Ill only make a decision after a DNA test, Jane declared, her voice tinged with irony.
Then Alice should stay with us, William said firmly, two weeks after the funeral of their dear friend.
The little girl had been living with them all along. Before Mary left the country, they had officially arranged a temporary guardianship, which was due to end in a month, so a decision was inevitable.
Williams resolute tone somehow set Janes teeth on edge.
Because shes your daughter, isnt it? she shouted, halflaughing, halfcrying. Admit it already! Ive had enough of this nonsense!
What nonsense, Jane? William asked, genuinely puzzled.
Jane and Mary had known each other since they were babies. Their mothers shared a maternity ward, and later it turned out the families lived on neighbouring streets, walked the same park, and sent their daughters to the same nursery, school and, eventually, university.
They looked alike, thought alike, and were equally stubbornMary a touch more headstrong, Jane far too sweet, at least according to her mum.
The girls barely ever quarreled; they helped each other out, offered a shoulder during rough patches, and their mothers praised the friendship.
Lucky you have such a mate, Marys mother sighed. Shell be like a sister to you.
Indeed, cherish that bond, Janes mother added. Keep it safe.
When Paulineanother university studentjoined their circle, the trio was reluctant at first. Pauline was persistent, trailing them like a determined puppy, and eventually the three became inseparable. Without Pauline, Mary and Jane still chatted more often, which made Pauline a tad jealous.
For a while Pauline slipped out of the group when Mary married and moved away, but she soon returned and the friendship was reborn.
Jane married next, at twentyfive, to a promising engineer named Edward, ten years her senior. William and Jane wanted children; there were no medical obstacles, yet nothing materialised.
Three years into the marriage, Mary announced she was pregnant. She refused to name the father, though Jane suspected it was Daniel, a boyfriend of hers for a year who had mysteriously vanished after a fight.
Dont worry, Ill manage, Mary declared proudly. Its a shame my mother wont see her, but Ive got enough for the baby and a nanny.
Of course, Mary, well help you! Jane beamed, genuinely thrilled for her friend.
Pauline rolled her eyes, constantly reminding Mary that a child needs a father and that responsibility was no small thing.
Exactly, Ill only have children with a husband, she retorted.
Jane and Mary exchanged amused glancesPauline was a bit of a stickler, but what could they do?
Soon enough, Jane became Alices godmother. The little girl often visited Williams house, where he delighted in spoiling her. For a while the couple even forgot their own babymaking woes.
Six years after Alices birth, Mary met the man of her dreamsArthur, brilliant, handsome, kind, and attentive.
Only thing is its not meant to be, Mary sighed.
Why not? Jane asked, eyebrows raised.
Probably because hes married, Pauline sneered. Or his mothers a hawkeyed eagle.
No, nothing like that! Mary defended. Arthur was indeed married, but they split ages ago. No kids, no contact. And Elizabethhis motheris an absolute sweetheart.
So whats the problem? Jane pressed.
Hes off on a workrelated posting abroad, vital for his career, Mary explained, sighing.
Great, another lost fiancé! Pauline snorted.
Jane gave her a reproachful look and made a sour face. Isnt he taking you with him?
He is, but we cant take Alice. She needs school, she doesnt even speak the language yet, and
Arthur understood, didnt press, but was obviously disappointed.
And youre swapping your child for a man? Pauline jabbed again.
No, Mary sighed, exhausted.
The next day Jane sat down with William, pleading for Alice to stay.
You cant let Mary lose this chance, can you? she urged. Alice is practically family to us.
I get it, I get it, William chuckled. Im not against it. Does Mary agree?
Im not sure yet, Jane admitted, then added, but youre still the best husband in the world! She clung to him tightly.
At first Mary was taken aback, hesitated, then finally agreed.
You dont have to send money, she told Jane.
Dont be ridiculous, Jane replied, waving it off.
The farewells were tearful, with daily videocalls thereafter. Alice quickly got used to living with her godmother, while her mum promised shed be back soon.
One such call included Pauline, who had shown up at Janes house with a bottle of wine and a litany of complaints about a new beau who refused to settle down or consider fatherhood.
You treat her like a relic, helping her, yet she laughs at you, a tipsy Pauline blurted out.
What are you on about? Jane asked, genuinely confused.
About Mary, of course. Shes my friend, but shes a sly one.
Either speak normally or shut up, Jane snapped.
Fine! Marys well, shes my friend, but shes a bit of a schemer, Pauline slurred, swaying a little. Your husband doesnt mind having Alice around; why would he want a strangers child in his house?
Did you have a few too many drinks before you came in, or are two glasses enough to ruin your sense? Jane retorted, disgusted.
Off I go thenstill the truth, mind you! Pauline declared, rose from her seat and stalked out.
Whats with your friends sudden exit? William asked, tucking Alice into bed, unaware of the argument.
There were never secrets between them, so Jane spilled everything to her husband.
Some people need to cut back on drinking, William said with a shrug. Honestly, Pauline has always been the third wheeljealous and shortsighted. I still dont see how you two became friends.
It was the first time William voiced an opinion on Pauline, which surprised Jane. She believed him, but a tiny worm of doubt settled in.
She remembered the countless nights William had been out with Mary without her, how hed always welcome Paulines visits, and how he now fussed over Alice.
Mary noticed Janes sudden mood shift, even though Jane tried to act normal.
But Pauline offered no proofjust words. She refused to discuss it again: Ive told you everything! Open your eyes and youll see! she snapped, ending the conversation.
Jane began watching Alice more closely, noting uncanny resemblances to William: the same eyes, the same laugh, the way she held a spoon, the love of chocolate with nuts. It was as if she were a miniature version of Marys younger self, yet with Williams features too.
Gradually, Janes suspicion grew into an almost comical obsession, and she started eyerolling whenever William and Alice interacted. Their petty arguments became more frequent, and William, baffled, once suggested she see a doctor.
They didnt speak for three days. Then the dreadful news arrived: Mary and Arthur had been in a car crash. Arthur suffered severe injuries; Mary died instantly.
William and Jane spent a fortune and endless nerves arranging for Marys burial back in England.
During those bleak days, Jane forgot her doubts, but they resurfaced once the grief eased.
I think Alice should stay with us, William said firmly, two weeks after the funeral.
Alice had been living with them all along, the temporary guardianship now expired, and a decision was inevitable. Williams stern tone again set Janes nerves jangling.
Because shes your daughter? she shouted, halflaughing, halfcrying. Admit it already! Ive had enough!
Whats there to admit, Jane? William asked, bewildered. Did you believe that that Pauline nonsense? I thought you were sensible and had left that rubbish behind!
No, what are you even talking about? There was never anything between me and Mary, and there could never have been! William protested.
Youll have to prove it, Jane snapped, teeth clenched. Ill decide only after a DNA test.
It turned out William loved Mary enough to agree to the test, which showed he was not Alices father.
Jane felt a blush of shame, grateful she hadnt hurled accusations at Marys memory. She silently begged forgiveness from her late friend for the rest of her days.
Alice stayed with them. Jane cut off Pauline for good, laying out her feelings in a blunt goodbye.
William pretended nothing had happened. Why dredge up the past when, finally, his wife was expecting?
