Daisy, Im home! Come and greet me!
D-David? What are you doing back so early? Arent you supposed to return in three days?
A woman, about thirty, hurried into the hallway, gathering her silk dressing gown around her and blinking in confusion at the man on the threshold.
Wanted to surprise you, Dais. Looks like it worked! Or arent you happy to see me? The tall, broad-shouldered man grinned with a wide mouth, evidently pleased with himself.
Very happy! Of course I am. Go on into the kitchen, and Ill heat up something for you.
David gave his wife a nod, brimming with satisfaction, and headed to the kitchen. There, an elaborate table awaited: strawberries, chocolate, dinner just out of the oven as if arranged just for him.
Daisy, you really pulled out all the stops! How did you know Id be coming home early? You must have a sixth sense!
David heaped his plate high and began to devour the meal, not waiting for his wife. She still didnt appear, but he figured she must be slipping into a pretty frock to greet her beloved. Effort, he thought
David, I… We…
Daisy, that roast is magnificent! And the salad and the pancakes absolutely delicious! Martin?!
Twisting round mid-meal, David saw his wife Daisy, clinging to the arm of his very own brother, Martin. Daisy cast her eyes to the floor as if shed misplaced her courage, while Martin, in shorts and a vest, rubbed the bridge of his nose as though hed been woken far too soon.
Yes, David. Its me. Hello, brother
Afternoon, both. Now, care to explain whats going on? Or is it just as obvious as it looks?
David, I Ive wanted to tell you for so long. I love your brother. Martin and I want to be together. Im sorry. Daisy shot the words like a pellet gun, stealing glances from under her brow at her now very much ex-husband.
The plate slipped out of Davids hands and crashed loudly, sending the remains of his meal skittering across the tiled floor.
And the two of you you mean just now?
Yes. Just now. We were together.
Brilliant. Top marks, Daisy! And you too, Martin splendid! It makes sense now: the special dinner, the whole performance but not for me, was it?
Daisys feet might as well have been made of lead; she dared not look up. Should her gaze lift, her courage would surely evaporate.
And Emily? What about our daughter? Does she know?
No, she doesnt Not yet.
And where is she?
Next door, watching cartoons with Mrs. Jenkins.
Thats become a habit, I suppose?
Its been like that for half a year
Davids questions, and his capacity for emotion, ran out. Road weariness weighed down his bones, and there was no point causing a row. Hot-tempered, he was not calm and unruffled, that was his nature.
But should someone push him too far well, woe betide them. Still, even that was rare.
This situation with the two people closest to him stunned David. He lost his bearings a moment, but only just.
You have ten minutes to collect your things and go. Times running. David sipped his tea, not so much as a glance for his brother.
Whats she see in Martin anyway? Same face as me, even the same moles never held a proper job, not the sharpest tool Shell get nothing but regrets, but, her choice! David thought, slowly draining his cup.
I wont go unless you give your consent, Martin stood up abruptly.
Consent? Consent to what?
To the divorce Let Daisy go. She doesnt love you.
I can see who my wife loves, thank you. David forced a crooked smile. You want a divorce? Youll have it through the courts! Cant wait to see you both shell out for the solicitors.
David Daisy laid her hand gently on his wrist. Please, cant we sort this amicably? Youre not like that youre good, I know you are
He shook his head.
Fine, so be it. But Martin James, youre not my brother anymore.
Theres something else we wanted to ask.
What now?
Please let us keep the flat after the divorce, David! Daisy beamed a dazzling smile, running her fingers almost lovingly along his wrist.
Emilys grown so fond of this place, all her friends are at the local school If we split the flat, we cant afford anywhere else, wed have to go back to the village
David pressed his chin onto his folded hands, falling into silence. Daisy, sensing his doubt, sweetened her voice:
David, my darling do a kindness for your daughter. Youre doing so well at work, youll make plenty more money! Please for our little girl. Im doing it for her
Calm down, Daisy, he snapped, withdrawing his wrist. I have a better idea.
And that is? Daisy fluttered her eyes with hope. Are you going to let us have the car too? Emily would be thrilled
Emily will live with me.
What?! Daisy cried, aghast. Youve gone mad! You cant manage children! Youre always off somewhere for work she probably wouldnt even recognise your name!
Well soon see about that, he retorted and went to the door.
Within minutes, David returned with his daughter in tow. Emily, a ten-year-old in her new school uniform, clung tightly to her fathers hand, beaming up at him.
Why have you brought her here so she can be part of your argument now? Daisy hissed.
David said nothing. He settled into a chair with Emily on his knee.
Emily, love, can I ask you some questions?
Course, Dad! Emily shone, basking in the rare warmth of her fathers focus.
Promise me youll be honest. Im going to speak to you as if youre a grown-up now.
Like when you talk to those blokes at the office?
Exactly.
Emily nodded, thrilled at being treated so maturely she almost gaped in anticipation.
Emily, has your mum ever hurt you? Has she smacked you in the past week?
Emilys cheeks flushed and she looked away, busying her fingers with the hem of her dress.
How dare you! Daisy yelled. Leave her out of your madness!
Be quiet, Daisy. Im talking to our daughter, David said coldly, stroking Emilys hair. Dont be afraid, sweetheart. Honesty, remember?
Emily nodded, tears shining in her eyes. Clutching her father, she whispered shakily into his shirtfront:
Yes, she smacked me three times. Once for bad marks, once for spilling milk, and once for shouting at Uncle Martin. She was kissing him while you were away at work.
Shh, darling, dont cry! he murmured, soothing her hair. Im here now. She cant hurt you any more.
Shes lying! Daisy protested. Ive never laid a finger on her
So, you want the flat and car for the good of your daughter? David smiled slyly. Emily, can I ask you one more question?
Go on.
If you had the choice: live with me or stay with your mum who would you be with?
The girl hesitated. Her gaze bounced anxiously between her parents. Daisy stretched out pleading arms.
Would you promise not to go away for so long any more?
I promise, he replied without missing a beat.
Then I want to live with you, Daddy.
You little! Daisy shrieked, lunging at her, but David wrapped his arms tight about their daughter, shielding her. Martin, standing awkwardly in the background, never made a move.
There we are, Daisy, everythings out. You wont see her again, David said, matter-of-fact, and took his daughter by the hand, leading her to her bedroom.
Minutes later, David helped Emily pack her things. Fortunately, his own travel bag was already at the door. Father and daughter headed off to a hotel across the city the one David stayed at for business.
The court hearing took place some months later. Without steady jobs, without a proper home, Daisy and Martin had little to show. Factoring in everything, including Emilys wishes, the judge ruled for the girl to stay with her father.
Visits with her mother were arranged at weekends, while Emily made a new home with her dad in a different flat.
David reshuffled his whole routine so he could prioritise his daughter. Long spells away for work became a thing of the past. Emily smiled more; for David, that shone brighter and was worth more than all the pounds in the Bank of England or the office promotions in the world
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