Twins? Did she really say twins? Lily and I looked at each other and I watched as a smile slowly crept across her face.

"Now twins can be tricky," Julie warned.

"Why?" I asked.

"We generally need to instigate labour earlier, especially with someone as petite as Lily, as the body struggles with just one child in there. You can only imagine how it will handle two."

"I see."

"Multiple babies also means we will need to monitor you more regularly. I'll have the nurse explain this to you in more detail when you're on your way out and you can book your next appointment. We just need to be sure that they are both healthy, both getting enough nutrients and aren't forming strangely."

"No trouble. We can do that."

"Great. And congratulations. I will do everything in my power to help you get through this pregnancy."

Lily sat on the couch, rubbing her tummy. "We are having two babies, Cory," she said.

"I know." I sat down next to her

"It's like our last baby has come back to us."

"It is..."

"I'm going to get so big!"

"You will. And earlier too, which means you have to tell your parents sooner."

Lily sighed.

"You heard the midwife. Twins are considered a high-risk case. Your mum could help you a lot with this."

"What if she tells me to get rid of them?"

"If she sees how happy you are, surely she won't."

Lily didn't respond.

"Just promise me you'll think about it."

"I promise."

***

The next day I had to go to work. With uni on the side, Lily and I worked casual shifts. I pushed trolleys at Coles and Lily tutored a couple nights a week and also worked behind the register at a book store. The rest of our income came from youth allowance support. We couldn't live in luxury, but we made ends meet with a little bit of savings. However, I knew it wouldn't be enough. I couldn't keep university and a child. The government won't pay us enough to cover bills, food, and the costs of raising a child. I had a plan to look into going part time at university so I could at least take up a part time job. Maybe then we'd be able to make enough. I may have to work full time for a year to accrue savings. But, for now, it was trolley pushing for me.

"Cory, come see me for a minute," my boss Steve called out into the parking lot.

I pushed the load of trolleys I had into the bay and followed him into the store and into the back room.

"This is Jessica, she's just starting today. I want you to show her the ropes," he said.

My eyes turned to the other member in the room. She smiled shyly at me. "Hi, nice to meet you," she extended her hand. I shook it in return.

"Hi. I'm Cory. It was Jessica, right?"

"Yup."

"Let me give you a tour of the store first, then we will go outside because the trolleys are everywhere and we need more in here."

***

"How long have you been working here?" she asked when we were on our lunch break.

"About six months. I'm usually always up for covering anyone, so Steve trusts me more to train newbies. Where did you work before?"

"I was in a fish and chip shop. Didn't very much like my boss so I applied here."

"It pays well here..."

"Sure does."

I let the room go quiet and continued to eat, but she wasn't having it.

"Do you have another job or...?"

"No. I'm a uni student."

"Oh, me too. Well, kinda. I start my law degree in February. I just finished high school. What about you?"

"I'm doing a Bachelor of Science. About to start my second year."

"Oh nice. What major?"

"I'm picking that next week... I can't decide."

"What are your options?"

"I'm thinking either zoology or marine biology. I'd like to work with animals."

"Oh cool. How long do you have left?"

"Well two years of the degree, but I'm going to take a year or two off."

"Oh. Why is that?"

"Well, my girlfriend is pregnant and we could really use the money."

"Pregnant? Oh that's great. Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"How far along is she?"

"About 12 weeks now."

"Is this your first kid."

"... yeah, in a way."

"In a way?"

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"Okay."

I looked at the time. "Better get back to it."

***

"Hi honey," Lily called out from the direction of the bedroom.

"Hello," I called back, taking my hat and shoes off.

She came out, wrapped in a towel. "How was work?"

"Tiring. It's so hot outside today."

"It is, isn't it?"

"How would you know? You've been inside all day."

"Not true. I hung the washing."

I rolled my eyes. "I had to train a new person today. Steve has given me the responsibility in showing her the ropes."

"Her?"

"Yes."

She went quiet.

"What?"

Lily shrugged.

"Are you jealous?"

"No... not jealous."

"Then why are you acting strange?"

"I'm not."

"Lily."

"I don't like you working with another girl."

"You've got nothing to be worried about."

"But you gave me plenty of things to worry about in the past."

"I know... but I chose you and I'm committed to you and no girl will change that."

"Or guy? I've seen the way you look at Tristan."

I chuckled. "But he's so delicious."

"I knew it. You're going to leave me for him."

"How could I when you look like that?" My eyes looked her up and down. Her hair was still wet and the towel was short. "Come here."

"No. Go have a shower first, stinky."

"Never. Come here."

"No!" she ran off and I chased after her.