Breaking in Pieces

What Happened to Dec?

Ali screams and breaks down. Dec wakes up and tilts his head in confusion. "Honey, you okay?" Ali shoots up and looks at him. "N... I... W... I thought you were dead!" She walks over to check on Isla. "What are you talking about? I'm fine!" He was still confused. "Well," Ali says, "I saw the medicine bottle and thought you had OD'd. I was about to call Anne, 999, the Royal Family, and your crew in Australia. You scared the heck out of me." Dec chuckles. "The Royal Family?! WHAAAAAT?!" Ali walks over and sits on the bed with Isla's bottle to finish the conversation. "Well yeah. You're one of their own. I'm sure they'd care if someone like you died. You're a phenomenon!" Dec says: "me? A phenomenon? Please! I could never dream of being that good. Thanks though." Ali rolls her eyes and doesn't bother to argue. No sense in ruining his humility.
Dec gets up. "I'll make dinner," He says, "you made lunch. You've been busy. Relax for a little bit and get some one-on-one with Isla." Ali gives him a thumbs up and nods in agreement. 'What a gent' she thinks to herself before getting up and following him down stairs. When they reach the living room, Ali lays Isla on the carpet to change her knappy, smiling the entire time. Dec sees her. "Wow," he jokes, "I didn't know changing Isla's knappy brought you so much pleasure!" he turns to her and grins, leaning back against the counter. Ali laughs. "It doesn't. What brings me pleasure is the fact that I married the best man out there. I love you, Declan Donnelly." Dec's heart melts. "Awww. I love you too Ali Astall." They walk towards each other and kiss. "And you know what makes me happy? The fact that I have the best wife possible." They both laugh and Dec asks, "care for dinner and dancing tonight? Maybe at Mews? I can get Anne to watch Isla and..." "I'd love that." Ali responds, interrupting him. He grins from ear to ear and pulls out his phone.

'Hey Dec, what's up?'

'Hey Anne. Ali and I would like to go on a date tonight. Could you watch Isla for a few hours?'

'Of course. Have a great time!'

'Thanks Anne! Bye!'

'Bye bye Dec.'

Dec turns to Ali. "We're on." "Great," responds Ali, "now let's go freshen up!" She grabs Isla and they head up the stairs, hand and hand, grinning all the way to Newcastle.