As Long As We're Together

Argument

"How have you been?" Sophie's midwife asked, as Nathan sat down beside his girlfriend.

"I'm fine, well apart from being exhausted and this little one kicking constantly. At least the morning sickness is gone," Sophie answered, rubbing her stomach.

"That's good. How are you finding moving around? Are you still able to walk?"

"It's hard but I can manage, it makes my back hurt though."

"That's normal for someone in your stage of pregnancy. I know you still have four months left, however I will warm you now. As you know, when you first came here your chances of getting a miscarriage was high, this will be the case during labour... I don't want to scare you," she added, seeing the fear on the girl's face and the unushered tears in her eyes. "However, I think it's important you know."

"Shh, calm down, Soph. It'll be okay, I promise," Nathan whispered, kissing the top of his girlfriend's head.

"You don't know that, Nathan! Our child could die! How are you so calm about this?!" Sophie shouted, tears slipping from her eyes.

"Because I know nothing is going to happen, Babe," Nathan assured, holding Sophie closer.

For around ten minutes Sophie remained in Nathan's arms, burying herself into the crook of his neck, until she calmed down.

The midwife sighed dramatically. Her impatience was one thing Nathan hated about her.

"Okay, if you're ready to lie down and we'll check your baby."

Sophie nodded and stood up, after receiving a kiss on the cheek for her boyfriend.

Nathan was thankful his baby was healthy. However, the closer Sophie got to giving birth, the more worried Nathan became. He knew he would need a better-paying job. He got a lot of money already, he just hopped his savings and the additional benefits he would receive would be enough. Simon's warning about Sophie not staying with them was only making his fears worse.

"Great," Sophie mumbled, kicking a stone.

"What?" Nathan asked, looking expectantly at his girlfriend.

"Dad can't pick us up. He's stuck at work, apparently. Why can't he just walk out?" Sophie rolled her eyes. She was completely oblivious to the look of annoyance Nathan sent her.

"He can't just come and go as he pleases you know? I highly doubt he would last long if he just asked to leave to pick up his sixteen-year-old daughter. To drive her home when there are busses available and a thirty-minute walk," Nathan defended, understanding the burdens of work.

"Stop getting angry at me! It's not my fault I want a lift home. I'm five months pregnant. Nathan can't walk home. Why should I have to take the bus, when my dad promised he would drive me?!" Sophie raged, getting looks from passers-by.

"I know you're pregnant, so does your dad, Soph. He can't help being stuck at work. Your mum doesn't work, so he needs to provide. How do you expect your dad to get baby cloths with no money?" Nathan's patient tone hid his annoyance. He blamed the pregnancy for her attitude and just hoped he was right.

"You can afford it!"

"Yes, I can afford nappies, milk, toys and some clots on my wages, if I'm careful and keep my job. The rest, cot, buggy and anything else our child wants and needs would have had to come out of my savings if your dad hadn't offered to buy me them," Nathan reminded, slight annoyance slipping into his tone.

"Still, you could afford it! I'm sure my dad's boss wouldn't be angry, he's there every day for goddess' sake! You said it yourself Nathan you will be fine without my dad! Stop acting like we'll need help!"