My sister called me over, and then she drove me out.
I told you get out of my house at once! Emily stood in the doorway, arms crossed, her voice ringing with anger.
Whats gotten into you? Charlotte looked at her sister, bewildered. You invited me, you asked me to stay while
Ive changed my mind! Emily cut her off. Thats enough! Pack your things and be gone!
Charlotte glanced at the small suitcase she had left by the settee. She had arrived only three hours earlier and hadnt even managed to unpack properly.
Emily, at least tell me why, Charlotte tried to keep her tone even, though her voice trembled.
Nothing happened. I just dont want you here. I thought I could bear your presence, but I cant. Ill call a cab for you, fine.
She walked slowly to the sofa, lifted the bag, and her hands trembled. It had been nearly two years since they had seen each othersince their mothers funeral. Then, out of the blue, Emily had phoned, spoken warmly, and asked Charlotte to come. And now she was shoving her out without explanation.
Ill be quick, Charlotte whispered, holding back tears.
Emily tapped nervously on the doorframe, watching her sister pull out the few items she could find. Her face remained impassive, only the tension in her cheekbones gave her away.
Charlotte stopped at the threshold, looked at Emily. They were alikesame brown eyes, high cheekbones, stubborn chin. Yet Emily now seemed a stranger.
Farewell, Charlotte said, stepping over the sill.
Farewell, echoed Emily, slamming the door.
Charlotte descended the stairs slowly, replaying the last phone call theyd had a week before.
Charlotte, come over, Emilys voice had been soft and warm then. Stay while your flat is being refurbished. Its high time we patched things up, dont you think?
Are you sure? Charlotte had asked cautiously. After everything
Stop it! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our rows, but its time to put an end to them. Come Saturday, Ill meet you.
And that was the result. Standing outside with her suitcase, Charlotte tried to understand what had changed in those three hours. Emily had welcomed her, set a table, asked about her life then suddenly slipped into another room, supposedly to answer a call. She returned as if a different person.
The phone in Charlottes pocket buzzed. A message from Emily: The black cab will be there in seven minutes. Wait at the entrance.
Charlotte exhaled and headed for the buildings exit. A chill wind was rising and a light drizzle began. She set her bag down, pulled out her phone and thought hard about where to go next.
The only option was Petera former schoolmate theyd been chatting with lately. He lived alone in a modest twobedroom flat in Manchester and would surely let her stay a couple of days while she figured something else out.
Hello, Pete? Charlotte said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a mess
Peter listened without many questions and gave her his address.
Ill be there, dont worry, he said, his calm tone easing her a little.
In the cab she finally let the tears fall. The sting of betrayal gnawed at her. What had she done to deserve this? Had the old wounds over their mothers estate run so deep that Emily could no longer bear her sisters presence for a few hours?
She remembered the fight after their mother died: Emily wanted to sell the family house and split the proceeds, while Charlotte insisted on keeping the home, the walls holding too many memories. In the end Charlotte bought Emilys share, went into debt, and saved the house. Perhaps Emily still nursed a grudge.
The cab pulled up outside Peters block. Charlotte paid the fare in pounds and stepped out. Peter was already waiting.
No need for that sour look, he smiled, taking the bag from her. Well manage.
His flat was warm and cosy. He brewed tea, fetched biscuits and listened patiently.
Something feels off, Peter said after Charlotte finished. Emily didnt just ask you over for nothing. Something must have happened while you were there.
Nothing special, Charlotte shrugged. We had tea, chatted about her work, her recent trip to the coast. Then her phone rang, she went to another room, and when she came back she was angry.
Isnt it odd she vanished to another room? What was that about? Peter asked.
Charlotte thought.
She spoke quietly. When she returned she started probing how long I intended to stay, even though wed agreed on the phone that Id be there for two weeks while the refurbishment finished.
Whos doing the work? Peter asked.
The crew Emily recommended, supposedly friends of her exhusband, good and cheap, Charlotte said with a bitter smile.
Peter frowned.
Did you ever check on their progress? he pressed.
No, I trusted them. I have the keys but havent been in a week since they started. I was going to pop round soon.
Lets go see now, Peter suggested. I have a bad feeling.
Now? Its late
Exactly why we should. If everythings fine well go back; if not, at least well know.
Half an hour later they were standing before Charlottes flat. She felt a knot tighten as they walked up the stairs. From behind the door came muffled voices and the scrape of furniture.
Someones in there, Charlotte whispered, frozen.
Peter took the keys and opened the door. Boxes and bags littered the hallway. In the middle of the living room, amid the chaos, sat Emily, explaining something to two burly movers lugging a wardrobe.
Whats going on? Charlotte demanded, eyes scanning the scene.
Emily jumped, surprise flashing to irritation.
Charlotte? What are you doing here?
Thats my question! Whats happening in my flat?
Emily smoothed her hair, trying to compose herself.
I can explain
I hope so, Charlotte crossed her arms, just as Emily had done hours before.
Emily glanced at the movers, who hesitated.
Gentlemen, pause for a moment, she said, and they retreated.
Im waiting, Charlotte reminded.
Emily let out a heavy sigh and sank onto the sofa.
Im divorcing Mark. He threw me out of our home and I have nowhere else to go. I thought I could stay here until I find something suitable.
So you lured me out with a fake refurbishment and moved in yourself? Charlottes voice quivered.
Not exactly, Emily looked away. At first I really wanted us to reconcile, thought we could live together for a spell and mend things then I realised I couldnt. Too much has piled up between us, Charlotte.
So you decided to take my house? Charlottes hands shook with anger. To drive me out of my own home?
Id explain later! Emily raised her voice. I simply have nowhere else. And your friends, the workers, could have let you stay
Which workers? Charlotte snapped. There is no refurbishment here!
I made it up, Emily admitted, grimacing. I hoped youd agree to stay, thinking I could persuade you to let me use the flat temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
Stubborn? Charlotte retorted, her throat raw. Youre manipulating and deceiving your own sister! Youre trying to steal my home! Whats happened to you, Emily?
Emily sprang up, her face twisted with fury.
Whats happened to me? Youve always been Mums favourite, everything came easy for you! And now the house too If wed sold it then, I could have bought somewhere of my own and not been at Marks mercy all these years!
So thats it, Charlotte said quietly. You never forgave me for trying to keep Mums house. I paid you your share, albeit late.
Its not about the money! Emily shouted. Its that you never cared about my feelings. You only thought of yourself!
That isnt true, Charlotte shook her head. Ive always looked out for you, even now, giving you a chance to make things right.
What do you mean? Emily asked warily.
You have a choice. Either you pack your things right now and leave my flat, or I call the police and report illegal entry.
Peter, who had watched the sisters clash, stepped forward.
Charlotte, perhaps theres a compromise? Youre sisters, after all
No, Charlotte replied firmly. No compromises. Im tired of your games. Emily, decide: leave now or Ill involve the constabulary.
Emily stared at her, hatred in her eyes, but the resolve in Charlottes gaze made her concede.
Fine. Ill go. Dont think this ends here, she snapped, gathering her belongings.
An hour later Emily slammed the door shut. Charlotte sank onto the sofa, hollow and weary.
Want me to stay with you? Peter 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 Emilys going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head It doesnt excuse what she did, but it sheds some light.
Perhaps, Charlotte sighed. Im just exhausted by the endless arguments. She always acts as if Ive had it easy. It isnt.
She fell silent, gathering her thoughts.
When Mum died, it broke me. We were close, but instead of supporting each other we drifted apart. She pushed the idea of selling the house as if it were the only thing that mattered. To me that house was the last thread tying me to Mum.
I get that, Peter squeezed her hand. Grief shows up differently. For Emily maybe it was a way to run from painful memories.
Maybe, Charlotte replied. But to lure me out, to lie Its too much. Im not sure I can forgive her yet.
Give yourself time, and her too. When the anger cools, you might be able to talk calmly.
Perhaps, she murmured. But first I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat in quiet, the evening deepening outside. The flat, still echoing Emilys brief presence, grew still. Charlotte reflected on how strange life had turned: a sister once a confidante now felt almost an adversary, while a schoolfriend proved more reliable than blood.
Thank you, Charlotte finally said, breaking the hush. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Peter smiled. Ive been meaning to suggest we get out for a weekend a film or a walk in the park, perhaps?
Charlottes face brightened.
Id like that.
A week later the phone rang. Charlotte saw Emilys name on the screen; her finger hovered over the end call button, but something made her answer.
Hello? Emilys voice wavered. Charlotte, we need to talk.
About what? Charlotte replied coolly.
I Emily stammered. I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im truly sorry.
Charlotte stayed silent, searching for words.
Im in a tough spot, Emily continued. That doesnt excuse my behaviour. I shouldnt have treated you that way.
I shouldnt have, Charlotte agreed.
I understand youre angry, and you have every right to be, Emilys voice trembled. I just hope one day you can forgive me. We are, after all, sisters.
Charlotte drew a deep breath.
I dont know, Emily. I need time.
Of course, Emily hurried. I get it. Just know I really regret it.
After the call Charlotte stared out the window, the world moving on. Emily, despite all her flaws, was still her last living relative after Mum. Perhaps, with time, forgiveness might come. But not now. She needed to mend her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Peter: How about a stroll in the park tomorrow? Looks like fine weather.
A small smile crept onto Charlottes lips as she typed back: Looking forward to it.
Life went on, despite everything. Perhaps one day she and Emily would rebuild what had been broken, but for now the priority was to cherish those who truly stood by her in the dark hours, and to let go of toxic ties, even if they were bound by blood.
Someday she would sit down with her sister again. Until then, Charlotte kept moving forward, learning to trust, and, against all odds, to be happy once more.
