Where have you been? barked Peter as soon as his wife stepped through the front door.
I was at work, she answered quietly.
But its Saturday! he retorted, his voice growing sterner.
I still work Saturdays, you know that.
You work, and yet were always skint.
Well, at least Im working… she dared, her words trailing off.
Mind your tongue, he hissed through clenched teeth, advancing towards her, menacing. Now get yourself to the shops! Theres nothing to eat in this house.
Peter, weve only got twenty pounds left until payday, another whole week to go. Maybe you could go out for a job, or do some cabbing with the car?
You think Im a cabbie? You should be grateful youre living in my flat, he spat, opening the front door with a flourish. Off to the shop, now!
***
Tears stung Annas eyes as she fought to keep her chin up. How had her life unravelled so? Four years married, and at first it seemed hopeful. Both sets of parents contributed so they could buy a two-bedroom flat, and they eventually managed to save for a carnothing fancy, but theyd been proud. Everything, though, was in Peters name, the man of the house. Annas parents still lived out in the village, but did what they could.
Peter and his father had a small business together, not a goldmine, but enough to get by. Then Peter decided he wanted more, craved respect, and lost everything in the process, falling out badly with his own father. He hadnt worked for over a year, as if waiting for some fortune to drop in his lap.
Now he yelled, even lashed out, and Anna, for all her six-day working weeks, found every penny pinched and her efforts meaningless. Part of her wanted to go back to her parents village, but both her younger sisters were still at home; shed be one more mouth to feed.
***
She left the building, wiped her eyes, and headed for the shopsnot the one closest, but a cheaper supermarket further away. She was reluctant to go home anyhow.
As she passed a car park near one of the shops, a black Range Rover pulled in. A man emerged, limping slightlyshe caught sight of him from the corner of her eye.
Anna! his voice rang with surprise and delight.
She spun round. James!
It was her old schoolmate. James had struggled with disability from childhoodproblems with his arms and legs. Theyd been in the same class all through school, and she recalled he spent half his childhood in hospital. Other boys laughed at him, but James just studied harder, coming top in all his subjects. Every treatment seemed to help a bit; by the time they left school, he could walk with only a slight limp.
Now hed stepped out of a swanky car, smiling openly at her.
Anna? Really you? His voice betrayed confidence. Havent seen you in ages! We tried to catch up a couple of years agoI thought Olivia told you?
Erm, I was just busy things got in the way, she muttered, avoiding his gaze.
Are you heading into the shop? James asked softly.
Yes.
Come on then, me too. He took her arm, steering towards the nearest supermarketone that Anna could never afford. He picked up on her hesitation, and looking her over, he seemed to glean still more.
Anna he began.
No, James, Im not going in there. Sorry. She pulled her hand away, head bowed, and made for the more modest shop.
***
Anna counted out every pound and penny, worrying over every item she put in her basket. When she stepped back onto the street, James was waiting by his car.
He walked straight over, took her hand, and commanded gently, Get in.
Wordless, Anna climbed in the passenger side. James settled in beside her.
Tell me, whats happened? he urged.
And, between sniffles, she let all the troubles spill out.
Then leave him, James said matter-of-factly. Walk away.
Where would I go? Everythings in his name.
Doesnt matter, James responded, pulling out his phone. Im one of the best solicitors in town. Half of everythings yours. Give me your mobile number.
Anna reluctantly complied. James rang her right then, setting his number in her phone.
Its Saturdayon Monday, you file for divorce. Ill guide you every step. Now, lets get you home. Where do you live?
Chaucer Road, near the post office, she replied quietly.
Ah, Ive just moved into that new block round the corner, he nodded at a gleaming nine-storey building.
***
They pulled up at her building. James stepped around and opened her car door gallantly.
Go on, Anna. Be brave! Ill ring you Monday. And if anything happens over the weekend, call me straight away.
Im scared of him, James, she confessed.
Dont be! His smile was warm and reassuring.
***
She slipped inside her flat, only to be met in the hallway by Peter.
Whove you been driving around with? he sneered.
I bumped into an old classmate, she said, clutching her shopping.
So your husbands at home starving, and youre out gallivanting” The curses and then, shockingly, a blow.
Anna dropped her bag, fled as the sting of injustice and pain brought her close to choking. She ran from the stairs and nearly collided with James, waiting outside.
Get in the car, he told her, firmly but kindly.
He ushered her in, the engine roared to life, and soon, Anna was at Jamess own flata modern, light-filled three-bed.
James, where are we? Why? she asked, bewildered.
My place. Youre safe hereno one will hurt you. I live alone.
Just then, Annas phone rang; Peters angry voice filled the room instantly.
Where the hell are you?
James calmly took the phone from Annas hands. Anna will be filing for divorce. The flat stays with her.
And who are you to say? Peter spat back.
If you push this, Ill make sure youre prosecuted for assault.
The line went dead as James hung up.
Its alright, Anna, he said gently. Go have a wash; Ill put the kettle on.
While Anna tidied herself in the bathroom, James rang someone quietly.
***
Neither of them had any appetite, but after picking at some biscuits, James spoke clearly, Now, Anna, lets sort this with your husband.
No, she begged, fear in her voice. What if?
It will all go how you want, Anna, he promised kindly.
Outside her old building, a police officer waited in a marked car. The young constable saluted James, Good evening, Mr. Carter, waiting for your instructions.
Handshakes were exchanged, Anna bundled in, and they made their way up.
***
At her flat, Peter opened the door, glaring.
Peter Thomas? the officer asked, stern.
Yeah, whats this about?
Just a few questions.
Peter shot a dark look at Anna, but the officer and James walked in, sitting at the kitchen table. The police constable began his report.
Anna, pack your documents and whatever you need for the time being, James told her, his tone soft but steady. Anna felt unexpected reliefa wave of security after months of neglect.
James had always been a friend. Years ago, shed wanted a saviour, a prince on a white horsenever once considering the gentle boy who limped, though he was a prince in his own way.
She fetched her papers, passing them on. James smiled, meeting her gaze happily. She began gathering what she could, acting almost automatically, but a new sense of hope was blooming inside her, something swift and bright.
Ive finished my report, Mr. Carter, said the constable, standing.
Thank you. Let me have a word with Mr. Thomas in private, James nodded.
Sitting across from Peter, James levelled his gaze.
Peter, on Monday, Anna files for divorce. Youll sign your form, and the process will go through. No children, so youll divide everything fairly.
And if I refuse? Peter snarled. Everythings in my name, mate.
Then Anna will apply for division of assetsand for assault. Im head of a respected legal chamber. The court will side with her.
Oh, Ill be having a word with mymy wife tonight, and thisll go how I want.
What makes you think youll get her alone? While shes still your wife shell stay here if I say so.
In that case, youll be arrested immediately for attacking your wife and spend the weekend in custodyleaving her in the flat. Is that what you want?
Peter hesitated, then grumbled, Fine, let her go where she likes.
Splendid. Monday morning, Ill collect you both, and well visit the registrar.
***
Annas phone chimed. Mums name flashed up. Since splitting with Peter, her parents had been frostyher own parents had been married forty years, no rows or splits. She answered with relief.
Mum! Hi!
Hello, love. Her mothers voice was flat.
Whats happened, Mum? Why so glum?
You sound chirpy. Seems youre quite glad about this divorce.
To be totally honestyes, I am, Anna replied, her voice steady.
Just remember, its your own life.
Why were you ringing?
Olivia is thinking of getting married. Wants to come and live in town, like you. Shes picked a lad who doesnt have a house, just a lot of love. Wed need to chip in for them to get a little place. Your sisters been in a real mood.
They can have my old flat for a whiletherell be a roof over their heads, at least.
Anna, what are you saying? Where will you live, then?
Mum, Anna said, joyfully, Im getting married again.
You havent even finished the divorcenow this?
I promise you, this is forever. His names James. And I love himtruly, madly.Her mother went quiet, the line heavy with years of concern and hope. Well then, she finally replied, her tone wobbling, as long as youre truly happy, Anna. Thats all we ever wanted.
Anna smiled through tears she couldnt quite namerelief, excitement, gratitude. She hung up, the weight of old fears dissolving.
James met her gaze from across the sleek kitchen, his eyes bright and certain. Ready for a new life? he asked softly, holding out his hand.
Anna stepped forward, her grip tight around the little packet of documentsa passport, a battered old notebook, and a pouch of childhood photographs shed snatched from a drawer. All else she could let go. Ready, she whispered.
At that moment the evening sunlight broke through, painting Jamess apartment in gold. Anna felt, for the first time, that the world was openingwide, forgiving, full of new doors waiting to be found.
She took his hand, and together they walked to the balcony, city stretching before them, rooftops glimmering into the unknown. The past, at last, slipped away behind her.
Somewhere, children laughed in the street belowa promise, Anna realized, that life would go on. And in that simple sound, in Jamess steady hand and gentle smile, Anna found her answer:
She was free. And she was home.
