chapter 4

Chapter 4:
What have we done?! Bunking a college on a bar room couch! Leanne shouted, We didn’t “bunk” We made love! Nick laughed. Leanne’s face was covered in tears... and guilt.
All that champagne on an empty stomach, I was just asked for trouble! Thanks! Nick said.
You don’t love Peter, we are meant to be! were star-crossed Leanne! No! No!! I Love Peter! I chose Peter. You don’t Leanne face it! Nick shouted. You Know what Nick, I like taking Simon to school, I like cooking tea, I like seeing all his shirts hung up in his wardrobe. Leanne sobbed. Well you’re not marrying Simon! Your marrying his charity-case dad! Nick said tearing pouring down his face. Leanne grabbed her coat and ran out the door crying. Nick ran after her, Where are you going?! Nick pleaded. Anywhere away from here Leanne said wiping the tears from her face, I’m marrying the charity case!. I love you Leanne!, Nick cried, Leanne lifted her hand and slapped him hard on the cheek. Thank you... for the biggest wake-up call.. ever, Leanne said as she ran back to the flat in floods of tears.

Peter crept into the bedroom and looked at Leanne all curled up in the duvet. Lea? He whispered as he got into bed with her. Peter didn’t know this, but Leanne was wide awake tears still rolling down her cheeks. Lea? Are you awake? Peter whispered. Leanne just closed her eyes tight and took a deep breath she couldn’t talk, she was afraid.

Peter was already up and making a cup of tea for Leanne, Simon walked into the room demanding his breakfast before he went to school. Peter had made him boiled egg and soldiers and he was eating them happily. Why isn’t there an chicken in the egg dad? Simon asked. Well.. for there to be a baby chicken, there needs to be a- Peter paused, a daddy, chicken he continued. A daddy chicken? Simon asked in disbelief? Peter and Simon were still nattering on when Leanne popped her head round the door, Mummy chicken? Simon laughed mummy chicken? Next you will be saying daddy hen! They both laughed. Leanne ran back into the bedroom and folded the covers right over her. Lea? Peter bought her a cup of tea in. Thanks, she said rubbing her head. Good night last night? Peter said sitting down on the bed. Where did you go?! Leanne croaked. Oh Erm. Carl, he needed me you know how he is Peter explained scratching his eyebrow. I really needed you there Leanne sobbed. Why it went ok didn’t it love/ peter grasped her hand. Yer couldn’t of gone better, I just wanted someone to celebrate with. Leanne put her tea down. Who’s taking me to school today? Simon skipped into the room. Daddy can Si I feel sick, Leanne squeezed out. Oh love! You didn’t say, shall I phone a doctor?! Peter  said sounding concerned. Oh no, it’s just a bug I need to sleep it off. Simon ran back into the room with a teddy and placed it on Leanne’s lap. Here he will make you feel better Simon said kissing her on the forehead, Thanks Leanne smiled. Right I’ll be at the bookies then love, try and sleep. He kissed her and walked out the room gently shutting the door, Leanne placed her face in the soft fur of the teddy bear and cried.

It was afternoon now, and Leanne was sitting on the couch thinking about what she had done. She didn’t go to work today, pulling a sickie, she couldn’t bear to look at Nick. She kept thinking about what she’d done, when she jumped up and ran to the sink. A punch of guilt hit her in the stomach. What have a done?! She kept repeating to herself. She knew how much Peter loved her, and she’d cheated on him. Just thinking about it made her want to double over. The intercom rang. She put the phone to her ear. Let me up the voice said. Nick go away I don’t want to talk to you of all people, Leanne sighed. Leanne, we work together, were gonna have to soon. Leanne opened the door and in walked Nick, first looking proud, then his face changed to anger.  Why aren’t you at work? I’m not well.. Leanne said under her breath. Leanne it’s a hangover, first day of the job and your puling a sickie? Leanne looked up. How can you act like nothing has happened? Leanne said more loudly this time.  I’m not! Leanne I can’t really act like something has happened if you’re not at work can I?! Nick said right up in her face. Just leave me alone Nick! Leanne shouted. Nick got down on his knees. Leanne I love you, and you love me, not Peter. Nick said grabbing her hands. She pulled her hands away quickly, I LOVE PETER. Leanne said clearly. Nick stood up. Then what was that last night? he joked. Nick, I felt physically SICK, when Peter talked to me this morning. He cares about me so much! And what will Peter think of you if he finds out about this then? Nick said standing up.
What will peter think of what?
Peter had walked into the room quietly, with a bouquet of flowers behind his back. Leanne stopped and gulped heavily. She starred at Nick.
She hasn’t been to work today Nick said.
Big deal I pulled a sickie Leanne said turning her head.
You’re round here biting her head off, because she had one day off? Peter said getting closer to Nick. It’s the first day Nick said hanging his head. Well say sorry to each other! I’m sure Leanne will be tomorrow! Peter said now getting closer to Leanne. Sorry Nick whispered.. I’ll show myself out. Leanne looked at him in despair as he left. Peter removed the flowers from his behind his back and gave them to Leanne. Leanne smiled and took them from his hands.

Nick was working behind the bar. Leanne walked in to the office and got took from forms from the desk. She walked in the bar and sat at one of the tables. Nick kept looking over, but Leanne kept her head down. Carla walked into the bar and almost immediately Leanne dropped everything and walked over to her, Carla ordered a glass before Leanne came over. In fact Nick bring over the whole bottle, Leanne smiled. Carla I need to talk to you come back to the flat. Ok, she said I’ll get the bottle,  No No, leave the bottle Leanne said and they walked out the bar, Nick eyeing Leanne’s every move.