Hold Onto Me

I jumped off the couch and ran into his arms, and held onto him tightly. I was so excited that he was home, I started crying. He just laughed and gave me the kiss that I'd longed to have for three months. I heard Melody scream loudly, then the pitter pat of her feet as she ran towards us.

"Daddy John!"

"Melody!" He laughed, bending down to pick her up.

"I missed you so so soooo much! Mommy did too! Oh, please please please don't ever leave again!"

"I missed both of you more than anything. I can promise you, I won't leave ever."

Lauren slowly turned around with her eyes as wide as saucers. I guess she saw the guys. Oops... I guess I forgot to tell her what happened...

"Mel, where'd yo- Oh..." Matt stopped short, coming around the corner.

"Matt?" John asked, surprised.

"Oh, uhm... Honey, we've got some guests." I said, glancing at my brother.

"You mean...?" He asked, shock and terror written all over his face.

"Yeah."

I called for all the guys to join us in the living room, and it was extremely awkward. Everyone was civil though, which I greatly appreciated. Melody didn't need to be around any drama. I noticed Brian studying Lauren's face, and I couldn't help but laugh as it finally dawned on him.

"Oh my god, you're Zelia!"

"It's actually Lauren now, but yeah. It's me." She smiled, sheepishly.

"I should have known that's where you disappeared to."

"What can I say? Riss and I are two peas in a pod. I mean, who else would let me and my son live with her, her fiance, and her daughter?"

I watched as John and Zacky both sat on the floor playing with Melody. It was actually pretty cute to see everyone getting along so well for her sake. I knew if she wasn't around, it would've been hell. Matt looked down at his phone before nodding at Jimmy, who let out a sad sigh. I gave him a look and he stood up, and asked to talk to me alone. I followed him into the kitchen, a little worried.

"Rissa, we've gotta go. We only had one day off and we've got a show tomorrow. There's only two or three more shows left, and I promise we'll be back as soon as it's over." Matt said as my face dropped in disappointment.

"Alright... I guess we should probably tell Mel."

"Is she going to understand?"

"I hope."

We walked back in the living room and I cleared my throat, causing everyone to look at me. I took a seat on the couch and Matt sat beside me. My daughter looked at me, knowing something was wrong.

"What's wrong, mommy?"

"It's time for Uncle Matt, Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Johnny, Uncle Bri, and Zacky to leave." I said, wrapping my arms around my brother.

"Are they coming back to play with me tomorrow...?" She asked, grinning.

"No, sweetie. They're like daddy John and your other uncles. They make music for people, and they have to perform. So they'll be gone for a few days."

"But we'll be back as soon as we can, sweet girl. I promise." Zacky smiled, sticking his pinky out.

"You pinky promise, Zacky?" She asked as she wrapped her little pinky around his.

"Pinky promise."

I held Melody in my arms as we watched the tour bus pull away from the curb. It sucked to see them go, and I couldn't help but let a tear fall. We'd been apart for way too long, and I just wanted to spend more time with my guys. John hugged the side Mel wasn't on, and kissed my cheek.

"They'll be back, baby. Don't cry." He whispered.

I sucked my tears up and focused all my attention on the man I hadn't seen in what felt like forever.

***

I let out a content sigh and turned slightly to kiss John, before cuddling up to his bare chest. He wrapped his arms around me and I closed my eyes, ready to finally get some sleep. He always wore me out, if you get what I mean.

"Rissy, can I ask you something before you fall asleep?" He asked, quietly.

"Yeah, of course."

"What are we gonna do about Zacky?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, sitting up.

"I don't want to lose you again, or Melody for that matter." He sighed.

"John, no. You're not gonna lose me or Mel. We were only together for a week or so the last time that happened. We've been together for three years now. We're engaged, and Mel looks at you like a father. All Zack wants is to be a part of her life, and I can't not let him. I want to keep it as civil as possible and I'm afraid if I don't let him, he'd file for custody. I can't let that happen."

"How are we gonna do this though? We live in Arizona, he lives in California."

"I don't know, okay?" I snapped. "Sorry... It's only been a day, I don't have everything figured out yet and I probably won't figure it out for a while. I just plan on taking it day by day. But right now, I just want the man I love to hold me while I sleep."

"I can definitely do that." He said, kissing my forehead. "I'm so glad to be home, Marissa. Next time, you and Mel are going with me. I don't care what anyone says."

I didn't say anything, only let out a small laugh. I buried my face in the pillow and fell asleep to the sound of John's heartbeat. The most soothing sound in the entire world.