Always - Sequel to Stay Together For The Kids

Mali.

I look at the ceiling, straining my ears to hear anything of the outside world. I faintly hear a tv and the louder voice of Ruby. I wait, and not long after, the undeniable laugh of Ash runs down the hall.

I should go to them. I want to go to them. But something seems to push me far into this bed. I try to think back to the past few weeks.

Ashton and I had decided to not worry right now. I think it's the best thing we could do. Ashton has a divorce to worry about. I have a child.

Somehow, we seem to manage. Chantelle, as revolting and insane as she is, has let Ash see the kids again, and Ruby seems to be moving on. We all do, honestly. I don't know how to feel about it. I can feel myself moving on. And even though I won't admit it to Ashton, I hate myself for it.

Though Ashton knows something's up. He caught me staring at Ruby the other day, silently crying. He doesn't know what to do. But neither do I.

I push the duvet off me, convincing myself that today was a good day. I find my feet lagging as I make my way down the hall. I brace myself.

Ashton frowns at me as I walk inside the living room.

I smile quickly at him, watching him play with Ruby's feet as they watch tv. A children's program is on, and Ashton is more immersed in the show then Ruby seems to be.

"Morning." He says, still frowning.

"Morning." I try to smile, sitting down next to him and Rubes.

"What are we up to today?" I ask, leaning in to fleetingly kiss him on the cheek.

"I didn't want to wake you." Ashton says quietly. "But we have a visitor."

I look to the kitchen, but can't see anyone in there. "Who?" I ask, looking back to Ashton.

But, instead of answering, he nods to the hall, where Mali steps out of the hallway, smiling softly at me.

"Hello." I chime, standing up to give her a hug.

She hugs me back fleetingly, and I frown inwardly. I knew the sort of smile and hug she had just given me. It was the same one I had given everyone else.

"Are you ok?" I ask, leaning back slightly, and seeing her face. There is such a look of distress, a look pain.

As Mali tries to nod, I see tears break at her eyes.

"Mali?" I ask softly.

"I don't know what's happened to Calum." She chokes out.

"What do you mean?" Ashton asks from behind me.

Mali shakes her head. "I think he's on drugs again. I can't even tell anymore."

"Let's go talk in the hall." I say, leading her over to the hall with a small glance at Ruby.

I lead her to the entrance. "What happened?" I ask quietly.

"He called me up asking me for a favour, but he wouldn't say what." Mali says, shaking. "So I went to his apartment and he was unconscious."

"Oh my god." I breathe.

"I didn't want to take him to hospital, because if the police got wind of a drug problem again, they would send him to jail." Mali explains, fiddling with her hands. "I called a guy I know who's a doctor and he looked after him. He's fine now, but he refuses to tell me what happened."

"Mali, I'm so sorry." I say softly.

Mali shakes her head. "I'm just so worried I'm going to lose him."

"You're not going to lose him." I say firmly. "He's just lost, at the moment. He'll find his way."

"He really loves you, you know?" Mali says.

I smile sheepishly. "I love him too."

"He was pretty happy when you went to visit him." Mali says.

"Really?" I ask, surprised. "I thought I had annoyed him."

Mali frowns. "Did something seem wrong with him when you went to visit?" She asks.

Truthfully, yes. He seemed so distant. And the arrival of two of his 'friends' had definitely dampened the visit.

"I'm not sure." I shrug. "He's been different ever since, you know."

Mali just nods. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause you any upset."

"Don't be silly." I say, shaking my head. "I'm worried about Calum too."

Mali smiles weakly. "I think a lot of people are."

With a little wave in the direction of Ashton and Ruby, Mali turns and starts heading out the door.

I close the door behind her, and lean against it.

"You alright?" Ashton calls out to me.

I nod, silently.

Nothing was alright.
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I'm sorry I've been so MIA the past few weeks. I've been dealing with some really shit situations at work and I haven't had time for anything, so I'm really really sorry :(

Hope it doesn't effect the story and that it still is enjoyable, love you all xx