Ada knocked on the door, arms crossed, her voice sharp as a kettle. I said get out of my house, now! she snapped.
Claire stared at her, puzzled. Whats wrong with you? You invited me, you asked me to crash at yours while?
Ive changed my mind! Ada cut in. Enough. Pack your stuff and get out!
Claire glanced at the suitcase by the sofa. Shed only arrived three hours ago, barely had time to set her things down.
Ada, can you at least tell me whats happened? Claire tried to stay calm, but her voice trembled.
Nothing. I just dont need you here. I thought I could handle having you around, but I cant. Pack up. Ill call you a cab, fine.
Claire shuffled over, grabbed her bag, her hands shaking, her throat dry. It had been almost two years since theyd seen each other, ever since Mums funeral. Then Ada had called out of the blue, sounding warm, asking her to stay and now she was being thrown out without a word.
Ill be quick, Claire whispered, holding back tears.
Ada tapped her fingers against the doorframe, watching Claire pull the few items she could from the suitcase. Her face stayed unreadable, only the tension in her jaw gave her away.
Claire stopped at the threshold, looked at Ada. They shared the same brown eyes, high cheekbones, stubborn chin. But Ada now seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, Claire said, stepping out.
Goodbye, Ada echoed, slamming the door.
Claire went down the stairs, replaying their last phone call from a week earlier in her head. Claire, come over, Adas voice had been soft. Stay with me while your flats being refurbished. We need to mend things, dont you think?
Are you sure? Claire had asked cautiously. After everything
Come on, were sisters. Yes, we had our spats, but its time to move on. Come Saturday, Ill pick you up.
So there she was, suitcase in hand, trying to figure out what had changed in those three hours. Ada had welcomed her, set a table, asked about her life then slipped out of the room supposedly to take a call. When she came back, she was a different person.
Her phone buzzed. A text from Ada: Your cab will be here in seven minutes. Wait at the entrance.
Claire sighed, stepped outside. It was a chilly drizzle. She set her bag down, pulled out her phone, and thought of who to call. The only option was Paul an old schoolmate theyd been texting a lot lately. He lived alone in a twobed flat and would probably let her crash for a few days.
Hey, Paul? Claire said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a mess
He listened, then gave her his address without a fuss.
Ill be there, dont worry, he said, his calm voice easing her nerves a little.
In the cab she finally let the tears flow. She felt a sting of anger. What had she done to deserve this? Had the old fight over Mums house still festered?
Claire remembered the argument after their mother died. Ada wanted to sell the family flat and split the money; Claire insisted on keeping it because it held too many memories. In the end Claire bought Adas share, went into debt, but saved the place. Maybe Ada still blamed her for that.
The driver pulled up at Pauls building. Claire paid and walked in. Paul was waiting at the lobby, a friendly grin on his face.
Dont make that face, he said, taking her bag. Well sort this out.
His flat was cosy. He brewed tea, fetched some biscuits, and listened as she recounted everything.
Something feels off, Paul mused after she finished. Ada didnt just ask you over for nothing. Something happened while you were there.
Nothing special, Claire shrugged. We had tea, she talked about work, a beach trip to Brighton last month. Then her phone rang, she went into another room. When she came back she was angry.
Did she say what the call was about? Paul asked.
Claire shook her head. She spoke low, but when she returned she started nagging about how long Id stay, even though wed agreed on a couple of weeks while my flats being refurbished.
Whos doing the refurb? Paul asked.
The crew Ada recommended supposedly friends of her exhusband, good and cheap, Claire said with a bitter smile.
Paul frowned. Did you check how the works going?
No, I trusted them. I have the keys but havent been in for a week since they started. I was going to pop over soon.
Lets go see, Paul suggested. Ive got a bad feeling.
Now? Its late
Thats why. If everythings fine we head back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later they were at Claires flat. She felt a knot in her stomach as they climbed the stairs. The hallway was filled with muted voices and the scrape of furniture.
Theres someone in there, Claire whispered, stopping dead.
Paul took the keys and pushed the door open. Boxes and bags littered the entrance. In the living room, amid the chaos, Ada stood explaining something to two burly movers hauling a wardrobe.
Whats going on? Claire demanded, eyes wide.
Ada flinched, surprise flashing to irritation. Claire? What are you doing here?
This is my question! Whats happening in my flat?
Ada adjusted her hair, trying to steady herself. I can explain
I hope so, Claire snapped, crossing her arms just like Ada had earlier.
Ada glanced at the movers, who halted uncertainly. Guys, take a break, she said, and they slipped out.
Im waiting, Claire reminded her.
Ada sighed heavily, sank onto the sofa. Im getting a divorce from Ian. He kicked me out of our place and Ive got nowhere to stay. I thought I could crash here until I find something.
So you lured me out, made up the renovation story, and moved in yourself? Claires voice shook with anger.
Its not exactly that, Ada said, eyes downcast. I really wanted us to patch things up, thought living together would help. Then I realised I couldnt. Too much history between us, Claire.
So you tried to steal my flat? Claire spat. Kick me out of my own home?
Id explain later! Ada raised her voice. I just have nowhere to go. The guys fixing the place could have let you stay, but
What builders? Claire retorted. Theres no work happening!
Right, Ada muttered. I made it up to get you to come. I thought I could convince you to give me the flat temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
Im stubborn? Claire gasped. Youre the one manipulating your own sister! Trying to evict me from my house! Whats wrong with you, Ada?
Ada stood, her face twisted with fury. Whats wrong with me? Youve always been Mums favourite, getting everything handed to you! And now you want the flat too If wed sold it back then, I couldve bought a place and not be dependent on Ian all these years!
Thats the point, Claire said quietly. You still havent forgiven me for fighting to keep Mums flat. I paid you your share, even if it took a while.
Its not about the money! Ada shouted. Its that you never cared about my feelings! You only think about yourself!
Thats not true, Claire shook her head. Ive always looked out for you. Im still trying, giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Ada asked, wary.
You either pack your things and leave my flat right now, or Ill call the police and report illegal entry, Claire warned.
Paul, who had been watching silently, stepped forward. Claire, maybe theres a compromise? Youre sisters
No compromise, Claire replied firmly. Im done with the manipulation. Ada, you decide leave or face the police.
Ada stared, hatred in her eyes, but the determination in Claires gaze made her relent.
Fine. Ill go. Dont think this is over, she muttered, gathering her belongings.
An hour later the door slammed shut. Claire sank onto the sofa, exhausted and empty.
Stay with me? Paul asked softly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, she nodded. I could use some company.
Of course, he said, taking her hand. I think Adas going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse her, but it gives some context.
Maybe, Claire sighed. Im just weary of our endless fights. She always thinks Ive got it easy, but that flat is the last thread that ties me to Mum.
I get it, Paul squeezed her hand. Grief shows up differently for everyone. For Ada its maybe a way to avoid the painful memories.
Possibly, Claire agreed. But lying, forcing me out thats too much. Im not sure I can forgive her this time.
Give yourself time, Paul advised. And her too. When the anger fades, maybe you can talk calmly.
Maybe, she whispered. First I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat in silence, the evening dimming outside. The flat still smelled of Adas brief presence, but the house felt quieter now. Claire thought about how strange life had become the sister who once was a confidante now felt like a foe. And an old schoolmate turned out to be more reliable than blood.
Thanks, really, she finally said. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Actually, I was thinking maybe we could go to the cinema or just take a walk this weekend?
Claires face brightened. Id love that.
A week later Claires phone buzzed. It was Ada. Her thumb hovered over the call button, then she answered.
Hey, Adas voice sounded tentative. Claire, we need to talk.
What about? Claire asked coolly.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Claire was silent, unsure how to respond.
Im in a tough spot right now, but that doesnt excuse me. I shouldnt have treated you like that, Ada continued, voice shaking.
I understand youre angry, and you have every right to be, Claire said. But I need time.
Of course, Ada replied quickly. Take all the time you need. I just wanted you to know I truly regret it. Were still sisters, after all.
Claire exhaled deeply. She stared out the window, thinking about everything. Ada, for all her flaws, was still family the only close relative left after Mum. Maybe one day she could forgive, but not now. She needed to heal her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed again a message from Paul: How about a walk in the park tomorrow? Looks like nice weather.
Claire smiled and typed back: Sounds perfect.
Life kept moving, despite the drama. Who knows maybe one day Claire and Ada will rebuild their bond. For now, though, it was about appreciating the people who truly stood by you when things got rough, and letting go of the toxic ties, even if theyre blood. Shed keep living, learning to trust and find happiness again, no matter what.
