Family Trials
You know, Emily hadnt felt that happy in years. After ages of just plodding along, days blending into each other in the same old routine, things had finally changed. Shed met Marka man who just turned her little world upside down. He was nothing like anyone shed dated before. He was gentle, attentive, so genuinely kind.
To Emily, Mark seemed to have every quality shed ever wanted. He was supportive when she needed it, someone she could talk to about anythingwhether it was a serious problem or some silly little thing. He never got annoyed about minor mishaps, never made a scene, and never tried to control or boss her around. For once, it felt like shed met the man shed been waiting for her whole life.
Of course, there was one thing everyone seemed to have an opinion about: Mark was eight years younger than Emily. She genuinely didnt care. For her, age was just a number. What mattered was the warmth and respect they shared every single day.
The neighbourssome of the older women in her streetcouldnt resist gossiping about the two of them. Emily would feel their stares following her as she walked with Mark through the park or nipped to the shops. Theyd whisper and shake their heads or, sometimes, just blurt out their concerns.
Just you watch, one would mutter, narrowing her eyes, Your Beckys fifteen now, pretty girl she is, coming into her own. You sure your fella doesnt have his eye on her?
Emily would just sigh, fighting to keep her cool. She knew it was nothing but idle tittle-tattle, the kind that spreads because some people cant help sticking their noses in.
Oh, dont be ridiculous, shed snap back. Hes a decent, intelligent man, and he loves me. Hed never do anything like that.
There was a no-nonsense confidence in her voice. She truly believed in Markbelieved in them. She didnt care what the neighbours thought. What mattered was how they actually felt about each other.
Mark, for his part, usually managed to keep his cool outdoors, even if he heard some of the whispers. Hed just lift an eyebrow, as if to say, Not bothered, and kept his calm face as he walked by. But when they were alone, all the restraint melted away. Hed get all fired up, running his hand through his hair in frustration:
Just think of it! The nonsense people cook up. Youd think we were living in some dodgy soap opera. How is it anyones businessyou know? Just spreading this rubbish about us.
Emily would gently put her hand on his and tried to soothe him, her voice steady and warm:
Mark, dont let them get to you. They watch too much telly, thats their problem. They dont know youeventually theyll have to eat humble pie.
Emily and Mark, at least, could shrug off the endless gossip. But for Becky, her daughter, it was a whole different story. Becky had always been at the centre of her mums world, and those changes hit her hard. Before, it had just been the two of themEmily was always there to listen, make tea, talk through anything. Now, it felt like most of her mothers time and attention went to this stranger in their home. And it didnt help that Mark never hesitated to point out if she did something wrong.
One evening, after Mark suggested she shouldnt be staying out quite so late, Becky burst into her mums room, flapping her arms, her voice on the edge of tears and fury:
Mum, whats even the point of having him here? We were doing perfectly well before, just us two. Now hes here, bossing everyone about!
Emily took a deep breath and tried to stay patient. She leaned back, looking at Becky with a calm, steady gaze:
Marks absolutely right. At your age its not safe skulking about late at night. Just put the news on if you dont believe ustheres stories every day.
But Im not out on my own! Im with my friends! Becky snapped, stamping her foot.
Doesnt matter about your mates. What would any of you do if someone dangerous turned up? Emily stuck to her guns.
Becky glared at her, cheeks flushed with anger. She clenched her fists, then spun round and snapped:
Whatever. Im off to my room. Dont bother saving me any dinner.
The door slammed so hard it echoed through the house, leaving Emily sitting in heavy silence, wondering why her daughter had become so difficult. Over and over, the question gnawed at her: what was she doing wrong? All shed done was fall for someone who made her feel alive and wanted after so many years alone. Why was Becky so determined to be against Mark?
Emily tried to see things through her daughters eyes. Fifteens a tough age, when every little change feels like a threat. Once, her mum was hers alonethat rock, always on her side. Now someone else was sharing her and making new rules, weighing in on how Becky should live her life.
Cant she see that mums need a bit of affection and happiness, too Emily thought sadly, watching the late summer light fade outside. She wished more than anything that Becky could appreciate Marksee how caring and dependable he could be. Instead, there were slammed doors and angry accusations.
A few months before, they would spend hours chatting in the kitchen over a cuppa, talking about school, plans for the weekend, or their dreams. Now those evenings were a thing of the past. Becky kept to her room, barely speaking, keeping it all inside.
Emily took a long breath, trying to gather her thoughts. She needed to find the wordsnot as an excuse, but something that would help Becky really listen. She needed her daughter to understand that, even though things had changed, her love was still right there, just like alwaysbut there was someone new in their lives now who needed her, too.
But where do you even start that kind of conversation? How do you chip away at that wall of hurt, when it only seems to grow taller every day? Emily didnt have an answer. She could only hope that patience, love, and time would help them find common groundand maybe one day Becky would see Mark for who he truly was: a man who just wanted to look after both of them.
*****************************
The next morning was one of those dreary English days. Emily blinked herself awake, not even managing a stretch before Becky barged inhair a mess, fists clenched, eyes blazing:
Hes not letting me go to the countryside with Laura! Becky shouted, still trembling with anger. Did you hear me, Mum? Mark doesnt get to stop me!
Mark was standing by the bedroom door, arms folded. He looked completely calm but there was a determination in his eyes. He just watched, realising it would only make things worse if he jumped in.
Emily sat up, running her fingers through her hair.
And quite right too, she replied, steady but already feeling her own fuse getting short. I wouldnt have let you go either. Lauras got a bit of a reputation, hasnt she? Im not letting you hang about with that lot.
Im old enough now! Becky protested, stamping again. Im fifteen! Ill decide who Im friends with and where I go!
Emily got up slowly, threw on her dressing gown, and stared at her daughter, no hint of uncertainty.
Once youve finished school, learnt how to pay your own bills, and start living on your own, you can make all the rules you want. But until then, Im the one that keeps the lights on here, so youll do as youre told.
For a moment, Becky looked totally shocked, mouth working soundlessly, tears threatening.
Your rules? she hissed, before yelling, Youre just being cruel! Youre happy now with him, but I cant do anything!
Emily felt something twist inside at those words, but she kept her cool.
Becky, Im not being cruelI just worry about you. Youre my daughter, and I dont want anything bad to happen to you.
But I want to live my own life! Becky shouted. But that doesnt matter to you anymore, does it? As long as Marks happy, thats all you care about!
Mark took a step forward but Emily quickly gave him a look: Dont. He stopped, folding his arms again, but he looked anxious all the same.
Listen to me, love, Emily said, trying for a gentle but steady tone. Im not cutting off your freedom. I just want you to be safe! You dont realise how quickly things can turn upside down.
I dont want you making my decisions! Becky shot back. Youre not even trying to understand!
She almost ran for the door, turning back only to shout:
Im going anyway! Whether you like it or not!
Emily slumped into a chair, overwhelmed by exhaustion as Mark came up and rested his hand gently on her shoulder.
Should I go after her? he whispered.
Emily shook her head.
She wont listen right now. Give her a bit of space. Well try again later. Calmly.
She looked out at the stony-grey clouds separating just enough to let a little sun peek through. Somewhere inside, she hoped the day would eventually bring a bit of peace to the house.
Becky slammed her bedroom door so forcefully it rattled the pictures on the walls. She flung herself onto her bed, burying her face in a pillow. She was seethinghurt, angry, and absolutely convinced things were desperate and unfair.
She lay there for ages, listening to her mum and Mark talking in the kitchen, walking back and forth through the hall. But Becky refused to budgeeven when her stomach started rumbling, she stubbornly stayed put. She wasnt about to show shed caved.
Time passed slowly. The sun dipped lower, shadows in her room lengthened. Becky kept twisting and turning, pulling the duvet over her head then pushing it away, fiddling with her phone before throwing it aside. Her mind went round in circles: Why dont they get it? Why do they get to decide for me? Im not a kid anymore!
Toward evening, her anger faded, leaving only a dull ache and an odd sort of emptiness. Becky sat up and looked at herself in the mirroreyes a bit puffy, hair all over the place. She sighed, ran her fingers through it, and realised she didnt really feel the same fierce rage as before.
She crept out quietly, letting herself into the kitchen. Her feet carried her automatically to the fridgehunger finally winning. She made herself a quick sandwich, poured some juice, and without thinking, started whistlinga tune at first barely audible but soon filling the kitchen.
Just then, Emily came to the doorway, staring at her daughter in surpriseBecky almost looked cheerful, as though the mornings drama had never happened.
Looks like someones cheered up, Emily commented, trying to sound neutral. You dont want to say sorry for how you acted, do you?
Becky shot her a brief, cheeky look over her shoulder.
Nope. Got nothing to be sorry about.
Emily tried not to get wound up. She came closer, bracing herself on the kitchen counter:
Are you really sure about that? Her tone was firm, coolly warning but not threatening. Mark and I are heading over to the Watsons. Since you dont see any problem with your behaviour, youre staying in tonight.
Becky just shrugged, spreading butter on her bread.
Not exactly gutted to be missing out. Enjoy yourselves, she replied, with a mutter under her breath Emily just caught.
You say something? Emily paused in the doorway.
No, you mustve imagined it, Becky replied, her face unreadable.
Emily watched her for a moment, then left. Becky went on with her sandwich, her whistling quieter and less carefree now. But in her head, shed already hatched a plan: soon enough, Mark would be gone from their lives.
Enjoy it while you can
*************************
Emily was reading through files at work when her phone buzzed in her blazer pocket. StartledMark never called during working hoursshe answered, worried.
Mark? Whats going on?
Instead, a steady, businesslike female voice came down the line:
Im calling from the City Hospital. Weve admitted a man who owns this phone. Would you be able to come in?
Emily felt her world stop. Her insides turned cold. She gripped the phone as if it might break.
Yes yes, I can come straight away
She didnt even wait for further instructions, just grabbed her bag and rushed from the office. Her colleagues stared as she hurried out, but she barely noticed, the only thought throbbing in her mind: Please let him be alright.
Half an hour later, she was at the hospital. When they led her to the ward, the sight broke her heart. Mark lay in bed, his face bruised, a black eye swelling, lip splitbut conscious, even trying to force a smile when he saw her.
Mark! Emily nearly ran over, grabbing his hand. What happened? Who did this?
Mark sighed, trying to turn his head.
I honestly dont know. He was shouting about Becky. I couldnt make sense of half of it.
Emily felt anger flaring inside her. Right away, she guessedPaul. Her ex-husband, who hadnt been properly present in years, always lurking on the outskirts of her and Beckys lives.
Dont worry, Ill sort this out, she said, gripping his hand tighter. Ill go round myself and find out whats going on.
Mark tried to sit up in pain.
Dont you dare go alone! he said with more force than usual. At least call your brother, will you? Dont try to handle him by yourself. Its not safe!
Emily paused. Even hurt, he was worried for her. It pierced her right to the heart.
Alright, she agreed softly. But you restIll sort it.
She called her brother and briefly explained what had happened. While waiting for him, she squeezed Marks hand and tried to reassure herself as much as him:
Its going to be okay well get it sorted, somehow.
*********************
Emily almost stormed into Pauls flat. He was in the hallway, hands in his pockets, eyebrow raised in defiance. Emily didnt bother with small talk.
Are you proud of yourself? she demanded. Because if you want a showdown, youve got one.
Pauls face turned scarlet. He squared up to her, barely holding back his temper.
How could you bring that bloke into Beckys life? Youve got to think about your daughter, Emily!
Emily didnt budge. Shed heard all this before and was beyond caring.
Ive done nothing but think about her for fifteen years, Paul! You left when Becky wasnt even two, and now you want to lecture me?
Paul bashed his fist into the wall, rattling the photos on the shelf.
Hes after Becky, I know it! Ill have him sorteddont you worry.
Emily folded her arms, eyes like flint.
When would he have the chance? Theyve never been home alone! Hes working later than I am, and were only ever in at weekends. Beckys just winding you up because she doesnt like him.
My daughter doesnt lie! Paul shouted, closing in on her. Ill take her awayyoull see. Shes coming to live with me.
Emily let out a laugh, sharp and cold.
And how are you going to manage that? You cant keep her in the lifestyle shes used to. Shell leg it after a week.
Paul narrowed his eyes, a sly smile on his lips.
She wont run. And by the way, Beckys already asked to move in with me. Says shes scared of your bloke. Doesnt want him in the house.
Emily stiffened for a moment, but held it together.
Well, is that so, she replied, steady now. Fine. Let her do as she wants. It wont be long before shes back.
She wont come back, Paul snapped, but he sounded less certain.
Emily moved to the window, watching children in the street playing outside. Her thoughts swirled with worry. She knew Beckys moods, her dramatic outburstsbut for her to go live with her dad, someone she hardly knew? That was serious.
Do you even know what youre doing? she asked, still facing away. You want to hurt me. Thats all. Shes a real person, not just a way to get at me. Shes only fifteen.
Paul shrugged like it didnt matter.
Shes my daughter. Ive got a right.
Emily spun round, eyes sparkling with steel.
Then prove itprove youre doing this to be a proper dad, not just get revenge. Show her you actually care about her happiness, not just your own hurt pride.
Paul opened his mouth to argue, but then wavered. There was a flicker of doubtmaybe even regret. But his old self came back in a second.
Youve ruined everything, Emily, dont lecture me about happiness, he spat. Well see how this plays out.
Emily sighed, swallowing down the bitterness.
I did my best to build a real lifefor me and for Becky. And you You just want to tear it all down.
Well see who wins, Paul shot back, heading for the door. Shell decide for herself.
*********************
It was a damp, grey day when Mark was finally discharged from hospital. He took a deep breath, letting the cold English air fill his lungs; just being alive felt like a miracle after all the pain.
Emily waited outside, bundled in her coat. When she saw him, she rushed over, stopping herself just in timedidnt want to hurt him. Her eyes were full of love and relief and gratitude.
Well, look at usfree again, Mark joked, taking her by the hand. Lets get home; I need a cuppa just thinking about it.
On the way back he didnt grumble oncenot at Emily, not even about what had happened. Instead, he tried to comfort her whenever her fists clenched at her sides as though she wanted to fight the world.
None of this is your fault, he said firmly. Dont dare blame yourself.
Emily wanted to argue, but Mark wouldnt let her.
No, I mean it. You didnt know it would come to this.
Even when friends asked why he didnt call the police, Mark would just shrug, no grudges in his eyes:
If Id thought my own daughter was at risk from some bloke, Id probably do the same. Hes a dad, just trying to protect his kid.
He refused to hold it against Pauljust accepted it was an awful thing that had happened, but theyd got through it.
A couple of days later, Becky reappeared at their door. She slipped in quietly, head down, carrying a bag of fruita shy peace offering.
I I want to talk, she said, barely above a whisper.
Emily and Mark exchanged a glance. Mark nodded at Emily, letting her take the lead.
Sweetheart, Emily started gently, but Becky blurted it out:
I made it all upevery bit, she said, eyes locked on Mark. It was just me. I didnt think I didnt mean for it to get so out of hand. I just wanted things back to how they were before.
Her voice broke. She swallowed hard, fighting tears.
I never wanted him to get hurt. I just thought Dad would talk to him, tell him to leave us alone. But when I found out he was in hospital I was so ashamed. And scared.
Mark walked over slowly, like she was a startled deer.
Im not angry with you, Becky, he said softly. You were scared, confusedit happens. The important thing is you told us the truth.
Becky finally burst into tears.
I just didnt see it, Mum didnt see you were happy. I only saw someone taking you away from me. But I know now it’s not like that.
Emily pulled her into a hug.
Well figure it out, love. Were in this together.
Becky nodded, hugging her mum tight.
That evening, Becky made a big decision. She told Emily shed be living with her dad, at least for a while. She wanted to give her mum a chance to live her own life without guilt, and maybemaybeshe and her dad could start to build something real.
Im going to stay with Dad for a bit, she said later that night when Mark was asleep. He needs time to take it all in. And I I need to try. Maybe one day, well be a proper familywhatever that means.
Emily squeezed her hand, tears running down her face.
Youre braver than you think, love. Im so proud of you.
Becky grinned, still teary.
I realised your happiness is mine, too. And if youre happy with Mark, thats what matters.
That evening was the quietest their flat had been in agesa gentle, calm silence that brought peace, not worry. It felt like after a long storm, the household could finally just breatheand look forward to whatever came next.
