Emilys popping by tonight. About seven o’clock. You dont mind, do you?
Julia put her hairbrush down and turned to her husband, who was fiddling distractedly with the television remote. Rob nodded, eyes fixed to the screen.
Of course, let her come round.
Julia smiled faintly, returning to the mirror. It warmed her to see Rob and her sister get along. Emily visited often, sometimes two or three evenings a week, lingering latefilling their London flat with laughter and chatter. Julia would listen as they discussed the latest TV dramas or got wrapped up in political debates, and shed think how lucky she was. A dependable husband, a beloved sister, a proper family. Really, it was like something out of a filmonly real life.
But sometimes, a strange unease scratched at the back of her mind. Trivial things. The way Rob would lean towards Emily when she was telling one of her work tales. How Emilys hand would rest on his shoulder as she laughed at some joke of his. How they would whisper together in the kitchen and go quiet the moment Julia entered. She would chase these thoughts away. Nonsense. This was Emilyher very own little sister, the one Julia raised all through school. And Rob, her Rob, five years married. Their anniversary was coming up soon, in fact.
…That fateful evening, Julia ducked out of work early. She meant to pop into Sainsburys and pick up groceries for a special mealshe wanted everything tomorrow night to be perfect.
Her key turned in the lock almost too easily. Julia stepped into the hallway and froze. The silence was thick, stiflingas if the air itself resisted movement. She heard the muffled murmur of voices from the sitting room.
She walked down the corridor and pushed open the door, pausing on the threshold.
Emily was curled up in Julias chair, lounging as if it were her own. Rob stood by the window; at Julias arrival, he turned aside, almost as if he wished he could sink into the wall.
Whats this? Julia tried to smile, but her lips wouldnt obey. Is something wrong?
Emily looked up, and in that moment Julia didnt recognise her sister. Where was the gentle, slightly awkward Emily who always came to her for advice, whod cried on Julias shoulder after every messy break-up? Now there sat a stranger, eyes cold and triumphant.
Somethings happened, Emily said, her voice eerily calm. Im pregnant. And its Robs. Pack your things, Julia. Im staying here now.
Her hand rested on her stomachstill flat, hidden beneath a loose blouse.
Julia stood immobile. Somewhere outside, a car horn blared. The neighbours telly rumbled through the walls. The world carried on as alwaysyet she could hardly breathe.
What? The word was hoarse, all the strength gone.
You heard me, Emily reclined further in the chair. Rob and I have talked it through. We cant pretend anymore.
Julias gaze snapped to Rob. He still looked away, knuckles white as they gripped the windowsill.
Rob, she took a step forward. Look at me.
He turned. Julia found neither shame nor regret in his eyes. Only a weary, hollow sort of relief.
Jules, he spread his hands. It just happenedIm sorry.
It just happened? Her voice sounded distant, alien, drifting in from somewhere else. Five years of marriage and you say it just happened?
Dont be dramatic, Emily interrupted, grimacing. Were all adults here. Love fadesits natural. Rob and I are serious about each other.
Serious. She called him Robbie now, the same way Julia used to.
How long? Julia forced out the question. How long has this been going on?
Emily shot Rob a smug glance and smirked.
A year. Maybe more. What does it matter?
A year. All those evenings Emily stayed late. Those sly jokes in the kitchen. Those glances Julia mistook for family warmth.
I thought you were my sister, Julias voice now steadier, but colder, tougher. I thought you loved me.
I do. But I love myself more. And I love Rob. You well, you were always a bit dull, Jules. Too proper. People get tired of that, you know.
Julia lunged for Rob, grabbing his shirt and wrenching him round.
Tell me shes lying! Tell me this is one sick joke!
Rob tried to pull away, but she clung on, the fabric nearly tearing under her grip.
Jules, let go. You know how it is…
No, I dont know! Julia shoved him, so he stumbled against the windowsill. Five years, Rob. I turned down a promotion and moving for your sake! I nursed your mother in hospital for a month while you worked late! And this is what I get?
Her hand found a cushion from the sofashe hurled it at him. He barely dodged out of its way.
You slept with her in our bed! You coward!
Calm down, Emily rose, smoothing her blouse like a flag of victory. Honestly, Julia, youre hysterical.
Julia spun, grabbed a photo from the shelfa Christmas snapshot, the three of them hugging by the tree. Shed been laughing because she was happy. Because shed thought she had a family.
I raised you! She flung the frame, and it smashed against the wall, glass scattering. Helped you with your homework when Mum did double shifts! Fended off bullies for you! And this is how you repay me?
Oh, here we go again, Emily rolled her eyes. How many times do I have to hear about your sacrifice? Maybe Rob put up with you out of pity. Hes always liked lively girls, not gloomy martyrs. At least Im upfront about thingsnot sneaking about behind your back.
Upfront? Julia laugheda harsh, brittle bark that made even Rob flinch. You call cheating for a year upfront?
She snatched a crystal ashtray from the coffee table, a house-warming present from Robs mother, and swung it.
Julia, put that down! Rob lunged, but too late.
The ashtray crashed into the sideboard, sending shards and wineglasses flying.
You think thats all? Julia was trembling, sweat beading her brow. You wish that was all. This is just the beginning.
She strode for the bookshelf, sweeping everythingalbums, ornaments, little keepsakes from their holidaysonto the rug in shattering heaps.
Julia, stop! Rob reached for her arm.
Dont touch me! Dont you ever touch me again!
Emily backed toward the front door, unease flickering for the first time in her triumphant look.
Come on, lets be reasonable. You need to go, Julia. We need this flata babys on the way. Gather your stuff and
I need to go? Julia stood amid the chaos, staring at her sister with wild fury. Me?
And then suddenlythe pain and shame split, giving way to something quieter, sharper, colder.
Seems youve overlooked one tiny detail. She swept a shaking hand over her forehead, tucking wild strands behind her ear. This flats mine. I bought it before you and I so much as got engaged, Rob. Its legally in my name. Didnt he ever mention that, Emily?
Emily glanced at Rob, who paled, dropping his gaze to the floor.
What difference does that make? Emilys voice wavered. Were having a family, we need a home more than you do.
Family? Julia snorted, not a shred of warmth in her laugh. You can build your family somewhere else. For nowboth of youget out of my flat.
You cant just throw us into the street! Emily shrieked. Im pregnant!
Should have thought about that before sharing a bed with my husband, shouldnt you? Julia wrenched open the front door. Out. Now.
Rob moved toward her, hands splayed as if placating a wild animal.
Jules, wait, lets talk this through. Ive nowhere to goall my things are hereIll take you to court!
Do what you like! Bought before marriageyoull get nothing. Ill call and let you know when you can collect your stuff.
But
Out, Julias tone was so chilling, so final, Rob fell silent. Both of youout of my home.
Emily grabbed her bag, eyes flashing hatred as she stormed out.
Mums going to hear what you did to me! Shell never forgive you!
Well see.
Julia slammed the door behind them and slid down against it, her whole body racked by sobs.
Three days later, her mother rang. Julia braced herself for the worst.
Julia, her mothers voice sounded worn thin. Emily told me everything. Her side of it, anyway.
Mum, I
Let me finish. I listened. Then I told her not to come near me again. Not until shes ready to crawl back in tears and beg your forgiveness.
Julia choked back a sob.
Youreon my side?
Of course, love. Emilys behaved disgracefully, and Rob no better. Stand tall, Julia. Divorce that coward and get on with living. The flats yours. He gets nothing but his old trainers and a black bin bag. Youre strong. Youll get through this.
Julia slid to the floor and wepttears of relief this time. At last, she wasnt fighting alone. Her mother was with her. And maybe, that was support shed never truly expected.
