Like A Skyscraper (Sequel to LML&L and YNRCFAH)

Chapter 2

Gabi's POV

The next morning, Mom was back in the homemade studio working on music. Sure, that's good for her, but I'm still really worried about Dad, and I just wish that he would come back home.

Cela starts crying from her nursery. Yesterday, Mom made the decision for her to sleep in there so that she would get more used to the crib and just the room itself.

"I'm coming!" I hear Mom call from her studio.

"I've got it!" I yell back.

I run into the nursery and pick up Cela. I know it's strange, but I really do think that she misses Dad. I rock her until she's sleeping again, then carry her downstairs when I hear the doorbell. 

Through the peephole, I can see Dad. I feel bad for saying it, but he looks awful. I open the door anyways.

"Is Demi home?" he asks.

"She's in the studio," I reply.

"Okay... Gabi, I'm really sorry for running away from you like that. And, wow, Celesta's grown so much already!"

I smile. He really doesn't seem to have changed much. I think he just needed some time away. I can understand and even almost accept that. I imagine it's hard to act strong for your children everyday.

"You can hold her," I say, handing her over to him. She stays sleeping. "Why did you leave?"

"I just needed a little break, but I think I'm over myself now."

I really hope he is, because I missed having him around. "That's good. Do you want to talk to Mom?"

"I don't really want to interrupt," he starts.

"I get it."

We walk to the living room and sit down. Although I had originally thought it would bother me, I love seeing my dad with the baby. He never really held me as a baby, but it almost makes it feel like he did in some ways. Like I'm watching from the future, or something.

"What are you doing here?"

I turn around to see Mom standing just outside the living room, obviously a little emotional from her songwriting.

"I was just leaving," Dad says.

"No... it's fine. Gabi, do you want to take Cela up to the nursery?"

I nod. Dad hands her over to me and I take her upstairs. The situation downstairs was already feeling awkward, and I am fine with leaving them to talk everything out. As long as it doesn't end in a fight that sends Dad away again.

Demi's POV

I was definitely shocked to see Joe in the living room, but also relieved. It was about time he came back. I hate how inconsistent he's being, but it makes sense. He hasn't gone through what I have; he doesn't necessarily understand how inconsistency can hurt a child.

"Are you actually going to stay this time?" I ask.

"I didn't think you'd let me."

"The guest room is open."

"So... what did Gabi decide?" he inquires.

"She wants therapy, but no rehab," I reply.

"I guess that's good."

"You know,  you really hurt her. Maybe we shouldn't be together, even if we have the baby. Maybe, we just aren't meant for each other."

"Don't say that." Joe looks hurt by what I said, but he needs to know how I feel.

"Well, I can't stay with you if you keep leaving. My heart just can't handle more of that."

"I know, Demi, and I am sorry. Can you please forgive me?"

"Fine. You can stay in the guest room, you can see your daughters, we can spend time together, but I am not ready to marry you," I reason.

"Okay," Joe says, "I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

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I'm sorry that it took so long, but I have just been really uninspired and busy these days. I hope that you like this chapter!