The Estate_Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold

by Karen Woods

Gary walked out of the kitchen and froze. John was crying and he could see the pain in his eyes. “Suffer you bastard, like I’ve had to.” There were no more words, Gary stormed out of the room and left the property.

  Melanie was sat on a brick wall not far from the house. Once Gary got there she flung her arms around him. “I knew it, didn’t I tell you something was going on. Why didn’t we see it?”

  Gary squeezed her with all his might. His eyes clouded over and he was struggling to hold back the tears. “They’ve taken us for fools. We’re out of it now. Let John look after his own kid and that lying dirt bag. I’m going to live my life now and do all the things I wanted to.”

  Melanie held his hand tightly. “Yes, lesson learned ay?”

  Gary looked deep into her eyes and raised a gentle smile. “It was you who I loved you know. I know I never declared it, but it was always you.” Melanie was gobsmacked. She never had an inkling about the way he felt about her. He continued. “I knew you had a thing for John and I hoped you would grow out of it. When Diane told me she was pregnant my world fell apart and I just had to deal with it. It was hard watching you with him, so fucking hard.”

  Melanie was stunned. They sat in silence.

  Later Diane walked into her mother’s house and collapsed, she was hysterical. Vanessa ran to her side and held her in her arms. “Gary has been and cleared all his clothes out, what’s going on?”

  “Mam, it’s a big mess. I’ve ruined everything.”

  “Tell me what the hell has happened.”

  Diane closed her eyes and yet again she had to tell the secret that she had been keeping all this time. “John is the father of baby John. He made me lie to protect him. He promised me we would be together, and everything would be alright, but he lied mam, he lied.”

  Vanessa was open-mouthed. “You silly cow, how could you do something like that? Gary is a good honest hardworking man.”

  “I know, I know,” she sobbed.

  “How could you lie to him like that. I’ll tell you something for nothing, your dad will wash his hands of you. I’m ashamed to even call you my daughter.” Vanessa could visualise the neighbourhood gossiping about this, they’d have a field day. She poked her finger into her daughter’s head. “You better hope John is going to do the right thing and stand by you because if not you’ll be on your bleeding own.”

  “Mam, I made a daft mistake. I was mixed up and didn’t know which way to turn.”

  “It’s evil, pure evil to do that to Gary.”

  “I said I’m sorry, haven’t I?” “

  “And you think a word will make all this go away? Give your head a shake girl. And, you’ll have Melanie shouting it from the rooftops too. She’s got a right big mouth that one has. Bleeding hell, I won’t be able to hold my head up around here, we’ll have to move to a new house with the shame of it all.”

  “Mam, I need you to support me here. Please don’t turn your back on me. I need you.”

  “You should have thought about that you before you started having sex with every bleeding Tom Dick and Harry.”

  Vanessa stormed from the room. Her daughter had shamed the family yet again. Could this get any worse?

  John crawled into his bed. Every bone in his body was on fire with pain. His mother stood at his bedroom door and looking at her son, she shook her head and closed the door. He’d let her down big time, all the hopes and dreams she’d had for him had gone out of the window now, he was on his own. John looked out of the window and stared at the silver moon in the night sky. There were no answers there for him, none whatsoever. A single tear ran down the side of his cheek, he’d fucked up and he knew it. He had choices to make now, big choices.

  Melanie lay in her bed sobbing. She dragged the bed covers over her head and hid away from the world outside. Marion opened her bedroom door and could hear her crying. “What’s wrong love, what’s happened?” Marion came over to the side of the bed and pulled the covers back. Melanie’s eyes were red raw. “Oh, you poor bleeder, what’s made you cry like this, or I should say, who’s made you cry like this?”

  Melanie just needed a cuddle, some loving arms around her to tell her everything was going to be alright. She dragged her body up and wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist. The floodgates opened, and she let it all out. “John is the father of Diane’s baby, mam. I caught him with her and she admitted everything. They’ve been seeing each other for ages.”

  Marion was gobsmacked. “Well, the dirty scrubber. I hope you’ve given her what for? And him, I’ll give him a piece of my mouth when I see the rotten bastard.”

  “I leathered her mam and Gary sorted John out. How could they do that to us? We were all friends, she was my best friend.”

  The tears were flowing now and Marion choked up as she rocked her daughter in her arms. “I had a feeling about him love, honest, ask your dad. There was just something about him that wasn’t right.”

  “It doesn’t matter now does it? We’re over. Let him go and be a dad. I hope they’re both happy?”

  “He’ll never make anyone happy. He’ll always be a cheat. Mark my words he’ll never change that one.”

  Melanie dried her eyes and tried to smile. “Gary told me he loves me, apparently, he’s loved me for years.”

  “Well fuck a duck, it’s like a TV drama this is. And, what did you say?”

  “I was shocked. I didn’t have a clue.”

  “Gary is a lovely hardworking man. You could do a lot worse.”

  “Mam, I can’t believe you’re even saying that.”

  “No, I’m telling the truth. He might not be the best-looking man I’ve seen but he has qualities that are priceless. It was the same with your dad. As you know he isn’t the best looking guy but that man has looked after me. Alright, he made one mistake, but he’s made up for that over the years.”

  “Mam, will I ever love again?”

  Marion grabbed her cheeks in her hands and looked directly into her eyes. “Of course, you will. After the gypsy boy romance, I asked myself the same question and never thought a man would make me feel like that again. I was wrong, so wrong. Your dad has made me very happy and I love him more than I could love any man.”

  “That’s so nice to hear.”

  “In life things are lessons or blessings. Count yourself lucky you found out now. Poor Gary, he’s been taken for a right ride. Imagine loving a child then finding out he’s not yours. What a bleeding nightmare.”

  “I know, I couldn’t even try to imagine what he’s going through.” Melanie sat up again and placed her head on her mother’s breast. She could feel her warm healing hands gliding over her hair. It’s right what they say. There is nothing like a mother’s love.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Melanie waited at the bus stop. It had been three weeks since she’d uncovered John’s secret, she’d kept a low profile since then. The neighbourhood was hot with the gossip and they couldn’t wait to find out the juicy story about what really happened between the four of them. When she finally got around to discussing her business she would tell them every little detail but for now she didn’t fancy it.

  Melanie raised her head and could see Diane pushing a pram on the other side of the road. Their eyes met and Diane froze. She was crossing the road over towards her. Was she right in the head or what? Melanie bolted up from the small seat inside the bus shelter. “What the fuck do you want?”

  Diane was sheepish and she swallowed hard before she spoke. “I can’t just walk past you. I want to tell you how sorry I am for the way things turned out.”

  “Save your breath, I’m not interested.”

  “I know you will never forgive me but from the bottom of my heart I’m sorry. I’ve had to move in the pub with John. My dad’s flung me out and told me he’s done with me. The same with my mam, she’s ashamed of what I’ve done.”

  “Good, it’s what you deserve.”

  Diane choked back the tears. “John went out last night and he’s not come home
. I think he’s left me too.”

  Melanie pretended to play the violin and smirked. “Karma innit?”

  “I suppose you’re right. I got what was coming to me. That will teach me to keep secrets. But I did tell you the truth for all it’s worth. I hope one day you can forgive me.”

  Melanie voice was high-pitched. “Are you fucking stupid or something? I’ll never talk to you again. So, if you don’t mind, piss off and let me get on with my day.”

  There was no love lost here. They would never be friends again and who could blame Melanie? Diane gripped the pram and her bottom lip was trembling as she walked away.

  John was sat in the park watching the world go by. He’d kipped at his mates last night and couldn’t stand the thought of going home to a crying baby and Diane. He wasn’t cut out for fatherhood and he hated every minute of it. His father had told him to man up and look after his son, just like he’d done when he was a young man. He’d threatened him too, telling him he’d made his bed and now he must lie in it. Fuck him and his morals, he’d do what he wanted to do. He wasn’t a child anymore. Who did his father think he was anyway, he was an old geezer and he knew he could take him if he laid another finger on him. John sat smoking a cigarette enjoying the peace and quiet. As he turned his head his jaw dropped as he spotted Diane stampeding towards him. This was not what he needed right now, she was like a raging bull as she approached him. Once she was by his side she booted his leg. “Where have you been all night? If you’ve been cheating on me, then, I’ll…” she paused.

  John stopped her in mid conversation. “You’ll do nothing. So, don’t make empty threats.”

  She was flustered, red-faced. “If you’re not happy then just tell me. I don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t want me.”

  Here it was, his chance to tell her the truth, tell her how she made his skin crawl, how sick she made him feel in the pit of his stomach when she touched him. Maybe telling the truth was the way forward. If she left him then his old man wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. He would play the victim then, telling his family that she didn’t love him, and she wanted to be as far away from him as possible. He could act heartbroken, shed a few tears even. “I can’t stand you Diane. It was Melanie that I loved. Yeah, I slipped you one, because you were easy meat. I never meant anything I said to you either. I only said the things I did to get your knickers off. Come on, you were gagging for it, you couldn’t get enough of me. So fuck off out of my face and go and make someone else’s life a misery. I’ll never love you, ever.”

  He’d said such hurtful words and his expression was full of hate. She panicked knowing he was slipping away. “You don’t mean that John, you’re just saying that to hurt me. I’m not daft.”

  He clenched his teeth tightly and ground them together. “I meant every bastard word. So piss off home and clear all your stuff out.”

  “What about the baby, our baby. He needs a father?”

  “I’ll help where I can, but I don’t want any part in his upbringing.”

  Diane swung her hand back and jawed him. “You’re a horrible twat. After everything I’ve done for you. You think you can treat me like this?”

  His ears pinned back and he looked like he was going to waste her, put her on her arse and deal with her as he stepped forward and went nose to nose with her. His hot stale tobacco breath tickling the end of her nose. “I’ll take that one but if you do that again expect a crack back.”

  Her chest was rising at speed and she was seriously thinking of lashing out at him. He’d messed her life up, made her lose her best friend. Diane rolled the pram away from him. “Don’t you worry. I’ll be gone before you come home. You’ve done me a favour anyway. Gary was twice the man you’ll ever be. I wish he’d have been the real father and not you.”

  John chuckled. “Bye, don’t keep talking, just get walking.” He was such a cocky fucker, full of himself. Diane stormed off with the baby. She was homeless now and had nowhere to go.

  Melanie was waiting for someone. She was acting strangely and always looking over her shoulder. A man appeared at her side of and stood looking at her before he came to her side. “It’s Melanie, right?”

  “Yes,” she croaked.

  “Have you got it then?” She handed a bag to him. He dipped his head inside and smiled. “There you go, lovely doing business with you.” It was as quick as that and in broad daylight too.

  Her half-brother Stephen had come up trumps when she’d confided to him about the drugs she had. Although he was a straight member, he still had contacts. Come on, we all know how the rich live; cocaine parties, drug fuelled nights. Melanie patted the money firmly in her inside pocket. Her eyes followed the man until he turned the corner. She started to walk down the street with a great big smile.

  “Wow, if you’re going to be my girlfriend then you need to know I won’t wait longer than ten minutes for you. I was just about to leave,” Gary joked.

  “No, you weren’t. You would have waited all day for me because you can’t get enough of me.” Melanie kissed Gary and held his hand as they headed into the town centre.

  “Shall we go for something to eat?”

  Melanie nodded. “Yes, and it’s my treat.”

  “I’ll pay, I don’t mind.”

  “No, you’ve paid every time we’ve been out together. It’s my turn.”

  Gary tickled her and she was giggling. “Have you robbed a bank or something, where have you got your cash from?”

  Melanie held a cunning look in her eye, she used a single finger and tapped the side of her nose. “Ask me no questions, I’ll tell you no lies.”

  Gary examined her and sniggered. “We have no secrets from each other, remember that.”

  “I’ll fill you in later, just let’s enjoy our day for now.”

  Neither of them saw John approaching. This was uncomfortable. Once she spotted him she changed her expression. “Oh look what the dogs dragged in, Gary.”

  They were still holding hands and John clocked it straight away. He was shocked for sure. “Are you two seeing each other?”

  How dare he ask a question like that after what had happened. Melanie snapped. “And, what the hell has it got to do with you if we are?”

  “I just think it’s a bit sick that’s all.”

  Gary was as cool as cucumber as he spoke. “We are together, and we’ll be staying together. In fact, we love each other.”

  John swallowed hard, surely they were just saying that to hurt him. Melanie wanted to hurt him even more. “Sex with Gary is fantastic too. We’re always at it, any chance we get. Anyway, shouldn’t you be at home being a father?”

  “I want fuck all to do with Diane. I’ve told her it’s over.”

  Gary and Melanie shot a look at each other. “What a fucking shame that things didn’t work out for you both. You two were made for each other, both a pair of shady bastards.” When Melanie had said her peace she gripped Gary’s hand and started to walk off. John was stuck to the spot, he was frantic and decided to run after her.

  “Melanie,” he shouted. He grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him. “I fucked up big time, I know that. But, give me a chance to prove to you how much I love you.”

  Gary wasn’t standing there listening to this, he rammed his hand around John’s throat and squeezed it. They were nose to nose. “You had your shot with her. She’s mine now. You know what they say, abuse it and lose it. So fuck off and leave us to get along with our lives.”

  He flung John to the floor. Passers-by were watching now, stood whispering to each other, hoping to catch a bit of action. John’s body folded into a tiny ball, he needed a few seconds to get his head together. A man touched the top of his shoulder and tried to help him up. “Fuck off and leave me alone,” he shrieked. He needed a miracle to get Melanie back in his arms, he’d lost her for good.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Donny spotted John and made his way towards him. John was sheepish and on his guard in case he go
t another beating. “Not seen you about for a while. Have you recovered yet?”

  John’s voice was low. “Yeah just about.”

  “It’s the law of the land mate. But ay, I’m a business man and you’ve paid your dues so now I’m willing to put it behind us.”

  “What, work for you again?”

  Donny was serious, he patted the top of John’s shoulder. “Yep, you can have your job back. I bet you could do with some money couldn’t you. I mean, look at the fucking state of you. Your trainers are fucked, and that tracksuit is ready for the bin.”

  John looked down at his trainers, they were grubby and old. Donny was right, he wasn’t getting any form of income. Sometimes his mother slipped him the odd tenner here and there but apart from that he was on his arse. This could be the lifeline he needed. Donny was waiting on an answer. He didn’t have time to wait about, he was a busy man. “So, it’s an easy question, do you want your job back or not?”

  “Of course I do. I swear I’ll never make that mistake again. I just got carried away and well, you know how it is?”

  “Lenny is running this side of the fence now, so I’ll word him up and get you some weed sorted out.”

  “Lenny?” John squirmed. “You mean I have to answer to that ginger cunt?”

  “I wouldn’t let him hear you talking about him like that mate. Lenny is up and coming and he’s already got a name for himself around these parts.”

  What a nightmare, John couldn’t stand the sight of the wanker. But he needed the graft, some money in his pocket. He’d just have to bite the bullet. Donny was gone and John knew he’d have to see Lenny and basically lick his arse for work. This wasn’t good. But what other option did he have?

  Diane sat in the park playing with the baby. Her parents had let her back home for now, but told her she needed to find her own place. She loved coming here when the weather was nice, there was a slight breeze and the flowers were blowing about gently. Lenny came and plonked down on her red tartan blanket beside her. “What are you doing here all alone?” He knew why she was on her own, everybody did, so why was he pretending that he didn’t know that John had dumped her?