CHAPTER SEVEN

MISTY LEFT THE main hall after the exam. Her body still felt hot and clammy but she thought she would be alright once she had eaten something. She had not eaten her breakfast that morning and this could have been the reason for her sickness. The pupils discussed the test as they lined up to wait for their turn to go in for dinner. Francesca stood next to Misty as they made their way to the front of the queue, pushing all the younger kids out of the way. Misty stood and felt her body flow with heat. As she stood, she loosened her shirt, pulling it out of her skirt to let the air rise up to her chest. She still felt on fire and waved a piece of paper across her face, trying to cool herself. Francesca noticed her friend’s actions and could see she wasn’t looking too good. Her face had turned a funny white colour as Francesca watched her closely.

Misty could hear voices fade around her and everything went blurred, she felt her legs melt into the floor, as they gave way to her tired body. Her body fell crashing to the floor and she was no longer conscious of her surroundings. Francesca screamed as she saw her friend keel over.

“Misty what’s up?” She shouted but she made no reply.

“Someone go and get help. Fuckin’ hell she needs help” she screamed, “will you hurry up and get someone ya nobhead, she could be dying. Go now, instead of gawping at her. She needs help”. Everybody stood frozen as they watched. Francesca shouted yet again in a fierce voice. “Please someone get help”.

Francesca rested her head on Misty’s chest and prayed she didn’t die, as she watched two girls running finally to get help. The two girls who had witnessed Misty fall had now run to the teachers in the dining room.

“Miss! Come quick, its Misty Sullivan. She’s collapsed on the floor, I think she’s dead”.

The nearest teacher came running and seeing Misty lay on the floor, panicked and shouted aloud “Give her room, please give her some room”.

Francesca held her friend in her arms, trying to explain what had just happened, as the teacher listened. “Right, someone go and get a glass of cold water from the kitchen staff”.

Misty was now starting to come round. She could hear voices round her. She felt light headed and her body didn’t feel like her own. Misty felt cold on her face that caused her to open her eyes. As they opened, she could see everybody gazing down at her. The teacher now took control from Francesca and held Misty in her arms. As she passed her a drink of water she told her to try and drink some. The water felt so refreshing as it reached the back of her throat. Misty now felt strong enough to sit up and managed to sit on a nearby chair. The teacher dispersed the on-lookers, telling them that the show was over and to head back to the dining hall.

Misty was now fully conscious as she spoke to her friend. “Fuckin’ hell what happened to me? One minute I remember being in the queue and the next I woke up on the floor”.

Francesca put her arms round her and comforted her as she spoke “Misty I proper shit it, I thought you’d died. I was talking to you one minute then you were on the floor, I sent one of the year threes to get help”. Colour now returned to Misty’s face but she still felt shaky inside. ‘At least I’m not dead’ she thought, as she drank the cold water. The teacher now came back and asked if Misty was feeling any better. Once she knew she was alright she asked Francesca to take her to the medical room to see the nurse.

Misty finished her drink and slowly stood. Her legs were still shaking and with her friend’s help she made her way to the nurse. “Oh, my legs feel like Elvis’s, they won’t stop shaking” Misty chuckled.

Francesca laughed as she held her friend tight, “Why do you think, you fainted? Have you eaten some dickey food or summat?”

Misty tried to scan her mind, to see if she could remember anything she might have eaten but nothing sprang to mind. “I think I might have just been hungry, I didn’t have any time for breakfast this morning and that could be the reason”.

Francesca opened the door to the medical room and asked for the nurse. The medical room was somewhere Misty had never been before. All the walls were painted white and there was a large bed placed against the wall. Francesca pulled up two chairs and waited for the nurse to come in. The girls sat chatting until they heard the sound of the nurse. As she entered they both looked her up and down from head to toe. The school nurse was quite plump and her feet looked too small for her body, it was kind of weird how her body was shaped, she looked like an egg with legs.

“Right first things first. Who’s the patient?”

Francesca began to speak “Well miss. We were stood in the hall and Misty fainted”. The nurse stopped Francesca right there.

“So you’re not the patient then?”

“No miss it’s Misty” she replied.

“Right then sweetheart, you can head back for your dinner, I only need to see the person who is ill, so off you trot”. Francesca stood and tried to make her point but the nurse was having none of it and escorted her to the door.

“Miss she is my best mate, I want to make sure she’s alright”. The nurse smiled as she opened the door, to let Francesca out.

“If she needs any help I will call you back in but for now kindly go back to whatever you were doing so I can deal with your friend.

Francesca shuffled out of the room like a snail, shouting to her friend. “If you need me Misty, get someone to come and get me”. Misty nodded as Francesca left the room, mumbling something under her breath.

The nurse pulled up a chair and seated herself next to Misty. “Right my love what can I do for you?” Misty explained what had just happened to her and the nurse took down some notes.

“Misty I am sending you home for the rest of the day and once there I suggest you have a lie down and in future make sure you eat your breakfast in the morning. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you shouldn’t be skipping it” the nurse lectured. Misty nodded in agreement and listened carefully to what she had had to say.

“Can anyone come and pick you up Misty? I don’t want you walking home alone in case you faint again” the nurse asked.

Misty shook her head and told the nurse her mam was in work. “Well what about your dad then, surely he can come and get you”. Misty felt her face go red as she told her about the family situation. “I don’t see my dad anymore Miss, because he doesn’t live with us anymore”. Misty now felt tears flood from her eyes and found it hard to hold her emotions.

The nurse realised she had hit a raw nerve and flung her arms around Misty trying to comfort the poor little girl that sat in front of her. “Oh I’m so sorry. I didn’t realise your parents were no longer together. Lots of children are without two parents these days, I’m sure everything will work out in time, please don’t get upset”.

Misty wanted to tell her that her father didn’t give a fuck and all he cared about was his new life without them but she knew her words would have been wasted, so she remained silent. Misty knew her family was broken forever and nothing could be done to fix it, so she dried her tears and put on a brave face once again. The nurse left the room once Misty had stopped crying and went to phone Misty’s mother. Once she found her mother’s contact number she dialled it and waited till someone answered.

“Hello could I speak to Mrs. Sullivan please, it’s the school nurse regarding her daughter Misty”.

The voice told her to hold the line and the nurse could hear them shouting Lisa’s name in the background. Eventually she heard footsteps approaching the phone.

“Hello Mrs. Sullivan speaking.”

The nurse then went on to tell Lisa about her daughter feeling unwell and she could tell by her tone, she wasn’t willing to leave work to come and pick her up. The nurse told Lisa she was willing to drop her off at home but she didn’t want her left alone. Lisa took a minute before she answered and it was decided Misty would go to her sister Denise’s until she finished work. The phone call ended and the nurse headed back to tell Misty the news. They both got into the car and the nurse started the engine, Misty gave directions to her auntie’s house as they set off. There wasn’t a word spoken all the way through the journey and the nurse could feel Misty’s pain as she watched her gaze through the window in a world of her own. When they finally reached their destination, her auntie came to greet them with a concerned look on her face. Misty stepped straight out of the car and headed towards Denise.

“You look like death warmed up love. Go in the house and put the kettle on while I speak to the nurse”. Misty did as her auntie asked and walked slowly down the garden path to the house.

“Hi, I am Misty’s auntie, is everything alright? Her mum has just phoned me saying she felt unwell”. The nurse confirmed that her niece was feeling unwell and told her about her breaking down in tears, as she spoke about her father. Denise felt rather embarrassed and didn’t know what to say, so she thanked the nurse for dropping her off and headed back inside. Once inside Denise asked how she was feeling and Misty told her she still felt shaky inside.

“Right. I will make you a piece of toast - that might help. I always feel sick when I don’t eat, so you have probably got that off me.” Misty smiled as she watched her toast under the grill and her appetite returned. When everything was ready, they went into the front room, so they could talk some more. Denise had been right - once Misty ate the toast, she felt a lot better, at least the shakiness subsided. Misty loved spending time with Denise. She was always so understanding and they got on like a house on fire.

Denise knew Misty had a new boyfriend, as Lisa had told her previously. She also knew he was a lot older than she was. Denise was always on the ball with her sister’s children and once she knew Misty had fainted, one thing sprang to mind but she knew she couldn’t come out straight out and say it. She would have to go undercover and secretly interrogate her niece for the information she required.

“So I hear you have a new boyfriend, Misty. Are you going to tell me about him then”. Misty smiled and felt kind of shy. She had not been able to talk about him to anyone, so this was an ideal opportunity to tell someone exactly how she felt.

“Well” she said in a proud voice, “His name is Gordon and I really like him. I didn’t at first but he has grown on me”. Denise showed an interest and she prompted her to continue speaking, as she knew she had to get her to talk more if she was ever going to get to the bottom of her sickness. Denise had a gut feeling she was right and continued with her investigation.

“Is that it?” said Denise, “I thought you were madly in love with him. Your mam said she thought it was quite serious”. Bingo! That was it, thought Denise, as Misty began to reveal all the details about her relationship. That was for all but one detail, the one Denise wanted to know most. Denise listened as her niece continued to speak but couldn’t hold her tongue any longer as the frustration was killing her.

“Do you love him?” Denise asked. Misty smiled shyly and nodded. It came as quite a shock that she had answered yes to that question but the more she thought about it, the more she realised she really loved him. Denise couldn’t hold the question in any longer and needed to know now.

“Are you having sex with him Misty?”

Misty nearly collapsed as she stuttered her words, she could feel Denise watching her every move as she repeated the question.

“Are you having sex with him? Tell me Misty because there are things we need to sort out, like the contraceptive pill and other things if you are”. Misty knew she needed to talk about contraception with someone and this could be the ideal opportunity to get help, so she confessed her sins to her auntie.

Denise felt sick inside when she told her she had been having sex with Gordon and without even doing a pregnancy test Denise knew the outcome. As she cast her eyes over Misty, her stomach churned ‘Oh please god no, please no, she’s only a baby herself’, she thought as she lit a cigarette. Denise paced the front room as Misty watched.

“Are you alright Denise, you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Denise turned to face her and couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Do you think you could be pregnant love?”

Misty screwed her face together as she shouted “No, how could I be pregnant?” But the more she thought about it, the more everything fell into place: the tiredness and the increased appetite. Misty’s head was spinning now as she tried to remember the date of her last period and everything suggested she was pregnant. Misty screamed as the reality hit home and Denise moved towards her.

“Listen don’t worry, we don’t even know if you are pregnant yet, so let’s cross that bridge when we come to it”. Denise sat with Misty and they tried to work out the date of her last period. When they had finished their calculations they decided that Misty could only be two or three weeks late for her period.

Denise ran things over in her mind. No matter how much she tried to deny it she knew deep in her gut Misty was pregnant. Denise knew she couldn’t keep this secret from her sister, it was too serious, so creeping upstairs she made her way to the bedroom and used the phone to tell Lisa what she suspected.

Lisa went hysterical when her sister mentioned that Misty could be pregnant. “Don’t be silly, she is still a virgin and she’s only a baby herself” cried Lisa. Denise continued as Lisa sobbed at the possibility. “Oh God, please don’t let her be pregnant please” she yelled. Denise tried to calm her sister down.

“Right Denise will you please phone the doctors and try and get her appointment for around five o clock” Lisa asked. “I can’t stand the thought of not knowing. The sooner we find out what’s up with her the sooner we can sort thing out. Will you please phone for me?”

Denise agreed but on one condition “I don’t want you going spare at Misty, till we know for sure if she’s pregnant or not, alright?” The phone line was quiet for a moment then she heard the timid voice of her sister replying.

“I will try Denise but it’s so fuckin’ hard, its one thing after the other with my kids at the moment. I am at my wits end, I don’t know what I will do if she’s pregnant. I don’t know anything anymore” Lisa ended the phone call and in a dazed trance headed back into work. Throughout the rest of the day Lisa couldn’t stop thinking of anything else but as she thought back she realised that no sanitary towels had been used, because she had checked them to see if they needed replacing and the full pack had still been there but Lisa had never given it a second thought at the time.

‘Silly, silly bitch’ she thought as her temper exploded inside her. Well if she is pregnant she can go and live with her fuckin’ father. Let’s see if him and his tart of a girlfriend can sort this mess out. Lisa watched the clock till the end of her shift, knowing she had to meet Misty to accompany her to the doctors. How would she control her anger when she saw her she thought. All she wanted to do was to dive on her and beat the living daylights out of her but she knew she had to restrain herself for the moment till she knew the truth.

Lisa’s shift finally came to an end. She grabbed her coat and waved to her work friends “Can’t stop got to get home early” she shouted, “See ya tomorrow”. Once out of the door she walked at speed to meet her daughter. “Be calm” she muttered to herself, “don’t explode, just be calm” she repeated to herself as she walked the distance to meet her daughter.

Lisa was like a woman possessed, as she marched up the hill to greet her. She felt sadness as she looked at her and in her mind she spoke desperate words. She’s only a baby, please lord, please don’t let her be pregnant. Misty stood waiting for her mother, unaware she knew all about her sex romps with Gordon.

“Come on, we best hurry up if we want to get there on time”, Lisa spoke in a calm manner. She knew there was no point in arguing till they had seen the doctor and he had diagnosed her. As they walked, Lisa asked what had happened at school. Misty began to tell her that she had collapsed in school but didn’t know the reason why. Her tone was as stroppy as ever and Lisa had to bite her tongue as not to cause an argument before they got to the surgery. Lisa held the door open and Misty plodded in towards the reception.

“Can I help you love?” the receptionist asked. Misty waited for her mother to join her before she answered. “Erm I’ve got an appointment. Mam what time is my appointment?” Lisa took over the conversation and told the receptionist all the details as Misty found two seats in the waiting area.

She looked at all the other patients and wondered what ailments they each had. The doctors surgery was quite pleasant, all the walls were painted in a light yellow colour and all the furniture complimented it in a navy blue. The doctors had a system for appointments. All the doctors’ names were displayed on the wall, with a flashing bulb next to them and they would call out the patients name over the speaker when it was their turn. Misty sat and gazed around, reading the notices on the wall. Her stomach churned as she knew there could be a possibility she could be pregnant but for now she tried not to worry and hid her concern well.

“Misty Sullivan, to surgery three please” the doctor shouted over the speaker. Lisa stood first and Misty slowly followed. As they walked to the room it felt like the walk of death, as fear filled her body.

“Hello Lisa how are you?” the doctor asked. He had remembered Lisa, as she had been there several times in the last couple of months. He knew of her suicide attempts and knew she had been dealt quite a bad hand lately.

“Hi doctor, it’s not me for a change, it’s my daughter Misty”. Misty looked the doctor up and down and he looked quite ancient, she thought. His skin could be compared to that of a rhino and he seemed very solemn.

“Right young lady what seems to be the problem?” he asked. As she tried to explain, her words got mixed up and she began to panic. Lisa could see she was struggling and took over to avoid any embarrassment.

“Well doctor, she collapsed in school. I think she’s got some kind of stomach bug or something like that, or perhaps even food poisoning”. The doctor asked several more questions and then pulled out a little plastic tub from his desk. “Right I need a urine specimen, can you take this to the toilet and fill it for me”. She felt like she wanted to laugh and felt a smile fill her face as she spoke.

“What, you want me to wee in that?”

“Yes” the doctor replied as he peered over his glasses to look at her. “Off you go young lady I haven’t got all day”.

Misty left the room with the plastic bottle in her hand and located the toilets. Once inside the cubicle, she pulled down her knickers and concentrated hard to wee. Nothing came out at first but after several minutes she could feel a trickle of urine leaving her body. Quickly she placed the container between her legs and adjusted her body to fill the bottle. Once she had finished she examined its contents by holding it up to the light to see if anything was floating round in it but nothing could be seen. The bottle was just a quarter of the way full and there was no way she could have filled it anymore even if she had tried all day. Her bladder was well and truly empty. Oh well it’s better than nothing, she thought as she headed back to see the doctor. As she entered the room, she had no idea her mother had already told him about her fears regarding her being pregnant.

Misty sat herself next to Lisa, handing the sample back to the doctor. The doctor made no comment, as he walked over to the corner of the room and unscrewed the lid off the container. They both watched him eagerly as he searched in the drawer for a smaller jar that contained swab like sticks one of which he now placed into the urine. The doctor then headed back and sat at the table.

“Right young lady, I am just carrying out a few tests to see if I can get to the bottom of your fainting today. It should take only take a few minutes, so please be patient”.

As they waited the doctor started to write in Misty’s notes, asking her lots of details about how she felt just before she fainted. Several questions later, the doctor headed back to the corner of the room and examined the swab. As they watched Lisa knew it was bad news, as the doctor shook his head and rejoined them.

“Right Misty I have found out why you haven’t been feeling well and I am afraid it isn’t very good news.” Lisa edged forward, hanging on his every word.

“Right young lady, it appears you are pregnant”.

Lisa screamed and put her head in her hands. “Please no. Please Doctor. Are you sure? Please check it again”. The doctor sat back in his chair and pulled Lisa’s hands from her face.

“Mrs. Sullivan, the test is one hundred percent accurate and your daughter is most definitely pregnant.”

Lisa sobbed as Misty gazed round the room in astonishment. The words he had spoken hadn’t even sunk in. She sat there feeling numb as she fidgeted with her sleeve.

The doctor now turned to Misty “Well you have been quite a silly girl haven’t you? I hope you know what this means”. Misty froze and was unable to speak. He continued speaking as he watched Lisa rocking her body to and fro, unable to cope with the devastating news.

“You’re not having it Misty” Lisa shouted. “You are a child yourself, how could you have been so stupid”. Lisa wanted to throttle her daughter and her temper was about to explode but she knew she would have to wait till they had left the surgery so she now turned to the doctor for support. “Doctor will you tell her she’s too young to have a baby?” Lisa pleaded. The doctor felt Lisa’s pain as he knew the terrible time she had been through herself with the break-up of her marriage in the past. His heart melted as he watched the distraught woman swaying to and fro. He now turned his eyes to face Misty in the hope she would listen to his advice.

“Misty, you need to have a serious think about your circumstances. The choices you make now will determine the rest of your life. I suggest you go home and have a serious think about your situation.”

Misty knew that he meant for her to have an abortion without him actually saying the words, she had learnt all about it in school weeks before and knew what it entailed, but for the moment she was more embarrassed that her mother knew that she had been sexually active, rather than knowing she was pregnant. Lisa thanked the doctor, and he gave them a follow-up appointment, to discuss the pregnancy further. As they stood to leave, the doctor looked at Misty with disapproving eyes and she knew then, she was in deep shit. No amount of lies could save her this time. Lisa left the surgery like a fired bullet and Misty knew it wouldn’t be long before she opened fire on her. They walked away from the surgery before Lisa spoke. Then, like a preying animal she pounced on Misty, grabbing her sleeve and dragging her closer towards her face.

“You dirty little bitch. Trust you to get pregnant, all your mates are still playing with dolls and you decide you want to play with willies. You disgust me. I just hope you know that as soon as we get home I am phoning your father. Let him fuckin’ deal with you, because I am sick to death of you and your troubles”. Lisa released her grip and carried on her journey home, whilst Misty followed behind her, walking at a slow pace.

Misty’s mind exploded with questions. How could she be pregnant? She had only had sex a few times and Gordon told her he knew what he was doing. Her heart sank with despair as she made the journey home. She knew things would definitely get worse before the night was over. Lisa looked over her shoulder and shouted her name to hurry up. She could tell her nightmare was now about to start.

Lisa threw her coat down on the chair as she entered the front room. Max and his two brothers watched her as she lit a cigarette. They could tell something was wrong as Misty made her way into the front room with a face like thunder.

“What’s up with you?” Max asked in a stroppy voice.

“What’s up with me? Ask Little Miss Dirty Knickers there, go on ask her” Lisa shouted.

Misty dipped her head in shame as Max continued his interrogation. “Well what’s up then? Are you going to tell me or what?” Misty remained silent as Lisa took over the conversation yet again.

“Well your sister’s been to the doctors today because she fainted in school. We all thought it was a stomach bug, or food poisoning but we all got a nice surprise didn’t we Misty?” Lisa now screamed at the top of her voice and tears trickled down her face. “Go on tell them, or are you too fuckin’ ashamed? Everyone will know sooner or later, so tell them”. The silence filled the room and you could hear a pin drop, everybody’s eyes were on Misty waiting for answers but she still remained quiet.

“Is anyone going to tell me what’s going on, or what?” Max shouted. Lisa positioned herself back on the chair as the words left her mouth like flames leaving a fire. “She’s fuckin’ pregnant, that’s what’s happened”. Max now stood over his sister in disbelief, as he stuttered his words, trying to take in what had just been said.

“What? Pregnant! Don’t be stupid, how can she be pregnant?” Then his brain clicked like a bolt of lightning who she had been seeing. “Are you pregnant Misty?” He now stood over her frothing at the mouth, awaiting her answer. As she looked at him he could see by her reaction it was true and no words needed to be spoken. He knew the truth and looked at her with disgust.

“Well what’s happening now then? Surely she’s not keeping it?” Lisa stared into space as she lit yet another cigarette. Her face was white with anger and she looked like she couldn’t take much more.

The two younger children giggled between one another and looked at Misty with mischievous eyes. They knew they had to be quiet, as they saw Max pacing up and down the front room looking for answers to solve this nightmare. Lisa now stood and moved towards the phone.

“Well I am going to ring your father, let’s see what he has to say about this mess. That’s if he can pull himself away from his tart for an hour or so”.

Misty’s temper now broke, as she screamed at her mother. “Go on phone him, see if I care. What can he do? He deserted us months ago, so he has no right to involve himself in our lives anymore”. Misty pushed passed Lisa and headed for her bedroom in tears, shouting abuse as she went. “You want to sort your own fuckin’ life out and leave me alone. I’m sick of people in this house trying to rule me. Well you can all fuck off, because I’m leaving and then you can get back to your perfect life with Rob can’t you”.

Lisa went to run after her but Max stood in front of her blocking her path. “Just leave it will you, you both need to calm down and chill out. If you go up there now, you will both end up fighting and the problem won’t be solved. Just leave her for now, you know what she’s like”.

Lisa grabbed the phone and dialled Ken’s number. It seemed like forever before anyone answered. Eventually a woman’s voice could be heard on the end of the line. Lisa hesitated before she spoke, as she knew it must be Julie, Ken’s girlfriend who she was speaking to.

“Erm, is Ken there?” she asked. The woman never asked who was calling, she just shouted his name in the background and left the phone. Lisa listened carefully as she heard his footsteps approaching and her heart raced. She knew he was about to talk to her.

“Hello, Ken Sullivan speaking” he spoke in a confident manner. Lisa took a deep breath before she continued, as his voice sent shivers down her spine.

“Hello, it’s Lisa,” the phone went silent and she thought he had left the phone, “Hello is anyone there?” Ken coughed as to clear his throat and began to speak in a quiet tone. “Lisa why are you phoning me and where did you get my number?” he asked. Lisa could hear the panic in his voice as her anger unleashed.

“Listen Ken, I’m not phoning for me, I am phoning because I need your help. I need you to come over to my house to help sort this mess out”. Ken scratched his head as he thought Lisa was still on a mission to win his love back.

“Lisa, me and you are well and truly over. There is nothing I have to say to you”. His voice became quite cocky and she could hear the arrogance in his voice as he continued. “So stop phoning me, will you”. Lisa screamed down the phone, to stop him speaking any more nonsense.

“Listen, will you. It’s not me, it’s Misty, she’s in trouble and I mean big trouble.”

His tone changed as Misty’s name was mentioned and you could now hear the concern in his voice. “Why what’s happened? Is she alright?” Lisa sobbed as she tried to tell him the news.

“She’s pregnant Ken and I am at my wits end. I don’t know what to do with her?” The phone line went dead, as Lisa shouted his name. “Ken are you there? Ken please answer me” but still no voice replied. Lisa hung up the receiver and looked at Max for support.

“He’s hung up on me. The bastard hung up”. Lisa sat as Max comforted her.

“Mum we can sort it out between us, we don’t need his help he’s just a wanker and the sooner you realise that the better.” Max held his mother to comfort her, feeling every ounce of her pain.

Misty lay on her bed with the covers over her head, hoping they would make her invisible to the world outside. The words pregnant rambled through her mind and it was now she realised the seriousness of her actions. Misty touched her stomach, hoping to feel the new life growing inside her body but the only movement she felt was her nerves. As she lay on the bed, she heard a car pull up and jumped to her window to see who had arrived in such a hurry. Misty’s heart stopped as she looked closer at the driver.

“Oh fuck! It’s me dad” she whispered as she hid behind the net curtain, watching his every move. She could tell by his face he already knew she was pregnant as he hurried up the path finally entering the house. Misty ran to the top of the stairs and sat perched on the top step, hoping to hear what was being said but the sound of the two younger boys shouting covered any information she was likely to hear.

Lisa sat at the table as she watched Ken approaching the door. Her heart nearly exploded with mixed emotions. Half of her wanted to run and meet him with her fist, but the other half wanted her to remain calm to try and sort out this terrible mess that Misty had got herself into. Ken opened the door and stepped into the front room. His face looked wild with anger.

“Well where is she then? Are you sure she’s pregnant?” His voice was loud and could be heard throughout the house and Misty listened to every word as she sat shaking on the stairs. “Did you know she was having sex?” he asked.

Lisa looked at him in disbelief and shook her head. “Do you really think she would tell me that she was having sex? Fuckin’ think about it, I am just as much in the dark as you”. The two younger children huddled together, as they hadn’t seen their dad since he left. They whispered to each other and watched his every move. Ken stood like a statue and shook his head you could tell he was debating his next move.

“Where is she now?” he asked. Lisa pointed with her eyes to the stairs but made no comment. Ken took off like a raging bull. Misty had heard the conversation between them and ran like a cheetah to seek cover in her bedroom.

As she lay quivering she faced the wall pretending to be asleep, hoping this would deter him from speaking to her but by the sound of his breathing she knew there wasn’t a chance.

“Misty are you awake?” She held her breath and tried to remain as still as possible, hoping he would leave but suddenly she felt his arm on her shoulder, shaking her body like a rag doll. “Wake up and turn round. I need to speak to you”. His voice was fierce and she knew she had to face him, so slowly, like a waking child, she began to turn still pretending she had been asleep. His face told her she was in deep trouble and she knew there was no escape as he placed himself on the side of the bed next to her. Ken didn’t speak straight away, he looked at his child with sorrow in his heart, hoping and praying she would make the right decisions. His first thought was to throttle her but that had now gone out of the window. She was still his baby and he couldn’t bring himself to lash out at her. He needed to make her see sense and by shouting he knew his words would have been wasted.

“Misty, your mother has told me what has happened. I am here to help sort this mess out. What you have done is wrong but we need to sort it out before it ruins the rest of your life”. He reached to hug Misty but she moved away from him feeling quite uncomfortable. He didn’t feel like her dad anymore he felt more like a stranger. Her eyes gazed over him and she could see his disappointment. He looked so old and the smell of alcohol filled the room. Ken also felt the barriers between them and his heart broke as he continued to speak.

“Misty you know you have to have an abortion don’t you? There is no way in this world you could ever look after a baby, you’re a baby yourself. Think about it. You know it makes sense”. Misty felt the anger build inside her and it was only a matter of time before she erupted. ‘How dare he come round here preaching to me’ she thought.

“Dad I know what I have done is wrong but I am not getting rid of it. It’s my baby and my mistake I will have to deal with it not you”.

Ken’s eyes widened as he listened in disbelief. “What do you mean you’re not getting rid of it? You fuckin’ well are, so stop right there missus. I know what’s best for you and I am telling you now, over my dead body. There is no way you’re having any bastard child”.

Misty screamed as the words left Ken’s mouth and from somewhere deep inside her she found courage to speak her mind. “It’s my choice not yours. I’m not having an abortion”. She now shouted hysterically. Ken watched in shock and he couldn’t understand where her backbone had come from. She had always been such a good child and the girl he saw in front of him now was someone he didn’t recognise. Misty continued shouting at Ken with full pelt, until he stepped up towards her face, looking like he was ready to explode. The real Ken now appeared and she was about to see him for what he really was.

“Listen you little slag, if you had kept your knickers on, none of this would have happened would it?” Ken felt his rage seeping out of his body and he had no control of his actions, reaching out he grabbed her hair and threw her onto the bed. He looked at her as she tried to break free by kicking her legs. This was the final straw Ken thought, as he pulled his hand back and swung it. His hand connected with her face. Blood spurted out of her mouth as she cried with pain. He knew he had to restrain her more to stop her wriggling, so he placed his two hands round her neck and began to strangle her. “I’ve brought you into this world and I will take you out, you little slag”. Misty wriggled to break free from his grip but there was no use. He was much too strong for her.

Lisa heard the commotion and ran up the stairs two at a time, to see what was happening. Max followed. As they entered the bedroom, they saw Ken with his hands around Misty’s neck. Lisa panicked as she could see Misty was struggling for breath.

“What’s going on? Get your fuckin’ hands off her” she shouted as she grabbed Ken’s hands and pulled at them with all her might. Ken turned and looked directly into Lisa’s eyes and the memory of her own beatings came flooding back to her. Lisa knew this time she couldn’t roll up and accept it. This was her daughter he was attacking and she didn’t want him beating on her like he had done with herself years before.

“Max help me please “Lisa shouted. Max now leapt to help his mother and quickly joined her and together they finally managed to free Ken’s grip from round Misty’s neck.

Ken stood up now and realised what he was doing. His breath struggled as he tried to speak. “Well she’s a little slag, the way she spoke to me. Who does she think she is and where has the cocky attitude come from?” Lisa held her daughter in her arms as Max stood beside them awaiting Ken’s next move. Lisa screamed at the beast of a man in front of her. She couldn’t believe he had tried to strangle his own daughter.

“You will never change will you, you always think your fists are the answer. Well fuck off out of my house. We don’t need you. You’re just a sorry old man, who will end up with nothing”. Ken reached to grab Lisa but Max caught his hand before it reached her and he knew it was time to make his stand.

“You heard what she said, she told you to get out”. Ken bit his bottom lip as he pulled his arm free.

“Oh do you fancy your chances now big boy?” Ken asked. Max stood like a soldier on parade and his chest expanded, as he leaned towards to Ken’s face.

“Ay old man. I’m big enough and you’re fucked, so if you think you have got it in ya, bring it on!”

Ken could see his son meant business and for the first time he knew he had to back down. The anger in his son’s eyes told him he wouldn’t stand a chance. Ken straightened his clothes and backed off towards the bedroom door, shouting as he did.

“Well you all deserve one another you lot. You’re fuckin’ mad the lot of you, it was the best thing I ever done, leaving you lot behind”. Ken stopped as if he had forgotten something and turned to Misty speaking his final words before he left. “And you lady, get yourself to the doctors and rid yourself of that little bastard growing inside you, or do you want to end up like your mother a worthless piece of shit”. Max pushed him towards the door as Lisa ran at him like a wild women.

“Worthless piece of shit. You have got a cheek. All you care about is your daft fuckin’ tart and your drink.” Lisa spat in his face as he left the bedroom.

“Good riddance to bad rubbish that’s what I say. Once a bastard always a bastard, you will never change. I wish you nothing but sorrow, you wanker”.

Ken headed down the stairs towards the door followed closely by Max. The two smaller children shouted as they saw Ken returning.

“Dad where are you going?” He made no response. He just opened the door and banged it closed as he left nearly taking it off the hinges. Max shook inside as his adrenaline level lowered. He looked at the two boys and he could see they were upset by everything that had taken place.

“Why doesn’t dad love us any more Max, what did we do?” Max cuddled them both together trying to explain the best way he could, why their dad had left them. After several questions more Max finally settled them both and returned back to his mother upstairs.

The silence was eerie as Max entered the bedroom. Looking at his sister his heart melted. He had never seen her cry like this before and he knew he would have to support her whatever decision she made. Lisa held Misty in her arms and she realised how much her daughter was going to need her. She decided that today was the new start for them both. She loved her daughter so much and wanted to help her. I’ll never let her down again,’ she thought as she kissed the top of her head. Max watched the special moment between them before he joined them on the bed. He knew this was far from over and they still needed to sort out the matter of the baby. He waited anxiously before he spoke, giving Misty time to sit up and wipe her eyes.

“Are you alright?” he asked in a sympathetic voice. Misty wiped her eyes and gave a small smile to her brother.

“I think so but my throat feels really sore”. Max rubbed the top of her head and that was enough to let Misty know he cared but he still needed to persuade her to do the right thing and slowly started to speak trying to make her see sense.

“Misty, you need to think about this baby. You’re young and you don’t want to be tied down do you?” Misty gazed at him as Lisa watched her with eager eyes, waiting for her response but as she spoke her tone told them her mind was already made up.

“I’m keeping the baby. I’ve already thought about it. I couldn’t get rid of it, I know I have probably ruined my life and made the biggest mistake ever but that’s my choice isn’t it?” Lisa and Max both sat with concerned faces as Lisa continued.

“Does the father know about the baby? He’s called Gordon isn’t he?”

Misty hung her head as she replied, knowing full well her mother had known about her seeing Gordon all along.

“I haven’t told him yet” she whispered. Lisa sat on the edge of the bed with hope in her heart. “Well don’t you think he should have a say in it? It’s his baby as well. How old is he?” Misty never got a chance to reply as Lisa carried on not letting her get a word in edgeways. “I bet he doesn’t want any responsibilities at his age, does he?” Max interrupted as he had a plan that might end this mess once and for all. He just hoped it worked.

“Well why don’t you go and meet him and tell him what’s happened, surely he would want to know wouldn’t he?” The sound of someone knocking at the door broke the conversation. They looked at each other hoping Ken hadn’t returned for more trouble. Max ran to the top of the stairs to look through the window. He pulled back the curtain and peered out. His eyes focused on the figure of Francesca.

“Don’t worry its only Francesca” he shouted. “Should I let her in or what?” Lisa looked at Misty. She knew she could do with someone her own age to talk to and hopefully Francesca might be the one to make her see sense she thought as she shouted to Max.

“Tell her to come up,” Lisa shouted. She kissed Misty and told her she would speak to her later. As she stood to leave the room she turned to Misty and spoke in a low tone. “Misty I know we haven’t been the best of friends lately but I do love you. Things have been hard for both of us you know. I just hope we can move on from this and be how we used to be. What do you think?”

Misty agreed and threw her arms round her mother, she knew she had been a nightmare lately and agreed with her mother, things needed to change between them. Lisa wiped the tears from her eyes and kissed her cheek before leaving the bedroom. This was a weight lifted off her mind and Misty knew, at a time like this she needed her mother more than ever, because if Gordon no longer wanted her, her mum was the only person she could truly rely on.

The sound of Francesca could be heard throughout the house. “Hello Mrs. Sullivan, where’s the patient?” she shouted in her usual loud voice. She told Francesca to go straight upstairs as Misty was in her room. She knew it would be only a matter of time before Francesca knew the truth. She was the biggest gossip in the neighbourhood and they knew from tomorrow, the world and his wife would know of Misty’s pregnancy. ‘God help us’ she thought, as Francesca bounced up the stairs. But as soon as Francesca saw the state of her friend, her bubbly attitude changed and she looked quite concerned.

“What’s up with you? you look terrible”. She looked closer at her friend and realised her lip was slightly enlarged. “What’s up with your lip?” She enquired as she examined it closer.

Misty was in two minds whether to tell her friend the truth but she had no choice as she needed her to get in touch with Gordon as soon as possible. The girls sat on the bed and began to talk. Francesca knew it was something big that had happened and was eager to know every detail and she wasted no time in getting straight to the point.

“Well are you going to tell me what’s happened? I can tell it’s something bad by the state of your face. Have you been caught smoking?” Misty now started to tell her what had happened as Francesca looked with an astounded expression.

“It’s been a nightmare Francesca. My dad has just left. He tried fucking strangling me. Look at me lip!”

Francesca looked horrified as Misty pulled down her lip to show her in detail the true state of what he had done.

“What the fuck has he done that for? Phone the police on him. He isn’t allowed to do that to you. Phone child line. I know loads of people who have grassed on their parents for hitting them. Get him nicked, the fuckin’ bully”. Misty shook her head and began to tell her the reason why her father had lost his head.

“Well he was quite angry. I suppose I deserved it in a way”. Francesca was about to go into another speech but Misty stopped her before she could go any further. “I’m pregnant and that’s why he hit me. Once he found out, he came flying round here like shit off a shovel.” Francesca didn’t comment straight away and I don’t think she didn’t really took in what her friend had just told her. Then it hit her.

“Pregnant! How can you be pregnant? You haven’t even had sex!” She paced the room and fired more questions at Misty and you could tell she was mortified as she continued. “Well if you’re pregnant who’s the dad?” Francesca now sat for a moment and racked her brains tying to think who the father could be. She looked her friend straight into the eyes and thought she had uncovered the mystery.

“Oh my God! Its Dominic isn’t it?” Francesca smiled as she continued. “Dominic is the father of your child isn’t he!” Misty lowered her head and slowly began to tell her she had got it all wrong. “It’s not Dominic baby it’s someone else’s. So stop saying its Dominic’s”. Francesca looked puzzled and thought her friend was trying to cover up the truth but Misty soon wiped the smile off her face.

“It’s Gordon’s baby”, she muttered under her breath. Francesca stood to her feet and the colour drained from her face. Misty could tell she wasn’t happy and she looked just as angry as everyone one did when they found out her news.

“How can it be Gordon’s baby? You told me you only kissed him, so stop fucking lying”. Misty looked at her friend and wondered why was the big concern about Gordon being the father. What did it matter who was the baby’s father, the point was that she was pregnant and needed help. Misty felt annoyed with her reaction and challenged her.

“What’s the matter with your fuckin’ face? What does it matter to you, who the father is? I am still fucking pregnant and need your help”. Francesca realised that Misty was right and hugged her. She hid her own disappointment well as she held her in her arms. Francesca knew she had to hide her true feelings otherwise her own little secret would be out of the bag and all hell would break loose so for now she knew she would have to be supportive. After a few tears Misty broke free from her grip.

“I haven’t even told him yet. I am going now to try and find him. Any ideas on where he might be?” Francesca thought for a while and told her to get ready. “I think he might be at home. I will come with you if you want, you don’t want to face this on your own do you?” Misty declined the offer but asked her to walk with her till she reached her destination. Francesca agreed but secretly had wanted to watch Gordon’s face when she told him the news, to see how he reacted. After a short while Misty was ready and headed downstairs to tell her mother her plans, followed closely by Francesca. Misty noticed the quietness in her friend but just put it down to shock of the news she had told her and hopefully she would come round to the idea of it, just like everyone else would. ‘Time is a good healer’ she thought looking towards her mother sat in the front room.

“Mum I’m going out for a bit. I won’t be long just need to sort a few things out”. Lisa didn’t ask too many questions, as she knew she was going to see Gordon and hopefully once she came back, all this mess would be sorted out.

“Right love, don’t be gone too long and phone me if you need me”. Lisa smiled at Francesca and knew by her face Misty had told her everything and she wasn’t too happy with the news either. Once outside both girls linked arms and huddled together to keep warm as the night had a slight chill about it.

“I’m fuckin’ freezing Misty. I don’t know about you but I should have put a warmer coat on”. Misty smiled and told her, that she was shaking from head to toe. Nerves had taken over now and she felt quite sick.

“Oh I am so scared. I can’t believe what a big mess this all is. What do you think he will say when I tell him? Do you think he will go mad?” Francesca shrugged her shoulders and gasped. She didn’t really know the answer but she hoped Gordon would tell her to get rid of the baby. She also thought to herself that Misty should get rid of ‘it’ but she didn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her the truth, so she tested the water to try and guide her friend to make the right decision. “Well the best thing is to get rid of it isn’t it. You don’t want a baby at your age do you?”

Misty defended herself straight away, much to her friends surprise and she nearly snapped Francesca face off as she replied. “Well I’ve already decided I’m having the baby, with or without Gordon, so he hasn’t really got a choice. I just think it’s best if I tell him first and let him know what I’ve decided”.

Once again Francesca remained strangely quiet and made no comment but inside she felt like a volcano ready to erupt. She knew at that moment things would never be the same between herself and her long time best friend. Once they had reached their destination, Francesca hugged her friend and tried one last time to stay with her.

“Do you want me to stay with you? Because I will if you want”. Misty smiled as she left her, telling her it was something she had to do on her own but thanked her for her support anyway. Francesca stood and watched as she turned into the block of flats and once she had disappeared she headed home feeling, amongst other things, like she had lost her friend forever.

Misty’s heart pounded as she waited for the lift to arrive. Once inside she pressed the floor number. She felt the lift struggle to the selected floor. Misty hated lifts and had quite a fear of being enclosed in a such a small space but the stress of telling Gordon the news took her mind completely off it.

The doors opened and revealed the landing of Gordon’s scruffy flat. Stepping out of the lift, she straightened her clothes and took once last deep breath before she headed to the front door. She knocked at the door softly at first but as she stood there she realised she would have to knock harder if she wanted anybody to hear her. She knocked quite loudly this time and she could see the shadow of someone approaching through the glass panel in the door. As she listened carefully she could hear a voice shouting as they approached the door.

“Fuckin’ hell! stop banging I’m here aren’t I”, they shouted in an angry voice.

As they opened the door, she recognised the man in front of her as Gordon’s brother Tom and you could tell by his face he was none too pleased at being woken. At first he had to stop and stare at her, before he realised who she was but once he did he began to speak.

“You after our kid love?” Misty nodded and told him it was quite important and that she needed to speak to him urgently. “Well he’s just nipped to the shop, he should be back in about ten minutes. You can come in and wait if you want?” Misty thought about it for a moment but didn’t feel safe being alone with him. He looked like he was a couple of butties short of a picnic and had a weird look about him that unnerved her, so she told him she would meet Gordon on his way back from the shop. Tom smiled and made no effort to continue the conversation and closed the door and headed back to his pit.

Misty reached the ground floor and looked briefly outside but at the moment there wasn’t any sign of him. Her body felt quite uneasy as she sat at the corner of the entrance to the flats. She knew this was the best place to wait, as this was the only entrance back inside the flats. Misty sat on the cold concrete floor, playing with her shoe laces to pass the time. It seemed like she had been sat there for hours before she stood to look outside. Looking out of the door she searched the area but still there was no sign of him. Her heart sank as she knew she couldn’t wait any longer. Gordon would have to wait, she thought as she stepped out into the night to head home.

Misty had started to walk away from the flats when she heard her name being shouted. She turned to see who it was and recognised Gordon heading towards her.

She panicked and knew she would have to now tell him the reason for her visit. As he approached, she placed her hands into her pocket to try and get them warm, and stop them from shaking. She studied Gordon’s face as he neared her and could tell he looked like quite pleased to see her. A smile filled the whole of his face before he began to talk.

“What are you doing here so late?” She smiled as she checked her watch before she replied.

“It’s only half past nine, that’s not late.”

“It is for you little school girl. You should be in bed, ready for school tomorrow” he laughed. Misty knew this was the ideal time to tell him the reason for her visit and wasted no time getting the words out.

“I don’t think I will be going back to school again after today”, she spoke in a trembling voice. Gordon smiled remembering his years in school and the mischief he had got up to and thought maybe she had been in trouble with the teachers once again.

“Why, what’s happened? Have you been a naughty little girl again?” He asked in a sarcastic tone. Misty looked at him and the words that had been burning her lips for the last few hours flew out like hot coals from a fire.

“I’m Pregnant. I fainted in school and my mam took me to the doctors.” The words left her mouth and she didn’t stop for breath until the last word had been spoken. She felt like a weight had been lifted off her mind, as she waited for what seemed a life time for his reply.

Gordon stood speechless. The smile fell from his face like a lump of lead. ‘Come again?’ he thought as he challenged her to repeat herself.

“Did you just say you were pregnant?”

Misty fidgeted. “Yes I am pregnant and I have decided to keep it”. She now watched him like a hawk and waited for his reply. His hands touched the top of his head and his fingers pulled at every strand of his hair. He was walking round in circles, puffing and sighing but still he made no response. After a few minutes he began to speak in a distressed tone.

“Who knows about this? Does your mother know it’s me who made you pregnant? Oh my God Misty! You’re fuckin’ fifteen. I could go to jail for this. It’s underage sex!” Misty bit onto her bottom lip to stop the tears from flowing. He was in a state and he had looked none too pleased with the news. Gordon now moved toward Misty and took her arm leading her back inside the flats, away from prying eyes.

“Orr fuckin’ hell Misty, what am I going to do?”

Misty lowered her head. “Listen, you don’t have to worry. I won’t tell anyone it’s your baby. My mum knows but we had a talk and she said we both needed to speak to sort out what we were going to do about the baby”. Gordon sat lifeless on the floor. He knew now he would have to face the consequences of his actions, even if it meant prison.

“My dad knows as well. Look at my lip where he slapped me”. Gordon moved over to her and examined her lip. As he looked into her eyes, he felt his body melt and he knew he couldn’t leave her in her time of need. After all it was his baby as well and maybe this had been what he had secretly wished for. He looked concerned as he spoke. “What did your Dad say?”

Misty told of the events of the day and how her dad had tried to strangle her. After listening to all she had to say he thought it wasn’t as bad as he first thought and perhaps with a little persuasion from himself he might win her parents round to them keeping the baby. Gordon and Misty sat and talked for a while, discussing the baby and at the end of it they both decided they were going to keep it. Gordon placed his hand onto Misty’s stomach and began to talk to the unborn baby inside her.

“Hello little baby, I’m your dad. You’re going to be so loved and want for nothing, I promise you I’m going to look after you and your mother forever.” Misty looked at him. As he spoke to her unborn baby, nothing else seemed to matter. Together they could face anything and the world seemed a brighter place now she had told him about the baby. He lifted his head and kissed her. She responded and the love she felt for him seeped from her body. Misty told Gordon she needed to go home and he offered to walk her. He also asked if he could come in and meet her mother. He didn’t want her to think he was running from his mistakes and he had to meet her sooner or later, so now was as good as time as any...