Hey love, grab a cuppa and settle in Ive got a story for you.
Alright, love, this is your new room now. Make yourself at home, Simon said, handing over the keys.
Emily shuffled in, taking a few tentative steps. The room was sleek: a double bed with a ridiculous, fluffy duvet, a desk with a laptop perched on it, a wardrobe with mirrored doors, and a rectangular rug with a crisp geometric pattern right next to it. Everything was designer, pricey, and nothing like the cramped bedroom shed grown up in.
Simon wheeled in two large suitcases full of Emilys stuff and set them by the wardrobe.
Do you want to unpack yourself? he asked.
Of course she did. She wasnt about to let him think shed ask for help, or worse, that her mum would do it.
Claire breezed in, balancing a tall potted plant with long, narrow leaves, and set it on the windowsill.
Thought itd look nice here, she said with a bright smile, giving Emily a onceover. Emily just stood there, shoulders stiff, eyes down.
Come on, Simon, Claire whispered, nudging him toward the door.
Emily slipped her hand onto his shoulder and guided him out.
Settle in, she murmured as she gently closed the door behind him.
Settle in, Emily repeated in her head, the words tasting bitter. She felt a hollow ache, a sense of being out of place. She dropped onto the bed, turned toward the wall, curled up with her knees to her chest, and shut her eyes.
Mom, why? We were always together, and now youve left me. Why didnt you go straight to the hospital? Why did it have to end like this? she thought, tears welling up.
For the past ten years Emily had been a total mums girl. After her dad left, she barely saw him, and the evenings with her mother cosy TV nights, the smell of fresh baking, mugs of tea lived only in memory. Now she was forced to live with people who werent her family. Simon barely called her daughter that word felt alien and awkward, and even saying dad out loud was a struggle. She kept flipping through thoughts about him and his new wife.
Emily had always imagined that a wealthy man, after a divorce, would marry a glamorous model with perfect lips, someone whod be a proper fit for her. But Claire, though younger than Simon, was plainlooking: short, bob haircut, and she ran her own little legal firm. Smart, efficient, a bit businesslike nothing like Emilys mother. The house used to smell of fresh pies and roast dinners; now Claire often ordered takeaway.
Did she decorate this place for me? Most likely, not Simon. She does have decent taste, anyway, Emily mused, running her fingers over the soft, longpile duvet. Shed never had anything like that before.
At her new school, Emily quickly made friends. The kids liked her, mainly because of her dads money and her striking looks. The girls decided it was easier to be pals than rivals. Before, shed only hung out with a handful of classmates, and her mum had been her closest confidante. Now this new crowd clicked with her, they understood her, and she finally felt needed. For the first time she got attention from boys, and she was secretly thrilled.
At first she was miserable, given the circumstances, and the class labelled her a sort of halforphan, forced to live with a stepmom she didnt like. Emily liked that label and kept up the act, feeding the narrative.
She didnt hear one day when a classmate whispered to the boys, Why is she always talking about her stepmum? My mums friend works for her and says shes a decent lady.
When Emily finally got home late one night, Simon said, Sweetheart, I know you want to spend time with friends, so I didnt call. But Id like you not to stay out so late again. Deal?
She offered no reply and slipped into her room.
The next time they planned a night out, Emily turned her phone off. At home, Simons face said nothing good.
If it happens again, Ill have to act, he warned.
Emily shot him a quick, angry glance and strutted into her room. Claire was sitting on the bed, and as soon as Emily entered, Claire sprang up.
Wanted to have a word with you, she said.
Emily stayed silent, her expression saying, What now?. Claire flustered, losing a chunk of her resolve.
Emily, hes worried about you, she tried.
Im almost sixteen! Emily snapped.
Still, she started coming home on time, not to piss off Simon. Shed planned a sweet sixteenth birthday party with friends. Her older brothers friend had offered them a flat for the celebration. Emily was dating a boy she liked a lot and dreamed of a quiet moment with him.
One evening Simon announced, Emily, Claire booked a table for tomorrow. Lets celebrate your birthday. You can invite your friends if you like.
What? A restaurant? With you two? I was going to party with my mates! Emily protested.
And when were you going to tell us? Simon asked.
I dont know, maybe tomorrow, she muttered.
So, on the day itself. Got it. If you want friends, you can have them over here. Claire will sort the food.
Emilys stomach dropped. Everything was already arranged. Maxs brothers flat was sorted, the booze was there, everyone was buzzing for a proper night. The idea of a quiet birthday with friends at home felt ridiculous. She left for school, thinking shed figure something out.
Later, the hallway lit up with a harsh glare. An enraged Simon stood in front of Emily.
What do you think youre doing? he roared, stepping closer. He caught the smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke on her.
What do you think youre doing, I ask! he snarled, raising his hand as if to strike her cheek.
Simon! Claire shouted from behind.
Emily looked up, and they saw Claires desperate, tearstreaked face, mascara smeared from crying.
Claire gently pushed Simon aside, took Emilys shoulders, and led her to the bedroom.
Quick, did anyone hurt you? Did something happen? she whispered.
Emily shook her head. No, Im fine.
Ill talk to Simon. What do you need now?
Just a drink, Emily muttered.
Claire told Simon everything was okay, while he hovered nervously at the door. When Claire returned, Emily was already fast asleep, still dressed.
Did you smell the alcohol on her? Simon asked, his voice trembling as Claire tried to discuss the daughter with him.
Of course. Remember when you were sixteen? she replied, halflaughing.
…Shes just a girl, he muttered.
Think about your peers, Emilys not stupid. But right now her friends matter more than us. Give her space. Her world flipped in a snap; maybe that helps her get through it.
Get through what? She has everything food, clothes, a roof. Ill grant any whim she has! Simon protested.
Simon! Stop pretending you dont get it! She lost her mum. All she craves now is love and attention, and shes finding it in that crowd. Something went wrong today, maybe a fight?
I dont know, Simon sighed, slumping his shoulders. I never thought itd be this hard.
Claire, suddenly cheerful, hugged Simon and kissed his forehead. Well sort it together.
The next morning Claire knocked on Emilys door. She was awake, eyes wide.
Howre you feeling? Head hurting?
Claire pulled back the curtains and handed Emily a glass of water.
Emily gulped it down. Why did you look after me yesterday?
Because I was sixteen once too. Happy birthday, by the way, Claire said, shrugging.
Emily fell silent. Do you hate me?
You left dad, she replied.
Dad didnt leave because of you. We met a year after, Claire said.
Exactly! What if he came back?
Claire sighed. Its never that simple, Emily. People often cant reconnect after a split. Why? Because adults have their own issues. Your mum was wonderful, you know that.
Emily pulled her hand away when Claire tried to hold it. Adults have problems. Some cant fix them, and they part ways. No ones solely to blame.
So whats my fault? He didnt care about me!
Thats not true. He tried to make sure you never needed anything. He kept up with your life.
He didnt want to see me!
He wanted to, but thought youd be better off with your mum.
Claire didnt go into the details of how Emilys mother had asked her exhusband not to get involved when she married Simon, fearing hed take too much of her daughters time. She just said, He loves you, but youre growing up now.
Claire placed her hand on Emilys shoulder. If the boy you liked shows up at your birthday with another girl and dumps you, does that make him the only one at fault?
Emily thought. He said Im overthinking.
Claire laughed. See? Its not all black and white.
Suddenly Emily wanted a hug, to be a little kid again, to have someone swoop in and fix everything. Claire seemed to sense that and pulled her close.
EmilyEmily, I cant replace your mum, but Id love to be a friend. I was sixteen once, fell for a guy a year older, only to find out he was seeing someone else too, Claire confessed.
What a jerk! What did you do?
We both dumped him.
And your fault?
I was too focused on school.
They both burst out laughing, the tension lifting.
Lets go shopping today. You can use some of dads money, and Ill help, Claire suggested.
Emily smiled, still a bit unsure. All right. I talked to him yesterday. He said we could pick any gift. Shall we go?
The two chatted excitedly about their haul, when suddenly the car they were in lurched, skidded, and a deafening screech of brakes filled the air. Another softer thump followed, like someone had knocked hard on the cars side, then everything went quiet.
Dad! Dad, were at the hospital! a voice shouted.
Half an hour later Emily spotted Simon at the end of a hospital corridor, waving.
Emily! he called, rushing to her.
Are you okay? Any cuts? he asked, holding her shoulders, inspecting her bruises.
It hurts? Emily asked weakly.
Dont worry, love, youre fine, Simon whispered, his eyes wide with fear.
What about Claire? he asked, panicked.
Shes in a different ward. The crash hit her side. Some idiot popped out of nowhere. Shes alive, dad! Emily managed to say.
Simon pulled her close, shaking. She rested her head on his shoulder.
Im sorry about yesterday, she whispered.
He stroked her back uncertainly. Its alright. Lets forget it, okay?
Emily nodded. A doctor appeared.
Are you his wife? the doctor asked.
Yes, Simon replied, stepping back. Whats wrong with her?
Severe bruising and shock. The airbag did its job. Shell be fine. The important thing is the child is unharmed.
The child? Simon stared at Emily, confused. What child?
The doctor smiled faintly and left. Simon muttered, I cant believe Im not seeing my kid hurt, then wrapped his arm around Emily again.
Dad, didnt you get the memo? Im going to have a sibling soon! Emily joked, rolling her eyes.
And thats where we are. Hope you liked the saga its a proper rollercoaster, innit? Take care, love.
