An unforeseen love
Chapter One
Maxine Minniver, a beautiful young woman in her twenties paced the room where her baby daughter Minnie slept, hoping for some peaceful mummy/daughter time. Minnie was her world and she would do anything to protect her from her violent, controlling father Patrick. It seems that his unscrupulous behavior had only increased after she left him. Now she was free and housemates with her good friend Darren Osborne, Maxine felt as if things were finally going to be all right. They just had to be considering all that she had been through with Patrick and of course his son Dodger Savage, the one man who loved her for who she was and never hurt her the way the older man did. But…now Dodger was gone for parts unknown from the police. She still loved him but she also knew waiting the rest of her life for him, if he was ever going to return to Chester would be unreasonable. Minnie was special, not just because she was her only child but because of her condition-the little one had Down syndrome but Maxine promised to love her no matter what.
"That's my good little girl" Maxine said in a motherly voice as she held the infant in her arms rubbing her back gently.
Just then Darren, a handsome man in his thirties with light hair stopped by the bedroom and softly smiled at the sight before him. Maxine was a good mum, he could tell and he was going to be there for both of them. But as of late, he began to see his friend in a totally different way-more as just a mate. He found himself captivated by her beauty and her sweet personality. Darren could remember each instance he would get lost in her blue eyes and how cuddly she felt when they would hug. But he wanted more, yet the timing was never right.
"She looks happier than ever" Darren said, finally deciding to break the awkward silence and to hopefully get his mind off how good that tight black skirt made Maxine's legs look.
"Yeah she does" Maxine said with a warm smile. "I'll be ready to go in a second" She said. Maxine was now working at Daz Cabs, the taxi business Darren himself started. After Dodger left, Maxine needed a job and a place to stay since the Savage Boat where they used to leave was now unrecognizable due to the fire Dodger's insane brother Will caused. And of course Darren being a good friend offered her the job and let her stay at the boarding house with him and Tony Hutchinson.
"Take your time Maxine, I'll get her pram and your coat for you" Darren offered before leaving the room to get what he intended. He sighed as he made his way downstairs- the continuing thoughts of Maxine Minniver in his mind yet again. Of course he was aware his best mate and Maxine used to be blissfully in love but now that he was gone, Darren felt like he had to keep an eye on both Max and the little one. Not that he minded, being in the woman's presence was the highlight of his day. Was it love or perhaps just a silly crush that would fade with time? He definitely wasn't going to leave Maxine high and dry that was for sure. Oh right, Minnie's pram and Maxine's coat. Darren reminded himself as yet again the persistent thoughts of his female friend occupied his conscience yet again like they always did. He found Minnie's pram which had wheels on it and as for Maxine's coat-he didn't know if she wanted the black bomber jacket or the big fur one but he would be sure to ask.
Just then Maxine came downstairs with Minnie still in her arms. "There you are Dazzle, I thought you did a runner on us" She teased with a smile as she placed the baby in her buggy.
Darren smiled. "Actually, I was trying to think what coat you'd prefer today" He said. The nickname of Dazzle always seemed to make him smile. It was quirky but hey he didn't mind at all. "I didn't know if you wanted the black one or…uh, this one" Darren said, holding up each article of clothing.
Maxine took the black bomber and put it on before fixing the collar and her long, wavy dark hair. "All right, looks like we're all ready for another day at Daz Cabs aren't we sweetheart?" She asked her daughter.
Minnie simply smiled her toothless baby grin at her mummy and Darren from her pram.
Darren smiled before lightly pinching the infant's cheeks before the three headed out for the morning. It was a cloudy and chilly day in Chester at the moment-very usual for winter. They passed by Ziggy Roscoe's dog food ad, Ste Hay sweeping outside The Hutch and…Patrick heading toward them in his typical suit and briefcase.
Maxine sighed at the sight of her estranged husband. "Great, Patrick" She said softly.
The Hollyoaks High head teacher always seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face and Darren wondered if it would forever stay. "How's my beautiful daughter today?" He said, bending over to Minnie's level. Once he was done giving Minnie some attention, there stood his estranged wife and Darren. "Heading out today?" He asked.
"Work, as always" Maxine said flatly, wanting to get away from this man as soon as possible. Just the sight of him made her skin crawl.
"You're taking our daughter to a filthy taxi cab shop Maxine. How unsafe" Patrick said in his usual patronizing voice.
Maxine frowned. "Can you save the lecture for another time Patrick? Me and Darren have to get to work" She said, getting more upset.
There was a pause between the three adults. "You heard Maxine, scram along now" Darren said, coldly to the man that had hurt Maxine beyond comprehension for a long time.
Patrick's jaw clenched. "Right, I'll pick Minnie tomorrow as it is my day with her in case you've forgotten" He said before walking away.
On instinct, Darren reached for Maxine's hand. It felt soft and silky smooth, so much so it sent sparks all through him. "Are you ok?" He asked softly.
"I'm fine Daz, really" Maxine said with a small smile. "Let's just go" She said.
Darren nodded, noticing how the hot pink color of her lipstick went well with her tan skin before he continued to walk with Max and Minnie. He wanted so badly to teach that uptight head teacher a lesson well deserved and long overdue. His new found attraction to Maxine was slowly eating him up and he knew he had to tell her eventually but when the right time came along. Maxine meant too much to him to suddenly spring it upon her.
