Lost in the Middle

Disappointed

The moment had come, Conor had just arrived at Natasha's house ready to see his son he hasn't seen in a few weeks. Natasha has decided to be civil with her ex-husband for the sake of her sons and also Nikki who still had to break the news to Conor.

Jack had been pacing the kitchen biting his nails which naturally started to annoy Nikki who is also sat in the kitchen keeping an eye on the food for Natasha. Natasha soon walks into the kitchen with Conor and Ryan, which is soon followed by Everlyn dashing through to show Nikki her drawing.

"Ahh son, how are ya?" Conor smiles as he makes eye contact with Jack.
"Grand... how are ya?" Jack asks throwing the question back.

"Could be better, the flight was tiring and we got delayed in Heathrow," Conor grumbles causing Jack to roll his eyes at the comment.

Jack glances across at Nikki who is still sitting at the kitchen table, although she wasn't showing yet she felt the need to hide her stomach in shame. Conor glances between the teenagers wondering his there has been a bust-up, "Everything grand with you Nikki?" Conor asks.

Nikki snaps out of her daze and looks up at Conor, "Yeah everything is good. I'm just tired that's all," Nikki smiles slightly trying to put on a brave face.

Natasha keeps the conversation flowing with Ryan and Conor while the two older teenagers sit in silence together unsure of when they should tell his Dad about the pregnancy. The family soon moves into the lounge where Jack finally gets to sit beside Nikki wondering if while they're all sat together it would be the best time to announce it.
Jack grabs Nikki's hand and leans into her side, "When do we tell him," He mumbles.
"I don't know, I'm kinda nervous," Nikki mutters back.

Jack sighs and kisses Nikki's shoulder, "Sorry is there something we don't know?" Conor asks noticing the teenagers whispering amongst themselves.

"Erm..." Nikki stutters.
"So? is there?" Conor asks as Natasha comes back into the room and rolls her eyes at his impatience all of a sudden, this had been part of the reason she had divorced him.

"What's going on?" Natasha asks in a calm tone.
"Da... asked what Nikki and I were whispering about," Jack mumbles giving his mother a look indicating that they were discussing when to tell Conor.

Natasha nods placing the cups of tea down on the coffee table, naturally, to keep young ears out of earshot she tells Everlyn and Ryan to go into the garden and play. Natasha knew this could go either of two ways and knowing Conor it could end up being explosive.

Jack and Nikki share a look "Da... look..." Jack breathes causing Conor to look over at the pair.
"What?" He asks.
"You see... the thing is..." He stumbles on his words, as he nervously runs his hand through his hair. "...is... Nikki and I... erm..." Jack can't seem to find the courage to tell his Dad at all.

"Out with it son," Conor responds, his patients somewhat thining.
"Nikki's pregnant..." Jack blurts.

Silence thrums around the lounge, the adults looking at each other before they both looked at the teenagers who both hang their heads unable to make any form of eye contact. "Is this a joke?" Conor asks and Jack shakes his head, "Nikki is this a joke?" Conor adds.

"No... I'm sorry," She whispers.
"Well, that's your future ruined..." Conor simply responds as he calmly picks up his cup of tea and sips it.

"No Da... Nikki and I, we're going to make it work..." He responds to his father.
"Yeah... and I guess this baby will be living under my roof..." He huffs glancing up at Natasha.
"I guess so..." Jack mumbles.

Jack grabs Nikki's hand and glances at her, she hadn't taken her eyes away from her lap yet. Jack strokes her hand and takes a deep breath, "We've got it all worked out, Da."

"Oh yeah I am sure you have, are ya really ready for a child dependant on your twenty-four-seven? crying at all hours of the night, pissing and shitting like there is no tomorrow, eating away at the little money you pair have? I guess you will sign on and not make much of your life. What will happen three or four years down the line when you two can't stand the sight of each other? That poor child will be in a broken home," Conor speaks.

Jack bites his lip holding back the anger that is building up inside of him, he had only a few days to get over he was becoming a father but he promised himself to protect and love Nikki and their child for as long as he is breathing. "I love Nikki and I don't care what you think of us... we're going to make it work just you watch!" He says raising his tone putting his point across to his father.

His breathing had altered and the rage was boiling through his body, but a few quiet whimpers beside him snapped him right out of his rage. Looking at his girlfriend he notices the tears dripping down her face, He pulls Nikki into his side and holds her close. "I love you," Jack whispers against her head.