Landing In London {Dreams & Bleachers Sequel}

Baby Steps

Sorry for not updating in a century! Also, apologies if this chapter is a little choppy. I wrote it over about a week.

Jade's POV

Carolyn was in bed, Ella was at a friend's for the night, Holly went home, and my phone was set to silent, so it was just Harley and I. Though the bed was empty as I waited for her to finish her nightly rituals, and I realized they were taking much longer than usual.

All night she's been avoiding me, it seems like. She was smiley around me, but normally she's a lot more affectionate after I get home from a trip.

Harley walked out of the bathroom, flicking off the light. She was in a simple, knee high, silk gown as usual. They vary in color, and tonight it was a peaceful white. She got into bed carefully, and quietly.

"You feeling alright, Hun?" I softly asked.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm okay." She replied, lying terribly.

"No, you're not." I sternly said. "Harley, I'm pretty sure I know what's wrong, but I don't want you to make me act like it's a bad thing."

She looked at me with concern. "What do you think it is?"

"You're pregnant, aren't you?"

Harley sighed. "Did NJ tell you?"

"No," I responded. "I just know. You're my wife, and you've been the love of my life for over ten years. I know when something's wrong, and what it is, but I feel bad saying it's wrong, because Baby, this is right. As long as you want it to be."

"I do, but I'm just worried about it. What if we screw up?"

I leaned back, offering her the spot next to me. Harley snugged in against my chest as I told her, "Carolyn turned out pretty well so far. I mean, there was that one time she threw a ball at another kid's face on purpose, but that was an isolated incident." I said, making her giggle. "We're going to make it through this. We've already made it through a ton of shit, I'm sure we can survive a little more."

She smiled. "What would I do without you?"

"What would I do without you?" I replied, laughing under my breath as I kissed her forehead.

Harley sat forward, leaning over to turn off the lamp, when the house phone rang. She quickly picked it up, as not to wake Carolyn. The conversation she had began to worry me the more it went on.

"Hello? ...Honey, calm down. Tell me what happened... Just hang in there, I'll be there as soon as I can... It'll be alright, just send me the address. I love you."

"What's wrong?" I asked as she went to grab a pair of jeans.

"It was Ella. She said all the girls at her sleepover started drinking and they were pressuring her into it, so she went into the bathroom and called. She's really upset, and I can't blame her."

"Babe, you stay home. I'll deal with this." I told her while I got out of bed.

She sighed, looking at me. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. That's my little girl, I need to be there for her." I replied.

Ella's POV

I get myself into the stupidest situations ever. It's all my fault! I should've known it wasn't good that the popular girls wanted to hang out with me.

God, I'm so stupid. I should have just stayed with my friends, my real friends, not these bitches. They're all spoiled brats. My parents have money too, but they don't spoil me.

I heard a knock at the bathroom door, followed my a screechy voice. "Ella! Come on! You're missing all the fun!"

"I'll be there in a sec! I'm on the phone with my boyfriend!" I lied, biting my lip.

"Oh, I see." She laughed. "Don't take too long."

"I'll be out in a second!" I said, then proceeded to fake a conversation.

There wasn't any getting out of this. God, I hope my mom gets here soon. I don't care if they call me a baby, I just want out of this.

This isn't who I am. I'm such a dumbass sometimes.

I walked back out to where everyone was standing around the kitchen counter, gossiping.

"So, tell us more about your boyfriend." The hyena asked.

"Well, um," I stuttered. "He's pretty sweet, goes to a public school, but I don't really care."

"Public school boys are more fun! The private school ones don't really get it. You try to make a move on them and they're so lost." She laughed. "How far have you guys gotten?"

My cheeks turned red. Jace and I have yet to admit we're even a thing. "We haven't been together that long." I replied, hearing the doorbell. Thank God!

One of the others went to answer, while I had to hold out for a few more seconds. I heard my dad's voice, shit.

"I'm sorry, I have to pick up Ella." He said.

"Is she in trouble or something?" She snit.

"No, we have a family emergency." He replied.

She sighed. "Okay, whatever. Ella, your-"

"I heard!" I interrupted, grabbing my bag. "Sorry girls! Bye!"

I ran out of there faster than I've ever bolted from a situation. Hopefully I didn't make myself too obvious, but frankly I don't care. Though, I am worried that dad will kill me for this one.

"Thank you for lying for me." I said as we got in the car.

"It wasn't a lie Ella, we did have a family emergency; you. My little girl was in a bad situation, and that's an emergency to me. I'm just glad you did the right thing in calling." He reassured me.

"So... You're not mad?" I sheepishly asked.

"Mad? Why would I be mad?" He laughed. "Any other kid probably would've drank with those girls. Not you, though. You're a good kid, better than I ever was."

I smiled. "Thanks, dad."