Surviving The Aftermath [Book Three]

Twenty One

Demi

"Babies."

"Mommy" I was attacked in a hug by Ayla and Kyra, Batman and Ella jumping up at me. I nuzzled my face into Kyra's neck.

"I missed you both so much" I cupped Ayla's face in my hands and covered her face in kisses causing her to squeal.

"Bebe" Ayla jumped as Kobe stepped into the room. I turned to Kyra who cuddled herself into me. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head, running my fingers gently through her hair.

"I love you."

"Love you" she mumbled, beginning to play with the necklace hanging around my neck. I quickly fussed Batman and Ella before I stood, lifting Kyra onto my hip as her arms tightened around my neck. She pressed a kiss to my cheek before she nuzzled her face into my neck. "No go again" I pressed a kiss to the top of her head and turned to Kobe who had Ayla settled on his hip.

"Did you see daddy while we were gone, Peanut?" I stroked my fingers through her hair as she shook her head. I sighed, glancing up at Kobe who gave me a tiny smile. I turned to my mom who was bringing the girls luggage into the house. "Hi Momma" I lowered Kyra down and pressed a kiss to the top of her head before she ran off into the living room, followed closely by Ayla.

"Hi Baby. How was the honeymoon?"

"Amazing. It was so good but I really missed my babies" she wrapped her arms around me and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"I'm glad you had a good time" she turned to Kobe and pulled him into a hug.

"So, Max didn't come to pick up Ayla?" mom gave me a small smile and shook her head. I rolled my eyes and shook my head, glancing back at Kobe who ran his hand along my back. "I am so done with him" I dropped my head into my hands and sighed. "Why is he being so difficult? Does he do it just to annoy me, like seriously?" Kobe pressed a kiss to my temple and lightly dug his finger into my shoulders, it helped slightly to ease my tension. I dropped back into him and sighed. He wrapped his arms around me and rest his chin on top of my head. "He showed up on our wedding day and asked to see her, and when I give him the opportunity, he doesn't turn up. It's not like he can use the excuse that he doesn't know where you live."

"Let's not let it ruin our day, Baby, okay?"

"I'm pissed, Kobe" he sighed and placed his hands onto my shoulders, turning me to face him.

"They could hear you" I released a breath as our eyes locked. "We need to get together, and we need to talk to him about this. We need to have an adult conversation about all of this because it isn't fair on the girls" I sighed and nuzzled myself into him.

"I think that's a good idea" I glanced briefly over at mom who gave me a small smile.

"I hate him" Kobe pressed a kiss to the top of my head and he locked his arms around my neck.

"I know, Baby."

-

"He said that something came up" I stepped into the living room and dropped down onto the couch beside Kobe. I grabbed the blanket off the back and threw it over my legs.

"That's it?" I nodded as Kobe placed his hand onto my thigh as I threw my legs over him.

"Yeah. Honestly, the guy is so full of shit" I groaned out my frustration as I dropped my phone onto my lap. "He's constantly asking to see his daughters on days where I have plans but when they're available to see him, he doesn't show up. His youngest daughter doesn't even know who he is and..." I cut myself off as my phone vibrated on my lap.

Max: I'm not constantly free to watch my daughter. I do have days where I have plans.

Me: You are being such an ass! You wanted to see them on my wedding day. You make time to see them if you're that interested! If not I am seriously taking you to court and I'm serious about getting full custody because you don't deserve it. Get your shit together Max!!

I glanced up at Kobe as he lightly tugged on my wrist. I sniffled and climbed onto his lap, quickly wiping at my cheeks.

"Don't cry, Baby" he lightly kissed my cheek.

"All I want is for Max to be there for them. I never had my dad around when I was growing up. I never wanted that for any of my children" he lightly stroked my hair out of my face. I released a breath, glancing down at my phone as it vibrated.

Max: Take me to fucking court Demi! See if I care.

I groaned, Kobe lightly grabbing my wrist before I could throw my phone across the room.

"Don't let him frustrate you" I locked eyes with Kobe and instantly relaxed. "He's just trying to get a rise out of you. He knows exactly how to get under your skin and you need to not let him" I glanced down at his hands that were lightly holding mine. "They will always have me, okay? I'm not going anywhere. I promise, Demi" my eyes welled up with tears and my chin quivered. "Baby, come here" he locked his arms around me and I nuzzled my face into his neck as I broke down. I clutched at the back of Kobe's shirt as he ran his fingers delicately along my spine. "Please, don't let him get to you" I sniffled as he pressed a kiss to the side of my neck.

"I'll try."

"That's all I ask. I love you" I nodded as I tightened my grip around him and pressed a kiss to the nape of his neck.

"I love you more."

——