«Do you want my husband? He’s all yours!» my wife shouted with a grin at the unknown woman who had just turned up at our front door.
«Hold on a sec, Emily! Somebody’s at the door. I’ll call back as soon as I find out who it is and what they want,» I said, a little annoyed, ending the phone chat with my old friend. Emily had just been telling me, in vivid detail, about her motherinlaw’s birthday bash, full of jokes, and Id been laughing nonstop like I was watching a sitcom on TV.
I walked over to the door, peered through the peephole and was pretty surprised. Id expected the neighbour, because strangers dont usually get past the secure entrance of our block. Instead, there stood a strange young lady Id never seen before.
I decided not to open the door better to steer clear of strangers, especially now when there are so many scammers. I have a strict rule: no chats with unknown people. Scammers feed on naivety, but Im not one of them.
I grabbed my phone to get back to Emily, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
I was alone; my husband, James, had gone over to a mates to help with some gardening. I went back to the door, looked through the peephole once more, this time really studying the stranger.
There was something odd and a bit pitiful about her, but I didnt feel threatened.
«Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to leave? Then I can finally enjoy the weekend in peace,» I thought. «Shes probably just lost or trying to sell something.»
I acted quickly and opened the door. The woman standing in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
«Hi! Are you Kate?» she asked, fiddling with the scarf around her neck. «Of course you are why do you even ask?»
«Interesting,» I mused. «Scammers are getting more polished. She even knows my name.»
«Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt ask you in, so either tell me why youre here or go!» I said firmly.
«Is James home?» the stranger asked, catching me off guard.
«Thats something,» I thought, suspicion rising. «She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared con.»
«Are you here for James?» I asked, though I meant to say something else.
«No, I came to talk to you. But if James is home, itll make things harder for me,» she replied, sounding casual.
«Harder for you? Whats going on?» I wondered, my curiosity spiking.
«Doesnt he have what youre after?» I eventually asked.
«Maybe we should go inside. Its hard to discuss this in the hallway,» she suggested, growing more confident.
«Absolutely not! I dont know you, and I wont let strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick,» I snapped.
«Do you really want to chat about the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours?» she said with a smile.
«What? What relationship?» I exclaimed louder than I intended.
«Katherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting?» called Mrs. Smith, the neighbour, as she stepped out of the lift.
«Oh, hi Mrs. Smith! All good. Hows the weather outside?» I tried to steer the conversation away.
«Looks like rains on the way,» she replied, lingering by the door, clearly interested in the drama.
«Come in,» I said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger inside.
Inside, she started eyeing the flat, her gaze picking out various items.
«Youve got five minutes. Speak,» I told her, blocking her path to the sitting room. «This isnt a museum.»
«My names Margaret,» she began, shedding her scarf and coat. «James and I are in love.»
«How original! Couldnt you think of something less clichéd?» I retorted with a sarcastic grin.
«Whats so clichéd about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves,» Margaret replied confidently, trying to sidestep me.
«Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you?» I asked, still smiling.
«Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be standing here,» she said boldly.
«Well, my husband doesnt know love at all. Hes clueless, so youre quite off the mark, love,» I answered calmly.
«You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James actually Mr James Harper cant take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings,» Margaret claimed.
«Really? That sounds unlike him. So what do you want, Margaret?» I asked, still intrigued.
«Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy,» she declared, standing firm.
«So you want me to let my husband go, even though he hasnt mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man?» I laughed, now genuinely amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the door swung open and James walked in, looking bewildered at the stranger in the hallway.
«Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work?» he asked, confused.
«No, Im here for you,» I said, enjoying the turn of events.
«For me? What do you mean? Something at work?» he repeated, still puzzled.
«Nothing, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely,» I replied with a grin.
Margaret, flustered, quickly slipped on her coat and backed toward the door.
«Leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill happily hand him over,» I joked.
But Margaret was already at the exit.
«What was that about?» James asked, totally bewildered.
«Tell me! Why did that brazen woman turn up demanding a divorce and saying youd live with her?» I pressed, hands on my hips.
«Seriously?!» James shouted, looking stunned. «Ive got no idea whats happening. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would end.»
«Right. You know I dont joke, James. Honestly, women these days will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives,» I said, shaking my head.
James gave me a hesitant look, then sighed. «Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all so bizarre. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of trouble.»
«Exactly,» I replied with a faint smile. «Im not going to let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life, our family, and Ill protect it.»
«Of course, love,» James said, pulling me into a hug. «Thanks for always having my back. I dont want any drama. Im with you, and only you.»
I returned the embrace, feeling that despite the weirdness, our bond was stronger than ever. «I know, James. Im with you too. We’ll get through anything together.»
In that moment we both realised that, no matter the unexpected hiccups, our relationship was rocksolid. Nothing that day could tear us apart.
