Chapter 39

"Lets try that one again" Jon pronounced before Richie took his jet black Jersey Star Kramer, and sighed. "Cheer up, man, you looks so fucking sad" David told him as he patted Richie on his shoulder, smiling softly before returning to his keyboards. Once ready, Richie blasts out the opening chords to I'll Be There For You; no matter how much the song tore at his open, weeping heart that longed for the gentle touch of Evie, and the little giggle of his young daughter. Richie gently smiled as Jon sang with raw power and emotion, David looked over at him every now and then when they were recording that song; Richie tried to cheer up but he still felt guilty. Eventually, after what felt like hours, they had the final piece, and Richie placed down his black Kramer on the stand and proceeded to walk over to where Jon was.

“Hey man” Jon warmly greeted Richie, smiling as he played the song back, listening carefully to make sure that it was up to his high standards. Richie sat down, hearing the words slice through him like a knife; he knew right then that this song would forever have meaning, and not just to him, but to every fan – it has a different message.  His stomach grumbled loudly. “You guys hungry? Tico’s grabbing pizza!” David told them, walking past the studio door, as Jon replied with a stern yes. The tension in that room was high; Jon was so stressed out that he couldn’t think and Richie was lonely. Soon, lunch had arrived, Richie grabbed a plate, and a bottle of diet coke to wash it down and placed a slice or two of pizza on his plate. He then, after thanking, decided to go into a private back room where he could eat alone and be uninterrupted - left with his swirling thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~

Evie turned on the television and, with her glass of white wine, relaxed on the sofa; Melody was sleeping peacefully upstairs, so she had no worries.  As usual, MTV was on, and Talk Dirty To Me by Poison was on. Glam metal as the normal. With a slight pleasurable pop in her back, Evie lay down on the sofa; the white wine sat on a side table. After an hour or two, of relaxing in her million-dollar mansion that she called home, she switched off the television and took the empty glass to the kitchen. Evie smiled softly, looking out to the luscious dangerous waves that crashed onto the shore.

Going upstairs, and into her beautiful daughter’s bedroom, Evie smiled down at Melody and gently picked her up. She slowly opened her eyes and giggled as Evie took her to have a relaxing bath. After she ran the taps, and tested the temperature to make sure that it was just right, she undressed Melody and gently placed her in. Melody giggled as her mum’s gentle touch as Evie placed some soft shampoo in her hands and gently massaged it into Melody’s soft hair. Evie gently washed off the shampoo and did the same with the conditioner, proceeding with the soap.

Taking her baby out of the bath and wrapping her in a fluffy towel, one thing nagged: will Melody be able to cope without her father? 

Chapter 38

Richie sat down in his plane seat, feeling like he swallowed scalpels and his head was buzzing with incantations. He hated to leave his four month old daughter and wife in California; to leave for Vancouver, British Columbia to head to the studio, for recording of the new album. Little Mountain Sound Studios was the name of the studio where he would, once again, meet Jon and the rest of the band, to go over, demo and possibly record some of the songs that he managed to write. Richie's stomach grumbled. Richie wearily stood up, walked over to the small bar at the front of his luxurious, plush private jet, and grabbed a sandwich to eat, and beer to drink. Sighing, he strolled back to his seat, grim and dazed, he picked up the latest edition of Rolling Stone, and began to read.

Bored, by Nikki Sixx's drug overdose whilst on tour, he looked out of the window, sipping his half-empty can of beer by his left hand. Nothing was more fascinating - yet boring - than watching fluffy, white, particles of water pass you by and look at the ground of Oregon. Richie looked at his watch 11:34am. Normally, he'd be waking up at this time, but today, he had to wake up early enough to drive to the airport and catch his plane.

~~~~~~~~~

Evie gently kissed Melody on the forehead, and saw her small face light up again with happiness. Evie smiled softly, gently placing her young daughter back in her cot, to allow her to rest after her crying fit earlier. That was heart-wrenching to hear, the loss was too much to bear for a small child, especially when it's their favourite parent. It's a hard life to live without a parent when you need them most. Melody's piercing blue, icy eyes stared right into Evie's as she gently placed on her Winnie The Pooh blanket. Evie gave her a final kiss on the forehead before the shattered baby, fell into a deep, heavenly, sleep - like angels sleeping on their heavenly clouds. Exhausted, yet happy that Melody had finally  fallen asleep, Evie strolled out of the room, with a quick look over her shoulder.


After walking down the long, hallway, covered in photos of Richie's personal life, from their wedding photos to one of Richie holding Melody. Evie smiled gently, strolling into the kitchen and grabbed some orange juice out of the fridge. Evie poured some into a glass, and sighed. Melody missed her father, but he'd be back in a few weeks, Evie would just have to grin and bear it. She drank her drink, placed it down, and ran her hand through her wavy, brown hair.

Note

Note

I'm going to Florida for two weeks and I most likely, won't have access to my account or internet. Therefore, I won't have time to update for a while, and that goes for the weeks after I come back because I'm going to Senior Camp on the horses for 5 days.

Love,

Chrissie.

Chapter 37

*A few months after the birth*


                                                    *Melody POV*


Daddy snored. I felt my eyes burning as I started to cry, it stung badly. I couldn't sleep either, I kept on tossing and turning. I can remember seeing dad's face, it looked worried as he shouted for mummy, he walked over to me , he was very tall, but he spoke in a gentle tone - he meant no harm. Then, he picked me up, one hand cradling my head, and the other, on my back. I stopped crying at this point. Dad smiled. He held me close to his chest, and sang a sweet song, his strong arms making me feel safe as he continued to sing. Mummy came over to daddy and kissed him, I could see the affection in her eyes. I tried to kick mum away from daddy, but my little legs wouldn't reach. Daddy chuckled and looked down at me. "Daddy's girl" he whispered, smiling. Truth be told, dad was my favourite parent and mummy knew that. Dad's chest was warm and soft, I buried my head into his chest and I could feel, and hear, his soothing heartbeat, so much so, that it finally sent me drifting.


~~~~~~~~~~


I can remember opening my eyes, daddy was staring at me again, and placed down in my playpen, and started to build a house from some bricks. He wasn't tired and I knew that, he then started to sing and it relaxed me, as he wandered over to the kitchen. I could see him getting a drink out of the fridge, it wasn't a normal drink. Daddy poured a little into a small glass. He took that glass in his hand, walked over to the sofa, and placed it down on a side table. Daddy came over to me and picked me up, he held me close to him again. I liked that. Daddy sat down, I buried my head in his chest, and, he sang the same sweet song to make me fall asleep, but, I wasn't tired - I wanted this moment to last forever. Daddy saw in my eye that I didn't want to sleep, so, he stopped singing and placed on the lamp. A dim light came on. "You don't wanna sleep?" he asked me, in response, I buried my head in his chest once again and looked at him. He nodded. He took a sip of his drink, which was a gold colour, my icy-blue eyes string up at him. He turned on this box that plays cartoons. I like them.




Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck came on. Daddy's soft thumb caressed my creamy and fine jawline as he sat me upon his lap my body leaned against his hard and warm body, his strong arm across my stomach. We stayed like that for a few hours - I never felt tired because I'd slept for most of the afternoon and some of the night. Dad finished his drink and switched off Road Runner. "I'm gonna sleep down here tonight, sweetie" he told me, before he laid down and pulled me onto his chest. His steady heartbeat soothing me to sleep and we both drifted off.


*Third person POV*


Evie smiled. Richie and Melody were still asleep, and she opened the curtains, which made Richie hiss at the sunlight that poured, and flooded the room. She frowned. There was a empty whisky glass on the table, and she immediately knew that Richie had whisky. Richie opened his eyes and sighed as Evie met his eyes, she took Melody off his chest as he sat up; his head thumping and throbbing against his skull. Evie took Melody upstairs, and laid her down in her cot, then strolled back downstairs.


*Melody POV* 


I didn't want to fall asleep, and, I was taken away from daddy - which I didn't like one bit. I started to have a nightmare, mummy went downstairs and I started to cry because no one was there to protect me. I hated being alone. My eyes stung, and were all red and swollen, as the tears streamed along my small face. I heard footsteps  coming along the hall. It was daddy.  Daddy came over to me again, a worried expression on his face. His large hand patted me on the back as I coughed, my lungs felt heavy and horrible. Mum was by my cot, they both looked at each other. "A nightmare" mum told dad, he nodded. A 'nightmare' was scary and it frightened me half to death. Daddy then replied to mum, saying that he had to meet Jon at the 'studio'. I have no clue what that means, but if daddy leaves me, then I'm not going to be a happy bunny.

Dad picked me up again, and held me tight and close to him, and gently kissed my forehead and patted my back. Mum smiled softly, and gave dad his boots and jacket. Oh no, daddy's gonna leave. I can't let him do that. He kissed the top of my head once again, and smiled softly at me as he placed on his Stenson and his boots. Mum took me from daddy's arms and he kissed her passionately on the lips. I hated to see him leave, I buried my head in mum's chest.


I could hear daddy leave. 


Mum took me downstairs, I was hungry. Mum and I got onto the sofa as mum let me drink; dinner was nice and tasty. After lunch, I became sleepy and mum took me upstairs and placed me back in my cot. I couldn't get to sleep. Dad wasn't here and I hated it, though, as the hours passed, I was bored and slowly became even more exhausted. I couldn't dream of knights in shining armour saving damsels in distress; daddy was my knight. Finally, a short while later, as it was getting dark, I heard the rumble of a car engine coming from outside. I didn't like the rumble, so I started to cry and laid my body down on the bed, tears of sadness falling down my cheeks; silently. The door closed downstairs. Nevermind, I carried on crying. I shut my eyes, the same nightmare wrapped me tightly in it's cloak of darkness and despair. I started to sweat as I cried louder than I had anytime prior. I need daddy I thought to myself. He'll come. Then, a loud thunder of footsteps rush down the hall as I twist and turn.




My head starts to hurt. It throbs, I feel a pair of warm and strong hands picking me up - it's dad. I can see him, but he's all blurry, my whole body is soaked in sweat and it feels real wet. My body's exhausted, dad rushes downstairs with me in his arms. "Another nightmare, and a cold sweat" daddy told mummy, who was at a loss for words. "Give her a bath, now" mum told dad, daddy nodded and took me upstairs, into the bathroom. Dad ran the taps, and then undressed me. Daddy sighed, I could tell that he was worried and so could mummy, who was also worried. I was placed into the warm bath, dad covered my body in water, I liked dad giving me warm baths; his gentle hands washed my hair with shampoo and gently massaged and rubbed it in. It was very relaxing, I relaxed and so did daddy as he smiled at me. He washed out the shampoo. Then repeated it with the conditioner. I almost fell asleep, I was really warm and relaxed, but, exhausted.


Dad knew that I was as he rubbed in the soap on my body. He washed it off and grabbed a towel from the rail. Dad grabbed the towel and wrapped me in the fluffy towel. I giggled as the soft towel tickled my soft skin, dad laughed and held me close, he strolled over to the door and we headed down the hall, to my bedroom. Dad laid me down on the changing table and I squirmed and squiggled. Daddy managed to put me in a new nappy, then put me in a light pink babygrow with Winnie The Pooh on the front. I was happy. Daddy then picked me up and gave me a kiss on the cheek, his mouth was warm and wet. He smiled. I giggled and smirked. Dad picked me up once again and carried me downstairs, his strong, tanned arms wrapped around me.




Mum was busy making dinner for her and dad, that reminds me; that bath made me hungry. "Dinner's ready Richie" mum tells dad. Daddy puts me down on his lap when he sits down and I lean my head on his warm body, mum gave him his dinner. I started to feel woozy. I leant against daddy more, he stopped eating and placed his dinner on the table. The room started to swim in and out of focus, and my head started to thump against my skull. Dad looked at me; he placed his large hand on my forehead and shook his head. "Evie, Melody has a temperature" he told mum, sighing. Mum got some liquid stuff, it over to daddy. Dad gave it to me on a spoon, it was really yucky. I cringed and daddy handed back the liquid stuff (medicine), and I laid my head against his warm, strong chest, and I could feel and hear his soothing heartbeat in my ear, I finally felt relaxed as the liquid, whatever it was, was having an effect on me and the thumping started to slow down and stop. Daddy carried on eating, checking on me all the while.



I started to drift, until I start to cough as my lungs felt heavy, dad had finished dinner by now, and he gently patted my back, which helped. Though, my small body needed sleep and I wasn't going to let exhaustion set in. After I gave my parents a heart attack with my horrendous coughing fit, daddy sang me the sweet song that sent me to sleep, with a soft hand wrapped around me, I felt warm and protected; I finally had some sleep in what seemed to be a very long day.
I can remember being carried up to my room, not long after I had fallen asleep. Daddy was tired too. A pair of strong hands placed me down and then I felt my blanket over the top of me. I opened an eye, daddy sang a lucious, sweet symphony to me, quiet enough so that only I could hear. I closed my eyes and wished the world goodnight as I finally dreamt of knights in shining armour saving the day.



~~~~~~~~~~~~


When I awoke, dad was there, and he had another man with him, one with crystal blue eyes that pierced and light brown hair. I didn't know him, but daddy did. The stranger smiled and I felt uncomfortable, being stared at like a piece of art. "Jon, meet Melody Abigail Sambora" daddy told the man, dad picked me up, I felt at ease with dad normally, but because of this man's staring, I felt uncomfortable and I hated it. I tried my hardest to not look how I felt; daddy frowned. The man, or 'Jon', tried to take me from daddy and dad let him, as much as I tried with all of my might, it was no use. Jon smiled. I started to cry - daddy was there, and he rescued me from the terror of Jon. He quietly patted my back and let me bury my face in his chest. Away from Jon. Away from the world. Daddy soothed me and handed me back to Jon, who I was beginning to trust; I need to learn to trust.
Jon held me in his arms, in fact, I almost fell asleep. Only, I didn't, bit I tried to fight fatigue. Daddy's friends arms were too comforting, and the  whole world closed in.




When I did wake up, daddy was looking at me, and softly smiled. I didn't know where I was. Daddy, Jon, and some more of dad's 'friends' were there as well. "I can't believe that you passed out on us, you were out for some time" dad told me, I was dazed and confused, and we were outside? Mummy was there too, I could see the house behind us, and dad smiled. Dad was always there. He stood up, smiling, and handed me to another of his friends, this one had curly hair and a tattoo on his chest, daddy had tattoos. This man was gentle, his right hand cradling my head and the other, on my back. I was safe. His arms were protective, and far too warm and comforting, until sleep overcame me in it's cloak.
~~~~~~~~


I opened my eyes and I was alone. Where's dad? I can't see him, I start to panic and cry. Loudly. I don't think that they can hear me from out there. Daddy's not here to hold me, to comfort me, and to protect me. I could feel that my small cheeks were wet, my eyes burning and swollen. Exhaustion comes over me again as the world gets darker.


I must have cried myself to sleep, because when I woke up, my voice was hoarse from screaming and I could feel a warm hand across my cheek. It was Jon, I was dissapointed at that. Then again, I hope that he takes me to daddy. I lean my head against his shoulder, and look at where he's taking me, I'm not sure where. At the end of the hall, dad's stood there and my face lights up with joy as daddy takes me from Jon's grasp. "You really don't like being away from me, do you?" dad asked, he stared at my face and shook his head and then smiled. He held me tight; close to his warm chest, I buried my head, but, for it's this moment that I'll cherish forever.


(The sweet song)
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home
A band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

If you get there before I do
Coming for to carry me home
Tell all my friends I'm coming, too
Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

I'm sometimes up and sometimes down
Coming for to carry me home
But still my soul feels heavenly bound
Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
The brightest day that I can say
Coming for to carry me home
When Jesus washed my sins away
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

If I get there before you do
Coming for to carry me home
I'll cut a hole and pull you through
Coming for to carry me home

Chapter 36

*a few months later*
Richie wrapped his arms around Evie, she smiled and felt his soft, muscular  and warm body beside hers. It made her feel safe and comforted, just being in the arms of her husband. "Richie?" she asked, opening her crystal-blue eyes, and turned over to meet deep, chocolate ones staring back at her. "Yes Evie?" he replied, his soft, calloused thumb stroking her forehead gently. "What are we going to name her?" Evie retorted, biting her lip. "Melody. That's a good name" Richie replied, gently peeling back the covers, and swung his legs over the side of the bed.
Evie nodded and softly smiled to herself. She sat up, her head thumping and buzzing with thoughts, she did like the name Melody, Melody Sambora. Evie stood up, and wandered to the window, her gaze fixed on the sea of translucent blues and greens, the beach's soft sand and the hazy, scarlet sun, that was flooding the sky with morning light; she softly smiled as she felt the soft, warm and comforting arms around her waist.

Richie placed his hand on the baby and felt it softly kick against him; she was strong - like her father. Rich kissed Evie's forehead and smiled softly down at her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Evie could smell the delicious smells of breakfast and it made her hungry even more, so was Richie, who was busy preparing breakfast - eggs, bacon and sausages, and this would fill the gap in his stomach after the night before. He stacked his plate high, smiling gently as he prepared Evie's and the delicious smell made his stomach rumble that much more. He poured orange juice, to quench his ever-growing thirst and placed the plates and glasses on the table. Evie licked her lips. "Breakfast is served" Richie told his wife as Evie took a bite, and, out of that one bite, took pleasure.

After they finished, and Evie's and Richie's hunger was satisfied, Richie placed the dishes in the sink. "We'll get dressed and then we can go baby shopping!" he told her with brute enthusiasm in his tone, Richie may not have had the son that he originally wanted, but a daughter would suit him just fine, and would teach him how to dress 'properly', considering that he's colour blind, and that would suit him just fine. Richie was too distracted to realise the by now, Evie was halfway up the stairs and cleared her throat. "Come on Rich, my dear" Evie stammered, Richie rushing upstairs, only to take Evie by the waist and have her in his embrace; and carried her off to their bedroom, her head buried in his soft, inviting and warm chest. She was too safe to care.

He gently placed his wife down, and smiled, stretching and perhaps the odd groan escaping as Evie chucked his clothes at him. He opened his eyes and looked at her, a solid smirk on his face.
He grabbed some clean pants from his Chester drawers that were hidden in the corner of the room and proceeded to get dressed - it was at this point, that Evie checked him out and felt the overwhelming desire to need, and want him - only, that could happen once the baby's been born and even then, it would be difficult to have alone time together; as man and wife. Evie's head was full of powerful incarnations about the baby, she was only alerted back to reality by Richie's tender touch, and soothing voice in her ear. "You alright Evie?" he asked, his chocolate pools of desire lighting up with concern.  "Yeah, I was just thinking that's all" she replied, placing on a t-shirt. Richie nodded and sat down on the bed, placing on his boots as Evie was placing on hers, he stood up and grabbed his Signature Stenson and plopped it on his head. He held the door open for Evie, she strolled through and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as a loving gesture.


He smiled, his cheeks going as rosy-red as the sun at dusk and, Evie couldn't help but giggle  as he blushed. Richie smiled once again, and closed the door behind him, and eventually made his way out to the car. He grabbed Evie's hand and started the engine, it sprung into life, roaring.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richie took Evie's hand in his and strolled through the mall, he finally found the baby shop and fumbled in, Evie had a soft smile on her face. None of the staff really took any notice of the multi-million dollar rockstar; they were just customers and Richie wanted it that way. Evie oohed and ahhed over the cribs, and Richie pondered what his little girl would look like, have brown eyes like him or a crystal, icy blue like her mothers? With only a few weeks to go, Richie was excited for his first child, but he'd want Melody to have siblings and wanted a second child. A son. After a while, him and his wife had chosen a light pink crib - today was going to be very long and expensive, but, he'd do anything for his wife and new child.

Chapter 35

Evie's stomach was full of butterflies and Richie's was making little flips inside of him, a feeling of passion and warmth in his veins. Richie softly smiled. Evie smiled gently, walking up the aisle as the music began to play, only, she never thought that this day would happen, only it was and she felt more beautiful than she had ever felt before. Finally, she made it to the altar, Richie was to the right, and the bridesmaids were to her left. "We are gathered here for the the marriage of Evie and Richard Sambora" the vicar spoke, smiling gently at them as Richie's grip on her hand increased, his thumb gently rubbing on her hand as Richie announced his vows, repeating them after the vicar.

"I, Richard, 

Take you, Evie, 

To be my wedded wife, 

To have and to hold, 

From this day forward, 

for better, for worse, 

for richer, for poorer, 

in sickness and in health, 

to love and to cherish, 

till death do us part,

and hereto I pledge my faithfulness"

Richie told Evie, placing the ring on her wedding finger, gently smiling, and a look of honesty in his eyes. Evie then repeated the vows to Richie, slipping the ring onto his finger. "I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride" the vicar announced as Richie took Evie close to him and kissed her passionately on the lips, Evie melting into the kiss. Short but sweet. They let go of the kiss, Evie looked up into Richies' honest, chocolate brown eyes and held his hand, increasing her grip; to never let go again. The guest cheered and clapped, Jon following behind the husband and wife as they left the church, to head off to the reception for dinner and an evenings' worth of partying and dancing. The sun shone down that day, it's rays seeming to reflect the happiness and joy of the occasion. This really was Evies' best day of her life. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Later that day, once the dance was done, the reception and speeches were over. Richie burst through the door, carrying his wife in his arms, her head buried in his chest as he smiled down at her. "Richie?" she asked, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Yes darlin'?" he replied, laying her down on the sofa, collapsing onto it himself. "Could we just cuddle tonight? It's been a brilliant day but I'm shattered" she retorted, stretching her tired muscles. Richie nodded, lifting his arm up and held her close to him, protecting and loving his wife was all that really mattered. 

I'm sorry....

I'm sorry that I haven't updated in two weeks, I simply haven't had time, nor the right mindset- to write, or read for that matter. I've been stressing so much that I've had my first, awful cold sweat in a fortnight, since......dad's birthday. I almost broke my foot (caused by my 350kg horse) and, I'm just so down at the minute.

Let the stress be over.....

(Hooray for Florida in July!)

Chapter 34

 Richie was a molten mess of a man, closing his eyes as the ambulance raced along the road, its' sirens blaring. The paramedics were constantly checking his statistics: blood pressure, oxygen levels and heartbeat. He felt like a shell of a man, dead inside, even Jon had to be scrambled from his home in New Jersey to help out Evie. His eyes closed once again, his ears filled with the bleeping noise and rattle of the heart monitor and the thumping, throbbing pain in his head, like he was going to be sick. His arms and body limp as his head went into a deep state of thought.

~~~~~~~~

Evie stressed and sighed; Jon was impatient now, and raced through the busy road, jam-packed with lovesick holiday makers, trying to get to their hotels and various other locations. Evie had a thousand incarnations as she pondered twizzling the engagement ring on her finger. Jon looked at her, sweat evident on his brow. Finally, Jon reached the hospital; he slammed the door shut and dragged Evie behind him, he was worried about his best friend.

Richie breathed slowly and deeply as the dirty-blonde haired, Spanish consultant took yet another sample of blood. As if he was in a parallel universe, the world seemed slow and surreal somehow. Perhaps it was the pain relief drugs? If anything would keep him here, it would be Evie. He heard running, and laboured breathing, coming from down the hall, and it was getting closer.

Jon breathed heavily, and opened the door, exhausted after climbing way-too-many stairs; he looked directly at Richie, who, unknown to him, had his fiancé coming in to see him. "Richie? Is that you?" Evie asked, looking at the IV in his arm, and various other tubes, wires and cables in him. Evie wanted to cry. To weep and bury her head in Richie's chest, only he was the cause of sadness. Remarkably, Richie looked somewhat better than

what he did the previous day. His face was a little less pale, but, he was still very sick. Evie stepped forward, Richie smiled weakly her gaze was sometimes on his face, the other, on him.  Jon pulled up a chair next to the bed, patting on it to indicate that he wanted Evie to sit down. Nervously, she sat down hastily, taking Richie’s hand and stroking it gently.  His heartbeat sped up, to a normal rhythm and pulse, she smiled then. Though, a collection of doctors, a nurse and other various medical staff, stood at the foot of the bed, the lead doctor with a clipboard and a look of dismay on his face.

He shook his head and handed the clipboard to Richie. Diaphoresis. Richie looked shocked, the doctor started to speak: “It’s excessive sweating with a large decrease in weight”. Evie nodded. The pieces of the puzzle fitted together now, Richie’s loss in weight after the tour, his constant night sweats.  Jon pulled up a chair and sat by Evie as the medical crowd dispersed to take care of their various patients.  The dirty-blonde consultant still stood there.

“There are treatments” he replied, turning over a page and looking up. “Drugs, surgery or electrical impulses through the skin? Your choice, Richard”. Richie whimpered at the term ‘electrical impulses’. “Drugs” Richie replied hastily, his voice quiet and shrill, full of worry and fear. Evie held his hand tightly; Jon’s piercing blue eyes looked at Evie’s. Of course, since the drugs were prescription, the doctor with a Spanish accent, signed the paperwork to allow Richie the drugs.

When, he did come back, Jon and Evie were stood up, Jon’s hands stuffed in his pockets and he gave Evei the papers, and told her to pick them up from the pharmacy downstairs.

Evie nudged Richie; he sat up and rubbed his eyes. He put on his normal clothes, and they all shuffled down the stairs, Jon lead, then Richie and Evie last. Once they reached the pharmacy, Jon handed in Rich’s prescription, the chemist told them to have it: after every meal, one tablet three times a day and seven days a week.

~~~~~~~~~~

Richie looked at the pill, it was strange, he twizzled it around on his calloused fingers. “Go on, have it, if you want your health to improve” Evie told him, filling up his glass with water. Richie sighed and placed the pill at the back of his mouth, taking a massive gulp of water and washed it down. He licked his lips. 

Chapter 33

Richie had become like a sick dog, helpless and needed medical attention.
Evie sighed and picked up the phone, she dialed the hospital. "His name is Richard Stephen Sambora, his age is twenty eight" she told them, her fingers tapping as Richie lay still under the covers, other than the occasional grumble. To go on with the treatment and have to go to America, or stay here and have the wedding with Richie as sick as a dog. A tough decision. She then decided to call Jon. "Hello" said a deep, shrill voice. "Sorry to wake you up so early but it's Richie". "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice raw and full of worry. "I'll come right now, you obviously need my help". She put down the phone and paced the room. Richie started to stir and grumble; she sat by him on a chair, holding his hands.

"Evie" he managed to whisper to her. "Richie, go to sleep, Jon's coming right now in the plane. Don't worry, I've already phoned the hospital" she replied, giving him a sip of water to satisfy his thirst. He lay back down, his skin was wet and clammy and he had a temperature. Evie stood up and pushed some of his hair out of his face. "Sleep tight my King, Jon will be there when you wake up, we'll decide what to do with you then" she told him, opening the door and switched off the light. Richie groaned, rolled over and slept, he slept for all he was worth.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jon sat on his private plane, reading Rolling Stone magazine. He looked at his watch; his plane was landing in five minutes. Gran Canaria was beautiful, though he was only going to help his brother from another mother out. The plane landed with a thud, it taxied to the terminal, Jon rushed down the steps and rushed through security, passport control and baggage claim to his truck and sped off towards Richies' villa. Jon jumped out of his truck, and ran towards the front door, knocking frantically on the heavy, dark oak door. Evie opened the door. "He's upstairs, door on the right, come in" Evie told him as he strolled in, running upstairs with Evie behind him. Jon opened the door gently, his face drained, Richie looked like death itself.  Evie came up behind him.  "He was like this last night, I phoned up the local ER, I don't know whether to send him to the hospital in America or here" Jon turned around and looked at Rich. "Here" he replied, sighing. "I think we should call an ambulance, don't you think?"

"Yes, we shall, you keep him company and gather up his things and I'll dial the ambulance". Evie went over to his wardrobe and bundled some clothes together in a small sports bag. Jon told the Spanish-speaking operator Richies' name, age, height, nationality, weight, parents and other necessary details including his symptoms. Now it was evident they were sending paramedics. It was time for Richie to re-gain consciousness, Evie sat by him. She heard sirens outside, they blared, waking him up.  Richie groaned and grumbled as the paramedics banged on the door, Evie let them through. Jon managed to pick up Richie and carried him down to the living room. Richie lay limp in Jon's arms, his arms were limp and his eyes rolled back, his skin was no longer tanned, it was white, pasty and pale, his eyes rolled back.

Jon held Richie close to his chest and laid him down on the paramedics stretcher, Evie ran next to him, crying. They put an oxygen mask onto his face and put a heart monitor onto his index finger, his right index finger. Evie ran to go to Richie, who was now being rushed into the ambulance. She felt arms grab her, and pull her back. It was Jon. "No! I have to go with him" she yelled, trying to fight against him, kicking and screaming. "Shhh, it's alright. Richie's in the best possible hands, we can go to the hospital in the car" Jon replied, Evies' face was clammy and bright red, tired, she leant against him for support. He groaned and grumbled. Her legs felt weak, he head pounding as the only thing that was stopping her from falling, was the man by her side. He made his way to the car and helped her get in, made his way to the drivers side, clambered in and sped to the hospital for Rich.

Chapter 32

*A couple of days later*

"Richie, why are we at the airport?" Evie asked, as Richie pulled into the terminal. "We are going on holiday, a very special holiday" Richie replied, smiling and turned off the engine. He opened the door and clambered out, grabbing his suitcases out of the back of the car, Evie got out as well and shaded her eyes from the sun. "Where exactly?" she asked, taking her suitcase into the airport, quickly followed by her soon-to-be husband. "It's a surprise" he replied, strolling up to the check-in desk and the lady scanned the bags. Added a tag and put them on the carrier. Richie smiled as they travelled towards security, past a bunch of bustling tourists and some children.  Richie kissed Evie on the lips as they passed through security- Richie was overjoyed. “Ready to go?” he asked as they went up the steps towards Richies’ private plane, Evie smiled and sat down in a comfortable seat, with a cocktail in her hand, Richie followed and sat down opposite her.

Evie nodded. The engines rumbled, the planed rolled forward and began to taxi to the runway. Evie fastened her seat belt, the plane stopped. The engines roared as she blew out a deep breath, Richie held her hand tightly as a sign of comfort and she began to relax. The speed grew faster and faster, the plane then soared into the sky, Richie took off his seat belt and took a white wine from the bar. Richie sipped slowly; Evie was captivated in an action novel, her eyes scanned the page eagerly. Richie sighed; he grabbed his notebook, and decided to write down some lyrics after his newly-found inspiration. As time wore on, hour by hour, Richie grew more and more tired. Finally, he lugged himself to a bed at the back of the plane, he snuggled himself under the covers, Evie was wide awake and was enjoying having some coffee, cake and a book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By early morning, after ten or so hours on the plane, the plane was coming in for landing. Richie was awake and fastened in, Evie was asleep.  He nudged her slightly; enough to stifle her senses and make her open her eyes.

“Morning beautiful” Richie told her, she groaned and stretched, popping her back. Richie winced at the sound. “Top of the morning to ya” she told him, letting go a bit of her British ancestry, he nodded and smiled gently. He told her that they were landing in a few minutes, she done up her belt and looked out of the window. “Welcome to Gran Canaria, my darlin’” he replied, suddenly, he felt the back wheels touch the ground with a thud, then, the front. The plane slowly rolled around the bottom corner and taxied to the private gate, it stopped.

Richie grabbed his belongings from the overhead cabinet, Evie did also, he took her hand and they both walked down the steps to the airport. Once they were inside the airport, Richie wrapped Evie in a tight hug, and quickly gave her a passionate kiss. She chuckled, strolling down towards passport control, Richie by her side. Finally, after avoiding paparazzi, probably because they hadn't told anyone, the airport was quiet. Richie liked it better that way, less autographs to sign and much less hassle. Richie gave in his passport, the worker checked; peering to make sure that is was a genuine document. He nodded and gave it back, Evie gave hers in, and once again, he peered at everything.

With the passports done, they moved to get the luggage, because Richie had a private plane, his luggage was waiting for him at the departure part of the airport.

Richie chucked his, and Evies' suitcases into the boot of his car. Once done, he sat next to Evie in the back seat. The chauffeur started to drive to the hotel; Evie gazed out of the window, all of the sights and smells. Richie smiled. The drive to the villa was short and sweet. When, the car reached the villa, Richie plopped on his baseball cap and gave the chauffeur a sincere thank you. They were given their suitcases, guitars and assortment of hats and strolled to the front door; it was painted a dark oak with a glossed finish. Richie opened the front door, Evie gazed at the amount that was in here: a kitchen with cutlery, cupboards, a marble worktop, a lounge with sofas, a state of the art television, (colour nevertheless) and a range of guitars were in the corner, from Kramers to Ovations. Richie carried the bags up to the bedroom, it was a creamy white with a King sized bed tucked neatly in the middle; a bay window sat looking the ocean and beach, and a wardrobe. Richie chucked them down on the floor and crashed on the bed, and most probably, passed out.

Evie, too busy looking at the grounds, kitchen and music room, never noticed Richie going to bed. She ran upstairs, and opened the bedroom door, revealing a unconscious Richie with all of his clothes on. Evie sighed; she took off Richie's hat and shoes, putting his baseball cap on the side table. "Sweet dreams Richie" she told him before kissing him on the forehead, and strolling to the door; she quietly shut it, careful not to awaken him, and made her way downstairs.

The room was a deadly silence, she gazed at the guitars, one was a cherry red Kramer, and another was a deep shade of blue, not navy. She noticed a piano in the corner; she stepped over there and sat down. She started to play She Is Always a Woman to Me by Billy Joel. She sung with grace and such emotion:

She can kill with a smile; she can wound with her eyes

She can ruin your faith with her casual lies

And she only reveals what she wants you to see

She hides like a child, but she's always a woman to me

Richie heard sweet piano music coming from downstairs, Billy Joel, if he was correct. He stood up, waited to get his balance and rushed downstairs. Evie was singing sweetly, with pure grace and emotion in her voice, she didn't notice Richie; he sat down and watched her play. She finished, Richie sat in awe of her. "Can I join?" Richie asked, grabbing an old Ovation off the wall. "Richie? I thought you were sleeping". "I was, until I heard this and had to join in". Evie nodded as Richie pulled up a chair alongside the piano, Richie started to tune his guitar, when done, and he started to sing the lyrics as Evie played the piano. Richie joined in with the guitar and it was a luscious duet between the two instruments.

Soon enough, the time flew by and the sunset was appearing on the private beach behind the house.

Richie put his guitar back on the wall and Evie stood up, tucked her chair in and grabbed Richies' hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I love the sunset" Evie told Richie before she yawned. Richie smiled. "You seem tired, let's go bed. Shall we?" Richie replied, drinking his pint of beer, Evie nodded, he finished his beer. He picked her up, and carried her to the bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. She nuzzled under the covers and drifted into a sound sleep. Richie took of his clothes and hopped in as well, said goodnight and passed out.

1:26 AM.

Richie tossed and turned, groaned and grumbled as the sweat once again washed over him. Another cold sweat. The bed was soaking, Evie woke up, and she mumbled something and looked at Richie, shocked. "You're having cold sweats? Richie, this isn't good" she told him as Evie stood up and dragged him to the shower. Evie switched on the shower, with boiling hot water coming out. Richie stripped down, in front of his fiancé. “Get in” she told him, her voice was soft yet firm, it was clear she was worried about Richie. He stepped in, so did Evie, as she had already stripped down. She washed Richie’s hair for him; he had a ghostly pale face and looked stressed.

 Evie sighed and washed him, her fingertips were soft and relaxing, once done, she done herself.

Evie turned off the shower; they both stepped out and wrapped in fluffy towels, Richie looked extremely sick now, and looked like he was going to throw up. Evie would have to wash the sheets in the morning; Richie was currently her main priority. Evie dried his hair, helped him get into the spare room and laid him down. Evie wrapped him in a couple of blankets, and gave him a couple of sleeping pills to knock him out; he needed a good night’s sleep.

Chapter 31

"Richie, you look exhausted, you need to sleep" Evie told him as she placed her hand on his leg as he pulled into the long, cobblestone drive. Richie sighed and turned off the engine, he stepped out, swiftly followed by Evie and he placed the key, once again, into the lock to open it. He dragged himself into the grand house, Evie huffed and dragged him up the stairs, whether he liked it or not, he had to sleep. Richie looked like he had lost a lot of weight since the start of the tour, and, recently it had become worse. Once inside the master bedroom, he lifted his huge frame onto the bed, slipping off his boots and chucking them to the side of the room, next to his walk-in wardrobe. He flopped onto the bed, ran his fingers through his hair and groaned.

“Evie” he murmured as she turned around and craned her head to look at him.

“Do I get a welcome home present?” he asked. She smiled. “Tomorrow Rich, you need to sleep now.”

“But, I want to embrace you within my strong, comforting arms and protect you” Richie replied. Evie rolled her eyes and sighed, heavily.

“Fine. As long as we get desert tomorrow, besides I need to sleep with my rock star”

Richie laughed and pulled up the covers, Evie beside him. He closed his eyes and drifted off into a rather peaceful and exhausted sleep, with Evie by his side.

A few hours later the alarm clock bleeped out its' annoying racket as the sunlight peered and seeped through the curtains, flooding the room with light. Richie hissed and swore under his breath, he stared at the time and grumbled. It was way too early to be thinking about getting up, let along getting up. He rolled over, his hard body finding that the covers were all rucked up, he could hear the sweet humming of a feminine voice from downstairs. His senses kicked into gear as the delicious smell of a cooking breakfast wafted through the bedroom, he stood up and chucked on a long, flowing shirt  with a pair of old jeans. That should supress her. He rushed downstairs.

"What's cooking Evie?" he asked as she gasped, Richies' arms grab her by the waist, she spins around and looks him right in the deep chocolate pools.
"Umm, bacon, sausage and egg. Why?" she replied, once the initial shock had worn off. Richie smiled and pulled out a  chair, he moved over towards her and urges her towards the table, he poured a fresh batch of coffee, that reinvigorated her senses and took over the cooking. A few minutes later, Richie piled a plate and gave it to her. Evie smiled and happily started to eat, next, Richie piled his stack high, he could eat when it was early.


"You look a lot better than what you did" Evie told Richie as she ate a piece of bacon, Richie smiled and stretched. "Yeah darlin, I feel really refreshed" Richie replied.
The bags under his eyes had faded, though he still had some catching up to do. Evie was wearing a purple hoodie, it had the words  More Guitarist Please. It was a maternity size and it was comfortable, and warm. They were planning on going to the cinema today, it was a fun day out for them both, and it gave Richie the break he needed.


Once breakfast was eaten, clothed and teeth brushed, the couple went out to Richies' car. Evie got into the drivers side this time, Richie was in the other side. The drive to the pictures didn't take long, perhaps ten minutes. Richie stepped out, Evie shut the door and walked to him, her hand holding his as they walked towards the enormous building. Today was unusually quiet, the perfect day. Evie and Richie bought their tickets, and walked to the corresponding screen. Once inside and seats found, they sat down. Richie kissed Evie's forehead and rubbed her arm with his hand.

-———
"That was an awesome film, thanks Evie" Richie told her as they exited the screen, walking along the hallway.
Richie smiled and strode forward, Evie walking next to him, his arm over his shoulders. Her eyes darted to the door. Jon came in. "Shit" she muttered under her breath, Richie noticed him as well, Jon looked even crappie than Richie and apparently, had been having steroid injections to preserve his voice. Poor Jon, though today he was wearing dark sunglasses (probably to hide the bags) and a old Aerosmith t-shirt. What was he doing here?

Jon had become very thin lipped recently about the pregnancy and wasn't very happy to Evie, fuck him. Dorothea was with him as well, she was very protective of him, much more than she was with Richie and preferred to have a tight leash on Jon while he was within her deadly gaze. Dorothea looked down on Evie and if looks could kill, Evie could feel the tension mounting in Richie and decided to hi-tail it outta there. Once outside, with some fresh air in her system, Evie could think straight. "Let's go home. I think we've had enough chaos for one day."
"Yeah darling"
Evie grabbed Richie's hand and dragged him to the car, once bundled in, Evie sighed and turned the key. To home they went.

Chapter 30

Evie turned off the stove, sat down at the now-empty table and started to eat her dinner; life was once again lonely and distant. What it used to be, and she didn't want that again. Evie sighed and looked at the clock; Richie was currently on a plane flying to Perth about now, the last show of the tour. Thank goodness for that. Slippery was a long tour and she couldn't wait to spend quality time with Richie again, they could stroll down the beach, have a good sex life and they could cuddle together at night and she would be protected once again. Yep, the plane would be taking off about now; Richie would be dozing off and would have a half- empty beer can by his seat and his Ovation guitar would be stuffed behind him. She knew him too well, how he always thrown away pick up lines to a unsuspecting crowd. She smiled for a brief moment, and then she continued to eat her dinner. All of a sudden, a loud ringing came from the telephone in the kitchen. She stood up and rushed to the kitchen, picked up the phone and answered.

"Hello?" she asked, twizzling the cord around her finger, looking out towards the night sky.

"Hello Evie" came a voice

"Richie? Is that you?"

"The one and only. I sent you a present, open the front door" she listened intently; she walked over to the front door, following Richie's instructions. She opened the door and found a lump come to her throat.

He was there, Rich was really stood there. Evie brimmed ear to ear and grabbed Richie for a very short but passionate kiss on his soft, sweet lips. She ran her hands through his hair, and grabbed him into a massive hug. He smiled and carried her inside, she was the Queen and he was her King, the King of Swing that is. She was too busy with his arrival that she forgot to ask why he wasn't in Australia.

"Rich, if I may ask, why aren't you, you know, in Australia?" she asked as he sat her down on their sofa, she looked at him and he swallowed a lump in his throat that he never knew he had.

"We made up the concert in Perth, Jon told you so coming here would be a surprise. The tour's done now, you'll be pleased to hear" he replied, giving her a quick peck on the cheek and crashed next to her, and yawned.

"I was pleasantly surprised, it sounds like you need sleep, Mr, so you have enough energy for later" she replied, a devious grin forming on her lips as he obliged to her commands and plodded up to the bedroom, where his fatigue got the better of him and he lay down, drifting into a peaceful sleep once again. She smiled and stripped down, and climbed into bed with her future husband, she could cuddle against her warm heater again and quietly drifted into a very peaceful and relaxing sleep.

______________

Richie groaned and rolled over, landing looking at Evie. She woke up with Richie rubbing her forehead and wiped the hair from her face, and passionately kissed her on the lips.

"Well, no sex for another nine months, Mr, you're going to have to be patient"

"Aww, damn" he muttered under his breath, as she lifted his creamy, fine jawline and kissed him once again, short but sweet.

“Besides, once the nine months is over, you will have to wake up in the middle of the night and feed the baby, as well as other things”

She sat up and ran her hands over her face, and gently groaned. Richie strolled to the far end of the room and dressed, Evie on the other hand, slipped on her clothes and gently closed the door and walked downstairs.

Once down there, fully clothed, Evie sat on the sofa and gently played a few chords on the old acoustic, Richies’ one. Richie walked down, he was wearing a white shirt, most of the buttons done up, jeans and black cowboy boots to match his signature Stenson.

"What's the occasion, Rich?" she asked, standing up and putting the guitar back on its' stand.

"We're going to dinner, its' for me getting back off the tour, and to celebrate the baby"

She smiled. A romantic date between a love-struck couple, soon to be husband and wife.

She trotted over to him, took his arm in hers and went to the car to a secluded restaurant for a very special dinner.

Once there, Richie got out of the drivers side and opened the door for Evie, as a nice gesture, she took Richie's hand in hers and they strolled across to the awaiting, exquisite restaurant. Inside, the walls were a sandstone brick, the beams were a solid oak on the ceiling and the place was surprisingly light and airy. They were met by a waiter who shown them to their table, there was no one around in the place where they sat, great for Richie so he wasn't noticed.

They both looked at the menus and ordered their meals each, Evie had never been here before, it was secluded and hidden from ordinary view, it was relatively large, though it wasn't busy at this particular time of night. Richie had bought coke for Evie and the same for him, he didn't want to be drunk tonight, their dinners had come, Richie tucked in and by the looks of him,was hungry, she eat hers slowly as always. She kept on asking about how the tour had gone, and Richie looked exhausted after it. 

"You look exhausted, I think I should drive home" she told him, while she pushed some food onto her fork. He nodded and lay back, full. She finished soon after, the bill arrived and Richie left money on the table, she walked with him to the car. She was driving tonight as Richie crashed on the passenger seat, she would check he was alright, as always and carried on driving towards their home together.

Chapter 29

Richie sighed. Yet another of his Kramers was out of tune. Great, he grabbed another guitar off the tech guy, checked its tune and continued to pour out the sad sounds of loss of love. Richie had been a snappy sod these past few nights. The whole band knew this wasn't Rich; he'd been replaced by a angry identical copy which loved to whine and bitch. Enough was enough. Richie looked up, ran his fingers through his hair, annoyed and frustrated at his rush of emotions and gave back the old Les, which he held most dear- apart from Evie. He stormed off stage and into his backstage room, passed Alec and David and slammed the door behind him.
"Where the fuck is the old me?"

He slid down the door flame, sighed and stretched out his legs. Then, out the corner of his eye came a familiar sight, his notebook. Every notation, chord sequence and bassline was written on those pieces of paper. How he loathed to move them onto another page just in case he lost a notation, a quaver, crotchet or minim. He bit his lips and strode over to it, he smiled at every song he wrote, the novelty worn off though, he was brought back to reality by Jon's persistent screaming.

"Richie! Get your ass down here! We have a rehearsal to be getting on with, no messing around this time!"
Richie chucked the notebook on top of the sofa, along with his pen and composed himself so he could face the man he could dread. He hi-tailed it to the stage, grabbed his instrument  and went up to his mic. Jon's voice was getting worse by the day, he sounded like a cat's nails on a chalkboard. Richie played along, he was less enthusiastic, his muse had drifted away from him and his guitar playing sounded flat. Too flat for Jon's liking. He'd been told enough times to play with more enthusiasm and Richie was more than irritated about his 'lack of enthusiasm'. Well, for the fans. They'd paid a good amount of money to see these men on stage and he hated to spoil it.

Soon, the boys took a break from sound check and went to grab a bite to eat. He was starved, and could eat a horse. The lads put down their instruments and ran back to their rooms to grab a quick bite before the show the following night. They ran to the food tent, grabbed burgers and hot dogs, complete with Pepsi for such a warm day.

Richie piled his high, Jon chuckled at the amount. Richie liked his food, he gritted his teeth and walked back to his room. He shut the door behind him, making sure to lock it and sat down. He eyed his weapon of choice once again, picking it up and the paper was crisp and white under his fingers. He took a bite of his food, and started to write:

Tell me why, love is war
When the battle is done you still want more
Every broken heart is tryin' to even the score
It's the way of the world, love is war
 Where boy meets girl, love is war

There, that'd do. He gave a few more bites of his lunch, quickly downed a beer and wiped his mouth. He groaned appreciatively at the taste of the alcohol that soothed his soul. Now, rehearsal was finished, he could have a shower. A shower, if that wasn't a pleasure. He stood up, undone the buttons on his shirt, (not many done up) and stripped down, once that was done, off to the shower he went.

Chapter 28

Evie headed home that night, tears gushing down her cheeks until it seemed there was no more left. She hung her head lower, tears falling as she went up the drive to Richie's house. Evie sniffled, turned off the engine and gotten out of the car, making sure to lock it and walked up towards the main door at the front of the house. She grabbed a bunch of keys out of her pocket, her hand shook as she inserted the key into the lock, and Evie turned it, opening the door to a now-empty house. The pictures hung high on the walls; the coffee pot was still full of water. Only a month. That wasn't long, she could survive, and she would have to make sacrifices for Richie.

"Richie" she mumbled, staring into the long distance of the surrounding beach, wiping a tear with her sleeve. She looked down at her growing baby and thought of the times that they could share together. Birthdays, parties, first days at school, first words. A sacrifice, everyone will have to make them.

She walked into the kitchen, her stomach grumbled. She made herself a dinner, quickly and sat on the sofa to eat it. Without her fiancé to comfort her. She switched on the television; she watched some interviews on MTV, complete with a share of hair metal music videos. After a while, Evie grew tired of this, she turned it off and lay down on her back. She sighed. Had all of this been her fault?

She slept that night a troubled soul, full with worry and confusion on what she did wrong to deserve her treatment off Jon.

______________

Richie's plane was due to land in a couple of hours, Jon joked around with David, a pint of beer in his hand and he was laughing at a joke David has told him. Richie wasn't interested. All he could think about was his fiancé, how she wouldn't have anyone to protect her from harm, or a warm heater to cuddle against.

He could create a new riff on the old Ovation or scribble down some lyrics for a new song. He was disinterested, disconnected from the world and his eyes shown the pain of his heart being broken from their separation at the airport. He walked to the back, grabbed his guitar and started to silently cry where no one could hear. Alone and afraid, a distressed young man.

Tico got up. "Is that Richie I can hear?" he asked, standing up in the walkway, he turned to Jon; Jon shrugged and continued chatting and joking to David. "Ignorant fuckers" he mumbled to himself, listening carefully to Richie's cries of torment and loss. When he found him, Richie was huddled, his head on his knees. Richie looked at Tico, eyes red and puffy and his cheeks were strewn with tears.

"Richie? What's wrong?" he asked, kneeling down to the band's guitarist.

"It's Evie. I'm worried if she's gonna be alright, whether she can fend for herself or not. I'm scared T"

"It's alright. Evie's a young woman, she's gonna be just fine, yeah, she's gonna stumble but you don't need all of this stress put on top of your shoulders"

"Yeah, I suppose" he murmured, wiping away his tears with his arm. He stood up- with the help of Tico, he walked back to his seat. Tico grabbed him a ice-cold bottle of beer and sat on the opposite chair to him. Richie sighed and fell back into the seat, he yawned and curled up, sleep coming over him.

Chapter 27

Evie huffed out a sigh as Richie drove along the highway along to the airport, where, he would have to travel to Australia for the last leg of the tour. It had been a monster tour and he was looking forward to having some rest after-with Evie of course. He wasn't looking forward to having to leave Evie, though he had no choice, it was Jon's after all and he only allowed her the first time because of the rape. So she wouldn't get hurt, but unfortunately, Jon grew tired of Richie and Evie, 'it caused too many distractions' he said. Wasn't a blonde bimbo at a concert just as distracting?

Richie sighed. He had no one to cuddle up with at night, to protect or to have sex with, everyone needs a person to cuddle up with at night, guess the bedroom will have to stay silent. Evie silently cried, some tears flowed down her cheeks as she wouldn't see him for a couple of months. At least. Her fiancé, soon to be husband was leaving her, all because of Jon's stupid ideas. Though she was just another cog in the Jovi machine and it was starting to tear her and eat her up- limb from limb.

Richie turned off, the airport was just in her sights now and she gripped his hand. He smiled weakly, the tears threatening to come flowing out in a waterfall. No. They had to be happy to see the band to tell them the good news. Richie was going to be a father.

Soon they arrived at the airport, grabbed Richie's luggage and extra guitar that he always carried on planes, and walked into the private lounge where the rest of Bon Jovi were sitting. Once they had given the bags to the luggage handlers, Richie sat down with a huge sigh, placing his hands on either side of him. Evie sat beside him as she watched the planes land and take off, Jon coughed alerting her back to reality.

"Guys, I have something to tell you" Richie told them.

"I'm going to be a father"

"Excuse me. You're going to be a father?" David asked, leaning forward to grab a half-empty beer on the table. Richie nodded and smiled; Jon rolled his eyes and looked at his watch.

"Congratulations bro" Tico told him, shaking Richie's hand and hugging Evie.

 "Shit. We've got five minutes till we leave!" Jon shouted as he leapt up from the sofa, alerting the rest of the band to the impending plane flight. Richie stood up, hugging Evie so tight that she almost couldn't breathe and cried into her shoulder as she kissed him on the lips. She ran her fingers through his soft, chocolate hair that he loved so dearly.

"I love you Richie. I'll see you in a couple of months’ time" she whispered as she held his hands, reaching up and kissing him one last time as he ran off to get onto the plane.

He blew her a kiss, grabbed his guitar and rushed off to meet the rest of the band on the Jovi Jet, he put his hand to his forehead and sat down, done up his seat belt as the plane started to taxi down the runway. Evie started to cry as she made her way to the car, looking up as tears fell down her cheeks; she looked down at her stomach and smiled weakly.

Chapter 26

"Dean! Dean!" Richie hears behind him, followed by footsteps rushing down the stairs, Evie smiled and quickly kissed him on the cheek.
"Well, good morning to you too, why are you so happy?" Richie asked, his hands around her waist, pulling her in tight.
"I'm with you, that makes me happy but I have even better news before you go to Australia"

"What would that be, my darling Evie" Richie cooed in her ear, his hands rubbing up and down her back as she looked him in the eyes, a smile starting to broaden on her lips.

"Richie, you're gonna be a father" she told him, brimming from ear to ear as he picked her up and spun her around in joy, it was like Christmas had come early.

"That's awesome Evie. I can't believe it, I'll have a child of my own" he shouted through the house, jumping up and down as she followed him to have a celebratory drink. Through the light cream living room, along the corridor with the chandelier and along to the kitchen that looks out into the ocean.

The champagne cork was popped as Richie poured it into his glass, orange juice for Evie as she's pregnant and they clinked glasses, smiles on their faces as Richie put away the champagne, staring into the Pacific as the waves gently rolled onto the soft, sandy beach. She gently looked down at her stomach and smiled, gently rubbing it with her hand as Richie's hand touched hers. She looked at him as he gently kissed her forehead, and his hand gently squeezed hers.

"Should we tell the guys?" she asked as she looked into the crystal blue sky, her blue eyes turning a dark shade of navy as she cried tears of joy.
"Richie. What are they gonna say? Surely, they'll be happy, won't they?" she asked, her hand squeezing his and her tear-stained cheeks flowed with unshed tears.

"They'll be very happy, well, most of them. Don't worry, you shouldn't, this is OUR decision to have this baby, not theirs" Richie stated as he stood in front of her, then crouching down so his eyes looked directly at hers. The piercing intensity of blue shone through him, he sniffled and looked up, his hair covering his eyes partially.

"Evie, you can't come on tour any more, Captain's orders, I want to take you, I really do but he's not gonna let me, so you will have to stay in California, here." he winced as unshed tears came out of his eyes like a waterfall, she winced a little and her heart broke somewhat at the sight of him in such emotional distress over her. Soon to be wife of the biggest guitarist on the planet, it was one leg, that wouldn't be so bad. Would it?

Chapter 25

Richie groaned and grumbled as he awoke, he sat up and stretched, satisfyingly popping his back. He moved towards the coastal doors that looked out into the sandy beach, the sun was setting in the distance and he sighed. Was Jon gonna hate him?

Evie groaned and grumbled as she tossed her body, he carefully and quietly, opened the door so that he was standing on the sand, he spotted a place where he could just sit and think, with no one to interfere.

 He breathed in the crisp sea air and began to walk along the beach, looking occasionally to see if anyone was coming. He sat down, his arms resting on his knees, his hands running through his hair.
"What have I done?" he mumbled, staring out into the blank, blue ocean as it rolled towards his feet, a stray tear rolled down his cheek. He wiped it off with the back of his hand, then, a few more came, pouring out in a flood of pure emotion.


_____________


Evie rolled over, her hand trying to find Richie, though he wasn't there. Her body went into a state of panic as she called out his name frantically. No response. Then, she looked out of the window, Richie was on the beach?
"Rich never goes on the beach" she mumbled to herself as she opened the door, she stepped out, the soft sand beneath her feet as she went over to the inconsolable Richie.
"Richie! What are you doing out here?" she asked, stopping and crouching down beside him, intertwining her fingers with his.


"It's Jon. Will he ever forgive me?" Richie replied, his eyes red and puffy, and his voice was hoarse.
"For what? Proposing to me. Dean, he's under a lot of stress for the tour and everything, he can become like a whiny bitch at times and he can say things that he'll regret. It's not your fault, you control your life, Jon can't control it, even I can't control your wild ways!
But, seriously stop worrying, I don't want you to be ill or start drinking or something stupid"


"Evie, I'm a rock-star, I drink. He thinks that we're rushing in, but to be honest I can't help falling in love with you" Richie mumbled, leaning back into the sand, she lay back with him, their hands held onto one another as she tried to comfort him. Then, the air became chilly as the sun set in the distance, Richie got up, he helped Evie and he lifted her up into his strong, tanned arms. She nuzzled her head in his chest as they walked back to the house, she looked up at him and he smiled down at her.

Chapter 24

"No panties huh? Naughty girl" he groaned, as she lead him to the sofa, sat on his lap and slowly placed her hand on his hard length. She slowly moved her hand up and down, through his jeans. Her fingers slowly pulled down the zip, Richie was in heaven, then she threw off his jeans, releasing the lovely piece of flesh from its cloth prison.

Glad he wasn't wearing underwear, she moved her hand faster, harder. His face went into pure bliss as she moved her finger along the throbbing vein, his shaft was well alive and he reacted to her touch; it was like fire that set him alight and he couldn't extinguish it.

"Babyyyy" he groaned as she increased her grip, taking the tip into her mouth, her hair wafted over her thighs and it tickled him. He chuckled as he was ticklish; she bobbed along his length as she took him in and out of her mouth, multiple times. He couldn't take it anymore; HE had to be in control. She grazed her teeth along it, suckling on the sweet taste and grabbed his balls, testing their weight against her hand. 

Then she deep-throated him, fully taking him in and he was big, Richie's eye's rolled as an orgasm lurked, she went deeper, his hands grabbed onto her hair as the orgasm came in waves over him. More like crashed. His hands became floppy as she sat on the couch; he then looked at her with eyes full of pleasure. She lay down, throwing the rest of her clothing on the floor, he crawled to her, and then he stuck in two fingers, gently pumping her increasing wetness that wanted to be touched.

She arched to meet him, he groaned and smiled, his fingers working magic on her taxed body. A relief. She groaned, a pure pleasure, never had she met a man who had made her feel like this before, never again shall she encounter one like him. He slowly stroked her sensitive nub; her body was squirming and squiggling to his touch, like hot fire that made her craving more. He smiled and evil grin that made her eyes darken, she wanted him to touch her, yet, he was holding back, not giving her the orgasm she so desperately craved.

“Richieeee” she moaned as he added another finger, pumping more vigorously this time, harder, faster, her head lolled backwards, she groaned and grumbled at how Richie was going to send her over the edge.

Richie slowly licked his lips as she spilled juices onto his hand, he grinned and moved his fingers, he slowly licked up her sticky, yet sweet taste off his fingers and licked his lips at the taste, Bad Medicine. Richie's head slowly ducked down towards her sobbing, wet, spilling heat, he started to lick up the ever-flowing juices that would be his cure. She arched to meet his darkened, hungry eyes, he chuckled and continued to eat her up.
"mmmmmm" he groaned as he slowly licked and sucked up her juices, she writhed and wriggled under him. He grabbed her hips as she wrapped her legs around his waist.


"Richieeeeee" she gasped as he took a condom out of his wallet, he then put it back, remembering that they were baby making. "No protection today Evie, we're baby making, remember?". She nodded as he chucked the condom on the floor. "Besides, having your dick inside of a woman without a condom feels soooooo good".


Richie moved back onto the couch, gently settling himself inside of her tight, sobbing pussy, he then started to slam into her, he groaned loudly as she fingered and fumbled under his huge hulk of a body, she released a moan from the back of her throat and he evilly smiled, as though he was ready for her to welcome the land of abyss, or Richie Land as the ladies called it. He thrust deeper as he chucked in his load into her and she gasped with pleasure, how this man knew to hit the right spots in a woman.


Her walls clamped his dick, firm and tight like a vice and she was not going to let go easily, still he liked playing games of the sexual kind. He was a player and would tease a woman. He slammed home in one long, drawn-out thrust that had her screaming his name within milliseconds, she groaned one last groan as her eyes lolled within her head, telling him that she had cum, still, she needed to drift off into never land.

Her hands gripped his hair as though they were being split by an imaginary force.He moaned as the orgasm drawn nearer, pushing him closer and closer, then he made it with one final push that sent Evie spiraling over the edge and into the Land Of Richie.


He sighed and smiled, she was out cold and he rubbed his hands together, he removed his moist dick from her, removing the condom and he threw it away, then the world came crashing down as his orgasm finally hit home, driving him into the abyss.

A/N It's my birthday today!

So it is Richie Birthday Smut you're reading.

Chapter 23

Richie poured the hot coffee and gave it to Jon, he sipped it as he looked at Richie, who had a shit eating grin on his face.
"What's with the grin Dean" Jon asked, suspicious of what Richie could of done.
"Well, ummm" he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck, not sure how Jon would react. "I proposed and Evie said
yes" Richie murmured, reluctantly."What the fuck Dean!" Jon shouted,  running a hand over his stressed face, he sat down, trying to take this all in. "And, I'm planning a baby" Richie replied, putting his hands on the work surface and sighing.

"Rich, you're rushing in way toooo fast, I don't think you're ready to get married let alone a child" Jon spat as his eyes became stormy, fists clenched with great anger. "Only fools rush in"
 Richie gritted his teeth, grabbed his coffee and sighed, Rich watched the waves crash onto the beach as he admired the view of the Pacific Ocean. California, what a great place to be, though Jon had traveled all the way from Jersey to meet him. Which Jon was not pleased about, anyway Jon was not chuffed at all with his lead guitarist.

"Listen man, I just feel that having a family and a child will harm your career, I mean no chicks to fuck" Jon stammered, standing up from the island bar, picking up his coffee and sipping it. "Jon, it's MY life, I choose to fuck when I want, when I have a baby, so get your fucking nose out of my business" Richie yelled as he slammed down his coffee, Jon got up, strode over to Richie.
He sighed. "Look Dean, I'm just advising you that this is a bad idea, and, it is Your life, but it's just my opinion, and obviously it doesn't matter, see you on the next leg in a week. Bye Richie, see you". With that, Jon stepped out of the house and into his car, driving off into the distance.


Then, a patter of feet came down the stairs, Evie looked at him, concern written all over her face. "Rich, do want to relieve some stress?" she asked, a grin on her face, and she was wearing no panties. "Yeah, better live up to my name"

Chapter 22

She made her way downstairs, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, that reignited her senses. When at the bottom, she stared at Richie flicking through a magazine of guitars and lavish mansions, how could a man such as Richie, ever been without a woman?
 Yes, she was his fiancé but, before she knew him, could not of been able to kiss someone goodnight? Still, she was his, forever and he was unlike any other boyfriend that she had ever had throughout her life, he was smart, sweet, caring, not to mention loving.

She made her way over to the island in the kitchen, the windows looked out into the open sea as the waves gently rolled against the beach, the sun shone high in the sky as she poured her coffee, she slowly sipped the black liquid, working hard on her overly-taxed body.


Richie, stared endlessly at the Fenders and Kramers, forgetting the long haired, flashy guitarist that came with it. After all, he was one and by the amount of hairspray he used this was no joke, she sighed. Richie looked up from the magazine, stepping off the barstool and slowly put his arms around her waist.
"Rich" she laughed, before he started to tickle her; this was her weak spot.


"Sorry Evie, too tempting not to do" he replied, picking up her coffee and drinking it, more like gulping it. He stared at her, wiping his mouth as she huffed.
"Get your own" she mumbled as he put down the mug, moving towards the spacious sofa that sat in front of the new colour TV, he sat down with a thud, gently patting next to him.
"Come here, my darling" he told her, as she sat down next to him, he pulled her closer, she nuzzled into Richie's chest as her flicked through the channels.


"Wanna watch MTV?" he asked, looking at her
"Yeah, sure" she replied, purring her little heart out.
He switched onto MTV, it shown Axl Rose and Slash doing a boring interview about being a band on the Sunset Strip.
"Nope, not this band again" Richie spat as he changed the channel onto a more his age friendly show: Tom and Jerry.

"Ooh, I like this show, haven't watched in years though" she told him, her hand moving onto his leg, he smiled and gazed at the television.
"So want to do anything today?" Richie asked and he knew what was coming.
"Shopping!" she yelled, yep, Richie knew it, besides she needed a wedding dress.

―

She put on a floral dress from her closet, pink flowers with a white background, perfect for the summer months that's for sure. She ran down the stairs, towards the awaiting chauffeured car that Richie had ordered to take them into the pretty coastal town. The Bridal shop wasn't that far from the beach, so when they were done, they could go swimming. Richie took her hand as she climbed into the limo, Richie sat next to her, the car moved down the drive, she stared at the road that passed, barely keeping able to hold in the excitement.

Chapter 21

*A month later*
**In Richie's house**

"No, Richie, I don't feel ready to have a baby!" Evie yelled, her hands tensed and eyes stormy, she paced to the other side of the room.
"But baby, I'd like one" Richie replied, staying cool, calm and collected, he stared at Evie as she sighed and put a hand towards her forehead.
"Richie, we're not even married, or engaged for that matter!" Evie answered, her mind going crazy on whether he would finally propose.
"Fine. Let's get married" Richie smiled, as he gotten down on one knee, opening a small blue box that had a diamond ring with heart shaped diamond in the middle.
"Richie, YES" Evie replied, finally starting to relax as he slipped it onto her finger, standing up.

Richie pulled Evie close as his lips slowly settled onto hers, she groaned and relaxed into him, her hand running through his hair.
"Now. Now, we can start baby making" she chuckled as he smiled down at her, imaging what a mini Richie Sambora would look like.
"Tonight, you look like you need a rest, then we can practice all night long" Richie told her, biting on her earlobe in a slow, seductive, drawn out voice that made her want to fuck him right there. She could wait till tonight...it's gonna be an all-nighter.

She sat on the bed, Richie walked up to the bed, he kissed her on the cheek and pulled up the covers. "Sleep tight, I'll be in the living room if you need me" he mumbled, turning to go down the stairs which then lead to the living room. She grumbled and groaned in her sleep, while she tossed and turned. Bedtime wasn't fun when Richie wasn't in bed, he made it a lot of fun. Although, she had to have rest if she wanted to play with Richie tonight.

Still, she had to get to sleep somehow, and she knew exactly how to get it.
A/N- Short chapter I know, but I didn't have the greatest amount of time in the world.

Message

I'm sorry I haven't been updating recently, life got in the way!

My computer had a virus, I had to ride Paddy every night and I had work to complete.  My dad made me break down after I spent TWO FUCKING DAYS with him. I swear I should put up a restraining order against him after what he has done to me. Sorry, I'm emotionally abused as well, so, I wanted to write but my creativity stalled and I started counselling.


Tar,
~Chrissie.

Chapter 20

Richie stifled a groan as he wrapped his arms tighter around Evie; 

she smiled and turned to face him. "Morning darlin' " he whispered in her ear, a sharp knock hit the front door followed by some Jersey cursing.

"Richard Stephen Sambora, we go on in five minutes" Jon told the lead guitarist, walking in on them.

"God man, put some clothes on!" Jon hollered as he opened the 

door to find a naked Richie, with an almost-naked Evie.

He sat up, the cool air whistling over his overheated body, he then chucked on his stage-clothes. "I'm coming, keep your freaking pants on!" Richie replied, kissing Evie on the lips.


He then rushed off to the stage, leaving Evie all alone.She chucked on some clothes, eyeing Richie's favourite acoustic guitar-his double neck Ovation, he wouldn't mind would he? She grinned, walking over to the guitar, she picked it up and feeling the frets under her fingers was rewarding. This place could be boring when you weren't playing, or watching, for that matter. She huffed out a sigh; her fingers played the strings as her mind wondered.

__________________

Richie was on fire, running all over the stage as usual and Jon, 

well he still a voice like sandpaper, they were being worked to death and it was worrying, but they still carried on despite this. Richie didn't show any sign of exhaustion in the bedroom but really, he was feeling the strain. 

He started to play the riff to Let It Rock, Jon was jumping and bouncing and the crowd were on fire. Then as the hours flew by, it was time for the encore. Richie rushed backstage; he grabbed his Stenson of a hook, and walked into his dressing room. He looked at Evie and tutted.

 "Naughty girl, did I say that you could do that” he sarcastically told her, gently strutting over to her, his hand grabbing the neck and he kissed her on the lips in a short, but passionate kiss. “Not long to go, darlin’ ” he told Evie, letting go of the heated kiss, then walked back onto the stage in his rock star glory. 

The crowd screamed as he entered and played the opening riff to Wanted Dead or Alive, his foot tapped along to the rhythm and he couldn't wait for this to be over. Jon took to the microphone, his voice struggling to comprehend the high notes but 

Richie always helped him out, like the caring, thoughtful man he was. Then the song came to an end, transient, he thrust his hands up as they bowed for the end of the show.

________________

Evie heard all of the clapping from outside, she stood up as she heard male voices coming down the hall. Richie was laughing. Dave probably said something funny; she ran towards the lead guitarist and jumped into his arms.