There Are No Coincidences
Its been nearly four years since her mum passed away, but Alice still remembers the ache and unbearable longing, especially on the evening after the funeral. Her father sat silent, broken by sorrow, and Alice had run out of tears. An oppressive hush filled their big, sturdy English home.
Alice was sixteen at the time. She understood how badly she and her dad were hurting, for the three of them had been so happy together. John put his arm around his daughters shoulders and said,
We need to carry on, love, somehow… Well get used to it, I suppose.
Time went on. Alice trained as a paramedic and recently began working at the local hospital in their village. She lived alone in the family house now, as her father had remarried last year and moved to a nearby village with his new wife. Alice didnt resent her dad or judge him. Life happens, and she herself would marry one day. Her father was still young, after all.
Stepping off the bus in her smart dress and nice shoes, Alice was heading to her dads for his birthday he was her only close family left.
Hello, Dad! Alice beamed, giving John a big hug in the front garden as she handed him a wrapped present. Happy birthday!
Hello, sweetheart! Come in, the tables already set, John said, and they went inside.
Alice, finally! called out Karen, her new stepmother, from the kitchen. The kids have been hungry for ages.
John had been living with Karen and her family for a year now. Karen had a thirteen-year-old daughter, Molly, who was rather cheeky and difficult, and a ten-year-old boy. Alice rarely visited; this was only her second time all year. She tried to ignore Mollys outbursts, impolite as they were, and Karen never did anything to stop her daughters behaviour.
After the birthday greetings and a round of questions, Karen started in on Alice.
Are you seeing anyone, Alice?
Yes, I am, she replied.
And is there a wedding in the works?
Alice felt awkward at Karens bluntness.
Well, well see, she replied, not giving more away.
Listen, Alice, Karen forced a smile, your dad and I have been talking, and weve decidedhe cant keep supporting you anymore. He gives you far too much money, when he has a big family to look after here. Youre grown up, you work, its time someone else looked after youmaybe your boyfriend once youre married. Your dads first priority must be to us now.
Karen, hang on, John interrupted, thats not quite what we agreed. I explained, I actually give Alice less than I do to you all…
But Karen didnt let him finish and started yelling,
Youre a walking cash machine for your daughter while we go without!
John looked embarrassed and said nothing. Alice felt ill, stood suddenly and fled outside, sitting down on the bench to regain her composure. The birthday was already ruined. Molly came out and sat next to her.
Youre very pretty, Molly said. Alice just nodded, not in the mood to chat. Dont be mad at my mum, shes moody because shes pregnant, Molly smirked. You dont know what shes like yet, but just you wait. The girl laughed and skipped back inside.
Alice stood up and left the garden. Looking back, she saw her father on the doorstep watching her go.
Three days later, John and Karen turned up at Alices house, unexpectedly.
Oh, what a surprise! Shall I put the kettle on? Alice suggested.
Karen glanced around the house, inspecting everything.
Nice place, you dont see many like this in the village.
My dads got magic hands, built most of it himself with Uncle Colin, right, Dad?
Oh, dont exaggerate, love, just did my best for the family, John replied.
Well, I know how lucky I am, Karen said, eyes gleaming. Actually, we came to have a word about this house.
Alice immediately felt wary. Im not selling my share. I grew up here; this house means everything to me, she said defiantly to both Karen and John.
Well, arent you clever? Karen said, bitter and sarcastic. And you, John, say something! She jabbed her husband in the ribs.
Look, love, we need to sort this, John said, avoiding Alices gaze. My familys grown, the house is too small now, and with a new baby coming If we sell, you can find somewhere smaller, and if you cant afford it, Ill help with a loan.
Dad, you cant be serious, Alice couldnt believe her ears.
Your fathers got a new family now, Karen shouted. When are you going to get it? There is no more your house. Youre hogging more than your fair share. Things will change, whether you like it or not.
Dont you dare raise your voice at me, Alice stood up, and now, Id like you both to leave.
After the guests had gone, Alice felt terrible. She knew her dad deserved a private life, but not at her expense. The house her mum had loved shed never sell her share.
Later, Arthur came by. Seeing her face, he stared.
Whats happened, gorgeous? You look a mess.
She burst into tears in his arms, pouring out everything. Arthur, who worked for the police, calmly listened and comforted her.
Your dads a good man, but he cant stand up to Karen. Shes got him wrapped round her finger, and he cant see it. Dont worry, Ill get some solicitors involved from the city. Whatever you do, dont let them force you into selling, Arthur said.
Back home, John was restless. Things with Karen had been good at first, but recently shed gotten greedy about money, obsessed with getting more space, and fixated on selling his house. He was starting to doubt his decision to remarry. Just then, Karen piped up about her pregnancy.
Eager to reach home, Alice hurried down the chilly autumn streets after a long shift. Arthur was meant to meet her, but an urgent call had come in at work. Alice just wanted to get home quickly. Almost there, a car pulled up. A large man got out, grabbed her and bundled her into the back seat before she could react. They sped off.
Who are you? What do you want? Alice sobbed, terrified. You must have the wrong person! she pleaded, but the men just laughed.
In our line of work, there are no mistakes, the stranger said. Do as we say, and no harm will come to you or your dad.
Whats my dad got to do with any of this?
Youll sign these papers, get your cut for the house sale in two days and move out. Theres already a buyer.
This is illegal, I wont sign, Ill go to the police, I wont sell my house! she exclaimed. Suddenly, she felt a blow to her jaw and tasted blood.
Were not scared of your police boyfriend, sneered the man. If you dont sign, youre finished. Maybe hell get to investigate your murder, and if he causes trouble
The car stopped at the edge of the village. The man in the back thrust documents at her, illuminating them with a torch.
Sign these, just mind you dont get blood on them. Theyll be with the solicitor in the morning.
But out of the darkness, the blue lights of a police car flashed, then a second. The driver panicked and tried to speed off, but got flustered and drove straight into a ditch.
Turns out Arthur had asked his friend Max to look out for Alice when she finished late at work. Max saw her being forced into the car, called Arthur, who rallied the whole local force.
Later, it would come out that the big brute who had dragged Alice into the car was Karens lover and it was his baby she was carrying. Together, they hatched a plan to force the sale of the house, which Karen had fallen in love with and wanted the money from. Alice was just in the way. Karen figured shed deal with John afterward.
Time passed, and things fell back into place. John divorced Karen and moved back home. He carried on working, running his small auto parts business. That evening, the three of themJohn, Alice, and Arthursat around the table together. The house had become even dearer to John.
Dont worry, Dad, Alice said cheerfully, youll never be on your own.
Be honest, Alicewhich one of you is getting married?
I asked Alice, and she said yes, Arthur grinned, giving her a wink. Weve already posted the banns and set the date. The weddings soon. The couple exchanged happy glances and laughed.
Even after I marry Arthur and move in with him, well come visit all the time, Dad. Were only down the road.
Oh, Alice, forgive me for everything I really made a mess of things. Im so sorry, John said, glancing at the photo of his late wife, his eyes full of tears.
Its all right, Dad, really. Things are looking upmuch better days are ahead.
Thank you for reading, for subscribing, and for your support. Wishing you all the best in life!
