“Her Mum hit her Sam is she all right how long has that fat bitch been hitting Michelle, she will be sorry, no I didn’t know Michelle hates her I know that much and now I know why, Pat has had it too easy in our house that ends today…”
“No she only went to hit her. Michelle said her choice, she would hit her back if she did and Susan ran out after Pat. She got back a couple of minutes ago and they are both seeing who gets to you first.” Becky is laughing and cheering.
“Good on her, I wonder why it has taken her so long, Dad does this mean we can get a new suite, if that fat bitch isn’t putting her arse through the new one?” I smiled. I will get them a comfortable one, so I can sleep in comfort on it, when I stop over. Even though, we will have our own place soon.
“What caused this melt down from Michelle?” Shit truth, always says, tell the truth, Michelle’s motto, and so here comes the broken legs.
“We are having a weekend away Michael, we both feel it’s time! Pat got wind of it and went to warn Susan, she just couldn’t help herself, I’m betting she wished she’d shut her mouth now, especially after her hearing the stuff about her own daughter I’m betting that was a wakeup call for her, Michelle is Mother Teresa compared to Mandy and now Pat knows it too…” He smiles and nods his head.
“Right, leave it with me and well, be careful Son. I don’t want her upset and hurt by anything do I make myself clear Son?”
“Perfectly Sir, and I well… I love her, I did ask her to marry me too, but she turned me down, though she did say it would be happening soon in her rant with Susan, and it will if you agree?” He’s smiling at me, shit, have I just asked him, if I can marry his daughter?
“That’s up to her she will only do that if she wants to, she's a little head strong my daughter, plus, she has some sort of plan to stick to. One I’m not sure is right for her now.” Becky is back and is telling him Michelle’s at the door. He smiles and heads off home and Christ my legs are still intact, did I really ask him if I could marry her? Did he say yes, more importantly?
Dad isn’t in and the place is a mess, Jimmy is coming back after classes tomorrow and Andy is out. I clean and tidy up, how one man can make so much mess? I will do her bed tomorrow, I may even bring her a bed down here, and she can’t do those steps for a couple of days. I put on a record, the fire too and lay down just thinking about our crazy mad and amazing weekend…
Sam passed Becky and dad on their way home, they were chatting for a while and then he waved again and continued home. Dad looks different, happy? I get a hug on the doorstep as Becks is stood grinning…
“Dad I’ve had yet another run in with Pat, I’ve also fallen out with Mum too, she wants me to apologise and I’m not going too ever. Mum was going to hit me because I refused, so I’ve told her I won’t be smacked or bullied by either her or Pat anymore.” Becky laughed.
“Yeah, Sam said you’d had words with Fat Pat again, he did too, he shouted at her for upsetting you.” She went in as dad put his arm around me.
“Come on let’s get it sorted, she won’t lay another hand on you ever again, but from what Sam said you near on killed her anyway! You need to plant a right hook to the chin Michelle, right under her jaw, with any luck they will have to wire the fucker shut, it will stop her talking and fucking eating she needs to do both.” We went in and mum was up to get her side in. Too late, beat you to it, ha. So childish Michelle, my small victory put down by my inner me.
“Sit down and shut up, and listen and listen good and hard. Pat is no longer welcome in my house after tonight’s performance; she minds her own business, she is a nosey interfering bitch and if I find her in here, she will be leaving on her fat arse for hitting Michelle and make no bones about that Susan, I’m angry as fuck you allowed her to hit my daughter, are we clear on that?
She has, for far too long stuck her nose into things she has no concern in, she causes most of the bloody rows in this house, perhaps if her fat arse wasn’t in my house all the bloody time I may stop in more? She leads you around like a lapdog, making you jump through hoops well it stops and she is not, I repeat not to interfere in my daughter’s life.
I knew about the trip, I was asked and permission was given, they needn’t have asked, she’s old enough to go, but that lad did. He asked knowing it could get a clobbering, so think on, I think highly of the lad, he is a fixture in this family, whether fucking Pat Lang likes it or not. Before you give Michelle evils and try to hit her, be careful, she won’t take much more from you either. As it is she could have hit you back for some of the smacks you’ve given her, but because you’re her Mother she hasn’t, that is to stop do you hear. Stop hitting her, because you’re in a bad mood with me; take this to be her final warning, she ever steps a foot in this house again and I swear she will wish she hadn’t…” I was now getting dirty looks and she was about to freak out, bedtime I think. Poor Dad will be on the couch or JJ's bed. Sam had asked, oh hell it was happening. Now I’m a little nervous. They slammed a few doors, and had words but mum was in the wrong and she knew it, she shouldn’t have let Pat hit me that was dad’s winning rant as she tried to justify her actions and it didn’t work so she had a tantrum about going to stop at her mother’s for a few days, yeah right empty promises…
“That was a short fight you all right Michelle? Your fellas cute when he’s embarrassed, he likes you a lot though must have done he was discussing sex with Dad I had to go it was funny. So you’re having a night in a hotel then, bring me a prezzie night Michelle!” Oh hell what is he like?
“Night Becks, with any luck things will be changing for the better here now, see you in the morning…”
CHAPTER 11
I have a massive exam first thing, chemistry followed by food science. Sitting down to start, pens at the ready. I read the paper in front of me, twice. I'm shocked and surprised that I didn’t struggle with it, but I could have done with revising, allowing for a more detailed answer to the questions, none missed and when I re read it, I think I have done enough to actually get a good mark, the exam over, I completed it and I left the gym. I had hockey practice next, changing in the locker rooms I sat and smiled as Karen, walked in on her own aww have the friends decided you’re not the cool kid in school anymore?
I padded up and grabbed my stick, the rest had joined us, and I went to the field to practice. I hit a few balls with the stick, but the kicking them away was my power play. We did a few, pre practiced moves that done, the girls were lining balls up, and shooting them at me. Karen belted one at me, to have it kicked right back at her, I smiled when it hit her, I laughed on the inside, apologised to her face. Next exam, wow luckily for me these are easy questions and ones I have revised well on, I can’t believe my luck, all done and dusted for today in the exams. An hour on my art work and I’m happy. Sam was waiting by the gates.
“Hello, you, you’re lucky to catch me, I finished early.” He kissed me. I missed him last night, again.
“Jimmy said you had nearly finished baby. Did you have a good exam?”
“Yes I did and an excellent hockey practice too. I even managed to nearly finish my art exam work too. Have you had a busy day then?”
“Not as busy as you it seems. Just collecting Mum, who is looking forward to seeing you?” We we’re at mine, and the bum hugs and kisses are gratefully accepted, my man has soft lips and does wonderful things with his soft hands, umm wonderful things…
“Let me do a quick change, sit in there with mum. Mum I have finished early, exams started today, so I will be doing odd hours, my timetables there and can I throw my kit in the washer need it for tomorrow?” Jeans and tee shirt day today, trainers and hair tied up in a bun. Perfume on and bag grabbed.
“Mum we’re going to Sam’s, I will see you later, come on I can’t wait to see Emma, is she all right with her breathing now?”
“She’s fine and propped up comfortably and waiting to see you too, but we have to shop first, there’s nothing in, we need to go up to do a superma
rket run, everything we need everything. The cupboards and the fridge are bare, so we are getting in some good practice for when we have to do it for ourselves, in our own home. We just have to sit down and see where you fancy living with your old man.” He held my hand tightly.
I have the estate house I am buying, but I we would have to have Mum and James with us for a while, Andy has said he will move to the flats he had built and have the top flat with views to die for, but I need green grass to sit on and a backdoor I can open and a garden to potter around in, perhaps she would consider that? It needs stuff doing to it, but she can have it however she wants it…
“Really old man, so we are going to live in sin then? That works for me.” He smiled, perhaps that would be good enough for him? We spent a good hour and a lot of money, putting things in the trolley, laden down with bags we jumped in a taxi. This playing house thing is bloody expensive. He just held my hand and smiled all the way back. Jimmy came out to help us with the bags.
“I think we’ve bought most of the store.” I emptied them, with Jimmy’s help Emma had slept through us arriving home. I popped the kettle on as she woke up.
“Michelle, you are here come and sit yourself down next to me please and tell me about your day.” I did as I was told she hugged me. Sam smiled as she played with the loose curl that had the audacity to escape.
“Thank you you’re such a good girl.”
“Are you glad to be home Emma?” She nodded.
“Hated that place and the food it was horrid. I didn’t eat it, because it was only fit for Dennis. They looked at my meal last night, and said no wonder you don’t eat this when you get to eat that.” I smiled, she didn’t like Dennis, so what was the reason she stopped?
“What do you want for tea then? Do you fancy homemade cheese and onion pie and all the trimmings?” Jimmy spoke up and Emma and Sam just looked on.
“Yes please, your last one was fantastic.” Sam looked at me and he just smiled. I’d already told him all that but the smile on his face was priceless, that was the day he found out I was Jimmy’s Michelle.
“That sounds nice.” Sam sat with his mum and I set to, making their tea.
“It will be great she makes good pies Sam. Her apple pies are fantastic. Have you not made it for him yet Michelle?” I laughed he was just winding Sam up now. I shouted through.
“Jimmy, I haven’t had much chance to cook for Sam yet, but don’t worry he will be getting most of the things I can do. Whilst I’m cooking for you lot. Stop winding him up you have been my cooking partner for a quite a while, you had to taste it for my pastry exam Sam already knows you have had my cooking before him. I don’t appreciate you rubbing it in either I can always make you beans on toast James Robert Todd?” He laughed and came in to start setting the table.
“I don’t suppose your Dad’s in for tea is he?” I heard Emma sigh, I put the kettle on. Whilst it was cooking, I made our brews and we were drinking them as we were sat talking, when the door flung open, the mood changed immediately, he was home and was followed in by Andy.
“So you’re all home and she’s here again. Emma what are you making for my tea then? Drink Sam.” They all changed their happy faces gone. I got up and made him a drink I hated this man. He spewed bile and hatred his evil eyes looked into mine and his face sneered. I could see him scanning the room picking upon the tension and this seemed to bring a smile to his face. He enjoyed making their lives miserable they live in fear of this drunk, but why…
I disappear leaving him to Lord it over them. I hear how he belittles Emma, calls Jimmy a puff, shouts orders at Sam, demands money laughs and tells him he needs more. I hear Emma cry. It’s not my place to say anything, not my battle to fight. Well not yet anyway but if I’m to be a part of Sam’s future, he will be in it. Then it becomes my fight. Then Mr Dennis Todd, watch who I bring to the party. My father, complete with left and right hook.
“Here’s your drink, your tea will be about half an hour and Emma cannot do anything for at least a month, so she will be taking it easy. Dad will be popping in to see you too Emma, he’s going to fetch the meat around I need to build you up, did he not say? He sends his love, and says your to watch the step, he doesn’t want to see you in hospital again, do you hear?”
“Yes, he said he would be popping in from time to time, he said your Aunts going to come and see me too, and really you all don’t need to fuss!” I don’t think the stairs are going to be a problem, not anymore do you Dennis? “He dropped Sam off this morning and came in to see me he’s such a nice man. Sam appreciated the lift up didn’t you Son?”
I smile Dennis is frightened to death by my dad. He grabbed the drink from me, touching my hand as he takes the mug from me. He gleams a small moment of pleasure from that briefest of touches. I see his evil smile. He reeks of stale drink the odour of cheap perfume and cigarettes lingers around him. It makes me want to hurl. Who would think that was a catch?
“Your Dad needn’t bother, I can see to everything Emma wants, that’s what we have the boys for.”
“No, Dad is insistent, Dennis, he knows I worry about Emma and doesn’t like me upset, so they are helping to get her right again and please don’t worry it’s our pleasure, Dad loves Sam and wants to help Sam too and I love Emma, two falls is two too many, so we need to see to it she is watched, and has no more dizzy spells.” Sam and the boys look frightened, as Dennis scowls at me, I don’t care if I have to camp out at the foot of her bed I will do, because he will not touch her again.
“Besides Mr Todd it’s my pleasure to cook for you, and the boys, Emma needs building up and who better to look after her than my aunt the matron of the hospital, and new magistrate, she got appointed two days ago, the family is so proud of her, and my Uncle David, did Dad tell you he is being considered for a big promotion Deputy Chief Constable for Stockton Sam?
I laugh though because no matter what he does he will never be as good as my Aunt June she’s a judge! Sam sorry they are my dorkey Cousin Tom’s mum and dad, and live near Aunty Allison. I love having them as my Godparents along with Don Mather’s, you know him don’t you Dennis? My other Godfather, the ex-boxing champ? He’s my trainer, well Dad’s and my trainer, see you’ve learnt a little more about me today Dennis. Are you alright you look a bit peaky, dinner won’t be long.”
Sam smiled, yes I was grandstanding but besides the right hook and left hook I had people to turn to, too. I went to the kitchen to finish the meal checked on the pie, umm its nice and golden. I drained the vegetables into the gravy pan tasted it, perfect. Jimmy came through he got a tray out and hugged me tightly.
“Thanks for looking out for Mum, is your Dad really coming down, and all that was true?”
“Yes, I need different meats and stuff, and my Godfather is my dad’s best friend and my trainer, who happens to be a butcher, so they will pop in during the day, to keep that shit on his toes, I am very well connected and best he bloody knows it, the little fucking shit, please stop worrying.” He laughed and he explained the tray…
“We eat in here Michelle, and he has his on a tray. We get a bit of peace and don’t have to watch him eat, and when I say eat, I mean he shovels it in, and then moans that it was crap…” I smiled and hugged Jimmy who was sad again the happy boy, is back in hiding again.
“I can see how that would put you off, how you lot stand it beggars belief, and yes I do know Emma wants it this way.” He smiled.
“Sam’s filled you in then?” I remembered the argument it caused.
“He has yes, thanks Jimmy, and I wasn’t that stupid to think she was dead clumsy, I know what’s going on and Sam is embarrassed because I know, please don’t you be too, shit happens… You can’t choose your parents Jimmy.” He sighed again too. I put his dad’s tea and a drink on his tray, and called Andy down. I gave Dennis his tray he looked at it and smiled. Sam helped Emma to the table with Jimmy’s help, Dennis laughed as he saw the pain she was in, crap he’s an evil bastard.
“That�
��s what I call a tea.” I went through to join the rest as Andy followed me and smiled.
“This looks nice Michelle, thanks.” Sam looks so miserable even me rubbing his thigh isn’t helping his mood improve because I have I think witnessed the unpleasantness he couldn’t hide it from me anymore and he was embarrassed, why did they not just leave?
“I hope tastes as good as it looks; eat it before it gets cold.” We sat and chatted, ignoring him in there and we were talking and laughing. Sam tucked into his food grinning, I smile as he watches his mum eat and because Emma was eating at last, he was happy. Andy and Jimmy are arguing over the last piece. I tell them there’s another in the oven. All three boys eat more as I watch. Emma has finished and is full and she pats my hand.
“Come here you girlie my tray needs shifting.” I am being called through by his dad they all looked horrified and frightened. Sam stood to get the tray. Oh my days, he didn’t just call me girlie, did he? Emma looked angry Sam noticed it too. I got up and kissed her cheek and telling her it was fine. Telling Sam to sit and eat, I went through to take his tray his plate was empty. The look of a dirty old man on his face, that evil look in his eyes was still there. I moved to take his tray.
“That was very nice thank you girlie, good food always deserves a reward.” I had just received a complement and smiled. I took the tray from him, as I turned he smacked my backside. I heard the crack just as I felt the sharp, harsh pain across my buttock. Shit that had caught me unawares it was so hard my backside was sore and it stung, the tray went flying smashing the plates and mug. He sent me heading towards the floor I was sore and lying in a crumpled heap on the carpet, he laughed as he did it.
“Welcome to my family girlie, yours aren’t here are they girlie? You sure you want to be with that wimp in there, and to try and mess with me and what’s mine, is a big mistake bitch…” He was now smiling at me he had enjoyed hurting me and he was calling Sam and threatening me really he was that stupid oh hell no? I jumped up and picking the tray up and my auto pilot switched on, he is about to get a Missy-fit with added extras…
A Life Plan Without You. Page 45