Emily, I’m sorry, I really can’t help you with this. Not at all.
Victoria tried to keep her voice steady, but inside a furnace of irritation roared. Her sisterinlaw stood in the middle of the livingroom, shifting from foot to foot with a plaintive expression.
How can you say you can’t? Emily broke into sobs, tears sliding down her cheeks. I have the most important interview tomorrow! The most important! And I have absolutely nothing to wear!
Victoria exhaled wearily. Emily always knew exactly when to pull the strings of sympathy.
You’ve got a whole wardrobe, you know Victoria remarked dryly. But there’s nothing suitable!
There isnt! Emily wailed, wiping her nose with her sleeve. I need to look serious and classy, not like I’m still in school uniform! I cant walk into that interview in old jeans and tees!
Emily’s cries grew louder, her voice trembling with feigned desperation. She pressed her hands to her chest as if praying.
If I dont get the job, Ill be left without any money! Its a brilliant offer, and I wont find anything else this good again!
Emily, whats happening? Michael stepped into the lounge, hearing his sisters distress.
Victoria felt a knot tighten. Now Emily would have a second ally.
Michael, can you imagine? she turned on her brother. Ive got an interview tomorrow and Victoria refuses to lend me anything! What a miser!
Michael frowned, looking at his wife with puzzlement.
Victoria, were family. Is it really that hard to share?
Michael, these are my personal items, Victoria began, but he cut her off. Whats wrong with you? Emilys asking for help at a crucial moment, and you act like a selfish hag.
Emily dabbed at her tears, looking at Michael with gratitude. Victoria pressed her lips together, feeling the pressure from both sides crushing her.
Please, please the sisterinlaw pleaded, voice cracking. Ill be careful, I wont ruin anything. I promise Ill return everything in perfect condition!
Michael nodded, backing his sister.
Of course shell give it back. Whats the big deal? Its just clothes.
Victoria realised resistance was futile. Under the twin onslaught, she gave in.
Fine, have it, she spat through clenched teeth and headed for the bedroom.
By the wardrobe she paused, eyes scanning her own garments. Her hand drifted to a darkblue trouser suit shed bought for special occasions, worn only twice.
Here, she returned to the lounge, the suit hanging on a peg.
Emily snatched it up, pressing it to her chest, smoothing the fabric.
Oh, how lovely! Thank you ever so much! Ill look like a queen in this like Princess Diana!
But a second later her expression shifted.
And the shoes? You need proper shoes for that suit.
Emily Victoria started to protest.
And a bit of jewellery wouldnt hurt, Emily continued, ignoring the sisterinlaws tone. And a handbag! An elegant handbag, otherwise the whole look falls apart!
Shes right, Michael added. You cant walk into an interview in trainers.
Victoria clenched her fists. Emilys entitlement knew no bounds, and her brother bolstered her blindly.
Alright, Victoria said, retreating to the bedroom once more.
From the shoe compartment she pulled out black pumps with a modest heel, then opened a jewellery box and chose simple pearl earrings with a dangling charm. From the hall she grabbed a small black leather clutch.
Thats everything you need. I hope you manage to find some underwear, she snapped, handing over the remaining pieces.
Oh, youre a lifesaver! Emily clapped, ignoring the barb Ill return everything in better shape, I swear!
She gathered the items in a frantic bundle and rushed toward the door, apparently fearing a change of heart.
Thanks again, Emily shouted from the doorway and vanished.
Michael moved to Victoria, draping an arm over her shoulders.
See how happy she is? Why did you resist such a simple request? Whats the worst that could happen to your suit? She wont eat it.
I just dont like sharing personal things with strangers, Victoria replied honestly.
Strangers? Michael retorted. Shes my own sister! Not some random girl off the street.
To me shes a stranger, and you know that well.
Michael shook his head and drifted to the kitchen, muttering about womens spite.
A week passed. Victoria had tried several times to call Emily, but each attempt was postponed. Finally her patience snapped.
Hello, Emily? When are you returning my things?
A disgruntled sigh crackled on the other end.
Ah hi, Vicky. Listen, something odd happened
What kind of odd? Victoria asked, wary.
Well I accidentally spilled coffee on the suit, Emily stammered. Theres a stain now I tried to clean it, nothing works.
What?! Victorias voice rose.
And the clutch? It got stolen right from my hands on the street! The shoes the heel snapped when I chased the thief! Ill bring the earrings back later, okay?
Victoria could hardly believe her ears. How could every single item be ruined at once?
Emily, how did all of this happen? Youre joking, right? This is some sort of prank?
Sorry, Vicky, Ive got an urgent call! Lets talk later! Emily cut her off and hung up.
Victoria stared at the phone, bewildered. Emilys fabrications were spectacular, yet Victoria had no proof.
A month later Emily turned up at their doorstep, looking even more wretched.
Vicky, help! I have a corporate event and nothing to wear!
Oh, youre such a cheap thrill, arent you? Such confidence after what happened last time? Victoria asked coldly. Not going to happen.
Please! I swear Ill be extra careful this time!
No more requests, Victoria snapped, slamming the door shut in Emilys stunned face.
That evening Michael trudged home, sourmouthed.
What the hell are you doing? he snapped at Victoria. Emily called, crying! How could you treat her like that?
I could have, Victoria replied calmly. Im not giving her my clothes any more.
You care about a few garments? She asked for help!
Michael, your sister ruined my expensive suit and the rest of my things!
Fine, well buy you a new one!
On your salary? Victoria retorted sharply.
Michael flinched but didnt back down.
Youre just jealous, Victoria! Emilys young, pretty and my clothes look better on her!
Ah, thats how you speak! Go to your precious sister, if she means more to you than your wife!
They argued into the late night, but Victoria held her ground.
A few days later she returned home early from work. She entered the bedroom and gasped. The wardrobe doors were wide open, its contents strewn across the bed. Hangers tangled with shirts and trousers.
Trembling, Victoria began to gather the pieces. It soon became clear that her favourite burgundy evening dress, the new pair of black pumps, the sapphire earrings, and the tiny pearlclasp clutch were all missing.
She dialled Michael straight away.
Michael, whats happening? Did you wreck our wardrobe? Where are my things?
Oh, Emily was here, he replied calmly. I let her take whatever she liked. Shell bring it all back tomorrow.
Are you out of your mind?! Victoria shrieked.
Whats the problem? You refused to share! So Emily took what she wanted! Shell return everything tomorrow, I promise.
Victoria slammed the phone, grabbed the car keys, and sped to Emilys flat in record time.
When Emily opened the door, her face was bewildered.
Vicky
Where are my things? Victoria snarled through clenched teeth.
What things? I didnt take anything Emily feigned innocence.
Victoria pushed her aside and rushed into the flat. In Emilys bedroom she flung open the wardrobe and stared in disbelief.
There, on a hanger, hung the stained suit in pristine condition. Beside it lay the broken pumps, and the stolen clutch rested on a shelf, all untouched. The rest of Emilys own clothes were scattered around.
You you lied! Victoria whispered. Nothing was ruined or stolen! I knew it!
Emily lunged for the door, but Victoria blocked her.
Stop! Explain why you lied!
I I didnt want to give them back, Emily stammered. I liked them so much
Youre a brazen thief! Victoria exploded, pulling Emilys belongings from the wardrobe.
Dont insult me! Emily shouted. Im not a thief, I owe you nothing!
Ill make sure you never touch my things again, and youll answer to your brother for this! Got that?
Victoria hauled the recovered items and headed for the exit.
Thank me for not calling the police right now!
Michael waited at the house, looking hapless.
Vicky, Emily called, she was sobbing She says you threatened her, insulted her
Threatened? Victoria placed the bag of clothes on the floor. Shes the one who stole from me! She even lied about ruined things!
She held up the suit, showing the flawless fabric, and the pumps, still intact.
Michael stared silently at the undamaged items.
Michael, listen to me once and for all, Victoria said firmly. One more stunt from your sister, and Im out. Forever. Decide what matters more: our marriage or the whims of that impudent thief.
Michael went pale. The resolve in his wifes voice was unmistakable.
I I didnt know she was lying, I swear he muttered.
Now you do. And remember: No one touches my belongings without my permission. Theyre mine, not communal property for your relatives.
Michael nodded without meeting her eyes. Victoria no longer cared about Emilys wounded pride. Let her buy her own clothes.
