Theres No Such Thing as Coincidence
It had been about four years since my wife passed, but my daughter Emily still keenly remembered the bitterness and agony. The worst night was after the funeral. I sat there, defeated by grief; Emily seemed worn out from crying. Our big, comfortable house was suffocating in its silence.
Emily was sixteen then and understood how hard it was for both of us. When there were three of us, we were happy. I put my arm around her shoulders and said,
We have to carry on somehow, love Life has to go on, one way or another.
Time went by. Emily trained as a paramedic and had just begun working at the village surgery. She lived alone in our family home, since I had married again and moved to the next village with my new wife a year ago. Emily didnt resent me or judge my choiceslife must go on, and she knew shed marry one day, too. Besides, I was still young.
One day, Emily stepped off the bus in a lovely dress and new shoes. It was my birthdaythe only family she had left.
Hello, Dad! Emily beamed, handing me a present as we hugged tightly in the garden. Happy birthday!
Hello, sweetheart, come inthe tables all set, I said, and we went inside.
Emily, finally youre here! called out Jane, my new wife, from the kitchen. My two have been starving.
Id been living with Jane for a year now. She had a thirteen-year-old daughter, Abigail, who was a cheeky troublemaker, and a son of ten. Emily hardly visitedthis was only her second time in a year. Emily tried to ignore Abigails rudeness, though Abigail was never shy with her words, and her mum never corrected her.
After the birthday greetings and some small talk, Jane began asking Emily questions.
Have you got a boyfriend then?
Yes, I have.
And are you two planning on tying the knot?
Emily looked flustered at Janes bluntness.
Well well see, she said, not wanting to share too much.
The thing is, Emily, Jane said with a forced smile, your dad and I have decided he wont be helping you out anymore. He gives you too much money, and weve got a big family to look after now. You ought to settle down and let your husband provide for you. Your dad has a new familyhe needs to put us first. Besides, youre an adult and working now
Jane, hold on, I interrupted, thats not exactly what we discussedI explained I give Emily less than I give you lot
But Jane cut in, raising her voice.
You treat her like a cash machine, and were the ones who suffer
I sat there, embarrassed and at a loss. Emily looked like shed had enough. Without a word, she left the table and went outside, sitting on the bench in the garden to compose herself. The birthday dinner was hopelessly ruined. A minute later, Abigail came out and plopped down next to her.
Youre really pretty, Abigail said. Emily just nodded, not wanting to talk. And dont mind my mumshes all stressy because shes pregnant, the girl grinned slyly. You dont know what shes likejust wait, youll find out. Abigail snickered and darted back inside.
Emily stood up and left the garden. When she glanced back, she saw me standing on the doorstep, watching her go. Three days later, Jane and I turned up at Emilys for a visit.
Oh, this is a surprise! Let me put the kettle on, she said warmly.
Jane looked around the house, exploring each room.
Solid old place. Wouldnt be easy to find another like this in the village.
My dad built it with Uncle Colin next door, didnt you, Dad?
Oh, now, love, dont make out like Im a master builder. I just did what I could for us, I replied, ducking my head.
I know Im lucky, Jane said, which is perfect, as we actually wanted to talk about the house.
Emily saw right through it. Im not selling my share. I grew up here. It means everything to me, she said, glaring at Janeand at me.
Ooh, sharp as a tack! Jane hissed, unable to hide her anger. She prodded me, Well, go on, then.
This has to be sorted, love, I began, avoiding Emilys eyes. Were a big family now, and this house is too small. Plus, weve another baby on the way. If we sell up, you could get a smaller place. If youre short of the money, Ill help with a loan
Dad, what are you saying? Emily could scarcely believe her ears.
Your dads got a new family now! Jane shouted. When are you going to get that into your head? Theres no our house for you. Youre taking up far too much space for just one person. Someone else needs this place more than you do, and no ones asking your permission.
Dont you dare raise your voice at me, Emily said, abruptly standing. Please leave my house.
After theyd gone, Emily was beside herself. Yes, I had every right to get on with my lifebut not at my daughters expense. This was her mothers home, and she wasnt about to give up her share.
Later, her boyfriend Ben arrived and was startled when he saw the state she was in.
Hey, gorgeous, you look dreadfulwhats happened?
She burst into tears in his arms, pouring everything out while Ben waited patiently. Then she told him the whole story. Ben worked in the police, and was the calm, reassuring sort.
Your dads a good manhed never force you to sell if you were dead set against it, Ben said firmly. Its Janeshes got him under her thumb. Well sort something out. Ill have some mates from London check the legal side for youbut whatever you do, dont agree to that sale.
After I got home, I couldnt settle. When Id first married Jane, things were fine, but lately shed turned bitter and controlling, always asking for more money and dead set on selling the village house and buying something bigger. I was starting to think Id made a mistake. Then Jane announced she was pregnant.
One evening, while heading to bed, I heard Jane talking on the phone. I stopped outside the door.
Shes putting her foot down, absolutely refuses, Jane was saying sharply to someone, irritated. Well have to deal with it ourselves. Ill talk to him one more time, but if that doesnt work, Ill sort him out another way.
She snapped the phone shut and spun round to face me.
Who was that?
Oh, just a friend, she lied.
Dont be daftyou were talking about the house, I accused.
Jane sat on the sofa, putting on a wounded expression.
My mates found an estate agent who can get us a quick buyer. Honestly, Emily will be thrilled with the money we get for the house.
But you said youd sort him outwhats that supposed to mean?
That? Oh. Nothing. I was talking about the garagewell have to sell it, too. She lied without missing a beat.
I foolishly let it go, and my anxiety dulled. Emily came home late from work that autumn evening, hurrying through the dark. Ben had promised to meet her but was called out to an emergency. She just wanted to get inside. Then, as she neared her house, a car pulled up. A burly stranger jumped out, pushed her into the back seat, and the car sped off. Emily was terrified.
Who are you? What do you want from me? she choked out, crying. You must have the wrong person but her kidnappers laughed.
Theres no such thing as coincidence in our business Do as we say, and nothingll happen to you or your dad, the man said calmly.
But whats my dad got to do with this?
Youll sign the papers, get your money in two days, and move out. Buyers are already lined up.
This is illegalIm not signing anything. Ill go to the police. Im not selling our house! She felt a sudden, sharp pain in her jawthe taste of blood in her mouth.
We arent scared of the policeor that copper boyfriend of yours, the man sneered. Say no, and youll both regret it. Lets hope your boyfriend enjoys the case if you kick the bucket.
The car stopped at the edge of the village. A man in the back held a torch over some documents.
Sign hereand careful not to get blood on it. The papersll be with the solicitor tomorrow.
Suddenly, blue lights flashedtwo police cars pulled up behind. The driver panicked, hitting the wrong pedal. The car lurched into a ditch.
It turned out Ben had asked his friend Max to keep an eye on Emily. Max saw her bundled into the car, rang Ben, and Ben called in his whole team.
Later, they discovered the heavy-set bloke who kidnapped Emily was Janes lovershe was carrying his child, not mine. Together, theyd schemed to get their hands on my house. Jane thought she could sell it for a fortuneand Emily was in the way. As for me, theyd deal with me after.
Time passed, and things evened out again. I divorced Jane and moved back home. I still run my little business selling car parts. Now I sit each evening with Emily and Ben at the dinner table. My home means twice as much to me now.
Dont worry, Dad, you wont be on your own, said Emily cheerfully.
Are you getting married, love? I teased.
Ive proposed to Emilyand shes said yes! Ben added, grinning. The weddings not far offweve already given notice! The two of them shared a laugh.
Yes, Dad, said Emily, even when I move in with Ben, well pop round all the time. Well be just nearby.
Oh, love, forgive me for everything. I made such a messplease forgive me, I said, glancing up at the photograph of my late wife.
Its all right, Dad. Things are good nowand only getting better.
Thank you for reading, and for your support. Wishing you happiness.
