19. Letting Go (Full Chapter)

"Nicki would you stop freakin' out, they know how to look after her!" He laughed as she continued fixing her makeup in the mirror.

"I know but she's been refusin' the bottle and Ion wanna get down to the school and have to come all the way back to feed her. That and my mom will give me the 'You have to let go sooner or later' talk which I really don't need to be hearin' right now."

"She'll be fine,  c'mere." He pulled her away from the mirror and kissed her. "Can you believe we're 'bouta go check out schools for Jay?

"No, he's still my liddle baby." She looked over at him watching TV on their bed, Jelani and Macaiah had taken charge of the lounge room seeing as they wanted to watch the basketball game. "Is he all ready to go?"

"Yeah just gotta throw his shoes on. What time are we meetin' the teacher person?" He flopped on to the bed with Jay, making him bounce and start to giggle. Nicki smiled, everything was falling together nicely. She had her family and friends here right now, Safaree was well on his way to being back to normal and her pregnancy was going smoothly, barring the Braxton Hicks hiccup.

"Well we gotta set off in like." She looked at her watch. "15 minutes so I'll just go tell Lauren and Candi what Alia's havin' to eat."

"Nic, it's baby food? It comes in jar, they all pretty much the same." He started laughing again only to stop when Jay told him to shush because he couldn't hear the TV. "Damn, my bad." Nicki smiled at him scolding his Dad like that.

"Yes but I need to have everythin'-"

"Organised? Yeah we know!" They were now making their way out of the bedroom when they bumped into Mama Carol going into hers.

"Oh, you all set to go?" She smiled at how healthy Nicki looked and how much Safaree had improved since they moved here.

"Yeah I was just gon' show y'all what Alia is eatin' for lunch and dinner. Then when we get back later I'll feed her beforeI put her to bed."

"You're still mix feeding?" She held eye contact with her daughter as Safaree tensed up, knowing that Nicki was touchy about that subject. She got angry with people who tried to tell her she should stop feeding Alia herself. It was a case of 'her child, her decision'. If she wanted to feed her solid food and breast-feed her before bed too, then she could.

"Mom, please don't. Not right now." She shook her head slightly and went downstairs leaving Safaree stood awkwardly.

"She's almost 8 months old, she's fine on solid food and formula."

"No disrespect Carol, but she's our baby and we'll do what we feel is right." He got scared as soon as he'd said and wished he'd never opened his mouth but her reaction wasn't what he expected.

"You're good parents y'know that don't you?" He smiled half with relief and half with gratitude at the compliment she just paid them. She felt bad for making Nicki feel inadequate sometimes.

"Thanks." He gave her a smile before going back in their room to grab Jay. "Come on liddle man we gotta go." He switched the TV off, scooped up Jay and made his way downstairs as Nicki was explaining everything about what to do with Alia whilst they were gone.

"Nic, we know what we're doin'! We looked after before y'know?" Lauren smirked at a flustered Nicki and kept bouncing a happy Alia on her knee.

"Yeah I know." She sighed loudly. "I guess I'm just kyna freakin' 'bout this whole school thing with Jay." Exhaling slowly she sat down next to Lauren, who handed her Alia.

"Don't be babe, Jay's a cute kid he'll have the girls fallin' over him!" Candi tried to reassure her. "And you and SB got your little date tonight, you gotta be excited 'bout that right?" They didn't need an answer as the way she blushed and smiled said it all.

"See everythin's gon' be fine, stop stressin' it's not-"

"Good for the baby!" She finished Lauren;s sentence and laughed at the way they treated her sometimes. Meanwhile Safaree was stood watching for the whole conversation with Jay in his arms. He'd been wanting to take her out for a meal for the longest time but never found the right moment and now, with friends and family here to take care of the kids he gladly took the opportunity. So they were going at 2pm to check out this school then taking Jay with them to do the grocery shopping and then coming back to drop him home and for Nicki to feed Alia and put them to bed. That way they could shower and change into going out clothes too.

"Kay Nic, you set?" He let Jay down after putting his shoes on, he ran towards Candi and Lauren giving them a peck each before going to the door. "Damn, he's such a ladies man!"

"He don't get that from you then." Candi spluttered as Lauren and Nicki giggled at his face.

"Whatever." He looked back to Nicki. "Ready?"

"Yeah. Remember what I said!" she pointed her finger between her friends before kissing Alia's little forehead and handing her back to Lauren. Leaving the kitchen she shouted goodbye to her parents and brothers and got Jay into the car.

***

"See! I told you he'd like it!" Safaree beamed as he looked at Nicki's cheerful face. They'd just finished their little tour and talk with one of Jay's soon to be school teachers.

"I'm just glad he's excited, now I can relax a liddle!" She opened the window a bit and started fanning herself. "We need to get the aircon sorted out Faree." He just nodded and blindly handed her a bottle of water.

"Make sure you're drinkin' plenty, Ion want yo' ass faintin' on me."

"Safaree be quiet, I ain't passin' out nowhere!" She chuckled and turned back to look at Jay who was fast asleep, no surprise there.

"So the table is booked for 8pm, what time is it now?" He kept his eyes in the road as she checked her watch.

"It's 4pm, so by the time we done shoppin' we'll be home at about 5, or 6 maybe. That ok?"

"Great."

"You gon' tell me where we're goin' then?" He could tell she was smiling by the way her pronunciation changed. That and he could see her pearly whites out of the corner of his eye.

"That is a surprise, so you just gon' have to wait and see." He smiled knowing that she hated to be left guessing.

"Well in that case you'll just have to wait and see if you get any tonight." She formed her mouth into a small smile and turned to look out of her window, still fanning herself as Safaree pulled into the parking lot.

"Nic, it's not that hot out, where's your jacket?" He scanned the back seats as she unbuckled herself.

"You kidding? I am not puttin' another layer of clothin' on. I'm freaking melting. Lets get him out and go inside." She carefully stepped out of the car as Safaree did the same before gently picking up Jay who was still sleeping.

"Maybe we should wake him up? He won't sleep later."

"Mmm, you do that I need the bathroom, like, now." They made their way into the cool air of the Supermarket as Nicki headed straight to the bathroom, leaving Safaree to sit Jay in the shopping trolley and wait for her.

He gently shook Jayson awake and watched him rub his eyes before yawning. He felt bad because he looked tired and truthfully he'd had a busy day.

"Wipe the sleep outta yo' eyes boy." He laughed and smoothed his hand over Jay's head.

"What are you two gigglin' about?" Nicki returned and stood at Safaree's side, her bump showing neatly through her loosely fitting top.

"Ah nothin'." He smiled down at her as she rummaged though her purse looking for gum.

"You want some?" She pulled the pack out and pushed it up to his face making him laugh as they started walking through the aisles.

"No Nicki. Now put it away before he sees it." He looked at Jay whose head was lolling around since he fell asleep again. She kept readjusting him so that he wasn't resting awkwardly but it was no use, so she eventually took him out and carried him around. About half an hour into their supermarket trip Safaree could see her struggling so swapped, allowing her to push the trolley whilst he lugged Jay around.

"Aye Nic? What's the stuff Alia eats again?" He was hunched slightly and squinting as he looked at all  the shelf items.

"It comes in Jars Faree, they all the same." She mimicked his earlier comment and chuckled at his serious face before getting the jars herself. "She likes these ones the most." Double checking they were the right ones she placed them with the rest of the shopping. "Kay, I think that's everythin'. Unless you needed somethin'?"

"Nope, I'm good. Let's get outta here." She shook her head and followed him to the checkout, he hated food shopping."

***

As soon as they got home they were rushing around trying to get everything sorted. They'd spent longer shopping than they'd hoped and hit traffic on the way home so they now had only and hour and a half to get ready. Luckily Mama Carol had already done dinner so when they walked through the door they sat Jay down at the table with everyone and let him eat whilst they went to shower. Thankfully Lauren had fed Alia earlier so she was content with just watching everyone from her highchair.

"Nic, you gon' shower with me?" She turned to look at him unsurely.

"Uhm no, no that's ok I'll just go when you're done." She continued taking her earrings out and wiping her makeup off as he dropped his shoulders, he knew what she was doing. Stepping away from the bathroom doorway and the running shower, her pulled her up.

"Nicki, I've seen you naked and pregnant before!" he moved the hair out of her face carefully. "You look beautiful, now are you gonna come shower with your husband or not?" She rolled her eyes and looked down shyly, taking a few minutes to decide before letting him undress her and stepping in to the shower together. She can't remember the last time they did this, all she knew was that it happened way before Alia was born. It felt good. She let him wash her after she finished washing him and shared a little make out session before knocking the water off and stepping out. As soon as the water died down they could hear Alia crying downstairs.

"Just on time." Nicki dried herself and let Safaree lotion her before she threw her gown on and went to get Alia.

"I'll sort Jay out after I'm dressed." She nodded nicely and made her way downstairs.

"Oh, you ain't goin' out dressed like that are ya Nic?" Macaiah pulled a face at how open the front of her robe was, almost giving everyone an eyeful of her assets.

"Boy shut the hell up! Where's my baby?" They all laughed as she tightened her robe and gently took Alia from her chair. "Faree's gon' come get Jay ready for bed in a minute so don't get him all hyped up." She cut her eyes at Jelani knowing he'd be the one to ignore her. They'd all finished eating and were helping Mama Carol clear the plates away and clean up. Lauren and Candi had helped make dinner so they were sat watching TV. Nicki felt bad that she wasn't spending this time with them but honestly she'd spent every other moment with them. Shopping, taking the kids out and everything else. It was just this one night, she kept reminding herself that so as not to feel bad.

"I'm just gonna go bathe her and feed her, she shouldn't wake up after I've put her down, kay?" They both looked at each other before answering in unison.

"Yes Nicki, we know." Lauren laughed at her frown.

"And we know to call you otherwise! Stop worryin' you're gonna spoil your night with Safaree." She stood up and took Alia from her arms. "I'll go bathe her whilst you get ready, then you can feed her." Nicki smiled gratefully.

"And Ill go deal with your boy, where's he at?" Candi moved from the couch as Nicki pointed to the kitchen.

"Aww you guys! Thank you so much." She grinned widely as they all headed upstairs after Candi had retrieved Jay. As soon as they reached the top they all went separate ways. Going back into her room Nicki stopped for a minute to admire her husband.

"Put your eyes back in your head Nic." He grinned cockily as she snorted.

"Whatever!" She felt bad after his face drooped a little. "But really though, you look handsome." He half smiled at her acting all shy and quiet. He was glad she shut the door as he moved over to her and carefully pulled her robe off, holding her gently. She didn't move whilst he started placing kisses all over her neck before moving to her front and lingering for a while, letting his hands roam her body. As her breathing changed he could tell she was stifling a moan and would soon see to that. He gravitated lower as she placed her hands on top of his head feeling her leg being lifted whilst he placed her foot on his shoulder. She shut her eyes, preparing for what she was about to endure. Being as thoughtful as he was he stopped and lifted her to the bed and lay her down before resuming his position with his head resting between her thighs, kissing either side tenderly. Moving closer to where she wanted.

"Nicki? Are you in there?" She sat up instantly at the sound of her name as Safaree jumped back and handed her robe to her from the floor. The door opened without warning as she was just fastening the clothing around herself.

"What?!" He flinched at the anger in her voice before talking more cautiously.

"My bad, I uh, just wanted to know where the new batteries are kept?" He shifted uncomfortably knowing all too well what he probably just interrupted.

"They're in the kitchen drawer next to the sink." He nodded awkwardly as a gesture to say thank you and headed back back out of the room quickly, but him and his smart mouth just had to say something.

"Oh and by the way y'all are nasty, couldn't you wait 'til everybody was sleepin'?" He laughed obnoxiously and continued going down the stairs as Nicki stood, clearly in shock and slightly humiliated.

"That was close."

"Yeah, almost too freaking close Safaree."

"We'll just finish off where we left off when we get home." He whispered seductively as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. "Now go do what you need to do, we're even more behind now." He tapped her butt and went back to fixing himself up as she proceeded to go do her makeup.

***

About half an hour later he was on his way back to their bedroom to hurry Nicki up, only to realise she was sat in Alia's room feeding her. Still only in her robe.

"Nicki, we're leaving in like, ten minutes." He walked into Alia's little pink bedroom which was only illuminated by a small light in the corner.

"I know, I'm sorry. She's still not done, I only have to put my dress on and then I'm ready. Promise." she looked up at him as he stood next to the rocking chair she was sat in.

"It's fine, I'd let you go in that if you could." He paused for a moment making her look back at him.

"You kay?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine, Just waitin' on my beautiful wife." He smiled at her blushing and leant down to kiss her, meeting her lips for a few seconds and pulling away to let her move.

"I think she's 'bout done." Looking down at Alia's sleepy eyes she pulled her away and stood up to lay her gently in her crib before re-fastening her robe. "Kay Imma go get dressed." She tiptoed to kiss him again and disappeared quickly to go and change. Safaree stayed for a while longer and watched Alia fall to sleep properly before heading out too.

Fifteen minutes later they were heading out of the door, their plan was successful. Both kids were fed, bathed and in bed by the time they were leaving. Going to open her door for her Safaree stood to the side, allowing her to climb in before moving around the vehicle to get in his side.

"You look amazing Nic." He took a minute to look over her whole body as she sat patiently.

"Thank you babe, so do you." Before she buckled herself in she stretched across to him and kissed him lovingly before pulling away. "So, we goin' or what?" Her sentence was finished with the click of her belt buckle.

"We sure are." Once he was buckled up too he started the engine and set off. It only took around twenty minutes before Nicki saw where it was Safaree must have been taking them. It was a new restaurant in town that she'd pointed out to him not long ago.

"Really Safaree?" She turned too look at him but he kept his eyes fixed attentively on the road.

"Yeah, you said you wanted to go here right?"

"Well yeah, but it's so expensive."

"And you deserve it. 'specially after the way I been actin' lately, I'm sorry."

"Faree you don't have to keep apologisin'. It's ok, we've moved past that." She gathered her purse and fixed her lipstick once more in the mirror as they pulled up to get out.

The rest of the evening went by smoothly and they were still sat comfortably at their table two hours later.

"Thank you." Safaree looked up hearing her voice as he set his cutlery down and wiped his mouth.

"For what?"

"Well for a start, all of this!" She waved her arms around. "And for not drinking." He bowed his head a little.

"Hmm I'm stayin' away from that. Ion wanna lose you, any of you." He grabbed her hand gently across the table. "You want dessert?"

"Yes, but it's somethin' I can't get off the menu here." He brought his eyes up to meet hers as he shut his menu.

"Oh?"

"Mmm." She folded her lips and moved her chair back.

"OH! Right!" He only just caught on as he quickly stood up. "I'll get the bill."

....

*Well, Ion like this but I needed to post cuz I was just stuck on it and I need to do WTWC, CM and CAHM :o Which one do you all want next?? ^_^ Thanks for the comments on the sneak peek :)) And I  apologise for any typos! I know I make a lot XD*

18. Letting Go (Sneak Peek)

*Kay guys so this is a little bigger than a sneak peek but here you go anyway ^_^ Thx for previous comments :)) Really appreciated ^_^ Also I said this on my other fic, When Two Worlds Collide which was silly cuz people have DM'd me and asked for the links to my newest fics which are Catch Me >>> http://catch-me-onikafaree.blogspot.com.au/ and When Two Worlds Collide >>> http://whentwo-worldscollide-onikafaree.blogspot.com.au/ I don't tweet them and I wasn't sure who else wanted them so I'll put them in here! XD Enjoy and I hope this lil preview was ok for everyone!*

"Nicki would you stop freakin' out, they know how to look after her!" He laughed as she continued fixing her makeup in the mirror.

"I know but she's been refusin' the bottle and Ion wanna get down to the school and have to come all the way back to feed her. That and my mom will give me the 'You have to let go sooner or later' talk which I really don't need to be hearin' right now."

"She'll be fine,  c'mere." He pulled her away from the mirror and kissed her. "Can you believe we're 'bouta go check out schools for Jay?

"No, he's still my liddle baby." She looked over at him watching TV on their bed, Jelani and Macaiah had taken charge of the lounge room seeing as they wanted to watch the basketball game. "Is he all ready to go?"

"Yeah just gotta throw his shoes on. What time are we meetin' the teacher person?" He flopped on to the bed with Jay, making him bounce and start to giggle. Nicki smiled, everything was falling together nicely. She had her family and friends here right now, Safaree was well on his way to being back to normal and her pregnancy was going smoothly, barring the Braxton Hicks hiccup.

"Well we gotta set off in like." She looked at her watch. "15 minutes so I'll just go tell Lauren and Candi what Alia's havin' to eat."

"Nic, it's baby food? It comes in jar, they all pretty much the same." He started laughing again only to stop when Jay told him to shush because he couldn't hear the TV. "Damn, my bad." Nicki smiled at him scolding his Dad like that.

"Yes but I need to have everythin'-"

"Organised? Yeah we know!" They were now making their way out of the bedroom when they bumped into Mama Carol going into hers.

"Oh, you all set to go?" She smiled at how healthy Nicki looked and how much Safaree had improved since they moved here.

"Yeah I was just gon' show y'all what Alia is eatin' for lunch and dinner. Then when we get back later I'll feed her beforeI put her to bed."

"You're still mix feeding?" She held eye contact with her daughter as Safaree tensed up, knowing that Nicki was touchy about that subject. She got angry with people who tried to tell her she should stop feeding Alia herself. It was a case of 'her child, her decision'. If she wanted to feed her solid food and breast-feed her before bed too, then she could.

"Mom, please don't. Not right now." She shook her head slightly and went downstairs leaving Safaree stood awkwardly.

"She's almost 8 months old, she's fine on solid food and formula."

"No disrespect Carol, but she's our baby and we'll do what we feel is right." He got scared as soon as he'd said and wished he'd never opened his mouth but her reaction wasn't what he expected.

"You're good parents y'know that don't you?" He smiled half with relief and half with gratitude at the compliment she just paid them. She felt bad for making Nicki feel inadequate sometimes.

"Thanks." He gave her a smile before going back in their room to grab Jay. "Come on liddle man we gotta go." He switched the TV off, scooped up Jay and made his way downstairs as Nicki was explaining everything about what to do with Alia whilst they were gone.

"Nic, we know what we're doin'! We looked after before y'know?" Lauren smirked at a flustered Nicki and kept bouncing a happy Alia on her knee.

"Yeah I know." She sighed loudly. "I guess I'm just kyna freakin' 'bout this whole school thing with Jay." Exhaling slowly she sat down next to Lauren, who handed her Alia.

"Don't be babe, Jay's a cute kid he'll have the girls fallin' over him!" Candi tried to reassure her. "And you and SB got your little date tonight, you gotta be excited 'bout that right?" They didn't need an answer as the way she blushed and smiled said it all.

"See everythin's gon' be fine, stop stressin' it's not-"

"Good for the baby!" She finished Lauren;s sentence and laughed at the way they treated her sometimes. Meanwhile Safaree was stood watching for the whole conversation with Jay in his arms. He'd been wanting to take her out for a meal for the longest time but never found the right moment and now, with friends and family here to take care of the kids he gladly took the opportunity. So they were going at 2pm to check out this school then taking Jay with them to do the grocery shopping and then coming back to drop him home and for Nicki to feed Alia and put them to bed. That way they could shower and change into going out clothes too.

"Kay Nic, you set?" He let Jay down after putting his shoes on, he ran towards Candi and Lauren giving them a peck each before going to the door. "Damn, he's such a ladies man!"

"He don't get that from you then." Candi spluttered as Lauren and Nicki giggled at his face.

"Whatever." He looked back to Nicki. "Ready?"

"Yeah. Remember what I said!" she pointed her finger between her friends before kissing Alia's little forehead and handing her back to Lauren. Leaving the kitchen she shouted goodbye to her parents and brothers and got Jay into the car.

***

"See! I told you he'd like it!" Safaree beamed as he looked at Nicki's cheerful face. They'd just finished their little tour and talk with one of Jay's soon to be school teachers.

"I'm just glad he's excited, now I can relax a liddle!" She opened the window a bit and started fanning herself. "We need to get the aircon sorted out Faree." He just nodded and blindly handed her a bottle of water.

"Make sure you're drinkin' plenty, Ion want yo' ass faintin' on me."

"Safaree be quiet, I ain't passin' out nowhere!" She chuckled and turned back to look at Jay who was fast asleep, no surprise there.

"So the table is booked for 8pm, what time is it now?" He kept his eyes in the road as she checked her watch.

"It's 4pm, so by the time we done shoppin' we'll be home at about 5, or 6 maybe. That ok?"

"Great."

"You gon' tell me where we're goin' then?" He could tell she was smiling by the way her pronunciation changed. That and he could see her pearly whites out of the corner of his eye.

"That is a surprise, so you just gon' have to wait and see." He smiled knowing that she hated to be left guessing.

"Well in that case you'll just have to wait and see if you get any tonight." She formed her mouth into a small smile and turned to look out of her window, still fanning herself as Safaree pulled into the parking lot.

"Nic, it's not that hot out, where's your jacket?" He scanned the back seats as she unbuckled herself.

"You kidding? I am not puttin' another layer of clothin' on. I'm freaking melting. Lets get him out and go inside." She carefully stepped out of the car as Safaree did the same before gently picking up Jay who was still sleeping.

"Maybe we should wake him up? He won't sleep later."

"Mmm, you do that I need that bathroom, like, now." They made their way into the cool air of the Supermarket as Nicki headed straight to the bathroom, leaving Safaree to sit Jay in the shopping trolley and wait for her.

...

*VISUALS*

I completely forgot that I hadn't put pictures on here :O I usually don't like to in case it ruins the image you have in your head but I've labelled the post so that anyone who doesn't want to see it won't open it, I hope! Haha

Jayson and Alia - I know they're really crappy pictures but I thought they were pretty cute ^-^

Jayson

Alia

17. Surprise - Part Two

Scratch what he said about it not being cold. It was freezing, and the way Nicki was shaking let him know that. Jay however seemed to be oblivious to the biting cold.

"You kay? Or do you wanna head back?" He felt ok asking since Safaree sent him a text to let him know everything was done and they could come home now.

"Well Jay's havin' fun. It's been ages since I've seen him like this, it's nice." She smiled and looked on at him playing. Although he was by himself he was still enjoying his time there.

"But you're freezin' and won't she need feedin' soon?" He bowed his head at Alia as he rubbed his hands together.

"Yeah, I suppose." She looked down at her. "We better get going then." She paused and stood up from the bench before shouting Jay and making their way back to the car.

***

"Right, Drake just messaged me, they're on their way back now. Lauren did you put the food out already?" Safaree was still darting around the kitchen trying to sort everything out. He'd managed to get Lauren, Candi, TT, Mama Carol, Jelani, Cai and her father over for a small surprise baby shower, even though it was a little early this was the only time everyone could be together at one time so he took the opportunity.

"Yes SB. You've even seen it, doof." She laughed and shook her head before putting her hand on his shoulder. "Relax! She'll love it, but let's not jump out and yell surprise? We don't wanna shock her into labour or whatever!" Safaree laughed and took a deep breath.

"I hope she's ok with it, she was upset when I left earlier." He folded his lips together and looked down thinking about how absent he'd been recently.

"Hey, it'll be fine. Come on." She tugged at his arm before they headed through to the lounge room where everyone else was sitting comfortably.

***

Drake kept looking over at her in the passenger seat, she looked uncomfortable as the furrow in her brow deepened and a quiet whimper escaped her lips.

"Nicki?"

"Hmmm?" Her eyes remained closed as she hummed.

"What's wrong?" He was beginning to panic and kept switching his gaze between her and the road. She opened her eyes and started breathing more normally again.

"Nothing." Unsteadily moving her hands back down to rest on the seat she looked at him tiredly.

"No, something's wrong. I mean, Ion know much 'bout babies or being pregnant or anythin' but I'm pretty sure that doesn't seem too good."

"Drake I'm fine, really. It's prolly just Braxton Hicks."

"What?" She saw his confused face and smiled.

"It's nothing just keep your eyes on the road, please?" He twitched his mouth and carried on with the drive back.

Once they arrived at her house he drove the car into the driveway and turned the engine off, Nicki and both the kids were asleep so he carefully and quietly made his way inside, knocking before he entered.

"SB?"

"Yeah?" He came jogging around the corner expecting to find Nicki with him and his face crinkled when none of them were in sight. "Where they at?"

"Sleepin' in the car."He laughed before turning more serious. "Before I head off, Nicki was been strange earlier, and then again just now in the car." Safaree's face scrunched up a little.

"Like, what kinda strange? Is she ok?" He attempted to get past and go out to the car.

"No, no she said she's fine...She said she thought it was something Hickson or Brix or-"

"Braxton Hicks?"

"Yeah! That..." He paused momentarily. "Is that bad?" He followed behind Safaree as he opened Jay's door and started unbuckling him.

"Uhm Ion know, she's had them before but that was like, further on near her due date." He paused and gently lifted Jay out of the seat. "Here, please could you take him? I'll get Lia out and then wake Nic up." Drake moved forward to grab him and take him inside, where he was met by Mama Carol and everybody else. He was a little nervous and handed the sleeping boy to Jelani before stepping aside. Before long Safaree reappeared with Alia and took her upstairs, heading back outside as soon as he returned.
Meanwhile Mama Carol introduced Drake to everyone as they all made their back to the living room and got comfortable.

"I really should be goin' Ion wanna intrude on anything." He went to stand up but Mama Carol grabbed his arm gently.

"No, after everything you've done for Nika and her family I think you should stay. In fact I know she'd want you to stay. Unless of course you're busy?"

"Oh, no I'm free for the rest of the night I just-" He stopped suddenly as he felt a strong hand from behind push him down into the chair some more.

"Quit playing, stay a while." He looked behind him to see, what he guessed was Nicki's brother, still holding a knocked out Jay.

"Thanks, I'd love that." He smiled warmly back at Mama Carol as she began to speak again.

"I heard he's taken a strong liking to you?" She nodded her head towards Jay as Jelani walked off.

"Yeah, he's an amazing kid."

"I'm surprised Onika lets you take care of him." She suddenly cringed hearing how that sounded. "Oh I didn't mean it like that I-"

"I know what you meant. She doesn't just leave him with anybody." He laughed as she relaxed a little.

"Yeah, she's always been like that." He looked around and realised that three girls were staring back at him, he blushed and tried to shrug it off.

Back out in the car Safaree was sat sideways in the drivers seat watching Nicki, she was still sleeping as his mind ran back to the first time they met in high school. He knew way back at that moment that he loved her. Things hadn't been easy for them though, Safaree struggled at school and Nicki was insanely intelligent. That didn't stop them both from making a stupid mistake though, at 18 she was pregnant with Jay already. They listed all the options they had but Nicki said there was no way she would be able to have an abortion or give her baby away so they decided to keep him, against their parents wishes. He never expected things to move so quickly with them, as soon as Jay was born he had the strong impulse to move out from his parents house and take Nicki with him, to his surprise she said yes. So there they were, two years later living together as a super young family, and it wasn't long until twenty-one year old Nicki got pregnant again with Alia. They felt bad saying she was a "mistake" because that's what they said about Jay but they were the best mistakes they'd ever made to be honest. And now here they were again, twenty-two years old and already about to have their third child. People talked badly about them but they couldn't see how great they were as parents. Especially to have a child with an intellectual disability and still cope with a young baby. He remembered how small Alia was when she was born, they'd panicked when Nicki went into labour because she still had two months to go, but Alia was waiting for nobody. As he continued reminiscing she shifted slightly making him remember that he was supposed to come out here and wake her up. Everybody was still waiting inside and it was almost 5pm.

"Nic?" He shook her arm gently to try and wake her from her slumber. "Nicki?"

"Mm, what?" her eyes opened lazily as she turned to look at him. "Faree? What are you doin' out here?" She brought her head up from resting on the cold window as she yawned.

"I came to wake you up, you prolly slept like, 13 hours today!" He laughed as she moved to get more comfortable. "You kay? Drake mentioned you said somthin' 'bout Braxton Hicks?" He placed his hand lovingly on her bump.

"Yeah Ion know what's goin' on in there. I'll call Faye when we get inside, just to be sure." He saw how worried she looked.

"Don't worry 'bout it, I'll call her. You just relaaaaax." She giggled at how long he made the word last for as he shut his eyes.

"You sound stoned as fuck when you do that! Don't!" She laughed some more before he shot her a mean look.

"Come on." He opened the door an went around to her side to help her out.

Once they made it back inside the sight of everyone sat in her lounge room made her tear up instantly before she turned quickly back to Safaree as he closed the front door.

"This." She waved her arms. "This is what you were bein' all weird and distant for?" Moving forward she kissed him delicately. "I love you."

"Love you too, now go! Everybody's been waitin' on your sleepy ass!" He pushed her carefully through as she was immediately smothered by Candi, Lauren and TT. The greetings went on for a while until Nicki was seated with everybody.

"So you know what you havin' yet?" Lauren asked as she folded her legs up under herself on the couch. All the guys had moved to the kitchen whilst the girls remained where they were, Jay was tired so Mama Carol was upstairs seeing to him and Alia after Nicki fed her.

"Nope. I wanted it to be a surprise but I can't wait so I'm findin' out on Thursday." She smiled big at the thought of it.

"I reckon it's gon' be a boy." Candi hadn't really said much all night so saying that made them all look at her.

"Why?" She tilted her head as she rubbed circles on her stomach.

"Ion know, just a feelin'. Why? You think it's a girl?"

"I honestly don't know." She popped another chicken piece into her mouth as she sat back. "I'm happy either way, just as long as he or she is healthy."

They talked for hours until Nicki was too tired to even keep her eyes open, Safaree solved that problem however as he carried her cautiously upstairs. It didn't matter that she was zonked out because everybody was stopping for a few days so they could do something tomorrow. As he put her down on the bed she woke up to him walking to the bathroom.

"Faree? Where you goin'?" She propped herself up on her elbows to try and watch him.

"To pee, that ok?" He laughed as she just deaded her face at him.

"Well hurry, I want you to come lay with me." She let her elbows give way as she got comfortable again. Once he was finished he climbed on to the bed with her. "Thank you for today and I'm sorry for bein' all moody with you." She pouted as she grabbed his face gently.

"I wanted to cheer you up, 'specially after the way I behaved the other night." He kissed he slowly before pulling away. "You don't have anythin' to be sorry 'bout. You liked your surprise then?"

"Are you kidding? I loved it." She smiled sweetly as she pulled at her top. He noticed and jumped up to go get her some pyjamas, placing them on the bed he moved over to her and helped her get her top off seeing as she was just laying there looking all helpless and pathetic, which made him a laugh a little. "What's so funny?" She cut her eyes at him as he pulled the clothing over her head.

"You! Actin' like a damn invalid."

"Shush. I'm tired, lets put a baby in you and see how you feel." She smiled at how his face twisted up.

"No thanks. " He replied as he pulled at her arms. "Sit up." She did as he asked with a bit of help from him and once he'd put one of his old tees on her he removed the rest of her clothes and re-dressed her.

"Thank you Faree." She added a few extra E's on to his name whilst she lay back.

"You do realise you gon' have to get up anyways? You haven't done your face or nothin'." He disappeared into the bathroom and heard her moaning. "Life's hard huh?" He shook his head and laughed before moving back into their room only to realise that she was stood, leaning slightly over the bed groaning in pain.

"Uhh, can you please call Faye? Somethin' ain't right." She managed to get out as she swayed. Instantly obeying her request he dashed over to her and rubbed her back as he called Faye on his cell.

"You gon' be okay for a minute? I gotta go let her in." She nodded as the pain went away again. Moving swiftly down the stairs he went to the kitchen to get her some water whilst he waited for Faye, she said she was passing by as she was on her way home from the hospital. Literally, minutes later there was a knock at the door making everybody stop what they where doing.

"Hey, yeah, yeah come in." He held the door open wider as Faye walked through, politely waving at everyone. "She's upstairs, you'll see, the door's open." As soon as he directed her she went upstairs whilst Safaree shut and locked the front door.

"What's goin' on? Is she ok?" Lauren's voice was full of worry as Candi's face matched how she sounded.

"Uhm yeah, Faye's just gon' check her over. I'll let you know." He called the last part as he was halfway back up the stairs as he answered her. They all looked at one another anxiously and sat tight waiting.

Once he made it back into their room Nicki was sat on the edge of the bed with her tee rolled up a little so that Faye could reach her bump.

"How long has this been happening?" Nicki looked at her worriedly.

"Um, well Ion know. This is the third time it's happened today."

"Have you been drinking enough water?" She kept doing what she was doing but looked up when Nicki didn't reply. "Nicki?"

"I had maybe a mouthful today and-"

"Well there you go then! They're just Braxton Hicks, usually they happen all the way through a pregnancy but most women don't feel them. You're dehydrated so...Yeah. You're feeling them." She giggled a little as Nick's face relaxed.

"Is there anything you can do to get rid of the pain?" Safaree asked as he sat on the bed too.

"Unfortunately no. But there are things you can do to relieve the pain a little. For starters you can drink this." She took the water from Safaree's hand and gave it to Nicki. "Also, taking a bath usually helps. Just take it easy, kay?" She acknowledged their nods and packed up her stuff. "I can see myself out if you want?"

"No, I'm heading back down for a minute. I'll show out." She smiled as she said goodbye to Nicki and left.

***

After explaining everything to everyone downstairs they all headed off to bed, thankful that nothing terrible was wrong. Safaree also made his way back upstairs, checking on the kids before he too hit the sack. To his surprise Nicki was still awake, she'd taken Faye's advice and soaked in the bath for a while before she got back into bed.

"How you feelin'?" He asked after brushing his teeth and knocking the lights off.

"Ok, it's not hurting anymore."

"Good." She moved up nice and close to him before she fell asleep in his arms.

***

Across the street everything was coming together as he planned to make his move....

*Ugh I REALLY hate this chapter but I posted it because it's better than nothing and I said I would post. I'm super sorry for any typos and how rushed this chapter is :// Going through some shitty stuff right now -__- but Imma try and post on WTWC and CAHM tomorrow :) Hope this was kinda ok for you all ://*

16. Surprise - Part One

"Nicki! What the hell happened?" He ran over to where she was sitting on the floor and knelt down to her level.

"I got up and felt really dizzy so I sat down for a minute, I'm okay though." She went to try and get up but Safaree stopped her.

"Nic, your nose is bleedin'." He ran to their bathroom as she brought her hand to her nose feeling the fluid trickling down her face and now on to her hands. "Here, tilt your head back." She did as he said when he returned and let him hold the tissue there. This had happened before when she was pregnant with Alia so it wasn't new to them but she still didn't like it, understandably.

"Ugh, I can taste it Faree!" She tried to pull his hand away from her face but he used his other free hand to stop her.

"Leave it Nicki, it'll stop in a minute just hold it there, I'll go get you some water." He allowed her to take over and went to go into their bathroom but her muffled voice stopped him.

"Ion want tap water, there's a bottle in the fridge." She paused. "Thank you." He was still in earshot of the last part as he made his way out of the room, bounding down the stairs.

"Everythin' ok down here?" He quickly asked on his way to the kitchen.

"Yeah, we all good. Ain't that right Jayman?" Jay nodded and turned back to the TV as Drake smiled before pulling a puzzled face seeing the red substance staining Safaree's hands. "What's happened? Is she ok?" He stood up still holding a restless Alia in his arms.

"Yeah, she's just got a nosebleed. Happened all the time with her." He pointed at Alia as Jay made a beeline for the stairs and raced up them before Safaree could stop him. "That boy." He shook his head and continued with his original task of getting the water as Drake resumed his position back on the couch with Alia. Before Safaree had chance to even make it out of the kitchen Nicki appeared at the bottom of the stairs with Jay in tow.

"Hey Drake." He turned to see her taking a seat on the other couch, her hand still pressed to her bloody nose. It must have been a bad one because he could see the blood staining her chin and the tissue was increasing in redness by the second.

"Oh, hey. How you feelin'?"

"Uhm, right now? Not so hot." She smiled, he could tell because of the way her eyes looked. He loved her eyes. "How 'bout you?" she asked as she flopped on to the chair with a clingy Jay clambering to try and sit with her until she hauled him up on to her lap.

"Yeah, good thanks. Safaree's just gettin' your water." She just nodded in response as Jay said something to her really quietly.

"Well go get it then baby. I put it with all your others, in your room." As soon as she said that he hopped up and ran back up the stairs making Drake look at her with a confused expression. "You'll see, in a minute." Before he could reply Safaree returned and almost went back up the stairs too but caught sight of Nicki and walked her way.

"Here." He handed her the bottle and a sandwich he must have quickly made. "Eat that too, you ain't eaten since yesterday." After he'd handed her the food and water he took a seat next to her. "Is it still bleedin'?" She removed her hand and turned to face him fully, he didn't speak making her wave her hand in his face after a fews seconds of silence.

"Hello? Faree? Is it bleedin' or not?" He still didn't answer again for a couple seconds until he felt her hand grasping his. "Faree?" She had forgotten about his whole ordeal with the crash and the little boy, all the blood he told her about.

"Huh? Oh, right, uhm no. No, I think it's stopped now. You feel ok?" She just looked at him before nodding slowly, Drake could see she looked worried but that little moment was interrupted by an unaware Jay leaping down the stairs with a painting in his hands, walking shyly over to Drake he put the picture on his knee and chewed on his bottom lip as he backed away towards Safaree. He passed Nicki on the way as she went to take a fussy Alia off of Drake whilst she wiped the last of the blood off of her face with the left over tissue.

"He spent all day on that yesterday. You like it?"

"I love it!" He let Nicki take Alia as he looked over at Jay. "Thanks little man, this goin' straight on the wall back home." He smiled some more when Jay got all shy and hid behind his dad.

"Nic, you need to eat your-" He stopped after he looked at her empty plate she left on the couch next to him before turning his gaze back to her. "How fast did you eat that?" She blushed.

"I was hungry!" They all laughed until Nicki caught Drake staring at her bump which was slightly exposed as her shirt she had changed into earlier was a lot smaller than Safaree's oversized tee and had ridden up. She uncomfortably pulled the fabric back over her skin making him look up and away awkwardly. The awkward silence was broken by Safaree's cell ringing on the coffee table making him jump up and answer it on his way upstairs, only his muffled voice could be heard from then on until he was completely inaudible. Nicki furrowed her brow suspiciously before moving into the kitchen with Jay and Drake following.

"What do you two want?" She looked at Drake's clueless face before expanding the question. "For lunch, what do you wanna eat?" She listed off what there was until Jay jumped up and down excitedly, letting her know that was the one. "Well go wash your hands and I'll start making it." Watching him run off she turned back to Drake. "You can sit down, don't mind me." He felt bad not doing anything so he helped get the plates and everything else she needed out whilst she heated up another bottle for Alia to see if she would actually take it.

"She as stubborn as you?"

"Excuse me?" She turned to face him with Alia still in her arms as she screwed the lid on the bottle. "So she has good taste, she knows the difference between what's good and what ain't." Her cocky attitude made him smile as they both took a seat at the table.

"Aight, my bad. I'm headin' into unknown territory now. I'll shut up." He laughed as she just nodded his direction whilst trying to get her child to accept the bottle. The struggle went on for a while and was still happening when the cooker timer went off, luckily Drake was there and sorted all of that out as Nicki continued to battle with Alia.

Suddenly Safaree popped his head around the door frame. "Nic, babe, I gotta head out for a bit, I'll be back later." He was going to carry on leaving but her voice stopped him

"Safaree, where are you goin'?" About to stand up, she stopped seeing him come back into the kitchen. Drake felt out of place and decided he would go get Jay and then leave seeing as Safaree was going out.

"I'm just goin' to see a friend, don't fret. I'll be back in a couple hours." He kissed her nose and then her lips. "Promise." As soon as Drake left she felt like she could talk more openly.

"Why can't you just go see them another day? I'm sick of being on my own Safaree! You're never here anymore!" He dropped his head hearing how upset she sounded, that and Alia's cries. "Please?" She stood up and walked over to him. "Can't you just stay home with us, for one day?"

"I'm sorry, I have to go. Time me, I'll be three hours max." He went to kiss her again but she moved away causing him to sigh and shake his head as he left.

"Here your Mom's finished makin' your lunch." Nicki heard Drake's voice and tried to control her tears but was failing miserably so she faced the window by the cooker, having finally given in to Alia's grumpy screams she was breast-feeding her as she stood. "Did you wash your hands?" Jay nodded to answer Drake's question and tucked into the food that was placed in front of him.

"Thanks Drake." He could hear her crying as she thanked him and quite honestly didn't know what to do, obviously he didn't want to leave her like this but staying would look weird to Safaree, wouldn't it?

"Nicki? What's wrong?" He moved closer to her and rested his hand on the small of her back and rubbed as she just shook her head.

"Nothing, I'm fine." He could feel her body shuddering with each breath she took. Suddenly Drake felt a small hand pulling at his wrist, only to look down and see an angry Jay shaking his head violently and moving his hand off of Nicki's back.

"No!" He kept his face scrunched up as he looked up a Drake.

"Jay, it's all good I'm just makin' sure your Mom's ok." He watched as the young boy grabbed on to Nicki's leg making her look down and rub his head as he hid his face.

"I'm sorry, I'm just bein' stupid." She pulled her free hand away from Jay's head and wiped her eyes before looking at Alia who was slowly but surely drifting off to sleep as she fed her. "I'm gon' go put her down for a bit." Drake knew her well enough to know that she was trying her hardest to stop crying right now. He let her go nevertheless, giving her some space and stayed with Jay in the kitchen as he finished his lunch off.

***

About half an hour later Nicki returned from upstairs, without Alia so Drake was assuming she'd finished feeding her and put her down for a nap. Her eyes were still puffy and red but she was no longer crying, she still looked beautiful to him even with the swelling and redness. As she stood before him he noticed she was still wearing her little pink tee which only just stretched to reach over her bump and a pair of baggy sweats. He didn't know what to say, what if whatever he said made things worse? Like his Mom, if anyone asked her if she was ok when she visibly wasn't it would just make her burst into tears. He decided to play it safe and ask about Alia.

"Did she go down ok?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah she was out like a light as soon as she was in her crib." She sniffed and sat down, grabbing the remote to lower the volume of the TV seeing as Jay had lost interest and was now playing in the corner. "You didn't have to stay y'know? I could just call you when Faree gets home. If he gets home." She mumbled the last part but Drake heard. He felt awful because earlier that morning SB had explained to Drake a surprise he had planned for Nicki and that's where he had to quickly run off to this afternoon.

"No, I don't mind. Really." He paused for a moment. "You seemed pretty, upset before, you alright now?" He wanted to break into the question without upsetting her again but panicked when she looked down and stared to cry. Me and my fucking mouth he thought to himself as he swiftly moved over to sit next to her. "Hey, come on Nic, what's wrong?" He pulled her into a hug and soothingly rubbed her back. He knew part of it would be the fact that she's pregnant and she was probably hormonal, this was practically the only thing he knew about pregnancy honestly. That and where the baby comes out of when it's born, all this stuff was new to him. She didn't cry for long, which he was relieved about as he figured it wouldn't be too healthy for her or the baby. "You ready to talk yet?" He let her pull out of his grasp as she steadied her breathing and leant back into the couch.

"I just....Ion even know why I'm crying." She laughed a little and wiped her cheek. "Safaree's never here anymore, I feel like I'm just sittin' in this damn house twenty four seven with the kids and I feel like shit for sayin' this but I can't take 'em out by myself! I can't cope with Jay if he has one of his tantrums as well as tryna..ugh...." She trailed off and shook her head. "I just want him to spend a little time with us I guess. I'm lonely." Drake nodded, never taking his eyes off of her face as she spoke.

"Things'll get better, 'specially when this liddle one comes along, right?" He was trying to cheer her up because he had a feeling that Safaree's surprise would really make her happy.

She sighed and smoothed her hand over her bump. "Yeah, I hope so." As she moved her palm over her stomach he could actually see the baby kicking, having never seen anything like it before he spoke without thinking.

"Does that not feel, strange?" his face was scrunched up as he spoke.

"Well, no not really, not anymore. It did with Jay 'cause I'd never experienced it before." She smiled properly for the first time since he'd actually seen her today. "Here, you feel." Without hesitating she gently grabbed his wrist and pressed his hand onto her bump where she felt the baby kicking.

"That is so...weird!" He laughed as he felt what he guessed was the baby's foot kicking where his hand was placed. But his smile soon faded as he noticed her face before she quickly sat forward grabbing both sides of her bump. He pulled his hand away when she groaned. "Nicki? Is it the baby?"

"Ugh, Ion know." She moved to the edge of the couch and stood herself up, exhaling as she swayed a little with one hand massaging her bump, trying to last through whatever pain it was that she was feeling.

"You need me to call the midwife or anything?" He had already jumped up and was watching her intently with wide eyes which made her giggle slightly.

"Would you calm down?" She laughed a little more and put her spare hand on his forearm. "It's prolly nothing, just a twinge." She stood up straight when the pain subsided. "See? It's gone now." She let her arms flop to the side as she saw him relax.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Thanks." She sighed and picked up some of Jay's toys left scattered around before she tripped on one later. Just as she was about to start talking again Drake's phone chimed in his pocket. It was a text from Safaree asking a favour, he needed Drake to get Nicki out of the house for a couple hours so he could finish his little surprise he had for her. "You kay Drake?" He realised he'd gone quiet trying to think of a way he could get her out.

"Yeah I'm good I was just thinking....You said you always locked up in here, how 'bout we take Jay to the park or somethin'?" He prayed she'd say yes but the look on her face said "no".

"What? Like, me and you? Ion know drake.... Anyhow look out the window fool!" Her voice got higher towards the end of her sentence as he turned to look outside. It looked pretty windy and close to rain but it wasn't that cold.

"That, Onika, is why coats were invented. Come on! Look." He pointed at a miserable looking Jay who was also staring out of the window. "He's a kid, he needs to burn all that.....kid energy or somthin'. Let's ask him." He was about to open his mouth when Nicki hit him with a stuffed toy.

"Don't even think about it!" She tried to remain serious but the devilish look in his eye made her smile.

"I'll do it!" He jumped away from her before enthusiastically yelling. "Hey Jay, you wanna go to the park with Mommy and Me?" That's all he needed to hear before he jumped up at the speed of light and screeched a very loud "Yes". Nicki glared at the side of Drake's head but then realised this was probably a good idea, and seeing how excited Jay was to be leaving the house was refreshing. "So, you up for it Nic?" He had scooped up a bouncing Jay who was excitedly bobbing in his arms. He knew she wouldn't be able to say No once Jay got all hyped up.

"Okaaay." She rolled her eyes. "But you have to behave."

"Of course he will. Won't you?" He tickled him causing a fit of giggles to erupt.

"I wasn't talkin' to him." She squinted but then smiled at his pouty face and took the armful of toys back to the playroom.

"High five liddle man!" They shared a sneaky giggle as they watched her march off and managed to compose themselves as she returned.

"You do realise I gotta go wake up little miss grouchy-pants now?" Jay covered his ears already knowing what that meant. "But hey." She held her hands up dramatically. "Y'all wanna go so I'll go get her ready, you can come too Sir, you need warmer clothes on." Drake let him down and watched them head up the stairs whilst he took that time to text Safaree and let him know they were on their way out.

When they finally came downstairs he couldn't help but laugh at how rugged up Alia looked, he felt kind of bad because she was asleep with her head resting on Nicki's shoulder so he guessed she'd nodded off again. Jay skipped over to the door and waited patiently.

"Does she need any more clothes on, or is she good?" He chuckled and pulled at her little pink coat which looked a little big on her tiny body.

"Leave her alone! Ion want my liddle ladybug gettin' sick." She pulled the hood up over her head and grabbed the car keys. "You ready?"

"As I'll ever be." He took the keys and locked the door for her seeing as she kind of had her hands full and then got Jay into the car as she sorted out Alia. Once those three were in the car he pulled his phone out and gave Safaree the all clear, he was more than happy to help. Partly because he loved their kids but mostly because he liked spending time with her. But he always managed to push that to the back of his head, there's no way he would ever come between them. He knew they loved one another unconditionally and the surprise Safaree was arranging was sure to put a smile on Nicki's face. He just knew it.

....

*Omgg sorry this chapter was sposed to be posted on the same day as WTWC BUT I was slack, had a hangover and felt like shit! What I forget to tell you all was I have 16 days off from uni after this Thursday so hopefully any chapters posted after this one WILL not be rushed and sloppy like this one and the WTWC one :// I apologise! Welp hope this was kay for you alll. Bless my little frilly knickers, I was sat in between lectures typin this out on my iPad scoffing cheeseballs for energy -__- So enjoy lmaoo sorry about any typos :// OH and pleeeease could i ask for 10 comments before I post again? :// Thankuu for all the comments left on chapter 15!!!! That was a LOT for me! Now watch me get like 2 for this one lmao! ^__^*