Alex, I Just Don’t Understand You. Have You Lost Your Mind? What Do You Mean—You’re Leaving? —That’s exactly what I mean. I’ve had a mistress for ages! She’s 16 years younger than me, and I’ve decided I’ll be happier with her! —She’s young enough to be your daughter! —Not at all! She’s already 20. Alex approached her. —Besides, Valeria’s father is loaded. I can finally live the life I’ve always dreamed of! Got it? She’ll give me a child too—unlike you! Every word from him struck Tanya like a blow. It wasn’t as if this was unexpected—they had no children, after all—but she’d never imagined it would all come to such a humiliating head. They’d been married for nearly 15 years. There had been ups and downs, like any couple. Yet Tanya had always believed respect was at the heart of any marriage—you just couldn’t do without it. —Tanya, you might at least pretend to cry; otherwise, I feel quite awkward here. She lifted her chin with dignity. —Why should I cry? I’m happy for you, really! At least one of us is finally getting their dream. Her husband grimaced. —Why are you always harping on about your paintbrushes? That’s not even a real job! —Well, it’s a hobby. But if I worked less and you earned more, I could do what I love too. —Oh, please. What else would you do? You can’t have children anyway. Just keep working. She turned to Alex, who was struggling to zip his suitcase. —And your new… sweetheart, will she be working hard? How will you two live? You’re not exactly a workaholic. —That’s none of your business! But I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll tell you. We won’t have to survive on our own money for long. Once Valeria’s pregnant, her father will shower us with cash! We’ll be fine, don’t you worry! Alex finally got his suitcase closed, stormed out, and slammed the door. Tanya winced—she hated loud noises. She turned back to the window. A flashy red car pulled up outside. A young woman leapt out and threw her arms around Alex’s neck. All the elderly neighbours stared, scandalised. Couldn’t he have left without making such a scene? Yet Tanya felt a surprising sense of relief. Recently their life had been nothing but a farce. Alex had hardly come home at all. She knew what was going on, but just couldn’t bring herself to untangle the mess their ‘family’ had become. She grabbed her phone. —Rita, hi. Any plans tonight? Her friend was surprised. —Wait, are you crawling out of your depression? —Oh, come on. There never was a depression. Just a bit of a funk. Let’s go out tonight? Have a few drinks, a proper catch up—I’ve got a reason to celebrate. There was a moment’s silence, then Rita asked cautiously: —Tanya, are you alright? What meds have you taken today? For headaches, fever? By the way, do you have a fever? —Rita, enough! —If you’re serious, I’m all in. I’m sick of that long face of yours! Only… —What? Can’t make it? —It’s not that, just… Will Alex even let you out? Who’ll serve his dinner on the sofa, wipe his nose for him? —Rita, seven o’clock, Diamond Bar! Tanya hung up. One day she’d kill her best friend, she swore it. And it would probably be soon. She smiled to herself. She’d wanted to throttle Rita since the day they met. It hadn’t affected their friendship in the slightest. Tanya grabbed her handbag and dashed out the door—so much to do before lunch! Rita kept glancing at her watch. Tanya was never late, but was already five minutes behind. Suddenly, her friend swept into the restaurant, and Rita’s jaw dropped. Actually, everyone’s jaw dropped. Tanya had always worn her long hair up in a tight bun. Now she had a chic blonde bob. She’d never bothered with makeup beyond mascara and face cream. Tonight her look was flawless. She preferred trousers, but tonight she wore a loose dress that complemented her figure far more than the tightest jeans. —Tanya, WOW… Tanya triumphantly set her bag on the chair and sat. —You like? —Are you joking? You look ten years younger! Don’t tell me you kicked Alex out! —I won’t! He left on his own. They stared at each other for a moment then burst out laughing. Half an hour later a man sent drinks over from a nearby table. He was a few years older, maybe five. Rita gave Tanya a sly look. —See, already attracting admirers. Tanya smirked and waved him over. Rita’s eyes went wide. —I really like you today! They ended up talking late into the night. His name was Adam—charming, clever, easy-going, good-looking. After putting Rita in a cab, he asked if Tanya wanted walking home. —I’m happy to walk you anywhere! Even if it’s across the city. I have a car, but not tonight—not after a drink. —You don’t have to go far. I live just a few streets away. By the time they got to Tanya’s, it was morning. They’d walked, talked, laughed together for hours. —Tanya, I never did ask what you were celebrating. Was it your birthday? Do I owe you a present? —No… well, depends how you look at it. My husband left me yesterday. And Tanya beamed, her most dazzling smile. Adam looked at her in amazement. —Tanya… you certainly know how to surprise a man. Three weeks later, Tanya and Rita were in a café. —How are things with Adam? Tanya smiled. —I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy, Rita. I can tell him anything, and he just… gets it. Like he sorts out all my worries with one hand tied behind his back. —But something’s bothering you? —Well… Alex still hasn’t settled down. I don’t know why, but he just sent me an invitation to his wedding. —Oof… Why do you think? —I guess he wants to see me miserable, crying. Or maybe to show off for his new bride. —What a jerk. Tanya, bring Adam along. Show your face, say congrats, and leave. Let him see what he lost! …Alex was watching Valeria. —You look stunning… —I know. Do you think Dad will actually turn up? —He’s your dad—how can he not? —Some dad. Not a penny from him the past year. Keeps trying to teach me to be independent. Alex hugged her. —He’ll come, it’s your big day. They’d paid for the wedding on his credit card, convinced her father would forgive everything and turn the cash tap back on. —Alex? —Yes, love? —Your ex, is she coming? —Unbelievable, but yes! She called me yesterday. —Really?! —Yes! I bet she’ll beg me to come back. —Can’t wait! I love the drama! Tanya explained her “plan” to Adam as they drove to the wedding. He was astounded. She couldn’t help but laugh at his expression. They walked arm-in-arm to the head table. Tanya smiled with confidence. But Alex and Valeria looked anything but happy. They approached. Valeria whispered: —Dad? And Alex could only manage: —Tanya? He didn’t recognise her at first. He’d never imagined what she could look like. Adam handed his “daughter” flowers and an envelope. —Congratulations on becoming self-sufficient now that you’re married. Tanya and I are off travelling—time for your mother-in-law to get some rest. I pass my daughter into your capable hands! Sorry, we’ll see ourselves out. They left the restaurant together. Tanya wanted to laugh but wasn’t sure how Adam would react. He suddenly turned to her. —You realise this means you’ll have to marry me now, right? Tanya considered. Then answered gravely: —Well, if I must, I must… Arm in arm, they headed for his car, and Adam was already booking tickets for somewhere warm, somewhere by the sea.

James, I honestly dont get you. Have you lost your mind? What do you mean youre leaving?

-Plain as day. Ive been seeing someone else for ages! Shes 16 years younger than me! Ive decided Im better off with her.

-Shes young enough to be your daughter!

-Nonsense! Shes already 20.

Alex walked over to her.

-And besides, Sarahs got a well-off father. Ill finally be able to live the life Ive always dreamed of, you get it? And soon enough shell give me a child, unlike you!

Each sentence from him hit Sophie like a slap. Deep down, she knew this was bound to happensince they never had children.

But shed never have imagined hed do it in such a cruel, humiliating way.

She and Alex had been together nearly fifteen years. Like every marriage, thered been ups and downsno ones life is perfectbut Sophie always believed that mutual respect was the foundation of a family. Without that, what was the point?

-Sophie, you could at least shed a tear or two, for decencys sake. Im feeling a bit awkward here.

She lifted her chin, refusing to give him the satisfaction.

-Why should I cry? Im honestly happy for you. Truly. At least one of us will finally reach their dream.

Alex grimaced.

-Why are you always on about your painting brushes? Thats not even a real jobits nothing!

-Its a hobby, yes. But if I worked a bit less, and you earned a bit more, I might have been able to spend more time on what I love.

-Oh, please. What else are you meant to do? Its not like you can have kids. Might as well stick to working.

She turned as Alex struggled to close his suitcase.

-Alex, your new… well, girlfriendis she even going to work? How are you two going to manage? Its not as if youre the workaholic type yourself.

-That, Sophie, is none of your business anymore! But Ill tell you anyway, since Im feeling generous. Well only need to live on our own money for a little while.

Then, when Sarahs expecting, her dad will shower us with money! Trust me, well have plenty, so dont worry your head!

With that, Alex slammed the suitcase shut, stormed out of the flat, letting the front door bang behind him. Sophie winced; shed always hated loud noises. She turned back to the window.

Not long after, a flashy red car pulled up right by the house. Out jumped a young woman, wrapping herself around Alexs neck.

Of course, every old dear sitting in the square was craning her neck to gawp at the scene. Honestly, he couldnt have left without causing a scene, could he?

Strangely enough, Sophie suddenly felt relieved. Their marriage had become a farce anyway.

Alex had practically stopped coming home at night. Shed known what was going on, but couldnt bring herself to end the whole tangled mess called their marriage.

She stared at her phone for a moment. Then dialed a number.

-Liz, hi! Any plans for tonight?

Her friend sounded surprised.

-Whaaat? Have you climbed out of your pit of despair or something?

-Oh, honestly. There was never a pit. Maybe just a touch of the blues. Shall we go out tonight? Have a drink, catch up? Feels like the perfect occasion.

A pause hung on the line before Liz cautiously asked:

-Sophie, are you feeling alright? Taken any tablets today? For your head, or the flu or something? Actuallydo you even have a temperature?

-Stop it, Liz!

-If youre serious, then Im all in! Sick of seeing that gloomy face of yours anyway! Only

-What? Cant you make it?

-Not that. How will darling Alex cope without you? Wholl bring his dinner to the sofa, hand him tissues for his sniffles?

-Liz! Seven oclock, The Sapphire!

Sophie hung up. One day shed finish off that cheeky friend of hers. It was practically a running joke.

She smirked. Shed wanted to do something to Liz since the first day they met.

Not that it had ever got in the way of their friendship. Sophie grabbed her bag and darted out the door. It was already afternoon, and there was loads to do.

Liz kept glancing at her watch impatiently. Sophie was never lateever! And here she was, five minutes past.

When Sophie finally walked into the restaurant, Lizs mouth fell open. Actually, everyones did.

Sophie had always kept her hair long, usually bundled in a bun at the nape of her neck. Now it was in a smart bob, soft and blonde.

She hardly ever wore makeup. Maybe a touch of mascara, bit of cream. Tonight, though, she had on the kind of makeup you see in magazinesutterly flawless.

Sophie always opted for trousers, yet here she was in a flowing dress, revealing far more about her figure than the tightest pair of jeans could manage.

-My goodness, Sophie…

Sophie dumped her handbag down triumphantly and took a seat.

-Like what you see?

-Its incredible! You look ten years younger! Dont tell me youve finally kicked Alex out!

-Actually, he left me.

The friends stared at each other for a moment, then burst out laughing.

Half an hour later, a waiter brought them drinks from a man at a nearby tablehe was just a few years older than them.

Liz shot Sophie a knowing look.

-You see? Suitors already lining up.

Sophie raised an eyebrow, gave the man a wave, inviting him over. Liz stared wide-eyed.

-Youre killing it tonight!

They stayed until closing time. The mans name was Williamcharming, clever, not the least bit pushy, and very easy on the eyes.

After putting Liz in a black cab, he offered to walk Sophie home.

-Id walk you to the ends of London! I do have a car, but no way am I driving like this.

-No need for thatIm just two streets over.

They strolled, talking about everything and nothing, and by the time they reached Sophies door, it was nearly dawn.

-Was it your birthday or something you were celebrating tonight? If so, I really owe you a present.

-No Well, depends how you look at it. My husband left me yesterday.

And she flashed her most dazzling smile. William looked at her, pleasantly surprised.

-Well, Sophie. You do know how to make an impression.

Three weeks later, Sophie and Liz were having coffee.

-So, how are things with William?

Sophie grinned.

-Liz, I honestly dont remember being this happy. Im not hiding anything from him. He just seems to handle all my worries without blinking.

-You seem a bit preoccupied, though?

-Oh, its just Alex cant keep himself to himself. For some reason, he sent me a wedding invitation.

-Blimey Whats that about?

-Probably wants to see me all broken and weepy. Or show me off to the new wife.

-What a jerk Sophie, take William and just drop by to say congrats then leave. Make sure you look absolutely fabulous!

Alex glanced at Sarah.

-You look gorgeous

-I know. Do you think Dad will show up?

-Of course he will, youre his daughter!

-Daughter Havent seen a penny from him in a year, always tries to get me to work. Some father he is.

Alex hugged her.

-Dont worry, hell turn uphis darling girls getting married, after all!

Theyd paid for the wedding on credit. Both Alex and Sarah were sure her father would forgive his wayward daughter in the end, open the money tap again.

-Alex?

-Will your ex really come?

-Guess what? She called yesterdaysaid she would!

-No way!

-Swear it! Bet shes hoping to beg me to take her back.

-More likely. Oh, I do love a bit of drama!

When Sophie explained to William what she needed him to do, he just laughed.

-What times the do, again?

-Two oclock. Why? Are you busy?

-And whats your exs name?

-Alex. Why?

-Oh, Sophie, you couldnt make this up! Of course, Ill come with you.

He told her the full story on the way to the ceremony. Sophie was so stunned she just carried on without changing a thing.

They walked up the aisle to the head table; Sophie on Williams arm, beaming with pride.

Alex and Sarah didnt look happy in the slightest. They approached.

Sarah whispered, Dad?

And Alex could only gasp, Sophie?

He hadnt recognised her at all. Never thought his wife could look like that.

William presented his daughter with flowers and a card.

-Its just grand that youve got married and can finally stand on your own two feet. Sophie and I are off travelling for a bit.

He turned to Alex.

-I trust youll take care of your new mother-in-law. Forgive us, but weve got an early flight.

They left the venue. Sophie wanted to laugh but wasnt sure how William would take it. But he turned to her,

-You do realise you have to marry me now, dont you?

Sophie pretended to think, then said seriously,

-Well, if its got to be doneits got to be done

They walked off arm in arm towards his car, as William was already on the phone, booking tickets to somewhere sunny by the sea.