The Inevitable Fanfiction

Loving You Back
“Paula, sweetie, can you get the phone please?” Lorraine asks her youngest daughter as she walks into the hospital room. Paula grins and picks up Lorraine’s mobile phone, which has been placed far away from her chatterer of a mother.
“Hello? Yes, mom is here.” Paula tries to hold a straight face, but a giggle of excitement escapes her as she passes the phone to her mother.
“Who is it?” Lorraine croaks, perplexed. Paula just shakes her head, lips pursed together. “Paulaa…”
“Okay! It’s Simon, mom. He wants to talk to you.” Paula bounces on the spot.
Lorraine’s pale face lights up immediately and she extends her arm for the phone, but her daughter holds up her finger.
“Ground rule is: you can’t talk for more than a minute. Okay?” She doesn’t want her mother to strain herself, as her throat is still sore and inflamed. “Heard that Simon?”
“I’m fine!” the elder woman protests, but meekly.
“Loud and clear, sweetheart,” Simon says from across the line. Paula nods, satisfied and passes the cell to Lorraine.
“Surprise!” Simon exclaims before she can say anything.
“Hi, Simon,” Lorraine grins widely.
“Hello, Lorraine. How are you holding up?”
They are just finishing up auditions now, and Simon is watching people buzz about, clearing things away. Randy raises a hand as goodbye before disappearing.
“I’ll be fine as soon as they get me out of this hellhole.”
“We have to make sure your well first, though,” says Simon.
“I’m fine,” Lorraine stresses. Both Paula and Simon chuckle. “When are you coming to visit me?”
“I will be back in LA in two days, so I’ll visit you at home.”
“Good. I’ll make sure that you do.” Lorraine smiles at her daughter, who gestures that her phone time is up. “It seems I can’t talk to you anymore. Paula wants you all to herself,” She chuckles throatily leading into a slight coughing fit.
Paula takes the phone and hands her mother a glass of water before walking outside to the hallway.
“That was really sweet of you Simon. I think mom enjoyed that.”
“Just don’t tell anyone,” Simon smiles. He is getting ready to leave now, so he searches for his lighter and cigarettes, walking out of the building. “I adore your mum.”
“The feeling is mutual, trust me. I don’t know how you won her over. And hey, is that a challenge? What if I do tell?” She giggles.
“Oh tell if you like it. Everyone ought to know how you Abduls all fall for my charm – except Wendy of course.” They laugh. Wendy could bend Simon back and forth, with a snap of her fingers. He had always felt slightly intimidated by her, wanting to prove himself in front of the protective big sister. “I’m missing you, Paw-la,” Simon says after a moment, his voice resembling a moaning five-year-old. “It’s just not the same without you here.”
“I know… I know Simon…” She sighs.
Not wanting to upset her, he adds quickly, “Lucky for me, I’ll be seeing you in two days.”
This brings a smile to her face. “I can’t wait.”
“Me neither. Love you, Paula.”
“Love you back.”

***
The doorbell rings three times before Alex opens the door to a large hamper of flowers and chocolates. He recognises the faded jeans and grey shirt instantly, grabbing the bundle from Simon who takes it back once he has slipped off his shoes.
“Hi, Simon,” Alex sticks his hand out to shake the older man’s, but the Brit opts for a one-armed hug instead.
“How are you?” He asks, politely. He likes both of Paula’s nephews, but is more familiar with Alex who spends time with Paula and himself on some weekends.
“I’m good thanks. Grandma and Auntie Paula are in there.” He points to the living room. Simon nods, happily. He has missed Paula. “My mom will be dropping by soon.”
They walk side by side into the room and are quickly noticed. Paula is already standing, excited as ever. She hasn’t seen Simon in almost two weeks and she missed him more than she is willing to admit. However she stands aside and allows him to greet her mother first, watching the display before her. Lorraine is sitting on her sofa, beaming up at Simon who takes her hands and kisses her cheek. She hadn’t always liked Simon – it had taken a while for her to warm up to him – but when she realised how big a part he played in her daughter’s life, she had a newly-found affection for him.
“Thank-you for the flowers, honey. They’re beautiful.” She says.
“Of course! So tell me-” He sets the hamper down in the corner. “How is mummy doing?”
“I’m fine, Simon. Really.” She rolls her eyes at the look he gives her. “It’s Paula you should worry about.”
Before Simon can turn his neck fully to look at Paula, she has placed herself in his lap, arms tight around his neck. She snuggles into his arms that come around her, and breathes a sigh of something resembling relief.
“Hi, love,” he coos in her ear.
“Hi,” she smiles, almost timidly. He leans down for a kiss which she gives without hesitation.
“Aw you two,” Says a voice from the entrance of the room. There Wendy stands, hands on her hips, smirking. “You have to stop this mushy business.”
Simon simply tightens his arms around the petite brunette in his lap, rests his chin on her shoulder and sticks his tongue out. Paula copies his face quickly, making Alex wonder if he is genuinely more mature than his aunt.
They spend the afternoon there, in the small bungalow, entertaining each other. Paula’s father even calls Paula to ask in his subtle way, if her mother is doing well. And when Austin comes over, it really feels like a nice family gathering – the company is mellow and warm, buzzing in quiet togetherness. Simon feels like he is home again, when his brothers and he assemble in their mum’s house for tea. When it is time to go, once hugs have been shared all around, he takes Paula’s hand in his and leads her out of the house.
“My driver dropped me here, and I have no car...” Simon begins.
“Your place or mine?” asks Paula.
“Mine.” He smiles.