Unfinished Business

[RitaLittlewood]

I started this on the 26th August and, er, am still writing it. LOL! I suppose if I didn't keep jumping ahead it would be finished.

Part 1

Mid-October 2007 in Weatherfield. Rita Sullivan was looking forward to her latest cruise and desperate to escape Norris's company this year after the disaster of the Budapest trip the year before not to mention the embarrassing proposal the previous month. It was getting near closing time when a customer walked in.

Hello, Louise, Love," Rita greeted cheerfully. "And how are yer?"
"Hiya, Rita," Louise replied. "Fine. Packet of me fags please."
Rita reached up to get some. "Yer working tonight?"
Louise shook her head. "Not at the moment. Bit of a sore throat."
Rita handed the cigarettes over and took the exact money. "They're not going to help much. Need to look after them vocal chords."
Louise put them in her bag. "I know but they help calm the nerves. Yer should know about that as much as I do."
Rita nodded. "I never could understand them who were filled with confidence. It were never a successful gig if I hadn't seen me breakfast at least twice."
Louise laughed. "Only twice? More confidence than me then. When yer off on yer cruise?"
"Tomorrow," Rita told her happily. "Eh, yer should get in on that act. They're always on the look out for singers and dancers. Yer've done a bit of that too."
Louise pursed her lips. "Yeah but in't it usually younger like the entire industry these days?"
"Dunno," Rita shrugged. "No harm in enquiring though, is there? Meant to be good money from what I've heard. Plus yer accommodation and food's thrown in. Owt's better than trying to make ends meet."
"Yer know, yer have a point there, Rita," Louise pondered. "And there's plenty of available male crew on board too, in't there?"
"Well, I'm not sure about the available part," she said. "Most that aren't gay are wed."
"Ah, but they won't have their wives with them, will they?" Louise winked. "Better fringe benefits than a free place to stay and food. See yer, Rita, and have a great time."
Rita laughed. "As I'll be away from Norris I certainly will. See yer, love."
As Louise opened the door, Dev pushed the other side knocking her into the display.
"Are you all right?" Rita gasped, dashing to help her.
"I'm sorry," Dev said.
"Yer okay," Louise smiled weakly.
Rita put her arms around her to help her steady herself. "Let's get yer sat over here."
"I'll give you a hand, Reet," Dev offered.
Louise's legs buckled and she clutched her head. "Ooh. Went wobbly a bit there."
"I think yer ought to see a doctor," Rita suggested.
"I'll be fine," Louise assured. "Just need to get home and lie down."
"I'll take her to the hospital," Dev said. "It's my fault so the least I can do."
"There's really no need to fuss," Louise told them.
"Dev's right," Rita replied. "Best get it looked at. Make sure it's nowt serious."
"Okay," Louise conceded reluctantly.
They helped her to his car.
"Let me know how it went, Dev," Rita said.
"I will," he smiled, getting in.
Rita returned to the shop and chewed her thumbnail in worry.

Louise was given the all-clear and Dev drove her home. Rita was delighted she would be fine. After what happened over Chesney she dreaded being sued even though that hadn't been her fault either. She went off on her holiday more relaxed.

The weeks passed. Dev and Louise got closer and began planning a holiday of their own.
"I can't believe you've never had a passport," he laughed.
"Not all of us can afford to go abroad," she pointed out. "Never needed one before. I had the photos done and signed by the doctor today. What else were it I needed again?"
"Your birth certificate," Dev reminded. "I take it you were born."
She nudged him playfully. "Yer wouldn't have been able to sleep with me if I were a figment of yer imagination."
"I'm glad you're not," he cooed, leaning over to kiss her.
She gazed lovingly into his eyes and stroked his cheek. "So am I." They kissed again. "But this in't finding me birth certificate."
He took her hand. "That can wait."
"Not if yer expecting me to fly off with yer t'week after next it can't," she told him.
"Okay," he conceded. "I'll leave you to it. Amber's expecting me home."
"Soon as I've found it I'll come round to the shop so we can fill that form in," she replied.
"I look forward to that," he grinned then kissed her again. "See you soon then."
"I hope so," she smiled back. "I'm not going to bed till I've found it."
"Bye, darling," he said, kissing her.
"Bye," she said dreamily as she watched him let himself out. She took a deep breath. "Now where did I put me mam's stuff? Must be in that." She turned the house upside down until finally she came across a dusty box at the back of a cupboard, took it out and put it on the dining table. She opened it, pulled out a pile of yellowing documents and slowly went through them.

A few days later she made her way to Coronation Street. She spotted Dev coming out of the Kabin and cursed silently.
"Hi, darling," he beamed then kissed her.
"Hi," she smiled back.
"Feeling better now?" he wondered. She nodded. "I wish you'd let me look after you. That's what I'm here for."
"I'm used to managing on me own," she told him.
"Did you find it?" he asked.
"What?" she replied, not really listening, her attention focused on the Kabin.
"The birth certificate," he reminded, chuckling nervously.
"Oh that," she realised. "No. I'll look again when I get home."
He sensed her attitude and it bothered him. "Everything okay?"
She touched his arm. "Absolutely fine. Sorry, Dev. I just have a few things on me mind today, that's all. Is Rita in there?"
He frowned. "Yes. Why?"
"I need to ask her advice about summat," she told him.
"Can't you ask me?" he asked.
"It's women's things," she replied. "That's why I weren't well. Nowt to worry about."
"Okay," he sighed. "Will you come over when you've finished?"
"What?" she frowned, averting her gaze from the newsagents again. "I'll see how it goes. Now I really must go and talk to Rita so if yer'll excuse me..." She swept past without a second thought leaving him bemused at the cold shoulder treatment and walked into the Kabin. She spotted Rita serving so bided her time until she was free.
"If you didn't sell cigarettes," Blanche was complaining, "there'd be less chance of all them dog ends littering the street."
"Hey don't blame me," Rita defended. "If people want to smoke 'em, it's not up to me to stop 'em. I'd rather dog ends in the street than glassed or stabbed by a drunk."
"Cigarettes should be banned," Blanche went on, ignoring her. "Filthy, smelly things."
"So are every mode of transport, power stations, refineries and chimneys," Rita pointed out. "Want them banned an' all?"
"I can see I'm not going to get any sense out of you," Blanche spat then stormed out to moan at someone else.
"That woman!" Rita growled then noticed she had company and smiled sincerely. "Ah, Louise. I'm glad I've seen yer. When I were away I asked around about these jobs and got some information for yer. It's in the flat. I'll give it to yer when Norris is back."
"Thanks. Yer really shouldn't have gone to so much trouble," Louise replied completely unenthusiastic.
Rita was taken aback. "Maybe yer right. I certainly won't do anyone a favour again."
Louise rubbed her forehead and sighed. "I'm sorry, Rita. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I've just got summat on me mind and I need yer advice."
"I'm listening," Rita replied frostily.
"In private," Louise said. "I don't want all and sundry knowing me business."
"Yer mean Norris." Rita raised an eyebrow.
"Is there anyone else?" she chuckled.
Rita smiled. "Only Blanche and thank goodness she's gone. Go up to the flat. He shouldn't be too long. I'll join yer when he's back."
"Thanks, Rita," Louise smiled back and went through the back.

Up in the flat Louise helped herself to a drink and began to pace the room. Finally she heard footsteps.
"Sorry to keep yer," Rita said then noticed the glass in her hand. Cheek of her, she thought.
"Hope yer don't mind." Louise indicated the drink. "I need Dutch courage."
"Is it that bad?" Rita asked, concerned then sat on the sofa.
"Depends on yer definition of bad," Louise snorted as she sat opposite. "I hope yer don't mind me coming to yer like this, Rita. Only I've known yer since were a kid and yer helped me out a lot when I told yer I wanted to be a singer. Me mam's been dead these past seven years so yer the only person I can talk to."
"Of course I don't mind," she assured. "What's the problem?"
Louise took a mouthful of vodka, delved into her bag and pulled out some papers. "I found these when I were going through me mam's things. It threw me I can tell yer. I've been avoiding Dev since I read them."
"I heard you and he had got together," Rita smiled.
"I just can't think of owt else so I hoped yer'd take a look and tell me what I should do about it." She leaned over and passed the papers into Rita's hands.
"I'll do me best," she smiled as she looked at them. The colour drained from her face as it fell and tears filled her eyes.
"So it's true then," Louise spat angrily. "Yer me mother."

To be continued.....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 2

Rita slowly lowered the papers and looked at Louise through tears. "It would seem so."
"Yer rotten, lying bitch!" Louise yelled. "All these years. It all made sense when I saw the adoption papers why yer'd always taken such an interest in me. Why the hell didn't yer tell me?"
"I didn't know!" Rita sobbed.
"Don't give me that," Louise countered. "Yer MUST have known."
"I didn't!" Rita countered, eyes streaming. "Yer were Bert and Mary's little girl. I never knew yer'd been adopted."
"Neither did I!" Louise screeched. "That piece of paper has turned me whole life upside down. I'm not who I thought I were and it's all yer fault!"
Rita got herself a drink as she needed one. "All I knew were yer'd gone to a good home. I weren't told who had yer or where yer were. Yer could've been t'other side of the world for all I knew. Anyway it were up to yer parents to tell yer yer were adopted. So if yer gonna start accusing anyone, start with them." She downed the drink in one.
Louise stared out of the window. "Yer right. They should've told me. And if I hadn't been looking for me birth certificate I'd never have found out." She faced Rita. "But that don't excuse what yer did."
"What I did?!" Rita gasped. "And what were that meant to be?"
"Yer gave me up without a second thought all these years," Louise barked.
"That's not true. I did think about yer," Rita wailed.
"Not enough to want to find me though, were it?" Louise spat angrily.
Rita poured herself another drink. "I'd guessed since me daughter didn't come looking for me she were either dead or didn't want to know. Don't forget it's only in the last few years parents have been allowed to try and find their children. I weren't going to do owt to upset her."
"But yer have, MOTHER!" Louise yelled.
"That's not my fault!" Rita yelled back.
"Is everything all right up there?" Norris called from downstairs.
"Now look what yer'd done," Rita hissed. "And yer wanted it private so he wouldn't overhear. Doing a very good job of that, aren't yer(?)" She wiped her face and went to the top of the stairs, clearing her throat. "Everything's fine, Norris."
"I can hear you two shouting in the shop," he said.
"We're just having a disagreement over the next path of Louise's career, that's all," she lied. "We'll keep it down." She made sure he had completely disappeared then returned to the lounge.
"Everything I am," Louise began sadly. "Everything I knew. Gone. Just like that." She snapped her fingers. "Funny how one tatty bit of paper can wreck an entire lifetime."
"At least they kept the name I gave you," Rita said.
"Oh well we must be grateful for that(!)" Louise snorted sarcastically. She crossed to the sofa and picked up the birth certificate. "Louise Littlewood. No mention of a father. Who were it? Or were there that many yer can't remember?"
"I can remember," Rita spat bitterly. "There were only one man in me life when yer were conceived and born."
"Did he know about me?" Louise wondered.
"Partly," she replied.
"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Louise snapped. "I'm in no mood for riddles."
Rita looked at her. "It's complicated."
Louise laughed. "Thought it might be. Always is when people lie. Who is he?"
"I'd rather not say," Rita told her defensively.
"Very good at not wanting to say, aren't yer?" Louise said. "I have a right to know. And if yer telling the truth and it weren't one of the entire British army, yer'd have no problem saying."
Rita downed another neat vodka as she thought. "Harry Bates."
Louise's jaw dropped and she slowly slumped into the chair. "Harry Bates?" Rita nodded. "Harry Bates who used to be a builder?"
Rita was stunned. "Yer know him?"
"Know him?" Louise laughed. "He's only been living next door to me for thirty years!"
It was Rita's turn to drop her jaw. "He's your neighbour?"
"And he clearly didn't know I were yer kid either," Louise added. "All them years and me dad were the other side of a wall. See what yer've done?"
"Yer can't lay the blame solely on me," Rita replied, angrily pointing a finger.
"What if we'd become lovers?" Louise screeched then remembered Norris downstairs. "Yer didn't think of that, did yer, when yer dumped me?"
"Well yer didn't," Rita pointed out.
"How the hell were yer to know what'd happen in the future?" Louise said. "Got a crystal ball hidden in yer bra?"
Rita closed her eyes, remembering her painful years with Harry. "Harry don't live in yer street."
"He moved there with his latest girlfriend when I were six," Louise explained. "Not that she lasted long. They never did."
"Did his wife ever turn up?" Rita wondered.
"Do yer care?" Louise asked.
"Just curious," Rita shrugged.
"Oh I see," Louise hissed angrily. "So yer think about him all these years but not yer own flesh and blood. Yer really are a heartless bitch, aren't yer, Rita?"
"Yer live next door to him so yer'd know more about him than me," Rita responded, tears welling her eyes again.
"I notice yer didn't deny being a heartless bitch," Louise sneered.
"What's the point?" Rita sniffed, trying to fight the tears. "It don't matter what I say cos yer'll always twist it to suit yer own warped mind."
Louise glared at her. "No she never turned up all the while he's lived there. She died a few years after he moved in. Satisfied now?"
Rita nodded. "Well it puts the rumours to rest he did her in."
Silence fell between them. Rita poured herself another drink even though it was having no effect on her senses when she wanted to deaden all this pain.
"What did yer tell him about me?" Louise eventually said.
"That yer were dead," Rita stated coldly, wiping a tear away.
Louise couldn't believe her ears. "More lies! It just gets better and better(!)"
"Yer don't understand," Rita said. "Yer never could unless yer'd been there at the time. It were summat I had to do to make sure yer were safe."
"Right," Louise began. "So let's see if I've got this straight. Yer told me dad I were dead, got rid of me faster than yer could blink then went round telling the whole world afterwards yer couldn't have kids."
"I couldn't!" Rita cried.
"Liar!" Louise yelled. "What am I then? A pink elephant in yer drunken stupor?"
Rita collapsed in a heap on the sofa and buried her head in her hands sobbing. "It's all such a mess."
"Only honest thing yer've said since I've been here," Louise snorted.
"Yer wouldn't understand," Rita went on.
"Try me," Louise challenged.
Rita raised her tear stained face and looked her daughter straight in the eye. "No matter what yer think of me, I did want yer. I'd been with Harry two year when I found I were expecting."
"Longer than most have lasted," Louise remarked.
Rita wiped her eyes with her hands. "Me and yer dad didn't had the most stable of relationships."
Louise rolled her eyes. "Oh here we go. That old chestnut. Yawn, yawn."
Rita got irritated. "Do yer want me to tell yer the truth or not?"
"It'd certainly be a first for yer after thirty-six years," Louise snorted. "Well?"
Rita sighed heavily as she tried to compose herself as the painful memories began to swamp her. "Yer dad were violent." She paused to get the sarcastic retort out the way. "Nowt to say?"
Louise shook her head. "I know about that. Heard all them screams of his girlfriends through the walls. Why didn't yer leave him if he were so bad?"
Rita sighed again. "Because I were daft. In spite of the way he knocked me about, I still loved the bastard."
"Go on," Louise prompted.
"At first I were thrilled to be pregnant," she continued. "Then I got scared of his reaction. We'd never even discussed kids and he were bad enough around his own. So I said nowt. Just tried to broach the subject to get his opinion. When he said he wouldn't mind us having a baby then I told him and he were over the moon. It were such a relief. He promised to change his ways. Said that he'd been given a fresh start and I stupidly believed him." The tears rolled down her face. "He kept his word until I were seven months gone when he came home after a skinful, accused me of sleeping around and having another man's child and beat me so badly you and me both nearly died. I'll never forget that kick in the stomach as long as I live. I had to have an emergency caesarean then hysterectomy because of all the damage and internal bleeding he'd caused. The doctors gave you a slim chance of survival. Things in the seventies weren't like they are today. As I lay in that hospital bed recovering and being torn apart that the baby I wanted so badly could die, he were promising he'd never hurt me again and were all apologetic. I'd heard it far too many times and fell for it too many times an' all. I always were a mug." She got up to get a tissue and blew her nose. "I needed time to think and be with yer alone so I had him banned from the hospital. He weren't too happy about that I can tell yer." She sighed again. "So when I were well enough they let me go home and yet again he were true to his word. Yer were getting stronger and the nightmare seemed to be over. I could bring my child home when she was ready and we'd be a family. Then he hit me again. His reason? I were crying because the doctors told me yer'd had a relapse. He told me to shut up as he couldn't stand the racket. Bastard!" She poured yet another drink and downed it in one. "He stopped going to see yer so I went alone. Yer'd gone from summat he wanted to give him a fresh start to being a millstone round his neck. He wanted nowt to do with yer. I'd sit with yer every day until visiting time were over and pondered me future. There were no way I could take yer home with me for fear of what he'd do. He weren't averse to hitting his own kids who he reckoned to love. There were also no way I could bring yer up on me own. I didn't have the money to take care of meself let alone a baby. The only way to protect yer were to give yer up so yer'd be taken care of by people who loved yer as much as me. I talked to one of the nurses about it and she arranged for someone to come and see me. Once the wheels were in motion, I told Harry yer died so he wouldn't get suspicious. He didn't care. Told me not to expect him at the funeral." The tears flowed again. "I loved yer so much. Handing yer over were the hardest thing I've ever done. Yer were me only chance of being a mother after so long and he took it away from me. It broke me heart when they walked away with yer. The only thing stopping me from running after yer were Harry's moods. I had nowhere else to go until I got a better offer so had to put up with him for another year when he hit me and threw me out for seeing Len. Len were his idea in the first place to get us a better council house. He always were a two-faced swine. Quite happy for me to prostitute meself when there were summat in it for him but if I so much as looked to another man he'd lay into me, accusing me of having an affair. It were only half a lie I couldn't have kids. I could when I met him but by the time we split up I couldn't. Yer were gone from me life so what were the point of telling anyone I had a daughter out there somewhere? And contrary to what yer think, I always loved yer. I thought about yer every day, wondering if this child or that I'd see in the street about yer age were me little girl. But what's the use dwelling on it? As the years went by I'd still wonder about yer. What yer looked like. How yer did at school. What job yer were doing. If yer were married with kids of yer own, or just kids anyway. If I'd ever passed the time of day with yer in the street or shop."
"I think we already know the answer to all them," Louise observed.
Rita forced a smile. "I didn't want to give you up. But as yer know what Harry's like surely even yer can see I had no choice."
Louise crossed to sideboard. "I could do with another drink."
Silence fell again. Rita watched her daughter refill her empty glass and hesitated before joining her. "Louise?" She gently touched her arm unsure of the reaction she'd get.
Louise sipped. "If yer expecting me to throw me arms around yer crying, 'Mam', yer'll have a long wait."
"I don't," Rita conceded. "I'm truly sorry yer've been put through all this. Yer parents should've told yer yer were adopted then yer'd at least have had all these years to get used to the idea."
Louise nodded. "They should. So, is that really the truth? Or just some tale to try and get out of things?"
"The truth," she replied. "I swear on yer life everything I told yer is true."
Louise finished her drink. "Get yer coat."
"What?" Rita frowned. "Why?"
"Because it's time yer told it to someone else," Louise told her.
Her heart went cold as she became overcome by fear. "Harry?" Louise nodded. "I can't."
"He has a right to know yer lied to him an' all," Louise pointed out.
"Can't yer do it?" she stammered nervously. "Be better coming from yer."
Louise went into the hall and returned with Rita's coat which she threw at her. "If yer don't come with me right now, I'll tell him all right and where yer live then yer can have a nice catch up when he comes round and beats yer to a pulp for lying to him too."
"He'll probably do that anyway," Rita remarked.
"Only what yer deserve," Louise snorted before putting the papers in her handbag.
Rita was stung but knew deep down she was right. "We'll go through the shop." She finished her own drink, splashed water on her face, put her coat on, picked up her bag and led the way down the stairs.
"At last," Norris said. "I thought you were on strike or something. Where are you going now?"
Rita swept past with Louise in her wake. "Got a bit of business to attend to. Be back later."
"Charming!" Norris grizzled as the door closed behind them.


To be continued....

[jessi]

This is awesome! Write more!

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 3

Dev had been waiting by the door for Louise to emerge and was happy when she did. "Lou!" he called as she and Rita crossed the road.
"Flamin' hell!" Louise muttered under her breath. "Not now, Dev!" she snapped at him then ran to catch up with her mother leaving him completely bewildered.
They walked through the streets in silence. Rita was petrified even thinking about coming face to face with Harry again and still couldn't believe he was alive and living just a few streets away all these years. Be so much easier all round if he'd just died like she'd wished since she'd had to give her baby away. It was one thing for Louise to blackmail her into doing this but until she felt the full force of his temper she would never understand what things had been like for her back then. As they turned into the road, Rita froze.
"What have yer stopped for?" Louise asked.
"I can't do it," Rita panted, on the verge of a panic attack.
"Yer've got to!" Louise was incredulous.
"I can't!" Rita cried. "Yer don't know what he's like."
"Yer've told me what he's like," Louise reminded.
She leant against the wall and put her hand to her chest. "Telling's one thing. Action's another."
"Don't tell me after all these years yer still scared of him," Louise laughed.
"It's not funny, lady," Rita growled.
"He's an old man," Louise pointed out. "What can he do?"
"Yer'd be surprised," she stated. "Only two men have terrified me in me life. Harry Bates and Alan Bradley. Both of whom put me in hospital after nearly killing me."
Louise folded her arms. "Fine. Yer stay put. I'll go and get him then he can hit yer in public. Yer always did like to be the centre of attention."
"And yer as evil as he is!" Rita responded.
"Shall I take that as a compliment?" she asked.
"Only if yer as arrogant and stupid as him," she said then took deep breaths. "Let's get this over with then if only to wipe that annoying smug grin off yer face."
Louise grabbed her arm to make sure she didn't get away and took them to Harry's front door where she knocked. She rolled her eyes when Rita ducked to the side. After a few minutes the door opened.
"Louise!" Harry greeted. "How lovely to see you. Come in."
"I've brought someone to see yer," Louise told him then pulled Rita until she was face to face with her former lover.
Harry's face hardened. "I thought you were dead."
"Thought or hoped?" Rita replied.
"Hoped," he told her angrily.
"That makes two of us then," she said, fear gripping her inside but hoping it didn't show.
"What did you have to bring her here for?" he barked at Louise.
"She has something she wants to tell yer," she explained. "Are yer going to let us in?"
He thought a moment then stepped aside. "Say your piece then get out of my sight."
"I fully intend to," Rita replied as Louise forcefully pushed her over the threshold.
Harry sat in the armchair. "Well?"
Rita's mouth dried as she tried to get the words out.
Louise noticed her struggling. "She's me mother."
"Big deal," Harry shrugged. "Don't see what you had to bring her round here just to tell me that for."
"Because unfortunately yer her father!" Rita yelled, on the brink of tears again.
Harry pushed himself out of the chair and lunged at her. "You always were a lying tart!"
"It's true," Louise said, trying to pull him off.
He released his grip and glared at Louise. "Our daughter died." He turned his attention to Rita. "So I don't know what your game is."
Rita rubbed her neck. "She didn't die, Harry. I gave her up for adoption because I didn't want her around yer after what yer did."
Louise got the papers out of her bag and handed them to him.
"Only says Rita Littlewood on this," he observed reading the birth certificate.
"If yer cast yer mind back, yer didn't even bother to register her when she were at death's door," she recalled. "Yer left that to me too. Once I decided to keep her away from yer violence I only put down me name."
Harry threw the papers at her. "Doesn't prove she's mine. Now get out!"
Louise picked them up. "Look at the date of birth. Doesn't it ring a bell?"
Harry grunted. "Means nothing."
"Tell her the date our baby died, Harry," Rita urged. "Or have yer forgotten seeing as yer didn't care about her?"
His hand went for her throat again, pushing her violently against the wall. "I DID care about her!" He let her go, guilt overwhelming him.
"Only after I told yer she'd died and her supposed funeral which yer never wanted to even go to," Rita sniffed.
He turned his back on them and put his hands in his pockets. "The fourth of August," he mumbled.
"Look at when the adoption papers were signed, Harry," Rita prompted.
He took them from Louise and saw the date. "Fourth of..." He sat slowly in the chair. "That sweet little girl next door is my daughter?"
"I am," Louise smiled.
His heckles rose. "Why didn't either of you tell me? How could you keep this from me all this time?"
"I only found out about her the other day," Louise explained. "I had no idea either. I needed to get my head round it before confronting her."
Rita sensed what was coming next from four years of experience. "Well, I did what yer wanted, Louise. I can't say it were nice seeing yer again, Harry, cos it weren't. And I hope I never have to see yer ever again."
"Rita!" he yelled as she hot-footed it out of there and back to the safety of her flat. "I'll kill that bitch for this!"
"Calm down," Louise pleaded. "Don't you think I'm as angry as yer about this?"
"Where does she live, Louise?" he demanded.
"I don't think talking to her when yer like this will do either of yer any favours," Louise said.
"Who said I'd be talking?" He shook her roughly, a look of pure hatred in his eyes. "Where does that bitch live?"
Louise began to understand why Rita was so afraid of going there and slapped his face. "Get off me!"
He felt ashamed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take it out on you."
She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know."
He tenderly touched her face. "My little girl. All these years believing you were dead and it was my fault and here you are."
"It was as much a shock to me too," she told him.
"How could she do it to us?" he wondered.
She shook her head. "She had her reasons."
"I can't wait to hear them(!)" he replied sarcastically. "She always was a liar."
"I think both of yer better come to terms with things before owt else," she suggested.
He nodded. "You're right. If I see her again too soon I really will kill her."
"I know the feeling," Louise agreed. "Will you be okay while I go and check on her?"
"You will be coming back?" he asked.
She smiled. "Course I will. Yer me dad and although I've known yer both most of me life, I know which I'd rather be with."
"I'll wait here for you," he assured. "Do us a bit of tea, eh?"
"I'd like that." She kissed his cheek. "Won't be long."

At The Kabin Norris was getting flustered. He knew Rita was back because he heard her moving about in the flat and was really put out she hadn't had the decency to show her face even though he knew she made a habit of it. The door opened.
"Hello, Norris," Louise said. "Rita upstairs?"
"She is," he sniffed haughtily.
"Okay if I go through?" she asked.
"Only on condition you find out if she's going to deign to put in an appearance again this afternoon," he replied.
"Deal," she beamed and went past. She spotted her mother downing more vodka. "Drunk enough yet?"
"No," she snorted, cracking open a fresh bottle. "I did what yer wanted and he tried to choke me. TWICE! Happy now?"
"Not really," she admitted.
They heard a commotion coming from downstairs so went to the hall.
"Norris?" Rita called then gasped. "Harry!"
"Yer said yer'd wait at home," Louise panicked. "What are yer doing here?"
"I followed you so I can kill that bitch!" Harry shouted, eyes fiery with rage as he stomped up the stairs towards Rita.
"I tried to stop him," Norris whined from below. "Shall I call the police?"
Rita was frozen with fear.
"Rita?" Norris said from the bottom then his eyes widened as he saw the stranger attack her.
"Leave her alone!" Louise yelled.
"Keep out of this," Harry growled as he squeezed the life out of Rita. "This is between me and her."
"Get yer hands off her!" Louise tried in vain to pulled him off but he lashed out, sending her crashing down the stairs.
"Louise!" Norris gasped.
Harry loosened his grip and turned to see his daughter's prone form lying at the bottom. "What have I done?"
Rita clutched her throat gasping for air and rushed down to her child's side. "Louise? Louise? Don't just stand there as useless as ever, Norris. Ring for an ambulance!"
Norris did as bidden while Harry collapsed on the top of the stairs.
Rita looked daggers at him. "I swear if yer've killed her THIS time, Harry, I'll make yer pay."


To be continued....

[jessi]

Harry is a arse!!!!!!!!!

This is a great story Patsy!

[RitaLittlewood]

LOL! He certainly is. The next part will come in a few days. I'm still a long way from the end and don't want to get ahead of myself. I keep jumping forward then have to go back and put it all together. There's so many things not as straightforward as they appear which is why it's taking so long (that and going away) and Norris does something totally appalling even for him. I've done that bit but not the part before which I'm working on at the moment. LOL!

Patsy

[jessi]

OK. Cool.

I'm curious about what norris is going to do now

[RitaLittlewood]

It is some way in but it is really, REALLY horrible. He even disgusted Emily. To give you an idea, it's July and I'm on June which begins at part 21. I have many notes for June and some bits done but I have to work them together. I need to do August as well and another month (haven't decided which) before skipping to write Christmas. I'll jump then to Feb 2009 which I've mostly done. LOL!

Patsy

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 4

The ambulance arrived as did the police. The residents naturally came out to see what was happening but all Rita could think of was Louise.
"Mrs Sullivan?" the policeman repeated.
"Hmm?" she frowned, not taking her eyes off her only child as she was lifted into the ambulance. "What?"
"Do you want to press charges for the assault?" the police asked again.
She looked at Harry whose face was etched in guilt. "No. I think he's suffering enough. Now can I please go with my...friend?"
"Of course, madam." The policeman stepped aside.
"What's going on?" Dev wondered. "Lou! What happened?"
"He," Norris explained, pointing at Harry, "tried to kill Rita and Louise ended up at the bottom of the stairs."
Dev went for Harry.
"This in't the time or place, Dev!" Rita snapped.
Dev released him. "You'll keep."
"Join the queue," Rita replied, staring directly at her shamefaced former lover.
"I'm coming with you," Harry announced as Rita was about to get into the ambulance.
"Yer have GOT to be kidding!" she snorted.
He grabbed her arm. "All your friends know about you being her mother?" he hissed cockily down her ear.
She glared at him with contempt as she snatched her arm away. "Yer better get in."
"Knew you'd see sense." He followed her in.
"Yer didn't give me much choice," she grumbled. "Just like thirty-six year ago,"
"Yer always had a choice, Rita" he reminded. "Isn't that why you stayed with me so long?"
She shot him a look. "Sit down and shurrup. Yer here under sufferance and don't yer forget it."

At the hospital Rita and Harry were on tenterhooks worrying about their child.
"What's taking them so long?" she wondered. "It's been ages since she were brought in. She's not...?"
"If she was, they'd have told us by now," he told her.
She sighed. "Yer right. It's just this not knowing. Our baby's in there and owt could be happening to her."
He paused then put his arm around her. "I know."
She pushed him away, tears rolling down her face. "And it's all yer fault!"
"Do you think I don't know that, Rita?" he snapped. "If I could turn the clock back I would. It was an accident."
"Unlike trying to kill me," she remarked.
"You drove me to it by lying all these years." He sighed. "Oh, Rita. If she dies I'm going to have to live with it for the rest of my life."
"Which won't be long if she does," she threatened.
At that moment Dev arrived. "There you both are. I've been looking all over the hospital. How is she?"
"They've said nowt," Rita said sadly. "Won't even let us see her."
"I doubt Louise will want to see you anyway," he said angrily to Harry.
"I wouldn't blame her if she didn't," he conceded.
Rita felt her heart going out to him then reminded herself who caused all this agony and hardened towards him again.
Finally a doctor appeared and they all stood. "Mrs Sullivan?"
"How is she, doctor?" she asked, fearing the worst.
"A very lucky girl," she beamed. "She's still unconscious but there's nothing broken and no internal injuries."
Rita sobbed with relief and let Harry put his arms around her as she clung to him tightly.
"When can we see her?" he asked, choking back the tears.
"They're just moving her upstairs," the doctor told them. "We want to keep an eye on her until she wakes up. Someone will come and get you when she's settled in."
"Thanks, doctor," Harry replied.
"Thanks," Rita smiled, looked up at Harry then quickly pushed him away and sat back down.
He held out a handkerchief. "Here."
She snatched it from him. "Thanks." She wiped her eyes. "That's yer off the hook."
"For crying out loud, Rita," he snapped. "Do you think I wanted her to die? I'm her..." He remembered Dev was with them. "...friend. It's the last thing I'd want."
"Some friend(!)" Dev noted.
"Oh shurrup, Dev!" Rita screeched in frustration.
"That man tried to kill you," he pointed out. "He nearly killed Lou. Why the hell are you defending him?"
"That is between me, Harry and Louise," she barked. "Nowt to do with yer."
"I'm the man who loves her," he said. "I'm the man she was going on holiday with in less than two weeks. What are you two to her?"
"We've both known Louise since she was a little girl," Harry replied. "Long before you came on the scene. We've seen the men come and go and helped her pick up the pieces and I daresay we will when you're gone too. So don't you dare cast aspersions on us when you know nothing about our relationship with her."
"Go home, Dev," Rita ordered.
"I'm staying until I've seen Lou," he said.
"Go HOME, Dev!" Rita repeated testily. "Yer can always come back later. But for now, as she were trying to protect me from Harry and he accidentally knocked her down the stairs, we should be the only ones with her."
Harry nodded. "We feel bad about it and want to make our peace first. Do you understand?"
Dev sighed. "You win. But I'll be back tonight and will see her regardless of what you say."
They watched him leave.
"That was close," Harry breathed. "If he hadn't left I'd have hit him."
"Yer usual tactful method of getting yer own way never changes I see(!)" she replied.
"Never fails," he remarked.
"I'm still breathing," she pointed out. "So it does."
"Rita-" he began.
"Mrs Sullivan?" they heard.
Rita looked away from Harry and saw a nurse hovering over them. "Yes."
"You can see Ms Fletcher now," the nurse smiled.
Rita sighed. "Thanks. Come on then, Harry."
"I'm surprised you want me there," he commented.
"I don't," she replied. "Louise probably will. So, yer coming?"
"If she's takes after you and is going to spit bile at me when she wakes up, I'd better face it like a man," he replied.
"We had a human baby, Harry," Rita said. "Not summat out of The Exorcist. Though with yer as her father I'm not so sure."
Harry said nothing as they followed the nurse up several floors and were taken to the room Louise was in. Rita gasped when she saw her baby attached to the machines and covered in bruises. Harry gently placed his hands on her upper arms in reassurance which he was surprised she didn't shrug off.
"I'll leave you alone," the nurse said. "Would you like some tea? Coffee?"
"Rita?" Harry prompted but she couldn't take her eyes off Louise. "Two teas please. I think she still takes milk and sugar. I do anyway."
The nurse smiled as she went.
Harry was beginning to worry about his old flame. He may have been responsible for Louise being there but Rita appeared to be taking it much harder than he was. He squeezed her arms tenderly.
"What have we done, Harry?" she sniffed, staring at Louise.
"What's this 'we'?" he asked. "The only thing WE know is everything that's happened today is all down to me. You only did what you thought was best at the time and I don't blame you for it."
"That's a first," she sniffed again. "Less than two hours ago yer had yer hands round me throat for the third time in thirty minutes."
"I've had time to think while we waited," he told her softly. "I'm sorry for the way I reacted, Rita. It all came as such a shock and I thought I was past them at my time of life."
"Me too," she smiled weakly.
"Come on. Let's sit down," he said.
She looked round at him and smiled. He pulled a chair out for her at the side of the bed then sat beside her.
"Yer always did this to me," Rita said.
"What?" Harry frowned.
"Screwing up me emotions. Mixture of anger and pity," she replied. "Why else do yer think I stayed with yer so long?"
"Because you loved me?" he asked hopefully.
She sighed. "That too."
He took her hand. "I always loved you, Rita."
She pulled it away. "Loved me as a skivvy, babysitter and punchbag more like. But then it didn't have to be me. There were plenty after by all accounts."
"Not like you," he said.
"Best punchbag yer ever had yer mean?" she snorted.
"No!" he defended.
"Just drop it, Harry," she snapped.
The nurse came in with the tea and put them on the locker before making herself scarce.
"What a mess," Rita sighed. "I never wanted to lie to you about her. I were just so scared yer'd end up hitting her the way yer did me, Terry and Gail. She were a defenceless baby. Who knows what yer'd have done? I couldn't see another way out."
He put his arm around her. "I understand, you know. And you're right. I would have. I never could control this this temper of mine. I remember when Terry was small. That's when I realised how violent I could be. It was lucky I never killed him. I did my best to change when you were carrying Louise. I wanted it to work. I did love you, Rita, despite what you think. I don't blame you for hating me the way you do. I wasn't a nice man and treated you terribly. Apart from my wife, you were the longest relationship I've ever had."
She involuntarily put her head on his shoulder, still not taking her eyes of her daughter. "Was I?" she asked sceptically. "Or is it just one of yer lines?"
He rested his head on hers as he rubbed her arm soothingly. "Not a line, Rita. I thought you knew me better than that by now. We had summat special and that's because of the sort of woman you are. The sort of woman Louise is. She really is like you in so many ways and I don't just mean the red hair."
"Yer could've fooled me," she snorted. "From what I've seen she's more like yer."
"I'm not the only one with a temper," he reminded. "I think that's what made our relationship so different to any I've had before or since. I've never found anyone even remotely like you since you left."
"Since yer chucked me out for seeing Len yer mean," she said.
He cast his eyes down. "Yes. Biggest mistake of my life. I heard you married him. Were you happy?"
"Not all the time," Rita told him. "He hit me an' all. I can't half pick 'em."
Silence fell.
"If we'd been able to," Harry began nervously, "would you have married me?"
"Yes," she replied.
"No hesitation in your answer?" he asked, surprised.
"None whatsoever," she said. "I know we had our ups and downs but I really loved yer, Harry. Wouldn't have put up with yer so long after everything yer'd done to me if I didn't."
"I wish things had been different," he noted sadly. "I wish I had been different."
"No use wishing now, Harry," she remarked. "Far too late for that."
"We have a beautiful daughter together," he told her.
"Only thing we got right and even then we let her down," she sniffed as the tears came.
"When she wakes up we'll have to spend all our time making it up to her," he suggested.
"If she lets me," Rita sobbed. "She really hates me, Harry."
He kissed the top of her head. "We'll deal with it together, okay? I'm not Snow White in this either."
"Wrong sex," she quipped, wiping a tear away.
Harry laughed. "That's one thing I always loved about you, Rita. You can make people even smile again in terrible situations. I'm not going to let you go through this alone. Whatever she throws at you, she throws at me too. If she won't see me as the bad guy I'll make sure she gets it through her head no matter how long it takes."
"Course yer will(!)" she said doubtfully.
"I mean it, Rita," he assured.
"Hmm," she added, completely disbelieving anything would make a difference.
"This is my one chance to make everything up to you and I'm not going to let you down," he vowed.
Silence fell again. Rita realised this wasn't the place for hostility and felt he needed support as much as she did as she braced herself for their daughter waking up and facing whatever was in store.


To be continued.....

[jessi]

Brilliant again! Though I am not sure about Harry still.

[RitaLittlewood]

What I'll do at the moment is put up a part whenever I finish one. That way I won't get too far ahead and leave you waiting ages for another part to be written. Part 5 coming soon!

Patsy

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 5

Meanwhile outside Dev had returned and was getting increasingly hacked off.
"I'm sorry, Mr Alahan," the sister was saying. "But I had strict orders from Ms Fletcher's mother you aren't allowed to visit."
"What mother?" he asked.
"The one in with her now," the sister replied. "There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry. However if you attempt to see Ms Fletcher I shall have to call security."
Dev held his hands up. "I won't." He watched the sister leave and was confused as he knew Louise's mother was dead. Then he realised. "Rita!" He decided to wait before finding out what was going on.

Back in the ward, Rita and Harry had finished their tea.
"She is going to wake up, isn't she?" Rita panicked.
"Of course she is," Harry assured. "She's tough like her mother."
She smiled at him. "I hope yer right about that."
"I am," he smiled back.
"I hate to leave but I need the loo. That tea's gone right through me." She stood.
"It's our age," he winked.
"Speak for yerself," she chuckled and started for the door.
Harry grabbed her wrist. "She will be all right, yer know."
"I know," she sighed. "It's what comes after that worries me more. Won't be long."
Harry watched her go then thought about what might have been.

Dev heard a door open and his head shot up. He saw Rita emerge from the room and went over. "Rita."
"Oh, yer back so soon?" she replied.
"I said I would be," he told her. "Only I'm not allowed in by orders of her mother."
"Too bad," she said, totally disinterested.
"Except as we both know, her mother's dead," he went on. "So why are you issuing orders banning people from seeing Lou?"
Rita was getting annoyed. "Mind yer own business."
"So you have no objection to me going in right now," he said.
Rita barred the doorway. "Yer not going anywhere near her."
"As you're not her mother and have no right stopping me, what are you going to do about it?" he said resolutely. "Get out of the way, Rita."
Rita didn't budge. "Nurse! Nurse!"
A nurse went to her. "What is it, Mrs Sullivan?"
"Call security," she demanded. "This is Dev Alahan and he's defying his banning order."
Dev chuckled in surprise at her behaviour. "And this woman isn't Ms Fletcher's mother so has no right issuing orders."
The door opened behind Rita.
"What's going on?" He noticed Dev lurking and placed protective hands on Rita.
"He won't go away, Harry," she sobbed.
"I will when I've seen Lou," he told her.
"Leave us alone, Dev!" Rita snapped.
"Anyone would think I was the one who pushed her down the stairs the way you're acting," he said, looking at Harry.
The nurse decided to interrupt. "Mrs Sullivan. Is it right what he's just said about you not being the patient's mother?"
She anxiously looked at Harry who gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. "No. He don't know what he's talking about. Now get him out of here please."
"She's lying!" he exclaimed in exasperation.
"She is not!" Harry defended. "We only found out today Louise is our daughter so have more right to be here than you do."
"What is this? A double act?" he snorted. "Or has she got something on the pair of you?"
"Why don't yer ask Louise when she comes round?" Rita suggested.
"But you won't let me see her, you stupid bitch!" Dev yelled.
"That does it," Harry growled and went for him.
"No, Harry!" Rita screamed, pulling at him. "Do yer want to get thrown out an' all? Louise needs us."
Harry stopped mid-punch and stepped back. "You're right. And he's not worth it. I have no idea what she seems in that arrogant, slimy, smarmy git."
"Probably the same as I saw in yer, minus the slime and smarm of course," she remarked.
"Shall I call security?" the nurse asked.
"Yes," Rita stated firmly. "No." She sighed and scratched her head. "Wait a minute. Harry, I think Dev deserves an explanation but I'll do it. Don't want another punch-up."
"Are you sure about this, Rita?" he wondered.
She nodded. "Only way to get him to understand. Yer go back in there and sit with Louise."
"Whatever you say," he replied and closed the door behind him.
She looked at the nurse. "Is there somewhere private we can talk?"
"Of course," she smiled and led the way.
"Wait here," Rita instructed. "I were in the middle of doing summat. Won't be long."
Dev sat in the chair and waited.

More than half an hour passed as Rita told Dev everything from the events leading up to Louise's adoption to what happened that day. He was stunned.
"Harry didn't mean to push her down the stairs," she was saying. "It were an accident and he's felt awful about it ever since."
"I hope she'll be okay," he eventually said.
"So do I," she sighed. "So yer see, we have to be here. She refuses to believe owt I say. Harry knows what our life were like back then so we're hoping he can get through to her."
"Yes," he nodded.
She touched his arm. "I'm trusting yer to keep this to yerself, Dev. No one must know until Louise has decided whether she wants me as her mother or not."
"Do you think she will?" he asked.
She shrugged. "I wish I knew. She hates me so much and is full of anger and bitterness. Not that I blame her but I weren't the only one at fault here. I hope she accepts that. I know I've got one foot in the grave but I'd like the chance to be a mother to my child for whatever time I have left. I've missed out on too many years already."
"What will you do if she doesn't want to know?" he wondered, feeling some sympathy for her.
Rita fought back the tears. "Cross that bridge when I come to it. Look, I promise as soon as she's awake and we've talked to her, I'll let yer know. I don't mean to keep yer away from her, Dev, but I really have no choice. Yer understand that, don't yer?"
He nodded. "I'll await that call." He stood. "Look after her for me, Rita."
She also got to her feet. "I will. Promise."
Dev held the door open for her then left while she sighed heavily and returned to Harry and Louise.

"Everything okay?" Harry asked cautiously as Rita re-entered the room. "You were gone ages."
She nodded. "Yes. He's promised not to say anything." She burst into tears.
Harry immediately went and comforted her. "Let it all out. You'll feel better for it."
"Since when did yer two become best mates," they heard a voice croak.
They looked round and beamed.
"Oh, sweetheart," Harry cried with joy. "I am very, very sorry for what happened."
Louise held his hand. "I forgive yer."
"What about me?" Rita asked hopefully.
"I want yer to go," Louise spat. "And don't come back."
Rita broke down.
"Louise!" Harry admonished. "Don't talk to your mother like that."
"My mother is six foot under," Louise growled. "Where I wish SHE was. Get her out of here or I'll never speak to yer again."
He looked helplessly at Rita.
"So much for trust, Harry," she noted sadly then slowly trudged out, completely heartbroken.
"I'll deal with you in a minute, young lady," he snapped at Louise before chasing after Rita. "Wait!"
"What's the point?" she sobbed. "Yer heard her. She still hates me."
"I'll talk to her," he replied. "I said I would."
"Yer said we'd face it together," she recalled. "Not much togetherness when I'm halfway across Weatherfield and yer here."
He wiped the tears away with his thumb. "I hate seeing you like this."
"Thought yer'd be used to it by now," she remarked.
"That was then and I hated it just as much," he told her softly. "She will NOT treat you the same way. I'll make sure of it."
"Yer push her down the stairs almost killing her and all's forgiven," Rita observed. "I give her away all them years ago to protect her from yer and this is what she still thinks of me. She's definitely yer daughter, Harry, and no mistake. I were always the villain of the piece in yer eyes and I am in hers. I give up."
"You mustn't give up, Rita," he urged. "Not if you believe her acceptance is worth fighting for."
She blew her nose. "I'm not sure it is. All these years I ached to know me daughter and all I get is kicked in the guts just like yer did which started all this. I'm going home."
He reached out to her. "Give it a few days. Let me see what I can do to get her to see sense. Please, Rita. Neither of us can leave it like this."
She inhaled deeply. "A few days. Though I doubt yer'll have much luck. See yer, Harry."
He watched her walk away with a heavy heart then returned to his errant child. "I hope you're pleased with yourself."
"Gone at last, has she?" she asked.
"How dare you behave that way towards her," he barked. "She's a good woman who doesn't deserve any of your venom."
"Yeah," Louise snorted. "Such a good woman she deprived me of me birthright all these years(!) I don't get why yer suddenly on her side when yer were all for killing her this afternoon."
"We've had a chance to talk while you've been in here," he told her.
"Yer mean she got yer to back up her tale more like," Louise snorted again.
He felt like hitting her but held back. "It's not a tale. She told you the truth. When I was angry earlier it wasn't really with her but with myself for the way I behaved back then. Your mother was just an easy scapegoat rather than facing up to the consequences of MY actions."
"Stop calling that selfish, heartless bitch me mother!" Louise demanded.
He hit the wall hard in frustration which made Louise a little scared. "I'm going for a walk to give us both a chance to calm down."


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 6

Days later Rita was severely depressed and hid away in the flat feigning illness. She hadn't heard a word from Harry and knew she should never have let her guard down and trusted him but still hoped against hope he would manage to get Louise to understand. She risked another trip to the hospital only to discover Louise had been discharged and had asked Dev if he knew where she was. When he said he didn't she wasn't sure whether he had her at his flat, was lying and she was elsewhere or was being honest. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and decided to do a few hours in the shop to take her mind off things.
"Oh, Rita," Norris said in surprise when she appeared from behind. "Feeling better?"
"A little." She forced a smile, hoping she could keep her emotions under control and get through the rest of the day. "Been busy?"
"Run off my feet," he commented. "It would get busy as soon as one of us is sick."
"Sorry," was all she could think of to say.
"Not your fault," he said as he rearranged the display on the counter.
"In't it?" she replied then noticed Norris's nosiness radar going. "Me own fault for sleeping with the window open in this weather," she hastily added before he started asking awkward questions leading to a wallop. "I've learned me lesson the hard way."
Ken walked in much to her relief before she said something she shouldn't.
"Afternoon, Ken," she said.
He picked up a copy of the Gazette. "Nice to see you back behind that counter, Rita."
"Nice to be back," she lied, wanting to be anywhere but while still keeping secrets from her closest friends.
Ken pocketed the change. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but was that Harry Bates I saw get into the ambulance with you the other day?"
She nodded. "Good memory yer've got."
"I don't think any of us who met him will ever forget," he remarked. "I thought he was dead."
"I wish he were," she added solemnly.
"Who's Harry Bates?" Norris asked, getting a steely glare from Rita for his trouble. "What? Ken obviously knows him. I don't see why I should be kept in the dark."
"If yer don't stop asking stupid questions, Norris," she seethed, "yer'll be in a coffin so'll be kept in the dark permanently!"
"Sorry for bringing it up, Rita," Ken told her.
"Not to worry, Ken," she replied. "Someone were bound to recognise him."
"I'll leave you to it." And he was gone.
Norris was determined to get some gossip. "Is this Harry Bates the one who tried to kill you?"
Rita closed her eyes, cursing under her breath. "Yes, Norris," she replied through gritted teeth.
"Old boyfriend?" he wondered.
"What?" she snapped.
"Well Ken knows him," he observed, "and this Harry Bates obviously knew you the way he flew into a rage as soon as he saw you. What did you do?"
That did it and she hit him hard. "Mind yer own flamin' business!" She stomped upstairs, grabbed her coat and bag then went back down.
"Now where are you going?" he said.
"Out!" she yelled then disappeared.
"Have to ask Ken later then," he mumbled to himself.

Rita crossed the road and knocked on the door of number three.
"This is a surprise," Emily greeted. "Come in. Have you left Norris in the shop?"
"Had to get away from his whinging and nosiness," Rita said as she passed.
Emily walked into the living room. "I'll put the kettle on. Sit down."
"Thanks," she smiled, pulled out a dining chair and sat on it.
Emily sensed something was wrong with her old friend. "Is everything all right?"
She sighed. "To be honest, Emily, no it in't. Don't mind me bending yer ear, do yer?"
"Of course not," Emily said. "That's what friends are for. I'll just make this tea then you can tell me all about it." She returned to the kitchen. "How's that young woman who fell down your stairs?"
Rita felt a pang in her heart. "Fine as far as I know. She's woken up at any rate." Suddenly she broke down.
Emily came out. "Oh, Rita. Whatever's the matter?" She passed over a handkerchief and sat beside her.
Rita clutched it. "Louise hates me."
"For her accident?" Emily asked. "But surely that wasn't your fault."
Rita shook her head and paused. "Because I'm her mother."
"Is that what she's claiming?" Emily gasped. "Everyone knows it's not true. You couldn't have children."
Rita wiped her nose feeling ashamed. "I could when I had her." She proceeded to tell her the whole story.
Emily's heart went out to her. "Oh, Rita. And you've been carrying this around with you all this time."
"No choice," she replied. "I've had a lot of time to think about me life since she ordered me away. I realised how much I wanted Jenny to be her. They were the same age, give or take, and had red hair. I did owt I could to keep her. It were daft. I knew she were Alan's but I used to imagine she were mine. Stopped me being eaten away inside thinking about Louise. So every day when I were pretending in me head Jenny were the child I gave up, I'd see Louise when she came in for her teen magazines and chewing gum and had no idea. I were always led to believe yer just knew yer own child. What a load of piffle."
"Mother's instinct I believe it's called," Emily concurred. "But there have been cases of babies being mixed up at the hospital so I tend to agree with you."
"After Jenny stabbed me in the back," Rita continued, "I longed for me own child more. Made me wonder if she had any of her own. So what did I do? Bought the Websters. Ready made family to fill me empty life." The tears rolled again. "And Louise thinks I never thought about her once. If only she knew the stupid things I've done because I DID think about her. Oh, Emily. What am I going to do? Harry promised he'd let me know in a couple of days how he were doing and it's nearly a week. Dev says he don't know where she is but I'm not sure I believe him. What if she's worked on Harry so even he starts believing I'm lying when he knew I weren't? I can't stand this not knowing."
"I would have thought the answer was obvious," she told her. "You will have to visit Harry and ask."
"I'm not sure I can face him," she sniffed. "It was bad enough after all these years."
"You told me you were on amicable terms," she reminded.
She nodded. "But who knows what poison she's been dripping in his ear? I'm too much of a coward to allow his hands round me throat again."
"You're not a coward, Rita," Emily pressed. "It's only natural to be afraid after what he put you through. However if you don't ask him you will get yourself more and more upset. You have to go."
She sighed. "I'll think about it. I'd better be off. Thanks for letting me bend yer ear."
"Think nothing of it," she said sincerely. "And I promise I shan't breathe a word of what we've discussed this afternoon."
"I appreciate it." She picked up her bag and rose. "I'll see meself out."

She walked the streets mulling over what Emily said and after several hours found herself on Harry's doorstep. She took a deep breath and knocked. A few minutes later the door opened.
"Rita!" Harry beamed. "Great to see you. Come in."
"Thanks," she smiled back nervously and crossed the threshold.
Harry closed the door. "Sit down. How you doing?"
Rita sat on the sofa. "How do yer think? Is she here?"
Harry sat beside her. "No. But I kept my word and have tried to get her to see sense."
"And failed I expect," she said sadly.
He couldn't even begin to understand what she was going through. "I'm sorry. She just won't have any of it."
She buried her head in her hands and wept. "What have I done?"
Harry put his arms around her. "What you had to."
She looked up. "I can't believe I'm being consoled by the man who put me in that position in the first place."
"Neither can I," Harry noted. "Funny the way things have turned out."
"Hilarious(!)" she said, releasing herself from his embrace.
"She's convinced you're making it up," he continued. "Didn't want a child at all, let alone by me."
Rita was shocked. "That's not true! I loved yer. Yer know how much I wanted our baby."
"I've tried telling her how it was between us back then," he sighed. "She doesn't want to know. Easier talking to a brick wall."
She noticed his scabby hand. "Or hitting one. How did yer do that?"
"It's nothing," he dismissed.
She took his hand and examined it. "It's not nothing. Looks painful."
"It is," he admitted. "After you left the hospital, I came this close to clouting her for her behaviour and the rubbish she was spouting about you."
"So the wall was on the receiving end for a change," she observed.
"Hit back," he smiled.
She looked at him. "Did yer get it seen to? Could be broken."
"It's fine," he told her, snatching it away. "Doesn't hurt as much as it did. Don't worry about it."
She opened her bag and took out her purse. "There's summat I want to show yer." She pulled a black and white photograph from an inner sleeve. "I've carried this around all these years." She held it out to him.
Harry smiled as he took it. "I remember taking that."
"After the bruises had gone and she were getting stronger," she observed.
"I remember that too," he replied guiltily. "You were so beautiful. Still are."
"Got cataracts now, have yer?" she joked.
He laughed. "No." He returned his attention to the photo. "I thought I'd destroyed all these when she got sick again."
"All but that one," she told him. "When yer had 'em developed I put it in me purse. I were so proud of me little girl I wanted to show her off to everyone I met. Didn't work out that way though. If anyone like Len or Ted found it I'd say it were me goddaughter, her parents emigrated when she were a baby and we lost touch."
Harry began to get emotional as he recalled those days. "I hit you when you tried to stop me ripping them all up."
"I'm surprised yer can remember," she said.
He wiped a tear away. "I remember everything I ever did to you, Rita. I tried to put it out of my mind but ever since I saw you again it's always there. Even now, although we're not rowing, I can see the pain I caused in your eyes. Now don't deny it."
"Weren't going to," she replied.
He sighed. "I wish Louise would drop her hatred and let herself understand. I'm getting to the end of my tether with that girl."
"Bloody-minded like her father," she smiled.
"And her mother," he smiled back then returned his attention to the photo. "What you said at the hospital was right. I did blame you for all the troubles in life and she's doing the same. The only one to blame for all of this mess is me. If I hadn't been the way I was I wouldn't have ended up a lonely old man. I wouldn't have forced you to choose between bringing our baby home risking me doing heaven knows what and having her adopted then lying about her being dead."
"I wanted yer to suffer," she told him.
"And it worked," he confessed. "Things were never the same between us after that no matter how much we pretended. Even I can see that. I just got worse, making you do whatever it took with Len for that house. If I'd been a better man I'd never have treated you like that in the first place. I loved you so much."
"I know yer did," she assured.
"You put up with a hell of a lot living with me those four years," he continued. "If I hadn't nearly killed you and Louise when you were pregnant you may have had more kids."
She sighed heavily. "We'll never know now. What's done's done, Harry. Can't change it no matter how much it hurts."
He stroked her face tenderly. "I wish Louise was more like you. She may have your looks and talent but that's it. She's too hard-hearted and doesn't deserve you as her mother." He leaned over and kissed her. She quickly pulled away and got up. "I'm sorry Rita. That wasn't planned. I'm sorry. It won't happen again I promise."
Rita wasn't listening as she fled the house in tears.
Harry sighed heavily, regretting his mistake and gazed at the photo. "How much did you hear?"
"All of it," Louise replied from behind. "Nice act, dad. Yer even had me convinced for a second. Shame it won't work."
He slammed his fist on the coffee table making her flinch. "It wasn't a flamin' act! It was the truth only you're too self-obsessed to see it!"
Louise spotted something in his hand. "What's that?"
"Photo of you and Rita taken a month after you were born," he explained. "It was the first time they let us hold you. She ran out of here so fast she left it behind. I'll go round later and give it back."
"Why bother?" Louise snorted. "She won't shed any tears losing it."
Harry could feel his temper going off the Richter scale but was determined to stay calm. "Your mother is a wonderful woman. Pity I can't say the same about the stupid, pig-headed brat we had the misfortune to create. I was spot on when I told her you don't deserve her as a mother."
"What do yer care anyway?" Louise said. "Yer hate her as much as I do and tried to kill her when you found out she lied. Or have yer forgotten?"
He got to his feet. "Because thanks to your selfishness, madam, I've fallen in love with her again. Only you're so hell-bent on making the pair of us miserable. Happy now? I'm going to the pub."
He stormed out, grabbing his coat en route, slamming the front door behind him and leaving Louise stunned he could talk to her like that. She picked up the photo and sneered at it.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 7

Nearly two hours later Rita showed her face in the shop again and Norris snubbed her, still sulking over his bruise.
"I'm sorry, Norris," she said. "Me only excuse is I'm still not a hundred percent after what happened with Harry, Louise falling down the stairs and then getting ill. I'm sure it were the stress of the first two which led to me getting under the weather. I'll be glad when this week is over."
"That's perfectly understandable," he replied.
"Am I forgiven?" she asked, delighted he was successfully taken in.
"I could never stay angry with you long, Rita," he told her.
She smiled. "I'm glad. But please don't mention Harry Bates again. I want to forget I ever met him."
Despite his nosiness radar going again he agreed, figuring she'd end up telling him in time anyway. They heard the door open and looked round to see Louise standing by it. She and Rita just stared at each other, both getting emotional. Norris didn't know whether to say anything or not as there was clearly something going on between them.
"Yer forgot this," Louise eventually said, holding the photo out.
Rita swallowed hard, tears stinging her eyes as she slowly walked around the counter and towards her child. She took the picture. "Thanks. But how did yer-"
"I listened from the stairs," she explained.
"Harry said-" Rita began, choking on the words and getting angry he lied to her.
"He told me to disappear so he could talk to yer," Louise replied, brushing a tear away. "I heard everything. I know yer were telling the truth. It's one thing yer both telling me separately. But when I heard yer talking then came down and saw the photo... I'm so sorry for the way I treated yer, mam."
Norris's ears pricked up. "Mam?"
"Oh, Louise," Rita cried joyfully as they threw their arms around each other, sobbing. She kissed her daughter's head. "I love yer, very, very much."
"I know yer do," Louise sniffed. "Can we can put me behaviour behind us and start again."
Rita held her tighter, not willing to let her baby go again after so long. "Of course, darling. And there's no time like the present." She turned round, still keeping her arm around Louise. "Norris, I'd like yer to meet me daughter."
"I've already met her," he replied. "But you can't have children."
"I...." she began. "Oh, I can't be bothered to explain. I'm going to the Rovers and tell the whole world about me little girl now I've got her back after so long."
Louise smiled. "Can me dad come?"
Rita's heart sank as she remembered what happened earlier. "Yer dad?"
"I'd like him to be there then we can be a proper family," she explained.
She forced a smile, knowing deep down she'd regret her decision but desperately wanted to make Louise happy. "Go and fetch him. I'll meet yer both there."
She hugged her. "Yer the best mam in the world." Then she rushed out.
"Who's the father?" Norris wondered.
"Harry Bates if yer must know," Rita barked. "And that's ALL yer getting so shurrup and keep yer nose out."
"If you insist," he replied airily.
"I do!" She looked at him through narrow eyes. "So watch it." She swept past to go upstairs, deliberately barging into him which sent him crashing to the floor.

Rita sat in the Rovers nursing her fourth drink as she anxiously awaited Louise and Harry to arrive. She checked her watch and the door for the umpteenth time, beginning to believe she'd dreamed the acceptance by her daughter and became dispirited. She held her head in her hands and sighed heavily, deciding to give them until she'd finished her drink and then go home.
"Are you okay, Rita?" she heard Dev say.
She looked up and broke into a grin when she saw Louise standing beside him, trying to ignore Harry hovering in the background. "I am now. What kept yer?"
"Dad didn't want to come," Louise told her. "But I persuaded him."
Rita felt awkward. "He always were stubborn."
"I'll get the drinks," Harry quickly said. "Vodka and lime, Rita?"
"Vodka and tonic," she corrected.
"We'll get them," Louise offered. "Budge up so dad can sit next to yer."
She noticed Harry's embarrassment as she shuffled across the seat while Louise and Dev went to the bar.
"Sorry about this," he said quietly. "This is why I didn't think it was a good idea to come."
"I wish yer hadn't," she replied.
"I didn't mean to kiss you at the house," he told her. "It was like we were back all those years ago and I couldn't stop myself even though I knew it was wrong."
"Yes, it were," she stated. "As it appears we'll be having more to do with each other than we'd like, make sure it never happens again."
"It won't," he assured. "Promise."
"I know all about yer promises," she reminded.
Louise and Dev returned. "Here we go." Dev placed the tray on the table and they both sat opposite. "I hope yer didn't mind me asking Dev along. I know it's a family occasion but he's practically one of us."
"Family?" Blanche stopped dead.
Rita picked up her near-empty glass before starting on the next drink. "That's right. This is me daughter. Now yer and Norris know it'll save me having to tell everyone."
Blanche bristled. "Anyone would think I was a gossip the way you talk."
Rita said nothing as she sipped her drink making Blanche go off in a huff.
Harry laughed. "Still as wicked."
"I have me moments," she replied innocently. She noticed the news spreading around the pub like Chinese Whispers. "I'd like to propose a toast. To Louise. Yer have no idea how glad I am yer've finally come back into me life."
"Louise," Harry and Dev echoed.
Dev kissed Louise's cheek, Louise smiled and Harry gazed adoringly at an oblivious Rita who was too busy grinning proudly at her daughter, her heart bursting with joy.


To be continued.....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 8

Christmas Day arrived. Rita and Louise had been invited to Harry's for dinner. She didn't really want to go but then she didn't want to go to Emily's much either as she wasn't sure who she wanted to spend time with least, Harry or Norris. In the end she opted for Harry's as she would be with her child for their first Christmas after so long apart which was the only plus. She wasn't due until two as Harry insisted on cooking the meal, so had several glasses of Russian courage to help her through the ordeal ahead. When it was time to go she looked at herself in the mirror as she tied the belt on her shiny mac.
"It's only for a few hours," she sighed to her reflection. "Yer'll be home by six. Even yer can manage that to be with yer daughter. If he tries owt again, belt him with the turkey then get out as fast as yer can." She sighed again and downed the last of the vodka from her glass. "Here goes nowt." She tucked her bag under her arm, made her way down the stairs, paused before opening the door then walked to Harry's house. Once she arrived she knocked.
Louise opened the door. "Thank goodness yer here."
Rita beamed at that remark. "Nice to see yer too."
"Dad's made a complete hash of the dinner," Louise continued, dragging her through the door and practically ripping the coat off her back.
Rita's face fell. "He never could cook. That man can burn air. Don't know why he even volunteered."
"Because I wanted to make an impression," he said, coming out of the kitchen.
"Or wanted to poison me," Rita countered.
"You flatter yourself," he winked.
She involuntarily shuddered, trying not to meet his gaze and wishing she'd chosen to endure Norris's whining instead. "How bad is it?" she asked Louise. "Salvageable?"
"I think so. Just," Louise replied. "Come and judge for yerself."
As she passed Harry, he pinched her bum. She felt like hitting him but glared angrily instead. He raised his eyes to the ceiling and whistled innocently which made her blood pressure soar. Her entire body was screaming to get the hell out of there while her head was telling her to put up with it for Louise.
"Well?" Louise pressed.
"Dinner will be late," she stated flatly, looking directly at Harry. So much for being gone by six, she thought as they set about repairing his mess while Harry watched television.

Several hours after they'd eaten they were in the living room relaxing over drinks.
"It's been a good day," Harry remarked happily.
"Despite us nearly having egg and chips for us Christmas dinner," Rita retorted.
"You always did a good egg and chips," he said, gazing adoringly at her making her swallow nervously.
There was a knock at the door which to Rita was a welcome interruption as he was still getting a little too friendly for comfort.
"I'll get it," Louise offered, leaping up and dashing to answer it. "Dev!" They kissed.
"Fancy coming to a party?" he asked.
She looked round at her parents. "Dev's just-"
"We heard," Harry interrupted. "Go and enjoy yourself."
Rita panicked but hoped she was masking it.
"Sure yer don't mind?" Louise said.
Harry shook his head. "Don't let us old fogies keep you from having a good time."
Louise looked at Rita who had stayed annoyingly silent. "Mam?"
She forced a smile. "No, I don't mind at all. Have fun."
Louise grabbed her coat. "See yer tomorrow sometime then. Bye!" And she was gone.
Rita was uncomfortable in Harry's presence and wished Louise hadn't left them alone. "Is that the time?" She stood and made her way towards the door. "I'd better be off an' all. Promised Emily I'd meet her in the Rovers." She fumbled with her shiny mac.
"Here. Let me." As Harry helped her on with her coat, he leant in for a kiss.
She pulled away trembling. "This can't happen."
"I love you, Rita," he told her. "And I want you so much. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since you came back into my life."
"Harry, you promised," she said desperately.
"I lied," he replied softly. "You know how I was always good at that." He kissed her again and she threw her arms around his neck.

The next morning Rita awoke to an empty bed. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily, unable to believe she'd been such a fool. She got up, dressed and crept down the stairs, tensing and stopping dead, wary of confrontation, when she spotted Harry on the sofa with his back to her.
"You're too old to sneak off," he remarked.
She relaxed slightly. "I'm too old for a lot of things."
"You weren't saying that last night." He got up and went to her. "Morning, darling." He attempted to kiss her but she turned her head away. "What's up? Disappoint you after all these years? I'll try Viagra next time if you'd rather."
"Last night should never have happened," she told him bluntly.
"But it did," he reminded like the cat who got the cream. "And you can't change it."
She sighed. "I wish I could. It were a mistake and must never happen again." Silence fell which made her nervous.
"Okay," he shrugged. "If that's the way you want it."
"I do," she replied cautiously. "What's the catch?"
He pulled a face. "No catch. I'll get your coat."
She was confused. "Just like that?"
"Just like that," he repeated. "Unless you want breakfast before you go."
She was stunned. "Not hungry."
"Okay," he shrugged again as he picked her coat up off the floor where it ended up the night before.
She moved towards him slowly. "No row?"
"Did you want one?" he asked.
"Not particularly," she said.
He held the coat open. "I'm a changed man, Rita. You say it must never happen again and that's fine. I'm not going to force you."
She slipped her arms into the sleeves. "Never stopped yer in the past."
He pulled the coat over her shoulders. "The past is the past. I take it we can still be friends for Louise's sake if nothing else."
She nodded, still unsure about the new Harry Bates. "Where's me bag?" She looked around and saw it on the sideboard, swiping it off. "Bye, Harry."
He opened the door. "See you, Rita."
She looked at him then left, making her way back home relieved she would never be that stupid ever again.

It was New Year's Eve afternoon and Rita had aggravated Norris again by not turning up for work saying she had a headache so was staying in bed. She woke up and glanced at the clock, her mouth dry. She threw the covers back, reached for her dressing gown, pulled it around herself then went into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. As the kettle boiled she leant against the worktop trying to stifle the yawns.
"Oh so you're finally out of bed," she heard a voice say.
She cursed under her breath. "I am. And who gave yer permission to come upstairs?"
"I was concerned about you, Rita," Norris defended.
"Well don't be," she snapped. "Get back down to the shop."
"What's going on?" another voice said.
Rita closed her eyes in embarrassment as Norris turned. His eyes widened in shock as he saw Harry standing there in his string vest and underpants.
"What's he doing here?" Harry continued.
"Being a pain as usual," Rita replied with an edge to her voice.
Norris was slighted. "I see. So you turned down my offer of marriage and for what? The likes of him? A violent thug? Is that the type you go for, Rita? Perhaps if I'd tried to murder you or slapped you around a few times you may have felt the same way towards me as I do you."
"How dare yer!" she yelled, whacking him hard across the face. "If I had to make a list of all the reasons why I could never feel owt for yer except contempt we'd run out of paper in the shop. Yer really are cracked thinking I would be interested in yer that way. I can imagine the rows we'd end up having if I just squeezed the toothpaste a different way to yer. Yer a sad, pathetic little man and I'd consider even kissing yer as much as I would a drain cover. Now get out of me flat before I throw yer out!"
Norris looked from one to the other then stormed off in a sulk.
Harry crossed to Rita and put his arms around her. "You okay?"
"Will be," she smiled. "He had to find out sooner or later I suppose."
He kissed her. "You should be flattered. Not many women your age still have men's tongues hanging out or get them jealous."
She slapped him playfully. "Watch it, Bates. I know his game anyway. He don't fool me. It's just the rest of the shop in me will he wants, not me."
"You're wrong there, Rita," he told her. "He was hurt when he saw me. No one can fake that. He really does love you and I can't say I blame him."
"Rubbish," she snorted. "Norris Cole only loves Norris Cole."
"What about me?" he asked, gazing deeply into her eyes.
She stroked his wrinkled, sagging pock-marked face. "Harry Bates loves Rita Sullivan." She kissed him.
"And who does Rita Sullivan love?" he said.
"Harry Bates," she breathed dreamily before they kissed passionately.
He hugged her tightly. "I'm so glad we found out about Louise. We'd never have got back together otherwise."
"Been a rocky road," she admitted, pulling back slightly. "All them bad memories. But yer always did it, Harry. Always made me go weak at the knees which is a bit risky these days with me rheumatism."
He laughed. "We're both old crocks."
"Speak for yerself," she giggled. "I may be old but am not a crock just yet."
He caressed her hair. "I can tell that. I should never have thrown you out."
"We would have split up sooner or later," she said. "The baby had already caused an enormous rift between us. Things were never the same after that, even before I lied about her dying."
He nodded sadly. "You're right. Why was I such a fool? Best thing that ever happened to me and I treated you like that. I wouldn't have blamed you if you'd slapped my face when I came onto you at Christmas. You'd have had every right to."
She put her hand over his. "I'm not going to lie to yer, Harry. When yer first kissed me at yer house, I got frightened. It reawakened what I thought were long gone. I wanted as little to do with yer as possible after that only Louise kept throwing us together, insisting we did things as a family. The last thing I wanted were to start falling for yer all over again. I hated yer so much all them years ago. Kicking me out over Len were a blessing. Course at the time he wanted nowt to do with me an' all. Didn't stop us having an affair a few months down the line though. I needed someone and he were there at the right time. We got engaged then broke up. I didn't love him. Not really. But I grew to. He were so different to yer, or so I thought. He just kept dangling me on a string so I took a singing job in Tenerife to get away from here and him. I loved him by then and happily agreed to be his wife when he asked me at the airport. When yer Terry turned up out of the blue, Len were furious and it took me back to them years with yer when it were good. Len were right. Terry had to go. I didn't want owt around to remind me of how I felt about yer. Not that I let Len know that so I fought for him to stay. With Terry out the way I could concentrate on being a good wife and put yer to the back of me mind. Worked well until Louise turned up with them papers. When I thought about yer then, it weren't with fondness. It were pure hate. Last thing I wanted were to see yer again. I knew yer'd go for me when yer found out I'd lied."
"And you were right," he said.
"I always am," she smiled. "When Louise had the accident both of us put that hatred and anger aside because we knew she were the only thing that mattered. I could feel me guard coming down at the hospital and did everything I could to keep it up. Last thing I wanted were to get close to yer again after all these years, even as friends. Louise's existence brought all the bad times back and it were hard enough dealing with them without coping with yer too. It all got harder to fight after we got together in the Rovers. Yer'd kissed me. Damage were done. Waking up in yer bed on Boxing Day confused me more than ever. I couldn't let meself fall under yer spell again."
"I knew when you told me it was a mistake and should never happen again you didn't mean it," he told her. "Your eyes gave you away. When you said that, you had the same look you had nearly forty years ago."
"Never could fool yer, could I?" she smiled again.
"No." He kissed her. "This time I'm going to do things right. It's like we've both been given a second chance. Our daughter is back in our lives and we're in each others. I won't do anything to mess it up again, sweetheart. I love you too much to let you get away again."
"Oh Harry," she cried as they kissed.
"Are we going to the party over the road?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I think we should have our own party, don't yer?"
He grinned. "Course at this moment I should sweep you up in my arms and carry you to the bedroom but I don't want to put my back out."

"Oh very romantic(!)" she sniggered, taking his hand. "Come on, granddad."


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 9

A few weeks later Rita was beginning to worry. Neither she nor Harry seen or heard from Louise for over a week which was unlike her. Before she returned to the shop after her dinner, she decided to pay a call on Dev.
"Rita!" he greeted cheerfully. "You know, if me and Louise married you'd be my mother-in-law."
"And inherit another shop," she noted flatly.
"You can never have enough shops," he told her. "Bit like money in that respect."
Now that was something she could agree with. "Speaking of Louise, have yer seen her lately?"
"Why?" he asked warily.
"Because me and her dad are getting worried," she explained. "She seems to have vanished. We've been round and got no answer. Phoned with the same result. We've left messages on her mobile but she's not returned our calls. Is she at yer place?"
He shook his head. "She's gone to visit an old friend. Left her phone behind. I thought she'd have told you. Must have forgotten. It was all very last minute."
"Yes, that must be it," Rita replied, trying not to let him know she was suspicious. "Any idea when she'll be back?"
"Afraid not," he shrugged. "And no, we haven't had a row before you start thinking that."
"I wasn't," she replied but alarm bells were going off in her head. "Well it's not important. I'll speak to her when she gets back. Thanks, Dev." She smiled at him then left the shop, face hardening as she went to Harry's. She searched in her bag for her own mobile and dialled. "Norris? Course it's me. Who were yer expecting? Well I don't want to know. Summat's come up so I'll be a bit late back. What? Oh shurrup!" She angrily cut him off. When she arrived on the doorstep she hammered urgently on he door.
"Darling!" Harry beamed enthusiastically. "I wasn't expecting you until later. Come in." He went to kiss her but she strolled straight past. He closed the door. "What have I done this time?"
She rubbed her forehead. "What? Oh, it's not yer, Harry."
"Makes a change," he winked.
"Have yer still got that copy of Louise's singing dates?" she asked.
He frowned. "Somewhere. Why?"
"Can I see them?" she said.
"Sure," he replied, baffled as he started to search. "What's up?"
She leaned against the sofa. "Probably me being a neurotic mother."
"Still no word?" he said.
She shook her head. "Dev says she's gone to visit an old friend."
"And you don't believe him?" He turned round with the bit of paper Louise had given him.
"I don't know," she sighed. "Really I don't. Would she really have just upped and left like that without telling us? Yer know her better than I do. Would she?"
He pondered. "She never has before. Always given me the key and asked me to keep an eye on the house. You don't think she's dead, do you?"
"What?" she gasped. "Of course I don't. Like I said, I'm probably being a neurotic mother. That it?"
He looked down at the sheet. "Oh. Yes. Sorry." He handed it to her.
"Mind if I borrow it?" she asked.
He put an arm around her. "Only if you're not in a hurry."
She folded the sheet up, put it on her bag and dropped the bag on the sofa. "I've already told Norris summat's come up."
"Fortune telling to add to your other many, exquisite talents," he schmoozed then kissed her passionately.

Later that night when she'd managed to tear herself from Harry's arms, she took a taxi to the pub Louise was meant to be appearing at that night. After paying the driver off, she went inside and looked around, hoping her daughter hadn't called in sick. Her mouth dried when she spotted Dev among the crowd and went to the bar.
"Excuse me?" she said to a barmaid. "I wonder if yer can tell me if Louise Fletcher is performing here tonight?"
"Louise, yeah," she replied. "She'll be on at nine."
Reet let out a silent sigh as she closed her eyes. "I wonder if I can have a quick word with her? I'm her mother."
The girl looked at her. "Oh yeah. I can see the resemblance. Come through here."
Rita followed her up the stairs and prayed Dev hadn't seen her.
"She's in there," the girl said, pointing to a door then left her to it.
"Thanks," she replied then knocked.
"Come in. I'm decent," Louise called from the other side. The door opened. "Mam! What are yer doing here?"
Rita didn't fail to miss she was edgy about something. "I were worried about yer. So were yer dad. I wanted to make sure yer were okay. He were beginning to think yer were dead." She forced a laugh to try and lighten things.
"Well, as yer can see, I'm not," she replied, irritated. Rita sat, making herself at home which stressed her out more. "I'll be going on in a minute."
Rita surveyed the room. "Bit different from my day. Grotty dressing rooms and even grottier club owners. They should bring them type of clubs back."
"Including the grottier club owners?" Louise asked.
"I think we can do without them, love" Rita laughed. "Reckon they're extinct by now as it should be. But those were the days. Better getting yer face seen by major talent scouts than pubs that's for sure. Pub singers are ten a penny. Yer can do better for yerself.
"Like yer did(?)" she snorted sarcastically.
Rita glared at her but didn't want to turn this into a row. "I should've taken chances when offered. I didn't. More fool me. No reason why yer should fall into the same trap. Yer've got a great voice. Yer could go places I could only dream of and often did. Did yer apply to one of them cruise ships?"
She shook her head. "Not much different from scratching a living in pubs so why bother?"
"Because yer better than this," Rita told her. "People have been discovered on cruise ships."
"They have in pubs an' all," Louise countered.
"But look at how long they waited," Rita went on. "Yer could get onto the next rung of the ladder and let's face it, yer not getting any younger."
Louise was incensed. "Get out!"
"I didn't mean it like that," Rita defended. "What I meant were today's market is so youth-orientated real talent gets stuck in a rut just to earn some cash. It weren't like that in my day. It's more of a struggle to get anywhere these days unless yer a snotty-nosed teenager or part of a manufactured band. Chances like I had are few and far between and yer'd be daft not to at least give summat different a try."
"I have to go on," Louise said.
Rita checked her watch. "Yer not on until nine so there's plenty of time." Louise turned her back on her. "So why don't yer tell me why yer've REALLY been avoiding me and yer dad."
"I haven't," she chuckled nervously.
Rita pushed herself up from the chair, grabbed Louise and turned her round. "I'm not stupid, Louise."
"I never said yer were," she replied, avoiding eye contact.
Rita was getting frustrated. "I know what's going on."
"Have yer been on the vodka again," she scoffed.
Rita dragged her to the bathroom and washed her face. She forcefully held her head in front of the mirror. "Now tell me I've been on the vodka, lady."
"I walked into a door!" Louise screeched.
"Yeah, and so did I(!)" Rita snapped. "About a million of them all jumped out in front of me over the past forty year(!) What else has that bastard done to yer?"
"Dev's done nowt!" Louise yelled, trying to make her escape but Rita kept a tight grip of her wrist.
"Of course," Rita realised then grabbed her again and pulled down the zip on her dress. She gasped when she saw the welts and bruises across her daughter's back. "Now don't try and kid me a door did that an' all."
"I fell down the stairs, okay?" Louise stated.
"Oh, violent stairs and doors(?)" Rita replied sarcastically. "For crying out loud, Louise. Can't yer see what's happening? Yer've got to leave him."
"The only one who's doing any leaving round here is yer," she hissed.
Rita was taken aback. "Louise!"
"I didn't ask yer to come here checking up me," she went on. "Now clear off and stop interfering in me life!"
"I'm trying to protect yer," Rita said.
"If it's owt like all them years ago I can manage perfectly well without yer," she barked.
Rita was stung but knew she was defeated for the moment. She was not going to let her daughter make the same mistakes she had whether she liked it or not. "I'll go." She opened the door.
A thought struck Louise. "Yer not going to tell me dad, are yer?"
That confirmed everything to Rita, not that she'd had any doubts. "And have him kill Dev? Which he will, yer know. I've been on the receiving end of the full force of his temper so know exactly what he's capable of. No, I won't tell him."
Louise smiled. "Thanks."
"Provided yer apply to one of them ships and take the job if offered," Rita added.
"You sound like you want to split us up," Louise observed.
"I think a little time away from each other'll give yer both a chance to think," she said. "Break a leg. And I hope it's not literally seeing as I saw him down in the bar." With that she left with a heavy heart and got a taxi back to Harry's where she lied to him, saying Louise had been recovering from flu.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 10

Rita found she couldn't settle. She looked across at Harry who was fast asleep, sighed quietly to herself and continued staring at the ceiling. She hoped she hadn't messed things up with Louise by confronting her with her suspicions the way she had but she couldn't just stand back and let the same thing happen to her only child as she tolerated out of love for the man who did it. She'd always thought Dev was a better man than that. Womanising she could cope with. He was hardly the faithful type. But not this. And now she and Harry were finally being honest with each other after so many years of lies, she hated herself for keeping it from him. The thoughts were still running through her head until the alarm went off. She heard Harry groan as he switched it off.
Harry yawned and rolled over, draping his arm across her. "Good morning, darling." He kissed her tenderly.
She stroked his face smiling. "Morning, sweetheart."
"How long have you been awake?" he asked, fingering a curl.
"Not long," she lied. "Thought if I weren't here when yer did yer'd think yer'd got lucky and I'd dumped yer."
He loomed over her. "I'd be the unluckiest man in the world if that happened." He kissed her again.
"Yer do realise I'm going to have to go home soon," she reminded. "Norris'll have a fit if I don't turn up for work after yesterday."
"Let him," he breathed then kissed her again.
She gazed into his eyes and forgot all her troubles. "Yes. Let him." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his mouth onto hers.

Later that day Norris was in a huff while Rita was in a world of her own, tapping her biro on the counter.
"Are you listening to a word I'm saying?" he asked frostily, getting increasingly irked by the tapping.
She frowned. "What? Did yer say summat?"
"Can you at least stop thinking about your love life when you're supposed to be working?" he sniffed haughtily.
"I weren't thinking of Harry," she snapped. "Not that it's any of yer business if I were. We're not married, yer know."
"That was unkind, Rita, even for you," he bristled.
"Oh, shurrup," she ordered. "I'm going out." She went into the back.
"Where to now?" he said in exasperation. "Honestly. Ever since you lost your senses and took up with that man you're here less than you were before."
She pulled her coat around her. "What I do is nowt to do with yer. I do have a life outside this place, yer know. Yer should try it sometime. Yer'd find it most enlightening." She headed for the door.
"What time will you be back?" he called after her as she walked through it. "Rita? Rita!"

Rita stopped at the kerb as she watched the comings and goings of the corner shop bracing herself. She took a deep breath and crossed, going in and spotting a few customers. She bided her time until the last one left then turned the sign on the door to closed.
"What do you think you're doing?" Dev yelled at her.
"We need to talk," she stated.
"Since when does talking involve turning my customers away?" he asked. "I bet you wouldn't let me do that."
She looked at him through hooded eyes, fury growing inside her that she had to be anywhere near the man who treated her daughter like that. "And I bet yer wouldn't want yer customers to know what a violent bastard they were buying their teabags from. I can turn it back round again if yer like."
"Leave it," he snapped.
"I knew it," she sighed.
"You knew nothing, you stupid bitch," he hissed.
"I know yer've been hitting Louise," she replied. "I've seen the bruises and marks. Yer very lucky I never told her father what yer'd done. Yer wouldn't be breathing if I had."
"What goes on between me and Louise is none of your business," he sneered.
"She's me daughter so it IS me business," she told him.
"The daughter YOU abandoned," he remarked. "Bit late to start caring about her welfare now, don't you think?"
"Oh," she said, "so it's MY fault yer beating her black and blue, is it(?) Yer pathetic. Yer just like Harry blaming everyone else for yer own actions." Dev went to hit her then stopped. "That's just like Harry an' all. Go ahead. Yer don't frighten me."
He grabbed her around the face tightly as he pinned her against the display, fingers pressing hard into her cheeks. "Keep out of things that don't concern you or you'll be sorry."
She swallowed hard but maintained her poise as he just made her more angry. "Try it and yer'll be the sorry one," she warned.
He released his grip and pushed her to one side. "If you cared as much about Louise as you claim, you'd never have come here. You've just made a big mistake, Rita. I hope your conscience can live with that."
She began to panic. "What are you going to do to her?"
He brought his face close to hers. "Wouldn't you like to know? For someone who said I didn't frighten her, you're doing a very good job of wetting yourself. Your incontinence pad must be overflowing."
She slapped him. "Lay one more finger on her and yer'll have me to deal with."
He laughed. "You? You're a joke, Rita." He rubbed his stinging cheek. "You, me and Harry aren't that much different after all. How does it feel to be a hypocrite?"
"Wouldn't know," she replied airily. "Why don't yer try asking yer reflection. Just remember what I said. And if yer have a death wish, I'll tell Harry and let him deal with yer." She turned the sign back round and left. She heard the door close behind her and her heart went into overdrive. She badly needed a drink to steady her nerves so walked slowly towards her front door, let herself in and climbed the stairs, keeping a tight hold of the banister. Once poured, she flopped on the arm of the chair and downed it in one. She closed her eyes, hand to her chest. Her eyes snapped open as she went cold and her instinct told her she needed to get to Louise before he did. She picked up the phone and dialled Louise's mobile. "Hi, darling. Please don't hang up. I'm sorry about last night. It's yer life and as I did nowt about it when it happened to me, I have no right telling yer how to live yer life. Are yer busy? Fancy meeting up for a coffee? Where are yer? Oh. Dev's new flat at Weatherfield Quays. I thought he still lived above the corner shop. Oh. Right. Well of course I know he's not there. Mind if I came round? Oh, thank yer. Yer don't know what this means to me. I'll be there in ten minutes." She hung up and dashed downstairs then got her car out of the garage. As she pulled out of the forecourt she noticed Dev's was missing making her stomach do somersaults. She caught Norris out of the corner of her eye calling her but ignored him and drove to Weatherfield Quays. She turned in and immediately saw his car. She anxiously looked for a space where he wouldn't see her own car when he came back out, found one and parked. After switching the engine off she sat there a while wondering what she was going to do. She realised she was too late and he was up there doing heaven knows what to her little girl and it was her fault. She had to get Louise away from him somehow but she was as in love with him as she had been with every man who laid hands on her she knew it wouldn't be easy. Then there was even getting into the building. She had no idea how she was going to do that. She opened the door and got out, sighing heavily as she rested her arms on the roof. It was no good. She had to take the bull by the horns and go now. She locked the car and walked to the entrance. Then she got an idea. She pressed a button. "Dev?"
"Wrong flat," the voice on the other end said.
"Sorry," she said.
"Don't worry about it," the man replied. "I'll buzz you through."
"Thanks ever so much," she said then waited. As soon as she was able to, she went in and searched for Dev's flat. When she heard her daughter screaming and pleading she realised she'd found it. It broke her heart but unfortunately knew she had to wait until he was out of the way so climbed up to the next floor and listened. After far too long she heard the door open.
"You're not to talk to that bitch again," Dev was yelling. "Do you understand? Good. Now stay there. I'll be back later."
The door slammed making her jump. She waited a few minutes, making sure he wasn't going to suddenly spring up then went down and rang the bell. The door eventually opened. "Louise!" she gasped.
"Go away!" she demanded, closing it again.
Rita pushed her way in. "Now do yer see why yer've got to leave him?"
"I don't blame him for this," she sobbed. "I blame yer for threatening him this morning."
"That were between me and him," she defended. "If he weren't the bastard I know he is he'd never have come round here and taken it out on yer. It's not worth the pain, sweetheart. Believe me."
"Yer've said yerself yer stayed with me dad four years," she recalled, "so I don't think yer in the best position to tell me to stay or go."
"But that's precisely why I am," she stressed. "I were a fool. I let me heart rule me head when I knew I should've walked out on him the second time he hit me. Never doing it again are empty promises. If men like that mean it they won't do it again. Yer get into a cycle of being hit and forgiving and the longer yer stay the harder it is to break. The only good thing to come out of me relationship with yer dad were yer and I hate seeing yer going through what I did. Louise, all this will stay with yer the rest of yer life. The longer it goes on, the more emotionally scarred yer become. I had three relationships in a row where I ended up being abused one way or the other. Yer get to the point where yer think it's must be yer and forget it's them and their tempers. Yer end up becoming like an addict, unable to function on yer own because they force yer to rely on them for everything including any bit of affection they deign to hand out when they feel like it and make sure yer grateful for it. They're control freaks. Yer lose yer trust in men, wondering if they're all like that. It were only Ted who restored mine but that were twenty years after I'd broken up with yer father. Twenty years of pain and keeping a little part of meself back for fear of what might happen if I said or did the wrong thing. Do yer want to be like that? Finding a kind, considerate, caring, loving man who stopped me being afraid at sixty? Do yer really want to end up like me?"
"I won't," Louise told her.
"Yer will," Rita replied. "Can't yer see what's happening here? It's history repeating itself. I were the same age as yer when I met yer dad. I'd never been in a violent relationship before him and I know yer haven't before Dev. I can see the way I felt when yer dad hit me in yer eyes. Yer going through exactly the same emotions as I did. If yer stay with him yer'll end up like me for sure. Yer won't be able to stop it. I had a rotten life between meeting yer dad and falling in love with Ted. I don't want the same for yer and it WILL unless yer put an end to it now."
Louise broke down. "I don't know what to do. I love him so much."
Rita comforted her. "I know yer did. I loved yer dad which is why I know what I'm talking about. It took me a long time to learn if someone really loves yer, they don't use yer as a punchbag because they'd have too much respect to want to hurt yer in any way."
"But yer've gone back to him," she sniffed.
Rita sighed. "We're both older. Wiser too hopefully. But I tell yer one thing. He touches me just once and he's gone."
"Do yer think he will?" Louise asked.
Rita sighed again. "I know him of old but I sincerely hope not. It's still early days. I haven't forgotten what he did in the past though and never will. It still eats away at me inside."
Louise wiped her eyes. "Why did you go back with him then?"
"Because he's always had that way with him making me unable to resist," she told her sadly. "I flamin' wish I could. I tried for weeks after he kissed me the first time. Last thing I wanted were to get involved with him again after all those years. I have a horrible feeling I've got back into that cycle again. Time will tell."
Silence fell as Louise was unsure what to say to that. "I'll apply for that job," she finally said.
Rita beamed. "Good girl."
"And I'll leave now," she added. "But where can I go where he won't find me?"
Rita pondered. She hadn't thought of that. "It'll have to be yer dad's."
"But look at me!" Louise screeched. "He's bound to ask questions."
"We'll tell him yer were mugged," she replied. "Dev knows what Harry's temper's like. He wouldn't dare go round. He looked worried when I threatened to tell him. We'll take care of yer. We'd better go now. Owt yer need to pack?"
She shook her head. "I can live without it."
"Let's get out of here," Rita urged, "before he comes back."


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 11

Rita had been spot on and Dev stayed away from Harry's having first threatened her after believing she was hiding Louise in the flat. Louise went for a job singing on cruise ships and got it as a girl had become pregnant and they needed a replacement for a series of Caribbean voyages. Rita couldn't have been more happier as it meant there were thousands of miles between her daughter and Dev. Rita's birthday arrived and she had been a little sad in the days previously as she would be without Louise.
"Good morning, sleepy head," Harry greeted when she emerged from the bedroom.
She kissed him. "Why did yer let me sleep so long?"
He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I thought you'd appreciate a lie in after not getting much sleep last night. Plus it is your birthday and so today I'll be your personal slave."
She groaned. "Has that come round again? I hate birthdays. Okay. Seeing as yer've reminded me I'm even older than I were yesterday, where's me pressie?"
He chuckled. "I thought you just said you hated birthdays. Wouldn't pressies be another reminder?"
She shook her head. "I may hate birthdays, but I love pressies. What yer got me?"
He kissed her. "Patience is a virtue, my darling."
"Patience is also time wasting, sweetheart," she smiled. "A few extra minutes when yer get to our age could mean the difference between life and death. So hand it over."
He shook his head. "You'll have to wait. Do you think Norris has bought you anything?"
"Probably a bottle of vodka laced with arsenic," she remarked.
Harry laughed. "If he hands over something like that make sure he has some first."
"Yer can count on it," she winked then kissed him again.
"I've got your whole day planned," he told her to a rather loud groan. "Now don't be like that. You're a lady of leisure today and if Norris doesn't like it, he can get stuffed."
"Ah, yer a man after me own heart," she beamed.
He put his hand on her face. "I've already got it." They kissed passionately.
"Okay, Bates," she said when they came up for air. "What yer got planned for me?"
"First I was about to make you breakfast," he replied.
"Good job I got up when I did," she remarked. "Don't want me flat burning down."
He tapped her nose. "I'm not that bad."
"Only because yer've always been stopped in time," she smiled. "What else?"
"Wait and see," he said. "So what do you want for your breakfast?"
"Yer," she whispered down his ear then they kissed passionately.

Later that day Harry took Rita for a birthday drink with her friends and Norris. Norris hadn't wanted to be there but grudgingly attended after Emily pointed out his jealousy was pushing her to the brink of evicting him.
"What did Harry buy for you?" Emily asked.
"No idea," Rita pouted. "I know he hasn't forgotten but he's not given it to me yet."
"You want it now?" he smiled.
"Well yer've kept me waiting nearly all day," she replied.
"Okay." He moved from the chair and knelt on the floor taking her hand. "Rita Sullivan. I love you more than you'll ever know and now you're back in my life have made me the happiest man on earth. Will you do me the honour of finally marrying me?"
Norris sat upright on tenterhooks, silently willing her to refuse as she had him.
"I will, darling," she beamed them they kissed passionately.
"Congratulations," Norris said bitterly, unable to comprehend why she would choose Harry over him.
"I knew yer'd be pleased(!)" she said to Norris before turning her attention back to Harry. "Where's me ring?"
Harry laughed. "There's that impatience again."
"Nowt of t'sort," she chuckled. "I just want to get it on me finger then if yer back out I get to sell it. After all, it's not every day I get the chance of getting a ring on me finger."
"You could have already had one," Norris noted.
Rita turned slowly towards him, glaring through narrow eyes. "Like yer already have a death wish?"
"More like you have if you go ahead and marry that monster," he spat.
"Oi, you!" Harry yelled, bringing the pub to a standstill.
"Leave it, darling," Rita urged. "I'll deal with the pathetic little sod."
Norris sat upright. "You can call me all the names you want, Rita. Just don't come running to me when he's killed you."
Rita laughed. "The way yer've been carrying on since I turned yer down if anyone'll be killed it'll be yer and by me own hands. And even now yer expect me to prefer yer to Harry. Yer a joke, Norris. I do hope yer find yerself as hysterical as I do."
He slammed his drink down. "I'm not staying here to watch you make a fool of yourself."
"Good," she said. "Cos yer putting me off me drink. Clear off." She watched him storm out and listened as the general chatter started up again. "Little runt."
"How on earth do you put up with him?" Harry asked.
"I wish I knew," she shrugged. "I can only assume I were still suffering the effects of the carbon monoxide when I hired him. Now? He's such a mug I can take as much time off as I want with no questions. He'll moan but nowt else."
Harry was bothered by Norris's remarks. "Do you honestly think I'll try and kill you?"
She shook her head. "Not any more," she told him with confidence. "Thinking back, I don't think yer really had it in yer. I wouldn't be here if yer did. Now can we stop talking about the peasant and get back onto the subject of me ring? Where is it? I'm anxious to show the world I'm a bride-to-be again."
Harry smiled. "We'll pick one out tomorrow."
"Yer mean yer keeping me waiting?" she said. "Thought yer were keen to get me down the altar after all these decades."
"I am." He squeezed her hand affectionately. "But did you really expect me to buy a ring only for you to turn me down as well? I'm too old for a broken heart, darling."
"Yer not the only one." She squeezed back then kissed him. "Yer coming to the wedding, aren't yer, Emily?"
"I'd be delighted," she replied.
"Just as long as yer remember yer plus one in't the peasant," Rita reminded.
"I wouldn't dream of inflicting him upon myself for the day let alone the happy couple," she smiled. "And speaking of inflicting I think I ought to go home and block my ears to Norris's ramblings. The sooner I get it over with the sooner I can go to bed. I hope you don't mind."
Rita was a little disappointed but decided not to show it. "Course not. I understand perfectly. As a matter of fact, I'm a bit tired meself. Been a long day when yer get no younger and annoying peasants ruin yer birthday even when yer don't want to be reminded. We'll walk back with yer."

Inside number three, Norris was busy pacing. Finally he heard a key in the lock.
"Good night," Emily said then closed the door behind her.
"Ah, there you are," he said.
"Yes, Norris," she sighed. "Here I am. Well get it over with. I know you are impatient to."
Norris was offended. "It seems I'm the only one concerned for Rita's welfare all the while she's with that bully."
Emily sighed. "You're not."
His jaw dropped. "I-I thought you were all for this relationship."
She shook her head. "We can both see Rita is making an enormous mistake only it is for different reasons. Yours is pure jealousy."
"That's not true!" he defended.
"Isn't it?" she asked sternly. "She made it perfectly clear she doesn't want any sort of relationship with you apart from as a friend. Therefore it wouldn't matter who she became involved with because you would be against it."
Norris fell silent. "You could be right. However I'm sure anyone else wouldn't have tried to strangle her."
"No," she concurred. "She may trust him after their past life together but I most certainly do not."
"We've got to stop her," Norris said.
"We most certainly will not," Emily told him firmly. "Rita has to make her own mistakes. She would never forgive either of us if we appeared to interfere. She shall need her friends when she discovers the truth so we need to force ourselves to be pleased for them both."
"It won't be easy," Norris remarked.
"Nothing of this sort ever is," she said. "Cocoa?"


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 12

The following morning Harry woke and found the bed empty. He got up, opened the door and was surprised to see Rita sat on the sofa. "You've got your coat on."
"Course I have," she chuckled. "Today's the day yer go halfway to making an honest woman of me after nearly forty year."
He glanced at the clock over the fireplace. "It's not even seven thirty."
"No," she smiled. "But there's nowt to say we can't be outside that jeweller's as they open. Hurry up and get dressed. I've waited all these years for yer to put yer hand in yer pocket and put a ring on me finger. ring on me finger. Think I'm going to waste more vital seconds?"
He went to her laughing as he sat and put his arm around her. "There was the slight matter of my wife."
"Excuses, excuses," she winked.
He rested her head against hers and sighed contentedly. "Who'd have thought a few months ago we'd have ended up here?"
"Not me," she said. "Especially when yer were choking the life out of me. Three times."
He cast his eyes downward feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry."
"It's past now," she dismissed. "No point dwelling on any of that before what happened at Christmas. Nowt can change it. It's helped make us who we are" She kissed him tenderly.
"It didn't help make you such a wonderful woman, because you were that already," he cooed.
"Flatterer," she smiled, stroking his face.
"I mean it, Rita," Harry told her sincerely. "I'm going to do things right this time. I'd be a fool to ruin it again."
"Well, yer haven't hit or tried to kill me once since we got back together at the end of the year," she replied. "Never took yer long in the past to give me bruises so yer must be doing summat right."
He gazed into her eyes. "I don't deserve you."
"Well yer've got me so stop complaining," she smiled coyly.
"Who's complaining?" he schmoozed, leaning in for another kiss. "I'll never hurt you like that again, Rita."
"Yer better not," she warned. "One raised hand and yer out of me life for good this time, Louise or no Louise."
He nodded. "And I wouldn't blame you. I'm still surprised you took me back in the first place. I wouldn't have blamed you if you told me to get lost."
"Well I told yer I nearly did," she sighed.
"Then why?" he asked.
"Unfinished business perhaps?" she shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe I were curious to see how much yer reckoned yer'd changed. All I know is yer always managed to have some sort of power over me. There were always summat about yer which made me go back for more. Not being hit. I don't mean like that. I don't know how to explain it. It were just summat too strong between us for me to keep up me resistance for long."
"Lust?" he suggested.
She burst out laughing. "More than likely."
"I won't let you down, sweetheart," he told her, taking her hand.
"Yer better not," she replied. "Today we'll get that ring. Hey, yer know we've not even set a date yet? How do yer fancy eloping? I've never done that."
He laughed. "I'd love to elope with you but I don't think Louise will forgive us if she misses out on her parent's wedding."
"Wedding at last, yer mean," she winked. "Yer right. That's if she's happy for us in t'first place."
"She will be," he assured.
"Well, if she in't, then we can elope?" she asked.
"Yes," he smiled then kissed her. "I'd better get washed. Got a jeweller's to get to."
She watched him head to the bathroom to shower and sighed heavily. She looked at the wedding photo of her and Ted on the sideboard, got up and went over, picking it up and running her finger along his image. "I wonder how it would've turned out if yer hadn't had the tumour? Yer weren't like the rest. Even when we did have our few rows, that's all it were. I know wherever yer are yer probably thinking I'm making the biggest mistake of me life even contemplating a future with Harry after what happened all them years ago, never mind after we clapped eyes on each other again a few months back. Maybe I am. Everyone since yer has been. But then I always were a fool to meself. Age has done nowt to give me sense where men are concerned. The only time I weren't daft were when I wed yer. I'd never met anyone like yer before and never will again. I wish we'd fallen in love sooner or just had longer when yer were ill. No use wishing though, is it, Ted? Can't change owt. I'm still here and yer not no matter how much I want yer to be. I just have to make the best of me opportunities whether they're wrong or not. Though Norris were plain daft imagining I'd jump at being Mrs Cole. Maybe I ought to tell him he reminds me too much of Gilroy only is more irritating so it'll never, ever happen. Harry's full of good intentions now. We'll see if he keeps it up. I'd be a fool not to give him a chance. Sounds like I'm trying to talk meself into it. I probably am that too." She kissed the image. "I still love and miss yer, Ted. Have to put yer out of sight though if I'm to have a future with Harry." She walked to the bedroom, sat at the dressing table, propped the photo against the mirror and opened the drawer, taking out her jewellery box. She stared hard at the rings on her hand then looked at the photo again. "Nearly sixteen years I've worn these and never taken them off. It's harder doing this than it were with Len's but then he had sullied things by having an affair up until he died." She took a deep breath, slowly pulled the rings off, put them in the box and closed the lid. She picked up the photo, kissed Ted again then put it in the drawer before placing the jewellery box on top then slid the drawer back in place. She brushed away a tear as she returned to the sofa to wait for Harry.

Half an hour later they emerged from the back of the shop. Norris stiffened as he heard them come down the stairs, wondering what Reet's mood would be after his behaviour the previous night.
"Good morning, Norris," Rita greeted breezily as she went past.
"Morning, Rita," he replied. "Er, Rita?"
She stopped and turned. "Yes?"
"I want to apologise for the things I said to you last night," he said. "It was unforgivable."
"Yes," she stated flatly.
"I shouldn't have said what I did," he continued.
"No," she replied.
"I was being childish," he added.
"Yes," she said.
He was slightly taken aback by her succinct responses. "I hope you and Harry will be very happy."
"We will be, if only to spite yer," she replied defiantly. "That it?"
"Yes," he nodded.
"Good," she went on. "Me and Harry are off to buy the ring. I trust yer have no objections."
"None at all," he replied. "Take as long as you like."
"I intend to," she said then put her arm through Harry's. "Come on, darling. Let's leave him to it."
Norris watched them disappear through the door then sighed heavily with relief she was still talking to him.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 13

Several days later Rita was packing.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Harry asked, sitting on the bed.
She shook her head. "Mavis will definitely not approve even when I tell her face to face. Even though she never knew yer, she knows how yer used to treat me. I know she'll try and talk me out of it and it'd be worse on the phone. Yer know how stubborn I can be. I'll slam it down and lose me best friend."
Harry began to worry again. "Think she'll manage it?"
She put her hand on his face. "I won't let her." She kissed him. "I'm a big girl. I know what I'm doing. Lot of water's gone under the bridge in those thirty-six years since we'd last seen each other. Still don't trust yer entirely."
"Don't blame you," he concurred. "I have a lot of proving to do. Not to mention making up for the four years of hell I put you through."
She zipped her case up and sat beside him, putting her arm around his shoulders. "If yer love me as much as yer say, that'll come easy and yer doing a good job so far."
"Am I?" he asked sceptically.
She stroked his face. "Yes. Think I'd be planning me wedding if yer weren't? I'd have turned yer down faster than I did Norris and that were pretty rapid."
"Well that's Norris so who wouldn't?" he chuckled. "I'm going to miss you."
She smiled. "I should hope so. But yer've got me mobile number. We can talk any time."
"Yes," he said glumly. "Unless you're too busy enjoying yerself."
She pulled away. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"With Mavis," he told her.
Her eyes narrowed. "Liar." She stood, grabbed her case and hauled it off the bed, wheeling it into the hall.
He followed. "Rita-"
"Forget it, Harry," she snapped. "So much for all that stuff yer've been saying. Nowt's changed really, has it? How long before yer hit me?"
"I won't!" he replied. "I love you."
"Yer were meant to before," she snorted. "Still ended up covered in bruises." She snatched her coat off the peg and put it on.
"Rita, please," he pleaded. "What did I do? What did I say?"
She ignored him, instead looking at her new engagement ring. "Maybe this is a mistake after all. I'm getting a very strong sense of deja vu." She pulled it off and put it in the palm of his hand.
"What are you doing?" he gasped.
"What's it look like?" she replied then pushed past him to collect her handbag from the lounge.
"Don't end it, Rita," he said on the brink of tears. "I'm begging you."
She stared at him. "Not me decision. It's obvious yer don't trust me. I don't want owt to do with anyone where there's none of that."
"I do trust you," he stressed. "Put the ring back on. Please." He held it out hopefully.
She looked at it. "No. I'm going now."
His face fell. "I'll carry your case."
"And put yer back out so yer'll have summat else to lay at me door?" she stated. "That's what Norris is for." She descended the stairs.
He was crestfallen but went after her, determined to put whatever she thought he'd done right. "Rita, please. Don't go like this."
"Put me case in the car, Norris," she instructed just as Harry appeared behind him.
"Why can't he do it?" he asked.
"Are yer going to do it or do I get a new business partner?" she barked.
"All right," he sighed then disappeared, keeping an ear out to overhear their conversation.
Harry looked pitifully at her. "I love you, Rita. I want to marry you."
"Marry me?" she snapped. "Or try and control me like all them years ago?"
"I know you can never be controlled," he replied.
"Didn't stop yer trying though, did it?" she replied bitterly.
"That was then," he said.
"And it's now, Harry," she stated.
"I don't want us to be over," he pleaded again just as Norris emerged, feeling smug Rita had come to her senses as he took the case outside.
She rubbed her forehead and sighed. "Neither do I."
"Then put the ring back on," he said. "We can continue looking forward to our future as before."
"Yer don't get it, do yer?" she continued in exasperation. "We won't HAVE a future with yer getting jealous. I've been there before and won't go through it again."
"I'm not getting jealous!" he defended desperately.
"No?" She raised an eyebrow.
He cast his eyes downward. "I love you so much. Is it so wrong to get a little jealous from time to time?"
"Yes!" she screeched. "Because I know from past experience what comes next."
"It was different then," he replied. "I was drunk."
"Not always," she recalled. "I never did owt then to betray yer trust. I never once did owt behind yer back."
"Except give our baby away," he retorted.
She turned away from him, tears stinging her eyes. "Goodbye, Harry." She crossed to the door.
He dashed ahead and barred her way. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.
She avoided his gaze. "Too late."
"I don't want to lose you again, Rita," he said earnestly.
"Well yer going the wrong way about it," she sniffed, fighting back the tears. "This time apart will give us both a chance to think about things."
"When will you be back?" he asked.
"Who knows?" she shrugged. "Could be a few days. Could be a week. Could be never. I could be too busy enjoying meself(!)"
His heart was breaking but stepped aside as he opened the door for her. "Just remember while you're away I love you very much and I want you to be my wife BECAUSE I love you, not for any other reason. If you decide that's it, I'll have to accept it. There never was any arguing with you once you'd set your mind on something. If you decide you do want to marry me, you know where I am when you come home."
She said nothing as she walked past and went to her car. She noticed Norris's expression. "And yer can stop that an' all."
"Stop what?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"Even if me and Harry are over," she hissed, "and it's a big if, peasant, there's still no way all the while there's breath in me body I'll consider marrying yer instead. Not even I'm that desperate." She got in the car, spotting Harry lurking in the doorway of the shop, her own heart breaking.
Norris went over to him as they watched her drive away. "I take it now it's finished between the two of you we won't be seeing you around here any longer."
Harry's heckles rose but contained his temper as he knew Norris would only squeal to Rita how he'd been beaten up by her boyfriend. "Who says it's finished? You really must control that wishful thinking of yours, Norris. It was just a row. We had plenty of them in the four years we were together."
"I suppose she ought to be grateful she went to visit Mavis without a black eye or cut lip then," he replied haughtily.
Harry closed his eyes. "Me and Rita will be getting married in July whether you like it or not."
"Oh?" Norris said. "Going to frogmarch her to the registry office and force her to sign the register, are you?"
He laughed. "I won't need to. She loves me. ME, Norris. Not you. She'll marry me willingly. You'll see. See you around."
Norris bristled. "No. You'll see when she sees you for what you are and calls it off."

After a couple of hours Rita pulled up outside Mavis's bed & breakfast. She turned the engine off, held the steering wheel and sighed heavily. Although it was always nice to see her old friend, the main reason for the visit had gone after the events that morning. She was determined not to let Harry spoil it. She knew from the past he'd like nothing better. Her thoughts were interrupted by Mavis calling her. She looked round and smiled, getting out of the car. They embraced.
"It's good to see you, Rita," Mavis told her. "Come in out of the rain. We'll bring your case in later."
Rita smiled. "Thanks, Mavis. Good to see you too."
Mavis closed the front door. "Tea? Coffee?"
Rita undid her coat. "Coffee."
Mavis took it and hung it on the peg. "Milk or vodka?"
Rita laughed as they headed for the kitchen. "Why vodka? And don't say it's because yer think I'm an alcoholic."
"You mean to tell me you've stopped pouring vodka on your cornflakes?" she quipped, switching the kettle on.
"Who said I have cornflakes for breakfast?" Rita chuckled.
"Neat vodka then. I'll remember that for the morning," Mavis joked.
"Five bottles," Rita winked.
She laughed. "Seriously, Rita," she continued. "Is everything all right? You look out of sorts and appeared much happier on the phone yesterday when you asked if you could come for a few days."
Rita leaned against the worktop and folded her arms. "Everything's fine. Even better now I'm here." Her mobile rang. She delved inside her bag, pulled it out and switched it off.
Mavis noticed her friend's expression. "Who was that?"
Rita dropped the phone back in the bag. "No one important."
The kettle boiled. Mavis switched it off and filled the mugs with water. "A man?"
Rita began to feel uncomfortable. "Whatever give yer that idea?" she scoffed.
"Because I know you far too well after all these years," Mavis reminded. "It's not that dreadful Norris, is it? I couldn't believe it when you told me he had the nerve to ask you to marry him." She stirred the coffees, put the spoon in the bowl and passed one to her.
Rita picked it up and sipped. "Neither could I. But no, it weren't Norris. Now can we change the subject? I came here to see yer not talk about me trials and tribulations."
"Where's your rings?" she asked.
"Oh thump," Rita responded, trying to think on her feet. "I must've left them in the bathroom. I were running late."
Mavis suspected she wasn't being entirely honest as she knew they hadn't arranged a specific time for her arrival but decided not to pursue it further. "Easily done."
"So, how's business?" Rita said, changing the subject.
"Thriving," she beamed. "Even though it's still winter people aren't put off coming to this part of the world. You should have come in with me."
"I always were stupid," she noted flatly. "Perhaps if I had..." She trailed off, thinking about the mess her life had become since Mavis left. "Is it too late to become a partner?"
Mavis was surprised. "Are you that desperate to get away from Weatherfield?"
"I'm always desperate to get away from Norris," she remarked.
"That wasn't what I asked, Rita, and you know it," she pointed out.
She said nothing as she looked at her, finished the dregs of her coffee and put the mug down, glancing out of the window. "Looks like that rain's stopped. I'll go and get me case."
Mavis looked on as her friend walked off, unsure what to do next.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 14

Days passed and Rita was still down in the dumps while trying to be cheerful. Mavis wasn't fooled but decided to let her tell her what was wrong in her own time. As she was cleaning she heard a phone ringing. She put the duster down and followed the noise, eventually spotting Rita's flashing on the bedside table. She picked it up and answered out of curiosity when she saw the caller was someone called Harry. "Hello?"
<"Finally you've answered the phone,"> Harry replied in relief. <"Darling, how long are you going to keep this up? I said I was sorry before you stormed off and I still am. What more can I do? You know how much I love you, Rita. Please let's sort this out. I still want us to get married and have your ring right in front of me. You'll make me the happiest man on the planet if you come home and put it back on your finger where it belongs. I haven't told Louise anything about this yet. Don't want her to know her parents have fallen out again thanks to my stupid actions. Rita? Rita? Are you there?">
Mavis's eyes widened in disbelief as she sank onto the bed. "No she isn't. This is Mavis."
Harry was embarrassed. <"Oh. Hello, Mavis. Where's Rita?">
"Gone for a walk," she told him. "She's been doing a lot of that since she got here."
<"Do you know when she'll be back?"> he asked, wondering how much she knew and whether he'd dropped Rita in it.
"No," she replied. "But I'll tell her you called. Goodbye." She disconnected and was bewildered. "Parents?" The front door slammed.
"Mavis?" Rita called. "Are yer in?"
Mavis gathered her thoughts. "Up here!" She quickly put the phone down and went over to the door.
"What yer doing?" Rita asked suspiciously.
"Just checking to see what needs cleaning," Mavis replied
"Oh." Rita went past and spotted her mobile had been moved.
Mavis decided now was the best time to confront her. "Who's Louise?"
Rita's heart sank. "Louise?"
"You had a phone call," she explained. "Someone called Harry."
"Yer had no right answering me phone!" Rita yelled.
"It may have been important," Mavis defended. "Besides, if you didn't want it answered you shouldn't have left it behind and switched on."
She snatched it up and turned it off. "I won't make that mistake again. What did he say?"
"He said he was sorry," she recounted. "That you know how much he loves you. He has your ring and wants you to get married and hasn't told Louise her parents have fallen out again. Are you going to tell me what that's all about?"
"No," Rita said.
Mavis was getting frustrated. "What's going on, Rita?"
Reet fought back the tears. "It's none of yer business."
"As one of your oldest friends, I have a right to know," Mavis pressed.
"Yer may be one of me oldest friends, Mavis," Rita snapped, "but that don't give yer any rights. Am I going to get the inquisition for the rest of me stay?"
"I want to help you with whatever this is about, Rita," Mavis replied.
"I can sort out me own problems," Rita barked.
"Since when?" Mavis retorted.
Rita glared angrily at her, picked up her case and threw it on the bed.
"What are you doing?" Mavis asked, getting to the end of her tether.
"Leaving," Rita sniffed, throwing her clothes into it. "I'm not staying here to put up with that from you of all people."
Mavis wasn't impressed. "That's right. Run away. It's what you always do when you refuse to face up to things. At one time it used to be Blackpool. Just don't use me as your bolt hole again. If you ever want to stay here in future I'll want paying unless you've come genuinely and not just because you're feeling sorry for yourself. I'll leave you to it. Safe journey."
Rita angrily hurled a few tops into the case but the tears came. She collapsed on the bed crying into the pillow.

A short while later she went downstairs. She looked for Mavis, eventually spotting her in the garden and joined her. "Mavis? Mavis, yer right. Yer always are."
"I did say I know you far too well," she replied.
Rita smiled weakly. "And it seems yer do. I'm sorry."
"You never could fool me, you know," Mavis said. "I've always known when you were putting a brave face on."
Rita sighed. "Yer must be the only person I never could fool. Well, yer and Harry."
"Are you going to tell me about it?" she asked.
A tear trickled down her face. "Where do I start?"
"The beginning would be an idea," Mavis smiled at her in reassurance, leading her to a bench where they sat. "Which would be by telling me who Louise is."
Rita swallowed hard. "My daughter. And before yer say owt, I know what I told people. It were true when I told them. Just weren't before."
"Did Len know?" Mavis wondered. Rita shook her head. "Is she his?"
"No," she sniffed. "She were born a year before I'd met him."
"Then who...?" Mavis's jaw dropped open in realisation. "Harry Bates?" Rita nodded. "Was that him on the phone?" Rita nodded again. "And you were intending to marry that man after the way he treated you?" Rita nodded. "Well I can honestly say I thought you couldn't shock me any more. How wrong I was. Why?"
"I love him," she admitted. "And before yer tell me I'm an idiot, I already know that. Can't help me feelings. I always were drawn to him. Yer have no idea how much I wish I weren't. I hated him and the last thing I ever wanted to do were come face to face with him again. Circumstances forced that. But after he accidentally put Louise in hospital while trying to kill me, he managed to break me resistance down."
Mavis was shocked. "Wait a minute. He was trying to kill YOU? And you still agreed to marry him?"
"He was angry," Rita told her.
"Clearly(!)" Mavis snorted in disgust.
"He'd just found out I'd lied to him about Louise," she replied.
"Why are you defending him?" she asked. "There are no excuses for violence."
"I know," she agreed. "He hasn't hurt me again and we've been happy since I gave in to me feelings at Christmas."
"Then what are you doing here?" Mavis wondered.
Rita wiped her eyes. "Apart from being daft? I were coming anyway then before I left Harry said summat and that set the alarm bells off. I realise now I overreacted. I took it to mean summat it didn't. He still wants me which is a good thing. I were getting worried I'd blown it." She looked at Mavis. "I know yer think I'm making a huge mistake. I need to follow me heart though, Mavis. Me feelings for him are stronger than anyone I'd met since Ted. Yer can understand that, can't yer?"
Mavis nodded. "I don't agree with what you're doing but it's your life. Why didn't you tell me any of this?"
"I didn't know how to," she confessed. "Not that yer were always judgemental. But I knew yer'd talk sense to me and I didn't want to hear it. I tried so hard to fight how I felt right from when we were at the hospital waiting for Louise to come round. We got talking and hostilities dropped. I'm scared we'll end up the way we were before. I can't manage to stop meself though. Me head's telling me to run a mile." She sighed. "But me heart and me body ache for him."
"When did you find out about Louise?" Mavis asked.
"November," Reet replied. "Yer remember her surely. Louise Fletcher? Used to come in for sweets then teen magazines. Redheaded girl around Jenny's age. Wanted to be a singer and came to me for advice."
Mavis thought for a moment. "She's your daughter?"
Rita nodded as the tears streamed down her face. "All them years watching her grow up and I had no idea. Not that she believed that for a long time. She hated me, Mavis. Blamed me while Harry were the innocent party when it were his fault I gave her up and told him she were dead in the first place. She's got over it now but all that hostility of hers just brought me and Harry closer together. We were united in trying to make her understand. He kissed me not long after she came out of hospital. I got out of there fast. I were afraid I'd give in if I stayed. He promised he wouldn't do it again and kept to that. I tried to avoid him as much as I could but she kept throwing us together. Christmas Day he won. She'd left us alone. I tried to leave and he kissed me. Maybe it were all the booze making me drop me guard. I don't know. I'd done a very good job up till then anyroad. It were a mistake. Should never have happened. He agreed and promised it wouldn't again. Two days before New Year he came round. Neither of us had to say owt. I just knew how much I wanted him. Norris found out and yer can imagine his reaction after I'd rejected him. Not much changed when I agreed to marry Harry either though he seems to have accepted there'd never be owt between us now and appears to be happy for me. Course I noticed that smug look on his face when me and Harry rowed before I came here. Bet he had a good gossip after I'd driven away." She sighed again, wiping the tears away with her hand. "I thought being here after the row would make me see sense but it hasn't. It's made me miss him even more. What's wrong with me, Mavis? That man used to beat me to a pulp on a regular basis. He put me in hospital. Nearly killed me and me unborn baby. Why am I having owt to do with him? Okay he may have changed after so long but what if he hasn't? What if, because I can't tell him where to get off, I'm setting meself up for a fall and probably down some stairs with him doing the pushing? Why the heck am I so weak when it comes to Harry flamin' Bates?"
Mavis comforted her. "I wish I could tell you, Rita. At least you're wise enough to know what might happen."
"But can't manage to walk away," she noted.
"Perhaps that will come," Mavis suggested. "You're not the same person you were then. You've been through so much since and it's made you stronger."
"Has it?" she sniffed sceptically, wiping her nose. "Not from where I'm sitting."
"You'll know when to end it," she replied. "You've got a good instinct so trust it."
Rita laughed scornfully. "Me instinct didn't do me much good with Alan, did it? And it didn't do me much good when I were with Harry before. I knew then I should have walked out but I loved him too much. I knew I should've let that Carole Burns have Alan after the way he'd conned me into lending seven grand I never did get back but went begging for him to come home instead. I'm just a mug, Mavis. Let men like that treat me badly and I do nowt to prevent it."
"Alan was different," she pointed out. "All right you loved him. But you also had Jenny to keep happy and she did everything in her power to keep you two together right down to giving him the idea of the surprise wedding. If she hadn't been in the equation I'm sure everything would have worked out differently."
Rita sighed again, remembering her confession to Emily about imagining Jenny had been the daughter she'd given up. "I told yer yer'd be right. She wanted the perfect family. But then so did I. If it had been just me and him no, I wouldn't have wanted him back. He couldn't be trusted. Carole Burns or whoever would be welcome to him. Yer always did talk sense to me, Wilton."
"That's what I'm here for," she smiled. "I'm the voice of reason."
Rita smiled genuinely for the first time in days. "And I don't know what I'd do without yer." They hugged.
"What are you going to do about Harry?" Mavis wondered.
She shrugged. "I still need to think long and hard about that one. Louise is away working. Don't even know we got engaged. She's not due back for another week. Gives me more time to consider if me future is with her father or without."
"Well you know you can stay as long as you like," Mavis told her. "And I'm sorry for what I said to you earlier."
"Yer were right though," Rita replied. "AGAIN. I were feeling sorry for meself. I should've told yer all this sooner so it's me who should be apologising."
Mavis shivered. "It's getting chilly. Are you coming back in?"
Rita shook her head. "I think I'll sit out here a while. I need to clear me head."
Mavis stood. "Don't catch cold. You are an impossible patient and I refuse to play nursemaid."
Rita laughed. "Bet yer would in the end. Yer wouldn't be able to resist then constantly tell me what a huge sacrifice you made."
"I'll sacrifice you over the barbecue the moment you sneeze," Mavis replied. "That would cure you."
"Like to see yer try," Rita chuckled. "Go on. Get in and put t'kettle on. I won't be out here long. Promise."
Mavis went back inside in silence, still worrying about her old friend.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 15

More hours passed and Rita's mood had lifted now she had unburdened herself to Mavis. She was helping her with the meals for the couple of guests who had requested them and were paying extra for when the doorbell went.
"I'll get it," Mavis said then disappeared.
"Hello, Rita," a voice said shortly afterwards.
Rita turned from the stove, tears welling in her eyes. "Harry. Oh, Harry!" She rushed up and threw her arms around him. They kissed passionately. "What are yer doing here?"
"Mavis called me," he explained. "Told me if I wanted to save our relationship to get here pronto."
Rita looked at Mavis through the tears. "Thank yer."
"Had to put a proper smile on your face somehow, didn't I?" she replied.
"And yer have, Mavis," she beamed, wiping the tears of joy from her face. "I'll take him upstairs. More private to talk." Mavis raised an eyebrow. "TALK. Since when did yer get such a mucky mind, Wilton?"
"Since first working with you thirty-five years ago," she replied. "You corrupted an innocent girl over a number of years."
"Didn't take much corrupting as far as I remember," she remarked. "And don't try and make out yer were purer than the driven snow back then. I know what yer got up to in Majorca." She looked at Harry. "She pulled there. She pulled in Blackpool eleven years later. Did I get a sniff? Did I heck."
Harry felt pangs of jealousy at the thought of Rita with other men and uncomfortable she was telling him this, even in a jokey way.
"As I recall, Rita," Mavis began, "you had a go at me when I pointed out you and whatever his name was in Blackpool were getting a little cosy saying you'd do what you liked."
"Yers were the only one not married though," Rita countered. "Them two with me and Bet were only after one thing and neither of us gave it to them. Yer ended up having a better holiday than the pair of us put together. Same as in Majorca. How come yer always had a more successful love life than me?"
"I don't know," she shrugged. "I could hazard a guess but I value our friendship too much."
Rita laughed. "And yer'd probably be right there an' all. Come on, Harry, before she gets really rebellious and pours that sauce over me head." She took his hand and led the way up to her room, locking the door behind her. "I'm so glad to see yer."
"Are you?" he asked, wishing he hadn't heard that conversation.
She put her hands on his face. "Yes." She brought his lips down onto hers. "I missed yer very much. I'm sorry for the way I acted t'other day. I were being stupid. I love yer, Harry, and want to marry yer if yer'll still have me."
He put his hand in his jacket pocket and pulled put her engagement ring. "Good job I brought this with me, isn't it?"
She held her hand out eagerly as he slid it back on. "Yer've forgiven me for behaving unreasonably then?"
He put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. "I can forgive you anything." They kissed passionately. He spotted the case lying open on the bed. "What's all that?"
She pulled away and pushed it to the floor. "Nowt."
He crossed to her, gazing deep into her hazel eyes as he stroked her hair. "Is this where you make it up to me?"
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "If yer like."
"I do," he cooed, kissing her again.

Back in Weatherfield Norris was about to shut the shop for the day when the door opened.
"Surprise!" Louise announced with a huge grin on her face which soon fell when she saw only he was there. "Where's me mam?"
"Gone to visit Mavis," he replied.
"Dad gone too?" she asked.
"Hardly," he scoffed. "They had a bust up. She broke off their engagement."
Louise was stunned. "Wait a minute. Engagement? What engagement?"
Norris felt smug again. "You mean they didn't tell you?"
"Obviously," Louise replied impatiently.
"Harry proposed in the Rovers on her birthday and she accepted," he explained. "Didn't take her long to see sense and change her mind. Course he reckons she'll change it back and they will get married in July but I can't see it myself. Once Rita's set her mind on something there's no going back. I should know. Better off without him anyway."
Louise felt her heckles rise. "That's me dad yer talking about." She pulled the phone out of her bag and dialled. "Mam?"
<"Hello, darling,"> Reet said cheerfully on the other end. <"Where are yer?">
"In the shop," she told her. "What's all this about getting engagement and yer and me dad falling out?"
<"Norris,"> she said flatly. <"And I bet he just loved telling yer about that, didn't he?">
"A bit," she chuckled.
<"Well it were true,"> Rita continued. <"But we've made it up now. I were being stupid. Too touchy after what happened last time we were together. It were a simple misunderstanding, that's all. Yer dad's here with me and I've got that ring firmly back on me finger where it's staying."
"Why didn't either of yer tell me yer were getting married?" she wondered.
<"We were going to as soon as yer got home,"> Rita replied. <"I'd have been back before yer only yer early. Well? What do yer think? Be honest, love. Do yer want yer parents to marry after all these years?">
"Course I do," she said. "I'd better go. Phone needs charging. When are yer back?"
<"Couple of days," Rita said. "Can be sooner if yer like.">
"No," Louise replied. "Yer just enjoy yerself. We'll catch up in a few days. Bye mam."
<"Bye, darling,"> Rita said.
Louise disconnected and looked directly at Norris. "I'm sure yer'll be very pleased to know the wedding's back on."
Norris was shocked. "What? How?"
"Dad's with her at Mavis's," she replied. "She sounded very happy on the phone and is wearing her ring again apparently. See yer, Norris."
Norris said nothing as she left. He couldn't understand what had happened. Did he go up there or did she invite him? He desperately wanted to know what Harry had done to worm his way back into her affections but knew he daren't ask for fear of abuse. He decided he would have to get Emily to find out as Rita was more likely to tell her than him.

The day Rita and Harry returned to Weatherfield arrived. She helped him load the cases into the car after breakfast then returned inside to get her coat and bag and say goodbye to Mavis.
"Thanks for everything, Mavis," Harry said sincerely. "If it hadn't been for you, Mrs Stubborn here would still be ignoring me."
"Better than being Mrs Miserable," Mavis remarked.
"In a few months I'll be Mrs Bates and ecstatic," Rita interjected.
Harry kissed her. "I'll wait in the car."
Rita watched him go and sighed. "Don't say it."
"How do you know what I was going to say?" Mavis asked.
"I'm a mind reader," she smiled.
"I want to see you happy, Rita," Mavis said. "I'm just not sure you ever truly will be with him."
"There's no guarantees with owt in life," she admitted. "Yer should know that." Mavis nodded. "Look at yer and Derek. Twelve years before yer finally got to that registry office. On and off more times than that oven, even jilting each other leaving the rest of us to clear up the mess. Then there were when he came back and told yer he were married to that Angela. Yer should've run a mile but yer didn't. There were always summat drawing yer to him no matter what he'd done or what mess he got yer into. That's like me with Harry."
"Derek never laid a finger on me though," Mavis pointed out.
Rita cast her eyes downwards. "No." She looked up again. "And maybe Harry won't this time."
"Maybe," Mavis replied doubtfully.
"I'm sorry yer don't approve, Mavis," she said, "but I won't fall out with yer over it. I know yer have yer reasons. I love him. Nowt more, nowt less."
"Are you quite sure you do, Rita?" Mavis wondered. "Or have you just got carried away with everything?"
Rita frowned. "What do yer mean?"
"First your daughter turns up then you're face to face with him," she said. "The happy family yer said yer always wanted. Are you sure it's not really a case of what might have been and you're living out a fantasy?"
"Of course I'm not living out a fantasy," she snorted. "Do yer think I'm that daft or desperate for a fella at my age?"
Mavis gave her a knowing look. "My gut instinct is you think you love him and are willing to put your own life at risk by having anything at all to do with him just so Louise isn't forced to take sides. You said yourself she hated you for a long time while he did nothing wrong in her eyes. In her shoes, she would choose him over you. You're staking your life on this."
"Harry isn't going to kill me!" Rita shrieked, totally outraged her old friend could say such a thing.
"Why not?" Mavis shrugged. "You told me he tried to after seeing you again."
"That was because I'd lied to him," she defended. "I'm not going to have this conversation."
"No you're going to stick your head in the sand as usual," Mavis retorted then sighed heavily. "Look, Rita, I'm sorry. It had to be said. If he turns out to be the world's greatest husband then fine. I'll accept I was wrong. However I don't trust him an inch and neither should you. Not until he's done far more to prove he really has changed."
"And he will," she told her confidently. "Yer'll see. I take it yer won't want an invite to the wedding."
"Only if you don't want me there," she said.
Rita hugged her. "Course I do. Wouldn't be the same without yer." She let her go. "We'd better be off. Long drive ahead." She headed towards the car and got in. "Thanks for putting up with me moping and snapping."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," she smiled. "Look after her, Harry."
"I fully intend to," he assured.
Mavis was sceptical but said nothing. "Drive carefully. Bye." She waved them off then returned inside where she picked up the phone. "Hello? Emily? I tried but she won't have any of it. Harry Bates has been promoted to saint in her eyes since she saw him again. As much as I hate it, we're just going to have to sit back and be there for her when she discovers the truth. The more we try and get her to see sense the more she'll be determined to go through with this and we may end up being cut out of her life for good."


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 16

Several hours and a clear road later they arrived back in Coronation Street. Rita pulled up outside her garage and turned off the engine.
"Norris won't be too happy," Harry observed.
"Norris can get stuffed," she replied. "I'm not marrying him, thank heavens."
"You saw his reaction when you stormed out of here," he reminded. "He'd like nothing better than you being a single woman again."
"More like liking nowt better than me losing me senses and agreeing to be being Mrs Idiot," she snorted. "And as long as there's breath in this body I'll never agree to that."
Harry put his arm around her shoulder and leaned in closer. "I should hope not otherwise you'll never be Mrs Bates."
She gazed deeply into his eyes as if hypnotised and swallowed hard. "Which is summat that's been a long time coming."
As they kissed Norris popped onto the street to change the headline and almost dropped the paper when he saw them. He was at a loss to comprehend how she could not see what her friends could about that man. As the car doors opened he concentrated on the job in hand, pretending not to have noticed them.
"Afternoon, Norris," Rita called, slamming the door.
"Oh, hello, Rita," he responded, trying to be nonchalant. "Did you have a nice time with Mavis?"
She nodded as she went round to the boot. "Aren't yer going to say hello to Harry?"
"Hello," he replied reluctantly.
"Your enthusiastic greeting is overwhelming(!)" Rita noted, opening the boot. Norris pulled a face. "Bring the cases up then I want to see the books to make sure yer've not lost me any money during me absence."
Norris was offended. "As I own a share in this shop, Rita, I'm hardly likely to do that, am I?"
She shrugged. "Yer may do out of spite cos I'm marrying Harry and not yer."
"Carry your own cases," he snapped. "Be a novelty for you actually doing something yourself." And with that he stomped back inside.
Harry sensed her temper growing so held her back. "Ignore him, darling. He's not worth it."
"I'm get the pathetic little runt later," she hissed. "He's only jealous."
He spotted Norris lurking the other side of the window. "Then let's give him something to be jealous about." He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, keeping one eye on his rival while smirking inwardly. Once Norris had disappeared he removed his lips, job done. "Think that would do?"
"Only if he'd seen it," she replied, breathless.
"I'm sure he will have somehow," he told her confidently. "You know he can't resist watching."
"Always was a perv," she chuckled, kissing him again. "Leave the bags. That peasant WILL take them in if it's the last thing he ever does."
Harry smiled. "Remind me to sell tickets."
"Sell out!" she beamed.
"You shouldn't have to put up with that," Harry stated.
"But I do," she replied. "I wish I'd never have agreed to the partnership. Little weasel manipulated me. One of the biggest mistakes of me life."
"Why don't you buy it back?" he asked.
She laughed. "Don't think I haven't tried. He won't budge no matter how much I've offered above the market value."
He put his arm around her. "Perhaps now I'm well and truly on the scene with no sign of disappearing he'll change his mind."
"What a lovely dream," she smiled. "Except Norris is me worst nightmare. Come on. It's freezing out here." She closed the boot and took his hand. "Let's get inside and warm up."

Night had fallen and Norris was just locking the shop after a long day. He hadn't expected Rita to actually do any work as she rarely did when she deigned to show her face. But the fact she had let herself fall under Harry's spell again made him spit feathers. He hated having promised Emily he would go along with it and pretend to be happy because even Rita wasn't stupid enough to believe that. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't prevent the bitterness and anger over her rejection while she then took up with a wife beater creeping into his voice. As he turned the sign he suddenly felt himself rammed forcefully against the door. "T-the money's in the till," he stammered.
"I don't want any money," he heard a voice hiss.
"Harry!" he gasped in fear.
"Rita was clearly wrong about your intelligence," Harry noted sarcastically. "Worked that one out pretty fast, didn't you?" He grabbed him roughly as he turned his rival to face him.
"W-where's Rita?" Norris asked, hoping she would come and rescue him.
"In bed where I left her," Harry smirked. "God, even at her age she's still a passionate woman. Not that you'd know anything about that, would you? Or ever be likely to get the chance."
Norris began sweating profusely. "W-what do you want, Harry?"
"Tell me, Norris," Harry said, ignoring the question. "Before you proposed, did you have fantasies about her, eh? Wondered what she was like in bed?" Norris quickly shook his head. "Maybe STILL have them, eh?"
"N-no," he stammered, wishing either Rita would appear to finally see Harry's true colours or he would just leave him alone.
"Liar!" Harry growled, teeth bared, clutching his collar tighter. "She's mine, Norris. Do you understand that? MINE! I've waited a long time to get that ring on her finger and no snivelling little get like you is going to prevent that. She loves me. That won't change no matter what you try and do. In fact, carry on. You're just driving her further into my arms every time you open your mouth."
"And how would she feel about you if she knew what you were doing right now?" he challenged. "She'd drop you faster than a hot poker."
Harry grabbed Norris around the throat. "Are you brave enough to tell her? In fact no. I DARE you to tell her. We'll soon see whose side she'll take. With a prize like Rita, it's winner takes all and I'll be the winner, Norris. You can guarantee it."
Norris felt helpless. "What hold have you got over her?"
"It's called love," he smirked. "Something you know nothing about. And she'll believe anything I tell her over you any day. I've proved to her I'm not the same man I was then and she believes me." He released his grip.
Norris pulled a face. "Pity it's more of your lies then. I see through you. Emily sees through you. Even Mavis does. It's only a matter of time before Rita does as well. Or do you plan on turning her against her friends?"
Harry laughed. "Friends? That's a good one. You want to get into her bed. That's your only motive for interfering. What does she need you lot for when she's got me and Louise? We're all she needs."
Norris was struck with confidence. "You must be really worried she'll come to her senses. After all, she's already broken the engagement once. She could easily do it again."
"She won't," he replied. "She admitted she overreacted before she went to Mavis's."
"Or you convinced her it was her fault," he countered.
"Why don't you ask Mavis?" Harry said. "After all, she told me when she phoned to get me up there so I didn't need to do anything."
Norris swallowed and cursed under his breath. "You'll get what's coming to you. Rita and even Louise may think you're the world's perfect man but they'll soon learn the opposite is true."
"You just carry on dripping your poison into Rita's ear, Norris," Harry grinned. "See where that gets you. Best thing you can do for all concerned is sell her back your share of the shop. I know she'd like that. She told me as much after your little row earlier."
Norris brought himself up to his full height. "More like you would. Well I can tell you if I were ever to consider selling, it wouldn't be while you're around."
Harry lunged at him. "Sell her your share and quit your job otherwise I'll make life very difficult for you."
"Why do you want me out of the way so badly?" Norris wondered. "What do you plan to do to her with no one to protect her?"
Harry laughed again. "The only one who'll be protecting her is me. We'll finally be a family after all those years she denied me my own daughter."
Norris got nervous again. "Is that why you're doing all this? Some sort of sick revenge?"
"Revenge?" Harry replied. "I happen to love Rita. Not that you'd understand that. I foolishly let her go once. I don't intend to ever again. Now I've got her back, I'm keeping her no matter what. This time it really will be till death us do part. I'll make sure of that."
"Her death I expect," Norris sniffed.
Harry slammed him hard against the door. "What do you take me for?" he yelled. "I'm not a murderer. I didn't kill her before, did I? She's upstairs in good health, isn't she?"
"Doesn't mean you won't this time," Norris pointed out.
"I haven't laid one finger on her since we got back together," he defended. "Do you honestly think I'd still be here if I had? Rita's not as stupid or gullible as you'd like to believe and neither am I. I've been given another chance with her and I'm not going to mess that up for anything. So bad luck, Norris. You and the rest of your coven will have a long wait for me to put a foot wrong where Rita's concerned."
"We'll see," he sniffed haughtily.
"Yes we will," he agreed. "Just like you'll see when she becomes Mrs Bates. Now are you going to tell her you're retiring and she can buy your share or do I persuade her she'd be better off selling up and getting away from this street altogether? You all seem to think I have some power over her so just imagine what I'd be capable of doing."
Norris sighed, resigned to the fact he was beaten for the moment. "All right."
"When?" Harry pressed impatiently.
"When I find the right moment," Norris replied.
"Just don't take too long," Harry warned, a clear edge to his voice before smiling. "Don't forget to lock the door on your way out and see you in the Rovers later if you're there."
Norris watched him disappear through the back and wiped his face, realising Rita wouldn't be the only one to regret knowing that man. Harry had been right of course, as he'd discovered when he tried warning people about Richard Hillman. He wasn't going to be so blatant about it this time. He got his coat, let himself out and decided he needed time to formulate a foolproof plan to make Rita to see reason before it was too late.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 17

Harry returned to the flat full of himself. Despite what the others thought, he really did love Rita but hoped he would be able to keep his temper under control around her. Apart from him not wanting to lose her again, he didn't want to give Norris, Emily and Mavis the satisfaction of being thrown out on his ear so was determined to prove them all wrong.
"Where have yer been?" Rita called from the bedroom.
He pushed the door open and found her sat in front of the dressing table. "Eating your profits. Don't mind, do you?"
She raised an eyebrow. "No because they'll be coming out of the peasant's share."
He leaned over and kissed her tenderly. "You do know how much I love you, don't you, Rita?"
"I should do after all this time," she giggled. "What are we going to do tonight?"
"Rovers?" he replied.
"Great," she beamed. "Give us a minute to put me face on then I'm all yers."
He wrapped his arms around her, head resting on her shoulder. "You're mine already and I'll be more happy and proud when we walk out of that registry office with you as my wife."
She wrinkled her nose. "Yer say the sweetest things. July's such a long way off."
"We can always bring it forward," he suggested.
She shook her head making his heart sink. "As much as I love yer, Harry, and want to marry yer, yer still have to prove yer not the same man yer were all them years ago. I keep getting these nagging doubts. Daft I know. But I can't shake them."
Harry moved away. "What's Norris been saying to you?"
"Nowt!" she cried. "This is me, Harry, no one else. I put up with four years being on t'other end of yer moods. We've only been together again two months. Is it any wonder I'm not a hundred percent certain yer not taking me for a ride so yer can use me as a punchbag again?"
He sighed. "No. Put like that, you have a point."
"I've already seen yer still have that temper of yers when yer tried to throttle me then Dev," she explained. "It's not surprising I have doubts."
"I won't hurt you again, Rita," he vowed.
"And that's another reason," she reminded. "How many times did yer say that during those years? This is the honeymoon period and we all know what happened after it ended last time. I'm not going through that again, Harry. Yer the only one who can get rid of these doubts."
He returned to her. "And I will. I promise." He kissed her tenderly. "I'll wait for you in the lounge." He left her to it and hit the wall outside in frustration. Another four months with Norris and his cronies working on her. He resolved to make certain they had no effect and she became his wife at all costs.

Several hours later in the Rovers Harry and Rita were sat in a booth with Norris and Emily. Norris sensed Harry didn't want him around but he was determined to make him as uncomfortable in his presence as possible after the events earlier.
"I've been thinking, Rita," Norris began, under Harry's watchful eye, "and have decided to sell my share of the partnership."
"Is this because I'm marrying Harry rather than yer?" she asked.
He shook his head. "I haven't enjoyed it for some time now. Our working so closely together all these years has clouded my judgement and made me see things which weren't there. Like how I had feelings for you, for instance. I don't really. I am very fond of you but that's all it is. When I proposed I was just at a low ebb with Angela dying and meeting her other surviving ex-husbands. I suppose I wanted to prove something to them more than anything."
"So yer don't love me after all?" she queried dubiously.
He shook his head again. "It was all in my head, as you said when you turned me down. Which you were right to do. In the cold light of day, although I smarted about it for a while, I would never have gone through with it. You're not really my type."
Rita was shocked but also delighted. "So why are yer selling?"
He fiddled with the beer mat. "Angela's death in the prime of life made me realise life's too short to be standing behind a counter all day. I simply don't want to do it any longer. I'm going to retire and do some of the things I've never had a chance to."
"Are yer sure it's nowt to do with Harry?" she asked sceptically.
"Quite sure," he told her. "I've been thinking about it for a while. I see you and Harry happily planning a new life together and it made me realise I ought to be out there doing that. I'm very sorry for the way I've behaved towards you over the past few months, Rita. Especially after you got back with Harry. I value our friendship enormously."
Rita was touched, tears filling her eyes, but Harry wasn't taken in. Instead he smirked inwardly Norris was doing exactly what he'd demanded.
"I hope once I leave the Kabin we can continue to be friends," he continued.
She put her hand on his which made Harry glower. "I'd like that," she smiled. "When were yer thinking of leaving?"
Norris noticed Harry's expression and quickly removed his hand. "Once the sale's gone through. If that's all right with you both."
"Nothing to do with me," Harry shrugged. "It's Rita's shop. Up to her."
"Of course it's all right with me, Norris," Rita sniffed, wiping away a tear. "Gives me time to find a replacement. Then we'll give yer a retirement party to remember, eh?"
Norris smiled. "Look forward to it. Thank you, Rita. And I hope you and Harry will be very happy. I mean that sincerely."
Rita smiled back. "Thanks, Norris. After the past few months that means a lot."
"Right," Harry said. "My round. Same again? Give us a hand, darling."
Norris and Emily watched them go up to the bar.
"Have you taken leave of your senses?" Emily wondered in hushed tones. "If you retire you're leaving her alone with him."
"I'm not retiring, Emily," he assured. "Harry threatened me in the shop earlier. Told me to sell so I've agreed. Doesn't mean the sale has to be straightforward, does it? There are a lot of legalities which could hold it up."
"I see," Emily realised. "Very clever I must say. But what about you not having feelings for Rita and wishing them happiness? We both know you didn't mean a word."
"I'm playing the long game," he explained. "I learnt my lesson with Richard Hillman. I'll make Rita believe I mean what I say while at the same time being a thorn in his side. He'll slip up before their wedding day. He won't be able to help himself then her blinkers will be removed. It's just a matter of biding our time."

At the bar Harry was edgy even though Norris had done what he'd told him to.
"Everything all right?" Rita asked, noticing something clearly wasn't.
He was distracted. "Fine, sweetheart. I was just thinking about what Norris said."
She looked at him blankly. "What about it?"
"Don't you think it was all a little too convenient?" he replied.
"Yer don't believe him," she said flatly.
"It's quite a sudden turnaround so no, I'm afraid I don't," he told her. "I think he's up to something."
"Like what?" she frowned.
"He's made his feelings about us pretty clear for the past two months," he explained. "Even this afternoon when we got back. Now he's decided to retire? Something doesn't smell right."
Rita looked across to see Norris and Emily huddled together in deep conversation then returned her gaze to Harry. "Yer could be right. I'll have to make sure that sale goes through quickly."
Harry put his arm around her, beaming smugly. "You do what it takes, darling."
"I thought I'd find yer two in here," they heard a voice say behind them.
Rita broke into a grin. "Louise!" She turned and her face fell when she saw Dev beside her.
"Evening, Rita," Dev smarmed.
"Are you back together?" Harry asked.
Louise nodded. "We certainly are." She sensed her mother's disapproval. "By the way, I got another singing job on a cruise ship so we've come to celebrate."
Rita was bursting with pride. "Oh, darling. That's wonderful. When do you leave?"
"Anyone would think you can't wait for her to go," Dev replied with meaning.
"She's my daughter," Rita stated. "I'd like to know how long she'll be around for."
"Not till June," Louise quickly added before her mother and lover came to blows. "A week to the Fjords on the QE2."
"Only a week?" Rita asked.
"You sound disappointed, Rita," Dev said.
She glared at him. "She's worth more than a week, that's all." She looked again at her child. "I've sung on the QE2."
"Course you have(!)" Dev replied sarcastically.
"I don't care if yer don't believe me," she spat. "It happens to be true. I were on a cruise with Mavis. Alec Gilroy, me former agent, asked me to sing on t'last night instead of his sister. He worked for Sunliners who owned the ship at the time."
"Well it's wonderful news," Harry grinned. "Hey, why don't you go with her?"
"Me?" Rita gasped.
Harry nodded. "Give you both a chance to get to know each other better. What do you say, Louise?"
"Great," she said. "If mam doesn't think she'll be bored."
"With me daughter around?" Rita chuckled. "Not a chance. Harry, this calls for champagne, what with Louise's new job and Norris leaving his. I'll just pop over to the shop and book it now. That's if Louise doesn't mind sharing with her decrepit mother."
Louise forced a smile. "Course not."
Rita beamed. "We'll have the time of our lives. Thanks for suggesting it, darling." She kissed him. "Back in a tick."
"Liz, a bottle of your finest champagne," he ordered while Louise stood there silently.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 18

The next day Rita was busy in the shop. She hadn't been so happy since she couldn't remember when.
"Did you book a nice cabin for you both?" Norris asked, pleased she'd be getting away from Harry, albeit only a week, and hoped she'd change her mind about marriage during the trip.
She nodded. "Bit pricey though. It hasn't half gone up since they announced the sale of the ship last year. Still, as I'll be with me daughter, it's worth every penny."
"Doesn't she get her accommodation for free?" he wondered.
She nodded again. "She's going to have a word with them about me only paying half. I suppose really I should've waited but I were that excited last night I couldn't think straight."
"I'm sure you'll both have a lovely time," he told her sincerely then added quickly, "Harry will miss you."
"He'd better," she chuckled. "I'll miss him but it will be wonderful being with Louise. I haven't had much of that since I found out she were me daughter." She fell silent for a moment. "Have yer done owt about selling yer share yet?"
"In a hurry to get rid of me?" he joked. She shook her head. "No, not yet. I'll make an appointment with the solicitor today."
"Can yer put if off a bit?" she asked seriously.
Norris got his hopes up. "Any particular reason?"
She fiddled with the counter display. "I know yer've got plans. But this cruise is costing over three thousand as Princess Grill were all that were available. Double if I do end up paying for us both. So I wondered if yer minded waiting until later in the year? Yer can still retire if yer want. But can yer do it after the wedding? I need someone I can trust to keep an eye on things while I'm on the ship and me honeymoon."
"Course not, Rita," he smiled then a thought struck him. "Does Harry know?"
"Not yet," she admitted. "I haven't had a chance to tell him. I only thought if it just now. Not that it's any of his business anyroad. Why? Think he'll thump me?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Of course I don't," he blustered. "At least I hope not." He noticed the way she was glaring at him. "I just mean I think he...I mean both of you, were expecting my retirement to be done and dusted in a matter of weeks."
She pouted. "Things change," she shrugged. "And frankly I think spending the money on a trip with me daughter is far more important than buying yer share back. Harry'll understand. After all, it's not as if yer never going to sell, is it?"
"No," he lied.
"It's just been put back a few months," she went on. "I think we can have it all finalised by t'end of the year then yer can begin 2009 doing whatever yer want with all that money."
He sensed her unease but said nothing, just pleased she did believe Harry could hit her over this. Although he was very fond of Rita and never wanted her to get hurt physically, he wished Harry would do something to open her eyes as it seemed to be the only way she'd realise it was all an act.
She checked her watched and sighed. "Right dinner. Better go and break the news to Harry." She went out the back.
Norris followed. "You don't seem too keen on the idea. "You shouldn't be frightened of him."
"Who said I were frightened?" she snorted. "We'd just made our own plans for after yer retirement after getting back to the flat last night, that's all. Harry won't mind. Yer'll see. See yer later." She went upstairs and looked at her reflection as she put her coat on. "Come on, Sullivan. Don't be daft. It's yer life after all. Just don't stand for any nonsense if Harry does owt."

Harry was in the kitchen at his house when he heard the key in the lock. He wiped his hands and went into the living room. "Hello, darling," he beamed, kissing her. "How was your morning?"
"Fine," she replied softly, taking off her coat.
Harry helped her. "Wheels in motion for you to buy back Norris's share?"
She pulled her arms out of the sleeves. "Eager for him to sell, aren't yer?"
"Only if it gives you a bit of peace," he replied.
She brushed stray hair on her forehead away with her finger. "It'll do that all right. But I've asked him to postpone it until the end of the year." She anxiously awaited his outburst.
Harry momentarily paused as he was hanging up her coat. "Sure it wasn't his idea?"
"It were mine, Harry," she told him. "What with paying for this cruise, I simply can't afford it right now."
"With all your money," he remarked.
She began to get nervous and wondered if Norris was right after all. "Which is mainly tied up in the business. Going with Louise were yer idea after all."
"Okay," he shrugged. "So is he still planning to retire?"
She nodded. "But I've asked him to stay on until after we're married. He can do what he likes afterwards."
He kissed her. "Well it's your business. Up to you what you do. I won't interfere. Now are you hungry? I've made sandwiches." He returned to the kitchen, picked up a tea towel and wound it round in frustration, imagining it was Norris's neck. He couldn't believe Rita could do something like that when she wanted him gone as much as he did. Or did she? He glanced at her sat at the table with thoughts of her and Norris running through his head. He went to the sink, splashing cold water on his face to try and calm himself down and control his jealousy. Why can't it be straightforward? he thought. Why has that little get got to continually stick his oar in? He'd bet all the money he had Norris was hardly reluctant at the offer of the end of the year. He knew he was up to something and this confirmed it. "I won't let him and his cohorts win," he vowed silently, picking up the plates and carrying them to the table. "Hope that's okay. In this weather something cooked would be better but I knew you wouldn't want me risking burning the place down. I'd end up having to move in with you permanently."
Rita looked up at him and smiled. "Maybe yer should then."
Harry pulled the chair out and sat beside her. "Should what?"
"Move in," she replied. "Or, better still, I could move in here with yer. Louise is only next door-"
"When she's there," he interrupted.
She smiled. "Makes more sense for us to live together since we're in each other's pockets as it is. Besides, I know it were my idea to wait before Norris sells his share, but I don't trust him in the slightest. He jumped at the delay rather too quickly and were under the impression yer'd hit me for it."
Harry put his arm around her. "He doesn't know me too well then."
"I thought yer'd hit me for it," she confessed.
"But I love you, Rita," he implored. "I keep telling you I'm a changed man. It was you who wanted me to remove your doubts after all. I'm happy to go along with whatever you want."
She kissed him. "I love yer, Harry Bates."
He stroked her face. "And I love you, Rita Sullivan."
"When do yer want me to move in?" she asked.
He leant back feeling smug. "Whenever you like, sweetheart."
"Weekend?" she suggested.
He nodded. "Fine by me. Now eat your dinner. I'll fetch the tea."

Over at the Kabin, Norris was hoping Harry had done something, even if it meant just yelling, to make Rita come to her senses. He was in a world of his own and hadn't heard the door open.
"Norris?" Louise repeated, clicking her fingers in front of his face.
He snapped out of it. "Oh, afternoon, Louise. What can I do for you?"
"Is me mam in?" she said. "I went to the pub and she's not there."
"She's gone round to your father's for dinner," he told her. "Also to break the news our partnership won't end until the end of the year which I expect he won't be too pleased about."
She ignored that remark. "I'll pop round there then. Thanks, Norris. Bye."
Norris broke into a grin at the image of Louise arriving to witness her precious father hurting her mother.


To be continued....