Thursday 20 December 2012

11. Doubting You - Flashback

It was late evening before drake returned, he'd missed dinner and was home just in time to say goodnight to Sandi who was more than unimpressed with his disappearance. Down in the basement Nicki was laying on his bed, trying not to listen to their arguing but it was pretty hard not too. As soon as their yelling stopped she could hear the faint sound of Drake jogging down the basement stairs before letting himself in and shutting the door behind him.

"Oh, hey. I didn't know you were still awake." He walked over to her after kicking his shoes off. "How're you feelin'?" The bed sank a little as he rested on the edge whilst she just stared at him.

"Where were you?" By the way he sighed and rolled his eyes briefly she could tell he didn't want her too start asking questions.

"Nicki, please. I told you I had some work to take care of, that's all." He stroked the hair from her forehead gently as her eyes followed his movement.

"Promise?" There was a long silence before he leaned down and kissed her.

"Promise. Now go to sleep, I'mma go take a quick shower." He smiled and kissed her forehead before walking towards his bathroom, stripping off along the way and turning in the doorway to give her a wink as he threw his boxers at her. That was what she hated about him, no matter how much she was trying to be mad at him he would always do something like that which would send her into a fit of giggles. Which is exactly what she was doing now.

"Oh my God. Go away!"She laughed obnoxiously and swiped his underwear away from her face whilst watching him disappear into the bathroom smirking.

That was the last thing she remembered before waking up the next morning, still wrapped in his arms. Just where she wanted to be. She didn't want to move, the idea of staying this way forever was more than tempting but her growling stomach had other plans. Only managing to ignore her body's wants for a couple of minutes she lay still for a while before cautiously sliding out of his arms. He didn't stir luckily. She could tell he was tired and there was one thing she was even more certain of, he was lying about where he was yesterday, she just knew it. With it being only 6am she made sure to be quiet when she headed upstairs after performing her morning rituals. She smiled when she reached the kitchen remembering being congratulated by Drake's father about being pregnant. She and Sandi laughed more at the fact that he didn't really know how to react and shaking her hand seemed to fit the news well. He was so awkward in a sweet kind of way. He and her own Father shared similar addictive traits but he'd been scared to the point where he sought help and wanted to turn his life around, which he had done oh so well. He'd been sober for almost a year now and like any recovering addict he'd focused his attention on other things the main one being puzzles. He was the only one other than herself who was awake at this time, sitting at the table with one of his jigsaws.

"Another one?" She asked cheerfully as she made her way over to him.

"Yeah, they keep me busy." He chuckled. "You wanna help?"

"Sure." She smiled whilst pouring her cereal and taking a seat opposite him. He'd already done quite a lot of the puzzle, she figured he must have been up for a while.

"Drake still snorin'?"

"Mhm, completely dead to the world." Her small giggle made him smile as he held a puzzle piece in his hand and scanned the table for its spot. "How long you been awake? You're almost done." Her talking was muffled by her polite crunching.

"I couldn't sleep, I been sat here since three."

"Wow, you're not sleepy?"

"Not a bit." He looked up at her curious face and smiled before following her hand to where she was pointing in front of him.

"There." She motioned to a gap in the puzzle to where his piece went and continued eating her breakfast.

"Thanks, that one's been nigglin' at my mind all damn mornin'." He fitted the piece in and let the silence fill the room again before catching a glimpse of her face, she looked troubled to say the least. "Somthin' wrong?"

"Hm?" Her brow crinkled when he interrupted her thoughts. "Oh, no I was just thinking." She smiled unconvincingly before finding the courage to speak up again. "Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did." She smirked at his little joke. "I'm just playin', go ahead I'm all ears."

"It's personal, so don't feel like you have to answer."

"Okay, I'm listenin'." He dropped whatever was in his hands and leant forward as he rested on the table ledge, she looked a little nervous as she began talking.

"Why did you leave them all those years ago?" She'd finished her cereal and was now playing nervously with nails, her panic levels began to rise when he wasn't replying. "I don't mean it in a-"

"No, no it's fine." He folded his lips in an attempt to smile about something so solemn. "Honestly Nicki, I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?" She moved forward some more, intrigued to find out his answer.

"Well, of failing I guess. Failing as a father and as a husband, so I did what I knew best. I ran."

"But you regret it."

"I always said if I could go back in time and fix what I did, I would. But what's done is done." He felt a little uncomfortable and continued doing his puzzle as he talked. "I don't think some women understand what exactly is goin' through a man's head when he finds out he's gonna be a Father."

"What d'you mean?" Her little face wrinkled up as she spoke, waiting for an answer.

"A lotta people say a woman becomes a Mother when she gets pregnant but a man only becomes a Father when he holds his child for the first time." Taking a sip of his coffee he proceeded with his little story which Nicki was becoming more engrossed in. He knew she was trying work out how Drake was feeling. "I was terrified about not bein' able to provide for them and not havin' that same connection a Mother has, y'know?"

"Yeah, I guess." She trailed off and looked down as there was along pause.

"Aubrey's never gonna leave you, you know that right?" He tried to peer at her face but her head was low.

"I don't know that for sure though, I mean Sandi didn't have a clue you was gon' leave, did she?"

"That's true but Drake knows the pain of being abandoned. I didn't, but I had I been able to see into the future and witness the heartache I caused I would never have left them." He could see her eyes were filling up but he was always awkward in these kind of situations. "He'll be there for you, he won't do to you what I did to him. It's not in his heart."

"I feel bad for doubtin' him but I don't even know what to expect, it's scary." She sniffled and looked back up at him once she knew she had her tears under control.

"Just know that you have all of us here, you're not alone." He reached across the table and held her hand sweetly, something her own Father hadn't done in years.

"Thank you." There was a moment of quiet before they heard movement.

"Hey, why y'all up so early?" They both jumped hearing his voice as he approached them, Nicki wondered how long he'd been listening for.

"Not long." She stood up to greet him as he kissed her forehead. When he felt her just staring up at him he caught on and said good morning to his Father too before getting himself some poptarts.

"You're not busy today are you?"

"Yeah, we have an appointment at eleven. Your Mom sorted it yesterday."

"Aight, well after that I'm takin' you out shoppin'." He pushed the toaster down and turned to look at her.

"Oh? Where to?" She asked as she moved over to the dishwasher.

"Just somewhere, that's all you need to know."

"Okay then, well I'mma go take a shower." She smiled up at him after squinting at his suspicious behaviour and headed back towards the bedroom, making sure to give Dennis an appreciative smile before she disappeared. Drake noticed they were talking about something deep but didn't know what.

"So, what were y'all talkin' about?" He tried to ask casually as he sat at the table with his plate.

"Oh, just puzzles. She's was helpin' me out." He half lied and carried on with his jigsaw with Drake looking on in thought.

***

"Nicki, come on we're gonna be late. You've changed three times now." He let his arm drop to his side, jingling his keys.

"It's fine. We'd only be sat waitin' in the damn waitin' area anyway." She huffed and grabbed her purse. "Why've you got your keys babe? Your Mom's drivin' us."

"What? Why?" He followed behind her with a confused expression.

"Because they're comin' with us." She said it as if it was already fact.

"Since when?"

"Since I asked them too, now come Aubrey on we're gonna be late." She mimicked him and walked out to the car leaving him to lock up the house slightly angry that his parents were intruding.

The drive was short and before they knew it they were sat in the waiting room with a load of other people. Sandi and Dennis were involved in their own little conversation as Drake stared them down. He didn't know it but Nicki was doing the same to him.

"Bein' angry at him forever isn't gonna solve anythin' y'know?" She touched his arm gently, making him look at her.

"You don't know what it feels like though. I'm so angry and I wanna forgive him but I can't."

"He's really tryin' though, and look how far he's come. He's been sober for like, a year and is back in your life. Y'know how lucky you are? I would give anythin' for my Dad to turn his life around like that." He didn't respond, knowing she was right. "So promise me you'll try?"

"For you? I promise." He kissed her sweetly but his face remained troubled.

"Onika Maraj?" They all turned their heads when they heard her name and left their seats to follow the woman through to the room. After helping her up on to the bed Drake took a seat at her side while Sandi and Dennis sat across the room. "Dr. Taylor should be though to see you in a minute or two." The young woman smiled again and left.

"You still think she's a girl?" She asked quietly as she grabbed his hand.

"I know she is."

"Do you want her to be a girl?"

"I'm happy with whatever she turns out to be." He placed his hand on her stomach and smiled again. There was something about his smile that made her feel so relaxed. She loved that about him.

"Morning all." Dr. Taylor entered just as cheerfully as always, Nicki loved him because he was from the UK. His accent was everything to her so she couldn't help but smile as they all greeted him back. "Let me just grab some ultrasound gel and we'll get started." He smiled, emphasising his bristly stubble on his face as he grabbed the blue dispenser. "We've finally got a get warmer for this room now, so the gel won't be cold." He pulled the wheelie chair to himself before noticing Sandi and Dennis properly. "So, you must be the parents?"

"Yes, I'm Sandi and this is Dennis. We're Drake's parents." She smiled as though she was smitten and shook his hand with Dennis doing the same.

"Well it's lovely to meet you both and with greetings aside let's get this scan underway." He rubbed his hands together and wheeled over to the side of Nicki and pulled her top up a little. "You might need to tug your trousers down a bit too." She giggled at the way he said "tug" and "trousers" before doing as he asked. He was right, the gel was warm. It felt kind of nice as he spread it over her small bump. All five of them had their eyes fixed on the monitor, waiting for the image to appear.

"We can find out the sex today, right?" Her hopeful voice made Dr. Taylor turn to look at her.

"You want to find out today?" He locked eyes with them both as they nodded. "Well, I already know." He smiled again as he moved the head over her abdomen, his gaze was fixed on the screen again. "Looks to me like a very healthy baby girl."

"A girl? Really?" Nicki's hand went straight to her mouth as she looked to her other side at Drake. "You were right."

"Told you I knew she was a girl." His smile was from ear to ear across his face before he looked at his Mom. She was in tears. "You good Mom?" He chuckled as Nicki and Dennis laughed at her waving her hand at him, telling him to shut-up.

"Well, everything looks extremely fine to me. Good heartbeat, good size, no problems." He pulled the paper towel from her leggings waistband and used it to wipe off the gel. "I'll just fix you up with some more pre-natal vitamins and you're free to go."

"Thank you." She showed her dimples and pulled the hoodie back over herself before sliding off of the bed.

Drake couldn't believe it. They were having a baby girl. They all seemed to be super elated after the appointment and driving home on a high. Sandi and Dennis had plans for the afternoon so Drake intended to keep his arrangements for taking Nicki shopping. Since she was almost five months pregnant now he wanted to start buying baby stuff to be ready for when she was born. It took him a while to convince her seeing as she was tired but buying things for her baby sounded fun in the end. She was enjoying walking around the store, holding his hand as they looked at cribs.

"What about this one?" She ran her free hand along the edge of the furniture piece as Drake grabbed the tag. Everything was so much more expensive than he'd originally thought.

"Uhm, yeah this one's good."

"You okay babe?" He nodded and smiled before walking past her to a crib on the opposite side, seeing the price tag swinging she pulled it up to see how much it was going to cost. A bomb, that's what. She sighed and walked back over to him.

"You picked one?"

"First of all we are picking one and second of all I'm hungry. We can do this another day Drake, and besides I'm pretty sure we could get a cheaper one from somewhere else. Actually I could even take Caiah's old crib." She shrugged, wide-eyed as she stared at his face.

"Nic, that's just it though. I'on want second-best for you guys, for us. I want the best of the best."

"I know you do and so do I but we gotta be realistic, all this is stuff we can't afford." She took his hand in hers as he sighed angrily. This is exactly what Dennis had been talking about. "Let's just go home, we could look online?" She let him lead the way back to the store exit and thanked the sales assistant before heading home. Neither of them spoke a word the whole journey.

***

Over the next three months things only seemed to get worse. Her parents had completely shunned her and refused to have anything to do with her or the baby which was a major setback. She'd hoped that the situation would have had the reverse effect and brought her Mother to her but she was wrong. Along with that problem Drake had been acting more than a little odd as of late. He was distant, quiet and even more irritable than usual. Tonight was no exception, he'd been at work all day and was just about to shower when he got a phone call. She didn't know if he was upset that he'd been called out by his friends or the fact that she'd answered his phone.

"I'm gonna be an hour at the most." He kissed her forehead and then her lips. "Don't answer the door and call SB now, tell'm to come over."

"Drake, I'm fine by myself I'm not-"

"Nicki, just do it please. For me?" He was resting in the doorways as she watched from the couch. She and SB had built bridges when he came over to see her, grovelling for her forgiveness. Truthfully she missed him a hell of a lot and he missed her too.

"Fine but bring me back a box of-"

"Chicken wings, I got it." He winked and waited for her to start calling SB before leaving. She stayed on the phone with him for a mere few seconds before hanging up, he'd be over any minute.

Having pulled up to where he was supposed to be meeting Deshaun he tapped his fingers anxiously on the steering wheel before a bang at his window made him jump. It was Deshaun's little buddies, laughing their heads off before making their way inside. He gave it another minute or so before following them in. He hated it in there, the smell, the atmosphere, the people. Everything.

"Aye Drizzy, you made it!" Deshaun lit up another smoke and walked slowly over to him before dropping on to the ragged couch.

"I'on want any shit, not tonight. Just tell me what I gotta do so I can do it." He growled frustratedly and waited for the instructions.

"Actually, I thought tonight could be your lil' reward night y'know? Call a couple girls over, have some fun." The others laughed as Drake's patience ran out.

"Just tell me where I gotta go." Deshaun paid his attitude no mind as he continued on about the night he had planned.

"Actually, you could call over your girl, y'know? The one I spoke to on the phone." He smirked at Drake's flared nostrils. The rage within him was rising.

"Leave her the fuck outta this, y'hear me?!"

"Chill Drizzy! I'll get her when I want her." He laughed and stood up again but Drake's heart dropped. "Oh so now you catchin' on?" He scanned Drake's torn face and grinned. "I know what I want if I don't get my money, Drizzy. So for her sake you best cough up and quick." He gritted his teeth and took a step closer to Drake's tensed up frame as he spoke.

"You so much as look at her I-"

"You'll what? Kill me?" They all sneered again, watching him live out his own nightmare.

***

"Here." Safaree sat at her side slowly after handing her a tissue.

"Thanks." Wiping her tears with it she sat back and looked at her best friend. "You said when everythin' crumbled around me you wasn't gonna be here. But here you are as always, sittin' by me with tissues."

"Nic, nothin's crumblin' around you. You're pregnant, hormonal and emotional. Everythin's gettin' the best of you right now." He lay back too and pulled her too him.

"Yeah, includin' Drake."

"Well, you need to fix that. I know I don't care for him too much but even I can see he's tryin'." He squeezed her gently to try and get a response as her hands were resting protectively over her bump. She was eight months now and was counting down the days.

"Yeah I know, you're right." She sniffled and started massaging her abdomen.

"I'm always right. Now, let's do what I had planned." He pulled away and grabbed the dvd from the coffee table and went to put it in before getting her snack bowl. Neither had a clue what was about to happen.

*Thanks for all the comments on the previous chapter ^_^ I shld be posting on Sweet Dreams tomorrow along with Here I am for Onikafaree readers :)) Hope this was okay for everyone!*

Monday 10 December 2012

10. In Too Deep? - Flashback

*Okay I know I deleted this fic but someone asked me to undelete it cuz they hadn't finished reading lol my bad! This chapter was typed up AGESSSS ago but since I had deleted the fic there was no point posting lol anyway I've decided to post it :// Hopefully it's okay, please excuse any mistakes! Thanku to those people who commented on the previous chapter :)*


Dr. Truman sat his his stuff down on the chair in the corner before moving over to Nicki's side of the bed.

"You said she was pregnant?" His gaze turned to Sandi as she stood watching.

"Yes." The look on his face matched hers. "I know, it came as a shock to me too. Trust me." Flicking her eyes back to Drake he just sat sour-faced as the doctor grabbed his stethoscope and some other equipment from his bag.

"Has she been like this all day?" He nodded his head in her general direction, she was still asleep. Completely oblivious to what was going on around her as she slept.

"Yeah, well for the most part. This mornin' she was okay but she's just got worse as the day's gone on." The amount of worry in his voice made Sandi feel guilty for being so hard on him.

"Okay, what about eating and drinking?" Honestly Drake was getting frustrated with the amount of questions and lack of examining as the doctor continued to question her illness and sort out his things.

"Well she couldn't keep anythin' down this mornin' and she's been throwin' up all day. I'ont know if she's even had a drink." He let his eyes follow the man's every move whilst he got closer to Nicki and pulled the covers back, at first he wanted to stop him when he remembered she was only in her underwear but she needed to be checked over. He was fighting the urge to crack a smile when Nicki grumpily pushed the doctor's hand away from herself.

"We might have to wake her up, sorry."

"It's fine." Drake smiled and gently touched her arm, giving her a shake to try and wake her. "Nic? Nicki?" Increasing the intensity of his grasp on her they soon saw her eyes flutter open lazily. "Babe, the doctor's here." He folded his lips and watched her as she looked around before snatching the duvet back up over her exposed body. "It's okay, he just needs to check you over."

"But what about-"

"It's fine, she knows." They both looked slowly back towards Sandi as she continued to stare at them. She could tell Nicki was both embarrassed and upset but they'd deal with that once Dr. Truman was gone.

"Hello Nicki, I'm Dr Truman but you can just call me Sean." Rubbing his hands together he stepped forward with the stethoscope in hand, he tried to keep things slow and calm seeing how uncomfortable she looked. "Alright, I'm just going to do a quick check to see if everythin's runnin' smoothly okay? Could you pull the covers back?" He saw her look up at Drake unsurely but he gave her a reassuring smile before she did as the doctor asked. As she did so all three of them heard Sandi exhale shakily seeing Nicki's small rounded belly. Honestly she was fuming that Drake had told his mother but at least it was out in the open now. "This might be a little cold, I tried to warm it up though." She nodded in response before gasping quietly as he pressed the cool metal of the stethoscope head onto her chest. The room fell silent as if everyone inhabiting it were trying to listen. "Take a deep breath in for me Nicki." She did what he asked before being instructed what to do next. "And out again." He had her do that another two times before pulling the instrument away from her chest. "Mkay,your heart rate's a lil' fast and so is your breathing." He coiled the stethoscope up and placed it back in his bag. "Have you had anything to drink at all today?" He intertwined his own fingers together in front of his pudgy stomach as he stared down at her.

"Uhm, no. No I haven't." She shook her head delicately and moved closer to Drake who had taken a seat on the edge of the bed next to her.

"Okay, and how long have you been feeling like this?"

"Well the past few morning's I've been really sick and I just can't eat anythin'. It got worse today though." She looked back at Drake when she felt him pull her hand into his.

"When was the last time you used the bathroom?"

"Excuse me?"

Urination, when was the last time?"

"Oh, I don't know." She wrinkled her face trying to remember all whilst being slightly embarrassed by his outright questions.

"Look, Dr. Truman do you know what's wrong with her or not?"

"Aubrey." He whipped his head around to look at his angry Mother as she scolded him for being rude.

"Looking at the signs and symptoms Nicki, I'd say you're dehydrated." He spoke casually as he piled his stuff back into the bag. The next five minutes or so consisted of him explaining what they had to do to help her replenish her fluids before Sandi left to show him to the door. Drake got to it and did everything Sean had just explained and was now laying next to Nicki on the bed.

"I look so stupid." She moved her head on the pillow and feebly pushed her hair away from her face. She was referring to all the cool, damp towels she had on her neck, collarbone, wrists and inner thighs. She felt like she couldn't move, which was partly the idea as she was supposed to be keeping her movement to a minimum.

"No you don't. You look better than earlier. I was really worried 'bout you." He smiled and pulled the towel off of her neck before turning it over and putting back down again. "That cool enough?"

"Mm, it feels good." Shutting her eyes slowly she let a small smile appear on her face before she opened them again to stare at him. "Is your Mom really mad?"

"Well yeah, she just found out I got a sixteen year old pregnant."

"Why do you do that?" The way her brows were pushed together angrily he knew he'd upset her.

"What?"

"Bring my age into it?"

"Because you're only sixteen."

"So? It's never bothered you before has it?"

"It's a lil' different now Nic-"

"The fuck is so different now?!" She snatched the cloth from her neck and collarbone as she sat herself up.

"Nicki could you please lay back down? You're supposed to be restin'." He tried to pull her back down but she ripped her arm away from him.

"Don't." Holding her hand up she gathered the covers around her self and turned to lie on her side. "Could you shut the door behind you?" She exhaled regretfully when she heard him sigh and get off the bed.

"I'll come check on you later."

"Don't bother." The hallway light remained shining into the room for a few more seconds as he lingered in the doorway watching her. After shutting the door he headed downstairs, knowing that his Mother would be there waiting.

"She feeling any better?" her voice was low and she didn't even shift her position on the couch as she spoke whilst staring at the TV screen.

"Yeah, I think so. And thanks by the way, y'know for callin' the doctor over." He smoothed his hand over his head and took a seat on the separate couch.

"As long as she's okay, that's the main thing right?" her dry tone was making him uncomfortable.

"Look, Mom I get that you're angry but don't blame her. Please?"

"Aubrey, I'm not angry. Just really, really disappointed. I thought you'd have known better, that I'd raised you better." Turning to face him she let him see just how upset she was.

"You raised me fine Mom. If you hadn't I woulda gone and left Nic but 'causa you I know better. I wouldn't put her through the shit you had to deal with. Never."

"Watch your mouth." She took a sip from her glass and spoke up again. "Is that the only reason you're sticking by her side?"

"No, of course not!" She didn't need for him to say anymore, just the look on his face was proof enough that he was telling the truth.

"I can't believe all of this Aubrey." She shook her head sadly and looked down at her lap.

"Well, I put a deposit down on an apartment last week so we'll be outta here by the end of next month." He went to stand up but she got to her feet before him and blocked his way.

"No, no I'm not sayin' I want you to move out I'm just a little taken by surprise that's all. It's a lot to take in, but..." She hesitated before continuing. "I want to be here, for you and for Nicki and honestly it's your decision but I'm not sure you moving out is such a good idea. Caring for a baby is a huge thing Aubrey. Nicki's going to need all the support she can get." Her words filled his mind as they stood in silence. She was right, with him working to pay bills that would mean Nicki being at home with the baby all the time.

"I'll have to talk to Nic tomorrow, but I'mma go to bed I have an early start." He half smiled and she returned the gesture before letting him past.

"I am proud of you y'know? For not leaving her. I wouldn't wish that on anybody, especially Nicki." She smiled kind of emotionally as he stood in the basement stairway causing her smile to turn into a frown. "You're not stayin' upstairs with her?"

"Not tonight, she's not a huge fan of mine right now."

"Oh, well she's goin' to be actin' moody a lot from now on so be prepared boy." She raised her eyebrows and wrapped her small cardigan around herself some more as he chuckled lightly. She could be extremely moody not pregnant so god only knew what was in store for him over the next few months. "I'll check on her before I head up for the night if you want?"

"Thanks, but it's fine. She was goin' to sleep when I left." He smiled and drummed his fingers on the doorway. "Well, goodnight I guess."

"Night Aubrey."

***

She couldn't get back to sleep for how bad she felt after acting the way she did with Drake. Thinking of it from his point of view it was a whole different story. Once he'd left the room she couldn't stop the tears, it was almost 1am and he still hadn't come to bed so she figured he'd gone to sleep in his own room. Laying with her thoughts she couldn't take it anymore and threw the light sheet off of her body and slid out of the bed before throwing Drake's overly huge hoody on to her tiny frame. It was super quiet and dark as she made her way down the stairs being careful not to make any noise. Finally reaching the kitchen she got herself a drink first and then headed towards the basement stairway, she could feel the heat already and silently cursed the un-repaired heating system whilst turning the door handle. There he was, sleeping wild in the middle of his bed in just his boxers. Shutting the door quietly she sat her drink on his dresser and gently climbed on to the bed with him, trying to find a spot near his body. Settling in a comfy position she just stared at him as she felt her eyes getting heavier and before she knew it she was asleep. That didn't last too long though, less than fifteen minutes later he awoke in light sweat feeling her body heat pressed into him. Blinking confusedly he looked over her sleeping next to him and sat up.

"Nic? Babe you're supposed to be keepin' cool." Her eyes fluttered open hearing his gravelly, sleep-filled voice.

"Hm?"

"Come on." He nudged her gently.

"No, I wanna stay with you."

"You can, we just gotta go back upstairs. It's too hot down here for you." He caught her eyes looking at him as he scanned her flushed face, some of her hair was sticking to her clammy skin. "Look, you're way too hot already." Cautiously climbing over her he stood firmly on the ground and tugged at her hand. "Nicki?" He didn't have to say it twice before she joined him in standing up, still holding on to his hand. Kissing her forehead affectionately he led her back upstairs and shut the bedroom door behind them, letting her climb in first before sliding in next to her.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

"No it's not. I was actin' childish, I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too." He let a little smile creep across his face before kissing her again. "Where's all your towels gone? You're s'posed to keep 'em on all night."

"They're too cold."

"Nic, they're s'posed to be cold." He straightened his face and climbed out of the bed to get them. After running them under the tap he squeezed them out before putting them back on her after removing the jumper. "You good?" He smiled at her laying stiffly as he climbed back into the bed.

"No. I'm cold and wet Aubrey."

"It's gon' make you better, now c'mere." He gently pulled her to him and enveloped her in his arms. She was right, the towels were freezing. Feeling him try to pull away from the coolness she kept shuffling back into him.

"I'm cooooold. Stay near me, please?" She pouted and even though she wasn't facing him he could just tell. Not saying a word he braced himself and brought his chest close to her back, moving the towels away from his own skin in the process.



The Next Morning



The incessant whizzing sound of the blender was what woke her up as she reached over to touch Drake. Feeling nothing in her presence she turned slowly and squinted at the light, realising that she was alone. Her mind was groggy and she felt like her energy level was at zero but at least she didn't feel nauseous this morning. Suddenly feeling the urge to pee she smiled remembering that Dr Truman said that was a good sign. Slowly letting her legs out from under the bed sheet she stood and took herself to the en-suite bathroom to relieve herself and shower before she got dressed. The whirring of the blender diminished as she made her way down the stairs. Truthfully she was extremely nervous to see Sandi and was terrified of what she would say to her but she was too hungry to care at that point. Treading quietly she stopped timidly on the stairway but it was too late to run back upstairs to safety, she'd already been seen.

"Oh I was wonderin' when you'd be up." She licked something off of her fingers and smiled at her. That was a good thing though right? That she was smiling? "How are you feeling today?"

"Uhm, yeah I feel better. Thank you." She smiled shyly and walked into the kitchen.

"I made you this." Her smile soon faded as the familiar feeling of nausea rippled through her. It was some weird brown looking, lumpy liquid in a glass. "It'll help. And it's good for pregnant women."

"Just a minute." She ran as best she could to the nearest bathroom, brushing her teeth again once she was done. Upon returning she lay her eyes on a regretful looking Sandi.

"I'm sorry, I forgot you're probably not feelin' up to anything so disgusting right now. You okay?" She rested her small hand on Nicki's upper arm as she looked at her sympathetically.

"Yeah I'm fine, just a lil' queasy."

"Well you need to eat somethin', how 'bout I make you somethin' a bit more mild?" Rubbing her arm she smiled when Nicki nodded sweetly. "Go sit down, I'll bring it over to you."

"Thanks." She did as Sandi said and got herself comfortable on the couch, making sure to take a glass of water with her. She still didn't know where Drake was but hoped he would be home soon, she didn't want to sound pathetic or needy but she was sick and wanted him to sit with her and make her feel better. Hearing Sandi's little feet shuffling over to her she made space for her on the couch before taking the bowl from her hands.

"There you go, just somethin' to fill your stomach." She took a seat by her side whilst Nicki tucked in to the more favourable snack of cereal. "I can't believe I didn't even notice the signs, I'm a midwife for goodness sake!" She started laughing but Nicki could still hear the nerves taking over the giggle.

"I didn't even know to be really honest." She kept feeding herself as Sandi stayed silent. "I am sorry y'know? It wasn't planned or anythin'." Her voice was quiet and shaky as she spoke.

"Oh, no don't be silly Nicki! I already told Aubrey I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed and honestly really worried." She increased the pitch of her voice towards the end of her sentence. "You're so young and about endure something extremely life-changing." She swept a strand of Nicki's hair away from her face as she looked down sadly. "Hey, it's okay though. You've got me, Aubrey and Dennis here. We're gonna look after you." She hadn't intended to make her cry but comforted her nonetheless, pulling her tiny body to her as she hugged the inconsolable teen.

"I'm so scared." She managed to speak between sobs and sniffs.

"I know you are, but you're a strong little thing. You'll get through all of this, you and my little grandbaby." She smiled and pulled away from the embrace whilst placing a hand on Nicki's bump. "Do your parents know?" She answered by merely shaking her head no, keeping her gaze fixed on her small belly. "I don't mind you not talking to them or living with them but this is something you need to tell them. Not today though, once you're well enough it has to happen, okay?"

"Yes ma'am." She let out a small chuckle as Sandi wiped away the tear from her cheek.

"Now, since I know about your lil' secret how about you tell me everything." She shuffled on the couch to get more comfortable. "Boy? Girl?"

"We don't know yet, they told us that we'd find out at the next appointment." She smiled and sniffled again seeing Sandi's face.

"Wow, I can't believe this is gonna be my first grandchild. How many weeks exactly are you?'

"Eighteen, I think." She sat forward a little and placed her now empty bowl on the coffee table as Sandi stood up.

"Wait here, I'll be back." Although she was a bit puzzled she did as she was told and waited patiently for Sandi to return, when she did she had a long black box with her and resumed her seat. "Did they let you listen to the baby's heartbeat yet?" She was unravelling whatever was in the box as she spoke.

"No, the midwife just told us that the baby looked healthy, why?" She sniffled once again, still recovering from crying only minutes ago.

"Would you like to listen?" Just as she asked the question Nicki saw a stethoscope being pulled out of the packaging.

"You can really hear it through one of those?" The quizzical look on her little face made Sandi laugh.

"Well, we should be able to! You're not in the super, super early stages of pregnancy and you have a slim waist. You wanna give it a try?"

"Yes please!" The level of excitement in her voice made Sandi smile, maybe this wasn't such a horrible situation after all? Drake was happy and behaving, or so she thought. Nicki seemed more than content and she herself actually felt cheerful. Not to mention Dennis was moving back into the picture, and now her son was in a happy and loving relationship about to give them their first grandbaby. She felt her face twisting into a smile as she lifted Nicki's shirt a little, pressing the head of the stethoscope on to her skin. There it was, a little heartbeat as clear as a bell. She felt silly getting all emotional, this was something she performed all the time on pregnant women, it was her profession. But this was different, it was her grandchild she was hearing. Slowly removing the ear pieces she handed them to Nicki, letting her listen to her baby for the first time.

"Can you hear?"

"Oh my God, I can hear her." It came out as a whisper as she felt herself filling up again.

"You think she's a girl?" Nicki shook her head no before answering properly.

"Drake thinks she's a girl, so we're callin' her a 'she' until we find out forreal." Her dimpled smile warmed Sandi's heart as she continued to watch her listening intently in between talking.

"Well then, she sounds very healthy to me." At that moment Nicki felt more secure than she had in ages. Ever since her fallout with SB she'd felt as though Drake was the only person she could rely on  with this situation they were in but now she had Sandi there for her too and things were finally looking up. For now.



Across Town



Drake was sat in his car contemplating deeply. He could drive away and have nothing to do with what he was being asked right now if he wanted, but he needed that money. He was earning plenty with his current job but now he owed Deshaun quite a large sum of cash. Borrowing the deposit money from him was starting to seem like a really, really stupid idea.

....