Bonny The Butterfly Effect

Bonny The Butterfly Effect.

David Rory O’Neill.

Published by davidrory publishing 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 reader. 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. Copyright David Moody 2013 and 2016. 4th ed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born and raised in Belfast until troubles and tribal violence drove him away, David grew to be a non-conformist and independent soul clinging to his counter-culture ideals. He found peace and his true calling as a storyteller in the literary Irish tradition. He now lives in a lovely restored old art and book-filled house in the lee of the Silvermine Mountains, Tipperary, Ireland. He shares his life there with beloved Brigitte and a cat with issues, called Bobby. David Rory O’Neill has written twenty novels and more are bubbling and brewing. http://davidrory.com

Dedications:

Thanks go for editorial help to Miriam Drori.

For Ria who is my beloved legacy and who in June 2016, gave me a grandson: Art Leonis Parker Eliott.

For Brigitte who showed me what love can be.

For the Indie authors who have overcome self-doubt and embraced readers.

And to the readers who share the vision and have embraced the authors.

David Rory O’Neill. Ireland. 2016

Published books:

The Novella:

Leotie, Flower of the Prairie.

Animal

Rachel’s Walk

Rachel’s War

The Daniel Series:

1 Conflict

2 Challenge

3 Passion

4 Grip

5 Judgement

6 Pyramid

7 Trial

The West Cork Trilogy:

1 Surviving Beauty

2 Beauty’s Price

3 Blue Sky Orphan

4 The West Cork Trilogy Omnibus.

The Prairie Companions

The Butterfly Effect Trilogy:

Bonny The Butterfly Effect.

Lauren The Butterfly Effect.

Chepi The Butterfly Effect.

I welcome contact with my readers. Information on published and future work can be found on my website: http://davidrory.com

Or visit me on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1myLoRf

If you enjoyed this novel please leave a review on your suppliers website – reviews are the lifeblood of the modern author.

UK English used so you will find grey not gray and colour not color – these are not mistakes. (Sorry Noel Webster)

Contents:

Introduction.

Chapter 1. Leaving You.

Chapter 2. New Home.

Chapter 3. Sorted So.

Chapter 4. Schooling.

Chapter 5. Vision Quest.

Chapter 6. Lost.

Chapter 7. Seeking.

Chapter 8. Becoming.

Chapter 9. Waiting.

Chapter 10. Spook.

Chapter 11. A Price.

Chapter 12. Academia.

Chapter 13. Reconciled.

Chapter 14. Action.

Chapter 15. Ops -Opportunity.

Chapter 16. Wilderness.

Chapter 17. Love and War.

Chapter18. Homecoming.

Chapter 19. Is It Love?

Chapter 20. Happy Days.

The Butterfly Effect.

The phrase refers to the idea that a butterfly’s wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that may ultimately alter the path of a tornado or delay, accelerate or even prevent the occurrence of a tornado in another location. Note that the butterfly does not power or directly create the tornado. The flap of the wings is a part of the initial conditions; one set of conditions leads to a tornado while the other set of conditions doesn’t. The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale alterations of events. Had the butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the system might have been vastly different - it’s possible that the set of conditions without the butterfly flapping its wings is the set that leads to a tornado.

Where would the road have led if she had taken one different turn?

Life would have been very different for young Bonny-Ann had she remained behind in strife-torn Belfast with her dying mother. Instead, at age thirteen, she is sent far away from the violence and tragedy to live with her uncle in Calgary, Canada. Blossoming from awkward girlhood into a stunningly beautiful young woman, she is embraced by members of the local Cree community who recognize her potential as a seer. But it is her friendship with First Nation Cree, Sue Morningstar that truly opens up Bonny’s world, taking her places she never imagined she’d go—and into the orbit of Daniel Dawes, the man her heart firmly believes is her destiny.

It is said that history can change—that rivers will rise and mountains will fall—as the eventual result of a single flap of a butterfly’s wing. For Bonny, a life-path rerouted at a tender age will be pitted with perils and disappointments as it winds through a world of secrets, spies, and covert government operations—leading her toward breathtaking self-discoveries and sensual awakenings, and further away from the one love she desires above all others. But perhaps no tomorrow is truly predestined and no fate carved in stone—and the butterfly effect will continue to alter Bonny-Ann Becket’s world in miraculous and unexpected ways.

Bonny The Butterfly Effect.

Chapter One. Leaving You.

Bonny-Ann, come and lay with me sweetheart. I need to tell you things and I don’t want the nurses hearing.

Bonny knew this was serious. Her mother never called her ‘Bonny-Ann’ unless it was serious. Just ‘Bonny’ was normal to the young girl’s ears. Bonny carefully lay down alongside her mother on the narrow hospital cot. She moved the long ominous snake of clear plastic tube that ran from the thin wrist to the bag on the stand. Her mother raised her arm as Bonny moved the tube, then laid her hand down Bonny’s back and patted her on the hip.

You’re getting to have a woman’s body so young, sweetheart. Only thirteen and already you’ve got the hips and the proud big boobs. The boys are going to be pestering you soon.

They already do, Mammy.

Oh my, is that a bother for you?

No Mammy, not really. Mammy, what’s wrong? What did you want to tell me?

Ann McAdam sighed and coughed as her breath caught, rasping in her ruined lungs. Cancer had gripped her for several years and now breathing was painful and difficult. The oxygen on the clip on her nose helped but it made talking awkward. Take this damned tube off my nose, Bonny. Thank you sweetheart, now listen. I am going to be leaving you soon my dearest girl and I’m sorry about that. I’m sorry I couldn’t hang on to see you reach womanhood. Oh don’t cry. It’s all right and if you blub it’ll start me and I won’t be up for talk. Be brave for me now, Bonny-Ann.

All right Mammy, sorry. You go on and I’ll not blub again.

Bonny lifted her head and looked into her mother’s strange, magical eyes. The same eyes she had inherited. Pale blue and grey with flashes of gold and emerald green, large round, deeply penetrating eyes. Bonny had looked at her own face and gazed at her own eyes, mystified by their brilliance and strangeness. Now her mother did what she so often had and used those beautiful eyes to see into Bonny’s thoughts.

You have my eyes and you will soon be more beautiful and more womanly than I ever was. Your big breasts are going to entrance men and many will see nothing beyond those. You must wait until a man looks in your eyes and finds you there. He will see who you are and who you can become in your magical eyes. Don’t make the mistake I did sweetheart, and fall for the first handsome bugger who throws himself at you. The handsome soon goes and the fat slob full of viciousness and hate is all that’s left when the good looks go. No Bonny, don’t make the mistake I did. Now, speaking of your father, I don’t want you getting trapped looking after him when I’m gone. I’ve been thinking about it and I wish I had family I could send you to. But as you know I don’t have anyone so... I’ve been talking to your Uncle Raymond in Calgary. I want you to go live with him. I know he’s your Da’s brother but he’s a good man. A really good man. Not like the rest of the McAdams at all.

But Mammy, Canada. That’s so far.

Yes and the farther you can get from Belfast the better for you. There is nothing for you here. This place is going to hell in a handcart. It will get worse and your Da is in the thick of that hell. He’s a bad man. You need to be away from here and him. Please Bonny-Ann, it will make my last days more peaceful if I know you will be away and safe and able to find the future you deserve. You have gifts. You are bright and you have so much to learn and so much potential that will get squashed if you stay here. I only wish I had done it myself, taken you and left. It’s the one big regret of my life. I was weak and did what people expect. I want more for you, my precious girl. Please forgive me for my weakness and make sure you don’t do what I did and settle or get trapped with the wrong man. Use your gifts and your magic to see the truth in people and things and don’t take nonsense or settle for less than you deserve, like I did.

Bonny’s mind was in uproar as she struggled with what she was hearing. She’d known her mother was seriously ill and might not make it out of hospital this time, but now these words were making that thing too real, too overwhelming. She wanted to scream: ‘No, no!’

Ann lifted her daughter’s face and once again looked into her eyes. Bonny-Ann, be brave. I’m not afraid. I’ve hung on as long as I could for you. I wish I could stay longer but I’m tired now. I need to let go and escape the pain. You are a fine young woman and you will rise far above this vile place and your dreadful father. I’ve done my best to give you what I thought you needed. I’ve tried to show you the ways of men and the burden of women. You can be free and not carry that burden of foolish choices. Raymond is a fine man and so is Don, so far as I can tell. Yes they are homosexual as I’ve tried to explain, but you need not fear that. Raymond is a gentle kind soul. They have a good life and are rich compared to us. They live in a beautiful place and can give you chances you’ll never find here. Please tell me you will go Bonny, go and find a good life and be the great and beautiful woman you can be.

Bonny’s eyes misted and she wanted to run from this dreadful thing, this end, and this finality. She could not think about this future her mother spoke of. Her mind was filled with the horror of her leaving. She could see her mother fading before her eyes and see the struggle she was having speaking.

Bonny reached up and put the oxygen feed back on Ann’s nose. She saw a little light come back to her eyes. She also saw the pleading and the need for answers so she gathered herself and said, Yes Mammy. I will go to Raymond and I will make you proud of me. Thank you for what you’ve tried to give me and I’m sorry if I didn’t make it easy for you. I am a wilful girl and I know I gave you grief sometimes. Don’t worry about me Mammy, please. Be at peace now. I’ll be fine.

Ann lifted a hand once more to Bonny’s face and rested it there, touching the tears that trickled down her cheek. In the drawer there you will find a passport for you. I didn’t tell your father about it. That’s the form I got you to sign that time. Your uncle Frank has a letter for you from Raymond. It has tickets and visas and some money. Go as soon as, well as soon as. Your Da is coming to see me soon. I will tell him this stuff, Bonny. Now listen my fine girl, don’t let him stop you. Simply don’t let him. Right, kiss me sweetheart and go. Go see Frank now. Go on, Bonny-Ann, go and start your life. Don’t be sad and don’t linger now. Go Bonny. I’ll always be with you, always in you. Don’t look back and don’t come back Bonny-Ann, I’m leaving you now.

This was the first ripple of the butterfly effect that set Bonny on her life path.

Bonny’s journey to Canada began with a flight from Belfast to London for the connection to Toronto and on to Calgary She’d never flown before and was glad of the excitement to help her deal with her grief. She was seated in the first row, technically in the care of a stewardess.

She was quick to assure her she needed no special treatment and was therefore left alone after being seated. Bonny watched the people boarding. They seemed to be mostly businessmen of a certain age. Many spoke with English accents. Bonny listened carefully to how they spoke and softly imitated their speech. Bonny had always been a natural mimic and loved the sound of words and the differences in how people spoke. She would lie in bed at night with her little transistor radio close to her ear, mimicking the voices she heard.

Bonny was trying hard to distract herself and avoid reflection. She had earned her name: bonny by name and nature, she’d always bounced back quickly from setbacks and disappointments. It made her resilient beyond her years. It was now one month since her mother’s funeral and as Ann had warned, her father had tried to prevent her leaving. He tried being pathetic, he tried pleading and finally his true-to-type anger and violence had surfaced.

Two days before she was due to leave, Bonny stood before her bedroom mirror carefully applying make-up to hide the large bruise on her cheek and eye. She anticipated difficulty and sneaked out of the house while her father was out, the day before she was due to fly. She spent the night curled up in the bus station surrounded by her two cases and wrapped in a blanket. A security-man prodded her during the night but when he saw the pretty girl peering moonfaced at him, his heart melted and he said, You sleep easy darling. I’ll see no harm comes te ye.

Next morning, Bonny was on the first bus to the airport and spent five hours wandering around watching the unfamiliar excitement of air-travel.

Bonny had packed all her intense grieving for her mother’s death into the three days and nights after it happened. By the time of the funeral, she’d cried herself dry and was stoic, silent and withdrawn. After the funeral they gathered in the house as she served tea, ham sandwiches and buns to the steady stream of neighbours from the close-packed small terrace houses of Snugville Street off the Shankill Road in West Belfast.

She’s bearin’ up so well, Billy, the wives would say. Their husbands said nothing but were watchful and uncomfortable as the pretty teen girl stood before them offering buns or tea. Her black shiny hair, pale skin and bright magical eyes were striking enough, but what made them uneasy was the massive bulge of her high, melon-like breasts. Those drew their guilty eyes and made them squirm. Bonny was less than five foot tall and her round girlish face made her seem innocent and young, but her body was excessively womanly and ripe. The contrast added to a powerful sexual allure that was taboo. No male mourner could look her in the eyes as she passed close to them or leaned across them with those mighty breasts so fearfully close.

Bonny was not unaware of the effect she had on males and wasn’t uncomfortable anymore. Her mother had been careful to educate her as she saw the young girl become a woman early in life. She told her the truths of female allure and male attraction and she told the dangers too and offered advice and tricks to use to stay in control and safe.

As she served the mourners, Bonny was well aware of the discomfort of the men around her and she was absolutely unmoved by it. She felt no tingle of teasing pleasure and was not thrilled by the power she had. Other women were aware and they watched their men with rising disgust and anger but they felt no anger towards Bonny for they could see she took no pleasure in the thing. They saw she was careful and discrete and not flaunting herself or using her taboo appeal. They softly spoke to each other, saying: Sure she’s a grand good girl, just like her dear dead mother, Ann. She was a good woman took before her time. Such a tragedy and that bugger Billy’ll ruin the sweet girl. It’s as well she’s flittin’ off te Canada. She’ll be better off there for sure. Sweet girl. Would ye look at them dirty ould buggers droolin’ over her. It’s disgustin’.

The brothers Frank and Raymond wrote to each other infrequently. Frank had convinced Raymond that Bonny was not remotely like her father or her cousin. Raymond had been fond of Bonny’s mother Ann. She was the only member of the family who knew he was gay. She had encouraged him to leave Belfast and had helped him financially. Raymond knew if Bonny was like Ann he need not worry about giving her a home. The idea of her being trapped looking after her evil and violent father when she’d lost her mother was unthinkable. Raymond’s partner Don needed some convincing about taking a thirteen-year-old girl into their home and only agreed to a test period of six months. That reservation didn’t survive the first few hours of meeting Bonny.

Raymond and Don were waiting for Bonny in the arrivals hall at Calgary airport. They had been sent a picture of her by Frank but Raymond needed no picture. The young lady who staggered exhausted through the doors was unmistakably Ann’s daughter.

Bonny took a few moments to see Raymond and Don holding the ‘Welcome Bonny’ sign.

She stopped as her face showed a fast tumult of emotion that verged on tears. She gathered herself, left her trolley and ran to Raymond. The men laughed as she ran holding her breasts in what would become a trademark way. Her bright eyes and radiant smile were mesmeric, so both men were grinning and laughing when she reached them. Raymond opened his arms to her expecting her onrush to end in an embrace. But Bonny stopped suddenly, dropped her arms and looked intensely into each man’s eyes. Her smile departed and she looked serious for a moment. The smile flicked back and her eyes widened so both watchers felt hypnotised. They held their breaths as she spoke: Uncle Raymond, Don, thank you so much for doing this. I promise I will be no trouble to you and will try not to change how you live your lives.

Bonny embraced not Raymond but Don. She reached up and pulled his head down. She kissed him on both cheeks and whispered: Don’t worry. I won’t upset Raymond and I’m glad you decided to take the risk of having me here.

Don was stunned and laughed a nervous laugh. He held Bonny by the shoulders and looked down at her pale round face, so young and pretty but so full of knowing and seeing. Those huge sparkling eyes seemed to see his anxiety. She winked at him and turned to look at Raymond. Don let go abruptly as if waking from a trance and Bonny stepped close to Raymond. She looked suddenly coy and dropped her head. Raymond embraced her and felt her body quiver as if fighting back tears. She spoke without lifting her head. Mammy said you are the best of a bad bunch and I see she was right. It is a wonderful thing you are doing for me. I won’t let you down, I promise.

She lifted her head and looked at Raymond. Her eyes were filled with such emotional intensity, it pushed Raymond over the edge and it was he who cried. He hugged her and held her head to his chest looking over her at Don. He too looked on the verge of tears and had to escape. He went and collected Bonny’s trolley. When he came back, Raymond had taken Bonny’s hand and they were walking towards the exit. Suddenly Bonny stopped and, letting go of Raymond’s hand, said, Sorry. In all the excitement I forgot, I’m bustin’ for a pish. She skipped and bounced away leaving Raymond tittering. Don watched her go and asked, Pish?

Pee, wee. Pish is so Belfast. Did you notice she’s not got a broad accent? I sound more Belfast than she does. My God Don, what a stunning creature. So like her mother but even more pretty and... well man those boobs are extraordinary and she’s still only thirteen. It’s no wonder she holds them running. Did you see the guys trying not to stare at her?

Yeah, she’s remarkable. Those eyes are a bit spooky. I thought I was being x-rayed.

Yeah her mother had that too but not so powerful.

As Bonny stood before a mirror in the rest room, she looked intently at her eyes and thought she looked tired. She splashed her face with cold water then stood dripping wondering how she would dry her face. She saw a woman walk to her and was startled to be handed a clean fresh towel. She noted the neat pile of hand cloths and the chair and the little dish with coins, all tucked up in an alcove behind the entrance. The woman looked unusual to Bonny. Dark skinned, dark hair with a broad flat face with dark broody eyes. Bonny said, Are you an Indian lady? Oh my, sorry that was rude. I’m new here and have never met... I mean, sorry.

The woman smiled and said, Yes missy I am Cree.

Oh I see. I am sorry I have no money on me. I will run and get my bag.

The attendant was going to say forget it but Bonny ran out. She was still wet faced and clutching the towel. Within a few moments she came back carrying a handbag. She dug around in it and pulled out a ten-dollar note. She looked at the coins in the dish and said, I’m so sorry but can you take what’s usual and give me some change please.

Sure thing, little miss.

Bonny, I am Bonny. What’s your name?

I am Ann Running Wolf.

That’s a fab name. My name is Ann too. Bonny-Ann really but I don’t use the Ann bit. That was my mother and... well it makes me sad. She died you see.

The attendant gave Bonny nine dollars in change and held her hand just a moment as she laid the coins in it. Thank you, Bonny-Ann. You are a good spirit. Be proud of your name. I’m sure your mother is.

Bonny’s intense open gaze clouded for a second. She grinned and said, You are right, Ann Running Wolf. I will be Bonny-Ann from now on.

She swirled quickly away but returned saying, Sorry, I nearly robbed the towel.

She handed it back and ran, leaving Ann Running Wolf smiling, feeling good and pleased with her day. The first Canadian, but by no means the last, to be deeply touched by the magic spirit of Bonny-Ann McAdam.

Chapter two. New Home.

Bonny sat in the rear seat of the Volvo estate with Raymond beside her. She was obviously enthralled by the sights of the city. Raymond watched her and was surprised by her composure and stillness. He would later learn that this stillness was untypical and a sign of extreme tension. Bonny was only ever still when she was holding herself tight. Raymond heard her speak softly and to herself. Every few miles they travelled, she would mutter: Oh my.

When they turned into Crestview Road in the prosperous South West Calgary district of Elbow Park, Bonny once again said, Oh my. But she looked at Raymond and her face showed distress for the first time. When Don turned into the driveway of number 4012, Bonny looked around at the carefully planted shrubs and trees and at the large L-shaped grey-stone house, and her composure cracked. She took off her seat belt and threw herself across the car at Raymond. He enveloped her and said, There, there honey, it’s OK.

She lifted her head and smiled through her tears saying, Honey? That’s nice. I’d like to be called Bonny-Ann from now on as well as honey, if that’s OK. I’m sorry for blubbing on you... what should I call you two? It’s just all so grand and posh. Not like the place I came from at all. I’m afraid I’ll let you down by being too common and ignorant. I’m trying not to talk Belfast anymore. I hate the way that sounds. Not you, you don’t sound like my Da at all.

Don had turned in his seat and was grinning broadly at them.

Well Don, what should Bonny-Ann call us?

I’d say Raymond and Don would be best, honey.

You sound like a cowboy, Don. And you look like one too. It’s mighty fine. Yeah, Don and Raymond it is. If I put my foot in it about anything, please tell me, won’t you. I love your fancy boots, Don. Can I get a pair like that?

Bonny had imitated Don’s Montana drawl perfectly and now both he and Raymond were laughing heartily and feeling much relieved. Bonny had bounced back quickly, another charming trait they would come to love about her.

You sure can get boots, Bonny-Ann. Our company makes them so we’ll get you a pair soon.

Oh my, boots and what else do you do?

Saddles, tack, harness, chaps and all the kit riders need, said Raymond.

Don added, On Monday you can come by the shop with us. It’s not far, just over by the Stampede showground.

I read about that. It’s in the city? I thought it would be out in the country. Is that the Rocky Mountains I could see in the distance?

Sure is. Now let’s get in and get you settled in your room. It’s that one up there, said Don pointing up to a window under the eves in the vee of the roof.

Bonny jumped out and ran over and peered up. She bounced on the spot for a moment then put her hands on her bouncing boobs and looked back at Don and Raymond, getting out of the car. I’ll need to be careful or I’ll put me eyes out doing that. They’re getting silly massive, aren’t they. This is so beautiful.

Raymond came over and took her hand, leading her round the house to a porch over the front door. Yes, it’s nice. It was a bit old-fashioned inside but we’ve just about finished remodelling it.

He opened the door and Bonny looked at him with a question in her eyes. Go on honey, have a good poke about. We’ll take your bags up to your room. Would you like a hot drink or a soda?

I could murder a mug of scald. She stood on tiptoes, kissed Raymond on the cheek, then ran in bouncing and laughing saying, "Oh my,’’ a great deal.

Don came up beside Raymond, set Bonny’s bags down and hugged him. Well now, I think my worries have been blown into the weeds. My God Raymond, what a whirlwind she is. She’s a delight.

Raymond lifted his head to receive Don’s kiss and said, Yes, yes indeed. A bouncy delight but she’s bright as hell. I think she’s gonna bloom if we give her half a chance and cherish her the way she deserves. If you knew what she came from, Don, you’d be even more blown away. Her father is an evil bastard of the worst kind. Thank God Ann seems to have protected her from the worst of him and that shit hole they lived in. Did you see the bruise under her cheek? She’d tried to cover it but when she came back from splashing her face you could see it. I’ll bet that scum did that trying to stop her leaving.

Yeah I saw that. It made my blood boil.

Bonny ran in and quickly did a circuit of the open-plan lower floor. She stopped at the foot of the stairs and stood bouncing on the spot as she waited for Don to come back down from leaving her cases. As he came down towards her he was laughing, caught up in Bonny’s infectious giggling. It’s so... it’s all so... oh my I feel so stupid I’ve not got the words. Beautiful and full of space and light and pretty things and so modern. I’ve seen places like this in magazines but this is real and I’ll be living here. Oh my, I’ve just thought. Where is Raymond? I must tell you both, come on quick, said Bonny taking Don’s hand and tugging him towards the kitchen where Raymond was making tea.

She went the wrong way and had to turn back. When she found Raymond, he’d moved to the lounge and was setting mugs of tea on a large low table before a square of cream leather seats. It faced a large enclosed wood-burning stove set in a stone fireplace. A large painting showing what might have been a lake on a misty day, captured Bonny’s attention for a moment so she stood close between the two men gazing at it and humming. Oh my, that’s dreamy. Raymond, Don I just had a thought and I need to get this sorted now please. Can you sit down? It’s hurting my neck looking up at you Don - you’re so tall. Here’s the thing. I saw you kissing Raymond just now. It was sweet. I saw how this place is all open, no doors, and no private places except maybe upstairs. You must promise me you won’t be shy and be afraid to be lovey to each other ’cause I’m here. Please don’t do that. Mammy... Mammy told me about you, I mean being lovers and like... well anyway she told me and it’s not weird to me at all, so please still be huggy and kissy and stuff won’t you.

Don and Raymond looked shell-shocked. Bonny lifted her tea and went and sat near but not on the same sofa they were on. She took a long sighing draft of the tea and sat back and grinned at them. Seeing their shock, she suddenly got worried and asked, Was I being too bold?

Raymond stood and came and knelt before her. He laid a hand softly on her small hand on her knee and said, No Bonny-Ann, not bold but brave and smart and completely loveable. How did you know to say that? We were worried about that stuff. Don and I are... tender and touchy as you call it when we are at home. Not in public, people still don’t accept that. We had talked about how we would deal with this. Are you sure? Are you sure you won’t be embarrassed?

Sure I’m sure. It’s not what I’m used to but the... well it’s good to see loving stuff and not fear and anger and, you know like my Da.

Raymond touched Bonny’s cheek where the bruise showed. Did he do that, Bonny-Ann?

Yes, but I didn’t want you seeing that. The make up must’ve come off when I splashed me bake at the airport.

Don laughed and Raymond said, Get used to it, Don. Another classic Belfastism. I’d forgotten that one. I used to think of it as: ‘cake-hole.’ I’d forgotten bake.

Yeah, he tried to stop me so I snuck off a day early when he was out. I’m so glad to be away from all that. I’m a bit scared of all this new stuff and of making a ejit of myself.

Raymond noticed that Bonny still had foundation on her face and said, Bonny-Ann, please go take the make-up off. I need to see the bruises. I’ll tell you why when you come back. He pointed to the downstairs restroom. When she’d gone he said, Don, get your camera please. I think we need to get a record of this for Jessie, in case that bastard Billy tries blocking the fostering papers.

When Bonny came back she looked a bit sheepish and concerned. Why do you want to see, Raymond?

When she’d once more sat before him, Raymond was appalled at the extent of the bruising over her face and eye. She’d obviously been punched hard and more than once. Are there any other marks honey?

Well yes. I’ve a mark on my arm and... well, on my boob. He grabbed me. But why?

I need to take a few pictures. We are making an application to the courts here for a fostering and adoption order. If your father tries to stop that, I want proof of how he treated you. Is that all right?"

Sure, do you need one of my boob too? she said rising, pulling her tee shirt over her head. Don had returned with the camera and he muttered, Oh dear God. I better not meet this man, Raymond. I’ll not be able to stop myself.

As Bonny raised her tee shirt they both saw a huge yellow and blue contusion spreading all over her upper left arm and left breast. Without asking or any apparent coyness, Bonny removed her bra and stood looking down at the marks on her breast. She held the other. Oh my, that looks wick. I’d not really seen that before. It will go away, won’t it? I’d hate my boob to be ruined.

Raymond and Don were a little taken aback by her composure and lack of shyness. They were also shaken by the spectacle of Bonny exposed. She noticed and grinned. Bloody amazing boobs, aren’t they? Bigger than Mam.... She stopped speaking and her face showed grief for just an instant then she smiled and said, OK snap away, Don. She put on a serious expression as Don took several pictures.

After, she put her tee shirt back on but not her bra. She sat down and fingered that thoughtfully: Speaking of boobs, I need a few new bras, I’m afraid. And I can’t wear off-the-shelf ones anymore. I’m too big now and getting bigger every day. I like me boobs but they are a pain.

Don and Raymond sat near and tried not to laugh nervously. OK honey, we’ll do a bit of research with the gals in work and see if any know where we can go, said Raymond.

Are you hungry, Bonny-Ann? What do you like to eat?

I’m not fussy. Anything will suit me. I like most stuff, especially meat.

Raymond laughed and said, I told you your aversion to red meat was not going to be sustained when another McAdam arrived.

Don shrugged and Bonny grinned