Victor says firmly two weeks after the funeral, I think Alice should stay with us.
Emily has been living with them ever since they arranged a temporary guardianship before her friend left the country. The firm tone Victor uses irritates Jane.
This is because shes your daughter, isnt it? Jane shouts, Admit it! I cant bear this any longer!
What are you bearing, Jane? Victor asks, bewildered.
Jane and Mary have known each other since they were babies. Their mothers shared a hospital ward, and later they discovered they grew up on adjoining streets, playing in the same park.
Naturally, the girls became close, attended the same nursery, went to the same primary school, and later enrolled at the same university. They look alike and share similar temperaments, though Mary is a bit more assertive and Jane is, as her mother says, overly sweethearted.
They hardly argue and never keep secrets; instead, they support each other through tough times.
It’s wonderful you have a friend like her, Marys mother sighs. Shell be like a sister to you.
Such friendships are priceless, Janes mother replies. Make sure you keep them.
They cherish their bond. When Pauline arrives at university, they dont instantly welcome her into their little circle. Yet she proves relentless, tailgating them everywhere, and eventually the three become inseparable.
Without Pauline, Mary and Jane chat more often, which makes Pauline feel left out. For a while Pauline drifts away when Mary marries and moves away, but she soon 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 conception eludes them.
Three years into their marriage, Mary suddenly announces shes pregnant. She refuses to name the father, though Jane suspects its Daniel, a man Mary dated for a year who vanished after a fight.
Ill manage on my own! Mary declares proudly. Its a shame my mother wont see her granddaughter, but I have enough pounds for the baby and a nanny.
Of course, Mary, well help you, Jane says sincerely, delighted for her friend.
Pauline rolls her eyes, constantly reminding them that a child needs a father and that such responsibility is huge. Thats something Ill only do with my husband, she quips.
Jane and Mary exchange amused glancesPauline is a bit of a nag, but what can they do?
Jane becomes Alices godmother. The little girl frequently visits Victor and Jane, and Victor enjoys looking after her. For a while the couple even forgets their own fertility woes.
Six years after Alices birth, Mary meets the man of her dreamsAndrew, who is intelligent, handsome, kind, and caring.
Only fate wont let us be together, Mary sighs.
Why not? Jane asks, startled.
Probably hes married, Pauline snarks. Or his mothers a hawkeyed eagle.
No, thats not it! Mary defends him. Andrew was married, but they split long ago. He has no children and hardly keeps in touch. Elizabeth, his mother, is genuinely lovely.
What now? Jane presses.
Hes heading abroad on a crucial work assignment, Mary says regretfully.
Great, youve lost a fiancé, Pauline sneers.
Jane shoots her a reproachful look and makes a sour face.
Doesnt he want you to come with him? she asks Mary.
He does, but we cant take Alice with us. Shed have to start school there, and she doesnt speak the language. She knows nothing. Besides, Andrew understands me and never presses me, but hes clearly upset.
Will you trade your daughter for a man? Pauline retorts.
No, Mary sighs, exhausted.
The next day Jane sits down with Victor to discuss taking Alice in.
You cant let Mary miss this chance, she explains. Alice feels like family to us.
I get it, I get it, Victor chuckles. Im fine with it. Is Mary on board?
Im not sure yet, Jane admits, then adds, Youre still the best husband in the world, and squeezes his hand.
Mary initially balks at the proposal, hesitates, but eventually agrees.
Ill send you money, she assures Jane.
Dont be ridiculous, Jane replies with a laugh.
They part with tears, promising daily video calls. Alice quickly adjusts to living with her godmother, knowing her mother will visit soon.
During one of those calls, Pauline drops by, wine in hand, complaining about a new lover who refuses to formalise the relationship or think about having at least two children.
You treat her like a sack of potatoes, helping her, and she just mocks you, Pauline slurs, a little tipsy.
What are you talking about? Jane asks, genuinely puzzled.
About Mary. Shes my friend, but shes cunning, a troublemaker.
Pauline, either speak clearly or shut up.
Fine! Marys husbands child is yours, so Victor doesnt mind the girl living with us. Why would he want a strangers child in his house?
Did you have a couple of glasses before you showed up, or are you just drunk on two? Jane snaps.
Whatever, I could leave now, but that doesnt change the truth! Pauline declares, standing and marching toward the door.
Victor, tucking Alice into bed, wonders why his friend left so quickly.
There have never been secrets between them, so Jane tells Victor everything.
Some people need to drink less, Victor shrugs. Honestly, Pauline has always been the third wheeljealous and shortsighted. I still dont get how you became friends.
Its the first time Victor openly criticises Pauline, and Jane believes him, though a tiny seed of doubt sprouts. She recalls how many times Victor met Mary without her. He always welcomed Paulines visits, fussed over Alice, and now his mood shifts whenever Jane watches.
Mary notices Janes changed demeanor, though Jane tries to act normal. Yet Paulines accusations give Jane no solid proofjust words.
Ive already told you everything! Open your eyes and youll see! Pauline snaps, ending the conversation.
Jane starts watching Alice more closely, noticing the childs laugh, the way she holds a spoon, the love of chocolateeyed nutsall reminiscent of Victor. She even sees a flicker of his eyes in Alices.
The suspicion gnaws at her, and she increasingly watches the interaction between her goddaughter and husband with unease. Their petty arguments grow; Victor cant understand why. He even suggests she see a doctor.
They go three days without speaking. Then tragedy strikes: Mary and Andrew are involved in a car crash. Andrew suffers severe injuries, and Mary dies instantly.
Victor and Jane pour a fortune of pounds and nerves into arranging a proper burial back in England. In those dark days, Jane forgets her doubts, but they return once the grief eases.
Victor repeats, I think Alice should stay with us, two weeks after the funeral.
Alice has continued living with them, the temporary guardianship set to end in a month, forcing a decision. Victors firm tone again angers Jane.
Is this because shes your daughter? she shouts. Admit it! I cant stand this any longer!
What are you bearing, Jane? Victor asks, bewildered. Did you believe that that Pauline? I thought you were sensible and had moved past that nonsense!
No, what are you even talking about? There was never anything between Mary and me, and it couldnt have been!
Youll have to prove it, Jane snaps, teeth clenched. Ill decide only after a DNA test.
Victor, clearly still caring, agrees to the test, which confirms he isnt Alices biological father.
The shame never leaves Jane, but at least she doesnt hurl accusations at Marys memory. She still feels she must mentally apologise to her late friend for the rest of her days.
Alice remains with them. Jane cuts off all contact with Pauline, voicing every grievance bluntly. Victor pretends nothing happened, as why dwell on the past when his wife is finally pregnant?
