Chapter 10

…

The drive to Manchester was a long one, Nikki had driven for the first few hours before Amanda finally took over to give her a rest. She came and took a seat beside Lorraine as the Girls continued to chat and contain their excitement about the trip.

"You tired?" Lorraine asked.

"Just a bit of a headache, driving for a long time does that to me now and again."

Lorraine dug into the oversized handbag and brought out a bottle of water and 2 paracetamol and handed them to Nikki.

"Thanks, you come prepared."

"Was a girl guide when I was younger, always prepared for any eventuality." She smiled.

"Good to know."

"Listen Nic, I was gonna ask this last night but I wasn't sure and all…"

"Ask about what?"

"About us."

"Go on then."

"Well I like you Nic, a hell of a lot and I think you like me…at least I hope you do."

"I do and I know what you're trying to say."

"You do?"

"You're asking if we're official or not yeah?"

"I feel like a teenager here."

"I know what you mean and yeah, we're official." She smiled.

Nikki leaned in and place a small kiss to Lorraine's lips, reassuring her before taking the pills she's given her.

"Oh my god, did you just see that." Sophie grinned.

"We did, I can't believe they just kissed." Gabby said.

"Well we knew something was going on with them." Amy said.

"I think it's sweet, they look great together." Lizzie smiled.

…

Eddie came rushing down the stairs and pulled on his jacket before entering the sitting room to see Rachel reading the paper, she looked up when he entered to see him smiling at her.

"What?"

"Come on, get your coat on."

"Why, where are we going."

"Shopping."

"Eddie, you hate shopping."

"Well yeah okay normally but this is different."

"Okay I'll humour you, why?"

"We're going baby shopping."

"Eddie."

"What?"

"We've only just found out, don't you think it's a little soon to be doing stuff like that."

"Nonsense."

"But what if something goes wrong."

He came over and knelt down in front of her and put the newspaper to the side and took hold of her hands.

"Hey, nothing is gonna go wrong, you're a healthy woman."

"I know but I still think it's too soon."

"Okay then, no baby shopping. How about we go and see a movie."

"I have a better idea, why don't we go and grab some essential food snacks and rent a movie and we'll watch it here. I just fancy a day in the house, is that okay."

"Of course it is, come on. Let's get what we need then."

…

Josh came in just after 12pm to see Tom standing in the hallway, clearly waiting for him.

"Dad…."

"Where the hell have you been?"

"Out."

"Josh, you didn't come home last night. I wouldn't have minded if you'd at least called first.

"Okay I'm sorry."

"So where were you?"

"Just at a mates house, I'm sorry yeah….I'll call next time."

"You'd better, come on through…I have something to tell you."

Josh followed him through to the kitchen and sat down opposite him.

"So come on then, what's up?"

"You like Gemma right?"

"Yeah she's great."

"How would feel if I were to make her more of a permanent fixture."

"Well she's already living here, how much more permanent can you get."

Tom looked up and made eye contact with Josh, leaving him in no doubt as to where he was going with the conversation.

"Oh I see."

"It's just been you and I for a long time I know Son but…."

"Dad, I think it's great."

"You do?"

"Yeah and besides I like Gemma, she's good for you. I'm happy for Dad, really."

Josh got up and came around and hugged his Father before heading upstairs to shower.

…

"CHRIS, COME ON….WE GOTTA GO."

Chris came rushing through when he heard her yelling.

"Where's the fire Em."

"We gotta go."

"Yeah you said that already, where are we going."

"Where do you think, we're moving house in less than 3 weeks and we need to start shopping for furniture and stuff."

"Oh god, do we really have too."

"Well yeah unless you have another idea for what we use as a bed when we move. This place came already furnished."

"I hate shopping Em."

"Well unless it's for clothes, so do I but it has to be done. Think of it this way, the sooner we get it done, the sooner you're back home watching the tele."

"Good point, okay then lets go." He smiled.

…

Nikki had fallen asleep on Lorraine's shoulder when Amanda finally drove into Manchester City Centre. It took her about half an hour to find a parking place.

"Nikki, we're here."

"Mmmmm."

"Wake up lady."

"How long have I been out."

"An hour or so, come on…it's time to sight see."

All the Girls climbed out of the Van, smiles displayed on all their faces. All caught up in the excitement of being in Manchester.

Amanda got out and Nikki and Lorraine followed.

"Alright Girls, listen up. Now you are the faces of Waterloo Road and we expect you all to act responsibly and behave. Any wrong doings and you'll be back on that bus and home before you can utter the words Scott and Bailey…got it."

"Yes Miss." They all said in union.

"Alright then, lets go Girls."

…

To Be Continued…