Daisy, Im home, brace yourself!
O-Ollie?! What on earth are you doing here so early? Werent you supposed to come back in three days?
The woman, probably about thirty, hurriedly shuffled into the hallway, frantically wrapping her silk dressing gown around herself, squinting confusedly at the man in the doorway.
Wanted to surprise you, Daisy! I see it workedwell, you dont seem exactly thrilled though? Oliver was tall, with broad shoulders and a grin so wide it threatened the structural integrity of his jaw. He looked very pleased with himself.
Of course Im happy, silly! Now, you go right into the kitchen, Ill warm up some dinner.
Quite self-satisfied, Oliver nodded at his wife and wandered over to the kitchen. There, he found an absolute spread: strawberries, chocolate, freshly baked casseroledinner looking as though it had just leapt out of a food magazine specifically for his benefit.
Well, Daisy, youve outdone yourself! How did you know I was on my way? You must be part-psychic!
He helped himself to a mountain of food and began demolishing it at a heroic rate. Daisy didnt appear, but he chalked it up to her getting changedprobably making herself fancy for her beloved husband. Its the thought that counts.
Ollie, I We
My dear Daisy, this casserole of yours is a masterpiece! And these pancakesgood grief, theyre finger-licking good! Mark?!
Turning around, Oliver saw his wife, Daisy, holding onto the arm of his brother, Mark. Daisy looked guiltily at her feet, and Mark, wearing nothing more than shorts and a vest, rubbed his eyes as though hed just been woken up from a nap he hadnt agreed to.
Yes, Ollie, its me. Hi, mate
Hello indeed. So, perhaps now you two can explain exactly whats going on here? Not that its difficult to deduce
Ollie, I Ive been meaning to tell you. I love your brother, Mark. I only want to be with him. Sorry. Daisy blurted out at record speed, peering at her now very much ex-husband from beneath her brows.
At that, Oliver dropped his plate, which clattered and spun across the floor, the remains of the dinner making a dramatic exit.
So, if I understand this correctly You two have just
Yes, we just now were together.
Marvellous, just brilliant, Daisy! And you too, Marktop form! My darling loved ones! Ah, now it all makes sense why such a feast was laid on. And, most importantlywho it was really for!
Daisy couldnt meet his gaze. She felt sure one look and whatever courage shed scraped together would drain away.
And what about Emma? What are we supposed to do about our daughter? Does she know?
No, she she doesnt.
Where is she now?
At the neighbours, watching cartoons.
That a common occurrence then, Daisy? Shipping her off to the neighbours?
For the past six months, yes
Oliver ran out of questions. And, to be honest, emotions. He was far too travel-weary to spark up a shouting match, and as a rule hed never been much for rows anyhowgenerally a calm, even-tempered bloke.
But, if you really pushed him, well, maybe best to be out of reach, so to speak. Still, that was the exception rather than the rule.
This situationhis wife and his own brotherleft Oliver truly gobsmacked; he was thrown for a loop, though only briefly.
Youve got ten minutes to get out. The clocks ticking. Oliver said, sipping his tea with a calm that was more ominous than rage. He didnt even glance at his brother.
What on earth does Daisy see in him? Looks-wise, just as plain, the same birthmark Hasnt done a decent days work in his life; bit short on brains, too Shes only losing out with him, but well, her choice! Oliver thought, continuing his tea.
Im not going anywhere until I get your agreement, Mark suddenly piped up.
And just what exactly are you expecting me to agree to?
A divorce. Let Daisy go, she doesnt love you!
Oh, Ive got the message loud and clear, believe me Oliver smiled. You want a divorce? Alright, but itll be through the courts! Well see how much of your oh-so-hard-earned cash you both pour down the lawyers drain.
Ollie Daisy laid her hand pleadingly on his wrist Oliver, cant we do this peacefully? Youre a good person, youre not really like this
He just shook his head.
Fine, but from this moment on, Mark, youre no brother of mine!
Theres one more thing wed like to ask.
Go on, what is it now?
Leave me the flat after the divorce, Ollie! Daisy flashed her winningest smile, still stroking his wrist as if that might sway him.
Emmas so attached to this place, shes made lots of friends at school If we have to split it, weve got no money for a new place, wed have to move back to my parents in the village
Oliver rested his chin on his clasped hands, thinking. Sensing her soon-to-be-ex was wavering, Daisy turned on her most charming appeal.
Ollie, love of my life Wouldnt it be a lovely present for your daughter? Youre such a clever boy, youre bound to earn more soon, especially with your job! Please, shes your only child! Im only asking for her
Calm down, Daisy, he cut her off sternly. Ive a better idea.
And what might that be? Daisy batted her eyelashes hopefully. Perhaps leave us the car too? Emma would just love that
Emmas coming with me.
What?! Daisys voice shot up an octave. Has the tea gone to your head? You dont know the first thing about looking after children! Youre always away on business trips She barely even remembers your name!
Well, lets put that to the test, Oliver replied, heading for the door.
A few minutes later he returned, Emma in tow. She was a ten-year-old girl, just started year four, clutching her fathers hand and beaming like shed just won a prize draw.
And whats the point in bringing her here? To dump her in the middle of this mess too?! Daisy asked, more snappish than ever.
Ignoring her, Oliver took his spot at the kitchen table, hoisted Emma onto his lap, and began:
Emma, sweetheart, can Daddy ask you a few questions?
Of course! she grinned, positively chuffed by the attention.
But promise me youll answer honestly! Because I want to talk to you grown-up style, like I do with the chaps at the office.
Really? Like the ones you always talk about?
Exactly.
She nodded. The seriousness of the moment made her glow with pride.
Tell me, love, does your mum ever hurt you? Has she smacked you at all in the last week?
Emma looked away, fiddling nervously with the fabric of her dress, embarrassment written all over her face.
How dare you?! Daisy screeched. Lost your marbles, have you? Leave her alone!
Quiet, Daisy. Im talking to my daughter, Oliver said flatly, patting Emmas hair. Dont be scared, Emma. Remember, you promised to be honest.
With tears brimming in her eyes, Emma nodded, wrapped her arms round Olivers neck, and blurted in a fiercely hushed voice:
Yes. She smacked me three times. First for a C in maths, then for spilling milk, and the third time was when I yelled at Uncle Mark. She was kissing him while you were away on your trip.
There, there, darling, dont cry, he soothed her, running his hand gently through her hair. Im here now, Ive got you. She wont hurt you again, I promise.
Shes making it all up! Daisy snapped. Ive never laid a finger on her
So you want the flat and the car all for your daughters sake, eh? Oliver said with a crooked smile. Emma, mind answering just one more question?
Okay
If you could choose, love, would you rather live with me or your mum?
Emma fell silent, glancing worriedly between her parents. Daisy stretched out her arms, piling on the winning back my child act.
And you promise you wont go away on business for ages again?
Promise! Oliver replied, no hesitation.
Then I want to live with you, Daddy.
You little! Daisy shrieked, raising her hand at the girl, but Oliver swiftly pulled Emma into his arms, sheltering her with his back. Mark, who had been lurking in the background for this whole scene, didnt so much as open his mouth.
Well then, Daisy, that settles it. Youre not seeing her again. With that, Oliver got up and took Emma to her room.
A few minutes later, he helped Emma pack her things. Thankfully, his own suitcase was still ready from the business trip. With that, Oliver and Emma headed off to a hotel across town, which he often used for work trips.
A few months and a court case later, and with Daisy and her new beau lacking both an income and, frankly, the faintest clue about raising a child, a judge decided Emma would stay with her father.
Which, conveniently, was exactly what Emma wanted anyway.
Oliver divided their flat as required, then sold his half. Emma was allowed to see her mother on weekends, but lived with Oliver in their new flat.
Oliver radically changed his schedule to be with his daughter, eliminating all those month-long business trips. Emma started smiling more, and that was worth far more than any amount of money or work.
Drop your thoughts in the commentsare you Team Daisy, Team Mark, or just Team Casserole? And dont forget to leave a like!
