We all think lifes already a maze, but we love to add extra twists.
Back in secondary school, Emily Thompson could read Harry Blakes mind he liked her, plain as day, and didnt bother hiding it. After lessons in Year 10 hed linger outside the classroom, trailing her like a faithful page. Hed crack jokes and shed burst out laughing, though she kept him firmly in the friendzone.
The other pupils loved a good tease. If Harry wasnt at her side theyd shout, Wheres your bodyguard, Emily? Shed wave them off with a grin, No idea, I guess Im on my own. Deep down she knew Harry was headoverheels, and she played with his affections as she pleased. They sat together in lessons, he helped her with tests, and while he consistently hit top marks, Emily hovered around the occasional C.
She confided in her best mate, Katie, who swore Harry was a decent, honest bloke a future husband material. Honestly, Emily, Im not thrilled about Harrys modesty. He lives with his mum, so I figure hell turn into the usual, quiet family man. Im after a bit of fireworks, Emily sighed in Year 11. You cant be that blunt, love, Katie warned. Everyone in class, Harry included, knows youre fawning over him. And how would you know? You havent even dated anyone, you shy thing, Emily retorted. Why hide it? Harrys aware too; we keep giving each other the eye. Ive read the books, watched the films, Katie shrugged, and mum always says, Let the lad chase you, not the other way round.
Emily and Katie had been inseparable since primary school, each with her own brand of secrecy. Emily was the lively one; Katie, the quiet observer.
The School Prom
At the graduation ball, Harry finally spotted Emily in a gorgeous dress, looking almost ethereal. He swept her onto the dance floor, and the pair twirled like a scene from a romcom. Everyone admired them, except Harry, who lingered in the corner looking dejected while Katie cast a sympathetic glance his way.
Later, Harry leaned in and said, What do you say we start dating? Ive been seeing you in a whole new light youre stunning, and that smile could melt the frost on a British winter. Alright then, Emily blurted, trying to mask her giddy delight, though it was obvious she was on cloud nine.
Harry had long known he fancied her, but with so many girls around, his heart was a crowded ballroom. That night the whole class partied till dawn, and afterwards Harry walked Emily home. She didnt think of Harry again; he slipped away early because his mother was ill, among other things. As the old saying goes, We hurt those who love us, never appreciating the good.
From that moment Emily daydreamed about a future with Harry, despite still needing to finish her Alevels. She boasted about their forthcoming life together, and Harry nodded along.
Harry, Im aiming for a place at the medical college. And you? she asked. Im not fussing with university. I barely scraped a decent GCSE score, he laughed. The teachers were relieved when I finally left school. Ill train as a driver with the Army, then serve a stint in the forces. Right, youll have to serve, but Ill wait for you, no doubt about that, Emily promised, nestling into his arm. Im certain after my service well tie the knot, he replied, hugging her tightly, clearly craving closeness.
Dont rush, love, she whispered. When youre back, well register, and then Ill be yours. Thats what mum taught me. Harry agreed without much protest, though Emily never imagined hed soon drift toward a more freespirited girl named Lucy, only to return home by sunrise.
Emily saw Harry off to his army training, waiting faithfully. Harry kept turning up at her doorstep, saying, Emily, Harry isnt the man you need for a lasting life. Trust me. She just laughed it off, keeping him as a friend.
Harry was an only son, caring for a mother whod been bedridden for years. He juggled her chores and occasionally called their neighbour, Martha, to help with washing. Once Mums on her feet again, Ill have more time, he told his mates, studying at the local college rather than travelling to a distant university.
Time passed, and Harry returned from service. Emily, fresh from her exams, rushed to his flat, only to find him in the arms of another girl, giggling like teenagers on a night out. Shocked, she bolted home, heart pounding. Her mother tried to soothe her. I told you, darling, Harry wasnt right for you. Even James (Harrys old nickname) warned you. Youre stubborn, thinking you need no one but Harry.
A few weeks later Emily heard that Lucy was pregnant and planning a wedding. In a fit of spite, she marched over to Harry and proposed they marry instead. Perhaps Harry sensed something was up.
Two years later Emily and Harry lived together contentedly; they didnt argue. Harrys mother passed away, and they stayed in his family home. She felt his love, though it was more respect than passion, and she withdrew into her shell, occasionally emerging but often feeling wronged by the world.
One afternoon, while leaving the supermarket, she collided with Harry. He grabbed her wrist. Hey, Emily, sorry for the hurt. Ive forgiven you ages ago, she snapped, but our paths now diverge. I must be off. She tried to dash, but Harry, now looking even more dashing, pleaded, Wait. Listen. Ive realised I love only you. I was with Lucy, but the child isnt mine. She lied. Emily stared, disbelief etched on her face. Is that true, Harry? she asked. He nodded earnestly. Im not trying to fool you.
She slammed the door and tangled herself in more complications.
Emilys world flipped. She could think of nothing but Harry. She confessed everything to James (her old friend). I met Harry, hes divorced. Im filing for divorce, I love him. Her mother scolded, Youll regret this a thousand times. James loves you truly; Harry isnt worth it. James echoed the warning. Emily, pull yourself together; hes already betrayed you once. You two dont get me. I love him, she replied, and left for Harry.
Months later, Emily felt the happiest shed ever been. Harry sometimes came home a little tipsy, and she pretended not to notice, still wearing rosecoloured glasses. One morning she found lipstick smudges on his shirt. Harry, explain this, she demanded, holding up the mark. I dont know where that came from, he feigned innocence, maybe someone wanted to stir trouble. Yet his latenight visits, always a bit merry and smelling of another womans lipstick, kept happening.
Finally, after one more drunken escapade, Emily grabbed the divorce papers and left him for good. He never called. She moved back in with her mother.
Mom warned me, James warned me. I never listened. Love got me into a mess! she thought at night. Why did I hurt James? What a fate. She realised shed slammed the door on herself, and the bitterness made her want to scream.
Soon she began to think of James again, yearning to apologise, though pride held her back. One day, as she was opening the front door, James appeared on the doorstep. He said, Emily, maybe its a blessing that things turned out this way. Now you finally see who truly loves you. She rushed into his arms, thanked him, and they remarried. Their lives steadied, and they welcomed a son, Charlie. Both adored him, and James supported everything, making Emily feel cherished.
But life isnt always smooth. When Charlie turned five, a neighbour named Susan stopped Emily on the way home from nursery. Emily, havent you noticed James stepping out with other women? What? No, never, Emily replied, shocked. All men are but Ive seen James with Veras daughter, even playing together. Hes been leaving her house. The words hit Emily like a punch. She froze, watching James with a little girl in the park, feeling her world crumble. She grabbed Charlie and fled to her friend Kates town, filed for divorce straight away, and wondered how James could do such a thing.
Time moved on. James eventually tracked them down, thin and gaunt, and knocked on the door of the modest flat where Emily was staying. Emily, we need to talk. I dont want to hear anything, she snapped. Youve misunderstood everything I was caring for a friends daughter after her husband died. The woman was ill with cancer, and I promised to look after her child. When you left with Charlie, I thought I could protect the little girl. Its too late now, Im sorry. Emily stood stunned, but after a breath, she hugged him. The three of them drove home, finally closing the chapter for good.
They signed the papers a third time, this time for keeps. The little girl, now named Sophie, was adopted, and the siblings grew up together, later marrying and starting families of their own. Today Emily and James sit surrounded by grandchildren, grateful for the twists of fate that finally gave them love, happiness, and a steady marriagethough it took three weddings with the same man. Sometimes life really does come full circle.
