Rosie, Im home come and greet me!
A-Alan?! Why are you back so early? You were meant to return in three days time
My wife, a woman in her thirties, appeared in the hallway, hurriedly wrapping herself in a silk dressing gown and eyeing me, somewhat flustered, as I stood in the doorway.
Wanted to surprise you, Rosie! Looks like I managed it. Not pleased to see me? I grinned broadly, satisfied that my plan had worked.
Of course Im happy! Go straight through to the kitchen, Ill heat up some dinner.
Feeling rather pleased with myself, I nodded at Rosie and headed towards the kitchen. There, a lavish spread awaited: strawberries, chocolate, roast straight from the oven… all as if it had been prepared just for my arrival.
Blimey, Rosie, youve outdone yourself! How did you know Id be home today? Youre always one step ahead!
I loaded my plate to the brim and began tucking in. Rosie didn’t join me right away, but I didnt call her she was probably changing into something nice for her loving husband.
Alan, I We
Rosie, this roast is splendid! The salad, the pancakes absolutely divine Martin?!
I looked up to see my wife, arm-in-arm with my own brother, Martin. Rosie gazed at the floor, guilt etched on her face, while Martin in shorts and a tee rubbed his brow as if he’d just been woken up.
Yes, Alan, its me. Hello, brother
Afternoon. Well then, care to explain whats going on here? Although, never mind I think its clear enough.
Alan, I Ive wanted to tell you for a long time. I love your brother, Martin. I want to be with him. Im sorry. Rosie blurted it out, barely looking up at me.
My fork dropped straight out of my hand and clattered onto the plate, sending food skittering across the floor.
So, if Im guessing right You two just?
Yes. We were together. Just now.
Wonderful, just marvellous, Rosie! And you, Martin brilliant. Congratulations, both of you! Now it all makes sense, all this lovely food and who it was really for!
Rosie still didnt look up. The shame on her face was plain as day.
And what about Emma? Whats to become of our daughter? Does she know?
No, she… she doesnt know.
Where is she now then?
Next door with Mrs. Green, watching cartoons.
And do you send her round there often?
For about six months now
I ran out of questions, and emotions too. The drive had tired me out, and I saw no point in starting a row. By nature, I wasnt the sort to keep anger bottled up I was always fairly calm and easy-going.
Though, when I was pushed to my limit, it was best for everyone to keep clear. Not that it happened often.
But this situation, involving the two people I thought closest to me, truly stunned me. For a brief moment, I felt lost.
I want you gone in ten minutes. Time starts now. I said calmly, sipping my tea and refusing to look at my brother.
What is it Rosie even sees in Martin? He looks just like me, same birthmarks and all Cant hold down a job, not much going on upstairs Shell regret it. Still, her choice! I thought, quietly finishing my tea.
Im not leaving until you agree, Martin suddenly stood up.
Agree to what, exactly?
The divorce Let Rosie go, she doesnt love you!
I can see well enough whom my wife loves I muttered with a wry smile. If its a divorce you want, youll get one but only through the courts. Can’t wait to watch you both spend all your money on solicitors.
Alan Rosie placed her hand on my wrist Alan, please, lets keep things civil. Youre not a bad man I know that…
I shook my head.
Fine, thats how it has to be. But Martin, youre no longer my brother.
Theres something else wed like to ask
Go on, what now?
Let me have the flat after the divorce, Alan! Rosie beamed, still stroking my wrist.
Emmas grown so attached to the place, shes got a lot of friends at school If we split the flat, we wont have the money to buy somewhere else. Wed have to move back in with my mum in the village…
I rested my chin on my clasped hands, thinking it over. Rosie, sensing my hesitation, tried to sweet-talk me.
Alan, love Think of it as a gift for your daughter. Youll earn plenty more with that decent salary of yours! Please, shes our only child. Do it for her…
Calm down, Rosie, I cut her off. Ive got a better idea.
Oh? Rosies face lit up. Going to give us the car as well? Emma would love that
Emmas coming to live with me.
What?! Rosie stared, incredulous. Have you lost your mind? You dont even know how to look after a child! You’re always away for work She barely remembers your name!
Lets find out, shall we? I said, heading for the door.
A few minutes later, I returned, hand in hand with my daughter. Emma was ten, just moved up to year five. She squeezed my hand tightly and smiled up at me.
And why did you bring her here? So she could get caught in the middle too?! snapped Rosie.
I didnt answer. Instead, I sat Emma on my lap and started gently:
Emma, sweetheart, can I ask you a few questions?
Of course! she beamed, pleased to have my attention.
Just promise youll answer honestly. Because Im about to talk to you like a grown-up.
Like you talk to those men at your office?
Exactly like that.
Emma nodded, eager to be treated seriously.
Tell me, does your mum ever hurt you? Has she smacked you in the last week?
Emma looked away, suddenly bashful, her fingers twisting her dress.
How dare you?! Rosie screamed. Completely lost it, havent you? Leave the child out of it!
Quiet, Rosie. Im talking to my daughter. I snapped, ruffling Emmas hair reassuringly. Dont be scared, Em. Remember you promised to tell the truth?
Emma nodded, tears welling in her eyes. She threw her arms around my neck and whispered fiercely into my chest:
Yes, she smacked me three times! First for a bad grade, then for spilling milk. And the third time I yelled at Uncle Martin. She was kissing him while you were away
There, there, love, dont cry I murmured, stroking her hair. Dont worry, Im here, and Im not going anywhere. Your mum wont hurt you again.
Shes making it all up! Rosie shot back. I never laid a finger on her
So, you want the flat and the car for your daughter? I said, a sly smile on my lips. Emma, can I ask one more question?
Okay
If you could choose, love, who would you want to live with me or your mum?
Emma fell silent, glancing between us. Rosie did her best to win her over, even stretching her arms out.
You promise you wont leave for ages?
Promise! I replied without hesitation.
Then I want to live with you, Dad.
You little! Rosie lunged for her, but I held Emma tight, shielding her. Martin, all the while standing behind, didnt try to intervene.
Well, Rosie, thats that. You wont be seeing her again, I said calmly, and led Emma out towards her bedroom.
A few minutes later, Id helped Emma pack her things. My own suitcase, still packed from my work trip, was ready. We set off for a hotel on the far side of London one I often booked for business.
Eventually, the court hearing came. Taking into account that Rosie and her new partner had neither steady work nor a stable home, and Emmas own wishes, the judge decided shed stay with me.
We agreed Rosie could see her at weekends, but she lived with me now, in our new home.
I rearranged my life, ditched the months-long business trips, and was there for Emma. She started smiling more and to me, that was worth more than any wage or job in the world.
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