Without You

forty-four.

'Hey, sweetheart...' Dianna says softly as she makes her way into the bedroom where Demi is lying on the bed with Charlotte by her side.

'Hi, mom.' Demi replies running her hand over her face as she yawns.

'Did I wake you?' Dianna asks sitting down on the edge of the bed.

'No; I only came up to bed a few hours ago.' Demi replies.

'How are you doing?' Dianna asks and Demi sighs.

'I've been struggling.' Demi admits.

'With what?' Dianna asks.

'Just my body, the way I look.' Demi replies.

'A lot of people don't like their post-baby body, Demi. I know it's harder for you because of everything you've been through but I want you to know it's okay not to like it at first. It's different from what you're used to but that's okay. You've gone through all these changes and it's okay not to like them at first... Have you a conversation with Wilmer about how you're feeling?' Dianna asks and Demi nods her head.

'Yeah. I'll be okay; I've been through this before and I'll make it through again.' Demi replies and Dianna nods her head.

'Of course you will.' Dianna says smiling. Rolling onto her back Demi smiles slightly as her hand rests on Charlotte's stomach and tears fill Dianna's eyes.

'Oh, Demi... She's absolutely beautiful.' Dianna says softly staring down at the newborn.

'You can lift her if you want.' Demi replies.

'She looks so peaceful.' Dianna says shaking her head.

'We need to go downstairs away.' Demi replies causing Dianna to smile.

'No we don't. If you've just come up to bed you should get some sleep; dad and I will stay downstairs until you wake up.' Dianna says.

'No, I'm okay.' Demi replies sitting up.

'You sure?' Dianna asks and Demi nods her head.

'Positive.' She replies smiling.

****

'Hey, sweetheart.' Eddie says smiling as Demi makes her way downstairs following Dianna who's cradling Charlotte in her arms.

'Hi, dad... Thank you for coming.' Demi replies smiling as Eddie hugs her.

'You don't have to thank me, sweetheart. We would've been here quicker but things with Maddie were crazy.' Eddie says and Demi shakes her head.

'Don't worry about it.' Demi replies smiling. Pulling away she glances over at the sofa where Madison and Dallas are standing.

'You two made it.' Demi says and they both nod their heads.

'Like we'd miss meeting this one.' Dallas replies.

_____

'So when are you going to properly introduce her to the world?' Madison asks and Demi glances at Wilmer.