The best friend
Emma, Im getting married, said Vera with an uneasy smile. The weddings next Friday. Will you come? Id love to see you.
Are you joking? You? Whos the lucky bloke? So sudden? Emma felt a cold shock inside, as if a friend had turned on her. She hadnt expected the news to hurt so much. Shed always pitied Vera, thought no one would ever take her as a wife.
Why so sudden? Ian and I have been together half a year, Vera replied.
And you kept it secret? Whos he? Ive never seen him. Where have you been hiding him?
Hiding him? Vera laughed. We work together, mostly at the construction firm where Im a painter. I didnt expect it either. He proposed and I said yes.
Hes a painter too? Emma snorted.
Ian does everything. He runs the building company I work for.
Emmas breath caught. She didnt know what to say, watching Vera, wondering if she was pulling a prank. But Vera looked calm, far from anyone who would joke.
Theyd gone to the same secondary school, friends since Year 6. Emma had always been better at everything. She was smarter, prettier, slimmer, dressed finer, and the lads swarmed around her. No one paid Vera much attention. Emma felt sorry for her, thinking life had dealt her a hard hand. Vera had no striking looks, struggled at school, and after Year 9 she went to a course for plasterers.
Isnt there a more interesting job? Emma asked then. Cant you switch to something else?
Why would I? My mums been a plasterer on building sites all her life. Thats why I did it.
Spend your whole life in a dirty jumpsuit? Ugh! Why not pick a modern, wellpaid profession? Sit in a clean office with cultured people. Im thinking of studying design.
I dont know anything about design. Ive helped mum plaster and paint a lot and I like it. Theres wisdom in it too. Plus, with my grades I couldnt get into university.
Emma didnt get into university either, but she didnt give up. She finished a college course, then, thanks to her scores, got into a design programme shed always dreamed of.
Though their studies diverged, the girls still met often and kept their friendship. Emma was sociable and often invited Vera out for a night on the town, where Veras plainness made her stand out in a crowd of lads. Emma was sure shed land a handsome, welloff, promising husband.
Then the news came. How could it be? Where was justice? The ugly Vera decided to outshine her!
So youll come to the wedding? she asked again.
Of course. I wont miss it, Emma replied firmly. Will I meet the groom?
Obviously.
Emma hoped Ian would turn out to be a bald, pudgy old man looking to marry Vera just to save on the cost of finishing work on the new houses. All the money would stay in the familysounds sensible.
Instead, Ian turned out to bethough not a modelquite a charming, jovial young fellow with a tidy beard. He stared adoringly at his bride, ignoring everyone else.
At the reception Emma kept circling Vera, trying to draw the grooms eye. The young couple only had eyes for each other, oblivious to her efforts. Veras mother, Mrs. Thompson, did notice.
What are you playing at? she pushed Emma toward her. Look, Im just a workingclass woman, Ill tidy up your hair quickly.
I dont get what youre on about.
You understand enough. I wont warn you twice.
My fiancé isnt your sort of soninlaw, Emma lied, well be married soon ourselves.
Then go and enjoy it, Mrs. Thompson smiled, keeping a close watch on Emma all night, protecting her daughters happiness.
Emma couldnt settle. Her ego was bruised. Shed just split with her latest boyfriend and hadnt managed to get even the unemployed soninlaw of her mums friend into a registry office. Vera had snagged a decent lad, but hed only chosen her because Emma wasnt there. Otherwise Vera wouldnt be the bride now.
After the wedding the newlyweds moved into Ians flat, and Emma became a frequent visitor. She feigned concern for Vera, who was hopeful but secretly hoping to spark Ians interest. Ian disappeared to work all day, while Vera suffered severe morning sickness. Emma felt more and more at home in their flat.
Let me make lunch, she offered, nudging Vera out of the kitchen. If youre that sensitive to smells.
I really cant look at food, Vera admitted. Ive asked Ian to take me to a café until this nausea passes.
A café is nice but pricey; homecooked is better. Dont worry, Ill handle it.
Right on schedule, Vera gave birth to a daughter, Lily. Emmas help proved useful again. Both grandmothers were still young and worked, only coming over at weekends. Emma was still at university, dashing off lectures to grab a chance to win Ians heart. He remained indifferent to her charms, which only spurred her to try harder.
Take a break, Ill walk the baby, Emma coaxed Vera. A little fresh air will do her good.
Vera, exhausted after delivery, didnt protest. Emma timed the stroll for when Ian would be back from the site.
Look, Lily, whos that? Your father, coming to say hello.
Ian, as usual, peeked into the pram.
Not sleeping? Hi, Lily! Hi, Emma, wheres Vera?
Shes probably napping. The birth was tough; shes thin, the labour was hard. Ill help, were friends. Lets feed you; I made a nice stew.
No matter how hard Emma tried, her relationship with Ian stayed strictly friendly. He adored his wife and was merely courteous to Emma. Determined, she visited more often, staying longer. One day she ran into Mrs. Thompson.
What are you doing here? the mother of Vera snapped, catching a glimpse of her daughter after work. Is Vera your servant now?
Mom, why? Emmas been a big help. I couldnt manage alone.
Did you hire her as a maid? Think of yourself! You want to stay single without a husband?
Why are you always nasty to me? Emma flared. I only want to help.
I know what you want. You saw her at the wedding, licking your lips at Ian. Go while you can
Mrs. Thompson literally pushed Emma out of the flat.
Dont be a naïve fool, she scolded, dont you see where this ends? Men are softhearted. Before you know it, your motherinlaw will dump you.
If he leaves, he doesnt love me. I wont force him. In my view youre wrong, youve hurt Emma for no reason. Shes helped me a lot.
You foolish girl. If you dont listen to your mother youll regret it. Show her!
She wont even come now, Vera sighed sadly.
But she was wrong. A few days later Emma arrived not at night as usual but early, while everyone was at work, so nothing could block her plan. Vera had just rocked Lily and was folding laundry in the big room, trying not to make a sound.
I was afraid you wouldnt show up. Dont mind my mother, shes a nervous wreck, Vera whispered, feeling guilty about the row.
Emma settled on the sofa, legs crossed.
Your mother told you the whole truth, she said, narrowing her eyes. You just dont see it. Or pretend you dont.
Weve loved each other for ages, Ian just fears admitting it. He feels sorry for you, poor thing, with your crooked leg. Think youll ever find love?
You look at yourself! Three strands of hair in five rows, legs like a goats. Thats you, beauty! Haha! And youre not smart enough for design. Youre just a painter!
Who do you need? He married you out of pity, and for conveniencenice to have a housepainter at home for the building trade.
My God Stop, Emma, Vera whispered, lips turning pale, please, be quiet.
Ive kept quiet long enough, but I cant any more. Ian and I will have a child soon, and he loves only me, truly. Let him go, stop the torment.
Vera stared at the bedroom door, helpless. Emma turned away, unsure where to run. At the doorway stood Ian, returning for lunch, hoping for a quick nap, and unexpectedly walked into the mess.
He walked silently to Emma, put an arm around her shoulders, and guided her toward the exit. She complied, stunned by his sudden presence. He waited while she slipped on her shoes, opened the door, and gestured outward.
Dont come back, he said. Dont ever set foot here again.
He shut the door and turned back to the crying Vera.
Dont believe a word she says, he said harshly, as never before. There was nothing between us, and there never could be. Shes not my type.
I dont believe it, Vera hiccuped. Why does she hate me so much?
Shes just jealous, thats all. He lifted Vera into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, trying to soothe her and prove his devotion once more.
Exactly nine months later, their happy family welcomed baby Samuel, a spitting image of his father.
Where Emma is now, Vera no longer knows or cares. She no longer needs helpers.
