by Woods, Karen
She walked past the two bodies on the floor and turned on the television hoping the noise would wake them up. Francesca sat down and lit a cigarette and noticed Jade starting to come round. Francesca was ready for her and as soon as she pulled her whale like body off the floor, Francesca opened fire.
“What the fuck are you giving him shit for when you know he’s trying to keep clean? You’re a silly fat cunt and care only about yourself. What is it, are you sick because he’s sorting his head out and leaving you behind?” Jade rubbed her eyes and got herself comfy on the chair before she answered and she held nothing back.
“What the fuck has it got to do with you? He’s my man not yours so keep out of things that don’t concern you. You free loading little slut.” Francesca dived from the chair and whacked Jade right in the eye, causing her to shout out in pain. They both then started fighting. Tom quickly woke up and couldn’t believe what he saw. Francesca was now sat on top of Jade and ragging her about like a rag roll and shouting at the top of her voice.
“You dirty, sweaty bitch. That’s why your kids have been taken off you, because you’re a worthless piece of shit. You’re not happy destroying their lives you want to fuck everybody else’s life up as well don’t you?” Tom reached for Francesca and pulled her from Jade who was struggling to break free. Tom was shouting at the top of his voice for it to stop but when Jade broke free world war two took place and all Tom could do was try and keep them apart.
“Don’t think I don’t know that you fancy Tom. I could tell from the moment you met him you wanted him for yourself, you dirty little cunt. Well he’s my boyfriend so get use to it. I’m not like your mate Misty who let you get away with nicking her boyfriend, I’ll fuckin kill you before you think you can have him. Do you hear me?” Francesca ran at her again and Tom stopped her plunging her nails deep into her face. He held Francesca as tight as he could and told Jade to leave whilst things calmed down. Jade knew he was right but screamed at the top of her voice, to let him know she wasn’t happy with his decision.
“Tell you what. I’ll go Tom, but I want that little slag gone before I return. Things were fine between us before that mixing little boot came along and I’m not coming back till she’s gone. Do you hear me?” Tom agreed and nodded his head urging her to leave so he could release Francesca, as her strength was unbelievable and he knew he couldn’t hold her much longer. Before she left Jade walked up to Francesca and spit right into her face as Tom held her. Tom screamed for her to leave now and Jade hurried away knowing that if Francesca got her hands on her she would be a dead woman.
The sound of the front door slamming made Tom sigh with relief. He stood in front of the door for a moment then released Francesca and told her there was no way in the world he was letting her chase her. Francesca paced the front room like a wild woman and tried to calm herself down. Tom stood at the door and told her to light two cigs. He had hoped that might calm her down, but she was still pacing the front room and ignored his words.
“Francesca please calm down, think about the baby. It’s not good for it you all this stress is it?” Francesca listened to him and headed towards the table where the cigs lay. As she put one in her mouth her hands shook with temper and she started to cry. Tom’s heart melted and he left the doorway to be by her side. Reaching her he took the cig out of her mouth and placed it on the side of the table while he tried to console her. He held her in his arms and she cried like a baby trying to get her words out.
“Why did you have to have drugs, Tom? I thought you meant it when you said you were going to get clean. You’re full of shit, just like your brother. I don’t know why I ever listened to any of you.” Tom felt a lump in his throat and it was like years of emotions left his chest as he tried to speak.
“I know I’m full of shit Francesca, but it’s so hard to get off gear. When I ran home I was going to take my methadone, but it was there right in front of me and I was weak and couldn’t say no. I’m a drug addict Francesca and you don’t know how much I want to change. Don’t you think I hate what I’ve become? My own mam and dad have disowned me for fuck’s sake. Nobody lets me in their house because they know I am a smack head and they can’t chance leaving me for a moment. How do you think that makes me feel? I know it’s my own fault but believe me I’m trying to change. It’s just so fuckin hard.” Tom now placed his head into his hands and sobbed. Francesca thought for a minute and slowly placed her arms round him kissing the top of his head. The feelings she felt were so mixed up at the moment and she wasn’t sure what her next step would be.
The moment was heart wrenching and as Tom lifted his head the tears on his cheek trickled down. Francesca slowly wiped them away with her sleeve and told him she would help him any way she could. He thanked her and placed his hand on her face feeling her blotchy skin. Their eyes now met and he slowly pulled her head down towards to meet his. Tom didn’t kiss her straight away and he rubbed his nose softly against hers. That moment would remain with Francesca forever, because as Tom lips touched hers a sexual feeling travelled through her that she had never experienced before. All the men she had been with before had just used her for a quick shag. Even Gordon had made her feel like a cheap slut. The kiss was soft and his lips felt like velvet. They both got lost in the moment and shared a long, loving kiss. Tom knew he had feelings for Francesca and he had fought them off for so long, because she was his brother’s girlfriend.
Tom stoked Francesca face and moved the piece of hair that had stuck to her cheek through the tears. He looked deep into her eyes and tried to find any signs of her feeling the same way towards him. Francesca also felt the connection too and she knew she couldn’t hold it back any longer, no matter how much she tried. No words were spoken as they held one another in each other’s arms. They both knew this was the start of something good and wanted it more than ever. Tom held Francesca’s hand and guided her to the bedroom. He locked the front door and joined his new love on the bed. Francesca wasn’t like she used to be and lay with her clothes fully intact as he came to join her. She remembered the days that had passed when she would have had her knickers wrapped round her ankles before they got in bed, but this time it seemed so different and for the first time in her life it seemed so special.
Tom remained fully clothed as he held her in his arms. He knew that what was about to happen would be a betrayal of his own flesh and blood. He kissed Francesca’s head once more and seeing the woman in front of him, his choice was made. She was everything he had ever dreamed of and he knew his brother didn’t really care for her. He knew he could love her and treat her right and at that moment the betrayal began. He slowly began to kiss her neck and slide his tongue around her beautiful skin. Jade had been so baggy and sex with her was like shagging a wet lettuce and he never really got excited like he did now.
Francesca helped him as he pulled her top from her and slowly the lovemaking began. He caressed her nipples and suckled onto them guiding his tongue all round them. His other hand slowly pulled up her skirt and stroked the top of her cotton pink knickers. Francesca felt his hand on the top of her fanny and even though she knew it was all wrong she couldn’t help the urge she felt to feel him inside her. Tom kissed her and they both knew that they wanted it more than ever. Before long they both lay on the bed fully undressed. Tom slowly mounted her and still kissed her ripe breasts. Francesca could feel his manhood between her legs and she pushed up against him wanting more. He knew now there was no going back and before he entered her he looked straight into her eyes and asked the dreaded question.
“What about Gordon?”
Francesca made no response and grabbed the top of his shoulder pulling him inside her. The connection was made and Francesca groaned with pleasure. Tom’s penis was so much bigger than his brother’s and he knew exactly what to do with it once he was inside her. There was no wham bam thank you mam with Tom. Oh no. He took his time and made every stoke count. Francesca held on to him and felt like she was going to explode. Tom now s
lowly guided himself too and fro and made every stroke long and hard. Unlike his brother he wasn’t a selfish lover and made sure he had pleasured Francesca before he came. She was now on fire underneath him and she felt like he had awoken the woman inside her. She climbed on top of him and slowly grinded her body on top of his. His sweat turned her on and her hand glided over his flat stomach as she felt him deep inside her. The rhythm quickened and Tom sat up with Francesca still sat on him. Within minutes they had both found heaven and they struggled for breath as their bodies shook with pleasure. Tom looked straight into her eyes as he came and whispered her name as he reached orgasm.
They fell back onto the bed and Tom squeezed her into his arms knowing he could never let go. This was his dream and it was about time he had some luck come his way. Anyway, Gordon was locked up for a long time and by then he would have the girl of his dreams safely secured and nobody would be able to hurt her again, not even his brother because he decided there and then that he would die for the woman that lay in his arms and nothing would ever change the way he felt for her.
Words didn’t come easy once they had finished. Francesca felt so safe and protected whilst in his arms and she also knew that he would stick with her no matter what happened.
Later, they discussed what had happened and decided they would keep it a secret. Tom told Francesca he would end his relationship with Jade and he gave his word that no drugs would ever pass through his veins again. It was going to be hard, but with this woman at his side, he knew he could conquer anything that stepped in his way. She told Tom she had an appointment at the doctors in a couple of days to discuss her pregnancy and to make sure the baby was alright and Tom told her she didn’t have to face anything on her own again, because he would always be by her side from this day forward. Night time fell and they slept in each other’s arms knowing that the next day would be hard. Francesca knew Jade would not give him up that easily and knew she would have to watch her back because she would have more than one trick up her sleeve if she ever found out they were together.
The pair woke with a startled look as someone banged on the front door. Tom looked at his watch, jumped up from his bed and headed to the front door. Francesca opened her eyes and asked who it could be that early in the morning. It wasn’t until she heard Jade shouting that she jumped up and searched for her clothes. Tom looked at her with shock in his face and frantically searched for his jeans. He told Francesca to go to the front room while he dealt with the nightmare knocking at the door – he didn’t want her to be seen at all. As he came out of the bedroom he could see Jade’s face squashed up against the front door panel trying to see what was happening. She continued to knock until Tom shouted that he was coming. Opening the door Jade assumed she could just walk in and it wasn’t till Tom placed his foot at the door that she knew she wasn’t welcome.
“What are you holding the door for, you nobhead. Let me in.”
Tom hesitated but then began.
“Listen Jade I’ve decided it’s over. I want to sort myself out and get off gear but while I’m with you that will never happen, so I think it’s best if we call it a day.” Tom waited for a reaction and it wasn’t long before Jade exploded and tried to barge past him.
“What do you mean it’s over? Stop being a wanker and let me in.” Tom stood tall as she tried to get past with no success. He then saw the madness in her eyes and all hell broke loose as she tried to set about him.
“You dirty no good fucker. All the things I’ve done for you and now you think you can get rid of me just like that. Don’t I mean fuck all to you?” Tom tried to explain that things had changed but she sunk her teeth into his arm and tried to get past. Tom by this time had no patience left and dragged her from the front door towards the stairs.
“Listen Jade, I’ve told you once, it’s over. I don’t want to hurt you so just fuck off and let me sort myself out.” Jade’s screams echoed down the corridor as Tom pushed her away.
“Think you’re a smart arse do you? Well let’s see how long you last without me. You’re a smack head just like me, and it’s only since that little tart has come along that you’ve changed. Well don’t come crying to me when you need a fix or money. Let your little slag bag sort you out because I’m finished with you. You using bastard.” Tom watched as she flew down the stairs and just when he thought she had left she shouted her final words.
“Oh tell shag bag to watch her back. As I told her before, I’m not Misty and she will pay big time for splitting us up. Mark my words bollockhead she will pay!” Tom rubbed himself as the cold morning air hit him and he quickly headed back inside the flat, relieved that he had told Jade it was over. Francesca looked concerned as he entered the front room and immediately saw the bite mark on his hand.
“Fucking hell, Tom, let me see that, has she broken the skin?” Francesca took hold of his arm and examined it closely as Tom tried to pull it away from her.
“It’s nothing, just leave it. Honestly I’m okay.” Francesca looked at him and told him straight.
“Listen, you. If you hurt so do I. We are a team now and we share everything. I’m not ending up like I was before so let me help you.” Tom reached for her and squeezed her tightly and told her things were going to be so good between them. He still couldn’t believe that he had a chance at life again and he sat down with Francesca and spoke about the days that lay ahead.
Francesca missed her best friend Misty. She needed her now more than ever, but she knew their friendship was broken and she had lost her one and only friend.
7
Misty stood BEFORE the mirror and pulled her top tight. She could now see the shape of the baby that grew inside her. She was seven months pregnant and her heart was in her mouth every time she felt a pain in her stomach. Her pregnancy had been filled with fear throughout and she couldn’t help but think this would be the day that she would lose her baby. The baby she had lost so long ago was never far from her thoughts, and somehow she felt guilty that if she carried this baby full term, that her other baby would have known and blamed her for his death. She knew it was a stupid thought but that’s how she felt and until this baby was born and in her arms she would never relax, knowing that this baby could be taken away from her at any day soon.
Misty hadn’t bought a single item of baby clothing. She was so superstitious and thought that if she bought anything she would tempt fate. Her body hadn’t changed much since she had been pregnant and she put that down to all the worry. Dominic was still her rock and told her every day how much he loved her. He was doing well - his business had taken off and he was raking in the cash. His work kept him out until late each evening and that was the only downside of his success. Dominic made his money through buying and selling property, and with the help of his dad, he had made lots of money lately.
The refuge was still being managed by Sue, and Misty called in every day even though she was supposed to be resting. Sue and John had named the day for their wedding and it was only weeks before Sue became Mrs Power. Misty loved her work still and every woman that came through the door was helped as much as they could be. Misty still couldn’t let go of her past and she saw herself in every young girl that came to the refuge. Gordon was her past and even though he was locked up, he still haunted her dreams. She knew one day he would want what belonged to him and she would have to face her demons when he was released. Her own secret was held close to her chest and the baby that grew inside her would never know that the man who nearly killed her was its true father. The truth lay heavily on her and there were times when she was sat with Sue that she had wanted to tell her the truth. But she bit her tongue and no matter how much she wanted, she swore never to tell anyone.
Misty now lived in a four bed roomed house in Chadderton and the area which she lived was quite upmarket and much sort after. Every room was painted white and looked so refreshing. Dominic’s parents had found them the house and both Misty and Dominic had fallen in love with it the moment they set eyes upon it
.
Dominic’s mother had not been too pleased when her son married Misty. She always thought he was too good for her. Misty’s family came from a council estate and her family was well known throughout the area for being a bit rough. Misty had also broken her son’s heart a long time ago and Sheila hadn’t forgotten the tears her son had cried when he was a young lad. She tried to like Misty and now she was carrying her grandchild things seemed to be getting better between them. Sheila hated it when Misty’s mother came to visit them and couldn’t wait to get her in the front door before the neighbours saw her. She hated Lisa’s car being parked on the front drive because she knew her neighbours would be laughing behind closed doors knowing she was mixing with the lower class.
Sheila had bought many things for her new grandchild and hid them away from Misty. Sheila was quite up her own arse at times and thought nobody could stop her enjoying buying clothes for her new grandchild, not even Misty. Dominic’s father Ted was the complete opposite of her; he was rough and ready and bent as a nine bob note. Sheila didn’t know half the things he got up to and would have dropped down dead if she ever got a whiff of the truth. He knew quite a lot of the known criminals and often had dealings with them to make some quick cash. Dominic’s parents lived in Chadderton too and Misty knew that was why they had urged Dominic to buy property there.
