Miscalculated
So, Emilys popping by tonight, around seven. You dont mind, do you? Kate put down her hairbrush and looked at her husband, who was fiddling with the TV remote. Jonathan nodded, eyes still glued to the telly.
Of course. Tell her to come over.
Kate smiled and turned back to the mirror. Shed always liked how well Jonathan got on with her younger sister. Emily popped in all the timesometimes two or three times a weekstaying late, filling the flat with laughter and chatter. Kate listened in as they debated TV series or bickered about the government, and shed think, blimey, Im lucky. A solid husband, a beloved sister, a proper little family. Like something off EastEnders, only real.
Every now and then, though, something would niggle at her. Stupid things, really. The way Jonathan leaned in just a bit too much when Emily told stories from work. How her sister would touch his arm when she giggled at his jokes. Or how theyd whisper in the kitchen, falling silent whenever Kate walked in. Shed shoo those thoughts away. Silly, really. Its only Emilyher baby sister, the one shed practically raised while still at school. And Jonathanher Jonathantheyd been married five years now. Their anniversary was coming up, actually.
On the evening that changed everything, Kate left the office early. She wanted to nip round Sainsburys and pick up some bits for a special anniversary tea. She just wanted tomorrow to be lovely.
The key turned in the lock far too easily. Kate stepped into the hallway and froze. The silence in the flat felt wrong, heavy. She could hear soft voices from the living room.
She walked down the hallway and pushed the door open, stopping dead.
Emily was lounging in her favourite armchair as if it had always been hers. Jonathan was by the window, and when Kate entered, he turned away even more, like he could somehow melt into the wall.
Whats with you two? Kate tried to smile, but her lips wouldnt cooperate. Something happen?
Emily looked up, and for a moment Kate didnt recognise her. Where had sweet, bashful little Em gonethe one who always came to Kate for advice, who used to cry on her shoulder every time a boyfriend dumped her? Sitting in front of her was a stranger, her eyes cold, almost triumphant.
Somethings happened, yeah. Im pregnantwith your husbands baby, Emily said, deadly calm. Pack your things and get out. Ill be living here now.
She pressed a hand against her stomachstill flat, hidden beneath a baggy blouse.
Kate just stood there, as if nailed to the spot. Somewhere outside a horn beeped. The neighbours’ telly hummed through the wall. Life went on, utterly oblivious, as she realised she couldnt breathe.
What?! Her voice sounded strange, brittle.
You heard me. Emily leaned back in the chair, arms crossed. Me and Jon have decided. Enough pretending. Were done.
Kate glanced at her husband. Jonathan was still staring off to one side, his shoulders slumped, knuckles white against the windowsill.
Jonathan, she said, taking a hesitant step. Look at me. Please, look at me.
He turned. There was no apology in his face, no shamejust exhaustion and, she couldve sworn, relief.
Kate, he said, empty-handed, It just sort of happened. Im sorry.
It just sort of happened? Kate could barely hear herself over the pounding in her head. Five years, and it just sort of happened?
Oh, stop the drama, Emily groaned. Were all adults. Love fizzles out, it happens. Jon and Iwell, its real between us.
Jonny. She called him Jonny, just how Kate always did.
How long? the words caught in Kates throat. How longs this been going on?
Emily smirked at Jonathan. About a year. Maybe more. What difference does it make?
A year. All those nights Emily stayed late, all those inside jokes in the kitchen, all those looks Kated chalked up to sibling warmth.
I thought you were my sister, Kate said, suddenly steadier. I thought you loved me.
I do love you, Emily shrugged, her indifference nearly knocking Kate sideways. But I love myself more. And Jonathan. You were always a bit boring, Katetiny bit too perfect, you know? People get tired of that.
Kate lunged for Jonathan, grabbing his shirt and forcing him to face her head on.
Tell me shes lying! Tell me this is some sick joke, please!
Jonathan tried to pull away, but Kates grip only tightened, buttons giving under her fingers.
Kate, let goyou know exactly whats happening
No, I dont understand! she shouted, pushing him so hard he stumbled into the sill. Five years, Jonathan! I gave up a bloody job offer in Manchester for you! I looked after your mum in hospital, day after day! And you
Kate grabbed a cushion from the sofa and hurled it at him. He barely dodged it.
You slept with her in our bed! Coward!
Oh, pull yourself together, Emily stood up and tugged her blouse straight. Stop being so hysterical. Youre acting dreadful.
Kate faced her sister, caught sight of the family photo on the bookshelfthe three of them hugging under the Christmas tree, Kate laughing, genuinely happy, back when she had a family.
I raised you! The photo frame flew across the room, smashing against the wall, glass clattering everywhere. I did your homework when Mum was pulling double shifts! I chased off bullies for you! And this is how you pay me back?
Christ, here we go again. Emily rolled her eyes. Youve milked your sacrifices enough, dont you think? Jonathans always preferred women whore fun and lively. He only stuck around with you out of pity. At least Im honest about it. No more secrets.
Honest? Kate actually laugheda sharp, stinging sound that unsettled even Jonathan. Years of lies behind my back, and thats your idea of honesty?
She snatched up the heavy glass ashtray, the one Jonathans mum had given them as a housewarming, and raised it.
Kate, put it down! Jonathan lunged, but too late.
She smashed it straight into the cabinet; glassware rained down all over the carpet.
And thats just for starters, Kate said through her teeth, sweat beading on her forehead. She stormed over to the shelves, knocking off albums, knick-knacks, cheap souvenirs from getaways with Jonathan.
Pack it in! Jonathan tried to catch her arm.
Dont touch me! Dont you ever touch me again.
For the first time, Emily looked uneasy, inching toward the hallway.
Look, lets be sensible. You ought to leave. Jonny and I need this flattheres a baby on the way. Grab your things
I need to go? Kate stopped dead in the chaos, her glare enough to make Emily take another step back. Me?
Suddenly, beneath all the betrayal and pain, something else cut through. Cold, clear, and sharp as broken glass.
Looks like you two forgot one teeny tiny detailmiscalculated, didnt you? Kate swept her hair off her face, suddenly calm. This flats mine. Bought it before Jon and I got married. In my name. Didnt Jon mention that?
Emily darted a look at Jonathan, whose face had gone chalk white.
Whats that got to do with anything? Emily snapped. Were starting a familya child needs a home more than you do.
Family? Kate scoffed and there was nothing warm in it. Well, you can start one somewhere else. Right now, both of you are out of my home.
You cant throw us out! Emilys voice shook. Im pregnant! Thats inhuman.
You shouldve thought of that before crawling into my husbands bed. Kate stalked to the door and flung it open. Get out. Both of you.
Jonathan approached her, trying to take her hand.
Kate, pleasemaybe we can work something out? I havent got anywhere to gomy stuffs all here. And I can take you to court!
Do what you like. The place is legally mine, bought before we wed. You havent a leg to stand on. You can pick your things up laterIll tell you when.
But
Get out. Kate said it so coldly, so finally, that Jonathan just shut his mouth. You and your pregnant mistress. Out of my home.
Emily snatched her handbag and shot Kate a look as she brushed past her.
Mum will hear about this. Shell never forgive what youve done.
Well see.
Kate shut the door in their faces and slumped against it, tears streaming, her whole body shaking.
Three days later, Mum rang. Kate braced herself for the worst.
Love? Her mothers voice sounded tired. Emily told me everything. Well, her side, anyway.
Mum, I
Just listen. I did listen to her. Then I told her not to show her face in my house again. Not until shes come to her senses and crawls back to you on her knees, begging for forgiveness.
Kate let out a ragged breath.
Youre on my side?
Of course. Emilys behaviour was disgraceful, and your husbands no better. Chin up, sweetheart. Get that divorce and start fresh. The flats yours, so he cant touch it. Youre strong. Youll be alright.
Kate slid down the wall in floods of tears. She realised, for the first time, she wasnt fighting this on her own. Her mum was with herexactly the support she never expected but so desperately needed.
