Lucy, I’m home! Come greet me!
L-Luke?! Why are you back so early? Werent you supposed to come home in three days?
A woman in her early thirties stepped into the hallway, hurriedly wrapping herself in a silk robe and looking rather flustered as she gazed at the man standing on the doorstep.
Wanted to surprise you, Lucy. Looks like I did! Are you not happy to see me? The tall, broad-shouldered man grinned, clearly pleased with his unexpected return.
Im very, very happy! Go put your things in the kitchen Ill warm up some dinner for you.
Beaming, Luke nodded at his wife and headed towards the kitchen. There, he found the table laid out with strawberries, chocolate, and a piping hot dinner just out of the oven as if made for him.
Well, Lucy, youve really outdone yourself! How did you know Id be back? You really are remarkable!
Piling his plate high, Luke began to tuck into his dinner with gusto. His wife still hadn’t joined him, but he guessed she was probably changing into a nice dress for his return.
Luke, I We
Lucy, your roast is absolutely delicious! And these pancakes amazing. John?!
Turning around, Luke saw Lucy walking into the kitchen, arm in arm with his own brother, John. Lucys eyes were glued to the floor in embarrassment, while John, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, rubbed his forehead, looking like hed only just woken up.
Yes, Luke. Its me. Hello, brother
Good evening. Now, can someone please explain whats going on here? Though, actually, I think I already get the picture
Luke, I Ive been meaning to tell you for a while. I love your brother, John, and I want to be with him. Im sorry. Lucy blurted out, glancing at him nervously, knowing too well how much this would hurt.
Hearing this, Luke dropped his plate. The crockery and leftovers crashed to the floor, rolling away with a clatter.
And you two, I take it Just now?
Yes. Right now, we were together.
Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful, Lucy! And you, John, first class! My dear, beloved family! Now I see why you prepared such a nice dinner More importantly for whom!
Lucy didnt dare look at her husband. She knew if she met his eyes now, all her courage would evaporate.
And what about Emma? What are we going to do about our daughter? Does she know?
No She doesnt know.
Where is she now?
Next door, watching cartoons with Mrs Green.
And do you send her there often?
Its been going on for about six months now
Luke ran out of questions. And emotion. He was exhausted from the long road home and didn’t see the point in making a scene. He was the calm type by nature, rarely one to explode in anger.
But if someone truly pushed him, then, as the saying goes, look out. That, however, was the exception rather than the rule.
This situation with his closest family members surprised Luke. For a moment, he lost his bearings, but only for a moment.
I want you out of here in ten minutes. Your time starts now. Luke said, sipping his tea. He didnt even look at his brother.
What in the world does Lucy see in him? Looks just like me even got the same moles Never held down a job, not the brightest tool in the shed Shell only lose with him. Still, her choice! Luke mused as he drank his tea.
Im not going anywhere until you give your agreement, John suddenly spoke up.
And what sort of agreement do you expect from me?
For the divorce Let Lucy go, she doesnt love you anymore!
Oh, I can see very clearly who my wife loves now said Luke with a bitter smile. You want a divorce? Therell be one, but through the courts. Id love to see how you spend all your money on lawyers.
Luke Lucy placed her hand gently on his wrist. Luke, please, let’s separate peacefully. Youre a good man, I know you are
He shook his head.
Fine then, have it your way. But from now on, youre no brother of mine, John!
Theres one more thing wed like to ask.
Yes? What now?
After the divorce, leave us the flat, Luke! Lucys face lit up with a dazzling smile as she stroked his wrist.
Emma loves it here so much, shes made so many friends at school If we have to split the flat, we couldnt afford another one. Wed have to go back to the village
Luke rested his chin on his clasped hands and thought it over. Lucy, sensing his hesitation, quickly pressed on:
Luke, darling Do it for Emma. You’re such a good provider youll earn plenty more in no time! Please, shes your only daughter. Im only thinking of her
Calm down, Lucy, Luke interrupted her firmly. I have a better idea.
And what might that be? she asked brightly, blinking expectantly. Youre going to leave us the car as well? Oh, Emma would love that
Emma will be living with me.
What?! Lucy stared at him in disbelief. Have you lost your mind? You dont even know how to look after kids! Youre always off on business trips. She barely even remembers your name!
Well find out right now, Luke replied, heading towards the door.
A few minutes later, Luke returned holding his daughters hand. Emma, ten years old and just starting Year Four, clung tightly to his hand and beamed with happiness.
What did you bring her here for? So she could be dragged into the conflict too? Lucy snapped.
Ignoring her, Luke sat back down in the kitchen, lifted Emma onto his lap, and began:
Em, darling, can I ask you a few questions?
Of course! the girls eyes shone, delighted by her fathers attention.
But you have to promise youll answer truthfully, because Im going to talk to you like a grown up.
Like the men you talk to at work in London?
Exactly.
Emma nodded, her eyes big with anticipation.
Sweetheart, does your mum ever hurt you? Has she smacked you at all this past week?
Emmas face dropped and she glanced away, fiddling with her dress. Shame and anxiety filled the silence.
What on earth do you think youre doing?! Lucy shouted. Are you mad? Leave her alone!
Quiet, Lucy. Im talking to my daughter. Lukes tone made it clear he would not be interrupted. He gently stroked Emmas hair. Dont be scared, Em. Remember, you promised to answer honestly.
Emma nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. She hugged her fathers neck, whispering quietly into his chest:
Yes, she smacked me three times! Once for getting a bad mark, once for spilling milk. The third time when I shouted at Uncle John. She was kissing him while you were away.
Shhh, dont cry, love, dont cry, Luke soothed, holding her close. Im here now. And your mum wont hurt you again.
Shes lying! Lucy snapped. Ive never laid a finger on her
So you want the flat and car for Emmas sake? Luke asked pointedly. Em, can I ask you one more question?
All right
If you could choose to live with either me or your mum who would you prefer?
Emma went quiet. Her eyes flicked between her parents. Lucy stretched her arms out hoping to swing the decision her way.
If you promise not to go away for long, Dad?
I promise! Luke replied without a second thought.
Then I want to live with you, Daddy.
You little Lucy started, raising her hand, but Luke pulled Emma close and shielded her with his own body. John, standing nearby, did nothing.
Well, Lucy, now weve had our talk. You wont see her again, Luke said calmly, leaving the kitchen with his daughter.
Within minutes, Luke had packed Emmas things. Fortunately, his own case from his last work trip was still ready to go. Father and daughter set off for a hotel on the other side of Birmingham, the same one he often used when working away.
Several months later, the court hearing took place. With no steady job or permanent home, Lucy and her new partner stood little chance. The judge awarded custody to Luke, especially since Emma had insisted on living with her dad.
Luke split the flat as the law prescribed, then sold his half. Emma was allowed to see her mum at weekends, but she now lived in a new home with her father.
He completely rearranged his work life so he could spend time with his daughter. No more three-month business trips. Emma started smiling more often and that, to Luke, was worth more than all the pounds he could earn.
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