Chim - Traffic

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"So he said that he wants to keep it, but he understands that it's my decision, and he'll support me no matter what." I smile widely as Nicola talks, and Cheryl hugs her.

      "Well, what are you going to do?" Sarah asks, leaning forward in her seat.

      "I think I'm going to keep it. I mean, I know it's going to be hard and we're not rolling in cash, but I already love it. Plus, there's never really a perfect time to become a parent, right?" Cheryl squeals in delight this time as she hugs the red head again, and Nadine has tears in her eyes.

       "You're right, Nic. Besides, you have a team of four baby sitters here as well!" I joke, taking a sip of tea.

       "That's true! I'm going to make a doctor's appointment and let Mike know, see if he can come along. Oh, and I have to tell my mum and dad too, but I was wondering if I should wait until I'm a little further along to do that?"

       "No, I'd tell them now Nic, if I were you." Nadine pipes up. "How do you think they'll react?"

       The questioned woman shrugs before answering. "No idea. I think I'm going to have to tell them in person though. I don't know if I should have Mike with me when I do."

       "You should." Cheryl says. "It'll show them that you're a unit, and you're both in this together."

       We all agree, and spend the rest of the afternoon talking about pregnancy, birth and everything in between.

       That evening, Cheryl and I are in bed, both reading, and she turns to me, her hand resting on my thigh. "I can't believe Nicola's going to be a mother. It's crazy."

       I close my book, meeting her gaze. "I know. I'm glad Mike is being supportive though."

       She nods, now linking her fingers through mine. "Do you think we'll have children one day?"

       I chuckle lightly. "Well unless there's something you've been keeping from me babe, I don't think that's going to happen any time soon."

       She shrugs lightly. "I know it can't happen naturally, but there are other ways, like IVF or adoption. You never think about that?"

       It's my turn to shrug now, and I kiss her gently. "Sometimes love, I suppose. Anyway, what's with all this marriage and baby talk suddenly?"

       I see her blush, looking nervous as she answers. "I just want to see what the future holds. I see so much death and sadness every day in work, I want to know I have happy things to look forward to as well."

       Our lips meet again, lingering for longer. "You do baby. I want a family with you, one day."

       She smiles widely, putting her book on her bedside table and laying down next to me as I do the same. "Speaking of work, how's it going? Are you any closer to solving the case yet?"

       She shakes her head, sighing. "No, there's a key piece of evidence missing, and until we get that we can't make a conviction. It's driving us insane."

       I stroke her arm sympathetically, feeling frustrated. I know she can't tell me anything more, but it's hard, all I want to do is support her as much as possible.

       "I'm sorry babe. What time do you have to go in tomorrow?"

       "Six. Which means I have to be up in five hours. I wish I could stay home with you."

       The school Christmas holidays had started the day before, meaning I had two weeks off work. "Me too babe. But I'll make gingerbread men tomorrow and get the house smelling all Christmassy for you."