Happy women always look wonderful
Eleanor was shattered by her husband’s betrayal. At forty, she found herself alone in their house in Bath. Her daughter was away at university in London. Only two months earlier, Roger had come home from work and announced matter-of-factly:
“I’m leaving you. I’ve fallen in love.”
“What do you mean? With whom?” Eleanor stammered, bewildered.
“Just like other men leave their wives. I love someone else, and I’m happy with her. When Im with her, I forget all about you. Dont beg me to stay my mind is made up,” Roger replied, casual as if he were talking about the weather.
He packed his things swiftly and left. It was only afterwards, on reflection, that Eleanor realized he hadnt made that decision overnight. Hed been quietly moving out bit by bit, but that day had just stuffed his belongings into a suitcase and closed the door behind him for good.
Eleanor wept bitterly, convinced her life had ended or at least come to a grinding halt. Nothing seemed to matter. She didnt want to see or hear anyone, and refused to answer her ringing phone. Her daughter called, her old friend tried as well, but Eleanor replied briefly, always quick to hang up. She shunned conversation at work too, and noticed her colleagues mixed glances some sympathetic, others slyly amused.
Still, she secretly hoped, “Perhaps Roger will tire of the woman who took him from me and return. If he does, Ill forgive him. I still love him.”
One Saturday, Eleanor woke early as usual, but lay around sluggishly, with nowhere to hurry to. Finally, she dragged herself up. Near eleven, the phone rang.
“Who wants to phone so early? I wont answer,” she muttered. But she glanced at the screen out of habit it was an unfamiliar number. A flicker of hope crossed her mind. “Perhaps its Roger. His mobile might be lost or stolen and hes replaced his number. Maybe he wants to come home. I should answer”
As she hesitated, the phone rang again.
Hello? she said loudly.
Hi! came a cheerful womans voice.
Hello, who is this? Eleanor replied, voice flat with irritation.
Ellie! Is this really you? Dont tell me you don’t recognise your old mate! Its me Sophie.
Eleanor was disappointed shed hoped to hear Rogers voice.
So what
Ellie, honestly, whats happened to you? Are you alright?
Im not alright, Eleanor answered and hung up, tears flooding down again.
She sat on the sofa, trying to calm herself. Soon, someone rang the doorbell. Eleanor leapt up, a silly surge of hope in her chest.
What if Rogers come to his senses? She opened the door.
Hello! said a well-dressed woman brightly, whom Eleanor barely recognised as her old school friend Sophie.
Sophie looked immaculate, lips painted, stylish clothes, and her perfume filled the air with luxury. After leaving school, Sophie had gone to university in London. Since then theyd only met once, fifteen years ago. Back at school, theyd been inseparable sneaking to discos, flirting with boys and sharing secrets.
Sophie, you look stunning, Eleanor blurted out.
Hello, my dear! Ive always looked sharp, but you Sophie gave her a critical once-over. So, are you going to let me in or?
Of course, come in, Eleanor said, hesitantly stepping aside.
Sophie brought treats she unpacked a bottle of Spanish wine, a cake, and some oranges in the kitchen.
Come on, get your wine glasses out! We need to celebrate. How long has it been? Feels like centuries since we last caught up Sophie chatted away, and Eleanor quietly fetched two glasses, cut the cake.
Without asking anything further, Sophie poured the wine and raised a toast. To reunited friends! They drank, and Eleanor followed suit, finishing her glass.
Sophie filled the second glass and toasted themselves. As soon as Eleanor finished her second glass, she finally poured out her heart to Sophie. There was so much pent-up pain. Sophie listened in silence, and when Eleanor finished, she shrugged.
Goodness, Ellie, I thought something awful had happened!
Isnt it awful? You wouldnt understand your husband didnt leave you, Eleanor said sadly.
Dont be silly! I left mine. I called it off myself when I found out hed started seeing a younger woman. I filed for divorce at once he was stunned. He probably expected to mess about behind my back and Id never know
Maybe you just didnt love him.
I loved him you bet I did! Sophie replied. But I cant stand being wronged. If someone cheats, thats not love and you have to cut it loose.
Good grief, Sophie, you make it sound so easy.
It is. You just over-complicate things, Ellie you always did. Wheres your daughter now?
Shes a student, living in London with my sister.
I see. And Rogers abandoned both of you, and youre still pining for him.
But I love him
Enough, Eleanor. Im going to treat you. Snap you out of this funk!
How do you treat heartache? Pills wont help.
No pills, dear! For this, only the classic remedies work: a new look, a shopping spreeand a fresh romance!
Oooh, Sophie Eleanor sighed.
Right, get yourself together. Were off to the shops, then the hairdresser, Sophie said with a grin. No excuses. Oh, have you got any savings tucked away somewhere?
Savings? Well, we were putting aside for Rogers new car.
Hell manage! He should be happy with his old car now. You need to file for divorce and stop waiting for him. Dont you dare forgive him, either. In fact, we should demand half for the old motor!
Oh, let him keep it, Eleanor replied, waving it off. Sophie, are you back from London for good? You havent said.
For good. I dont want to live there anymore. Now, change out of those house clothes and lets hit the shops! Oh, and Rita Edwards called me our school reunion’s next week, so guess what? Were going! Lots of people are coming, and several of the lads are divorced, too. Time to scope them out. Remember Victor? He fancied you mad since year seven!
Oh, Sophie, who would want me now? Im an old nag.
Nonsense, Ellie! You need to love yourself! Well soon make you into a spirited young filly, Sophie laughed as they headed out. By the way, do you remember my Aunt Kate who lives near your mum? Shes getting married for the fifth time and still cant decide between her suitors!
A while later, Eleanor barely recognised herself in the mirror.
Youve worked wonders! she gasped. New hair colour, a short cut I never thought I could look younger and prettier. Well done, Sophie! If not for you, Id still be stuck at home, moping.
The reunion took place at a local café. Almost everyone turned up, save a few who couldn’t make the journey. Most didnt even recognise Eleanor, but Victor now a self-assured businessman couldnt take his eyes off her.
Ellie! I didnt recognise you. Youve grown lovelier since school. I always fancied you, even then, but you picked Roger from the other class. Where is he?
Hes gone. Left me, Eleanor replied lightly.
Left? Youre joking. Who leaves a woman like you? Victor was genuinely surprised.
They do, apparently. But its for the best.
I never doubted it, Eleanor. My wife left me two years back. We had a good life, a grown son, but things got rocky with my business and she labelled me a failure, ran off with a younger, more successful man. Took me a year to bounce back, but now Im doing better than ever.
Two months later, Eleanor walked arm in arm with Victor along the riverside after leaving the theatre enjoying the city, the evening air. Suddenly, she spotted Roger approaching, noticeably thinner and walking alone. He didnt seem to recognise her at first.
Looks like she isnt feeding him much… Eleanor thought drily.
As Roger passed, their eyes met, uncertain was it her? He walked on, then suddenly called out:
“Eleanor?”
She turned slowly, offered a bright smile.
Oh, hello! Yes, its me Victor, meet Roger, my ex-husband. Did you recognise him?
No, I didnt, Victor grinned. Im Eleanors future husband, by the way.
Rogers jaw dropped, and Eleanor was taken aback herself Victor hadnt proposed yet.
So, how are you? Eleanor asked Roger cheerfully.
Imfine, yes. You look incredible, Eleanor!
She smiled again, firmly taking Victors hand.
“Happy women always look wonderful.”
“So, lifes good for you?” Roger mumbled.
“Of course. And it will only get better.” With that, she turned and strode off with Victor, cheerful and strong, feeling Rogers gaze follow her as she walked away.
