Emily had spent the whole day getting everything ready for New Years Eve: cleaning, cooking, laying the table. This was her first New Years away from her parents, just with her beloved.
Shed been living with Dave for three months in his flat. He was fifteen years older than her, had been married before, paid child maintenance, and was rather fond of a drink now and then… But when youre in love, none of that seems to matter. No one quite understood what made her fall for him: he certainly wasnt a lookerif anything, people said he was downright unattractivehis temperament left much to be desired, he was maddeningly stingy, and he never seemed to have any money. And if by some miracle he did, it was only ever for himself. Yet somehow, Emily had fallen head over heels for her very own Mr. Unbelievable.
For those three months, Emily had hoped Dave would see what a gentle and devoted partner she was. She dreamed hed want to make her his wife. Hed always say, We need to live together for a bit, see what youre like running a household. Dont want another disaster like my ex. He was vague about what his ex had been likeEmily never really knew. So she did her utmost to prove herself: never lost her temper when he came home drunk, cooked, washed, tidied up, bought groceries with her own money (didnt want Dave to think she was after his wallet). Even the whole New Years feast was paid for from her own purse. And shed bought him a new phone as a gift.
While Emily was busy with all the preparations, Dave wasnt exactly idle eitherhed gone out drinking with his mates. He showed up merry and announced some friends were coming over to ring in the New Year. His friends, all people Emily didnt even know. Shed set the table; there was only an hour left until midnight, but her mood was ruined. Still, she bit her tongueshe was determined not to give him any cause to compare her to his ex.
Half an hour before midnight, in rolled a group of drunken men and women. Dave instantly perked up, plunked everyone down at the table, and the drinking resumed in full swing. Dave didnt even introduce Emily to the guestsno one paid her any attention. They sat and drank, sharing their own jokes and stories. When Emily mentioned there were two minutes until midnight and suggested they pour some champagne, the lot of them looked at her as if she were a gatecrasher at their own party.
And whos this, then? slurred one of the women.
Bedside neighbour, laughed Dave, and all his mates joined in, cackling at her expense.
They feasted on the food Emily had prepared while mocking her behind her back. As Big Ben began to chime, they made jokes about her naivety and praised Dave for his ingenious move of finding himself a free cook and housekeeper. Dave didnt defend herhe just sat there, laughing along, shovelling down the food shed bought and cooked, treating her like a doormat.
Emily quietly left the room, gathered her things, and went back to her parents. Shed never had a more miserable New Years Eve. Her mum simply said, as she always did, Told you so, while her dad breathed a sigh of relief. Emily cried out all her bitterness and finally saw things for what they were.
A week later, when Daves funds had run dry, he turned up at Emilys door as if nothing had happened and asked, So, whyd you leave? Got your nose out of joint or something? When he saw she wasnt leaping to make peace, he switched tactics: Well, this is just brilliant. Youre off lazing about with your mum and dad, and meanwhile, Ive got nothing but a starving mouse in my fridge! Youre turning out just like my ex!
Emily was so gobsmacked by his cheek she was lost for words. Shed rehearsed all the things she wanted to say to him a hundred times in her head, but in that moment she just stood there, speechless. All she could muster was a string of unrepeatable words before slamming the door in his face.
And so, with the start of the New Year, Emily began her new life.
