by Kitty Neale
‘Leave it out, I’m their dad. How’s seeing me gonna upset them?’
‘They’re scared of you, Dad. We all are,’ Gloria blurted.
‘Don’t be daft. Granted, I might have lost me rag at times, but I never laid a hand on them boys.’
‘Maybe, but what about Jenny?’
‘Look, Gloria, I know I’ve made mistakes and as I said, I lost me rag now and then, but I never ran off and left you, not like your mother. I’ve got every right to see my boys, and I’m holding out the olive branch here. How about a bit of give and take?’
To Gloria’s surprise, Jenny pulled the door open wider and said, ‘All right, come in, but please don’t raise your voice or it’ll frighten them.’
‘Have a bit of respect for your old man. I don’t need you telling me how to treat me own sons,’ he snapped.
Gloria saw her sister flinch and instantly knew this was a mistake. They should have slammed the door in his face and been done with it. At least Pamela wasn’t around. Her nerves were so much better now, and bedwetting was a thing of the past, but seeing their father again could cause a backward step.
‘Sorry, girl, I didn’t mean to snap. It won’t happen again.’
Jenny pulled the door wider, and when they walked into the front room she invited him to sit on the sofa. ‘Gloria, do you mind making a pot of tea?’
‘Yeah, all right,’ she agreed, but didn’t like leaving Jenny alone with their dad. As she left the room, she heard him telling Jenny to open the birthday card.
Craig had come into the kitchen through the back door. ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked. ‘You look as white as a sheet.’
‘My dad is here. He’s in the front room with Jenny.’
‘What! Stay here, and keep the boys in the garden,’ Craig said urgently, then hurried from the room.
Craig was right: until it was clear they’d be safe, it was best to keep her brothers out of harm’s way. She was glad Craig was there to look out for Jenny. She knew how much he loved her and that he wouldn’t allow her to be harmed in any way. Gloria opened the back door and called to the boys, ‘Stay out there until I tell you to come in.’
‘Why?’ Timmy asked.
‘Because I said so, that’s why. If you do as you’re told, Craig will give you sixpence each and later on I’ll take you to the sweetshop.’
‘Yay!’ they both cried in unison. ‘Come on, Peter, let’s get back on the seesaw,’ Timmy squealed.
Satisfied that her brothers would be safe, and anxious to know what was going on in the front room, Gloria poured her dad a cup of lukewarm tea from the pot and took it through. However, the moment she walked into the room, she sensed the tension in the atmosphere and prayed her dad wouldn’t kick off.
‘Thanks,’ her dad said as he took the tea.
‘Mr Lombard, I appreciate you’re here to see Jenny on her birthday, but we have plans for today. In future, rather than make a wasted journey, I suggest you let us know in advance that you’re coming,’ Craig said.
‘What plans?’ her dad asked, and then Gloria noticed he looked disgusted as he slurped the almost cold tea.
‘I can’t say. It’s a surprise for Jenny.’
‘Don’t give me that bullshit, sonny. I know when I’m not welcome.’
‘Right then,’ Craig said. ‘I’ll be honest with you. No, you’re not welcome. This is my house and I’d like you to leave, please.’
Gloria cringed. She guessed her father wouldn’t take kindly to Craig throwing him out and expected the cup and saucer to go flying, but instead her dad placed them calmly down and stood up. He looked deflated, like a pricked balloon, and for a fleeting moment she felt sorry for him.
‘I admire you, son. It takes a brave man to stand up to me. You know I could knock you through to next door, but you’ve stood your ground and been straight with me. I’ll go, but I would like to make arrangements to see my boys and Pam. Is that all right?’
‘I’m not sure …’ Craig said doubtfully.
Jenny cut in. ‘You can see the boys, but not right now. I need time to prepare them.’
‘“Prepare them”? What do you mean?’
‘Dad, I told you, they’re frightened of you, and Pamela is too. When we lived with you her nerves were in a terrible state and she used to wet the bed. She’s so much better now and I’m not sure she’ll want to see you.’
Once again Gloria held her breath, but her father remained calm as he said, ‘If she doesn’t, that’s fine. We can wait until she’s ready, but I’d still like to see my boys. How about I come back next Saturday, say at eleven o’ clock.’
Jenny hung her head for a moment, then she nodded and quietly said, ‘Yes, all right.’
‘Great, happy birthday, Jen, and I’ll see you next week.’
Much to their astonishment and relief, he left without any aggravation. Craig saw him out, and once Gloria heard the door close behind him, she turned to Jenny and spat, ‘What on earth are you thinking? Why are you letting him come back?’
‘I don’t have much choice, Gloria. If Dad choses to, he could take Pamela and the boys back to live with him. He’s their father, which means he has rights, whereas we have none. At least, this way, if he sees them occasionally, it might be enough.’
Gloria slumped. She hadn’t thought of that. Jenny was right, and they’d have to tread carefully. ‘At least he’s coming back on a Saturday again, so Pamela will be at work,’ she mused.
‘Yes, and it gives me a week to prepare the boys. Craig, you’ll be here, won’t you?’ Jenny asked.
‘Too bloody right! I wouldn’t leave you, or them, alone with him, not for a minute.’
Gloria reluctantly realised that Jenny had done the right thing. She was about to go back up to her room when she remembered she’d told her brothers to stay outside. ‘Bugger, I forgot. I’ll tell the boys they can come in now, and Craig, give ’em both sixpence.’
‘All right, but why?’ Craig asked.
‘’Cos I told them you would.’
‘Good, isn’t it, Jenny? Your sister doesn’t pay a penny towards anything and now she’s giving away my money too,’ Craig said jokingly.
‘If you’re giving it away, I’ll have some,’ Gloria said brazenly.
‘No chance,’ Craig replied, grinning.
‘Spoilsport,’ Gloria told him, smiling too as she picked up her hairbrush and went upstairs. She had to admit that now they were out of Craig’s cramped flat, it was nice living with them in this house. There was always a pleasant atmosphere, with lots of laughter, but now that her dad had turned up she feared it was all going to change.
Chapter 18
‘We have the house to ourselves and your dinner awaits,’ Craig said as he walked into the room that evening, acting like a posh waiter with a tea-towel draped over his arm.
Jenny giggled. All thoughts of her father’s visit earlier had been pushed to the back of her mind. She was determined not to let it ruin what had been a very special birthday. She followed Craig through to the kitchen and beamed with delight. Craig had made such an effort to make it look beautiful. He’d put candles on the table along with flowers in a vase and, as she went to sit down, he rushed to be behind her.
‘Allow me,’ he said as he pulled out her chair.
She looked over her shoulder, and said softly, ‘This is perfect.’
‘And so are you, my love. I’ve never tried it before, but I’ve got us a bottle of wine. It’s French. The chap in the shop said it’s good so I’ll have to take his word for it.’ He poured the liquid into a glass tumbler. ‘I apologise for the lack of wine glasses.’
She picked hers up, clinked it with Craig’s, and then took a sip of the chilled white wine.
‘What do you think?’ Craig asked.
‘It must be an acquired taste, but I’ll persevere.’
‘Yes, I know what you mean. I hope you’re hungry ’cos I’ve made enough to sink a battleship.’
‘Yes, I am, but don’t
give me too much,’ Jenny said. Craig was a good cook, the result of once living alone, and he didn’t mind doing a share of the chores either.
He took a big pot from the oven and placed it on the table. It smelled delicious and Jenny thought it looked like chicken stew.
As Craig dished up, he said, ‘The chap in the shop where I bought the wine said this dish would go perfectly with it. It’s French, and called cock a van, or something like that. Tuck in.’
‘Cock a van … what does that mean?’ Jenny asked, bemused.
‘I’ve no idea, but I had right fun and games trying to get hold of some of the ingredients. I ended up having to go up West. I hope you like it?’
‘It’s … different,’ Jenny answered. She wasn’t sure about the unfamiliar flavours, but she quite liked it, and drank the last of her wine.
Craig refilled her glass, saying teasingly, ‘You’ve got the acquired taste then?’
‘It’s certainly grown on me. Is this what they eat and drink in those posh restaurants in Chelsea?’
‘I don’t know, but I would imagine so.’
‘As you sell your furniture in Chelsea, I thought you would eat there too.’
‘No, I send out my catalogue and get orders for pieces. I rarely have time to venture out. Sometimes I could do with an assistant, and you never know, maybe one of your brothers would like to work for me in a few years.’
‘It’ll be more than a few years, but as they’re keen to spend the day with you, one of them might want to follow in your footsteps. Excuse me a mo,’ Jenny said, and stood up to leave the table. It was only then she noticed she felt a little wobbly.
‘Are you all right?’ Craig asked, jumping to steady her.
‘I think the wine has gone to my head. Will you help me upstairs to the bathroom, please?’
‘Come on then,’ Craig said, and with his arm around her waist he gently edged her along the hallway.
‘I quite like this feeling,’ Jenny giggled. ‘I think it’s the first time I’ve ever been drunk.’
‘You’re not drunk, darling, just a bit tipsy. Now, slowly up the stairs.’
‘I love you, you do know that, don’t you?’ Jenny gushed.
‘Yes, and I love you too.’
‘You’re amazing … and so dishy … you’re going to be the best husband ever …’
‘And you’re a little more tipsy than I thought,’ Craig laughed, then opened the bathroom door and eased her in. ‘Are you sure you can manage in there?’ he called through the door.
‘Yes … I’m fine,’ Jenny answered and after using the toilet she washed her hands and splashed cold water over her face. ‘I feel a bit better now,’ she told Craig as she left the bathroom.
‘That’s good,’ Craig said, smiling with amusement.
Jenny ventured along the landing. She felt herself swaying slightly, her head spinning and asked, ‘Do you mind if I lie down for ten minutes?’
‘No, of course not. I’ll clear up the kitchen while you have a little nap.’
Jenny staggered again. ‘Oops, I don’t think I can make it to the bedroom.’
Craig quickly wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her. He sat her down on the bed, removed her slippers and as she lay back he said softly, ‘There, you’ll be all right now.’
‘Please … don’t go,’ Jenny pleaded, and took his hand to pull him down next to her. She wanted Craig to hold her, to kiss her …
‘Jenny …’
‘Take your shoes off,’ she husked.
Craig quickly removed them and then rested his head beside hers on the pillow. He turned to look at her, their faces so close that their noses almost touched. She gazed into his eyes and he gently kissed her as he pulled her body closer. Jenny felt excitement stirring, and this time, as Craig’s kisses became more passionate, she didn’t protest. His hands began to roam over her body and then ventured inside her top. She groaned with pleasure and pushed closer to him, feeling his manhood grind against her inner thigh. As Craig continued to caress her Jenny felt a longing for more. It felt so good, she didn’t want it to stop, and then she allowed him to tug down her knickers.
‘Oh, Jenny … I want you so badly,’ Craig said in her ear as he rolled on top of her.
Her legs parted, and after a bit of a fumble he entered her. She felt an intense burning sensation, but Craig was gentle and moved slowly. Soon the pain subsided and was replaced with overwhelming pleasure. She felt a wave of euphoria rise through her body and writhed her hips against him. He responded to her excitement and thrust harder, then with a groan of ecstasy he collapsed on top of her.
‘Oh … Jenny,’ he gasped.
Jenny lay still, sweating and panting for breath. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but she’d enjoyed it.
‘Are you all right?’ Craig asked as he moved off her.
‘Yes, I’m more than all right,’ she answered. ‘I know we should have waited until our wedding night, but I’m almost your wife.’
‘Yes, you are, and once we’re married the only thing that will be any different is a bit of paper.’
Jenny snuggled into his arms. She wanted to stay there forever but forced herself up to arrange her dishevelled clothes. ‘Pamela will be back any minute with the boys.’
‘Crikey,’ Craig said, quickly arranging his clothes too.
Jenny smiled softly as she watched him. She’d thought her birthday had been special this morning, and only her father turning up had marred it. Now she had lost her virginity to the man she loved, and he’d soon be her husband. Once again she decided this was her best birthday – ever.
Lizzie had stayed out of Dwight’s way for most of the day, and when he’d left for work at the dancehall he hadn’t said goodbye. Once the door had closed, she’d set about getting everything prepared for when he came home.
She’d tidied and cleaned the flat, putting fresh sheets on the bed. Then she’d bathed and put on her most alluring underwear under a provocative dress. She’s applied her make-up with care, styled her hair and sprayed herself with perfume.
The scene was now perfectly set, the lights dimmed and soft music playing as Lizzie draped herself on the sofa, waiting for Dwight. She checked the clock. It was just after midnight and he was due home at any moment. Lizzie adjusted herself for the umpteenth time, and quickly downed the last of the gin in her glass. When she heard a kerfuffle at the door, her ears pricked. He was home, but Lizzie was sure she heard a woman tittering.
Dwight came into the front room with his arm draped around a young woman who almost fell through the door. With the amount of lipstick Dwight had smeared around his mouth, it was obvious that he’d been snogging the woman. No, not a woman: she was more like a teenager. Fuming, Lizzie leaped off the sofa and snarled, ‘What the hell’s going on?’
‘I thought I told you I didn’t want you here,’ Dwight drawled.
‘Well, I’m not going so you can get rid of that tart!’
‘No, Paula isn’t going anywhere … but you’re welcome to join us,’ he said with a smirk.
Slowly it dawned on Lizzie what he was suggesting, and her stomach lurched. ‘You dirty, filthy bastard! Gloria was right about you all along!’
‘Ah, Gloria, Gloria … such a shapely young lady. I sure do miss the sight of her in her skimpy nightdress, especially at night, when it was hot, and she’d kick off the covers. Her little nightie used to rise, and I’d see those sweet cheeks …’
Lizzie felt bile rise in her throat. When Gloria had lived with them, Dwight had been hankering after her, yet she’d been too blind to see it. Though Gloria had told her, she hadn’t wanted to believe it, but there was no denying it now. She ran from the room with her hand covering her mouth.
Once Lizzie had thrown up, she wiped her mouth and washed it out with water from the tap. She could hear Dwight and the teenager cavorting in the front room. It was too much for her. She wanted to get out, but where could she go at this time of night? As quickly as possible she threw
some clothes in a bag and was careful not to leave her precious jewels behind. At least she had them to either sell or pawn. She stomped from the bedroom and briefly paused on the threshold of the front room. Dwight and the girl were on the sofa; he had his hands all over her and was oblivious to her watching him. Lizzie knew it was pointless to say anything and with her teeth clenched she walked out. She’d have liked to smash their heads together, but all she could do was vent her anger on the front door as she slammed it with all her might behind her.
Lizzie stood in the dark street and fought back tears. She’d never felt so humiliated and alone in her life. She was at a loss about where to go. She had no money, just the jewellery in her coat pocket, but that wasn’t going to do her any good in the dead of night. She’d lost her mother’s key, didn’t know where her children were living, and had no friends to call on.
That only left Henry, and as much as she’d prefer to never see her husband again, he was her only option.
Chapter 19
It was Sunday morning, and as Jenny sliced a loaf of bread she felt like she was walking on air. Even the impending visit from her father in six days’ time wasn’t enough to diminish her smile. When Gloria breezed into the kitchen, Jenny thought her sister looked just as happy too.
‘Your date went well then?’ she asked.
‘Yep! Hughie’s taking me out again later, for a drive in the country.’
‘I didn’t hear you come home. It must have been very late.’
‘Not really, but you was out for the count. Craig waited up for me, made sure I was home safe and sound, bless him. He’ll be a good father when you have kids, much better than ours.’
‘Yes, he will, but it wouldn’t take much to be better than Dad.’ Jenny paused for a moment then said, ‘Gloria, I’ve been thinking, and it might be best if we don’t tell Pamela. She’ll be at work so there’s no need for her to know that Dad’s coming here.’
‘Yes, you’re right. We don’t want her starting all that bedwetting malarkey again.’ Gloria frowned. ‘I’ve only just noticed how quiet it is. Where is everyone?’