Mistake
– Oh, come off it! That cant be!
Clara jerked the steering wheel in surprise and nearly scraped the car parked next to her little treasure. The large, dark Land Rover that drove past at that exact moment was familiarhow could she not recognise her neighbours car? Clara sent her two sons off to school in that very vehicle every single morning.
But this time, beside Tomthe neighbour Clara knew full well after years on the same streetsat not his wife, but a total stranger.
With pouting lips and a trendy bobble hat, the woman told Clara plenty, even if not absolutely everything.
– Disgraceful! Honestly? Clara pulled out of the car park, trailing the Land Rover, her mind whirring. She wasnt going to let this go.
Remembering all the tricks shed read in her beloved crime novels, Clara waited for a gap in traffic and slipped in behind Tom, keeping a careful distance. It was easy to follow his car. Everyone in the neighbourhood called it the shed.
Tom himself always jokingly called his car the shed. Hed inherited it from his dad, and the very thought of swapping it for something newer was unthinkable. It was family, after all.
Tom had lost his father more than two years ago and still hadnt bounced back from the grief. They were so closeToms dad raised him single-handed after Toms mother died. Tom was just a toddler the day his beautiful, young mother collapsed at the cooker, halfway through making his favourite porridge, not moving to the sound of his terrified cries.
He sobbed for ages. Until finally, his dad, whod returned home for something hed forgotten and couldnt get hold of his wife, arrived. Clutching his son, he called the ambulance, but it was too late.
It was an almighty blow. Toms father had boxed for years and knew well what it was like to have the air knocked out of youto feel the world go dark. His world left with the woman he loved so fiercely, whose heart so suddenly and inexplicably gave out, though shed never known a day of ill health.
Refusing to send Tom to live with either his own mum or his mother-in-lawthey lived far away, which would mean seeing his son only rarelyToms dad also turned down his late wifes aunt, whod insisted she take in the little boy.
– Youre a man! Youve got a job, a life ahead of you. Howll you cope with a toddler? He needs constant watching! How do you think youll manage?
– I dont know yet, Toms dad was always something of a realist, never one for wishful thinking.
– Hand Tom to me. I work at a nurseryhell be well looked after. Itll be easier for you
– Easier in what way? You live hundreds of miles awayId barely see him. No, Natasha, its not right. You understand. Hes lost his mum, but hes still got his dad and I wont give him up. Well manage. How? Not sure yet. Dont ask. Ill work it out.
– You think about it, Natasha pursed her lips. A boy needs his mum. Hes so little! Youll never manage alone. You need to find a woman, at least
Toms dad said nothing to this. He stroked little Toms sleeping head and kept quietarguing would help no one.
A solution came soon enough. Their neighbour, Mrs. Mary Evans, only recently retired, agreed to watch Tom while his dad was at work. Later on, Tom started nursery and their little familys routine slowly settled down. Toms dad poured all his spare time into his son. There was never another womanTom grew up without a stepmum.
Mary Evanswho had neither husband nor children of her own, reasons only she knewloved Tom as her own and he adored her right back.
– Are you my grandma?
– No, Tom, you know your grandmas names! Im your nanny.
– A nanny? Is that like a grandma?
– Almost.
– You love me!
– I do! Youre my absolute favourite boy!
– Thats good! Can you be my grandma as well? Please?
How could anyone say no? After checking with Toms dad, and steadfastly refusing payment, Mrs. Evans let Tom call her whatever he wanted. And just like that, Tom gained an extra grandma, which puzzled some people at first.
– Why so many, Tom? the nursery staff wondered, seeing him make three Mothers Day cards. But, understanding soon followed, and no more questions were asked.
Those among the staff who were single sighed quietlysometimes not so quietlyover Toms father. But he never considered changing his life; he had a job to do: raising his son. And at that, he excelled.
Tom graduated school, chose his university after much consulting with his dad, and confided in Mary Evans one day:
– Girls dont seem to like me.
– Who doesnt like you? And what about that kiss with Sophie under my window? Mrs. Evans grinned.
– She dumped me. Said there was something missing, but wouldnt say what. I dont get it. Whats wrong with me, Gran?
– Nothing at all, Tom. Youre clever, handsome, kind. You just havent found your one yet. Dont rushkeep your eyes open. Shes close by, youre just not looking straight.
And Mrs. Evans was right.
A shy course-mate, Laura, helped Tom with his coursework, barely making a fuss, quietly pining. Used to outgoing girls like Sophie, Tom never noticed the subtle clues. It was Mary Evans who twigged. Laura popped in one day to drop Toms notes and stood awkwardly, unable to ask what most troubled her. But Mrs. Evans, sharp as ever, understood.
– No, hes not seeing anyone, Laura. Hes most definitely single.
Seeing Laura glow, Mrs. Evans gently patted her shoulder.
– Do you love him?
No answer was needed. Lauras eyes said everything. That same evening, when Tom came to collect his books, Mrs. Evansexercising her grandmotherly privilegegave her grandson a rare, well-deserved cuff on the head.
– Whats that for, Gran?
– Stop stringing the poor girl along!
– What? What girl?
– Laura! Oh, Tom, your happiness is right under your nose. Open your eyes, dear. Girls like her come along once in a blue moonif that.
The wedding was quiet, despite Toms dad urging for a grand affair.
– Dad, Lauras not fussed. Her mum would agree to anything, but I dont want to embarrass her. You know theyre modest folk.
Toms dad was cautious at first with Lauras mum. Who could blame him? Mother-in-law trouble wasnt uncommon. His own had never forgiven him for losing her daughter so young; shed blamed, resented, at one point refusing even to see Tom. Tom’s dad always did what he could to mend the rift, fearing her pain might rob her of the last living memory of her daughter. Tom spent his summers with his maternal gran, but always went home counting the days until his dad arrived. Thats when Tom learned memorys sharp edges can cut deep.
– There was so much I never said to your mum, Tom. About how much I loved her, how precious she was. I was always too busy, always telling her off, never stopping for the most important things. Now its too late. I should have helped when she asked, come when you were born, been closer! But I was young still wanted to live my own life. Look where it got me Is this really life, when your only child is gone? I dont live, Tom. I exist
These confessions weighed heavily on Tom, who only really knew his mum through photos and stories. The laughing-eyed beauty in the pictures was a strangerhe couldnt remember her embrace. Once, shopping for a birthday perfume for Mrs. Evans, he froze on the spot after catching a faint, familiar scent on a passing woman. It unsettled him so deeply that the saleswoman, far from surprised, gently asked the woman about the perfume and produced a bottle for Tom.
– Here, is this the fragrance youre after?
Tom bought the bottle and puzzled all the way home about why the scent was so familiar. His dad cleared it up at once.
– Your mums favourite. Where did you find it?
From then on, a bottle always sat on Toms shelfa fragile link to the woman whod given him life.
Toms dads worries about Lauras family came to nothing. Lauras mum, after watching their marriage for a while, opened her heart. She was a warm and kind woman; her daughters happiness meant the world to herand Tom did her proud.
Life plodded on. Small but close-knit, their family dreamed of grandchildren. But Tom and Laura spent years visiting doctors. Nothing worked. A year, two, three The dream became an obsession. Then Mary Evans intervened. She invited Tom for tea:
– Tom, dear, whats wrong?
– Everything, Gran. The doctors say were fine, but nothing happens Lauras losing patience. Were bickering. What do we do, Gran?
– Calm down! Why all the hurry? Maybe youre just not ready yet.
– But why not?
– You tell me! Did you marry Laura just to have a baby, for heavens sake?
– Gran!
– There you go! If you love her, love her for who she isbaby or not! Besides, the problem might even lie with you, not her.
– The doctors say alls well.
– Then wait. Calm down, go on holiday, and simply wait. Itll happen in time. Listen here, Tom. A man needs enough patience for himself, his wife, and every relative besides. Thats your lot in life as the provider and protector. Dont moan like a lad! Youre wearing Laura out, and its not easy for her either. She wants a baby just as much as youmaybe more. She feels guiltywrongly so. She thinks shes ruined your life, cant you see?
– How do you know?
– Not much of a secret, dear. I was in the same boat once. Loved someone, couldnt have his children. Back then, they didnt tell you what was wrongno proper tests or options. We lived modestly. The clinic just told us wed never have children, so I believed it. Young and naïve He refused to marry me until I was pregnanthe didn’t love me, not really, but it took me years to figure that out. Later, I realised it was for the best there were no children between us.
– Why?
– Because wed only have made a child miserable. But its different for you two. You have love, happiness knocking at the door. Be patient. Look after what you haveeverything else will come.
Tom heeded Mrs. Evans wisdom. Hard as it was, he pulled himself together and reassured Laura. His dad understood; even his mother-in-law, though shed once tiptoed around the subject, finally let it rest. They all echoed Mrs. Evans:
– Wait, Tom. Treasure each other and wait.
It all happened just as Tom and Laura were losing hope. Nearly ten years, and nothing And then, a lost holiday, Laura feeling constantly sick, headaches, endless tiredness. Tom, fretful in the clinic corridor, barely took in the doctors words.
– A baby? Really?
It took him a minute to realise what the doctor meantwhy Laura was crying and laughing at once, pointing at the ultrasound screen.
– Look, Tom, thats our baby! So tiny but already ours.
Their first child was a strapping ladfour kilos of joy that Laura delivered heroically, despite her tiny frame. As soon as the babys first cry rang out, Laura joked:
– Ill be back soon for the next one! Prepare yourselves!
She gave birth to a daughter, then another son, in the same maternity ward, with the same doctors. After that long delay, nature seemed to make up for lost time: Tom and Laura had three children right on schedule.
With a growing family, space was soon tight in Toms fathers flat.
– You need a house, Tom, his dad declared, grandchildren climbing all over him. Time to build!
They found a plot and bought it quickly, but construction dragged on. Recession after recession hit their business. Tom and his dad worked hard to keep it afloateven putting the new house on ice.
Once again, Mary Evans stepped in.
– Tom, Ive been thinking You and your dad have two bedrooms; my place has three. More room for you, and I could use the help these days. Your dad and I talked it over. Move in with Laurayou did a wonderful job renovating my flat, itll last me for years yet. Were not getting any younger, your dad and me. Weve just enough space for ourselves. It would be nice for your dadI’ll keep an eye on him, cook, clean, and I’ll feel safer too. You know how it ishealths not what it used to be. The mobiles handy, but, well, you never know. Have a think!
So they moved. Laura ran the household and looked after the children and relatives, while Tom worked long hours to save the business.
He succeeded. But his dads health failed. He hid his struggles from Tom, not wanting to add to his burden. When he finally learned the truth, Toms dad sat him down for a frank talk.
– Im leaving my flat to Mary Evans. Itll come to you eventually, but since she put her place in your and Lauras names, I want her to have peace of mind. Lifes unpredictableyou never know how much time there is. Shes done so much for us. Shes family now! You always called her Gran, but shes been more of a mum.
– Dad, I know all that! Youre absolutely right. I just dont understand why youre telling me this now?
– Because, son, its important to leave your affairs in order
Toms dad didnt live to see his fourth grandchild. Laura gave birth just a month after the much-loved David Jones passed away. Little Davey never met his grandfather, but grew up proud of the name he shared, sticking his chin out whenever anyone called him by his full name.
Life bounced from joy to worry and back again. The children grew, filling Tom and Lauras home with so much love it seemed the sun would shine round the clock, and thered still be warmth enough to thaw even the Arctic.
Laura, outgoing by nature, always chose her friends carefully. Standing by the school gates, mingling with other mums, her circle grew. Clara was one of the few with whom Laura developed true trust.
Clara was Lauras age and, like her, loved books and theatre, though there was never enough time for either. Clara had twins who left her feeling like she was wrangling a small football team. Her mother and mother-in-law helped as much as they could. Laura was a godsend for Claraher conversations helped Clara realise just how precious these fleeting moments werethe first steps, sticky hugs, shouts of triumph at a first goal scored. Clara relaxed, learned to spend her time more wisely, and gained a friend she could confide in, knowing her secrets were safe. Laura was good at that, and it helpedClara had plenty.
Claras marriage was fraught. Her husband was charming and undeniably flirtatious; although he wanted to keep the family together, he occasionally strayed. Clara, knowing, convinced herself that all men are like that, a notion she clung to as a lifesaver, helping her carry on for the boys sake.
So, when Clara spotted Tom with a dubious companion, she didnt hesitatesomething was amiss, and Laura ought to know.
Following Toms car into a side street, Clara practically flattened herself against the seat so as not to lose him. The restaurant where Tom parked was familiar. Shed been there with her own husband; known for its fabulous food and live jazz on weekends.
Tom helped his companion out, and they disappeared inside, leaving Clara to pondershould she wait to catch them coming out, or dash straight to Laura and spill everything?
The longer Clara sat in her car debating, the less sure she became.
Suppose she told Laura Tom was seeing another womanthen what? Four kids, Mary Evans increasingly frail and rarely venturing out these days, Lauras own mum with her ongoing eye troubles (Tom had twice taken her to London for surgery). Too many complications, too little evidence. Who even was that girl? And if it was just a passing fancymuch like Claras husbands dallianceswould Tom even remember her name a week from now? But the damage would be done. A family would be shatteredleaving a trail of heartbreak forever.
Frustrated, Clara thumped the steering wheel, making her horn blare and scattering a cluster of pigeons from the restaurant steps.
The racket sobered Clara up, and she set her jaw. Tom really was a slippery onebut werent all men like that? Why should Laura lose everything she had?
Clara left the car park and drove home, fuming at the traffic, crying in angry bursts.
No. She wouldnt tell Laura. Best let them sort it out themselves. Maybe she was a bad friend, but if someone had confronted her outright about her husbands infidelity, Clara could never have forgiven him. It was one thing to suspect, another to know for sureknowing youd been replaced, that somewhere out there another woman now heard the words that once belonged to you. Maybe words were just wordsbut, no, each one marked the milestones of happiness, each one a signpost down the road of life. Lose them, replace them, shuffle them about, and the path changes course, never to run straight again.
Clara parked, sitting in the car for ages, bracing herself before facing the children and the nanny waiting at home.
Then Tom rang, catching her by surprise.
– Yes? When? All right, Tom, well be there. Thanks for the invitation!
Putting down her phone, Clara patted her flushed cheeks.
What was that? She had just seen him with another woman, and now this call Yes, it was Tom and Lauras anniversarya big one. Clara knew; shed already ordered a gift for her friend. But she hadnt expected to be invited. Tom and Laura never celebrated anniversaries with anyone, always sneaking off together for some romantic getaway.
Still, Clara agreed to go. What kind of friend would she be if she didnt support Laura on her special day?
New dress, new shoes. Hair, nails and makeupdone. Claras husband, openly admiring his wife, winked:
– Why the long face? Our anniversarys coming soon, tooIll show you how to throw a real party!
Clara turned away, fiddling with her lipstick.
Some party, she thought.
Tom outdid himself. The hall was beautifully arranged: fresh flowers everywhere, twinkling candles, gleaming china, snowy tablecloths. Laura was wide-eyed, taking it all in, gasping over every perfect detail.
– Tom, you remembered my favourite coloursblue and silver! Its just gorgeous. Thank you! Laura took her gifts and flowers from Clara, beckoning her to the ladies’.
The ring glittering on Lauras finger made Clara grimace.
Toms making up for something and that ring wasnt cheap.
The ladies loo was in the basement, and Clara hesitated at the steps, gathering up her hem.
– Need a hand?
The woman coming up towards Clara made her gasp.
– You?!
– Sorry, do I know you? she frowned, genuinely puzzled.
Her appearance was totally different today smart trousers, low-heeled shoes, neat hairdo.
– What are you doing here? Clara hissed, forgetting all about her dress.
Please let Laura not overhear! Clara wasnt about to let this girl ruin the night.
– Me? I work here, actually.
The girl suddenly smiled so openly that Clara was speechless for a moment.
– You work here?!
– Thats right. Im the event planner for tonight. Mr. Thomas Jones hired my little company for your special day. This is our first big event, so please be gentle with us! Did you like the way we decorated the hall?
Clara realised her fingers had gone numb, clutching the fabric of her skirt.
– Yes its beautiful. Really.
– Im so glad! Mr. Jones was so anxious everything would be ready in time. I even got my husband to helphe was arranging flowers and hanging garlands with us last night. Im not allowed up ladders anymore, you see.
– Why not? Clara, desperate to say something, blurted it out.
– Oh, Im expecting! Only just found out. Terrifying, really. Do you have children?
– Yes. Two.
– Is it tough?
– Very but as Clara spoke, she felt warmth return to her fingertips and, for the first time all week, truly relaxed. Dont be scared! Youre a fighterand thats the best thing for a mum-to-be. Youll do just fine! If you need a good doctor, let me know Laura had all hers with the same one.
– How many does she have?
– Four!
– Wow, all that happiness at once!
– Exactly.
– Oh, sorry the partys starting! Are you coming?
– Yes, right behind you…
Clara hurried upstairs, pushed open the loo door, and grinned genuinely at her friend for the first time in days.
– Laura! Hurry up, or theyll have married you off again down there! Honestly, come on, everyones waiting!
All night, raising glasses to their friends, Clara couldnt stop thinking how easy it is to destroy what you cherish. One word, one mistake, one silly misunderstanding and everything could have been losta celebration, the joy in Mary Evans face as she chanted, Kiss! Kiss! louder than anyone, the giggles of Tom and Lauras children reciting their rhyme
– What a mistake, Clara whispered, finishing her champagne in one draught, turning to her husband. Is it sweet or bitter with us, dyou think?
– Bitter, Clara. Always a bit bitter!
