“You two are not a match,” Rita told her sister. “He’s younger and suits me better. The wedding should be called off.”
Daisy lived in a spacious three-bedroom flat in a nice London neighborhood. The apartment was left to her by her grandmother. Besides her younger second cousin, Daisy didn’t have any close family. But she and Rita were not close.
It just so happened that Daisy found herself alone at thirty-five, but at least she had a place to live. Daisy knew she had to rely on herself, so she studied hard, graduated from a prestigious university, landed a well-paid job in a large corporation, and everything was going well for her, except for one thing…
“You need to get married, Daisy,” Rita would tell her whenever she got in touch to see how she was doing.
At thirty, her sister had already had three children and been through two divorces. She lived in the suburbs with her sons on child support, trying to get her life together, but nothing seemed to work out.
“I need to, but there’s no one to marry,” Daisy would reply. At work, she focused on her tasks and had little free time. But one day, fate surprised her with a new neighbor upstairs. They met when Daisy accidentally bumped his car in the parking lot, and things took off from there.
William was five years younger than Daisy, but this didn’t bother the lovebirds. Daisy, being a traditional woman, didn’t want to live together before marriage, so after two months of dating, William proposed with a ring.
Instead of a wedding gown, Daisy bought a white suit, and instead of a big reception, the young couple decided to travel. Everything was falling into place… until their plans were disrupted by Rita. She called Daisy a week before the wedding.
“Hey, sis… Can we stay with you for a bit? Renting’s expensive, and we’re out of money. It’s urgent.”
“What happened?”
“I need an urgent and expensive operation. I’ll explain everything,” she said quietly, adding a sense of intrigue.
“Well, if it’s serious, come over,” said Daisy, not thrilled but unable to refuse. She knew well how hard it can be with no one to turn to.
Rita showed up the next day with suitcases and three kids in tow. Daisy wasn’t fond of children—one she could tolerate, but three constantly whining kids…
“Let’s be clear on how long you’re staying,” said Daisy, taking an eyeliner back from the youngest who had started drawing on the walls.
“I don’t know… Are we a burden to you?” Rita pouted. “Sorry… we should’ve opted for a hostel. We couldn’t afford a hotel. We’re broke… doctors and tests…”
“No, it’s okay. Just what’s going on with you?” Daisy turned red with embarrassment over being inhospitable. After all, family is family.
“Well, it’s complicated,” Rita waved away. “It’s an eye problem.”
“What kind of problem?” Daisy was used to seeing her sister in glasses but hadn’t thought it was anything serious.
“Don’t worry, it’s my issue. The main thing is I’ve found a good doctor. Tell me about you.”
“I’m getting married,” Daisy reported with some pride.
“And you didn’t mention it?!”
“We decided against a big celebration.”
“How is that possible?! With your money, you skimp on the wedding?!”
“Rita…”
“Sorry. I’m overstepping, aren’t I?” Rita bit her lip. “So who’s the lucky guy? Do introduce me.”
“Actually, he lives nearby and wanted to pop by.”
“Great! You set the table then, and I’ll wash my hair. That train ride was all sweat.”
“Towel’s in the bathroom.”
“Thanks. I won’t be long. Keep an eye on the kids, okay?”
Daisy frowned. She had planned to bake a chocolate cake that William loved, not babysit three rowdy boys.
Rita left, and seeing the children playing quietly with toy cars, Daisy grabbed flour and eggs and started baking.
The kids didn’t play quietly for long. The baking was a disaster. One spilled the flour, another swiped chocolate from the counter, smearing it on himself and the walls. The third was silent, quietly pulling leaves off her favorite ficus and scattering soil everywhere.
“Rita! Your kids…” Daisy started as she stepped into the bathroom to hand the trio back to their mother. But, oblivious, Rita was lounging in the bath with her eyes closed and headphones on, splashing about instead of taking a quick rinse.
“Rita!”
“What’s the yelling for? Something the matter?”
“Well, yes… you’ve been here for over an hour and a half. I need to get ready for my meeting, and I’m covered in chocolate and flour. The kitchen’s a mess! I don’t know where to start!”
“Well, it’s not my fault you can’t manage kids,” Rita shrugged. At that moment, the doorbell rang. Daisy had to answer it, wearing a dirty apron.
“Hi…” William took in her state. “What happened?”
“My sister arrived. Not the best timing.”
“Should I leave?”
“No, please. We’re practically family,” Daisy smiled, taking the cake he brought. It was good he hadn’t come empty-handed.
“If I’m not in the way, fine.”
William was a decent guy. He helped Daisy clean the kitchen and even entertained Rita’s kids a bit.
And Rita was still in the bath…
“Where’s your sister?”
“Cleaning off her kids,” Daisy joked. At that moment, Rita entered the kitchen, clad only in a towel.
“Hello… William,” she struck a pose with one leg forward, surprising Daisy with her behavior. Why come to the kitchen half-dressed?
“Good evening,” he smiled back.
“My favorite cake!” she shamelessly swiped some cream with her little finger and licked it off, stunning Daisy.
“Rita, we’re having tea. Join us if you want. But not in a towel.”
“Take it off then?” she chuckled, ignoring Daisy.
William was just as taken aback, but pretended not to notice Rita’s antics. Daisy mistook his silence for interest and felt hurt.
They drank tea in silence. Rita acted bizarrely, while Daisy made sure the kids didn’t ruin the decor.
“Thanks, but I should go,” William said when the tension grew too much.
“Stay, there’s room for everyone,” Rita suggested.
“William and I don’t have that kind of relationship,” Daisy cut in.
“Haha! What nonsense! That’s outdated. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to handle men. The wedding’s soon, and you know nothing.”
“Goodbye, nice to meet you,” William paled.
“So glad! We’ll meet again,” Rita shouted after him.
Daisy didn’t speak to her for the rest of the evening.
“You know, you and he aren’t right together,” Rita declared the next day.
“Why’s that?”
“He’s young, and you’re not so much.”
“We’re not that far apart.”
“But enough to notice.”
“And what’s your point?”
“He suits me better.”
“Really?”
“And he got along with the boys right away. He looked at me, and he wanted to stay with us!”
“Not with us. With me!” Daisy snapped, irritated by her sister.
“Fine, fine! Just teasing. Testing you.”
“What about your operation?” Daisy changed topics.
“It’s scheduled for tomorrow. Today I have a check-up. Can you look after the kids?”
“I’m working.”
“But you’re the manager!”
“So?”
“You’re your own boss. Take a day off.” Rita looked at Daisy as if not understanding the problem. “Besides, after the operation, I’ll need peace and rest for a few days. You’ll have to take care of everything.”
Daisy’s response left Rita surprised.
