Out Of The Blue (Full Chapter)

Pushing the door open in a hurry Nicki threw her bag to the ground and tore her shoes off.

"Safaree?!" There was silence as she was about to shout him again but she saw him on the couch. "Hey, you didn't hear me shoutin' for you?"

"Yeah, I was sleep. Sorry." He stood up and greeted her properly with a kiss before she pushed him off.

"Stop, I need to hurry!" Giggling she continued on to her room. "Where's Noah?"

"Oh I put him down for a nap a while ago."

"Well the girls are goin' shoppin' so I'mma take him with me. You know where his bag is?" She was searching around as he stood in the same position.

"By the door."

"You ok? You're doin' that thing where you answer with like, one word." She was trying to keep it sweet but she hated when he did that. How were they supposed to resolve their issues if he never said what was wrong and acted like this?

"I'm good, just tired. Anyway I'mma go get showered up. I'll see you later." He moved over to where she was and kissed her like he was never going to see her again before pulling away and looking at her.

"I'm goin' to the mall Safaree, it's ten minutes away." She laughed at how weird and cute he was being.

"I know, but I'm not gon' see you before you leave. So I'm sayin' bye now." He ran his thumb over her dimple and smiled at her.

"Now you're just being corny. Get off of me." She cackled not knowing that he was being dead serious. He did what he said he was going to do and shut himself in the bathroom as she heard the shower turn on. Mumbling to herself she threw Noah's stuff on the counter and quickly went to get some better shoes before getting Noah. Luckily she saw him standing up against his crib railings and was relieved he was awake.

"I knew he wouldn't change you." She wrinkled her nose up and lay him on the changing table. It took her all of three minutes to get him sorted. Pulling his little pants back up over his diaper she grabbed his coat from the rocking chair, since his surgery he had to keep all rugged up and warm so Nicki was taking no risks. "Mmkay, we're ready." She zipped his coat right up and sat him comfortably on her hip before moving back to the kitchen and grabbing the rest of their things. Yelling bye once more she didn't get a response but knew he was showering.

***

"Nicki! He's the cutest little thing I have ever seen!" Cassie was peering over at him in his stroller as they sat enjoying their food.

"Cassie, you haven't seen him in a bad mood."

"Oh, is he like you?" Lauren couldn't help but laugh at how serious Cassie was but she didn't seem to notice what she'd said.

"The hell is that s'posed to mean?" She laughed along before handing Noah a piece of her burger bread bun. Not even hesitating to investigate what it was he shoved it into his mouth along with half of his hand.

"Wow, he really is his Mother's son." Candi's comment was followed  by a swift thump to her upper arm before she gasped and grabbed at the skin where Nicki just hit her.

"He's a growing boy, he needs his food." She wiped his face before turning her attention back to the group.

"So did you speak to SB?" TT was just dusting the crumbs off of her hands as she spoke.

"No, he was gettin' ready for his shift and I was runnin' 'round like a damn blue-assed fly to get here on time. I'll make sure I talk to him when I get back." She chewed on the inside of her cheek as she thought. He had been acting a little weird, but who wouldn't after everything they'd just been through?

"Well, are we gon' go shoppin' or just sit here?" Cassie was the first to stand after her brisk question as they all disposed of their trash and roamed around. A few of the stores Nicki had to sit outside because it was too difficult to manoeuvre Noah's stroller through all the clothes racks but she didn't mind she was just happy to be out with her friends. Feeling the stroller shake as Noah had a mini tantrum she turned it around to face her, he looked grumpy. His grouchy grumbles gave her the hint that it was time for them to leave, she didn't drag anyone else away though just saying her goodbyes she headed back to the car.

***

Safaree had only been filling in for another worker and had told Nicki that he'd be home before 7pm, which she was glad about because she needed to talk with him. Setting all the bags down she moved further in before shutting the door and removing Noah's coat.

"Safaree?" There was no reply, ignoring the lack of response she moved through to the bathroom and started running a shallow bath for Noah who was now clutching on to her for dear life as she bent over into the tub to reach the taps. "Baby, I'm not gon' drop you." He only grumbled as she stood up again. Setting him down on the lounge room rug he crawled over to where his toys were as she switched between checking the bath water and undressing him. Thankfully he wasn't in as much a grumpy mood as she thought and bath time went smoothly. Now sitting on the couch she had Noah in his all-in-one pyjama suit laying next to her on a bundle of cushions as she held the bottle to his face. She'd put the TV on to remove some of the silence. Safaree still wasn't back and she was starting to get worried as she looked at the time, it was almost nine. Knowing that the social worker was visiting tomorrow she decided to concentrate on getting Noah to bed first and then she'd worry about where the hell Safaree was.

***

He'd been sat in his parked car for hours, just thinking. Honestly that was always a bad thing. His thoughts would expand and become more embedded and before he knew it he was making decisions he never knew he wanted to make. It had only really dawned on him today when Nicki was at school. He had Noah for the day and decided to take him out. He loved when everyone would make comments about him being a cute kid and how lucky he was to be his Father. Of course, he could fool them but Noah was always going to grow up knowing that Drake was his Dad. He'd be around them forever. He knew he'd told Nicki that nothing had changed, that he'd never leave her. But everything had changed, it was almost as if he didn't fit in to their lives anymore. Like he was on the outside looking in, which he knew was complete bullshit but that feeling wasn't going to go away. Not any time soon, maybe not ever. The thoughts continued to fill his head before he started the engine angrily. He wasn't angry at Nicki nor was he angry at Drake, he was angry at himself for all the hurt he was about to cause her.

The fact that she was laying asleep on the sofa let him know that she'd been sat up waiting for him. He felt like shit but there was no way he'd be able to carry on like this. It was asking too much of him. He wished he'd never opened his mouth and promised that he'd never leave her or that he'd always be there for her. Being a coward was not exactly what he would call it but in reality that's what it was. The thoughts continued to fill his mind as he kissed her lightly on her forehead before moving to Noah's room. Although he wasn't his child he was sure as hell going to miss the little guy. Peering into his crib he smiled seeing that he was awake, just staring at his decorated ceiling. The pacifier in his mouth stopped moving for a split second as he noticed Safaree staring into his crib. That was what killed him, seeing him smile at the sight of his face. Stroking his cheek gently he whispered goodbye and stood up before his emotions got the best of him. It wasn't a spur of the moment decision, he knew that as he grabbed the already packed bag out of his old room, Nicki never went in there. Securing the handle in his gripped fist he knocked off the light and placed the envelope on the coffee table in front of Nicki, she'd definitely see it when she woke up. He looked at her for a while longer before actually building himself up to walking out with one last peck on her lips. As soon as the front door shut behind him, he was gone.

She woke up with a start when her leg slipped off of the couch. It was only 7am and honestly she couldn't remember falling asleep. Slowly sitting up she stretched her back out and yawned as she looked around the room. She still had to clean up a bit more before the social worker came. Noticing an envelope on the coffee table she could only presume it was from Safaree, which was odd because usually he'd move her to the bed if she fell asleep elsewhere. Inching forward she pulled her robe over her shoulders some more and grabbed at the paper, ripping it open without a second thought. The whole time she read it was as if she had forgotten how to breathe, only when felt herself choking on her cries did she realise that she hadn't taken a breath. How could he do this? Just leave like he was in no way shape or form tied to them. The tears didn't let up, not once as she paced the lounge room floor with her phone pressed to her ear. He wasn't picking up. It was only a matter of minutes before the despair and hurt would turn into hatred and anger, she could feel herself heating up at his cowardly exit. I don't belong. That was what hurt the most, the fact that he believed that stupid sentence. He had a place in her heart that no one else had just as Noah did. How could he not see that? He only had his eyes open to the blatantly known. Drake was Noah's Dad and that meant he'd always have an 'Outsider' stance in their relationship, which she could admit was probably difficult to accept. Had it been the other way around she would feel the same way but she definitely wouldn't give up this easily. Then her mind started reeling, maybe he meant far more to her than she did to him? That made sense, she was young, alone and pregnant how could he ignore that? She shook her head and brought her hands up to the sides of her face hearing Noah start squawking. Things were going great, she actually felt as though she was getting back on track but once again her whole world was ripped from under her. Angrily screwing up the heartfelt letter she tossed it roughly into the waste-paper basket before going into Noah's room. Gently picking him up she took him to the kitchen and sat him in his highchair. She couldn't stop the tears from flowing, it was as if as soon as she managed to control them they'd just start again.

It had been four hours and she'd finally suppressed the tears, just in time for the social worker. She was already nervous as it was and now, facing such a huge thing on her own, she was crumbling. Not one to willingly show her own vulnerability she shook off the negativity, just until this social worker had been and gone. She was supposed to be at their house for 11am but it was nearing half past and still nothing. Her phone was being squeezed in her clutch as she waited, no matter how hard she tried she couldn't him off of her mind. Thankfully the knock at her door interrupted her thoughts before she started crying again, although she wasn't actually crying anymore it was extremely obvious she had been. Taking a deep shaky breath she opened to the door to see a middle aged woman stood with a briefcase. She looked like supernanny to be honest.

"Onika Maraj?"

"Yeah, come in." She chewed on her lip anxiously and shut the door behind the strict looking woman. This was not going to be fun, she could just tell.

"I'm going to get straight to it and keep things plain and simple, okay?" She set the case down and made herself comfortable as Nicki took a seat on the couch opposite and nodded. "So Noah spends most of his time at home with you and a Mr Samuels, is that right?" There it was, his name.

"Well yeah, usually-"

"Mmkay." She didn't even let her finish as she started scribbling down notes on a sheet of paper, her lips pursed like a dog's arse. "Where is Noah?" Looking up her cold stare connected with Nicki's tear filled eyes. She didn't even bat an eyelid that this young girl sat before her was obviously dealing with something at that moment. Her expression remained the same as Nicki used her sleeve to wipe her tears and stood up.

"I'll go get him."

There were a few moments of silence as Nicki retrieved Noah from his room and resumed her seat with him on her knee. Anyone could see he was a healthy looking kid, and happy too.

"So how old is he now?" Her pen pulled away from the paper as she spoke.

"Don't you already have that type of information?"

"Yes, but now isn't the time to cop an attitude Miss Maraj. I merely wanted to know if you knew. How old is he?" This woman was a witch.

"He's almost fourteen months." Her focus lay on Noah as she tried to keep her cool.

"Thank you." There was silence again as she skimmed over some notes. "I understand he just underwent a major surgical procedure , how'd everything go with that?"

"He's doin' really good actually, recoverin' fast."

"Okay." She took to the paper yet again before looking around the room. "Everythin' looks pretty much in order here. Can I see his room?"

"Sure." Picking him up under his arms Nicki secured a chirpy Noah on her hip and guided the woman to his room. Everything was fine there too. It was going okayish for the next half an hour or so until she brought up Safaree.

"So Mr Samuels isn't Noah's biological father?"

"No ma'am."

"But he still sees his actual Father? Mr Graham?" Nicki only nodded as she felt her throat burning with the urge to cry. "Where is Mr Samuels?"

"He's working." She looked down immediately as a tear escaped. This time the woman took notice.

"Is everything okay Miss Maraj?" She didn't answer and cursed the fact that she had to ask that question. Anyone who asked if she was okay always made it worse and that's exactly what had happened just now.

"Everythin's..." She took a deep breath and pulled herself together. "Everythin's fine." Studying the woman's actions she tried to peer over and see what exactly she was writing but she couldn't read her squiggly upside down writing.

"You seem a little distracted."

"No, I'm not I just-" She stopped instantly when her anger peaked again. Every time Nicki went to speak this lady would start writing again. "What are you writing?"

"I'm just taking notes, it's routine procedure-"

"So if they're just notes you can tell me what they say, right?" The worker took notice of her fiery temper and clicked her pen shut as Noah started fussing. The more agitated Nicki was becoming the more Noah was picking up on her hostile behaviour.

"I think you need to calm down a little-"

"Calm down? How the fu-" She stopped herself from blurting out the profanity and collected her words. "How am I s'posed to calm down when you keep writin' stuff after everythin' I say or do?!" She stood up quickly and secured a now crying Noah on her hip. "I want you to leave."

"Miss Maraj please sit back down."

"No." She turned away from her stern face and pulled her hand to her mouth as she struggled to hold back the tears. Once they started she knew they wouldn't stop, but it was too late.

...

*I know it isn't much but I have an exam tomorrow so I really stretched myself to get a post done for a Dricki fic and an Onikafaree fic :/ Hope it was alright, once again my posts as of Sunday will be a lot more detailed and what not. I'm posting on Catch Me this weekend :) Thanku SO much for all the comments last chapter! :)*

Out Of The Blue *Sneak Peek*

*I think some of you are gonna be proper mad at me after this BUT you'll just have to see what happens. HUGE thanku for all the comments on the last chapter, I was like O_O This one hasn't had that many comments in a while lmao. Welp, hope this is alright!*

Pushing the door open in a hurry Nicki threw her bag to the ground and tore her shoes off.

"Safaree?!" There was silence as she was about to shout him again but she saw him on the couch. "Hey, you didn't hear me shoutin' for you?"

"Yeah, I was sleep. Sorry." He stood up and greeted her properly with a kiss before she pushed him off.

"Stop, I need to hurry!" Giggling she continued on to her room. "Where's Noah?"

"Oh I put him down for a nap a while ago."

"Well the girls are goin' shoppin' so I'mma take him with me. You know where his bag is?" She was searching around as he stood in the same position.

"By the door."

"You ok? You're doin' that thing where you answer with like, one word." She was trying to keep it sweet but she hated when he did that. How were they supposed to resolve their issues if he never said what was wrong and acted like this?

"I'm good, just tired. Anyway I'mma go get showered up. I'll see you later." He moved over to where she was and kissed her like he was never going to see her again before pulling away and looking at her.

"I'm goin' to the mall Safaree, it's ten minutes away." She laughed at how weird and cute he was being.

"I know, but I'm not gon' see you before you leave. So I'm sayin' bye now." He ran his thumb over her dimple and smiled at her.

"Now you're just being corny. Get off of me." She cackled not knowing that he was being dead serious. He did what he said he was going to do and shut himself in the bathroom as she heard the shower turn on. Mumbling to herself she threw Noah's stuff on the counter and quickly went to get some better shoes before getting Noah. Luckily she saw him standing up against his crib railings and was relieved he was awake.

"I knew he wouldn't change you." She wrinkled her nose up and lay him on the changing table. It took her all of three minutes to get him sorted. Pulling his little pants back up over his diaper she grabbed his coat from the rocking chair, since his surgery he had to keep all rugged up and warm so Nicki was taking no risks. "Mmkay, we're ready." She zipped his coat right up and sat him comfortably on her hip before moving back to the kitchen and grabbing the rest of their things. Yelling bye once more she didn't get a response but knew he was showering.

***

"Nicki! He's the cutest little thing I have ever seen!" Cassie was peering over at him in his stroller as they sat enjoying their food.

"Cassie, you haven't seen him in a bad mood."

"Oh, is he like you?" Lauren couldn't help but laugh at how serious Cassie was but she didn't seem to notice what she'd said.

"The hell is that s'posed to mean?" She laughed along before handing Noah a piece of her burger bread bun. Not even hesitating to investigate what it was he shoved it into his mouth along with half of his hand.

"Wow, he really is his Mother's son." Candi's comment was followed  by a swift thump to her upper arm before she gasped and grabbed at the skin where Nicki just hit her.

"He's a growing boy, he needs his food." She wiped his face before turning her attention back to the group.

"So did you speak to SB?" TT was just dusting the crumbs off of her hands as she spoke.

"No, he was gettin' ready for his shift and I was runnin' 'round like a damn blue-assed fly to get here on time. I'll make sure I talk to him when I get back." She chewed on the inside of her cheek as she thought. He had been acting a little weird, but who wouldn't after everything they'd just been through?

"Well, are we gon' go shoppin' or just sit here?" Cassie was the first to stand after her brisk question as they all disposed of their trash and roamed around. A few of the stores Nicki had to sit outside because it was too difficult to manoeuvre Noah's stroller through all the clothes racks but she didn't mind she was just happy to be out with her friends. Feeling the stroller shake as Noah had a mini tantrum she turned it around to face her, he looked grumpy. His grouchy grumbles gave her the hint that it was time for them to leave, she didn't drag anyone else away though just saying her goodbyes she headed back to the car.

***

Safaree had only been filling in for another worker and had told Nicki that he'd be home before 7pm, which she was glad about because she needed to talk with him. Setting all the bags down she moved further in before shutting the door and removing Noah's coat.

"Safaree?" There was no reply, ignoring the lack of response she moved through to the bathroom and started running a shallow bath for Noah who was now clutching on to her for dear life as she bent over into the tub to reach the taps. "Baby, I'm not gon' drop you." He only grumbled as she stood up again. Setting him down on the lounge room rug he crawled over to where his toys were as she switched between checking the bath water and undressing him. Thankfully he wasn't in as much a grumpy mood as she thought and bath time went smoothly. Now sitting on the couch she had Noah in his all-in-one pyjama suit laying next to her on a bundle of cushions as she held the bottle to his face. She'd put the TV on to remove some of the silence. Safaree still wasn't back and she was starting to get worried as she looked at the time, it was almost nine. Knowing that the social worker was visiting tomorrow she decided to concentrate on getting Noah to bed first and then she'd worry about where the hell Safaree was.

***

He'd been sat in his parked car for hours, just thinking. Honestly that was always a bad thing. His thoughts would expand and become more embedded and before he knew it he was making decisions he never knew he wanted to make. It had only really dawned on him today when Nicki was at school. He had Noah for the day and decided to take him out. He loved when everyone would make comments about him being a cute kid and how lucky he was to be his Father. Of course, he could fool them but Noah was always going to grow up knowing that Drake was his Dad. He'd be around them forever. He knew he'd told Nicki that nothing had changed, that he'd never leave her. But everything had changed, it was almost as if he didn't fit in to their lives anymore. Like he was on the outside looking in, which he knew was complete bullshit but that feeling wasn't going to go away. Not any time soon, maybe not ever. The thoughts continued to fill his head before he started the engine angrily. He wasn't angry at Nicki nor was he angry at Drake, he was angry at himself for all the hurt he was about to cause her.

...

Resilience (Full Chapter)

Nicki pulled her hand out of Safaree's grasp and moved swiftly over to the doors of Noah's room, pushing past all of the people in her way. Not caring that a majority of them were hospital staff.

"What's happening?!" Her eyes scanned the room at the medical team surrounding Noah.

"Can somebody please get her out of here?!" She recognised that voice. It was the doctor that always had some sort of sly remark to make. Before she could get any closer a nurse ushered her out of the room, but Nicki put up a fight before finally crumbling into Safaree's arms outside the door.

"Noah's having some complications but we're doing our best, okay?" The nurse squeezed her arm gently and quickly disappeared back into the room. Safaree had no idea what to think. His mind was completely blank, only an hour ago he was sat with him and he was fine. They were taking him home soon. His racing thoughts were interrupted by an inconsolable Nicki crying into his chest as he held her. He felt sick.

"Shh, Nic it's ok. He's gon' be fine." He held her even tighter but she could hear the uncertainty in his voice. Understanding that he might need comforting too she wrapped her arms around his torso and squeezed him as tight as he was her. They could do nothing but stand and wait, watching as more and more people piled into his room. Feeling her shaking he decided to move them both to the seats lining the outside wall of Noah's room. She didn't stop crying once for the whole time they waited. A good half hour had passed and Nicki was pacing relentlessly up and down the length of the row of chairs, chewing on her fingernails.

"Why they takin' so long? What is it that's so bad that they're still in there and they're not tellin' us anythin'?!" She threw her arms down to her side and attempted to push the doors open but the doctor came out first causing her to jump backwards as Safaree stood up. "Well? What it is it? What's wrong with him?" She started playing nervously with her sleeves as the tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Safaree was positioned right behind her with his hands resting reassuringly on her shoulders.

"Please, take a seat Miss Maraj?" He looked worried as he went around them and watched them both take a seat before talking again slowly. "Noah was having some difficulty breathing and the stress put on his heart was immense-" He couldn't continue as Nicki broke down in Safaree's arms. He felt so bad, especially after all the snide comments he'd been making towards her. She obviously cared a great deal bout her son. "But he's ok now, we've managed to get him stabilised. He's a strong kid, however this may set him back a few days, so he'll be in here for a little bit longer okay?" They both nodded as Nicki wiped away some of the tears. Safaree felt the lump in his throat get smaller knowing that Noah was going to be ok.

"So, can we see him yet?" The doctor moved his eyes away from Nicki as Safaree spoke.

"Of course, come through." He walked over to door and held it open for them as some more medical staff members made their way out of the room. Safaree still had hold of Nicki as he led her though. She was sick of all of this, she just wanted to take him home. "It was a little blip, but he's fine now. I assure you." He smiled as Safaree nodded his head to thank him and left them alone.

"Is it always gonna be like this?" She sniffed at the end of her sentence, she'd finally stopped crying and was stood stroking Noah's little hand.

"Honestly? Ion know Nic, but if he can make it through all of this when he's a baby..." He trailed off. "I'm sure he'll carry on fightin'." They sat with him for hours until they were told they had to leave. He knew Nicki would be quiet and revert to bottling everything up for the next few days but that didn't alarm him. Noah would be home soon and hopefully everything would be back to normal, that is until the DNA test results were returned.

*Two and a Half Weeks Later*

"So we can come down today?" Nicki asked nervously as she stood on the phone with Klara. Safaree was sat holding Noah delicately as he watched her reactions. "Mmkay, thank you." She hung up and placed the phone back before locking eyes with him.

"So? They back?"

"Yeah, she said we can go down this afternoon. She's just gon' call Drake and let him know."

"I just wanna say, no matter what the result I'll still love him as my own y'know? And it don't change nothing between us." He stood up to walk over to her, Noah was fast asleep in his arms. He was progressing extremely well which brightened their situation up. Not to mention removing some of the stress off of Nicki, she was trying to focus on school, Noah and everything else in between. Safaree was doing his best to support her as much as he could between working hours, which she was extremely grateful for.

"Thank you." She moved closer to him as he handed Noah to her and kissed her sweetly.

"I'm just gonna go get ready, I'll be twenty minutes max." And with that he disappeared into the bathroom. He was more than nervous, in a matter of hours they would find out something the could affect their whole lives.

***

Sitting and waiting for Klara to show up was torture. Drake was sat holding Noah as Nicki bounced her leg nervously and Safaree was sat silently next to her. Their anxious thoughts were interrupted as they saw her coming.

"I'm so sorry I'm running a lil' late, there was an emergency upstairs." She faltered as they just nodded. "Anyway lets get on with it shall we? I can tell y'all are tired of the suspense." As they all stood and followed her down the hall Drake delicately handed Noah back into Nicki's arms before they reached a side-room. Klara already had the envelope with her as she stood to the side of the door and let them enter first.

"Ok, take a seat guys. I won't be a minute." They did as she asked and sat themselves down whilst she left the room again.

Noticing how quiet Safaree was being, Nicki turned to look at him and grabbed his hand gently. "You feelin' okay?"

"Yeah, remember what I said though. It doens't change anythin'." Hearing those words uttered again made her feel a little more at ease, she still felt apprehensive though. She looked down at a wide-eyed Noah sat on her lap, he was playing with her bangles on her wrist as her arms held on to him securely. Since the incident with Drake almost three weeks ago he had apologised profusely and was adamant that if he was Noah's father then he was going to do his best to be great Dad to him, which honestly she was glad to hear and deep down she knew he was a good Dad so either way Noah would wind up having an amazing father but the issue lay with hers and Safaree's relationship. She was petrified that still having some sort of contact with Drake would drive them apart sooner or later. Blocking her train of thought Klara re-entered the room with her casual clothes on. Her scrubs were a little dirty.

"Okay then, the moment of truth huh?" She widened her eyes as she took a seat behind a desk but tried to remain more sensitive seeing how nervous they looked. Slowly opening the envelope she slid out the sheets of paper with the results on them. Turning them over they all watched her intently as he eyes scanned the documents in front of her. After a few seconds of breathless silence she brought her eyes back up to meet Nicki's. "You want me to read it out or do you wanna take a look for yourself?"

Shaking her head quickly she moved forward a little in her seat. "No, please could you jus' tell us?"

"Alrighty, well, cuttin' out all the technical terms and names the test results show that Drake is actually Noah's biological father." As soon as the words left her mouth Safaree felt a huge surge of sorrow, pain and heartache course through his entire being. The room was silent as Klara tried to stay out of the awkward feeling. "Kay, well I'll leave you guys to it and I'll see you soon for Noah's check up." Grabbing her stuff she moved away from the desk and stopped in the doorway. "Could you make sure this door is shut behind y'all when you go?" Nodding mindlessly Nicki shifted in her seat to face a dazed Safaree.

"I'm okay Nic."

"Really though? 'Cause you don't look it?" She held on to Noah tightly with one arm as she gently rubbed Safaree's hand.

He smiled genuinely but she could still see the hurt. "Yeah, I mean we always thought he was Drake's anyway right? So it's not really changed anythin'."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." She kissed him lovingly before turning back to look at Drake who was making playful faces at Noah.

"Well, I guess it's like Faree just said. Nothin's changed so....Do we just go on as usual from here?" Switching her gaze between the two guys the both nodded in unison.

"I s'pose so, and Nicki, I meant what I said 'bout tryin' to be a better father. I wanna be there for him, y'know?"

"Yeah I know." She smiled, letting him know that all was well. Or was it?

*** The Next Day ***

"Nic you gotta eat somethin', please?" He pushed the plate up in front of her as she still hadn't eaten.

"I'm not hungry Safaree."

He sighed and took a seat at the table next to her. "You'll have done fine, I know it! So stop worryin' so much!"

"I can't help it like, my whole, entire, overall grade relies on this one test result." She spoke super speedily as she stood up to go get Noah out of his highchair.

"So nothin' else is botherin' you?" He treaded cautiously with his questions as he followed her over to where Noah was.

Wrinkling her face up she shrugged before picking her son up. "No, why?"

"'Cause I just think it's a lil' odd that the social worker happens to be comin' over tomorrow and you're actin' all scatty and weird. You worried?"

Relaxing her shoulders she turned to face his direction but kept her focus on wiping Noah's dirty face. "What if they find somethin' bad or-"

"Nicki stop." Pulling them both closer her kissed both of their foreheads before talking again. "It'll be fine and your test results will be fine. Now hurry ya ass up and go to school."

"Bossy much?" Handing Noah over she kissed his little head before moving up to Safaree's lips. "Aight, I'm goin' and yes Safaree, I'll get somethin' to eat when I get there!" Grabbing her bag she smiled at him laughing and she shut the front door behind her.

"Well, guess it's just you and me little man."

***

"Wait, start again. Who is Noah's real Dad?"

"Drake."

"And you're sure?" Candi and Lauren was interrogating their friend as they all sat in the cafeteria area.

"Yup. Did a test and everythin'."

Widening her eyes Lauren sighed before looking more sympathetic. "How'd SB take it?"

"Really well actually, I mean I think he's kinda upset that Drake is still gon' be in our lives, forever. But other than that he seems fine."

"Is he though? Y'know SB? Bottlin' shit up and all that." Nicki frowned and looked down. Now she was questioning whether or not everything really was ok. What if their friends were right?"

"Nic?"

"What?"

"I just been yellin' you! The bell rang, we'll catch up wit'chu later." Candi grabbed their trays as they both headed off to their own class whilst Nicki sat for a little bit longer, she was petrified about getting her paper back.

Sitting herself at her desk she shook her foot nervously, Mr Tomlinson was taking his sweet ass time as more students filed in to the classroom and took their seats. Finally strolling through the door he set all his stuff down on to his desk and began sorting the papers out.

"Alright, I'm about to hand back your papers so it's all done and out of the way. We have a lot to get through this lesson." Beginning to pace up and down between desks he handed them back one by one. She hated the suspense as he travelled up to her desk, feeling her heart in her throat she chewed on her lip when he stood still after reaching her.

"Ninety-seven. Well done Nicki. One of the highest, keep up the good work." He smiled knowing what kind of pressure she was under and how well she had done. It was as though a whole weight was lifted off of her shoulders as she flicked through the pages and read the feedback.

After fleeing from the classroom in excitement as soon as her class was over, she met up with the rest of the girls outside the gates.

"Hey Nic." She knew that voice anywhere.

"Oh my God, Cassie!" Embracing her in a huge hug she moved around to share herself with TT as well. "Ugh I've missed y'all like, way too much! How are you?" Although they were all as close as could be TT and Cassie attended a different high school and with them being focused on study they hadn't seen each other in a while.

"Yeah we're good, hows 'bout you and SB and...Noah? Is it Noah?"

"Yeah, yeah s'all good! Mhm, Noah's doin' fine now. Thanks for askin'."

As they continued to chat they started walking when Nicki realised she was just going without thinking.

"Oh wait, where y'all goin'?" Stopping in their tracks the turned to face her as they got to Cassie's car.

"Uhm, the mall. Why? Aren't you gon' come with us?" They stood staring after Lauren spoke.

"I can't, I gotta get back." The obvious sadness was evident in her voice as she let her bag slip off of her shoulder and on to her forearm. "Have fun though, I'll see you on Monday." They tried to persuade her some more but she had to get back because Safaree was working. As she got to her own car she stopped. Why should she have to miss out? She could easily just take Noah with her. Or call Drake but no doubt he would be working too and honestly she felt like she hadn't seen her baby in the longest time. Quickly processing all of her thoughts she walked back over to their car, they still hadn't left. "I could meet y'all there though? Where you gon' be?"

"Food court first, see you in ten?" Cassie waited for a response as Nicki checked the time on her phone, she could make it ten minutes.

"Yup. See you there."

*o__o I have a feeling some of you will be mad that Safaree isn't Noah's father :o I still dunno what I'm doin with this fic but it looks as though I'm continuing lmao anyway thx for the comments on the sneak peak and I hope this was ok for everyone :/*

Resilience *Sneak Peek*

*Mkaay so counting blogger comments and my DM's FY and CM drew! So I'll do both, just this once though ^_^ I was so surprised that people actually wanted FY! Like, I thought this one was all done with haha I was gonna delete it the other day but I wanted to finish properly so I think this chapter will be the last :( It's kinda sad cuz it was my first blog. I might make a continuation of it tho? What do you think? Like I did before, just keep it in the same blog but maybe a few years ahead? Ion know really. Aaaanyways here is theee last chap, hope it's ok for you all!*

Nicki pulled her hand out of Safaree's grasp and moved swiftly over to the doors of Noah's room, pushing past all of the people in her way. Not caring that a majority of them were hospital staff.

"What's happening?!" Her eyes scanned the room at the medical team surrounding Noah.

"Can somebody please get her out of here?!" She recognised that voice. It was the doctor that always had some sort of sly remark to make. Before she could get any closer a nurse ushered her out of the room, but Nicki put up a fight before finally crumbling into Safaree's arms outside the door.

"Noah's having some complications but we're doing our best, okay?" The nurse squeezed her arm gently and quickly disappeared back into the room. Safaree had no idea what to think. His mind was completely blank, only an hour ago he was sat with him and he was fine. They were taking him home soon. His racing thoughts were interrupted by an inconsolable Nicki crying into his chest as he held her. He felt sick.

"Shh, Nic it's ok. He's gon' be fine." He held her even tighter but she could hear the uncertainty in his voice. Understanding that he might need comforting too she wrapped her arms around his torso and squeezed him as tight as he was her. They could do nothing but stand and wait, watching as more and more people piled into his room. Feeling her shaking he decided to move them both to the seats lining the outside wall of Noah's room. She didn't stop crying once for the whole time they waited. A good half hour had passed and Nicki was pacing relentlessly up and down the length of the row of chairs, chewing on her fingernails.

"Why they takin' so long? What is it that's so bad that they're still in there and they're not tellin' us anythin'?!" She threw her arms down to her side and attempted to push the doors open but the doctor came out first causing her to jump backwards as Safaree stood up. "Well? What it is it? What's wrong with him?" She started playing nervously with her sleeves as the tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Safaree was positioned right behind her with his hands resting reassuringly on her shoulders.

"Please, take a seat Miss Maraj?" He looked worried as he went around them and watched them both take a seat before talking again slowly. "Noah was having some difficulty breathing and the stress put on his heart was immense-" He couldn't continue as Nicki broke down in Safaree's arms. He felt so bad, especially after all the snide comments he'd been making towards her. She obviously cared a great deal bout her son. "But he's ok now, we've managed to get him stabilised. He's a strong kid, however this may set him back a few days, so he'll be in here for a little bit longer okay?" They both nodded as Nicki wiped away some of the tears. Safaree felt the lump in his throat get smaller knowing that Noah was going to be ok.

"So, can we see him yet?" The doctor moved his eyes away from Nicki as Safaree spoke.

"Of course, come through." He walked over to door and held it open for them as some more medical staff members made their way out of the room. Safaree still had hold of Nicki as he led her though. She was sick of all of this, she just wanted to take him home. "It was a little blip, but he's fine now. I assure you." He smiled as Safaree nodded his head to thank him and left them alone.

"Is it always gonna be like this?" She sniffed at the end of her sentence, she'd finally stopped crying and was stood stroking Noah's little hand.

"Honestly? Ion know Nic, but if he can make it through all of this when he's a baby..." He trailed off. "I'm sure he'll carry on fightin'." They sat with him for hours until they were told they had to leave. He knew Nicki would be quiet and revert to bottling everything up for the next few days but that didn't alarm him. Noah would be home soon and hopefully everything would be back to normal, that is until the DNA test results were returned.

*Two and a Half Weeks Later*

"So we can come down today?" Nicki asked nervously as she stood on the phone with Klara. Safaree was sat holding Noah delicately as he watched her reactions. "Mmkay, thank you." She hung up and placed the phone back before locking eyes with him.

"So? They back?"

"Yeah, she said we can go down this afternoon. She's just gon' call Drake and let him know."

"I just wanna say, no matter what the result I'll still love him as my own y'know? And it don't change nothing between us." He stood up to walk over to her, Noah was fast asleep in his arms. He was progressing extremely well which brightened their situation up. Not to mention removing some of the stress off of Nicki, she was trying to focus on school, Noah and everything else in between. Safaree was doing his best to support her as much as he could between working hours, which she was extremely grateful for.

"Thank you." She moved closer to him as he handed Noah to her and kissed her sweetly.

"I'm just gonna go get ready, I'll be twenty minutes max." And with that he disappeared into the bathroom. He was more than nervous, in a matter of hours they would find out something the could affect their whole lives.

*I'm SO sorry about how short it is, and it's boring :// I have a HEAP of essays to do as well as trying to keep some sort of social life lmao I'll TRY to post next week, one of my essays will be out of the way then.*

Whose Son?

Klara turned to look at Nicki, not knowing what was going on but getting slightly impatient with how silent they were all being. Then she noticed Drake's bloody hand and walked swiftly over to grab some anti-septic wipes and a bandage.

"Boy, come here." Her voice was sharp and authoritative making him do as she asked without question. As he sat in the chair next to Nicki she fixed his hand up in a neat bandage before asking them all for the last time what was going on.

"So you'll do a DNA test for us?" Nicki asked after explaining the whole situation, she was now stood watching Safaree who was cradling Noah in his arms as he sat in the chair.

"I won't do it myself as such, I'll take Drake's and Safaree's blood as well as Noah's and then they'll be sent off to be tested. But you do understand that they will take maybe a week or two to be returned?" They all nodded. "Right, well I'll just go get the equipment I need." She turned and headed for the door before stopping as if she'd forgotten something. "Oh and please, no more arguing whilst I'm gone. You'd be amazed at how much babies pick up on their atmosphere. If you're going to scream and yell, take it outside kay?" She locked eyes with Drake as he just bowed his head solemnly, slightly embarrassed about his behaviour and with that she was gone.

"Drake-" Nicki started but his crackly voice silenced her.

"Nicki, just don't." He stood up and walked out of the room, leaving them in silence. She stayed on her feet not knowing quite what to do anymore until she felt Safaree's hand grasp on to her own.

"Hey, forget him babe." He tugged at her little hand, encouraging her to come closer to him and Noah. "You wanna hold him again? I need to go pee." She nodded and watched him stand carefully before handing little Noah to her, allowing her to take his seat when he moved to the door.

"Faree?" He glanced back at her from the doorway. "Can you please try and find Drake? Ion want any more drama." He would normally have argued, but hearing how tired and upset she sounded he agreed, for her sake only. He couldn't be dealing with Drake's whiny ass right now.

"Yeah, course." He smiled and continued out to the bathroom leaving Nicki and Noah to have a minute together. It didn't last long though as the doctor came in to check Noah's charts. The same one that Klara had words with, although Nicki didn't know about that.

"Oh, Miss Maraj. I didn't expect to find you in here so late. No Friday night parties to be attending?" He flipped through the papers as he spoke, not even looking at her.

"Excuse me?"

"Hmm? Oh I just figured someone your age should be out having fun, that's all." She honestly couldn't tell if he was getting at her or actually being serious but she knew she definitely didn't want to start trouble so for once she tried to keep her mouth shut and just looked down at Noah who was now sound asleep in her arms. "Well, everything is looking good so far." He placed the chart back on the end of Noah's crib. "Nurse Michaels will explain about the social worker visits and-" Before he could finish Klara came walking in whilst holding some forms in her hands.

"Oh, doctor, I didn't know you were in here." She half smiled as he returned a cold one back and left the room without another word.

"He hates me."

"What? Nicki, no don't be silly, he just feels really strongly about young parents. I don't know why, it just gets to him. Pay him no mind." She smiled warmly. "He's doing well isn't he?" She nodded her head at a sleepy Noah.

"Yeah, I can't wait to just take him home, it's so quiet without him." Klara smiled.

"Only a few more days, he'll be back before you know it. Is there anything I can get you?"

"No we have everythin' we need, thanks Klara." She smiled and carried on watching Noah.

***

"So, the results will be returned here and I'll make sure to call you and arrange for you all to come in and find out the results." Klara was just finishing up taking the three blood samples for Safaree, Drake and Noah. The atmosphere was a lot calmer now that Drake had cooled off a little. They had been advised to go home and rest seeing as Noah was fine, Nicki was hesitant but knew what Klara was saying made sense.

"So that's it, were all done?" Safaree asked as he rolled his sleeve back down.

"Yep, done and dusted. I'll just go take these down." She sealed the plastic bags with the sample containers enclosed. "You're all free to go home now." She smiled and said her goodbyes.

"You 'bout ready to leave Nic?"

"Yeah, I'm just gon' go use the bathroom before we go."

Once she left the room Safaree took that chance to set Drake straight. "Look, you can't keep feelin' this angry towards her. It ain't her fault, she's just as shocked 'bout all this as you are." He didn't want to raise his voice around a sleeping Noah so he kept the volume down.

"I know and I'm sorry for how I acted, I need to apologise to her. But think about it, I'm here thinkin' that this kid is mine. I love him like crazy and to know that he might be ripped away from me is just...." He trailed off and for the first time Safaree really thought about it from his perspective.

"Let's just wait for the results before we start assumin' things, yeah?" He nodded and moved over to Noah, stroking his little hand before he left. As soon as Nicki returned she and Safaree headed home.

***

"Nic, you want somethin' to eat?" Safaree was stood in the kitchen even though it was almost midnight and they had only just got back from the hospital.

"Uhm, no I'm good." She had come out of the bathroom in just her underwear as she made her way back to their bedroom. He tried to keep his concentration on the task at hand but he couldn't tear his eyes away. He lost his view as she disappeared, she was well aware of his staring. He heard her rustling around and figured she was climbing into bed. Making his way over to the bathroom he too showered and performed his evening rituals before joining her. They were now laying together in silence.

"You still wake?" He waited for an answer as he held his breath.

"Not anymore...What's up?

"Oh, my bad. Nothing I just wondered."

"Forreal? You woke me up 'cause you was just wonderin'?" She turned over to face him, they were now so close their faces were almost touching. He could see her furrowed brow and how angry she looked but it quickly softened and he saw her smile. "Somethin's up. Talk to me." She smoothed her hand gently down his face as he sighed heavily. She could read him like a book as he could her.

"Ion know....I was just thinkin' 'bout this whole DNA test shit. Like, what if I'm not Noah's dad? Then where does that leave me?" Nicki scooted even closer to him and was now laying on her front with one arm draped over his chest with him laying flat on his back. She felt him shifting slightly when she rested her bare leg across his thighs.

"That leaves you where you always were, and always will be. With me and Noah." He rotated his head to face her and instead of answering he leaned in to kiss her not at all intending for it to lead to anything more but she had other ideas. Quickly deepening the kiss she moved her leg further across him and straddled his waist, never breaking their connection. He pulled away feeling himself getting hard.

"You sure?" He didn't need to ask twice as she removed her own top, allowing him to take off her bra as he sat up right for her to do the same to his tee.

"Positive." She was breathless already, and this time she was going to remember everything when she woke up.

*** (I wasn't joking when I said no more of those scenes)

The next morning Nicki was awoken by her alarm, which was still set for school hours. Slowly reaching over to her nightstand she slammed her hand on to the clock immediately shutting it up. Rolling back to her original position she realised she was naked and suddenly remembered last night and smiled.

"Morning." His voice was deep and croaky as he moved  on to his back too.

"Hey."

"You sleep good?"

"Mhmm, thanks to you." She smiled some more as she got closer to him. He did the same as he pulled her into his arms.

"What time you wanna go see Noah?"

"Mm I was thinkin' 'bout eleven. Lauren and Candi wanna come see him too." The way she ended her sentence he could tell there was a 'But' coming.

"Annnnd?" He shook her playfully making her giggle but she soon stopped.

"I have a test to study for....Mr Tomlinson said my grades are droppin'." She looked at him worriedly.

"Hey, no biggie. You'll ace it, I know you will. How 'bout you spend this mornin' on studyin' and shit and I'll go be with Noah, so he's not alone?" He knew she felt bad if nobody was there with him even though he always had nurses cooing over him, she wanted someone familiar there.

"Really? You don't mind though?"

"Don't worry 'bout it, I think my Mom wanted to come along too so I'll go pick her up and take her."

"Such a sweet boy to your Momma. Thanks Faree." She grinned and pinched his cheek before unexpectedly grabbing him firmly under the covers, she smiled devilishly as she started stoking him and then quickly stopped after he groaned as she threw the quilt back, exposing herself purposely as she made her way to the bathroom. Turning her head at the doorway to catch him looking at her.

"You're wrong for that Nic." He looked down at his now erect penis and shook his head.

"Whatever." He heard her giggle from the bathroom.

***

After breakfast Nicki was sprawled across the lounge room floor with books and notes everywhere as she tried to concentrate. Safaree thought it was cute how she would frown as she chewed her pen in thought.

"Aight I'm goin', but I'll be back at three to come get you, yeah?"

"Yep. I'll be ready." She looked up at him stood over her as he bent down as far as he could to reach her lips, lingering for a while before pulling away.

"Study hard kiddo." She laughed after telling him to shut-up and he played upset as he left to go pick up his Mom. She was kind of excited for this week to just be over, Noah would finally be home, her test would be done with and Jelani and Danika were visiting for the weekend. Danika was almost five months pregnant and Nicki couldn't wait to catch up with her. But back to her study she got down to business and before she knew it the time was almost three. Once she'd tidied up she was sat waiting patiently, she didn't want to nag him and keep calling to ask  where he was but she really wanted to go see her baby boy. She beamed hearing the door open as Safaree walked in.

"You ready bookworm?"

"I been ready forever, let's go." He laughed as she ran past him and jumped in the car before yelling for him impatiently. "Safaree!"

"Aight I'm comin', keep your damn wig on." He finished locking the door and headed over to the car also.

***

She didn't know why but every time she entered the hospital she felt nervous, even though she knew Noah was fine and he was making great progress with his recovery she just felt like there was always the possibility they could be told bad news. Safaree felt her hand squeezing his.

"You kay?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. I'm good."

"He's fine y'know? I just saw him not even an hour ago! Stop worrying." He squeezed her hand back and he felt her relax a little.

"Yeah, I guess it's just hospitals...Ion like 'em."

"Who does?" He laughed which made her feel even more at ease.

"Thanks Faree."

All that tension easing however was a waste of time as they approached Noah's room to people scurrying around everywhere. Something had happened....

*BAM!! There you ave it ^_^ I literally re-read all my blogs and died at how sloppy it has gotten compared to before..I'm sorry, hopefully anything from now on after this one will be a bit better cuz Im free from uni!! Thanku guys so much for all the comments left on the last chapter :)) i have been neglecting this one a little :// Sorry for any typos and the length is a little short I know :(( Well I hope it was ok for everyone ://*

I'll Stand By You

He looked at all of the leaflets in his hand. All of them about 'Young Motherhood' and 'Coping With Your Baby'. He flicked through them quickly as he tried to skim read.

"Why hasn't she talked to me 'bout this?" He mumbled to himself as he continued to read but hearing the bathroom door open he quickly shoved them in his back pocket. He needed to talk to her about this. "Babe, food's almost done, then we'll head off again, kay?"

"Sure, I'll just go get dressed." she smiled weakly and shut the bedroom door behind her.

There was dead silence as they finished up eating. Usually Noah's little grumbles could be heard but not today. Not for a few days. Safaree was finished and sat wondering when to bring up the information leaflets he found and decided to just go for it, then it would be out of the way. He reached into his pant pocket and placed the brochures gently in front of Nicki.

"What are these?" After he asked she stopped eating and set her cutlery down before wipeing her mouth and trying to leave the table. "Nicki?! Please....Don't walk away. Remember what I said? You have to let me in!" She knew he was right but that didn't make her want to stop and talk. "Please?"

Turning around again she sat back down opposite him. "Why were you goin' through my stuff?"

"I wasn't. You left your bag in a stupid place and I tripped, when I picked it up all of these fell out." He picked them up and waved them. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know." She wouldn't look at him and kept looking down until he carefully grabbed her chin and made her look at him, the tears were clearly visible now.

"Tell me. I'm gonna listen, I won't talk." She looked hesitant but took a deep breath and started talking.

"I feel like everything is just too much, like, I hear Candi and Lauren talkin' 'bout their nights out and all the shit they do. Y'know? All the stuff I should be doin', normal teenager stuff. I have no life. To top it off my grades are really bad and I just..." She shook her head and trailed off.

"And what?"

"I feel so, alone. Like, with Noah. I can't cope Safaree."

"Don't say that. I'm here and you are definitely not alone." He pulled one of her hands into his, the size difference was huge.

"I know you are but...I don't know. I can't explain it." He knew she wasn't going to say anymore than that so he stopped pressing her. How had he not noticed how she was feeling? Perhaps he was just too engrossed in his own feelings, which made him feel rotten even more so after realising he'd left her alone last night. She'd never spent the night alone with Noah before.

"I'm sorry I left you last night." He kissed her hand and pulled her around the table to sit on his lap as he hugged her.

"It's fine, you had a good reason. I was being bitchy Nika. But don't do it again, please?" He kissed her lips to answer her.

"Never." He felt her relax into him as she got quiet, he knew she was thinking about something.

"Faree?"

"Mmm?"

"Do you think Noah's gon' be ok?"

"Sure. Look how strong his Mom is! He's a fighter." They both giggled before she turned serious again.

"I know, but I didn't mean like that." He frowned and moved so that he was looking directly at her face.

"What did you mean then?" She could hear the confusion in his voice.

"I meant, like, with me being his Mom. I'm obviously not fit to be a mother. The doctor practically said that himself and how the fuck did I not even notice the bruises or anything? He deserves better." He wiped the tears from her face. Again.

"How could you even think that? You're amazing, give yourself some credit! You're 17, still in school and have a one year old child. Superwoman much?" That made her laugh which he was glad of.

"You mean that?"

"Of course."

"And you'll always be here for me? For us?"

"Always." He kissed her again to confirm what he was saying and she gladly accepted. "Come on. Noah's waiting." He tapped her butt as she got up and cleared the plates away. He was hoping that was the last obstacle for while, they still had to sort out the whole DNA test and speak to Drake. Which he was honestly dreading.

***

"You ready?" Klara looked at the three of them as they all nodded nervously. "He's had his bandages changed, but it still looks a little scary, but he's gon' be fine." She was looking at Nicki as she said it before opening the doors to his room. He was awake, he still had wires and tubes all around him though. "You can go on in, once you've had a moment we'll call your mother. Okay?" Once again they nodded and went inside, seeing him awake was such a relief. A few hours passed and Carol had been and gone.

"Nic? We should probably be goin' now."

"I wanna stay. I'm not leaving." Safaree sighed.

"Iight, I'll ask if they have any extra pillows and blankets or somethin'" He kissed her head and made his way out. The silence between Nicki and Drake was intense.

"Drake?" It came out as a whisper.

"Yeah?"

"There's somethin' I need to talk to you 'bout, but you have to promise to keep your cool, okay?"

He looked down and re-adjusted his seat before nodding at her. "Kay, I promise. I'll be calm."

"There's a small chance that....Noah, might not be yours." She went extremely quiet as she finished off her sentence.

Rubbing his hands over his face he sighed and breathed out slowly. "How long have you known he might not be mine?" She could tell he was really trying to keep from yelling.

"Only since last night, I swear. Faree told me."

"How could SB have told you? Wouldn't you be the one to know? I mean you're the one fuckin' around!"

"I was drunk. I don't remember shit! He said we slept together and he thought we used protection so he didn't tell me..." She trailed off as she started crying again. She was seriously wondering how many tears she had left.

"So Noah could be SB's or he could be mine?" He laughed dryly. "In fact, he could be the child of any one of those niggas you've fucked!"

"Drake, stop it."

He stood up and started pacing before punching the wall with all of his force, just as Safaree came back in.

"Dude, what the fuck?!" He pulled Drake away from where Nicki and Noah were and pinned him against the wall. Not in an aggressive way, just to restrain him. His knuckles were pretty bloodied up.

"Get the fuck off me!"

"Not until you calm the fuck down."

"Faree please? Just let him go, if somebody comes in here they're gon' get the wrong idea." After hearing her plea he loosened his hold on Drake and stepped away moving over to Nicki to make sure he didn't do anything to her. After all he'd done it once, he could do it again.

Drake was breathing heavily. "I can't believe this! To think, I mighta wasted a year of my damn life thinkin' he was mine!" Nicki tried to move closer to him but Safaree stopped her.

"Drake, he still could be yours, that's what I'm tryna say. We need to do a DNA test." He stopped pacing and moved closer towards them, Safaree was still wary and kept his stance in front of Nicki.

"Well, when can we do it?" He snapped and was evidently agitated as Klara entered the room.

"Am I interrupting something?" She propped her hand on her hip and cut her eyes at Drake.

He answered shortly. "No."

"Good....Well, back to what I came in here for. The doctor said that it's ok for you to hold him Nicki."

"Really?" They all saw the happiness in her eyes as she walked towards little Noah, Klara moved a chair around so Nicki could sit down as she gently picked Noah out of his crib and handed him to her.

"There you go, back in your Mommy's arms." Klara smiled as she watched them, quickly moving out of the way to let Safaree sit next to Nicki as he joined her in cooing over him. Drake stayed where he was but looked over at them catching Klara's eyes as she started speaking.

"Okay. What's going on? I obviously did intrude on something. Someone going to explain?" She looked between them all "Today, would be good."

Drake's voice was low and he sounded just as angry as before. "You wanna ask her Nicki, or shall I?" He was talking about the test.

........

*I'm sooooooooooo sorry It's not much and It's a bit all over the place :// I was writing an essay at the same time -___- Never doing that again lmaooo anyway HOPE this ok for everyone, and I'm sooo sorry to please ask again for 10 comments before I post the next chap? I feel terrible but it, like, lets me know when to update. THANKU so much for the 14 comments on the last chapter!! ^___^ Also @Rayebaby92TM Thanku for saying I made you feel like that!! I hope u do start writing!! I need more fics to read so I'd be there! haha Welp, I'm off to bed!! Night Barbz Muuuuuah! Sorry for typos!*

*NOTE*

Kay, just lettin' everybody know I have another new blog, I know, I know kinda dumb seeing as I have 3 others as well as uni work BUT that's why I did it. I wanna see if anyone actually enjoys it and if they do I will continue, I'm not sure if I will pursue the lil idea I had but I'll see how people find it! I'll link it if anyone wants to check it out :D

http://whentwo-worldscollide-onikafaree.blogspot.com.au/ 

The Long Wait

Both Safaree and Nicki turned to look at the doctor.

"We have Noah in a stabilised condition at the moment. However there are a few things we need to go through with you both and a Mr....Graham." He said as he flipped through Noah's notes looking for the father's name. Safaree cringed remembering that he still had to have that talk with Nicki, and soon.

"Well, can we see him?" She sniffed and wiped her tears as she asked hopefully.

"Not right now, he's being prepped for the operating room-" He couldn't finish before Nicki started crying again, Safaree just held on to her tighter, letting her know that he was there. "Why don't we move this conversation to somewhere a little more private and I can fully explain everything, we've already contacted Mr. Graham. He should be here soon." As they walked behind the doctor towards what looked like an office Safaree felt Nicki squeezing his hand making him look down at her worried face.

"It'll be okay. I promise, Noah is strong. Just like his Mom." He touched the side of her cheek as she just nodded tearfully. Once they entered the office and each took a seat the doctor proceeded to inform them about the situation, he kept it simple, not wanting to repeat himself when Drake arrived. As he mentioned that the door opened and a nurse ushered Drake and Mama Carol inside, they took the two seats to the side of the room. Drake looked at Nicki, trying to read her face but she kept her gaze fixed on the doctor.

"Right, now, with you all here I'll just go through what is going to happen." He looked between all of their worried faces. "Noah's aortic valve isn't working as effectively as it should, therefore an insufficient amount of blood is making it through the chambers of his heart. "He paused letting them process what he had just said, they remained silent and Nicki's tears were quite obviously rolling down her face. "We'll have to perform something called an AVR, which is an Aortic Valve Replacement. It is an open heart surgery so we will have to re-open his chest again. If Noah wasn't strong enough for this procedure we honestly wouldn't be performing it but we believe it's definitely the best option, all we need to do now is gain your permission and sort through the paperwork and we can get the surgery underway. Do you consent to you son receiving this treatment Miss Maraj?"

"If you think he'll be strong to recover and it's the absolute best thing to do for him...Then, yes I agree." She and Safaree never released one another from their hand hold as Mama Carol nodded reassuringly at them both.

"And Mr. Graham?" Drake snapped out of his thoughts and nodded at the doctor.

"Anything to help him get better." Nicki smiled small at him.

Once all the paperwork was out of the way the waiting began. They had been told that because Noah was so small, more risks were involved and it might take longer but they were looking at a seven or eight hour surgery. Now it was just Drake Nicki and Safaree. Mama Carol was sad to leave but she had to go get Macaiah. They had been waiting for about three hours already and Nicki was asleep on Safaree, leaving an awkward silence between the two guys.

"I can't believe he's gon' be on medication for the rest of his life." Drake sighed as Safaree looked up from his phone. He was texting Lauren and Candi about what was going on.

"I know. He's just so damn small. It ain't right." Safaree added, he felt kind of bad for Drake. The fact that Noah might not even be his son. He had to tell Nicki as soon as she woke up. He looked down at her asleep with her head resting gently on his arm and wondered how she would react. Another two hours passed, slowly and now Nicki was awake. Here was his chance.

"Nic?" She didn't answer him and just turned to look at him tiredly. "I need to talk to you. It's, really important."

"Faree, what is it?" She looked more concerned than before and shuffled closer to him. Drake felt Safaree's eyes burning him and guessed it was private to he took that as his cue to go and get a drink. As soon as he left Safaree took a deep breath and prepared to tell her.

"It's 'bout Noah. I think...." He went quiet for a minute.

"You think what? Safaree, just tell me?" She cupped the side of his face in her hand and turned his face so that he was looking at her.

"I think you should have a DNA test done." She looked at him blankly.

"What are you talkin' about? I already know Drake is his dad. He's the only person I've ever had sex with." She was right, she and Safaree hadn't even had sex yet, well, apart from that drunken night at his birthday party. She didn't want to rush into anything after Noah was born so they were taking it extremely slow. But Safaree didn't mind one bit, he loved her.

"No, Drake might not be his father." He whispered it so quietly she had to lean in just to catch what he had said. She just laughed.

"Safaree, what the hell is wrong with you? Of course he's Noah's dad."

"Think, Nicki. You honestly can't remember? Anything?" She just shook her head, getting impatient with his weird questions. "The night of my 18th?"

"What about it?"

"You woke up, in my bed with-"

"No clothes on. Yeah I know, it was humiliating! But you told me I didn't sleep with anyone so it's fine. Right?" She waited for a response but he just looked down. "Right Safaree?" He sighed and stood up.

"Shit Ion even know what happened! I woke up with you laying next to me, we were both naked and when I got up I found the used condom on my floor. I thought it was ours so I didn't tell you. You seemed so relieved when I said nothing had happened so I just kept it to myself." He was now pacing with his hands on his head.

"I can't believe this! I can't believe you! Why the fuck didn't you tell me?!" She stood up too and he could tell this was going to escalate into a heated argument.

"Because you were so upset thinkin' that you had it off with some random nigga!" He took a deep breath and grabbed her hands making her sit down with him before he started talking again, more softly. In order for the situation to stay calm he needed to keep his cool too. "I was gonna explain as soon as I showered but when I got back to my room you looked like you were 'bout to start cryin' so I figured we used a condom and it would do no harm to just forget about it. We were both pretty smashed, I can hardly remember either." To his surprise Nicki started talking again but she wasn't yelling.

"I'm angry that you didn't tell me this whole time. You've had so many chances to tell me. But I still don't understand how he could be yours? We used a condom, that's what you said right?"

"I thought we had but a couple weeks ago I went to Rex's and we played some stupid drinking game where we confess shit. He told me he fucked some girl in my room at my party and left the condom in there. It wasn't ours."

"So you've only known 'bout this for two weeks?"

"Yeah." He sighed and looked down. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I mean what the fuck was I s'posed to say?"

"I can't stay mad with you forever, but I am upset that you didn't tell me sooner. There are more important things to be worrying 'bout right now, like Noah. We could ask for a DNA test whilst we're here though?" She couldn't look at him and even under all the hurt and anger she was feeling right now she was secretly hoping that Safaree was Noah's real father. Everything would be so much easier. He would probably feel less like an outcast with them and she wouldn't have to send her baby away to stay at his dad's house every so often. In fact she was quite happy about all of this, not that she would let him know that though. He made a mistake not telling her sooner and she would be sure to let him know that. Safaree felt a huge weight lifted off of his shoulders but he knew the next couple of weeks were going to be difficult, already the atmosphere had turned icy and she moved away from him to sit at the other end of the couch in the visitor's lounge. He decided to give her some space.

"I'm 'bouta go get some food, you want something?"

"No, thanks." She didn't look at him and kept her attention focused on her lap. He sighed and made his way out to the hospital canteen.

***

It had been almost eight hours and Nicki was starting to get restless with all the waiting and her level of anger was rising as nobody would tell them anything about Noah.

"Nic, they'll come tell us when they're done, please just sit down? You're makin' me nervous." Before she could snap back at Drake a nurse entered the visitor's lounge.

"Noah's out of the operating room now, he's just being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. That's where he'll be staying and if everything looks well he'll be discharged in around four days. Would you like to see him?" None of them hesitated to follow the nurse up to the ICU. Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw though. He looked so small especially with the amount of bandaging wrapped around his chest. Nicki brought her hand immediately to her mouth in shock, as always though, Safaree was close by to reassure her. They sat by him for hours until Drake broke the silence.

"As much as a really want to stay, for you and Noah, I have to get goin'. You gon' be okay?" He made sure to let Nicki know that he was planning on being their for both her and Noah, much to Safaree's annoyance.

"It's fine, we've been here for hours. Go." She smiled as he left and turned her gaze back to Noah and all the wires and machines around him.

"Told you he'd be okay."

"You didn't know that for sure though, anything could've happened." The way she said it let him know she was still pissed off.

"Nicki. How many times do I have to say I'm sorry? I fucked up, I should've told you and I get that but I don't know what else to say." He got up to leave but her small hand stopped him.

"No, I'm sorry. Please don't go?"

"I wasn't. I was gonna grab a drink." He pointed to the water dispenser by the door making her let go and blush slightly.

"Oh."

"I'm not leaving. Ever. I already told you that." He bent down to kiss her on her head but she moved so that he caught her lips.

"Promise?"

"I promise. On my life." He kissed her again before going to get two cups of water, handing one to her when he took his seat again.

"Did you let Candi and Lauren know?"

"Yeah, I texted 'em when you were out-cold." He laughed at her as she forced her mouth into a pout.

"Shut up! I was tired!" She smiled and quickly turned serious again. "I missed you last night."

"I missed you too....And I'm sorry, 'bout what I said. I was way outta line."

"No, I understand I am - or should I say was, asking a lot of you. Raising somebody else's kid, it's gotta be hard. But now there's the possibility he could be yours." She moved to sit on his knee and ran her hand over his cheek.

"When do you wanna ask for the DNA test?"

"As soon as I've spoken to Drake about everything, Ion wanna do any of this behind his back. We tell him and my Mom first. Then we'll figure everything else out." He was about to respond when the doctor walked in. They both turned to look at him expectantly.

"So, as you can see everything went well. Noah should be discharged in the next four or five days. We just have some more tests to run before we let you guys settle for the night."

"What kind of tests?" Nicki stood up as she asked.

"We just want to make sure that the replacement valve is working effectively. Also we'll send a nurse up to talk to you about his post-operative care." Without saying anything else he smiled at them both and left them alone. Their small talk was soon interrupted by a nurse walking through the door to Noah's private room.

"Onika?" Nicki turned at the use of her real name before gasping.

"Klara? You're his nurse?" She immediately hugged her before moving to let Safaree greet her too.

"Well I wasn't supposed to be but the other nurse was called in for an OR emergency. I read through his notes on the way up, he's a strong little guy huh?" She stood to the side of him and started sorting out some wires and other things as they both took their seats again. Klara soon grabbed a chair and joined them. "So, lets get you two all caught up on what needs to be done." She flicked through some papers and found the page she needed. "Okay, as you've probably been told Noah is going to need medication for the rest of his life?" They both nodded. "It's basically an anti-coagulent which thins the blood to prevent clotting, which is essential with his new valve. The only down side is that if he were to ever have an extremely bad fall or whatever, it'll be hard to control the bleeding, you understand?" They both nodded solemnly again. "Also because it was open-heart surgery he will have scarring on his chest area, the surgeon tried to keep it as small as possible but it's about eight inches long and you'll need to return soon to get the stitches or staples removed." She smiled as she finished up what she was saying, they both looked overwhelmed. "Everything will be fine, and you know you can always call me if you need to?"

"Thank you." Nicki smiled weakly and resumed watching her baby sleeping.


"Okay, well I'll finish up the rest of these tests and leave you to it."

The next day they both woke up groggily after sleeping in the hospital chairs, after gulping down some coffee they were sat waiting for Mama Carol and Drake to arrive. They were finding out whether or not Noah's new valve was working properly. He was still in an induced sleep because they didn't want him moving around and dislodging any vital equipment during the night. To think he was only one year old and all of this was happening was so scary to Nicki.

"Good morning." They knew that voice anywhere, it was Carol peeping through the door. "How is my little grandbaby?"

"He's doing good, well that's what they're saying. We're finding out today, y'know, if it's actually worked." She pulled away from hugging her Mom and sat back on Safaree's lap so that her mother had somewhere to sit. He watched her roll her eyes as Drake walked in, with Caitlin in tow.

"Ugh, the fuck is she doin' here?" She mumbled in Safaree's ear as they walked in further.

"I hope you don't mind, Caitlin came along. She was worried 'bout Noah." Nicki just listened to Drake's explanation and ignored her presence whilst continuing to admire her son.

"Oh wow, everybody is here." Klara chirped as she came in rubbing sanitizer into her palms. "Looks like little Noah's gon' make a full recovery. Everything worked out well and the valve is functioning fine. He's a little fighter this one! We'll wake him up soon, the doctor has to assess him first and he should be up any min-" Just as she was about to finish her sentence the doctor walked in sporting a very serious facial expression.

"Well, as the nurse has already told you, Noah's operation was a success. However some other things cropped up when we checked his x-rays. Could I please speak to his primary caregivers, alone?" A worried Nicki, Safaree and Drake all remained seated whilst Carol and Caitlin left.

"Is something wrong?" Her voice was cracking and she was quite obviously on the verge of tears as she asked, Safaree tightened his grip on her and she rubbed his hand as a gesture to say 'thank you'.

"Noah has a number of small fractures, all situated around the ribcage. Do you have any idea how that might have happened? Or maybe who or what could have caused it?" Nicki immediately got defensive, knowing he was directing the question at her.

"What are tryin' to imply? That I'd purposely hurt my own child?"

"Ms. Maraj, we're just trying to get to the bottom of this." He paused for a second. "So you can honestly say you've never become frustrated with him? Maybe he wouldn't stop crying, did you ever get upset with that? Even shake him, to try and make him be quiet?" Nobody could believe what they were hearing.

"Nicki would never do that!" The person that came from shocked her, she thought Safaree would be the one to jump to her defence. But it was Drake.

"Please, just remain calm Mr. Graham. Unfortunately the bruising Noah has sustained is consistent with that of a pair of hands and I'm left with no choice but to call social services." Klara's head turned quickly in the doctor's direction.

"Excuse me, doctor, can I please have a word? Outside?" As soon as they were on the other side of the door klara let rip.

"You don't even know these kids!" She practically yelled but he quickly dismissed her.

"Nurse Michaels, I see this all the time. She's a young mother, still a child herself and she's struggling to cope. I admit that it's sad this happens but actions have consequences, what can I say? Maybe they should have attended their sex ed classes instead of jumping in to bed at the age of 15?" He shrugged whilst Klara's eyes widened as she scoffed at what he said.

"Well I know them and I'm the nurse who delivered Noah too, I've never seen a girl as brave as Onika and She would never do anything to harm that child. None of them would. So I suggest, before you start making accusations like that, you really look into matters first! Our job is to save lives and aid the sick. We don't judge patients, or relatives. Ever." He looked down knowing she was right.

"Tell the others they can go back into the room, I'll send a counsellor up and they can talk it out. It could be down to people caring for him outside of his home, Grandparents, friends or even babysitters. Just tell them to think over everything. If nothing adds up, I'll have to call in a social worker. I'll have no choice." He walked off angrily as Klara let Caitlin and Carol back in, explaining to them everything the doctor said.

"I just don't see who else could have done this. Maybe he's right, maybe I'm just not cut out for this." The tears came again as Safaree rubbed her back soothingly.

"Don't you dare say that! You have any idea how lucky Noah is to have you as his mother?" She started crying even more at his sweet words as everyone else chimed in, all except Caitlin.

"Who else takes care of him?" Drake asked cautiously as he took a seat.

"Nobody. Just us, Mom and you. I mean Lauren and Candi sometimes but not very often and I'm always there with them. They're really gentle with him. Everybody is." She carried on sniffling as Safaree kept on calming her.

"I'm not." They all snapped their heads around to look at a guilty looking Caitlin, she was staring intently at the floor.

"Excuse me?!" Safaree kept hold of Nicki's arms to stop her from getting to her feet, he could feel the anger in the way she spoke.

"I said I'm not." Drake looked at her with disgust as he stood and walked over to her.

"What did you do to him?" His voice was low and gravelly making her shift uncomfortably.

"Ugh, can't you see?! he ruined everything! You spent all day preparing us an amazing meal and everything was great until the little brat started screaming! He just wouldn't stop, so I shook him a little. It wasn't even that hard! And I only did it two or three times at the most! Baby, I promise." She tried to rest her hands on his chest but he pushed them away. Safaree could see Nicki wanted to throttle her there and then but that wouldn't have looked good so he held her in place on his knee. Klara decided to stand next to Mama Carol by Noah's crib, she thought she should step in but she had a feeling Drake wouldn't do anything stupid so she left them to it.

"Get out." She tried again to touch him but he slapped her hands away. "GET OUT!" He didn't need say anything else as she stared each and every one of them down and left after spewing out a number of insults directed at Nicki and Drake.

"Nicki, I am so sorry. I had no idea, I swear." He was looking at her remorsefully before she sighed and looked at him.

"It's fine, but I told you she was a hoe." She felt like she couldn't be angry at him, especially with the talk that they had to have later. The pangs of guilt were setting in and Safaree could tell.

"Stop worrying, we don't even know yet." Only she heard because he whispered and everyone else had moved to stand around Noah's little incubated crib.

"Nicki, I'll let the doctor know what happened but a social worker is still going to want to talk to you and assess your living conditions." She could tell Nicki was exhausted, the next few days were going to be long and hard for all of them. "I'll tell you what, why don't you all go home, have some rest and something to eat and then as soon as you come back we'll wake him up?" The smiles all around the room told her that was a good idea.

As soon as they got home Nicki went to shower whilst Safaree decided to cook her favourite. Boneless chicken stew. Although he didn't make it as good as Nicki, he still went through with it. Almost having a near accident himself after tripping over Nicki's book bag. He picked it up and groaned as everything fell out, but what he found was not what he was expecting...

*Omg Im so freaking tired!! I was out late last night so I can't believe I actually managed to do this! Sorry it's quite long-ish for me, and it's very hospitally! I actually learnt all of that AVR stuff from watching fictional hospital shows! Also I REALLY hate to do this but Imma have to ask for a certain number of comments on this one too! I need an indication as to when or if I post again, so I will politely ask for maybe 10 comments before I post again :/ I really like writing these but I need to do Uni work to so I'll have to balance it out :)) Thanku for all of the comments on 'Tough Times' I really appreciate it! Sorry for any typos!! Muuuah*

*Oh! I almost forgot! Here is Noah with his liddle hat ^_^*

Usually I refrain from using images because sometimes when people read they automatically picture them in their heads, so sometimes I think posting pictures might ruin it for some people. HOWEVER I think this little kid is just so damn cute I HAD to include him ^_^

Noah:

Thanks for all of the comments on "Tough Times" I should hopefully be posting again soon :)) I might do another chapter for HIA later though ^_^ Muuah!