In Another Life...

Five.

'What happened?' Wilmer asks rushing into the hospital room where Demi is sitting cradling Penelope in her arms. It's a little after 3am and he received a hysterical call from Demi just over twenty minutes ago.

'S-She stopped breathing.' Demi mumbles and Wilmer immediately notices all the wires attached to the infant.

'I didn't know who else to call.' She adds and he shakes his head.

'I'm so glad you called me. How is she doing? Have the doctors said anything?' He asks making his way towards her.

'They're doing tests...' She replies quietly. Instinctively he reaches out and softly wipes the tears off her cheeks.

'That must've been so scary for you.' He says and she sighs.

'I-I don't even know why I went to check on her but I did and she was just lying there.' She admits, tears streaming down her cheeks.

'Oh, nena... What do you need me to do?' He asks.

'C-Can you stay or are you working tomorrow?' She asks and he smiles slightly.

'Of course I can stay.' He replies. Sitting on the arm of the chair she's on, he drapes his arm around her shoulders and she instantly leans into him. It's been a few weeks since she returned to LA and she's just been trying to get into a routine with Penelope on her own.

'Thank you for coming so late... I just- None of my family are here obviously and Kelsey didn't answer her phone. I didn't want to be on my own.' She says.

'Don't be silly. I told you regardless of what time it was I'd always be here, didn't I? I wasn't kidding.' He replies.

'Are you working tomorrow?' She asks letting her head rest against him.

'Supposed to be but not until much later so I'm good. Why don't you try get some sleep? I can keep an eye on her?' He suggests and she shakes her head.

'No, I don't think I'd be able to sleep even if I tried.' She replies.

'Just close your eyes... Stay exactly how you are just close your eyes.' He says gently rubbing circles on her arm.

'Can you- Never mind.' She replies quietly.

'What is it?' He asks.

'Can you do that thing you used to do when I couldn't sleep?' She replies.

'Of course.' He says causing her to smile as she tilts her head to the side. He moves her hair over her shoulder and begins to run his fingers through it as she rests her head against him.

'Sleep... I'm not going anywhere.' He says softly as her breathing evens out and he knows she's finally asleep.

_______

'Hey, little lady.' Wilmer says as Penelope begins to stir in Demi's arms. Smiling he carefully moves his arm from around Demi and moves her head so it's resting on a pillow.

'Are you coming to see me?' He asks gently removing Penelope from Demi's arms.

'You've gotten so big since the last time I seen you and you are looking more and more like your mommy.' He says running his finger down her cheek as she begins to fuss.

'She'll be getting hungry.' Demi mumbles and he turns around to see her eyes flicker open as she runs her hand across her face.

'Hey, I was trying to let you sleep a little longer.' He replies and she smiles slightly.

'Thank you. I really needed that hour or however long it was.' She replies glancing at the clock which displays 5:24am.

'You don't have to thank me. I'm here to help.' He says and she sighs as tears fill her eyes.

'Hey, what's wrong?' He asks and she shakes her head.

'Nothing, it's just- You're so good with her and you care so much yet her own father couldn't give a fuck about her... How messed up is that?' She says making her way over to him.

'He's not worth it, Demi. If he doesn't want to be in her life then he'll be the one who regrets it when she's all grown up and he's not been there, won't he? I care because I love you and I've always loved you; she's part of you and that makes her so special.' He replies wrapping his free arm around her shoulders.

'You're amazing. Why did I ever think letting you go was a good idea.' She almost whispers.