Months and months passed by and as they readied themselves it occured to Niall that something wasn't right. Friends and family from both sides had visited them regularly, baring gifts and compliments. They were ready physically, more than they could ever be, but just not mentally.
He had barely reached 26 weeks (6 1/2 months) when he sat a little straighter, unable to pinpoint the exact seering pain he was experiencing. "Shit.." He was too scared to look down, already choking back sobs as he reached for his phone and dialled Zayn's number.
It went straight to voicemail. "Shit!"
Just then, the door opened and closed and Niall gasped, calling out desperately for his boyfriend - someone - anyone - to help him.
Zayn took a little too long to get upstairs, figuring Niall's just upset over some ridiculous thing to do with the nursery or such. He didn't exactly expect this much, and suddenly thought he'd spoken too soon.
Niall was clutching his stomach, his eyes closed tightly - it looked like he had been sprayed in the face with water, except in different circumstances. Whatever that meant. "Babe? You ok?" Zayn asked cautiously, rushing over to him.
He shook his head and grabbed onto Zayn's shirt sleeve, opening his eyes, though they were filled with fear. "What's happening to me?"
*
"Let's just try this, okay? It'll be good." Zayn encouraged, guiding a curious looking blonde into a building. It was for counselling. Couples, anger, disorder, family.. and last but not least, loss.
There were a few others in the room, all looking somber and not able to fully make eye contact. Their spouses were consoling them, soothing them, rubbing their shoulders etc.. but Niall and Zayn just sat there, waiting for the counselor to begin.
She inhaled softly and offered a gentle smile to everyone in the room. "Good morning," she earned a few mumbles, "I'm Ms. Rose. I'll be helping you... with the coping process."
"First of all, it's encouraged we share our stories if we're comfortable with it. Would anyone like to volunteer?"
Niall's hand shot up immediately which shocked the twenty-year old beside him, his eyes widening.
"Very good. Tell us your name."
"Niall. Um.. well, we never wanted kids. We wanted it to be just us two, but as soon as I saw that pink plus my opinion changed entirely." He spoke softly, but loud enough for everyone to hear. The couples were listening intently, light frowns etched upon their faces. "All our friends thought the first ultrasound photo looked like a squirrel," He laughed weakly, scratching above his right eyebrow, "I thought it was amazing. And when I first felt the kick, I was in love all over again."
Zayn reached over a little and took Niall's hand in his, keeping his eyes on their interlocked fingers. The blonde opened his mouth to say something but he couldn't get the words out and in no time he was choking out sobs again, pulling his hand away from Zayn's and excusing himself from the room.
"Sorry." He said softly and followed Niall into the hallway where he was sitting against the wall. Zayn sat down beside him and pulled him into his lap, cooing lightly. "C'mon, I'm taking you home."
*
The following year was hopeful, bringing new opportunities to the table. Some anticipated, others.. not so much.
