AN. I'm not great at plot so the next few chapters might be a bit weird/tenuous so here are some spoilers, Nikki and Tom need t tell Nikki's parents but they will tell their colleagues first because stuff needs to happen/lines need to be said. I find this weird because usually you would tell your parents before your 'work mates'. Wouldn't you? Am I over thinking this? Does anyone read these notes? Any way, here goes. (probably a short one).
Nikki and Tom sat in the staffroom on Monday morning listening to the staff announcements about the following week: orchestra was cancelled because of staff absence, the year 9 trip to Edinburgh was on Wednesday. However neither of them were paying much attention, both their minds were occupied on their own announcement. Tom was almost on the edge of his seat, until he felt Nikki's hand brush his, although it was a subtle move; it seemed put him at ease slightly.
'Any more staff announcements?' enquired Michael looking round at his staff then back to Lorraine who was already re-packing her handbag.
Tom spluttered, as though he had forgotten how to speak, all eyes turned to him.
'Yeah, Tom' Michael gestured him to speak.
'Actually' he said, looking at Nikki, 'we just wanted to say that..well-' Nikki could see him struggling for the right words.
'we', Nikki started, putting particular emphasis on the word we, 'are expecting a baby'.
There was a silence, a pregnant pause if you like, in that the silence itself was expectant…
'well, we're expecting a baby but It could be a chicken' said Tom trying to find light relief in Nikki's words.
'Congratulations to you both!' said Michael finally and on his approval the rest of the staffroom burst into applause.
On his way out of the staffroom Tom was met by Chalky.
'Hey, hey, so are you gonna make an honest woman of her then?' he teased slapping Tom on the back.
'what?'
'You know, marriage and that'.
'Oh right, erm, I dunno, we.. we haven't really talked about it'.
'see you later' said chalky upon hearing the bell that marked the start of first lesson.
In truth the thought had crossed Tom's mind he looked back at his girlfriend, who was caught in conversation with Audrey Mcfall, before making his way to his own class.