Alex, I just dont understand you. Have you lost your mind? What do you mean youre leaving?
– I mean exactly that. Ive had a lover for some time! Shes sixteen years younger than me! And Ive decided life with her will be much better!
– Shes young enough to be your daughter!
– Thats nonsense! Shes already twenty.
Alex walked closer to me.
– Anyway, Emilys father is incredibly wealthy. At last, I can live the life Ive always dreamed of! You get it? And soon, shell give me a child something you could never do!
Every word from him stung like a slap. Deep down, I always suspected this might happen. We didnt have children, and I knew that bothered him.
But I never imagined hed do it in such a humiliating fashion.
Alex and I had been together almost fifteen years. Wed been through our ups and downs, like anyone, but I always believed respect was the real foundation of a family.
– Sarah, arent you going to cry, at least for decencys sake? Youre making this feel rather awkward.
I raised my chin proudly.
– Why should I cry? Im delighted for you! Truly. At least one of us gets to chase their dream.
He made a face.
– Please, stop going on about your silly paintbrushes. Its not real work its nothing at all!
– Yes, well, its a hobby. Maybe if I didnt work quite so much and you earned a bit more, Id have time to follow my passion, too.
– Please spare me. What else have you got to do? You cant have children, so just get on with your job.
He turned to his suitcase, fumbling with the zip.
– Alex, what about your new… fancy woman? Shes not likely to work, is she? How are the two of you going to live? Youre hardly hardworking yourself.
– Well, thats none of your affair! But since Im feeling generous itll only be for a little while. When Emilys father finds out shes having my child, hell shower us with money! And even now, well be just fine, dont worry.
Finally, Alex zipped up his suitcase and stormed out, slamming the door. I winced Ive always hated loud noises. I turned back towards the window just in time to see a shiny red car pull up outside the flats. Out sprang a young woman, flinging herself around Alexs neck.
Of course, all the old ladies outside stared. He couldnt have left quietly and spared me the spectacle, could he?
Strangely, I felt a sense of relief. Our life recently had been nothing but farce.
Alex hardly ever came home anymore, and although I understood, I couldnt untangle the mess of our so-called family myself.
I picked up my phone.
– Rita, its me. Do you have any plans tonight?
She sounded surprised.
– Hold on youve finally surfaced from that gloom of yours?
– Oh, dont be silly. I was never in a depression. Maybe a touch of the blues, thats all. Can we go out tonight? A drink, a chat Ive got reason to celebrate.
There was a brief silence, then cautiously:
– Sarah, are you alright? What have you taken today paracetamol or something for your head? And do you have a fever?
– Rita, honestly, enough!
– If youre serious, Im all for it. Tired of your miserable face anyway! Except…
– What is it? Are you busy?
– No, nothing like that. But will your precious Alex let you out? Wholl bring him food on the sofa and blow his nose?
– Seven oclock, at The Diamond!
I hung up, grinning. One of these days, Ill throttle that woman and itll serve her right.
I smiled to myself. To be honest, Ive wanted to do something about her since the day we met.
But somehow, it never got in the way of our friendship. I grabbed my handbag and dashed out. It was already past midday, and there was plenty to do.
Rita checked her watch impatiently. Im never late, but tonight I was five minutes behind.
And when I finally walked into the restaurant, her jaw dropped. Actually, everyones did.
Id always worn my hair long, tied up in a bun. Now it was in a neat blonde bob.
I hardly ever wore makeup just mascara and some cream after my bath. But this time, my face was perfectly made up.
Usually, I preferred trousers, but tonight I was in a flowy dress, more revealing than any skintight jeans.
– Sarah, I cant believe it…
Triumphantly, I placed my bag on the chair and sat down.
– Like it?
– Like it? You look ten years younger! And dont tell me you threw Alex out?
– I wont! He left all by himself.
For a moment, we stared at each other, then burst out laughing.
Half an hour later, drinks arrived from a man at a nearby table, a few years older than us.
Rita shot me a knowing look.
– See? Admirers already!
I grinned, waving the man over. Rita stared at me:
– Now youre talking!
We stayed until late. The mans name was Ian. He was funny, clever, never overbearing, and charming.
He made sure Rita got into a cab, then offered to walk me home.
– Ill happily walk to the end of the earth with you! My cars here, but best not drive in this state.
– No need! I only live two streets from here.
We strolled through the city well into morning, chatting about everything.
– Sarah, I never asked what were you celebrating tonight? A birthday? Shall I get you a present?
– No then again, maybe. My husband left me yesterday.
And I gave him my brightest smile. Ian raised his eyebrows in surprise.
– Well, Sarah… you certainly know how to surprise someone.
Three weeks later, Rita and I sat in a cafe.
– So, hows it going with Ian?
I smiled.
– Rita, I dont think Ive ever been this happy. Theres nothing I keep from him, you know. He handles all my worries with a wave of his hand.
– But somethings bothering you?
– Well… Alex wont leave me be. For some reason hes sent me an invitation to his wedding.
– Blimey To what end, I wonder?
– Probably hoping to see me miserable and broken or show off to his new bride.
– The nerve Sarah, take Ian. Arrive together, wish them well, and leave. Rub his nose in it!
Alex gazed at Emily.
– You look beautiful…
– I know. Do you think Dad will come?
– How could he not? Youre his daughter…
– Daughter… Yeah, a year without a penny from him, just because hes trying to teach me to work. Some father.
Alex embraced her.
– Dont worry, hell be here, youre getting married after all!
Theyd paid for the wedding on credit. Both were sure her father would forgive and turn the tap of money back on.
– Alex?
– Will your ex be coming?
– Would you believe, yes? She rang yesterday.
– No!
– Yes! Bet she wants to ask me to come back.
– Most likely. I do love such drama!
When I explained my idea to Ian, he was surprised.
– What times the wedding then?
– Two oclock. Why, are you busy?
– And whats your ex called?
– Alexander. Why?
– Oh, Sarah, you do get some surprises in life. Of course Ill come with you.
He told me everything on the way there I was so shocked, I didnt even think of changing my mind.
We walked arm-in-arm down the path towards the wedding table. I held Ians arm and smiled with pride.
Houseware gifts in hand.
But Alex and Emily didnt look happy at all. We approached.
Emily whispered, Dad?
Alex stammered, Sarah?
He barely recognised me. Never imagined his old wife could look like this.
Ian handed Emily flowers and an envelope.
– Its wonderful youre married and finally independent. Sarah and I are off to travel the world.
He turned to Alex.
– Im sure youll look after your new mother-in-law. She could do with a good holiday too. Sorry, but we must be off.
We left the restaurant. I wanted to laugh, but wasnt sure how Ian would take it, until he turned to me.
– You do realise, youll have to marry me now?
I thought for a moment, then answered seriously:
– Well, if it must be done, it must.
Arm in arm, we made our way to the car. Ian was already on his phone, booking tickets somewhere warm and by the sea.
And I learned: sometimes the best beginnings come from the most unexpected endings.
