Thats it, Emily, its finished between us. I want a proper family, children. You cant give me that. Ive waited for ages, tried to be patient. I need a son. Ive already started the divorce proceedings. Youve got three days to pack your things. Let me know when youre gone. Ill stay at Mums for now. I want to get the flat ready for my child and his mother. Yes, dont look so surprised. My new fiancée is pregnant. Youve got three days.
Emily just sat there in silence what was she supposed to say?
She hadnt been able to have a baby. Five years together and Mark had waited. Three failed attempts. Shed seen countless doctors, all said she was healthy, but still, nothing.
Emily always lived sensibly, no wild nights out, no unhealthy habits.
This last time, shed taken ill at work and the ambulance was called, but it all happened so quickly
As the front door banged behind Mark, Emily collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted.
She didnt have the will or energy to start packing. And where on earth would she even go? When she was a student, she lived with her aunt, but her aunt had died a while back and her cousin had sold the flat. Going back to her grans old cottage in the countryside? Rent a dingy flat somewhere? What about her job?
There were so many questions and she had to find answers, fast
Early the next morning, the front door opened and Marks mum strode in.
Not sleeping, I see. Thought Id pop over to make sure you werent taking anything thats not yours.
Oh, dont worry Ive no use for Marks ratty old pants. Shall I count my own things for you?
Cheeky! You used to be the polite little darling, so proper and quiet. I knew after the first time it didnt work out you wouldnt give my boy a child.
Is that what you came for? If youre going to sit there, do it quietly and keep an eye out.
What are you doing with that tea set?
Its mine. It belonged to my aunt and I want to keep it for memories.
Well, now that shelf looks empty.
Thats not really my problem. Youll have a grandson soon, right?
Take only whats yours!
My laptops mine, as are the coffee maker and microwave they were gifts from work. And the car, I bought that before I even knew your son. Hes got his own.
Youve got everything except the ability to have children.
Thats none of your business. Im healthy. Maybe it just wasnt meant to be.
You dont seem upset at all. Was this your plan all along?
Thats nonsense. I can barely think about it, let alone plan for it.
Emily gave the flat a final look-over. No more of her things left hairbrush, makeup, slippers She felt as if she was forgetting something. Hard to think with Marks mum hovering over her.
Suddenly she remembered, her old porcelain cat ornament. No one knew, not even Mark, but inside was a secret: her grans earrings and a ring. Not worth loads, but precious to her for sentiment. Mark always thought it was rubbish. Had he thrown it out? He used to pile anything unwanted out on the balcony. Emily went to check
And what do you think youre doing out there?! Time to go once youre packed! Saying goodbye to the flat? Go on then, its not like youll ever have one like this again.
She found the cat, the little treasures safe inside. Now she could leave.
Heres the key. Goodbye. I hope I never have to see you again.
She popped into the office, even though she still had a sick note, and asked to use her remaining leave.
Were all so sorry, Emily; how will we manage without you? Will three weeks do? Please try to keep in touch well be lost on half our projects without your advice.
Ill be as available as I can. Thank you for understanding.
Need a hand with anything?
No, but thank you.
Ill make sure you get your holiday pay, plus a bonus.
That would really help right now. Thanks so much.
Emily didnt even bother flat-hunting. She drove straight to her grans cottage in the countryside. No one would be waiting for her there. Her gran had passed three years ago and shed never known her mum shed died when Emily was born.
Now Emily herself couldnt have a child
An hours drive and she pulled up to the cottage. The old apple tree, the tulips blooming. She remembered the last time she and Mark visited, grilling in the garden as the leaves fell.
She parked, then went inside. Silence. Dirty mugs and plates from last time. Why hadnt she cleaned up before? Or had she? Someone had been here two mugs, takeaway bags, bottles of Marks favourite sparkling wine. Couldnt have been from autumn.
So Mark had been here with someone else?
Didnt matter, not anymore.
Only she had a key, so he must have had a copy made. Time to change the locks.
A fresh start. She cleaned for hours, then soaked in a hot bath, wishing she could scrub her old life away for good.
Just as she was about to get out, someone knocked at the door, then tapped on the window.
Whos there?!
Everything alright in there?
Yes she replied, puzzled.
Sorry, came a mans voice.
Emily went outside, and a man shed never seen stood there.
Sorry, didnt mean to frighten you. Im your new neighbour for a bit, was keeping an eye just in case. Saw you pop in, noticed smoke coming from the chimney thought maybe something had happened
Thank you. Im fine, honestly.
So, are you any relation of Marks? He was here with his wife not long ago are you his sister?
No, Im the ex. Well, almost in the process.
So, the place is yours?
Mine.
Im Tom, just here for a while. Family stuff, mates letting me stay. Actually, Im about to be divorced myself should all be over tomorrow. Well, wont trouble you more but if you need help, just ask.
Im Emily. Actually, Tom can you change a lock?
Yeah, course. Let me know when and Ill be round to do it.
As soon as possible, really.
I can check which type and grab one for you. Dont want you ending up with the wrong sort, and I need to nip to town anyway.
A couple of weeks passed. Emily had one week of holiday left, but the thought of returning to London was miserable this place felt like a true home again. She didnt look for a flat, and Mark never called or messaged except to send the divorce date. Honestly, it was a relief. She had no desire to see him again.
Saturday came. She was up early, and that morning Tom asked her to join him for a walk down by the lake.
She wasnt looking for romance, but a stroll didnt mean anything just company. They laughed and chatted and by lunchtime, as they walked back to the cottage, Emily spotted Marks car in her driveway. He must have just arrived. As they approached the gate, they saw Mark trying to get into the house, with his very pregnant girlfriend waiting by the car.
And whats all this? Tom called, Trying to break into someones house, are we?
Mark froze on the spot.
This is our house! the pregnant woman complained.
Oh really? Who told you that, Mark? This is my house. Please leave.
Mark, is that woman your ex? Make her go away! his girlfriend shrieked.
Emily and Tom both burst out laughing. Mark, embarrassed, silently helped his girlfriend back into the car and drove off.
Hes in for an interesting life, Tom grinned.
At least she can have his child. I couldnt. Three times I lost a baby Sorry.
We split up because my wife didnt want kids at all.
Four years flew by after that. One ordinary day, Emily bumped into her ex-mother-in-law at Tesco.
Emily, is that really you? I almost didnt recognise you Oh! Are you pregnant?
Yes, Emily smiled, caressing her big bump.
Things are awful for Mark, you know. His son was poorly, something to do with his side of the family. That woman ran off and left the baby with us. And you, raising a child alone?
No, not alone. I have a family now. Sorry, I have to go. Theyre waiting for me.
Her ex-mother-in-law just watched as Emily walked away hand in hand with Tom, and their little girl was skipping alongside them, the spitting image of her mum.
