Without You

three.

'So have you decided what you're going to do next?' Nick asks.

'I think I'm going to go home for a bit; see my mom and that, you know? I don't know when Wilmer wants to announce the news but I don't want to be in LA when he does.' Demi admits.

'That's understandable. Why don't we look and see if we can get you a flight?' He suggests and she nods her head.

'Preferably for tonight.' She replies. Grabbing his phone he quickly searches for last minute flights to Dallas and luckily finds one.

'This one leaves at 6:50pm; I could drop you off if you like?' He says and she nods her head.

'That sounds good.' She replies grabbing her card.

****

'That's you all booked then. Do you want to go pack and I'll make some breakfast?' He asks.

'I don't have anything in, Nick.' She replies and he shakes his head.

'I popped out before you woke up this morning; I got the basics in.' He says causing her to smile.

'I don't know what I ever did to deserve you in my life.' She replies.

'I'm always going to be here.' He says. Standing up she quickly hugs him before making her way upstairs leaving him sitting on the sofa. He glances down at his phone as it vibrates.

From Joe :
Hey, how's Demi doing today? Has she spoke to you anymore?

To Joe :
She's okay, I think. She's going to go home for a bit because she doesn't want to be here when the news of the split gets out.

From Joe :
Might be too late for that... There's already rumours that they're having issues. He was spotted without his wedding ring yesterday and she's not been seen for days, people are putting two and two together.

'Fuck.' Nick mumbles.

_____

'You're quiet.' Demi says sitting on the kitchen counter with her legs crossed as Nick makes an omelette.

'I've got to tell you something because I don't want you to find out when you get to the airport.' Nick admits.

'Okay?' She replies.

'You've not been seen in public for days, you've not tweeted or posted anything on Snapchat or Instagram. Wilmer has been spotted out in LA without his wedding ring on.' He says softly as he turns to face her.

'People have guessed...' She replies. Sighing she leans forward and shakes her head as Nick moves towards her.

'I'm sorry. I know you wanted out of LA before this happened but we can phone Max and I'll do everything I can to get you into the airport without anyone seeing you.' He says as she leans against him.

'I hate being in the public eye sometimes.' She mumbles, tears streaming down her cheeks.

'I know.' He says wrapping his arms around her. He gently rubs her back as she cries into his shoulder before she pulls back to look at him.

'I-I'm pregnant.' She admits wiping her eyes and glancing down at her still flat stomach.

'What? Since when?' He asks.

'I found out the morning Wilmer left. I'm so scared, Nick.' She replies shaking her head.

'I'm so sorry you have to go through this... I know this wasn't how you would have imagined having your first baby but maybe this is a blessing in disguise? Maybe this baby will be the reason you make it through.' He says.

'Maybe... I just need some time to think things over.' She replies and he nods his head.

'Speak to your mom about it all; she'll be able to help you more than anyone else can.' He says.

_____

'Text me when you land, okay?' Nick asks as he wraps his arms around Demi.

'I will... Thank you, Nick. I'd probably still be lying in my bed if it wasn't for you coming over.' She replies letting her head rest against his chest.

'You don't have to thank me, Demi. Just text me every few days and let me know you're doing okay?' He says and she smiles slightly.

'Of course.' She replies.

'Hey, remember... Head up, shades on and ignore anything the paparazzi say on the other side, okay? You are strong and what you are going through is none of their business. Eddie will be waiting for you so go straight to the exit.' He says running his thumb across her cheek to wipe away the single tear that has fallen.

'Head up, shades on.' She repeats causing him to smile.

'That's it.' He says. Grabbing hold of her bag she smiles slightly before biting her bottom lip.

'If you see anything in the press can you text me? I want to know what's going on but I don't want to read everything.' She admits.

'Of course I can.' He says.

_____

'Where's Wilmer?'

'Is it true that you two are getting a divorce?'

'When did it all go so wrong?'

Tears fill her eyes as she attempts to navigate her way through the crowds of paparazzi with the help of airport security. She finally catches a glimpse of Eddie and let's out a sigh of relief.

'I'm okay from here.' She says glancing at the security guard beside her.

'You sure?' He asks and she nods her head.

'That's my dad, thank you.' She replies smiling. She takes her bag from him and practically runs towards Eddie.

'Hey, you.' Eddie says softly as he wraps his arms around her tightly.

'Dad...' She almost whispers.

'Why don't you get in the car, sweetheart? I'll put your bags in the trunk and we'll get you home.' He says and she nods her head.

'Thank you.' She replies. She gets into the passenger side and he quickly puts her bags away before getting in the driver's side.