Veronica had no idea, at the ripe old age of twenty, what life had in store for her. She was at university, deeply in love with her boyfriend Daniel, and dreaming of their weddingafter all, theyd already started talking about it.
Daniel was older, having already done his national service when he showed up at the schools autumn ball. Veronica was in her final year. Shed never forget the first time she saw him. They lived in the same town, even attended the same school, though hed graduated before her.
*Blimey, whos this gorgeous bloke?* she thought the moment she spotted him.
He walked into the hall, scanning the room for familiar faces, then caught her eye and smiled. That was itshe was smitten. How could she not be? He wasnt like the other lads.
Hi, Im Daniel. And you are? he said, strolling over. She blushed furiously. Fancy a dance? Before she could answer, his hand was on her waist, and they were spinning across the floor.
Veronica
Her feet barely touched the ground. He led with such confidence, and she felt every movement.
Veronica, eh? Youre a natural, he grinned.
He didnt leave her side all evening. By the end of the night, theyd arranged for him to walk her home. They lingered under the streetlamps, neither wanting to part, but Veronica knew her mum would worry.
Daniel never let life be dull. After school, Veronica enrolled in a local university while he worked. He was the sort who didnt believe in bad moodshis endless cheerfulness rubbed off on everyone. He had mates everywhere, and suddenly, Veronica found herself dragged to weddings, parties, and weekends away.
Hed surprise her with roses in the dead of winter. Every date felt like an eventcosy cafés, countryside trips, just the two of them or with friends.
When Veronica was in her third year, he dropped a bombshell.
Fancy a ski trip over New Years? Ive already booked us in. Theyve got brilliant instructorsyoull be shredding the slopes in no time.
Oh my God, Danny, youre the best! She flung her arms around his neck, then suddenly pulled back. WaitIm terrified of heights! You knew that, right? She burst out laughing.
The trip was unforgettable. Against all odds, she took to skiing like a duck to water. By the end, she was gutted it was over.
Then came International Womens Day. Daniel turned up at her house with two bouquetsone for her mum, one for her.
Happy Womens Day, he said, kissing Veronicas cheek. These are for you, gorgeous.
Daniel, you shouldnt have! her mother tutted. These mustve cost a fortune.
Its fine, he shrugged. Listen, Alex and Jamie are heading up north for worktheyve asked me along. Theyre installing power lines, and the pays brilliant. Few months of that, and Ill have enough for a car and the wedding.
I dont want you to go, Veronica blurted.
Its just three or four months. Well call every day. I want to give you the wedding you deserve.
Id marry you in a registry office tomorrow if it meant staying together, she said quietly.
But Daniel had made up his mind. Off he went with his mates. The pay was good, and they spoke often.
Then, one day, sitting in a lecture, a strange unease settled over her. It passed, but by evening, her heart wouldnt stop racing. She tried calling himno answer. Five times she dialled. Silence.
Panicking, she rang Jamie.
Jamie, wheres Daniel?
A pause. Then: Daniels gone.
Gone where? The line went dead.
Mum! she screamed, collapsing into sobs.
The next few days were a blur. Later, shed learn hed been electrocuted on the job. His mother, Margaret, hollowed out by grief, barely spoke. His father and younger brother, Ryan, went to bring him home.
The funeral was a black hole. Veronica moved through it in a daze. She visited Margaret often, sitting in silence or walking to the grave together.
Oddly, Margaret clung to her, insisting she come over more. Summer meant no lectures, so they went to churches, drank tea.
Veronica, lets go to the seaside, Margaret suggested one day.
Veronica agreed, though she didnt know why. Her own mother had urged her to move on, but a week away wouldnt hurt.
Mornings were spent on the beach, afternoons napping in their room. Margaret seemed calmer. Veronica, never one for naps, scrolled through her phone while the older woman dozed.
Life buzzed around her, but she felt utterly alone.
She wandered down to the seafront, staring at the horizon where sky met sea. A tiny cruise ship inched along. Seagulls screeched, kids shrieked, people laughed.
Youre too pretty to look so sad, a voice said beside her.
She turned, ready to snapthen hesitated. There was something familiar about this bloke. Something that reminded her of Daniel.
Pretty people dont get happy endings, she muttered.
Nah, thats rubbish, he said. Trust meIm Oliver.
Veronica.
They exchanged a few words before she abruptly walked off. Oliver watched her go. Hed noticed her days agoalways with that older woman, never smiling.
Two days before they left, she bumped into him outside a shop. He grabbed her bags before she could protest.
Let me help. Fancy a chat? He nodded at a nearby café.
Over coffee, he admitted he lived in the same city. Worked at the councils design office. Recently single, hed come here to forget his ex. Then he saw Veronica.
She told him about Daniel, about Margaret. He frowned.
Bit odd, isnt it? Parents usually distance themselves after well.
I dont get it either, she admitted.
They swapped numbers. When she got back, Margaret was agitated.
Where were you?
Shopping. Then I went for a walk.
The truth was, Veronica was suffocating. Her own mother had warned her*Why do you keep visiting her? Shes dragging you down.* But guilt kept her tethered.
That evening, as they packed, Veronica mentioned starting fresh back home.
Margaret gave her a strange look. Another life, eh? Well, youre young. I just thought well, you and Daniel were together so long. I hoped you might be pregnant. And theres Ryanhes a good lad
Veronica recoiled. So *that* was it.
Are you serious? she snapped, tears spilling. I dont want Ryan. I dont want *anyone*.
For the first time since the funeral, she cried properlyand felt lighter.
*Home,* she thought. *And maybe its a good thing I met Oliver.*
The new term began. She started seeing Oliver. One day, she visited Daniels grave alone.
Goodbye, Daniel, she whispered. You made me happier than I ever thought possible. But I have to live now. A different life.
She walked out of the cemetery gates, straight into Olivers waiting car.
And so she did liveproperly, fully. She married Oliver. When she fell pregnant, she realised Margaret had faded into the background, just an occasional face in a crowd.
A different life indeed.
