Paths Of Paradise

Chapter 4

Justin's POV

"Justin where are you headed? How was your day Justin? Justin! To your left Justin, to your left! Take off your sunglasses Justin! Justin! Justin! Look over here Justin! Give us a smile!" The paparazzi's jumbled shouts broke me from my thoughts immediately.

"Damn, Kenny! How did they find me here?" I groaned, back tracking as soon as we spotted the paparazzi outside the airport.

"I don't know little man, it's fucking creepy they knew you were coming here," he sighed.

"I'm not a little man Kenny. I'm a grown ass man for fucks sake," I growled lowly, following him through the private hallways of the airport.

"Chill, I've always called you that, and now it suddenly bothers you?"

"Ughh I know, I'm sorry. I'm just freaking out right now, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry man," I muttered, rubbing my temples gently as we found our rental car without being interrupted.

"It's aight," he smiled, "Hop in JB, we're gonna get your girl back." I quickly buckled my seat belt, slamming the door by accident.

"I hope so," I breathed. I'd spent the whole flight wondering what she was doing at the children's hospital, and couldn't help but think that she had left out a huge piece of information when she called me. To be honest I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if she would be happy that I showed up. I didn't know if things between us would be awkward. I just didn't know. I was hoping for the best, but mentally preparing for the worst. But I don't think I could've prepared myself for what I was about to experience. As soon as the car came to a complete stop in the hospitals parking lot I sprinted towards the bench near the playground. I knew from a mile away that my Demi was the girl curled up on the bench crying her eyes out. By the time I'd reached the bench I was ready to chicken out. To say I was nervous would have to be an understatement but I knew she needed me. So instead of chickening out I chose to march right up to the bench, and plant myself next to her. She looked up with red, puffy eyes, curious to see who was sitting next to her.

"J-Justin?" she stuttered, confusion written across her face.

"Come here," I whispered, opening my arms she could crawl into them. She shook her head violently, her hair whipping against her face as she did so.

"I'm going crazy," she mumbled to herself causing a small chuckle to escape my lips.

"You're not going crazy Demi," I reassured. She gave me a once over before climbing in my lap, clinging to me tightly. Wrapping my arms around her tiny waist, I pulled her closer to me as she started sobbing uncontrollably.

"Calm down babe, it's gonna be okay, whatever it is, it's gonna be okay," I soothed, rubbing circles on her lower back with one hand, while using the other to keep a tight grip on her waist.

"No it's not Justin! Nothing is okay!" she screamed. I knew she needed to let whatever she was feeling out but I didn't want her hyperventilating so I did the only thing I could think of that would calm her. Sing. Humming to one of her all time favorite songs, she finally relaxed enough to catch her breath. Her tears had soaked through my grey shirt leaving my left shoulder damp. She moved her head to my other shoulder, resting it there comfortably as she took a few deep breaths.

"You wanna tell me what's going on?" I whispered, running my fingers through her soft hair. I was surprised she was allowing me to hold her like this. I thought she'd be more distant, not that I'm complaining.

"You're g-gonna leave a-as soon as I tell you, and I really don't w-want you to leave me again s-so no," she sniffled.

"I'm not going anywhere angel, I promise," I mumbled, kissing her forehead gently. I didn't want to push my luck but it felt so natural to kiss her forehead, or call her the names I used to when we were dating. Lucky for me she didn't mention it, and breathed deeply before finally looking me straight in the eyes.

"I have a daughter," she quietly said, "and she's got terminal cancer." My eyes widened in shock, and my mouth hung open unintentionally.

"W-what?" I nearly choked on the lump forming in my throat.

"She's 3," she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks, "Her name is Bella. Bella Patricia."

"But h-how? And Bella Patricia. You named her after my mom? What's up with that?"