Julias Revenge
The autumn rain taps gloomily on the minibus window as Julia stares through the streaks of water, on her way back to her hometown. Of course, she hasnt seen it as “home” for years now; her heart is in London, nestled atop a high-rise in a noisy corner of the city, that tiny studio flat shes made her own. Homewhat is it really, after all, besides the place her parents still live? Where she was born, went to school, but left years ago for university and never quite looked back, falling out of love with the countryside for the rhythm of the city.
Julia is proud of what shes accomplished by twenty-sevenher years in medical school, her job at a reputable beauty clinic, her steady stream of professional workshops and training. Shes always busy, always moving forward.
Truth be told, she wouldnt have come back now if it hadnt been for the odd way her parents have sounded on the phone lately. When she calls Mum, Dads never around, and when she rings Dad, Mum always has somewhere else mysterious to be.
Mum, is something going on at home? she asks.
Her mother, Anne, always hedges. Alls fine, love, everyones well.
She flies to Manchester, then catches the minibusits only a couple of hours drive home, and shes used to the trek by now.
The bus pulls up at the little village station, and Julia glances aroundsame corners, same chippy over the road, same old oak trees looking taller, maybe. Here, the rains stopped, the sun peeks between the drab clouds. She texted Mum she was coming, but when shed arrive was anyones guesseven she hadnt known.
A bored local cabbie saunters up. Where to, love?
St. Michaels Road, number 52, Julia replies.
The familiar family house greets her, blue shutters thrown open wide, with the old cherry tree in the front garden and the three birch trees by the gateplanted by Dad when she finished school.
Jules! Annes face appears at the window, then she rushes outside as the taxi stops. Julia, darling, finally! Her mums beaming and wiping tears.
Mum, I missed you, too. But come on, dont cry!
Im just happy, thats all! Its been three years.
Julia leaves the suitcase by the door, takes off her boots and coat. She stretches out on the old sofa to rest, Anne sitting close and wrapping her in a hug.
After a long minute, Julia asks the question Annes been dreading. Mum Wheres Dad? Isnt he home?
Lets get some food in you first, then well talk.
The dining room feels the same, yet changeda new floral tablecloth, pretty new crockery. She still remembers Mums burgersalways fluffy and delicious, and salads with veg straight from the garden, cheese fritters and a table loaded with food.
Mum, be honest. Is Dad away for work? Why the mystery?
Annes face grows serious. He is, yes. But, Julia, theres something your father and I wanted to talk to you about. Its awkward over the phone, at least for me. Youre always busyworking, off to some seminar I should have told you before, but we didnt want to upset you. Your dad and I have separated.
Separated? Julia sets down her cold tea and heads to her parents room, opening the wardrobesure enough, Dads clothes arent there.
So where is he now?
Anne gestures for her to sit. Let me explain. These things happen, Julia; even after years together, people sometimes part ways. Your dad and I, we realised it was time.
But, Mum, you always seemed fine Julia pouts like she did as a child.
Only child, shed never really gone without. And once she twigged that asking nicely could get her almost anything, shed learnt the power of I wantstomping her little foot for a new bike.
Dad was forever upgrading her bicycles. At 13, when she begged for an expensive radio system, her parents promised to buy it once theyd saved up after splashing out on a new freezer. Julias sad look had Dad hunting for extra work to get it sooner. At uni, Julia never had to scrimpmost of Dads wages went directly to her, while the household got by on her mums salary. But in fairness, Julias always been careful with money.
No, Julia was never a spoiled brat. She worked hard and her parents were proud when she got into medical school.
So, you two split up and didnt tell me
It only happened recently, Anne sighs. But things havent worked for a while. She looks startled, worried Julia might take it badly. But it doesnt change how much we love you, your dad still adores you
Has he moved into Grans old place?
Its his family home, where else would he go?
I have to speak to him. Now, declares Julia, already moving towards the door.
Wait! Hes away, love. He went up north with Mr. Simmons for a couple of days. Hes back tomorrow.
Julias cross. Youve been together forever and justseparated? Why? Is there someone else?
Anne sighs, defeated. Yes, hes not alone now. Thats life; hes not old yet.
With who? Who is she?
You wouldnt know hershes from the next village.
And she lives in Grans house now?
Well, yes. Where else would Dad take her?
Julia buries her face in her hands. You talk about this so casually, like someones nicked your chicken, not your husband.
Dont, Julia. We ended things kindly, theres no bitterness. Theres no point making ourselves miserable at our age, is there?
Youre soft, Mum. Let me guess: shes at least twenty years younger than Dad.
Ten, Anne corrects softly.
Makes no difference. Hes a traitor.
Listen to me, love. Your dads always cherished you, worried when you didnt call. Im sorry I didnt tell you sooner. I was waiting for the right moment. He wanted you to know, too.
Julia gives her mum a steely look. You might forgive and forget, but Im not like you. I believe in justice. If someone betrays you, dont go easy on them. I dont want to see Dad. I wont speak to traitors.
Anne just looks at her, her eyes shining with tears as she decides to say no more. Maybe when Julias rested shell soften.
Later, Julia puts on her tracksuit, slips on a jacket with a hood and heads outside. The air smells intoxicating after city life. She thinks of old classmates she hasnt seen in yearsshe could have stayed in touch, but always considered it a waste of time. Years in the city changed her; what she values most has shifted.
Mum, Im going down to the river for a walk.
Theres rain coming.
I wont be long.
Grans house stands just round the bendolder, but still sturdy. Julia opens the gate and climbs the steps to the porch. In the kitchen, a woman in her late thirtiesperhaps early fortiesis stirring something on the hob.
Are you the new lady of Grans house? Julia asks, giving her a once-over.
You must be Julia, the woman says awkwardly. Im Emmayour dad showed me your photo. Please, come in.
Im only here because its my grandparents homeso dont get ideas about welcoming me, Julia retorts.
Emma looks deflated. Theres no need for that. Your dad was so looking forward to seeing you. Let me put the kettle on.
I dont know who you think you are
Im Emma, she says, setting the spoon down warily.
Well, Emma, pack your things and go. You dont belong here.
I came with your dad, and Im not leaving without him. I havent done anything wrong.
You broke a family apart! My parents were together all those yearsif not for you
I didnt break anything, Emma interrupts quietly.
Just then, a boy of about twelve appears, glancing from his mother to the stranger.
Charlie, go play in your room, Emma says gently.
I wanted to go out.
Alright, off you go, love.
As Charlie walks past, he gives Julia a wide, curious starehis blue eyes bright and questioning.
Youre not staying here, Julia promises as Charlie leaves, then she storms out.
Stomping home, chilled and angry, Julia battles with herself. Of all the things Dad could have donelet a stranger take over Grans house! She just wants to shout at him, tell him how wrong she was to believe he was the best dad in the world. More than anything, she wants Emma gone, though Julia knows she cant actually force her outand that makes her burn.
A few years in London have made her sharper, maybe even ruthless. The citys pace and demands trained her to rise early, fight for what she wants, read people, hold her own with colleagues. Her old village feels distant, even unreal. Real life is elsewhere, shed started to believe.
Only now, back here, does she realise what shed been missingthe warmth of home, her parents acceptance, the sense of belonging. Shed imagined arriving for a family dinner, leafing through old albums. Parents divorcing at her age feels like a punch to the stomach. Despite all her independence, she suddenly feels lost, and revenge becomes her only weapon. Thats why she went to see Emmashe had to know whod driven her father away.
Where have you been? Anne asks, wringing her hands when Julia walks in, flustered.
Met herthe other woman. And her son. Guess Dads got himself a ready-made family now.
Annes face drains of colour. Why, Julia? What did you hope to achieve?
“Mum,” Julia snaps, her brown eyes flickering. “How can you be so calm? You were married nearly twenty-five years! How does it not drive you mad? Do you really not want to get even? Its not fair!”
Why, Julia? Annes voice cracks. I just want it to end with dignity. Its all over. Your dad was only with me because of youbecause we both loved you. As for us, true love Im not sure we ever had it.
Thats just you trying to justify him, Julia retorts.
No, love, honestly. I chased him, not the other way rounddont think it was an accident because you came along a bit later. I was mad for him, hung around until even he started thinking nobody else would do. You were born into love, and loved growing up. But habit set in, and when you left for university, all we had in common was you.
Mum, why didnt you ever tell me? Im not a child.
How could I? You hardly came home, and I didnt want to hurt you. Your dads always been honestwhen that new woman moved here with her son, he told me straight. Her ex was a bad man, beat her and the boy, thats why she left.
Dont try to guilt me, Mum. I feel sorrier for you than for her.
Well, what can we do? Live out the rest of our days enemies in the same village? We have to forgive, Julia.
I cant just pretend. Maybe I never will. I dont even want to see him.
How about me? Will you not want to see me either, one day?
Oh, Mum, dont be silly. Of course not!
Well, what if I meet someone? Someone I love?
Fine. If you were able to let Dad go so easily, maybe you already have.
Annes lip trembles. Perhaps I have. Do you remember Sophie Harding from your class?
Julia nods, a genuine smile breaking through for the first time. Sophie was her mate, and theyd always meant to stay in touch. But London pulled her away, and the school crowd drifted.
Sophie Harding? Of course. She used to wear her hair in braids, then in a ponytail
Well, her mum passed, a few years back. Sophies got her own family now, and her dad, Mr Harding, helps out here and there, if we need something. Do you disapprove, Julia?
No, Mum, Id never judge you. Its just… I always thought of you and Dad as a unit; that Id eventually visit you with my kids, or youd come down to London. Now, its all broken and I cant get my head around it. I mean, Im grown up, I run my life and my business, I handle all sorts every daybut this is different. I have friends, I have my boyfriend, and I believed our love was unbreakable. Now, what can I trust, after you and Dad?
Dont doubt your happiness, lovetrust me, everything will be fine. Shame Sophies away visiting family, youd have seen her.
Id love that. But I dont want to see Dad, and I mean it, so please dont push me.
Julia stands and goes to make her bed, a finality to her words.
Vladimir, Julias father, is delayed by work for another three days. He tries calling, but Julia wont answerher pride refuses to let her. Sometimes, she knows its just stubbornness, but thinking of Emma reignites her anger.
When he finally returns, he comes straight to his old house in his battered Land Rover. Julia immediately sees how much older he lookshair thinning, deep lines around his mouth, eyes red with sleeplessness.
You really wont talk to me? Wont even give your old Dad a hug? he says softly.
What for? Youve got a new family now. A new son.
Thats Emmas lad, not mine. Youre my girl, Juliaalways. Im sorry we kept this from you, he says gently.
Goodbye, Dad, Julia replies and slips away to her room.
Anne and Vladimir exchange a few quiet words, and then he leaves.
The day before Julia goes back to London, she decides to actually walk to the riverside, standing by the water she knows so well. A group of boys flies past on bikesshe recognises Charlie, Emmas boy. She thinks she doesnt care anymore and heads toward the side street near the water.
Suddenly, a yell slices through the air, joined by two more frightened voices. She spins around and sees one boy sprawled over a pile of timber, his bike thrown aside. Julia breaks into a runCharlie has fallen, terror wide in his eyes. His right leg is bleeding, pierced by a rusty nail, and the left twisted awkwardly. Julia shrugs off her jacket to place under his head and starts patching him up.
Hang in there. Youll be alright, she says, already calling her dad with an urgent request to come straight away.
Vladimirs Land Rover appears within minutes; Emma rushes out, hair a mess, apron over her dress, panic on her face.
Charlie, whats happened?!
To the car, quick! Julia orders.
What have you done to him? Emma cries, wild with fear.
Vladimir lifts Charlie into the back, and Julia climbs in, barely conscious of why shes doing itshe just goes.
At the A&E in town, things are quiet. She wakes the dozing receptionist.
Doctor, please! Emergency!
Doctors and a nurse move quickly to treat Charlie, and Emma and Vladimir pace anxiously outside. Hell be fine, Julia says quietly. Make sure they check the left leg thoroughly.
Emma just sits, staring into space, clutching her hands. Vladimir gives Julia a grateful nod. She slips outside and walks home, her mood unsettled.
***
Next day, nearly lunchtime, Julia and Anne stand waiting at the bus station. The sky is heavy, grey, threatening rain. The village seems dreary, and Julia feels a pangher visit wasnt supposed to end like this.
A silver Ford swings into the car park. A burly man with a small boy and a plump woman get out and head over.
Annes face lights up. Thank goodness! Julia, look, its Sophie!
Julia recognises her classmate at once. Just wish it wasnt so rushed, Sophie says, hugging her. Its been ages!
Recognise me, Julia? The man laughs. Im Mr Harding. Remember, your dad and I took you girls to your first day at school? Sophie clung to me, and you wouldnt let go of your dad.
Julia cant help but laugh at the memory.
She scribbles her mobile number for Sophie just as Vladimirs Land Rover rolls up, with Emma and Charlie inside.
The three of them approach shyly. Look, Julia, I can almost stand now! Charlie beams, breaking the silence.
I knew you wouldbrave boy, didnt even cry, Julia says, surprised by the rush of warmth she feels. And you can just call me Julia.
Emmas voice shakes. Im sorry for yesterdayI was scared witless. Charlies my whole world, just as you are to your dad.
Julia surveys all the facesfamily, old friends, the new unfamiliar ones. In this little part of England, everything feels woven together, everyone connected in some way. The bus appears, and Anne quietly weeps, quick tears sliding down her cheeks.
Come on, Annepull yourself together! Julia will visit again, wont you, love? Vladimir looks straight into daughters eyesthe same colour as hisand for a moment Julias anger melts. She feels his hands lifting hera memory of childhoodand kisses her face, her nose, and she wraps her arms around his neck, just like old times.
Ill come back, I promise, Julia says, hugging her dad, her mum, Sophie. I really will. She gets on the bus, staring through the window, memorising everyones facesthose she knows, and even those she doesnt, now bound to her story.
Even as the bus pulls away, she can hear them calling, Come back soon, Julia!
I will, she whispers, waving until she cant see them any more. It wouldnt be right if I didnt.
The bus rolls out, leaving the ones she loves standing on the battered tarmac. Suddenly, rays of sunlight break through the clouds, shining down on the little crowd and the bus, as if determined to warm them all with hope.
