"How have you been?" Sophie's midwife asked, as Nathan sat down beside his girlfriend.
"I'm fine, well apart from being exhausted and this little one kicking constantly. At least the morning sickness is gone," Sophie answered, rubbing her stomach.
"That's good. How are you finding moving around? Are you still able to walk?"
"It's hard but I can manage, it makes my back hurt though."
"That's normal for someone in your stage of pregnancy. I know you still have four months left, however I will warm you now. As you know, when you first came here your chances of getting a miscarriage was high, this will be the case during labour... I don't want to scare you," she added, seeing the fear on the girl's face and the unushered tears in her eyes. "However, I think it's important you know."
"Shh, calm down, Soph. It'll be okay, I promise," Nathan whispered, kissing the top of his girlfriend's head.
"You don't know that, Nathan! Our child could die! How are you so calm about this?!" Sophie shouted, tears slipping from her eyes.
"Because I know nothing is going to happen, Babe," Nathan assured, holding Sophie closer.
For around ten minutes Sophie remained in Nathan's arms, burying herself into the crook of his neck, until she calmed down.
The midwife sighed dramatically. Her impatience was one thing Nathan hated about her.
"Okay, if you're ready to lie down and we'll check your baby."
Sophie nodded and stood up, after receiving a kiss on the cheek for her boyfriend.
Nathan was thankful his baby was healthy. However, the closer Sophie got to giving birth, the more worried Nathan became. He knew he would need a better-paying job. He got a lot of money already, he just hopped his savings and the additional benefits he would receive would be enough. Simon's warning about Sophie not staying with them was only making his fears worse.
"Great," Sophie mumbled, kicking a stone.
"What?" Nathan asked, looking expectantly at his girlfriend.
"Dad can't pick us up. He's stuck at work, apparently. Why can't he just walk out?" Sophie rolled her eyes. She was completely oblivious to the look of annoyance Nathan sent her.
"He can't just come and go as he pleases you know? I highly doubt he would last long if he just asked to leave to pick up his sixteen-year-old daughter. To drive her home when there are busses available and a thirty-minute walk," Nathan defended, understanding the burdens of work.
"Stop getting angry at me! It's not my fault I want a lift home. I'm five months pregnant. Nathan can't walk home. Why should I have to take the bus, when my dad promised he would drive me?!" Sophie raged, getting looks from passers-by.
"I know you're pregnant, so does your dad, Soph. He can't help being stuck at work. Your mum doesn't work, so he needs to provide. How do you expect your dad to get baby cloths with no money?" Nathan's patient tone hid his annoyance. He blamed the pregnancy for her attitude and just hoped he was right.
"You can afford it!"
"Yes, I can afford nappies, milk, toys and some clots on my wages, if I'm careful and keep my job. The rest, cot, buggy and anything else our child wants and needs would have had to come out of my savings if your dad hadn't offered to buy me them," Nathan reminded, slight annoyance slipping into his tone.
"Still, you could afford it! I'm sure my dad's boss wouldn't be angry, he's there every day for goddess' sake! You said it yourself Nathan you will be fine without my dad! Stop acting like we'll need help!"
"Spending all my money on bills, food, school books and essentials for our baby, I doubt I would have enough to put anywhere near the current amount in my savings. I'll just take money out," Nathan argued, crossing over the road.
"Whatever! We'd be fine! Anyway, how are we getting home?"
"We? I have work, I got called in again, remember. Just go shopping or something until your dad can pick you up."
"What time does your shift start?" Sophie questioned, linking her hand with Nathan's.
"11, so I have around forty minutes... Well thirty, I want to get there in enough time and it's a twenty-minute walk. Do you know when your dad can get off?"
"His lunch, so twelve. Your leaving me in less than an hour. Thanks!"
"Soph, I can't control when I get called into work. I'm not having this argument again! Yes, the hours are terrible, but it pays well."
"In didn't say you didn't get payed well. So, how are we going to kill this half an hour?" Sophie asked as the pair turned onto the main street. Getting closer to Nathan's work every step.
"How about shopping for the baby? I still need some toys and blankets, basic stuff like that."
"Sure-" Sophie replied, giving Nathan a confused look when they walked towards the charity shop on the next street. "No! I am not giving my child toys that have already been owned! I can't believe you!"
"You can afford expensive toys, I can't. I'll wash it multiple times. You can't belive me? What's that supposed to mean? I might buy shoes and toys from here, it's all I can afford!"
"How many times has my dad offered to help you!?"
"He has, I already owe him so much. I know he is more than willing to help me. He won't be giving me money forever! Our child will not know someone else owned it, are they? Why are you making a big deal out of this?"
"Because you're being a cheapskate! I'm not going in there to buy things for our child! I refuse!"
"So you would rather me spend £20 on some toys, when I could get them here for £5 and not spend some of my money for food shopping?"
"If it benefits our child, yes! You're used to going hungry."
"Are you kidding me? Being starved doesn't count as 'going hungry'. I can't be bothered with this! If you don't want to come in fine! Go where you want, I'll talk to you later." Nathan walked inside, seeing no shame in saving money.
It was only 6pm when Nathan finished work that day. He was relieved at the quick shift and being told he had the next three days off, going back at 12pm on Tuesday. This gave him more time to set up his child's nursery, which was once a room for his storage.
The nursery wasn't large, white walls and a space for the cot at the back of the room, at the right side lay a playpen with toys being stored. The last corner of the room was filled with boxes. Next to it lay holding his Baby's cot. It was delivered just before he left for Sophie's appointment with his midwife. It was as brown as chocolate, something the teen was happy about. At first Sophie wanted him to have a pink one, convinced they were going to have a daughter., it was cheaper than Sophie's choice. That caused a fight between the couple.
Nathan would be lying if he said Sophie's words didn't hurt him. People insulting him for having no mother or being on benefits didn't harm him. But having his girlfriend, who understands his situation, say those things hurt. This wasn't the first time Nathan had doubted his ability to care for his child. He knew if it came down to it, he would ask Simon for help. But he knew that would be a last resort. Nathan also Knew Scarlett was more than willing to help him with childcare, her adoptive parents seeing no point in making her work when they can pay for her. Nathan suspected Scarlett was so happy about Sophie's pregnancy because it would not only give her experience, but give her parents even more reasons to delay her getting a job.
Months ago, fighting with Sophie the way he did earlier would have upset him. He understood she was pregnant, but he sometimes felt she used that as an excuse to just be bratty and getting others to pity her. He hated pity.
Two hours passed, and Nathan has finished setting up the cot when his phone rang. He groaned when he saw it was his boss.
"Yes?"
"I know you've already come in today, kid, but I need you to work until close. It's busy and I'm down three workers because of illness. I expect you here in half an hour," Tomas ordered.
"Erm... Fine! I'll be there in 30"
Nathan slammed his phone on the counter in the kitchen. He couldn't deny he was looking forward to having a lazy night.
Nathan grabbed his jacket, wallet and phone before leaving and began the thirty minutes walk to work, already dreading the night ahead.