Revolutionary

Only a few short weeks stood between Jackson and fatherhood. Hayley was due to give birth to their twins soon. It would be life changing for the both of them, but more so for him since Hayley had already given birth once. Hope was going to be a big sister. Not that she was thrilled, but it was something positive in her life. Jackson hadn’t planned on idly standing by either. Whether Hayley liked it or not, he had a birthing plan. Alex was on standby to deliver the babies and Jack planned on assisting him. This was a hands-on event that he wouldn’t miss for the world.

Hayley was in the kitchen sitting at the bar waiting Jack to finish cutting fresh fruit. He placed pineapple chunks, sliced strawberries, sliced kiwi and halved grapes on the plate before her, making a colorful and aromatic array. He doted on her and not just because she was pregnant. She was his queen. He would always dote on her. It’s just how it was. Because of their unique situation, he accepted the fact that he married up and what he lacked in comparison to Hayley’s beauty, he made up in lavishing attention upon his wife and giving her the life she deserved. He’d vowed to be a good husband and so he was. He only hoped he’d be just as good of a father. Business was booming and their newly built cabin was ready to welcome their babies with a fully stocked and decorated nursery.

It should’ve been obvious that something was up by the way Ollie’s normal broodish expression was all smiles. Perhaps it was Jackson’s excitement about the impending arrival that threw him off guard. Typically, he’d pick up on shenanigans. He had no idea Ollie and Hayley were in cahoots or what they had in store for him. Ollie had slipped in so quietly that it startled Jackson when he turned to see the sh*t eating grin on Ollie’s annoying mug. “What the... when did YOU get here? And don’t you ever knock?”

“C’mon Jack, for as long as time has existed you’ve had an open door policy. I ain’t ever knocked and I ain’t gonna start now. Besides, you shoulda sensed me comin’. You’re losing your touch old man.” Ollie’s teasing did nothing to ease the annoyance appearing as a crease in Jackson’s forehead. Hayley said nothing while happily eating her fruit. Almost too happy. Jack knew Ollie annoyed her too. Something was amuck. They were up to something.

Jackson had not seen the water balloon Ollie gave to Hayley, which she was gently being squeezed between her thighs beneath her dress until it quietly popped. “OH MY GOD JACK! MY WATER JUST BROKE!”

“What!?!? It’s not time? Alex isn’t here... It’s not time... what?” Walking around the bar to assess the situation, he observed Hayley sitting above a puddle on the floor, her skirt wet. “OH SH*T! It’s not time! Where’s my phone? We have to call Alex...”

“There’s no time Jack! He’ll never make it in time. The babies are coming... NOW!!!” Hayley began her breathing exercises while Ollie tried not to laugh.

“I don’t care, I’ll... I’ll deliver them myself! But I’m calling him anyway. He can help... WHERE’S MY PHONE!” Amidst Jack’s meltdown, Oliver could no longer contain his laughter. “What’s wrong with you dumbass! Ain’t nothing funny about this!” Hayley produced the remnants of the busted water balloon, the two cohorts saying in unison... “APRIL FOOLS!”

A fake laugh painted the canvas of Jack’s face. “You two think you’re a barrel of laughs don’t ya. Bunch of hyenas up in here.”

Ollie looked back at Hayley... “We really are.” “Totes,” she replied as they fist bumped.