Who Was Lying on My Bed and Creased the Covers A Story
My husbands lover was barely older than our daughter cherubic cheeks, wide innocent eyes, and a piercing in her nose (when our daughter wanted one, hed lost his temper and refused). I couldnt bring myself to be angry at someone like that Rebecca stared at the girls bare, bluish legs and short jacket, wanting to blurt out something biting: If youre planning to have children with that fool, buy a proper coat and wear tights under your jeans. But of course, she kept quiet. Rebecca simply handed Lucy the keys, grabbed two bags with the last of her things, and walked towards the bus stop.
Mrs. Taylor, whats this thing under the kitchen worktop? called the girl after her. Is it for keeping dishes?
Unable to resist, Rebecca tossed out, I used to hide the bodies of Henrys lovers there, but you can just use it for washing up.
Without waiting for a reaction, and without looking at Lucys startled face, Rebecca strode down the stairs, feeling oddly satisfied. Well, that was that twenty years of marriage gone down the drain.
It was their daughter, Sophie, who first discovered Henry had a lover. She decided to skip school, came home thinking the house would be empty, and stumbled upon a young nymph sipping hot chocolate from her favourite mug. Not only was the girl scantily dressed, but the sound of the shower running meant Dad was home too. Sophie, clever as she was, quickly pieced things together and called Rebecca.
Mum, I think Dad has a girlfriend and shes wearing my slippers and drinking from my mug!
It was just like the fairy tale, Rebecca mused, recalling how their daughter was less upset by her fathers betrayal than she was about someone handling her personal things. Who lay on my bed and creased my sheets
Rebecca herself took the news more calmly. Her pride was bruised, of course the girl was young and pretty, while she’d gained weight and had all the other hallmarks of being forty. But instead, Rebecca felt relief. How many years had she suffered through those mysterious late-night phone calls, erratic work hours, and receipts from coffee shops Henry never took her to? Shed never managed to catch him red-handed; Henry always covered his tracks so well that Rebecca would end up being blamed just for suspecting.
This is a one-off, Henry lied brazenly. I dont know, something must’ve happened like a comet landing on my head.
The comet turned out to be a hotel worker from one of Henrys business trips. She was twenty, with little besides a pretty face. Not exactly a genius, either, since shed moved all the way to London for him, renting a grim little room with savings. That explained why their meetings were always at the flat somewhere to shower, somewhere to wash clothes. Rebecca had wondered why her washing machine kept switching to fast mode instead of the usual mixed fabrics!
The flat was Henrys, a legacy from his father before their marriage, so when Rebecca decided to file for divorce, she had to pack up with Sophie and move to her old grannys place out in the suburbs. Sophie complained how was she supposed to get to school?
Why dont you come live with us? Henry suggested. He got another earful for that. Still, at least their daughter wasnt afraid to tell him exactly what she thought.
For a while, things were difficult new routes, unfamiliar shops, over an hour commuting to work and school. But soon they got used to it. Rebecca found a new job, Sophie started at a college much easier to reach. There was no time left to be sad ordinary problems and final exams kept both of them busy. Once the hard part was over, there wasnt much to be sad about anymore.
Lucy called Rebecca a few times asking which oven setting to use for baking pies, where to put dishwasher tablets. She even dropped by once with forgotten photographs needed for the college leavers party. Henry couldnt (or wouldnt) do it; Rebecca was laid up with a cold, and Sophie flat out refused to set foot in the old flat, claiming itd damage her mental health right before her IT exams.
Its cosy here, Lucy offered shyly, glancing around faded wallpaper and old-fashioned lamps.
Rebecca smiled to herself yes, it was cosy, what else to say? The city flat had been modern and comfortable; shed spent twenty years perfecting it. Let them make use of it now.
That small incident came back to bite Rebecca about a year after the split. One evening, the doorbell rang.
That for you? Rebecca asked Sophie.
Sophies eyes went wide.
On the doorstep was Lucy mascara running, glittering eyeshadow streaked over splotchy cheeks, clutching a sports bag.
Has something happened to Henry? Rebecca asked, worried.
Yes! sobbed Lucy. I caught him with his secretary! I thought Id surprise him since he was working late and
She broke down completely, sniffling and hiding her face in her hands.
Well, and what do you want from me? Rebecca asked, eyeing that fat sports bag and guessing.
Could I sleep here tonight? Ive got no money. Ill take the train to my mums tomorrow.
How will you afford the train if you havent got any money?
I thought you might lend me some.
Rebecca didnt know whether to laugh or cry.
Her daughter decided for her.
Get lost! Sophie snapped, adding a few words shed never used around Rebecca before.
Rebecca shot her a stern glare. Come in, Lucy, she said. It’s nighttime, Im not sending you into the street.
Worse was yet to come.
Sophie was so angry she declared, Either she goes or I do. Rebecca shrugged Youre an adult, do what you like. Go to your father if you want.
As if Id go near your father! Ill stay at Natalies.
Rebecca ordered her a taxi so she could spend the night at her friends. Afterwards, she soothed Lucy with tea and chamomile, trying to comfort this unfortunate young woman who, despite nearly a year in London, had found neither job nor friendship only another piercing in her tongue. Rebecca lent her the train fare what else was she supposed to do? She even drove her to the station so she wouldnt get lost.
Lucy thanked her profusely, apologised for everything, and promised to start over get an education and steer clear of married men.
Mum always said I was hopeless. Seems she was right.
Rebecca didnt wave her off at the train station enough was enough. She and Sophie soon made up, though Sophie could never quite forgive her mother for letting the home-wrecker inside. Rebecca stroked her daughters soft hair, smiled and said,
Youll understand when youre older.
Henry called a week later. He said hed learnt his lesson, ditched Lucy, and wanted to put the family back together.
Run out of clean shirts, have you? Rebecca replied drily.
Well, yes, sighed her ex. She never did get the hang of washing Ive been wearing oily shirts for a year.
Rebecca had no intention of returning to him, nor did she gloat. But she couldnt help admitting that ever since all this, shed felt a new lightness in her mind and spirit, smiling more often. She adopted a dog and took long walks in the evenings. She even met a nice neighbour so what if hes ten years older, shes hardly a girl herself. And life carried on perfectly well.
Sometimes, what seems like an ending is just the beginning of learning to value yourself. The sooner you close a painful chapter, the sooner your heart finds room for joy again.
