Welcome To The Family (Second HeartBeat A7X Sequel)

28 Pickles

**FFW 2 Months**

It had been a long two months since I found out that I was pregnant. At first I spent the first few days somewhat in hiding, preferring my own company and mainly to avoid any confrontation with anyone. Everyone else knew I needed to be alone for a bit so they left me be. Well I say left me be, apart from Jimmy being his usual upbeat self, trying his hardest to persuade me to leave my dwelling. After a few days it worked and I gradually brought myself to be around the others, and I was pleasantly surprised. No one mentioned anything, no one acted like anything was different and that I appreciated, as to me nothing had changed. I didn't see Zacky or Brian for about two weeks or more, and to be honest I think that was for the best. We all needed breathing and thinking space. Them leaving when I broke the news hadn't changed my feelings for them in the slightest, however it did make me think again that the whole situation was a mess and it was time to step away and have a break.

After long late night talks with Jimmy, Johnny, Steph and Matt, I decided to sell my flat in London and move permanently near my family. With the Flat being in London it only took a few days for it to be sold for a morw than decent price and whatever items I had in there that were worth anything were auctioned off. Steph and Lindz had kindly gone to Zackys place and picked up any of my items so that I had some more stuff. Johnny was adamant that I moved into his house, but I settled on getting myself into a small 3 bedroom rented house not too far away from his. I needed to have some space for myself, Alexia and the baby when it arrived. My door was always open and I was rarely left alone.

"So how's the Album coming along? Any closer to finishing with the editing?" I asked Matt as I took a bite out of one of the pickles in my chicken Caesar salad. He cringed before tucking into his Taco. "What? Pickles are so good right now." Matt had come to collect Harmony, whom he had left with me while he was at the studio with the guys, he arrived just in time for dinner so we sat at the breakfast bar to eat, whilst the girls sat at Rex's small kids table.

"Good actually. Things seem to be going on schedule. Our Manager is already talking about touring and promo."

"That's fantastic. I mean I haven't seen much of anyone in the past six weeks. You've all been cooped up." It was true I only saw everyone in fleeting visits. Apart from Steph who often spent her days with me when she wasn't at the studio with Jimmy.

"You know where the studio is. I've told you to come down and hang." Matt raised a brow, knowing full well why I was reluctant to go.

"Hmm, maybe next time. Anyway, a tour so soon?"

"They want a tour to promote the new album. It'll probably start a week or two after it gets released."

"What's the plan with Harm? Is she going with you? I mean you know the offer is always there for me to look after her. It isn't a problem."

"Thanks but I think she'll go stay with my parents. You need to rest in your condition, not running round after two kids." He nodded towards my now visible bump, which seemed to grow every day

"Matt, I'm pregnant not incapable."

"Hey, I didn't mean it that way. I know you're more than capable. You're great with kids and they adore you. To be honest it would probably do Harmony the world of good to have a little holiday of her own. I've been thinking of taking her with me for the first week or two, while we are local and then letting her stay with her grandparents." I nodded, it probably would be good for her after everything. We continued eating our food. "I know what the answer will be, but why don't you and Rex come for the start of the tour? I mean it's not sorted yet as to when but it would be like a small holiday." I thought about it for a few moments.

"Matt, I'm honestly not sure that's a good idea. You know with me not speaking to two certain people."

"You're going to have to be in the same room with them sooner or later. We've been over it before you can't just run away from your issues. You're speaking to Brian again aren't you?"

"I wouldn't exactly call it speaking to him. We say a few words to each other when he comes to pick Alexia up, that's if he doesn't send Jimmy or Johnny to get her. Last time he came here himself was a month ago. Matt he won't even look me in the eye. Do they still hate me so much over my decision?"

"Babe, I don't think it's ever been hate. They are both just concerned for your own well being. They have left you alone so you can be 100% sure with you choice. I'll suggest the idea when we talk of tour and see what comes of it"

"Maybe. I don't want to cause any more drama, or make anyone uncomfortable. Just let me know when and what's happening and we will go from there." I snapped another pickle in half before crunching it. "These honestly taste so fucking good."

"Gross woman, Gross." I wiggled my eyebrows at him before munching the other half.