Good Things Happen with Time
Chapter 14
Lucy's POV
Before we knew it Monday morning had arrived.
Our weekend had been rather uneventful. It was merely spent with me lounging in bed per Ian's strict demand followed by him pampering me left and right. Neither Norman nor Marlene were overly thrilled to discover the hospital had ordered me to refrain from attending work for the remainder of the weekend. While they had attempted to persuade me into working I told them my health comes first and I would be able to make up for my missed scenes the following week.
With today being Monday means Ian is scheduled to fly out to New York this afternoon. The plan is I am going to drop him off at LAX then head to work for my ten am call time. I am going to miss his company tremendously these next few days. Luckily he is tentatively planned to finish his shooting at some point on Thursday then fly back home first thing Friday morning.
"Mmm shut it off." Ian groans in displeasure upon hearing my cell phone ring loudly from my nightstand.
Ian buries his head deeper into my neck in hopes of blocking out the disturbance. Rolling over on my back I reach blindly for my phone. Who could possibly be calling me at seven in the morning? Troian. Sighing I accept the call knowing it must be something important.
"Please tell me your house is on fire or something? It's seven in the morning Troy."
Ian pulls my body back into his in the center of the mattress. I giggle to myself when I feel Ian's hands twine around my waist and drift up underneath my camisole. His lips locate my sweet spot moments later to lightly suck and bite my sensitive skin.
"I am guessing by your slight grumpiness you are just now waking up?"
Rolling my eyes I playfully scoff. "It's seven in the morning Troy. Ian and I were definitely both asleep."
"You might want to wake up and hop on any gossip site like right now." Troian warns with caution in her tone.
Furrowing my brow I frown in confusion. I lightly push Ian away when his hands start to roam to inappropriate places and his mouth lowers to my breasts.
"What are you talking about?" I ask in confusion.
There is a hesitant pause from the other end of the line. "Just get on your iPad and you'll see."
With that she hangs up the phone after ensuring she will see me later today at work. Rolling over Ian I dig for his iPad out of his top nightstand drawer.
"Not now!" I giggle and slap his hands away when Ian assumes I was straddling him for a completely different reason.
With the desired device now in my grasp I roll back over to my side of the bed. Propping my body up with my vast hoard of pillows I find myself feeling rather comfortable. Ian, who is still half asleep, drapes his right arm across my waist then curls up against the side of my body.
Unlocking his black iPad I quickly open safari and search for the top gossip site. My eyes bulge out of my head and my mouth drops open at the enlarged article plastered across the front of the screen.
Lucy Hale and Ian Harding Married with a Baby on the Way?! Click here for the detailed scoop.
I rapidly tap on the screen to view more. The ever so slow loading bar taunts me as it takes its dandy little time to freaking load.
It is reported Lucy Hale was admitted to the hospital late Friday afternoon due to a work related injury. The young actress is confirmed to be okay and has since returned to her Los Angeles home she shares with Ian Harding to recover further. Despite her short time at the hospital a close source reveals quite a few newly discovered secrets about our favorite little liar.
It would appear Hale is one to contain a slew of secrets off camera as well.
Our source tells us Hale was required to spend Friday night in the hospital due to an extra precaution set into play by the doctor on duty. We are pleased to announce Hale is pregnant with her first child. The father is presumably her long term boyfriend, Ian Harding.
Things got pretty heated Friday evening however according to our source when Ian was asked to leave for the night due to visitation hours ending. In the midst of a rather disgruntled argument between Hale, Harding, and the hospital staff Hale supposedly admitted to being married to Harding. She demanded her husband remain at her side for the sake of her baby's safety.
While this certainly is a lot to process about one of Hollywood's biggest uprising power couples we cannot help but swoon at the idea of a little baby added to the mixture.
Check back later for any additional updates.
"Holy fuck." Running a hand through my hair I feel my pregnancy hormones start to kick in. Tears rise to my eyes and I struggle to keep them at bay.
My gaze barely breaks away from the device in my lap when I hear my phone buzzing next to me roughly fifteen minutes later. My breath catches in my throat upon seeing Marlene's name across the screen. Hesitantly I swipe my screen to unlock it.
My office 9 o'clock. Don't be late.
Well fuck. Tossing my head backwards into my pillows I groan loudly. Well this whole day is about to go to shit. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, this crap has to blow up all at once. The tears I had been withholding finally break free. My quiet sobs stirs Ian from his slumber instantly.
"What happened honey?"
"Someone from the hospital leaked that I am pregnant." A harsh sob rakes through me. "Marlene already texted me telling me to come in early for a meeting."
"I am sure everything with Marlene will be perfectly fine. I'm betting she just needs to know if the rumor is true or not in case she needs to rewrite a few storylines. Would you like me to go with you?"
Wiping away my tears I shake my head with a pout. "You'll already be at the airport."
Ian sighs knowing there is no way he can fix this. Instead, Ian places his iPad off to the side and pulls me back down to a horizontal position under the warm sheets with him. Ian slowly pulls my camisole up to expose my stomach. The tears of sadness instantly fade away when Ian places delicate kisses all over my stomach. I smile brightly down at him as he professes his love towards our baby.
Basking in the joy Ian bring me I try not to dwell on the fact he has to leave soon. Rolling our bodies over, I settle myself between his thighs. My nimble fingers hook in the waist band of his black boxers. Discarding the unneeded item I grin seductively up at him.
My hands grasp ahold of his member with desire.
"I love you babe." I whisper softly into the air prior to placing my mouth around him.
We soon find ourselves blocking out the outside world completely and solely focus on one another.
I am certainly going to miss this man these next four nights.
Two hours later I find myself twiddling my thumbs anxiously as I await for Marlene to open her mouth.
"I take it you know why you are here, Lucy?" Marlene asks in a stern tone.
Nodding my head I chew on my bottom lip. "I believe so, yes."
"I guess my first question is are you pregnant or is that a rumor?" She starts off instantly as she pulls out her notebook and a pen from her top left drawer.
"Yes, I am pregnant. I am about three months along and am due in early December. And yes, Ian is the father." I chose to answer her unasked question knowing she is bound to ask about Ian too.
Marlene silently nods her head and jots down a couple notes on her paper.
"I also need to know if you two are married or was that a rumor to make the article a little juicier?"
Shaking my head rapidly I inform her that is a rumor.
Sitting here in silence is making me anxious. Marlene is jotting down several notes in front of me though I cannot read a single one of them. Fiddling with the hem of my sundress I attempt to distract myself.
"I take it you have been cleared by your doctor and are healthy enough to return to work this week? No issues with the baby's health after your fall?" She puts her pen down for a brief moment to catch my gaze.
"Nope, we are both healthy and okay. Ready to get to work!" I announce energetically in hopes of bring up her mood even in the slightest.
"I know you need to get over to hair and makeup so I will let you go for now. I'll talk with the other producers and writers and see what we can do with Aria's storyline in the meantime to incorporate the pregnancy before our upcoming finale."
We share our goodbyes and I scurry out of her office in a rush. Thankfully that wasn't near as bad as I feared it was going to be.
The first half of the morning was spent reshooting the scenes I missed Friday evening. Norman made sure to get his two cents in here and there any time I had to rush off set due to my constant urge to vomit. I tried my hardest to ignore his unusual grumpy attitude. I will admit, a few times his harsh comments did get to me.
I was determined not to let his opinion get me down. I carried on the remainder of my long day with a smile plastered on my face and gave my all.
That night I went straight home from work and crashed the moment my body touched the mattress.
Tuesday came all too quickly. Despite my long day of catch up yesterday I had a call time of seven am with the schedule to work majority of the day into the mid to late evening yet again.
Rolling into work I desperately wish I was able to drink my strongly caffeinated beverage of choice. Sadly, Ian and I both agreed it wouldn't be beneficial for our baby if I kept up my heavy coffee intake. I opted for a nice cold glass of orange juice this morning in place of coffee. Let me tell you, it sucked.
Either way I am currently sitting in my designated chair on the set of Spencer's house waiting for everyone to get started.
As I had hoped, my morning went off much better than expected due to a morning full of working with Troian. She always knows how to make me laugh and have a good time while we are working. Despite spending majority of my scenes thus far stretched out relaxed lounging on Spencer's bed, I am not comfortable in the least bit. My ensemble from Aria's wardrobe is tight and rather constricting.
"I am going to grab some food to snack on. Want me to get you anything?" Troian asks once Norman yells cut.
"Umm can I have a bowl of fruit? I don't care what kind just a mixture of whatever they have today."
Troian nods her head in confirmation then bounces off the set. Retrieving my phone from where it's been stashed under the pillows I smile when I see I have a text from Ian.
Hi baby. Just wanted to check in on you to see how your day is going. Miss you.
Blushing like a little school girl I smile at his simplistic text.
I miss you too, so much! I hated waking up alone this morning. Maybe tonight if you are still up when I get home you can help me soothe the ache between my thighs. I had a deliciously naughty dream about you last night. Xoxo
Is that so? One night alone and I already have you dreaming about me. I would love to hear every detail of what I did to that glorious body of yours. ; )
"I snagged the last of the strawberries for you since I knew those are your favorite. I also got some cantaloupe, grapes, and a few pieces of watermelon." Troian announces while reentering the fake room.
I blush a deep scarlet at my best friend interrupting my private sexting moment with Ian.
"Thank you so much!" I reach out for the mouthwatering bowl of fruit in excitement.
Pushing myself up into a sitting position I stab the fresh fruit with my fork.
Call me tonight and I will give you every naughty detail. Xoxo
Tucking my phone under my leg I struggle to keep the grin off of my face. Tonight is going to be rather fun and satisfying. Maybe after work I'll go shopping for some new lingerie for Ian. He always gets unbelievably worked up when I send him pictures of what I am wearing for his eyes only.
"I take it you've talked with Marlene about upcoming script changes for your character?" Troian mentions in a slightly apprehensive tone.
Shrugging my shoulders I take another bite of a strawberry.
"With that being said… How are you handling Norman's recommendations? I think he is just being a petty ass since he is drastically against the idea of Ezria as a couple"
Turning to my friend I stare at her in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"When I was getting food I overheard him mentioning the direction he wants to take. I guess he is really pushing hard for his way." Troian picks at her sandwich and downcast her gaze. "He wants to go with a miscarriage, Lucy."
"What!" I shriek loudly.
Firmly slamming my bowl down on the nightstand I scamper off to find Norman.
"Is it true?" I demand loudly the moment I lay eyes on the older man.
"Is what true?" He asks, clearly put off.
"Are you pushing for a miscarriage between Aria and Ezra?" Crossing my arms over my chest I am fuming in anger at the man.
Norman sighs knowing full well I am not about to let this go. "He is a pedophile Lucy. Why should he get the happily ever after and ruin Aria's life? She is a child; she shouldn't have a baby of her own."
"Ezra Fitz is nothing of the sorts! Aria isn't a child anymore. In case you have forgotten Aria is 23 and married to the love of her life. Why make them suffer a miscarriage? You guys already screwed them over with that stupid storyline of it being nearly impossible for Aria to conceive a child."
He scoffs harshly. "Well, it's a good thing I call the shots and not you."
I can feel myself getting worked up even more. Tears blur my vision and my body begins to tremble. My nails are digging into the palms of my fisted hands. Everyone around has quieted down and lingered around us to eavesdrop on the impending disagreement.
"God. You are such an egotistical son of a—"
"LUCY!" A harsh voice sternly chastises me from afar. "You are walking a very fine line right now. I strongly recommend you don't finish that sentence and return to your set."
Turning to my right I see Marlene glaring at me with a deadly serious face. Taking a deep breath I turn back towards Noman.
"Bitch." I smirk at him finishing my previously interrupted sentence.
"Go home Lucy." Marlene states firmly.
"What?" I ask in shock.
"I said go home. It is clear we need to figure out how we will be handling this mess that has been created. Don't worry about your scenes for this week; we'll rework it so Aria is out of town with Ezra instead. I expect to see you here Friday morning for the table read where we will discuss the outcome of your actions today."
Biting my tongue I fight back a witty remark. Without another word spoken I storm off the set to my dressing room. Harsh tears spill down my cheeks causing my entire body to tremble. I swiftly change out of Aria's clothes and return to my much more comfortable sundress. Grabbing my purse I don't dwell on another moment here.
It isn't long after that I have made my way out to my car and away from the prying eyes swarming me. Sitting in my car for a moment I decide to not let this ruin my day. Taking a deep breath I shift my car into drive and pull out of the lot. Retail therapy is just what I need to get me out of this funk.
Two hours later I find myself walking along my favorite shopping strip with an arm full of bags. I purchased a plethora of new clothes for summer wanting some looser fitting tops to wear once my bump becomes more prominent. My right arm also contains a couple bags from Victoria's Secret which are both loaded with a vast amount of new lingerie sets as well as sexy teddy nightgowns for Ian's pleasure. Lastly, there is a bag from a little children's shop I couldn't resist entering. It didn't feel right shopping for the baby for the first time without Ian at my side. Due to his lack of presence I only bought one small item I couldn't resist.
My rumbling stomach causes me to glance at my watch leading me to see it is just after eleven. Looking around at my nearest food options I debate what will satisfy my unknown craving. My mouth waters at the sight of Panera on the corner about ten stores down. With my mind set on getting my favorite Panini I head on down the street towards Panera.
Reaching into my jeans pocket I retrieve my cell phone checking for any messages from Ian. A frown tugs on my lips when I see no new notifications. I know he is busy filming and whatnot so I cannot blame him for not replying to my previous message from this morning.
"It's true. You're fucking pregnant." I snarky voice in front of me draws my attention away from my phone.
Shifting my gaze up, I am now standing head to head with Ian's ex-girlfriend Sophie. Swallowing the lump in my throat I plaster a fake smile across my face.
"Uh yes, I am." I nod my head and shift uncomfortably under her judgmental gaze as she scans along the different shopping bags lining my arm.
I have always felt horrible for the way things turned out for Sophie. Back when she and Ian were dating she was always jealous and rather apprehensive about me. I know she hated how flirty I have always been towards Ian which was completely understandable as I was day in and day out flirting with a man who was unavailable.
Things were a bit rough between the three of us a year ago when Ian broke up with her in order to date me. Sophie had a few choice words to say about me when she discovered Ian and I went public. Needless to say, I have gone out of my way to avoid any type of social gathering Ian attends where I may run into this woman who holds a special flame of hatred for me.
"You clearly want to ensure he doesn't move on to someone else now don't you? Tell me, how did you manage to get pregnant in such a short amount of time? Poke holes in his condoms? Ian is the most cautious man I have ever met in that department. I spent 5 years with him and you bet he made sure to take every precaution." Sophie crosses her arms over her chest in fury.
"Look Sophie, I am sorry about what happened. I'm sorry you got caught up in it. I know you hate me. I just need you to know nothing happened between us while you two were together. We waited until after he came to see you in New York." I completely bypass her bitter questions.
She scoffs with a sinister laugh. "Yeah, right. You are just a slut who likes to go after what she cannot have. You probably setup this whole pregnancy thing as an easy way to gain publicity and ensure Ian is locked to your side for the next two decades."
Anger is rapidly building within me. My pregnancy hormones fuel my emotions to rapidly sky rocket in any which direction much faster than they used to prior to my pregnancy.
"I am not a slut! I understand you don't like me but that doesn't warrant you the excuse to come after me on the street. This all took place over a year ago. It is time for you to accept the fact that Ian is no longer with you nor does he think about you!" I shout towards her in a struggle to contain my emotions.
I gasp loudly and cry out in pain at the feeling of her hand gliding across my right cheek. My own hand returns the action before my head can even process what I am doing. I stare in horror as I realize what I have just done; I slapped Sophie back.
I have never hit anyone before.
My hand flies up to my mouth. "I—I'm sorry."
Any ounce of hunger I previously had has now escaped my body. Turning away from Sophie and the Panera I bolt off in the direction of my car. Pushing through the crowds of people I struggle to make it to my vehicle.
Once I am safely locked away in my car I pull out my phone to call Ian. It rings five times causing me to fear I am heading towards his voicemail. On the seventh ring he finally answers.
"Hey baby! I take it you couldn't wait until tonight for us to play?" His cheerful voice causes me to cry harder.
"Ian," I whimper barely audible.
Any trace of happiness has dropped from his tone. "Lucy what's wrong? Are you okay?"
"Ian I—." My voice chokes harshly as a sob rakes through me.
"Lucy! Talk to me honey. What happened?"
Taking a deep breath I wipe away the continuous tears. "I know you are busy working but is it okay if I fly out there? I just really need you right now. I cannot bare going home to an empty house."
"Of course you can. But Lucy, shouldn't you be working all week?" Ian questions in confusion.
Nodding my head to myself I tell him I am off for the week without divulging into the details.
Ian assures me he would love for me to fly out to New York for the next couple of days. He said to let him know the necessary flight information thus informing him what time to pick me up from the airport. Using my iPad I book myself on the first flight to New York wanting to get there as soon as possible.
Not wanting to drive the forty-five minutes home I opt to drive straight to the airport which is merely fifteen minutes away. By driving straight to LAX I am able to take an earlier flight out. With it only being a few days I decide to take the clothes I purchased this morning with me. I can either borrow Ian's hygienic products or merely buy fresh out there.
Ian is the only one who can calm me down and make me forget about today.
With one last deep breath I press harder on the gas petal.
Ian's POV
Picking Lucy up from the airport tonight did nothing to ease the worry I am feeling for her. When she called me this afternoon in tears I felt my heart break knowing she was in pain and there was nothing I could do over the phone for her.
Lucy curled into my lap the moment we entered the large black four door Tahoe. The entire drive from the airport to my hotel was filled with silence. I could tell Luce didn't feel comfortable discussing whatever happened with my driver, Stephen, present. Rather than prodding her with questions I merely held her closer to my body and kissed her forehead repeatedly.
When we arrived to my hotel Lucy silently climbed out of the vehicle and trudged up the concrete steps leading to the doorway. I thank Stephen for the drive then follow after Lucy. Wrapping my arm around her waist I guide her numb body towards the elevator where we are lifted to the eighth floor.
Lucy remains silent for the duration down the hall till we arrive to the room on the very end. I swiftly unlock the door and usher her into the quant room. Delicately tossing her black leather mini backpack/make shift purse onto the couch I turn my attention back to Luce.
"What's wrong Goose?"
Lucy takes a seat on the edge of the king sized bed. Shaking her head softly she mumbles she doesn't know where to start.
"Just start from the beginning Honey. Why aren't you working this week? What happened to your cheek?" My thumb gently strokes the faint cut that lies on her left cheek.
Lucy takes a deep breath and downcast her gaze to look at her lap.
"It all started this morning on set. My back has been irritating me all day and I didn't sleep too well last night thus making me extra cranky today. Apparently Norman is pushing for a miscarriage storyline for the show. As I am sure you can guess I didn't respond to that very well. With me already being on edge it didn't take much for my pregnancy hormones to kick in and add fuel to the fire. Long story short; my mouth got me into a bit of trouble at work and I was given the week off with a pending meeting on Friday with Mar."
Clenching my eyes shut I shake my head. The fact that Norman despises Aria and Ezra so much that he would want them and the fans to suffer the loss of their child is unfathomable. The situation is even worse due to Lucy's own personal fertility struggles. Lucy discovered about three years ago during an annual exam that her chances to conceive a child were drastically sim compared to most women. It wasn't that she was told she would never have kids. It was merely more along the lines of it would take longer practice for a positive outcome compared to most.
This is why when Lucy and I discovered she was pregnant we were both completely shocked and caught off guard. This baby is our own little miracle baby. If our baby can act as a miracle baby for our characters too then I don't see why we don't use that storyline.
I am sure Norman didn't intend on hurting Lucy's feelings and bringing up such a sensitive topic. However, I was the one who consoled Luce into the wee hours of the night many moons ago when she was first informed of this devastating news. Once we learned the poor route they were inflicting upon our characters Lucy nearly lost it and was forced to relive every emotion she experienced personally.
Rubbing my hand along her back I pull her in even closer to my side.
"I'll go to your meeting with you. If you want I can have a talk with Norman and see if he can't back off of being so opinionated about Ezria around you. I love you and this baby so much. I am not going to let anyone take away your happiness."
Lucy sobs harshly in my arms. Her hands rapidly wipe away her tears. "God you are always so nice to me. Once I tell you what else happened today you probably aren't going to be so in love with me."
Furrowing my brow I tilt my head in confusion. "I could never fall out of love with you Luce. There certainly isn't anything you might do that could make me love you any less."
Lucy looks up at the ceiling as a trick to contain her tears in the slightest.
"I decided to go shopping for a bit after leaving work as a way to calm myself down since you were busy. Sophie and I ran into each other, well, more like she approached me and then verbally attacked me."
My body stiffens at the mention of my ex-girlfriend.
"What do you mean she verbally attacked you?"
"I mean she called me a slut and accused me of causing this pregnancy by poking holes in your condoms. She also mentioned you were very strict when it came to being cautious with her. I have to ask Ian, why have you never been adamant about being careful with me? We hardly ever use condoms. Is it because my chance of getting pregnant was much less likely?"
For the first time tonight Lucy has looked me in the eye with direct eye contact. Her big doe eyes watering with impending tears. Curiosity shines through her hazel/green eyes as she awaits my answer.
Sighing softly I offer her a reassuring smile.
"You are the first woman I have ever in my entire life been intimate with and been willing not to use protection. I trust you Lucy. Most importantly, you are the first and only woman I have ever envisioned myself settling down with and sharing a life with. I didn't care if you happened to become pregnant with my child as that is something I have always desired for us. It's different with you, Lucy. Everything is different with you compared to my previous relationships. All of my boundaries and self-regulations changed the moment you said yes when I asked you on a date."
"So you don't feel like I am tying you down for the next eighteen years?" She whimpers in relief.
"Of course not! I would be the luckiest guy in the world if you allowed me to spend the rest of my life with you."
A wide smile spreads across her face. Lucy shifts to straddle my lap just before pulling me into a tight hug. She buries her face in the crook of my neck and hums in happiness.
"One more question… What happened to your cheek?"
Lucy pulls back a little bit allowing me to see her face. "Well… After Sophie and I shared words she slapped me. I guess whatever ring she was wearing grazed the skin just right to cut it."
"But um, that isn't all Ian." Lucy drops her gaze yet again only this time she stares at my chest. "My body reacted before my mind had a chance to think. I kind of slapped her back. I instantly apologized then I ran off which is when I called you. I know there is no justifying what I did, but, I just wasn't thinking. I don't know what came over me. These pregnancy hormones are something else."
"She hit you?" I gap at her in shock.
"There are already photos all over the internet and social media, Ian. Apparently the paparazzi got the entire thing on film and a plethora of photos. I am being portrayed as the crazy girlfriend who attacked the ex."
"She had no right to touch you baby. I promise to take care of this when we get back home. I don't care what any of those fake gossip articles are saying."
"Can we go to bed now? I am exhausted from the whirlwind of emotions today." Lucy murmurs softly as she toys with the collar of my shirt.
Nodding my head I begin to remove her of her clothing. Lucy opts to sleep in my t-shirt and her panties tonight whereas I don my boxers. We cuddle under the sheets where I curl Lucy's petite body firmly up against my torso.
Merely five minutes later Lucy's hushed snores can be heard throughout the hotel room.
Unfortunately sleep doesn't come as easily to me. My mind is racing with everything Lucy has told me about today's events. Forcing myself to close my eyes I promise myself to take care of the issues at hand first thing Friday once we have returned to California.
Thank you for all of your reviews and support! Just a couple chapters left.
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