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Neighbours	By : That-Girl-Han Category: Twilight Series > AU/AR > Het > Het Views: 2455 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
The sound of booming music was not a pleasant way to wake up. Especially when it was the Cheeky Girls. I grumbled and rolled over; trying to muffle the sound but it wouldn’t work. I groaned and pushed my fringe from my eyes before glancing at the alarm clock on the bedside table. 9.38 AM. Really? Jacob and his cronies couldn’t wait until I was up to start to painting the house? Argh. Fighting the urge to kick them all in the arse, I managed to pull myself from my slumber and slowly shuffle to the mirror. Ah, messy sex hair from all last night’s rumbles, skewiff PJS with my tit hanging out and my PJ shorts twisted. I turned to the side and, oh, look at that. It appears that my arse got hungry during the night because most of my shorts were sucked up in my butt. Glancing up at my face, I had some drool running down my chin. Perfect. I imagine this is exactly what the Queen looks like when she wakes up.
I combed my hair with my fingers then wiped my chin before popping my boob back inside my tank top and pulling my shorts from my bum. I eased the bedroom open and was nearly blown away with the chorus of ‘We are the cheeky girls’. Why did men feel the need to have music so loud? And shit music at that. I slowly crept out, coast was clear. Tip-toeing, I hurried along the hallway and held on to the banister as I leaned over the stairs and tried to hear if they were downstairs.
“FUCKING HELL, DEX!” A male voice yelled. “THAT REEKS! YOUR ARSE IS EVIL!!”
Yes, they were downstairs. And farting. In our lovely new house. Urgh. I ran back to the bedroom, closing the door behind me, and dived on to the bed. No way was I getting up before I really had too. I shoved my face in to the soft cushion of my pillow trying to block out the awful music. If I had it my way, instead of stupid Cheeky Girls, I’d be blaring Take That or a bit of Spice Girls.
I had a doctor’s appointment today. At half one. I’m sure that will be fun. Rolling over I hugged the bed cover closer, not wanting to move for the entire day. If doctors did home visits they’d make a killing. But I suppose I’m just being lazy.
“Ness?”
I leaned up on my elbows and looked at the door. Jacob’s head poked through.
“Morning,” He grinned before fully swinging the door open and sliding in. “The boys are downstairs.” He said sitting down on the end of the bed.
“I know.” I pushed myself up and rested my hands in my lap. “I can hear you all. Cheeky Girls, huh?” I kinked up an eyebrow with a smirk. “You dark horse.”
Jacob chuckled and flopped on the bed, his head falling on my lap. I pushed his black hair from his eyes and began to twirl it in my fingers. “What time is your appointment today,” Jake asked, his eyes fluttering shut.
“Half one.” I sighed with a frown. “I don’t want to go…go for me?” I smiled sheepishly down at him.
“Sorry babe, no can do.” He flashed a smile up at me. “I can come with you if you want. I’ll leave the guys here to crack on. It’s no trouble.”
“No,” I tilted my head. “I’m just being silly.”
Jacob gave me a look. “Honestly, Ness, I really don’t mind coming along, even if you think you’re being silly.”
I shook my head. Even though yesterday I said I was scared, and I am – I’m pooping my pants about this whole thing, I just want Jake to be there for the really good appointments, not the shitty ones. Besides, I think I know someone who would jump at the chance to come with me. “It’s OK, Jake. My mum will want to come, no doubt.” I replied, sliding Jake’s head from my lap and getting on my knees. Jacob sat up, shrugged and went in for a kiss. I pulled back.
“No, Jake, don’t.” I covered my mouth with my hand, shielding him away from my toxic breath. “I have disgusting morning breath!”
Jacob just smirked. “Nothing is disgusting when it comes to you, babe.” He leaned in closer, the tips of our noses touching. “So kiss me.”
Ah, who am I kidding? I cannot resist this! Slowly, I pulled my hand away and puckered up. Jacob’s lips against mine were exactly what I needed. Our kiss deepened to the point where we were both left breathless when we pulled away.
Jacob gently chucked. “You’re right. Stay away from the walls; I don’t want to have to repaint.”
I gasped. “Oh god. It’s that bad? Really?”
“No,” Jacob let out a throaty laugh. “I’m kidding.”
Jacob gave me a wink before gently slapping my arse and leaving the room.
With an exasperated sigh, I allowed myself to flop lifelessly back on to the bed. Today was going to one hell of a long day! Not to mention, some serious scrubbing in the tooth department.
Once I had showered and gotten myself dress, I finally went downstairs. As I was walking past the front room, I stopped and swung my head in. Jacob was kneeing mixing paint while Dex frantically tapped away on his phone and Ralph was carefully picking through my Mothercare catalogue.
“Hello lads,” I said smiling.
Ralph sort of jump, dropping the Mothercare book on the coffee table. “Hi.” He replied shyly before looking down at Jacob.
Jake just looked up at me with a grin before returning to mixing the paint. I gave a little wave to Ralph then I hobbled along to the kitchen. Deciding that I needed someone to shove in my face before I went crazy, I swung open the fridge and took out a cheese string. Hardly pregnant woman food, but there you are. I practically inhaled that before turning my attention to the fruit bowl. Ooh, apples! Once I had finished my apple, I picked up the house phone that was amounted on the kitchen wall. I dialed my mum’s number and pushed myself up on the counter while I waited for her to pick up.
“Hello?”
“Hi dad!” I exclaimed. “It’s me!”
“Me?....Who’s ‘me’?” He asked suspiciously.
“Ness.” I replied, feeling a little hurt that he didn’t know who I was by the sound of my voice. “Your daughter.” I felt the need to clarify.
“Ah, Nessie! Hello, sweets.”
That’s better. “How are you?”
“Very good. But how is my little muffin? I heard the news! Congratulations, my girl! I hope you’re taking it easy. Can’t be running around now. Especially when you’ll soon be the size of a whale! “
“Um,” I gulped. “Thanks?”
“Then again, if you’re anything like your mum, you’ll be parked on the sofa and eating nothing but junk and watching absolute crap all day every day for the entire pregnancy! Oh ho ho!”
“Right…dad, is mum there?”
“Oh and the gas!! Bloody hell, the NHS should have issued a community health warning with your mother and her farts. Uh, the stench! It was absolutely foul. Let’s hope that isn’t an inherited trait, eh?”
“Yes, fingers crossed. Look, is mum there?”
“Although, I would bet my last Ritz biscuit that you’ll be just a cranky as she was. Probably even more so, you’ve always been somewhat fiery, haven’t you? Hah, what does Jacob make of all this baby malarkey? I suspect he is just as-“
“Dad, is mum actually there?” I asked, knowing that if I let dad continue his mumblings, I’d be on the phone for three hours straight.
“Oh, yes.” He said, a little startled. “Hold on, sweets.”
I love my dad. Honestly, I do. But sometimes, I just don’t have the time to listen to him go on and on and on. Just listening to him discuss his thoughts on this week’s Eastenders. Then he’ll no doubt complain and moan about how they need to bring back Cheers and Sharpe. And then, dad will most definitely change the subject to how he believes Charlie Sheen is a plonker.
“Nessie?” My mum’s voice rang through the phone.
“Hi, mum.”
“You alright, my love?”
“Yes, thanks…Mum,” I spoke sweetly in to the phone as I wrapped the phone cord around my finger, “you know you love me?”
“What have you done this time?” Mum huffed, her tone of voice suddenly switching. “If you and Jen have gotten yourselves arrested again for drunk and disorderly behavior and assault on a police officer, then I won’t be-“
“Mum! No,” I cut in. “And it wasn’t assault. It was a grab on the arse, hardly assault. Look, I called because I want you to come to the doctor’s appointment with me.”
“Oh.” A pause. “Of course I will, darling! You only had to ask. What time is it?”
“Half one.” I said, scratching my leg. “I’ll come and pick you up-“
“No, it’s alright. I’ll get your father to drop me off when he goes to Alice’s and Jaspers later.” Mum said conversationally. “That way I can see your new place!”
“Oh. The thing is mum,” I licked my lips. “Jake and his friends are actually decorating so it’s not ready yet and it’s messy with all the painting crap lying around the place. It’s really not fit for a viewing.”
“Don’t be silly, Ness.” Mum clucked her tongue. “That doesn’t bother me. A little mess never hurt anyone!”
“Yeah, but mum please just wait till it’s finished. Please.” I begged. I hated showing people new houses when it was in a state. It made it harder to rub it in people’s faces.
She puffed heavily down the phone. “If I must.”
“You must. Absolutely must. Right, I’ll pick you up later. Love ya! Bye!” I hung up before she could argue with me and win. Mwhuah.

“Room six. Doctor Mallory Dupont will see you.”
“Do-pon?” I asked slowly. “No, my doctor is Becky Bloom.” My voice rose up in pitch. I was starting to panic. “I can’t have someone else! I just can’t!”
The receptionist gave me an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid Doctor Bloom has been called away. Doctor Dupont is taking her appointments today.” She said knowingly. “She’s a lovely lady! Wonderful.”
Mum mumbled her thanks and pushed me along to the waiting area outside of room six. I cannot have another doctor! I just can’t! It’s like using Colgate toothpaste for years then suddenly switching to Aquafresh. It just isn’t on! I’ve had doctor Bloom for years! She knows everything! I grudgingly sat down next to mum in the waiting room. I can’t believe they’ve changed doctors on me. Surely they should have notified me. What if this one is really mean?
The door cracked open before a lady stepped out. I instantly felt jealous of her. Her back bob looked so soft and shiny; it put Cheryl Cole’s L'Oreal advert to shame. And she was so skinny! Honestly, her dark pencil skirt looked like it could only fit on one of my thighs. If I greased it. And went on a diet beforehand.
She looked down on a piece of paper. “Renesmee Cullan?” Her accent made my name sound wonderfully more exciting than it actually is. I pushed myself up from the chair. Her eyes crinkled with a smile as soon as she saw me.
I looked back at mum and she was already right behind me. We walked in to the office and the Doctor gave us a big warming smile.
“’Allo Renesmee. I am Docturr Dupont. Pleased to meet you,” She held out her hand.
I took it carefully, afraid that if I was too rough I’d snap off her wrist. She really was that skinny. Maybe she’s one of these women who only eat one peanut for the entire day and is constantly at the gym. Because no one should have a great body like that and be beautiful as well. It just isn’t fair to the rest of us.
“Please sit down.” She motioned to the chairs before she plonked herself down on the big leather chair next to the desk. She quickly regarded the computer for a moment. “Ah, you are ‘ere becoous you are pregnant, non?”
I nodded. ‘Yes, but, you know, I need to make sure.”
Doctor Dupont cackled. “Oui, oui. Zorry, yes. I am still, ‘ow you zay…getting used to zee language.”
“That’s quite alright,” my mum cut in, charmingly. “Have you been here long?”
“About zix months now. I moved in viz my boyfriend.” She gushed, completely forgetting me and now focusing on my mum. Professional, then. “I conztantly forget zat I can understand English but people cannot understand me ven I reply in français. Zere I go ageen!” She chuckled lightly.
“Not to worry,” Mum said with a smile “I speak a little French myself.” She said proudly.
That’s a lie. She bloody doesn’t. I looked at her in amazement. This I have to see.
“Oui?” Doctor Dupont perked up. “Oh, génial. Combien de temps avez-vous connu la langue?“
Mum gracefully brushed her trousers, swiping off an invisible piece of fluff before taking a deep breath. “Uhh, yes, bonjour." Mum said slowly before brushing some hair away from her face. “So, what part of France are you from?” She changed the subject, no doubt wanting to get away from her shitty French.
“Paris.” Doctor Dupont grinned.
“Oooh, it’s lovely there.” Mum nodded. “Stunning! I’ve been there once. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Honestly, my mother is such a liar! She’s only been to Disney Land Paris and that doesn’t even count! I can’t believe her. I wouldn’t be completely surprised she her nose starting to grow a couple of inches. Or meters.
“Right, Renesmee.” The doctor finally turned to me. “Did you zake a pregnancy zest?”
I cleared my throat and gave a little nod. “Yes. I took clear blue.”
She nodded sharply. “OK, and it vas positive?”
“Yup.”
“And ven was your lazz period?”
“5^TH of May….”
Doctor Dupont blinked a couple of times before sitting back in her chair. “Oo my. Zat iz a long time, non? Vhy did you vait so long before making an appointment?”
“Um,” I swallowed. “You know, I’ve been busy and it slipped my mind, to be honest.”
She gave me a firm nod. “It is quite pozzible zat you are in fact pregnant. If you are zen you vill be at least…ten weeks or zo. ‘Ave you ‘ad any ozzer symptons?”
I rubbed my brow. “I’ve been eating like I’ve never been fed before. Umm…I suppose I get tired easily at the moment.”
“Zat sounds about right.” She stood up and pointed towards the bed thing. “If you vould pleeze lay down, and I vill give you an examination.”
I peeled my coat off and headed for the bed. Carefully, I got on and let out a breath as the doctor pulled up my t-shirt and begun to slowly press my stomach. It was awkward. Like when you take your top off for the first time with a new boyfriend. You know, it’s that kind of silence awkwardness. Or when you think you can quietly slip one out in the elevator but it isn’t quite at all and the man in front turns and gives you a foul look.
“You are a little tender.” She pressed more firmly on the bottom of my stomach. “I vould zay you are pregnant. If you like I can give you anoder test to take now.” She removed her hands and headed back over to the desk. I took it as a sign that she was finished seeing my belly. Sitting back up, I pulled my top down and hoped off the bed.
“Please.”
She turned back around and handed me a test. “The toilets are just zrough the waiting room. Ven you are finished, come back and ve’ll vait for zee result, oui?”
I took the test from her hands and hurried along to the toilets. I didn’t like this doctor. Not one bit. If I had Becky – we were on first name basis- we’d be talking about this week’s True Blood by now. No doubt we’d be discussing the hotness of Alexander Skarsgard and bitching about Sookie.
Pushing the door open, I hurried to a stall, locked it and had my jeans with my knickers down my ankles in a record time.
After I washed my hands, I headed along back to the office. When I pushed the door open, doctor Dupont was sitting in her big chair, casually nodding at my mum as she rambled on.
“I’m telling you, it was probably the best episode so far! I absolutely adore Carlos. Pity that Bree and Chuck aren’t together. I always liked them. He’s a very handsome man. I nearly wrote a letter to complain when I watched that they killed him off!” Mum shook her head. “Unbeliev-able! Ah, Ness.”
I awkwardly sat back down and handed over the test, which hadn’t decided if it was positive or not yet. I checked. I even waved it about in the toilets, hoping it’d speed up the process like a polaroid picture.
Mum still carried on talking. “And let me tell you this, Tom needs to drop his new girlfriend like a hot potato! He has kids, you know.”
“Mum,” I sighed only realizing what she was talking about. Desperate Housewives. Typical. I brought her for moral support for myself not for her to rant and rave about a TV program.
Doctor Dupont regarded the test with all seriousness; she even squinted at it before slowly cracking a smile. “Congratulationz, Renesmee. You are pregnant!”
I gave a tiny smile. I already knew that. “Er..thanks?” I said with uncertainly looking between the doctor and my mum.
“Right, in zat case let me make you an appointment viz a midwife.” She started to click away at her computer then type something thing then go back to clicking. “Vere is it you live?” Doctor Dupont asked without taking her eyes away from the computer screen.
“Greenwich.” I replied automatically.
She nodded. “Mmm. OK,” She reached for her phone and smiled politely, “excuse me.” She dialed a number while I crossed my legs and had a glance around the room. I always thought doctor’s offices should be, you know, happy. Not depressing. The walls were painted a manky grey while one wall was completely covered with posters around health warnings. ‘Don’t over drink. It could lead to liver cancer…or death!’ ‘Make sure you exercise for twenty minutes a day…blah blah...it could lead to death!”
I mean, I get that they need to make these things clear for people to understand but the picture of a coffin is a little much. Jeez. I’ve never liked hospitals or doctors, they creep me out, but that is far too much.
“’Allo, I am Docturr Mallory Dupont, I’m calling from ‘awkeye local surgery. And I ‘ave a patient zat is pregnant, Renesmee Cullan….Yes. Greenwich based….Oo right, zat’s fine. Ve are unsure about ‘ow far long, but I ‘ave estimated it about ten or zo veeks. Perfect. Really? Zat’s very quick, non?....OK, I shall pass on your number. Goodbye.” She put the phone down and reached for a pen and began to scribble something down on a piece of paper. “Zo, your midwife is called ‘eather and-“
“Heather, did you say?” I leaned forward, trying really hard to understand.
“Yes, ‘eather. She will be based at Greenwich clinic, zo you’ll go zere sometimes and she’ll come to your ‘ouse aswell. Alzo, she vants to zee you tomorrow if pozzible for a scan to determine how far along you are.”
“T-tomorrow?”
“Oui. Sozzy, yes. ‘Ere is ‘er number for you to ring up later today and schedule an meeting.” She handed the piece of paper with Heather written with a number below. I took it carefully, analyzing the paper.
“Great.” I stood.
Doctor Dupont also stood, showing us to the door. “If you ‘ave any problems, please do not ‘eistate to call or make an appointment!”
“Thanks,” I replied halfway out the door.
“Goodbye! Thanks again.” My mum said following me.
“’ave a vonderful day!” The doctor called behind us before shutting the door.
OK. First thing I do when I get in: call Heather. Second thing I do when I get in: make me a peanut butter sandwich with cheese spread. Ooh, and some chocolate buttons. I quite fancy those. With a nice cup of tea. Or hot chocolate. Yum, I want to run home now.
Once we were outside in the crisp cold air, and started to walk down the high street mum looked at me with a frown.
“I do not like that doctor. So unprofessional. I’ve never seen anything like it.” She shook her head. “The woman needed subtitles. I didn’t like how she kept saying ‘Wee. Foul word.’”
I stifled a sigh. “Mum, its yes in French.” I explained while sneaking a look behind her head. Oooh, Next are having another sale! I wonder if I would casually slip in without my noticing where we’re going.
“Yes, it may be yes in French, but in English its urine. Quite unacceptable.”
“Mum,” I gave her a hard look. “Do you have any idea how two faced you sound right now? In that office you couldn’t stop talking to her and now you’re slagging her off.”
She choked on the air. “Two faced? I don’t think so. I don’t care for that kind of thing.”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow at her. “’I speak a little French myself.’” I said, coping the way my mum said it earlier.
“What? I do.”
A short laugh escaped my lips. “What, Bonjour? Suck up.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I am not a suck up!”
“’I’ve been there before. Stunning!’”
“Right, pack that in right now. I do not sound like that.” Mum said, readjusting her bag strap on her shoulder. “And I was simply being polite.” She added as an afterthought.
“OK, whatever you say.”
“Hmm…fancy a quite bite in Pizza Express?” Mum asked, as we stopped crossing.
“Absolutely. I’m starving.” I said firmly. “Do they do chocolate buttons?”

Before I knew it, it was turning six o’clock. Our quick bite in Pizza Express had turned in to a couple of hours of conversation about things to come with the baby. Mum was telling me, with horrific details, about the labor she went through with me. I even felt the need to apologize to her when she told me about the stiches. God, I don’t want stiches.
When all the horror stories had finished, I drove mum home, quickly popped in to see dad. He was watching a Carry on film. Sigh. After mum practically forced me to stay for a tea, I was soon driving home. As I parked the car on the drive, I couldn’t help not notice a familiar truck. I’m almost sure I’ve seen that before. But I just can’t remember where. Mmm, that’s gonna bug me.
I jumped out of the car and headed for the front door. Pushing it open I half expected all the boys to be loud and farting, but to my surprise all I could hear was the music upstairs and…people in the kitchen. No doubt eating us out of food. But then again, if they didn’t then I would and I don’t think my waist line would appreciate me adding a couple of more inches.
I headed for the kitchen. When I eased it open, three faces all smiled as they saw me.
“Ness, love!” Sue came rushing over, wrapping her arms around my shoulders tightly. “How are you? Jacob told me you went to the doctors, how’d that go?”
I blinked a couple of times, trying to gather my thoughts. “Hi Sue.” I said finally. I leaned to the side. “Hello Billy.”
“Hiya,” he smiled back.
“Sorry, love. You’ll probably want a cup of tea and a biscuit.” She turned to face Jake. “Pop the kettle on, Jacob. C’mon, love, have a seat.”
I squeezed myself between Jacob and Billy, muttering my apologizes when I accidently kicked Billy’s front wheel.
“Jacob. Kettle. Now.” Sue commanded before swiftly stealing his chair once he was up and filling the kettle. “How did the doctors go? Everything hunky doorey?”
“Yes, Sue. Everything is…hunky doorey.” I giggled. “I’ve actually got to ring up my midwife later. She wants me to have a scan tomorrow.”
“Really?” Sue face’s lit up. “Make sure you get a picture, won’t you?”
I nodded. “Yup.” I popped the P.
Jacob set down my mug in front of me with a gentle smile. “Here you go, babe.”
“Thanks.” I said as my hands slid around the cup and pulled it closer to me. “You’ll be coming with me tomorrow, won’t you?” I asked Jake as he sat himself on the empty chair opposite me.
“Of course.”
“Oh Ness,” Sue clasped her hands together with a wicked smile. “Me and Billy brought you and Jacob something.” Sue pulled a set of keys from her purse before heading towards the kitchen door. “You two stay here. I’ll bring it in.” She lightly chuckled to herself as she left the room.
I gave Jake an odd look. “What did she buy us?”
He shrugged. “I have no idea. Dad?”
Billy said nothing but did the whole invisible zip across his mouth before tossing the imaginary key over his shoulder.
I pursed my lips. Mmm, I have no idea what on earth they would buy that me and Jacob. I shrugged to myself and took a sip of my tea. Man, Jake really did make the best. Yummy. That reminded me.
“Jake, where’s Dex and Ralph?” I asked, mumbling in to the cup.
“They went out for something to eat while Dad and Sue are here. They’ll be back soon I imagine. Only got one more room left.”
I nodded. Oh, fair enough. I placed the cup down in front of me and folded my arms on the table. The house was coming along nicely. All that was left to do now was really unpack and whatnot. But other than that, it was already starting to feel like home.
“OK,” Sue popped her head around the door. She seemed a little breathless. “Come in to the front room.”
I first looked at Billy, who was sitting there with a smirk. Then I looked at Jacob who just struggled at me before pushing himself up. After Billy started to roll himself to the front room, Jacob took a hold of my hand and pulled me along. Walking in the room, all I saw was a rectangle cardboard box lying flat on the floor. It looked quite big and bulky. No wonder Sue looks like she’s about to pass out on the floor.
“What is it?” Jacob asked skeptically, peering at the object with curious eyes. “It isn’t one of those cheap bookcases you brought me last time I moved out, is it? Because, I have to tell you Sue. It did not last five minutes.”
“No, no. And that bookcase wasn’t cheap, either.” She raised an eyebrow at him before smiling. “Well, go on! Open it!”
Jacob took a step forward and I pulled my hand out of his so he could fully open it. He bent down and examined the book before ripping off a side flap and wedging his hand in. I giggled at him as he poked his tongue out, obviously trying to grab something. It was so cute. He let out a groan as he began to remove his arm from the box. In his hand was a leaflet. He studied it for a second before looking up at Sue with a grin.
“Seriously?” He asked, still smiling.
She nodded. “We couldn’t buy it for Rachel and Paul and not you two, could we, Billy?”
“No.”
Oh, I really wanted to know. I leaned over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of the front of the booklet. Obaby B is for Bear Cot - Country Pine. Huh….Cot?!
“A cot?” I asked, my voice was higher than it normally is. “Really?” I looked between Billy and Sue. “Thanks guys!” I gushed bending down next to Jacob and looking through the booklet.
“And I’ve got something else too!” Sue sang before dashing out of the room and quickly returning with a plastic bag. “It seemed strange to get one but not the other.” She said handing me the bag. I took it with a grin and peeked inside. Baby covers and sheets. I pulled out the covers. It was cream set with Winne the Pooh.
“Thanks again, Sue and Billy. These are great!” I smiled, thrusting the cover in Jake’s face so he could have a look.
“Dad, Sue….this must have cost you a fortune. And you brought Rachel and Paul one.” He let out a little sigh. “I don’t how to thank you enough. Honestly.”
“Son, don’t be silly.” Billy said with a little smirk. “The least we could do for our soon-to-be grandchild.”
Jacob took the covers from my hand and took the fabric between his fingers. “Come over for dinner tomorrow.” He looked up at them before glancing at me. “And invite your parents, Ness.”
“Oh, yes!” Sue chimed excitedly. “That would be wonderful!”
“Um, sure, yeah.” I nodded with my head practically in the bag. Gosh, these sheets are nice. I wish they did them for adults.
“Excellent.” Billy said. “Well, we better be off. I’ll call you tomorrow about the time.” He said to Jacob.
Jacob stood up. “Alright. Thanks again dad and Sue. We really appreciate it.” Jacob tucked in and gave Sue a hug, then a kiss on the cheek before turning to Billy and giving him a handshake.
I stood up straight as Sue launched herself at me. “You take care of yourself, love.”
“I will.” I smiled as she pulled away. “Thanks for the cot and sheets, Sue. It’s so kind of you both.”
“Nonsense! We’re all family now!”
I suppose I never thought of it like that. I never really thought of our families both coming together. Like on Christmas and birthdays. The thought didn’t freak me out, it actually made me happy. I was ecstatic that they would become a part of my family. Billy and Sue were such lovely people.
“Bye Billy,” I waved at him as the three of them left the room. I looked back at the cot. It was perfect. I wanted to rip it open and put it together now but that wouldn’t be very smart, would it? I mean sure it’d make more sense to put it together closer to the time. But then again, if I did put it up today and in the room that me and Jacob picked for the baby, not only with it allow us to make sure nothing is missing before the baby’s born but it’ll give us enough time to decorate the baby’s room accordingly.
I bent down and looked in the box. Oh…there are a lot of pieces. It can’t be that hard. It’s like a puzzle. But a bloody big one. That will one day hold my child. OK, so maybe it’s probably best not to think of it like a puzzle. Instead, I’ll just-
“What are you doing? You’re supposed to take it out of the box, not climb it in yourself.”
I pulled my head from the box and looked up at Jake, who was standing in the doorway with his arms folded, sporting a big smirk. “I’m not.” I said slipping my arm from the box.
“Whatever you say, Ness.” He chuckled. “The boys will be back in a min. We’ve just got to finish the spare room. We’ve done ours and the baby’s.”
“OK.” That reminds me. I pushed myself up. “I’ve gotta call the midwife. And my mum about tomorrow.”
“Alright. I might as well take this upstairs.” He mumbled to himself as I passed him and headed for the kitchen. I dialed the number given to me and a lady answered straight away. Heather was fairly abrupt and curt before telling me she had to go because one of her children was stuck on the toilet. That caught me off guard. After that I then rang my mum. Dad picked up and before I could ask if they wanted to come over tomorrow, he jumped in to the retelling of some documentary program he watched on the History Channel. I ‘ahh’ed and ‘mmm’ed in all the right places. But before he could dive in to another topic, I managed to speak first. Turns out him and mum were supposed to go for dinner up town, but as soon as my mum heard that Billy and Sue will there, she blindly swore that they’d cancel their reservations right away. I could hear her shouting down the other end. ‘Tell her we’ll be there! Tell her, Edward!’
When I had, finally, gotten off the phone. I followed the music up the stairs. Plastic sheets were lying about everywhere, with all the windows open on the whole upstairs. I poked my head through the space room. Sure enough, all three of them were rolling paint on the walls.
“What?” Dex looked at Ralph with a mischievous smile. “She’s American?”
“Y-yeah.” Ralph shrugged. “Lisa. She’s nice.”
“I bet she is, you ‘ol dog!” Dex howled with laughter.
Lisa? American? Isn’t she one of our neighbours? Yes, she is! She’s the one who’s seen Graham Norton’s head! Before Dex started to tease Ralph again, I stepped in to the room. “Hi guys.”
“Oh, alright Ness?” Dex inclined his head at me while Ralph just smiled. He was so shy, it was cute.
“Yup. Uh, Jake, I’m gonna go…start on the cot, OK?” I asked quickly.
Jacob just nodded and wiped his brow. “Sure. Call me if you need anything.”
I grinned and left the room. Sweeeeeeeeeeet! This is soo exciting!
OK. Let’s not panic. I mean, how hard can it be to build a cot? They have picture instructions for Pete’s sake. A child could do this!
Except, I’m not quite sure that piece of wood fits in to slot where I crammed it in. But, as they say, you can’t make an omelette without cracking a couple of eggs. Although, I’m not sure that logic really applies to this cot making business. But I can do this! I can. All I have to do is follow the little pictures. It’s simple. Right…this piece goes…there….wait, that’s not right. It shouldn’t be wobbly like that, should it? Hmm, that doesn’t look like the picture. But I’m sure that’s because I’m not finished yet. I glanced quickly at my wrist watch. Shit. I’ve been doing this for nearly an hour and it still looks pathetic.
“Are you sure you’ve read the instructions properly?” Jacob’s voice made me jump. I let out a shriek and dropped the booklet.
“Yes,” I scowled whipping my head at him. “I think I can build a cot.”
“I’m sure you can but….should it look like that?” Jacob asked slowly.
I pursed my lips. “Of course.” I have to admit, it did look a little….wonky. “It’s supposed to be like that.”
“Riiight.” Jacob bent down beside me. “Well as much as I adore all you’re hard work. I think I should take a look.” He gently pried the booklet from my fingers.
“Fine.” I puffed, sitting back on my bum. “I’m sure I’ve done everything right.”
He gave a slight nod. “I’m sure you have babe…but..”
“But…what?” I leaned forward to see his face. He tried to hide a smile. Oh god. He’s laughing. “Don’t laugh. It isn’t funny.”
Jacob grabbed my thigh and gently gave a squeeze. “Ness, I’m not laughing. I think it’s cute.”
I looked at the monstrously that was our baby cot, and had to hold in my laughter. Jacob was right. It looked like a blind donkey put it together. I should definitely not consider becoming a carpenter.
Before I knew it, Jacob had fixed my mess and it was starting to look like the picture on the front of the booklet. Thank god for him and his common sense. Someone needs some around this house and it’s obvious it isn’t me.
“Where’s the boys?” I glazed at him while he worked. Through his gray t-shirt, I could see his back muscles flex with every movement. He looked hot.
“Gone home. We finished.” He grumbled.
“Oh.” I nodded at his back before letting my eyes drop to his arse. “That’s good.”
“Right, where’s the mattress?” Jacob asked, bending over, his top half in the cot, sorting out the base.
I pulled the mattress from the box and awkwardly handed it to him. It didn’t look very comfy. Then again, will a baby will notice if the mattress isn’t air sprung or anything?
“There.” He stepped away. “Perfect.”
“No, hold on.” I quickly swiped up the plastic bag with the sheets and covers and made the bed. It really did look amazing in the room. When I had finished, I stood next to Jacob, wrapping my arm around his waist as we both looked at the now made cot. “Now it’s perfect.”
Jacob’s arm slid around my shoulder. “Yes it is.”
I turned and looked at him. His hair was full of drops paint. I trailed my finger along his cheek, trying to remove a line of crusty paint. “You’re messy.”
Jacob lowered his head towards me, so our faces were a few inches apart. My breathing hitched up, like it always did when he was this close to me. You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but I really wasn’t. He still made my giddy with butterflies.
“Messy, eh?” His breath was hot against my mouth. His hand crept up to my face before slowly running his fingers through my hair. “Then I’d better get cleaned up, wouldn’t you agree?”
All I could muster was a shaky nod.
Jacob lightly chuckled. “C’mon you, I’m sure we’ll both fit in the shower.”
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Neighbours