Chapter 34
A few months later
Sitting next to Sayori, Jack kept taking glances at her belly. Any day now and a new life would be brought into the world. Any day and their kid would take their first breath.
And Jack was extremely nervous.
He had no male role models growing up, so he had no idea what a good father even looked like. On the other hand, Jack was going to do everything he could to make sure his kid grew up knowing both of his parents. Yes, Jack still thought their kid was going to be a boy.
Jack brought up the idea of an ultrasound, but Sayori, the one who would usually spoil a surprise, much like on Jack's birthday, wanted to keep this as much of a mystery as possible. Which kept everyone guessing what the baby would be.
Yuri, Monika, Natsuki and Sayori all agreed on a girl, but Jack was pretty sure the baby was a boy. Again, no one knew for certain.
Jack had set up the guest room as a nursery. He bought a changing station, baby toys, and even repainted the walls into a light blue color, with the help of Monika and Natsuki.
Sayori and Jack already discussed where the baby would be staying. Since Jack's house had an unoccupied additional room, they agreed it'd be best for their baby to live with him. Also, Sayori was still in school, meaning she couldn't watch him all day, so he would just end up with Jack anyway.
Jack didn't mind, actually. He was more than prepared for this. Or so he hoped.
"I know you're staring." Sayori said in a teasing, sing-song voice.
"Sorry." Jack apologized.
Sayori giggled.
"It's fine." She rubbed her belly. "I can't wait, either."
"You two decide on names, yet?" Natsuki asked as she popped a piece of popcorn into her mouth. "More importantly, whose surname will it have?"
"Say-"
"Jack's." Sayori answered. "She'll have Jack's last name. As for a first name, we jumped around a lot. First with Sam, or Lillith. But, now, we've settled for Valencia or River."
"Valencia?" Natsuki repeated. "Sorta sounds Italian, but it's unique."
Sayori smiled slightly.
Watching their show, the trio fell silent once more. That was until Natsuki broke it.
"Say, that kid's coming any day now, right?" Natsuki asked.
"More or less." Jack nodded.
"You two hundred percent prepared?" Natsuki looked at Sayori's belly. "You wouldn't wanna forget anything."
"We got everything we need." Sayori assured Natsuki.
"Diapers. Baby powder. Baby wipes. Bottle. Formula. You got all that?" Natsuki asked as she listed them off on her fingers.
"Mm-hmm." Sayori nodded. She suddenly placed her index finger to her chin. "Actually. We're out of snacks." She then turned to Jack, her eyes wide and pleading. "Would you run to the gas station for some supplies?"
"Supplies?" Jack repeated.
"Chips. Soda. Ooh, and candy!"
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Pwetty pwease?" Sayori pressed her hands together.
"You are such a child." Natsuki remarked. "I seriously doubt you're ready for parenthood."
Sayori looked at Natsuki with a smirk.
"I'll just be able to relate easier." Sayori stated.
Natsuki rolled her eyes.
"Whatever. C'mon, Jack. Let's go get Sayori her junk food."
"You're coming with?" Jack asked.
"Yep. Could use a little time out. C'mon."
Jack shrugged as he got to his feet.
"See you soon, Sayori."
The two shared a quick kiss before Jack and Natsuki headed out.
Minutes later
Inside the gas station, Jack was looking over the various chips and candy.
"I got everything I want." Natsuki said, holding a bottle of Cherry Pepsi and watermelon gum. "I'ma go ring these up."
"'Kay." Jack replied as he continued to search for snacks Sayori would enjoy. "Sayori would probably eat any of these..." Jack said softly. "Screw it. Cheetos and-"
The door rang as another customer walked in. After a moment, Natsuki yelled as she was shoved to the ground.
Looking over, a man in a ski mask had a gun aimed right at the lady behind the counter.
Ducking behind one of the aisles, Jack glanced around the corner to see the man hadn't noticed him. Natsuki sat in front of the counter, staring at the robber with fear in her eyes.
Natsuki looked down the aisle at Jack. Locking eyes, he motioned with his hand for her to stay put while he thought of a way to get out of this situation.
"Cash, now!"
The robber's voice sounded rough, and scratchy.
The cashier froze, terrified to move.
The man let out a frustrated growl before grabbing Natsuki's arm and pulling her to her feet, pointing the gun under her chin.
"You want her blood on your hands?!" The man shouted.
Natsuki shook in place as she clenched her eyes shut.
As soon as Jack saw the man press his gun against Natsuki, he felt a rage boil up inside himself. As soon as Jack got his hands on the bastard, he was going to make him pay.
Reaching over, Jack took a bottle of wine off the shelf. Pulling his arm back, Jack took another look at the robber. Watching him aim his gun at the cashier, Jack saw his finger wasn't on the trigger.
Pulling his arm back, Jack threw the bottle of wine across the room. It shattered as soon as it hit the ground, spilling wine everywhere and getting the robber's attention.
Pointing his gun at the area the bottle shattered, Jack took this chance to rush the robber.
Once the robber heard Jack's footsteps, it was already too late for him to react.
Tackled to the ground, Natsuki was pushed next to the counter, leaning against it while Jack and the robber fought for the pistol.
As the two struggled, a bullet fired. Just as it did, Jack managed to wrestle the gun away from the robber. Wielding it by the barrel, Jack brought his arm back and hit the robber in the side of the head with the butt of it.
The robber's head fell lifelessly to the side, having been knocked out.
Breathing heavily, Jack got to his feet and looked over to Natsuki. She was in shock, and terrified but, physically, she was fine.
Glad to see she wasn't hurt, Jack smiled. But Natsuki just stared in quiet shock at him.
Jack looked down to see a damp wetness spreading from his side. Pressing his had to the spot, he pulled away to see it soaked in blood. Looking back to Natsuki, Jack's eyes rolled back as he fell to the ground.
End of chapter 34