Friction [Book 2]

-goodbyes-

"Sorry we're late...again," Pete apologised as we walked into Patrick's house. Bodhi was squirming around within my grasp and Bronx was trailing behind, paying more attention to some game console than his feet. He narrowly avoided walking into the wall.

"It's fine, difficult getting used to a new baby, isn't it?" Gabrielle smiles at me.

"Yeah, speaking of which, where's Declan?" I ask, slipping off my heels and following Gabrielle into the kitchen.

"Declan, say hello to Ellianah," Gabrielle said, pulling the crayons from Declan's tiny working hands. His sandy brown mop looked up at me and smiled. I said hello and he went back to colouring until Bronx walked in. Bronx was nine and Declan completely adored him. To three year old Declan, Bronx was the cool older kid that everyone wanted to be friends with.

"Could you warm this up for me please?" I said, handing the bottle of milk to Gabrielle who proceeded to the microwave. I gently rocked Bodhi whilst his milk was being warmed up. He was always restless before feeding times and before he went to sleep, which of course meant that either Pete and I had to stay up with him.

"Here you go," Gabrielle smiled and handed me the bottle. I quickly began feeding Bodhi and he took no hesitation in finishing the whole bottle. He obviously took after his father when it came to eating.

"So, how have things been?"

"Good, we've had a few stressful mornings and battles over Bronx with Ashley but...other than that it's been good," I reply, nodding.

"Good, although I'm not looking forward to tour," Gabrielle shakes her head microscopically. I nod my head in agreement. It wasn't the first time Pete had left me for tour, but it was the first time he was leaving me alone with Bodhi for two months. I wasn't looking forward to it one single bit.

"Me neither," I sighed, "I'm so scared I won't be able to cope with Bodhi and everything," I shake my head and bite my lip. Fall Out Boy weren't touring when Declan was born, just in between his second and third birthday, which was when I found out I was pregnant with Bodhi. Pete was ecstatic but me on the other hand, I was terrified. I had never been so scared in my entire life but Pete reassured me that everything would be fine, and it was.

We stayed at Patrick and Gabrielle's house for a couple more hours until it was time for dinner. The boys left for tour tomorrow and Ashley was collecting Bronx in the morning and then everyone was meeting at the airport to say goodbye. I was nervous and worried but I knew the other girls would be there for me too. And I was of course excited to see them. All four of the boys were fathers now and it was so exciting for us all. I knew I wouldn't have to face this all alone.

***

"Don't go Daddy, please!" I stayed in the kitchen watching over Bodhi when Ashley arrived for Bronx. It was heartbreaking to listen to and I couldn't face seeing him crying for his Dad. It was partly why I hated seeing him go. I knew it was right for Bronx to go with his mum but I also felt as though it would be ten times easier if he stayed at our home for a little while, at least until he was used to the fact his Dad wasn't coming home. Here, he would have Pete's home comforts but at Ashley's, it would be different.

"I'm sorry kiddo, I'll be back soon though, I promise! I'll miss you tons but I'll collect loads of cool stuff and when I get home, we an go to the movies and play soccer and have fun together, okay?"

I waited until I heard the closing of the door to venture out of the kitchen. Pete was leant against the door, his head pressed against it with his eyes tightly closed. I heard him sniff and I knew he was crying.

"Pete," I whispered, reaching out to touch his shoulder. He didn't even look at me, he just hugged me tightly. I knew how much he hated leaving Bronx and it pains him to see his little boy cry, it hurt me too, I just knew I couldn't show it.