I’ll give it back, I promise.
Amelia, I’m really sorry, but I can’t help you with that. Not at all.
Victoria tried to keep her voice steady, but inside she was fuming. Her sisterinlaw was standing in the middle of the lounge, looking miserable, shifting from one foot to the other.
How can you say you can’t? Amelia burst into tears, her cheeks wet. Ive got the most important interview tomorrow! Its huge! And Ive got nothing decent to wear!
Victoria sighed wearily. Amelia always knew how to turn on the waterworks at just the right moment.
Youve got a whole wardrobe, by the way she added dryly.
But theres nothing suitable! Amelia wailed, wiping her nose with her sleeve. I need to look professional and classy, not like Im still in school with old jeans and tees!
Amelia sobbed louder, her voice trembling as if she were genuinely desperate. She pressed her hands to her chest like she was praying.
If I dont get the job Ill be broke! And it was such a brilliant offer, I wont find anything better!
Amelia, whats happening? Michael walked into the lounge, hearing his sister wail.
Victoria winced. Now her sisterinlaw would get some backup.
Michael, can you believe it, Amelia turned straight to her brother, Ive got an interview tomorrow and Victoria wont lend me anything! Youre such a miser!
Michael frowned at his wife, bewildered.
Victoria, were family. Isnt it a bit much to refuse?
Michael, those are my personal things Victoria tried to explain, but he cut her off. Whats your problem? Amelias asking for help in a pinch and you act like a a total stingy.
Amelia dabbed her eyes, looking at Michael with gratitude. Victoria clenched her jaw. The pressure from both sides was unbearable.
Please, please Amelia pleaded, sounding like a whine. Ill be super careful, wont ruin anything. I swear Ill give everything back in perfect condition!
Michael nodded, backing his sister.
Of course shell return it. Whats the big deal? Its just clothes.
Victoria realised fighting was useless. Under the double attack she gave in.
Fine, take what you need she spat through clenched teeth and stalked off to the bedroom.
At the wardrobe she paused, eyeing her own stuff. Her hand automatically reached for a darkblue trouser suit a piece shed bought for special occasions and only worn a couple of times.
She trotted back to the lounge, the suit hanging on a rail.
Amelia snatched it up, hugging it to her chest and smoothing the fabric.
Oh wow, isnt this gorgeous! Thank you so much! Ill look like a queen in it no, like Princess Diana
But within a heartbeat her expression shifted.
And the shoes? You need proper shoes for that suit.
Amelia Victoria started to protest.
And youll need jewellery, a bag her tone didnt soften at all. You cant go to an interview without an elegant handbag, otherwise the whole look falls apart!
Shes right, Michael chimed in. You cant turn up in trainers.
Victoria clenched her fists. Amelias audacity knew no bounds, and her brother backed her blindly.
Alright Victoria muttered, heading back to the bedroom.
From the shoe section she pulled a pair of black midheel pumps, opened a jewellery box and selected modest pearl earrings with a tiny pendant, then grabbed a small black leather clutch from the hallway.
Here, thats everything you need. Underwear youll sort that yourself, right? she snapped, handing over the rest.
Oh, youre a lifesaver! Amelia clapped, ignoring the bite Ill return everything in perfect shape, promise!
She piled the items into her arms and rushed for the door, clearly afraid Victoria might change her mind.
Thanks again, Amelia shouted as she vanished out the front.
Michael wrapped his arm around Victorias shoulders.
See how happy she is? Why did you put up such a fight over a simple request? Whats the suit going to do, get eaten?
I just dont like sharing personal stuff with strangers, Victoria replied honestly.
Strangers? Michael retorted. Shes my sister! Not some random girl off the street.
To me shes a stranger, and you know that.
Michael shook his head and drifted to the kitchen, muttering about womens nagging.
A week later, Victoria kept putting off calling Amelia. Finally her patience snapped.
Hello? Amelia, hi. When are you giving my things back?
On the other end a disgruntled sigh.
Ah hi, Vicky. Listen, theres a bit of a problem
What kind of problem? Victorias tone sharpened.
I I accidentally spilled coffee on the suit Amelia stammered. Theres a stain now, I cant get it out. And the bag? Someone nicked it right off my arm in the street! The shoes the heel snapped when I chased the thief. Ill send the earrings later, okay?
Victoria could hardly believe her ears. How could everything go wrong at once?
Amelia, how did all that happen? Youre joking, right? This cant be a joke.
Sorry, Vicky, Ive got an urgent call! Well talk later! Amelia cut her off and hung up.
Victoria stared at the phone, baffled. Amelia was blatantly lying, but Vicky had no proof.
A month later Amelia turned up at their front door, looking even more downtrodden.
Vicky, help! Ive got a corporate event and nothing to wear!
Well, youre as cheap as a penny, arent you? Such confidence after the last fiasco? Victoria replied coldly. Im not giving you anything.
Please! I promise Ill be extra careful this time!
No more, Victoria snapped, slamming the door in Amelias stunned face.
That evening Michael came home in a sour mood.
What the hell did you do? he lunged at Victoria. Amelia called, crying! How could you treat her like that?
I could have, Victoria said calmly. Im not handing over my stuff again.
Youre sorry for a few pieces of clothing? She asked for help!
Michael, your sister ruined my expensive suit and the rest of my things!
Its just a suit! Well buy you a new one!
With your salary? Victoria shot back sarcastically.
Michael flinched but didnt back down.
Youre jealous, arent you? Amelias young, pretty she just looks better in your clothes!
Oh, now youre defending her! Go to your lovely sister, shes apparently more important than me!
They argued late into the night, but Victoria held firm.
A couple of days later she got home early from work. Walking into the bedroom she gasped the wardrobe doors were wide open and everything was strewn across the bed. Hangers tangled with garments.
Trembling, Victoria started gathering the pieces. It quickly became clear that her favourite burgundy evening dress, a pair of new pumps, gold sapphire earrings and a tiny pearlclasp clutch were missing.
She dialled Michael immediately.
Michael, whats happening? Did you wreck our wardrobe? Where are my things?
Oh, Amelia popped over, he said calmly. I told her she could take whatever she liked. Shell bring it all back tomorrow.
Are you out of your mind? Victoria shrieked. You let her help herself! You knew I dont share!
She slammed the phone, grabbed the car keys and sped to Amelias flat in record time.
When Amelia opened the door, her face was the picture of surprise.
Vicky
Where are my things? Victoria rasped through clenched teeth.
What things? I didnt take anything Amelia tried to play innocent.
Victoria shoved her aside and marched into Amelias bedroom. She flung open the wardrobe and froze.
On a hanger the stained suit lay pristine. Beside it the broken shoes sat intact, and the stolen bag rested on the shelf, looking brand new. The rest of Amelias own clothes were scattered too.
You youre lying! Victoria whispered. Nothing was ruined or lost!
Amelia bolted for the door, but Victoria blocked her.
Stop! Explain why you lied!
I I didnt want to give them back. I liked them Amelia stammered.
Youre a brazen thief! Victoria exploded, pulling Amelias stuff out of the wardrobe.
Dont insult me! Amelia shouted. Im not a thief, I owe you nothing!
Ill make sure you never touch my things again, you hear me? Not with Michael, not with anyone!
Victoria shoved the bag into her car and headed for the exit.
Thank me for not calling the police!
Michael was waiting at the door, looking bewildered.
Vicky, Amelia called, crying saying you threatened her
Threatened her? Victoria dropped the bag on the floor. She stole from me and lied about ruined items!
She held up the suit, showing it spotless, and the shoes, still perfect.
Michael stared at the undamaged items in silence.
Michael, listen: one more stunt like this and Im out. Forever. Decide what matters more our marriage or this selfish, greedy sister.
His complexion went pale. The firmness in Victorias voice made it clear the joke was over.
I I didnt know she was lying, I swear he muttered.
Now you know. And remember: no one touches my belongings without my sayso. Theyre mine, not communal property for your relatives.
Michael nodded without meeting her eyes. Victoria no longer cared about Amelias tears. Let her buy her own clothes with her own money.
