You Never Really Can Fix A Heart (Sequel to LML&L)

Chapter 3

Demi's POV

Spending a second off day with Joe has made me realize just how much I love him, and that I missed out on a lot when we stayed apart for so long. I barely even remember why we broke up in the first place. 

That night, I lay in bed watching Joe sleep. His chest rises and falls, moving my head as it's resting there. 

I wish that life could be like this all the time, but there is no way to escape wedding planning, especially now that my mom is trying to control me and the planning. I know that she's excited, but I wish that she would be a little less obsessive over it.

I feel myself drift away and quietly give in as I fall asleep.

---

"Joe! Don't leave me!"

"It's too late now, Demi. You're pregnant and I can't handle that right now."

"Yeah? Well have you ever thought that maybe I can't handle it either?!"

"You should have thought of that sooner."

"It's yours too, you know?"

"If you don't want it, why don't you get rid of it?"

---

"Demi! Wake up!"

I jump awake at Joe's voice, still shaking from the memory of how my life started to fall to pieces. I feel angered, not just at Joe, but at the world. Why did we end up together again if all we ever do is fight?

"Demi?" Joe asks. "Are you alright?"

I nod as I choke back a sob.

"Mom are you okay?" I hear Gabi's voice from down the hall before I see her.

Her hair is tangled and her eyes tired. I can't help but catch a glimpse of something red on her wrist and wonder what's going on with her, worried.

"I'm fine," I say, trying to reassure, not only Joe and my daughter, but myself as well.

"I have to get ready for work," Gabi says, exiting the room. I'm not sure if she believes me, but she knows that everything will, at least hopefully, work out.

"Have fun!" I call out. 

I really regret giving her up. Sure, everything that has happened to this day is what got us together, but I wish that I had had the chance to raise her through her whole life. And Joe's done a great job, but I've missed out on so much that I'll never get to see again.

"Are you really okay?" Joe asks in a serious tone.

I shake my head and tears stream down my cheeks as the ability to talk leaves my voice. Sobs ripple through my chest and Joe pulls me closer to him, bringing both the feeling of safety and fear for the future into my heart.