Keep Holding On

Are You Ready?

March 9th, 2031

Malibu, USA

Miley's POV

"Miley, what the hell are you doing up this early?" Liam asks me as he walks into the kitchen. I was sitting at the table drinking some tea.

"Hmm?"

"What are you doing up this early?"

"It isn't that early." I reply, continuing to drink my tea.

"It's barely 5:00 am, even the kids aren't up this early on a school day."

"Oh, I guess it is a little early, yeah."

"What are you doing awake? You should be sleeping." He says, sitting next to me.

"I can't sleep."

"Why not?"

"My back is killing me. I can't sleep, I can't sit, I can't stand, every position hurts. I can't fucking get comfortable." I answer.

"I'm sorry babe, anything I can do?"

"No, but thank you. Wait a minute, what are you doing awake?"

"I got up to get a drink of water and noticed you were gone. Are you gonna be okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. You can get your drink and go back to bed."

"No, I'm gonna stay up with you." He insists.

"No, please don't. Please don't feel like you have to stay up with me just because I'm awake, go to bed Liam."

"Come to bed with me." He takes my hand and helps me up.

"Liam, I can't sleep. I'm gonna just be uncomfortable in bed and keep you up." Ignoring what I say, he still takes my hand and tries to walk to our room with me.

"We're going to bed."

"What about your drink?" He takes a drink of my tea and puts the mug down. "Seriously?"

"There, now c'mon."

We get in bed and I lie on my side, facing Liam.

"My back still hurts Liam, I'm not gonna be able to sleep." I say.

"Roll over, face the other way."

"Why?"

"Just do it." He commands. I roll my eyes and lie on my other side.

"I don't know why you're-"

"Shh." Liam starts to rub my back. "Just relax, do you feel any better?"

"Maybe a little." I admit.

"Just relax and go to sleep." I close my eyes and relax like he says, he's finally making it comfortable.

"Ow, fuck!"

"What? Did I do something?" He asks.

"No, Cody just kicked really fucking hard. Son of a bitch, the back rub was actually working. Dammit, why did he have to do that?"

"I don't know babe." I roll over and face him. He looks at me like it's his fault. "I'm sorry."

"It isn't your fault, babe. Cody is just being stubborn." I feel more pain in my back, making me wince in pain. "Dammit, fucking back."

"Are you in labor?"

"No, it's just my back hurting. Liam I know what contractions feel like, I've given birth before." I reply.