by Peter Martin
From time to time Bob glanced into the kitchen, and could hear them talking while they washed up the dishes. From the sound of Debra’s laughter they appeared to be getting on well, and he was quite relieved.
When they’d finished, the film was only an hour old, but soon it would be time to take Tim to the station.
Tim came back into the room and sat down next to his father. ‘Enjoying the movie, are you dad?’
‘Yeah, it’s one of my favourites. I’ve seen it loads of times before, but I still love it.’
‘Hey, why don’t you let Debra take me to the station?’ Tim suggested. ‘Then you can watch the end.’
‘No, no, I couldn’t do that – and it’s not fair on her.’
‘But we’re getting to know each other, talking about everything under the sun. I wouldn’t mind in the least and neither would she.’
‘Yes, but there’ll be plenty of other times for you to talk.’
‘She’s easy to talk to, I feel I could tell her anything.’
‘Good, you seemed to be getting along well while you were in the kitchen. But I’d rather take you myself son after all I won’t see you again for a while.’ He paused here and with a serious look on his face, added, ‘You can talk to me about anything too, you know Tim, no matter what it is.’
At that, Tim nodded his head in agreement but appeared to want to drop the subject, so Bob made no further comment. It set him wondering if Debra might get something out of him - after all a stranger can often be easier to speak with than a family member.
Just then she came in from the kitchen and smiled at both of them.
‘I’ve got to go now, Debra. Thanks for listening, I feel really comfortable in your company.’
‘It’s been a pleasure, any time,’ she said with a smile.
Tim gave her a little hug, appearing humble and happy to be with them.
‘Ok, are you ready son?’
‘I’ll just get my bag from upstairs.’
Sunday afternoon meant there was little traffic on the roads so they reached the station unheeded. After parking the car Bob helped his son with his luggage; Tim had an extra bag to carry, having decided to take some of his old books back. Then in what seemed no time at all the train arrived and departed, with Tim waving at his dad from the window.
The weekend had been so different from their meeting at his mother’s. Bob sensed his relationship with Tim was blossoming. But what bugged him was what Tim and Debra had been talking about while he’d been watching the film.
On his return from the station he found Debra sitting in the living room reading a book. He bent down and gave her a peck on the lips.
‘I bet you were sad to see him go, weren’t you Bob?’
‘Yes, I was. It doesn’t seem fair that Maria should have him all to herself for most of the time while we only get whatever scraps are left. It makes me so mad when it was her fault we split up and now she’s getting the best of the bargain again.’
‘Oh, forget about it love. Look, he’s twenty years old now, a grown man. He can come and go as he pleases.’
‘You’re right but it’s not so easy with him living so far away from us. If we could persuade him to base himself here, then we’d get to see him as much as she does.’
‘Yes, but it’s too early to make any plans right now. Let’s take things one step at a time – we haven’t got to know him properly yet.’ Debra advised him.
‘Well, he seems level headed, even though he did run away and cause us a lot of heartache, but I take your point. Anyway Debra dear, what were you two talking about while you were washing up. He’s telling me he can talk to you easier than he can to me.’
‘I wouldn’t go that far, he’s exaggerating a little. We just spoke about when he was a kid; I told him about what my daughter used to get up to, and he talked about you and his mum.’
Bob shook his head. ‘That’s nice to hear. Perhaps you might try to talk to him some more when he next comes to visit. I’d like to find out what he did in the five years he was away, and how we can help him now. What made him stay away so long? What made him leave in the first place? That’s what’s eating me up inside.’
‘Bob, he’ll tell you himself in time.’ She tried to assure him, but he didn’t like the way Tim bottled things up. And was uneasy about what to expect when he did tell them.
Chapter 26
Late that Sunday afternoon, Maria stood waiting at Dexford train station, and as Tim stepped onto the platform her heart fluttered with relief, having feared another disappearing act. Tim had been back such a short time and to live without him for a second time would be unbearable. There would be Danny and Lizzie to care for, but it wouldn’t be the same as having her son in her life.
Tim smiled waving frantically once he had spotted his mother on the platform, she was walking towards him her arms outstretched.
‘Glad to have you back, Tim.’
‘Glad to be back, mum.’
‘We came in the car, so we’ll be home soon enough. I’ve cooked you a cheese and bacon flan for tea, I thought you might like that with a bit of salad. You always enjoyed the flans I made when you were younger.’
‘That’s great mum. I can’t wait to try it.’
They made their way towards the car park, Lizzie looking keenly through the car window for them. She’s proving to be a handful, Maria thought as they got in the car.
Tim sat in the back with Lizzie, who asked, ‘So did you like Cliffburn?’
‘Brilliant. We went to a football match on Saturday afternoon, and on the night dad and his missus took me to a posh restaurant – very nice, I can tell you.’
‘Oh, you’re making me jealous – wish I could have come.’
‘Tim won’t be doing that every time he goes up there – that was just a sweetener so he’ll come again,’ Maria told Lizzie, looking at her through the rear view mirror.
‘You may be wrong about that.’ Tim grinned at his mother.
‘And how did you get on with your dad and Debra?’
‘Fine, like a house on fire.’
‘Good, I want you to be friends with everyone,’ Maria said, not allowing herself to be wound up by Tim’s comment.
‘Debra’s very nice when you talk to her.’
‘And so is Danny, aren’t you love?’ Maria was quick to add.
‘I try my best,’ Danny said, giving him an over the top smile.
‘We’ll take you out somewhere as well - although maybe not to a football match, because Danny isn’t that interested in football, are you Danny?’
‘I don’t mind watching it, but I’m more of a rugby man myself,’ he explained.
‘I like football though.’ Lizzie remarked.
‘That’s only because you fancy some of the players.’
‘It isn’t, dad, but there are some rather dishy footballers, not like those big beefy rugby players with no brains and all brawn. Half of them look as though they’ve been in a boxing ring.’
They all laughed at this, and Maria was glad they seemed to be getting on so well.
Tim went upstairs when they got back, to unpack his bag, giving Maria all his dirty washing before having a quick bath.
After tea, they congregated around the television for the night. Lizzie sat close to Tim, their arms and legs touching, giggling and chatting over silly things, which Maria found irritating.
Danny had been keeping an eye on his daughter and around ten thirty he said, ‘Come on now young lady, time for bed – I could do with a bit of peace and quiet.’
‘Oh dad, do I have to,’ Lizzie whined.
‘You do – come on, off you go.’
‘I’m fifteen years old, dad; all my friends stop up as late as they like.’
‘Darling, so long as you live under this roof, you’ll do what you’re told.’
Finally sulking, Lizzie sloped off towards the door, giving Tim a shy smile.
‘We’ll be going to bed ourselves shortly,’ Maria said.
‘It’s Monday tomorrow don’t forget, and all of us except for Tim, have to get up early to go to school and work.’
Lizzie pulled a face and bobbed her tongue out at them. Tim put his thumb to his nose and waved the rest of his hand at her. Lizzie was in hysterics.
The next morning, as always, Danny left with Lizzie in order to give her a lift to school, while Maria prepared for another day at the library. When she was ready to go, she went in to Tim, who still lay in bed.
‘I’m off to work now Tim,’ she told him sitting on his bed.
‘Mmm.’ He yawned opening his eyes to see her there.
‘Got anything planned for the day?’
‘Dunno, haven’t decided yet.’
‘Maybe you ought to start looking for a job, eh? I mean hanging around here all day is so pointless. And rather boring – I should think.’
‘Don’t worry mum, there’s plenty of time for that yet. I want a few weeks to myself, so I can get to know you guys again.’
‘All right darling, you suit yourself, but don’t leave it too long.’
‘Sure thing.’
All the way to work, Tim was on her mind. Life was fine right now, but it wasn’t good for him to lounge about the house all day. She’d let things be for the time being, but if nothing happened soon she’d say something to him again.
The following Thursday she left the library early to go to the dentist. It was three o’clock when she came out, and decided there was no point in going back to work, so she went home. As soon as she opened the front door she heard squeals of laughter coming from upstairs. What on earth’s going on, she thought, putting her shopping bag down in the hall? Then she rushed upstairs. It appeared Tim wasn’t on his own, and annoyingly it sounded like the other voice was female. Anger rushed through her.
Just as she reached the top of the stairs Lizzie ran across the landing with a towel wrapped around her apparently naked body. Within a few seconds Tim came out of the bathroom wearing only a pair of boxer shorts, his hair drenched. Maria’s mouth dropped open with shock as she took in what was happening.
‘Hi, mum,’ he sniggered, wiping his sodden face.
‘Tim – and Lizzie too.’ And looking directly at Lizzie, she said, ‘Why aren’t you at school?’
‘I felt sick Maria. Women’s problems. The teacher told me to come home.’
‘Well you don’t seem very sick to me.’
‘I’m a bit better now.’
‘And what were you doing in the bathroom together?’
‘Nothing. We weren’t in the bathroom together. Lizzie just opened the door and threw a glass of squash over me – that’s all, because earlier I said she was a spoilt brat, for refusing to hurry up in the bathroom.’
‘Words fail me. Grow up, will you? Both of you.’
‘Sorry,’ Tim mumbled.
Maria’s attitude had burst their bubble and Lizzie disappeared into her bedroom while Tim went to get dressed.
Maria had a strange feeling about this, sensing they weren’t telling the truth and that something untoward was going on, although she didn’t have any proof. But coupled with what she’d just witnessed and the fact that Lizzie already had a crush on Tim, made it easy to put two and two together. This could turn into a tricky situation considering Lizzie’s age, and if anything did happen, Tim would be held to account and be forced to take the consequences.
However, she didn’t feel confident enough about accusing them of any impropriety yet. Her only way forward would be to speak to Danny, but that might look as if she was putting the blame on Lizzie, and in turn Danny would retaliate by accusing Tim of instigating the matter. Best not say anything, after all he’d be spending this weekend at his father’s house which would give her some breathing space. But she’d keep a close eye on the situation.
In the few weeks that followed, Maria felt they were all getting along well together, any worries she had had about the two youngsters looked to be unfounded. They were behaving themselves and Lizzie seemed preoccupied with schoolwork.
The only problem seemed to be Lizzie’s health, she’d been off her food and generally unwell, due to a bug or virus that appeared to be doing the rounds at school. Finally, when it didn’t clear up, she agreed to go to the doctors.
Danny arranged the appointment himself, for Friday at four thirty, when he could pick up Lizzie from school and go straight to the surgery. He had also said he intended going in to see the doctor with her.
That Friday afternoon Maria had prepared a casserole for their evening meal and at five forty five went to turn the oven down. They should have been back even if they had stopped at the chemist to get Lizzie’s prescription. All she could do was sit tight. She just hoped Lizzie’s illness wasn’t too serious.
She’d all but given up on them when they came into the kitchen. Maria was shocked to see Lizzie’s eyes were red and puffy and her face as white as snow, and in contrast to this Danny’s face was like thunder. Momentarily, Maria’s heart stopped; what had happened now?
‘Where is he?’ Danny said in loud voice.
‘Where’s who?’ Maria answered.
‘That bloody son of yours – that’s who.’
‘Pardon. Danny - what’s going on?’
‘You’d better ask him - or I will. Get him down right this minute! He’s got some explaining to do.’
Maria felt a dread in the pit of her stomach. Danny was obviously accusing Tim of something – but what exactly? Going into the hall she shouted his name three times from the bottom of the stairs, and on returning to the living room the sound of his bedroom door closing and his heavy footfall could be heard on the stairs.
He waltzed into the living room yawning, apparently without a care in the world. But then Maria saw his eyes dart to each of them in turn, and what with Lizzie’s mascara smudged cheeks and Danny’s reddened face, he must have realised something was up. She prayed he was innocent of whatever they were about to accused him of.
‘Sit down Tim,’ Maria told him, her face showing concern.
‘What’s the matter now?’ Tim asked, narrowing his eyes at all of them.
‘I’ll tell you what’s the matter my lad. Lizzie - that’s the matter. She’s pregnant, you bastard - and you’re the father.’ Danny pointed an accusing finger at him.
‘You what! You’ve got to be joking,’ Tim protested.
‘Is he or is he not the person who did this to you?’ Danny said looking at his daughter.
She nodded, but Maria noticed she wasn’t looking anyone in the face.
‘She’s lying,’ Tim insisted.
Maria looked at the two of them, not knowing who to believe, then turning to Tim, said, ‘Are you sure you’re telling the truth?’
‘Yes mum, I am. I’d never be stupid enough to sleep with someone her age?’
Maria didn’t say anything, but her mind went back to that day when she’d come home early, catching them both with hardly a stitch on.
‘Come on mum; give me a break will you?’ Tim pleaded.
Danny glared at him. ‘How dare you take advantage of Lizzie, like this? Dear God lad, she’s only just fifteen years old. I’ll get the bloody law onto you, you shithead. Hope they lock you up and throw away the key.’
‘You may not believe me, but I’m telling you I didn’t do anything to her. Sure, I had the chance, but I turned her down. Why should I when I can have the pick of any girls my own age?’ Tim boasted.
‘Danny, we can’t prove this, one way or the other. It’s just her word against his,’ Maria said.
‘Well, if she has the baby, we’ll soon know, won’t we son? DNA testing and all that business. There’s no arguing against that, is there?’
‘Oh, for God’s sake, I’ve had enough of this,’ Tim shouted, about to leave the room, only Danny grabbed hold of his arm. ‘Let go of me!’ Tim wrenched himself free.
‘Not until you tell me the truth. Come on, admit it, you made my Lizzie pregnant, didn’t you?’
; Tim shook his head.
‘Please Danny, this isn’t getting us anywhere. Can’t you at least give him the benefit of the doubt?’ Maria said.
‘Not a chance. It took me ages to get it out of her because she’s that terrified of him. Well, it’s time we called the police – let them sort it out.’
‘Go on then, that’s fine by me,’ Tim shouted, waving his arms about. ‘And if you do, you’ll get more than you bargained for. Because that sweet little Miss Innocent as you see her has been with four or even five lads to my knowledge. Ok, so we did mess around a little, but it was just a bit of fun until she got serious and came onto me big time. No way would I do that to her, and I turned her down flat.’
‘He’s lying, I’ve only ever slept with him.’ Lizzie screamed.
‘Why are you doing this, Lizzie? You can’t pin your pregnancy on me.’
‘Right – I want him out of here, Maria. Do you hear me?’ Danny said, again pulling him by the arm. ‘Get out of this house NOW – and I don’t want to see your smug face around here ever again.’
‘But Danny, he could be innocent.’
‘I don’t care, I know he did it and that’s all that matters. He has to go.’
‘Well, if he goes, I go too,’ she threatened, folding her arms demonstrably.
Danny went even redder in the face and bunched up his lips in obvious anger.
‘Suit yourself, but he’s not staying here any longer.’
‘Right,’ Maria retorted. ‘Come on Tim, let’s get our things together. We’ll go round to your nan and granddads. They’ll let us stay there until we find a place of our own.’
‘Maria – have you gone completely mad?’
‘No, but you have. Can’t you see what she’s like? I dread to think what else the little bitch has been up to.’
Danny’s face twitched with anger, and in a rage he slapped Maria across the cheek with the back of his hand. She gasped in pain because it stung. But what happened next stunned her even more. Tim shrugged Danny’s hand aside and smacked him one on the nose. There was a loud crack and Danny fell to the floor. Maria’s heart jumped, fearing her son’s fist might have broken something. Tim stood over him, hands clenched, daring him to get up and fight, but Danny, his mouth and nose full of blood was barely capable of getting up. Lizzie started to scream and went crying to her father.