Ill make my decision only after a DNA test, I tell Victor.
I think Alice should stay with us, Victor declares firmly two weeks after the funeral.
The little girl has been living with us all this time because, before her mother left, we signed a temporary guardianship.
Victors resolute tone irritates Jane.
Is it because shes your daughter? she shouts. Admit it! I cant stand this any longer!
What am I supposed to endure, Jane? Victor asks, bewildered.
Jane and Megan have known each other since they were babies. Their mothers shared a hospital ward, and later we discover they grew up on neighboring streets, playing in the same park.
Naturally the girls become close, attend the same nursery, go to the same secondary school and later enroll at the same university in Manchester.
They look alike and share similar temperaments, though Megan is a bit more headstrong and Jane is, as her mother used to say, overly kindhearted.
The two hardly ever argue; instead they help one another and support each other through tough times.
Its wonderful you have a friend like that, Megans mother sighs. Shell be like a sister to you.
Such a friendship is priceless, Janes mother adds. Keep it close.
They treasure their bond. When Paula shows up at university, they dont immediately welcome her into their little circle.
But Paula is relentless, trailing us like a shadow, and eventually the three of us become friends. Without Paula, the original pair spend even more time together, which makes her feel left out.
For a while Paula drifts away after Megan gets married and moves away, but she later returns and the friendship resumes.
Jane marries next, at twentyfive, to a promising engineer four years her senior.
Victor and Jane want children; there are no medical obstacles, yet nothing happens.
Three years into the marriage, Megan unexpectedly announces shes pregnant. She refuses to name the father, though Jane suspects its David, a man Megan dated for a year before he vanished after a fight.
Ill manage on my own! Megan declares proudly. Its a shame my mother wont live to see her grandchild, but Ive got enough money for the baby and a nanny.
Of course, Megan, well help you, Jane says, genuinely delighted for her friend.
Paula rolls her eyes, constantly reminding everyone that a child needs a father and that the responsibility is huge.
At least with a husband youre sure youll have a proper family, she mutters.
Jane and Megan exchange amused glancesPaula can be a bit nagging, but thats just how she is.
Jane becomes Alices godmother. The girl often visits Victor and Jane, and Victor enjoys looking after the little one.
For a while the couple forgets their own fertility woes.
Six years after Alices birth, Megan meets the man of her dreams, Andrew Sinclairhandsome, intelligent, kind, and caring.
It just isnt meant to be, Megan sighs.
Why not? Jane asks, concerned.
Hes probably married, Paula quips. Or his mothers got an eagles eye and a hawks claws.
Nothing like that! Megan defends him. Yes, Andrew was married once, but they split long ago. They have no children and dont speak. And Elizabethhis motheris a wonderful lady.
Then what? Jane presses.
Hes about to go abroad on a crucial work assignment, Megan says sadly.
Well, thats itconsider him lost! Paula snorts.
Jane shoots her a reproachful look and makes a sour face.
Doesnt he want you to come with him? she asks Megan.
He does! Hes begging me, but we cant take Alice with us. She needs to go to school, and she doesnt speak the language yet. It would be too hard.
So youd trade your daughter for a man? Paula retorts sharply.
No, Megan sighs wearily.
The next day Jane sits down with Victor to discuss adopting Alice.
We cant let Megan miss this chance, you know? she explains. Alice is like family to us.
I get it, I get it, Victor chuckles. Im fine with it. Is Megan on board?
Not sure yet, Jane admits, then adds, but youre the best husband in the world! and she leans into him.
Megan hesitates at the proposal, then finally agrees.
Dont worry about the moneyIll send it, she tells Jane.
Oh, youll be right, Jane replies, waving it off.
They part with tears, promising to keep in touch daily. Alice quickly gets used to living with her godmother while her own mother is away.
One video call includes Paula, who drops by unannounced with a bottle of wine and a lament about a new boyfriend who refuses to commit or think about having at least two children.
Youre treating her like a sack of potatoes, helping out, and she laughs at you, Paula slurs, halfdrunk.
What do you mean? Jane asks, genuinely puzzled.
Im talking about Megan. Shes my friend, but shes clever and conniving.
Paula, either speak clearly or shut up, Jane snaps.
Fine! Megans husbands kid is Alice, so Victors fine with her staying with us. Hed never want a strangers child in the house!
Did you have a few glasses before you came in, or are you just that drunk? Jane retorts, disgusted.
I could leave right now, but that doesnt change the truth! Paula declares triumphantly, rising and heading for the door.
Victor, whos tucking Alice to sleep, wonders why his friend left so abruptly.
Some people just need to drink less, he shrugs. And honestly, its clear Paulas the third wheeljealous and shortsighted. I dont understand how you got friends with her.
Its the first time Victor openly criticises Paula, and Jane believes him completely, though a tiny seed of doubt slips into her mind.
She suddenly remembers the many times Victor met Megan alone, without her. He always welcomed Paulas visits, always fussed over Alice
Megan notices Janes mood shift, but Jane tries to act as usual. Yet no solid proof of betrayal appearsonly Paulas accusations.
Paula refuses to discuss it further: I told you everything! Open your eyes and youll see! she snaps, ending the conversation.
Jane starts watching Alice more closely, noticing little resemblances to Victorher eyes, her laugh, the way she holds a spoon, her love of chocolate with nuts. It feels eerie, as if the child mirrors him.
The suspicion gnaws at Jane, and she begins to watch Victor and Alice together with growing irritation. Their minor arguments become more frequent, and Victor, clueless, even suggests she see a doctor.
Three days pass without a word between them. Then a terrible news hits: Megan and Andrew are involved in a car crash. Andrew sustains severe injuries; Megan dies instantly.
Jane and Victor pour countless pounds and endless worry into arranging Megans burial back in England.
During those dark days Jane forgets her doubts, but they return once the grief eases.
I think Alice should stay with us, Victor says firmly two weeks after the funeral.
Alice has been living with them all this time under the temporary guardianship, which is set to end in a month, so a decision must be made.
Victors steadfast tone again sparks Janes anger.
Is it because shes your daughter? she shouts. Admit it! I cant bear this any longer!
What am I supposed to endure, Jane? Victor asks, bewildered. Did you really believe that Paula? I thought you were reasonable and have forgotten all this nonsense!
No, what are you even talking about? Jane snaps. There was never anything between Megan and me, and it could never have been!
Youll have to prove it, Jane says through clenched teeth. Ill decide only after a DNA test.
Victor readily agrees to the test, proving he isnt Alices biological father. The shame never leaves Jane, but shes relieved she never hurled those accusations at Megan in person.
Now she silently asks forgiveness for the years she spent doubting her friend.
Alice remains with Victor and Jane. Jane cuts off all contact with Paula, delivering her verdict bluntly.
Victor pretends nothing happened, preferring not to dwell on the past, especially now that his wife is finally pregnant.
