The Draw

33

It had been three months since Dans accident and he was pretty much healed up. The scars on his stomach had faded, the cast now gone. He was easing himself back into work by recording a new album and doing a few shows in England. Will, Kyle and Woody had helped him get back to his normal self by taking him out drinking a few times. The boys had all met Evie too and were as fond of her as Dan was. And vice versa. Evie just loved being the centre of attention and she now had four new friends.

Stacey still hadn't been able to talk Liam round. Until she did she couldn't contemplate letting Dan have her on his own, not without his consent. Dan had asked a couple of times but Stacey had said it wasn't time yet. They had a few hours a week all together, trips to the zoo, the cinema, the park. Daniel was spoiling her rotten. Anything she wanted, she got. Much to Stacey's dismay.

'Shes got you wrapped round her finger.' Stacey told him as she dragged them into the Disney shop.

'I don't mind.' He said.

'But it's me that will have to deal with her tantrums when I say no at home.'

'She'll be fine. She'll just do it with me.'

'So when she's 18 and wanting to bring boys back, I'll ring you then?'

'Nope. Because I'll kill any boy who comes near her.'

Evie was so in love with him. The few days after a visit, he was all she would talk about.

'And Dan bought me a new hair clip with Minnie Mouse on and a dress and a bag bbut they are at his house for when I go there to play.' She told Liam over the dinner table.

Things between Stacey and Liam had not been good. She was doing her best to tolerate his lack of enthusiasm towards the situation. She'd ignored it. She'd challenged it. She'd even begged him to come with her one day and meet him. That had been met with stoney silence. Lately she had been counting down the days to his trips abroad. When he was home he would be polite and he would kiss her and make small talk. But it wasn't like before anymore. She thought she'd been a good wife to him. And it broke her heart that he wouldn't accept what was going on.

'Do you like Dan?' Liam asked Evie.

'He's alright.' Evie shrugged and ate her mash. 'He said I can have a sleep over one day. Can I go daddy?'

This was bound to cause an argument.

'Sure princess. If you want to go.'

'Thank you daddy!' Evie suddenly jumped down from the table and her little legs took her off upstairs, Stacey shouting to her to come back and finish her dinner.

'Happy now?' Liam asked her. There was no hiding the distaste in his voice.

'I think it's time, Liam. He adores her and she likes him a lot.'

'Well you've got your own way now.'

'Please don't be like that.' She put her hand on his and he forcefully pulled away. 'Honey?' She could feel the tears welling up behind her eyes. He had never done that before. 'I wish I could make you understand-'

'Understand how he's wormed his way in and ruined our lives?'

'He hasn't ruined anything. Can't you see this is a good thing? Evie can go to his and we can have some time together. And she can grow up with two amazing male role models. You're making such a big deal out of nothing.'

He slammed his arm down onto the table, making the plates and glasses clink. She jumped a little.

'He left you. He cheated on you and left you, pregnant and alone and not once did he ask how you were. Then he comes back and you go running to him.'

'He has apologised and explained why he did what he did. And I believe him. Why isn't that enough for you?'

'Never bothering to contact you while you were pregnant?'

'I told him not to.'

'If that was me, I would never have let you stop me. I would've been there for my child. The only reason he's back is because he had some shitty near death experience. And you should never have gone to see him in the hospital.' He had never raised his voice at her. But he was getting louder and louder with every word.

'Liam I had to. You have to understand that he was my best friend.'

'And I am your husband.' He roared. 'And I'm asking you please. Stop. Stop him before she gets too attached and breaks her heart.'

'That won't happen. He's really taken with her, he wants to have her over nights and-'

'You can't see it. Can you?'

'What?' She was getting upset now.

'A year ago you said you would never let him near her. And now he wants her overnight? What has he been saying to you to make you change your mind?'

'The truth. He's changed.'

'You've changed.'

'Thats not fair. I am doing my best here, for Evie.'

'It's not fair. I am her dad. I'm the one who's been there since she was 6 months old. I've brought her up like my own. And he comes swanning in and scoops her up and now he's playing daddy.'

'Nothing will change that Liam. You are her daddy. He is her father.'

'I can't do this. I never signed up as step dad. You need to make a choice now. It's me or him.' The words rang in her ears, echoing around. She could feel her heart being torn apart.

'Liam. No.'

She began to sob. Surely he wasn't willing to end their marriage because of this?

'But you are her dad too. And my husband. I am not making any choice.' She could barely get the words out, her voice was shaking too much.

'Then I'll choose for you. I need you to leave. Now.'

'What?'

'I want you out, both of you.'

'Liam? What are you doing? Why?' He was pointing to the door.

'Because the second he was back on the scene I knew this would happen.'

'Nothing's happening! Jesus Liam. Will you listen to yourself? Do you think I'm cheating on you? Is that it?'

'No, not yet.'

'You think I would do that to you?'

'Why would you want me when you have him?'

'Because I love you. Because I married you.'

'Then tell him to fuck off and leave our child alone.'

'No. I won't do that-'

'Mummy, I've packed my bag ready for Dans house.'

Evie was stood in the door, her little suitcase behind her, staring up at her and Liam, confused.

'Good girl Evie. Shall we go put you in the car now?' Liam asked, scooping her up and walking to the front door. Stacey wanted to scream and shout, but she had to remain calm for Evie. What was he doing? Was he being serious? Did he honestly want them both out right that moment?

'Liam?' She called.

'I'll get her in the car while you grab some things.'

'No. You can't do this.'

'You can come back when I'm away to get the rest of your things.'

'No....'

But he had shut the front door behind him, leaving her stood there in shock.