15. Close

*I can't tell you how many times I've almost given up on these fics, I really do enjoy writing them but I really doubt myself A LOT and nothing will ever change that. Especially when I'm reading other peoples stories, I don't wanna sound like a jealous person but I do feel envious of their writing abilities! And then when it comes to writing mine I just wanna throw my laptop at the wall out of frustration at myself for not being good enough but I just wanna thank those of you who do read even if you don't comment, it means a lot so thanku very much!*

"Nicki, she'll be fine I promise." He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the side of her head as they peered down into Auburn's bassinet.

"I know but I don't wanna be away from her." She whined whilst pouting. It was true though. Apart from when Auburn was sleeping during the night, Nicki would constantly have her held close. She felt more at ease knowing she was right there with her in case anything happened.

"Well, if you really don't wanna go I can just cancel the reservations. I don't mind one bit, as long as I get to spend the night with you I'm good." He kept hold of her as she turned and looked up at him.

"But you planned all this for us."

"Yeah but I don't wanna force you to be away from Auburn. It's a natural thing for you to want to stay close to her."

"You really don't mind?"

"Of course not." He kissed her lovingly. "I'll go cancel it now." He started heading out of their dimly lit room before she stopped him.

"Aubrey?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." Their smiles mirrored each others before he disappeared. Never did she imagine her life taking this kind of turn. Not too long ago she was leaving the house at ridiculous hours just to stay away from her Father and his psychotic friends and now she was living happily with the people who meant the world to her.

Drake was true to his word, he cancelled the reservations and cooked for her instead. Honestly she preferred the atmosphere a lot more than a busy restaurant but she still felt bad that Drake's plans hand been squandered by her maternal instinct.

"Stop apologisin', I don't care about that stuff." He held her tightly to him with one arm and kissed her temple as they watched an old movie on TV.

"Me either, I just felt bad that I ruined your plans."

"Well don't feel like that, it's fine honestly."

"Mmm, good." Snuggling up to him some more she remained silent before speaking again. "Aubrey?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you mean it when you said you believed I could make it in the field of psychology?" Her random question made him look down at her, he stared for a second or two before she made eye contact with him.

"Of course I did. Why'd you ask?"

"I got my paper back a few days ago. I failed." She sighed miserably and sat up, running her hand through her hair. "I don't know if I can do this."

"Hey, look at me." His serious tone made her turn to stare at him. "You have been through so much these last few weeks, nobody can blame you for feelin' a little stressed or run-down but whatever happens you don't give up. I believe in you, I just wish you could believe in yourself a little more."

"I wish I could too."

"So what's gonna happen with this paper?" He pulled her to him and resumed their original position, he didn't really want to stay on the topic because he could see her trying not to cry.

"They said I can re-submit it and if I improve the highest I can be graded is no more than fifty percent."

"So it'll be a pass?"

"Well, yeah but a shitty one." She sniffled and pulled her feet up on to the couch.

"Hey as long as it's a pass there should be no complaining." His comment made her smile but that was soon replaced with a frown when they were both alerted by his pager bleeping in his pocket.

"What's happened?" She asked worriedly as he read the screen.

"Somethin's wrong with a patient of mine, they need me."

"Well go then, I don't mind."

"You sure?"

"It's your job Aubrey, if they need you then they need you. Go." She smiled and moved away to allow him to stand.

"I'll be back soon, promise. Love you." Hurriedly leaning down to kiss her he moved over to the coat rack and headed out to his car.

"Love you too." She sat in silence as she watched him reverse out of the garage, his lights illuminating the room before he hit the road and disappeared.

***

Making his way swiftly to the room he'd been told to go to he pushed the door open with speed. But what he was greeted with was not at all what he had anticipated.

"SURPRISE!!" His whole body jolted with shock as he stared around the room, stood before him were all his work friends and colleagues. Smiling wide awaiting his reaction.

"Oh my God." He chuckled nervously and rubbed his neck. "What is all this?"

"Ashley told us silly! I can't believe you never mentioned anything, daddy." The smile on his face melted away quickly.

"Excuse me?"

"Your girlfriend? She had a baby right? Why didn't you tell us you were gonna be a daddy?" Donna smiled, partly due to the fact that this pice of information somehow managed to get past her. The queen of gossip. Feeling everyone's eyes on him he blushed even more, frantically searching the room for Ashley's conniving face. There were pink balloons everywhere, indicating that they knew the baby was a girl.

"Oh, well I was actu-"

"Drake! You made it, I made sure everyone knew you might not be here. I didn't know if you'd be too busy with your little family." She entered the room with a motive and this was obvious to Drake as he tried to hold on to his last millimetre of patience.

"I need to talk to you. Now."

"What? Oh come on, we wanna see pictures of the little one!" The sly smirk on her face was new to him. Why had he never seen her like this before? His eyes moved away from her and on to his other friends as they nodded.

"Yeah, come on Drizzy! Hell we ain't even seen what the lucky lady looks like. You kept her quiet boy!"

"Look I 'preciate all you bein' here but I came thinkin' there was some huge emergency, I was in the middle of somethin' but thanks for the kind gesture." He looked down for a second. "I'll uh, I'll see you in a few weeks time when I return."

"You're really leavin'? We did all of this for you, please just stay for a few drinks?" Donna's sad face was killing him and taking in the surroundings he realised they'd put a lot of effort into the decor and food. Even if it was only a small gathering in the hospital staff room.

"Aight, half an hour but then I'm gone." Images of Nicki home alone kept flashing up in his mind but that was soon overtaken by anger when he caught Ashley looking over at him. As soon as everyone started talking amongst themselves he walked over to her, the fury evident in his gait.

"You like your little party?"

"The fuck are you playin' at Ashley?"

"What? I just thought that this moment in your life needed to be celebrated, don't you?" She sipped smugly on her drink.

"You're supposed to be my friend!" His hushed, temper-filled words were interrupted by Donna once again.

"You said we could see a picture?"

"What?" His brow wrinkled slightly before he caught on. "Oh right, yeah. Here." Pulling his wallet out he slid the picture from the protective screen and handed it to her. Thankfully he hadn't had chance to put one of Nicki in there yet. Hopefully she wouldn't be too upset that her baby was being looked upon by his workmates.

"Oh my Goodness." She breathed in awe. "She's so tiny." He couldn't help the familiar feeling of pride wash over him as he agreed with her.

"Yeah she was really early but she's doin' great now."

"Well, she's adorable. Must get that from her Mom, sorry boo but you ain't that cute." She laughed sweetly and handed the photo back to him. "Congratulations too. You're gonna be a great dad."

"Thanks Donna." He spoke whilst placing the image back in his wallet. As soon as Donna moved away he turned back to Ashley.

"See? Everyone's happy for you, why you so mad?"

"Because it wasn't your place to interfere like that! You're risking my job here, you understand how outta hand this is gettin'?"

"No Drake, you are risking your career, not me. I'm not the one sleeping with a fucking teenaged delinquent!" Her calm whisper soon escalated into an outburst of hushed insults.

"Teenaged delinquent? Are you forreal right now?" He shook his head irritably. "Nicki is the farthest thing from a delinquent, you have no fucking idea. I'm done with you, seriously stay outta my way and outta my life." He slammed his cup down and moved to the door without her even attempting to stop him but as he looked up to grab the handle he bumped into the last person he wanted to see.

***

"Shhh, come on baby please stop." Rocking her gently Nicki kept moving her eyes back to the clock, Drake had been gone for hours and Auburn was still screaming. She could feel herself starting to get worked up having to hear her baby cry like this. It was painful. Not to mention the fact that it was making her lactate and she'd only just fed her. The stains on her shirt slowly growing as Auburn continued to mewl.

"What's all this racket about?" Seeing Sandi's frame walk through the doorway was like seeing her guardian angel come to her rescue.

"I don't know." Her voice was only just audible over Aubbie's crying but Sandi definitely picked up on Nicki's upset tone.

"Oh Nicki sweetie, don't cry! Here, you want me to take her?" She wanted to say no because she knew that soon she'd be left alone to do this but at that moment everything was just getting on top of her.

"Please." Allowing the tears to run freely she handed an unconsolable Auburn over to Sandi.

"There we go. I'll take care of her, you just go get yourself cleaned up." The warm smile only made Nicki cry harder as she walked to her bathroom, pulling the stained fabric of her shirt away from herself. As soon as the door was closed she let her back make contact with the wood as she slid down to the floor. Peeling her shirt off she was left in only her soaked bra before standing feebly after a while of just sitting in tears. Running the tap in the sink she waited for it to run warm before holding a cloth under the steaming water and applying it to her chest to clean herself before showering.

***

"I can't believe how long you managed to keep all this quiet." Drake's boss chortled as he leant in the doorway. "You said you didn't have a lady in your life when we had that dinner meeting a few weeks back, my wife would have loved to have met her."

"Oh, yeah I ain't wanna pull her outta the house, she wasn't feelin' too great, y'know?"

"Of course, I understand." He nodded and smiled. "Which is why I made plans for the four of us, and a couple other important names. There could be a promotion in it for you Dr Graham." Winking happily he sipped on some more of his drink. The word promotion was stuck in his mind. With Nicki and Auburn to take care of now, a promotion would be more than beneficial.

"A promotion?"

"Yes sir. The Cardiology ward is in desperate need of a new clinical lead. Someone young, innovative and willing to take a risk. I suggested your name to the board, you have promising reviews Drake. This dinner will be make it or break it you understand?"

"How do you mean?" He tapped his elbow, motioning for them to take a walk down the corridor and away from the noise.

"Well, all heads of department and their partners will be attending. It always looks good to appear as though your committed to someone, so as not-"

"To appear unruly and free to do as I please?"

"Exactly Dr Graham." They both laughed before Dan continued. "The medical director of Cardiology will be there, he has a seat on the board and ultimately the impression you make on him is crucial. You're the only one with this privilege, take advantage of the props you've been given Drake." He carried on talking as he walked away, leaving Drake stood in awe. This was his chance, with this promotion he could offer Nicki and Auburn the best of the best but just one thing stood in his way. The law. He couldn't possibly turn up with a sixteen-year-old girl on his arm, if anything that could hurt his chances. There was a way around that issue though and right there and then, the consequences were outweighing the good but ultimately this plan could work. Deep in thought he was suddenly brought back to reality when he heard the staff room door open, everyone was leaving. Thankfully Ashley hadn't seen him and kept on walking away.

***

Cutting the engine in the garage he waited for the roller door to come down automatically before hopping out and locking everything up. He was surprised to see his Mom still up as she watched TV with Auburn resting in her arms.

"Where the hell were you?" Her dry and angry tone made him frown confusedly.

"I got paged, I had to go. Why? Did somethin' happen?" He blinked worriedly. "Where's Nicki?"

"Really? Six hours you were gone for! It's almost two in the morning for God's sake!" She was managing to keep her yells to a whisper since Aubbie was finally asleep. "And Nicki's asleep, she's had a really tough night so I think you should just leave her be. She's exhausted."

"Mom, tell me what happened? And don't keep up with the yelling. You of all people know how demanding my job can be! Don't guilt me like that." He watched her eyes as they shut regretfully, followed by a sigh.

"I know, I know. Sorry I didn't mean to shout, but if you could have seen the state she was in earlier." She trailed off and shook her head. "She's really struggling Aubrey, she needs you around to help her. This is what you signed up for remember?" Motioning to the peaceful baby in her arms he folded his lips and sat next to her, holding his hands out to signal that he wanted to hold her. Slowly and carfeully manoeuvring her tiny body into his arms Sandi sat back and watched them.

"I thought she was okay, I mean she seemed fine these last few days."

"I know, I can understand that but it's a lot to take on for a sixteen year old. Especially with all she's been through." She paused for a moment to admire her son and the baby he was taking on as his own. "I think you should talk to her about it tomorrow, I can watch Auburn for a while and take some of the stress off of her."

"Thanks Mom, I don't say this enough but you've been real helpful these last few weeks. We're both more than grateful."

"You don't have to thank me. I'm happy to help." Smiling lovingly at the pair of them she finally felt the courage build up inside her to ask him. "Look, I understand if you say no but I know things are going to be a little hard when I leave. Especially when you go back to work and Nicki wants to focus on school."

"Yeah?" He tried to encourage her to continue. It took a fair few seconds but her question threw him right off.

"So I was thinking maybe you should move back to Canada?"

...

*Sorry it isn't too long. I hope this was okayish :// Thanks for reading and to those who commented on the previous chapter!*