Lucy smiled. A rarity it seemed these days. Siobhan was excited, more excited than usual as her half-brother Rory was coming to spend the weekend. Lucy was always curious about why Patrick had left Amy Swift. He was so devoted to his daughter, but had hardly mentioned Rory when they first got together.
When Lucy had been more assertive and confident, she had asked Patrick, but got the usual cold shoulder. Patrick was a closed book on most subjects when sober. But after a few drinks, he’d drone on and on about his past – the same things again and again. How his father beat his mother. How his mother treated him like a black sheep. He’d shout at the walls, the ceiling, and at Lucy if she ever made the mistake of staying in the room. When he first started opening up in his drunken stupors, Lucy was always understanding. Hugging him as he cried. Pointing out how he wasn’t a failure or unloved. These days, however, she’d sit and stare at the wall, hoping that he’d fall asleep and not direct his anger towards her. She couldn’t even leave the room anymore to get away from it, because Patrick would follow her or shout so loud she could hear it any way.
Watching Siobhan dance around the room, a moment of sadness overwhelmed Lucy. Clutching her hands to her heart, she silently prayed that Siobhan would grow up to find a loving, loyal, and normal partner. As much as she tried to shield her from her father’s behaviour, there were times when Siobhan had overheard arguments and screaming matches. What if Lucy’s worst fear became a reality? What if Siobhan grew up to see this as normal? She’d learn from Lucy’s behaviour to just shut up and take it. It’s so wrong; this needs to stop.
She didn’t notice that Siobhan had stopped her little dance and was staring at her. ‘What’s wrong, Lucy?’
‘Nothing sweetheart, why?’
‘Because you’re crying.’
Lucy reached up and touched her face. Wiping the tears away, she answered, ‘Must be my allergies, silly billy! I’m fine.’ Lucy swallowed and asked, ‘So what are you planning on doing with your brother today?’
Siobhan’s eyes lit up. ‘Daddy said he’s taking us to a Wacky Warehouse.’
A pub! What’s he thinking? ‘Wow. That sounds like fun. Can you make yourself a bowl of cereal, Siobhan, and then get dressed?’
‘OK.’ Siobhan seemed pleased with herself, being able to get her own breakfast. Grabbing a bowl from the cupboard, she poured her cereal, drowned it in milk and sugar, making sure not to spill anything as she made her way over to the table.
Lucy was in two minds whether or not to say anything to Patrick. She definitely didn’t want to anger him and ruin the kid’s’ day. She hated things like this, walking on eggshells when she should be able to have a normal conversation with her husband.
Lucy took a deep breath and headed upstairs to wake him.
Patrick was still snoring and the stale smell of his booze from the night before hit her in the face as she entered the room. She walked around to his side of the bed and gently shook him. ‘Patrick … Patrick … it’s time to get up. Siobhan is having her breakfast and will be getting ready in a minute. Rory will be here in an hour or so.’
He groaned. ‘Fuck off and gimme ten minutes.’
‘I can’t. I need to get ready and go soon. I’m going out with Sarah today. Remember? She’ll be here soon.’
‘All right! For fuck’s sake. No need to bloody go on. I’m up. I’m up.’
Lucy gathered a towel from the clean laundry and went for her shower. She hoped he’d be downstairs by the time she finished, because otherwise she’d have to put up with his leering comments and groping hands as she got dressed.
After her shower, Lucy crept back into the bedroom and breathed a sigh of relief. Patrick was downstairs talking to Siobhan. Throwing on a sweater and a pair of jeans she quickly put on some foundation and towel-dried her hair. Placing her blusher, mascara, and lip gloss in her bag secretly, she decided to put the rest of her make-up on in Sarah’s car.
As Lucy brought the wet towel downstairs to put it in the washing basket, Siobhan ran past her on the stairs. ‘Slow down, missy! Don’t forget to brush your teeth.’
‘I know. Can I bring my little purse?’
Reaching into her pocket Lucy pulled out two £1 coins, and gave them to Siobhan. ‘Sure, sweetie. Here’s a little something to fill it up.’
Siobhan thanked her and raced off to find her purse.
I hope she doesn’t tell Patrick or he’ll take that money for himself.
Looking at her watch, Lucy saw she had about half an hour before Sarah was due to arrive. She had been looking forward to today. There was a book event in the town centre and they’d decided to make a girly day of it with lunch, window shopping … the works. She still had time for a quick cuppa so headed to the kitchen.
Patrick was standing by the sink, looking out into the garden. He ignored her as she walked in and flicked the kettle on.
‘Do you want a coffee?’
Silence. He turned and looked her over, ‘Why are you so dressed up? Thought you were only going out with Sarah?’
‘I am. I’m just wearing jeans and a sweater, how is that dressed up?’
‘Well considering you only wear leggings and baggy jumpers around here … that is fucking dressed up. Answer me. Who are you really going to meet?’ He walked over and stood in front of her, pinning her against the kitchen counter.
‘I told you, I’m meeting Sarah; in fact she will be here soon, and you can see for yourself!’ Lucy leaned back slightly.
‘If you’re lying to me, I swear to God I will kill you. Do you understand?’
The knock on the door caught them both off guard and Lucy tried to get past him to answer it, but he remained firmly in front of her.
‘I asked you a question, bitch.’ His teeth were clenched, and Lucy knew better than to ignore him.
‘I understand, OK. Can I please go and get the door? She’ll be wondering what’s taking so long and I don’t want to lie to her, OK? Please, Patrick.’
He stepped out of the way, allowing her to get past. Lucy went into the hall and opened the door, hoping that her friend had not overheard anything.
‘Hey, girly! You ready for what the day has in store?’ Sarah had a big smile on her face.
‘Uh, yes. I’ll just grab my coat, bag, and say goodbye to Siobhan. Do you want to come in … or maybe it’s best you just wait in the car?’
‘Nah, I’ll come in, if you’re not going to be long.’
Lucy was hoping she wouldn’t say that. The quicker she grabbed her things and said goodbye to Siobhan, the less time Patrick would have to grill Sarah or make her feel uncomfortable.
Lucy walked back into the living room and glanced over at Sarah, who was sitting down on the edge of the chair. Sarah nearly jumped when she noticed Patrick in the doorway staring at her. Lucy hoped he wouldn’t be an arsehole, but saw him smile strangely at Sarah, cock his head, and ask, ‘So where are you two ladies off to?’
‘Didn’t Lucy say what we’re doing today?’ Sarah asked and looked at Lucy.
Lucy shrugged.
‘She did, but I’m asking you.’
Lucy’s hands balled into fists as she watched Sarah shifting uncomfortably on the chair.
‘Well, we’re going to do a bit of shopping – or window shopping as payday is miles away.’ Sarah smiled weakly. ‘Then lunch and then a book event at Waterstones. A few authors we’re fans of will be there signing their books.’
Patrick didn’t say a word; instead he just turned around and went back to the kitchen.