Time Ahead

chapter fifty-seven

Leigh's POV:

After the events of today, I crashed pretty early once Jesy went home. I told her to go be with Chris, she had already been here for so long. Sometime during the night, I heard lots of talking and commotion in the little room. I opened my eyes groggily to see a few doctors standing around Andre's bed.

Becoming more awake, I quickly looked to see what was going on. I saw Andre's eyes partly open as he took a small sip of water. "Andre?!" I said excited. He turned his head to face me and smiled widely. I jumped out of the chair and carefully sat on his bed. I kissed his forehead and he gave me the best hug he could with the machines and wires still attached to him.

Eventually, the doctors began to clear out. They had finished their tests and were set to check back on him in a little while. "Everything's looking good. He's improving nicely. Should be discharged by the end of the week," the doctor said smiling as he began leaving the room. "Thank you," I said happily.

"So, what's been going on?" Andre asked in a raspy tone. "It's been alright. The kids are good. I had a little scare yesterday but I'm good now," I said honestly. "Scare?" Andre said, more alert than he was before. "Yeah, I thought I might've been pregnant," I said. "Pregnant?" he said shocked. "Don't worry, I'm not. The test was negative," I said. "Aw, I would've liked another one," he said. "No," I said. He laughed and rubbed my arm.

"Sorry I wasn't there to help you through it," he said. "It's alright, it's not your fault that you weren't there. The girls have been here so everything's okay," I said. He scooted over on the bed and motioned for me to move next to him. I moved and he wrapped his arms around me. "I've missed you," I said. "I did too," he responded.

My mum brought the kids around later that night. "Daddy!" Jacob said running in. "Are you okay?" he asked as he walked up next to the bed. My mum had told the kids what happened. Jacob understands most of it while Rhea doesn't really get it.

My mum came through the door with Rhea on her hip. "Thanks mum," I said taking Rhea. She smiled and walked out to the lobby area. Jacob was now sat on the bed with Andre. I sat down on the other side and put Rhea in my lap.

"Hey guys, what have you been up to?" Andre asks. "I've been playing football with Josh," Jacob said happily. Josh is one of his best friends from school and the two often play sports together on the weekends. "That sounds fun. What about you Rhea?" He asks, hoping to get and answer out of her. When there was no response, Jacob answered for her. "She's been coloring and playing dolls," he said. "Oh were you?" he asks as she nods her head. He began tickling her, making her giggle and my heart melt.

The girls stopped by a little later on to come say hello. The first to arrive were Perrie and Alex. "What's up man," Alex said as he burst through the door. He quickly walked over and pulled him into their iconic "bro" hug. Perrie came in laughing and walked over to Leigh, giving her a hug. "How are you doing Andre?" she asks once they all broke away.

"I'm alright. A little sore but better," he said. "That's great man," Alex said. "How's the little one doing?" he asked pointing to the baby in Perrie's arms. "He great, just like his dad," Alex said chuckling. Perrie laughed and gave him a small shove.

"Hi uncle Andre," Izzy said from behind Alex, giving him a wave. "Hey miss, how's your swim going?" he asked. "It's good. I won my meet yesterday!" she said excited. "That's great!" Andre said excitedly. The two have always had a special bond. Izzy is really into sports, so Alex will take her to events that Andre will also go to. They go to the pool a lot and he's always at her meets when he can be.

The rest of the girls showed up a little later, making it feel like how it was before his accident happened. The kids were playing, the guys chatting, and the girls laughing with each other. It felt nice, like everything was right in the world.