A Fracture in Trust
Mrs. Ann Webster, are you in? Its me, Laura from number 3! I’ve got some pies left over for you, still warm, and theres something we need to sort out You wont open?
Mrs. Ann Webster stood motionless at her window, her teacup gone cold in her hands. Novembers greyness pressed against the glass outside. The wind played tag with yellow leaves between rows of three-story brick council blocks. She watched a man in a tweed cap hurry past, collar up against the chill. She’d grown used to the hush inside her flatclock ticks, the steady murmur of the boiler, the occasional groan from the floorboards, but never, ever a knock, nor that unmistakable sense of another heartbeat just outside her door.
Mrs. Webster, I can see the lights on! No need to hideIm a good sort, honest!
That voiceloud and insistent, with a hearty cheer that didnt brook refusalseemed to fill the corridor. Ann set the cup down on the windowsill, walked slowly to the door, and peered through the spy-glass. Laura stood in the hall, a shopping bag clasped to her chest, yellow hair in an untidy bun, red lipstick unusually bright, her duffle coat a lurid magenta that glowed in the dim landing light.
Come now, its not a castlelet me in, or Ill freeze!
Ann slid the chain free and let Laura breeze in like the first hopeful gust of spring, trailing scents of cheap perfume, night air, and something freshly baked.
Baked them this morning, thought Id drop some round for you, Laura said, pushing the bag into Ann’s hands. Cabbage and mince. Still warm Bet you dont eat much, living on your own. Youre looking thin as a rake, you know!
You shouldn’t have bothered, Laura, really.
Dont fuss, I like doing people a good turn. Go on, pop the kettle on, make a decent cuppayou look washed out.
Without waiting for reply, Laura bustled through to the kitchen as if she owned it, filled the kettle, fetched two mugs. Ann stood awkwardly, pies in hand, suddenly lost. The presence of another human, moving, speaking, filled the tiny flat, making her solitude feel like a myth someone else had dreamed up.
Sit, sit! Well have a natter. Its no good, all this sitting by yourself. Alone after your husband, the children far offlife turns foggy, doesn’t it? My aunt, after Uncle Ted, nearly cracked up for want of company.
Ann obeyed, the pies sending appetising wafts across the kitchen. She never cooked much now, just microwaved ready mealsno sense in fussing for one. Laura poured strong tea, shovelled in sugar, and kept up the chatter.
Don’t think I’m interfering, Laura said, smiling hard. I just care, thats all. I see my neighbour flagging, I have to help, thats my trouble! My husband says Id save the world and forget myself. I cant help how I am.
She talked fast, with wild gesticulations and brash laughter, filling up all the silences Ann had grown accustomed to. How long had it been since she sat at a table trading tales with anybody at all? Her son rang once a weekbrief, formulaic: How are you, Mum? All right, darling. Need money? No love, all sorted. Love you. Speak soon, bye. And then seven days of quiet.
You know, Ann, Ive been meaning to invite you, Laura leaned in, her blue eyes almost sisterly. A few of us meet up sometimes, over at the Sunflower Café on the high street. We exchange news, gossip, put the world to rights. Youd like ita change does you good.
Im not sure, Laura… Im not very…
Nonsense! Ill fetch you myself. Cant let yourself rot in, not at our age. All sorts starts with loneliness, believe me.
Ann noddedwhat else could she do? Lauras bright mouth flicked from smile to concern in an instant. She finished her tea, squinted round the kitchen with an appraising glance.
Love what youve done here! And just look at that China set! She glided to the old dresser, admiring the delicate white porcelain patterned with goldthe wedding anniversary gift from Anns husband, decades ago.
My late husband, Peter, gave me those on our thirtieth, Ann whispered.
Gorgeous, love! Guard them, theyre treasures. Well, must dash, Ive errands. You eat up those pies. Ill collect you tomorrow, about three, all right?
Laura swept away as shed arriveda gust, a flash of colour and scentand the flat, as it swallowed her echo, felt less empty than before.
***
That’s how it began. Laura appeared daily: sometimes at dawn, sometimes at dusk, always with a missionsalt to borrow, a problem to solve, or simply for small talk. She drew Ann into shopping trips, café meet-ups with three other womenhearty, rowdy sorts who argued about pension rates, children, television.
At first, Ann felt the outsider: her new companions rougher, louder, making jokes she didnt get, using turns of phrase that made her blush. Laura, ever the ringmaster, looped her arm through Anns, boasted to the table, This is my clever friend Ann Websterused to teach, so mind your manners! Ann found herself, in time, looking forward to these outings. She began to come alive again, even if this was not the company shed kept oncebefore, with Peter and subscriptions to the Philharmonic. The friends of old had drifted away, fallen ill, moved on or moved under; only this circle of milky tea in paper cups and conversation about nothing remained. Still, it was better than silence.
Ann, you dont still have that brooch you wore last time? Laura asked during tea and custard creams one day. That amber one?
Yes, it was Mums, Ann replied.
Could I see it? I love old bits, really cheers my soul!
Ann fetched her jewellery box and handed Laura the brooch. Laura turned it in her palms, held it to the light.
Stunning! Id love to show my Eliza. Shes got her graduation from Exeter in a month, dying to wear something vintage. May I? Ill bring it back, cross my heart!
Ann hesitated. The brooch was precious. But Laura looked hopeful, grateful in advancehow could Ann refuse?
All right but do be careful.
Trust me, love, like the apple of my eye! Youre a star, honestly.
A week, then another, passed. No brooch appeared. Ann gently reminded Laura, but was brushed off: Elizas still mulling it, she adores it! Just you wait, and Ill return it. Another week. Then a confessionEliza had misplaced it, but she would search.
Ann worried herself sick, blaming her own softness. When at last she pressed the matter, Laura puffed up with offence.
What, you think Id cheat you? I, who saved you from rotting away, who brightened your days? How could you!
No, Laura, I didnt mean Ann’s voice trembled. The thought of returning to complete solitude chilled her. Im just It was my mothers, you see.
Yes, yes, dont fret. Well turn the place over and find it. Dont you worry.
And so Ann tried not to worry. Laura still visited, with gifts, with jokes, with invitations. But now, sometimes, she also asked for a little loan.
Ann, love, you dont happen to have fifty pounds until pay day? My boys come down with something, and medicines dear. Ill have it right back, promise.
Ann lent the money. Because Laura was her friendor more, her lifeline. Fifty, a hundred, more. Never returned. And when Ann timidly enquired, Laura put on such genuine hurt that Ann felt petty for even mentioning it.
I thought we were friends! Laura sniffed. Come, pennies shouldnt matter between us. I’d do anything for youanythingand you quibble about cash?
***
It was Wednesday evening when Anns son rang. She was perched on the edge of her bed, in her old robe, television burbling some make-over show she barely watched.
Mum, its me, Samuel. All right?
Im fine, Sam. All well with you?
Busy, as always. Listenhow about you come over this weekend? Claudias been asking for your stew, and the girls miss you.
Not sure, Sam Ive got lots on.
Since when are you busy? Youre always home, Mum.
Im not always home, she bristled. Ive a friend now. Laura, from number 3. We go outcafés, shops. Im not as lonely as you make out.
Laura? Whos that?
Laura Parsons. Lovely soul. Pops by every day, makes sure Im not on my own.
Do you really know her?
Of course! Weve been friends for two months. She got me out of the house. Otherwise Id have faded away.
He paused, then sighed.
All right, as long as youre not bored. Just look after yourself, and your things. Not everyone is trustworthy.
What are you implying? Ann snapped. Laura’s like a sister. You havent even met her and you judge!
Im not judging, Mum. Just nevermind. Love you. Night.
He rang off. Ann sat a long while, the phone resting between her hands, stung. See? Even her son resented her having a life beyond them. Perhaps it was easier for them when she was safely alone. But now she was occupied, needed by someone, and that unsettled them. Selfish, she thought bitterly.
The next day, Laura came with a new scheme.
Ann, darling, listen! She dropped her magenta coat, swept into the kitchenno knock necessary. Remember my mate at that health spa in Bath? Shes offered us a steal. I was thinking: what if we went together? A fortnight in Aprilfresh air, spa treatments. Just imagine!
Ann froze. She hadnt been away anywhere in yearsnot since Peter died. The idea terrified and tempted her.
Oh that sounds expensive.
Now with the staff discount its only six hundred pounds. Bargain! Ive saved half, you could too by then, easily.
I dont know, Laura My state pensions not much.
But youve got savingsmust have, after a life teaching! Its not a kings ransom. Memories are worth the cost.
Ann considered. She did have savingsmoney Peter left for a rainy day. Shed never touched it; it felt sacred. But a health spa couldnt be the worst thingand with company besides.
All right, lets try.
Laura beamed.
Knew youd say yes! Tomorrow, bank at ten. Ill comeits all a faff with those machines.
Yes, safer with you, Ann agreed.
The next morning, Laura grasped her arm, plied her with holiday talk, and at the bank, Ann withdrew six hundred pounds, which she handed over for the deposit.
Ill pay it in at mine and bring your confirmation tomorrow, Laura assured, tucking the cash away.
The confirmation never came. First Laura said her contact was off sick, then that paperwork was delayed, then something else. Anns anxiety mounted, but whenever she questioned Laura, Laura wrapped her in affection.
Ann, let me borrow your China service? My Elizas weddings next month. She needs something elegant to display. Ill bring it right back, scrubbed clean!
Anns heart wobbled. This was Peters gift, her relic, and she faltered.
Laura, that set means such a lot
Here we go again! Lauras smile dropped. After all Ive done? Called, cheered, everythingand you cant trust me with some crockery? Do you know how lonely youd be without me? Is this my thanks?
I am grateful, Laura, its just
If you dont trust me, then thats it. No more. I dont need small-minded friends.
Laura slung her bag over her shoulder. Anns insides twisted with fear.
Wait, Laura Take it. Justplease be careful.
Lauras smile returned at once.
Thats the spirit! There should be no suspicion between friends. Safe as houses, youll see!
***
Three weeks later, Anns daughter-in-law rang. Marins voice was anxious, almost frantic.
Hello, Mum, its Claudia. Sams at work, so I thought Id check in. Did you draw out several hundred from your savings this month?
Ann bristled.
Why do you ask?
Sam has legal power of attorney, remember? He checked your statement. Theres a big withdrawal. Was that you?
Yes. Its my money.
Of course, Mum. But what for? JustSams concerned.
I can spend my own money, Claudia. Im not a child.
Sure. But you mentioned a neighbour visiting a lot. Were just frightened, in case
In case what? That someones cheating me? That Im doddery and cant tell a friend from a villain?
No, not at all, Claudia hedged. Its just lots of stories about lonely pensioners. People take advantage, then…
Thank you for your concern, Ann interrupted. But Laura is kind. She actually cares. Unlike you two.
Thats not fair, Mum, Claudia said sharply. Were working flat out, the girls need us, the mortgage is a noose. We cant visit every daybut we love you.
If you loved me, youd make the effort, Ann snapped. But a weekly phone call, thats all you manage.
She hung up, rattled by righteous anger that tried to hide a deep ache. She understood they were busy, understood their burdens. But somehow, in the echo of their voices, she only heard their disbelief, their assumption that she was easy prey.
That evening, Laura breezed in, armed with biscuits and news of the neighbours. Ann poured tea, watched Lauras bright mouth talk, and decided: Laura was the only one who saw her, who needed her. The only one who made these rooms anything but a mausoleum.
Ann, remember I said Id like to give my daughter a present? Well, theres this beautiful crockery in the Sunflower storefifteen hundred pounds, but half price now. If you chip in half, Ill pay you my bit next week. Please?
Im short this month, Laura, Ann sighed. I gave you everything for the spa trip, remember?
Come now! Youve a nest egg, and shops do interest-free credit now. All my friends use it. Lets go tomorrow. You have the best taste, I want your advice.
Before Ann could form words, Laura was already on to the next story. The next day, Laura arrived prompt in a cherry-red scarf, and off they went to the new shopping arcadea dizzying web of shops, a blur of lights and music. Laura dragged Ann to the homewares section.
See? Gorgeous or what? Just perfect for Eliza. Only fifteen hundred.
But, Laura, its so much
Its for her wedding, Ann! Ill pay you back. Please, Ann, youre my only true friend. You will, wont you?
It was easier to agree than to risk the withdrawal of Lauras warmth. She filled in the credit form, not reading the fine print, then signed where the young saleswoman pointed.
All done! Laura cheered. Youre a gem!
As they exited, Laura carrying the box, Ann trailing behind, a voice stopped them.
Mum?
It was Claudia, bags in hand, her look sharp and worried.
Shopping? You never come here. Whats going on?
Lauras smile stiffened. Im Ann’s friend, Laura Parsons. We found the perfect present for my girl.
Claudia eyed the box, then Ann.
Can I talk to you? Alone.
Laura retreated, and Claudia pulled Ann between the suitcases and mops.
Mum, did you pay for that? With credit or cash?
Credit, but Laura will return the money.
Mum, I checked. This Laurashes known in the area. Shes conned other retireesborrows, takes valuables, then disappears. Youre not her first.
Thats a lie! Anns voice cracked. Youre just jealous!
Mum, were scared for you. Shes got your brooch, your money, the China setPeters gift! Doesnt that bother you at all?
Shell bring them back! She promised.
Mum, she wont. You know she wontyoure just too proud to say it.
Something broke inside Ann at those words, cutting through her defences because, deep down, she already knew. The brooch was gone, so was the money, and Laura would vanish when shed emptied Anns shelves. To admit it, though, was unbearablea kind of self-destruction.
Leave me, Claudia. Dont meddle.
Mum
I said go!
Claudia lingered, her eyes full of grief, then turned and left. Ann made her way back to Laura.
Lets go, she said, voice raw.
On the bus ride home neither spoke. Laura held the box, gaze averted. When they reached the flats, Laura paused at the gate.
Was that your daughter-in-law? What did she say about me?
She said youre deceiving me.
Laura stopped in her tracks, set the box down.
Did you believe her?
No, Ann whispered.
Laura seized her hands, staring down.
Ignore them. I care for you. Ill get your brooch back. The spas just delayed paperwork. The Chinas being polished. And the dinnerware? Ill transfer your half soon. Trust me?
Ann gazed into Lauras eyespainted, watery blue, fringed in black. How she wanted to believe. Desperately. That Laura was a friend, not a cruel joke.
I trust you, she murmured.
Laura embraced her tightly, the scent of cigarettes and floral spray filling Anns nose.
Thats what true friendship means. Only us two understand.
***
Two weeks drifted by. Ann ignored calls from Sam and Claudia, sometimes tossing her mobile in a drawer. Each day her resolve faded. Laura visited less and less, always with a new reasonElizas wedding, a bad cold, a sudden job. The crockery, the tickets, even the brooch were never mentioned.
Anns sleep frayed. She lay awake, questions and regrets blurring one into another. She started on her blood-pressure pills again, but made no attempt to reach out for help. She could not bear the humiliation.
Saturday dawned, grey and wet. The bell rang. Sam and Claudia stood outside, bags in hand.
Mum, you never pick up. We worried.
I told you, Im fine, Ann muttered.
Please, Mum, lets not fight, Claudia said, busying herself in the kitchen. Lets cook together. Itll do you good.
Ann wanted to send them away, but found herself sitting at the table. Sam set cutlery, Claudia prepared soup; they tiptoed around Ann as one does round someone very breakable.
Mumhas Laura brought anything back? Brooch, money?
Not yet, Ann whispered, eyes lowered.
Ive spoken to the police, said Sam. Shes well known. Shes conned others.
It cant be, Ann murmured.
You’re nobodys fool, Mum, Claudia said. Cant you see shes using you?
Ann snatched her hand from Claudia’s.
Shes my only friend. You lottoo busy your mortgage, work, everything but me.
Thats unfair! Sam said hotly. We work ourselves silly, but we love you! Instead, you hand everything to a scammer!
Out. Get out, Ann commanded.
They left. Claudias eyes brimmed with tears; Sams mouth was set. Ann locked the door behind them, then slid to the floor, overcome by shame and utter, raw regret. They were right. Shed known it all along. To admit it, however, was agony.
For three days Laura didnt call. Then, one morning, a furious hammer at the door.
Theres your precious China, then! Laura snarled, dropping a battered box at Anns slippers. Dont ask for anything ever again.
She marched away. Ann carried the box to the kitchen. Most pieces were chipped, some split entirely, a sour odour rising from within. She picked up a broken teacupshattered, the golden rim faded. She laid the halves on the table, then phoned Sam.
Mum? his voice instantly anxious.
Can you come over?
Straight away. Hold on tight.
She replaced the receiver and perched at the kitchen table with the two halves of her cuplight, insubstantial, fragilelike the last months, she thought.
Sam and Claudia arrived together, hurrying in, finding Ann hunched over her memories. Claudia sat beside her, saying nothing, only embracing her. Ann broke, weeping into her daughter-in-laws shoulder. But this time there was release, not embarrassment, in her tears. They had come. They hadnt let her fall alone.
Forgive me, Ann said through her sobs.
Nothing to forgive, Mum, Sam replied. Well report her, see if anything comes back.
I I think Id rather not, Ann said quietly. Let her keep it. I have you both.
Claudia offered a small, sad smile. I can glue the cup. Youll see the linebut itll hold.
Yes, Ann replied. I suppose you can.
They made tea from Claudias own stoneware mug. Sam spoke of new locks, of fresh beginnings, and Ann, piecing together the teacup, wondered how shed been so blindso desperate for company, shed traded real love for a sparkling illusion that shattered at a touch.
Mum? Sam said later. Wont you come stay, or at least visit often? The girls miss you terribly. Were your family.
Ill think about it, Ann said, her voice tender.
They stayed till dusk. Claudia cooked the stew Ann had used to make for Sam, decades ago. They talkedof little things, jobs, school, simple pleasures. Ann felt, bit by bit, herself reassembling, jagged edges smoothing, though the fissure would always be there.
As night thickened, they left. The flat was silent. Ann took the old glue from the drawer and patched her cup as best she couldcrooked, the crack showing, impossible to hide.
The phone rang. Sam again.
Mum? Howre you doing?
Ann eyed her cup, the gold rim still catching the lamplight, line and all.
The girls want your stew tomorrow. Will you come?
Ann turned the cup in her hands. You couldn’t drink from it anymorenot as before. But it was whole. Or nearly enough.
Yes, she said softly. Ill try.
