Evelyn, Im getting married, said Vera with a nervous grin, the ceremony is next Friday. Will you come? Id love to see you there.
Are you joking? You? Whos the groom? All of a sudden? Evelyns stomach turned cold at the news, as if a betrayal had sliced through their friendship. She had never imagined it would hurt this much to hear it. She had always pitied Vera, the plainlooking girl, and doubted any man would ever take her as a wife.
Why all of a sudden? Ive known Ian for six months, Vera replied.
And you kept it secret? Who is he? Ive never seen him. Where have you been hiding him?
Hide him? Vera laughed. We work together. Mostly at the office, we just talked. I didnt expect it either, and then he proposed and I said yes!
Is he a painter too, like you? Evelyn snapped, her lips curled in disdain.
Ian does everything. He runs the construction firm where Im employed.
Evelyns breath caught. She could not find words to answer, watching Vera as if she might be playing a trick. But Vera looked calm, clearly far from joking.
They had gone to the same school, friends since Year6. Evelyn had always been the better onestudies came easier, she was prettier, slimmer, dressed finer, and boys swirled around her like moths. No one ever noticed Vera; Evelyn felt sorry for her, believing fate and nature had wronged the poor girl. Vera had no striking face or figure, studied weakly, and after Year9 she left school to become a plastererpainters apprentice.
Isnt there a more interesting trade? Evelyn had asked then. Could I switch to something else?
Why? My mother has been a painter on construction sites all her life. Thats why Im here.
Will you spend your whole life in a dusty workroom? Ugh! Dont you want a modern, wellpaid job? Sit in a clean office among cultured people? Im thinking of studying design.
I dont understand design. Ive helped my mum plaster and paint countless times. I like it. Theres skill in it, too. And with my grades I couldnt get into university anyway.
Evelyn also didnt get into university straight away, but she didnt give up. She finished a college course, then, with enough points, entered a design program. Though their studies diverged, the girls still met often, keeping their friendship alive. Evelyn was sociable, often inviting Vera out to lively gatherings. Against Veras dull backdrop, she shone, attracting a lot of attention from the lads. Evelyn was convinced she would soon marry a handsome, welloff, promising man.
And then the sudden announcement How could it happen? Where was justice? The ugly Vera resolved to outshine her!
So youll come to the wedding? she asked again.
Of course. Absolutely! Evelyn answered firmly. Will I meet the groom?
Naturally.
Evelyn hoped Ian would turn out to be a bald, pudgy old man marrying Vera only to save on finishingwork costs for the new cottages being built. That would keep the familys money, a clever bargain. But contrary to her expectations, Ian was not slender, yet he was quite attractive and a cheerful young bearded fellow. He gazed adoringly at his bride, oblivious to everyone else.
At the reception Evelyn kept circling Vera, trying to draw the grooms eye to herself. The young couple gazed only at each other, ignoring her efforts, while Veras mother, MrsHargreaves, watched.
What are you playing at, child? she pushed Evelyn aside. Im just a simple labourwoman, Ill whisk away any stray hair in a flash.
Excuse me? Evelyn asked.
You know what I mean. I wont warn you twice.
My fiancé isnt your sort of soninlaw, Evelyn lied, well be married soon, too.
Then play along, MrsHargreaves smiled, keeping a watchful eye on Evelyn all night, guarding her daughters happiness.
Evelyn couldnt settle down. Her vanity was bruised. She had just split from her latest boyfriend and couldnt even manage to marry the unemployed son of her mothers friend. Vera had snagged a handsome lad, but hed chosen her simply because Evelyn wasnt there. If Evelyn had been, Vera wouldnt be the bride now.
After the wedding the couple moved into Ians flat, and Evelyn became a frequent visitor. She feigned concern for Vera, who was hopeful but secretly hoped to lure Ians attention. Ian disappeared to work all day, Vera suffered terrible nausea, and Evelyn felt increasingly at home in their house.
Let me make lunch, she offered, nudging Vera from the kitchen. If smells bug you.
I really cant even look at food, Vera sighed. I asked Ian to take me to a café until this nausea passes.
A café is nice but pricey, home cooking is better. Dont worry, Ill handle it.
Just in time, Vera gave birth to a baby girl named Lily. The help Evelyn offered proved useful again. Both grandmothers were still young and only came on weekends. Meanwhile Evelyn was still at university, skipping lectures to seize chances to win Ians heart. He remained indifferent to her charms, which only spurred her on.
Rest, Ill take the baby for a walk, Evelyn coaxed, a stroller stroll is good fresh air.
Vera, weakened after labour, agreed. Evelyn timed the walk to return before Ian got home.
Look, Lily, whos that? Your father. Hes smiling, Evelyn said as Ian appeared, peering into the pram.
Not sleeping? Hello, Lily! Hello, Evelyn, wheres Vera?
Shes probably sleeping. Birth was hard; her hips are narrow, the figure makes delivery painful. Ill help, were friends. Lets feed you; I made a nice stew.
No matter how hard Evelyn tried, her relationship with Ian stayed purely friendly. He adored his wife, and was merely polite to Evelyn. She intensified her visits, staying longer, until one day she ran into MrsHargreaves.
What are you doing here? the mother of Vera snapped, spotting her after work. Is she running your house now?
Mother, why? Evelyn helps me a lot. I couldnt manage alone.
Did you hire her as a maid? Think of a smarter plan. Stay without a husband?
Why do you keep calling me disgusting? Evelyn flared. I only want to help.
I know what you want. You saw her at the wedding, licking your lips looking at Ian. Go while you can
The mother literally shoved Evelyn out of the flat.
Dont be a naïve fool, she scolded, dont you see how this ends? Men are weak. Before you know it, a single mother will be your only friend.
If he leaves, he must not love me. I wont force him. In my view youre wrong, youve hurt Evelyn for no reason. She truly helped a lot.
Honestly, youre a foolish girl. If you dont listen to your mother, youll cry later. Throw her out!
She wont come now either, Vera sighed sadly.
But she was wrong. A few days later Evelyn arrived not at the usual evening hour, but early, when everyone was at work and could not stop her plan. Vera had just rocked Lily and was folding laundry in the big room, trying not to make a sound.
I was afraid you wouldnt come. Dont be angry at my mother; shes a panicqueen, Vera whispered, feeling guilty over the mothers outburst.
Evelyn sat on the sofa, crossing her legs.
Your mother told the whole truth, she narrowed her eyes. You just dont see it, or you pretend not to.
We and Ian have loved each other for ages. Hes just scared to admit it. He pities you, poor thing, with your crooked legs. Do you think anyone could love you?
Look at yourself! Three hairs in five rows, legs like goats horns. Thats all you are. A pretty face, but no brain. A painter!
Who needs you? He married you out of pity, for convenience, to have his own housepainter at home while he runs the building business.
My God Stop, Evelyn, Vera whispered, lips turning pale, please, be quiet.
Ive been silent too long, but I cant any more. Ian and I will have a child soon, and he loves only me, truly! Let him go, dont torture him.
Vera stared helplessly at the bedroom door. Evelyn turned away, bewildered, not knowing where to run.
At the doorway stood Ian. He had come for lunch, wanted a short nap, and unintentionally witnessed the messy scene. He silently approached Evelyn, slipped an arm around her shoulders, and led her toward the exit. She obeyed, stunned by his sudden appearance. He waited while she slipped off her shoes, opened the door, and gestured outward.
Dont come back here, he said. Dont go any further.
He closed the door and returned to the room where Vera sobbed.
Dont believe a word she says, he said harshly, there was never anything between us, and there never could be. She isnt my type.
I dont believe it, Vera hiccuped, but why does she hate me so?
Its jealousy, thats all, he replied, lifting her into his arms and carrying her to the bedroom to comfort her, reaffirming his devotion.
Exactly nine months later a baby boy, Sam, was born, a spitting image of his father.
Where Evelyn is now, Vera no longer knows or cares. She no longer needs any helpers.
