Chapter 20

The summer had well and truly arrived, all be it, a little late this year. The heat had decided to descend upon the country mid way through August and it didn't look like it was planning on disappearing any time soon. This was everyone's ideal weather, apart from Jack. He honestly hated the summer months. He didn't mind a little warmth but this was too much for him. It was uncomfortable and sweaty and he didn't need this kind of heat in his life, especially during a shift at the hospital.

Jack swore the building had the central heating pumping through the place from the end of Spring until Winter arrived. The place would be freezing come November. He liked that a lot but it wasn't the best place for the temperature to be below freezing. He'd often see the majority of his patients wrapped up tight in the horrible, rough orange hospital blankets, all complaining it was down right Arctic.

Jack was currently undertaking a ward round with his mentor. It was his last shift in this hospital and he'd be making his way back to his mother's house after he clocked out. The thought of being home almost took his mind of the shear heat that lingered in the air, almost. He could feel droplets of sweat gathering at his hair line and it annoyed him to no end having to constantly wipe them away.

"Cracker of a heat wave we're having here, Doc." A middle aged man said while Jack and his mentor were seeing to the gentleman.

"Well, Mr Lewis, let's see if we're able to discharge you so you're able to enjoy this beautiful weather." Jack's mentor, Carl smiled at the man.

Carl was a fairly tall man, with greying hair. He worked as Dr Nicholas North's registrar in the hospital and regularly undertook his ward rounds while he had out patient appointments to see to. Jack had been working with him for the last five weeks and considered the registrar a great mentor. It almost made Jack want to become a Junior Doctor for North's team.

"That's wishful thinking, Doc, for a Friday. I don't suppose I'll be out of here until Monday." The man replied, with a hint of doubt in his tone.

"Let's not be too pessimistic. I see no reason why we can't simply discharge you today. There are no further tests that need to be run and you seem in quite good form. Much better than when you were admitted last week. The nurses here must be doing an excellent job." Carl said as he looked through the mans recent observations. "Your blood pressure has come down nicely and your fluid intake seems to have improved greatly. Jack, do you see any reason why Mr Lewis is unable to go home today?" He asked, turning his attention from their patient to Jack.

Jack looked up from the patient notes he was currently holding in his hands. "His blood results are all normal and there's nothing abnormal to the CT scan results. I can't see why you wouldn't be able to enjoy this fabulous weather by late afternoon." Jack smoked kindly at the man.

"You're very well spoke for such a young boy." Mr Lewis said. "You seem to possess a great deal of knowledge. Where are you from?" He asked.

"Cardiff, sir."

"I have a daughter who studies in Swansea University. Mighty fine country is Wales." He beamed. "She was studying History there."

"I have a few friends who attend that University too. I study at Cardiff University." Jack replied politely.

"It's a bit of a punt, seen as there's so many students in Swansea, but you don't happen to know a Kayleigh Lewis do you?" The man asked.

Jack visibly paled. His mouth instantly went dry. What were the chances of his patient being the father to the Kayleigh he knew? It took him a moment to realise he'd gone very quiet and still all of a sudden. He slowly nodded. "I do know a Kayleigh Lewis. It may not be your daughter though, sir. It's quite a common surname."

"You'd know if she was my daughter, blonde hair, slightly on a short side, eight maybe nine months pregnant."

Jack almost hit the floor. What were the chances of there being two Kayleigh Lewis' at Swansea University, both nine months pregnant. It must be the same girl.

"I'm judging by your lack of an answer that you know exactly who my daughter is." The man chuckled. "You're not the father are you?" He raised an eyebrow.

"No, sir. That would be my friend Harry." Jack gulped. He found it increasingly more difficult to speak, knowing that this was the father of the girl his boyfriend had gotten pregnant. Life just loved to throw in a curve ball from time to time.

Carl could see the uneasiness that had kept onto Jack's face and he decided maybe it was about time to end their little visit to Mr Lewis. He cleared his throat and spoke. "Well, it's all decided then, you'll be discharged today and you'll be able to enjoy this wonderful weather, while awaiting for your grandchild to arrive."

"Grandchildren, she's expecting twins." The man corrected the doctor.

"My, my. You'll have your hands full then. We'll just go and sort out all the discharge papers and ask Pharmacy to prepare your take home medication. Good day to you Mr Lewis." Carl smiled and left the mans cubicle, with Jack giving the man a small smile as he also left.

Once out of sight and ear shot of Mr Lewis, Carl stopped and turned to Jack. "I don't suppose the Harry you spoke about in there is the same Harry you're currently going out with?" He asked a more pale than usual Jack.

"Uh, yeah, the same person." Jack chocked out.

"Well, you don't see that every day. What a bit of pickle you both have there."

"We're working on it." Jack said, but he didn't sound too sure of himself. Yes, it was a very strange situation to be in and he didn't have a clue how his relationship would turn out once the twins were born. All he was certain of was that he wasn't going to let their relationship crumbled just because Harry was going to be a father. He just hoped that everything would be fine.

"It's non of my business really." Carl smiled. "Anyway, North told me if you did a good job today you could click off early. Do you think you've done a good job?"

"I suppose I have. You've thrown a lot of questions at me and I've managed to answer every one of them and we've managed to discharge a lot of people today." Jack said, trying to hold back the smile that so desperately wanted to break out into his face.

Carl seemed to think for a moment, taking in Jack's words. "I suppose you best clock out then." He said with a smile, which caused Jack to fail at holding his in any longer.

"Thanks, Carl. It's been a pleasure working with you. I'll see you all in two months." Jack beamed and turned to walk off the ward.

"Bring in a picture of those twins next time you're here." Carl called to him and Jack turned to nod before rounding the corner off the ward.

His pace was quick. He couldn't wait to get home and pack his things ready to go back to his mother's house. He hadn't expected to be let go this early, so he knew he could take his time getting everything sorted before leaving.

As he was walking down the stairs towards the ground floor, he pulled his phone out of his pocket to send Harry a message about being home earlier than planned. Jack pressed the on button and waited for his phone to come to life. It had been switched off since he'd started his shift hours ago, so he was unaware of all the messages and missed calls he'd received throughout the day until his phone started buzzing. He looked at the screen which told him he had fifteen messages and nineteen missed calls. He was confused as to why he'd all of a sudden become so popular.

Jack made his way to his car before deciding to read them all and look at who the missed calls were from. Once seated in the drivers seat, he opened up his messages and started from the oldest unread message.

Hello sweetie, I hope your last shift goes okay and you don't stress yourself out too much. Can't wait to see you later. Love you, Mum xx

Me again, what time will you be home? I'm cooking for everyone tonight and I wanted to give them a time. Let me know when you can. Love you, Mum xx

I know you're busy, so I've told everyone to come here at 8.30 tonight. I hope you'll be back by then, but if not I'll leave a plate of food for you for when you're back. Love you, Mum xx

Reading the messages from his mother made Jack smile. He'd missed her a lot during the weeks he'd been away and honestly couldn't wait to have a proper meal.

Mum tells me you're back tonight. Becky's been asking about her Uncle Jack, I think she misses you Jackie boy. See you tonight mate. Ben x

You're mum has invited me to dinner tonight :) I can't wait to see you, I've missed you so much. Hic xx

Jack! I can't believe you're back tonight. Your mum has asked us to dinner tonight. I can't wait for Jenny's delicious food. See you! Alisha x

Mate! We're going out tomorrow night. No excuses, I need my drinking buddy back. See you at your mum's later. Theon.

I hope you don't mind, but I've invited everyone over for dinner tonight. We can have a nice celebration. Love you, Mum xx

"Really, mum? I had no idea you had invited everyone." Jack said, laughing to himself. She really enjoyed having a massive amount of people around and she felt great when she cooked for them too. She'd feed the entire city if they walked through her front door.

Message me when you've got the time. Hic xx

Jack, I know you're in work but please get back to me like right now! Hic xx

Jack, you really need to switch your phone on. This is an emergency! Alisha x

Ring me. Hic xx

Mate, you need to call us now. Theon.

Jackson Nightlight, you turn your phone on right now! You're needed right this minute. Alisha x

Dinner's cancelled for tonight sweetie and you honestly need to ring Harry. Love you, Mum xx

Jack stared at his phone, he didn't have a clue what all this urgency was for. He noticed then that he had a voicemail amongst the various missed calls from Harry, Alisha, Theon and his mother. He dialled through to his voicemail and selected to start listening to the message.

"Hey, Jack. No one can get through to you as you're probably doing work right now. I didn't want to have to leave you a voicemail about this but I figured you wouldn't be finishing for another couple of hours. Just to let you know, Kay went into labour five hours ago. She's doing okay and Harry's in the delivery room with her. Don't rush here, take your time. She's no where near ready to give birth yet, but I think Harry could do with you being here. He's a mess. See you soon."

Jack stared blankly in front of him for a few moments, allowing what Alisha's voicemail had said sink in. He was speechless. Kayleigh wasn't due until next week and she certainly wasn't meant to have the babies until he'd got back so he was able to support Hic.

Jack took a few deep breaths before deciding to call Alisha back as Harry's phone was probably switched off.

Alisha picked up after the second ring.

"Jack, thank god! Where are you?" Alisha's voice came from the other end.

"I've just left work, I'm heading back to my place then coming straight to the hospital." His voice shook as he spoke.

"Are you calling me whole driving?" Alisha questioned.

"Yes, don't give me the third degree. I haven't got time. What hospital are you at?" He asked.

"Th Heath and you really shouldn't be on the phone while driving." She reprimanded him.

"Fine, I'm going. I'll text you when I'm leaving my house." He said and hung up the phone.

Alisha turned to Theon and Astrid who were also sitting in the waiting room in the maternity unit of the hospital, all awaiting any further news of their friends.

"Jack's making his way back now. He should be here in two hours." She smiled weakly at the other two.

"Knowing Jack, he'll be here in an hour maximum. There is no way he's going to leave Hic longer than he already has." Theon spoke.

"I hope he doesn't drive too fast." Alisha sighed.

"I wonder how long it'll take Kay's parents to get here." Astrid said to no one in particular.

"She said her dad was in hospital at the moment, so I don't know if he'll be coming and her mum doesn't drive." Alisha answered just as the waiting room door opened and in walked Harry's parents.

"Here are your coffee's." Valka smiled and handed the three of them a cup from the try she was carrying.

"Thank you so much, Mrs Haddock." Alisha beamed and sipped on the hot liquid.

"Oh please, call me Valka. Here you go, Astrid." She beamed at the younger blonde.

"Thanks, Valka." Astrid smiled and took the cup.

"Any news while we've been gone?" Valka asked and sat down next to her husband.

Harry's father was a very tall, broad man. With auburn hair and a very thick beard to match. He was completely different to Harry and it sometimes confused people on how the father and son could look so different.

Alisha and Astrid both shook their heads and Valka seemed to shrink back into her seat with disappointment. She'd hoped her grandchild would have arrived by now.

"I managed to get ahold of Jack." Alisha spoke. "He's on his way."

Valka seemed to perk up at this. "That's great. Harry could do with his support."

Alisha nodded in agreement but said nothing further. She didn't know if Harry's parents were aware of Harry and Jack's relationship and she'd rather not be the one who told them.

The five of them stayed in mostly silence from then on, with only a few words spoken between them, mainly about University or things they'd bought for the twins.

The door to the room opened about an hour after they'd all finished their coffee's and Harry walked in, looking extremely tired.

They all stood up, expecting to be told the twins had arrived but Harry shook his head. "I just popped to the toilet. No sign of them yet, she's about seven centimetres dilated. Any sign of Jack?" He asked, with a glimmer of hope flashing across his tired features.

"No, sorry. I managed to talk to him though, about an hour ago. He's left Birmingham, he shouldn't be too much longer now." Alisha gave him a sad smile. She knew he wanted, needed Jack there with him.

Harry bowed his head slightly after hearing that Jack had yet to arrive. He mumbled a good bye and made his way back to the delivery room.

"Oh, look how tired he is." Valka chocked out.

"Our boy will be okay, Val. He's strong, he'll pull through." Her husband, Stoick, spoke up.

"You're right." She smiled up at him.

"Jack's almost here." Alisha exclaimed excitedly. "He's just pulling up into the car park. I'll go and wait by the main entrance for him." She said and stood up to leave.

"Bring back more coffee." Astrid called after here.

Jack had made it back in record time, but he was certain he'd picked up at least one speeding ticket while driving there. He didn't care though, he had to get here before the twins arrived.

He quickly found a parking space and didn't care if he hadn't parked within the lines properly. He jumped out of the car and ran towards the nearest exit.

He made his way towards the entrance as Alisha said she'd meet him there and take him to the waiting room with the others.

As Jack got closer to the main doors, he spotted his friend waiting there for him, scanning left and right, hoping to see him.

"Lish! P" He called as he jogged towards her.

"Jack, come on. I need to get coffee before we go up, I've been given an order by Astrid and she'll kill me if I return with just you." She said, hugging Jack. "Oh, I missed you, Ffleciwch eira." [Snowflake].

Jack cocked his eyebrow at the nickname. "Snowflake, really?"

Alisha just grinned at him and walked back into the building. "You got here quickly."

"I may have gone a little over the speed limit." He shrugged.

"Jack." Alisha warned.

"Gau i fyny." [Shut up.] Jack said rolling his eyes. "How far gone is Kay?" He asked as they walked into the massive food area within the hospital.

"Seven centimetres." She replied, selecting the coffee she wanted from the vending machine.

"Not too long to go then. How's Hic holding up?"

"He looks exhausted." She told him truthfully.

Jack looked a little crestfallen after hearing this, knowing he should've been here for Harry, but due to work, was unable to be there.

Alisha finished with the coffee machine and handed Jack two of the cups to carry while she used one of the cardboard trays to carry the rest. They made their way back to the waiting room on the third floor.

As they walked into the room they were met by smiling faces.

"Kay's ten centimetres. They should be here in no time." Valka beamed as she walked towards the two and took the two cups that Alisha indicated were hers and Stoick's.

"That's great. I go away for fifteen minutes and boom! They're on their way." Alisha chuckled.

",aye you should've left sooner." Theon joked.

"Where's Harry now?" Jack asked.

"He's gone back in with Kay. We have old him you'd arrived though and he seemed even more happier." Astrid said.

They all sat down, patiently awaiting the news of the twins arrival. They all looked torn between being happy and anxious at the same time.

It was half an hour before the door opened again and everyone in the room held their breath as they saw Harry walk in. His face was nothing but smiles. He'd never looked as happy as he did now and his smile only grew wider as his eyes landed upon Jack sitting across the room from where he stood.

Valka couldn't taken his silence any longer and was the first to speak. "So?" She said with so much excitement, she could've burst.

"They're here." He almost shouted.

Everyone rose from where they were sat and made their way over to Harry, all wanting to hug him and congratulate him.

Once they'd all finished squeezing the very life from him, they all took a step back.

"Can we see these gorgeous girls?" Valka asked with even more excitement than before.

Harry nodded, but then held his hand up. "Before you see them, I want to warn you about something first."

Everyone looked confused for a moment before Harry began to speak again.

"One's a boy."

A/N: TWINS! Who knew? Well, everyone who's read this story knew xD Let the sleepless nights for Harry and Kayleigh commence. I don't envy them one bit. And, ones a boy! They got it wrong :O

I must say, this chapter took it out of me! Honestly, my brain hurts.

I hope you all enjoy it though :) The birth finally happened, took its time.

Reviews are greatly appreciated, as always ;)

Review replies –

Faisyah865 – Yeah, I very rarely leave my phone laying around for people to get their hands on it xD Well, didn't you see all of this coming? You had it down to a T :D

1stPrelude – Well, I had to have her find out some how, but I didn't want Harry to just out right tell her and I wanted her to know she was able to sit on it for a while and the. See how the two acted together :). I don't think Harry will take time out, but Kayleigh will take a year out to care for the twins. Yeah, you were right, the bump did not listen! How dare it!

VDlovesbooks – I think Valka had her sneaky suspicions but wanted to clarify it with Harry first, but then just ended up finding out from messages instead. Yes, the babies are coming soon, well technically, they've arrived by now xD

Anubarack – Nah, he won't, but he will find out eventually! Awww! I'm so glad you love my story :) means a lot, thank you. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter as well.