Thats it, Emily, were done! I want a real family, children. You cant give me that. Ive waited, Ive been patient for so long. I need a son. Ive already filed for divorce! Youve got three days to pack up your things. Let me know when youre gone. Ill be at my mums until then. And do hurryI need to get the flat ready for my child and his mum. Oh, and dont look so shocked, my new fiancées pregnant! Three days, Emily!
Emily just stood there in silence. What could she possibly say?
Having a baby just wasnt happening for her. James had waited five years, bless him. And in those five years, three failed attempts.
Shed seen so many doctors, but they all said she was absolutely fine. So why, every time, did it all go wrong?
Emily wasnt exactly living it up at parties. No, she led the textbook healthy lifestyle.
This time, shed felt faint at work. Theyd called an ambulance, but everything happened very quickly
The door slammed behind James, and Emily collapsed exhausted onto the sofa.
She had neither the energy nor the will to start packing. And where would she even go? It wasnt like she had options lined up.
Shed lived with her aunt before marriage and while at uni. But her aunt was gone, and now her cousin had sold the flat. Go back to the cottage in the countrysideher nans old place? Get a rental? What about work?
So many questionsnone of them easy, and all of them urgent
Early the next morning, who should walk in but her mother-in-law.
Not asleep? Good. Im here to supervisedont want you nicking anything you shouldnt.
Trust me, I dont want your sons old pants. Shall we tally up my knickers just in case?
My, someones got a mouth on her today! You were practically a saint before: polite, soft-spoken. Well, look how things turned out. I told Jamie after the first failure you wouldnt be able to give him a child.
Is that why youre here, Barbara? Feel free to sit down and keep out of my way.
And whats that tea set youre packing?
Its mine, left to me by my aunt. Its sentimental, Barbara.
Well, itll be awfully empty in here without it!
Im sure youll be far too busy with your imminent grandchild to notice.
Just take your own things!
The laptops mine. The coffee machine and microwave toothey were gifts from my colleagues. My car? Bought it before I even met James. Hes got his own.
So, youve got everythingexcept the ability to give my son a baby!
Thats not really your business, is it? Im fine. Maybe it just wasnt meant to be, you know, God and all that.
You really dont seem upset! Maybe this is what you wanted all along?
You do talk nonsense, Barbara. I cant even think straight about any of this.
Emily glanced around. All her things were gonejust her toothbrush, makeup, slippers
Oh no, shed forgotten something important! Barbara was making it so hard to concentrate.
Then she rememberedthe little porcelain cat figurine. It had a secret: inside were a pair of earrings and a ring. Worth nothing, really; priceless to Emily as her nans keepsake. James had always called it junk. He probably binned ithe did like a good clear-out on the balcony. Emily opened the door
And where do you think youre off to now? If youre done packing, you can leave! Barbaras voice echoed again. Saying goodbye to the flat, are you? Bid it a fond farewellnot that youll have anything like it again.
At last, there it wasand with its little secret still inside. Now she could leave.
Here are the keys. Goodbye, Barbara. I sincerely hope I dont see you again.
Emily popped into her office on the way out. She was still on sick leave, but asked for some holiday time as well.
Were all really sorry, Em, but how will we manage without you? Will three weeks be enough? Please, keep in touch! Half the projects collapse without your advice.
Its fine. Ill try to switch off a bit. Thanks.
Need any help?
No, but cheers for asking.
Ill make sure you get your holiday pay and the bonus.
Thatll be very handy, thanks.
Emily didnt even bother looking for a flat. She headed straight for the village. No one was waiting for her: her nan had died three years back, and shed never known her mumlost her during childbirth.
And now, somehow, Emily couldnt have a child herself
An hours drive and she was there. An old apple tree, tulips by the gate.
Last time shed been here with James, it was autumn, grilling sausages, relaxing.
Emily drove into the yardthe garage key was inside. She stepped in. Silence. The kitchen was a messmugs, plates Hadnt she tidied up before?
No, she distinctly remembered cleaning up! Someone else mustve been here.
Two mugs, plates, empty juice cartons, bottles of Jamess favourite prosecco. Not from last autumn, thats for sure.
So James had brought someone here, had he? Lovely.
Not that it mattered now.
Emily was the only one with a key, but James mustve had a copy made. Well, time to change the locks.
New life, new locks, and firsta good, steamy bath. Wash it all away: the grime and the ex.
Shed barely got out of the bath when there was a knock at the door. And then at the window.
Whos there?!
Are you alright in there?
Yes Emily answered, a bit puzzled.
A strange man was standing outside.
Sorry to startle you. Im your neighbourI saw smoke from the chimney and then you disappeared for ages. Just wanted to check you were alright
Thanks, Im fine.
Are you family of James? He was here recently with his wife… are you the sister?
No, Im his ex-wife. Nearly ex, divorce is in progress.
Is the cottage yours, then?
Mine, yes.
Im your almost-neighbour, as it happens. Just staying here for a bitfamily stuff. My mate let me borrow the house. Also in the process of getting divorcedshould be official tomorrow! Sorry to bother you. If you need anything, just shout. Im Nick.
Emily. Actually, Nick, can you change a lock?
Absolutely. Just say when and Ill sort it.
As soon as possibleIll buy a new one tomorrow.
Easier if I pick one up. You never know, you might get the wrong kind, and I have to go to town anyway.
Alright, cheers.
Two weeks passed. One week of her holiday left. Emily had started to feel at home and didnt much fancy heading back to London and finding a place. James hadnt called or messagedonly a solicitors letter with the date for their decree nisi. Frankly, all for the best; she didnt want to see his sorry mug again.
Saturday morning, early as usual for Emily. That day, Nick invited her out for a walk to the lake.
She wasnt looking for romance, but a walks a walk. They had a lovely time and came back for lunch. As they arrived, Emily spotted Jamess car parked by her gateit looked like hed just pulled up. Out of the car stepped James, then out popped a very pregnant young lady, with his help.
As Emily and Nick walked up, James was wrestling with the cottage door, which stayed stubbornly shut.
Well, whats going on here? Nick called. Trespassing, are we?
James froze, caught red-handed.
This is our house! announced the pregnant woman.
Oh really? Who told you thatJames? Im afraid its mine, and Ill thank you to vacate the premises.
James, what is she talking about?! Who IS she? Your ex? Chuck her out! the pregnant lady shrieked.
Emily and Nick burst out laughing. James bundled his companion back into the car, and off they sped.
Bet hes in for a treat with her, Nick said.
Shell give him a baby, at least. I couldnt. Three miscarriages. Sorry, its just
Odd coincidenceI got divorced because my wife didnt want kids
Four years after the divorce, Emily ran into her former mother-in-law at Sainsburys.
Emily, I barely recognised you! Been watching youwasnt sure if it was you or not. Waitare you pregnant?
Yes, Emily smiled, brushing a hand over her large bump.
Oh. Well, things arent great for James. Their son was born poorlysomething from his side apparently. Shes left him, dropped the child with us. And you are you doing this alone?
No, not alone. I have a family now. Id best be off, theyre waiting for me.
Oh, I see. Well sorry for everything
Patience to you, Barbara
Barbara watched Emily go, hand in hand with Nick, who supported her with one arm while their little girlwho was the image of her motherclung to the other.
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