Thats it, Alice, its over between us! I want a real family, children of my own. You cant give me that. Ive waited for years, been patient long enough. I want a son. Ive already filed for divorce! You have three days to pack. Call when youre gone. Ill stay with my mum for now. Hurry up, I need to prepare the flat for my future child and his mum. Yes! Dont look so shocked, my fiancée is already expecting. Three days, Alice.
Alice said nothing. What could she possibly say?
Children had never come, try as she might. Michael had already waited yearsfive, in fact. Three failed attempts over those years.
Every doctor she saw told Alice she was healthy. Why wouldnt it work, then?
Shed always lived sensiblynever one for unhealthy habits.
This last time, shed fallen ill at work, an ambulance called, the whole ordeal over in a flash
Michael slammed the door behind him, leaving Alice to collapse, drained, onto the sofa.
She felt no energy or desire to start packing. And where would she even go?
Before her marriage, Alice had lived with her aunt, but her aunt was gone now and her cousin had sold the flat. Back to her grandmothers old cottage in the countryside? Find a place to rent? What about her job?
Too many questions, and answers needed fast
Early morning, the front door swung open and her mother-in-law came marching into the flat.
Not sleeping, are you? Good. Im here to ensure you dont take anything thats not yours.
Dont worry, your sons old pants are hardly of interest to me. Shall we count my things together?
What cheek! Werent you always the polite, sweet one? Funny how things turn out. I told Mikey after the first timeyou wouldnt be able to bear him a child.
Is that why youre here? If so, please just watch in silence.
What are you doing with that dinner set?
Its mine. Auntieskeepsake from her.
Well, itll look right bare without it!
Thats not my concern. At least youll finally get a grandson.
Just take your own things!
The laptop, coffee machine and microwave are all mine, gifts from work. The cars mine too, I bought it before we ever got married. Your sons got his own.
Youve got everythingexcept children!
Thats not for you to comment on. Im fine, perhaps this was all just meant to be.
You dont even seem upset! Maybe you did all this on purpose?
Youre being ridiculous. I can barely stand to think of it.
Alice glanced round. Only her essentials remainedher brush, toiletries, slippers
She felt like shed forgotten something important, but her mother-in-law was making it impossible to think clearly.
Then she rememberedthe old cat figurine was missing. Its little secret was known only to Alicea pair of earrings and a ring tucked inside. Not of much value, but precious for the memories of her grandmother they carried. Michael had always considered it junk. Could he have thrown it out? He tended to chuck anything unnecessary onto the balcony. Alice went to check
What are you up to now? Get your things and leave! her mother-in-law snapped. Saying goodbye to the flat? Go on then. Somewhere like this will never be yours again.
Alice sighed with relief: the cat was there, the tiny treasures inside untouched. Now she could leave.
Here are the keys. Goodbye. I sincerely hope we never meet again.
Alice stopped at the office, still signed off as sick but asking for her holiday to be confirmed.
Were all so sorry, but itll be hard without you, Alice. Will three weeks be enough? Please try to keep in touch. Half our projects grind to a halt without your advice.
Itll be good to have something else to think about, thank you.
Need any help?
No, thank you.
Ill sort your holiday pay and bonus.
Thats very kind, thank you.
Alice made no attempt to look for a new place in London. She was heading to her grandmothers old cottage out in the country. No family awaited herher grandmother had died three years back, her mother long before, passing away during childbirth. And now, Alice herself couldnt have a child
An hours drive and she was at the cottage. The apple tree bloomed in the garden, bright tulips scattered by the gate.
She and Michael had last visited together in autumn, roasting sausages and sharing quiet evenings here.
Alice parked up, fetching the garage key from inside the house.
She pulled open the door and stepped inside. Silence greeted herthen an odd detail. Dirty mugs and plates on the table. Hadnt she tidied up last time?
She remembered cleaningbut someone had been here since. Two mugs, plates, juice cartons, bottles of Michaels favourite prosecco. Not from autumn, that was certain.
So, Michael had been here. And with somebody. Did it matter anymore?
Only Alice had the original house key; Michael must have made a copy. Time to change the locks.
A new chapter, some tidying, then a long hot bath. She was determined to wash away every bit of her past.
As Alice was preparing to get out, she heard a knock at the door, then at the window.
Hello? Is everything all right in there?
Yes she answered, startled.
Sorry, hope I havent frightened you, said a stranger when she stepped outside. Im your neighbourbeen keeping an eye out. Noticed the smoke from your chimney and then you disappeared for a while. Just wanted to make sure nothing had happened.
Thank you, Im fine.
You Michaels relative? He was here recently with his wife. Are you his sister?
No, Im his ex-wife. Nearly ex. Its being sorted.
And the house? Yours then?
Yes. And you?
Im temporarily living next door. Friend offered his placefamily reasons. Divorce is almost sorted; Ill be on my own by tomorrow. Sorry for the intrusion. If you ever need any help, just shout. Im George.
Alice. Actually, George, would you be able to change the locks for me?
Of course. Tell me when youve got the new one and Ill fit it.
Tomorrow, then. Ill get one in town.
Ill pick it up for you if you likesaves you from buying the wrong kind.
Thank you.
Two weeks passedone more week of leave, then it was time to return to the city. Alice had grown fond of the cottage and dreaded the thought of finding somewhere else. Michael never called or messaged; only a formal note about the divorce had arrived. To be honest, she was gratefulthere was nothing she wished to say to him.
Saturday morning. Alice was up early, as usual. George had invited her for a walk to the lake. She wasnt planning on a new relationship, but a walk was just a walk. They enjoyed themselves and headed back for lunch.
There, outside Alices home, was Michaels carhe had just pulled up. The door opened, and out he stepped, helping a visibly pregnant young woman from the seat.
Alice and George walked up to the gate as Michael tried to open the front door, but to no avail.
Whats going on here, then?
And what do you lot think youre doing? George asked. Trying to get into someone elses house?
Michael froze.
This is our house! the pregnant woman announced indignantly.
Oh really? And who told you thatwas it Michael? This is my house, and Id ask you both to leave at once, Alice said calmly.
Michael, who is she?! Is this your ex? Get her out! She shouldnt be here! the woman shouted.
Alice and George just laughed. Michael bundled his companion into the car and drove off without a word.
Hes in for an interesting life, I imagine, George remarked.
At least shell give him a child. I never could three failed attempts. Im sorry.
We broke up because my wife didnt want children
Four years passed after the divorce. Alice was shopping in a supermarket when she unexpectedly ran into Michaels mother.
Alice, I almost didnt recognise you. Ive been watching yousurely thats not are you expecting?
I am, Alice said, resting a hand on her rounded belly.
As for Michael, its all gone wrong. His son was born with problemssomething amiss on his side. His wife left him and the child. Are you planning to raise yours alone now?
NoI have a family. I really must go, theyre waiting for me.
Oh. Well, forgive me for everything.
Take care.
Michaels mother stared after Alice as she walked away, her arm linked with George, a little girl with her mothers eyes holding Alices hand.
Sometimes, life takes everything awayonly to give you something far better, once youre strong enough to choose your own happiness.
