Chapter 2

Stella: My husband Danny was on yet another emergency shift at the mine; he was the Foreman now. Danny stood six foot six and weighed two forty nine; nobody gave any lip to Big Dan. Over the years he’d saved the lives of two fellow miners. To those he worked with every day; and often through the night, he was a hero. Year in, year out, Danny did the graft and brought home the bacon. Yet as his wife, I would have preferred him to be spending some time with me on a week-end?

I know I had Anita at home but she had become completely taken-up with her pony riding set. So to avoid yet another blank space in my life I’d opted for a week-end with James! I’d reclaimed James from my past. He was now my oasis of leisure, pleasure and delicious sex.

On this occasion though, having settled down with James with a glass of wine, I put something perfectly respectable to him, “Have you realised that your niece Anita is now a teenager James? She still loves riding her pony but I think she really needs to mix with other people more.”

“My niece? You mean Anita; well no, I didn’t know, I mean I can’t remember when I last saw her actually. Do you think I should get her a present or something Stella?”

“Oh men!” I said wearily, James she’s a teenager! She needs be part of what’s happening in the world. You could take her to MacDonald’s for a burger; that kind of thing; she’s really cute now!”

“Well yea, I could do that I suppose. What should I do; ring her or something? “Yes, look I’ll give you her number. It’ll be a surprise getting a call from her uncle. Pick her up on a Saturday morning and take for a burger! Make a fuss of her, like an uncle should!”

Well, Anita hit it off well with James. For the past couple of years I’d only ever seen my daughter in her pony-riding garb; but she looked a little peach when she dressed to impress her uncle. As I watched her leave with James I was pleased because ... well, Anita didn’t know that James was actually her bio-father. No one did. I knew it was sentimental of me, but I wanted them to share some of their lives together; that’s just how I felt.

Anita was taken with discovering she had a cool and generous Uncle; so another outing was pencilled in for the cinema! But a week later, after going the cinema, it was clear to me on their return that James had got sweet on her; because I’d noticed a love bite on her neck! That was a bit more sharing than I’d envisaged. But suddenly there was a more serious worry for me; my husband Danny was seriously ill! With any moderate exertions, Danny became unnaturally short of breath! A clear sign of a failing heart. The doctor said his arduous work at the mine had been a contributing factor. The tests Danny trawled through, resulted in the need for a major heart operation; and one he may not necessarily survive! He would be in hospital for a number of days and I would be with him, especially through the overnight danger period! I asked James if he could possibly keep Amanda company by staying at my place that night. He assured me he would.