Chapter Sixty one - Aftershock
 
 

          **11:41 AM**

In the following moment, the only sound in Catherine second floor’s long hall was the silence – silence evolving from collective shock from all those present in Nikki’s confession.

And then the glass Victoria was holding slipped from her fingers, smashed into little pieces of the floor… Her mouth opened in shock as she stared at her mother, so stunned she didn’t even know what to think.

Nicholas let out a gasp of disbelief.
Up till a moment ago, he shared his father’s deep concern for his mother.
He too imagined the worse scenario - his mother was ill and not telling them, so his first feeling was feeling of relief, nothing was seriously wrong with her.
But PREGNANT? Geez, where did that come from?

Ryan and Sharon, the two none family members of the room looked at each other, both wishing they weren’t there for this intimate family moment.
Ryan signaled Sharon with his eyes that they shouldn’t be there, so both of them left discreetly…
 

Downstairs, out of site and earshot, Sharon blinked as she saw Ryan shaking his head and sniggering.
 "What?" She asked him.
Ryan, unable to overcome his smile  "Nothing, Nothing…"
He turned to Sharon and explained "The last time I’ve been a part of the Newman family was 4 years ago, and nothing ever changes there, there’s always some kind of drama between Victoria’s parents"
Sharon, still shocked, said, "Yea, I’m beginning to see that… "
She looked at Ryan with interest "I keep forgetting you were married to Victoria, did you two lived on the ranch?"
Ryan laughed "Oh, no. No way, Victoria’s dad hated my guts, he thought I was all wrong for Victoria and he wanted me away from her as possible, and he used every tactic to get his way"
Sharon said, giving the subject some thought "I can see him doing that, he is definitely the protective father"
Ryan rolled his eyes "If that’s how you’d like to call it"
Sharon shrugged "He loves his children, he wants to know what’s going on in their lives and does everything he can to protect them. I wish I knew what it felt like, I never even knew my dad" she said sadly.
Ryan looked at her and sighed "I suppose you’re right I haven’t talked to mine in years, we had a falling out when I was in high-school, I moved to Genoa city and didn’t look back since"
Sharon asked him "Don’t you wish things would be different?"
Ryan said, a note of sadness in his voice "Sometimes, but we never got along… I still talk to my mother on our birthdays and holidays. That’s about it… I didn’t have the greatest childhood, I don’t miss it"

He looked at her with a smile, eager to change the subject "So, how are you adjusting to Nicholas’s family, or… should I ask, how are they adjusting to you?"
Sharon said with a grimace "Vicki is reluctantly supportive…I think she only does it because she doesn't want to fight with Nick, I don’t think she truly likes me"
Ryan shook his head no "I don’t think she knows how to treat you"
Sharon frowned at him "What do you mean?"
Ryan said "Didn’t you ever notice Vicki has no girlfriends? All of her friends have always been guys. She relates to men better than she does to women. She can’t seem open up to them, and now her brother is dating a nice girl that is about her age, and I think she would probably like you two to be friends, but doesn’t know how to go about it"
Sharon raised her eyebrows and let out a call of disbelief "She definitely didn’t let me feel like that! I don’t think she think I fit in her family"
Ryan said soothingly "For Vicki, her family is her mom, dad, and Nicholas, that's it… she doesn’t adjust to changes very well, give her time, she’ll come around. So, how about the rest of them?"
Sharon said "Well, Mr. Newman and I get along very well, always has. Its Nicholas’s mother that’s the problem"
Ryan brushed it off "She objected to my relationship with Vicki too, at first. But she never tried to put roadblocks in our way, If you really love Nicholas, I think you would have no problems with her in the long run."

"Plus," He added "looks like she’s going to be distracted with a bunch of other things to worry about you and Nicholas"
Sharon glanced up "Yea, no kidding… I feel sort of bad for her, it was obvious that she didn’t want to tell anyone she was pregnant, Mr. Newman really pressured her into telling him what was going on with her… I wonder if it’s his baby…but I don’t know… they have been divorced for *such* a long time"
Ryan brushed it off "Well, Sometimes old feeling resurface, especially when there’s history and family involved, and with these two, I wouldn’t be surprised. Victoria always said they still had feelings for each other"
He could see Victoria’s face if that happens and said with a smile "Victoria would be ecstatic! It would be what she dreamt about for years"
Sharon nodded fervently "Yea, I know, Nicholas would also be happy about it, they both wanted it for a long time"
Her face darkened when she said "But what if it isn’t Mr. Newman who is the father of the baby? What if it’s *Brad*? It makes sense, they were involved, and it would explain why she didn’t want to tell anyone"
Ryan didn’t even want to address that option "No, there could be plenty of other reasons for that, maybe she was just waiting for the right moment… I can’t even imagine how Vicki would react if that what really happened, she would be devastated…"
Sharon glanced up the stairs "I’m almost sorry we left…I really want to be a fly on that wall"
 

Back upstairs, Victoria and Nicholas barely noticed Ryan and Sharon were gone, they were too focused in what was going on between their parents.

Jack, standing away from the scene, was surprised, but not shocked.
When he heard Nikki passed out, he was beginning to suspect it was something like that, it was the only explanation that made sense… of course, he was in no hurry to share his thought with Victor before, in case he might be wrong.
He was sorry he didn’t bolt along with Sharon and Ryan, he didn’t want to be a witness to that.

Victor was standing in front of Nikki, staring at her in a quiet, stunned disbelief.
Out of all the things he thought he’d hear her say, this was the last thing he expected. The news was overwhelming…and he didn’t really understand what was going on.

Nikki eyes opened wide in terror when she realized she had let the truth slip, She didn’t have to look at the faces of her family to know just how much she has stunned them.

Stepping away from Victor, she covered her mouth with both of her hands, trying to take the words back, but she couldn’t.
 "Oh god" She whispered, looking at Victor "I didn’t mean to…didn’t mean to tell you about this, not now, not here"
Victor looked at her, his eyes searching her face, reflection his confusion "You’re Pregnant?" He asked in a low voice, voice that was filled with confusion.
Nikki’s eyes glimmered as she shook her head and said in a voice that showed more desperation than anger "Why did you do it? Dammit Victor why did you do it?! Why did you had to push me this way?!"
In a voice that was something between a yell and a whimper she asked said  "Why couldn’t you just *accept* it when I told you I didn’t want to talk about it? Why don’t you ever *listen*?" She buried her face in her hands, unable to look at him.

Victor looked at her helplessly for a moment and then reached out to her and put his hands on her shoulders, feeling she was trembling.
He hugged her briefly and then pushed her slightly away to look at her, trying to make sense in what was going on, he told Nikki passionately, trying to calm her down.
"Sweetheart of course I do, I always listen to you… but I don’t understand what’s going on… why you’re so distressed over this?"
Victor was completely confused as he asked her  "Why you didn’t just tell me?"

Nikki removed her hands from her face and gazed up at him, her eyes searching his face "He couldn’t possibly be reacting so calmly to this… it doesn’t make sense" She thought.
Victor said softly "I don’t understand what’s causing your reaction. Are you worried I would be upset that you’re pregnant?" He caressed her cheek, and asked her "Is that what this is all about? Is what why you've kept me in the dark?"

Victoria’s mouth opened, if possible, even more…she turned to look at Nicholas, he gave her an amazed look.
In her head, the wheels were spinning in the light speed.
 "Mom’s *pregnant*? Mom’s **PREGNANT**! And dad! He seems *happy* about it…or at least… he doesn’t understand why mom wasn’t eager to tell him about it…which could only mean…Oh I don’t believe it…Oh my god!"
Uncontrollably, her mouth curved up in a smile.

Nikki looked up at Victor, feeling herself drowning into the love reflecting from his brown eyes.

In all the chaos of past 15 hours, Nikki barely had time to stop and wonder how Victor would react to the idea of having another child.
She figured out that no matter what, even if he wouldn’t like the idea at first, Victor eventually would adjust to the idea of fathering another baby, as he has in the past when she got pregnant with both Nicholas and Victoria unexpectedly.
But even now, when Victor’s reaction to another baby was the least of her problems, she still wanted to see him excited about the idea of a baby with her from the very first moment.
Had the circumstances been normal, and she wasn’t sick with worry that the baby isn’t even his, It would be the thing most on her mind right now.

And now, even though Nikki knew there’s a chance the baby isn’t his, and that she shouldn’t say anymore, that she should tell him the truth now and not lead him on like that…
Standing there, in his arms, looking up at him, she couldn’t help herself – she had to ask, she had to know how he feels…

Nikki tilted her head and asked him, her voice shaky and uncertain "You mean you’re not? Upset, that is?"
Victor could feel himself getting choked up, he shook his head no "No… I’m not upset…"
He cupped her face with both of his hands and kissed her forehead and then planted a small kiss on the tip of her nose and said emotionally "Now how could I possibly be upset?"
Nikki, letting herself be swept away with that moment and unwilling to spoil it by harsh realities of her uncertainty, shrugged and whispered to him "I can only imagine how surprised you must be. I know it’s not what you expected, not now anyway"
Victor nodded, wiping a tear of her cheek "No it wasn’t, but we never planned what happened between us either and you know I don’t regret that for one moment, That’s life. It’s unpredictable…full of surprises"
Nikki took his hand in her own. Pressing it against her cheek she asked him shakily, even though she already guessed his answer, "So it’s a good surprise?"
As response Victor pulled her into his arms into a tight embrace, holding her close.
He whispered in her ear as she buried her head on his shoulder "How much I love you…Yes, a good surprise…" He closed his eyes and hugged her warmly, just enjoying the feeling of her in his arms.

Victoria and Nicholas, standing a few steps away from their parents, couldn’t quite hear what they were saying, but the feelings, the emotions, it was all so clear – plus the fact their parents, so wrapped up in their emotions, barely noticed they were in the room.

Nicholas, standing in front of his sister, looked at Victoria with a stunned look, and the begining of a smile...he couldn't believe what was going on, and he was amazed in how well Victoria has predicted it.

Victoria looked at her brother, and could hardly contain her tears.
She almost couldn’t believe it, it looked way too good to be true…
She felt weird, like she was dreaming, she couldn’t believe it was finally happening – she always knew he parents never gotten over each other, but lately the idea of them reuniting turned to be a mere fantasy rather than the hope they would actually admit their feelings for each other.
And now it looked like they already has! Oh, why did she ran Brad away? Ugh, she would have give *everything* for him to be there and see it with his own two eyes!

Nikki pressed her face against Victor’s shoulder, she didn’t want to let go.
Her world might be forever shattered once she pulls away, and will have to look inside Victor’s eyes, and see his happiness, and know she had made him think something that might be completely untrue, something that she now knew would devastate him.

She thought he would understand once she said she was pregnant, that he would realize what prevented her from telling him about it… but he didn’t. He didn’t understand what she was trying so hard not to tell him, or unconsciously wouldn’t let himself think about it.
He thought she was upset because she was afraid of his reaction to her pregnancy…and to make things even more difficult - he seems happy about the idea of another child. He couldn’t understand why she would be afraid to tell him. He doesn’t even think of the possibility that the baby might not be his …

She loved him so much in that moment, how could she hurt him by telling him that she doesn’t know whose the father of this baby? But… how could she NOT tell him? She has to.

Feeling a bit more courageous and determinate, Nikki opened her eyes, and pulled away from Victor slightly.
She touched his face tenderly, wanting so hard to soften the blow.
Victor saw the expression on her face changing, and asked her "What is it?"
Nikki opened her mouth, about to tell him…but then, looking over Victor’s shoulder, she froze to the sight of her children.

She had planned the moment she would tell them their parents are back together for so long.
Not just ever since Victor and her got back together, even before…
It was going to be when every little thing was perfect, and in place, when there is no doubt in her heart that she and Victor are going to be together, forever.
No more setbacks, no more regrets.
She swore she would never allow them to get hurt again, they have suffered through enough disappointments, way too much.

And now they were both standing there, with happy, expectant looks on their faces.

What was she going to say to them now?

Victor looked at Nikki intently, expecting an answer from her…
Nikki tried to let the words out… she couldn’t…instead of answering, Nikki tore herself away from his arms and said "It’s too hot in here…my head is spinning, I think I need to go outside to get fresh air"
Victor said in concern "I’ll come with you"
Nikki said, distressed "No, no… I’ll be fine…I really need to be by myself"
She turned around and fled the room, going down the stairs.
Victor called after her but she did not stop.

          **12:05 AM**

Victor muttered a swear under his breath and was about to go after her, but Victoria’s voice stopped him "Dad!"
He stopped on his tracks, and reluctantly turned around to face his children.

Victoria, her hands crossed on her chest, looked like the cat that swallowed the canary.
On her face was an expression that was something between shock, admiration, joy, and a look of victory, but her voice was not without admonition "You can’t go *now*!" She tried to sound irritated, but she couldn’t get rid of the huge smile.

Nicholas looked at his father with sort of an amused dismay, a gleam in his eyes.

Victor sighed deeply, realizing what has happened, and how utterly different it was from what he and Nikki had planned, he didn’t know what to say.

Victoria wasn’t going to wait until her father finds the right words "Wow, and here I was thinking I knew you and mom better than anyone, and now it turns out I didn’t don’t have a clue what is going on in your lives…."
She said, looking happy, but with a touch of confusion and hurt in her voice.

Victor, realizing how shocked she must be, walked up to her and gave her a hug.
Victoria, overflowing with emotions, pulled away from her father and looked up at him questioningly "Dad…what…"
Victor put a finger on her lips, shushing her
He took a deep breath and said, "I know you two have many questions" He sighed "I don’t blame you…it had been a long night"
Nicholas said sarcastically "Umm…Yea, no kidding, dad"
Victor said apologetically "But as much as I would like to, I can not answer your questions right now, not without your mother here, it wouldn’t be fair to her… now I need to go and find her"
Victoria exclaimed "Dad! You can’t drop this bomb and leave us without one word of explanation!"
Victor sighed "Believe me, my sweetheart, this isn’t how we planned it"
Victoria exclaimed "Plan what, exactly?"
She bit her lip and mustered up the courage to ask him "Are you and mom back together? She asked wishfully "You must be, I mean…" Her voice faltered.

Had Victor known for sure what was going on, he would have told his children, he could see how much they wanted to hear him say it…
But with everything that was going on, he had to talk with their mother first.

So he ignored her question, not wanting to say anything and just said "Victoria… I’m going to find your mother, and I promise you both that we will talk to you, but I won’t do it now"
Nicholas said, upset "Yea, I know, mom should be here"
Victor asked them "You disagree with that?"
Victoria and Nicholas looked at each other, and Victor took their silence as a yes.
He said in a tone that showed that the discussion ended "I’ll talk to you later, okay? Enjoy the rest of the party…"

And in this note, he hurried down the stairs to find Nikki, nearly running into Catherine on her way up, but not stopping as she called out his name.

Victoria turned to her brother put her hand on her heart and exclaimed "Oh, My, God!"