Chapter 40: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2 years later- Maya’s POV

“Lee! Let’s go! You are going to be late for your own daughter’s first birthday party!” I hollered up the stairs.  I made sure everything was packed in the car before I went and made sure Liam was actually on task, because he never is. “Lee! C’mon the birthday girl can’t be late to her own party!” I yelled as I walked into our daughter’s room. When I got into the room I found my two favorite people asleep in the rocking chair.

Before going any further I took a picture of them sleeping with my phone and posted it to Instagram. I put my phone back in my purse and went to wake them up. “Hey, babe, get up,” I whispered to him. He mumbled something in his sleep and pushed me away. I softly picked up Aspen and wrapped her in her blanket. I kissed the top of her head.  “Liam, come on, we have to go,” I urged him.

He slowly woke up and looked at me. “How long did I sleep for?” he yawned as he got out of the chair. “Probably 20 minutes, at least you got her dressed,” I laughed. He chuckled to himself. “Let’s go, we still have to pick up the cake,” he suggested. “My mom got it for us,” I informed him.

“I love fall in Nebraska,” Liam told me as he drove to the party. “Me too, it’s always been my favorite,” I smiled at him. We moved to Nebraska when we learned we were expecting Aspen. Liam wanted to have a childhood just list we did, well as much as she could. We still had to fly to LA from time to time and we still went on tours and press events, but living in Nebraska was the best idea we have for our family.

Harry: Everything looks amazing! Come soon! I miss my niece!

I laughed at my phone. “Harold misses us,” I told Liam. He laughed as he patted my leg. “I miss them too, but I love living here with our family and your family,” he smiled. “They are your family too, Babe,” I reminded him. He nodded. “I know, but you know what I meant,” He sassed. “Now, Mr. Payne, we don’t need any attitude.” I joked.

“Will Carter’s family be there?” Liam asked a few minutes later. “Uh, no, they weren’t invited,” I mumbled really fast. Liam didn’t say anything just changed the radio station. Their new song Steal My Girl came on and Liam changed the station again. He always does that, it’s like he doesn’t like hearing himself on the radio or something, but I wouldn’t mind if my voice was nearly as beautiful as his.

Louis: Maya, seriously are you letting your grandfather drive?! What is taking so long?

Maya: Hahaha you are funny, Louis, but the husband is driving.

Louis: That’s worst then letting your grandfather drive!

Maya: Sometimes I have to agree with that and this is one of those times.

Louis: Luckily you are not late…yet.

Maya: “Yet” Is the keyword my dear lad.

Louis: Since when did you talk British?

Maya: Eh, you know mate.

“One Direction’s own Harry Styles was seeing leaving a hotel this morning in Canada with rumored girlfriend, while the rest of his band mates boarded their jet to go visit fellow band member Liam Payne and his family at their home in Nebraska, has Harry ditched his friends for a chance at love?” The radio DJ said.

I set down my phone and looked Liam. “That’s not true, I mean he just sent me a text message.” I told Liam. He didn’t say anything, he just kept driving. “Liam! What is going on?!” I cried. I heard Aspen starting to wake up in the backseat and I knew it was because I raised my voice. “Harry won’t be at the party today,” He mumbled. “But he just said,” I sighed in disbelief. “I know, what he said, but he probably has some lame excuse he’ll use just like he has being doing lately,” Liam sighed.

I knew Harry had been doing things he probably shouldn’t be doing, but he chose to do them anyways. He seemed to be changing for this new girlfriend of his. Everyone but Liam says it is just a phase, but Liam seems to think otherwise. I wanted to call Harry and ask him what was going on, but I knew if I wanted to enjoy today for my family I had to let it go, just for now, not forever.  It made it difficult not to say anymore about it because of the simple fact that it was Harry, after Liam he was the person I could rely on for anything and everything, after all he was my twin. “You know, Maya, the more you let stir in your head the more that will come out your ears when you head explodes,” Liam said as he turned into the Zoo, where the party was going to be. “Do you think she will even know what is going on?” Liam asked me. “No, but she will have fun and everyone is finally together again, even your family flew in, it’s going to be a magical day,” I told him as I looked back at Aspen.

I couldn’t believe our miracle child was turning a year old, being two month premature and rushed to another hospital to receive special care, we never knew how long we would have her in our lives. Today all of our family and friends were gathered in the zoo aquarium to celebrate Aspen, and that made me feel indescribable.

(Liam’s POV)

My daughter was a year old today, it never really right me that I was going to be a father until I held her tiny fragile body in my arms for only seconds before everything went wrong. Aspen is and always will be my everything, the reason I work so hard, the reason I get up every day and attempt to do my best at every task I do. It hasn’t always been easy, but every day knowing she is my daughter makes it worth it.

I never truly understand what my parents meant when they said “One day when you have kids you will understand,” until Aspen was born. Your world changes completely, luckily everyone involving One Direction, understands, but at the same time Maya understands that the show must go on.

The guys were upset at the first when I told them I wanted Maya and I to move to Nebraska before Aspen was born, they didn’t think it was a smart idea because of all of the business we do, but I knew deep down I didn’t want my children growing up on the streets of LA or Hollywood. I want them to at least have some type of normalcy. Maya fought with me for the longest time about all of it, she wanted to stay in LA with everyone, but after we set down and I explained it all to her she understood.

It wasn’t until the death of Bri and Chase that made her happy she had moved home. She was thankful she got to spend last few months with them before the terrible car accident where they both were pronounced dead on the scene. Maya was shaken up for weeks, made her pregnancy high risk. She was scared to miscarry again, so we took all the precautions that were available to us, I didn’t want to lose my daughter either.

“Earth to Liam!” Maya shocked bringing me back to reality. “Sorry, did you need something?” I asked her. “Well, we have only been sitting here for a few minutes now, and Aspen is now awake,” she said. I looked back at my smiling daughter who seemed to be very happy, which was odd considering she hated car rides no matter how short or long of a ride it was.

“Well let’s go party then!” I exclaimed still looking at Aspen. She laughed and clapped. “See, Maya, she is just like you, she loves a good party,” I joked. Maya laughed as she got out of the car. “You guys need some help?” Louis and Niall offered. “Sure do!” Maya cheered. When I got Aspen out of the car and she saw the guys she went crazy. “Look she did miss us! Simon and Paul were so wrong!” Niall exclaimed reaching out for Aspen. I handed him Aspen and he hugged her. Aspen leaned in trying to give him a kiss.

“Woah, slow down,  little girl we just got here,” Niall joked. “Just like her father,” Louis sighed. “That’s for sure,” Maya agreed.  “Did you hear about Harry?” Niall asked me after he made sure Maya was further away as we walked to the aquariam. “What did he do now?” I asked. “Over slept, missed his flight and then refused to book a new one that would get him here in time. I don’t know what is going on with him, mate, I really don’t,” Niall sighed.

“Simon told you it’s a phase, he’ll be back to himself in no time at all,” Louis assured Niall. I didn’t say anything because I knew that wasn’t true. Harry had come clean to me a few days ago, and told him what his deal was, but I had promised not to tell anyone, not even Maya, which was the hardest part.  Finally everything was set up and the party was starting. I looked around as Maya bounced around trying to talk to everyone without leaving out a single person. Aspen was wobbling around carrying a balloon. My little family was the best thing that has happened to me, when we found out about Aspen I wasn’t in the right state of mind, I was too involved with drinking to even focus on my own marriage, luckily Maya never gave up on me and I was able to realize I needed treatment and I was able to get it before Aspen was born.

(Maya’s POV)

“Look at her go! My gosh, Maya, she is adorable!” Kayla told me. “Thank you! You’re absolutely right she is pretty dang adorable,” I laughed. I watched Aspen wobble around carrying a balloon that was probably almost as big maybe even bigger than she was.  I looked over at Liam who was now talking with his parents, when he noticed me looking at him I smiled. He smiled back and I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. I couldn’t believe he still had that power over me.

******************************************************************************

WOW! Look what’s back! That’s right Liam and Maya two years later, with an adorable daughter of course! I’m sorry I stayed away so long but with so much going on and I honestly didn’t know where I wanted to take this story next but I figured this out and fell back in love with this story. Don’t hate me for the Harry thing I promise it will all work out in the end! XOXOX! LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!