Sorry it's been a few days! I haven't forgotten! I've been really busy but I'm posting on both blogs tomorrow ^_^ Thanks for reading and thanks to those who comment too! ♥
Cassie xox
Wednesday 31 October 2012
Sunday 28 October 2012
4. Taking Things Slowly
*I'm really loving all the comments you guys! Thanku So much! x*
It had been two days since the awkward moment between Nicki and Drake and she was beginning to feel as though she was intruding. After packing all of her stuff up she got herself changed and headed to his room. It was almost 5pm and it was his day off so she knew he wouldn't be sleeping. Ever since that night she knew he'd been avoiding her so she felt like moving out was probably for the best especially because she didn't want to cause him any trouble. As she stood nervously at his door she played with the cuff on one of her sleeves, she knew she'd have to knock fairly loud because she could hear his TV playing on the other side of the door. Taking a deep, shaky breath she did just that.
"Yeah it's open."
She turned the handle and let herself in, not really knowing what to say or where to start.
"S'up Nic? You 'kay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine thanks, I was just comin' to tell you that I'mma head out soon. I've packed my stuff-"
"What?" Putting down his medical dictionary he stood up and walked over to her.
"I just feel like I'm intrudin' too much on your life and-"
"Nicki, c'mere." He sighed and led her over to the edge of the bed, sitting down first before she followed his lead. "It's my issue that I will sort out okay? I'm not abouta have you out on the streets 'cause of somethin' I need to deal with."
"Really?" She was still unsure about the whole situation as she shifted next to him.
"Nicki, I want you to stay." Carefully grabbing her hand he held it tight as he looked over her face. It was so perfect, from her eyes to her lips to her nose, everything about her was. There was silence for a few long seconds as they just looked at one another. It sounded amazingly corny but sometimes it was like they could talk to one another with just their eyes, which is what they were doing right now. She felt her breathing hitch slightly as he moved closer to her face. He was relieved when she didn't back away but instead moved in too as their lips connected lightly before both of them pulled away, stopping less than a centimetre apart they paused for a second and repeated the same action with a little more meaning this time. With his large hand still holding on to her small delicate fingers he applied more force into the kiss as she mirrored his movement. Pulling away for the second time he ran his spare hand over her flushed cheek.
"I wanna stay too." Her breathless whisper sent shivers over his body, knowing that he'd had that effect on her.
Just as he was about to answer her, his cell phone started ringing which made them both jump, looking at the caller, it was Ashley.
"I better take this."
"Y-yeah sure I'll just uhm, see you later." She cringed like crazy as she left his room. What the hell just happened? Did that even happen? The tingly sensation in her lips let her know that it wasn't a dream as she shut her door behind her. Laying on her bed she thought for a while about everything, as her thoughts got deeper she felt her eyes getting heavier and soon enough sleep took over.
*** Back In Drake's Room ***
"No Ashley, I already said no to that. I'on wanna go."
"Oh my God, come on Drake! Shit, this is like the third time you've bailed on us. The fuck is goin' on wit'chu?!"
"I can't. I gotta get everythin' sorted for when my Mom comes over tomorrow."
"Well if you didn't leave everythin' 'til the last minute you could've come out, get yo'self together Drake."
"Aight I will." He laughed a little, usually he would have been getting agitated but after what just happened with Nicki he was on a high. It felt so wrong because of her age but at the same time it felt so right, like, he'd never ever felt like this before.
"Drake?" Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Huh?'
"I was talking that whole time, weren't you even listening?"
"No sorry I missed it, say it again." He could hear her huffing but didn't really give a shit to be honest.
"What is wrong with-" She stopped suddenly before talking again more knowingly. "Oh my God, Drizzy got himself a girl didn't he?"
"No, no I didn't Ashley so stop with all that."
"You so have, it's totally obvious now! Thas why you keep bailin' on us and you always smilin' and shit and you been checkin' your phone every two minutes! So who's the lucky lady? Do I know her?"
"No. Now can we please talk 'bout somethin' else?"
"You mean I don't know her?"
"Ashely I'mma 'bouta hang up on yo' ass if you don't get off my phone. Go out and have fun!"
"Just so you know I'mma get to the bottom of this, you know how nosey I am." She laughed before turning serious. "Anyways you're right, I gotta go. Talk to yo' borin' ass later." Hanging up abruptly he shook his head. He loved her as a friend but sometimes she was so overbearing. He felt tired after just one short phone call with her.
A couple hours later he went to see Nicki again and after knocking on her door she answered looking kind of tired.
"Oh, sorry were you sleepin'?" He looked so cute when he was concerned is all she could think as he stood there.
"Yeah, but I needed wakin' up so thanks." she giggled shyly before talking again. "So...."
"yeah, so..."
"Listen I didn't mean to-"
"No Nicki please don't say anythin' just yet, lemme say what I have to say and then you can talk, 'kay?" She looked confused but nodded anyway as they headed downstairs to the lounge-room.
"Mkay, so what did you wanna say Drake?"
"I just wanna say that I been feelin' a typa way towards you for a while now. I didn' even know it until the other night, which explains why I acted so weird. And then just before, upstairs...." he trailed off as he tried to just say what he wanted. "What I'm really tryna say is I like you Nicki, a lot." He was staring intently at her face the whole time, trying to read her expression.
"I like you a lot too." Even though it was a super short sentence it held so much meaning, just the way she said it and how she looked at him when she spoke.
"Word?"
"Mhm." She nodded sweetly and raised one brow as he smiled big.
"Oh God, you got a nigga over here smilin' all goofy and shit." She burst out laughing straight away which eased the little tension that was present.
They talked for ages about how this would work and what would happen, of course within that serious discussion there was a lot of goofing around and laughing too. Now sitting on the same couch they were silent, just enjoying one another's company until Drake broke the silence.
"Oh, my Mom's comin' tomorrow so-"
"It's ok I can sleep here on the couch."
"Are you kidding you can't sleep on the couch at almost seven months pregnant! Don't be silly, Mom can have my room. I'll take the couch."
"You sure?"
"Positive, now whattya wanna eat?"
'Oh my God I thought you'd never ask! Whatever you want, I'mma go shower real quick."
"Aight, I'll shout you when it's done." After she left he sat back for a minute trying to process everything that had just happened. He actually just blurted out his feelings and she felt the same way. Honestly it was almost as they were together before this anyway, the way they were with each other, how they spoke to one another and most of all how they interacted physically. Not in that sense but just the fact that they were always close even if they were just stood in the kitchen together they'd be all up under each other, and watching TV on the couch she'd always fall asleep on him. They were more than comfortable in the presence of the other but now those feelings were out in the open. He knew something was going to go down tomorrow though. He'd told his Mom that he had a guest staying and that she was pregnant but she had no idea she was a sixteen year old patient he'd treated. Hopefully all went well, that and he prayed that Ashley didn't get all up in his business about his 'new girl'.
***
"I can't believe he blew me off again." Ashley was sat by herself in her apartment, she'd gone and bought a dress just for tonight hoping that Drake was going to be there, but once again he'd flaked out. "I needa find out who he's been seein' in his spare time." Chewing her lip she threw her shoes on and sent her friend a text to say she was on her way, she just had a little pit stop to make on the trip there.
***
After setting the food out he called Nicki down and looked at the time, it was already 10pm. He couldn't believe where the day had gone to.
"Mmm it smells so good, what is it?" He didn't answer as he just watched her walk in. She had him mesmerised in just a pair of pink pyjama pants with a matching top. Her hair was collected into a messy bun on her head and her face was makeup free. "Drake?"
"Oh, right, uhm it's some chicken pasta stuff." He smiled and took a seat as she did. "Actually, you wanna take them through there?"
"Sure." Smiling up at him they both grabbed their plates and settled on the couch that was directly in front of the fire with the flatscreen on the wall above it.
"Wait, how is that even fair?" He looked over at Nicki using her bump skilfully as a table. "I gotta stay hunched over on my knee." Shaking his head he continued to eat as she giggled next to him. They were still sat watching TV way after they'd finished eating and feeling Nicki moving next to him he looked at her. She had a hand on her stomach and an uncomfortable look on her face. "You okay?"
"Yeah, she's just kicking like, a lot." She laughed and moved her hand to where she felt the baby kicking again.
"Do you mind?" He put his hand towards her stomach to ask if he could feel and she immediately removed her own hands from her bump. He'd never asked to do this before, he felt weird about it. Which he was right to feel, some women understandably don't like for people to touch their bumps. That reason and the fact that it was another man's baby had him feeling a little apprehensive about asking.
"Of course not." Gently taking his hand she guided it to where the movement was and pressed his hand down firmly, keeping her hand resting on his. She watched his face as he smiled.
"Woah, it's so strange to think she's gon' be here in three months huh?"
"Yeah." She trailed off in thought. "Hopefully she'll turn around soon though, right?" She looked up at him worriedly and waited for an answer. He'd been to her last few scans with her and they'd been told that the baby hadn't turned yet and if she stayed that way then Nicki would probably have to have a caesarian but it was early days yet.
"Yeah, and if not there are things that can help to make her turn around so stop worryin', you'll just stress yourself out and then the baby will get distressed too."
"Yes Dr. Graham." Exposing her dimples she grinned at his dead face as she raked her newly manicured nails over the top of his hand and leant into him gently. Instinctively he wrapped the closest arm round her and held her tight as she snuggled in further and started to drift off to sleep. He knew he should have just woken her up and let her go to bed but honestly he couldn't be bothered either and everything right there and then was so comfortable to him he didn't particularly want to disturb the moment. Kissing the top of her head affectionately he lay his head back and let his eyes slowly close too.
*Ok I hope this was alright i just need to address some mistakes I made :/ in the first chapter I meant to say that Nicki was 16 weeks pregnant not 26 -.- My bad, and last chapter I meant to say "Only three more months" not four XD Anyways just to be clear Nicki is 6 and a half almost 7 months pregnant ^_^ Thanks so much for the comments on the last chapter!*
It had been two days since the awkward moment between Nicki and Drake and she was beginning to feel as though she was intruding. After packing all of her stuff up she got herself changed and headed to his room. It was almost 5pm and it was his day off so she knew he wouldn't be sleeping. Ever since that night she knew he'd been avoiding her so she felt like moving out was probably for the best especially because she didn't want to cause him any trouble. As she stood nervously at his door she played with the cuff on one of her sleeves, she knew she'd have to knock fairly loud because she could hear his TV playing on the other side of the door. Taking a deep, shaky breath she did just that.
"Yeah it's open."
She turned the handle and let herself in, not really knowing what to say or where to start.
"S'up Nic? You 'kay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine thanks, I was just comin' to tell you that I'mma head out soon. I've packed my stuff-"
"What?" Putting down his medical dictionary he stood up and walked over to her.
"I just feel like I'm intrudin' too much on your life and-"
"Nicki, c'mere." He sighed and led her over to the edge of the bed, sitting down first before she followed his lead. "It's my issue that I will sort out okay? I'm not abouta have you out on the streets 'cause of somethin' I need to deal with."
"Really?" She was still unsure about the whole situation as she shifted next to him.
"Nicki, I want you to stay." Carefully grabbing her hand he held it tight as he looked over her face. It was so perfect, from her eyes to her lips to her nose, everything about her was. There was silence for a few long seconds as they just looked at one another. It sounded amazingly corny but sometimes it was like they could talk to one another with just their eyes, which is what they were doing right now. She felt her breathing hitch slightly as he moved closer to her face. He was relieved when she didn't back away but instead moved in too as their lips connected lightly before both of them pulled away, stopping less than a centimetre apart they paused for a second and repeated the same action with a little more meaning this time. With his large hand still holding on to her small delicate fingers he applied more force into the kiss as she mirrored his movement. Pulling away for the second time he ran his spare hand over her flushed cheek.
"I wanna stay too." Her breathless whisper sent shivers over his body, knowing that he'd had that effect on her.
Just as he was about to answer her, his cell phone started ringing which made them both jump, looking at the caller, it was Ashley.
"I better take this."
"Y-yeah sure I'll just uhm, see you later." She cringed like crazy as she left his room. What the hell just happened? Did that even happen? The tingly sensation in her lips let her know that it wasn't a dream as she shut her door behind her. Laying on her bed she thought for a while about everything, as her thoughts got deeper she felt her eyes getting heavier and soon enough sleep took over.
*** Back In Drake's Room ***
"No Ashley, I already said no to that. I'on wanna go."
"Oh my God, come on Drake! Shit, this is like the third time you've bailed on us. The fuck is goin' on wit'chu?!"
"I can't. I gotta get everythin' sorted for when my Mom comes over tomorrow."
"Well if you didn't leave everythin' 'til the last minute you could've come out, get yo'self together Drake."
"Aight I will." He laughed a little, usually he would have been getting agitated but after what just happened with Nicki he was on a high. It felt so wrong because of her age but at the same time it felt so right, like, he'd never ever felt like this before.
"Drake?" Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Huh?'
"I was talking that whole time, weren't you even listening?"
"No sorry I missed it, say it again." He could hear her huffing but didn't really give a shit to be honest.
"What is wrong with-" She stopped suddenly before talking again more knowingly. "Oh my God, Drizzy got himself a girl didn't he?"
"No, no I didn't Ashley so stop with all that."
"You so have, it's totally obvious now! Thas why you keep bailin' on us and you always smilin' and shit and you been checkin' your phone every two minutes! So who's the lucky lady? Do I know her?"
"No. Now can we please talk 'bout somethin' else?"
"You mean I don't know her?"
"Ashely I'mma 'bouta hang up on yo' ass if you don't get off my phone. Go out and have fun!"
"Just so you know I'mma get to the bottom of this, you know how nosey I am." She laughed before turning serious. "Anyways you're right, I gotta go. Talk to yo' borin' ass later." Hanging up abruptly he shook his head. He loved her as a friend but sometimes she was so overbearing. He felt tired after just one short phone call with her.
A couple hours later he went to see Nicki again and after knocking on her door she answered looking kind of tired.
"Oh, sorry were you sleepin'?" He looked so cute when he was concerned is all she could think as he stood there.
"Yeah, but I needed wakin' up so thanks." she giggled shyly before talking again. "So...."
"yeah, so..."
"Listen I didn't mean to-"
"No Nicki please don't say anythin' just yet, lemme say what I have to say and then you can talk, 'kay?" She looked confused but nodded anyway as they headed downstairs to the lounge-room.
"Mkay, so what did you wanna say Drake?"
"I just wanna say that I been feelin' a typa way towards you for a while now. I didn' even know it until the other night, which explains why I acted so weird. And then just before, upstairs...." he trailed off as he tried to just say what he wanted. "What I'm really tryna say is I like you Nicki, a lot." He was staring intently at her face the whole time, trying to read her expression.
"I like you a lot too." Even though it was a super short sentence it held so much meaning, just the way she said it and how she looked at him when she spoke.
"Word?"
"Mhm." She nodded sweetly and raised one brow as he smiled big.
"Oh God, you got a nigga over here smilin' all goofy and shit." She burst out laughing straight away which eased the little tension that was present.
They talked for ages about how this would work and what would happen, of course within that serious discussion there was a lot of goofing around and laughing too. Now sitting on the same couch they were silent, just enjoying one another's company until Drake broke the silence.
"Oh, my Mom's comin' tomorrow so-"
"It's ok I can sleep here on the couch."
"Are you kidding you can't sleep on the couch at almost seven months pregnant! Don't be silly, Mom can have my room. I'll take the couch."
"You sure?"
"Positive, now whattya wanna eat?"
'Oh my God I thought you'd never ask! Whatever you want, I'mma go shower real quick."
"Aight, I'll shout you when it's done." After she left he sat back for a minute trying to process everything that had just happened. He actually just blurted out his feelings and she felt the same way. Honestly it was almost as they were together before this anyway, the way they were with each other, how they spoke to one another and most of all how they interacted physically. Not in that sense but just the fact that they were always close even if they were just stood in the kitchen together they'd be all up under each other, and watching TV on the couch she'd always fall asleep on him. They were more than comfortable in the presence of the other but now those feelings were out in the open. He knew something was going to go down tomorrow though. He'd told his Mom that he had a guest staying and that she was pregnant but she had no idea she was a sixteen year old patient he'd treated. Hopefully all went well, that and he prayed that Ashley didn't get all up in his business about his 'new girl'.
***
"I can't believe he blew me off again." Ashley was sat by herself in her apartment, she'd gone and bought a dress just for tonight hoping that Drake was going to be there, but once again he'd flaked out. "I needa find out who he's been seein' in his spare time." Chewing her lip she threw her shoes on and sent her friend a text to say she was on her way, she just had a little pit stop to make on the trip there.
***
After setting the food out he called Nicki down and looked at the time, it was already 10pm. He couldn't believe where the day had gone to.
"Mmm it smells so good, what is it?" He didn't answer as he just watched her walk in. She had him mesmerised in just a pair of pink pyjama pants with a matching top. Her hair was collected into a messy bun on her head and her face was makeup free. "Drake?"
"Oh, right, uhm it's some chicken pasta stuff." He smiled and took a seat as she did. "Actually, you wanna take them through there?"
"Sure." Smiling up at him they both grabbed their plates and settled on the couch that was directly in front of the fire with the flatscreen on the wall above it.
"Wait, how is that even fair?" He looked over at Nicki using her bump skilfully as a table. "I gotta stay hunched over on my knee." Shaking his head he continued to eat as she giggled next to him. They were still sat watching TV way after they'd finished eating and feeling Nicki moving next to him he looked at her. She had a hand on her stomach and an uncomfortable look on her face. "You okay?"
"Yeah, she's just kicking like, a lot." She laughed and moved her hand to where she felt the baby kicking again.
"Do you mind?" He put his hand towards her stomach to ask if he could feel and she immediately removed her own hands from her bump. He'd never asked to do this before, he felt weird about it. Which he was right to feel, some women understandably don't like for people to touch their bumps. That reason and the fact that it was another man's baby had him feeling a little apprehensive about asking.
"Of course not." Gently taking his hand she guided it to where the movement was and pressed his hand down firmly, keeping her hand resting on his. She watched his face as he smiled.
"Woah, it's so strange to think she's gon' be here in three months huh?"
"Yeah." She trailed off in thought. "Hopefully she'll turn around soon though, right?" She looked up at him worriedly and waited for an answer. He'd been to her last few scans with her and they'd been told that the baby hadn't turned yet and if she stayed that way then Nicki would probably have to have a caesarian but it was early days yet.
"Yeah, and if not there are things that can help to make her turn around so stop worryin', you'll just stress yourself out and then the baby will get distressed too."
"Yes Dr. Graham." Exposing her dimples she grinned at his dead face as she raked her newly manicured nails over the top of his hand and leant into him gently. Instinctively he wrapped the closest arm round her and held her tight as she snuggled in further and started to drift off to sleep. He knew he should have just woken her up and let her go to bed but honestly he couldn't be bothered either and everything right there and then was so comfortable to him he didn't particularly want to disturb the moment. Kissing the top of her head affectionately he lay his head back and let his eyes slowly close too.
*Ok I hope this was alright i just need to address some mistakes I made :/ in the first chapter I meant to say that Nicki was 16 weeks pregnant not 26 -.- My bad, and last chapter I meant to say "Only three more months" not four XD Anyways just to be clear Nicki is 6 and a half almost 7 months pregnant ^_^ Thanks so much for the comments on the last chapter!*
Saturday 27 October 2012
3. Starting Over
*Thanks for the comments on chapter 2 guys!*
Nicki had been living with Drake for three days now and he was really starting to notice her coming out of her shell, which honestly he was relieved about.
"Mmkay well that's everythin' I guess." He leant back against the kitchen counter as he finished showing her how to work everything. He'd taken a few days off as she moved in so that he could get her settled. It was now Saturday and his first day back.
"Well, how long are you gon' be?" She asked politely as she carried on eating her breakfast. She hadn't been to school for the past three days either because of the whole 'moving' situation but she'd be back next week.
"About twelve hours."
"Twelve hours?" Her eyes popped slightly as he just chuckled.
"Yep, so enjoy your school days whilst you still can!"
"Mmm, thanks for the tip." She smiled sweetly with a mouthful of cheerios.
Suddenly turning more serious she looked back at him and spoke after finishing her mouthful.
"Y'know? I'm mad grateful for you doin' this and all that but you really don't have to, I mean-"
"Nicki stop. I already told you it is absolutely no trouble and besides don't you think I get lonely in this big ass place by myself?" Taking a seat opposite her he waited for a response.
"Thank you." She paused as he nodded before opening her mouth again. "And to let you know I'mma try and help out 'round here between working and goin' to school, it's the very least I could do."
"You don't have to do that. I'm not expectin' you to be my maid or nothin'." Getting up he fixed himself with another coffee. "You work?"
"Mhm, at Red Lobster. I know it's not great but it gets me money so I'm not complainin'."
"Hey, when I was your age I worked at a nasty ass cleanin' company! So don't worry 'bout it!" They both laughed as she stood to go rinse her bowl. "Oh and that's another thing, y'know? You're not gon' be able to stay at school or work much longer when this gets bigger." He sipped some more coffee as he nodded his head towards her little bump.
"Mm, I know. But that ain't for a while yet though."
"True that." finishing the rest of his drink he placed the cup next to the sink and grabbed his things. "Aight I'm gon' have to make a move, don't forget what I said, make yourself at home and feel free to use anything or whatever." He smiled at her once more before heading out of the door.
"And then there was one." Mumbling to herself she finished washing her breakfast bowl and did his cup too before heading upstairs to go shower. His house was kind of huge compared to what she was used to, she hadn't really had chance to be as nosy as she wanted because he was home the whole time she'd been there but now she could wander about for a while and be her curious little self. She wasn't on some stalker shit though, she knew his room was off limits and stayed away from there, just inspecting the lounge room and every other was ok though, right? She answered her own question as she undressed and stepped into the shower, she was quite glad that her room had its own bathroom it would have been embarrassing if he'd walked in when she was vomiting. Morning sickness had been getting the best of her but she knew that's what she'd be dealing with when she fled the abortion clinic. Just the idea itself was scary to her but going alone was even worse. And now, for once someone was actually showing her some support, she wasn't even sure why this twenty-four year old doctor was being so nice to her but he was being super helpful so she wasn't about to say no.
After showering she threw on some grey sweat pants and a pink t-shirt as she started her little tour. One thing she was ecstatic about was the fact that he had the heat on all the time, she was always freezing at her house but her dad and his crack-head friends were always either too wasted or too stoned to notice the freezing atmosphere. Strolling through his hallways she ran her fingers along the pictures he had up, there was a lot of him graduating and stuff as well as a few of this blond lady whom she was assuming was his mother. She was really small and classy looking, smiling to herself she kept on with her viewing of his photos until she reached a side-table stacked with birthday cards, obviously all to him seeing as he was the only person who lived here. Picking up one of the cards she opened it and read the message.
"Aubrey, happy 23rd birthday, lots of love Mom." She frowned and spoke to herself again. "Twenty-three? Nigga told me he was twenty-four." Putting the card down she shrugged and headed back downstairs. After about an hour of doing that she got bored and decided to watch some TV, bugging her eyes in amazement she sat her drink down on a coaster before admiring the huge flatscreen some more.
"Holy shit, he gettin' money like I ain't never seen."
Proceeding to turn it on and find a good channel she sat herself down and gently massaged her bump. She didn't want to cause a fuss or anything but every so often she felt like it got really tight and uncomfortable and then it would go away again so she never saw the reason to bring it up with Drake. She knew he would start asking her questions soon like, Do you know who the father is? Or Why did you decide to keep it? And honestly she didn't mind if he did ask but it wasn't particularly something she wanted to talk about.
Four hours later she woke up with a start. She'd fallen asleep watching 'Bambi' and now some creepy ass horror movie was on. Quickly turning it off she sat up and looked at the time, it was only 3pm and Drake would be home at around 10pm. What the hell was she supposed to do for six hours? Shaking her head she realised that living with him didn't mean there was rules all of a sudden, she could still go out. Maybe not at the same times as she usually would but she was already losing her mind after been locked in for less than a day. She wanted to do something as a thank you and figured she could cook him something, she liked cooking and when would the last time have been when he came home to have dinner already on the table. Silently agreeing with herself to go to the supermarket she went upstairs to change before heading out, he'd given her a key already so all she had to do was make sure she locked everything behind her, which she did.
***
"Look, I'm sorry! How many more times do I have to say it Drake?" Ashley followed behind him as he did his rounds.
"Ashley, I'm not mad I already told you. I'm over it." Sanitizing his hands again he turned to look at her.
"No, that's what I mean. You're bein' all 'whatever' about it!"
"That's 'cause that's exactly how I'm feelin' right now, I accept your apology."
"Really?" She squinted and rested back on one foot as she stared at him.
"Yes, now lets move we gotta lot to get through." Laughing genuinely he flicked her pouty face and carried on walking. Truthfully he had forgiven her and was totally over how judgemental and irritating she was acting a few days ago but he wasn't sure if it was the fact the he really had brushed everything under the carpet or that he finally had some company out of work. He hated going home to an empty house and not talking again until the next work day. In that sense having Nicki stay with him was going to be a huge advantage.
"Boy what are you smilin' 'bout?" Snapping him out of his thoughts he looked at her amused face, he hadn't even noticed he was smiling.
"Oh, nothin'. Come on we gotta go check over Mrs Callum."
"Ugh I can't stand her! I swear if she asks me one more question 'bout you I'mma shoot her." Drake couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Aye, ain't my fault I always got patients trippin' over me." Smiling that smile of his he let a chuckle escape and continued walking as she followed. He had absolutely no idea how much she liked him.
***
Trying to speak through gritted teeth she squeezed her eyes shut as she turned the lid as best she could. "Damn, why'd they make this freaking jar so hard to open?" Without warning it opened causing her to jump a little but she didn't spill any thankfully. She was beginning to panic a bit because it was almost 9pm and she hadn't actually started cooking yet, if she'd started as soon as she'd got back from the store it would be almost done now but her little trip left her feeling tired so she had a nap which lasted a lot longer than shed hoped.
"Mkay, now what do I do?" Scanning the writing on the jar she did what it instructed and proceeded to make some sort of spaghetti. Everyone likes spaghetti so she figured it would be a safe option. A stressful forty-five minutes later everything was done and set on the plates, which she smartly left in the oven to keep warm until he got home.
***
"Word? So you're not comin' out with us again?" Everyone was quizzing him on why he was refusing a night out for the second time in a row but honestly he was really tired and all he wanted to do was go home and relax after twelve hours of hell.
"Nah, I'm tired as fuck and I just wanna lay my head, but I hope y'all have fun though." Waving them off as they all went to their own cars he slumped into the drivers seat and started the ride home. He felt bad that Nicki had been left for the whole day but she knew she could go out and do her own thing if she wanted so he stopped feeling so guilty. The tiredness hit him more as he pulled into his driveway and got out of the car. It was freezing, especially since he had the heat on full blast in the car. He entered quietly not knowing if Nicki was already in bed but he saw the kitchen lights on as he got further into the house.
"Hey, you still-" He stopped mid sentence as the smell hit him. "Oh my God, is that spaghetti?" His eyes lit up as he shrugged out of his jacket.
"Mhm, wait, you do like spaghetti don't you?"
"Are you kidding, I love it! And it smells so good!" As soon as he said that she relaxed. Putting her hand on her chest she exhaled slowly.
"Good, 'cause it took me forever so you better like it." Smiling she grabbed both plates out of the oven and put his down at his chair. "I just wanted to say thank you, y'know? For doin' all of this when you hardly even know me. I'm super thankful."
"No, thank you! Do you have any idea when was the last time someone other than my Mom cooked for me?" He grinned wide as he sat down. Following his actions she took a seat too.
They talked for ages as they ate and then moved through to his lounge-room once they'd finished.
"So I saw all your birthday cards earlier. Twenty-three?" He shut his eyes and sighed as she watched him expectantly.
"Damn, you got me again/"
"Why'd you keep lyin'?"
He laughed as he sank further into the chair. "Honestly? I'on know, but yeah I'm twenty-three."
"And you're already a doctor? What were you, like, some child prodigy?" She smirked at his blushing face.
"Yeah actually I was! You should see the freakin' high school pictures though." Shaking his head he cringed thinking about them.
"Oh? I bet you looked super cute and had the glasses and all that huh?"
"Maybe."
"Hey, bein' a nerd ain't all that bad. Look where it's got you. Bet all them niggas that be droppin' out end up doin' nothin' for the rest of they lives." She nodded matter of factly and instinctively rested her hands on her bump again feeling it become tight. Drake noticed and sat forward some more wrinkling his brow with concern.
"You aight?"
"Yeah I'm fine it just keeps feelin' really tight every so often, is that normal?" He saw the worry on her face before answering her question.
"Yeah, usually it happens when you're tired or maybe dehydrated. You drink enough water?"
"Uhm, no I haven't had much today."
"You want me to go get you some water?"
"No that's okay I'll go-"
"Hey, you just cooked me the best meal I ever ate. I'll go." Standing to go back into the kitchen she settled herself down again as he reappeared with a bottled water. "Here."
"Thanks." She continued to sip on it as they talked some more. They figured if they were living together then they should probably know the basics about one another. Starting with Drake.
"Well, I'm twenty-three and moved here a couple years ago from my home in Canada, I still go up there in the holidays when I can but usually my Mom visits me. She's visiting in a couple months actually. Anyway, as already discussed I'm a child prodigy and yeah......What about you? What's Onika's story?" He sat back and waited for her to start.
"I'on even know where to start, I'm from Trinidad and my family moved over when I was like, five and then a couple years later my Mom had another baby and left. She took him with her and left me and my brother with my Dad but he was completely ruined after she left and everythin' turned to shit. 'Specially after Jelani moved out. Then it was just me and Dad, that's about it." She folded her lips and shrugged.
"Wow, sounds rough."
"Mhm, it was but it's all good now, right?" She smiled back at him trying to get off of that topic but his next question made her want to say on that topic.
"So, how'd all this happen? I mean, you seem like a really bright girl I just don't understand how you got into this kind of situation."
"It was an accident." She looked down feeling embarrassed.
"Does the father not want anythin' to do with the baby?"
She shook her head no in response as he suddenly felt like he was making her uncomfortable and changed the subject.
"You wanna watch a movie or somethin'?"
"Mkay, what'd you have in mind?"
After choosing a movie he gave her a blanket and went back to the couch he was sat on and got comfy. Even though it was past midnight neither of them cared because for the first time in a long time they both had someone to talk to.
*** Two Months Later ***
Nicki was officially six months pregnant and denied from going to school, she still went to work for the odd shift but that was it. She and Drake were gettin' along really well and the change in environment was having a massively positive effect on her in more ways than one. For a start all of her grades had improved dramatically and not only that but her scans were showing that her baby was at a healthy weight and size now. Sitting comfortably in front of the fire she was watching Judge Judy when the front door opened as Drake walked in. He dumped his stuff on the floor and locked the door behind himself before dropping on to the couch opposite where Nicki was sat.
"Sooo how'd your lil' date go?" She licked her spoon and joined him on the couch, using her bump as a substitute table for the ice-cream tub.
"Don't even ask. It was a nightmare!"
"Why?"
"Ugh just everythin'! That's the last time I ever let my friends set me up on a date." She laughed aloud at his unimpressed face. "Well I'm glad someone finds it funny!" It didn't take long for him to start laughing too though because her giggle was infectious.
"I wish I coulda seen what happened!"
"No, you really don't. It'd put you right off your ice-cream."
"Nothin' could put me off ice-cream right now....Or pickled onion on toast to be honest."
"Ew, that is so gross!" He laughed at her pouting angrily. "We both gon' be mad happy when you're done cravin' stuff though."
"Yeah I know." Her smile faded."Only four more months." He saw her look down and knew she was silently worrying about having her baby and becoming a Mom. He understood though, asides from him she had nobody and was about to be a Mother at sixteen.
"Hey, look at me." She did as he asked as he spoke up again. "Stop worryin', everythin's gon' be fine. You'll see. You've got me." His kind words made her smile as she started to feed herself some more ice-cream.
"Thanks, and not just for that, but for everythin'."
"Don't mention it." After yawning and kicking his shoes off he robbed her of the TV remote and turned it over which resulted in them having a mini scrap before she finally won and put Judge Judy back on.
"Don't mess wit'me Aubrey, I can still beat an ass pregnant y'know?"
"Oh? We on a government name basis now?"
"Yup. So fall the fuck back nigga." The littlest things she did and said had him crying and it was the same for her. They got one another and shared a good understanding. Suddenly stopping he furrowed his brow and sat forward. "You 'kay Drake?" He didn't answer, causing her to ask again but with more concern. "Drake? What's wrong you're scarin' me?"
"It's you."
"S'cuse me?" She looked at him in confusion as she rolled her neck.
"You, you're the reason that I can't find a girl."
"Oh? So you ain't ever stop to think it could be you? I don't have to be here if you don't want me here y'know? I can leave." She curled her lip and went to stand up but her stopped her.
"No, Nicki I didn't mean it like that!"
"Really? 'cause it sure as hell sounded like it!" She sat down again and waited for him to expand his answer.
"No I mean I'm always havin' too much fun with you and whenever I'm out with anyone I never have that kind of fun. All I'm thinkin' of is gettin' back here to be wit'chu." And just like that an awkward silence filled the room as she stared at the side of his face.
"Wh-what are you tryna say?" Her voice had calmed since she last spoke.
"I'on know Nicki." He shook his head and stood up. "Just act like I never said anythin'. I'mma head upstairs, I'll see you in the mornin'."
"Drake, stop." He did as she asked and stood still at the bottom of the stairs with his back to her. "You can't jus' say somethin' like that and leave."
"But if I'm right with what I'm thinkin' I'd be so wrong for it, so please just forget I said anythin'?"
"No. Tell me what you was gon' say?" She stood up an walked over to where he was still standing.
Followed by a few seconds of uncomfortable silence he spoke again without facing her. "Goodnight Nicki."
...
*Okay I hope this is alright :// I'm scared people are gonna lose interest :( But I'll keep going anyways XD Thanks again for all the comments! xox*
Nicki had been living with Drake for three days now and he was really starting to notice her coming out of her shell, which honestly he was relieved about.
"Mmkay well that's everythin' I guess." He leant back against the kitchen counter as he finished showing her how to work everything. He'd taken a few days off as she moved in so that he could get her settled. It was now Saturday and his first day back.
"Well, how long are you gon' be?" She asked politely as she carried on eating her breakfast. She hadn't been to school for the past three days either because of the whole 'moving' situation but she'd be back next week.
"About twelve hours."
"Twelve hours?" Her eyes popped slightly as he just chuckled.
"Yep, so enjoy your school days whilst you still can!"
"Mmm, thanks for the tip." She smiled sweetly with a mouthful of cheerios.
Suddenly turning more serious she looked back at him and spoke after finishing her mouthful.
"Y'know? I'm mad grateful for you doin' this and all that but you really don't have to, I mean-"
"Nicki stop. I already told you it is absolutely no trouble and besides don't you think I get lonely in this big ass place by myself?" Taking a seat opposite her he waited for a response.
"Thank you." She paused as he nodded before opening her mouth again. "And to let you know I'mma try and help out 'round here between working and goin' to school, it's the very least I could do."
"You don't have to do that. I'm not expectin' you to be my maid or nothin'." Getting up he fixed himself with another coffee. "You work?"
"Mhm, at Red Lobster. I know it's not great but it gets me money so I'm not complainin'."
"Hey, when I was your age I worked at a nasty ass cleanin' company! So don't worry 'bout it!" They both laughed as she stood to go rinse her bowl. "Oh and that's another thing, y'know? You're not gon' be able to stay at school or work much longer when this gets bigger." He sipped some more coffee as he nodded his head towards her little bump.
"Mm, I know. But that ain't for a while yet though."
"True that." finishing the rest of his drink he placed the cup next to the sink and grabbed his things. "Aight I'm gon' have to make a move, don't forget what I said, make yourself at home and feel free to use anything or whatever." He smiled at her once more before heading out of the door.
"And then there was one." Mumbling to herself she finished washing her breakfast bowl and did his cup too before heading upstairs to go shower. His house was kind of huge compared to what she was used to, she hadn't really had chance to be as nosy as she wanted because he was home the whole time she'd been there but now she could wander about for a while and be her curious little self. She wasn't on some stalker shit though, she knew his room was off limits and stayed away from there, just inspecting the lounge room and every other was ok though, right? She answered her own question as she undressed and stepped into the shower, she was quite glad that her room had its own bathroom it would have been embarrassing if he'd walked in when she was vomiting. Morning sickness had been getting the best of her but she knew that's what she'd be dealing with when she fled the abortion clinic. Just the idea itself was scary to her but going alone was even worse. And now, for once someone was actually showing her some support, she wasn't even sure why this twenty-four year old doctor was being so nice to her but he was being super helpful so she wasn't about to say no.
After showering she threw on some grey sweat pants and a pink t-shirt as she started her little tour. One thing she was ecstatic about was the fact that he had the heat on all the time, she was always freezing at her house but her dad and his crack-head friends were always either too wasted or too stoned to notice the freezing atmosphere. Strolling through his hallways she ran her fingers along the pictures he had up, there was a lot of him graduating and stuff as well as a few of this blond lady whom she was assuming was his mother. She was really small and classy looking, smiling to herself she kept on with her viewing of his photos until she reached a side-table stacked with birthday cards, obviously all to him seeing as he was the only person who lived here. Picking up one of the cards she opened it and read the message.
"Aubrey, happy 23rd birthday, lots of love Mom." She frowned and spoke to herself again. "Twenty-three? Nigga told me he was twenty-four." Putting the card down she shrugged and headed back downstairs. After about an hour of doing that she got bored and decided to watch some TV, bugging her eyes in amazement she sat her drink down on a coaster before admiring the huge flatscreen some more.
"Holy shit, he gettin' money like I ain't never seen."
Proceeding to turn it on and find a good channel she sat herself down and gently massaged her bump. She didn't want to cause a fuss or anything but every so often she felt like it got really tight and uncomfortable and then it would go away again so she never saw the reason to bring it up with Drake. She knew he would start asking her questions soon like, Do you know who the father is? Or Why did you decide to keep it? And honestly she didn't mind if he did ask but it wasn't particularly something she wanted to talk about.
Four hours later she woke up with a start. She'd fallen asleep watching 'Bambi' and now some creepy ass horror movie was on. Quickly turning it off she sat up and looked at the time, it was only 3pm and Drake would be home at around 10pm. What the hell was she supposed to do for six hours? Shaking her head she realised that living with him didn't mean there was rules all of a sudden, she could still go out. Maybe not at the same times as she usually would but she was already losing her mind after been locked in for less than a day. She wanted to do something as a thank you and figured she could cook him something, she liked cooking and when would the last time have been when he came home to have dinner already on the table. Silently agreeing with herself to go to the supermarket she went upstairs to change before heading out, he'd given her a key already so all she had to do was make sure she locked everything behind her, which she did.
***
"Look, I'm sorry! How many more times do I have to say it Drake?" Ashley followed behind him as he did his rounds.
"Ashley, I'm not mad I already told you. I'm over it." Sanitizing his hands again he turned to look at her.
"No, that's what I mean. You're bein' all 'whatever' about it!"
"That's 'cause that's exactly how I'm feelin' right now, I accept your apology."
"Really?" She squinted and rested back on one foot as she stared at him.
"Yes, now lets move we gotta lot to get through." Laughing genuinely he flicked her pouty face and carried on walking. Truthfully he had forgiven her and was totally over how judgemental and irritating she was acting a few days ago but he wasn't sure if it was the fact the he really had brushed everything under the carpet or that he finally had some company out of work. He hated going home to an empty house and not talking again until the next work day. In that sense having Nicki stay with him was going to be a huge advantage.
"Boy what are you smilin' 'bout?" Snapping him out of his thoughts he looked at her amused face, he hadn't even noticed he was smiling.
"Oh, nothin'. Come on we gotta go check over Mrs Callum."
"Ugh I can't stand her! I swear if she asks me one more question 'bout you I'mma shoot her." Drake couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Aye, ain't my fault I always got patients trippin' over me." Smiling that smile of his he let a chuckle escape and continued walking as she followed. He had absolutely no idea how much she liked him.
***
Trying to speak through gritted teeth she squeezed her eyes shut as she turned the lid as best she could. "Damn, why'd they make this freaking jar so hard to open?" Without warning it opened causing her to jump a little but she didn't spill any thankfully. She was beginning to panic a bit because it was almost 9pm and she hadn't actually started cooking yet, if she'd started as soon as she'd got back from the store it would be almost done now but her little trip left her feeling tired so she had a nap which lasted a lot longer than shed hoped.
"Mkay, now what do I do?" Scanning the writing on the jar she did what it instructed and proceeded to make some sort of spaghetti. Everyone likes spaghetti so she figured it would be a safe option. A stressful forty-five minutes later everything was done and set on the plates, which she smartly left in the oven to keep warm until he got home.
***
"Word? So you're not comin' out with us again?" Everyone was quizzing him on why he was refusing a night out for the second time in a row but honestly he was really tired and all he wanted to do was go home and relax after twelve hours of hell.
"Nah, I'm tired as fuck and I just wanna lay my head, but I hope y'all have fun though." Waving them off as they all went to their own cars he slumped into the drivers seat and started the ride home. He felt bad that Nicki had been left for the whole day but she knew she could go out and do her own thing if she wanted so he stopped feeling so guilty. The tiredness hit him more as he pulled into his driveway and got out of the car. It was freezing, especially since he had the heat on full blast in the car. He entered quietly not knowing if Nicki was already in bed but he saw the kitchen lights on as he got further into the house.
"Hey, you still-" He stopped mid sentence as the smell hit him. "Oh my God, is that spaghetti?" His eyes lit up as he shrugged out of his jacket.
"Mhm, wait, you do like spaghetti don't you?"
"Are you kidding, I love it! And it smells so good!" As soon as he said that she relaxed. Putting her hand on her chest she exhaled slowly.
"Good, 'cause it took me forever so you better like it." Smiling she grabbed both plates out of the oven and put his down at his chair. "I just wanted to say thank you, y'know? For doin' all of this when you hardly even know me. I'm super thankful."
"No, thank you! Do you have any idea when was the last time someone other than my Mom cooked for me?" He grinned wide as he sat down. Following his actions she took a seat too.
They talked for ages as they ate and then moved through to his lounge-room once they'd finished.
"So I saw all your birthday cards earlier. Twenty-three?" He shut his eyes and sighed as she watched him expectantly.
"Damn, you got me again/"
"Why'd you keep lyin'?"
He laughed as he sank further into the chair. "Honestly? I'on know, but yeah I'm twenty-three."
"And you're already a doctor? What were you, like, some child prodigy?" She smirked at his blushing face.
"Yeah actually I was! You should see the freakin' high school pictures though." Shaking his head he cringed thinking about them.
"Oh? I bet you looked super cute and had the glasses and all that huh?"
"Maybe."
"Hey, bein' a nerd ain't all that bad. Look where it's got you. Bet all them niggas that be droppin' out end up doin' nothin' for the rest of they lives." She nodded matter of factly and instinctively rested her hands on her bump again feeling it become tight. Drake noticed and sat forward some more wrinkling his brow with concern.
"You aight?"
"Yeah I'm fine it just keeps feelin' really tight every so often, is that normal?" He saw the worry on her face before answering her question.
"Yeah, usually it happens when you're tired or maybe dehydrated. You drink enough water?"
"Uhm, no I haven't had much today."
"You want me to go get you some water?"
"No that's okay I'll go-"
"Hey, you just cooked me the best meal I ever ate. I'll go." Standing to go back into the kitchen she settled herself down again as he reappeared with a bottled water. "Here."
"Thanks." She continued to sip on it as they talked some more. They figured if they were living together then they should probably know the basics about one another. Starting with Drake.
"Well, I'm twenty-three and moved here a couple years ago from my home in Canada, I still go up there in the holidays when I can but usually my Mom visits me. She's visiting in a couple months actually. Anyway, as already discussed I'm a child prodigy and yeah......What about you? What's Onika's story?" He sat back and waited for her to start.
"I'on even know where to start, I'm from Trinidad and my family moved over when I was like, five and then a couple years later my Mom had another baby and left. She took him with her and left me and my brother with my Dad but he was completely ruined after she left and everythin' turned to shit. 'Specially after Jelani moved out. Then it was just me and Dad, that's about it." She folded her lips and shrugged.
"Wow, sounds rough."
"Mhm, it was but it's all good now, right?" She smiled back at him trying to get off of that topic but his next question made her want to say on that topic.
"So, how'd all this happen? I mean, you seem like a really bright girl I just don't understand how you got into this kind of situation."
"It was an accident." She looked down feeling embarrassed.
"Does the father not want anythin' to do with the baby?"
She shook her head no in response as he suddenly felt like he was making her uncomfortable and changed the subject.
"You wanna watch a movie or somethin'?"
"Mkay, what'd you have in mind?"
After choosing a movie he gave her a blanket and went back to the couch he was sat on and got comfy. Even though it was past midnight neither of them cared because for the first time in a long time they both had someone to talk to.
*** Two Months Later ***
Nicki was officially six months pregnant and denied from going to school, she still went to work for the odd shift but that was it. She and Drake were gettin' along really well and the change in environment was having a massively positive effect on her in more ways than one. For a start all of her grades had improved dramatically and not only that but her scans were showing that her baby was at a healthy weight and size now. Sitting comfortably in front of the fire she was watching Judge Judy when the front door opened as Drake walked in. He dumped his stuff on the floor and locked the door behind himself before dropping on to the couch opposite where Nicki was sat.
"Sooo how'd your lil' date go?" She licked her spoon and joined him on the couch, using her bump as a substitute table for the ice-cream tub.
"Don't even ask. It was a nightmare!"
"Why?"
"Ugh just everythin'! That's the last time I ever let my friends set me up on a date." She laughed aloud at his unimpressed face. "Well I'm glad someone finds it funny!" It didn't take long for him to start laughing too though because her giggle was infectious.
"I wish I coulda seen what happened!"
"No, you really don't. It'd put you right off your ice-cream."
"Nothin' could put me off ice-cream right now....Or pickled onion on toast to be honest."
"Ew, that is so gross!" He laughed at her pouting angrily. "We both gon' be mad happy when you're done cravin' stuff though."
"Yeah I know." Her smile faded."Only four more months." He saw her look down and knew she was silently worrying about having her baby and becoming a Mom. He understood though, asides from him she had nobody and was about to be a Mother at sixteen.
"Hey, look at me." She did as he asked as he spoke up again. "Stop worryin', everythin's gon' be fine. You'll see. You've got me." His kind words made her smile as she started to feed herself some more ice-cream.
"Thanks, and not just for that, but for everythin'."
"Don't mention it." After yawning and kicking his shoes off he robbed her of the TV remote and turned it over which resulted in them having a mini scrap before she finally won and put Judge Judy back on.
"Don't mess wit'me Aubrey, I can still beat an ass pregnant y'know?"
"Oh? We on a government name basis now?"
"Yup. So fall the fuck back nigga." The littlest things she did and said had him crying and it was the same for her. They got one another and shared a good understanding. Suddenly stopping he furrowed his brow and sat forward. "You 'kay Drake?" He didn't answer, causing her to ask again but with more concern. "Drake? What's wrong you're scarin' me?"
"It's you."
"S'cuse me?" She looked at him in confusion as she rolled her neck.
"You, you're the reason that I can't find a girl."
"Oh? So you ain't ever stop to think it could be you? I don't have to be here if you don't want me here y'know? I can leave." She curled her lip and went to stand up but her stopped her.
"No, Nicki I didn't mean it like that!"
"Really? 'cause it sure as hell sounded like it!" She sat down again and waited for him to expand his answer.
"No I mean I'm always havin' too much fun with you and whenever I'm out with anyone I never have that kind of fun. All I'm thinkin' of is gettin' back here to be wit'chu." And just like that an awkward silence filled the room as she stared at the side of his face.
"Wh-what are you tryna say?" Her voice had calmed since she last spoke.
"I'on know Nicki." He shook his head and stood up. "Just act like I never said anythin'. I'mma head upstairs, I'll see you in the mornin'."
"Drake, stop." He did as she asked and stood still at the bottom of the stairs with his back to her. "You can't jus' say somethin' like that and leave."
"But if I'm right with what I'm thinkin' I'd be so wrong for it, so please just forget I said anythin'?"
"No. Tell me what you was gon' say?" She stood up an walked over to where he was still standing.
Followed by a few seconds of uncomfortable silence he spoke again without facing her. "Goodnight Nicki."
...
*Okay I hope this is alright :// I'm scared people are gonna lose interest :( But I'll keep going anyways XD Thanks again for all the comments! xox*
Wednesday 24 October 2012
2. Unlikely Saviour
*Thanku to those who commented ^_^ xx*
The next morning Drake awoke at around eleven. He knew he'd sleep late but not by this much. Wiping his eyes and stretching he got out of bed, heading into his bathroom to shower and relieve himself. He felt terrible that Nicki would have been alone all morning but checking in on her as he made his way downstairs he was welcomed by an empty bed. It had been made up but she was gone.
He shrugged and closed her door behind him. "Prolly gone downstairs."
Continuing down the elegant stairway he reached the hallway and noticed a note on the side-table, picking it up he frowned as he unfolded it. Reading her swirly handwriting he read the one lined message aloud.
"Thank you for last night."
He shook his head and placed the note back down. He couldn't believe she'd just left, he had no idea why but there really was something about her, something that just felt kind of refreshing. Perhaps it was just her overall bluntness and how straight to the point she was. But he also knew there was something seriously wrong going on, the fact that nobody seemed to be responsible for her or even care about what she was getting up to. Grabbing himself some breakfast he found himself still thinking about her, worrying more than anything else. Hearing his cell chirping he quickly snatched it from the kitchen counter as he took a seat at the table with his cereal bowl. It was Ashley.
"Hey Drake, you recovered from last night?"
"Ugh, just about. I'm tellin' you if it wasn't for this one day a week we get off I'd be a walking zombie." He crunched on spoonfuls of his breakfast as he talked.
"So you gon' come out with the rest of us tonight? We gon' go to that new club." He could hear her chewing her gum as usual.
"I'on know Ash, I'm fuckin' exhausted like, I think I'mma just stay in. But y'all report back, tell me how it is yeah?"
"Why you bein' such a bore, I ain't spillin' shit. You gotta come with us to find out."
"Ashley, no. Now get off my phone, interruptin' a nigga's breakfast and shit." They both laughed before saying goodbye and hanging up. The rest of the day for him seemed to fly by super fast. Until his evening drinking time came around and he realised he'd had the last drop of wine the night before.
"Shit." Rubbing his hands frustratedly over his short curls he grabbed his jacket and keys before locking up and heading to the nearest liquor store. Call him sad but it was his one night he could enjoy a few glasses in the peace of his own home. Scanning the road he cautiously pulled into the parking lot and headed into the store. The annoying background music was eating at his last nerve as he paced the aisles looking for his usual. They were all out. Typical.
"Excuse me?"
The young worker turned around from the crates he was unpacking. "Yes sir, can I help you?"
"Yeah I'm lookin' for this stuff. You got any out the back?" He pointed to the empty boxes.
"Uhm, I'll go take a look. Won't be a moment sir."
"Thanks."
Standing around he stared out of the store window for a little while, he like people-watching it was something he found oddly interesting. Letting his eyes wander he focused on one person in particular. It was Nicki. He couldn't believe it, out again past midnight. Stalking the streets by herself. He shook his head angrily at the thought of how her parents obviously didn't give two shits about their daughter. As soon as the store worker came back he paid for his drink and headed back to his car, by which time Nicki was long gone.
***
It had been almost two weeks since Ashley and the other young staff members had been to the new club that had opened and they were still talking about it. Drake was kinda wishing that he'd gone now it sounded like they all had fun, something he was desperately in need of.
Sliding up next to him in the on-call room Ashley looked over her friends tired appearance. "You good Drake?"
"Hmm. Oh yeah, just completely drained. These shifts are killers." He brought his coffee cup to his mouth sipping slowly as Ashley nodded in agreement.
"Yeah there's gon' be a staff meetin' next week, apparently there's been a lotta complaints! hopefully the cut the hours back a lil' huh?"
He nodded as he rose to his feet. "Aight, lets get on with it shall we?"
"Yup, the sooner we're done the sooner we get to bed!"
On their way out he dropped his empty cup in the trash as a bustle of paramedics rushed through with a gurney. Hearing what they were saying, along with catching a small glimpse of the patient he hurriedly followed the team of workers, before one worker noticed his presence.
"Oh good, Dr. Graham-"
"Yeah, yeah I got it, so what do we have?" He kept his pace up as he trailed behind them. He knew it was Nicki on the stretcher but what had happened he had no clue.
"Sixteen year old female, unconscious and pregnant. A neighbour found her outside her home."
"Was she unconscious when they found her?"
"No sir, she lost consciousness in the ambulance on the way over. We need to get a scan fixed up as well."
"Aight, through here!" He yelled out so that all the workers could hear him as the continued to jog along, wheeling her down the corridors. Once they were behind closed doors he waited for the paramedics to carefully lift the stretcher on to the bed. She looked so little and lifeless.
Bursting through the doors Ashley threw herself some gloves on and stood by Drake's side. "Kids 'round here don't know about contraception do they?" Chuckling at her own comment she felt Drake's intense stare burning into her. "What's up with you? You know it's true Drake!" She shook her head and moved around to the other side of Nicki as he began checking her over.
"Nurse Dawson could you please sort out an ultrasound for Miss Maraj? Thanks." The nurse complied and left the room.
"Miss Maraj? How'd you know her name already?"
"She was admitted about two weeks ago, I stitched up her forehead." He pointed to the small wound which looked more like a scratch now. "Okay, her pulse is normal, so is her breathing but her blood pressure is through the roof, can we get that sorted out please Nurse Jackson?"
Ashley watched in awe as he took complete and utter control of his surroundings. That was something she'd never managed to do. Snapping her out of her thoughts Nurse Dawson reappeared with the ultrasound machine, wheeling it over to Drake and letting him take it from there. After setting it all up he tended to her charts as Ashley performed the scan.
"I'm not gettin' anythin' here." She folded her lips and looked blankly at the monitor. "Oh, wait....No, no I got it. The baby has a heartbeat but it's weak. We need to get her stabilised, quickly."
***
Fluttering her eyes open she lay still in the unfamiliar atmosphere. She was in hospital. Slowly sitting herself up she looked over her arms and pulled at all the wires attached to her before a deep voice made her jump.
"Leave them in, we have to keep monitoring you." It was Drake.
Laying back again she looked at him sleepily. "Why am I here?"
"I'on know, I was hopin' you'd be able to tell us that Nicki." His voice was so soft and gentle as he took a seat by her bed-side.
"I'on remember, I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologise, we just wanna make sure you're ok. That's all." He smiled warmly before continuing. "So how are you feelin'?"
"Tired, and my head is pounding."
"Yeah, you musta knocked your head again when you fell." He smiled seeing her laugh for the first time.
"I'mma have to start wearin' a freakin' helmet everywhere I go."
"Might be a good idea!" They laughed and talked for a little bit more until he turned serious again. "You can be discharged today but I'mma need for someone to come collect you. Someone who is really your caregiver this time." He stared at her sternly. "That was a silly stunt you pulled a couple weeks back."
She looked down shyly, once again resting her eyes on her bump. "I know. Maybe you could call my neighbour, I'mma stay with him for a while."
"Aight, we'll find a number for him, but for now you gotta stay restin'. Got it?"
"Yes Dr. Graham."
"Please, call me Drake when I'm off duty."
"You're off duty? Why you still here?" She looked puzzled as she tilted her head slightly
"I just wanted to make sure you were ok, I was worried after you left my place so quickly and then when I saw you bein' wheeled down the corridor I panicked." She looked down feeling bad. "Anyway, I know you must be tired but you and your baby are fine, your BP was way too high but we got you sorted." He stood up to exit but her little voice stopped him.
"How old are you really Drake? And that ain't even yo' real name is it?"
He laughed in disbelief. "Wow, you really don't miss a beat do you?!"
"Rarely."
"How'd you know I wasn't really twenty-seven?" He sat back down again, intrigued to know her answer.
"I'on know, just a feelin'."
"Well it was a pretty damn good feelin'! I'm twenty-four."
"So why'd you tell me you were twenty-seven?"
"I get sick of patients tellin' me I look too young, then demanding they see some sort of proof that I'm a real doctor."
"Oh."
"And how'd you know Drake wasn't my real name?" His eyes were full of wonder as he kept looking at her.
"The name Drake, I'on know it just doesn't look entirely right on you, y'know what I'm sayin'?" She paused as he agreed. "So, was I right?"
"Dead on, my actual name is Aubrey but you can see why I'on like bein' called that can't you?" He smirked at her dimpled smile.
"No. I think Aubrey suits you better."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. It has a special ring to it."
"Word? You really think so?"
"Mhmm."
Noticing how tired she looked he stopped the conversation before she fell asleep. "Aight, well I'mma head off now but I'll come back up once I called this neighbour of yours, kay?"
She just nodded as he left the room. Looking back at her she looked so lost and alone.
***
Back down on the ward that Ashley was on, Drake sat himself at the nurses station as he traced her neighbours number and gave him a call. This time she wasn't lying and this neighbour of hers was actually already on his way to pick her up.
"So?"
"So what?"
She popped her gum before responding. "How is she?"
"Oh right, yeah she's ok. A lil' tired but whattya expect?"
"Yeah, maybe you shoulda given her a talk about safe sex or somethin' whilst you were up there." Save us from treating her for the same thing in a years time.
"The fuck Ashley? Show a little sensitivity, Jesus!" Slamming a handful of files back into the cabinet he snatched his coffee cup before making his way back to the locker room to change, leaving Ashley stood there completely dumbfounded at his outburst.
He couldn't stop thinking about how judgemental Ashley was acting as he headed back up to Nicki's private room, as their job it remained a requirement not to judge people. Nicki was a prime example of why. Remembering when he first met her his initial thoughts were negative but in the short time he had known her she had completely changed his opinion. Sighing out loud he pushed her door open, only to see a nurse making the bed up.
"Oh, Dr Graham....Were you hear to see Miss Maraj?"
"Yeah, where's she at?"
"She just filled out the discharge papers, I think her neighbour picked her up. Was it important?"
"Uhm no, no It's all good I just wanted to tell her she was free to go. Thanks."Walking back out again he grabbed his phone to check his messages when the nurse came running back out.
"Oh, Dr Graham?"
He turned around quickly. "Yeah?"
"Miss Maraj's bag, it looks like she left it. Could you run it by the front desk on your way past please?"
He took her book bag in his hand. "Sure thing Donna. Night." He called the last part as he walked off. He knew he shouldn't but something was telling him he should. Passing the desk he grabbed Nicki's file and looked up her address.
"What are you doin'?" He jumped back slightly.
"Huh?"
She placed a hand on her hip and raised her eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're gon' return her bag personally? Shit Drake! You're gon' get in so much trouble! You already seem way too close to her, she's a patient for God's sake!"
"Look, Ashley I'on know what the fuck is up wit'chu lately but her house is on my way home, why make her come back to get her stuff when I can just drop it off myself?" He asked her like it was common sense.
"Ugh, do what you want. But if you get found out, don't think I'm coverin' for you! You're on your own with this one." She stormed off as he shook his head angrily.
His anger towards her only seemed to intensify as he drove down the derelict and damaged roads to Nicki's address. Pulling up to the right one he double checked that the place was right. It was pitch black outside as most of the street lamps had been vandalized and smashed up, all he could see of her tiny house was the front window flashing with what he guessed was the light from their TV. Slowly stepping out into the light rain he walked up to her doorway, he wasn't sure which neighbour's house she was at or why but he figured it would be easier to just drop her bag off at her actual address. Hearing footsteps on the other side he was shocked when Nicki opened the door after he knocked, she was in her pyjamas.
"Nicki?" He had to ask to be sure because it was so dark.
"Oh my God, Dr Graham, what are you doin' here?" He flinched a little at how angry she sounded, but that was nothing compared to the yelling her heard coming from inside the house.
"I-uh, brought your bag. You left it at the hospital, seein' as it was on my home I-"
"ONIKA?! THE FUCK YOU STANDIN' THERE WITH THE GODDAM DOOR OPEN FOR?"
Drake's eyes bugged as she stepped shakily away from the door, walking backwards up to the wall.
"Dad, I'm sorry jus-"
"Get outta here!" Grabbing her arm he ripped her away from the wall and slung her towards the stairs, she barely kept her footing as she staggered slightly towards the bottom step. Drake was in shock but his instincts soon kicked in when he heard other male voices mumbling inside, the smell of smoke pouring into the outside air. Shoving the door open he saw who he guessed was her father stood swaying without a shirt on as he tried to steady himself.
"Who's this nigga?" Another man asked a now sitting down Nicki as she caressed her bump.
"I'm just hear to pick her up." Looking back at her confused face he widened eyes at her, "Go get your stuff."
"Hell naw! How y-you 'bouta fuckin' come in h-here? In MY house a-and fuckin' take My kid?"
"Sir, I'mma be gone in two minutes." Losing patience he locked eyes with a petrified Nicki again. "Hurry up, just pack the basics. We'll sort the rest out later. Go!" Not needing to be told twice she jogged upstairs quickly, leaving Drake to handle the drunken idiots, they were all too high and wasted to even form a threatening sentence, let alone come at him swinging punches. He hoped he was doing the right thing but something at the back of him mind was telling him he was a fool. Perhaps it was Ashley's voice...
*This is quite long :/ But I hope it was alright! Thanks to all who commented too btw =]*
The next morning Drake awoke at around eleven. He knew he'd sleep late but not by this much. Wiping his eyes and stretching he got out of bed, heading into his bathroom to shower and relieve himself. He felt terrible that Nicki would have been alone all morning but checking in on her as he made his way downstairs he was welcomed by an empty bed. It had been made up but she was gone.
He shrugged and closed her door behind him. "Prolly gone downstairs."
Continuing down the elegant stairway he reached the hallway and noticed a note on the side-table, picking it up he frowned as he unfolded it. Reading her swirly handwriting he read the one lined message aloud.
"Thank you for last night."
He shook his head and placed the note back down. He couldn't believe she'd just left, he had no idea why but there really was something about her, something that just felt kind of refreshing. Perhaps it was just her overall bluntness and how straight to the point she was. But he also knew there was something seriously wrong going on, the fact that nobody seemed to be responsible for her or even care about what she was getting up to. Grabbing himself some breakfast he found himself still thinking about her, worrying more than anything else. Hearing his cell chirping he quickly snatched it from the kitchen counter as he took a seat at the table with his cereal bowl. It was Ashley.
"Hey Drake, you recovered from last night?"
"Ugh, just about. I'm tellin' you if it wasn't for this one day a week we get off I'd be a walking zombie." He crunched on spoonfuls of his breakfast as he talked.
"So you gon' come out with the rest of us tonight? We gon' go to that new club." He could hear her chewing her gum as usual.
"I'on know Ash, I'm fuckin' exhausted like, I think I'mma just stay in. But y'all report back, tell me how it is yeah?"
"Why you bein' such a bore, I ain't spillin' shit. You gotta come with us to find out."
"Ashley, no. Now get off my phone, interruptin' a nigga's breakfast and shit." They both laughed before saying goodbye and hanging up. The rest of the day for him seemed to fly by super fast. Until his evening drinking time came around and he realised he'd had the last drop of wine the night before.
"Shit." Rubbing his hands frustratedly over his short curls he grabbed his jacket and keys before locking up and heading to the nearest liquor store. Call him sad but it was his one night he could enjoy a few glasses in the peace of his own home. Scanning the road he cautiously pulled into the parking lot and headed into the store. The annoying background music was eating at his last nerve as he paced the aisles looking for his usual. They were all out. Typical.
"Excuse me?"
The young worker turned around from the crates he was unpacking. "Yes sir, can I help you?"
"Yeah I'm lookin' for this stuff. You got any out the back?" He pointed to the empty boxes.
"Uhm, I'll go take a look. Won't be a moment sir."
"Thanks."
Standing around he stared out of the store window for a little while, he like people-watching it was something he found oddly interesting. Letting his eyes wander he focused on one person in particular. It was Nicki. He couldn't believe it, out again past midnight. Stalking the streets by herself. He shook his head angrily at the thought of how her parents obviously didn't give two shits about their daughter. As soon as the store worker came back he paid for his drink and headed back to his car, by which time Nicki was long gone.
***
It had been almost two weeks since Ashley and the other young staff members had been to the new club that had opened and they were still talking about it. Drake was kinda wishing that he'd gone now it sounded like they all had fun, something he was desperately in need of.
Sliding up next to him in the on-call room Ashley looked over her friends tired appearance. "You good Drake?"
"Hmm. Oh yeah, just completely drained. These shifts are killers." He brought his coffee cup to his mouth sipping slowly as Ashley nodded in agreement.
"Yeah there's gon' be a staff meetin' next week, apparently there's been a lotta complaints! hopefully the cut the hours back a lil' huh?"
He nodded as he rose to his feet. "Aight, lets get on with it shall we?"
"Yup, the sooner we're done the sooner we get to bed!"
On their way out he dropped his empty cup in the trash as a bustle of paramedics rushed through with a gurney. Hearing what they were saying, along with catching a small glimpse of the patient he hurriedly followed the team of workers, before one worker noticed his presence.
"Oh good, Dr. Graham-"
"Yeah, yeah I got it, so what do we have?" He kept his pace up as he trailed behind them. He knew it was Nicki on the stretcher but what had happened he had no clue.
"Sixteen year old female, unconscious and pregnant. A neighbour found her outside her home."
"Was she unconscious when they found her?"
"No sir, she lost consciousness in the ambulance on the way over. We need to get a scan fixed up as well."
"Aight, through here!" He yelled out so that all the workers could hear him as the continued to jog along, wheeling her down the corridors. Once they were behind closed doors he waited for the paramedics to carefully lift the stretcher on to the bed. She looked so little and lifeless.
Bursting through the doors Ashley threw herself some gloves on and stood by Drake's side. "Kids 'round here don't know about contraception do they?" Chuckling at her own comment she felt Drake's intense stare burning into her. "What's up with you? You know it's true Drake!" She shook her head and moved around to the other side of Nicki as he began checking her over.
"Nurse Dawson could you please sort out an ultrasound for Miss Maraj? Thanks." The nurse complied and left the room.
"Miss Maraj? How'd you know her name already?"
"She was admitted about two weeks ago, I stitched up her forehead." He pointed to the small wound which looked more like a scratch now. "Okay, her pulse is normal, so is her breathing but her blood pressure is through the roof, can we get that sorted out please Nurse Jackson?"
Ashley watched in awe as he took complete and utter control of his surroundings. That was something she'd never managed to do. Snapping her out of her thoughts Nurse Dawson reappeared with the ultrasound machine, wheeling it over to Drake and letting him take it from there. After setting it all up he tended to her charts as Ashley performed the scan.
"I'm not gettin' anythin' here." She folded her lips and looked blankly at the monitor. "Oh, wait....No, no I got it. The baby has a heartbeat but it's weak. We need to get her stabilised, quickly."
***
Fluttering her eyes open she lay still in the unfamiliar atmosphere. She was in hospital. Slowly sitting herself up she looked over her arms and pulled at all the wires attached to her before a deep voice made her jump.
"Leave them in, we have to keep monitoring you." It was Drake.
Laying back again she looked at him sleepily. "Why am I here?"
"I'on know, I was hopin' you'd be able to tell us that Nicki." His voice was so soft and gentle as he took a seat by her bed-side.
"I'on remember, I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologise, we just wanna make sure you're ok. That's all." He smiled warmly before continuing. "So how are you feelin'?"
"Tired, and my head is pounding."
"Yeah, you musta knocked your head again when you fell." He smiled seeing her laugh for the first time.
"I'mma have to start wearin' a freakin' helmet everywhere I go."
"Might be a good idea!" They laughed and talked for a little bit more until he turned serious again. "You can be discharged today but I'mma need for someone to come collect you. Someone who is really your caregiver this time." He stared at her sternly. "That was a silly stunt you pulled a couple weeks back."
She looked down shyly, once again resting her eyes on her bump. "I know. Maybe you could call my neighbour, I'mma stay with him for a while."
"Aight, we'll find a number for him, but for now you gotta stay restin'. Got it?"
"Yes Dr. Graham."
"Please, call me Drake when I'm off duty."
"You're off duty? Why you still here?" She looked puzzled as she tilted her head slightly
"I just wanted to make sure you were ok, I was worried after you left my place so quickly and then when I saw you bein' wheeled down the corridor I panicked." She looked down feeling bad. "Anyway, I know you must be tired but you and your baby are fine, your BP was way too high but we got you sorted." He stood up to exit but her little voice stopped him.
"How old are you really Drake? And that ain't even yo' real name is it?"
He laughed in disbelief. "Wow, you really don't miss a beat do you?!"
"Rarely."
"How'd you know I wasn't really twenty-seven?" He sat back down again, intrigued to know her answer.
"I'on know, just a feelin'."
"Well it was a pretty damn good feelin'! I'm twenty-four."
"So why'd you tell me you were twenty-seven?"
"I get sick of patients tellin' me I look too young, then demanding they see some sort of proof that I'm a real doctor."
"Oh."
"And how'd you know Drake wasn't my real name?" His eyes were full of wonder as he kept looking at her.
"The name Drake, I'on know it just doesn't look entirely right on you, y'know what I'm sayin'?" She paused as he agreed. "So, was I right?"
"Dead on, my actual name is Aubrey but you can see why I'on like bein' called that can't you?" He smirked at her dimpled smile.
"No. I think Aubrey suits you better."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. It has a special ring to it."
"Word? You really think so?"
"Mhmm."
Noticing how tired she looked he stopped the conversation before she fell asleep. "Aight, well I'mma head off now but I'll come back up once I called this neighbour of yours, kay?"
She just nodded as he left the room. Looking back at her she looked so lost and alone.
***
Back down on the ward that Ashley was on, Drake sat himself at the nurses station as he traced her neighbours number and gave him a call. This time she wasn't lying and this neighbour of hers was actually already on his way to pick her up.
"So?"
"So what?"
She popped her gum before responding. "How is she?"
"Oh right, yeah she's ok. A lil' tired but whattya expect?"
"Yeah, maybe you shoulda given her a talk about safe sex or somethin' whilst you were up there." Save us from treating her for the same thing in a years time.
"The fuck Ashley? Show a little sensitivity, Jesus!" Slamming a handful of files back into the cabinet he snatched his coffee cup before making his way back to the locker room to change, leaving Ashley stood there completely dumbfounded at his outburst.
He couldn't stop thinking about how judgemental Ashley was acting as he headed back up to Nicki's private room, as their job it remained a requirement not to judge people. Nicki was a prime example of why. Remembering when he first met her his initial thoughts were negative but in the short time he had known her she had completely changed his opinion. Sighing out loud he pushed her door open, only to see a nurse making the bed up.
"Oh, Dr Graham....Were you hear to see Miss Maraj?"
"Yeah, where's she at?"
"She just filled out the discharge papers, I think her neighbour picked her up. Was it important?"
"Uhm no, no It's all good I just wanted to tell her she was free to go. Thanks."Walking back out again he grabbed his phone to check his messages when the nurse came running back out.
"Oh, Dr Graham?"
He turned around quickly. "Yeah?"
"Miss Maraj's bag, it looks like she left it. Could you run it by the front desk on your way past please?"
He took her book bag in his hand. "Sure thing Donna. Night." He called the last part as he walked off. He knew he shouldn't but something was telling him he should. Passing the desk he grabbed Nicki's file and looked up her address.
"What are you doin'?" He jumped back slightly.
"Huh?"
She placed a hand on her hip and raised her eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're gon' return her bag personally? Shit Drake! You're gon' get in so much trouble! You already seem way too close to her, she's a patient for God's sake!"
"Look, Ashley I'on know what the fuck is up wit'chu lately but her house is on my way home, why make her come back to get her stuff when I can just drop it off myself?" He asked her like it was common sense.
"Ugh, do what you want. But if you get found out, don't think I'm coverin' for you! You're on your own with this one." She stormed off as he shook his head angrily.
His anger towards her only seemed to intensify as he drove down the derelict and damaged roads to Nicki's address. Pulling up to the right one he double checked that the place was right. It was pitch black outside as most of the street lamps had been vandalized and smashed up, all he could see of her tiny house was the front window flashing with what he guessed was the light from their TV. Slowly stepping out into the light rain he walked up to her doorway, he wasn't sure which neighbour's house she was at or why but he figured it would be easier to just drop her bag off at her actual address. Hearing footsteps on the other side he was shocked when Nicki opened the door after he knocked, she was in her pyjamas.
"Nicki?" He had to ask to be sure because it was so dark.
"Oh my God, Dr Graham, what are you doin' here?" He flinched a little at how angry she sounded, but that was nothing compared to the yelling her heard coming from inside the house.
"I-uh, brought your bag. You left it at the hospital, seein' as it was on my home I-"
"ONIKA?! THE FUCK YOU STANDIN' THERE WITH THE GODDAM DOOR OPEN FOR?"
Drake's eyes bugged as she stepped shakily away from the door, walking backwards up to the wall.
"Dad, I'm sorry jus-"
"Get outta here!" Grabbing her arm he ripped her away from the wall and slung her towards the stairs, she barely kept her footing as she staggered slightly towards the bottom step. Drake was in shock but his instincts soon kicked in when he heard other male voices mumbling inside, the smell of smoke pouring into the outside air. Shoving the door open he saw who he guessed was her father stood swaying without a shirt on as he tried to steady himself.
"Who's this nigga?" Another man asked a now sitting down Nicki as she caressed her bump.
"I'm just hear to pick her up." Looking back at her confused face he widened eyes at her, "Go get your stuff."
"Hell naw! How y-you 'bouta fuckin' come in h-here? In MY house a-and fuckin' take My kid?"
"Sir, I'mma be gone in two minutes." Losing patience he locked eyes with a petrified Nicki again. "Hurry up, just pack the basics. We'll sort the rest out later. Go!" Not needing to be told twice she jogged upstairs quickly, leaving Drake to handle the drunken idiots, they were all too high and wasted to even form a threatening sentence, let alone come at him swinging punches. He hoped he was doing the right thing but something at the back of him mind was telling him he was a fool. Perhaps it was Ashley's voice...
*This is quite long :/ But I hope it was alright! Thanks to all who commented too btw =]*
Tuesday 23 October 2012
1. Different
"Ugh, I'm thirty minutes away from gettin' outta here." Throwing the patient files on to the nurses station desk, Drake turned to look at his colleague Ashley who appeared just as tired as he felt.
"Oh my God, tell me about it! I feel like I'mma sleep for a freaking week once this shift is over!" Popping her gum she took another sip of her coffee as one of the nurses sidled up to Drake. Bugging her eyes around his frame Ashley stared at her expectantly.
"Dr Graham?"
"Yes?"
"When you have a moment there's a patient in bay three who needs seeing to." She smiled sweetly and held the patient notes against her body.
"Aight I'll be through in a moment." Snatching a bite out of Ashley's donut he grinned cheesily at her disgusted face before following the young nurse down the bustling corridors. It was 1am and his shift was about to finish on the casualty ward. Just one more patient. Not feeling bothered to flick through the notes he questioned the nurse on the patient she was leading him too.
"So what've we got?"
"Sixteen year old female who goes by the name of Onika Maraj. She needs a couple stitches on her forehead-"
"Then why do you need me? You know how to suture, don't you?"
She stuttered momentarily as he kept following behind her, he knew she was young and had obviously just qualified as a nurse. "I-I just wanted you to make sure that it wasn't anythin' more serious y'know? It looks like she had a fair knock to the head." Continuing down the hallway they came to a stop at the bay he assumed this patient was in. Turning to face him she screwed her lips up and handed him the notes before walking to his side. "Oh and if you'd actually bothered to read her notes you'd know she's about twenty-six weeks pregnant too, have fun Dr. Graham." She raised her brow at his dropped face as she carried on walking away from him backwards, turning when she reached the corner.
"Damn, they gettin' younger and younger." He mumbled to himself before quickly skim-reading her notes and pulling the curtain back to enter. There, right in front of his eyes was a young girl sitting on the bed, her legs swinging as she sat waiting.
"Onika Maraj?"
"Yes sir?"
"I'm Dr. Graham, I've come to take a look at your forehead, you mind?" He motioned to her bloody face as he inched closer to her.
"Nope, go ahead."
Gently feeling around the cut she winced as he pressed harder.
"Sorry. Yeah you're gonna need a few stitches in that." He stepped away and gloved up before getting the suture kit ready.
"Aren't nurses 'sposed to do all this?" Her inquisitve voice made him chuckle slightly with his back still facing her.
"Yes. But I was asked to come check it wasn't somethin' more serious. How'd you do it anyway?"
"I fell." She kept her eyes fixed on him as he moved closer but he was too busy concentrating on the equiptment in his hand. "I'on wanna be rude or anythin' but how long is this gon' take?"
"Why? You in a rush?" He tilted his head as he started fixing up her cut.
"Well, if you hadn't already noticed it's 1am and I have a test to study for."
"Word? And you're tellin' me you actually gon' go study?" His suave smile made her look at him weird.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I?" He moved back a tad as he grabbed another cotton pad to dab at the blood. As he did so she looked down, catching a glimpse of her neat little bump. "Ohhh riiiight, I get it! I forget 'cause I'm pregnant I must be one of those aimless no-hopers right?" Her humourless sarcasm made him cringe.
"Onika, I ain't mean that and I'm not here to judge you-"
"But you are though."
"Excuse me?"
"I know you not here to judge me. But you are judging me, aren't you?"
Pausing for a moment he let his eyes wander up to meet hers. She looked dead serious. "Yeah, yeah I guess you're right. But do you blame me?" He took back his original position as he continued with stitching up her wound.
"Not really, no."
"Well, I'm sorry for judgin' you Onika."
"It's all good Dr. Graham. I understand." She kept her eyes focused on his shirt buttons as he tended to her.
"So, what test you gotta study for?" He asked out of habit, falling back in to his routine of conversing with patients.
"Psychology."
"Oh? You like that sorta thing?"
"Mm. I wanted to be a psychologist when I'm finished school."
"Wanted? You changed yo' mind or somethin'?
"No. I can't exactly pursue that anymore can I?" He heard the defeat in her voice as her eyes remained fixed on his shirt. Pulling away to grab yet some more cotton he looked at her. She was so young.
"Why not?"
"Seriously? Look at me! I'm sixteen and pregnant, I got no hope. Maybe you were right to judge me."
There was something about her that was different. Most pregnant teens they had to deal with were obnoxious, cocky and dare he say it a little bit on the slutty side. But Onika? She was definitely different.
"You really wanna be a psychologist?"
She nodded smally. "Yes."
"Well then, you go for it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. We need more people like you around. You have ambition."
"Really?" He smiled genuinely at how surprised she sounded.
"Really." Pulling his gloves off he immediately disposed of them before putting another pair on. "Aight, that's all sorted. You're gon' have to come in again soon to get those removed. But now we gotta take a look here." He pointed to her bump as he threw away the used cotton pads and put away the suture kit. "You wanna lay back for me?"
She did as he asked and settled herself on the bed before talking again. "How old are you?"
"Sorry?" He chuckled genuinely at her blunt questions and made his way back over to her.
"I'on mean it in a rude way, it's just you be lookin' mad young to be a doctor." She chewed on the inside of her cheek allowing her dimple to appear briefly.
"Do you always ask so many questions Onika?"
"Yep. So? How old are you?"
"Wow." Shaking his head and smiling he lifted her shirt a little to spread the gel on her swollen stomach. "If you must know Miss Maraj, I'm twenty-seven." Instead of answering she just nodded and gasped at the cold substance on her skin. It was silent again as he watched the monitor screen, her baby looked fine and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"It's so small." Her voice made him turn back to look at her, she was staring intently at the image on the screen.
"Yeah she is isn't she?"
"She? You mean, it's a girl?" Her eyes connected with his as he witnessed her reaction.
"She sure is." He wrinkled his brow. "You weren't told at your last scan?"
"This is my first scan. I haven't had any others." She folded her lips as she kept hold of her shirt, ensuring it didn't fall back on to her stomach. He couldn't believe how blazé she was acting. Like all of this was nothing. Not at all in a bad way, she just didn't seem fazed by anything.
He let her finish looking at her baby before he packed everything up. "Well you gotta make sure we get her looked at more often, kay?"
"Mmkay. Thanks Dr. Graham." She rolled down her shirt and slid off the bed before grabbing her book bag, throwing it over shoulder casually as she motioned to leave.
"Uhm, Onika where you goin'?"
She looked at him as if he was stupid. "The zoo, you wanna come?" Shaking her head she looked at him more seriously. "I'm going home. That okay wit'chu?"
"No, you're a minor. I can't let'chu go 'til a parent or guardian comes for you."
"Well, you gon' be waitin' an awful long time then." Waiting for a response she sighed when he just kept staring at her. "Can't you jus' let me go and say that my parents came?"
"No. Now come sit back down. I'mma go make a phonecall." Huffing frustratedly she sat herself back down on the bed.
"They not gon' answer, so I wouldn't waste my time if I was you." She knew he was going to look through her previous notes and find her home number. And she was right, nobody would answer. Her older brother moved out months ago, her Mother had done a runner with her younger brother and her father was a raging alcoholic and a drug addict.
"Well, how were you gon' get home anyway?"
"Walk."
"It's nearin' 2am not to mention the fact that it's rainin' cats and dogs out there and you're tellin' me you were gon' walk home? How far away do you even live?"
"Yes I was actually, and not that far to be honest. Now, are you gonna let me leave or am I gon' have to camp out here for the night?"
"I've already told you. I'm not allowed to let'chu go, now stay here whilst I go make a call." He waited for her to nod before moving back out to the nurses station. During the time he was gone Nicki, as she was more commonly known, managed to talk a stranger into acting as her guardian before Drake returned.
"No answer, do you-" He stopped when his eyes fell upon the stranger stood in the corner. "Who's this?"
"My uncle, he works 'round the corner. He's come to pick me up so can I go now?" Drake flicked his eyes between the two of them before nodding unsurely.
"I guess so, just make sure you keep on top of your appointments Onika."
"Thanks, and I will." She smiled sweetly as she passed him. "Oh and it's Nicki by the way. Nobody calls me Onika anymore."
"Aight, I'll see you around Nicki, and take care of yo'self. I'm not puttin' anymore stitches in that face of yours." He smiled as she did too, exposing her perfect teeth and adorable dimples.
***
Making his way out to the parking lot he cussed quietly as he threw his coat over his head to shield himself from the rain. It was 3am and he was only just heading home. It had been a super long day and he couldn't wait to just get back. Unlocking his car from a few footsteps away he jogged slightly to try and get out of the thundery weather. As he did so he looked up only to see her small figure stood hunched on the side of the road. Trying to determine if it was her or not he squinted in the little moonlight there was.
"Nicki?" He called out a few times but the rain was coming down so hard it was muffling his yells. Finally he got a response as she turned to look his direction but immediately turned and started walking away. It was her, he recognised her book bag slung carelessly over her shoulder. Throwing his stuff onto the passenger seat he shut his door and ran over to her. "Nicki? Onika, I know that's you." Eventually catching up to her he placed his hand on her upper arm. "What the hell are you doin'?! I thought your uncle came to get'chu?" He scanned his eyes over her shivering body. She was absolutely soaked. "Without even hesiatating he pulled her closer. "Come on, we gotta get you outta the rain." She didn't protest as he guided her over to his car, swiftly opening the passenger door for her before moving his stuff to the backseat. As soon as he hopped in his side of the car he shut the door, instantly blocking the volume of the rain out. All he could hear now was her breath as she shuddered, noticing this he quickly turned the engine on and clicked the heat on to full whack. "Why were you just stood out in the rain like that? And at 3am too?"
"Aren't y-you gon' get in shit for havin' m-me in your car?" Her voice was shaky too as she spoke, not once looking at him.
"Well, I won't be praised for it...But you didn't answer my question. Why aren't you at home? You're sixteen and four and a half months pregnant!"
"You think I'on fuckin' know that?!" Shaking her head she reached fo the handle but his strong hand stopped her.
"Wait! I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout.." He trailed off and stared forward for a moment. "Look, I'mma take you home, where'd you live?"
"No! Please, I'on wanna go back there!"
"Hey, hey calm down." Placing his hand on her forearm he watched her for a while as she kept her gaze fixed on her bump, hidden slightly under her coat. "What am I doing, I'mma get in so much shit for this." Rubbing his spare hand over his face as he whipsered to himself he turned back to look at her. "You can come stay wit'me for the night. And tomorrow you're gon' tell me what's happened, kay?" Seeing her nod submissively he set the car into drive and headed back to his apartment. He was crazy for doing this, it was his job on the line but he couldn't just leave her out in the cold. She obviously had nobody to call and no place else to go.
***
After setting up the guest room he showed her around and gave her some spare clothes and something to eat before letting her shower and go to bed. He heard her crying but left her alone, giving her some space. He stopped up a while longer, sharing a texting conversation with Ashley and a large glass of wine before heading up to bed too. Looking in at her on the way past she was fast asleep. How could nobody be wondering where she was? Who she was with? If she was even still alive? He shut her door a bit more and pondered as he performed his usual rituals and settled himself in bed. She had a lot of explaining to do tomorrow, but he wasn't going to hassle her. His main priority was that she remained safe and if that meant staying with him for a couple days, maybe even a week, then that's what he'd do.
*Alright that's it! My first chapter....like I said I'm not a professional fiction writer so please excuse any errors or sloppiness!! Hope this was at least a little bit interesting :/ I guess I'll soon find out huh?*
"Oh my God, tell me about it! I feel like I'mma sleep for a freaking week once this shift is over!" Popping her gum she took another sip of her coffee as one of the nurses sidled up to Drake. Bugging her eyes around his frame Ashley stared at her expectantly.
"Dr Graham?"
"Yes?"
"When you have a moment there's a patient in bay three who needs seeing to." She smiled sweetly and held the patient notes against her body.
"Aight I'll be through in a moment." Snatching a bite out of Ashley's donut he grinned cheesily at her disgusted face before following the young nurse down the bustling corridors. It was 1am and his shift was about to finish on the casualty ward. Just one more patient. Not feeling bothered to flick through the notes he questioned the nurse on the patient she was leading him too.
"So what've we got?"
"Sixteen year old female who goes by the name of Onika Maraj. She needs a couple stitches on her forehead-"
"Then why do you need me? You know how to suture, don't you?"
She stuttered momentarily as he kept following behind her, he knew she was young and had obviously just qualified as a nurse. "I-I just wanted you to make sure that it wasn't anythin' more serious y'know? It looks like she had a fair knock to the head." Continuing down the hallway they came to a stop at the bay he assumed this patient was in. Turning to face him she screwed her lips up and handed him the notes before walking to his side. "Oh and if you'd actually bothered to read her notes you'd know she's about twenty-six weeks pregnant too, have fun Dr. Graham." She raised her brow at his dropped face as she carried on walking away from him backwards, turning when she reached the corner.
"Damn, they gettin' younger and younger." He mumbled to himself before quickly skim-reading her notes and pulling the curtain back to enter. There, right in front of his eyes was a young girl sitting on the bed, her legs swinging as she sat waiting.
"Onika Maraj?"
"Yes sir?"
"I'm Dr. Graham, I've come to take a look at your forehead, you mind?" He motioned to her bloody face as he inched closer to her.
"Nope, go ahead."
Gently feeling around the cut she winced as he pressed harder.
"Sorry. Yeah you're gonna need a few stitches in that." He stepped away and gloved up before getting the suture kit ready.
"Aren't nurses 'sposed to do all this?" Her inquisitve voice made him chuckle slightly with his back still facing her.
"Yes. But I was asked to come check it wasn't somethin' more serious. How'd you do it anyway?"
"I fell." She kept her eyes fixed on him as he moved closer but he was too busy concentrating on the equiptment in his hand. "I'on wanna be rude or anythin' but how long is this gon' take?"
"Why? You in a rush?" He tilted his head as he started fixing up her cut.
"Well, if you hadn't already noticed it's 1am and I have a test to study for."
"Word? And you're tellin' me you actually gon' go study?" His suave smile made her look at him weird.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I?" He moved back a tad as he grabbed another cotton pad to dab at the blood. As he did so she looked down, catching a glimpse of her neat little bump. "Ohhh riiiight, I get it! I forget 'cause I'm pregnant I must be one of those aimless no-hopers right?" Her humourless sarcasm made him cringe.
"Onika, I ain't mean that and I'm not here to judge you-"
"But you are though."
"Excuse me?"
"I know you not here to judge me. But you are judging me, aren't you?"
Pausing for a moment he let his eyes wander up to meet hers. She looked dead serious. "Yeah, yeah I guess you're right. But do you blame me?" He took back his original position as he continued with stitching up her wound.
"Not really, no."
"Well, I'm sorry for judgin' you Onika."
"It's all good Dr. Graham. I understand." She kept her eyes focused on his shirt buttons as he tended to her.
"So, what test you gotta study for?" He asked out of habit, falling back in to his routine of conversing with patients.
"Psychology."
"Oh? You like that sorta thing?"
"Mm. I wanted to be a psychologist when I'm finished school."
"Wanted? You changed yo' mind or somethin'?
"No. I can't exactly pursue that anymore can I?" He heard the defeat in her voice as her eyes remained fixed on his shirt. Pulling away to grab yet some more cotton he looked at her. She was so young.
"Why not?"
"Seriously? Look at me! I'm sixteen and pregnant, I got no hope. Maybe you were right to judge me."
There was something about her that was different. Most pregnant teens they had to deal with were obnoxious, cocky and dare he say it a little bit on the slutty side. But Onika? She was definitely different.
"You really wanna be a psychologist?"
She nodded smally. "Yes."
"Well then, you go for it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. We need more people like you around. You have ambition."
"Really?" He smiled genuinely at how surprised she sounded.
"Really." Pulling his gloves off he immediately disposed of them before putting another pair on. "Aight, that's all sorted. You're gon' have to come in again soon to get those removed. But now we gotta take a look here." He pointed to her bump as he threw away the used cotton pads and put away the suture kit. "You wanna lay back for me?"
She did as he asked and settled herself on the bed before talking again. "How old are you?"
"Sorry?" He chuckled genuinely at her blunt questions and made his way back over to her.
"I'on mean it in a rude way, it's just you be lookin' mad young to be a doctor." She chewed on the inside of her cheek allowing her dimple to appear briefly.
"Do you always ask so many questions Onika?"
"Yep. So? How old are you?"
"Wow." Shaking his head and smiling he lifted her shirt a little to spread the gel on her swollen stomach. "If you must know Miss Maraj, I'm twenty-seven." Instead of answering she just nodded and gasped at the cold substance on her skin. It was silent again as he watched the monitor screen, her baby looked fine and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"It's so small." Her voice made him turn back to look at her, she was staring intently at the image on the screen.
"Yeah she is isn't she?"
"She? You mean, it's a girl?" Her eyes connected with his as he witnessed her reaction.
"She sure is." He wrinkled his brow. "You weren't told at your last scan?"
"This is my first scan. I haven't had any others." She folded her lips as she kept hold of her shirt, ensuring it didn't fall back on to her stomach. He couldn't believe how blazé she was acting. Like all of this was nothing. Not at all in a bad way, she just didn't seem fazed by anything.
He let her finish looking at her baby before he packed everything up. "Well you gotta make sure we get her looked at more often, kay?"
"Mmkay. Thanks Dr. Graham." She rolled down her shirt and slid off the bed before grabbing her book bag, throwing it over shoulder casually as she motioned to leave.
"Uhm, Onika where you goin'?"
She looked at him as if he was stupid. "The zoo, you wanna come?" Shaking her head she looked at him more seriously. "I'm going home. That okay wit'chu?"
"No, you're a minor. I can't let'chu go 'til a parent or guardian comes for you."
"Well, you gon' be waitin' an awful long time then." Waiting for a response she sighed when he just kept staring at her. "Can't you jus' let me go and say that my parents came?"
"No. Now come sit back down. I'mma go make a phonecall." Huffing frustratedly she sat herself back down on the bed.
"They not gon' answer, so I wouldn't waste my time if I was you." She knew he was going to look through her previous notes and find her home number. And she was right, nobody would answer. Her older brother moved out months ago, her Mother had done a runner with her younger brother and her father was a raging alcoholic and a drug addict.
"Well, how were you gon' get home anyway?"
"Walk."
"It's nearin' 2am not to mention the fact that it's rainin' cats and dogs out there and you're tellin' me you were gon' walk home? How far away do you even live?"
"Yes I was actually, and not that far to be honest. Now, are you gonna let me leave or am I gon' have to camp out here for the night?"
"I've already told you. I'm not allowed to let'chu go, now stay here whilst I go make a call." He waited for her to nod before moving back out to the nurses station. During the time he was gone Nicki, as she was more commonly known, managed to talk a stranger into acting as her guardian before Drake returned.
"No answer, do you-" He stopped when his eyes fell upon the stranger stood in the corner. "Who's this?"
"My uncle, he works 'round the corner. He's come to pick me up so can I go now?" Drake flicked his eyes between the two of them before nodding unsurely.
"I guess so, just make sure you keep on top of your appointments Onika."
"Thanks, and I will." She smiled sweetly as she passed him. "Oh and it's Nicki by the way. Nobody calls me Onika anymore."
"Aight, I'll see you around Nicki, and take care of yo'self. I'm not puttin' anymore stitches in that face of yours." He smiled as she did too, exposing her perfect teeth and adorable dimples.
***
Making his way out to the parking lot he cussed quietly as he threw his coat over his head to shield himself from the rain. It was 3am and he was only just heading home. It had been a super long day and he couldn't wait to just get back. Unlocking his car from a few footsteps away he jogged slightly to try and get out of the thundery weather. As he did so he looked up only to see her small figure stood hunched on the side of the road. Trying to determine if it was her or not he squinted in the little moonlight there was.
"Nicki?" He called out a few times but the rain was coming down so hard it was muffling his yells. Finally he got a response as she turned to look his direction but immediately turned and started walking away. It was her, he recognised her book bag slung carelessly over her shoulder. Throwing his stuff onto the passenger seat he shut his door and ran over to her. "Nicki? Onika, I know that's you." Eventually catching up to her he placed his hand on her upper arm. "What the hell are you doin'?! I thought your uncle came to get'chu?" He scanned his eyes over her shivering body. She was absolutely soaked. "Without even hesiatating he pulled her closer. "Come on, we gotta get you outta the rain." She didn't protest as he guided her over to his car, swiftly opening the passenger door for her before moving his stuff to the backseat. As soon as he hopped in his side of the car he shut the door, instantly blocking the volume of the rain out. All he could hear now was her breath as she shuddered, noticing this he quickly turned the engine on and clicked the heat on to full whack. "Why were you just stood out in the rain like that? And at 3am too?"
"Aren't y-you gon' get in shit for havin' m-me in your car?" Her voice was shaky too as she spoke, not once looking at him.
"Well, I won't be praised for it...But you didn't answer my question. Why aren't you at home? You're sixteen and four and a half months pregnant!"
"You think I'on fuckin' know that?!" Shaking her head she reached fo the handle but his strong hand stopped her.
"Wait! I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout.." He trailed off and stared forward for a moment. "Look, I'mma take you home, where'd you live?"
"No! Please, I'on wanna go back there!"
"Hey, hey calm down." Placing his hand on her forearm he watched her for a while as she kept her gaze fixed on her bump, hidden slightly under her coat. "What am I doing, I'mma get in so much shit for this." Rubbing his spare hand over his face as he whipsered to himself he turned back to look at her. "You can come stay wit'me for the night. And tomorrow you're gon' tell me what's happened, kay?" Seeing her nod submissively he set the car into drive and headed back to his apartment. He was crazy for doing this, it was his job on the line but he couldn't just leave her out in the cold. She obviously had nobody to call and no place else to go.
***
After setting up the guest room he showed her around and gave her some spare clothes and something to eat before letting her shower and go to bed. He heard her crying but left her alone, giving her some space. He stopped up a while longer, sharing a texting conversation with Ashley and a large glass of wine before heading up to bed too. Looking in at her on the way past she was fast asleep. How could nobody be wondering where she was? Who she was with? If she was even still alive? He shut her door a bit more and pondered as he performed his usual rituals and settled himself in bed. She had a lot of explaining to do tomorrow, but he wasn't going to hassle her. His main priority was that she remained safe and if that meant staying with him for a couple days, maybe even a week, then that's what he'd do.
*Alright that's it! My first chapter....like I said I'm not a professional fiction writer so please excuse any errors or sloppiness!! Hope this was at least a little bit interesting :/ I guess I'll soon find out huh?*
Sunday 21 October 2012
Me!
Hey y'all!
I'm Cassie and I never really done this before but I'm starting a Dricki fic! ^_^ Don't be expecting no amazing story though! I'm not a pro at fiction writing but English is my best subject, just more factual than fiction o-O Anyways I should be posting soon. I know it'll take some time to get readers and commenters but here goes....
Cass xx
I'm Cassie and I never really done this before but I'm starting a Dricki fic! ^_^ Don't be expecting no amazing story though! I'm not a pro at fiction writing but English is my best subject, just more factual than fiction o-O Anyways I should be posting soon. I know it'll take some time to get readers and commenters but here goes....
Cass xx
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