Surprise Surprise
This story has been prompted by In-My-Head-749 and the prompt was Ruby gets pregnant with a lot of fireworks from absolutely everyone!
I hope you all enjoy this, though you may have noticed this is a lot longer than most chapters and you're right because at 13 pages this is my longest one shot, so sit down and enjoy the ride!
Ruby felt the tears well up in her eyes, as she looked at the small stick that was tightly held in her shaking hand. She'd had her suspicions for a few weeks now, not daring to believe it was true and only hoping it wouldn't be.
But recently it had gotten too much for her and the teenager had to make sure she wasn't... She couldn't be. But now, she wished she'd never taken the test, if only to remain in ignorant bliss for a bit longer.
Because her life had completely turned on its head, leaving her trying to understand what was happening and what was going to come, because she, Ruby Button was pregnant. With Ziggy Roscoe's baby.
}}}}}}}}}
Ruby kept her silence for two days, the terrible secret circling through her mind as that thing only grew inside her. She knew she had been acting weird, everyone had commented on it at least once, but Ruby was at a loss on what to do or say to them.
She knew she needed to tell someone, specifically, she needed to tell Ziggy about the life they'd created together, but the potential fallout of doing that was too scary for her.
Even though her and Ziggy had been dating for close to three months now, the mechanic was still turned off by commitment, though it seemed to be a front nowadays more than anything else, after all, he'd never cheated on Ruby and didn't seem close to doing so either.
Whilst that new change in him was all well and good, Ruby didn't know how he'd react to the news that she was going to have his baby, but she wasn't feeling positive about his reaction, fearing that it could be too much for Ziggy to handle.
Images of finding him in the arms of another woman, because she kept the baby and therefore turning him off of her, kept her up at night, despite how selfish it was of her to even be considering getting an abortion for a reason like that.
Afterall, this was another life in her hands, she shouldn't be considering ending it because of what her boyfriend could think of her. But she was, because she loved Ziggy with all her heart. In fact, she hadn't come to close to feeling about anyone like this since Johnno, and after losing her late fiancé just over a year ago, Ruby was even more unwilling to let Ziggy go.
Although all she wanted to do, was keep her mouth shut, Ruby knew she had to say something before a massive drift between the couple was formed. Hell, in the last couple of days alone, the foundations had already been laid and Ruby knew she needed to say something and soon, before it was too late and Ziggy was lost to her.
The time came round just a few short days later, when the couple managed to get the Roscoe house to themselves, which was a rarity in itself. They were cuddling in the living room whilst a movie played in the background, simply enjoying each other's company, though Ziggy could sense that something was up with the younger girl.
"You okay babes?" Ziggy asked, his voice full of concern as he watched his girlfriend stiffen when he tried to wrap his arms around her, in turn touching her stomach in the process. Ruby took a deep breath readying herself to let the news drop, before turning to Ziggy, tears welling in her eyes and a bolt of fear ran through the mechanic at the look on his beloved's face.
"No I'm not Zig, I'm so not okay."
"What is it babe, what's happened?" Ziggy asked, moving forward to cup her face in his hands and wipe away a few errant tears that had sprung free.
"Ziggy I'm pregnant." Ziggy didn't say anything for a moment, the only indication that he had heard what Ruby had just said, was the minute widening of his eyes and the dramatic paling of his face.
"What? But you can't be, that's impossible, we use protection."
"Which isn't completely effective," Ruby replied hollowly, having gone through exactly the same thing herself only a few days ago.
"So uh, what are you going to do?" Ziggy asked after a few moments of silence, still in a state of shock.
"I don't know, I mean, I want to make the decision with you Ziggy, this is your baby too. But I can't be a mum on my own." Ruby tried to ignore the way her boyfriend winced when she said 'your baby' though it still stung deep.
"I don't know what to do either babes, I ain't ready for a baby, nowhere near, but I don't know if an abortion is the right thing, Lindsey and Joe were so cut up when they lost their baby, it feels unfair that you could just be getting rid of ours like that."
"But surely it's better than to have an unwanted baby?" Ruby said easily back, her mind practically made up. She knew she wasn't ready for this baby, she was too young herself and she wasn't hopeful that she'd be a good mother, especially if she took after her own mum.
The only reason she would have even considered keeping the baby is if Ziggy wanted too. She would never get rid of a life if her boyfriend wanted a baby and felt ready, because with his help, Ruby knew she'd be able to do it. Ziggy's immediate reaction however spoke volumes.
What sort of life would any child have if its parents didn't even want it? "I want an abortion Ziggy, that is, if you feel okay with that," Ruby waited with baited breath for Ziggy to answer, knowing the outcome as his shoulders sagged.
"Right, we'll need to get an appointment booked babes, but I can get that sorted."
"Thank you Ziggy," Ruby said softly, hugging him tightly and hoping the feeling of guilt would pass.
}}}}}}}}}
"What is this young lady?" Frankie Osbourne practically shrieked when Ruby entered the living room, surprised to see the whole family gathered on the sofas. What shocked her more was the object in Frankie's hand, her pregnancy test from a few days back, that she had put in the bin!
"Uh," she replied nervously, unsure of what to say.
"And don't go saying it's not yours, because it bloody well can't be anyone else's. Sienna's six months gone and Esther's not getting impregnated by anyone soon, not unless she has something to tell us-"
"Oh my God Gran," said girl muttered, flushing furiously and not meeting anyone's eye. Frankie continued with her tirade like she hadn't heard.
"And Tom's not exactly at the age to be bringing girls home and having his way with them, so it just leaves you!"
"Okay, it is mine alright!" Ruby shouted, too wound up with the whole day's events to keep calm and not even caring how Frankie had found the test, though the split bin bag in the middle of the kitchen helped her put the dots together. "But don't worry, because I'm not keeping it!"
"What?" Esther asked, sitting up in shock. "You're having an abortion?"
"Ziggy's organising the appointment for next week," Ruby said primly, keeping her face blank.
"Is he making you get rid of it? Because you shouldn't do as that pig wishes," Sienna snarled, placing almost a protective hand over her own stomach.
"Ziggy isn't making me do anything, I don't want this baby." Ignoring the mutinous look on Sienna's face, Ruby only focused on Frankie as she stepped forward.
"That's the right choice for a girl your age, I'mproud of you love. It's never easy but I'm glad both you and Ziggy are seeing the bigger picture."
"What, killing her child? That is an innocent life growing in you and you're murdering it," Sienna said, her lip curling, though she quietened down when both Esther and Tom shot her twin glares.
"Are you sure about this Ruby?" Tom asked when he turned away from the older woman. "This is a really big decision."
"And I've given it a lot of thought, but I don't want a baby and this really is the best option." Ruby said, not wanting to focus on her deep decision any more, choosing to leave the room and dearly hoping that she wouldn't be followed.
}}}}}}}}}
"It's okay Rubes," Ziggy soothed as they made their way to the abortion clinic just under a week later. "This is all going to be fine and soon it's going to be like it never happened."
"Right," Ruby breathed, feeling another pang of guilt hit her. Did she really want this to be like it had never happened? The whole week had gone so quickly and her head hadn't stopped spinning since she'd taken the test. Ziggy still wanted to get rid of the baby, but she... Well she was no longer sure.
It hadn't been a sudden epiphany or anything, this wasn't a fairytale, no this was real life and things like that didn't happen, but there had certainly been a fair amount of surrealism following her around, with one common theme. Babies.
Everywhere she looked there they were, in the street, down by the park, hell Darren had even allowed a friend to hold a young Mum's and baby event at the Dog one Tuesday afternoon. Jack had allowed her to be exempt from helping out, but it was still a form of hell for her.
However the weekend before her appointment was the icing on the cake. Sinead had asked Ruby to babysit Katy, so she could go out with her cousin who'd come down to the village for a few days.
Ruby had naturally said yes, because despite being skint, Sinead usually gave her a decent amount of money for her services, and Ruby loved her god-daughter dearly. Katy was a good baby, though even at her young age it was evident that she was going to take after her mum in many ways.
It was only after Sinead had walked out of the front door, did Ruby realise that this wasn't her smartest decision, regarding her current situation. Knowing there was little she could do, afterall Sinead would probably be in the middle of the dancefloor at the Loft by now, she took Katy out of her cot and sat her down on her knee.
"What should I do Katy?" She asked, sighing when she only got a gurgle in reply. "Of course, don't know why I expected more. Do you think what I'm doing is right? I bet you don't, you probably want a play mate, but I can't think just about you can I?
"No, I have to think about me too and Ziggy. I do want to be a mum one day, and Ziggy would be an amazing dad, but I just think I'm too young. I mean I haven't even finished school, though neither had your mummy and she didn't have your Daddy's support either, so it's not like I really need Ziggy.
"But I want to go travelling after school, I can't really do that if I'm eight months up the duff and I definitely can't do it with a baby. I can see how ashamed my family is of me though, they're not saying it, but it's written all over their faces, Frankie especially. They can't believe I'd be so stupid, but they definitely don't want me getting an abortion, especially Sienna.
"But that's the only thing I can really do, I have to get an abortion-"
"You're pregnant?" Sinead exclaimed, the purse she had had to get after forgetting it dropping to the floor. "Are you being serious?"
"You weren't meant to hear that," Ruby said, slightly tightening her grip on Katie. Like a baby could protect her against Sinead O'Connor.
"What so you weren't gonna tell me? I'm your best mate babes, you can talk to me," Sinead said softly, moving to Ruby and sitting on the sofa next to her. "It's Ziggy's yeah?"
Ruby nodded, unable to keep eye contact with her friend, grateful for the hug that Sinead provided, sniffing to herself as she tried to not start crying again.
"I heard what you were saying, about not being sure about an abortion, but that's not your only option Rubes. If you don't want that baby, you can always give it up for adoption, to someone who really does want it."
"No I can't," Ruby said, sniffing again and moving so she could place Katy in her cot. "Because, that's probably even worse. I don't want a baby, I know I can't cope on my own, but I'm scared that if I do go to give it up, I'll just fall in love with it and not be able to leave."
"Like me with Katy," Sinead said, nodding to herself and shooting Ruby a sympathetic smile. "If you're thinking like that, maybe you do really want this baby."
"But I don't Sinead, I can't risk growing attached to it is all."
"What's Ziggy thinking on all this then?"
"He's on the same page, we both know we're not ready."
"Okay," Sinead nodded, knowing it was best not to push it any further. Ruby was looking on edge enough as it was and she didn't want to make it worse for her friend. Instead of trying to push a troublesome matter, Sinead knew instead, she could do something to comfort Ruby.
"I do get why you're doing this, but if you ever need to talk to me, feel free to call. I were in the exact same boat last year and now I'd never change it. Katy is the best thing to ever happen to me and your baby could be for you."
"It won't, I just know it."
"If you think that's right then I ain't going to stop you, but I'm definitely not leaving you tonight."
"What about your cousin, she's leaving in two days?"
"Meh she'll be fine, she's fallen in love with Ste and those two won't even notice I'm gone. How about I get the kettle on and we can have a proper girly night in, like old times." It had been a good night for Ruby, and she had spent the whole time up with Sinead, talking about small nothings but also watching the young mum with Katy.
Sinead had completely changed for the better since having Katy in her life and what was once a firm decision in Ruby's mind, was slowly becoming more imbalanced with every passing second, as she began thinking more about the positives and not just the negatives.
Which meant, as she took a seat in the waiting room, the nervous flutterings in her stomach only grew, no longer sure of what was the best move.
"You okay babes?" Ziggy asked, laying a comforting hand on Ruby's own. Before she could answer, convey some false admission one of the nurses came through, clipboard in hand.
"Ruby Button?" At the call of her name, Ruby stood, though she didn't find herself walking in the direction of the appointment room, no she found herself running out of the building, Ziggy close on her heels.
"Ruby? What was that, are you okay?"
"No!" She cried, turning to face her boyfriend in the car park, not caring for the looks she got from passerbys. "I can't do this Ziggy, I can't get rid of my baby!" It had hit her suddenly, the uncertainty of whether she wanted to keep her unborn child toppling on its head as she sat, waiting to end it's life.
She knew in that instant, she wanted that baby, no she needed her baby. "What?" Ziggy asked, his voice full of shock. "But you said-"
"I know what I said, but I didn't know what I wanted. My head was all over the place, but now, in that place, I just knew I couldn't go through with it."
Ziggy was silent for a moment, letting the words sink in, nodding to himself."Right, okay then, uh yeah-"
"We will be okay right?" Ruby asked, taking a step forward, a shot of fear hitting her when Ziggy looked away from her and folded his arms, effectively closing himself off.
"I can't do this Ruby, I can't have a kid."
"You're expecting me to get rid of it? I'm not killing my baby and I know I won't be strong enough to put it up for adoption."
"That's not exactly the best reason to keep it though babes," Ziggy sighed, pulling his hand through his hair."You want to see the world, you can't that with a sprog and no offence, but would you be able to cope?"
"I know I can with your help Ziggy," Ruby said, taking another step forward and hoping she wouldn't be burnt by showing her vulnerability. Ziggy was silent, though a look of guilt passed over his face, telling Ruby in no words what was coming next.
"I'm sorry babes, I can't do this, I can't be a Dad."
"What are you saying?" Ruby asked, her tone hard, trying hard to not let her pain show.
"I'm so sorry Ruby but-"
"You're breaking up with me aren't you?" When Ziggy was unable to answer, a sheepish look passing over his face, Ruby bit her lip to try and stop the tears.
"I can't believe you'd do this. I need you Ziggy, I can't do this without you!"
"And I can't do this period."
"But I love you."
"And I love you too Ruby, but that ain't enough, not when you decide to keep this baby." Before he could do or say anything more, Ruby had turned on her heel and was running back to the car park, ignoring his shouts for her to come back and not stopping until she was back at the village.
}}}}}}}}}
"How did it go love?" Jack asked when Ruby arrived back at the pub, completely out of breath having run through the whole village to the whole pub, desperate to get away from prying eyes, though she still hadn't cried.
What had happened between her and Ziggy hadn't even sunk in. "Ziggy left me," she breathed, catching Frankie's attention when she passed by.
"What? I thought he didn't want the baby either," Jack said, moving past the bar to comfort Ruby.
"He doesn't."
"So, why did he..." Frankie asked, sharing a concerned look with her husband.
"Because I can't get rid of my baby and he couldn't accept that." Neither adult said anything for a moment, trying to wrap their heads around what Ruby had just told them.
"But I thought you were getting rid of it?"
"So did I Jack, but when I was there, I just couldn't do it. I can't kill my baby and I know in my heart, that I want to keep it."
"Oh you stupid girl," Frankie sighed, ignoring Jack's warning to calm down. "You can't really be serious, you have your whole life ahead of you and now it's going to be ruined."
"Sinead had Katy at my age and she's fine."
"I wouldn't really call Sinead a model citizen would you? Not after what she did to poor Esther."
"I don't care what you're saying Frankie, you could say anything to try and make me change my mind, but I won't, because I'm keeping my baby."
"Now love, this isn't a light decision. That baby is going to be depending on you for the next eighteen years minimum," Jack said, obviously taking the nice cop approach as Frankie's frown refused to let up.
"And I know what I want and nothing anyone says is going to change my mind," Ruby snarled, ignoring the confused looks she received from a few of the pub's punters, before pushing past Jack and making her way upstairs, well away from curious stares.
Ruby had been in her room for mere moments before a cautious knock at the door interrupted her deep thoughts. "Go away Frankie," she yelled, glaring through the door, like that would help. "It's Sienna," a hesitant voice said softly.
"Can I come in?" Sighing, Ruby stood up and opened the door, coming face to face with the young woman.
"What do you want?" she asked, sitting back on her bed inelegantly, as Sienna made her way into the large bedroom.
"I heard Frankie and Jack talking about how you didn't go through with the abortion-"
"Oh and you thought you'd give me some words of wisdom. Well go on then, because everyone and their mother has given it a go."
"I'm not going to shout, I just wanted to say, that I fully support your decision."
"Really?" Ruby asked, surprised by the admittance. She knew Sienna didn't support her earlier decision to have an abortion, having been incredibly vocal over the past week, but Ruby didn't expect her to be so outwardly supportive either.
"Of course. You have a miracle growing inside of you Ruby, you'll be a fantastic mother just you wait."
"You reckon? Because no-one else seems to think that."
"It's only because you're young, but just you wait. The moment you hold that little girl or boy in your arms for the first time, you'll forget all about your worries, because a baby is the best thing ever. You're so lucky Ruby, you have to treasure every moment you'll have with it."
"Yeah, hopefully I'll still feel the same way in a few months time," Ruby said, smiling weakly as she tried not to think about Ziggy. The pain was still extreme and she hadn't even had a second to think through the earlier event.
But the biggest worry running through her mind right now, was if she ended up regretting keeping the baby. Then what would she do?
Not wanting to get bogged down with such sombre thoughts, especially when she wasn't alone, Ruby painted a smile on her face and turned to Sienna. "You must be getting excited though Sienna, you haven't got long left before your due datehave you?"
"Uh no, I don't," Sienna smiled but there seemed to be something off, though Ruby couldn't quite figure out why. "Excuse me, I need to have a word with Darren." The brunette had gone before Ruby could even say anything, not that she minded, she needed time to think.
}}}}}}}}}}
The next few weeks passed by pretty smoothly, though Ruby's heart still hadn't healed. She hadn't even spoken to Ziggy since their break-up, despite her trying otherwise.
All calls and texts were ignored and everytime she went round to the garage, Ziggy was strangely absent. One Tuesday morning, she found herself at the hospital, coming out of her first ultra scan appointment, the picture of her baby in her hand.
Just as she turned the corner, she literally ran into someone, a very familiar someone.
"I'm so sorry love," Sandy Roscoe apologised, a look of pity passing through her eyes when she realised it was Ruby she had bumped into. "How are you?"
"Uh yeah, I'm good," the young girl replied, smiling widely and hoping the pitying look in the Sandy's eyes would disappear. Holding up the scan photo, Ruby's smile widened as Sandy's eyes practically lit up. "Just went for my first scan."
"Can I look?" Ruby eagerly passed over the picture, blushing as Sandy cooed over it. "It's gorgeous, you must be so excited."
"Today has just made this all so real, like I'm actually having this baby." Ruby admitted, pocketing the photo, still smiling. "I was worried I wouldn't want to do this anymore, that I'd think this would all be a mistake, but I feel even more ready now. I know I've made the right decision."
"Well I'm proud of you love, I really am." Sandy said, placing a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Ziggy's missing you though, he's moping around the whole place and not doing anything."
"I miss him too, but I'm still hurting. He's made it clear he wants nothing to do with this baby and I'm not getting rid of it."
"Good on you then. Look Ruby, I know Ziggy doesn't want to know this baby, but well this is going to be my first grandchild and I want to know him or her."
"Yeah, of course. You can babysit whenever you want, just say when."
"Oh that's fantastic love," Sandy beamed, hugging Ruby tightly. "And if you ever need any help with anything, you just give me a ring okay. I'll always be here for you."
}}}}}}}}}
"So I ran into Ruby at the hospital today," Sandy remarked casually at dinner that night. The whole Roscoe clan stiffened at the mention of the frizzy haired girl, her name not having been uttered since the whole baby incident.
"Mmm?" Ziggy asked, choking down a mouthful of curry, his eyes watering furiously, though he wasn't sure if it was due to the sudden mention of Ruby or the intensity of the spice in the food.
"She's doing well, the baby seems healthy too."
"Right mum," the middle Roscoe said through gritted teeth, hoping that Sandy would drop the subject and soon. He could see the twins sharing almost nervous glances with one another, as Sandy continued trying to gage a response out of her son.
"She misses you know, more than you can imagine."
"Excuse me, I ain't hungry anymore" Ziggy said, standing up and leaving the dining room, in no mood to hear more about Ruby. He had missed her so much since they had broken up, more than he had with any other girl, and it took all his self restraint to not answer the phone when she rang and to delete all the messages she sent his way.
But he knew he needed to stay strong. The break up was painful enough as it was but Ziggy was determined to keep the break clean, to avoid any more heartbreak.
He had never hated himself more than he did now, he had become the one guy he had promised himself he never would change into. He had left the woman he loved to raise their baby on her own. What sort of dick did that?
Him apparently.
But he was scared, terrified in fact. He wasn't ready to be a Dad, no way and Ziggy knew that if he had stayed with Ruby, he would only cause even more harm than he was doing so at the moment.
At least if he stayed away from Ruby and the baby, he wouldn't have chance to ruin its life. Ziggy just knew that he'd probably permanently scar the baby by doing something incredibly wrong, and he didn't want to risk that, no way.
But everytime he saw Ruby in the village, his breath caught and his heart began beating wildly in his chest. He hadn't believed it to be possible, but Ruby was just growing more and more beautiful as the pregnancy went on, in fact she was practically glowing.
Ziggy yearned to run up to her, sweep her off her feet and treat her like she deserved to be treated. But he couldn't do that, because even if he did try to get back with Ruby (which he wasn't going to do, because that was the worst idea he'd ever heard), there was no way she would take him back.
He'd been a complete ass to her and Ruby wasn't the type of girl to let someone hurt her twice. That protective nature had probably only increased as she continued to get more attached to their baby that was growing inside of her.
Yet, even if he was stupidly optimistic to try and win Ruby back (which was the only thing he wished he could do nowadays, countless daydreams of them together played through his head on an endless loop, only deepening the heartbreak), he doubted he'd even get close enough to speak to her.
The whole Osbourne clan were firmly on her side (despite rumours that Frankie and Jack were less than supportive of Ruby keeping the baby), and everytime he entered the Dog, he was shot glares until he chose to leave.
And if that wasn't enough, Ruby's best friend Sinead was more than happy to give her opinion on the whole matter. Ziggy's ears still burned from the time he had run into Freddie's ex, though he had suspicions that some of the abuse that she shouted to him, was actually meant for his older brother.
The redhead was still bitter about their sudden break-up just a few weeks ago, having even gone as far as burning all of Freddie's clothes that had been at hers, sending the ashes through the front door the next day.
A knock on the door interrupted Ziggy's sombre thoughts and as he looked up, he saw Sandy entering the room, an apologetic look painted on her features.
"I'm sorry love, I shouldn't have said that about Ruby. I know you still really like her."
"It's fine ma, just forget bout it," Ziggy shrugged, desperately hoping that Sandy would leave so he could go back to wallowing in his self-pity, though he was never that lucky.
"You can talk to me you know Zig. What you're going through is horrible, but you're not alone."
"Mum, I'm fi-"
"If you even finish that though David Roscoe, I'm going to slap you," Sandy warned, causing Ziggy to wince at the use of his first name. "You're not fine, not in the slightest, so don't even try that trick on me. You're still upset about Ruby, it's completely understandable."
"No it's not, I mean I was the one to finish it, surely I should be over it by now. But I'm not, I just feel even worse and I'm missing her more every day."
"You still love her Ziggy, despite you being the one to end it. And she still loves you-"
"I know she does, and I do love her, more than I've ever loved any girl, but that's not the point."
"So what is?" Sandy questioned, placing one hand on her hip and waiting patiently for her son to answer, hoping anything he said, she'd be able to help with and lessen her son's pain.
"I can't cope with a baby mum, there's no way." Sandy sighed at her son's words and sat on the bed next to him. More than anything she needed to make him feel better and she was determined to do just that.
Ziggy hadn't been the same since he had broken up with Ruby and it showed just what a positive effect the younger girl had had on her son. What he needed, was to get back with her, or at least attempt it. But Ziggy, like the whole family, was stubborn as mule.
He had ended things with Ruby to make sure he didn't hurt her further, in case he was a bad father, but Sandy knew that he would be anything but, not that he was open to listening to that. So she had to do what she could, even if it didn't feel like enough.
Hoping that Ziggy would listen to her words and take something from it, Sandy opened her mouth and began talking.
"You know, I felt exactly the same way that you did, when I was pregnant with Joe."
"You and Dad were married, that's completely different."
"But I was still young, and after everything with Darren..." Sandy trailed off, trying not to focus on her estranged son. "Well, I didn't exactly feel comfortable falling pregnant, and your Dad weren't exactly keen either. We were still having some problems and thought having a baby might make it worse. But it didn't, in fact, having Joe made it so much better. We had a reason to work with one another and try to make our relationship the best it could be."
"But you and Dad were soulmates, you're always saying it."
"And you and Ruby may be too, but you won't know, until you try and do something about it," Sandy urged, hoping that Ziggy would begin seeing sense.
"You still love her Ziggy, anyone with half a brain can see that. And you can't say you'll be a rubbish Dad, because you don't know that. Everyone thinks they won't be able to cope the first time round and nine times out of ten they're proved wrong."
"What if I'm that one out of ten though?"
"I've seen you round kids love, there's no way that's happening. And you'll have me and your brothers if you ever need any help. And most importantly, you'll have Ruby. Because having that one person by your side, makes it all worth it."
"Are you saying I should get back with Ruby?" Ziggy asked, unable to stop the ghost of a smile spreading on his face at the mere prospect of reuniting with the woman he still loved with all his heart.
"I'm saying you should give it a bloody good go if you feel ready. Show her that you're serious Ziggy, that you're not going to spook and leave her again. It won't be easy love, you've broken her trust, but I swear, it will all be worth it in the end."
"Okay," Ziggy grinned, already thinking of a million and one things that he could do to win back his girl.
}}}}}}}}
Ruby wasn't quite sure how it happened, but very slowly her family seem to be accepting that she was deadly serious about keeping her baby. Well Frankie and Jack actually, the two eldest Osbournes were the only ones with a problem regarding her pregnancy in the first place.
The rest of the family were completely supportive of her and always had been. But Jack took her to one side a few weeks after her first scan, telling her that he'd always be there for her, as well as reassuring Ruby that Frankie would come round soon too.
It had been a very touching speech actually and Ruby found herself in tears when Jack had finished, completely startling the older man. She had blamed it on her hormones, but it was one the nicest things that anyone had ever said to her, and Ruby still wasn't sure how she had gotten so lucky to have such a close family love and support her, even thoughshe wasn't even related to any of them.
Jack had been right about Frankie though because not soon after, she came up to her, a guilty look on her face. It had been the first time that Frankie said anything vaguely supportive about her unborn child and was days after Sienna and Darren's relationship broke down.
The pub's landlord had found out that his girlfriend had been faking her pregnancy and she'd been swiftly thrown out. To Ruby's knowledge, Sienna had taken refuge at her father's house though she hadn't actually seen hide nor hair of her since all the revelations had come to light.
With all that madness going on around them, it completely knocked Ruby for six when Frankie sat her down for a talk. Her heart had started beating furiously as she waited to be reprimanded on whatever she had done now.
However that seemed to be the last thing that Frankie wanted to talk to her about. Instead the older woman had promised to help with anything and everything that Ruby may need in regards to the baby.
She couldn't believe what she was hearing and it truly shocked Ruby to the core. Though she was so grateful. It had been draining walking on eggshells around her family and Ruby knew it wasn't doing anything good for the baby, with her being so stressed all the time. Knowing she had the support from the ones that she loved the most was all that Ruby needed.
She had her family, people to help her when she needed it, she was completely set. She didn't need Ziggy, not one bit. So why did it feel like she still did?
Her train of thought was broken as Esther let herself into their shared room, shooting a concerned look at the other girl as she rummaged around in the wardrobe, grabbing a hoodie and turning to Ruby as she shrugged it on.
"You okay Rubes?"
"Yeah, I actually am," she answered somewhat truthfully, because bar the Ziggy situation, her life really was looking up for once.
"Okay, well I'm going down to college coffee with Tilly and George, do you want to come? You've been in the house all day." Ruby jumped to her feet, glad to have reason to stretch her legs, both girls leaving the pub after only moments.
When they entered the small coffee-house, eyes peeled for their friends, Ruby couldn't hold back her groan as she saw Ziggy standing by the counter, intimately chatting with the barista.
"We don't have to stay here you know," Tilly said when both Esther and Ruby had sat down, kissing her girlfriend lightly on the cheek in greeting. "It's not fair if you're going to be uncomfortable here."
"Don't worry about it guys, I'd never be able to leave my house if I was scared about running into Ziggy. We probably won't even talk so it's all-" She was interrupted as the same barista from the counter walked up to their table, a blueberry muffin in her hand.
"This is for you," she told Ruby with a smile, placing the plate on the table and noticing the confused looks she got from the group of teens, who were now staring at the cake like it could explode. "Your... uh friend got it for you."
The young woman motioned back to the counter where Ziggy was still stood. He nodded when the group looked over to him, smiling slightly as Ruby's eyes widened. She turned to give it back to the waitress, in no mood to have her feelings played around with once more, but the woman had already gone back to the counter.
She knew she should just leave, it would be better for everyone, but Ruby was not going to let Ziggy believe he had won. He had left her heartbroken and she wasn't going to be played by him anymore. She had to do what was best for her and the baby now, it was no time for silly games.
So ignoring the others protests, Ruby got to her feet and marched over to the counter, thrusting the plate into Ziggy's arms.
"What? This is for you babes," he exclaimed, trying to give the cake back with little success.
"Don't babes me Ziggy," she hissed, pulling him to one side in hope of getting more privacy. "What the hell are you playing at? We've broken up remember, you can't just give me some cake because you want... actually what do you want?"
"I want you Ruby. I was the biggest idiot ever and I can't believe what I did to you. I still love you, you complete me."
"In case you forgotten, you ended it with me because I'm pregnant with your baby! And it's quite clear to see that I haven't gotten rid of it," Ruby snapped, motioning to her growing bump.
"And I was being an idiot, I was just overwhelmed by everything that was happening. But I've had time to think, I know what I want. It's you and our baby. I would do anything for both of you."
"It's a bit too late to come crawling back to me, we're over and I'm in no hurry to change that. Cheesy lines aren't going to help you either," Ruby practically shouted, before pushing past Ziggy and running out of the coffee-house.
The mechanic went to follow her, though the glares he got from Ruby's friends as they ran after her, were enough to stop him where he was stood. That could have gone a lot better, though Ziggy hadn't been expecting much more.
He know he had seriously messed with Ruby's heart these past few weeks, but he wasn't going to give up. He had opened his eyes and realised just how good he really had it and well, he was determined to fight for her and the baby. Yes, Ziggy was going to win his girl back, if it was the last thing he did.
}}}}}}}}}
Ruby couldn't hold back the sigh as a single red rose fell out of her locker the following day at school. She picked it up from where it had fallen, noticing the slip of paper that been attached to the stem.
You look lovely in red. X She couldn't help but blush, glancing at the red blouse she was wearing, before looking round the corridor.
She knew it was stupid, Ziggy wouldn't be at the school and it was a lot more likely that he had got either Robbie or Jason to post the rose through her locker vents, but it was still incredibly touching, not that she was ready to forgive him.
A few months ago, she would have fallen at Ziggy's feet for such a thoughtful gesture, but not anymore. She couldn't be the blushing schoolgirl, not when she was going to be responsible for another life in just a few short months.
She had to be smart about everything she did, to protect her baby. She wished she could go back to Ziggy just like that, she still loved him dearly, but she had to be smart. Had to make sure that he wouldn't leave at the drop of the hat and that he would do what was best for not just him, but for their baby.
She pocketed the paper and made a mental note to get water for the flower, before turning to her next class, the teenager humming a cheerful tune under her breath.
}}}}}}}}}
Over the next few days, Ruby found another three roses in her locker, all paired with a complimentary message that made her weak at the knees. She wasn't a stupid girl though, and was counting down to when Ziggy would step up his game.
Which meant, that when he stepped into the pub a couple of nights after the last rose had been found in her locker, she wasn't surprised.
"I'm assuming you've been getting my gifts?" he asked, sidling up the bar as Ruby began cleaning some glasses.
"You know I have," Ruby replied, arching a brow as Ziggy faintly blushed, a surprising but definitely not unwelcome response. "
Well I just came in here to give you another one, didn't think you could wait a whole weekend before getting the next," Ziggy said as he passed another rose over the counter before Ruby could protest, watching her intently as she read the message that was attached to the stem.
Picnic in the park? 1Pm? X
"You want to go on a picnic?" Ruby asked, completely stunned by the note in front of her. All the other notes had been simple and lighthearted, this was on a whole other level though and Ruby wasn't completely sure that she was ready for that.
"Just to talk," Ziggy reassured her, seeing the instant hesitance in the younger girl's eyes. "We've barely said a word and I want to tell you everything that I can and for you to do the same. We're ain't going to get anywhere otherwise Rubes."
"Okay," Ruby nodded after a moments hesitation.
"I'll see you then." Ziggy went to say something else, though found himself staring at thin air as Ruby moved to serve a customer, shooting him a sly smile when he caught her eye.
}}}}}}}}}
"Oh my God, this is such a mistake," Ruby groaned to herself as she made her way to the park the next day, looking around for Ziggy. It didn't take a lot and she instantly spotted him the moment she was in park.
The mechanic had found a giant picnic blanket and had spread it in the middle of the field, a whole assortments of food lain out on it. Ruby took her time getting to the blanket, though her growing nerves were slightly dissipated when Ziggy shot her a toothy grin whilst passing her a glass of orange juice.
"Got all your favourites here, took all morning to set up," he rambled nervously as the pair both sat down.
"It's lovely Ziggy," Ruby said truthfully, because it honestly was. No-one had ever done anything so nice for her and if she wasn't careful, she'd start crying again.
Those hormones were seriously doing her head in. Neither of them said anything for a moment, simply picking at the spread in front of them and hoping the awkward air around would naturally disappear.
"You look beautiful you know," Ziggy finally said, breaking the silence in his usual manner, cursing how much of a line it sounded.
"Ziggy, don't do this, we still haven't even talked."
"Then talk Rubes," Ziggy cried, trying to keep the exasperation out of his voice. "Because you know just how I'm feeling. I love you okay, and I would do anything for you, absolutely anything. My life hasn't been the same since we ended and it's just made me realise how much I do need you."
"But it's not just me Ziggy, it's the baby too."
"I know it's the baby too, I wouldn't be doing any of this if I weren't serious about the both of you. I want to make a real go of this, I want to be part of my baby's life."
"You say you want to be here for both of us, but this isn't the first time we've broken up because you were scared. It was fine before, it was just me being hurt, but you can't do that again if we get back together.
"We're going to be a family Ziggy, no matter how much you hate the idea. I'm not letting our baby get hurt because you're running scared, it's not fair. You have to show that you're committed to staying with me, because this can't just be all about the fun anymore, this has to be about commitment too."
"And it will be, I promise!" Ziggy said, standing when Ruby stood to her feet, an apologetic expression on her face.
"And I believe what you're saying, but that doesn't mean that will actually happen. I want to get back with you, more than I can even say, but you have to prove to me that you're serious, because I can't risk all this on a fling."
Ruby had turned and was walking away before Ziggy could say anything more, though that didn't stop him shouting after her, promising he'd do anything and everything in his power to win her back.
}}}}}}}}}}}}
"Are you really serious about Ruby?" Esther asked Ziggy, after finding him working alone in the garage, only days after their failed picnic.
"More than you could ever imagine," Ziggy replied, wondering where the sudden questioning was going. "Why?"
"I've seen how you've acted around her. The gifts you leave in her locker at school and in the pub, I know you're serious."
"Well it's nice to have someone on my side, but why are you telling me?" Ziggy asked the blonde girl, even more confused than he had been five minutes ago.
"Because I'm going to help you. You ever made breakfast before?"
"All the time, why?"
"You're going to make Ruby breakfast in bed and I'm going to help you hand-deliver it. Just meet me at the back entrance of the pub at seven okay?" Esther was interrupted by Ruby's shouts from the car park, wondering where she had gone. "Just remember seven tomorrow morning!" Esther cried, running out of the garage to meet her friend.
As he watched her go, Ziggy couldn't contain his smile. Maybe things were finally looking up.
The young man was somewhat regretting his decision the next morning as he loitered round the back of the pub in the pitch black, trying to stop falling back asleep from where he stood. The noise of the door unlocking caught his attention and Ziggy smiled widely as Esther opened the door.
"You ready?"
"Course I am love," Ziggy replied smoothly, ignoring the thundering beats of his heart as he spoke. "Now where's the kitchen?"
}}}}}}}}}
Ruby really was beautiful at all times, Ziggy couldn't help but think as he carried the tray of breakfast into her room, Esther's encouraging smile the last thing he saw before he shut the bedroom door behind him.
"Wake up beautiful," he said quietly, placing the tray on the desk so he could nudge her gently. It didn't take a lot before Ruby was cracking an eye open, completely waking up when she realised it was Ziggy who she was looking at.
"What are you doing here?" She asked, looking for Esther and rolling her eyes when she realised the other girl was nowhere in sight.
"Esther let me in and I made you breakfast," Ziggy smiled, motioning to the tray and laughing slightly at the stunned look on Ruby's face.
"This doesn't mean we're getting back together you know," Ruby said ten minutes later as she took a bite of toast, lightly hitting Ziggy as he tried to nick a slice. "It's incredibly charming but-"
"Hey, you take all the time you need Ruby," Ziggy said around a mouthful of toast. "I can wait forever okay, I just want to not only be with you, but be part of this baby's life."
"And I'm starting you see you're- ahh!" Ruby's sentence was cut off as she gasped sharply in pain, dropping the toast and clutching her stomach.
"Ruby, what is it?" Ziggy asked frantically, moving closer to the girl he loved, a stab of fear hitting him as she clutched her stomach. "Is it the baby?"
"It can't be, I'm only at twenty weeks," Ruby cried, tears forming at her eyes as more pain hit her.
"Come on, lets get you to the hospital," Ziggy soothed, hoping that nothing would happen to either Ruby or their baby. He wouldn't be able to bear it if that happened. With help from Jack and Esther, they managed to get Ruby into the car and the former even drove the couple to the hospital, knowing that Ziggy was in no state.
If Ziggy thought the drive to the hospital was tortuously long, watching the love of his life in pain as she frantically held her stomach, the thought of losing her baby too much to bear, well it was nothing compared to the wait in the hospital. Ruby had been lead away after mere moments in the hospital, but neither Ziggy or Jack could go with her.
Currently he was sat in the waiting room on his own as Jack called the family up, trying to explain what was happening to the best of his abilities, whilst making an effort to keep his own nerves and fears under control.
Ziggy knew he should call his own family, tell them what was going on, or at least try to track down Lindsey in hope of getting some more answers, but Ziggy just couldn't. The only thing that was running through his head, was the look of pure fear on Ruby's face as the pain hit her.
What if the baby wasn't okay, what if she wouldn't be, what if she... he couldn't even form the words, it hurt too much to even imagine, he hadn't been able to cope when their relationship had ended, what would he be like if she died?
When Ruby had first told him about the baby, he'd run scared, unable to cope with the harsh reality that he was going to become a dad, but losing Ruby had been too much for him and given time, he'd been able to wrap his head around the concept of his impending fatherhood.
Encouraging words from his family had all helped him accept it too and these last few weeks trying to win back Ruby had just hammered in how much he couldn't actually wait to be a dad. Not that he'd even properly known that, not until his baby could already be gone.
His thoughts were broken off as a nurse entered the waiting room, walking straight to both Jack and Ziggy, both men sitting upright as the woman only got closer.
"Ruby Button's family?"
"That's us," Jack nodded. "How is she?"
"Both her and the baby are going to be okay. It seemed be just Braxton Hicks, which is a type of false labour, and the body's way of getting ready for the actual birth. We've done all the scans and your baby is just fine."
"Can I see her?" Ziggy asked, desperate to be with Ruby and see with his own eyes that she was actually okay.
"Ruby is resting at the moment, but if you're quiet then I see no problem for you to spend five minutes or so with her. Unfortunately, only one of you can see her at the moment, we don't want to overwhelm her."
"It's okay son, you go," Jack said, nudging Ziggy forward when he didn't move straight away. "I've got to wait for Frankie and the others anyway, they'll be a while."
Thanking the older man, Ziggy followed the nurse through the winding corridors until they reached the ward that Ruby was staying on. His breath caught when he saw her, her face was marred by tear tracks and she was still slightly pale, but to Ziggy, Ruby was still just as beautiful as usual.
"I'm so glad you're okay babes," Ziggy said once Ruby was in hearing shot of him. Ruby didn't say anything, just pulled Ziggy into a tight hug when he was close enough, and breathing heavily as she tried to keep her emotions in control.
"I was so scared Ziggy, I really thought I was going to lose the baby."
"Hey now, you and the baby are fine and I'm going to do everything to keep it that way okay?" Before Ruby could say anything, a nurse came up to the pair, looking apologetic for ruining the moment.
"As you know, the baby is okay, but whilst you're here we can do your next scan, instead of waiting for two days. If the baby's in the right position, we should be able to determine the sex of it too."
"I'd like that," Ruby breathed, placing a gentle hand on her stomach. After a moment she turned to Ziggy, a concerned look on her face. Although the older man had promised to be there for both her and the baby, he still hadn't even seen a scan picture and Ruby was fearful in case the whole morning was too much too fast.
"Ziggy?"
"I'd love to see the baby," he said slowly, as if the nurse's words had just sunken in, though Ruby's fears were dispelled when he saw the genuine smile on his face as the nurse busied herself round the pair. She squirted the gel on Ruby's stomach, the image of the baby appearing on the screen next to Ruby's bed after mere seconds.
"As you can see, perfectly healthy," the nurse said, her own smile growing at the looks of pure awe on the couple's faces. "And it looks like you're having... a girl!"
"We're having a baby girl," Ziggy grinned, squeezing Ruby's hand tight though he didn't take his eyes off of the screen until it was switched off. The nurse gave Ruby a wet cloth to wipe the gel off of her stomach, giving the pair much needed privacy when she had finished up.
"I can't believe it," Ziggy breathed when the nurse was well out of sight."We're having a little girl. She's going to be ours and- umph!" He was cut off as Ruby leant forward and kissed him passionately, only pulling away after the two were breathless.
"What was that for? I thought you said there was still a lot more to work on."
"And there was, but this whole morning has showed me that you're serious about being a parent Zig. You already love our little girl and I'd be a fool to keep my distance, when all I needed was that proof."
"So you're saying?"
"I'm saying that I love you Ziggy and I want to be with you again. To raise our baby together." Before anymore could be said, the pair were practically entwined, kissing furiously as they tried to make up for lost time.
}}}}}}}}}}}
"It's okay babes you can do this!"
"No I can't Ziggy, I just ca- ahh" Ruby cried, panting furiously. It had been four months since the young couple had reunited and their whole relationship was only getting stronger
. Everyone could see how much they loved their unborn child and both were practically counting down the days till Ruby's due date. It was about a week till that day when Ruby began to feel sharp spikes of pain hit her.
At first, she thought it was just more Braxton hicks, they had been pretty horrid for the rest of her pregnancy, but the moment her waters broke, she knew this was the real deal. Ziggy had practically carried her into the car in his rush to get to the hospital and within minutes they were in the maternity ward, Ruby breathing heavily as another contraction hit her.
"When I say so Ruby, push," the midwife commandeered, placating her when Ruby shook her head helplessly. "Now push."
Ziggy tried not to cry out as Ruby grabbed his hand, squeezing heavily as she desperately pushed. After a few moments, the grip loosened, though the mechanic was fairly certain his hand was going to be covered in magnificent bruises in just a few short hours.
The next few contractions were just as painful for Ziggy's hand, not that he wanted tosay anything when Ruby looked like she would murder him for complaining, but eventually a soft cry filled the room as their little girl entered the world.
Their midwife, a kind portly woman, took the baby to clean her up as well as weigh her, though she was back in moments, Ziggy's beautiful girl bundled in a blanket and peering around the room curiously. Ruby reached for the baby, smiling widely as the small form stared curiously at both her and Ziggy.
"Hello darling," she cooed, sharing an awestruck look with Ziggy. As he watched the love of life, holding the life they had created,
Ziggy knew in that moment that all the sleepless night and dirty nappies would be worth it, because right in front of him, were the two most beautiful girls in front of him and they'd be all he'd need.
And that's it, congratulations if you got to this point! I hope you all enjoyed it.
Next story - Some of the family's thoughts and feelings when they found out about Lindsey's pregnancy – prompted by hattiexoxoxo