Rita Agrees to Feed Her Best Friend’s Pet Turtle and Water the Houseplants While Polina and Her Husband Holiday in the Lake District—But When She Unlocks Their Flat on New Year’s Eve, She Finds Every Light On, the Christmas Tree Glowing, the TV Blasting, and a Stranger Singing in the Bathroom!

Author Walton MerrittReading 6 minViews 1

So, youll never guess what happened to my friend Sophie last New Years. She agreed to help out her best mate, Harriet, by popping round her flat to water her plants and feed her little tortoise while Harriet and her husband dashed off to Cornwall for a weeks holiday. Sophie and Harriet actually lived in the same blockall very convenient, just different entries, you know?

Sophies plan had seemed simple enoughshe even had the spare keys and everything. What she didnt expect was the curveball fate had lined up for her that week. Just before the holidays, her boyfriendBen, but she always called him Bennydropped a massive bombshell over dinner. Apparently, hed fallen in love with someone else, and to make matters worse, this someone else was four months pregnant. In his words, he simply had to do the right thing and marry her. There was his new girlfriend, her mum, and even her nan all insisting on it, and Bennynever known for his backbonejust went along with the lot.

Sophie sat there, totally blindsided and said, But what about me? Benny finished up his dinner, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and said, You? Oh, Soph, dont take it so hard. If youre honest, youve known for ages it wasnt working. All thats left of us is habit. Happens all the time. You should be grateful Im saving you from myself. Help me pack? No? Suit yourselfIll get on with it. And just like that, he calmly started stuffing his clothes into bags and left.

Sophie was a mess after thatstuck at home, sobbing for four straight days, barely eating a thing (aside from drinking enough coffee to keep a small cafe afloat). Her other friend, Emily, finally came round and twigged that Sophie was running on caffeine and tears and nothing else. The three of themSophie, Emily, and Bennyhad actually booked a table to celebrate New Years together, but now Benny was tottering along with his soon-to-be wife in tow. No way was Sophie going to spend the evening at her parents placeher mum never liked Benny, and Sophie couldnt face the inevitable I told you so looks.

So, there she was on New Years Eve, alone, but half-expecting some kind of miracle. You know how it iswe all tell ourselves theres no such thing as magic, but still, every New Years Eve, part of you hopes something magical might happen.

The day ticked away in a blur and before she knew it, it was almost evening. She suddenly remembered shed bought this lovely, cornflower blue woolly jumper for Benny as a Christmas presentit had cost her a small fortune. She pulled it out, tried it on, but it hung off her all wrongthe shoulders were way too broad. Probably wouldve been big on Benny as well, she muttered, stuffing it back in the bag.

After a bit of makeup and a pep talk in the mirrorpromising herself not to crySophie headed outside into the damp London streets. Her motto was: how you spend New Years is how the whole year will go, so better a rainy stroll in town than moping indoors.

About an hour and a half before midnight, she ducked into Sainsburys, her mind whirring, and found the list Harriet had scribbled for her in her coat pocket. Right there, big and bold: Feed Charlie (the tortoise) twice a week. Sophies heart sankshed forgotten all about it. She could just picture Harriets face if anything happened to little Charlie. Suddenly, her own dramas went out the window; the tortoise needed her.

So it was off to Harriets she went, fumbling with the key, rushing up the stairs, only to stop dead in the hall. Every light in the place was blazing, the tree glittered with fairy lights, and the telly was blaring away. Plus, there were these odd noises from the bathroom. She tiptoed over, eased open the door, and nearly jumped out of her skin.

Standing there in the bathroom, humming to himself and shaving, was a complete strangera bloke shed never seen before. At first, she thought it was a burglar, but then again, who breaks in and stops for a shave?

She put on her best stern voice and asked, Who the heck are you?

He quickly rinsed the shaving foam away, turned round, and smiled. Dont worry! Honestly, youve nothing to be scared of. Im GeorgeHarriets cousin. I live and work up in Manchester but was down for a conference. Was supposed to head back, but plans changed, thank goodness Ive got a key for my cousins place! We called, she said I could crash here.

Have you seen the tortoise? Sophie asked, suddenly remembering why she was there.

Charlie? Yeah, I fed him already. He trundled off behind the sofa, George replied, gesturing to the corner.

He started buttoning up his shirt and added, Shall we introduce ourselves properly? Im George.

Sophie shook his hand and told him her name. Then George grinned, Why dont we see in the New Year together? Theres only about 10 minutes to go.

Suddenly, Sophie panicked and dashed off, racing down the stairs with George calling after her, Whats wrong? Did I scare you? Where are you going?

She sprinted back to her flat, grabbed the bag with Bennys jumper in it, and then raced back to Harriets just as the clock hit midnight. The front door was still wide open, and inside, George was holding out a glass of bubbly for her. Sophie handed him the bag and, smiling, wished him a happy New Year.

He opened it, pulled out the jumper, and popped it onfit like a glove, even in the shoulders. Ive had plenty of New Year surprises, but this is definitely the best one yet, George said, grinning.

Sophie just thought to herself, Well, Ive got two surprises this yearthe end of Benny and meeting George, but she just smiled instead of saying it out loud.

And would you believe it, the next New Year Sophie, George, and their sweet little girl were all celebrating together in his place.

The Unwanted Child — So, have you chosen a name for your little girl? — The elderly doctor smiled his professional smile at his young patient. — We haven’t decided yet, — Natalia, who was sitting by the bed, interjected. — Naming a baby is a serious matter, Dasha needs to think carefully. — I don’t want to. — To everyone’s surprise, the young mother herself spoke up. — I’m not planning on taking her home at all. I’m going to write a refusal. — What are you saying? — The woman shot up, then gave the girl a furious look and turned to the doctor. — She doesn’t know what she’s saying. Of course we’ll take the baby. — I’ll come back later. Try to get some rest, — the doctor said, clearly uninterested in witnessing a family row. As soon as the man left, Natalia turned on the girl with reproaches. — How dare you say something like that? What will people think of us? We had to move to this city as it is, trying to keep everything quiet. That baby is staying in this family. — And whose fault is that? — Dasha stared right at her. — If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would’ve happened. I’d have finished school in peace and gone off to uni. So, if you want this baby so much, you can have her. She turned to the wall, signalling the conversation was over. Natalia tried for a few more minutes to talk sense into her daughter, but then a nurse came and asked her to leave. The patient needed rest. Dasha was finally alone in the ward. She wept quietly into her pillow, praying to every god she knew for it all to end soon. A timid knock at the door forced Dasha to wipe away her tears. She exhaled deeply, then said: — Come in. Expecting a nurse or, at worst, her father, Dasha was surprised to see a complete stranger. — Can I help you? — Who could know how hard it was to keep up her mask of cool composure! — I just overheard… By complete accident! The doctors were talking in the corridor… — The woman fidgeted, clearly not sure how to voice her question. — Yes, I want to give up the baby. It’s true. Is that what you wanted to know? — I saw your mum… — She’s not my mum! — snapped Dasha, the mask cracking in a flash. — Just my stepmother who thinks the world revolves around her. My actual mum works abroad. — I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, — the woman stammered. — It’s just… I have three kids of my own, and I can’t understand… I grew up in care, and I’m worried for your little one. She’s blameless in all this! — Babies this little are adopted quickly, that’s what they told me. — Dasha shrugged. — And I can’t even force myself to hold her, let alone more than that. If Natasha hadn’t got involved back then, I wouldn’t even be here right now. — But you’re old enough to decide for yourself — you’re over fifteen, aren’t you? — It’s such a scandal! — Dasha mimicked her stepmother’s tone. — What will people say? — I don’t understand… — I’ll tell you, — Dasha gave a crooked smile. — Maybe then you’ll stop judging me. ***************************************************** Dasha’s last year at school had gone terribly. On top of her beloved Pasha being conscripted into the army, a new boy joined the class. Fresh from London, his wealthy dad had exiled him to the provinces as punishment. His reputation for chasing girls had already gotten him into trouble. Mak was flashy: expensive gifts, club nights, posh dinners. One by one, the girls fell for his act, each thinking she’d be his princess. Dasha was the only one who resisted. She was in love; she wanted no one but Pasha. Eventually, it seemed Mak had accepted she was off-limits and set his sights elsewhere. Or so she thought. How wrong she was. The trouble started at a friend’s birthday party just before Christmas. The whole class was there, including Mak, but he was clearly up to something. Halfway through the evening, Dasha left the room to take a call. When she returned, Mak was sat in her seat. She didn’t think anything of it… but soon began to feel ill… In the morning, Dasha woke groggy and confused — Mak lying beside her, grinning. — See? You put up such a fight for nothing, — he said as if nothing unusual had happened. — Consider this some compensation. I’m honestly surprised. Your Pasha’s a real mug. Getting home was a nightmare. She could hardly stand, and passersby looked at her with disgust. Too weak to fish out her keys, she rang the doorbell. She was certain her stepmother would answer. — Out all night, not answering your phone, and look at the state of you! Your dad would have a fit if he saw you! — snapped Natasha. — Get a doctor and the police, — Dasha interrupted. — I want to report it. He needs locking up. Natasha hesitated, then, piecing things together, came to her own conclusions. — Who? — Mak, who else? — Even speaking made Dasha queasy. — No one else would dare. Call them, or I’ll do it myself. — Let’s not rush things, — Natasha calculated quickly. — He’ll just get away with it. Let’s do things differently. I’ll contact his father and ask for compensation. — You’re mad! — Dasha couldn’t believe what she was hearing. — What compensation? I’ll go to the police myself! — No you won’t! — Natasha yanked Dasha to her room. She hadn’t the energy to resist. — You’ll just get blamed — everyone will gossip. I’ll handle it. With no phone and the door locked by her stepmother, escape was impossible. Her head spinning, Dasha collapsed onto her bed. A few days later, she was sent to her grandmother’s, a hundred miles away. She pretended nothing was wrong to save the old woman worry. A month on, Dasha got the worst news imaginable. That night had left its mark — she was having a baby. Natasha was ecstatic: this baby would set the family up for life! The grandfather would pay handsomely to protect his son. Keep quiet until the fifth month, was the plan. Dasha’s wishes? Ignored. At word that she might want to terminate, Natasha kicked up a huge fuss and watched her every move. The grandfather was none too happy but coughed up money, promising more to come. **************************************************** — So you see? — Dasha’s voice was bitter. — I’ve been through hell because of this baby. Pasha dumped me. My friends turned their backs. We had to move. I didn’t even get to finish school! — I’m sorry, — the woman replied quietly. — I blamed you without knowing. — Dasha, we need to talk! — Natasha barged into the room, dragging her husband. — Visitors out, this is a family matter! With a sympathetic look, the stranger left, closing the door behind her. — I won’t let you ruin my plans. Leave that baby here, and you’re not coming home. And where will you go? Your beloved gran’s gone, her flat’s gone to your uncle. You’ll be on the streets! — No — she’s coming with me. — A well-dressed woman strode into the ward. Dasha’s eyes lit up with joy. — Mum! You came! — Of course, darling. I couldn’t leave you to struggle. — Albina hugged her tight. — If only you’d told me sooner, I’d have taken you home right away. I thought it would be easier for you to finish school here. — I thought you didn’t want me, — Dasha sobbed, for all the world still a child. — Someone told me you wanted nothing to do with me. My gifts sent back unopened, you never picked up. I thought you couldn’t forgive me. Well, never mind, — she wiped Dasha’s tears. — We’ll go, and you’ll forget all this… *************************************************** Dasha left. Natasha kept the baby, still dreaming of easy money. But when the powerful grandfather learned the truth, he came and took the baby. Mak was made to accept his responsibility, though he fought it. Dasha is happy now. She’s finally living with the one person who’ll never let her down…

Another Woman’s Son — Your husband is the father of my child. With these startling words, a stranger approached Christine as she quietly enjoyed her lunch. Making herself comfortable across from her, the woman seemed to wait for any kind of reaction to her bold claim. “And how old is your little one?” Christine replied, completely unphased, as though such announcements were an everyday occurrence. “Eight,” Marina answered, pursing her lips in frustration. This was not the shock or outrage she had been expecting! No denial, no accusations, not even a hint of disdain? “Wonderful,” Christine smiled slightly and returned to her delicious cherry pie — served only at this particular café. “We’ve only been married for three years, so anything that happened before me isn’t relevant. Just one question — does Arthur know?” “No,” the woman retorted, leaning back in her chair. “But it doesn’t matter! I’m demanding child maintenance! He will pay, do you understand?” “He will, of course,” Christine agreed. “My husband adores children, and if he’d known sooner, he certainly would have wanted to be part of your son’s life. What’s his name, by the way?” “Ethan,” Marina replied automatically, then frowned. “Don’t you care that your darling husband has a child with another woman?” “As I said, anything before our marriage doesn’t concern me,” Christine’s soft smile didn’t leave her lips. “I knew perfectly well I was marrying a grown man, not some innocent lad. Naturally, he had a past, and that doesn’t bother me. What matters is that I’m the only one now.” “Fine. See you in court. You’d better get ready to fork out, because I’ll be demanding everything my son is legally entitled to.” With that, Marina left, leaving behind an overpowering scent of perfume. Christine struggled not to grimace — it was as if the woman had doused herself in half a bottle. “Go ahead, try your luck,” Christine mused philosophically, finishing the last bite of her pie. “I wonder how you’ll react when you find out Arthur’s official salary is only thirty thousand? The business is in his father’s name… Plus, he’s caring for his elderly, ill mum at the moment. You’ll barely see a penny.” Christine even felt a little sorry for the innocent boy. Maybe she should pay them a visit, see how they lived, and perhaps arrange a decent monthly sum for the child — provided Ethan really was Arthur’s son. She’d met women like this before… ********************* The DNA test was done quickly — when you have money, many things are resolved with the snap of a finger. The result was clear: Ethan was indeed Arthur’s son. In fact, Christine found the boy unnervingly quiet and withdrawn. What eight-year-old sits motionless and silent for ninety minutes while paperwork is filled out? He didn’t ask for cartoons, didn’t run about, didn’t make a sound… Nothing like other kids his age forced to wait around. It was odd. Christine was now even more certain she should visit this new “relative.” The flat was in a posh part of town, with a concierge at the entrance, two bedrooms, modern decor, everything top-notch. Christine made note of these things, unable to fathom why a woman living in such comfort could complain of being hard up. “Court’s in a week,” Marina grumbled, letting her in. “You could have waited to talk there.” “I wanted to get to know Ethan a bit better. Arthur is keen to be involved in his life — maybe take him on weekends, once he’s settled.” “As if I’d let him!” Marina bristled. “The court will decide,” Christine replied coolly. “He’s the boy’s father — it’s his right. But… I don’t see a single toy around here?” “I don’t have spare money for that nonsense,” Marina said dismissively. “Can barely afford him clothes, never mind toys.” “Seriously?” Christine glanced pointedly at Marina’s designer handbag, the expensive clothes strewn over the sofa, the premium cosmetics beside the mirror. “You’re short of cash?” “I’m still young. I want a family — that’s not your business,” Marina snapped, bristling at Christine’s tone. “And who looks after your son while you’re out at all hours?” Christine pressed, beginning to understand why Ethan seemed so quiet and detached. “He’s not a baby. Can stay by himself,” Marina muttered. “Is that all? See you in court!” “I’ll insist you’re accountable for every penny given for Ethan’s upkeep,” said Christine, fighting the urge to stay any longer. She was horrified by the woman’s attitude towards her own child. “I doubt you’ll be pleased with what the judge decides…” ********************** “…the court has ruled: Marina Lipova’s claim is granted in part. Arthur Malin is recognised as the father of Ethan Lipov. The register office is to amend the birth certificate accordingly. The claim for maintenance is denied. Arthur Malin’s counterclaim for residence is granted…” Christine smiled contentedly — she had achieved her goal. Ethan would live with them. Some might judge her for “taking a child away from his mother,” but it was the right thing to do. All of Marina’s neighbours agreed the boy was unwanted — she’d scream at him for no reason, hit him openly, heedless of witnesses. The child psychologist insisted Ethan needed to be removed for his own welfare. His teachers and former childminders said the same. Now Ethan would have his own spacious room, stacks of toys, a computer… And, most importantly, the love of parents he’d never felt before, as both Arthur and Christine were now utterly smitten with this wonderful little boy.