Emily had spent the whole day getting ready for New Years Eve: tidying up, cooking, laying out the table. This was her first New Years she wouldnt be spending with her parents, but with her boyfriend.
Shed been living with Nigel in his flat for three months now. He was fifteen years older than her, had been married before, paid child support, and was rather fond of a drink every now and then But when youre in love, these things dont seem to matter. No one could quite work out what it was about him that enchanted her: he was by no means handsomein fact, you could easily say he was quite rough-looking. His temper was dreadful, he was astonishingly stingy, and never seemed to have a penny to his name. And if he did, somehow it was always just enough for himself. Nevertheless, Emily became smitten with this curious man.
For all three months, Emily hoped Nigel would appreciate what a gentle, domesticated woman she was, and would eventually want to marry her. He would say to her, Weve got to live together a bit, see what sort of housekeeper you are. Dont want a repeat of my ex. What kind of person his ex was, Emily couldnt fathomhe never explained properly. So, Emily did her utmost: never complained when he staggered in drunk, cooked, cleaned, did the washing, bought groceries with her own money (certainly didnt want Nigel thinking she was after what little he had). She even covered the cost of the New Years Eve feast, and bought him a brand-new mobile as a present.
While Emily was fussing over the holiday preparations, her charming Nigel was getting himself ready in his own special wayby going out to drink with his mates. He came home in high spirits and informed her that his friends would be coming round for New Years. His friendsnot people she knew at all. Emily set the table; there was an hour left before midnight. Her mood was souring, but she kept herself in check, determined not to act like his infamous ex.
Half an hour to midnight, a clumsy, drunken crowd of men and women barrelled through the front door. Nigel brightened instantly, seated everyone at the table, and the boozy revelry carried on. Nigel didnt even bother to introduce Emily to his friendsthey acted like she was invisible, just carried on drinking, joking with among themselves. When Emily piped up that there were only two minutes to midnight and suggested pouring the champagne, they looked at her as though she was a gate-crasher.
Whos that, then? one of the drunken women slurred.
Bedside neighbour! Nigel laughed, and his mates burst out laughing too.
They ate the food Emily had prepared and jeered at her. At midnight, they spent the time poking fun at her naivety, congratulating Nigel for his clever move in getting himself a free cook and cleaner. And instead of sticking up for her, Nigel just joined in with the laughter, stuffing his face with food she bought and cooked, treating her like a doormat.
Emily quietly slipped from the room, gathered her things and left for her parents house. Shed never had a more miserable New Year. Her mum just shook her head and said, as ever, I told you so, and her dad breathed a sigh of relief. After a good cry, Emily finally saw things clearly.
A week later, once Nigel had run out of money, he turned up at Emilys parents house as if nothing had happened and asked, So whyd you leave, then? Got the hump, did you? And seeing that she wasnt about to make it up, he decided to have a go: Nice of youoff cozied up with mummy and daddy while Ive nothing but an empty fridge! Youre starting to act just like my ex!
Emily was stunned by his nerve. Shed often practiced in her head exactly what shed say to him, but now she just stood there, speechless. When she finally found her voice, she told him off in no uncertain terms and slammed the door in his face.
And so, with the turn of the year, Emily started a new chapter in her life.
