3 years later
*Billie's POV*
This shit is not popping off like I had hoped. It's better. As much as I've been told to go back to playing big arenas, I'm just not ready yet. There's something different about playing a small set, like I get the opportunity to connect with the audience on a more personal level.
I've put out a few singles here and there, my former label even let me have the rights to my older stuff. I don't really play much of my old music though, it's just not... me anymore.
I decide to go for a run to the nearby park. Yes, I Billie, actually exercise. Although today, I'm heavily regretting my decision. It's hotter than a sweaty ball sack out here.
My aching legs nearly give out, but feel such sweet relief when I sit down on one of the benches. I pop the top of my water bottle and chug like there's no tomorrow. I wipe the excess water on my sleeve and take in the scenery around me. The sun's out, breeze is blowing through the trees, and kids are playing.
For some reason I fixate on the little boy in front of me. His mom keeps motioning for him to jump, but he's scared. The moment his feet leave the platform his mom catches him and he's all smiles and giggles after that. She turns towards me and I swear I've seen her before... if only I could see her eyes.
Then I hear it.
Her voice.
"You ready to go bubbie, grandma's waiting on us."
I'm frozen.
I literally can't believe that Hayden and Layla had a baby. My nosiness gets the best of me and I jog up behind her.
"Hayden?"
She whips around and holds her son close, protective much? She lifts her sunglasses when she sees that it's just me.
"Billie... it's been awhile." she says in a semi short tone.
I rub the back of my neck nervously. Why the fuck am I nervous? "Uh yeah, it has. How are things with you and Layla?" I ask.
Her son turns around and pulls on the bottom of Hayden's hoodie. She kneels down before he tries to whisper, "Mommy who's Waywa?"
She automatically cuts her eyes at me, "You know how mommy always talks about momma, and how much she loves you even though she's not here...?"
I feel like a complete asshole. Fuck.
Her son just nods, "Her name was Layla bubbie. Kind of like how you call me mommy, but everyone else calls me Hayden. Make sense bub?"
He nods again, "Alright bubbie, go to the car and buckle yourself in. Mommy will be there soon." she says as his little legs take off running. She watches his every move like a hawk.
"How old is he?" I ask.
"He's 3 about to turn 4 soon..." she replies not breaking eye contact until he's shut the car door and her finger presses the lock button on the key fob. This woman is a badass momma bear.
"Sorry I didn't mean to bring up Layla, I didn't know something had happened between you two." I apologize as I cross my arms over my chest.
"Why would you assume there was something wrong with our relationship Billie? Layla died giving birth to Blake... that little boy means the whole fucking world to me." she says a little harshly. I can tell she's annoyed with me.
"Look, I'm sorry I didn't mean to assume. I-"
"Just because you and I weren't good for each other doesn't mean that I didn't find someone who appreciated and loved me for who I was. Our failed relationship wasn't just your fault though, it was mine too... I just- I can't talk about this right now. I need to get to my moms house. Have a good rest of your day Billie." she says before turning on her heel and walking to her car.
I used to hurt every time I thought about her or saw some of her work pop up on the internet. Now, I just feel like I don't know her anymore. That doesn't mean that I lost that undeniable attraction that I have for her. I swear, as she's gotten older... she's stunning. Just absolutely gorgeous.
My thoughts are interrupted by my phone.
Brudder
-hey I found an independent label that might interest you...-
B
-ok who's? You know I won't work with just anyone-
Brudder
-mine-
B
-I thought you were with Interscope?-
Brudder
-contract ended a month ago-
-I've been making some moves and gotten established-
-you and me... whaddaya say?-
B
-Ugh! Yes! I miss working with you and bouncing our crazy ideas off of each other-
-I need my brudder back-
Brudder
-billie I just saw you last week and you literally could have come over you goober-
B
-bet. I'll be there in 5-
I smirk and shove my phone back in my pocket. I make the short jog to Finn and Claudia's. The door swings open before I can knock and a Finn wraps my in a hug, "Uh Billie why are you wet?"
I bust out in laughter, "I went running today, and got all sweaty. Sorry."
He pulls back and cocks an eyebrow, "You running? Hah! Real funny Bil."
I shove his shoulder, "Alright to tell me about this label you started." I say as he shuts the door.
This could be the next step that I didn't know I needed.
a/n: Hayden a momma bear and I'm here for it.
What did you guys do today?
I finished installing some things and got a pool pump system up and running.
I love you bubbies! 💕
