Unconditional

At the Donnelly's

As Peter turns the car around and out of the hospital... Ant's phone beeps.

He takes it and frowns at the time 8:00 AM

His frown deepens at the text he received

*Rob: Where in the hell are you?!!!!*

Ant sighs, prompting Dec to look at him

Dec: "What happened?"

Ant: "Rob. The rehearsals. I have to explain our absence"

Dec: "Yeah....yes, I didn't even inform my friends. We should"

Ant: "I will let Rob know"

Dec nods at him and pulls out his mobile phone. It was switched off

Dec: "Damn. I forgot to charge my phone"

Ant: "It's okay. I will text David"

Dec: "Wait, you have David's number?"

Ant shrugs at him but Dec stares at him and he sighs

Ant: "Well, I couldn't really trust you alone with them, can I? So I...mm..."

Dec smirks at that "Well, you did... For me"

Ant sighs again "You are not the most careful person out there"

Dec: "Well you are... More than enough"

Ant just stares at him and then nods "Yes I am. Because I know what carelessness costs"

Dec watched as Ant dialled Rob's number and listened it connecting. He sees Dec's stare and puts it on the loudspeaker

Rob: "Hey, where are you? And is Dec with you? Are you alright? Where the hell are you?"

They could hear voices around Rob and Ant hesitates for a moment

Dec: "We are in my hometown. My mam is in the hospital"

A collective gasp is heard and Dec continues "Ant helped me get here. She is fine now. But I will be staying a couple of days here......if that's okay..."

Dec was ready to be told no but Robbie surprises him

Rob: "It's completely fine. Anyways, it's weekends and you won't be missing any classes. And our rehearsals are going fine, is Ant staying with you?"

Ant: "Not too long. His dad asked me to stay for some time and I will return within a day"

Rob: "Okay, well, good. Only because you are the director. We can't afford your absence"

Ant: "Yeah, yeah I know that"

Dec: "He will there Rob...mm, is Stephen or Dav-"

Stephen: "Yeah pal?"

Dec: "Hey, I haven't checked my phone yet and now it has drained its charge and is off. I couldn't inform you all"

David: "It's okay Dec, just take care and take your time"

Dec: "Thank you"

They all wish them well and Ant ends the call.

Dec: "Wow, I thought Rob will ask us to return soon"

Ant: "He won't. Not when your mam is unwell. They are not that heartless, Dec"

Dec: "I know... So, we have to stop in any of these clothes shops to buy you some"