Life Forces a Change of Plans
Emily grew up in a modest familyher parents were ordinary engineers, living in an old council flat where money was always tight. She envied the girls who dressed in pretty clothes while she had nothing but her school uniform and a couple of faded dresses.
So when she graduated and got into university, she made a firm promise to herself:
*My home will be different. My life will be different.*
And she made it happen. Not right away, of course. For a while, she worked as a schoolteacher, then transferred to the local education authority. But then she bumped into an old university friend, who offered her a job at a foreign investment firm.
«Come on, Em, youve got nothing to lose,» her friend said, naming her salaryEmilys jaw nearly hit the floor. «Weve got a great team, and I know youyoure sharp, youll fit right in.»
«Thanks, love, Ill definitely come in. Everyone needs money,» Emily replied with a smile.
By then, she was married to James, and their son, Oliver, was four. They lived with Jamess parents, cramped and dependent, while James worked as a dental technician.
The new job exceeded Emilys wildest expectations. She loved it, earned well, and soon they bought a spacious flat on mortgage. Then came the luxury car. Management quickly noticed her hard work, and before long, she was deputy director.
Success left its mark. Emily grew a little haughty, especially around Jamess family. They lived so much better than his sister, Lucy.
«Em, come on, were going to be late,» James urged as they got ready for Lucys birthday. «And pleasetry to be nice. I just want today to go smoothly.»
Emily nodded. She fully intended to be on her best behaviour. James fidgetedshe always took ages to get ready. Meanwhile, Emily applied her makeup with slow precision, dreading the visit.
*Everything about them is so mediocre. Dull. No charm at all,* she thought, studying her reflection. *Basic salads, cheap snacks, no smoked salmon, no decent wine. And that two-bed flatwallpaper peeling, threadbare sofa. Three kids and a greengrocers shop that barely makes ends meet.*
Finally, she emergedflawless in an elegant dress. James and Oliver jumped up from the sofa.
«About time.»
The walk-up to Lucys fifth-floor flat soured Emilys mood further. The cramped hallway, the noisy kids, Lucy in her faded jeans and checked shirt
*Couldnt even dress up for her own birthday.*
She handed Lucy an expensive bottle of perfume.
«Thank you, Em. You always know just what to pick.»
Emily scanned the roomsame shabby furniture, same tired wallpaper. Lucys husband, Simon, smirked at her. Shed never liked him.
«Hows work, Em? Nearly CEO yet?»
«Going fine,» she forced a smile. «Busy night for you.»
«Lucys got plenty of friends.» His gaze lingered on his wife, warm with affection.
The evening passed without incident. Back home, Emily and James lounged on their designer sofa, sipping Spanish wine.
«Not so bad, was it?» James said.
«It was tolerable. We dont like each otherlets leave it at that,» she replied, swirling her glass.
James dropped it.
The next morning, Emily had a salon appointment. «You and Ollie can manage, cant you? The fridge is nearly emptytake him out for lunch.»
«Did you even ask us before booking?» James sighed. «Fine. Well figure it out.»
Then came the layoffs. Rumours swirled that Emily would replace their departing director.
«Em, its got to be you,» a colleague said over coffee.
«No ones said anything yet.»
Then the call came. The CEOs tone was polite but blunt.
«Emily, youre an exceptional professional. But were restructuringyour positions been cut.»
She left in a daze. Back home, she collapsed onto the sofa and cried.
James tried to comfort her. «Youll find something else.»
«With my salary? Dont be naive.»
«Youre brilliant. Itll work out.»
But job offers never came. A month passed. Pride withered.
«James, we need to tighten our belts,» she admitted one evening. «No more restaurants.»
«I prefer home cooking anyway. Youll learn.»
Then, a callan interview. The hiring manager, crisp in a tailored suit, eyed her skeptically.
«Impressive experience. But no plans for more children?»
She bristled. «Is that relevant?»
He offered half her old salary. She walked out.
Winter dragged on. The Mercedes was sold.
One day, Lucy called.
«Em, can we talk? Ive got a proposal.»
Over coffee, Lucy laid it out: Simon was starting a tiling business. She couldnt run the shop alone.
«Come work with me.»
Emily stared. *Sell potatoes?*
She vented to James later. «How dare she? Its humiliating!»
He snapped. «Enough. Stop wallowing. Lucys trying to help. Youre not above honest work.»
Silence hung for days. Then, when James came home, Emily met him at the door.
«Ill do it. I start tomorrow.»
The first month was agonyrough hands, rude customers. But she adapted.
Then Lucy broke her leg. Emily took overdriving the van, hauling stock, keeping the shop afloat. They renovated, invested, revamped the business.
Now, standing in her checked shirt and trainers, Emily smiled at her reflection. No Mercedes, no monthly salon tripsbut life was good. They were even planning a second shop.
Sometimes, life forces a change of plans. And sometimes, thats exactly what you need.
