The Trap of Jealousy
Ellie was lounging on her bed, flicking absent-mindedly through her social media feed when her sister strolled in. Without even glancing up, Ellie blurted out, as if it was the most natural thing in the world:
Becca, I need a new phone.
Her tone was so casual, youd think she was asking for a glass of water. Becca, who was picking up bits and bobs scattered around the room (she was packing for a trip), shot her a brief look and answered calmly:
Ask Mum.
Ellie scoffed, finally tearing her gaze away from the screen. There was a flash of annoyance in her eyes.
She wont give me money, she said flatly. Says I want too much.
Becca folded the last top into her bag, straightened up and looked at Ellie, her expression more aware than angry, just quietly tired.
Well, shes not wrong, Becca replied evenly. If you want something, earn it yourself. I wont always be around, you know.
Her words hit Ellie like a slap. She sat bolt upright, cheeks flushed with indignation.
Im only nineteen, and Im still at uni! Why should I be working on top? she burst out, raising her voice. Im used to people helping me and thats absolutely normal!
Becca sighed, but wouldnt argue. Instead, she reminded Ellie, Anyway, Im getting married next month. Weddings are expensive. You could at least be happy for me Im starting a family.
She picked up her suitcase and headed for the door, not waiting for a reply, shutting the door behind her with a bang that echoed through the flat, leaving Ellie alone with her thoughts. Becca could feel herself getting irritable it seemed like Ellie simply couldnt grasp how life worked outside the cosy little world of home.
Ellie sat on her bed, clutching her old phone, her expression gradually softening. But there was a stubborn spark still burning in her eyes. Barely above a whisper, she muttered,
Well see about that
A confident, almost smug smile appeared on her lips. She sank back onto her pillow, staring at the ceiling and quietly said,
As long as I need you, youll stay close. Doesnt matter what I have to do.
Plans began unfurling in her mind hazy for now, but persistent enough to give her a little jolt of satisfaction.
From the minute she arrived in the world, Ellie was used to having her wishes granted right away. Her parents absolutely doted on her! Theyd tried for years for a second child, and when Ellie arrived, she was showered with love and attention. Our happy accident thats how they affectionately called her, and it set the tone for her life. Anything she wanted, she got.
Over time, getting her own way on demand became just who she was. Ellie never really considered how others might feel she just expected the world to shape itself around her. Becca had long since accepted her role as the eternal helper: ever since Ellie could remember, Becca was there doing her homework for her, explaining tricky subjects, even helping her get into a good uni. For Becca, that was just sisterly love. To Ellie, it was more proof that everything should go her way.
Money was never an issue for Ellie either. Mum regularly topped up her bank card not too much, but enough for a comfortable life. And if she ever needed extra, all she had to do was ring Becca. Her older sister never refused shed dig into her own savings and hand Ellie the cash, never once expecting it back. Thats how it always was until Tom came into Beccas life.
Tom wasnt like any of Beccas old boyfriends. He was handsome, smart, funny and knew exactly what he wanted in life. For Becca, he was the real-life Prince Charming reliable, supportive, always there when she needed him. She found herself genuinely happy for the first time.
But every fairy tale has its curse. Tom was, in a word, jealous. He didnt kick up rows or suffocate her, but there was an unspoken possessiveness simmering in the questions, the tone, the way he looked at her. Becca tried to put it out of mind. She believed things would settle down with time, that jealousy was just another form of care something she could learn to live with.
Life trundled on. The registry office was booked, the reception venue sorted, invitations sent out. Becca dove headlong into the pre-wedding whirlwind choosing the dress, planning the menu, sorting every last little detail. Every day seemed filled with fresh reasons for joy, and nothing, it seemed, could threaten this new happiness.
She had no idea that her biggest challenges were still to come
**************
Ellie sat twirling her phone in her hands for ages before deciding to ring Tom. Her sisters fiancé the one who made Becca glow with happiness. But Ellie was in no mood for sentimentality now; she knew exactly what she wanted.
Taking a deep breath, she pressed call. Her heart fluttered up into her throat, but her voice sounded even and almost friendly:
Hey Tom, its Ellie. Listen, I know Beccas busy, but Im missing her something rotten. Havent seen her all week.
There was a quick pause on the other end. Tom finally spoke, clearly taken aback:
Isnt she supposed to be with you?
Ellie narrowed her eyes, feeling a twist of satisfaction. Gotcha.
Told you, not seen her for a week, she repeated, feigning mild confusion. Why would she be with me?
Because shes barely been home, Toms tone grew sharp, she keeps telling me shes round yours!
Oh! Ellie paused, acting as if shed just now understood there was a problem. I dont even know what to say Ill ring you later, okay? Bye!
She hung up before he could reply. Her hands were shaking slightly, but it was a pleasant sort of tremble, the tingle of anticipation. Everything was working out beautifully.
She pictured Tom now frowning, clenching his phone. The jealousy kicking in he was fiery, short-tempered, not the sort to talk things through. She imagined him marching over to Becca, demanding answers, then not believing her, kicking her out.
And when Becca had nowhere else to go? Of course, shed turn up at Ellies door.
Ellie could already see it: Becca turning up, suitcase in hand, distraught, asking for comfort. And Ellie, gracious as ever, would be the shoulder to cry on. Shed sit her down with a cuppa, hear her out, offer kindness and understanding.
And then when Becca was calm and grateful, when all she wanted was her sisters support Ellie would gently remind her about the phone she wanted. Surely now Becca wouldnt say no. She would never reject the only person she could count on.
Ellie leaned back in her chair, clutching her phone. The next steps of her plan fell neatly into place in her head. All she had to do was wait for the scene to play out. And she was certain it would how could it not?
**************
Becca came home in the best mood. Shed finally confirmed the wedding cake with the baker that morning, and picked up Toms favourite pastries on her way home, looking forward to an evening tucking in together. She turned her key in the lock, opened the door and in a blink, her good mood vanished.
First thing she saw were her two suitcases, standing stark right by the door. Behind them, Toms face pinched with anger. For a moment, she barely recognised him: the soft lines of his face hardened, his eyes blazing, lips tight.
Tom, whats this? Why did you pack my stuff? she asked, bewildered, half-hoping it was some kind of weird joke, a misunderstanding. Only a couple of hours earlier theyd been sharing a laugh, chatting about the wedding.
Out. Get out of my flat, he barked, booting a suitcase against the wall. I cant stand this I cant stand you!
What did I do? Visited my sister? Becca couldnt make heads or tails of it. I genuinely dont understand!
You werent there, Tom hissed, clenching his fists so hard his knuckles went white. Ellie rang me just now asking why you havent been over. She says shes not seen you all week. So where the hell have you been if you werent at hers?
It felt as though Beccas world just flipped upside down. She tried to make sense of Toms words, to find a shred of reason in what he was saying.
Thats rubbish shed never say that, she whispered, clinging to the hope this was all just a nightmare, a misunderstanding. Perhaps Tom heard wrong? Maybe Ellie was joking and he took it seriously?
But the hardness in Toms eyes told her this was no joke. He was looking at her with such icy resolve, all hope vanished.
Bet she regrets that phone call now, he muttered, voice deceptively calm. Take your things. Go. Or do I need to help you?
He sounded like a stranger, someone shed never met before. The Tom she fell for would never say those things, never look at her with such contempt.
She silently picked up the handle of one bag, her hands unsteady, cold emptiness spreading inside her. Thoughts whirled: How did this even happen? Why would Ellie do this? What am I supposed to do now? No answers came just a heavy weight of confusion and pain shed have to carry alone.
Tom wasnt bluffing that much was plain in the way he acted. Without letting her get a word in, he bundled her onto the landing with her bags. He even tore the keys from her hand, hard enough that it actually hurt. Finally, the front door slammed with a deafening bang. That was it the full stop to their relationship.
Becca stood in the corridor, gripping her suitcase handle, tears streaming down her face. She didnt even bother to wipe them away. What just happened? Nearly a year of living together, plans, dreams, cosy evenings all gone in an instant. Worst of all, she hadnt even been allowed to explain. Not a single word. Just a cold verdict and a door slammed shut.
She slumped against the wall, struggling to think. Her chest felt leaden, like it was filled with stones. Slowly, it began to sink in: Tom hadnt even tried to find out the truth. Hed let his wounded pride, not reason, speak for him.
For a long moment, Becca just stood, staring at nothing. At last, with shaky fingers, she pulled out her phone. Her tear-streaked reflection filled the screen. She rang her sister the only person she felt she could call.
Did you talk to Tom? she demanded as soon as Ellie answered.
Why would I talk to your fiancé behind your back? Ellie replied, sounding far too chipper. That only unsettled Becca more. Have you two had a fight? I can tell from your voice. Well, dont worry Ill never turn my back on you.
Becca ended the call in silence, a lump in her throat. She still couldnt believe her own sister was capable of such a betrayal. Or maybe she just didnt want to believe it. After all the years together, the secrets and support, how could Ellie do this?
Moving like someone in a daze, Becca wheeled her bags towards the lift. Nothing held her here anymore. Work? Shed find a new job. Friends? She hadnt had time to make any since moving in with Tom life was all wedding planning and couple stuff. Her sister? For the first time, it hit Becca: Ellie was an adult now, old enough to solve her own problems and manage her own whims.
She rolled her bags into the lift, refusing to look back at the door the place shed once called home. There was a hole inside, but alongside the hurt came a strange fluttering feeling: freedom. Freedom to start again even if it meant starting from scratch.
That night, Becca checked into a hotel. Ellie was living in the rented flat, and Becca didnt fancy going there. So really, she didnt have much choice
***************
Becca turned up to work the next day, running on empty, doing her best to hide how gutted she was. Her eyes were puffy from crying, but she masked it well with makeup. She was determined not to let herself slip at the office it was the last safe haven in her world, the only place she could lose herself in work, away from heartache.
She headed straight for her managers office. Her heart was pounding, but shed made her mind up: she had to resign. There was nothing keeping her here. The job was good, the team lovely, but there was no way she could stay in this city, every street filled with memories of Tom.
Her boss, Mr. Robinson, noticed instantly that something was up. Hed always appreciated her she was reliable, never missed a deadline, built great relationships with clients, always offered smart solutions.
Becca, are you alright? You look like youve had a rough night, he asked, peering over the top of his glasses.
Mr. Robinson, Id like to hand in my notice, she said evenly, even though she was trembling inside.
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin in thought.
Dont rush into anything. I know somethings happened. Doesnt mean you have to do anything drastic youre a brilliant member of the team, and Im not ready to just let you go.
Becca started to argue, but he held up a hand.
Look, theres an opening at our Manchester branch. Better salary, great prospects. The move would be covered, youd get a company flat to start. Think about it this could be a big step for your career.
Beccas mind whirled. Manchester. A new city. A blank slate. Maybe that was just what she needed. But
Thank you, Mr. Robinson, but I should tell you: Im going on maternity leave soon.
The words hung in the air, and she braced herself for judgement, disappointment, questions. Instead, Mr. Robinson simply smiled.
Congratulations, Becca. Thats wonderful news.
She stared at him, astonished.
Really? Youre okay with it?
Of course, itll be a hiccup at work but only temporary. Youll come back, better than ever, and your job will be safe. We value people like you. So, think about the move. It could be a fantastic new beginning, with the company supporting you.
In that moment, Becca felt the weight lift, just a smidge. Someone believed in her, someone was on her side, no matter what.
Her doubts melted away.
Alright, Mr. Robinson. Ill take the promotion.
That evening, she sat on the hotel bed with her laptop open, finger hovering over the Buy Ticket button for a one-way train to Manchester.
She never did tell Tom about the baby. Had barely discovered herself, days before the breakup. It didnt matter now. Hed never believe it was his anyway and what good would it do to tell him?
She clicked confirm. The screen lit up: ticket booked, journey set. One ticket, one way. To her new life.
Dusk was falling outside her window. She closed the laptop and gazed at the skyline. Somewhere out there, in Manchester, lay a fresh start no ghosts, no betrayals. Just her future, and her child.
Tomorrow, she would pack. Tomorrow, life would begin again, completely anew
********************
Three years went by. At first, Tom thought hed done the right thing. In his head, he imagined Becca would realise her mistake, come rushing back eyes pleading. Hed pretend he wasnt sure, then take her back, grandly forgiving her: Alright, just this once. But no more chances.
He waited. A day. A week. A month. But Becca didnt appear. Didnt call. Didnt try to get in touch at all. Initially, that seemed like confirmation she was guilty and too scared to face him. Slowly, the silence began to gnaw at him. Eventually it hurt.
One day, by chance, a mutual acquaintance mentioned Becca had relocated.
Shes gone to Manchester, I think. Got a top job, really moving up.
Tom nodded, pretending not to care, while inside, everything twisted. In a sudden moment of realisation, he understood: she wasnt coming back. Not ever. No apologies.
Meanwhile, Ellie wouldnt leave him alone. Shed show up at his flat, hair a mess, lips pursed, whining:
Give me Beccas number! Shes blocked me, can you believe it? Im all alone in this city, and she just cuts me off
Tom looked at her and couldnt fathom how he hadnt seen it before: how shallow she was. Her needs were always for show not a shred of genuine worry. Piece by piece, it dawned on him: it was Ellie who set this all up, who made the call, whod knowingly said exactly what would make him explode.
You know what, he finally told her, looking exhausted, I dont want to see you anymore. For once, you need to sort things out on your own.
Ellie snorted, spun on her heel and slammed the door. Tom just stood there, strangely relieved. He finally realised who hed let into his life and who hed lost.
A few months later, work took him to Manchester. He was only meant to be there a day and, that evening, to unwind, he wandered through a local park. Autumn was stunning that year: trees a blaze of gold and red, leaves crunching underfoot, air crisp and clean.
He strolled with his hands in his pockets, watching the sun dip behind the city, thinking about life how we sometimes destroy what matters most, all because we listen to the wrong people.
And then he saw them.
A neat family: mum, dad and a little girl, no older than two. Mum laughed, tossing maple leaves in the air; dad held the toddlers hand while she jumped for the swirling colours, giggling with pure joy.
Tom stopped, unable to look away. The little girl was adorable soft blonde curls, chubby cheeks, sparkling blue eyes Beccas eyes. His breath caught. There, in that simple moment, was everything hed thrown away. What he could have had, had he not messed it up.
He stared, rooted to the spot. The mum still laughing turned to adjust her daughters hat, and Toms heart stumbled. It was Becca.
She hadnt changed, not really. Same clear eyes, same warm smile but now with a new strength, a kind of calm certainty. And it suited her so well.
He watched Becca lean in to her daughter, whisper something with a loving grin. Beside her stood a man not tall, but open-faced, with gentle eyes and a reassuring smile. He put his arm around Beccas shoulder, and she leaned into him, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Tom felt something twist inside. Not anger, not bitterness just a gentle, aching sorrow. In that instant, he understood: this stranger had given Becca exactly what he never could. Peace. Trust. The knowledge she was loved unconditionally, without suspicion, without demands.
Becca laughed, full-throated and free, taking her daughters hand as the family strolled on, rustling through drifts of colourful leaves. Tom watched them walk away and knew: this wasnt just a random encounter. This was the last page.
He could have walked up, said, Becca, I was wrong, Im sorry. But what for? To disturb her peace? To bring back the pain he caused?
No.
Let it be.
She was happy. Truly happy. And, strangely, knowing that soothed him, just a little. It meant he hadnt ruined everything after all. Life moved on for her, and for him.
Tom stood in the shadow of the trees, quietly watching them go. At last, he turned and walked the other way, leaves crackling underfoot, the words echoing in his head:
Let her be happy. Even if its without me.
