In Another Life...

Eight.

I've been looking for you, baby; in every face that I've ever known. And there is something about the way you love me that finally feels like home.

Wilmer and Eddie stand outside the hospital room watching as Demi slowly moves around, Penelope cradled against her chest as she sings softly.

'I'm really grateful that you've been here for her, even after everything.' Eddie says breaking the silence between them.

'There's no where else I'd rather be. We might not be together but she was still my world for six years.' Wilmer replies and Eddie nods his head.

'I know. She does love you, Wilmer. I don't think she ever stopped loving you but she's scared now. She's already lost you once and she doesn't want to lose you again.' Eddie says.

'She'll never lose me... God, that girl could do absolutely anything and I'd still be here.' Wilmer replies.

'I know that but you know what Demi's like... She struggles to trust people to stay especially now.' Eddie says and Wilmer glances back in the room.

'Are you staying with her?' Wilmer asks and Eddie nods his head.

'Only for tonight... I have to get back; I've offered for her to come home for a while but she doesn't want to. I don't want to leave her on her own but I've got to get back to Maddie.' Eddie replies and Wilmer sighs.

'I'll offer to stay over for a few days once you leave, just until she gets settled back in with P.' Wilmer says.

'Would you? I know you have your own life so I really do mean it when I say I'm grateful.' Eddie says and Wilmer shakes his head.

'Of course I would. I'd just worry about them both if I didn't at least offer.' Wilmer replies watching Demi place Penelope in her carseat.

'I'm gonna go bring the car round to the front.' Wilmer says and Eddie nods his head.

'Okay. We'll be down in a few.' Eddie replies and Wilmer smiles.

****

'Thank you so much for this, Wil... I know you've probably had stuff on the past few days that I've ruined.' Demi says watching as Wilmer secures Penelope's carseat into the backseat.

'You don't have to thank me. I was thinking and I know your dad can only stay tonight so why don't I stay for the rest of the week just until you're settled in and positive things are okay with P?' Wilmer suggests turning to face Demi.

'You don't have to do that, Wilmer. You've already given up so much of your time to me.' She says and he shakes his head.

'When are you going to realise that I'd give up absolutely everything for you.' He says quietly and she smiles slightly.

'I would really appreciate if you'd stay for a few days.' She admits reaching past him to tuck the blanket around Penelope.

'Why do you care about me so much?' She asks closing the back door and glancing towards Eddie who's sitting in the front passenger seat.

'Because I love you.' He replies and she sighs.

'But why?' She asks and he reaches up to gently cup her cheek in his hand.

'You have no idea the effect you have. I look at you and something inside me screams home. I know you might not feel the same anymore, I know you might not be ready for a relationship but I'm here. Say the word and I'll wait for as long as I need to until you're ready.' He says as tears fill her eyes.

'I-You shouldn't have to wait until I decide I'm ready.' She mumbles causing him to smile.

'But I will, if it's what you want.' He says and she takes a deep breath. Placing her hand on his shoulder she leans up and presses a quick kiss on his lips.

'I just need some time.' She says quietly and he nods his head.

'I'll be right here when you're ready.' He replies wrapping his arms around her waist and swaying them slightly from side to side. Smiling she lets her head rest against his chest as he rubs small circles on her lower back.

'Right, let's get you and Miss Penelope home.' He says softly. He kisses the top of her head before finally unwinding his arms from around her waist.

'Home.' She replies quietly.