Happy women always look radiant
Ive been through quite the ordeal recently. My wife, Susan, left me at forty. Our daughter Emma was away at university in Manchester, so I found myself entirely alone. It was just two months ago that Susan came home from work and, without warning, announced,
Im leaving, Ive met someone.
I was stunned. What do you mean? Who?”
She shrugged as if it was nothing. Just as husbands leave their wives, I suppose. I fell in love with someone else. Im happier with him. I forget about you when Im with him. Dont try to convince meIve made up my mind.
Without much fuss, she packed up and walked out. Looking back, I realised shed been gradually moving her things. That day, she hurriedly shoved them into a suitcase and slammed the door behind her.
I broke down, struggling to come to terms with it and feeling like my life had simply stopped. I didnt want to talk to anyone. The phone kept ringing: my daughter called, an old friend called. I answered half-heartedly, just to hang up quickly. At work, I avoided my colleagues. Some were sympathetic, others seemed to relish my discomfort.
I even found myself hoping, Maybe Susan will get tired of him and come back. Id forgive her. I still love her.
One Saturday, I lay in bed for ages, not because I was tired but because I just couldnt face the day. Around eleven, the phone rang again.
“Who could be calling so early? I dont want to talk,” I thought, and ignored it. Still, I glanced at the screena number I didnt recognise. Could it be Susan? Maybe shed lost her phone or changed her number. Maybe she wanted to come back. Regret crept inI should have answered.
While I was pondering this, the phone rang again. I picked up.
Hello?
A bright and cheerful womans voice responded, Hi!
I replied, annoyed, Hello? Who is this?
My goodness, cant you recognise an old mate? Its meRachel.
I was disappointed. Id been hoping to hear Susans voice.
So?
Mark, are you alright?
I managed a broken, Not really, and hung up as tears spilled down my face.
I flopped on the sofa, trying to calm myself. A little while later, someone knocked at the door. My heart leaptcould it be Susan coming back?
I opened the door to see a striking womanI barely recognised Rachel, my former schoolmate. She looked stunning: smart clothes, bright lipstick, the scent of expensive perfume.
After school, Rachel went off to university in London. Wed only met once since, about fifteen years ago. Back in school, we were thick as thievessneaking into discos and sharing secrets about boys.
Rachel, you look amazing, I blurted out.
She grinned, Of course I do, I always did! Whats happened to you? She sized me up. Well, are you going to let me in or what?
I stepped aside, letting her through.
Rachel came bearing treatsa bottle of Spanish wine, a cake, some oranges. She bustled into the kitchen.
Lets get the glasses out and celebrate seeing each other. Can you believe how long its been? She chattered away as I found two glasses and sliced the cake.
Rachel poured the wine and raised her glass, To us! I drank along with her.
After the second glass, something in me loosened, and my feelings poured out. All my troubles, my heartacheI told her everything. When I finished, Rachel just shrugged.
Oh, Mark! And here I thought something dreadful had happened!
It is dreadful! You wouldnt understandyour husband never left you.
She laughed, Of course not! I left him, actually. When I found out hed been seeing a young thing on the side, I filed for divorce straightaway. He was stunnedI think he thought Id never find out
I suppose you never loved him.
I did, but when someone betrays you, thats not love. I wont tolerate anyone treating me badly. You have to move on from love like that.
Rachel, you make it sound so easy.
Well, youve always made things more complicated than they are. Wheres Emma?
Shes at uni, living with her aunt.
So, Susan left both you and your daughter, and youre still agonising over it?
But I love her
Rachel shook her head, Enough of that! You need a proper remedy for your blues. No pillsjust the tried and true: a new look, a shopping spree, and maybe new romance.
Honestly, Rachel
Come on. Grab your things, were heading to the shopping centre. And no excuses. Do you have any money set aside?
Well, theres the savingswe were planning to buy a new car for Susan.
Shell have to make do with the old one! Forget her and file for divorce properly. Dont you dare forgive her. We could even get you half the cars value in the settlement.
No thank you, let her choke on it! I surprised myself with that response. Rachel, have you moved back from London for good?
For good. I much prefer it here. Now stop staring, get changed, were going shopping. By the way, Rita Edwards calledtheres a school reunion next week. Weve got to go. Lots of folks are coming, including some of the lads whove had divorces. Remember how Victor used to chase after you all through school?
Oh Rachel, whod be interested in me? Im a washed-up old nag.
She burst out laughing, Mark, dont say things like that! You have to love yourself, mate. Well make you a dashing young stallion again!
As she headed out, she added, You know my Aunt Kate who lives near your mum? Shes getting married for the fifth time and cant decide between two suitors!
By the afternoon, I barely recognised myself in the mirror. A new haircutshorter than everfresh hair colour, smart clothes. I looked alive again.
I cant believe the change; I actually look younger and better, I thought. Thank goodness for Rachel, or Id still be moping.
The reunion was held at a local cafe. Almost everyone turned up, except for those too far away. Many didnt recognise me, and Victora distinguished, confident gentcouldnt take his eyes off me.
Mark, I didnt even know it was you! You look fantasticbetter than back at school. I always liked you, but you chose Susan from the other class. Where is she?
She left me, I smiled.
Seriously? Who would leave someone like you? Victor was genuinely surprised.
I suppose they do, but its for the best.
I dont doubt that. Victor smiled. Im divorced too, two years now. Had a good marriage, a business, a grown son, but when things got tough with work my wife called me a loser and left for someone younger. I bounced back though, and things are going better than ever.
Two months later, I was arm in arm with Victor, strolling along the Thames after a play. We were enjoying the balmy evening when I spotted Susan walking alone, looking thinner and haggard. She didnt seem to notice me at first.
Maybe her new man doesnt look after her, I thought.
Susan passed us, her gaze met mine, a flicker of confusion. She kept walking but suddenly called out,
Mark?
I turned, smiled, and replied, Oh, hello. Yes, its me. Victor, this is Susan, my ex-wifeyou didnt recognise her?
Victor nodded, Hello. No, I didnt. Im Marks future husband, by the way.
Susans jaw nearly dropped. Even I was taken abackVictor hadnt actually proposed yet.
How are you? I asked cheerfully.
Oh, Im fine. You look wonderful, she said.
I smiled again, squeezing Victors hand. Happy people always look their best.
Looks like youre doing better Susan murmured.
Of course. And life will only get better, I said, turning away and walking off with Victor, feeling Susans eyes burning into my back.
The lesson Ive learnt from all this? Happiness is something we create for ourselves. We must move forward, no matter what life throws at usand when we do, the world sees us shine.
