No, Mum, Im not giving you that ring! Emilys voice trembles with outrage. You gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday!
Darling, understand, this isnt just a piece of jewellery, Eleanor Thompson fidgets with the folds of her woollen cardigan. It belonged to your grandmother, and now it must go to Lucy.
Lucy? What does my sister have to do with it? Emily strides to the dresser and jerks open the top drawer. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sighs and collapses onto the edge of the sofa. The conversation turns sour, but she refuses to back down.
Lucys wedding is coming up, you know. James proposed, but they dont have enough money for a ring. I promised wed help.
We? Emily pulls a small velvet box from the drawer and clutches it tightly. Did you even ask me?
Sweetheart, her mothers voice softens pleadingly, its a family heirloom. The ring passes to the woman who gets married. Lucys starting a family, and you
And Im supposed to be the old maid, then? Emily snorts bitterly. What does being thirtysomething and still single have to do with it? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me from the heart. I remember you saying, Take care of it, love, it will bring you happiness.
Eleanor rises and reaches for her daughters shoulder, but Emily steps back.
Youve always favoured Lucy, Emily whispers, opening the box. The gold band with a modest ruby at its centre catches the evening light filtering through the curtains. She always gets the best: beautiful dresses, expensive toys, your attention
That isnt true! Eleanor protests. I love you both equally!
Really? Emily slides the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Lucy had that school competition? Who did you go to support? Who did you run to at the graduation? Who did you comfort after her first breakup?
Eleanor looks down. Theres a grain of truth in Emilys words, but she cant admit it.
Lucy is five years younger, she needed more of your time. Eleanor says.
Of course, Emily nods. And now she wants my ring.
The front doorbell rings. Emily flinches she wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor wipes away a fresh tear and goes to answer.
Lucy, love, come in, her mothers tone instantly turns honeyed and gentle.
Emily grits her teeth, wanting to bolt to her room, shut the door, and escape this farce. Yet she stays in the living room, fists clenched.
Hi, sis! Lucy bursts in like a minihurricane, slim, a tumble of red hair and freckles, looking younger than her twentyfive years. Whats that sour look? You look like youve just bit into a lemon!
We were talking about grandmas ring, Emily replies dryly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Lucy plops into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! James proposed! We plan to marry at the end of spring. Only one snag: were short on cash for a proper ring.
And you think you can take mine? Emily eyes her sister.
Its not mine, its grandmas, Lucy shrugs. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first woman who gets married. Youre fine with that, right?
Emily glances at their mother, who stands off to the side, nervously twisting her cardigan.
Im not fine with it, Emily says firmly. This ring was a gift to me, and I wont hand it over.
But, Emily, Eleanor interjects, were family. We should help each other.
Yes, Lucy chimes in. Besides, you never wear it anyway. How long has it been gathering dust in that box?
A lump rises in Emilys throat. She wants to speak, but the words stick. She simply walks out, slamming the door behind her.
In her bedroom, Emily collapses onto the bed, her face pressed into the pillow. They always decide everything for me, never asking my opinion, she thinks. Its as if Im not a real part of the family, just an afterthought.
She recalls the night she received the ring. She had just turned eighteen, and she and her friends were set to celebrate at a café. Before they left, her mother called her into the bedroom.
Love, I have something special for you, Eleanor had said, pulling out a small velvet box. This was my mothers ring, your greatgrandmothers. It passes from mother to daughter. Now its yours. Grandma always said it brings happiness and helps you find true love.
Emily hadnt given the words much thought then; she was simply happy that Mum had finally given her something genuinely valuable. Everything else always seemed to go to Lucy, the younger, favoured daughter.
A knock comes at the door.
Emily, can I come in? Lucys voice sounds unusually soft.
No, Emily mutters, but the door opens a crack and Lucys red head peeks in.
Dont be angry, Lucy slips inside and perches on the edge of the bed. I didnt know the ring meant so much to you.
Emily sits up, wiping her reddened eyes.
Its not just the ring, Lucy. Its that you and Mum always decide everything without asking me. It feels like my feelings dont matter.
Lucy frowns.
Thats not true. We love you.
Love? Emily sneers. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why does she always have time, money, attention for you, while I get the leftovers?
What are you saying? Lucy snaps. Mum never treated us differently!
Really? Emily lifts her hand, the ring glinting. And now you want to take the only thing that truly matters to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Lucy whispers. Mum just said it was tradition
Theres no tradition! Emily cuts her off. She made it up to please you, as usual.
Eleanor steps in, looking upset.
Girls, stop fighting, please. Lucy, go to the kitchen and put the kettle on. I need to speak with Emily alone.
Lucy nods and leaves. Eleanor sits beside Emily.
Sweetheart, Im sorry, she takes Emilys hand. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, Emily says, freeing her hand. As always.
Do you really think I love Lucy more? Eleanors eyes flash with pain.
I dont think, I know, Emily stands and walks to the window. All my life Ive felt secondary. Always Lucy, Lucy, Lucy And now you want to snatch the only thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt loved.
Eleanor lowers her head, silent. At last she whispers:
Youre right. I did give Lucy more attention, but not because I love her more. Youve always been independent, strong, grown up early. Lucy was the child who needed constant care.
Thats no excuse, Emily shakes her head.
I know, Eleanor sighs. I love you both equally; I just show it differently.
A heavy silence hangs. Emily still avoids looking at her mother. Finally, Eleanor says softly:
The ring is yours. I have no right to take it. Im sorry for upsetting you.
Mum, Emily calls, does the ring really bring love happiness?
Eleanor smiles weakly.
Grandma believed that. When she gave it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it and it will help you find true love. A month later I met your father.
Emily glances at the ruby, which now looks like a drop of frozen blood in the lamp light.
But you and Dad split up, she notes.
Yes, but I was happy for a time, and I have you two, my beloved daughters. Isnt that happiness?
Lucy appears with a tray of three tea cups and a vase of biscuits.
Peace? she asks, looking between mother and sister.
Emily takes a cup, sips, and nods.
They settle on the sofa. Lucy babbles about her upcoming wedding, the dress shes chosen, the flowers she wants. Emily listens halfheartedly, twirling the ring.
What ring will you and James have? she asks, cutting through Lucys excitement.
None yet, Lucy admits, eyes dropping. Hes unemployed, and my admin salary cant cover a proper band.
So you came for mine, Emily says.
Yes, Lucy admits. Mum told me about grandmas ring, and I thought But now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have claimed it.
Emily sees tears in Lucys eyes and suddenly understands the jealousy shes felt all these years isnt baseless. Lucy truly has been the pampered favourite, but now she sits there as a young woman, genuinely remorseful.
You know what, Emily says, taking the ring off, Ill lend it to you for the wedding. Just for the day. Then you give it back.
Really? Lucy beams. Youre not joking?
No joke, Emily hands her the ring. Try it on.
Lucy slides the ring onto her finger; its a bit loose.
Ill have to get it resized, she notes.
No need, Emily shakes her head. Just remember its only for one day.
Ill remember, Lucy nods, hugging her sister. Thank you, Emily. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watches, tears welling.
Emily, youre my gold, she says, embracing her older daughter. Im sorry for being unfair all these years.
Mum, dont, Emily blushes. Lets not make a scene.
The evening continues with tea and wedding chatter. Emily even offers to help plan the ceremony. The tension eases and the room warms.
When Lucy prepares to leave, she removes the ring and hands it back.
Keep it, Im afraid Ill lose it. Ill take it back just before the wedding, okay?
Emily tucks the ring into its velvet box, returns to the living room where Mum clears the cups.
Thank you, love, Eleanor says, hugging Emily again. Youve shown such forgiveness and generosity. Im proud of you.
Dont overdo it, mum, Emily jokes. Im only lending it for a day, not giving it away forever.
Still, a noble act, her mother insists.
That night Emily cant sleep. She thinks about the ring, Grandmas words, the promised happiness. In thirteen years of owning it she never found true love. Maybe she should wear it more often.
In the morning her phone rings. Its Lucy.
Sis, you wont believe it! Lucy exclaims. James got a great job with a good salary! Hes signed the contract!
Congratulations, Emily murmurs, still halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Lucy continues. Yesterday I told James about the ring, how you kindly let me borrow it for the wedding, and he said he got the call about the job that same morning. Can you imagine? Maybe the ring really does bring luck!
Emily smiles.
Maybe, she agrees. Im glad things are working out for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate! Lucy urges.
Ill see, Emily replies. Ive got a lot of work.
After the call Emily lies in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something has shifted since the argument. The heavy stone on her heart finally moves.
Later that day the phone rings again. Its her mother.
Emily, Ive been thinking Eleanor begins without preamble. Maybe you could come for the weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Emily raises an eyebrow. Mum rarely invites her without a reason.
Whats up?
Nothing, just wanted to see you. Eleanors voice sounds apologetic. Is that odd?
Not at all, Emily pauses. Fine, Ill come.
The weekend she drives to her parents house in a leafy suburb of Manchester. Since moving into her own flat three years ago, her relationship with Mum has been cool, limited to holidays and occasional calls.
Eleanor meets her at the door, holding a small box.
Come in, love, she says, hugging Emily. Ive missed you.
The house smells of fresh apple crumble. Emily heads to the kitchen where a table is set.
Mum, whats happening? she asks directly. Why the warm welcome?
Cant I spoil my daughter a little? Eleanor grins. Have a seat, the crumbles still warm.
Over tea they discuss Emilys job, Lucys upcoming wedding, and health. When the crumble disappears, Eleanor pulls out the little velvet box she carried.
This is for you, she says, handing it over.
What is it? Emily asks cautiously.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lies a delicate gold ring with a tiny emerald at its centre.
Mum, what does this mean? Emily asks, puzzled.
It was my grandmothers ring, your greatgrandmothers, Eleanor swallows a lump. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you. I love you just as much as Lucy. I just didnt always know how to show it.
Emily stares at the emerald, its green glow catching the light.
Grandma said emerald is the stone of wisdom, Eleanor continues. And youve always been wise, even as a child. Want to try it on?
Emily slips the ring on; it fits perfectly, as if it were made for her.
Thank you, Mum, she whispers. Its beautiful.
Theres more, Eleanor says, taking Emilys hand. Im sorry. You were right I gave Lucy more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve better.
Emily embraces her mother. Years of resentment melt away.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Lucy? Emily asks later.
It isnt really my ring, Eleanor admits. I bought it when your father and I married. I made up the story about grandma so youd value it. The happiness in love part? Its true for me, at least. And now it looks like its working for Lucy too. Did you hear about Jamess new job?
Emily nods, looking at the new emerald ring on her finger.
So it really did belong to greatgrandma?
Yes, Eleanor confirms. She really believed emerald brings wisdom. I saved it for a special moment, and this is it.
They talk late into the night. For the first time in years Emily feels truly at home. When she leaves, her mother walks her to the door.
You know, Emily, Im so proud of you, Eleanor says. Youve become a wonderful person despite my mistakes.
Mum, stop, Emily blushes. Its all good now.
Outside its dark. Emily walks to the tube, thinking how oddly everything turned out. The fight over the ring could have driven them apart, but its actually brought them closer. Sometimes you have to air all the grievances to start fresh.
She glances at the new ring glittering on her finger. The emerald is calm, deep, steady just like her mothers love. The ruby, bright and passionate, still suits Lucy.
Maybe there is something to her greatgrandmothers words about love and happiness after all. Emily feels her mothers love for her as strong as for her sister, and thats more than enough.
