyes and a small smile. This moment was so perfect, and I didn't want it to end.

However, much to my dismay, there was a light knocking on the door. I pulled away from Jake and looked back and forth between the boys and giving them a look that asked 'who's here?' They both just shrugged and Liam went to open the door. I bounced Jake up and down in my lap. Liam stepped back and let in a woman with a black pencil skirt, black high heels, a white ruffled blouse, and grey blazer. She was holding a clipboard in her hand and posed a kind, yet sympathetic smile. She stretched her hand out to me and said, "Hello. My name is Ms. Walters." I nodded, encouraging her to go on.

"I'm here representing UK Social Services. It's under parliament's rules, that I take Jakob here and put him into foster care since there is no longer anyone we could contact to put him with legally." She explained.

My heart stopped beating, my smile faltered, and my blood ran cold.

"Take him away?" I breathed.

"Yes. However, Ms. Collins, Mr. Payne here has claimed that you were Jakob's babysitter?" She asked. Shocked, I nodded my head.

"May I ask your full name?"

"Jessica Ann Collins." She made a humming sound, looked at the papers, then nodded her head up and down.

"Well, were you aware that on Jakob's birth certificate, Ms. Reeds left you as legal guardian and godmum of her only child?" I was so awe struck right now, my mind was blank about all my other worries and was trying to process what she just said.

Me? Jake's legal guardian? What? I'm only 19! How can I take care of Jake?!

I sighed. "Are you willing to take responsibility in taking care for Jakob Reeds?"

"Of course. I love Jakob and if Jasmine trusted me enough to legally put me down as Jake's godmum, then of course."

"Great. Now if you'll just sign these papers, we can get Jakob's last name changed and send you a new birth certificate."

I nodded. She handed me the sheets of paper and highlighted where I needed to sign. I took the pen and hovered it above the signature line. I looked at Jakob, kissed his forehead, and quickly signed all the areas where I was supposed to. She took the papers, told me how great of a person I was for doing this, and left. Liam and Louis had been sitting down on the couch the whole time in an intimate conversation. Liam then stood up from the couch and walked over to my bedside. Louis got up as well and bid me a farewell.

"Well Jessyboo, I'll be back with the boys at your flat tomorrow. They're dieing to see you. The nurse said you are allowed to be discharged now, so you're free to go home." I pulled him into a hug.

"Louis, thank you so much. I don't know how I could ever repay you boys for all that you've done for me and we've only known each other a little while. Thank you for taking care of Jakob. Tell the boys I give thanks to them as well. I'll see you tomorrow Loubear." With that he left.

Liam smiled at me and asked, "Are you ready to go home?"

"Hell yes..." He laughed and said he'd be right back after he discharged me.

"There is the clothes you came here in on the bathroom counter." He said before he left. I looked at Jakob as he innocently played with his fingers, then looked up at me. I smiled, picked him up, and placed him on my lap. He started drifting off as I rocked him back and forth.

"It's okay, it's okay." I kept rocking. "Mum's here." I whispered.

"Mum's here."

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How was that? I'll be updating again, hopefully over the weekend!! Wuvs you my little ducklings!

Here's the next quote you can think about,

"Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." - Earl Nightingale