The Wind Of Change

[RitaLittlewood]

February 2008 in Weatherfield. After a miserable previous year weather-wise, Arctic conditions were sweeping the country and there was two feet of snow lying on the ground which showed no signs of melting after several weeks with more forecast. Reet was in her flat where she lay in bed staring at the ceiling. "Happy flamin' birthday," she sighed flatly to herself. "Seventy-six and still nowt's changed from a year ago. Come to think of it, nowt's changed from ten year ago. Oh wait a minute. Flamin' Gilroy were ten year ago. Fancy making yerself sick on yer birthday, Sullivan." She glanced at the clock and sighed again. "Nearly quarter past ten. Better show me face I suppose before Norris starts mithering and thinks I'm lying up here dead again." She pushed the covers back and forced herself to get up. After a while she emerged in the shop.
"Happy birthday," Norris grinned, thrusting a card and present in her direction.
"Thanks." She forced a smile. "Surprised yer remembered."
"It's etched in my brain," he told her.
"Pity yer can't get forgetful like normal people," she remarked. "At my age I don't like being reminded I'm another year closer to death, ta very much."
"That's a bit ungracious," he replied. "And after I went to all the trouble of organising a small party for you in the Rovers tonight."
Her face fell and her eyes narrowed. "Yer've done what?!"
"I thought you'd be pleased," he defended.
"Pleased?!" she yelled. "Pleased?!"
"I heard you the first time," he replied. "I wish you'd stop trying to ruin my hearing."
"I'll ruin summat else if yer don't belt up," she warned.
"I take it you won't be coming then," he noted haughtily.
"Oh, I'll be there," she told him angrily.
"Good," he smiled.
"As long as yer pay for all the drinks," she added. "And I'll have plenty of them so make sure yer've got enough cash in yer wallet."
"Don't you always?" he replied.
"Belt up!" she screeched, belting him with the present then stomped back up to the flat in a fouler mood than she had been when she woke up. She poured herself a very large vodka and raised the glass. "Happy flamin' birthday," she snorted then downed it in one.

Later that evening a car turned into Coronation Street and pulled up outside the salon. The occupant turned the engine off, paused then got out, surveying the surroundings.

Back at Reet's the phone rang. She snatched up the receiver. "What? I already told yer I'll be there. Now shurrup!" She slammed the phone down and headed for the stairs, grabbing her favourite shiny mac and 80s-style clutch bag en route. "Miserable little runt," she muttered to herself, slamming the front door behind her. "Thinks he can boss me about and on me birthday an' all. I'll show him." She stopped to do her coat up as it was sub-zero temperatures and spotted an elderly man leaning on a car staring at the pub. She hesitated about going over but decided to anyway. "Can I help yer, love? Billy? Billy Walker?"
"Hello, Reet," he replied, glad to see a friendly face. "How wonderful to see you again."
"Yer too," she beamed. "Well this is a turn up. What yer doing here of all places? I thought yer were in Jersey."
"I left there quite a few years ago," he explained. "Living in Singapore now."
"Lovely," she smiled.
"What's happened to this place?" he frowned.
"Progress," she replied. "Or so they reckon. All daft if yer ask me. Me shop's just over there now." She pointed to The Kabin.
"The Rovers is still the same which is summat I reckon," he remarked sadly.
"Not that much the same," she observed. "More open plan than it were in yer and yer mam's day and smaller too."
He turned his attention back to his former childhood home. "Many people still about from when I were last here?"
"Not many," she replied. "There's me, Ken, Deirdre, Betty, Emily. Who else were here? When were it we last clapped eyes on yer?"
"1984," he reminded.
"That long ago?" she said. "Time really does fly."
He nodded. "Certainly does. Well I'd better be going."
She grabbed his arm. "Oh yer don't have to just yet, do yer? Why don't yer come in the pub? It's me birthday, more's the pity, and that irritating junior business partner of mine has gone and organised a do."
"Mavis?" he asked.
"Wish it were but she's long gone," she told him sadly. "Running a B&B in Cartmel now."
"Happy birthday," he smiled. "How does it feel to be twenty one?"
"Same as it has every year since I were," she laughed.
He laughed too. "Okay. I'll come and help you celebrate. Daren't turn a girl down on her birthday."
"Bet yer have in yer time," she winked, putting her arm through his. "Come on. Let's shock yer old neighbours who probably thought yer were dead."
"Or wished," he chuckled.
They crossed the road and entered the pub. Reet looked around and spotted her friends and Norris.
"Look who I found lurking outside," she announced.
"Billy Walker!" Emily gasped in surprise.
"Hello, Emily," he smiled. "Been a long time."
"You can say that again," Ken noted. "Nice to see you again."
"Sit down, Billy," Reet urged. "Norris is getting them in." She glared at him. "Aren't yer?"
"Y-Yes," he stammered. "Usual?" Ken, Deirdre, Emily and Betty all nodded.
"I'll have a vodka slammer," Reet said. "And keep 'em coming or yer'll be sorry."
"Aren't I always," he replied grumpily.
"Oh belt up and get the drinks in," she barked, hitting him. "We're all dying of thirst and it is me birthday so do as yer told."
"It wasn't your birthday yesterday when you demanded I bought the drinks," he told her. "Ow!"
Billy felt embarrassed. "I'll have a scotch please."
Norris went to get the drinks.
"Little weasel," Reet seethed.
"Are you and him...." Billy wondered.
"Wash yer mouth out, Billy Walker!" she shrieked. "Do I look desperate?"
"Norris lives with me," Emily explained. "But not in that way."
"She's not desperate either," Reet remarked.
Norris returned with the drinks. "Here you are. I'd like to propose a toast."
Reet curled her lip. "Must yer?"
"To Reet," he continued, ignoring her. "Happy birthday and many of them."
"To Reet," they echoed.
"Right, yer've said yer piece, now sit down and shurrup," she growled.
"What are you doing with yourself these days, Billy?" Deirdre asked.
"I run a string of casinos in the Far East," he told them. "Friend of mine in Jersey asked if I'd like to go into partnership with him. Course it meant uprooting from Jersey but gambling's very popular over there. So I sold up and moved to Singapore when I still live. Sadly he died recently and his wife wasn't interested in the business so I bought her out. It's a great life out there and, apart from the monsoon season, a better climate and place to live."
"Married?" Ken asked.
"What do you think?" Billy chuckled.
"So what are you doing over here, lovey?" Betty now piped up.
"What does it matter?" Reet replied. "It's great to see him."
Billy smiled at her then took a sip of his drink. "With my mate dying suddenly like that, it made me take stock. I'll be seventy in September and decided to come and have a look at the old place once more before I go to that great casino in the sky."
"Do yer have to depress me on me birthday," Reet scowled.
"Depress us all, lovey," Betty replied.
"Sorry about that," Billy said.
"Don't be daft," Reet told him. "I were only joking. Where yer staying?"
"No idea," he shrugged. "I drove up from Heathrow and came straight here. My bags are in the boot."
"We can put you up, can't we, Deirdre?" Ken offered.
"If he can put up with my mother," Deirdre remarked.
"Blanche isn't dead?" Billy gasped.
"Unfortunately," Deirdre replied.
"It's her acid tongue which keeps her alive, in't it, Deirdre," Reet said.
"More than likely," Deirdre chuckled.
"I'm not sure I can," Billy said. "She was bad enough when we were engaged."
"Yer don't have to," Reet butted in. "I've got a spare room. Yer can stay with me. I'll be glad of the company."
"That's not what you said when Doreen landed herself on you," Norris reminded.
Reet glowered then hit him, making him fall off his chair. "Belt up!"
"I wouldn't want to impose, Reet," Billy told her. "It's very kind of you but-"
"Nonsense," Reet smiled. "Yer look dead on yer feet as it is and it'd be daft getting in yer car to find somewhere this time of night."
"I am tired," he agreed. "Been a long day and I didn't get much sleep on the plane."
"That's settled then," she beamed. "We'll have another drink then get back to the flat and I'll make up that spare bed. Get them in, peasant. Today's now a double celebration. Me birthday and the visit from Billy here."

Afternoon arrived and Billy got up from his nice warm bed and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. He really missed the heat of Singapore but it was good seeing the few familiar faces remaining on his old stamping ground.
"Merry Christmas, sleepy head," Reet smiled from the doorway making him jump.
He turned to look at her. "Hello, Reet."
"Sleep well?" she asked.
He nodded. "I must have been more tired than I thought after the journey. When I landed at Heathrow I got my second wind and it started to catch up with me in the pub last night."
"So I noticed when yer were nodding off," she giggled. "Hungry? Fancy a fry-up?"
"Don't go to any trouble on my account," he said. "A slice of toast'll do me."
"Make it two and I promise not to nag," she beamed.
"Deal," he smiled back.
She got the bread out. "Want it in here or in there?"
He thought for a moment. "Here'll do."
"Sit yerself down, then," she said, putting the bread in the toaster.
He took a sip of his water. "I couldn't help noticing the sign said Sullivan. You married again?"
She nodded. "Quite a few years ago now. He died three months later. Brain tumour."
Billy didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry."
"What for?" she frowned. "Not as if yer knew him."
"I know," he conceded. "But all the same."
"Such is life," she shrugged as the toast popped up. "Been through worse before that."
"I won't pry," he replied, watching her butter the bread.
"I were only swindled then nearly murdered," she told him as she passed the plate over. "Nowt to make a big deal over. All in the past now."
Billy was shocked. "When did this happen?"
Reet leant against the breakfast bar. "1989. He died too. Got hit by a tram while chasing me across the road in Blackpool."
Billy burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, Reet. I don't mean to laugh. I understand how awful it must have been for you at the time but it's just a stupid way to die."
She smiled at him. "Yer right. It is. But that were Alan all over. Thought he were bright but weren't really."
Silence fell between them as Billy bit into the toast. "Sounds like you've had a tough time since I was last in Weatherfield."
"Hey, I'm still here, aren't I?" she smiled. "Indestructible, that's me."
He washed the toast down with some water. "I don't know how you can make light of all that."
"Well it were bad at the time," she said. "But it were years ago now. No use dwelling on it."
"You're a remarkable woman, Reet," he told her.
"Anyway," she went on, changing the subject, "enough about that. What are yer plans for the day? Well, what's left of it?"
He understood. "I thought of having a look around Weatherfield to see what's changed."
"Quite a bit since 1984," she said.
"Fancy being my guide for the afternoon?" he asked. "I'll buy you dinner afterwards as a thank you for putting up with me."
"How can a girl refuse an offer like that?" she laughed.

After traipsing around for several hours, Billy drove them to a posh restaurant in the heart of Manchester.
"It's quite sad really so much has changed," he said solemnly. "I hardly recognised the place."
"It's no wonder most of me neighbours barely set foot outside the street," she quipped.
He laughed. "Thanks for a great day, Reet, even though I did get a little depressed at the place."
"Pleasure, love," she smiled.
He poured her some more wine as the next course arrived. "I hope you don't mind me saying but I'm surprised to find you're single."
"Cheeky beggar," she winked, tucking into her salmon. "I could say the same about yer but I'm far too polite."
He laughed. "You know what I mean. You're such a good woman and fun to spend time with. I can't believe some lucky man hasn't snapped you up and whisked you to exotic parts by now."
"I nearly moved to Florida," she told him between mouthfuls. "Even went out looking at houses."
"What happened?" he wondered. "If you don't mind me asking."
She shook her head and swallowed. "Not at all. Ted wanted to live out there when he retired. Even proposed to me over there. I were so happy. Then when we got back he told me about his tumour so that put the kibosh on that little dream."
"I'm sorry," he said.
"No need," she replied. "Ted's bombshell gave me a chance to clear me head and think things through properly. I'd never have gone anyway. Not so far away from me friends. So here I am after getting on for sixteen years of widowhood old, free and single."
"Oh well," Billy said tactfully. "There's still plenty of time."
"Don't be daft," Reet laughed. "I'm way past all that now. This is me life, like it or lump it."
"Which is you?" he asked.
She thought for a while. "Lump it."
He laughed. "You're still a very attractive woman for your age, Reet," he told her sincerely.
"Get away with yer," she giggled. "Yer haven't seen me first thing in the morning."
"Only because you never gave me a chance," he smiled. "I always fancied you. You know that, don't you?"
"Yer don't have to flatter me because I gave yer a bed for the night," she said, feeling very embarrassed.
"I'm not," he assured. "I couldn't take my eyes of your legs when you sang Lili Marleen all those years ago."
"Ah," Reet realised. "So it were really me legs yer fancied rather than me. I knew there were summat strange about yer. Sorry. Can't have em. We come as a package. Love me, love me legs."
Billy laughed. "You haven't changed. I'm glad about that. Everyone else seems to have."
"Personality transplants, love," she explained. "Tried it on with me a time or two."
He took her hand. "I'm glad they never succeeded."
Reet swallowed nervously as her heart beat faster and palms began to sweat. She quickly removed her hand and grabbed the glass of wine which she drank greedily. "Me an' all."
"Thirsty, huh?" he said.
"All that salt," she replied.
He laughed again. "Well you put it on."
"More fool me, eh?" she said, trying to get him off the subject. "That were lovely, Billy."
"Want pudding?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Couldn't eat another mouthful."
"I'll get the bill then take you home," he said before clicking his fingers at a hapless waiter.

They drove back to 10A in silence. Billy was beginning to get worried. He pulled up outside her door, got out and opened the passenger side for her.
"This perfect gentleman act in't like yer at all, Billy," she said. "They given yer a personality transplant an' all?"
He slammed the door and locked it. "I hope not!" He followed her to the front door. "I've just mellowed in my old age."
"Now that I find hard to believe," she winked, letting them in. "Does that mean yer've become boring?"
He crossed the threshold and blocked her way to the stairs as she closed the door. "Why don't you find out?"
Reet began to get nervous again, her mouth drying. "Billy-"
He leant forward and kissed her tenderly before she had a chance to finish. "What?"
"I'm too old for all this malarkey," she said.
"You're never too old, Reet," he told her then kissed her again.
She swallowed, heart beating ten to the dozen, afraid of making a fool of herself. "If yer playing games with me-"
"No games," he said softly, edging himself closer until he'd backed her against the door. "I've fallen in love with you. I don't know how it happened. It wasn't meant to happen. I was just supposed to come over here for a bit to relive my shameful youth then return home but I fell in love. I love you, Reet."
"Sure it's not pity after what I told yer earlier?" she wondered.
"It's not," he assured, stroking her face and gazing deeply into her eyes. "I couldn't stop dreaming about you last night, which is the real reason I got up so late. I woke up during the night and lay there thinking of you in the other room, wanting you so much but didn't dare do anything about it in case I got a slap across the face. Every time I closed my eyes I saw your face smiling at me so I left it as late as I could, sure you'd be in the shop so I could work this out in my head. Then when I saw you standing there this afternoon... You have no idea how much I ached to even touch you."
"Oh, Billy," she replied as he kissed her again and she threw her arms around his neck. "Are yer only saying this to get me legs?"
"Got it in one," he winked. "You did say you came as a package and I can't think of a better one."
She laughed. "The things yer'll say to try and have yer wicked way with me."
"Do I need to try?" he asked wryly.
"No," she smiled, taking his hand and leading him up the stairs.

[RitaLittlewood]

The following day Reet had to be up early to do the papers. She slowly eased herself out of bed so as not to wake Billy who was snoring beside her and fumbled in the dark for her clothes. Opening the door as quietly as she could, she slipped out and went into the bathroom to get herself ready. She placed her clothes on the toilet lid and sat on the edge of the bath rubbing her forehead, wondering what on earth she was playing at at her time of life. She couldn't deny she had strong feelings for Billy but this was just madness, especially as once his time was up he'd be flying back to Singapore and she'd end up with yet another broken heart. She sighed heavily, got herself ready and went downstairs. Halfway through marking up the papers, she felt arms go around her waist and her ear being nuzzled.
"Good morning, darling," Billy schmoozed.
"Morning," she replied, trying to be nonchalant.
Billy sensed her attitude and released her. "Summat up?"
"Whatever give yer that idea?" she chuckled nervously, continuing to write.
He moved beside her and put his hand over hers. "Because you weren't acting like this last night."
"Last night were last night," she said flatly, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the pile. "I have work to do today."
"Didn't you enjoy yourself?" he asked.
"Of course I did," she chuckled again. "What a question."
"So why the cold shoulder?" he said, concerned.
Reet removed his hand from hers and carried on with the job in hand to take her mind off things. "No cold shoulder."
He leant back. "Not from where I'm standing. I love you, Reet. Look me in the eye and tell me you don't feel the same way."
"I've got these papers to get out," she told him, wishing her heart would stop beating so fast and making her lightheaded.
He held her chin in his hand and turned her head to face him. "Tell me you don't love me and I'll pack my bags and leave right now."
She swallowed hard as she gazed at him, tears stinging her eyes. "I don't love yer."
"I don't believe you," he replied.
The tears began to roll down her face. "Yer told me to say it and I did. What more do yer want?" She stormed into the back to get a tissue.
"How about the truth?" he suggested, going after her. "Have I done something wrong?"
"Will yer pack in the inquisition?" she snapped.
He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I want to know why you're behaving this way." He kissed her neck.
"Stop it, Billy!" she demanded, trying hard to fight her feelings.
He went in front of her. "Not until you tell me what's up."
"Nowt's up," she lied.
"Then why are you avoiding looking at me again?" he wondered. "Talk to me, Reet."
"Because like I said last night, I'm too old for all this," she snapped. "Especially..."
"Especially?" he asked, confused.
"Being yer little holiday fling," she barked. "Yer've stolen me heart and then yer'll break it. I won't let that happen so it's better to end it now." Billy sat on the chair by the computer and laughed. "What's so funny?" she sniffed, wiping her eyes.
"You are," he replied. "Reet, this isn't a holiday fling. I didn't fly nearly seven thousand miles just to sow my wild oats in dear old Blighty one more time. I told you last night this wasn't meant to happen."
"But it did," she pointed out. "And soon yer'll be back on that plane without a second thought for me."
He looked at her and frowned. "Is that what you think?"
She nodded. "It's what's going to happen, Billy, and we both know it."
He went over and held her in his arms. "It's not going to. I won't let it. I'm going to cancel my flight."
"But yer can't!" she shrieked, pushing him away.
"Want to get rid of me, huh?" he smiled.
"Not particularly," she replied. "But I don't want yer changing yer plans because of me."
"I don't want to go home, darling," he said, tenderly stroking her cheek. "Not yet. I want to stay with you."
The tears began again. "For how long, Billy? A week? Two? Month if I'm lucky? There'll come a time yer'll get itchy feet and I'll still come off worse. I can't go through that again. Not at my age."
"I understand that," he said. "I love you. I want to find out where we're going. Okay so we may not work but I'm staying put in case we do. I've got through my whole life being afraid of commitment and walking away when things get too hot. I'm not doing that this time. You mean too much to me."
"Do I?" she asked through teary eyes.
He put his finger under her chin and gazed adoringly into her eyes. "Yes." He kissed her passionately.
She threw her arms around him. "Oh, Billy. I love yer so much. Don't leave me."
"I have no intention of leaving you," he assured.
"Promise?" she asked cautiously.
"Promise," he smiled. "The only way I'll walk out of here is if we split up. Otherwise I'm here as long as you want me."
"I'd like to say forever," she began sadly, "but we both know there's no such thing."
"Then we'll take it a day at a time," he said then kissed her again. "I'll leave you to finish those papers. You know where I am when you want a quickie."
"Billy!" she gasped.
"Cuppa," he laughed. "Can be the other sort if you prefer."
"What am I going to do with you?" she giggled.
"I'm sure you'll think of summat," he winked, "which I'll look forward to." He kissed her then went back to the flat.
Reet sighed dreamily then snapped out of it. "Concentrate on them flamin' papers," she told herself.

The months passed and the freezing cold winter turned into a boiling hot summer. Reet had never been happier than she was with Billy and she was certain this relationship was for keeps. They were sat in her flat watching a late black and white film when the phone rang.
"I'll get it," she said. "Hello? Yes he is. Who's speaking?" She covered the mouthpiece. "It's for yer. Some woman."
"Woman," he asked, puzzled then took the phone. "Hello? Oh hello, Shi. What's up? Uh-huh. Can't you deal with it?" He sighed. "All right. I'll be there as soon as I can. Thanks for letting me know. Bye." He hung up and noticed Reet's expression. "It's not what you think."
"Why is it guilty men always say that?" she spat, on the brink of tears.
"Shi is manager of one of my casinos in Malaysia," he told her. "We're not sleeping together!"
"Yer would say that," she snorted, a tear rolling down her face.
"Do you honestly think I'd still be here with you if I was seeing her?" he asked.
"Who knows with yer men?" she shrugged.
"It's you I love and want, Reet," he said, taking her in his arms. "I thought you knew that."
She sniffed. "Yer leaving me now, aren't yer?"
"I have to fly over there to sort out a bit of business, yes," he nodded.
She sobbed. "I knew this would happen. I said so."
"No, what you actually said was I'd get itchy feet and go," he recalled. "I'm coming back."
She snorted. "So yer say."
"I am," he insisted. "I'll prove it to you." He went to the bedroom and came out carrying a small box. "Not the romantic setting I'd imagined but I want yer to marry me, Reet."
She slowly took the box and opened it, gasping at the size of the diamond on it. "Billy."
He turned away. "But you were right about the itchy feet."
That brought her back down to earth with a crash. "Yer ARE leaving me?"
"No!" he yelled.
"Then what?" she shrieked back.
He paused then faced her, getting down on one knee. "Reet Sullivan. I love you more than you'll ever know. Will you marry me and come and live in Singapore for the rest of our lives?"
She felt lightheaded from the shock. "Move to Singapore?"
"As my wife," he replied. "As much as I love you, Singapore's my home now and I miss it. Weatherfield has nothing for me now."
"I'm here! Or is that not enough to keep yer here?" she sobbed.
He sadly shook his head. "I'm being honest with you, sweetheart. We can get married here, if you accept. But despite these past few months, I just can't live here any more. I'm sorry."
"So yer should be," she wailed. "Yer can't stay here but expect me to up sticks to suit yer."
"You'd love it out there, Reet," he enthused. "It's a wonderful country and a lot safer to live than here that's for sure."
"Oh well I'll pack me bags right now(!) she barked sarcastically.
"Why are you being like this?" he asked, puzzled by her whole attitude.
"Because yer assuming not only will I fall at yer feet with undying gratitude someone actually wants to put a ring on me finger," she snapped. "But also that I'd jump through hoops at the chance of living in a foreign country with yer."
"You're twisting it," he said.
"No I'm not," she growled. "Yer taking me for granted and I'm not having it. I were just about to say yes to yer proposal when yer dropped that on me. I knew it were too good to last. Or where it yer way of dumping me after all this time without having the guts to say, 'See yer, Reet. It's been fun'?"
"Never!" he defended. "I'd hardly have bought that ring if I wanted to end it. I cancelled my original flight so I could stay with you."
"Then stay now," she pleaded.
"I have to go and sort out that bit of business," he told her, desperately. "I'm the boss. I'm the only one who can. Do you think I want to leave you?"
"Yes!" she sobbed again. "Yer've already admitted yer want to go back. This is just an excuse."
"It isn't!" he cried.
"Do what yer like," she sniffed. "I'm going to bed. Alone!"
"Reet, please," he begged. "Reet!" The bedroom door slammed and he heard the click of the lock then loud, uncontrollable sobs. He wanted to break the door down but decided against it in case of bruises, either from the attempt or her if he succeeded considering the mood she was in. He sighed heavily and picked up the phone to book his flight. He hated going at a time like this but had no choice.

Breakfast was a frosty affair. Billy had packed his bags ready for the drive down to Heathrow while Reet just ignored him.
"Reet, please?" he pleaded. "Don't be like this. I told you I'm coming back."
"I don't care what yer do," she said, an edge in her voice as she fought back the tears.
"I think you do otherwise you wouldn't be acting like this," he pointed out.
She got up and put her plate in the bowl. "Just go if yer going and good riddance."
He stood, unsure whether to go to her or not. "The offer still stands. I'll leave you to think about it while I'm gone."
She faced him. "Oh yer mean marriage and beggaring off to another country or I turn yer down and yer beggar off anyway(?)"
He sighed. "Try to remember I love you. Though the way you're being it's a wonder I'm bothering with you at all. You can give me your answer when I return. Bye, Reet." He picked up his cases and trudged down the stairs with a heavy heart.
Reet burst into tears when she heard the front door close and went into the living room where she looked out of the window. She saw Billy put the case in the car, look up at the window then get in and drive away. She flopped in the chair sobbing, her heart broken.

A week later her misery hadn't improved despite the front she put on in front of everyone she knew. Billy hadn't phoned once so she knew it was all over and entirely her fault. She'd lied to Norris after the first couple of days, saying she had a touch of flu and was staying in the flat so she didn't have to face anyone in case she broke down. She poured herself another large vodka and slumped on the sofa. "Yer always were a daft cow, Sullivan," she said to herself, tears rolling silently down her face. "Best thing that's happened to yer in a long time and yer chucked it away as though it were a mouldy old apple."
"You know that they say," a voice said. "First sign of madness."
She broke into a grin. "Billy!" She rushed over and threw her arms around him. "I didn't hear yer come in. I'm so, so sorry for everything. I never meant it."
"I know, sweetheart," he replied, kissing her. "Mind you, knowing you of old, I wasn't sure I'd be welcome. I remember what you were like when you held a grudge."
"Yer always welcome, darling," she cooed, kissing him passionately. "I were being so stupid and I very nearly lost yer over it."
"I told you I'd be back," he reminded.
She stroked his face lovingly. "I know yer did and I'm glad yer here. I don't want to lose yer, Billy, so yes, I'll marry yer and move to Singapore."
He was stunned. "Why the turnaround?"
She sighed. "While yer were gone it gave me a chance to think. I've had so many missed opportunities because I were too scared to go through with them. I could be the owner of the Rovers or running that B&B with Mavis now if I hadn't chickened out when it came to the crunch. I could even have gone to New Zealand with Anthony even though I never really loved him. I were just lonely when I took up with him. Desperate too most likely. I were a fool to meself. But I love yer, Billy, with all me heart and soul. I want to be wherever yer are and if that means Singapore, so be it."
"Are you absolutely sure about this?" he asked cautiously. She nodded. "What about the crunch? You'll have to sell everything. Who's to say you won't back out at the last minute?"
"Me," she assured. "I've had enough of me life here. Getting up before the crack of dawn to do the papers and standing all day serving in that shop. I should be retired and putting me feet up. I've had enough. I realised that this week. Didn't have much else to think about with yer gone, apart from how I'd messed up. When yer went, I stood behind that counter and thought, 'What the heck am I doing this for, day in, day out?' and then realised it's because before yer, me life were so empty. More empty than I cared to admit. So, still want to marry me and take me to Singapore?"
He broke into a huge grin. "More than anything in this world, darling." He kissed her passionately.
"Yer do realise we might not have that much time together?" she pointed out sadly.
"I was trying not to think about it," he replied. "So let's just make the most of the time we DO have and be happy."
"Amen to that," she grinned. "Let's celebrate!" She grabbed his hand and dragged him to the bedroom.

The next day in the Rovers, Reet and Billy were on cloud nine as they stood at the bar.
"Excuse me, everyone," Billy said. "I have an announcement to make. Well, WE, have an announcement," he added, looking at his beloved.
"You're getting married?" Norris guessed.
"YES!" Reet screeched joyfully, hugging Billy. "In't it wonderful?"
"Congratulations," he sniffed, completely unenthusiastic.
"Then once I've sold up, we'll be living in Singapore for the rest of our lives," she continued.
Norris dropped his sweet sherry. "Did you say, sold up?"
"That's right, peasant," she beamed.
"B-But what about me?" he stammered. "I do happen to own a percentage of the shop, which you appear to forget rather too often."
"Then put in an offer," Billy suggested. "If it's reasonable, I'm sure Reet will accept. Won't you?"
She nodded. "Well?"
"You know I can't afford to buy it, Reet," Norris said angrily.
"In that case," Billy said, "I'll buy your share at double the price you paid. Can't say fairer than that."
"I always knew you could be selfish, Reet," Norris spat, "but this is the worst you've ever been."
"Oh put a sock in it," she snapped. "Yer not going to ruin me day. Well if yer won't sell, I'll have to just offload me share because I'm definitely leaving Weatherfield and I don't care where the money comes from."
"I thought better of you, Reet," Norris said. "I really did."
"Yer always were an idiot," she laughed. "More champagne, Betty."

[RitaLittlewood]

Reet and Billy were married that August in front of all their friends except Norris who was snubbing her after she'd accepted an offer from Steve McDonald for the flat and her share of The Kabin. Even Mavis had dragged herself away from the height of the season to be a witness.
"Yer mam would turn in her grave at the thought of me being Mrs Walker," she said to her latest husband as she was packing some things in a box for shipping.
"Good job I cremated her then," he laughed.
"This time next week we'll be in Singapore," she commented dreamily.
"Nervous?" he asked.
"A bit," she smiled.
"You'll be fine when you get there," he assured.
She kissed him. "I know. I have you after all which is the most important part of it."
"Leave that," he said, taking the books out of her hand. "It is our wedding night after all, even though it's gone two in the morning."
She smiled. "So it is. What we doing this packing for then?"

The day before they flew to Singapore arrived and there was a party in the Rovers.
"I'm going to miss you," Emily told Reet as she tried not to cry. "We've known each other a long time."
"Oh don't," Reet sniffed. "Yer'll set me off and yer know what I look like with mascara streaks. Billy'll divorce me for sure."
"He better not," Mavis jumped in.
"I'm so glad you could stay on, Mavis," Reet smiled. "It wouldn't have been the same without yer."
"Bit different to how it was with Ted," Mavis observed, making Reet cast her eyes downward at the memory. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, that's all in the past," she dismissed. "Got to think of the future now with Billy."
"I'm glad you've found happiness again after all these years, Reet," Mavis told her.
Reet gazed at Billy across the bar. "So am I," she replied proudly. "Who'd have thought six months ago when I were all depressed on me birthday I'd have found love again at my time of life? Best present I ever had, him turning up out of the blue like that."
"It was fate," Mavis said.
"I do believe yer right," Reet smiled. "Mind, we're under no illusions we may not have long, given our ages. But we're going to make the most of the time we have."
"If the worst does happen," Mavis began nervously, "and you're left alone there's always a bed for you in Cartmel. I'd hate to think of you in Singapore on your own."
Reet was touched. "Thanks, Mave."
"Where's that gorgeous wife of mine?" Billy called. "Are there she is. Come here, sweetheart."
"Yer not going to make a speech, are yer?" she said.
"Just the one," he replied as he kissed her. "Well, folks, me and Reet and known many of you for donkey's years now."
"Thanks for the reminder," she winked.
"Ken I grew up with so we go way back," he continued.
"I'm still younger than you," Ken chuckled.
Billy laughed. "I could always beat you up again for being a snivelling little swot."
"Like to see you try," Ken joked.
"Anyway, folks. I first met Reet in 1972 and fell in love immediately...with her legs. Well she wouldn't let me anywhere near the rest of her. It's taken me all this time to make progress."
Reet nudged him playfully. "Cheeky."
"I don't think she'd have put up with me for long back then anyway," he went on. "I was a bit of a naughty boy."
"A bit?" she chuckled. "Understating were always yer strong point, Walker."
"Really?" he frowned. "I thought it was summat else."
She tried not to laugh. "Just get a shift on. They're gagging for the free booze."
"See how she's got me under the thumb already?" he laughed. "Your wish is my command, my angel. Well, I hadn't set foot in Weatherfield for twenty-four years and when I do I find many things. First thing I found were all the changes made since I went which I didn't like. The second thing I found was this wonderful woman at my side which I did like. I'd made plans. Quick trip down memory lane then home to Singapore only I fell over after clapping eyes on her again after all this time and ended up, for the first time in my life, getting wed. I know while you'll all be glad to see the back of me again. Well them that know me. But I'm sure this marvellous lady you'll miss far more. I'm sorry for taking her away from you after so long but I promise to take care of her for the rest of my life. So I'd like you to raise your glasses with me. To Reet. I love you, darling." He looked at the crowd. "You don't have to repeat that bit." They all laughed as he turned his attention back to his wife. "Reet."
"Reet!" they chorused as he kissed her tenderly.
"Say summat, Reet," Betty urged.
Reet was filling up. "I don't know what to say after that epic which were longer than Gone With The Wind," she joked, voice cracking with emotion. "Leaving here and all of yer, after thirty-six years is the hardest thing I've ever done. Ken were the first one of yer I ever knew, then Len, and gradually I got to know so many of yer over the years. When Mavis left for Cartmel, I didn't understand how it seemed so easy for her to just go. I know now what a wrench it were for her even though she kept in touch with her old friends." Mavis nodded. "I've tried not to be sad as I'm starting out on the final chapter of me life with a new husband and in a new country. I can't pretend I'm not nervous because I am. Scared to death if yer must know. But I know I'm meant to be with Billy in me twilight years and as long as I have him, I don't care where I live." He squeezed her affectionately. "I know too The Kabin is in safe hands under Steve's majority ownership so if the peasant gives yer the slightest bit of trouble, belt him. He enjoys it no matter what he says."
"You can rely on me, Reet," Steve replied.
"Peasant bashing should be a national pastime," she said. "It's great fun. Just don't kill him or yer fun'll end."
"Gotcha," he winked.
She sighed heavily. "Well there in't much else to say. Not without me skriking anyroad and I'm trying not to do that till we get on the plane. So my turn to make a toast for the man I love with all my heart. To Billy. My most wonderful husband."
"Billy!" they chorused as the happy couple kissed passionately.
"Right, get them drinks down yer before Steve starts charging to pay for the shop," Reet laughed.
"Are you okay?" Billy asked as he held her in his arms.
"I will be," she said. "This was the hard part. Tomorrow'll be the hardest."
"You'll get through it," he assured, kissing her head.
"I will with yer beside me," she smiled.
"What do yer say we sneak away now?" he suggested. "Doubt they'll notice and we have an early start in the morning."
"Let's leave it a bit longer, eh?" she said. "They'll be more worse the wear in about half an hour."
"Okay, sweetheart," he replied. "Half an hour it is then an early night."
"To sleep?" she raised an eyebrow.
"We can sleep on the plane," he winked then kissed her again.

And so Reet's final hours at 10A Coronation Street dawned. She hadn't been able to sleep a wink anyway and couldn't comprehend how Billy did. Must be because he's not leaving his home, she reasoned, just going back to it. She was still sat in the living room when the alarm clock went off immersed in thoughts and memories.
"How long have you been up?" Billy yawned, coming out of the bedroom.
"All night," she replied.
"What have you been doing?" he asked.
"Thinking," she replied wistfully.
"About anything in particular?" he wondered warily.
"Just me past in this street and all the people I've known," she replied.
He was worried now and sat beside her on the sofa. "Everything okay?"
She nodded. "This is crunch time and I'm not going to back out if that's what yer thinking, Walker. Yer stuck with me on that flight to Singapore and the rest of yer life whether yer like it or not."
He silently breathed a sigh of relief. "I like it." He kissed her.
"Good," she beamed. "I were hoping yer'd say that. Divorced yer if yer hadn't."
He laughed. "And I don't want that."
"Neither do I," she breathed as they kissed passionately.
"Have you eaten?" he said when they came up for air.
She shook her head. "Too many butterflies."
"Have you had anything?" he asked.
"Just a cuppa," she replied. "That'll do me for the time being. I'll be fine once we're on the way."
"Are you sure?" he frowned.
"Yes," she pressed, taking his hand. "I'll be boarding that plane with yer this afternoon. I know this is the right thing to do, Billy. I'm not going to change me mind on the doorstep, motorway, at the airport or in Singapore. I love yer and I don't want to be without yer. Going thousands of miles away is a huge upheaval when yer get to our age but I've never been so sure of owt in me life."
"Oh, Reet," he breathed. "You won't regret it."
"I know I won't," she smiled as they kissed passionately and he pushed her down. "Hey, I thought we had to get ready."
"Another ten minutes won't hurt," he said.

Billy carried their cases down and put them in the car where he waited for her. Reet stood in the middle of her living room deep in thought, tears rolling down her face as memories overwhelmed her. "Pull yerself together, Walker. Yer've got new memories to create now with the most wonderful man on this planet." She sighed heavily as she dried her face, took a deep breath then walked down the stairs for the very last time, pulling the door closed behind her. She smiled at Billy.
"All right?" he said, stroking her arm.
She nodded. "Will be when we get out of here."
They wrapped their arms around each other as they took a final look at Coronation Street.
"There's our past, sweetheart," Billy said, hugging her tightly. "This time tomorrow we'll be in our future."
She smiled, burying her head in his chest. "I can't wait."
He was still unsure. "You aren't just doing this to please me, are you?"
"Of course I'm not," she told him. "I've been a big girl far too many years and can make me own decisions, yer know."
"I know you can," he replied. "I'm just on pins, dreading you suddenly saying you're not coming with me."
"Not a chance, Walker," she beamed. "This is what I need. YOU'RE what I need. Brand new start and I really couldn't be happier. Just buy me a few Singapore Slings in Raffles now and again."
"Done," he smiled back and kissed her. "Shall we go?"
She sighed heavily. "Yes."
They were about to get in the car when Emily and Mavis rushed out of her house.
"You weren't going without saying goodbye, were you?" Mavis said.
"We were hoping to slip away quietly," Reet told her, noticing Norris lurking in the doorway of number three. "Less tears that way."
Mavis hugged her, crying. "Oh, Reet."
"Careful, Wilton," she said. "Yer'll set me off and it's difficult enough leaving as it is."
"I'm really going to miss you," Mavis sobbed. "No more long phone calls."
"We can still have them," she pointed out. "Just don't be peeved if that phone rings at two in the morning when I forget the time difference."
"I'll try not to be." She blew her nose.
"I shall miss you too, Reet," Emily added. "You've been a good friend to me since Mavis left herself. I don't know what I'd have done without you after the Richard Hillman business and when Ed turned up."
Reet smiled, though Norris was unnerving her. "Yer were here for me too many a time. That's what friends are for."
"And now I shall only have Norris," Emily sighed despondently.
"Emigrate to Singapore!" Reet shrieked. "That's what I'm doing to get away from him. Can't get much further away that than. Well yer can but it takes longer."
"Or you could always sell up yourself and move in with Mavis," Billy suggested.
Mavis finally smiled. "That would be nice."
Emily glanced over her shoulder. "I shall certainly give it some serious consideration."
They all laughed.
"Well, I hate to break this up but we really must go, sweetheart," Billy said.
Reet looked at him then her oldest friends and sighed. "Yes."
"Reet! Billy! Wait!" Ken called from across the street as he dashed across with Deirdre not far behind. "I'm glad we caught you."
"We were just off," Billy pointed out impatiently.
"We won't keep you," Ken said. "I just wanted to give you this." He handed over a small box.
"What is it?" Reet asked.
"Remember all those photos I put up in the Rovers for the Millennium?" he asked. Reet nodded but Billy was bewildered. "I found these. They're of you both down the years. I thought you might like them."
"Oh, Ken," Reet said, on the brink of tears again. "That's a lovely gesture. In't it, darling?"
"Very kind of you, Ken," Billy agreed, starting to choke himself.
"The place won't be the same without you, Reet," Deirdre told her, her own tears flowing.
"What about Billy?" She cocked an eyebrow.
"He can get lost," Deirdre said, making them all laugh.
Reet got a tissue from her bag and wiped her eyes. "I'm going to miss yer all so much."
They all hugged the departing couple who then got in the car and opened the windows.
"Ready?" Billy asked.
Reet nodded. "Ready, darling."
Billy started the engine just as Norris finally emerged. "Uh-oh. Shall we just drive off?"
"Tempting," she mused. "Or yer could just drive over him."
"Reet?" Norris finally said once he'd reached the car. "In spite of our recent disagreement over the shop I had to come and wish you bon voyage. I hope you and Billy are very happy in your new life."
Reet's tears flowed again as it hit her how much she'd miss walloping him more than anything else. She got out of the car. "I am sorry about all that. I hope one day yer'll understand. And Steve's said nowt'll change now he's taken over."
Norris smiled. "Oh good. Be nice to have a decent working companion for a change. Ow!"
"Farewell belt, peasant," she growled then smiled. "Summat to remember me by."
"I have plenty of scars to remind you of, Reet," he replied.
"Oh, shurrup, yer snivelling little runt!" she yelled. "Stop trying to spoil me farewell."
"Darling, we really MUST leave now," Billy pressed urgently, desperate to get her away in case she had second thoughts in all this emotion.
"I'm coming," she told him, glaring at Norris and got back in the car.
"This is it," Emily noted sadly.
"This is it," Reet echoed, hand over Billy's as she gazed adoringly at him. "Say goodbye to everyone for us."
"We will," Ken promised.
"Bye!" Reet said as the car pulled away from the forecourt and waved frantically. They drove slowly around the corner and she watched until the street she'd lived in for the past thirty-one years disappeared.
"Okay?" Billy asked.
"Okay," she beamed. "Let's go to Singapore! We've got a date with some Slings in Raffles, don't forget."
"You won't regret it, Reet," he said.
"I know I won't," she replied. "Now stop yer yak and get us to that airport. We've got a home to get to."
He grinned and turned onto the motorway heading south.

The End