"Hold on!" Oliver yelped with both of his hands raised. He leans over and rubs the wrinkles on his forehead as he digests what his father just announced. "You've known?! What do you mean you've known?! And if so, why keep quiet about it?"
Julio leaned more into the arm rest as he forced a small smile. "Should I start from the beginning or…?"
"Yes!" Oliver said. "I really want to understand you."
Julio looked up at the ceiling for a few moments before he finally spoke. "It was right after you left for college, I think. We were excited about being empty nesters for the first time in a long time," he chuckled. "But then, because I suddenly had all this free time, I decided that I would take on more projects at work, but I made sure that I would be home for Jane on weekends and in the evenings. As time went on, we just became more distant. But I didn't take notice until I picked up that your mum's patterns became different. At first, I was like, "Oh. Maybe she's out with friends or visited sis in law today," but her outings became longer.
"We would go off to work at the same time and she's always been home before me. But now she was coming home later and later. First, she'd come home around seven-ish, then around nine, then she started coming home around midnight when I was already off to bed. I was in a state of denial for months. Telling myself Jane wouldn't do that to me. That was until I was going through some bank statements and saw a very expensive purchase I didn't make. I brushed it off. Thinking it was my anniversary gift, but when I received my actual gift, the price didn't match up with what I received. I finally accepted the possibility, so I hired a PI, and he followed your mum around for weeks.
"I was furious at this PI. He was damn good at his job. He got pictures of them everywhere. The restaurants, the shops, he even took her to the planetarium I told her about that I wanted to take her too. I didn't confront your mum. Instead, I just buried myself in work. Ignorance is bliss, after all. I was just going to pretend I never saw it, but Jesus Christ it was eating me alive. Jane was out there giving a younger man all this love and attention and smiling with him as if she knew him for years.
"Then I started to wonder… Was it me? Did I do something wrong somewhere? I wrote down everything one day on a piece of paper and I concluded that somewhere along the line, this drift was my fault. We weren't talking as much, I hated confrontation, so I never let my feelings about things come out, even when all three of you were here, it was always about you guys. Not to say we don't love you, but there were sometimes you guys would be at your mum's throat and she'd get overwhelmed. What about her feelings? I'd hardly listen to her. Being empty nesters was a time for me to up the romance with my wife, to have more heart to hearts," Julio lets out a small giggle, "Maybe even therapy. Not to take on more work."
Oliver furrowed his eyebrows. "Why are you blaming yourself, dad? This isn't your fault."
"Oh son… but it sort of is. Your mum wouldn't have ever gone out there looking for company if I was here to listen, to talk, to spend time with her. I can't be completely mad at her for feeling lonely. So that's why I stayed… and I decided that I was going to fight for her."
"Dad," Oliver said as he cocked his head in disbelief. "You really want to stay with her?"
"Yes, Oli," Julio sighed as he smiled. "I mean, what she did does hurt—" Jane shrunk in her seat. "But I love her. I love her way too much." He then stood up and walked over to Jane. He got on one knee in front of her and squeezed tightly on to her hands. "Honey?"
She finally looked up at him. Her blue eyes dull and her expression read as hurt. "Julio…"
"I don't want to throw away years of marriage over this one thing. We've been living on this high for months! It's like we're those twenty somethings again and I want to continue having those days with you."
"Julio—"
"Don't you enjoy the date nights we've been having? The cooking and the talks and the small phone calls we have when we're at work and when we're—" Julio caught himself. "Ya' know…" he slightly shrugged towards her.
"Ah! That's sick!" Oliver groaned. Rubbing at his eyes.
Julio starts up again. "You can't deny the passion we have for one another is there, Jane! It's. Still. There. Please," his voice quivered. "Please don't throw us away for some guy! Don't throw us away!"
Jane continuously opened and closed her mouth. Unsure of what to say.
Julio furrowed his eyebrows and pressed his lips firmly together. "You like him? Do you like him?"
Jane removed one of her hands from Julio's grasp to shield the tears that were coming from her eyes.
Julio became distraught as he felt his heart plunge at his wife's reaction. "You love him?"
She released a shaky sigh. "Julio—" His abrupt standing startled Jane. It was his turn to shield his eyes. She gripped on to his shirt as she looked up at him. "Julio, please listen."
"No," he whispered as his voiced cracked. He threw her hands off him and began to pace the floor. "You love him. You love him," he repeated.
Oliver's chest felt tight as he looked at his dad. He never saw him like this. Maybe sad or a little upset. But to see him this distraught was something different. His reaction felt to Oliver like something he'd do at his age.
Julio moved his hands to run it threw his hair. His eyes were beet red. "So, what are we doing?"
"What?" Jane questioned.
"What are we doing?" he repeated. "Because I can't stay here and pretend that I'm okay with you being in love with another man. So, what are we doing?"
Jane scoffed. "Are you implying we divorce?" Julio stayed silent as he linked his hands behind his neck. "ANSWER ME!"
A broken look grew on Julio's face as he nodded. Her pupils dilated at him. She tried to touch him again, but he slightly pushed her hand away as he shook his head. "Mm-mm," he hummed. He looked up and did a long sigh before he started walking away.
"Where are you going?" Jane questioned. Julio didn't answer. She finally stood up and began to chase after him. "Julio!"
Oliver and Delphi sat there in silence as they listened to their muffled argument. Jane was doing most of the screaming and Julio would stay silent as he shuffled around the room.
Oliver looked ahead. Staring into space. 'This is it', he thought. 'This is really it.'
He finally snapped out of his thoughts when he felt Delphi's hands caress his. She then flipped his hand over and laced their fingers together. He turned to face her, and she faced him. All she could do is give him a comforting smile.
"You okay?"
Oliver slowly shook his head. "Why couldn't I just get that fuckin' book and leave?"
Just like that, Oliver began to break down at hearing the question. His legs began to curl towards his chest, and he leaned his body more into the cushions. Delphi yanked him by his arm and pulled him into a tight hug. Rocking them both side to side.
Charlie sat in a pitch-black room. The only thing visible to him was his sister, Tori, who was sat in front of him all dressed in white.
"Tori?" he questioned.
Tori smiled at him before she stood up. Each step she took caused the floor to ripple like water. She then leaned over and began to stroke his face.
"Tori?" he questioned again
"I'll be okay," she finally answered.
"What?"
She shook her head. "I'll be okay."
Tori then pressed her forehead against his, still keeping that calming smile, before she began to walk away.
Charlie studied her for a while before he finally decided to follow her. "Tori?" Just as he took a step, the floor engulfed him. Plunging him deeper and deeper into the dark abyss.
Nick shook Charlie by his shoulder. "Charlie?" Charlie jolted from his sleep, startling Nick. "Charlie! Everything okay?"
Charlie looked at him in a bit of a daze. He looked around the room. Making sure everything was set to normal before rubbing his eyes.
Nick leaned to study his face. "Did you have one of those nightmares?"
He did a rough sigh. "Yeah… I thought I was okay. It's been months," he then shrugged his shoulders. "I guess not."
Nick furrowed his eyebrows. "Maybe now that we're getting closer to them being here, you're a little scared?" He wiped the sweat away from Charlie's forehead. "Should we cancel our meeting with Becky?"
"No. No…" Charlie got up from the bed and grabbed one of his jumpers from off the floor. "Let's go."
Nick frowned at him before following him.
The drive to Becky's was a quiet one. Nick constantly looked at Charlie from the corner of his eye while Charlie leaned his head on the window with a stoic look. When they got out the car, Nick did a small jog to catch up with Charlie. He grasped his hand.
"What is it?"
"You sure everything's okay?"
Charlie bit his bottom lip. He thought on that question before he finally nodded his head. 'I need to be strong. For Nick'. "I'll be okay. It may take a moment, but I'll be okay." He tried his best to give a confident smile. "Let's go," he said as he took hold of Nick's hand, and they began to walk to Becky's flat.
They knocked at the door. They heard some weird bangs and shuffling getting louder and louder until Becky opened the door.
"Hey you two!" she smiled, showing both rows of teeth. "Come on in!"
Nick and Charlie stepped inside and were gagged at all the clutter in her small home. Could they even walk through? Could they even sit?
"Sorry for all the mess! A big event is happening at my job and a lot of the work fell on me," Becky groaned. She walked up to a couch and tossed an armature of whatever she was creating on to the floor. "Sit! Sit!"
The couple sat down and looked around the room as Becky walked over to them with binders as she pulled up her desk chair to sit closer to them.
"Have you thought of anything?"
"Nothing too crazy," Nick said. "Like maybe the typical pink and blue and we could probably have the party outside in the backyard?"
"That could be done." Becky flipped through one of her binders and showed a page to them. "I did a baby shower like that a few years ago. Would you like something like this?"
They looked over it. The balloon arch she made was beautiful and the pink and blue tables were wrapped in beautiful white bows.
"Did you do the biscuits too?" Charlie asked as he studied the sugar biscuits with blue and pink sprinkles on them.
Becky does a confident nod. "I did the cake too. They did a cake reveal. How do you want your reveal to go?"
"We were just thinking poppers," Charlie said. "Is there anything else you'd suggest?"
A mischievous smirk appeared on her face. She pulls out her phone and after a few taps, she faces it towards them as a video played. It was two people dressed in those inflatable giant baby costumes, and they were fighting each other.
Nick and Charlie's jaws dropped in unison. They then slowly looked at each other. "We're sticking with the poppers," they said together.
Becky smacked her teeth. "You guys are no fun," she pouted as she jotted down what they wanted.
Charlie flipped through the binder before he stopped at a Halloween party. He loved the tiny pumpkins and the ghost shaped biscuits. It piqued his interest. Could she do this, but with a softer pallet? "Should we do a Halloween theme?"
Nick looked at him. "Halloween?"
"Yeah! It is October after all. I think it'll be cute." He faced the binder towards Becky. "Could you do this, but like, soft? If that makes sense?"
Becky studied the page. "A Halloween slash baby shower?" She slowly smiled as she tapped a finger on her cheek. "I like the way you think Spring-Nelson. I never did a baby shower with a holiday theme before! This will be a new challenge for me!" She slammed the binder closed. "Leave it all to me! I'll be calling you guys constantly with some ideas I have." She faced Nick. "And the backyard seems like a perfect place to have it. It'll fit the theme ten times better than inside. All you guys have to do is just send out those invitations. By the way, how much time do I have?"
"Two weeks from this Saturday," Nick said. "Is that enough time?"
"It's plenty." She walked up to a bookshelf and pulled out a random sketchbook. "Let me start planning. You guys can rest assure that this shower will look beautiful."
Nick and Charlie smiled at her before they stood up.
"And if you need anything from the crafts store, you can call me," Charlie said.
They walked out of the flat and went straight to the car.
Charlie looked over at Nick. "Are you free?"
"I am off today," Nick said as he adjusted the rearview mirror. "Do you want to do something?"
Charlie beamed. "Just drive. I'll direct you."
Michael grumbled to himself as he looked at another article about what he said during his interview with Nick. "You'd thing 90% of the U.K. had sticks up their asses," he groaned.
"That's what you get!" Tori scolded. "How many times do I have to tell you to think before you speak? Especially in interviews!"
Michael rolled his eyes. "It was a joke!" he argued in a whiney tone. "Of course, kids should stay in school. But at the same time…" he drifts off. Beginning to think as he crossed his arms and looked up.
"What is it?"
"Tori, I never really finished school," he said. "I dropped out and went to Nationals remember? Now look at me. Every four years I make all this money. I'll probably do some photos for a cereal box or something. Do kids really need to go to school to achieve their dreams?"
Tori chuckled at him as she picked up her purse. "Just don't go on TV and say that. You still taking me to the doctor's office, right?"
"Of course!" he sung as he stood up. He leaned and raised his hooked arm towards her.
She snorted at his gesture before she took it, and they made their way out.
They made it to the office right on time. Fifteen minutes later, a nurse walked out and called her name. The nurse made small talk as they walked to the room she'd be having her appointment in.
"We're going to put you right here," the nurse said as she patted the reclined chair.
Tori got comfortable in her seat as the nurse pulled up the monitor. Even though she had done this process hundreds of times, she still wasn't used to the cold jelly that they would squeeze on her stomach.
"We're finding out the genders today, yes?"
Tori and Michael nodded as the nurse searched around for the babies. "Oh, got the gender for the first one! Now for that other one. Looks like that one might be an athlete," she laughed. "Got it." She then turned to Tori. "Has the pregnancy been treating you okay?"
"Yes," Tori answered, a bit too quickly. "Why? Have you seen something?"
"Um, well…" the nurse said as she flipped through the clipboard. "I'm asking because that last time you were here —"
"The last time?" Michael frowned. "What happened last time?"
"Nothing Michael," Tori said, trying her best to reassure him that everything was fine. "Hey, could you get me a tea or something. The babies are craving something sweet."
Michael furrowed his eyebrows at her. He gets up and silently leaves the room.
"You haven't told him about your frequent visits, have you?" the nurse asked.
Tori shook her head. "The last time something happened like this he neglected himself to the point I couldn't even recognize him. I can't have him do that to himself again."
The nurse gave a sympathetic sigh. "I get it. But you have to schedule an appointment very soon. I think there's more going on than just bleeding." Tori did a nervous gulp before getting up from the chair. The nurse printed the pictures and placed it in an unsealed envelope before handing it to Tori. "I'll make an appointment for you in two weeks."
Tori nodded before exiting the room.
She made her way to the waiting room and there sat Michael holding a cup of tea for her along with a Danish. "I thought they would enjoy the extra sugar," he said, forcing a laugh as he handed the items to her.
She smiled as she took them. She tried to take hold of his hand with her free one, but he quickly shoved his hands in his pockets. Tori cocked an eyebrow in confusion. Michael nodded at her and turned to make his way to the car.
She found herself doing a little jog as she followed after him and he sped walked. He held the door open for her before making his way to the driver's side.
As he pulled the seat belt on, Tori quickly faced him. "You're mad, aren't you?"
"Who's mad?"
"You're mad."
He shrugged his shoulders. "I wouldn't say I'm mad. Maybe a bit hurt."
Tori began to mess with the sleeves of her cardigan as she slumped in her seat.
A few moments of silence passed before Michael spoke up again. "Tori, you've been coming here for something. What's going on?"
"Nothing's going on, Michael," she said with irritation. "I'm just paranoid, okay?" A small snicker escaped Michael's lips, and she quickly turned to face him. "What?"
"You're lying to me," he murmured loud enough for Tori to hear. They get to a light and Michael takes off his glasses to rub at his eyes. "Do you think I'm stupid or something?"
Tori jerked at his question. "No! Of course not!"
"Then why are you lying to me?!"
Tori became red in the face. "I'M NOT FUCKING LYING! JUST SHUT UP, MICHAEL! STOP WORRYING ABOUT ME!"
Michael looked at her with a scowl on his face before facing forward. It goes back to being silent again before he let out a loud groan. "No. No, I won't shut up!" He quickly pulled off to the side of the road, causing some cars to beep behind them.
"What are you doing?"
"No. What are YOU doing? Why are you hiding stuff like this?"
"Michael—"
"Don't Michael me," he said as he slammed a hand on the steering wheel. "Are you okay or not? And I want the truth!"
Tori kept opening and closing her mouth, unsure of how to answer his question. It's not like she liked lying to Michael. But she couldn't stand to see him the way he was a few months ago. She liked this Michael, who was glowing and healthy. Who was training and making her laugh. She could not have that shell back.
A tear fell down her face and she quickly wiped at it. "Fuck…"
"Tori?" Tori turned herself enough so Michael wouldn't see her face, but Michael pulled her by her shoulder so she could face him. "Tori?" he repeated.
"I'm sorry," her voice cracked. "I'm sorry."
Michael wrinkled his forehead in worry. He quickly got out the car and went to the passenger side. He pulled her out and led her to the back seat. He then pulled her into a tight hug and rubbed at her hair to sooth her.
Tori buried her face into his neck. "Sorry for shouting…"
Michael hummed. "You know you don't always have to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders. It's okay to lean on people. You can lean on me. We can get through things together."
"I know," she whispered.
"Are you going to tell me what's been happening?"
Tori bit her bottom lip. "I'll be okay, Michael."
Michael let out a rough groan. "Hey, let's see what Nick and Charlie are having."
Tori dug in her pocket and pulled out the envelop. She opened it and a small smiled appeared on her face. "They'll be ecstatic about this one."
Michael did a small laugh. His hand travelled from Tori's shoulder to her tummy. A mischievous smirk appeared on his face as he rubbed it. "Hey babies! Is your auntie really okay? Kick once for yes. Twice for no."
Tori couldn't help but snort. "Michael, I don't think—"
And just like that, one of them kicked twice on Michael's hand. Tori became flustered. Why are they tattling on me?!
"Interesting," Michael hummed.
"That was pure luck!" Tori argued.
"No, they understand me," he laughed. Tori tried to get away, but Michael pulled her back into his lap. "Twins, are you okay? Once for yes. Twice for no."
Three strong kicks were felt.
"Hmm."
Tori smacked at his hand. "Michael, stop riling them up!"
"They understand me, Victoria!" Michael whined. "Babies, am I bringing home a gold medal? Once for yes! Twice for no!"
"Now you're treating them like magic eight balls?! Stop that!" Tori laughed as she leaned more into Michael's chest.
Michael rested his chin on her head as he laughed as well.
Now this is how she wanted Michael to be. Happy and carefree.
She silently told him sorry again. Knowing if the truth came out this Michael would come undone.
Nick found himself being sent to Jason's voicemail again. He smacked his teeth in annoyance before throwing his phone on the bed.
"Still can't get in touch with Jason?" Charlie questioned as he made his way into the room.
Nick crossed his arms as he pouted. "Whatever. I don't care!" Nick said, obviously caring.
Charlie chuckled as he hugged Nick from behind. "You two will make up eventually."
He rubbed at Charlie's forearm. "Same with you and Josiah?"
"Now let's not get carried away."
The doorbell rang and the couple made their way down the stairs. They open the door and their stood Becky with a box of decorations.
"I still have some more stuff in the car if you two could help us please?"
Nick and Charlie agree and hustle to her car to get the rest of the stuff.
Upon arrival, they run into Lucas holding a large box. "Nick! Charlie! It's nice to see you two!"
Nick and Charlie paused as they studied Lucas. "I'm so sorry, but do we know you?" Charlie asked.
Lucas passed a small laugh. "It's Lucas. I was Tori's acquaintance back in Secondary."
The couple jumped back at the reveal. "Why do you look like that?" Nick questioned.
Charlie hit him with his elbow. "Nick!"
Lucas couldn't help but laugh at their reaction. "It's okay, Charlie. I know I look a little different…"
"A little?" Nick said. "You're a completely different person."
"Well, you know… I went through some stuff…" Lucas shrugged. "The look is just for plot I guess."
Becky came stomping towards them. "Why are you all still standing around for?!" She grabs another box. "We have work to do! Chop-chop!"
The boys quickly gathered as many decorations as they could to set up the backyard. They set up as quickly as they could. Putting up streamers. Setting the tables. Tidying things up. Before they knew it, it was already close to the time of the shower.
Becky tightened one final bow on one of the tables. "Do you guys have a place I can get ready?"
"There's a bathroom in the hallway to the right," Charlie answered.
"We should start getting ready, too," Nick said.
"Right. Lucas, you won't mind letting people in, right?"
Lucas shook his head. "You can count on me," he said with a thumbs up.
They quickly went upstairs and changed into their outfits. As Charlie was tugging on his jeans, Nick put on a pink and blue flannel shirt. "Oh, you're not picking a side?" Charlie joked.
"No," Nick laughed. "As long as they like rugby as much as I do, I'd love 'em either way. But I see you've picked a side."
Charlie was wearing a light pink shirt. "I don't know. I feel like I'd be an amazing girl dad, don't you think?"
Nick tilted his head as he studied his husband. "Yeah. I can see it."
"You're just saying that."
"No, I mean it, Char. I can really see you teaching our little girl the drums one day," he laughed. He then looked up as he thought for a bit. "Maybe she'll like rugby too."
Charlie laughed as he quickly snatched up Nick's hand and they made their way downstairs.
It was already semi crowded.
As they turned the corner, Nick's eyes beamed at the sight of his friends. "Otis? Sai? Christian?!"
The group of boys turned around and started to hoot and holler at the sight of their friend. Otis tugged him by his shirt, and they playfully started to rough him up.
They chain linked their arms around each other. "It's been so long…" Nick said as a tear formed in his eye.
"Mate, are you crying?!" Christian laughed.
Charlie smiled at them. He then went towards the backyard, letting Nick catch up with his friends. When he got there, he noticed his friend group circling a specific table.
"Hey everyone," he said loud enough for everyone to hear. When they stepped to the side, his heart plummeted at who he saw sitting on a chair with their legs crossed. He gave him a mischievous smirk as they lowered their glasses to reveal their green eyes. "Aled? Is that really you?"
"In the flesh!" Aled laughed as he stood up. He pulled Charlie by his arm into a tight hug. Charlie returned the hug back, rocking them back and forth.
Charlie slightly pulled away, still hugging his friend. "I sent that invite as a joke! I didn't think you'd actually make it!"
"I had to!" Aled exclaimed. "I never forgave myself for missing the wedding. So, I had to make it my business to make it to the baby shower at least."
Charlie through his head back in laughter. "How many times do I have to tell you I forgive you?"
"Well, I don't forgive me!" he scoffed. "You made it to my wedding, but I couldn't make it to yours. I feel like crap every time I think about it!"
"Enough about that! How's L.A.?"
"L.A. is still L.A. Horrible traffic. High rent. You get it."
"Hey! You're not the only one who misses Aled. We wanna speak with him, too!" Tao interjected.
Charlie looked over at Tao and immediately crumbled in laughter at Tao's outfit. He was wearing a fuchsia suit with a black shirt. "It's never been that serious, Tao."
"I tried telling him to tone it down," Elle sighed as she shook her head.
Tao gave her the hand. "One of those twins is a girl. I feel it in my bones that I'll be having another niece very soon."
"He's gonna do that baby the way he did Fatima," Tara laughed. "Remember when we left her in his care, and he took her on that shopping spree?"
"Oh my god, yes!" Darcy exclaimed. "She still hasn't worn everything he bought."
"How many times do I have to tell you guys, she vocalized that she wanted those clothes," Tao argued.
"She was six months, Tao…" Darcy said.
"Whatever! Anyways, look Charlie!" He pulled out a frilly laced dress that was a light pink from the gift bag he was holding. "I think when it's her first birthday she'd love to wear this."
Charlie studied it for a bit. "This is actually so cute! If one of them is a girl, she'll wear it."
"One of them is a girl!" Tao stated firmly. "Mark my words!"
Meanwhile, Tori and Michael had just arrived.
Becky approached them. "Took you long enough! We've been waiting for you guys to arrive so we can do the gender reveal.
"Sorry. Tori just hasn't been all there today," Michael said.
Becky furrowed her eyebrows in worry while Tori gave her best reassuring smile.
"Is it okay if I at least eat first? The babies are craving something salty," Tori said trying to soften the mood.
"Yeah girl. I'm sure Nick and Charlie would understand," Becky said.
Tori made her way to the kitchen and started preparing her meal. Just then, Jane walked in looking for the gift table. "Oh! Hello, Tori!"
"Hey mum." When Tori looked up, she did a small jump back in surprise at the way her mother looked. She looked drained of colour. Her hair was in a messy bun, her clothes weren't ironed, and her eyes were dull with heavy bags under it. In the words of Oliver, she looked like she was going through it. "Is everything okay?"
Jane nodded. "It's just work," she said dryly. "Do you know where they placed the gift table?"
"I think it's outside. That's where the main event is anyway. Where's dad?"
"He's on his way. He was driving right behind me…"
Tori cocked her head to the side. 'What's going on?'
"Anyways, outside, correct?"
Tori nodded at her and Jane nodded in thanks before exiting the kitchen.
She continued to watch her leave. Something was off. Really off, and she was going to figure out as soon as her father arrived.
That's when Oliver walked in. "Hey, Mummy Auntie!"
"Ew! Don't call me that!" she complained.
Oliver chuckled as he grabbed a crisp off her plate. He studied her face some more as he took a bite. "What's up with you?"
"Something's up with mum and dad," she immediately said. Oliver choked a bit and began to hit as his chest. Tori pursed her lips in curiosity. "Oli, do you happen to know why?"
"I don't know a thing!" he quickly answered, causing him to choke on the crisp. He looked around for a moment before grabbing a random bottled of water and drinking it. "I don't know a thing," he repeated, but in a calmer tone.
"That felt like you knew something," Tori said while doing a small laugh. "I'll just ask dad."
"He's not here?"
"They came in two separate cars. They must've argued or something and it must've been a big one. They fight but to the point they're driving separately? It must be serious."
Oliver quickly raised his eyebrows. 'It's serious, alright.' "Tori, I think you should at least try to stay out of this one, okay? It'll come to light at the right moment, but not now. Think of the twins."
She twisted her mouth to the side in annoyance, knowing her brother was right. "Fine," she rolled her eyes. She then gave him a side hug. "But only because you asked me to."
They shared a laugh, but Tori's quickly died down. She began to sniff around. She then got close to Oliver and sniffed him. "Oli, where were you?"
"Only to my dorms. Why?"
"You kinda smell like smoke."
Oliver kept his composure and just shrugged at Tori's deduction. "Must've picked it up from somewhere." To his surprise, she began to search him until she found a single cig in his pocket. "Uhm… That's not mine."
"Oliver! You smoke?!"
"Okay," he dragged out. "Yeah, I smoke, but like, only when I need it."
Tori began to stutter in surprise. "WHY WOULD YOU NEED TO SMOKE?!"
"Can you keep your voice down?" he said in a harsh shush tone. "The whole neighbourhood doesn't need to know!"
"You're over here giving yourself doses of cancer "when you need it" and you're worried if others hear? This is crazy!"
Oliver couldn't keep back a groan he was holding in. "It's not that serious, Tori."
"It is serious, Oliver!" Tori yelled. Slamming the cig on the counter. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because I want to."
"That's not an answer."
"But it is! Look, let's not fight at Charlie's party."
He tried to take it back, but Tori snatched it back up and reached it away from him. "No, I want you to quit."
Oliver scoffed at her request. "No." Tori then broke the cig in half and tossed in a nearby bin. "Real mature."
As the two siblings stared each other down, Julio came in. "Hey, you two," he smiled.
They both turned to face their father. Tori noticed that he looked ten times more presentable than her mum, but those bags under his eyes told a different story.
Julio walked up to Tori and rubbed at her tummy. "I hope you're taking good care of my grandchildren."
"They're fine, dad."
As soon as she said this, she felt a razor-sharp pain in her lower stomach. She tried her best to stand tall and ignore the pain. 'Please not here. Please not here.'
Julio gave her a strong nod. "That's good. Well, let me go find Charlie."
As soon as he was out of sight, Tori leaned on the counter. Flashes of sweat appearing on her forehead as she tightened her face in agony.
Oliver approached her in worry. "Tori, everything okay?"
When he tried to touch her, she swatted his hand away. "Don't touch me."
"Tori?"
She gave him a hard look. "I don't need help from a junkie in training."
He jumped back at her words. "Oh, fuck you!" he spat back.
He then went off to only God knows where as Tori tried to collect herself.
She did a couple of breathing exercises that kind of helped the pain before she was able to stand up straight again. She straightened out her dress and went to rejoin the party.
Charlie was still chatting with his friends when he felt a small tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Nick with someone he'd been avoiding. "Josiah? You actually came?"
Josiah looked annoyed at being at the party. Standing beside him was his boyfriend, Nikolai.
"Hey Charlie. Congrats on the babies," Nikolai said.
"Thanks," Charlie laughed.
Nikolai nudged Josiah. "Stop being hardheaded and hand him the gift."
Josiah shoved it towards Charlie and Charlie took it. Both of them sharing a grimace on their faces.
Nick wrapped an arm around Charlie. "And you say…?"
Charlie rolled his eyes so hard that if anatomy would allow him, his eyes would go to the top and come back at the bottom. "Thank you," he said, practically tight lipped.
Nikolai and Nick shared a laugh with each other.
"I heard my boyfriend wasn't talking to his work husband no more because he said something stupid," Nikolai said as he rocked Josiah back and forth by his shoulders. "I think you have something to say about that too?"
Josiah furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at Charlie. "Sorry. What I said was mean and ignorant to your feelings. I don't want you to leave. We make a good team, you know?"
Charlie pouted. "Yeah, I know."
"Are you really leaving after we publish Ben's book?"
Charlie shifted his weight back and forth. He then let out a rough sigh. He flicked Josiah in the middle of his forehead.
"Ow!"
"That's for making me work with my ex!" he then snorted. "You know I can't leave you, idiot."
Josiah did a small smile.
"You two should hug," Nick said.
Josiah held open his arms and Charlie walked into them and returned the hug.
Nikolai pulled out his phone and took pictures of the two and Nick leaned over to look at the pics. Asking Nikolai to send his best shots to him.
"Hey Nick…" a voice said. Nick turned in its direction and there stood Jason with his husband, Gordon.
"Wow! What are the odds that this would happen at this very moment?" Charlie chuckled. "Now it's time for you to make amends with your work husband!" he said as he slapped Nick on his back.
Nick let out a rough sigh. "Jason—" Jason turned his nose at Nick. He emits a noise of surprise. "Jason!"
"Okay, maybe you won't make up now," Gordon said. "You know how stubborn Jason can be."
They shared a laugh amongst themselves.
Charlie stroked Nick on his arm. "You want to do the poppers now?"
"My dad is still on his way with Mya and Jean," he said as he checked his watch. "Just a few more minutes?"
Charlie nodded. He then went off to get something to drink. When he reached for the pitcher, his hand accidently brushed against someone's hand. He looked up and saw a girl with long black hair and blue eyes. Though she was frowning, you can tell she had deep dimples.
"Oh, you must be Charlie!" the girl spoke with a bright smile. She held out her hand. "I'm Monica."
Charlie took her hand and after the third shake, his eye twitched at the realization. "You're the one calling my husband baby?"
Monica forced a smile. Practically showing all thirty-two teeth. "It was only a little jokey joke. Don't tell me you're one of those partners."
Charlie pressed his lips into a hard line. What if he was? The only person who should be calling Nick pet names was him.
It was his turn to force a smile. "No… not at all."
They continued to shake hands as they studied each other.
Charlie couldn't help but notice how much she looked like the girls Nick used to like. Monica was beautiful and Nick was around her every day? Though it shouldn't, it drove him kind of crazy that his husband was working with someone like her and allowing this woman to call him names like that… Does he secretly like it? Does he like her?
He shook his head quickly at that thought. No, Nick would never.
Monica was pissed at shaking hands with the "enemy". Here she was shaking hands with the man that was in possession of the man she wanted. She kept looking him up and down. To her, Charlie looked pathetic. 'He's not that much competition…' she thought to herself. 'Once I have enough evidence against you, Nick will come straight to me.'
Just then, a young girl with curly brown hair jumped on Charlie, almost knocking him over. "Charlie! Charlie! Charlie!" she repeated in excitement.
"Mya! Look how big you've gotten!" Charlie laughed.
Mya was Nick's little sister from Stéphane's second marriage he failed to tell Nick about. He remembered the summer Nick called to tell him what he saw. He went to France to surprise his father for his birthday and all he saw was a small baby cradled in his arms. As much as he tried being mad at the situation and keeping distance from Mya, Mya was just too cute and grew on him quickly and he enjoyed being a big brother to her.
"Nick said you'll let me babysit! You guys have to pay me one thousand euros an hour!" she said, matter-of-factly.
Charlie scoffed. "What is a little girl going to do with all that money?"
She shrugged at his question and all he could do was laugh at her reaction.
Nick came from behind and wrapped his arms around both of them. Kissing Charlie on his cheek.
Monica kept a stoic expression as she burned with rage.
"Charlie, I see you've met Monica."
"Oh yeah! Come on, let's go do those poppers!" They leave Monica standing there. "I didn't know she was coming," he said through gritted teeth.
"Neither did I…" Nick said in the same way.
"Charlie, she looks like girl you," Mya said.
"Yes! Your brother has a type!"
Nick snickered as he pulled Charlie by his waist. "Charlie Spring-Nelson, is that jealously I'm sensing?"
Charlie scoffs. "Who's jealous?"
Nick just laughed at his husband's reaction as they made their way to the arches in the front.
There, stood Nick's parents, Charlie's parents and Tori with the poppers in her hands. Charlie placed Mya down and reached for the poppers at the same time as Nick.
Nick did a deep breath. "You ready?"
Charlie nodded excitedly.
"Pink for girl and blue for boy! Okay, on the count of three everybody!" Tori shouted.
One!
Two!
Three!
Nick and Charlie twisted the poppers, but only Nick's was able to function properly. Out popped light blue smoke from his popper. Nick was all smiles as he hugged Charlie and Charlie hugged him back.
"Aren't you going to pop yours?" Nick asked.
"Usually when one twin's one gender the other is the same."
"You don't know that!" Tao shouted from the crowd.
Charlie reluctantly picked up his popper and kept twisting. He can feel his muscles tighten as he continued the action. "I don't think it—" suddenly it popped, startling Charlie and causing him to drop it in surprise. But that feeling quickly evaporated when he saw the colour of the smoke. A wave of emotions hitting him all at once. Out from the popper came light pink smoke slowly fading into the sky.
Everyone yelped in surprise.
Charlie couldn't believe it. A baby boy and a baby girl? How lucky was he to get to experience the joys of having both?
Tears started to form in his eyes as he wrapped his arms around his husband. "Nick, we're going to be parents…" he said through his tears. "Orion and Ramona."
Nick pulled away slightly, keeping his arms around him. "Orion and Ramona? Those are their names?"
He furiously nodded. "Do you not like them?"
"No. I actually love them." Nick grabbed the sides of his face and quickly kissed him. "I love them a lot."
Stéphane shook up a cider and popped it open. Shaking all the fizz on Nick and Charlie. "Stop acting like you two are the only people in the world! Let's celebrate!"
It was going to eight when the party died down a bit. A few guests still enjoying themselves.
Nick and Charlie sat at a table holding hands.
Nick ran a thumb along his knuckles. "What a day, huh?"
"It was eventful that's for sure." Charlie started to giggle. "We're really gonna be dads," he said as he rubbed his eyes.
Nick gave him a warm smile as he pulled him closer. He rested his forehead onto Charlie's and looked deep into his eyes. "And I'm very excited to start this chapter of life with you."
Charlie's face went hot at his husbands' words. He grabbed him by the cheek and leaned in for a kiss, but before their lips could meet, Charlie's phone vibrated. He pulled away and Nick scrunched his eyebrows together in confusion. Charlie unlocked his phone and saw a text from Ben.
Ben: I'm outside
Charlie raised an eyebrow as he stood up.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'll be right back, okay?" Charlie leaned over and kissed Nick on his forehead before leaving.
He got to the front of the house and there stood Ben with a bag in his hand.
"Who told you about the baby shower?"
"Josiah mentioned it in passing. Anyways, here. I got you something," Ben said as he shoved it towards Charlie. He took it and looked inside. It was onesies in each and every colour. "I didn't want to assume their favourite colour," he chuckled.
Charlie returned the chuckle back. "This is nice. Thank you."
The two continued with a casual conversation. Little did they know, Nick was watching from the window of the sitting room. Peeking through the curtain and making sure they couldn't see him. He then let out a rough sigh. 'What the fuck am I doing?'
"What are you doing?" Nick jumped at the voice. He turned around and saw Monica. She pushed pass him and peeked out the window at the scene. A small smirk appeared on her face. "Who's that?"
"That's Ben. He and Charlie are working together on a book."
"They look like they've known each other for a while."
"Yeah. That's his ex…" Nick groaned.
Monica did a smirk Nick couldn't see. 'Time to stir the pot.' "Not to be controversial, but they look cute together, no?"
Ben said something to Charlie and Charlie threw his head back in laughter, punching Ben in the arm playfully.
Nick's eye twitched. "No. No, actually they'd be a hideous couple!" he said as he threw the curtains shut. He walked away in annoyance and Monica followed him.
"Well, I mean you were aware that he was working with him, right?"
"Yeah. He told me the day he found out."
"Did he tell you that he was going to be here?"
Nick didn't answer.
Monica faked a gasp. "That's pretty shady if you ask me. I mean, inviting him and meeting him outside? It's like he's hiding something."
They both walked back to the backyard. Nick shook his head. "No, I think Ben just came here. Why would Charlie want to invite him?"
"They're coworkers. Why wouldn't he come?"
"No… you don't get it. Ben was —" Nick stopped himself and Monica tilted her head to the side to look at him. "Never mind."
She tilts her head to the other side. "Why don't you go confront them? I'd be pissed if I were you."
Nick let out a small laugh that confused Monica. "Because Charlie has never given me a reason to be suspicious of him."
Monica scoffs. "So, what we saw just now, that doesn't make you feel even a tiny bit jealous?"
"Of course I'm jealous, Monica," Nick said. "My husband is spending a big majority of his time with an old flame… if you can even call him that… and I'm busy too. But these feelings are normal, and I know to remind myself that Charlie isn't that type of person. He wouldn't do that to me."
Monica began to stutter. "B-but we just saw that! Why aren't you suspicious?"
"Because I trust Charlie." Her eyes widened in surprise at his words. "Yeah, it's Ben… but at the same time, Ben is apart of his work. I mean, I don't know why he's here, but at the end of the day, Charlie loves me, and I know he would never and in the very unlikely scenario he would, he would tell me." He picked up an empty tray. "I'm gonna go put this in the kitchen."
As he walked away, Monica gritted her teeth. She pulled out her phone to message David.
Monica: Compile those pictures. I think I'm going to need them sooner than later. I'll set up the meeting with Nick.
Tori was helping her parents straighten up the kitchen when Lucas appeared beside her. "Hey, could you show me where the bathroom is?"
She nodded as she shook her hands dry and led the way.
When they get there Lucas thanked her.
"I'll wait for you out here. Don't want you getting lost on your way back." she joked. In reality, she just wanted to get out of cleaning duties for a bit.
Lucas laughed before entering the bathroom. Tori leaned against the wall and messed with her phone until he walked out.
They began to walk back to the kitchen when Tori heard her mother say, "Please Julio, can we just talk?"
She halted in her tracks and pressed on Lucas' chest to stop him from walking. She listened intently.
"Talk about what, Jane?"
"I mean… are you sure? Are you sure about the divorce?"
Tori's heart plummeted. Divorce? Her parents were getting divorced?
Julio released a rough sigh. "Not here. We can talk at home."
"But I want to talk now. I don't want you to leave, honey."
He did a sarcastic chuckle. "You didn't seem to care if I did or didn't when you were going around town with that man."
Tori and Lucas' eyes dilated. Lucas cleared his throat. "Tori, I don't think—"
"Shoosh!"
"Listen, I put up with a lot with you and I tried… but knowing you have feelings for another man—" Julio's voice caught in his throat as he tried to hold back his tears. "I can't Jane. I'm sorry."
Jane started to cry. "Fine…" she hesitantly said. "When will we tell the kids?"
Just as she said that, Tori walked in. Julio looked towards her and his faced dropped. Jane then turned around and she looked mortified.
Tori felt numb. She didn't know what to feel. Should she feel angry? Should she feel sad and cry?
"Divorce?" her voiced cracked. "You two are getting divorced?"
"Tori—" Jane started.
"You cheated on dad?!" Her hand began to ball up her dress at the side.
"No! Yes… it's complicated," Jane said, ashamed.
Tori's breath began to quicken. "You cheated on dad!" she screamed. That's when everything in her head started clicking. "Oliver knew, didn't he?!"
"Sweety, you need to calm down," Julio said in a calming voice.
"NO!" She faced back to her mother. "Oliver's been out of it because of you! He smokes because of you!"
"Wait! Oli smokes?"
"Don't change the subject!"
The room began to spin around her as her breathing quickened some more. She stumbled a bit.
Julio began to slowly approach her. "Tor—"
Just then, Tori let out a blood curdling scream. She clutched her stomach in pain.
Jane's eyes widened when she saw the blood dripping down her leg. "Tori!"
Lucas quickly picked up Tori as she started to cry at the pain. "Get Michael and the others! Quick!"
Charlie bounced his leg in anxiousness as he bit the nail off his thumb off. Nick moved his hand away from his mouth and placed his other hand to stop the bouncing of his leg. "It'll be okay," he reassured.
Charlie pressed his lips into a firm line. He looked around the waiting room and saw Michael sitting in a chair with his head hanging. His fingers lacing at the back of his neck. Charlie went up to him. Yes, that's his sister, but she's also his partner and could understand he was just as worried as he was. When he was finally next to him, he was unsure of what to say. "Um… Michael?"
Michael looked up and Charlie's heart had a sharp pin to it. His face… Charlie's mind flashed to that dream and then back to reality. Michael was making the same exact face. It was stern and stoic. His frown was deep and his eyes were dull.
Surprisingly, he forced a smile. "Are you okay?"
"I should be asking you that."
"Tori's a strong girl. I know she'll be okay." That tone in his voice. Was he trying to convince Charlie or himself?
The doctor walked into the room. "Family of Victoria Spring?"
Everyone scattered up and went straight to the doctor.
"Is my little girl okay?" Julio asked.
"She's fine," the doctor says. She began to lead everyone to the room Tori was staying in. "We were able to stop the bleeding and she's stable."
They get to the room where Tori was, and she was dressed in a white medical gown. The medical bed she was in made her look small and she was paler than usual.
Jane was the first to approach her. She smooths back her daughters' hair. "Are you okay?"
All Tori could do is nod. The rest of the group walked in and her eyes went straight to Michael. She furrowed her eyebrows in worry when she saw him. She can tell he was anxious about the situation, but also, he was pissed at her. "Mich—"
"Stop." He bit his bottom lip for a moment before continuing. He then crossed his arms. "We'll talk later."
Charlie turned to the doctor. "What was that?"
"It's called preeclampsia," the doctor says. "It's a condition that effects blood pressure during pregnancy. Your sister's blood pressure was practically in stage 2 of hypertension. Due to her high blood pressure, we believe it led to her experiencing placental abruption, which explains the bleeding she has been experiencing."
"Placental abruption?" Nick questioned.
"Yes. One of the twins are separating from her uterine walls." The doctor puts up the x-ray. She uses her blue pen to circle the area. "See how this one seems to have all this space? The other one has this build up right here and because of this, this twin may not be getting the nutrients that they need. I really don't know how this flew under the radar with the other doctors and nurses you were with before."
Tori did a deep sigh. "How did this happen? When they checked me out before I started to surrogate, they said I was healthy."
"Well, there is a possibility this could be genetic. Has anyone in your family experienced a miscarriage before?"
"No… I don't think—"
"Yes," Jane spoke up. Everyone turned to face her. A mix of confusion on their faces. "I experienced the same thing you are experiencing now, Tori,"
"Mum…?"
Jane reached out and squeezed Tori's hand and Julio squeezed Jane's shoulder to comfort her. "Your father and I got pregnant right after our honeymoon. I was pregnant with twins too. One boy and one girl." She pushes out a small laugh. "We were going to call them Victoria and Charles…"
Tori and Charlie faces softened as they looked at their mother.
"Then one day… I started bleeding too. But the doctors kept telling us it was rare but normal. But it just kept happening. It kept happening over and over. On the day that would've been my twenty-seventh week in, I felt this sharp pain…" she paused for what felt like a century. Her eyes shimmering. "Long story short, I lost my twins. I had them cremated and spread their ashes in this meadow somewhere. Everyone in the family treated it like it was some big secret to be ashamed of."
"Mum… I'm so sorry," Tori said, squeezing her hand back.
"Oh honey, I'm okay. But yes, it's most likely you got this trait from me. I'm sorry. I feel like this is a curse on me for being a terrible mother to you guys."
"Don't say stuff like that, mum," Charlie says. "I understand why you would hide something like that. It's traumatic." He then faced back to the doctor. "So, how bad is it?"
"It's moderate but it could get worse," the doctor says. "Your sister may survive this if we keep her under closer surveillance and put her on bed rest, but if it worsens and if she gives birth early it can cause harm to her and the babies. Maybe even death to one of them, her or even all three."
Charlie does a sharp breath. He firmly pressed his lips together as he wrapped his arms around himself and squeezed his eyes shut.
Nick quickly wrapped his arms around him. "Can we be alone please?"
The doctor nods and walks away.
As soon as the door shut, Charlie bursted into tears. Using his hand to drown out his wails. All Nick could do to offer his support was to hug his partner tighter.
It was Tori's turn to start crying. "Charlie, I'm sorry."
Charlie ferociously shook his head as he turned around to face her. "How long have you been hiding this from us?" Tori pursed her lips together as she continued to let her tears fall. "How long Tori?"
Michael grumbled under his breath. "She experienced this in June."
"Michael!" Tori became red in the face.
"It was light, but she did bleed around that time," Michael said, ignoring Tori.
Nick furrowed his eyebrows. "This happened and you didn't think to tell us?!"
"I know and I'm sorry," Michael said. "I should have told you."
"Why did you hide that?" Charlie cried out in anger.
Michael's expression tightened. "Um… she wanted to tell you—"
Tori widened her eyes at him. 'What's he doing?'
"—but I advised her not too. Sorry again."
Charlie did an aggravated groan. "Are you fucking stupid?!"
"Charlie! Stop it!" Nick said. His arms still around him.
"No! This moron may have put my sister and our babies at risk! Why would you give us false hope? Why let it go so far to the point we had a baby shower? Do you know the gravity of what you've done?!"
Tori tried to sit up in her bed as she winced as the pain. "Charlie it's not his fault! I—"
"I know. I know no amount of sorrys can make up for it, but I truly am," Michael continued.
Charlie continued to get redder and redder in the face. Michael was lucky Nick had his arms around him.
"So… What are you guys going to do?" Oliver asked.
Charlie tried to keep himself from breaking down again. Yes, it was a tough decision, but he couldn't allow harm to happen to his sister all because he wanted a family. If it's meant to be, it would happen on a later date.
He faced Tori. Her face was stoic as she awaited his answer. "You need to end it," he hesitantly said. "Terminate it."
Tori's eyes widened in surprise. "But the doctor said it's moderate. I could be okay!"
"Or you could die, Victoria!" Charlie pulled up a seat next to her. "Listen, I know you want to help, but this is greater than you. Please think of yourself. Think of Michael. The family."
Tori's eyes darted around at everyone in the room before they landed back on Charlie. She stared at him intensely before her mother's words from months ago echoed in her head again.
Think of that baby that's inside you, before you do something that sends Charlie off edge.
She knew Charlie would be mad. She knew he wouldn't understand, but she felt like she had too to keep him saine. She needed Charlie to be happy.
She furiously shook her head.
"Tori?" Charlie questioned.
"No."
Charlie blinked two or three times at the answer. "What?"
"No..." she repeated shaking her head. "No."
Charlie did a nervous giggle. "No? What do you mean no?"
"I'll take those chances. I'll deliver these babies safely, I promise!"
Everyone got really quiet to the point you could probably hear everyone's blood rushing through their body. All shocked and unsure of what to say to talk Tori out of it.
She then reached over and smoothed the sides of her brother's face over and over. "I'll be okay."
Charlie stared at her in bewilderment.
"I'll be okay."