All Fall Down

Chapter 13

Ryan's POV

I should have guessed our first stop after checking into our hotel would have been Antonio's, Abi was anxious about the fact she didn't have a change of clothes "And how about this one?" Antonio was assisting Abi himself. He said it's the least he could do for his best customer, Abi took three skirts a blouse and two dresses into the firing area, I'm not sure she needs all this for the few days we were here but I didn't argue.

I waited in the seating are with Abi's coat draped across my legs, Leroy had gone to fetch us coffees from the coffee shop next door "Ant are you sure these are the equivalent to a USA 4?" Abi called from behind the curtain "This dress is a little snug" she opened the curtain.

"I'll get you the next size" Antonio smiled and rushed towards the dresses.

"Maybe the next couple of sizes up" Abi frowned.

"Oh darling is there something you're not telling me, there's only usually one reason a woman gains weight that quickly" My heart sank as soon as Abigail's expression saddened "There you go sweetheart"

"Thanks" Abi disappeared behind the curtain.

"Is everything alright? I was only teasing her" Antonio asked me quietly.

"We lost a baby a few weeks ago" I explained and Antonio looked horrified.

"Oh Ryan I'm so sorry" he gasped "She must be devastated"

"Yeah" I wasn't really sure what else to say. But I was grateful to see Abi reappear.

"I'll take this skirt, that blouse, the dress and those grey Jimmy Choos you have in the window" Abi put the bag on the desk and looked at me with a smile "I don't have my card"

"Typical" I mocked, rolling my eyes as I watch Antonio ring up each item on the till "What's the damage?"

"Four thousand, five hundred and ninety five euros" Antonio replied "The Choo's are my gift to you"

"Aw thank you" Abi grinned, I handed Antonio my card. As we turned both of us had noticed how quiet it seemed outside. No press, no fans, nothing just peace and quiet.

"I hate it when it goes quiet like this" Abi sighed as she opened the door, I guess the gentlemanly thing to do, would have been to hold the door but Abi had always been so independent.

As we walked along the pavement I couldn't help but notice how quiet Abi seemed "You okay baby?" I asked as I take her bag and then grip her hand in mine.

"Do you think it's too soon to think about trying again? For another baby I mean?" She asked honestly and I hesitated for a moment trying to figure out the right response.

"Where did this come from?" my answer is given with some caution, the last thing I want to do right now is upset her by saying the wrong thing.

"I've just been thinking, I mean neither of us are getting any younger..." I interrupted with a burst of laughter.

"Jesus Abs, don't hold back will you" I continue to laugh.

"Sorry, but it's true. I'm not saying losing the baby...Well I'm not replacing..." Her voice was shaky.

"Yeah I know" I reassure her "And no..." She looks worried shit! "I don't think it's too soon, if you're sure that's what you want"

"Really?" She inhales deeply.

"Yeah course, you've been through so much over the last few months, if having a baby is what you want, then who am I to argue. Truth is I've been thinking the same thing, I just didn't want to upset you by bringing it up" we slow a little as we near the hotel. She stops still and looks up at me.

"Have I ever told you how incredible you are Mr Tedder?" She bites her lip and I can't help but kiss her, our moment is suddenly interrupted by a loud banging sound "Shit" Abi grabs my jacket as, both of us jumping back in shock "Are those gun shots?"

"Come on" I tug on Abi's hand, my instincts have kicked in and something inside me says we need to get away from these buildings "It's not safe here"

Abi follows me as we rush off the street and away from the crowds which had now swarmed the streets. People of all ages were screaming and crying, pushing to get away. Abi's phone vibrates in her pocket and I watch as she answers it, I can hear Leroy on the other end "Yeah it's okay we're safe" Abi spoke calmly "What the hell's happening? Jesus...are you fucking serious. Yeah okay we'll meet you there"

Gun shots rung out again "Fuck" I pull Abi down and Shield her body with mine, we are both leaning up against a parked car "You okay?" I ask her and she nods.

"We need to get out of here" She replies in between gasps "Leroy said it's a suspected terrorist attack, he also said he'll meet us at that coffee shop next to the cathedral"

Once we were both sure the gun shots weren't near us, we decided to head towards the coffee shop. My heart was pounding as we hurried away from the crowds as quickly as we could. There were armed police and ambulances everywhere "This is insane" Abi inhaled as she followed behind me closely.

"Its mindless craziness..."  my eyes ate everywhere right now trying to take it all in.

"Oh my god it's Abigail Jenson-Tedder..." A female voice cried out.

"Shit Ryan" Abi's voice was filled with angst. It suddenly occurred to me how exposed we we're, we had no security around us whatsoever and suddenly my idea to take a break away from it all, had never seemed so stupid.

Strangely enough I was reminded of a conversation I had once had with Frank, Abi's dad. I had told him how worried I was about being able to keep fans and press away from her and he told me it was easy and I should just behave like a husband protecting his wife. It seems like obvious advice now but all this press harassment was new to me at the time.

I managed to somehow pull Abi away from them, before ducking into a passage way. I remembered this being a short cut to the cathedral "You okay?"

I took a minute to check Abi was okay, her hand had been gripping tightly into mine throughout this whole ordeal and I could feel her shaking "Yeah" she nodded, a little uncertain "I should call my mom and your Parents if they see the news...and Freya"

"Yeah okay, but let's get away from the crazy first" I suggest and she nods "Here it is" I can see the sign for the coffee shop.

"Abi, Ryan" Leroy calls out as he rushed towards us. He puts his hand on Abi's shoulder "Are you both okay?"

"Yeah, You?" Abi manages.

Leroy doesn't reply he just nods "Listen I called Tony after I called you and he says they ha e the city on lockdown. There are no flight going in or out of Milan, we're going to have to drive"

"Will we be able to drive out?" I wonder and Leory frowns.

"Probably not completely out, but Tony and Harry are trying to find you both some alternative accomodation for tonight" Leroy explains.

"Then what?" I realised Abi was growing even more anxious, I time to Leroy and he inhales deeply "Leroy? Then what?"