They made love that night for the first time. Boyfriend and girlfriend, partners, equals, soulmates. She had never been with anyone but Mark and only one of those times was consensual. This was so different. Billy was gentle with her, he took his time and loved her like a man should. She wasn’t ashamed to admit that she cried. Afterwards, they lay in each other’s arms, Vanessa listening to the thud of his heart as she lay her head on his chest. She had it all now and she had never, in her entire life, been this happy. Vanessa thought back to the day years ago that she’d met Billy on the street and this whole new life had been put into motion. She smiled; things were working out just as they should.

Vanessa made sure that Maggie and Charlotte were safely tucked away and settled at her dad’s house, then, two days later, served divorce papers on Mark while he was at work. Wren knew what was happening as Vanessa had discussed it with him days ago.

‘Mom! You’re finally doing this, I can’t say I’m not happy. Dad is an asshole.’

Vanessa wanted to tell him not to swear, but she agreed with the sentiment, so why correct him at all? He wanted to skip school to be there with her, afraid that Mark would come for her.

‘I’ll be OK, darling. He won’t come around here, and if he does, I’ll call the police. Now get ready for school, honey.’ Wren left with a backward glance.

But Mark did come for her when she was at the café. The bell jingled jauntily as he stormed in. Billy was out the back but came striding out as Vanessa’s ex made his presence known. ‘Walk away, Mark. It’s over.’ Billy said sternly.

Billy hadn’t been able to believe it when Vanessa had told her that she was divorcing Mark. He was ecstatic knowing how much courage it had taken her to say it, let alone have the papers drawn up and ready to sign. They both knew that Mark wouldn’t take it well.

‘Turn around and leave now, Mark, or I’ll put you down again.’ Vanessa was impressed by Billy’s protectiveness. It made her feel safe despite having Mark there, yelling at her. Luckily, there were no customers to witness his tirade.

‘I want to talk to my wife,’ he screamed, spit flying from his mouth, glaring from one to the other.

‘Buddy, she’s not yours anymore and soon she won’t be your wife legally either so turn around and get out of here.’

Vanessa stared at Mark, waiting for him to throw a tantrum and try to attack her. Instead, he swore loudly, turned and strode angrily out the door.

‘That was a first,’ she said softly, ‘Mark walking away from a fight. Remember at school he was always getting into fights? I can’t believe you were ever friends.’