Emily, can you believe it? Mike and Clara are coming for the weekend! Harry walked up to his girlfriend, phone in hand, smiling.
Seriously? Its been ages Five years? She returned his smile. Well, well have plenty to talk about.
Theyve been wanting a break for ages. Mike kept complaining that everything in their town was getting worse. We managed to get away, but theyre still stuck in that bog.
Where will they stay?
Honestly, I offered them our place right away. You dont mind, do you? Harry squinted playfully.
If theyve already decided without me, Im fine. Lets give them a proper London weekend. Well show them around, let them see what life can be when you put in the effort, Emily said, pride shining in her eyes for both of them. Theyd moved, got jobs, settled and were doing quite well. Many had said there was nothing for ordinary provincial folk like them to catch.
The flat was sparkling for the guests arrival: Emily had given everything a thorough clean, pulled fresh linen from the wardrobe to lay on the sofa, even bought a cosy blanket so the visitors wouldnt feel a chill. She added a couple of new pillows for extra comfort. The two of them prepared for their friends visit as if they were expecting close relatives.
On Saturday morning the intercom buzzed. Within a minute Mike and Clara were standing in the hallway. He was in a tracksuit that hadnt been in style in the capital for years; she wore tight jeans and a snug top, looking downcast and irritated as she scanned the corridor.
Hello! Come in, dear guests Harry greeted.
Better than I imagined, Mike said, slipping off old trainers and flashing holes in his socks.
Clara moved deeper into the flat, silently looked around and asked:
Is this yours?
No, its ours. Bought with a mortgage, Harry replied. Shall we head to the table? Tea, coffee?
Coffee, Clara said.
Ill need something stronger. Mike patted Harry on the shoulder.
An hour later the atmosphere had loosened. The friends exchanged news.
Its a completely different life here, Emily remarked.
The air even feels different. People seem to smile more, Clara nodded.
Why wouldnt they? Theres at least something to live for, Mike added. Back home weve got no decent pay, no real jobs. Damn.
Emily set a bowl of fruit and a homemade cake on the table, baked especially for the visitors.
Listen, Harry, Mike began over dinner. Do you have any vacancies at work? Im ready for anything. Im fed up working for pennies.
Ill see what I can do, Harry said. Were actually recruiting right now. Ill put in a good word, but I cant promise anything.
Would you consider moving? With the kids? Emily asked, surprised.
Well Clara tasted the cake and thought. We could move the whole family, but you know, two kids, the older just started nursery. We fought hard to get a place there, and we have no money for a move.
If needed, Mike could go first. Theres a staff flat where two lads share a room. They dont complain, Harry explained.
Emily watched her husband. She saw a flicker of doubt cross his face, then a quick smile that brushed it away.
I dont want us living apart, Clara murmured. Its all about prospects and salary.
On Monday the guests left. Mike sent his résumé, Harry passed it on, and within a few weeks everything fell into place.
Mike was hired quickly. Harry kept his promise, speaking to the manager and recommending him. Mike got a probationary contractnot the top spot, but with a decent salary and room to grow.
Youve saved my skin, mate, Mike said one evening, bringing a bottle of wine. This is my chance. Back home theres nothing. Now we can start fresh!
Just dont let us down, Harry replied, uncorking the bottle.
Emily watched from the side. At first everything seemed normal: Mike dropped by occasionally, shared a cuppa, talked about his new job. He stopped staying overnight, getting used to a shared dormitory with colleagues.
Mike, hows Clara? The kids? Emily asked casually.
The kids are great. I sent them money for new toys. Mum helps but Clara isnt thrilled Im away. Im glad, thoughsome peace from her constant monitoring, Mike admitted after a few glasses.
Longdistance relationships are tricky, but youll both miss each other, Emily chuckled.
Mike left again.
The following weekend he returned, not alone but with Clara and the children.
Were here for the weekend, Clara announced as if it had been planned long in advance. Weve missed you! The kids havent seen their dad in ages, and weve missed you too.
Emily froze in surprise. It had been a year or two since theyd last met, not just a couple of weeks. She couldnt turn them away.
Right, come in. Ive roasted a chicken, she managed. Where are you staying?
In a B&B, Clara sighed. Its an expensive treat, but we have no cash for a hotel. We have to see each other now and then, otherwise hell forget what I look like and bring someone else home.
Clara, who would I bring? Harry asked, his hospitality turning routine.
Red or white? Emily joked, already feeling the strain.
We wont be long. Could you watch the kids for a bit? We need some time alone you know, a oneroom flat isnt exactly romantic with children around, Clara giggled. Its not easy to be cosy in there.
Harry looked away, shrugged. He understood Mikes situation, but babysitting strangers children didnt appeal.
Well be brief, I promise, Clara pleaded, hands clasped.
Fine, one goround wont hurt. Go on, lovebirds. Make a third one, Emily laughed. They say theres good money for looking after kids maybe itll cover a flat.
Mike and Clara left, laughing, while their children stayed with Harry and Emily.
Nothing disastrous happened. The young couple was exhausted, but felt like heroes for not abandoning friends in need.
The occasional helpout became a habit. Clara started coming almost every week, asking to look after the kids for a whole day or even the entire Saturday.
My husband lives in another city, she would say. I need these visits. Please, youve got no kids at the moment! Practice a bit!
Emily grew angry, and after the third request she finally said enough.
The nursery is closed. We have plans.
Youre moving out? Clara protested, then brightened with an idea. Great! Hand us the keys. Well stay a week or two. Hotels are too pricey, my husband wont pay; he says my trips cost him too much.
No, that wont work. Were leaving for a night, then well be back. Where do you want us to stay? Emily asked.
You have two rooms. We wont be a bother. Were friends, almost family.
The conversation nearly sparked a fight between Emily and Harry.
Did you hear what she said? Were supposed to move so theyre comfortable! Harry muttered.
Maybe shes stressedkids, moving, maybe PMS, Emily guessed.
Its not stress, its arrogance! Were not obligated to host them! Im against it. Call Mike and tell his wife to stop being pushy.
That sounds wrong, Harry replied.
Are they behaving well? Emily asked.
Harry shrugged. He later called Mike, and Clara seemed to back off, or at least changed tactics, now texting Harry.
Hey, could you do me a favour? I need to check his phone Does he chat with anyone?
When Harry declined, Clara wrote again.
Then at least pay him a visit. See if there are any womens things in his room.
Harry really! Talk to him seriously. Im scared hes drifting away. I think someone else is in his life and he trusts you.
Harry first answered briefly, then started ignoring her. Clara kept calling, sending voice notes, tears, long texts with endless smileys.
Emily never heard about this from Harry. He hid the messages, deleted them, sometimes left the room to talk elsewhere.
One evening, when Harry stepped away with his phone, Emily peeked over his shoulder and saw a long message from Clara:
Visit him tomorrow. I feel ignored. Im sure hes found someone. Check his phone if you can.
Emilys cheeks flushed.
What are you hiding? Is she your friend now? Or are you spying for Mike?
Im not spying! Harry flustered. She just keeps nagging, calling, complaining. I thought shes a friends wife, maybe I should help
Help? Shes using you as a messenger! And you stay silent, letting it happen because you cant say no. Thats why youre in this mess! You even hide from me like a guilty cat! Shame on you! Their problem, but youre the cause!
Youre right. I should have told you, ended this nonsense, Harry deleted the chats and blocked her number.
After that, Clara finally got through to Harry and he told her he would no longer take part in her investigations. She got angry, blamed Emily for ruining things, claimed true friends dont act like that.
If you keep pestering, Ill tell Mike
Only then did Clara step back.
Mike later learned of the messages from Emily. He was outraged at how far it had gone and confronted Harry one night:
Shes been driving you mad, hasnt she? Sorry shes so nosy. Im tired of it too. I thought distance would help, but no. Ill sort it out.
Two months passed. Clara and Mike disappeared from their lives.
Harry and Emily returned to their routine, went on a holiday, visited their parents, and ran into Clara back in their hometown. She walked past without a greeting. Later they heard she and Mike had split. Rumour had it Clara had found someone while Mike was in London The jealous wife turned out to be unfaithful herself. It happens.
The whole saga taught them that good intentions can be twisted by others, and that setting boundaries is vital. True friendship respects space and honesty, and the only way to keep peace is to speak openly before resentment takes root.
