Surprise From the Ex
James, wait! I shouted out of the open window, but my voice didnt reach him.
Hed already jumped in his car and started the engine. I grabbed my phone and dashed from the flat.
As I hurtled down the stairs from the fourth floor, I dialled his number over and over. But James didnt answer.
All I could think was, Please, let me be in time!
Somehow, luck was on my side. When I burst out onto the street like a whirlwind, James was still sitting behind the wheel, engine quietly humming.
He looked shocked to see me standing there in just a jumper, and lowered the window. Whats happened? You look like youve seen a ghost!
Theres theres
I was so out of breath that I could barely form words. Instead, I dropped to my knees and reached under his car.
Didnt give a toss about the filthy, slushy snow or my sodden jeans.
When I pulled out a skinny, bedraggled cat, James stood over me, looking thoroughly perplexed.
Emily, what on earth are you up to? Whats with the performance? Im running late for work, you know.
There was a cat under your car! I saw him from the window. I was worried youd just drive off and
Who was under the car? A cat? James gave a weary laugh. Is that really why youve made such a fuss? Typical.
What, you dont think cats want to live? I shot back, amazed.
To be honest If that cat wanted to live, it wouldnt be hiding under cars. And even if it was, as soon as it heard the engine, it wouldve legged it. Youre worrying over nothing.
He wouldnt have run off, James. Look at him he cant even meow properly. Hes too weak.
Fine, youve saved the cat. Well done. Go home, have a celebratory chocolate, pop something on Instagram. I have to get to work. See you tonight.
With the cat in my arms, I watched James drive away, silent. I suddenly wondered how Id never noticed how cold-hearted he could be. Before, it had never struck me.
I looked down at the cat.
He genuinely was in a bad state. Even meeting my gaze seemed like a struggle. But there was something in his eyes gratitude, I realised. Yes, absolutely gratitude.
I took him back upstairs, got dressed, picked up my purse, and ordered a taxi.
Where to? the taxi driver asked, friendly enough, as I slid into the back seat.
I did say on the phone the vets. The sooner, the better.
Oh, right sorry, slipped my mind. Whats happened to your cat, then? he asked, watching me in the mirror.
He needs help.
Say no more. I know a really good clinic not far off doesnt matter which one it is, does it?
I want the best one possible.
Exactly where Ill take you, then. He nodded. The vets there are amazing; they practically work miracles, even mend animals that seem beyond hope.
Fifteen minutes later, I was in the bustling waiting room, clutching the cat and waiting to see the vet. Everywhere you looked, people waited with their pets, all anxious, all dealing with their own problems.
Whats happened to yours, dear? an elderly woman asked, holding a tiny dog.
Not sure yet, I replied, I found him under a car, probably stayed out all night in this cold
The poor thing! she gasped. You know, why dont you go in before us? Me and Toby are just here for a check-up, but your cat clearly needs urgent help.
Would you really do that? Thank you!
Of course. Got to help one another, havent we
Eventually, I sat in the vets office, shifting nervously as the cat was examined.
After his initial look, the vet explained that wed have to wait for test results, which felt like torture.
James rang more than once, but honestly I was too distracted to talk, so I kept declining his calls.
Eventually the vet spoke. So, Emily This cat, you rescued him off the street?
Yes, found him under a car. Dont know how long hed been there, but probably all night.
He does have mild frostbite, but more than that, hes a rather poorly chap. Theres quite a list of problems. Treatments going to be lengthy and expensive. I have to ask are you prepared to take that on? If not, Id suggest finding someone else who is.
Id expected hed need treatment, but lengthy and pricey I really hadnt planned for that.
I looked into the cats eyes.
He didnt beg or plead. He just looked at me, grateful, as if to say, If you give up, Ill understand.
Im ready, I said firmly. Ill look after him for as long as it takes for the rest of his life, if need be.
The vet smiled. In that case, well keep him with us for a fortnight, start treatment and then Ill explain how you can help him when hes home.
Thank you, I nearly cried.
Thank you, the vet replied, serious now. People like you are rare these days.
I stroked the cat, promising to return for him soon.
He seemed to believe me and with the last scrap of strength, even managed a weak meow as I left.
By the time I got home it was evening and sheer exhaustion was threatening to bowl me over. I just wanted to collapse; work was waiting for me the next day. But my hopes of a quiet night were dashed immediately because James was waiting, and by the look on his face, he was fuming.
Emily! Where have you been? I rang you loads, you never answered. Is this some new habit?
Sorry, its just been a dreadful day, I said, peeling off my coat and, as usual, moving his trainers from the hallway.
Curious youre off work today. What on earth have you been doing thats so tiring?
I spent most of the day at the vets with the cat.
What cat? he frowned.
The one from this morning, the one under your car, I replied. Honestly, Im exhausted. Can we talk tomorrow?
No, hold on! Youre saying you wasted a whole day on a stray cat? Is that it?
Who cares if hes a stray or not? He needed help. Otherwise, hed have died
And what about me? I came back from work, starving. No dinner, no you.
James, youre not a child, I sighed. There are some ready meals in the freezer. You could have heated something up. I know you prefer proper food, but if youre genuinely starving
Ready meals? You expect me to eat that? I didnt work all day just to cook for myself when I got home, you know.
Despite being absolutely done in, I went to the kitchen and made him dinner his favourite.
He really hadnt earned it, but Id had enough arguments for one night. He didnt even bother to say thank you.
Two weeks later, I finally brought the cat home from the vets.
Id already bought all the supplies, but hadnt said a word to James no point in starting another row in advance.
To be honest, I wasnt sure how to tell him thered now be a cat living with us.
But I assumed James would take it calmly. After all, the flat was mine. He was just my boyfriend, not my husband he wasnt in a rush to propose, anyway
But I was wrong. When he saw the cat, he utterly lost his temper.
You you brought that stray into our flat? Are you insane? Did you bang your head when you went diving under my car?
James, calm down. I saved this cat; now hes my responsibility.
And how much have you spent on it? How much more are you going to spend?
What does it matter? Its my money. You dont account to me, not even with groceries, despite loving your food
I told you, my car needs cash. Ive got work issues as well. Dont deflect. This isnt about me, its about
His names Oliver.
Youve actually named him? What is wrong with you, Emily? Honestly, see a psychiatrist. Somethings not right upstairs.
That night, I slept in the spare room. It was a blessing to have two bedrooms. I lay awake, thinking about our relationship.
Wed lived together just under a year, but things werent right. James was becoming demanding, even cruel. Verbally sometimes even shouting now. It was a huge red flag. Still I wanted to give him a chance.
Everyone deserves a chance and whether hed make use of it was up to him.
But he didnt change. James kept rowing over the cat, sulked constantly that it should live outside. I listened and took careful note. Eventually, I couldnt stand it anymore.
James, I dont love you. And you dont love me, either. Lets stop making each other miserable.
Wheres this going?
Tomorrow, pack your things and find somewhere else. I want some peace in my life.
Oh, so you bring in a cat without asking, and Im the unreasonable one? Listen to yourself.
If you cant accept that the cats staying, we shouldnt live together anymore. Go and find a girlfriend without a cat. Or better still, buy your own place and do what you like there.
I had the next day off, so it was perfect for drawing the line.
James tried to get me to change my mind, but it didnt last.
The moment anyone mentioned the cat, hed lose it. I knew Id made the right call. Id never be happy with someone like him.
He started packing closer to lunchtime, dragging his heels, hoping Id change my mind. Heaven knows about what.
I was sipping tea in the kitchen when my boss called, asking me to come in urgently.
Emily, love, I know its your day off but were in a real bind without you.
Mrs Carter, its just not a great time right now, I said, eyeing James as he furiously stuffed his things into a holdall. He still had to collect his computer and tools from the balcony.
Itll only be for an hour, promise. You know I wouldnt ask unless it was absolutely necessary.
I sighed, finished my tea, and got ready. Told James to pop the keys through the letterbox. He just nodded and glared at me with such venom it gave me the shivers.
Work didnt take long. Within forty minutes, I was calling a taxi to get home.
Hello, hows your cat doing? the driver asked, and I was surprised. Then I recognised him the same cabbie whod taken me to the vet.
Hes much better, thank you. Can we get home quickly, please? I need to get back.
Not a problem, he grinned.
Back at my building, I checked the letterbox: no keys. Nor was Jamess car anywhere nearby.
So, he hadnt gone yet, or had he hidden the car?
Up on the fourth floor, when I reached my door, I was surprised to find it locked. I let myself in, but neither his bag nor his computer were there. The tools on the balcony were gone too.
I asked him, nicely, just to leave the keys! Fine, Ill have to change all the locks.
Then I walked into the bedroom… and froze.
Oliver was missing. And so was his carrier.
I searched the flat in a panic, calling for him, but the cat was gone. It became clearer by the minute that James had taken him. But why?
James! Are you mad? Why did you take Oliver? I yelled when I finally got through to him.
Oh, just a little surprise for you, Emily! See how much youll beg on your knees to get him back. Then Ill think about it!
Whats wrong with you? He needs special food and care!
Whatever else I said, James already hung up. Hed obviously planned this.
Where was I supposed to look? Sobbing, I slumped against the wall trying to figure out what to do.
James had only moved in with me before that, hed had a rented place somewhere, never told me much about his hometown, promising but never actually showing it to me.
I barely slept, and next morning headed for his workplace.
He wasnt there. Hes taken a few days off, his boss said. Is something up?
I explained the situation. He promised to talk to James as soon as he showed up. I left and rang James again, but his phone was off.
Need a lift? a voice called from a nearby taxi, startling me. I recognised him that same kind cabbie.
Could you take me home, please? I said, on the verge of despair.
Hop in, he said gently.
On the journey, my phone rang an unfamiliar number on the screen.
Hello? I answered.
Is that Emily? A womans voice.
Yes whos calling?
Listen, last night James your boyfriend turned up here. Hes friends with my husband from work and asked to crash for a while
And the cat? Did he bring a cat?!
Yes which is why Im calling. James was drinking, boasting about how hed use the cat to win you back, and said he wouldnt stay long. But that poor animal he just sits in the carrier, meowing. He looks so miserable, obviously misses you.
Please dont feed him anything, hes on a special diet. He cant eat just anything.
I tried, but he wouldnt touch it. Anyway, Im ringing because my husbands out now, and James has gone off somewhere, probably down the pub. If you want, come collect your cat. Honestly, I dont like people like James and dont want the cat suffering.
Ill be right there, just tell me the address!
I explained the situation to the cabbie, who just nodded and drove like a man possessed, shaving minutes off the journey.
Soon as we stopped, I raced upstairs, knocked on the door, and was handed Olivers carrier. I thanked the woman profusely and hurried back to the car.
When the block where James had held Oliver hostage disappeared behind us, I finally felt able to breathe again.
And the tears streamed the whole way home, for all the kindness Id been shown the old lady at the vets, the taxi driver, the woman who called. As long as there are people like that, I thought, goodness will always win over cruelty.
Would you like me to stick around? In case your ex turns up? the cabbie asked.
Yes, please! I agreed at once.
That afternoon, I called a locksmith to change the locks, while Matthew I learned the cabbies name at last sat stroking Oliver, who purred happily on his lap.
I was deeply grateful to Matthew. For everything. For just being on my side when I needed it most. Thats really the end of this story.
No need to say that, in time, Matthew and I grew close, our friendship blooming into a lovely romance.
As for James well, a word about him.
He didnt last a day at his mates flat before being chucked out apparently he shouted at the wife, and for that his mate gave him a black eye for good measure.
At work, James was asked to hand in his notice.
Why? he demanded.
Because sign it, stop gawping at me, his boss replied sternly.
James had no choice but to go back to wherever hed come from.
Served him right.
You simply cant behave the way he did. Animals deserve kindness. And if you cant love them, the least you can do is treat them decently.
