Planning Nate's Wedding 9

*Exams are next week so I don't know when the next one will be out- so sorry! Also, I'm sorry to disappoint but Oli will not end up with Freya, that I can guarantee-even though I think he is adorable in this chapter, Freya never felt or will feel for Oli romantically. I write ahead of anything I post and have neared an ending but I'm not too sure, tell me any ideas and I might choose your suggestion and change it! But if not I'll stick with my gut and see how you all like it! Keep commenting and please be patient! Thank you! Picture is of Oli.*

'Freya meet Oli, Oli, this is Freya, our wedding planner. Oli is Nate's best friend too. We met through Oli actually.'

Oli looks at me in disbelief and runs his hands through his wavy mop of blonde hair before saying. 'Freya, hi.'

'Hello.' I say through gritted teeth.

'Come on you two. Oli needs to know what ones to show Nate.' Lucy goes through first and Oli says in a whisper 'Does she know about you and Nate?'

'No.' I mumble.

'Well this is awkward.'

No, it is more than awkward. This is excruciatingly painful. I look at Oli as Lucy talks to the dress fitter and realize I can't keep it from him any longer. Oli catches me looking and walks over 'I need to tell you something after this.' I say.

'Sure, is everything ok?'

I don't reply and sit in my thoughts as Lucy tries on her dress. I feel like I'm going to die. Now you know why it's so hard and so complicated. Too complicated to explain to Nate that I had slept (being the polite terms) with his best friend. I never intended to sleep with Oli, you must understand, yes he is pretty gorgeous, but I never felt for him in that way. Not once.

Oli was at the same party I was at because he had been a lazy bugger in saving up money to go away with Nate and his friends, so he couldn't afford to go. He was the only person I really knew there. Oli being Oli approached me and looked after me that night. He was looking out for me more than anything, he had good intentions but then the booze took over and you know the rest.

Oli knew Nate and I had split up, but I didn't tell Nate it was with Oli and that he had got me pregnant. Nate couldn't lose both of us, so I took the blame for it all so Nate could have Oli to console him. He needed one of the two most important people in his life at that time.

I never told Oli I was pregnant. There was no need to, he went off to uni and I don't think Nate ever told Oli I was pregnant. I think he was mortified that I had actually become pregnant and probably thought of the shame brought upon him from his girlfriends shagging someone else so hid it from everyone.

But now Oli is back and I am so confused. Not another man I have to deal with.

I can't concentrate on Lucy so fake illness and arrange to meet up another day if she needs me. But she picked out a beautiful dress. It is truly flattering and really makes Lucy look stunning. I arrange to meet up with Oli after Lucy has finished, which he does in the closest Starbucks.

Oli strolls in and says sitting down 'I didn't think I'd see you again.'

'Neither did I.'

'How have you been?'

'I need to tell you something.'

He nods and sips his water 'Shoot.'

'You know what happened.'

Oli bows his head in shame 'I know, I don't deserve Nate and I'm so appreciative you didn't tell him it was me.'

'Did Nate tell you why we broke up?'

'Just that you had cheated on him and he ended it.'

'Did he say anything more?'

'No, why? Is there more?'

I take a deep breath. 'A lot more happened that night, Oli.'

'What?'

'We made something.'

'What? Fools of ourselves.'

'Well yes, but...oh Oli, I became pregnant.' I blurt out.

'Pregnant?'

I nod 'Yes.'

'So what are you saying?'

'Oli, you have a daughter, her name is Daisy.'

Oli instantly breaks down and I feel hopeless 'I am so sorry I didn't tell you, but you have to understand it was hard. Really hard with Nate and all that. Don't hate me, Oli. Please don't. It wasn't done maliciously.'

Oli looks up and I'm ready for an ear bashing but he says 'I am so sorry, Freya, I should have helped you, I should have been there, God, I am so sorry.' Oli really is a sweet guy, slightly naive but he really does care.

'It's ok, we've coped.'

'Have you got a picture?'

I nod and bring out a recent picture of Daisy and he touches it affectionately. 'She's gorgeous, Freya.'

'I think she looks like you.' Oli starts to tear up and he says 'Can I see her? I mean, is it ok? Does she know anything about me?'

'No and I can't tell her you're her father yet, not with me planning Nate and Lucy's wedding.'

'Is that awkward? Has he forgiven you?'

'It's more than awkward and I don't know. I hope so. Lucy doesn't know who I am and I've tried so hard to regain some of what Nate and I had, you can't ruin that. It's taken me since they started planning this wedding to get through to Nate, you can't tell him.'

'Well if you're sure, but more importantly, I want to help you and Daisy, be there for you, support you and stuff.'

I look deep into Oli's eyes and say 'We're fine as we are and I'm begging you now, don't you dare break what I've got with Daisy. You can't. Promise me that.' I am fiercely protective of Daisy and I will do anything to look after her.

Oli takes my hand and says 'Freya, you raised her, she'll always be yours, I just want to meet her and become a father to her. She's my daughter, Frey.'

I take my hand back and say 'I know. Of course.' I can't lose Daisy though. I don't think he understands what she means to me. 'I have to go.'

'Ok, what's your number? I'll call you.'

I type it into his phone and then leave with tears streaming down my face. My whole world is going to fall apart soon, I can just feel it.

*

That evening Nick comes around and I instantaneously break down crying in his arms.

'Freckle, what's wrong? Are you ok? Is Daisy ok?'

'I met Daisy's father today.'

Horror flushes across his face. I can feel his pain as much as mine 'Oh God, what happened?'

'He wants to see her. But it's hard, Nick, Oli is and was Nate's best friend. How am I going to work around this?'

'What do you mean work around this?'

Oh shit. Nick doesn't know I'm planning Nate's wedding. I kind of held back that info knowing he'd be angry that he is still in my life.

'Do you still see Nate then?'

'I'm planning his wedding.' I mumble.

'Are you kidding me?'

'No, I am not kidding you.'

'You're planning your ex of FIVE years wedding who you cheated on with his best friend and had his baby?' It's sounds like a soap opera summed up in a sentence.

I nod. Nick is no longer comforting me but staring at me in disbelief. 'Does Nate know?' He asks.

'No.'

'Have you told Daisy?'

'No.'

'Well when is this new man going to waltz into your life again?'

'It's not like that.'

Nick doesn't believe me then Daisy comes out of her room beaming 'NICK!'

'Hey Daisychain, how are you?'

'Good.'

Nick looks at me and I can feel his heart breaking. Daisy isn't his and just when he had started to take the role of daddy to Daisy, Oli comes into light. It's hurting him.

'What's wrong mummy?' She asks.

'Nothing baby.'

'Nick, will you come and play with me?'

He agrees as I am left to ponder in my thoughts what to do. If I tell Daisy now, everyone will find out and I don't want to break up what I've tried so hard to build with Nate. Even if I can't be with him, I can't lose him. I need him in my life, he means so much to me, but is that going to be possible when he finds out his best friend is actually the father of Daisy? Highly unlikely.

Nick does the nighttime routine with Daisy as I am too in my thoughts. Nick does so much, considering he doesn't need to. Nick comes back out and sits next to me, despite our row earlier on. 'What am I going to do?'

'Whatever you think is best for Daisy.'

I sigh.

'What's he like?'

'He's a lovely guy.' I can't deny it. I am extremely lucky that he is Daisy's father, it could have been much worse.

'Hardly if he's willing to fuck his best friend's girlfriend.'

'It was a mistake..'

Nick isn't impressed with my answer. 'Is he going to be involved with Daisy then?'

'I don't know. He seems keen but I can't lose her to him, Nick. I can't lose my baby by sharing her each weekend-I'd die if I lost her.'

'I would too.'

I rest my head on his chest and say 'If he does start to see her, I want you to know, she thinks the world of you. She really likes you.'

He smiles and says 'She means a lot to me too.' He kisses my head and says 'So do you. It'll be alright. We'll work it out.'

That night I can't sleep. Nick is with me but I can't fall asleep. I sit up in bed and Nick feels me fidgeting and kisses my shoulder 'Are you ok, babe?'

'What if Daisy prefers him to me? What if she forgets about me? It's all going to come out sooner or later and it'll ruin everything.' And it'll destroy Nate, but Nick doesn't need to know that. He can't know I still care for Nate. It'll cause so much more unneeded distress.

Nick sits up and says 'Call him up and talk to him. Ask him all this, he'll understand.'

'I can't lose her Nick.'

'I won't let you. I promise.' Nick lies on top of me and kisses me. Just kisses me hoping that'll put my mind at ease.

'I have to see her.' I say pushing Nick off me. I walk down the hallway and into Daisy's room and sit by the bed watching her sleep.

Nick waits at the door in just his boxers and says 'Freckle, she's not going anywhere.'

He comes and sits next to me, slipping a toned arm around my waist. 'Shall I get the duvet?' He says.

I nod and Nick comes back in with my duvet and I say 'Thanks Nick. Thank you for everything.' He kisses my cheek and lays back and I rest my head on his chest and can fall asleep happily knowing that Daisy and Nick are still with me.

*
'Mummy, what are you doing here?' Daisy says from her bed.

I look up and pull her on top of me and say 'I love you.'

She giggles 'Why are you and Nick sleeping on my floor?'

'Um, I just wanted to.'

Nick slowly wakes up and looks at Daisy 'Hey Daisy.'

'Nick, was mummy lonely last night?'

He grins. That and that he just wants to be with me. 'Yes.'

'Can we go to the park today?'

'Sure.'

But before we leave, I get a call from Oli. I catch my breath as I hear his voice say 'Hey Freya, its Oli.'

'Hey.' Is all I can manage to reply.

'How are you? You sound a little worried.'

'Don't take her away from me, Oli. I am begging you, please don't.'

'Freya, I would never take her away from you. Did you think I would? Freya, I just want to see her and get to know her, she is my daughter. Has she got a male figure to look up to?'

'Yes.'

'Is he your boyfriend?'

'Yes.'

'Well that's good, I'm glad she has someone, I just want to see Daisy.'

'Um, ok, but you can't tell her yet. If you do, I will kill you Oliver.'

'Freya, I won't.'

'We're going to the park today, you can come along if you want.'

'I'd love to.'

As I hang up, I look at Daisy and say 'Hey, guess what, mummy's friend Oli is coming to the park with us.'

She looks at me and says 'Can Nick still come?'

'Of course.'

As we wait at the park, Nick watches Daisy protectively. I then see Oli dressed in his worn leather jacket and scruffy jeans. I'd describe him as a bit of a bohemian hippy. A stark contrast to his suit I saw him in a few years ago. That was obviously for work.

'Hey Frey.' He says kissing my cheek.

Daisy looks up at the blonde stranger and smiles.

'Daisy, this is Oli.'

'Hello Oli.' She grins.

Oli bites his lip and smiles at Daisy. 'Hey cutie, how are you?'

'Fine, Oli shall I show you how fast I can slide down the slide?'

Oli grins and says 'Go for it.' But before Oli goes off with Daisy he looks at Nick and stretches out his hand 'Hi, I'm Oli, nice to meet you-'

'Nick.'

'Nick, well thanks for being here for Freya and Daisy.'

Nick nods and watches Oli as he plays with Daisy 'She looks like him, doesn't she?

I nod and sit on Nick's lap as his arms wrap around my waist. 'Thank you for being here.'

Oli looks over at us and smiles, signaling for me to come over.

'Can I have a picture?' Oli asks.

'Um, sure.'

Oli holds Daisy and I take the picture on his phone and sigh.

'Come with me Dais and we'll get some ice cream.' Nick says.

They go off and Oli says 'You look so worried. What's wrong?'

'I can't let you have her. She's all I've got.'

'Freya, listen to me, I'm not going to take her away, I just want to get to know Daisy.'

'You won't tell Nate though, will you?'

'No, but he'll find out soon.'

'Not if you don't tell him.'

Oli nods 'She's a right little sweetheart, Freya, she's a mini-you.'

'Is that good?'

'Yeah, very good. I ended up bawling myself to sleep last night, with all the guilt and realization that I actually have a daughter.' He pauses before saying 'Is there no chance she's Nate's?'

I sigh 'No, no chance. So what do you do now? Are you with anyone?'

'I'm a promotional designer and yes, I have got a girlfriend.'

'Does she know?'

'Yeah, I told her last night. She was so supportive and quite excited actually.' Well she's my baby. 'We've been together three years.'

'What's her name?'

'Coleen.'

'She's very understanding.'

He smiles 'I know. She's a gem.'

'I can't believe you're Lucy's cousin.'

'Yeah, I introduced them.' I'm officially blaming Oli now.

'Do you think Nate and Lucy love each other?'

'Yes, but after you split up, he was heartbroken. God, you don't know how bad I felt lying to him, I was slagging off myself. I am grateful you didn't tell him it was me, Freya. Thank you.'

'Well he couldn't lose us both.'

'Mummy, we got you chocolate and Oli, you got manilla like me.' Daisy says slowly approaching us taking care with holding the ice creams.

Oli smiles 'Good choice.'

After a whole day spent together, Oli leaves and as we walk home, Daisy says 'I like him mummy.'

'Good.'

'But I like Nick more.'

Nick grins at this and picks Daisy up to kiss her. 'I like you too, Daisychain.'

That night, Nick and I are in bed when he says 'Are you ok?' Nick tends to stay over most nights, it's like he's moved in with us, but he has no stuff here except boxers and a toothbrush. Talk about light packing. Nick's place is pretty spectacular. It's huge. Daisy and I went to it a few weeks ago and Daisy was just stunned at how much room there was. That's what you get for a pilots pay check.

I turn to face Nick and he kisses my neck. 'It's all going to come out sooner or later Nick, something is going to happen.'

'You still like this Nate guy, don't you?' He says catching me off guard.

I sit up and say 'It's going to wreck their wedding.'

'I doubt it, but don't defer the question; you still like him don't you?'

I pause before saying carefully 'I care for him.'

'I don't see why you're so bothered if he finds out or not.'

'Because I want him to remain as my friend.'

'Or as a boyfriend.' Nick spits out.

'I didn't say that.'

'It's what you're thinking.'

'You're my boyfriend.'

'At the moment.'

'Don't turn on me, Nick. I don't need it right now.'

'Freckle, I'm not, I just...I don't want to lose you.' I can feel the heartache in his voice. Does he really mean that? Or does he just not want to lose Daisy?

'Well you're not, ok?'

He searches my eyes for the truth and strokes my cheek before lying back down. He thinks he's going to lose me and I don't think he trusts anything I say.

He doesn't believe me, but do I even believe myself?