Every morning, Alice woke to the sound of rain tapping against the window and saw grey clouds stretching across the sky. The weather matched her mood uneasy, uncertain, full of vague suspicions.
For the third week running, her husband Edward was packing his gym bag and announcing:
My parents arent feeling well, Ill go stay with them for a couple of days.
The first time, Alice was sympathetic. Edwards mother, Margaret, had recently had surgery on her gallbladder, and his father, William, struggled with high blood pressure. At sixty-five, health issues arent surprising.
Of course, go ahead, shed replied. Give them my regards and let them know Im thinking of them.
Edward would leave on Friday evenings and return Monday morning, looking tired and withdrawn, as if hed been working night shifts. When Alice asked about his parents condition, his answers were terse:
Theyre better. Still weak though.
Whats troubling your mother exactly? Alice would ask.
Everything. Its her age, Edward would wave his hand dismissively.
The same pattern was repeated a week later.
Are they still unwell? Alice asked, surprised.
Mum took a fall, bruised herself. Dads anxious. I really should go, Edward explained, packing clean shirts.
Maybe I could come as well? Help out?
No need. Its crowded enough as it is. Youre better off here at home.
Alice agreed. Shed always kept a respectful distance with Edwards parents polite but never close. Margaret was reserved and not the warmest person; their conversations were always courteous, never intimate.
The third trip took place over the following weekend.
Whats happened this time? Alice asked, watching Edward pack his jeans and jumper.
Dads really unwell. His blood pressures all over the place. Mum cant manage alone.
Did you call the doctor?
We did. Still, you know what GPs are like these days. He prescribed some pills and left.
Edward sounded convincing, but there was something rehearsed about his tone, lacking genuine concern.
Edward, maybe they should be in hospital if its that serious?
They dont want that. Hospitals scare them. They say home is calmer.
He zipped up his bag and kissed Alice on the cheek.
Dont worry. Ill try to sort things quickly.
Once Edward had gone, Alice felt increasingly restless. She tried to recall when shed last spoken to Margaret. It had been a month ago, when Margaret phoned to congratulate her on a friends birthday. Her mother-in-law had sounded lively, asking about work and chatting about the garden, boasting her tomato crop and winter plans no mention of any illnesses.
Strange, Alice muttered at the window, watching autumn rain. If Margaret was so poorly, why hasnt she called? She always used to ring, even when she just had a sniffle.
When Edward returned on Monday, he seemed gloomier than ever.
How are your parents? she asked.
Dads better. Mums still weak.
And what did the doctor say?
Which doctor? Edward looked confused.
The GP. You said you called him.
Oh right. He said to monitor them. If things get worse, hospital.
Edward changed clothes and sat at his computer. He didnt invite further conversation.
That evening, while Edward was in the shower, Alice picked up his phone. Shed never snooped before, but something compelled her now.
There were no calls to or from his parents. Not a single contact with Margaret or William over the past two weeks.
How is that possible? Alice whispered. If Edward stays with them, why no calls?
Normally, his parents would ring at least once, checking if Alice needed anything or just asking about Edward. This time, thered been complete silence.
His fourth trip was that Friday.
Back to your parents again? Alice checked.
Yes. Mums running a temperature. Im worried shes caught a chill.
Edward, maybe I should go with you this time? I could help take care of her.
Why saddle yourself with extra problems? Edward said sharply. Youve got plenty of work yourself.
Its not a bother. After all, theyre your parents which makes them mine too.
Alice, dont. Its crowded enough. And you might catch something.
Edward seemed hurried, dodging eye contact as he packed his things.
Which train are you taking? Alice asked.
The usual. Seven oclock.
Want me to walk you to the station?
No, thanks. Ill manage.
He kissed her and left in haste. The flat now felt heavy with unspoken words and odd coincidences.
Saturday morning, Alice wrestled with her thoughts. On one hand, accusing Edward without evidence seemed unfair. On the other hand, too many strange inconsistencies had built up.
Am I just being a paranoid wife? Alice scolded herself. Maybe his parents really are ill, and Im imagining things.
By lunchtime, she made her decision. If William and Margaret were poorly, she thought, surely theyd welcome an extra helping hand. Alice would bake a pie, buy some fruit, pack up a care parcel, and pay them a surprise visit.
Ill do something nice for them. And surprise Edward too, Alice decided.
The kitchen was full of the comforting chaos of baking. She mixed the dough for her mothers signature pie, popped it in the oven, and ran out to buy fruit juice and a bag of oranges and bananas.
By three oclock, everything was ready the fragrant pie cooling, fruit by the door. Alice dressed smartly, added some makeup, and headed to the station.
On the train, she pictured Edwards reaction to her sudden arrival. Hed open the door, see her with the parcel, and be so stunned he wouldnt know what to say before breaking into a smile.
Alice? How did you get here? hed ask.
Ive come to visit and check on your parents, shed reply.
The journey to his childhood home took an hour and a half. William and Margaret lived just outside London in a small town, in a two-storey house with a garden. Edward had grown up there; he knew every nook.
Alice rang the familiar doorbell. After a minute, Margaret appeared, surprised.
Alice? What are you doing here?
She looked perfectly healthy cheeks flushed, eyes bright. Her tracksuit was tidy, hair neatly tied back; no sign of illness.
Hello, Margaret, Alice said, flustered. Ive come to check on you. Edward said you were ill.
Ill? Margaret laughed. What illness? Were fit as fiddles! Where did he get that idea?
Alice felt her cheeks redden. Her heart pounded, and suddenly her care parcels seemed unbearably heavy.
But Edward said hes been taking care of you, said you werent well.
Taking care of us? Margaret shook her head. Alice, we havent seen him for a week! Maybe more!
From inside, Williams voice called, Margaret, whos at the door?
Its Alice! Margaret shouted back.
William appeared a sprightly seventy-year-old man, grey-haired but sturdy, in work trousers and a checked shirt, likely fresh from the shed.
Well, its lovely to see you! What brings you here? You dont often pop round, he said warmly.
William, wheres Edward? Alice asked directly.
How should I know? he shrugged. Maybe working, or at home with you?
He said he was here with you, looking after you both because you were sick.
Margaret and William exchanged glances.
Alice, were not ill, and Edward hasnt been here for ages. Last we saw him when was it, Margaret?
On St Peters Day July, for your fathers birthday, remembered Margaret.
Thats it. Not even a phone call since, confirmed William.
Inside, everything fell apart for Alice. Every excuse, every trip to supposedly sick parents had been a lie. A clear, simple lie.
Alice, whats wrong? Margaret asked, concerned at her pale face. Come in, have a cup of tea.
Thank you, but Id better be off, Alice mumbled.
Leaving so soon? Youve brought pie, I see! You must come in, Margaret insisted.
Maybe another time, Alice handed over the bags. These are for you. Please enjoy.
Wheres Edward then? William asked, confused. Why didnt he come with you?
I dont know, Alice answered honestly.
Margaret and William walked her to the gate, exchanging worried looks. Alice marched to the bus stop, not feeling her feet.
Her thoughts tumbled: where had Edward been spending his weekends? With whom? Why use his parents as a cover? Most of all how long had this deception lasted?
The bus to the station took half an hour. Alice stared out at the grey September landscape, trying to gather her thoughts. Every trip Edward took to his allegedly sick parents now felt like cruelty, every explanation a piece of cynical manipulation.
So, while I was worrying for his parents, he Alice couldnt finish the thought.
On the train, she reached for her phone, tempted to call Edward. Instead, she hesitated. What would she even ask? Where have you been? With whom? Why do you keep lying?
Better to wait until she got home. Look him in the eye and listen to the next story.
Alice arrived home by eight. The flat was silent and empty. She sat on the sofa and waited.
Edward returned Monday morning, as usual. Keys jingled in the lock, the door swung open. He entered, tired and rumpled, still carrying his gym bag.
Hi, he mumbled, heading for the bedroom. How was your weekend?
Fine, Alice replied calmly. How was yours?
Hard. My parents are really poorly.
Oh? she stood up. Whats wrong exactly?
Mums running a temperature, dad was checking his blood pressure all night. Its been rough.
Edward spoke without meeting her eyes, sorting dirty laundry and unpacking medicine from the bag.
Edward, Alice said quietly. Look at me.
He looked up, anxious.
Where were you all weekend? Alice asked directly.
At my parents. Like I said.
Your parents are perfectly healthy. They havent seen you for a week.
Edward froze, holding a shirt.
What do you mean?
I went to see them yesterday. I went to help with their illnesses. Margaret just laughed when I asked about being unwell.
Edwards face went pale.
You went to my parents? Why?
Because I believed you. Thought they genuinely needed help.
Alice, you dont understand
What dont I understand? she interrupted. That youve been lying for a month? Using your parents as a cover?
Its not a lie
What is it, then? She stepped closer. Edward, where have you really been? With whom?
Edward turned to the window.
I cant explain right now.
Cant, or wont?
Alice, trust me. Its not what you think.
And what do I think? Alice asked coldly.
Well that I have someone else. Another woman.
Isnt it true?
Edward was silent for a minute, then another. At last, he sighed.
Yes, Edward admitted quietly.
Alice nodded. Oddly, she felt no anger just emptiness and clarity.
I see.
Its not serious, Alice! Just it happened
When did it happen? A month ago?
No, earlier. I didnt know how to tell you.
So you lied about your parents?
I needed to figure things out. Decide what I wanted.
And have you decided?
Edward was silent again.
Edward, Im asking: have you figured out what you want?
I dont know, he answered honestly.
Well, I know, Alice replied. I want someone who doesnt lie. Someone who doesnt use sick parents as a cover for an affair.
Its not an affair
Call it what you like. The result is the same youve lied to me for a month.
Alice walked to the bedroom and took out a small suitcase.
What are you doing? Edward asked, alarmed.
Packing. Alice began gathering her essentials. Ill stay with my friend. Until we sort things out.
What needs sorting out?
You your feelings. Me my divorce papers.
Alice, please dont rush! Lets talk calmly!
Whats left to talk about? Alice closed the suitcase. About how you led me on for a month? About how I worried for your healthy parents?
I didnt want to hurt you
Which is why you hurt me worse.
Alice took her documents from the safe, put her phone and charger in her bag.
If you want to explain call me. But I doubt youll find excuses for a month of lies.
What about our home? Our family?
Family means trust, Alice replied. A house can be divided by solicitors.
Alice moved towards the door.
Wait, Edward pleaded. Maybe we can try again? Ill end it with her, well start fresh
Start with what? More lies about sick parents?
No more lies, I promise.
Edward, Alice paused by the door. You promised to be a faithful husband. See how that turned out.
Alice exited the flat and closed the door. The hallway was silent, save for music playing somewhere upstairs.
Outside, a fine rain fell just like a month ago, when this all began. Alice pulled up her collar and walked towards the tube.
Her phone rang as she descended into the underground. Edwards name flashed on the screen. Alice declined the call and dropped the phone into her bag.
Her decision was made. She could no longer stay with a man who had spent a month using his parents alleged illnesses as cover for cheating. Trust was broken, the marriage over.
Ahead lay conversations with solicitors, division of property, and a new life. But at least, it would be an honest life free from lies about sick parents, and secret weekends with someone else.
The tube carried Alice away from her past, towards an unknown but honest future.
Тисни «Подобається» і отримуй найкращі пости у Facebook ↓
