Chapter 8 Ryan's POV

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The hospital released Ella right after lunch and she's been sleeping ever since we got home. I took the opportunity to call Roger and my agent explaining the situation. Roger said he would rearrange the filming schedule to film scenes that don't include me giving me time off. I could tell he was being sympathetic but also needs to think of what's best for the movie. Although I understand and appreciate his help, a part of me just wanted to say "Fuck it" and quit. Ella would be upset with me if I did that so I won't but it's a struggle.

Checking on her to make sure she's still asleep, I then make my way to the store to buy food. Nothing looks appetizing but I grab sushi knowing she'll be pleased with my choice. Walking by a gift shop, I spot a plush toy in the window, a lion. After hesitating for a moment, I decided she'll appreciate having a new one.

I spray my perfume on it when I get home before putting the gift bag on the table. Opening a beer, I grab the remote to play a game with my friends not knowing how long she'll be sleeping. I haven't told anyone else about what happened, I didn't want to have to answer their questions. Emma and Maddy texted me to check on us which was expected yet thoughtful.

I didn't even hear her before she slipped her arms around my shoulders from behind the couch. Leaning back into her hold, I tell my friends I have to go.

"Are you hungry? I went and got sushi for you."

"You did? You're the best!" She lands a kiss on my cheek.

Following her to the kitchen, I grab the bag on the table and hand it to her. She starts crying when she sees the lion. "Fuck!" I wanted to make her happy, not sad. She sees my frown.

"Oh! I'm not sad I'm just happy you found another one! I love it so much. But her name will be Nala because we can't replace what I've lost." My frown deepens at her words. "Can't replace what I've lost." She hugs me pulling me down for a kiss. I get the food for us before sitting down with her, she keeps eyeing me while she eats in silence. I clean everything once we're done eating.

"Do you want to call your parents? Or maybe you have already? I slept for a long time..." She's treading lightly.

"I HAVEN'T AND I DON'T FUCKING WANT TO!" I see her flinch at my tone looking scared. "Damn it! I'm sorry!"

"It's okay, I understand. But... Maybe... What...Umm... Is there anything you want to do?" She's being careful with her words again even taking a step backward and I fucking hate it and I hate myself for making her afraid.

"Don't be scared! Even if I sound mad, it's not towards you. Come here!" I open my arms for her. She lets me hold her even letting me lead her to the couch.

"I'm sorry for..." I cut her off by pressing my lips on hers. Whatever she was about to say, I'm not ready to hear it. Maybe I'm selfish but I've never felt that broken in my life. She pulls away from the kiss after a minute, her eyes are filled with concerns. I rub my nose on hers hoping the gesture will comfort her.

I see her wince in pain as she's getting up to reach for her painkillers. The doctor said she'll experience cramps as well as bleeding for a few days. I open my arms for her when she comes back letting her settle into a comfortable position. Seeing her in pain always rips my heart open. I gently rub my hand on her belly trying to soothe her.

"Thank you, you're the best, baby," she tells me softly.

"Anything for you!" I whisper.

Her cramps got worse after about an hour so I ran her a bath. She undressed me making sure I would join her. I'm glad she did, the bath was also good for me, helping me relax. We then laid in bed, holding each other without a word being said. Oddly I felt like we connected through the silence between us. 

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