Thats it, Alice, its over between us! I want a real family, children of my own. You cant give me that, and Ive waited long enough. I need a son. Ive already filed for divorce! Youve got three days to pack. Call me when youve left. Ill be staying at my mums for now. Please hurry, I need to get the flat ready for my child and his mother. Oh, and dont be surprisedmy new fiancée is expecting a baby. Three days, Alice.
Alice just sat there in silencewhat could she possibly say?
She hadnt been able to have a child, not for want of trying. David had been patient for five years, three failed rounds, and countless appointments with doctors. They all said she was healthy, but still, nothing.
Alice always lived a healthy life, did everything right. The last time she felt poorly at work, they had to call an ambulance, but it all happened so quickly…
The door slammed as David left, and Alice sank heavily onto the sofa. She couldnt even think about packing, let alone muster the energy to do it. Where would she go anyway? Shed lived with her aunt in London before the wedding, but her aunt had passed away, and her cousin had sold the place. Back to her nans old cottage in the countrysidewould she even want to? Or would she need to start over somewhere, rent a flat, sort out her job? So many questions, and she had to act fast.
Early the next morning, the front door opened, and Davids mother strode in.
Havent slept? Just as well. Im here to make sure you dont take anything that isnt yours.
No need, your sons old boxers arent on my checklist. Shall I itemise my own as well?
Cheeky, arent you? You always seemed so soft and polite before. I told Dave after the first miscarriage youd never be able to give us a grandchild.
Did you come just to say that? Best keep an eye on me quietly if you must.
What are you doing with that tea set?
Its mineit belonged to my aunt, its all Ive got left of her.
Well, that shelf will look bare without it!
Thats not my problem. At least youll have your grandson soon.
Just stick to your own things!
The laptops mine, sos the coffee machine and microwave. My colleagues gave me those. My car was bought before we got married; your sons got his own.
Youve got everything but a child!
Thats not really your concern. Doctors say Im fine. Maybe its just how things were meant to be.
Doesnt seem to bother you much! Perhaps you did all this on purpose?
Youre talking nonsense. I can barely even think about it.
Alice glanced aroundher things were gone: her hairbrush, her makeup, her slippers. She felt like she was missing something important. Davids mother was getting on her nerves, making it hard to concentrate. Then she rememberedthe old cat figurine was missing. Inside that figurine was a tiny secret: a pair of earrings and a ring, nothing of great monetary value, but precious as a memory from her grandmother. David always thought it was junk and used to stick unwanted things on the balcony. Maybe it was out there? She slipped out to check.
You forgot something out here, have you? Take your stuff and be out of here! Davids mother scolded. Saying goodbye to the flat, are you? Good luck finding anything like this again.
Alice finally found the figurine, undisturbed, with her little treasures still inside. Now she could really leave.
Here are the keys. Goodbye. I honestly hope I never see you again.
Alice drove straight to her office, still technically on sick leave, but she asked for some holiday instead.
Were all so sorry, Alice, but well manage. Is three weeks enough? Please keep your phone handy. So many projects rely on you!
That should be fine. I could use the break. Thank you.
Do you need help with anything?
No, thank you.
Ill sort out your holiday pay and your bonus.
Thanks, thatll really help.
Alice didnt even bother to look for a flat. She just drove to her nans cottage in the country. There was no one waiting for herher nan had passed three years earlier, and she never knew her mum, who died in childbirth. Alice mused that now she, too, couldnt become a mother.
She reached the old cottage after an hours drive: apple tree in the garden, tulips poking up near the fence. The last time shed been here with David was in autumn, grilling sausages on the barbecue, relaxing together.
Alice parked in the drive, found the garage key in the house. Inside, the house was silent. Oddly, the table was strewn with dirty cups and plates. She could have sworn shed tidied up last time. Or did someone else come by? Two mugs, two plates, empty juice cartons, Davids favourite sparkling wine bottles. Definitely not from autumn. So David had been back here, but with who? It didnt matter anymore.
Alice was the only one with a keyDavid must have made a copy. Time to change the locks.
A fresh start: cleaning, then a hot bath to wash away the past. Alice decided it was time to rinse off every last bit of her old life.
When Alice was getting ready to leave the bath, someone knockedfirst at the door, then at the window.
Whos there?
Everything all right in there?
Erm… yes, she answered, surprised.
Sorry!
Alice came out to find a man shed not seen before standing outside.
Sorry for bothering you; Im your new neighbour, just for a bit. Saw the chimney smoking but hadnt seen you all day, so I wanted to make sure nothing had happened.
Thanks, Im fine.
Do you know David, by any chance? He was here not long ago with his wife. Are you his sister?
No, Im his ex… or nearly. Its all in progress.
And the cottage is yours?
Yes.
Im Sam, just here for a while, staying with a mate. Divorce, you knowshould all be sorted tomorrow. Anyway, if you ever need a hand with anything, just let me know.
Im Alice. Actually, would you mind changing the locks for me?
Not at all. Just let me know when Ill get the right ones when Im in town, if you like.
That would be great.
Two weeks went by. Alice still had another week of holiday left, and the thought of returning to the city was unappealing. Shed got used to the quiet, and flat-hunting was the last thing she wanted to think about. David hadnt called or textednot even a message, only a court letter with the divorce date, which, honestly, was a relief. She didnt want to see him again.
That Saturday, Alice woke early. Sam had invited her for a walk by the lake. She had no intention of starting anything new, but a casual walk couldnt hurt. After a lovely morning, they returned for lunch, only to see Davids car parked outside her cottage. It looked like hed only just arrived and was helping a very pregnant woman out of the car.
Alice and Sam walked up to the gate as David struggled with the front door but couldnt get in.
Excuse me, what do you think youre doing?
Davids eyes widened in surprise.
This is my house! the pregnant woman piped up.
Oh? And who told you thatDavid? Well, its not. Its my home. Kindly leave my property.
David, whats she saying?! Who is sheyour ex? Make her go! the woman screeched.
Alice and Sam couldnt help but burst out laughing. David, red-faced, silently got his new partner back into the car, and off they went.
Hes in for a fun life, Sam joked.
At least she can give him what I couldnt. Three lossesit just wasnt to be for me. Sorry, I shouldnt…”
I got divorced because my wife didnt want children Sam shrugged.
Four years passed. One day, in the supermarket, Alice bumped into her former mother-in-law.
Alice, I almost didnt recognise you! Ive been watching for ages to make sure its really you. Are you pregnant?
Yes, Alice smiled, gently resting a hand on her bump.
Its all gone pear-shaped for David. His son was born with complicationssomething with the genetics, apparently. His new wife ran off, left the little one with us. So youre having a baby on your own?
No, not on my own. I have a family now. Sorry, I need to get backtheyre waiting for me.
Oh, is that so? Well, Im sorry for everything.
Take care, Alice replied softly as she walked away.
Her ex-mother-in-law watched Alice go, as Sam came alongside her, steadying her with one hand, and in the other, their little girlwho looked just like her mum.
Let me know what you think, love.
