Susan, darling, Im home! Come and greet your handsome husband!
R-Robert?! What are you doing back so early? I thought you werent due until Wednesday
A woman of about thirty appeared in the hallway, hastily wrapping herself in a silk dressing gown, gazing at her husband in astonishment as he grinned on the doorstep.
Just fancied surprising you, Suze. Judging by your face, I succeeded! Arent you pleased to see me? Robert, a tall, broad-shouldered chap, beamed from ear to ear, clearly delighted with himself.
Of course Im happy! Go on to the kitchenIll warm up something for you to eat.
Feeling smug, Robert nodded and strolled off to the kitchen. Once there, he found a veritable banquetstrawberries, chocolate, a roast fresh from the oven All set out as if his homecoming had been expected.
Well, Susie, youve really outdone yourself! This all for me? How on earth did you know I was coming? Youre wasted not being a fortune-teller!
He piled his plate mountain-high and tucked into the food, assuming his wife was off donning her very best dress for his grand arrival. Making the effort, he thought
Rob, I We
Good grief, Suze, this roast is heavenly! And the saladdon’t get me started on the pancakesthey’re to die for George?!
Robert spun around, fork halfway to his mouth. There stood his wife Susan, arm-linked with none other than his own brother, George. George, looking bleary-eyed in shorts and a t-shirt, massaged the bridge of his nose as if hed been rudely awakened.
Er, yes, Rob. Its me. Hello, mate
Well, afternoon then. Now, would you mind explaining what exactly is going on here? Actually, dont botherI think Ive gathered enough
Rob Theres something I should have told you ages ago. I love your brother, George, and I want to be with him. Im sorry. Susan blurted it out so fast she could barely face her now almost-certainly-ex-husband.
Roberts plate clattered to the floor, scattering gravy and vegetables.
So, let me get this right You two have just
Yes. Right now, in fact.
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, Suze! And you, George, what a star! My beloveds! Ahh, now I see why dinner was so bloody scrumptious And, more to the pointwho it was really for!
Susan couldnt meet his eye, her bravado visibly draining away the longer she remained standing there.
And what about Lily? What do we do about our daughter? Does she know?
No Not yet.
Where is she now?
Shes next door watching cartoons.
And how often do you ship her off to Mrs. Baxters while you two have quality time?
Oh, for about half a year now
Roberts questions dried up, along with any urge to cause a scene. He was knackered from travelling, and losing his rag never suited him anywayit simply wasnt in his easygoing nature.
Mind you, if someone properly tested him, all bets were offand this, well, this did rather qualify.
But Robert was more bewildered than furious. Only for a moment, though.
Youve got ten minutes to pack your things and leave. Starting now. He took a swig of tea, not bothering to look Georges way.
What on earth does Susie see in him anyway? Looks just like meif slightly plainersame daft mole, too Cant hold down a job, not a brain cell between them Shell regret this, but its her circus. Sipping his tea, Robert mused silently.
Im not going anywhere until we get your agreement, George piped up.
And what sort of agreement are you talking about exactly?
A divorce. Let Susan goshe doesnt love you.
Oh, I can tell exactly who my wife loves, thanks! If its a divorce you want, youll get oneonly in court! Cant wait to see you fritter your cash away on lawyers.
Rob Susan placed her hand on his wrist, eyes pleading. Robert, please, lets do this amicably. Youre the decent one hereI know it
He shook his head.
Alright, fine. But youre no brother of mine anymore, George Benjamin!
Susan bit her lip but carried on.
We wanted to ask for something else as well.
What now?
Leave me the flat after the divorce, Rob! Susan turned on a dazzling smile, stroking his arm. Lilys so attached to her friends here, and if we have to split the flat, well have nowhere else to goback to the countryside, probably
Propping his chin on his hands, Robert considered. Sensing his wavering resolve, Susan turned up the charm.
Rob sweetheart, do it for your daughter. Youre a clever lad, youll make loads more money! Pleaseits your only daughter! Im only thinking of her
Calm down, Susan, he cut her off. Ive a better idea.
Oh? What is it? Youre giving us the car as well? Lily will be absolutely chuffed
Lily stays with me.
What?! Susan looked aghast, as if hed suggested moving to Mars. Have you lost your mind? You dont know the first thing about looking after children! Youre always off on business tripsshe wont even remember what youre called!
Lets put it to the test, shall we? Robert replied, striding to the door.
A minute later, he returned, hand-in-hand with ten-year-old Lily, whod just started Year Five. Beaming, she clung to his hand and seemed thoroughly delighted.
And why have you brought her into this row? snapped Susan, eyes flashing.
Instead, Robert sat down, planted Lily on his knee, and said gravely, Lily, darling, I need to ask you some grown-up questions. Promise me youll answer honestly, like the big girl you are?
Of course, Daddy! Lily glowed, relishing the serious attention.
Just like when you talk to those blokes at the office?
Exactly like that.
She nodded eagerly, mouth open in anticipation.
Tell me, has your mum hurt you at all? Has she smacked you this past week?
Lilys eyes dropped, fingers twisting the hem of her dress.
How dare you! hissed Susan. You absolute lunatic! Leave the poor child alone!
Quiet, Susan, Im talking to Lily, Robert shot back, stroking his daughters hair. Dont be scared, sweetheart. You promised to be honest, remember?
Lilys eyes filled with tears and she hugged her father tightly, mumbling into his shirt, Yes, shes smacked me three times. Once for a bad mark, then when I spilled my milk and the third time, when I shouted at Uncle George because they were kissing while you were away.
There, there, dont cryits all right now. Daddys here and I wont let Mum hurt you again.
Shes lying! Susan shrieked. Ive never laid a finger on her
So, you want the flat and the car for Lilys sake, do you? Robert said slyly. Lily, one more question, darling?
Okay
If you could choose, would you live with me, or your mum?
Lily went quiet, looking back and forth. Susan tried to tempt herarms wide, smile on maximum wattage.
Will you promise not to go away for too long, Daddy?
I promise! Wont leave you, not for ages.
I want to live with Daddy.
You little! Susan screeched, raising her hand, but Robert scooped Lily up, turning so his back blocked her. George, thoughtfully installed in the background, made no attempt to interfere.
Well, Susan, thats that. You wont be seeing her again, he said, and marched Lily to her bedroom.
In less than ten minutes, Robert had packed for both. Luckily, his travel bag was ready to go anyway, and the two of them were off to a business hotel in another part of townone hed often used on work trips.
A few months on, the court case finished. Given that Susan and George lacked steady work, a stable home, or really, any sense of parenting whatsoever, the judge ruled that Lily would continue to live with her dad. For her part, Lily couldnt have been happier.
Robert divided the flat and sold his share. Susan was given visiting rights on weekends, but during the week, Lily settled in happily at her new home with her father.
Robert rearranged his entire schedule, dropping long business trips in favour of spending more time with his daughter. Lily was soon smiling more than everand that, really, is worth more than all the money in the world.
So, what would you make of it all? Let us know in the commentsand give us a like if you enjoyed this rather British domestic drama!
