TWENTY-ONE

Davey Mullins checked the departure times and headed for the bar.

He hated Gatwick Airport. He'd tried to get a flight from Stansted, but had been unable to book the date and time he wanted.

Sipping his beer, he smiled to himself. He'd had enough of cold, poxy England and was flying off to start his new life.

Honey dumping him had been the final straw. Thousands he'd spent on that two-timing bitch.

Hearing a call for his flight, he picked up his hand luggage.

'Goodbye, England, and good fucking riddance,' he muttered to himself.

Two hours later, Dave sat thousands of feet in the air sipping a large Scotch.

Looking out of the window, he stared at the view. Holding his glass up, he toasted his future.

'Costa del Sol, here I fucking come.'

Looking upwards, he gazed into the clouds.

'Cheers, Tel. I owe you one.'

* * *

Many miles away in Hornchurch, Michelle waved to Danny as he pulled off the drive. Disappointed, she shut the front door. Half an hour he'd stayed and had made no arrangements to return in the near future.

'I'm so busy now, Chelle, with work. What with the baby as well, I don't get a lot of spare time,' he'd told her guiltily.

Chelle had nodded, keeping her true feelings to herself. She'd always looked forward to their weekly chats and booze sessions and was pissed off at being discarded like an old bit of rag. Hazel was on holiday and she was beginning to wish she'd kept Nathan dangling, just for a bit of company and someone to go out with. She'd been overjoyed when Danny had turned up earlier. Apart from a short phone call, informing her that Billie had given birth to a boy, she'd seen neither hide nor hair of him in weeks.

'I'll open some champagne. We can wet the baby's head,' Chelle had insisted.

'I'll just have a lager, Chelle. I can't stop, girl. Gotta bit of business to attend to.'

Feeling dejected, Chelle had handed him his beer and thanked him for the photo of her grandson. 'Gorgeous he is, Dan. Looks more like you than he does Billie,' she lied. The child resembled neither. It looked more like a cross between her late husband and E.T.

Chelle picked up her phone and rang both Suzie and Julie. There was no answer from either, so, feeling pissed off, she headed to the fridge. Lately, she was drinking more and starting earlier than ever before. She wasn't exactly an alkie, just extremely bored. Drink was her friend and would keep her company. She knocked back the first bottle like there was no tomorrow and immediately opened a second.

Chelle debated whether to give Nathan a bell, but decided against it. What was the point? The geezer was an out-and-out penis and even she wasn't that desperate.

Singing along to Dolly Parton, she quickly polished off bottle number two. Bored beyond belief, she picked up the baby picture that Danny had left. Seconds later she was sobbing.

Unlike her mother, Billie Jo was having the time of her life. Instead of suffering from any postnatal depression, she felt a happiness within and was walking around with a permanent smile on her face. Giving birth to her precious son had made Billie's life complete, and the only sadness she felt was that her father wasn't alive to share her joy. She knew he would have adored his first grandson and would have spoilt him rotten.

As she heard the front door open, Billie turned her thoughts from the past to the present and was surprised to see Danny home, armed with a big bouquet of flowers and a couple of bottles of wine. 'What are you doing back, Danny?' she asked, looking at her watch. It was only eight o'clock and the earliest Danny ever came home was usually midnight. In fact Billie only ever really saw him during the daytime, as he was out seven nights a week, working.

Danny handed her the flowers and pecked her on the lips. 'I thought I'd surprise my son and beautiful girlfriend,' he said, putting the wine in the fridge and handing her a takeaway menu. 'We ain't had a quiet night in for ages, so I thought tonight we'd get a Chinese. I've bought you a couple of bottles of wine and myself a box of lagers and we'll have a nice romantic night, just me and you, what do you think, eh, girl?'

'Ah, you're so lovely, Danny, so thoughtful. The flowers are gorgeous, but don't wake DJ as I've only just got him to sleep.'

Walking down the stairs to get the lagers out the back of his Shogun, Danny smiled to himself. Although Billie didn't know it yet, there was a method in his madness. He'd come home early because he fancied getting his leg over. Debbie the barmaid had been giving him a hard time lately, and since his baby had been born had been playing hard to get. In all truthfulness, his relationship with her had become quite serious. Playing hard to get had made him like her more, but not enough to leave Billie and his baby, which is what Debbie was hoping for. Partly it was his own fault, as he'd given her all the old spiel, especially around the time DJ was born. He knew she'd been jealous and upset and he'd had to keep her sweet. He'd given all the old blarney, telling her how much he loved her and that one day he'd leave Billie Jo. Now she'd started playing him, which was why he'd given her a taste of her own medicine tonight.

He'd gone in the pub earlier, and been really nice to Debs. 'When you finish your shift tonight, I'll take you for a nice meal,' he told her.

'I can't tonight. I've already made other arrangements,' she replied, cockily.

Now one thing Danny O'Leary had never experienced, and didn't take kindly to, was rejection. Believing that he was the next up-and-coming Al Capone, the last thing he needed was to be mugged off in front of his mates, on his own stamping ground, by some fucking bird. A few little words in Jimmy the Fish's earhole and half an hour later, the biggest bouquet you ever saw was delivered.

'Right, lads,' Danny said, picking the flowers up off of the bar. 'I'm going home to have a nice early night with my beautiful other half, so I'll see you lads tomorrow.'

The look on Debbie's face was a picture. She'd thought the flowers were for her and Danny had pissed himself laughing all the way home. She needed to be taught a lesson and he'd bet a pound to a piece of shit that she'd think twice about fucking him around again.

Billie took the dirty plates out into the kitchen and checked up on the baby, who was sleeping peacefully. Wandering back into the living room, she noticed that Danny had once again topped up her wine glass. 'I told you not to pour me no more, Danny. I've already had four glasses and I can't have any more or I won't wake up for the baby if he needs me.'

Danny let out a bored sigh. 'Oh, come on, Bill, let's enjoy tonight, just the two of us. We never get a night on our own. Little Danny Boy will be fine. I'll get up if he cries in the night.'

Billie sipped her drink out of politeness. She didn't fancy a wild drunken night. She had responsibilities now and getting pissed wasn't one of them. She'd never forgive herself if her son cried out for her and she didn't hear him. She certainly didn't need to be hungover in the morning. Looking after a baby was hard work and she needed a clear head at all times.

'I'll finish my drink, Danny, and then I'm going to bed. I've been up since six this morning with the baby. I've really enjoyed tonight, it's been great just me and you. The takeaway and flowers were a lovely thought. I'm just knackered. You do understand, don't you?'

'Go on, you go to bed and I'll be in soon meself,' Danny said dejectedly, whilst cracking open another can of lager. Waiting until Billie Jo was safely tucked up in bed, Danny picked up his leather jacket and took out the bag of cocaine he kept stashed away in the inside pocket. Three lines and three cans of lager later, Danny sat on the sofa feeling proper sorry for himself. Two birds, who I treat like queens, and what do I get in return? he thought wistfully. Nothing. I can't even get fucking laid. Well, I ain't putting up with it no more. I'm generous to a fault, always chucking money their way. From now on, things are going to change and be done my way. If Billie or Debbie don't like it, let 'em both fuck off. There are plenty more fish in the sea.

Deciding there was no time like the present to start stamping his authority, Danny went into the bedroom, quietly stripped naked and got into bed next to Billie Jo.

Billie had been sound asleep and had only woken when Danny started rubbing himself up against her. 'What you doing, Danny? What time is it?'

'It's only early, babe, it's not even midnight yet and what do you think I'm doing? I'm doing what people normally do when they live together, making love. Remember that, Bill? It's been that long since we've done it, you probably don't!'

Billie noticed the sarcasm in his voice and wondered how to handle the situation. Truth be known, she'd been totally off sex since she'd fallen pregnant. Once the baby was born, she'd expected to feel differently. Unfortunately, she hadn't. The thought of getting jiggy made her feel ill. Sitting up, Billie turned to Danny.

'Oh, Dan, you know how much I love you. It's just that since DJ's been born, I haven't felt right down below and I keep getting pains in my stomach.'

'So fucking what?' Danny said, angrily. Losing his patience, he sat on top of her and pinned her arms against the bed.

Billie felt scared and tried to talk him off her.

'Ssh, Danny, be quiet, you'll wake the baby. Get off me, don't mess about.'

Seeing the fear in her eyes, Danny could feel his cock getting harder by the second. He knew what he was about to do was wrong, but was unable to stop himself. As he inserted himself into her, Billie wanted to scream, but sensibly kept quiet. NO meant NO, so why was he behaving like this? He was meant to love her, for Christ's sake, not get pleasure out of abusing her. Glancing at his face, she barely recognised him. He looked like a madman, a complete fucking stranger. Petrified, she sensed the excitement and enjoyment seeping from his pores. Unable to look at him, she turned her head away and prayed that her ordeal would soon be over.

'Now turn over, you fucking bitch!'

Danny's voice sounded different to normal, almost high-pitched. Billie sobbed uncontrollably, but did as he asked. Part of her wanted to fight him off, but she knew he was far too strong for her. If she struggled with him, there was no telling what he might do. The pain she felt as he entered her backside was indescribable; she felt like screaming, but winced and bit the pillow instead.

'We'll have sex when I say so. I'm the man of this house and what I say goes, do you understand me, you cunt?'

Billie couldn't speak, she was totally dumbstruck. She felt as if she was dreaming and she hoped and prayed that baby Danny, who was sleeping in a cot in the same room, wouldn't wake up while Daddy was buggering and raping Mummy.

Feeling himself about to come, Danny started talking dirty, obscenities spewing from his mouth. He felt nothing but pure ecstasy as he shot his load inside her, that and a feeling of power. Rolling off Billie, he went into the living room, switched the telly on, opened another can of lager and lit up a joint.

Billie lay still and unable to move. She was paralysed with shock. She couldn't believe that the man she adored had just cold-bloodedly raped and abused her. Pulling herself together, she forced herself out of the bed. She could barely walk, due to the ferocity of his thrusting. She noticed blood on the sheets and immediately chucked the quilt cover over the bed. She didn't need reminding of what had just happened, she'd rather it be erased from her memory.

Walking over to the cot, she was relieved that her baby was still fast asleep. As she knelt down next to him, she noticed his long dark lashes. She moved closer to him, took in his scent and found it was a brief comfort to her as she concentrated on him and little else. Noticing blood on her legs, she tiptoed out to the bathroom to clean herself up. As she glanced in the mirror, she was shocked at the haggard, tear-stained face that stared back at her. What the hell was she going to do now? It wasn't as if she had anyone to turn to. There was no one at all that could help her. Carly was the only close friend she had left and there was nothing that she could do. She was only young herself and still lived in a tiny flat with her mum.

Jade had no time for her at all lately. They had hardly spoken since the birth of DJ. Billie had thought that the pair of them would be on the phone constantly discussing babies, especially now that Danny had softened and accepted their friendship, but Jade hadn't contacted her at all. Billie had called her loads of times but she'd had her mobile cut off and all she ever got on the landline was her answerphone message. Once, Jade had picked the phone up and had promised to ring back, but she'd never returned the call.

Billie's thoughts were snapped back to the present by the sound of loud snoring coming from the lounge. Bastard, she thought to herself, as Danny's laboured breathing rang deep inside her eardrums. It was at that point she knew she hated him, despised every bone in his lithe, tanned body. Two years ago when her dad was alive, her life had been good. She'd been happy, carefree, full of hopes and dreams for the future. Now she was stuck in a great big hole, and how she was gonna get out of it was anyone's guess.

Why, oh why, hadn't she chosen to heed the warning signs? Looking back, they'd been there all along. Jade, Carly, they'd both had their reservations about him, if only she had listened.

She wiped her face with a cold flannel and forced herself to stop crying. She needed to be strong for her baby. He was all that mattered now, nothing else.

Climbing back into bed, Billie felt as if she had found her inner strength. Unable to sleep, she spent what was left of the night mulling over her and her son's future.

Danny woke up on the sofa early in the morning and still felt pretty out of it. Noticing the empty wraps on the coffee table and the dozen or so cans on the floor, he started tidying up. He'd fucked up big time with Billie and making amends was not going to be easy. This was all that bitch Debbie's fault. If she hadn't been denying him sex and fucking him around, last night would never have happened. It was her fault and he'd make sure she paid for it somewhere along the line. Not knowing what to say to Billie, Danny decided to act as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Carrying a mug of tea and two slices of toast, he walked cautiously into the bedroom. 'All right, Bill? I've made you some breakfast.'

'Thanks,' Billie answered, unable to look at him.

Danny put the mug and plate on the bedside cabinet and walked over to his son, who was gurgling happily in his cot. 'He's so gorgeous, ain't he, Bill? He gets more handsome every day and he's getting bigger. Ain't it amazing, that me and you created such a perfect kid like him?'

'Yes,' Billie said tonelessly. 'I want to bath him in a minute, Danny, so if you want a shower, have one now.'

'OK, I will,' Danny replied, only too happy for an excuse to leave the room. As he got out of the shower and dried himself, he decided to pretend he had an early start at work.

Billie was acting all weird and you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. He knew he'd been out of order and been a bastard to her, but fuck me, he'd only had sex with her. Doing her up the arse had been a mistake though, he knew that.

'See ya later, Billie,' Danny said, as he poked his head round the living-room door.

'Yeah, see ya,' Billie replied, without looking up from the carpet she was vacuuming.

As she heard the front door slam, Billie turned off the Dyson, walked to the fridge and poured a glass of wine. Sitting down on the sofa, she gulped it and burst into tears. She'd never forgive Danny for what he had done to her last night, never ever. It had reminded her of that time when he'd made her suck his thingy, but last night had been far worse. She'd seen a mad glint in his eyes. The things that he'd said to her and the names that he'd called her were disgusting. Worst of all was that she knew in her heart of hearts that if he could treat her like that for no reason, she could not trust him with their son.

Billie picked up the phone, dialled Jade's home number and got the answerphone. She really needed to talk to Jade right now. She was the only person in the world she could disclose the previous night's events to. Jade would help her, advise her on the situation, and she certainly wouldn't say I told you so. Billie knew that Jade would never blank her for no reason and lying in bed awake all last night, she'd come to the conclusion that Danny had said or done something to Jade that day at the hospital. There couldn't be any other explanation.

Pouring another glass of wine to calm her nerves, Billie watched DJ gurgling happily on his baby mat, his big blue eyes looking at her expectantly. She knew he was too young to understand what she was saying, but she also knew they had a bond between them that would never be broken.

'Whatever it takes, Danny Boy, I'll do my best for you. I've made a mistake with your father. He's not a very nice man, but you've got the best mum in the world and I'll never let you down.'

DJ looked up at her, clenched her finger in his and wiggled on his mat. Billie smiled at him. 'We've got to be strong, me and you, and we'll get through this together. I promise you, we will.'

Just then, baby Danny smiled. It was his first proper smile and he squeezed her fingers at the same time. Billie was sure that he'd understood her. Nothing mattered any more, apart from him. He was her life now. He came first and any choices she made in the future would be for him and him alone.