Landing In London {Dreams & Bleachers Sequel}

Hope of the Heart

Harley's POV

I stood in the doorway of the hospital waiting room. NJ was asleep, and Ryder didn't realize I was there. He was at NJ's bedside, back turned to where I stood.

As long as I've known Ryder, he's always been the strong one. To see even him so soft and fragile, is... disheartening. He never leaves NJ's side, but can you blame him?

I was about to walk in, but stopped myself when he began to talk.

"This is my fault." He whispered. "I knew I shouldn't have come around you, but I thought it was just a stupid flu. The only thing stupid here is me. Moron, you have a sick boyfriend that's extremely susceptible to even the lightest things." Ryder sighed, and as he continued, I could hear the tears in his voice. "I'm so sorry, Nicky. Once, a long time ago, your father begged me to protect you, because he never could. I've done anything but. I... I'm just so sorry, Honey. You deserve more than me. You always did."

I sighed, walking in the room. He quickly wiped the tears from his eyes to face me.

"Ryder," I muttered to catch his attention.

He looked up at me with those crystal blue eyes that were tear stained. "You... didn't hear any of that, did you?"

"Hear what?" I asked, playing dumb. The last thing he needs right now is embarrassment.

"Never mind." Ryder muttered.

I forced a broken smile. "Listen, Ryder. It's, it's been three weeks since the reunion. Jade and I, we have to get back home to Ella and Carolyn."

"I understand. You'll say goodbye to him, when he wakes up, right?"

"Planning on it." I reassured.

Next Day

NJ was very understanding about us heading home. In fact, he was grateful we stayed this long. I could see it in his eyes, he's still fighting. I've got a feeling he'll always be a fighter, 'till his dying breath.

I was more than ecstatic to land in LA, but it wasn't the same without the others. Jade knew it too, he just didn't say anything.

We walked into our house, which was surprisingly clean. Pays to have a good nanny! Despite having a lunatic sister, we kept Holly around all these years, and I'm very grateful to have her pick up my slack.

The sound of little feet made me smile ear to ear. Carolyn came from the hallway, leaping into my arms. I hugged her tightly, happy to be home, finally.

Seeing Nicky this sick recently has really opened my eyes. Life is short, and I can't be neglecting the ones I love anymore.

"Come on, Angel, you can help mommy unpack." I said as I stood back up, hearing my knee crack. "God, I'm turning into an old lady."

"The hottest old lady I know." Jade joked, picking up my suitcase along with his. He always has to be such a fucking sweetheart and gentleman!

Jade's POV

Being back in my own home, with my beautiful family, is all I could ever wish for. It's hard, knowing the condition we left NJ in, but I have hope. Part of me just knows he'll make it through this.

I helped Harley with her suitcase, then gave her a quick kiss before I went to see Ella. It was a shock she didn't come downstairs, but I'm sure she didn't hear us come home. She's always got her headphones maxed out. Guess she picked up on a few of Harley's habits.

Even though I knew it was no use, I knocked anyways. No answer, typical. I opened the door, and she jumped a bit when she saw me, then pulled out her earbuds.

Ella was a spitting image of me; long black hair, crystal blue eyes, and soft, fair skin. I'm not complaining, I definitely DON'T want her looking like her whore mother. Plus, as far as I'm concerned, Harley is her mom, not that trailer park scum that gave birth to her.

"Dad!" She smiled, running up and hugging me. "You're home!"

I laughed. "Thank God! How was your sister while I was gone?"

"Pretty good. She did get a bit of a flu, but it passed pretty fast." Ella replied.

"Oh, good, and how are you? You seem pretty happy." I suspiciously asked.

"Yeah, 'cause you're home!"

"Mhm." I said. "You met a boy, didn't you?"

"What?!" She gasped, crossing her arms. "How'd you know?"

I chuckled. "Hey, it's me you're talkin' to. I wasn't exactly the good boy when I was your age."

"No duh, dad." She laughed. "You had me when you were my age, and Carolyn when you were June's age."

"Exactly why I'm weary about you dating already." I responded, taking a seat on her bed with her.

"He's a good guy!" Ella reassured. "I promise!"

I shrugged. "Okay, then he'll have no problem coming over for dinner tomorrow?"

She went white, forcing a nervous smile. "Of course, I, um, I'm sure he'd, uh, he'd love to."

"Great." I smiled, walking out of the room.

The look on her face was priceless! Wish I could have gotten that one on camera!