Teabags & Tears
TEABAGS & TEARS
KAREN WOODS
EMPIRE PUBLICATIONS - WWW.EMPIRE-UK.COM
“Come and share a pot of tea, my home is warm and my friendship’s free”
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First published in 2012 by Empire Publications
Smashwords Edition
© Karen Woods 2012
ISBN: 1901746 917
The author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
Published by Empire Publications at Smashwords
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This book is available in print at: http://www.empire-uk.com
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Wow, where did all this come from? Since writing Broken Youth I just seem to be going from strengh to strengh. The public are loving my work and I have a lot of fans and followers. Without my readers I would have probably given up a long time ago, so thanks to all my avid readers.
A big thanks to Rose who reads my tarot cards, she’s always bang on and prepares me for the days ahead. Thanks as always to my PR Judith Broadbent who is always behind me, to John and Ashley at Empire for believing in me.
To my family, thanks for being amazing - big hugs and kisses to them all; Ashley, Blake, Declan and Darcy. I love you all with all my heart. To James for all his support and my parents Alan and Margaret for all theirs. Not forgetting my grandchildren Dolton, Cruz and Marci - I love you to the moon and back.
I always try to write from the heart and tell it how it is. I’m still writing raw, gritty books and love how people are getting behind me. A big thanks to Glen Mortimer and all the actors at Stirling management. Thanks to all my facebook friends, and twitter. My website is somewhere where you can all get in touch with me too. karenwoods.co, or you can follow me on twitter @karenwoods69.
Teabags and Tears is dedicated to all us women who have been hurt in the past by men. You are not alone and always remember, friends are for life. My last thanks as always is to my son in heaven Dale. You’re always in my heart.
CHAPTER ONE
“Fucking hell, hurry up will ya, we’re gonna be late.” Sandra always wanted to be on time but no matter how much she tried the minutes just ticked away. Rushing, rushing, rushing.
“I’m nearly done. Just a bit of aftershave and I’m all yours,” a man’s voice shouted from upstairs.
Kevin was one cocky fucker Sandra thought as she huffed at the bottom of the stairs waiting for him to come down. Her hand rested on her hip as she trudged towards the mirror that hung from the wall in the hallway.
She stood yanking her Lycra dress away from her gut. She felt fat. Tugging at her knickers through her dress, she shoved her overweight belly back inside her passion killers. As her eyes focused on the mirror, she sucked her stomach in and turned to the side. “You fat twat Sandra” she whispered under her breath as she shook her head. Kevin, her husband, was coming down the stairs now. He was whistling some tune he’d heard on the radio. Pushing her away from the full-length mirror he stood admiring his outfit. Kevin was all about looking good. His dark jeans fitted him like a glove and Sandra commented that his bollocks looked strangled inside them. He smiled and grabbed at his crotch with his hand. “You’re just jealous coz you know the chicks will be looking at them that’s all.” Sandra gritted her teeth and shot him a look. She knew he was right, all the women fancied him. They gathered like flies round shit whenever he was near.
“Come on then lard arse. I’m ready when you are.” Reaching for her handbag Sandra took one last look in the mirror and sighed. Kevin dragged her away by her arm. “Posing bitch! And you have the cheek to call me vain!” he chuckled. Heading to the car Kevin chewed rapidly on his gum. It had just started spitting and Sandra held her handbag over her head as she ran towards the car. One drop of rain on her hair would cause it to frizz beyond belief.
Squeezing herself into the passenger seat she could see her stomach bulging out in front of her. Kevin saw her fidgeting. “What’s fucking up with you now? You look fine, stop worrying.” Shaking her head she scowled at him.
“I don’t fucking feel fine. I look like a beached whale.”
Turning the engine on, her husband sniggered. “Well what do you expect? You’re always in the fucking fridge.”
She became defensive. “You cheeky bastard. I’ve lost two pounds this week.”
Kevin pulled out from the driveway and continued. “Two Pounds! That’s a fucking fart. You need to get to the gym and burn some of that blubber from yer arse.”
Her heart sank. He was so cruel with his words and he never thought about how he was making her feel. Trying to get comfy in her seat she punched at his arm with force. Her face was red with anger. “Ay Mr fucking ‘All About Me’. Where’s the support? I wasn’t always like this, remember.” Kevin turned the music up and jerked his head as he sang along. She was now in a strop and pulled the mirror down to check her make-up.
Sandra was forty-two. She considered herself average looking and always tried to keep herself smart. Her hair was auburn with several blonde streaks scattered through the front of it. It always looked dry and heat damaged. Last night she’d tanned herself from head to toe and as she held her hands out in front of her she could see where she’d applied too much of it. “Fucking hell” she whispered. Dipping her finger in her mouth she rubbed vigorously at her knuckles trying to remove the dark brown tan from her skin.
“What times this fucking party starting then?” Kevin asked. Sandra glanced at her watch and tutted.
“About half an hour ago,” she huffed.
Kevin crawled out from the junction into the traffic and replied in an angry tone. “Don’t fucking blame me! You were the one in the bath for over an hour, whatever you were playing at.” He raised his eyes towards her. Sandra looked pissed off. She knew to keep her mouth shut. She was in the bath for ages but she didn’t want to tell him that she’d shaved her fanny. She wanted it to be a surprise for him later on that night. She gazed from the car window and ignored him.
Pulling up at “Billy Greens” pub you could see a few people stood outside. Kevin quickly checked his face in the mirror and opened the car door. He could see one of mates and headed towards him. As he heard Sandra close the door behind her he placed his arm over his shoulder and pressed the central locking. His walk now changed and Sandra frowned as she followed behind him like a lost sheep.
“Yo! What’s happening lads?” His mate Martin shook Kevin’s hand and spoke in a bad arse manner.
“I’ve just got here mate. It’s hammered inside though. I just got a pint and come out here for a bit of space.” Sandra was still pulling at her dress and hid her handbag in front of her stomach. Kevin patted his mate’s shoulder and told him he would see him later.
Inside the music was pumping and the DJ Reggae Ronnie was playing all the latest tunes. Tonight they were celebrating Sandra’s sister’s birthday. Sandra heard screaming from across the pub. As she looked through the crowd she could see her sister Tracy waving her arms frantically in the air. They both moved towards her through the crowd of people. The birthday girl now squeezed them both in her arms. Sandra opened her black leather bag and pulled a pink birthday card from it. She pecked her sister on the cheek as she wished her happy birthday.
Tracy was gorgeous and Sandra envied her sometimes. She was ever
ything she’d wanted to be. Sandra had always been unhappy with her body and moaned in the past at her mother asking why her two daughters were so different. Sandra’s legs were short and plump where Tracy’s were long and slender. It had been a family joke for years and Sandra had learnt a long time ago that she would always take a back seat to her confident sister.
Kevin was his usual flirty self with Tracy. He was all over her like a rash. There had always been some kind of connection between them but Sandra just thought it was a brotherly love. Kevin left them both to go to the bar. Sandra watched her sister’s eyes as they followed her husband’s perky arse towards the bar. Tracy dragged her sister by the arm over to their parents. Sandra’s mother checked her watch as she saw her. Her eyes looked at Sandra with a disapproving look.
“And what time do you call this?” Sandra ignored her and sat down. Anita, her mother, was back on her case. “I thought with it being your only sister’s birthday party you would have made the effort to be here early?” Anita was tutting and shaking her head. Sandra looked inside her handbag trying not to give her eye contact as she replied.
“It wasn’t me it was Kevin. You know what he’s like. He’s a tart when it comes to getting ready.” Kevin could now be seen holding three drinks heading back towards them. Placing the glasses on the table he picked one up and passed it to Tracy with a big smirk on his face.
“Oi, birthday Girl, get that down ya neck.” Tracy smiled and kissed her brother-in law on the cheek.
“Orr thanks Kevin. You shouldn’t have. I’ve already got two drinks from Uncle Pat and Auntie Jean.” She pointed to the drinks and smiled. “I’m gonna be so pissed tonight yanno.” The birthday girl swigged the glass of Vodka in one gulp and slammed it on the table. “Bring it on” she ranted. A song called “What’s my name” by Rhianna now played and Tracy grabbed Kevin’s hand for a dance.
“Come on Kevin. Let’s see what dance moves you’ve got.” He tried to get out of it at first but she didn’t give up that easily. She was tugging at his hand leading him towards the dance floor. Before long the two of them were bumping and grinding to the music. Sandra sat looking around at all the people in the pub. She felt lonely. The last few months had been hard for her and she just couldn’t pull herself together. Her marriage had gone stale and she knew it wouldn’t be long before Kevin traded her in for a new model. He abused her physically and mentally and he’d drained any self-confidence from her. Sandra had just given up caring.
Sandra worked as a nail technician in a local sunbed shop and loved meeting people. She’d worked there for over five years. The money was good and it kept her out of debt. Sandra had been married to Kevin for over twenty years .Her two sons were more than a handful. They kept her on her toes every day they breathed. She knew deep down inside that one day that one of them would end up behind bars.
Kevin was a bit of a wheeler and dealer in the area and had his hands in more than one pot. He’d spent several years in prison in the past but it never deterred him from earning a quick few quid. The family lived on a Manchester council estate in Monsall. Sandra’s family all lived nearby and she never thought about moving away.
“Fucking hell wallflower, move over!” Sandra’s best friend Tina now came to sit by her side. Once she squeezed her arse into the small gap next to her she placed her drink on the table. Sandra smiled as Tina spoke. “Where’s Kevin then?” Sandra’s eyes peered over to the dance floor. Tina gazed over and saw Kevin and her best friend’s sister having the time of their lives.
“Doesn’t that bother you?” she whispered.
Sandra reached for her drink. Slowly sipping her Tia Maria and coke, “Oh you know what he’s like,” she answered, “he’s always been the same with the women. I gave up caring a long time ago.”
Tina screwed her face up. “Well he’s a cheeky cunt. No way would I have my man acting like that” She was angry. Tina leant in closer so Sandra’s mother couldn’t hear her. Covering her mouth with her hand she whispered. “Tracey is just as bad as him. Look at her the little slapper!” Both of them now watched as Tracy was sliding up and down Kevin’s body with her hands all over him. Sandra was hurt but tried to keep her calm. Her mother now joined the conversation.
“Just look at our Tracy dancing. She can’t half move her arse.” Tina smirked and pinched Sandra’s leg. They both knew Anita would never have a bad word said about Tracy. Even as a kid she was always the apple of her mother’s eye. Anita turned to talk to another woman who’d just joined them leaving them free to speak. Tina was shaking her head in disgust.
“Fucking nothing ever changes does it Sandra? I mean your mam must see Tracy’s nothing but a dirty little slut.” Sandra giggled and loved how straight talking Tina was. They’d been friends since high school and she’d warned her off marrying Kevin right from the start. Even back then she hated him with a passion. She’d told Sandra in the past her husband was a womaniser. Sandra knew deep down that Tina was right, even though she didn’t like to admit it. She’d always been the underdog in the relationship and felt insecure. Kevin and Tracy were back at the table.
“Top little mover you aren’t ya Tracy,” Kevin chuckled. He now sat down opposite Sandra. He was still laughing with her sister and she could see him weighing her sister up and down. Tracy was wearing a white dress that just covered her arse cheeks, and you could see the outline of her thong underneath it. Tina noticed Tracy’s underwear through her dress. She coughed and cleared her throat.
“Fucking hell Tracy. I can see your draws through that dress.” Tracy stuck her arse out behind her and tried to look. Tina continued. “It’s not underwear that. It’s more like a fucking cheese grater. You need some like these babies.” Tina stood up and lifted her dress up revealing her big knickers. Everyone was laughing. She now paraded the floor with her skirt held up flashing her big black Bridget Jones style knickers. “Just wait till you’re our age Tracy It will all change.” Tina dropped her skirt and grabbed her drink from the table. Looking at her Sandra she smiled.
“Come on miserable arse. We’ll show em how to shake arse.” Sandra shook her head and looked anxious. Still yanking at her dress, she told Tina she couldn’t be arsed. Tina huffed. “Fucking hell Sandra, get up here now. You know you’re my dancing partner.”
“For fucks sake,” Sandra moaned as she admitted defeat. She squeezed between the two tables to join her friend. Kevin smacked her arse on the way past him. “Will you fuck off nob head” she scowled.
“Temper, temper. I’m only giving you a loving touch that’s all” he snapped. She knew she’d overreacted and reached her hand to his hair. With a quick movement she messed it up. Kevin panicked and pushed her from his side as he tried to get his hair back in style. Both women headed to the dance floor.
“Tell you what Tina. If my life doesn’t change pretty soon, I’m gonna die of boredom.” The music was loud and Tina was yelling as she danced. “You need a toyboy Sandra. No relationship, just pure sex with no comebacks.”
“I’m too old for a toyboy, love. I just need some excitement that’s all.” Tina chuckled.
“You’re never too old for a bit of young stuff. Trust me Sandra you would never look back.” Sandra sighed and carried on dancing but her mind was all over the place as she looked over towards her husband. “It’s him that makes me feel like this. Him and his fucking ego.” Tina huffed at her friend.
“I don’t know how you do it Sandra. He’s hard work. You deserve a fucking medal.” Sandra now focused on Kevin. Her hands were waving in front of her. “I mean look at him.” Sandra glanced over her shoulder as Tina shook her body next to hers doing some dance move she’d seen Tracy doing earlier. There it was right in front of their eyes. The bastard was all over her sister like a rash. Laughing at her and touching her legs. Sandra marched from the dance floor. Tina tried grabbing her back. “Hold on, where you off to? The song hasn’t finished yet.” Sandra was like a steam train heading towards Kevin with a look that could kill, held in
her eyes. Stood in front of them she placed one hand on her hip as she bent her head in towards them both.
“Ay fucking octopus arms,” she ranted. Kevin lifted his head up and stared at his wife. His face was still filled with laughter as Tracy still kept prodding him with her finger.
“What’s up with your boat race now?” he moaned.
“You’re all over my sister again. That’s what’s fucking up with my face.” Kevin’s face changed and he looked like a wrongly accused criminal. Holding his hands in the air he spoke out loud. “I’ve done nowt wrong honest.” He looked surprised.
“Orr don’t start this shit again. Every time you have a few drinks you’re always the fucking same” Sandra kicked at his calf as she moved past him. Tracy had a cunning grin spread across her face as she spoke.
“Sandra we’re only having a laugh, don’t be getting paranoid.”
“Shut the fuck up you tart,” she shouted in her face. Tracy now involved her mother and it wasn’t long till the family was at war at the table. Anita tried to make peace. It was obvious from the start she was on Tracy’s side.
“Sandra, I wish you would just leave her alone. It’s her birthday for crying out loud. They were only having a laugh that’s all. It wouldn’t do you any harm to crack a smile every now and then too you know.” Sandra looked alone and chewed on her lip as she tried to defend herself. Years of coming second best to the family slag was finally coming to the surface. She didn’t care if it was her birthday or not she was getting the truth out once and for all.
“Oh I might have known she would have told her mummy,” Sandra said sarcastically. Anita looked at her and hissed. Sandra now had Tina by her side and felt she could take the lot of them on. Taking a drink from her glass Sandra stood up and bent down towards Tracy’s face. Her sister backed off and held her head back to the seat. “He’s my fucking husband, not a doll for you to play with. You might have played with all my toys when we were kids, but not this time, trollop.” Tracy was waving her hands in front of her trying to defend herself.