I’m pregnant with your husbands child, declared the best mate at the hendo.
You’ve lost your mind! That dress costs as much as a secondhand car! Irene stared at her friend, eyes wide, unable to swallow the price tag.
No, youre the one who’s gone mad if you think Ill marry anything that wont make James forget how to breathe! Poppy twirled in front of the mirror, clutching the opulent train. A wedding only happens once!
Id love to be hopeful, Irene muttered, eyeing the dresss price. But seriously, Poppy, why splurge like that? James loves you, not your gown.
Poppy froze, her expression turning solemn.
You know, when your parents go, you realise how precious moments are. I want the day to be flawless, so Mum and Dad, watching from above, can feel proud.
Irenes tone softened; shed recalled Poppys parents were killed in a car crash three years ago, and since then the bridetobe had learned to mask grief with smiles and feigned carefree chatter.
Im sorry, Irene said, wrapping an arm around Poppy, careful not to crumple the pricey dress. If this is the dress you need, then its worth every penny.
Funny thing, Poppy said, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. James suggested we dip into our travel fund. He claimed Venice isnt going anywhere, and the groom only gets one perfect dress.
Irene smiled, thinking of James tall, impeccably put together, with kind eyes and a slightly shy grin. The pair were a perfect match: she bright, impulsive; he steady, sensible.
Im over the moon, Poppy whispered as the shop assistant left to fetch a veil. Sometimes its hard to believe. James is the best thing thats ever happened to me.
After me, of course, teased Irene, prompting a giggle from Poppy.
Naturally! By the way, shall we iron out the hendo plans? Only two weeks to go.
Everythings set, assured Irene, whod taken charge of the celebration as maid of honour. A cosy countryside cottage, pool, sauna, karaoke and your seven best friends. No strippers, just as you wanted.
Thats perfect, Poppy winked. Id feel sorry for Jen if she missed out; she still cant see a white light after her divorce.
Ive got a special surprise for Jen, replied Irene with a grin.
The saleswoman returned with a fan of lace veils, and the conversation drifted to length, style, and fastening.
Irene drove home, exhausted but pleased. The dress and accessories were finally chosen; the weddings final touches remained. She allowed herself a hot bath, dreaming of the upcoming weekend hendo.
A message pinged as she stepped out. Anna, another guest, wrote she couldnt make it her son had spiked a fever.
What a pity, Irene murmured, sending wellwishes. Instinct told her this wouldnt be the last cancellation. It wasnt later Svetlana called, apologising she couldnt get off work.
Dont stress, Irene soothed. The important thing is well all be at the wedding.
By Friday evening, Irenes Jeep, packed with snacks and drinks, rolled out of town. Of the seven invited friends, only four remained: Irene, Jen, Claire and Victoria. Poppy wasnt upset at all.
Fewer people, more oxygen, she declared from the front seat beside Irene. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls cheered. Jen, the newly single friend for whom Irene had a special surprise, already popped a bottle of bubbly and ladled it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she shouted. To the most beautiful, happiest, luckiest lady!
And to the amazing groom! added Claire, who worked with James at the construction firm. Any woman would be lucky with a bloke like him.
Ive been unlucky, sighed Jen. My ex turned out to be a total scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Irene replied gently. James isnt one of them.
Absolutely, Poppy agreed. Sometimes I feel I dont deserve him. Yesterday he came home, cooked dinner, lit candles, opened a bottle of wine and said, Youve been working so hard on the wedding, I want you to relax today.
Now thats a man, Victoria said with a hint of envy. Mine never even managed to fry an egg in three years.
The chat turned to the usual menandtheirflaws debate, and when the Jeep pulled up to a modest twostorey lakeside cottage, the champagne was gone but spirits were high.
The rented cottage was spacious and homely: a large openplan kitchenliving area opening onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool, three bedrooms upstairs and a bathroom with a sauna.
Incredible! Poppy exclaimed, taking in the place. Youve outdone yourself, love!
Irene smiled proudly. Shed spent almost a month hunting the perfect spot: scenic countryside, water, room for a BBQ and total privacy.
Evening began with dinner prep chopping salads, grilling meat, roasting potatoes. Jen, to Irenes surprise, was unusually quiet, glued to her phone and barely joining the chatter.
Something wrong? Irene asked softly as the others moved to the terrace for the table.
Jen flinched, then answered:
No, just tired. Works chaotic and the little ones being a nightmare.
If you need to talk, Im here, Irene said, squeezing Jens hand, earning a faint smile.
As the night wore on, the terrace buzzed with laughter, more champagne, and stories from university days. Poppy, flushed from wine and attention, beamed.
Remember how we first met? she asked, scanning the group. Freshers, the dorm, I walked in and there was Irene with a guitar, Claire with a massive teddy bear
And I had three suitcases of clothes! Jen laughed. We thought you were some posh girl.
Turns out you were just a shopaholic, Irene added.
Thanks to Jens wardrobe, we always turned up on dates in something new, Claire chimed. Remember our clothingswap system?
The night rolled on with more memories, jokes and wellwishes. When it grew chilly, they moved inside, put on some tunes and Claire pulled out a deck of cards, suggesting a game of Truth or Dare.
How about Never Have I Ever instead? Poppy suggested. Like the good old times.
The game started lightheartedly. Never have I kissed a girl Claire and Victoria took a sip, laughing. Never have I shoplifted Jen confessed to a childhood gumsnatching escapade. Never have I dreamed of a wedding even Irene, who claimed she never wanted a passport stamp, took a gulp.
As the bottles emptied, the questions got sharper: Never have I had sex in a public place, Never have I lied to my best friend, Never have I cheated
On the final prompt, Jen burst into tears. Her mascara ran down her cheeks.
Jen, whats happening? Poppy asked, sitting beside her. Its just a game!
Im sorry, Jen sobbed. I cant keep it in
Maybe you should stop drinking? Victoria suggested gently, reaching for Jens glass.
No! Jen snapped, pushing the glass away. I have to say it, I cant hold it any longer!
A heavy silence fell. Even the music seemed to dim.
Poppy, Jen lifted her tearstreaked face. I Im pregnant with James. With your fiancé.
The room went utterly still. Poppys mouth hung open, unable to process. Victoria and Claire stared in shock; Irene felt a chill run down her spine.
What rubbish is that? Poppy finally managed. Youre drunk. Or youve lost your mind.
Its true, Jen wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It happened a month and a half ago when you were away in Brighton. I came over to drop off the visa paperwork you asked for. James was home alone
Shut up! Poppy leapt up, sending a splash of red wine across the light carpet like blood. Dont you dare keep spouting this filthy lie!
Im not lying, Jen pulled out her phone, scrolled, and handed the device to Poppy. Look. The test and the messages with James.
Poppy recoiled, as if a snake had struck.
I dont believe you, she whispered, though doubt already crept in. Hed never
He said you two were sleeping in separate rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you were planning to split Jen continued, voice shaking. He told me all that.
No! Poppy shouted. Our marriage is perfect! We love each other!
Then why did he do it? Jen asked bitterly. Why say hes always wanted me, that Im special
She paused, and Poppy smacked her across the face. Jen screamed, clutching her cheek.
Stop! Irene stepped between them. Calm down, both of you!
Calm down? Poppy turned to Irene, eyes wet. My best friend just told me shes pregnant with my fiancé! How the hell am I supposed to calm down?!
Lets sort this out, Irene tried to keep her voice even, though her heart hammered. Jen, are you sure youre pregnant? And that its Jamess?
Yes, Jen whispered. The test is positive, and I havent been with anyone since the divorce.
Have you considered talking to James instead of causing a scene at the hendo? Victoria, who had been silent, asked.
I tried, Jen said, head bowed. He told me it was my fault, that I was lying, that he only loves Poppy but he said other things to me.
Poppy, suddenly composed, snatched Jens phone and began scrolling through the messages. With each swipe her face grew paler.
Theres nothing here, she finally said. Just Hey, hows it going? and When are you coming over? No mention of pregnancy.
He called, Jen said softly. He didnt want to type it.
Convenient, Kat muttered.
Poppy kept scrolling, then froze on a photo. It showed a woman halfclothed on a bed a bedroom Poppy recognised as hers and Jamess.
When was this taken? Poppy asked, voice flat.
The day you left for Brighton, Jen answered. 15 April.
Poppy closed her eyes, trying to steady her racing pulse.
I didnt go to Brighton on the 15th, she said. My aunt had a heart attack, we cancelled the trip, and James and I stayed home watching movies all night.
Jens face fell.
But how could he
Did you even believe him? Victoria said, shaking her head. Or are you making this up now?
No! Jen exploded. Im not lying! He came to my flat, proof enough! She thrust the photo again.
Poppy examined it closely, then burst into a nervous laugh.
Oh my God, she wiped tears of both grief and nerves. This isnt our bedroom. Thats your own flat. I recognise that ridiculous swanpainting on the wall you brought it from your parents house.
Jen stared at the picture, bewildered.
But
And look at the date, Poppy continued, pointing. It says 15.02, not 15.04.
A heavy silence settled. Jen sank onto the sofa, shoulders slumped.
So what? Irene asked gently. Are you lying to us?
I Jen covered her face with her hands. Im not lying about the pregnancy. The test is real.
But the father isnt James, is it? Poppy whispered.
Jen stayed quiet, then barely spoke:
I dont know who the father is. Ive been with a few men since the divorce. When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. Nobody wanted anything serious. Then I saw how caring James was, how much he loves you, how ready he is to start a family
You decided James would be a good dad and lied to wreck our lives, Victoria finished for her. Thats cruel.
Youre a terrible friend, Poppy muttered, voice tinged with hurt. I thought you were my best mate.
I was desperate, Jen admitted, head in her hands. After the divorce I was alone with a child, now a pregnancy I didnt know what to do.
Irene sighed heavily:
You could have asked for help. We would have been there. But now
Poppy gathered her things in silence.
Where are you going? Irene asked, eyes worried. Its late, you should stay till morning.
I cant be here, Poppy said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Ill come with you, Irene replied firmly. I wont let you leave alone.
Jen stayed seated, head bowed:
Poppy, Im sorry. Im jealous of your happiness Forgive me.
Poppy stopped at the doorway, turned slowly:
Youve just shattered not only our friendship but also my faith in people. I dont know if Ill ever be able to forgive you.
In the taxi racing along the nightlit motorway, Poppy sat in quiet, watching the lights blur past. Irene kept her company, understanding her friend needed space.
You know whats the worst part? Poppy finally said. For a moment I believed you. I doubted James. I doubted us.
Its natural to question, Irene answered softly. Anyone would be shaken by what you heard.
But I shouldnt have! Poppy slammed her fist on the seat. Ive known James for four years. Hes never given me a reason to doubt him. And one accusation and I was ready to think he was a cheat.
You were just overwhelmed, Irene placed a hand on her shoulder. Its all right now. You know the truth.
Yes, Poppy grimaced. I know my best friend turned traitor, ready to ruin my happiness for her own interests.
Jen made a terrible mistake, Irene sighed. But she was desperate. Pregnant, alone, uncertain
Are you excusing her? Poppy asked, anger flaring.
No, Irene replied firmly. Im just trying to understand. Theres a difference.
They fell silent as the radio played a soft tune.
Ill call James, Poppy said, pulling out her phone.
Now? Irene glanced at the clock. Its almost two in the morning.
It doesnt matter. I need to tell him.
James answered almost instantly, as if hed been waiting.
Poppy? Is everything okay?
Hearing his worried voice, Poppy broke down, spilling everything Jens lie, her fleeting doubt, the tearful night.
Ill be there, James said simply. Come home.
When they arrived at Poppys flat, it was well past midnight. Irene asked the driver to wait; she intended to stay until they were alone.
Stay? Poppy offered. We have a spare guest room.
No, Irene shook her head. You two need to talk. Ill check in tomorrow.
Poppy hugged her:
Thanks for being here.
Always, Irene smiled. Dont let this ruin your wedding. Itll be perfect, I promise.
James waited at the door in a pair of sweatpants and a rumpled shirt, hair slightly dishevelled, eyes full of concern. He pulled Poppy into a tight embrace.
Im sorry, she whispered into his shoulder. I should never have doubted you.
Its alright, he kissed the top of her head. The important thing is youre here, together.
Irene watched from the taxi window, smiling. Despite the chaos, she was convinced their wedding would indeed be flawless, built on a love strong enough to survive any trial.
As for Jen Irene took a deep breath. Tomorrow shed call, offer genuine help, because even those who make terrible mistakes deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, carrying her away from the cottage where two loving souls had found comfort in each other. Irene thought perhaps true friendship isnt about endless support, but about telling hard truths and forgiving when possible.
But forgiveness was still far off. The wound was fresh, the pain sharp. Time would heal, leaving only scars reminders that even the fiercest storms can be weathered when you have people who truly love you.
