Even More of Billy Gillam

7/31/2019 Even More of Billy Gillam

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Even more of Billy Gillam

Chapter six

Who`s The Daddy

Turns out that Billy`s new friend Ramish Patel lived with his

brothers and sisters in the nearby off licence which his

grandad used regularly, to regularly according to mum!! The

only reason he didnt see him on the bus was because his dad

had given him a lift on his first day in the car. How

embarrassing is that?? Explained Ramish to Billy, not am I

the only black kid in the school, I turn up with my dad on my

first day who was wearing a red turban at the time!! Billy

rolled on the grass in the park laughing, he knew then they

were going to get on great. Billy`s grandad always said neverlook at the colour, just the person underneath. Billy didnt

see colour anyway, just heard a very black kid with a strong

local accent, so funny!

Over the coming months they were stuck together like glue

and never stopped getting tired of people looking at them

like the odd couple.

Every night after their meal Ramish would ask Billy what he

eaten for his tea and Billy would say fish or stew, and

sometimes when he asked Ramish what he had eaten he

would say Ive had an English! Egg and chips! Their


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families grew quite close and Billy`s mum and Mrs Patel

became very good friends. Billy`s dad was still a bit old

fashioned but at least mum was working on him.

One day as they were walking through town a bunch of

skinheads stopped them from walking past and asked

what`s going on here then? Would that be in

general??Asked Billy? Well, Billy carried on saying, first of all

there was Adam and Eve and they had two sons, one called

Cain POW! That was about as far as he got before the firstpunch floored him!! Looking round quickly to find his

bearings he jumped to his feet just as the skinheads were

beating Ramish against the wall. As he ran towards them

with fists ready for the fray someone beat him to it. It was

grandad!!! He lifted two of the skinheads off their feet and

threw them to the ground, another one ran towards him but

he ducked out of the way, tripped him and watched him fly

through the air with a helpless look on his face. By this time a

crowd had gathered and order was restored with the

skinheads running away and threatening all as they ran. Now

Billy, I thought Id taught you better than that? Always stand

side on when confronted, harder to hit see?? Guess what?

Billy never did forget that move.

Billy very rarely lost his temper but only did so when

confronted with stupid people talking Drivel as he called

it, which means Rubbish He was at the flicks ( cinema) one

night and during the interval he and Ramish had gone to the


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foyer for some popcorn. He heard one of the local lads taking

the Mickey and saying to his mates, Why does Gillam always

hang round with that coloured lad? Arent white people good

enough for him? Billy was just about to turn on him when the

hand of Ramish pushed him back and he heard him say to

Billy, I`ll handle this.

Listen my friend, when I was born I was black, when I grow

up, I will be black and when I die I will be black, on the other

hand, when you were born you were pink, when you grow upyou will be white, when you are ill you are green, when you

burn in the sun you are red and when you die you will be

grey!! And, you have the cheek to call me coloured! Well, the

crowd in the foyer erupted in laughter and then started to

applaud, Billy got hold of Ramish`s head and made him take a

bow along with himself.Thank you one and all shouted Billy,

me and my brother are here all week. This caused yet more

laughter and Billy and Ramish walked out with their heads

held high. Unfortunately, it wasnt until later they realised

they had missed the second picture!! But it didnt matter,

that was the best night in ages!!

One night as Billy had just sat down to his tea, there was a

knock at the door, Billy knew that knock and so did his mum.

She turned round and looked at him with that What Now?

Look on her face. Billy shrugged his shoulders and shook his


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head from side to side. Not me this time he protested. He

was right, as his mum opened the door there stood PC

Wilkins, he knew Billy very well but it was mum he wanted

this time. They went into the parlour (front room) and

emerged about twenty minutes later.

Billy knew there was something wrong as soon as he looked

at mums face; she had that withdrawn look on her face just

like she had when gran died, OH GOD NO! Thought Billy. His

brothers were asleep upstairs, his dad in the pub as usual and

his sister doing whatever girls do. Billy, his mum blurted out,

its your grandad, he`s in hospital and not to good at all.

These were the words Billy had always dreaded hearing, his

heart sank and it seemed as if time itself had stood still. He

was walking through town his mum said, when for no

apparent reason was attacked by three skinheads. Billy`s

heart sank even further, so, the threats from the skinheads

that Grandad had humiliated had come true and they had

taken their revenge. Billy felt the rage well up inside him and

he thought he was going to explode, it was now time to step

up to the mark and be a man he thought. But not a word to

mum!!

Chapter Seven

Stranger things happen at sea


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Billy hated hospitals. It wasnt just the smell or the sight of

people still smoking in their sick beds as if there were nothing

wrong with them, there was talk of banning smoking in

hospitals but could you imagine all the patients stood outside

in their pyjama`s fagging it! How stupid would they look! Will

never happen he thought, but the last time he was here was

to see his Grandma and that was the last time he did. Now

here was here to visit his beloved Grandad.

As Billy walked into G2 ward he was the first to see him, heraced over and to his surprise Grandad was sat up and

chatting to the guy in the next bed. GRANDAD!! He shouted

and jumped onto the bottom of the bed. Its a good job they

didnt break my legs eh?? he said to Billy as he grabbed him

and gave him a big hug. By the time mum had caught up they

had already agreed not to mention the earlier meeting with

the skinheads. I suppose you were drunk and thinking you

were 21 again eh? Asked mum, something like that said

grandad and winked at Billy. Billy smiled but underneath

something was brewing.

The following day was a Saturday so as usual Billy helped

mum with the shopping while Dad had a lie in. Why he still

had a lie in on a Saturday and Sunday puzzled Billy as he

wasnt working anymore, must have more to drink on a

Friday and Saturday night down the club smirked Billy, but I

wish he didnt drink so much he thought.


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Shopping done it was time to call round for Ramish. As

normal he just walked straight into the shop, round the

counter and into the back where Ramish was either having

his dinner or saying his prayers! This time it was prayer time

so Billy stood silent and rigid out of respect until they had all

finished. Hello Billy! Shouted Ramishs mum, how are you

and hows your grandad? All fine and dandy he replied, Can I

ask you something Mrs Patel? Of course Billy, anything,

youre like family now. Why do you all take your shoes off

before you enter into your Mosque? Is it because its Holy

ground? Mrs Patel laughed, Thats what all the westerners

think, dont tell anybody, but the real reason is so we dont

dirty the new carpet!! Billy collapsed on the settee with

laughter, Ramish looked as embarrassed as ever, and they

both made their way out to the town centre. This was goingto be a day to remember one way or the other. Billy kept

thinking about his grandad lying in the hospital ward, feeling

guilty as if it was his fault his grandad was there. As they

turned down the main square, there stood the three

skinheads in all their vile glory outside the Wimpey bar.

Ramish looked at Billy with a pleading look of dont do it

but it was too late, Billy was on a mission. Just round the

corner was a bank with the big door and grand entrance. Billy

hid behind one of the corners and shouted Hey you

skinheads over there, whats it like to have no hair? Is it hot

or is it cold, tell me now if you are so bold!! Well, it certainly

had the desired effect! The biggest of the skinheads came


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rushing round the corner just as Billy bent down right in front

of him. He flew through the air and landed heavily in a

crumpled heap at the foot of Ramish who helped him sleep

for a little while with the aid of a small brick he had picked up

along the way. The second two followed shortly after, and as

they rounded the corner Billy was stood over the crumpled

heap of the flattened skinhead, with his foot on his back and

his arms waving in the air like Cassius Clay!

This infuriated the other two skinheads and they made a grabfor Billy but he was too quick. He ducked out of the way and

stood side on to them both waiting for the next attack. What

he didnt see was a fourth skinhead crawl up behind him and

hit him so hard he saw stars!! Ramish dived at the fourth

skinhead but was far too small for him and was brushed aside

with ease and thrown to one side, banging his head along the

way. Just before Billy regained his full faculties he was hit

again and fell to the floor. It was only the thought of his

grandad which kept him conscious, and as he struggled to his

feet for the last time a bright red Tungsten Dr Martin Boot

headed his way.

Billy closed his eyes and waited for the impact to the side of

his head but it never came!! Instead he heard a loud scream

as one of the skinheads crashed to the floor and the other

two were beaten in a flurry of punches and kicks so fast, Billy

thought he was watching a Bruce Lee film!! With every punch

and kick he heard his saviour saying Pick on a small guy


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to sit at the front of the class!! What are you up to

Gillam??They would ask, Nothing sir, honest, he would reply

but with that cheeky look and smile that God blessed him

with they never believed him! At the age of fourteen he had

come bottom of the class in the yearly exams, his mother

cried, his dad pasted him (as usual) but it was his grandads

reaction that hurt him most. The look of disappointment in

his grandad`s eyes were too much to bear and he swore to

himself he would never see that again. He had let down the

only person that had faith in him and who loved him

unconditionally and that wasnt going to happen again!!

Eventually Billy became quite the model student but his

escapades still carried on out of school hours. He couldnt

help his quick wit now could he?? And his outlook on life

would never change as he yearned to work in the countryside

where he had spent so many hours, sat, alone, planning his

future watching the wildlife roam free. This is what he

yearned, so hard work and studying was the thing to do and

he did it quite well.

Just as he turned sixteen there was a Xmas school dance and

Billy had decided to go for the first time. He had never

attended one before all the years he was there, couldnt

quite remember why but there you go. About an hour into it

he was ready to go home and headed towards the door when

this angelic looking girl came in and walked straight into


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him!! Err sorry Billy stammered, Thats ok, came the reply,

Oh! Its you Mute Billy couldnt believe his eyes and wasnt

quite sure what was happening to his heart either!! There

stood the most beautiful girl in the world who had grown up

into a picture of beauty, gone was the buck teeth, gone was

the scowling face, but the piercing voice still remained!! Well,

two out of three isnt bad he thought, hey! That would

make a good song title he thought, but soon forgot about

that as he walked her onto the dance floor, arm in arm with

his new found love and he didnt care what people thought.

Wait till grandad hears about this! He thought, and danced

the night away. Were his boyish years behind him? Was he

about to give up his cheeky ways and act his age for a

change? What do you think?

BILLY GROWS UP

Chapter Nine

Billy, I`m pregnant!!! Just for one minute the whole world

stopped still. Billy stood there statue like and bolted to the

spot! He went dizzy and thought he was going to faint.


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It had been four years since he had met the love of his life

Mary and up to now it had been uncomplicated, just the wayBilly liked it. He had also got his dream job of working as a

Mountain Ranger and passed his driving test first time!! They

had decided to move in together last year after Billy`s mum

had passed away and his Dad took to drinking even more and

was on a downward spiral of self destruction. Billy saw his

dad at weekends and always on his own and early in themorning before the days drink got hold of Dad.

What do you mean pregnant? Billy asked in a very feeble

voice that would have made a mouse embarrassed.

Don`t get too excited pleaded Mary, if you are not sure what

I mean I can always sit you down and explain about the birds

and the bee`s if you like !! She always did have a cutting

sense of humour, that and her attitude to life was the things

Billy loved about her, but a baby?? I mean, how did that

happen? Not the most intelligent question and as soon as the

sentence left his lips he knew it!! As Mary started to laugh

Billy approached Mary, took her in his arms, kissed her gently

and said What the hell am i going to tell Grandad??? Err;

dont you think we should talk about it first before we go

blabbing to everybody else? Mmm, of course youre right as

usual and with that Billy made a phone call to the Head


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Ranger explaining he would be a little late with Mary

shouting in the background He`s not the only one!!

After what had seemed hours Billy and Mary had talked

about, where, when and what the future held for them both.

They both loved each other deeply, of that there was no

doubt, but now decisions had to be made, the baby was due

in September, it was now April and of course the right thing

to do would be to get married, but, and this was a big but!!

Billy had not come from the happiest of families and didnt

want to end up like his dad. I wish grandad was here!!!

Billy decided to take the rest of the day off and spend it with

Mary but the question of marriage seemed to be just

touched on without actually being spoken about!! Eventually

Billy brought the subject up, well, in a roundabout way that

is. Mary? He asked, Do you think baby bump (as they had

now nicknamed he or she) would appreciate it if we were

married? Well! Billy Reginald Gillam, are you asking me to

marry you dear Sir?? Asked Mary with a wry smile on her

face? Reginald!!! Billy hated that second name and Mary

knew it! Err, I suppose I am really, but it will be the last time I

do if you ever call me Reginald again!! Well you old romantic

giggled Mary, took Billy`s hand and said Yes, of course I will


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With that they shared a tender kiss and Billy said I love you

Mary Kearsley, I love you to Reggie, Mary laughed, Billy just

shook his head and said And to think I have a lifetime of

this to look forward to!!

The next few days were just a blur and while Billy was dying

to tell the world about his news but he had made a promise

to Mary that not a word of it would be spoken until three

months of Mary`s pregnancy had passed. Very superstitious

us northerners Billy thought. As Billy sat at the wheel of his

Land rover looking over the Bolton Moorland he pondered

about his future and what it meant. Did this mean the end of

his boyish ways? His prank`s? His zest for life and all that may

be thrown at him? NOT ONE BIT!!!! His Grandad had taught

him well, and he always said You don`t stop smiling when

you get old, you get old because you stop smiling!! A sudden

feeling of dread came over him, Grandad, he thought, how

was he going to take this news, he hadnt been that well

lately and this was big news. They were going to see him next

Sunday, so Billy had to put his thinking cap on about this

one!!

Chapter Ten

Everybody Knows!!


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Billy couldnt believe how quickly Sunday had arrived and as

he woke to the smell of eggs and bacon (A rare Sunday treat)

he thought about what to say to his Grandad. Actually he had

thought of nothing else all week and nothing seemed to

sound right. He made his way downstairs after getting

washed and ready and sat down at the kitchen table. Food

for thought said Mary as she placed a very good looking

plate of food in front of him. Don`t even think about not

eating it! Or you will be wearing it, laughed Mary. Billy did as

he was told, ate every bit and washed it all down with a

strong cup of tea, by the time he had done this Mary was all

dressed and ready to go. Come on then, let`s get it over with.

They didnt talk much on the way to Grandads untilthey reached the corner of the street where he lived, Well?

Said Mary, What are you going to tell him then? Billy was

ashen white and Mary thought he was going to pass out with

fear, good God Billy, it`s your Grandad not your priest youre

going to see! Made no difference, he still couldnt stop

shaking and Mary knew she had to think on her feet quicklywith this one. Just as they approached Grandads door she

slipped her foot in front of Billy`s and he went tumbling to

the ground with a hefty crash and as he did so she rang

Grandads bell.

By the time Billy had got to his feet Grandad was at

the door laughing at him and saying it was nice of him to


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drop in!! If looks could kill thought Mary, I wouldnt be here

now, but it was worth it and they both followed Grandad into

his house and sat in the usual seats. Grandad`s chair was an

electric recliner which he was very proud of and Billy was

sure he slept in that most of the time, but, if that`s what

made him happy, what the hec!

After the usual banter of what kind of week have

you had and Grandad telling Mary yet another story about

Billy when he was younger, Billy cleared his throat and said,

Grandad? He didnt get the chance to utter another word

because Grandad stood up, looked at them both and said

Whens the baby due then? The silence was eerie.

Billy sat there with his mouth so wide open you could have

driven a bus down it and Mary bowed her head and hid her

face as it was as red as the cushions she was sat on. But but

but, stammered Billy, Be quiet Billy, said Grandad, you

sound like a 50cc moped, Mary? When are you due?

September she said very quietly, but but but? If you say that

one more time Billy I swear I will throw you out said Grandad.

Then he looked at Mary and said September eh? Can I ask

you just one thing? Of course said Mary, Grandad asked in a

serious tone, are you sure it`s yours? As Mary looked up as

puzzled as she had ever been, Grandad stood there with a

great big grin on his face with his arms outstretched to her.


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Billy started to laugh, Just then they all Joined in, and before

you knew it the tension had gone, the moment had passed

and they all stood there and hugged each other. I am so

proud of you both, you will make great parents. This was all

Billy needed to hear; Grandad had been and always will be

the most important person in his life, if he had been

disappointed he didnt know what he would have done, the

feeling of relief was immense and it certainly showed.

How did you know? Said Billy, I`m your Grandad,It`s my job to know, he replied with a wink and a nod,

besides, with red rosy cheeks, a twinkle in Mary`s eye, oh,

and those fatty ankles, how could I be wrong? Your

Grandma taught me well, he laughed. Grandad didnt talk

about Grandma that often so he knew today was an

important day.

This is a cause for celebration he said, an went to the

drinks cabinet and got three glasses out along with a bottle

of Brandy ( His medicine he called it) They all toasted the

baby`s health, well Billy and Grandad did, Mary didnt drink

so she had a glass of Coke. Had a visitor last night said

Grandad, Mrs Williams from number eighty two, brought me

a hot plate of pie and chips, sat her bum down and never

moved until nearly midnight, then she said as it was so late

she might as well stay the night !!! Randy old Mare!!! Billy

choked and coughed on his Brandy!! Mary was laughing so

hard she thought she was going to pass out!! I had to tell


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her straight, said Grandad, the days of me sleeping with

another woman are long gone, Elsie (Billy`s Grandma) was

enough for me, could you imagine me having to put up with

all that again??? My heart couldnt stand it!! He laughed, but

Billy knew his Grandad, and deep down he still missed Gran

but would never admit it. Just one word of advice Billy, he

said, always remember, Mary, your wife to be, will always

listen to you, think about what you have said, toss it round in

her head, and then, do as exactly as she wants!!!!! This is the

way of the woman, remember that and you won`t go far

wrong. They all laughed and Mary knew already this was

certainly true. She looked at Grandad and said Is it yours,

what a question that was!! Yea I know, but it broke the ice

didnt it? Better than breaking your ankle said Billy! Then he

pulled his tongue out at Mary.

On the way home they decided to stop at Billy`s best

friends Ramish`s house and tell them the good news. They

were greeted with the usual handshakes, kisses and a

generous offer of food. What did you have for your dinner?

Asked Ramish, this was a game they had played since they

had been kids, I had a sandwich at Grandads, egg and cress,

home grown of course, what did you have? I had an English

replied Ramish, English? Enquired Mary, yes said Ramish, Fish

and Chips!!! Mary just shook her head; she should have

known better than to ask, when these two were together,


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especially at school they caused havoc as well as a lot of

raised eyebrows. Billy got some serious abuse about having

an Indian lad as a best friend but they played together,

fought together and cried together, thankfully things had got

a little better since them days. Billy and Ramish were very

close and apart from their skin colour they were like

brothers, so it was only natural Billy asked Ramish to be best

man at the upcoming wedding, he had asked his grandad first

but Grandad had politely refused on Age grounds and told

him to ask Ramish.

We are in trouble now! Said Mary! Billy, Ramish and

the entire family under one roof?? It`s got disaster written all

over it. Little did she know how right she would be!!!

Chapter ElevenNot Long Now

The first couple of months flew by and all seemed to be

going well until one day the phone rang; it was Auntie Pat

from County Clare in Ireland!! Now, Auntie Pat was

Grandads older sister and the real head of the family. Everytime there was a birth, death or marriage it was Auntie Pat

who sorted the guest list out regarding who came from

Ireland to the event and who didnt. Hello there Billy

came the thick Irish accent over the phone, and how the

devil are you? I believe you are finally settling down and

getting married? When`s the happy day then?


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She doesnt know Mary`s pregnant! Billy thought, She

can`t do or that would have been the first thing that came

out of her mouth. Hello Auntie Pat Billy answered, it`s so

good to hear from you, we havent actually set a date as yet

but as soon as we do you will be the first to know. Nothing

wrong is there Billy? Pat asked, no replied Billy, nothing at

all, just havent really got round to it yet, been very busy at

work and so on. Still no rush eh?? Said Pat, It`s a b ig

commitment you know. I know Auntie Pat, I know, and with

that they chatted for about another half hour, mostly about

Mary and her Catholic upbringing and Billy`s hopes for the

future. Billy put the phone down and went straight round to

Grandad`s!!!

What do you mean you havent told Auntie Pat??Boomed

grandad!! God preserve us!! If she turns up at the weddingand doesnt know about Baby Bump she will cast every

demon known to Lucifer in our direction!! Billy started to

laugh, his grandad was so funny when he was frustrated

and came out with the strangest sayings. It`s not funny

Billy he screamed, you dont know what she`s like!! I once

annoyed her so much when we were children she chased

me round the yard with a shovel and I had to hide in the

coal bunker until she had calmed down!! By the time I

crawled out I was a black as your best friend Ramish!! By

this time Billy had collapsed in a hopeless heap on the

settee. Grandad just shook his head and put the kettle on

knowing he would lose any kind of battle with Billy as well,


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and it would be up to him to tell his sister Pat about the

baby, hope she still doesnt own a shovel he thought and

smiled to himself.

The date of the wedding was set for August the 17th

and the

doctors said the baby was due on the 17th

of September,

more importantly, Auntie Pat now knew and after

pretending to faint over the phone (which frightened

Grandad half to death!!) all was now set for a great day.

Ramish was doing a great job as best man and hadorganised the Stag Night to run as smoothly as it should do,

but then again it was a stag night after all!!!

Before he knew it was the week before the wedding and

Billy was getting ready for his last night of freedom. Maryhad said all there was to say about his behaviour but at the

same time trusted him enough to know that getting drunk

was his one and only vice. Just as Billy was stepping through

the door Mary shouted him back, I have something for

you she said and produced a Gold St Christopher from a

box she had in her hand, I was going to give you this afterthe wedding but considering its you, Ramish and all your

workmates that`s going on this Stag Night I figured you

might need this sooner rather than later!! Billy`s eyes filled

up and he whispered gently I love you Mary as she

slipped it round his neck. I love you too said Mary, now go

on with you and have a great time, just make sure you are


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home before the wedding next week!! Enjoy your night in

with the girls shouted Billy as he walked through the door

and out into the night.

His local pub was called The Craven Heifer and this is

where they had all decided to meet up. Suppose nobody

comes??Panicked Billy, suppose I have got the wrong day?

Wont be the first time! But he neednt have worried, as he

walked in the pub started to applause and he was patted on

the back all the way to the bar. There must have been thirtypeople there, and stood right at the front of the queue for

drinks was Ramish, wearing a jet black suit, black shirt and

with his hair dyed BLONDE!!!!

What The?????, just at the last minute Billy heard Mary`s

words ring in his ears about behaving himself!! Ramish,

what have you done to your hair? Well, explained Ramish,

knowing what your favourite drink is, I thought just for you

I would wear all black, dye my hair blonde and come as a

pint of Guinness!!!! The Pub erupted with laughter and Billy

knew now how Ramish had won over so many friends, him

being his best one, youre as mad as a Biscuit!!! Said Billy,

Good God man! If Mary could see you now she would have

the baby tonight!! Be careful what you wish for Billy boy,

said Ramish and placed a real pint of Guinness in his hand,

Cheers everybody!! Billy shouted. The party had just

started!!


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Billy`s local The Craven Heifer held some good memories for

him because as a young adult it was the first pub he had

been in, the first pub that had accepted Ramish for who he

was and the first pub he and Mary had been in together. As

a child it was mum and dad`s local and dad had worked

behind the bar and waited on for many years. It was also

the cause of many a drunken violent argument between his

mum and dad but Billy had decided to prove to that

wouldnt be the case with him and by using it himself as a

local was the only way of doing that. Plus, it was the best

pint of Guinness this side of the Irish Sea!! It was going to

be such a good night he thought.

Eight pints later and six pubs down the road (He had two in

the Bridge Inn as he knew the Landlord) they arrived on the

edge of town where the biggest night club in Bolton was

The Palais De Dance Queuing up outside Billy thought

about next week. Time to grow up Billy Boy Ramish had

said to him when they told him the date of the wedding,then added, but not too much eh?? Mary had always been

the girl for him and when she turned him down to go out

the first time he asked her, he worked all his boyish charms

until she eventually said yes. Not that had needed too Mary

had told him later but it was fun anyway!


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As he entered the dance hall after paying his entrance fee it

never ceased to amaze him how large and bright it was

inside. It was also the only dance floor in the north west of

England that had a spring floor!! Now that was something

to be proud of! He turned round to make sure they had all

got in ok ( bouncers can be a funny bunch at times) and

after making sure all were accounted for he headed

towards the bar. Twenty two whiskies, seven Brandies and

one Babysham please, he asked the barmaid whose mouth

dropped wide open as if he had asked HER to marry him!

The babysham was for Terry, nobody ever questioned him

as to why, but it was well known at work that he batted for

the other side but that didnt bother Billy Each to his own

he thought! once served they headed for the dance floor.

The dance floor was heaving and bouncing along with the

music. Billy was very confident about his relationship with

Mary and knew a dance with a young lady would be ok. As

he approached a group of women it wasnt till he got closer

that he noticed they were a bit older than him, probably in

their thirties. This didnt bother Billy as a dance was a dance

however old they were. He tapped one of them on the

shoulder and said Excuse me, would you like to dance? No

thank you she said, I dont dance with kids Oh? I am sorry;

i didnt know you were pregnant! Billy replied, winked at

the others, and walked away, pride intact!! One for the

boys he thought!! and decided to join his mates at the

table.


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You never said that to her did you? laughed Ramish. Do

you know who that is? Yes, said Billy, a very posh stuck up

girl who wouldnt know a polite invitation if it came up and

bit her on the bum!! No, said Ramish, its Mick Townsends

sister from the estate, we are in for it now!! Just as the last

words left his mouth, who should turn the corner but the

man himself, along with about twenty of his buddies. Mick

Townsend wasnt the biggest of guys but was known for his

fighting and very rarely lost. He and his friends surrounded

Billy`s table and demanded to know who had insulted his

sister.

That would be me said Billy standing up, but it wasnt

meant as an insult, just a bit of fun. Townsend stood in

front of Billy, looked him up and down slowly and then

returned his gaze to Billy`s face. Billy never flinched or

moved a muscle and stared straight back (something

Grandad had taught him) this unnerved Mick Townsend a

little who said quietly Cheeky little buggger arent we? I do

what I can, said Billy never taking his eyes off Townsend.

Where do we go from here then? Straight outside the

door a voice shouted from behind and two very large

hands grabbed hold of Townsend by the scruff of the neck

and started to march him towards the door. Billy just saw

the back of the bouncer and watched him kick Mick and all

his mates out through the door.


25/25

Phew!! That was close said Ramish, Who was that masked

man? He joked. Just then the bouncer turned round and it

was none other than Ste Robson, his old enemy from

school, but they had become great friends eventually. As he

approached Billy, Ste smiled and said we cant keep on

meeting like this you know!! Thanks for the invite, hows

Mary these days? She`s just fine thanks Ste, replied Billy,

as big as a house but just fine, I will tell her you have been

asking. make sure you do and try to stay out of trouble for

the rest of the night, as if Im not busy enough!! Will do

said Billy and went on to enjoy the rest of the night without

incident.

Flopping down next to Mary in bed later that night, fully

clothed, he slept more contented than ever.

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