Come and stay a while, Victoria had said, then turned on her heel and shouted, Get out of my house this instant! Her voice rang like a brass band at a village fête, and she stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, eyes blazing.
What’s gotten into you? Lily asked, puzzled, looking at her sister. You invited me, you asked me to crash at yours while
Ive changed my mind! Victoria snapped. Pack your bag and be off!
Lily glanced helplessly at the suitcase by the sofa. Shed only arrived three hours earlier and hadnt even managed to unpack properly.
Victoria, at least tell me whats happened, Lily tried to keep her tone steady, but her voice trembled like a nervous cat.
Nothing. I just dont need you here. Victoria sighed. I thought I could handle your presence, but I cant. Ill call a cab for you, fine.
Lily shuffled to the couch, grabbed her bag, and felt a lump rise in her throat. The sisters hadnt seen each other since their mothers funeral nearly two years ago. One moment there had been a warm invitation, the next a cold eviction without any explanation.
Ill be quick, Lily whispered, fighting back tears.
Victoria drummed her fingers against the doorframe, watching Lily pull out the few items she could manage. Her face was a mask, the only giveaway a twitch at the corner of her mouth.
Lily halted at the threshold, studied her sister. They shared the same hazel eyes, the same high cheekbones, the same stubborn chin. Yet Victoria now seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, Lily said, stepping out.
Goodbye, Victoria echoed, slamming the door.
Lilys descent down the stairs was accompanied by fragments of the last phone call theyd had a week before.
Lily dear, swing by, Victorias voice had sounded unusually soft. Stay with me while your flat gets renovated. Its high time we patched things up, dont you think?
Are you sure? Lily had asked cautiously. After everything thats happened
Dont be daft! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to bury the hatchet. Come over Saturday, Ill be waiting.
So here Lily stood on the street, suitcase in hand, trying to make sense of three hours that had turned her sisters mood upside down. Victoria had greeted her with tea and biscuits, asked about her life, then ducked into another room to answer a call and returned looking like a different person.
Her phone buzzed: Your cab will be there in seven minutes. Wait by the entrance. Lily sighed, stepped out into a chilly drizzle, set her bag down, and pulled out her phone. She needed a plan, fast.
The only sensible option was Paul a former schoolmate theyd been texting lately. He lived alone in a twobed flat and would likely let her crash for a couple of days.
Hello, Paul? Lily said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a pickle
Paul listened, then without a hitch gave her his address. Dont worry, Ill be waiting, he said, his calm tone a tiny lifeline.
In the cab Lily finally let the tears flow. She felt a hot sting of betrayal. What had she done to deserve this? Had the old fight over the family house run so deep that Victoria could no longer stand a few hours under the same roof?
She recalled the argument after their mothers death. Victoria wanted to sell the family flat and split the proceeds; Lily insisted on keeping it because every brick held a memory. In the end Lily bought Victorias share, went into debt, and held onto the house. Perhaps the resentment still festered.
The cab pulled up outside Pauls building. Lily paid and stepped out. He was already there, a warm smile on his face.
Dont make that sour face, he joked, taking her bag. Well sort this out.
Inside, Paul brewed tea, fetched biscuits, and listened as Lily recounted the drama.
It feels odd, doesnt it? Paul mused. Victoria didnt just invite you for a cuppa. Something else must be going on.
Nothing special, Lily shrugged. We chatted, she talked about her job and a recent trip to the coast. Then she got a call, vanished into the other room, and came back all angry.
What was that call about? Paul asked.
Lily thought. She was whispering, but when she returned she started asking how long Id stay, even though wed agreed on a couple of weeks while the renovation finished.
Whos doing the work? Paul pressed.
The crew Victoria recommended apparently friends of her exhusband, cheap and competent, Lily said with a wry smile. I never actually saw them in action.
Paul frowned. Did you ever check on the progress?
No, I trusted them. I have the keys but havent been inside for a week.
Lets pop over now, Paul suggested. Ive got a bad feeling.
Its late Lily hesitated.
Exactly why we go now. If everythings fine well go back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later they were pulling up to Lilys flat. She was nervous all the way, though she couldnt pinpoint why. What could have happened to her flat?
She climbed the stairs, hearing muffled voices and the scrape of furniture. Someones in there, she whispered, freezing.
Paul took the keys, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. Boxes and bags cluttered the hallway. In the living room, amid chaos, Victoria was lecturing two burly movers who were lugging a wardrobe.
What on earth? Lily gasped, eyes wide.
Victoria jumped, surprise flickering to irritation. Lily? What are you doing here?
Its my question! Lily snapped, crossing her arms just as she had done hours before.
Victoria tried to compose herself. I can explain
I hope so, Lily replied, mirroring her sisters earlier stance.
Victoria glanced at the movers, who hesitated. Guys, a break, please, she said, and they shuffled out, relieved.
Im waiting, Lily reminded.
Victoria sighed heavily and sank onto the sofa. Im divorcing Ian. He threw me out of our place, and I have nowhere to go. I thought I could stay here until I sort something out.
So you lured me out, made up the renovation story, and then moved in yourself? Lilys voice trembled with disbelief.
Not exactly, Victoria said, averting her gaze. At first I really wanted to make peace, thought we could live together for a while and patch things up. Then I realised I couldnt. Too much history between us.
So you basically stole my flat? Lilys hands shook.
Id have explained later! Victoria raised her voice. I just have nowhere else to be. I thought your friends, the workers, could let me crash here
What workers? Lily demanded. Theres no renovation!
Yes, I fabricated that, Victoria admitted, a grimace forming. I hoped youd agree to let me stay, but youre as stubborn as ever.
Im stubborn? Lily huffed. Youre the one manipulating your own sister, trying to evict me from my home! Whats happened to you, Victoria?
Victoria leapt up, fury contorting her features. Whats happened to me? Youve always been Mums favourite, everythings come easy for you! And now you want the flat too If wed sold it years ago I could have bought my own place and not been dependent on Ian all this time!
So thats why youre angry, Lily said softly. You still havent forgiven me for fighting to keep Mums house. I did buy you out, even if it took a while.
Its not about the money! Victoria shouted. Its that you never cared about my feelings! You only thought of yourself!
Thats not true, Lily shook her head. Ive always looked out for you, even now. Im giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Victoria asked warily.
You have two choices. Either you pack up and leave this flat right now, or I call the police and file a report for illegal entry.
Paul, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. Lily, maybe theres a middle ground? Youre sisters, after all
No, Lily replied firmly. No compromises. Im done with the games. Victoria, you decide: leave or face the police.
Victoria stared at her, hatred in her eyes, but Lilys resolve made her falter.
Fine. Ill go, Victoria said, gathering her belongings. Dont think this is over.
An hour later she slammed the door shut. Lily collapsed onto the sofa, drained and hollow.
Want me to stay? Paul asked gently, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, Lily replied. I could use some company.
Of course, he said, taking her hand. I think Victorias going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse what she did, but it explains a bit.
Possibly, Lily sighed. Im just tired of the endless arguing. She always acts like Ive had it easy, but thats not the case.
She fell silent, gathering her thoughts.
When Mum died, it was a nightmare for me. We were close, but instead of supporting each other we drifted apart. She pushed to sell the flat as if it were just bricks, but for me it was the last thread tying me to Mum.
I get that, Paul said, squeezing her hand. Grief shows up in strange ways. Maybe for Victoria its a way to avoid the painful memories.
Maybe, Lily agreed. But deceiving me, kicking me out Thats too much. I dont know if I can forgive her now.
Give yourself time, Paul advised. And give her some too. When the anger cools, perhaps youll both be able to talk calmly.
Perhaps, Lily murmured. First I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat in quiet, the evening deepening outside. The flat, still echoing with Victorias brief presence, grew quieter. Lily realised how bizarre life could turn a sister once a confidante now almost an enemy, while a former classmate proved more reliable than blood.
Thanks, Lily finally said, breaking the silence. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Actually, I was thinking maybe we could go to the cinema this weekend? Or just have a stroll in the park?
Lilys face lit up. Id love that.
A week later Lilys phone rang. It was Victoria. Her thumb hovered over the hangup button, but she answered.
Hello? Victorias voice sounded unsteady. Lily, we need to talk.
What about? Lily asked coolly.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Lily paused, unsure how to reply.
Im in a tough spot, Victoria continued, but that doesnt excuse my behaviour. I shouldnt have treated you like that.
I agree I shouldnt have, Lily said.
I know youre angry, and youve every right to be, Victorias voice trembled. I just hope one day you can forgive me. We are sisters, after all.
Lily inhaled deeply. I dont know, Victoria. I need time.
Of course, Victoria replied quickly. Take all the time you need. Just know I truly regret it.
After the call Lily stared out the window, pondering. Despite all her faults, Victoria was still her only remaining family after Mums passing. Perhaps, with time, forgiveness would be possible. Not now. She needed to heal her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Paul: How about a walk in the park tomorrow? Supposed to be fine weather.
Lily smiled and typed back, Sounds perfect.
Life went on, despite the chaos. Who knows maybe someday she and Victoria will rebuild what was broken. For now, the priority was to cherish those who truly stood by her in the storm and to let go of toxic ties, even when they were bound by blood.
One day the sisters will have that longoverdue chat. Until then Lily kept moving forward, learning to trust, to be happy again, and to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
