THE POSTAGE STAMP…
Toms left Emily, Mum sighed heavily down the line.
What do you mean? I asked, not quite understanding.
Im just as baffled, she replied, sounding weary. He was away with work for a month. Came back a totally different man. Sat Emily down and said, Sorry, but I love someone else. Mum fell quiet, her gaze fixed and distant.
He actually said that? That cant be right. What a mess, I could feel a wave of annoyance rising up at Emilys husband.
Lucy rang me shed called for an ambulance for Emilys mum. Turns out Emilys had some sort of neurological swallowing issue, Mum blinked rapidly, lost in thought.
All right, Mum, calm down. Mind you, maybe Emily shouldnt have put Tom on a pedestal and run about after him so much. She spoilt him rotten; now shes reaping what she sowed. Still, I feel for her. I hope Toms just having some silly midlife thing. He loves Emily and Lucy, I know he does, I just couldnt accept what I was hearing.
Tom and Emily had an all-consuming love affair, right from the start. They were married just two months after meeting. Lucy, their daughter, came along soon after. Their lives were steady and quiet, everything in its place until it all fell apart.
Like a boulder rolling downhill.
Of course I rushed round to see my sister straight away. It never gets easier, having these sorts of talks with your own flesh and blood.
Emily, what on earth happened? Did Tom even try to explain? Has he lost his mind?
Oh, Claire, Im still reeling. Who even is this woman? Has she cast a spell on him or something? Tom just dropped everything, ran after her like a man possessed. He told me, Emily, life should flow, not drain away. Threw his stuff in a bag and walked out. I feel like Ive been dragged face-first along the pavement. None of it makes sense Emilys tears wouldnt stop flowing.
Emily, my love, lets wait and see. Maybe your runaway husband will come to his senses. Stranger things have happened, I hugged my sobbing sister.
But Tom didnt come back.
He moved to a different city, started a life with his new wife.
Her name was Harriet, and she was a good eighteen years older than Tom. The age gap didnt bother them in the slightestthey were besotted, honestly happy. The soul has no age, Harriet would say, time and again.
Tom was completely under her spell. She became his guiding light.
Harriet was quite something. She could dish out affection and indifference in equal measure, wild and untamed, a force of nature. Sweet as honey one moment, sharp as thorns the next.
Tom adored her.
Hed sigh, amazed, Where have you been all my life, Harriet? I searched half my days for you
Meanwhile, Emily, hell-bent on vengeance, decided she wanted to get back at all men everywhere, no matter who.
She was beautifulstriking enough that even women would glance back at her.
She ended up having a little office romance with her boss, Mr. Richards. Completely turned his head.
Emily, marry me. Ill make you a queen. No kidding. Youll want for nothing.
I dont fancy marriage, Rich. Had quite enough of that for a while Lets take Lucy on a seaside holiday instead; I think the sea air will do her good, Emily said with a cheeky wink.
Alright, love, lets do it.
Then there was Ben, a simpler chap. He was handy around the house, fixed up her flat for her.
Never proposed, thoughhe was already married himself.
Emily had them both wrapped round her little finger.
It wasnt love, not really. Just men helping her get through the days, tie up her grief with pretty strings, that was it.
But she missed Tom desperately. Dreamt about him all the time. Would wake up with tears she could do nothing about, haunted by bittersweet memories that wouldnt let her go.
How do you really let someone go? shed wonder. What did I do wrong? I was always good to him, always kind. Indulged his every whim. We never argued…
Years passed. Emilys life rolled on: one day a mysterious smile for Rich, the next, sending Ben back to his wife.
By the time Lucy turned twenty, she decided to go and visit her dad.
She bought a train ticket, trying to figure out what to say to Harriet when she arrived.
She turned up at Toms new place in another town, and rang the bell.
You must be Lucy, said a fascinating woman at the door.
Mums far prettier, Lucy thought instantly.
And youre Harriet, I presume?
Thats me, come in. Your fathers not in just now, but hell be back soon, Harriet showed Lucy through to the kitchen.
How are you? Hows your mum? Tea? Coffee? Harriet fussed about.
Harriet, I need you to be straight with mehow did you manage to lure Dad away from our family? He loved Mum, I know he did, Lucy asked, staring Harriet right in the eye.
Lucy, you cant plan everything in life. There are no guarantees in love. Sometimes, the heart just goes a different way. One meeting can change your whole path, you know? Sometimes you just have to change partners in the dancethats how it is. Its not something you can really explain, Harriet sat down heavily.
But cant you just stop yourselfthink of the family, for heavens sake? Lucy persisted, her dislike of Harriet burning bright.
No, loveyou cant, Harriet answered quietly.
Well, thanks for being honest, Lucy said, declining the coffee.
Lucy, can I give you a bit of cheeky advice? Harriet grinned. Men are like postage stamps: the more you spit on them, the more they stick. And believe me, sometimes youve got to be both steel and velvet with a man By the way, your dad and I have had a big falling-out.
Thanks for the tip. So, shall I wait for him?
No idea. Hes been staying in a hotel all week. Ill jot down the address for you, Harriet scribbled on the back of a receipt. Here you go.
Lucy was almost relievedfinally, shed have her father to herself.
Goodbye, and thanks for the coffee, Lucy made a quick exit.
She found the hotel, knocked on her dads door.
Tom looked genuinely pleased to see his daughter, albeit a bit flustered.
Lucy, I was going to come home today, you know row with Harriet and all that
Thats between you two, Dad. I just wanted to see you, Lucy gently took her fathers hand.
Hows your mum? Tom asked, almost without thinking.
Shes fine, Dad. Were used to life without you now, Lucy sighed.
They spent a lovely evening in the hotel roomgentle conversation, laughs, and a few tears.
Dad, do you really love Harriet? Lucy suddenly asked.
Very much so. Im sorry, love, Tom replied, certain.
I see. Well, I need to get going. My train leaves soon, Lucy busied herself with her bag.
Come visit again, Lucy. Were family, Tom said, dropping his gaze.
Of course, of course Lucy flitted out of the hotel.
Back home, she decided to take Harriets advice to heart:
Dont hold on, dont put your trust in empty promises from men. Dont bother.
But, three years later, an extraordinary man came along. William. He was made just for Lucy. Heaven-sent.
She knew straight away. Just felt it.
When you find your own, nothing else comes close
William held her, heart and soul, never letting go; he touched her spirit in a way no one else ever had. Lucy fell in lovecompletely, without holding anything back.
