In Another Life...

Three

'Do you mind if we walk around for a bit? I just don't want to go back yet?' Demi asks as she glances down at Penelope who is fast asleep in her stroller as Wilmer pushes a cart.

'Of course I don't.' He replies smiling.

'You know I really can't thank you for everything you've done this week, Wilmer... I don't know what I would've done without you.' She says.

'You don't have to thank me, Demi. I've only ever been a phone call away and I will always only be a phone call away if you need anything.' He replies causing her to smile slightly.

'How's work going?' She asks attempting to change the subject to something else.

'Work is good... Busy but good. You got any plans for when you go back?' He asks and she shrugs her shoulders.

'There's not really much I can do now that I've got her... I can't tour can I? Not as a single mom.' She replies.

'Can't you take her with you?' He asks.

'Well I could but it's not the life I want for her, you know? Maybe if her father was involved it would be different; he could watch her whilst I went on short tours but I'm on my own.' She replies.

'That's not true... You've got so many people around you who love and want to help you out.' He says.

'I know but everyone has their own lives and I just need to deal with my own stuff... At the moment I've essentially got no one.' She replies gently rocking the stroller as Penelope begins to fuss.

'Well you've got me. I'll be here for as along as I can and when you're back in LA you know where I live if you need a chat or if she's kept you up all night and you just want someone to watch her whilst you sleep.' He says.

'Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me that I can still talk to you like this.' She replies causing him to smile.

'I've missed you.' He says.

'I've missed you too.' She replies.

______

'You were gone for a while.' Dallas says as Demi makes her way into the kitchen carrying the carton of milk.

'We decided to go for lunch while we were out.' Demi replies.

'You and Wilmer? What's going on there?' Dallas asks sitting up on the kitchen counter as Demi places the milk in the fridge.

'Nothing... He's a good friend.' Demi replies glancing into the living room where Wilmer is gently lifting Penelope out of her carseat.

'Remember last time he was a good friend? How long did it take for that to turn into more?' Dallas says causing Demi to sigh.

'I've just had a baby, Dal. The last thing I need is to be getting into another relationship plus it's been five years I'm pretty sure he'll have moved on.' Demi replies and Dallas shakes her head.

'He came all the way out here after just one phone call from Eddie, I'm pretty sure that man is still crazy about you.' Dallas says.

'He's going home next week.' Demi says.

'And are you going with him?' Dallas asks and Demi shakes her head.

'No... I need to stay here for now, for Maddie and dad.' Demi replies.

'Demi, you've spent the past few weeks looking after all of us when you should've been looking after yourself. I'm still going to be here for them if they need me but it's time for you to start looking out for yourself.' Dallas says and Demi sighs.

'I don't want them to think I'm abandoning them.' Demi admits.

'They won't. They'll understand.' Dallas says.

'I'll think about it.' Demi replies.

'Good, promise me something? If things with Wilmer begin to progress again don't let anything stand in your way? Remember why you fought so hard for him in the first place.' Dallas says causing Demi to smile.

'I promise.' Demi replies.

_____

Knock. Knock. Knock.

'Come in...' Demi says smiling as Wilmer peeks his head around the door.

'You okay? You were quiet at dinner.' He asks and she gestures for him to sit on the bed.

'Dallas thinks I should go home.' Demi replies as he sits down next to her.

'Yeah? What do you think about that?' He asks and she shrugs her shoulders.

'I don't know... Part of me is terrified of being on my own with Penelope which I know sounds ridiculous because I'm her mom and I do everything myself anyway.' She admits and he smiles slightly.

'You're a fantastic mom and you'll be just fine at home.' He says.

'Thank you but I don't know. Her passport came through the other day but what do I do if she cries on the plane? How do I keep her calm?' She asks and he can see the fear in her eyes.

'She's a baby, Demi. Baby's cry and they fuss and that's okay... If you're really worried you could always see if we can get you on the flight I'm on? If you want to go back next week that is.' Wilmer suggests.

'You've already done so much for me, Wilmer.' She says and he shakes his head.

'I've already told you that I want to help you out. You were a big part of my life and I'll always care about you so if you'd like to fly back to LA with me I'll gladly help you out with Penelope.' He replies causing her to smile.

'Thank you.' She says quietly.

'You look exhausted. You should get some sleep.' He says and she shakes her head.

'She won't let me put her down.' She replies glancing down at Penelope who's snuggled against her chest.

'Why don't I take her for a little while and you can get a few hours?' He suggests.

'Take her where?' Demi asks.

'I can stay right here with her if you want?' He says and she nods her head.

'Thank you.' She replies. She passes Penelope to him and smiles slightly as the infant instantly curls her body against him.