White Walls

I looked at myself in the mirror, biting down hard on my lip as I smoothed out the material of my fitted red dress, before adjusting the bobby pins in my hair. I had it up, with simple make up and a low pair of heels.

I cringed as my hands moved over my prominent hip bones, that continued to make themselves known under the fabric. My eyes then fell to my thin wrists. I don’t even want to start on my legs.

“Damn…” John chuckled as he walked into the bedroom. “Darlin’, you look stunnin’.”

I blushed at his southern drawl, turning around to face him. “I don’t know, I think I’m gonna put the blue one on.” I hesitated.

“No way, uh uh.” John shook his head quickly as he wrapped his arms around me. I suddenly felt so small in them. He’d gotten a lot more built since he started working out, and I only seemed to be getting weaker. But thankfully he had yet to notice. “I think you look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled, resting my head on his chest. “No heavy drinking tonight, okay? Two at the most- remember Lucas is coming with us.” I reminded, sending him a look. Last Thursday he’d drank too much with Austin and Eric and in turn was too hungover to go into the studio. He also had to hold off on his medication until he was sober which only put him in a bad mood. The whole situation put me in a bad mood too, which led to a fight until Saturday night (last night). It was the typical ‘take care of yourself, don’t get drunk’ on my part and his ‘don’t treat me like a kid, I’m a man, I can take care of myself’ on his. It took everything I had not to slap the sense into him.

But I’m a lady and apparently they don’t slap. Not in the family dynamic, anyway.

“I wouldn’t get wasted around Lucas, you know that,” John frowned.

“I know, I know,” I nodded softly, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “Just…-“

“It’s not going to be like the launch party, I promise you that,” he murmured, his lips against my ear. “Darlin’ I wouldn’t do that to you and Luke. You have nothing to worry about.”

I cringed as the memory of the launch party came to mind. He wasn’t supposed to be drinking but we allowed each other one each. One turned into six for him and I ended up finding him puking out the back of the warehouse.

“I won’t drink at all.” He said finally, once seeing my hesitation. “I promise you that baby. I’ll take care of Lucas and you just relax and enjoy yourself, alright?”

“No I want you to enjoy yourself too,” I insisted, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“I can do that without drinking. Plus, I’ll have the little nugget hanging off of me, it’ll be fine.” He assured.

“Mama!”

“Speaking of the devil,” I laughed, pulling away from John just in time to catch Lucas as he jumped into my arms, almost knocking me over. “Wow you’re getting heavy, little guy.” I commented, standing up straight.

“Or you’re getting older,” John teased, “doesn’t mommy look pretty, Luke?”

Lucas looked at me with a grin, nodding furiously. “S-so pretty m-mama!”

“Well thanks sweetheart,” I chuckled, kissing his cheek. “Are we all ready to go?” I asked, taking in the boys’ attire and smiling at John’s successful attempt to dress Lucas. He wore skinny black jeans and a black and white baseball tee, looking like a younger version of John himself. John was a bit more dressed up in his blue jeans and black patterned button up shirt. It was still in the hotter months so he’d gone with short sleeves, but he still looked great.

More than great, really.

“Yeah, let’s get a move on, guest of honour.” He smirked, taking Lucas from me and throwing him onto his shoulder.

I rolled my eyes as I heard him screaming all the way down the hall, his giggling and laughing bringing a smile to my own lips. “Be careful!” I called after them, knowing it was falling on deaf ears.

We got into John’s truck and headed towards the offices. I was somewhat nervous about tonight, because we were handing over the new line to Caleb and also introducing the new intimates line as well, which we’d be signing over to Tate. There was a lot to celebrate tonight and I only hoped that it went according to plan.
We got to the office about fifteen minutes later, making us twenty minutes late in total.

“Don’t worry, Tim won’t give a shit.” John insisted, before opening Lucas’ door.

“Twenty minutes- that’s almost half an hour late, John.” I scolded, checking my reflection in the window of his truck.

“Well if it isn’t my favourite suburban family.”

I looked up to see Austin get out of his car (Hilary had convinced him to sell his truck when they found out they were having a baby. He got an SUV and it became the family car) and approach us.

“Who are you calling suburban?” John smirked. “You guys are the suburban family.”

“I wouldn’t say family,” Austin smirked cruelly.

I rolled my eyes, not wanting to be involved in his humour. “Where’s Hilary and Alex?”

“Already here. She was out all day and got a lift with someone.” He shrugged, taking a sip of the beer in his hand.

“You weren’t drinking whilst driving, were you?” I frowned.

“Course not,” he scoffed, sending me a look. He knew I was loyal to Hilary and it created a tension between us. “God, I’d actually like split custody of my daughter.” He retorted sarcastically.

I look at John and took his free hand. “You coming?” I asked, ignoring Austin’s comment.

He looked between us and nodded. “You coming into the studio next week dude?” John asked over his shoulder as we headed in. He sensed the tension and I guess that was his attempt at fixing it.

“For sure, man.”

When we walked through the office and out to the backyard, the music was blaring and the talking was loud and crazy.

“I’m gonna go find Tim,” I said to John, kissing Lucas’ cheek before disappearing into the crowd.

“Leighton!”

I looked up to see Tate approach me, a drink in hand. “Oh what are you drinking?” I asked. “Is that champagne?”

“We are celebrating tonight babe!” She laughed. “I mean you know all the surprises, but still!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m looking for the boss, have you seen him?”

“Sure have, he’s by the drinks table- you want me to spike your drink?” She whispered.

My eyes widened. “Tate!”

“I’m joking!” She whined. “I’ll catch you later I’m looking for Garrett.” She nodded, before walking off in the same direction she came to me from. Something tells me that wasn’t her first drink of the night.

I spotted Tim by the table with Caleb and Lennon and walked over to him. “Hey guys.” I waved.

“Wow Lei, you really clean up,” Lennon chuckled, giving me a hug as he was the closest to me.

“Thanks,” I laughed, hugging the other two. I was offered a drink before I talked with the guys for a little bit, soon joined by John and Lucas. Lucas ended up in Lennon’s arms and the two ventured off somewhere, giving John’s arms a rest. John trusted the guys I worked with (even Caleb) so one of them taking Lucas for a little while didn’t bother him.

“John man, you want a beer?” Tim asked, “Or champagne- we have plenty of that shit.”

“No I’m good man,” John nodded as he draped his arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Lei’s drinking so I’m the responsible babysitter tonight.” He smirked.

“It’s not babysitting if it’s your own kid!” I scoffed.

“Oh it’s totally babysitting,” Caleb laughed.

“Yeah? Where’s your Mrs?” I chuckled, “you blessing her with any kids soon?”

“No way, we’re not having kids,” Caleb declared, “ever.”

“Trust me, if she wants ‘em, she’ll find a way.” John joked, smacking my ass lightly.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh be quiet, you.”

We got Lucas back a little while later and by that time I was amongst the girls, while Lucas clung to John who stood around the barbeque with the boys, nursing what seemed to be a soda.
It was nice catching up with everyone, and it was nice doing it with both of my boys here too. It was also a relief that I could drink and not have to worry about Lucas. I mean I wasn’t going to get drunk, but usually at events where the three of us would attend, I’d have to be the one who didn’t drink because John wanted to, or just accepted to be able to. In other words, I didn’t get to do this a lot, and it was nice.

I looked over and smiled when I saw Lucas on Peter’s shoulders. He really was so well loved among everybody, and had been since day one. I remember when they all saw him for the first time, it was one of the proudest days of both mine and John’s life. It was easily a day we’d never forget.

***

“They’re all waiting outside babe,” John chuckled as he stood by the door.

“But I want him to myself! They’ll be here for hours!” I whined selfishly, completely taken by the little boy in my arms. He was about to be taken once they all came in here.

“It’s your call darlin’,” John laughed. “I understand if you don’t want to see anyone, our parents clearly wore you out.”

I bit my lip. They had been waiting all day when they heard I went in early. “No, no, let them in.”

“You sure? It’s gonna be like a Black Friday sale in t-minus five-“

“John!” I laughed, “Let them in babe.”

“Alright,” he smiled, taking a deep breath before opening the door. “Single file.” He joked, accepting hugs and kisses as our closest friends walked in and surrounded the bed I was currently sitting in.

“Hey guys, meet Lucas.” I chuckled, looking up from that adorable face. God, it was so hard to stop looking at him.

“Oh my gosh, he’s beautiful,” Jac murmured, her eyes watering. “Look at him!”

“Shit dude, congrats,” Eric chuckled, giving his best friend a hug.

“Thanks man, or should I say, godfather.” John smiled, patting him on the back.

“Still objecting to that,” Tim scoffed, standing on my other side. “Wow, he really is an O’Callaghan, isn’t he?”

“He’s absolutely gorgeous,” Tim’s girlfriend Ashley nodded. “He’s small too- is that because he was early?”

I nodded. “It’s also because of the risk of me going through with the pregnancy- he’s probably not going to have the growth spurt until later on, and he might have a few physical or learning difficulties, but we’ll just have to see when he’s older.” I explained.

“But’s he’s alive and healthy which is the most important thing.” Tate nodded from the foot of my bed.

“Wow Lei, you must be exhausted.”

“I am,” I chuckled, “so, who wants to go first and hold him?”

Worst question ever.

“Alright! Everyone listen up!” Tim called as he stood on a wooden bench. “Leighton! Leighton, get up here.” He called, waving me over.

I rolled my eyes and made my way through the crowd, leaving Lucas with John as I climbed up beside Tim. “Is this really a two man job?” I teased.

He threw his arm around my shoulders and nodded. “Alright so we’ve got a few announcements to make!” Tim called out, raising his beer. “First of all, this week marks six years of 8123!”

Drinks and fists were raised, along with cheers in celebration. It was good to see something we’d all worked so hard on get so successful. Rewarding is a good word to describe it.

“It’s also been five fucking great years of the merchandising department,” Tim continued, raising my hand. “Which has been led by the ever so talented, always late, extremely hardworking Leighton Johnson!”

“Go mommy!” I heard Lucas call, causing everyone to laugh.

“Exactly right my man!” Tim nodded with a laugh. “Leighton has suffered through late nights and gruelling work loads and has simultaneously led an amazingly talented and passionate team, so give it up for Lei, Caleb, Elijah, Jack, Layla and Lennon!”

“And Tate!” I added, laughing when I saw her ‘offended’ face over being forgotten.

Once everyone was done cheering, we moved on to the next order of business.

“So because you’re all dying to know about the stuff we’ve got coming in the department,” I
began, “we’re bringing in a new line that we want to hand over to one of our extremely talented designers.”

“Congrats Caleb, we know you’re gonna do us proud!” Tim cheered, raising his drink once again.
I watched as Lucas raised John’s soda can every time like it was his own. I couldn’t help but mentally swoon over the two- sometimes it was hard to believe they were mine.

Caleb looked stunned, but raised his drink in thanks. I couldn’t help but glance over at Elijah, who
looked completely betrayed. It’s not like he expected to get the promotion, but I know it was something he was really passionate about. I’d talk with him later, explain it to him better. Out of the corner of my eye I watched him down his beer before disappearing into the crowd.

They all cheered again, probably over whatever I just missed Tim say.

“Also give it up for Tim Kirch, without you, this whole thing would never have come together and I can’t imagine what my life- and everyone elses- would be like without this place. So thank you, bossman.” I pouted, raising my drink to him, everyone following.

Tim laughed and gave me a hug.

“And this is totally unrelated, but I know we all want to congratulate our own Halvo and Jac on their recent engagement- congrats you guys!” Tim called, raising his drink one last time. “Now drink, party, and don’t worry about work tomorrow!” He cheered, before jumping down and turning to help me down. “Well I think that went well.” He said in my ear, as everybody went back to the party.

I hesitated. “Did you see Elijah’s face? He was gutted.” I murmured in his ear.

Tim frowned. “I knew that would happen, Leighton.”

“We made the right decision though,” I said, shaking it off. “I’ll talk to him on Tuesday. It’ll be fine.”

Tim sighed but nodded, patting me on the back. “Don’t worry about it, okay? Just enjoy yourself, you deserve this.”

I gave him a firm hug. “You sir, are the backbone of this whole thing. If it wasn’t for you, I would never have met John, and I would never have had Lucas. So thank you, so much for that.” I sighed.

“It’s funny you say that,” Tim chuckles, “I told John not to ask you out. I told him not to interfere with my works. I guess it’s a blessing in disguise that he doesn’t listen to me, huh?”

“Definitely,” I nodded, amazed. Sometimes it really renders me speechless how everything came about, and how the decisions I’ve made have all lead up to what my life is like now. Never did I think I’d have a baby this young and with someone whom I wasn’t married to. Never did I think that my relationship would be the most emotional experience of my life. Never did I think I’d even find someone like John to go through all of these things with. But I guess never did I think I’d fall so deeply in love with two people at one time.

I didn’t know it was possible to love two people at once, or that two people could be the light of my life.
With that kind of perspective, I couldn’t help but smile as John and Lucas walked over to me. I held my arms out and embraced my little boy in my arms, squeezing him tightly against my chest.

“Hey Lukey, I love you,” I cooed in his ear.

He smiled widely. “I l-l-love you too mama.” He giggled.

“Hey darlin’, I’m so proud of you. I didn’t realise how big a part you played in this place.” John murmured, kissing me passionately. “I love you Leighton.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.” I mumbled, feeling his lips break into a smile. “I love you two so much.”

So much.

***

The night was going well so far. We were around all of our friends, the music was great, I wasn’t drinking too much but I was in a comfortable buzz where I was still able to set a good example for my son and talk to people without slurring and sounding like an idiot.

It was a good night.

That is, until I heard yelling in the distance. Oh, and Tim rushing over to me, only to pull me from a conversation with Jac, Kennedy and Lydia.

“Sorry Lei I need your help with something,” he mumbled urgently, pulling me away.

“What’s going on?” I frowned, almost stumbling and spilling my drink. “Is everything okay?”

“No, not really,” he sighed, “look, Austin and Hilary are in the kitchen fighting- they’re screaming at eachother and it’s only getting worse and Austin’s drunk and I’m just really fucking scared something is going to happen.” He panicked.

I noticed a few of the others perk up, having overheard him. “And you want me to go in there and break it up?” I hissed. “Are you insane?!”

“Leighton, you’re one of her closest friends- he’s going to go off at me if I interfere- please, he’s got Alex and I’m worrying about her safety right now.” Tim pushed, dragging me to the kitchen.

“Tim I really don’t think this is a good idea.” I mumbled, following him to the building. When I saw the look of desperation in his eyes, I dropped the hesitation. That was my goddaughter in there and if he was this worried, I knew it had to be bad. I wasn’t going to let something happen to my little girl. “Go get me some of the boys. Strong boys. I know how Austin gets when he’s drunk.” I said quickly, before heading into the kitchen, Jac close behind.

“Babe, I wouldn’t go in there.” Jac hissed, following me to the building.

“You wait here,” I said firmly. “This doesn’t need to be a huge ordeal, okay?”

She winced. “Okay…”

I sent her a look before slipping inside, closing the sliding door behind me.

“I can’t fucking believe you!” Hilary screamed over Alexandra’s crying. “Give me my daughter right now!”

“You bitch, she’s my daughter too! This is why I never wanted to tell you! You go all fucking maternal on me! She’s my child too!” Austin slurred back. “You fucking bitch!”

“Hey guys, is everything okay?” I asked softly.

“Oh great, just what we need, super fucking mom, Leighton. Get the fuck out.” Austin scoffed, flipping me off.

“Don’t talk to her like that you pig!” Hilary snapped. “Give me Alex before you fucking hurt her! You don’t deserve to touch her after what you did!”

“Guys calm down,” I murmured, “just take a breath and-“

“You take another fucking step I sw-swear to God, Lei.” Austin threatened, turning his back on me so I had no access to Alex. He wavered a bit with his footing and my heart lurched in my chest.

“Austin put her down! You’re drunk and you’re going to hurt her!” Hilary screamed, rushing to her daughter. I could see the fear in her eyes and my heart broke. All she wanted was her daughter.

Austin’s hand came out hard, shoving Hilary back by the shoulder. “You touch my daughter-“

“She’s my daughter! I fucking raised her you psychotic bastard!” Hilary scoffed.

“Don’t you dare!” Austin snapped. “I’m the one who supports this family so don’t you fucking dare!”

I moved around Austin in attempts to get on his other side but was blocked off. “Austin please be careful, put Alex first- you’re going to drop her.” I pleaded, cautiously holding my hands out. I didn’t like how he held her with one arm, a beer for the other.

“Don’t you start on me, you fucking nightmare.” Austin scoffed, pointing at me with his beer. “God don’t you fucking get involved.”

“She’s more concerned about our daughters wellbeing than you are!” Hilary yelled at him, tears running down her cheeks. “You’re scaring her Aus!”

I looked towards the door to see Jared, John, Peter and Tim standing by the door. John looked furious, wanting to step in but I shook my head at them. “Austin please, give me Alex and you two can talk about this calmly, you don’t need to yell at eachother-“

“I thought I told you to get the fuck out!” Austin yelled, this time at me. “Go put your nose into someone else’s relationship! God no wonder he won’t fucking marry you!”

Okay that one stung.

It also fuelled the anger inside of me. I ignored his screaming and pushed his hands out of my face, pulling Alex out of his stumbling grip. It scared me just how loosely he was holding onto her. He drunkenly clawed at my arm but I ignored the sting as I let the boys take over, holding Alex tightly to my chest as I stood by the wall. Jac went in to hold Hilary, who leapt at Austin, now free to hit.

“You bastard! I’m going to make sure you never see her again!” She cried. “I want you out of my house and out of my life!”

“You couldn’t live without me!” Austin screamed, trying to get out of the boys’ grips. This was attracting way too much attention now. “You need me!”

“You fucking cheater! You’re no better than your fucking father! You lying cheating bastard!”

Woa, he cheated on her? That kind of caught us all off guard and Austin looked more uncomfortable than ever.

“You bitch.” He muttered coldly to Hilary.

After that, Jac pulled her down the hall.

Austin’s eyes shot to me. “Give me my daughter you fucking-“ He was cut off by John’s hand, slapping him hard across the face.

“Don’t you dare talk to Leighton that way,” he said firmly. “Get your drunk ass out of here.” He snapped, pushing him towards the door, all of the guys following him.

I slipped out the back door, trying to soothe the crying baby in my arms, ignoring worried looks. I wonder who had Lucas. I hope he hadn’t seen John hit Austin. I didn’t want him to think that was okay. But I kind of liked John sticking up for me like that. My swooning over my boyfriends’ protective nature was cut short from the realisation of the crying baby in my arms and the distraught parents with their blown out screaming match.

He’d cheated and now she wanted a divorce. This was Austin and Hilary that were at eachother’s throats in there- holy shit.

How had the night changed so drastically so quickly?