“W-what happened to you?”

Those words echoed through the room, but no response was heard. Simon fell silent, he did not know how to answer her question, nor had he any strength to keep fighting with her over something that he had already won. He gazed at Demi, who had sweat running down her forehead, and then to her huge bump – a bump that would soon transform into a baby, and decided that it was better not to be in the room with her, as he might soften and he would never be able to see his children again.

“Call me when you’ve given birth to my son” Simon said and walked out the room.

Demi placed her head on her hands and began to cry. She shut her eyelids tightly, trying to make herself and everyone else disappear, but it was no use. Shocks of pain would reawaken her body, as though the baby was telling her to keep fighting. Demi held onto the hospital railings, refusing to touch any of her family members as an intimate touch would most likely break her right now – she had to focus on giving birth and that was what was getting her through this nightmare.

“Hello Demi, how we doing?” Dr. Bailey said as she walked into the room

“It hurts Dr. B”

“Okay, let’s see how far along you are” Dr. Bailey said, sticking her hand in between Demi’s legs.

“Wow Demi, you’re already 8cm apart – you should expect this baby in the next hour or so” Dr. Bailey said removing her gloves and washing her hands.

“Now child, do you need anything else?” Dr. Bailey said, walking to her bed and stroking Demi’s sweaty hair.

“I need Simon to not be in the birth room Dr. B, I won’t be able to do this if he’s there with me” Demi said, letting a sigh escape her mouth.

“Okay Demi, I can help you with that” Dr. Bailey said and exited the room.

She walked through the long white corridor until the waiting area where she saw Simon and a sleeping Henry.

“Mr. Cowell may I speak to you in private please?”

“Yes, of course” Simon said, following Dr. Bailey and carrying Henry into an empty hospital room.

“What is it Dr. Bailey? Is the baby alright?” Simon asked

“Yes Mr. Cowell, the baby is fine. I have come to speak to you about another matter” Dr. Bailey said.

“Please Dr. Bailey, call me Simon”

“I’ll stick to Mr. Cowell, thank you very much. Demi has asked you not to be in the birthing room when the time comes”

“What? That’s prosperous. I will not allow it” Simon stated.

“Now you listen to me, you don’t have to allow it, I’m her doctor and I state the rules you got it. How dare you do all that you’re doing to Demi, what happened to you? Now you leave that precious child alone when she’s giving birth to her baby, a baby who you will literally rip from her arms, his own mother’s arms, because you are a small and selfish man. If you are there when she is giving birth she will not give birth you hear me? She will have no strength to do so, and why would she knowing that her child would be safer inside her own belly?”

“Dr. Bailey-“

“I’m not done yet. And when that baby boy is born you won’t dare touch him or remove him from Demi’s safe arms for at least 3 hours you hear me” Dr. Bailey stated, her finger close to his face

“Dr. Bailey, that is not what was agreed in the courtroom, that child is mine”

“THAT CHILD IS YOURS? DID YOU HONESTLY JUST SAY THAT?” Dr. Bailey yelled, her face red with anger

“Dr. Bailey, calm down”

“Don’t you tell me to calm down you little piece of shit. That baby is not yours, you may have helped create it, but you sure as fuckare not his father. If you were his father you wouldn’t be doing these atrocities to his mother, your wife, for goodness’ sake! You stay away from her and the baby, let her bond with him before you rip them apart you hear me” Dr. Bailey said, and with that, she left the room, the door slamming behind her.

----------

“Agh I can’t do this!” Demi panted, her face red and wet

“Yes you can baby girl, come on just one more push, I can see his head” Dr. Bailey said, holding her son’s head in her hands

“AGH!” Demi yelled and with that the cutest cry echoed through the room.

“Congratulations Demi, here he is” Dr. Bailey, said placing the crying baby in Demi’s arms.

Demi felt her little baby’s soft skin touch hers and heard him stop crying. She looked down and met her son for the very first time, tears pouring from her eyes.

“Hi baby boy, I’m your mama” Demi said, kissing his head softly.

“I love you so much, yes I do, I do. You’re gorgeous baby, and you’re so loved, so loved” Demi cooed at him.  

She could feel him wiggle in her arms, impatiently and she held him tighter to soothe him.

“It’s okay baby, it’s okay Ollie, mommy’s here” Demi said bouncing him a bit.

He looked up at his mom with his big brown eyes and his full lips stopped quivering.

“Hey baby there you are” Demi said locking her eyes with his own.

“Oh gosh, I love you so much baby, I love you so much” Demi said, crying more and more.

“Demi, do you want me to call your family in?” Dr. Bailey asked, her hand soothing Demi’s back.

Demi nodded, her eyes never leaving her son.

“Hey baby, is that my grandson?” Dianna asked, walking eagerly to Demi’s side.

“Yes mommy. Everyone meet Oliver, Ollie meet your family” Demi said and showed him a little bit.

“Oh my Demi, he’s just so precious” Dallas said, looking at her nephew.

“Can I hold him?” Maddie asked.

“Uhm maybe later okay Mads?” Demi said, not wanting her son to ever leave her arms “But hey, you want to be his godmother?” Demi asked her younger sister.

“Oh my God, yes!” Maddie said, hugging her sister and stroking little Ollie’s head.

“Demi, he looks just like you” Eddie said

“Yeah he does” Demi said looking at her baby who was trying to find her nipple.

“Looks like someone’s hungry” Dianna laughed, as Ollie found Demi’s nipple and started sucking on it

“Oh wow, this is such a funny feeling” Demi laughed, and caressed her son’s tiny head.

Demi and her family were in such a blissful state that they didn’t even notice the door opening.

“Uh hello” Simon said awkwardly, and Demi’s whole family turned to stare at him.

“Look here Simon if you dare take my godson awa-” Maddie said already walking up to him, ready for war.

“Maddie dear, why don’t we give these two some privacy eh?” Eddie said, escorting her out of the room, Demi’s family following.

Simon chuckled

“Maddie’s the godmother?”

“Yep” Demi replied, still looking at her baby, who was peacefully sucking her breast.

“So, is that him?” Simon said, cautiously walking towards the bed. He didn’t know whether he feared what Dr. Bailey told him or if he feared meeting his child, but either way he felt uncomfortable.

“Uhm, I named him Oliver, Ollie for short” Demi said stroking his head, she was feeling so much love right now that nothing could anger her.

“Ollie, I like that” Simon said, finally by the bed. He looked at Demi and then at their tiny baby, and he too was surrounded by the feeling of love. He felt a tear slip his eye, and let it slide down his cheek.

“Hey buddy” Simon said, reaching out and touching his little hand. Oliver automatically held onto his finger.

“Oh wow” Simon said, as more tears fell.

“Yeah, wow” Demi replied kissing his tiny baby head.

“You did great Demi, thank you” Simon said still looking adoringly at Oliver.

Demi looked at the purple walls that surrounded her. She had moved back into her mother’s house, so that her mom could keep an eye on her and help her during the last month of pregnancy.

“Hey baby, how are you feeling” Her mother walked into the dark room cautiously.

Demi didn’t even reply, she sobbed. That’s all she did for the past week when Simon had won the lawsuit, she sobbed.

“Shh, baby it’s going to be okay. We’ll figure this out” Dianna tried comforting her daughter, but she knew it was no use.

“H-how is it going to be o-o-okay? He to-ok H-Henry from me and n-now he’s t-taking my b-baby” She continued to sob, holding her very big bump.

“Demi, you have to stop crying, this can’t be good for the baby. You want to come downstairs with me and decorate the Christmas tree, uhm? You love that”

Oh yeah, Demi remembered. It’s near Christmas time. Fucking joy. Tomorrow was Henry’s birthday, December 2nd. She wasn’t even going to be able to wish him the happiest 2ndbirthday. Great. Demi didn’t even look her her mother:

“Get out” She simply stated

“Demi, baby”

“I said, leave” Demi sobbed, she had given up on trying to calm down. She was depressed and angry at the same time, she didn’t know anything anymore.

Her mother left, and Demi pulled the covers on top of her body. She caressed her baby, but didn’t talk to him anymore, she had given up hope. She looked down at her body, she had gotten so fat it was driving her insane, her demons were coming back to haunt her. She let out a big sigh and ran her fingers down her wrist, where new cuts had made their home on her skin. She pulled the covers on top of her head and sobbed herself to sleep.

As soon as the clock hit midnight on December 2nd, Demi woke up startled by the insane pain she was feeling on her lower stomach.

“AGH” She yelled and held onto her stomach.

“Fuck fuck fuck” She said as she tried breathing, but the pain just wouldn’t go away. This can’t be happening, she still had 3 weeks left with her baby inside her. She wanted those 3 weeks with her baby before he was taken from her.

“No, no no no” Demi cried as another contraction hit her

“Demi what’s going on” Eddie said bursting into her room after hearing her screams.

“I-I think I’m in labor” Demi cried, breathing hard.

“Don’t worry baby girl, I got you” Eddie said, as he carried her downstairs and got her into his car. He didn’t bother waking the other girls up, he needed to make sure Demi and the baby were okay first.

They soon got to Cedars-Sinai and Demi was admitted to a room.

“Demi, everything’s going to be okay baby. You’ll do great okay” Eddie said, as he held onto her hand

“I can’t do this Eddie, I can’t welcome this baby to a world without a mother” Demi cried as she held onto her belly.

“Hey - hey he’ll have a mother. He has you Demi. You might not be physically with him for a little, but you’ll always have him in your heart and prayers I’m sure. He’ll feel your love Demi, you can count on it” Eddie soothed her.

“I – I can’t” Demi stuttered

“What is this I’m hearing that you can’t uh girl” Dr. Bailey exclaimed as she walked into the room

“Dr. B I can’t” Demi said, looking at her most loyal companion throughout this whirlwind of a pregnancy.

“My child, you not only can but you willyou hear me” Dr. Bailey said, looking Demi sternly in the eye.

“I-I”

“I got you, let’s do this” Dr. Bailey said, as she put on her hospital gloves to start inspecting Demi.

“Okay Demi, you’re about 2cm apart you may have a long night” Dr. Bailey told her

“O-okay” Demi replied as she felt another contraction

“I’m going to call your mom and sisters okay Demi?” Eddie said, leaving the room.

Demi took a deep breath and looked at the clock, 12.30am December 2nd. Happy birthday Henry, she thought. Your baby brother will share your birthday, she thought and let out a small chuckle.

“They’re on their way Demi” Eddie said “But there are some bad news” He said as he turned on the TV.

Demi Lovato rushed to the hospital – is she giving birth?

“Ugh fuck these paparazzi” Demi grunted. Great, now Simon will know I’m in labor.

It was only a matter of twenty minutes and Demi proved her thoughts right as Simon came barging into the room.

“Where is my child” He demanded, his cheeks flushed with a tomato-red color.

“Still in my uterus” Demi replied, not looking at him.

“You weren’t going to tell me you were in labor, were you? You realize I could sue you over this” He replied, angry as hell.

“I don’t care Simon, you took everything away from me already, sue whatever the fuck you want” Demi spat, now looking at him. How dare he have the nerve to do this to her when she was about to give birth.

Simon was about to answer her, when a little golden headed boy ran into the room.

“Bemi!” Henry yelled and attempted to climb her bed

“Henry what did I tell you about staying with the nice nurse?” Simon told him angrily

“Bemi!” Henry ignored his father and continued on his climb towards her.

“Hey baby. Oh my God, hey baby boy.” Demi said, scooping him up to her lap.

I mwissed you” Henry said, laying his head on her breasts.

“I missed you too baby, so much” Demi said, taking in his scent.

“It’s my bwirthday!” Henry said, holding up two fingers in the air

“It is isn’t it baby! Wow, you’re so big! My two year old!” Demi smiled genuinely for the first time in a week.

“Ywes! Baby brother my birthday pwesent?” Henry asked, tilting his head a little.

“Yes, baby, he’s coming” Demi replied and gave his head a kiss.

Simon observed the scene and felt his heart cave in a little. No, Simon, eyes on the prize. You’re finally getting a big family, he thought.

“Alright Henry, wait outside until this is over will you” Simon ordered

“No”

“Henry, do it now” Simon said again.

“No, uncle mean!” Henry said as he dug his head onto Demi’s chest further.

“Just leave him here with me, it’s not like I’m going anywhere” Demi said.

“No, he shouldn’t even be here.” Simon said, and forcefully removed Henry from Demi’s arms. Henry cried and tried to go back to Demi, but Simon carried him out of the room.

“You don’t have to be this cruel Simon, he could’ve stayed here.” Demi told him as he re-entered the room.

“I don’t want him to see you in pain Demetria”

Demi scoffed

“Yeah, like he hasn’t seen me in pain” She said looking at him, she fucking hated him and all the pain he had put her through.

Before Simon could answer her, he saw her eyelids close tightly and her hands fly to her belly, as her mouth yelled in pain. Simon was paralyzed, he didn’t know what to do. He subconsciously stood up and put his hands on her back, and shushed her that it would be over soon.

“It’s alright, you’re doing great, sh sh Demi”

Her contradiction soon soothed, and her breathing slowly came back to normal. Demi took a deep breath and looked at him, she had just seen a glimpse of the old, caring Simon.

Demi wore a tailored suit that was nothing like her, but looked professional enough. She stared down at her ever-growing bump and rested her hands on it, before allowing a sigh to slip her lips. She had dressed Henry in a cute blazer and jeans and made sure his hair was nicely combed. She slipped on some high heels and left her apartment, ready to fight for her children.

Simon was already at court when she got there. Great, now I’m seen as the late one, she thought. She looked at the back of the man who she once loved so much – loves so much – loved so much – and wondered where they had gone wrong. What had happened after their wedding that got them where they were now, a place of no return. Demi might even still feel love for Simon, but she loves her children more. Momma mode was turned on, and there was no way in hell she would let this Simon who was not herSimon, take them from her.

“Court is in order” A male judge initiated the hearing.

Big words were flown around, Simon’s lawyer just wouldn’t shut up, but Demi could only concentrate on her breathing. Exhale, inhale. Exhale, inhale. She could feel little Henry’s hand closed tightly on her own, and even though she was sweating, she wouldn’t release his tiny hand for the world.

“And what do you have to say about this accusation, Ms. Lovato-Cowell?” The judge turned to her

“Excuse me, what?” Demi asked, as she had spaced out during the hearing.

“The allegations Mr. Cowell stated against you just now, are they true?” “Could you please repeat them you honor?” Demi replied. Shit, why wasn’t I paying attention.

“Mr. Cowell stated that the first child in question, Henry, is his biological child, not yours, so you shouldn’t have any rights of custody towards him. And secondly, he states that you have bipolar disorder, have struggled with depression, substance abuse, and self-harm. Is that true?”

“Uh- I mean – yes, but –”Demi stuttered, why does her past always come to haunt her.

“As that is indeed true, Ms. Lovato-Cowell, I can’t possibly grant you custody of either of these children, you clearly are in no condition of raising them” The judge stated.

“No you don’t understand these things are in my past. I love my children, I would never do them any harm” Demi exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes.

“There is no guarantee of that, Ms. Lovato-Cowell. I hereby grant full custody of Henry Cowell and Unborn Baby Cowell to Mr. Simon Cowell” The judge said and slammed the hammer.

“Wait, you can’t do that. The baby needs to be properly breast-fed when he’s born!” Demi said, tears now streaming down her face.

“Ms. Lovato-Cowell, I am not a doctor, I am a judge and my word is final. Once your baby is born, he is automatically your husbands to raise. And Henry Cowell should immediately go to Mr. Cowell’s custody.”

“What, no.” Demi said, holding on to Henry’s hand tightly.

“Ms. Lovato-Cowell, that’s an order” The judge said, and with that policemen came to Demi’s side and took Henry from her.

“Bemi no!” Henry shouted as the policemen touched him.

“Get away from him!” Demi exclaimed and tried pursuing Henry but another policeman held her back.

Demi watched as a yelling, crying Henry was taken to the other side of the room and given to Simon, who didn’t even bother looking at her. Demi drew a deep breath, she didn’t want to stress the baby she could keep for a little longer, and recomposed herself. She told the policeman that she was okay now, and walked over to Simon, who was trying to calm down Henry, but failing miserably.

“Simon, please don’t do this” Demi said, looking him in the eye, but Simon’s gaze would not meet her own.

“You simply gave me no choice Demi, you are unfit to raise my children” He replied.

“That’s bullshit and you know it. You’re a coward Simon, and an extremely selfish person. Don’t you see you’re only causing unnecessary harm” Demi said, pointing to a crying Henry who was wrapped around her leg.

“They’ll thank me for removing them from your custody when they’re older” Simon stated, still not looking at her.

“What happened to you Simon? Did you memorize this script or something? You know that’s not true, I would never harm them” Demi stated, very calmly as she tried to reason with him.

“What is done is done, Demetria, you can’t change it now. Don’t argue or I’ll get a restraining order” Simon said.

Demi felt a tear rush down her cheek but she quickly wiped it away, knowing that Simon’s money could buy anything, or anyone.

“Okay, but can I at least see Henry twice a week?” “No. He’s been granted full custody to me, and therefore you may not see him. And once you have that child, I expect him to be given to me that same day” He put blankly.

“You can’t possibly mean that” Demi said, more tears streaming down her face.

“I do. Now let’s go Henry.” Simon said, and held Henry’s hand.

“NO! BEMI!” Henry yelled, breaking Demi’s heart.

“Be brave okay, buddy. I’ll see you soon” Demi said and gave him a big hug.

Love,