Mitchells And O'Haras: The Traitor Part 26

I won't go out of a night, babe, but I've gotta go to work to support us.'

Not of a night you won't. You can't be trusted, Jed, and if you don't agree to my rules, then I ain't moving back in with ya.'

OK, I won't work away, but most of me choring is done of a night. I can hardly do it in broad daylight, can I?'

As long as you're home by ten or something, but no later,' Frankie replied.

Jed sighed. Talk about having his f.u.c.king wings clipped. He'd been allowed to stay out after ten when he was six years old. He took a deep breath and smiled at her.

OK, so if I agree to these rules and move the trailer, are we definitely gonna give it another go?'

Yeah, but not because I want to, Jed, I'm only doing it because I have no choice.'

Whaddya mean, you ain't got a choice?'

Frankie turned to face him. I'm pregnant again. I was going to surprise you with the news on Christmas Day, but I didn't get the chance to, did I?'

That's absolutely brilliant news! I can't believe we're gonna be parents again,' Jed said, as he tried to hug her.

Don't touch me,' Frankie said, pushing him away.

Jed urged her to look him in the eye. He then gave her the melting look that he did so expertly with those bright green eyes of his. Frankie, I promise you with all my heart that from this moment on I'll be the best boyfriend and dad ever. We can book the wedding, make things official and go on . . .'

Frankie stopped him in his tracks by slapping him around the face. You're a cheat and a f.u.c.king liar. I ain't marrying you, Jed. Not now, not ever.'

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN.

1993. FOUR YEARS LATER.

Frankie heard a scream and ran outside the trailer. Harry was lying spread-eagled on the gra.s.s. What's the matter?' she asked, as she crouched down to tend to her son.

Harry sat up and pointed at his sister, who was standing nearby with a sheepish expression on her face. Georgie drop me.'

Frankie gave her daughter a gentle tap on her bottom and sent her to her bedroom. Georgie would never intentionally hurt her little brother, but she'd been told time and time again not to pick him up in case she dropped him.

As Harry stopped crying and fell asleep in her arms, Frankie put him down for his afternoon nap. She was gasping for a cup of tea and needed to tidy the trailer a bit before Jed got home. Frankie picked up the kids' toys while she waited for the kettle to boil. Satisfied that the place now looked pa.s.sable, she made herself a cup of tea and sat on the sofa.

Jed had brought their new trailer just over a year ago. It was ma.s.sive, double the size of their old one, and Frankie adored her new luxurious home. Moving to Wickford had been the best decision they had ever made. At first things had been difficult, due to Jed's affair with Sally, but Jed had kept to his word and, to Frankie's knowledge, he'd had no more contact with either Sally or his son.

Frankie was glad she'd managed to weather the storm. She and Jed got along OK now, and even though Frankie could never completely trust him again, she still loved him.

Frankie smiled as she dunked a biscuit in her tea and stared at her little pot belly. She had only found out that she was pregnant again a few weeks ago, and she was looking forward to caring for a newborn once more. Thinking of the two she already had, Frankie smiled. She adored both Georgie and Harry, but they were hard work at times, especially Georgie, who had just opened her bedroom door and was currently staring at her, with her hands on her hips.

Can I come out now, Mum?'

Frankie put her cup on the coffee table. Only if you promise not to pick your brother up again, Georgie. He's too heavy for you, and you don't want to make him ill, do you?'

Promise,' Georgie said walking towards her with her arms held out.

Frankie lifted her up, sat her on her lap and stroked her long dark hair. Georgie was such a striking girl. She had piercing green eyes, long dark hair, and was the spitting image of Jed.

As her daughter's eyes shut, Frankie laid her down next to her on the sofa. Georgie was four now and would be starting school in September and Frankie just hoped that she liked it. At times, Georgie could be a boisterous child who loved being outdoors and hated being indoors. She also had some strange eating habits that worried Frankie immensely. Some days Georgie would gorge herself senseless and other days she wouldn't eat a morsel.

Spotting her daughter clutching the doll that Alice had given her at the weekend, Frankie smiled. She hadn't gone anywhere without that doll since she'd come home; she had even slept with the b.l.o.o.d.y thing.

Frankie's thoughts turned to Alice and Jimmy. She still wasn't a ma.s.sive fan of Jed's parents, but always tried her best to be polite to them. Alice still had a habit of interfering at times. She spoiled Georgie rotten and was often critical of Frankie's parenting skills. Frankie had learned to let her comments go in one ear and out the other, but it did wind her up when Georgie came back from visiting Alice and Jimmy and played up something rotten.

Harry usually stayed with her when Georgie went to Alice and Jimmy's. A laid-back, happy child, he looked nothing like either her or Jed, as he had strawberry-blond hair and bright blue eyes. Frankie often wondered if his features favoured her mum and her brother. Harry looked very much like Joey had when he was a baby and there was certainly no one blond in Jed's family.

Thinking of her brother, Frankie smiled. He had been fuming with her when she had originally taken Jed back. Being pregnant again, Frankie, is no excuse for staying with that b.a.s.t.a.r.d. You can come and live with me and Dominic, we'll help you bring up the kids. I've already spoken to Dom and he's well up for you moving in with us.'

Frankie had thanked Joey for his kind offer, but by that time she had already promised Jed that she would move back in with him once he moved the trailer over to Wickford.

Don't come crying to me when it all goes wrong again, Frankie. I'm sick of worrying about you, I really am,' Joey had warned her.

They had barely spoken for weeks after that, but were on good terms again now. Joey and Dominic had recently moved themselves. They had bought a town house over in South Woodham Ferrers, which wasn't far from Frankie, and she often visited them with the kids.

All in all, life was pretty good at the moment. Her dad was due to be released from prison soon and Frankie couldn't wait for him to spend some quality time with her, Georgie and Harry. Another reason why Frankie couldn't wait for her dad's homecoming was because she was desperate to organise a reunion between him and her brother. They had had no contact whatsoever since her mum's death and Frankie was determined to change that. It certainly wasn't going to be easy. Joey was still very bitter about their mum's murder. He couldn't accept that it was an accident and he still vowed to this day that he would never forgive their dad for what he had done. Her dad, on the other hand, could still not accept Joey's s.e.xuality, and he swore that he would never forgive Joey for the embarra.s.sment that he had caused Ed and the family name.

Frankie's thoughts were disturbed by the sound of Jed's new motor pulling up outside. He had just bought himself a year old dark-grey Mitsubishi Shogun. It was well flash, with loads of extras on it, including a body kit.

You're early,' Frankie said, as her boyfriend walked in.

I've popped home for a bit as me and Sammy have gotta work late again tonight. He's gone to sort out the horses, so I told him I wanted to spend some time with you and the kids.'

Hearing her father's voice, Georgie woke up. Daddy,' she squealed, running towards him with her new doll in her hand.

Jed picked her up and swung her around. What's you and your mum been up to today?' he asked.

Georgie threw her hands around his neck and began to cry. I was naughty.'

Jed looked at Frankie. What's she done?'

She picked Harry up and dropped him, so I sent her to her room, that's all.'

Jed laughed. She's as strong as an ox. You'll never get bullied at school, will ya, Georgie girl?' he said proudly.

I thought we was getting a takeaway tonight with Sammy and Kerry. I went out and got us some wine and beers earlier.'

Putting his daughter down, Jed gave Frankie a tight squeeze. Something came up, babe. You know me and Sammy can't afford to turn work down. 'Ere, take that,' Jed said, handing Frankie some rolled-up notes.

What's that for?' Frankie asked.

Your takeaway. Just 'cause me and Sammy have to graft, it don't mean you and Kerry can't enjoy yourselves. There's a oner there, go and buy yourself something to wear tomorrow with whatever you don't spend.'

Georgie cheekily held her hand out. Can I have sweetie money?'

Jed threw a fiver at his daughter. That's my girl, loves a bit of wonga, she do,' he said, laughing at Frankie.

Daddy,' Harry said as he toddled out of his bedroom.

Jed picked his son up, kissed him on the forehead, and immediately handed him to Frankie. I'm running late. I've gotta have a shower, babe, I stink,' he said.

Sitting Harry on the floor, Frankie went to make the kids some dinner. Jed really annoyed her sometimes. He had all the time in the world for Georgie, but paid Harry very little attention whatsoever. Frankie opened a tin and slopped the contents into the saucepan. As she stirred the beans and sausages, suspicions began to arise in her mind over Jed's recent behaviour.

When they first moved to Wickford, Frankie had banned Jed from working nights and also going out without her. Jed had agreed to her new rules and for the first year or so had been as good as gold. During the past eighteen months, however, he had begun to come and go as he pleased again. He often stayed out all night, blaming it on work, and Frankie let him do so because she knew that Sammy was working alongside him.

Frankie forgot her worries as she saw her best friend's car pull up outside. Kerry was Sammy's girlfriend and Frankie had hit it off with her from the word go. Their trailers were side by side, and they spent many hours in each other's company when the boys were out grafting.

Sammy and Jed worked together all the time now. They were both wheeler-dealers, but earned very decent money. From the phone calls that she and Kerry overheard, both girls knew that the lads paid people to steal cars, caravans and lorries for them, which they then doctored and sold on. Kerry and Frankie never questioned their men on what they actually did. Both girls were looked after well financially, so they cared for their children, went shopping regularly, and generally minded their own business.

If it wasn't for Kerry's advice, Frankie wasn't sure if her and Jed's relationship would have ever got back on track. Things had been so strained when they had first moved to Wickford that Frankie couldn't bear Jed being anywhere near her. In the end, Kerry had given her a talking to.

If you don't start having s.e.x with Jed, he will end up going somewhere else for it, Frankie. I know it's difficult, mate, but once you get back in the swing of it, you'll be OK.'

But I can't bear him touching me. Every time he tries to, I can picture him with that Sally girl.'

Just have a bottle of wine, shut your eyes and think of England. If you don't, you'll end up losing Jed in the end. He's a good-looking bloke, he's got money and someone will snap him up if you don't start putting out, Frankie.'

Frankie had got paralytic the first time they'd had s.e.x again, but after that, things had improved each time. Jed had been tender and loving towards her and Frankie had sort of responded in her own way. Occasionally, she would get a flash of him groping that Sally tart, but she would immediately try and banish the thought from her mind. She had to make herself forget; it was the only way to move on.

As her mobile rang, Frankie took the call outside. The kids were kicking up a din, and she couldn't hear, let alone make herself be heard.

Frankie, it's Nan. I've decided to do a surprise party for your grandad on Sunday for his birthday. He thinks I'm just having a few people over for a barbecue, but it's really in his honour. I've told Jock on the quiet and he's coming over early to take him to look at a pigeon, then he'll take him up the pub. While your grandad's out I can get everything organised.'

Can Jed come with me, Nan? Seeing as it's a party,' Frankie asked.

No, love. Raymond'll be here and Joey and Dominic, so I'd rather you just came with the kids.'

OK, what time?'

Get here by two-ish.'

Frankie said goodbye and went back inside the trailer. It was such a shame that her family still refused to accept Jed. Apart from Joey, none of them knew that he had cheated on her that time, but even after all these years they still refused to allow him into their lives.

Pouring the kid's sausages and beans onto two plastic plates, Frankie smiled as her boyfriend reappeared.

You all right, babe?'

Yeah, fine. I've gotta pop over to my nan's on Sunday; it's my grandad's birthday. Have you gotta get off right now?' Frankie asked.

Jed didn't want to push his luck. I'll tell you what, why don't me and Sammy have that takeaway with you and Kerry first and then we'll get off? The only thing is, we've got two lorries to cut and shut, so we might not be back till tomorrow lunchtime.'

Frankie smiled as Jed pulled her towards him and started getting fruity. Stop it, Kerry'll be walking in in a minute,' she said, as Jed shoved his hand inside her tracksuit bottoms. He ignored her and expertly inserted his finger inside her.

What you doing, Daddy?' Georgie asked, bemused.

Just showing your mum how much I love her,' Jed said laughing.

Frankie pushed him away. Good job the kids were too young to understand what Jed was really doing.

An hour and a half later, Jed and Sammy both kissed their girlfriends and children goodbye.

Yous two ain't ate that much,' Frankie said, as she let go of Jed and happily munched on another prawn ball.

We can't work properly on a full stomach. We'll get some beers on the way to ease the boredom,' Jed explained.

What time did you say you'll be back?' Kerry asked Sammy.

Dunno, it's hard to say. I reckon about eight or nine in the morning, but it could be later. What do you reckon, Jed?'

We'll be back by twelve at the latest,' Jed replied.

As soon as the trailer door slammed shut, Kerry topped up their wine gla.s.ses to the brim. She smiled at Frankie. While the cats are away the girlies must play,' she said, giggling.

Sammy and Jed laughed as they stopped the motor, changed out of their work clothes, put on their best togs, then headed off towards Rush Green. Leading a double life was hard work sometimes, but both lads thrived on the excitement and the lies.

Yous two ain't ate that much,' Sammy said, mimicking Frankie's voice.

Little does she know I've got roast chicken with all the tr.i.m.m.i.n.gs later. I know I compare 'em a lot, Sam, but Sally do knock spots off of Frankie in both the kitchen and the bedroom, you know.'

Sammy laughed. Same 'ere, mate. That Julie sucks me cory like no girl's ever sucked it before. And she cooks a mean chicken korma.'

Chuckling, Jed turned up the stereo. Sammy was a big fan of Billie Jo Spears and Blanket on the Ground' was his favourite song. As Sammy sang along with Billie Jo, Jed sat deep in thought. When Sally had turned up at his door all those years ago with Luke in her arms, he would have never envisaged himself falling for her and being so happy. He still f.u.c.ked about with other birds, but nowhere near as much as he used to. Their romance had only started up again because of the maintenance payments. He didn't want her brute of a father on his case, so he'd started being nice to her again.

They'd met up a few times, just so he could give her some wonga, but it was when she had got her council flat in Rush Green Gardens that he'd really begun to see her in a different light.

Luke had had a big part to play in their love affair. At first, Jed had flatly refused to see the boy, but once he'd agreed to, he'd adored him on sight. Dark, feisty and brazen, Luke was like his little double. He was three now, would soon be four, and even at that tender age, the little sod had the gift of the gab. Lukey boy was everything that Jed had ever wanted in a son. Alice and Jimmy loved him as well, and he often stayed over at their house. He loved the tractor, the horses and the dogs. The kid was an out-and-out travelling boy.

Harry, on the other hand was not. He was a timid child, in his own little world, and, as much as Jed tried, he couldn't love him anywhere near as much as he had grown to love Lukey boy. He cared about Harry, obviously, but only because he was his son. It was Luke who tugged at his heartstrings and filled his stomach with pride. His parents felt the same way, especially his dad, who was totally besotted with Luke.

His mother was full of suspicion. She had never been Frankie's biggest fan. You sure Harry's yours? Blond hair, blue eyes he looks and acts sod all like any of us. I always said she was an old wh.o.r.e, that Frankie. I bet that kid belongs to some gorjer mush.'

Thinking of his number-one son again, Jed smiled. Lukey boy and Georgie were so alike, it was uncanny at times. They had never met, for obvious reasons. Jed would love to introduce them, but he couldn't risk Georgie saying something to Frankie.

Jed's affair with Sally had started again just over two years ago. He'd been popping round hers to see Luke and at the same time Sally had just kind of won him over. He could honestly say that he loved her now, probably more than he did Frankie, but leaving Frankie was never going to be an option, as he could never be parted from Georgie girl.

Sally was extremely tolerant. She understood his predicament and was more than happy to share him. The only thing he hadn't told her was that Frankie was pregnant again. He had told Sally that he and Frankie no longer slept together, but other than that, he was reasonably honest about his life at home. Frankie, on the other hand, knew nothing of his involvement with Sally or Luke. He had never mentioned seeing the boy, paying maintenance or anything.

Not one to be outdone by his cousin's romance, Sammy had rekindled his affair with Sally's pal, Julie. She also had a flat on Rush Green Gardens and Julie and Sammy had recently had a son together called Tom.

You're quiet. What's up?' Sammy said, turning the stereo down.