Hey, listen, Ive got to tell you about this mess that went down with my old mate Jack.
Sorry, Simon, but I Ive fallen for your wife, he blurted out, eyes darting off to the side, like the words just slipped out against his will.
I froze. My face went through a whole palette of feelings, and suddenly I could barely breathe.
I swear there was nothing between us, Jack hurried on, Emily doesnt even suspect a thing
I just stood there, the room feeling like itd stopped ticking.
And when did you decide I needed to know that? I asked, keeping my tone flat.
Were mates, right? he said, still not meeting my gaze, I thought youd tell me what to do His voice trembled a bit, betraying his nerves.
You want advice from me? From me? Youve messed with my wife and now you expect me to give you a blessing? Brilliant! I managed a bitter grin.
No, you dont get it! If I wanted her, Id have taken her. You know me. But I cant. Youre like a brother to me.
A brother? I snapped, getting up from the sofa. Remember when you stole Daisy from Victor? You swore wed be forever friends then too.
He laughed, Right, that was back in school! Emilys a whole different story.
Exactly. Shes my wife, and shes pregnant, if you havent noticed. So back off.
Really? Youre ready to throw away our friendship over a woman? I could hear the confusion and hurt in his voice.
Its about the family, you know the difference. And why should I be blamed for betrayal?
Wasnt it you who started all this? Take Emily to the cinema, Im busy, Help her with the kitchen, Drive her to her mums. You were feeding me your wife, mate! I liked being useful, got it?
Get out, I opened the door, my calm unnerving him. And dont come back. Forget us.
Alright, he said, just so you know, I was hoping for a different chat. My conscience is clear now.
He walked out, slammed the door, then rang Emily straight away.
Hey, we need to meet. Its important.
Did something happen? she sounded worried. Come over, Simons still at work. Well wait together.
I cant. He he told me not to show up at your place.
What? Why?
I dont know. I thought youd explain.
She sounded lost. I dont get it either. Lets meet in the park then.
We met up, and she listened while I recounted how Simon suddenly blew up, accusing me of some vague affair with Emily, talking about nonexistent affairs. I wasnt lying, I just left out the key bits.
Your husband thinks Im destroying your family, I finished, looking straight into her confused eyes.
Thats nonsense, she whispered.
Simons just jealous, I said, trying to sound generous. Did you ever notice?
I could see the puzzle forming in her mind sudden questions from her husband, his irritation with friends, constant suspicion. Perfect ground for doubt.
What should I do? she asked, voice trembling.
Talk to him. Tell him hes wrong. Were just friends.
He wont believe you.
Then dont say anything, I brushed her hand lightly. Stay over at my place tonight. Let him feel what its like to be alone.
She looked frightened, the conflict evident in her eyes doubt, fear, anger at her husband, and something new, dangerous.
Okay, she finally said. But Im counting on you being decent.
That was the first step.
All evening I played the understanding friend. We had tea, swapped funny stories, and I caught her looking at me bewildered but intrigued.
When she fell asleep on the couch, I didnt rouse her.
In the morning Simon called, his voice hoarse, halfasleep.
Emily there?
Yes, I replied, flat as a board. All good. She just decided not to come back.
Silence hung. I pictured Simons face and felt a grim satisfaction.
Tell her, he began, then stopped, as if choosing his words. The doors closed. Forever.
He hung up.
Emily woke up to the conversation.
Whats happened?
Simon he doesnt want to see you anymore. He says you made your choice.
She broke down. I held her, murmuring empty comforts. I wasnt feeling anything. I kept wondering why shed weep over a past happiness Id shattered so easily.
A week later she packed her stuff.
Im going to my mums, she said without looking at me. I need some time alone.
Sure, I nodded. Go on.
She left, muttering, I dont trust you, him, or myself any more…
***
I was left alone in a flat that felt hollow. The quiet pressed in, turning thoughts upside down.
My plan, so neat and elegant, cracked. She was supposed to be torn between us! I imagined tormenting Simon, keeping her, savoring his humiliation. But she left and ruined everything.
***
I flopped on the sofa, stared at the ceiling, and childhood memories bubbled up.
Simon, the eternal lucky chap! Always scoring the winning goal, breezing through exams, getting the girls attention without trying. Everything just fell into his lap!
Envy built up over years, quiet and sour, until it turned into outright hatred.
Then life scattered us. A chance encounter later, Simon was a successful entrepreneur, gorgeous wife, baby on the way. His calm, content smile, his confident stride all of it stirred that old, unspoken bitterness.
I couldnt stand it. I wanted to knock him down a peg, snatch a crumb of his joy, even if only for a moment. I never imagined it would be this simple.
***
The phone rang, breaking the silence. An unknown number. A voice told me Emily had been in a car crash on her way to her mums.
I sat there, stunned, unable to move. This wasnt a clever plot or revenge any more. It was a disaster.
***
When Simon heard, he spent days and nights at the hospital.
Emily, through tears and pain, told him everything how shed been convinced Simon was jealous without cause, how theyd been coaxed to meet just to teach him a lesson. Simon held her hand, squeezing tightly.
He wasnt bothered by the wreck itself. He was just relieved she was alive, realizing he could have lost her forever.
A few days later Simon came home, changed out of his work clothes. Outside the lift, Jack was waiting, pale, eyes darting.
Hows she? Simon asked, his voice flat, the loss of their unborn child heavy in his tone.
Everythings over, Jack whispered.
Simons eyes dimmed even more.
I didnt want this, Jack blurted, tears spilling. I was jealous all my life! You had everything, I had nothing! I saw you happy and I couldnt stand it. I thought I thought if I tore your family apart youd suffer. I never meant for her to die.
Simon listened, the words a chaotic rush of despair, then said quietly, I never expected anything good from you, but you surprised me. Does it feel better now?
Sorry, Jack croaked. I didnt think it would go this far.
Think more often, Simon snapped back. People say it helps. Anyway, see you around.
He turned and vanished into the stairwell.
Jack stood there, bewildered, unsure which way to go, then slowly shuffled away.
Thats where it ends, mate. Its a mess, but I thought youd want the whole story. Catch up soon.
