Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! Kate said with a grin to the stranger standing on her doorstep.
Hold on a sec, Poppy! Someones at the door. Ill call them back as soon as I know who it is and what they want, she told her old friend, ending the call. Poppy had just been babbling about her motherinlaws birthday bash, cracking jokes left and right, which had Kate laughing nonstop as if she were watching a sitcom on telly.
Kate padded over to the door, peeked through the peephole and did a doubletake. Shed expected the neighbour, because strangers dont just wander into their secure block. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before was standing there, looking very out of place.
She decided not to open better to steer clear of oddballs these days, what with all the scams around. Kate lived by a strict rule: no chatting with strangers. Con artists thrive on naivety, but she wasnt about to give them a chance.
She grabbed the phone to get back to Poppy, but the doorbell rang again. The lady outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Kate was alone; her husband, James, had gone over to a mates to help with some gardening. She went back to the door, looked again through the peephole, this time paying closer attention to the newcomer.
There was something odd and a bit pitiful about the woman, but Kate didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to leave? Then I can finish my weekend in peace, she thought. Shes probably lost or trying to sell something.
She swung the door open. The girl in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hi! Are you Kate? she asked, fiddling with a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why do you ask?
Kate raised an eyebrow. How clever, she mused. Scammers are getting ever more polished. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or get out! Kate said firmly.
Is James at home? the stranger asked, catching Kate off guard.
Now thats something, Kate thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a setup.
Are you here for James? Kate asked, though she meant something else entirely.
No, I just wanted to talk to you. But if James is in, itll make things harder for me, the woman replied casually.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Kate wondered, curiosity growing.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Kate asked finally.
Maybe we should step inside. Its tough discussing such things in the hallway, the woman suggested, seeming more confident.
Absolutely not! I dont know you and Im not letting strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Kate shot back.
You really want to discuss the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Kate shouted louder than she intended.
Just then Mrs. Nolan, the neighbour from flat2, floated out of the lift.
Katherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting? she asked.
Oh, hi MrsNolan! All good. Hows the weather out? Kate tried to steer the conversation away.
Looks like rains on the way, MrsNolan replied, still glancing toward the door.
Come in, Kate said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger forward.
Inside, the woman began eyeing the flat, lingering on various bits of décor.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Kate said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Mabel, the woman began, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Oh, how original! Couldnt you think of something fresher? Kate retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats unoriginal about that? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Mabel replied, trying to move past Kate.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and has fallen for you? Kate asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be standing here, Mabel said boldly.
My husband doesnt know what love is. Hes completely clueless, so youre sorely mistaken, Kate replied calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, MrJames Carter couldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Mabel declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So what do you want, Mabel? Kate asked, still interested.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy with me, Mabel announced, standing her ground.
So you want me to let my husband go, even though he never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Kate asked, now genuinely amused.
Before Mabel could answer, the front door burst open and James stepped in, looking bewildered at the scene.
Mabel? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, confused.
No, Im here for you, Kate said, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something happened at work? James asked, still puzzled.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Thats all, Kate said with a grin.
Mabel, flustered, quickly grabbed her coat and backed toward the door.
Leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Im happy to give him back, Kate joked.
Mabel was already out the door.
What was that about? James asked, utterly baffled.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman turn up demanding a divorce and saying youll move in with her? Kate pressed, hands on her hips.
Seriously? I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would end, James replied, exasperated.
Right. Because Im not joking, James. Women these days will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Kate said, shaking her head.
James looked at her uncertainly, then let out a deep sigh. Ill never understand what some folks imagine. Its all a bit mad. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Youre right, Kate said with a soft smile. But Im not going to let anyone who thinks they can meddle in our lives walk in uninvited. This is our home and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling her into a hug. Thanks for having my back, always. I dont want any trouble. Im with you and only you.
Kate returned the embrace, feeling that despite the strange episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Well get through anything together.
In that moment they both sensed that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their relationship was rocksolid. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
