Songbird [H.S]

EIGHTEEN

Six weeks later... (Fourteen weeks pregnant)

Music gently filtered through the speakers of Forever Records as subtle background noise to entertain the customers browsing through the countless shelves of music. The day had been rather slow, only making the hours drag out as Marley tried to entertain herself. She'd already unpacked the morning's delivery, counted stock and made sure records were stacked on the right shelves so now she took the chance to take a quick break behind the counter. Mitch had placed a wooden chair behind the tills so that whenever Marley wasn't on her scheduled break but needed a sit-down, she was able to take it.

At first, the girl was a little apprehensive to use it, not wanting to seem like she was getting special treatment because she was pregnant but nobody cared. In fact, her co-worker and newfound friend Aliyah had been looking out for her since her first day. Her other co-worker, Sam, preferred to keep to himself so in the short time since Marley had started at the shop she was yet to have a conversation that wasn't work-related with him. Marley was usually on shift with Aliyah anyway so she barely saw Sam - he was a lovely guy just very quiet.

Because the shop was rather small, Aliyah, Sam and Mitch were the only other employees needed to make sure the shop ran smoothly. Marley was a welcome addition that enabled Mitch to spread the workload evenly and avoid unnecessary stress when things got busy. Aliyah was the coolest person Marley had ever met, her extensive knowledge of all types of music put Harry's random facts to shame. Her love for punk rock impressed Marley, her edgy punk style and confidence was something to be admired and Marley couldn't help but think Zayn would get on incredibly well with her.

The pair had instantly bonded when Marley complimented the way Aliyah had perfectly styled her hair into beautiful small bantu knots as well as her bold choice of make-up that always complimented her umber complexion. Aliyah was keen to share the brand of make-up she uses and even suggested a few shades of lipstick that Marley should try out. The girl seemed to have a certain skill for knowing exactly what type of make-up looks suited different people. It was impressive to say the least.

Marley sighed in relief as she slumped down in the chair behind the tills, thankful that her slight backache eased instantly. Aliyah was leaning against the countertop, staring blankly out into the shop as she tapped her painted nails against the wooden surface. A dramatic sigh slipped from her lips as she turned to face the teenager who was gently rubbing her lower back in an attempt to prevent it from aching once she stood back up again.

Since moving back into her house six weeks ago, Marley's pregnancy had progressed steadily - causing a mixture of emotions to swarm her mind. After a much calmer conversation with her parents, Marley had managed to convince them that she was capable of planning for her future without their interference (unless asked). Louis had spoken to Mark and everything was on its way to being sorted. Marley was officially a college dropout and she loved it. Her stress levels had decreased considerably and her mind was left to focus on the well-being of her baby and spending time with her boyfriend.

Now she was out of school, Marley was able to spend her spare time reading books and enjoying her pregnancy progress. At fourteen weeks, a very slight bump had started to form which was only really visible to the people who knew she was expecting. The first time she noticed it in the mirror as she got changed for work, everything suddenly became more real and the nerves she'd felt a few weeks ago made a re-appearance. However, after a few moments of admiring her now growing belly and seeing Harry's face light up with happiness at the sight, an overwhelming sense of love replaced the initial anxiety. She was growing a baby - their baby. Often she would find herself cradling her small stomach, a soft smile gracing her lips as she imagined what it would feel like while her baby continued to grow and eventually move around. Harry was already obsessed, taking every opportunity he could to run his hands across her stomach - every day growing progressively more clingy as he found it harder to leave Marley's side.