Appetite For Destruction

-051

I woke up the next morning to a knock on the door, Ally walked in with a bouquet of flowers and smile "sorry did I wake you?"

"You're fine, come in" I sat up and looked at a still sleeping Harlem in the bassinet next to me "he's probably due for a feed soon anyway"

"He's so amazing" she whispered standing next to the bassinet "how are you feeling?"

"Sore but I feel okay, can't wait till we're allowed to go home"

She bit her lip as she sat on the chair next to the bed "did you hear about Juice yesterday?"

"I've had my phone off, what's going on?" I scooped Harlem up into my arms as I pulled my boob from my shirt to rouse him into eating "come on chunky dude, let's get you fed"

"Overdosed" she shrugged "I love him but I think I need to step back"

"Juice has been spiralling for months babe, and things with the club are messy. If you wanna step back but still need somewhere to stay in Charming, you're welcome to my spare room"

"Are you sure?" She asked

"I'm sure, you're the closest I've got to a best friend since Tara went off the rails. Happy won't mind, I'm sure he'd appreciate knowing I have someone with me when he's away" I smiled up into her blue eyes "I'll organise a key for you"

"Thank you so much Evie, is there anything at home you need done before you're released?"

"Can you wash the bassinet bedding for me? I thought I'd have more time" I laughed "but other than that no, as far as I know Happy has been taking care of Luxie girl"

"I really like it here, I'm working and I don't have any family anywhere else. But I can't handle this emotional turmoil Juice has going on, I just want to live my life and enjoy it"

"I know what you mean, you don't have to explain yourself to me Ally. I'll take care of you" I laughed with a wink as I pulled Harlem up "wanna burp him?"

She nodded grabbing him from my hands putting him on her shoulder as she gently patted his back "he's so small, I bet your moms happy?"

I frowned at the thought of Gemma "other than his birth, I haven't seen her. I kind of thought once Harlem was born she'd stick around more but she's still so bitter about Tara and all that drama"

"I'm sorry to hear that"

"It's okay, thanks for coming to see us" I smiled "it's nice to have some company"

We sat in a comfortable silence a while as I processed everything in my mind, Juice was weak and I couldn't see him lasting much longer but I wouldn't say that to Ally. I would just offer her a friendship and somewhere to stay, she'd be helpful in Gemma's apparent absence. Our discharge was tomorrow and I was more than ready to go home.

—

"Home time my dude!" Happy rasped as he clipped Harlem into his carrier "Ally and daddy spent all night sorting your room out"

"Oh thanks for that by the way" I stepped behind him and rubbed my hand up his back "I know I should've asked first before I invited someone to live with us"