Christmas to Come: a heartbreaking coming of age saga set in London's East End by Carol Rivers (first e reader txt) 📕

woken up at Piper Street in the big double bed that belonged to Micky's parents, she had imagined their first night of romantic night of passion. The dream had been so real that she thought it would come true one day. She wanted to wake up like they did on the films, safe in the arms of her hero. To find herself in a dingy hotel room on the Tottenham Court Road had shattered her dream. There had been nothing romantic about the single electric light bulb hanging by a cord from the ceiling above them or listening to the dripping of water from one of the rusty taps ground into the dirty sink. Micky had taken off his clothes at once and jumped into the rumpled looking bed. He didn't seem to notice the dowdy setting or Bella's apprehension as she shyly removed Gina's lovely dress, trying to still her trembling fingers. Micky had just laughed and grabbed her, pulling her roughly down beside him. Without pausing for the tender moment that she had expected, his lovemaking had quickly become frightening.

Lying awake as he slept, she had stared up at the dim light bulb and wondered what she had done wrong. She had expected so much more, or some tenderness and romantic words. As Micky had finally taken her, she couldn't help remembering Jack Router. Why had the picture of his face appeared in her mind? She'd immediately blocked it out and hoped Micky would stop his rough behaviour. But instead, he'd hurt her and she had tried to hide her tears, though that wasn't very difficult as it was almost as if she wasn't there. This morning she'd woken up feeling sore and unhappy. The trouble was, even one kind word from Micky made her think she was expecting too much. And when he'd dropped her off at Gina's and kissed her, giving her that smile that always melted her heart, she had begun to think that her imagination was working overtime.

'What's the matter, ducks?' Gina asked as if she could read her thoughts.

'Nothing. Just a bit tired that's all.'

'In that case, get a drink down you.' She slid the glass closer and reluctantly Bella took a sip.

'So where's Micky taking you this evening?'

'I don't know. He just said he'd call round if he can get away.'

'The question is, get away from what?' Gina raised her eyebrows.

'Work, of course.'

'I'm sure.'

Bella didn't like the way Gina kept making hints about Micky. It was the same with Micky who was always sniping at Gina. They had a strange relationship and sometimes Bella felt trapped between the two of them.

'What about Terry?'

'Micky said he could come with us.' He hadn't; it was Bella who had insisted they take Terry along. It was Christmas Eve and she didn't want him to be alone.

'Well, chin, chin,' Gina said, raising her glass. 'Let's drink up and be merry.'

They grinned at each other and just as Gina threw back her head and swallowed her drink there was a knock at the front door.

'Who's that?' she demanded, thrusting down her glass and jumping to her feet. 'Can't they read? We're closed and the sign says so.'

Bella saw two familiar faces pressed up to the glass. 'Oh, it's Dolly Taylor and Percy! Could they come in for a minute?'

Gina peered at them. 'As long as they don't want feeding, they're welcome.' She went to the door and slid open the bolt. Dolly entered, full of apologies. Percy stood uncertainly, looking very decent, Bella thought, dressed in a smart grey tweed coat and polished brown shoes. His hair had grown to collar length and his smile was wider than ever. 'Season's greetings one and all,' he cried. 'Hope we're not disturbing you?'

'Not if your friends of Bella's you're not,' Gina said as she closed the door and held out her hand. 'I'm Gina.'

Dolly shook it. 'I'm so pleased to meet you, Gina.' Dolly gazed at Gina in open admiration.

'My felicitations,' Percy beamed, pumping Gina's hand.

'Dolly and me was at school together,' Bella explained as Gina led the way back to their table. She felt guilty that she hadn't made any effort to see Dolly since the summer. When they were all seated, she looked at her friend and frowned. 'I meant to get in touch Dolly, but I've been busy. How did you know where to find me?'

'I saw Micky and asked him.'

'When was that?'

'Last weekend when me and Percy went up West to see the Red Shoes. Oh, it was lovely, all about a beautiful ballerina and a handsome composer – ' Dolly stopped as she saw the look of impatience on Bella's face. 'Anyway, we was in the queue and Micky was walking by. He was with his pals, said he was going up Hammersmith Palais.'

Bella didn't say that Micky hadn't taken her out last Saturday because he said he was too busy working. She didn't want Dolly to know that he'd lied to her.

'Anyway, Bella, I've got some news for you,' Dolly hurried on eager to expound as she pushed out her hand. 'Look, me and Percy are engaged!'

Bella gazed at the sparkling engagement ring on Dolly's finger. It sparkled expensively and made Dolly's plump, square hand look attractive. 'Oh, Dolly, congratulations!'

Gina picked up the bottle. 'This calls for another toast.'

'Oh, not for us Gina, thank you,' Dolly refused politely as Percy looked disappointed. 'I'd be tipsy before I got home.'

'When did you get engaged?' Bella asked.

'At the weekend. When Percy asked me I nearly fainted.'

'She nearly did an' all,' Percy agreed. 'Had to give her a dose of her mum's smelling salts.'

'Oh Percy, I wasn't that bad. Not really.'

'Good job I didn't ask you to elope.'

'You can never take him seriously, you know.' Dolly fluttered her eyelashes. 'And anyway, we didn't need to elope. Dad gave his permission as soon as Percy asked. Then we went out and bought the ring in Oxford Street. Do you like it?' She splayed her short, stubby