Laura called me over, then kicked me out.
I told you she shouted, arms crossed, her voice a sharp sting get out of my house, right now! Vera stood in the doorway, her anger ringing in every syllable.
Whats got into you? Mabel asked, baffled, looking at her sister. You invited me, you asked me to crash at yours while
Ive changed my mind! Laura cut her off. Thats enough! Pack your things and get out!
Mabel glanced helplessly at the suitcase by the sofa. Shed arrived only three hours earlier and hadnt even managed to unpack properly.
Laura, can you at least tell me why? Mabel tried to keep her voice steady, though it trembled.
Nothing happened. I just dont need you here. I thought I could handle you staying, but I cant. Pack up. Ill call a cab for you, if thats what you want.
Mabel shuffled to the sofa, grabbed her bag, her hands clumsy, a lump lodged in her throat. The sisters hadnt seen each other in almost two years, not since Mums funeral. Then, out of the blue, Laura had called, spoken warmly, invited her over and now she was throwing her out without a word of explanation.
Ill be quick, Mabel whispered, fighting back tears.
Laura tapped nervously on the doorframe, watching Mabel pull out the few belongings shed managed to retrieve from the bag. Her face stayed unreadable, only the tight lines on her cheeks gave away the tension.
Mabel stopped at the doorway, looked at Laura. They were alike the same brown eyes, the same high cheekbones, the stubborn chin. Yet now Laura seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, Mabel said, stepping over the threshold.
Goodbye, Laura echoed, slamming the door.
Mabel trudged down the stairs, replaying fragments of the last phone call theyd had a week before.
Emily, come over, Lauras voice had been unusually soft then. Stay while your flat is being repaired. Its high time we patched things up, dont you think?
Are you sure? Mabel had asked cautiously. After everything
Come on! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to end that. Come Saturday, Ill pick you up.
And that was the outcome. Standing on the street with her bag, Mabel tried to make sense of the three hours that had turned her sisters mood upside down. Laura had welcomed her, set a table, asked about her life then suddenly disappeared to answer a phone call, returned looking like a different person.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Laura: The cab will be here in seven minutes. Wait by the entrance.
Mabel sighed and headed for the buildings lobby. Outside it was chilly, a light drizzle beginning. She set her bag down, fished out her phone and tried to figure out where to go next.
The only option was Paul a former classmate theyd been texting a lot lately. He lived alone in a twobed flat and would surely let her stay a few days while she sorted something else out.
Hello, Paul? Mabel said when she got through. Im in a bit of a bind
Paul listened to her scattered story and, without asking a dozen questions, gave her his address.
Ill be there, dont worry, he said, his calm voice easing her a little.
In the cab Mabel finally let the tears flow. The sting of betrayal burned her heart. What had she done to deserve this? Had the old grievances been that deep that Laura couldnt stand her sisters presence for even a few hours?
Mabel remembered the fight after Mums death over the inheritance. Laura wanted to sell the family house and split the cash, while Mabel insisted on keeping the home too many memories lived within those walls. In the end Mabel bought Lauras share, went into debt, but she saved the house. Perhaps Laura still harboured resentment over that.
The driver pulled up outside Pauls building. Mabel paid, stepped out, and found Paul waiting at the entrance.
Dont make that face, he grinned, taking her bag. Well sort this.
His flat was warm and cosy. He brewed tea, fetched biscuits and listened to her recount everything.
Something feels off, Paul said thoughtfully after she finished. Laura didnt just invite you for no reason. Something must have happened while you were there.
Nothing special, Mabel shrugged. We had tea, chatted She talked about work, a trip to the seaside last month. Then her phone rang, she went into another room. When she came back she was angry.
Isnt it odd she left the room? What was the conversation about? Paul asked.
Mabel thought.
I dont know. She spoke softly. When she returned she started asking how long I planned to stay, even though wed discussed it on the phone. I was supposed to be there for two weeks while the work on my flat finished.
Whos doing the work? Paul pressed.
A crew Laura recommended, supposedly friends of her exhusband, cheap and decent, Mabel said with a wry smile. She said they were reliable.
Paul frowned.
Did you ever check on the progress? he asked.
No, I trusted them. I have the keys but havent been in for a week since they started. I was going to pop over in a couple of days.
Lets go now, Paul suggested. I have a bad feeling.
Now? Its late
Exactly why we should. If the flats fine, well go back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later they were pulling up to Mabels address. She was nervous all the way, though she couldnt pinpoint why. What could have happened to her flat?
Climbing the stairs to her door, Mabel sensed something wrong. Voices and the scrape of moving furniture drifted from behind the door.
Someones in there, she whispered, frozen.
Paul took the keys from her and turned the lock.
The hallway was strewn with boxes and bags. In the living room, amid the chaos, sat Laura, explaining something to two burly movers hauling a wardrobe.
Whats going on? Mabel demanded, eyes scanning the scene.
Laura jumped, surprise flashing into irritation.
Mabel? What are you doing here?
Thats my question! Whats happening in my flat?
Laura smoothed her hair, nervous.
I can explain
I hope so, Mabel crossed her arms just as Laura had done minutes earlier.
Laura glanced at the movers, who hesitated.
Guys, take a break, she said, and they stepped out, relieved.
Im waiting, Mabel reminded.
Laura sighed heavily and sank onto the sofa.
Im divorcing Ian. He threw me out of our house and Ive got nowhere to go. I thought I could stay here until I found something suitable.
So you lured me out with the fake repair, then moved in yourself? Mabels voice shook with anger.
Not exactly, Laura looked away. At first I really wanted to make amends, thought we could live together for a while and patch things up but then I realised I couldnt. Too much has piled up between us, Mabel.
So you tried to steal my flat? Mabels hands trembled. Throw me out of my own home?
Id have explained later! Laura snapped. I just have nowhere else. Your friends, the movers, could have let you stay
Which movers? Mabel interjected. Theres no repair going on!
Right, Laura conceded, a grimace forming. I made it up so youd come. I thought I could convince you to hand over the flat temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
Stubborn? Mabel gasped. Youre manipulating and lying to your own sister! Youre trying to evict me from my house! Whats happened to you, Laura?
Laura leapt from the sofa, her face twisted with fury.
Whats happened to me? Its you, Mabel! Youve always been Mums favourite, everything fell into your lap! And now the flat If wed sold it back then I couldve bought a place and not been dependent on Ian all these years!
Thats the point, Mabel said quietly. You never forgave me for trying to keep Mums house. I paid you your share, even if it took time.
It isnt about the money! Laura shouted. Its that you always ignored my feelings, only thought of yourself!
Thats not true, Mabel shook her head. Ive always looked out for you. Im still trying, giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Laura asked, wary.
You have a choice. Either you pack your things right now and leave my flat, or I call the police and press charges for illegal entry.
Paul, who had been silently watching, stepped forward.
Mabel, maybe theres a compromise? Youre sisters
No, Mabel replied firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by your games. Laura, decide you leave or I involve the police.
Laura glared, but Mabels resolute stare forced her to concede.
Fine. Ill go. Dont think this is over, Laura snapped, gathering her things.
An hour later Laura slammed the door shut. Mabel sank onto the sofa, feeling hollow and drained.
Want me to stay with you? Paul asked softly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, she replied. I could really use someone right now.
Of course, he said, taking her hand. I think Lauras going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse her behaviour, but it explains it.
Maybe, Mabel sighed. Im just tired of our endless fights. She always acts like I get everything handed to me, but thats not how it is.
She fell silent, gathering her thoughts.
When Mum died, it was hard. We were close, yet after the funeral you and Laura drifted apart. She pushed to sell the house as if it were just an asset, while for me it was the last thread connecting me to her
I get that, Paul squeezed her hand. Grief shows up differently for everyone. Maybe Laura used the house as a way to avoid painful memories.
Perhaps, Mabel nodded. But lying, tricking me out of my home Its too much. I dont know if I can ever fully forgive her.
Give yourself time, Paul advised. And her as well. When the anger cools, you might be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, she whispered. But first I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat in silence, the evening darkening outside, the flat still echoing Lauras brief presence. Mabel reflected on how strange life had turned the sister who once meant everything now felt almost an enemy. And a former classmate had turned out more reliable than blood.
Thanks, Mabel finally said, breaking the quiet. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Ive been meaning to suggest we get out for the weekend. Maybe a film or a walk in the park?
Mabels eyes lit up, and she returned his smile.
Id love that.
A week later her phone rang. It was Laura. Her finger hovered over the hangup, but she answered.
Hello? Lauras voice sounded unsure. Mabel, we need to talk.
About what? Mabel asked coolly.
I Laura stammered. I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Mabel stayed silent, unsure how to respond.
Im in a tough spot right now, Laura continued. That doesnt excuse me, but I shouldnt have acted that way.
You shouldnt have, Mabel agreed.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, Lauras voice trembled. I just hope one day you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
Mabel took a deep breath.
I dont know, Laura. I need time.
Of course, Laura replied quickly. I understand. Just know I truly regret it.
After the call Mabel stared out the window, thinking. Laura, with all her flaws, was still her sister the only close family left after Mum. Maybe someday she could find it in herself to forgive. Not now. She needed to mend her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Paul: Fancy a walk in the park tomorrow? Looks like nice weather.
Mabel smiled and typed back: Would love to.
Life went on, despite everything. And who knows maybe one day she and Laura will rebuild what was broken. For now, the priority was valuing those who truly stood by you in hard times and letting go of toxic ties, even if theyre bound by blood.
Soon enough the sisters would talk again. Until then, Mabel kept moving forward, learning to trust and to be happy again, no matter what.
