Megan Hartley flung the door open, her arms crossed tight across her chest, voice sharp enough to cut glass. I told youget out of my house right now! Immediately!
Whats wrong with you? Clare Hartley stared, bewildered, at the sister who had just invited her in. You asked me to stay here while
Ive changed my mind! Megan snapped. Enough. Pack your things and get out.
Clare glanced helplessly at the small suitcase at her feet. Shed arrived three hours earlier, barely unpacked a single shirt.
Megan, at least tell me whats happened, Clare tried to keep her tone steady, though her voice trembled.
Nothing. I just dont need you here. I thought I could handle your staying over, but I cant. Pack up. Ill call a black cab for you, fine.
Clare shuffled to the couch, her hands clumsy, a lump choking her throat. The sisters hadnt seen each other since their mothers funeral two years ago. The sudden phone call, the warm invitation, the promise of shelternow a cruel ejection without explanation.
Ill be quick, Clare whispered, fighting back tears.
Megan tapped nervously on the doorframe, watching her sister pull out the few belongings shed managed to gather. Her face remained an unreadable mask, only the tight line of her jaw betrayed the strain.
Clare stopped in the doorway, her eyes meeting Megans. They shared the same dark eyes, the same high cheekbones, the same stubborn chin. Yet now Megan seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, Clare said, stepping over the threshold.
Goodbye, Megan echoed, slamming the door.
Clare descended the staircase, replaying fragments of their last phone call from a week before.
Clare, come over, Megans voice had been unusually soft. Stay with me until the work on your flat is finished. Its high time we patched things up, dont you think?
You sure? Clare had asked cautiously. After everything
Come on! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to end that. Come Saturday, Ill be waiting.
Now, standing on the street with her suitcase, Clare tried to piece together what had changed in those three hours. Megan had greeted her warmly, set a tea table, asked about her life then vanished to another room, supposedly to answer a call. When she returned, she was a different person.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Megan: The cab will be here in seven minutes. Wait by the entrance.
Outside, a drizzle began to fall. Clare set her bag down, pulled out her phone, and frantically thought of where to go. The only option was Harry Jenningsan old schoolmate theyd been texting a lot lately. He lived alone in a twobed flat and would likely let her stay a few days while she figured something out.
Hello, Harry? Clare said when he answered. Im in a bit of a bind
Harry listened without interruption, then gave her his address. Ill be waiting. Dont worry, he said, his calm tone easing her a fraction.
In the cab, tears finally broke free. The sting of betrayal burned. What had she done to deserve this? Had the fight over their mothers estate been that deep?
Clare recalled the argument after their mothers death. Megan wanted to sell the family house and split the money; Clare insisted on keeping the home, too full of memories. Shed bought Megans share, taken on debts, and held onto the house. Perhaps Megan still harboured a grudge.
The cab pulled up outside a modest terraced house. Clare paid the driver and stepped out. Harry was already there, a smile on his face as he took her bag.
Dont look so down, he said, ushering her inside. Well sort this.
Harrys flat was warm, a kettle whistling on the stove. He set out tea and biscuits, listening as Clare recounted everything.
It feels off, Harry mused after she finished. Megan didnt call you over for nothing. Somethings up.
It was just tea, a chat, Clare shrugged. She mentioned a seaside holiday last month, then got a call, went to another room, and came back angry.
What was that about? Harry asked.
Clare hesitated. She spoke lowly. When she returned she kept asking how long Id stay, even though wed agreed on a couple of weeks while the work on my flat finished.
Whos doing the work? Harry pressed.
The crew Megan recommendedsupposedly friends of her exhusband, cheap and good, Clare said with a bitter smile. Ive got the keys but havent been in a week.
Harrys brow furrowed. Lets check now. Bad feeling here.
Its late Clare protested.
Exactly why we go now. If everythings fine we leave; if not well know.
Half an hour later they were in front of Clares flat. The hallway was thick with muffled voices and the scrape of moving furniture.
Theres someone inside, Clare whispered, frozen.
Harry took the keys, turned the door, and stepped in. Boxes and suitcases littered the entryway. In the living room, amid the chaos, Megan stood explaining something to two burly movers lugging a wardrobe.
Whats happening? Clare demanded, eyes wide.
Megan flinched, surprise flashing before annoyance took over. Clare? What are you doing here?
My question! Whats going on in my flat?
Megan adjusted her hair, nervous. I can explain
I hope so, Clare replied, crossing her arms just as Megan had earlier.
Megan glanced at the movers, who hesitated. Guys, take a break, she said, and they shuffled out, relieved.
Im waiting, Clare reminded.
Megan sighed heavily, sinking onto the sofa. Im divorcing Ian. He kicked me out of our place and Ive got nowhere to go. I thought I could stay here until I find something.
So you lured me out, invented a fake renovation, and just moved in? Clares voice cracked with fury.
Its not that simple, Megan said, eyes downcast. I really wanted to make peace, to live together for a while and fix things between us but I realized I couldnt. Too much has built up, Clare.
And thats why you tried to steal my home? Clares hands trembled.
Megans face twisted with anger. You always got Moms favour, everything handed to you! If wed sold the house, I could have bought my own place and not be stuck with Ian all these years!
So this is about the house, Clare whispered. You never forgave me for keeping it. I bought you out, even if it took time.
Its not about the money! Megan shouted. Its that you never cared about my feelings! You only thought of yourself!
Thats not true, Clare retorted. Ive always looked out for you, even now. Im giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Megan asked, wary.
You have two choices. Pack your things and leave this flat now, or Ill call the police for trespassing.
Harry, who had stood silent, stepped forward. Clare, maybe theres a middle ground? Youre sisters, after all
No, Clare said firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by your games. Decide: leave or I involve the police.
Megan stared at her with hatred, but the resolve in Clares eyes forced her to back down.
Fine. Ill go, she spat, gathering her things. Dont think this is over.
An hour later Megan slammed the door shut. Clare sank onto the sofa, hollow and drained.
Want to stay here with me? Harry asked softly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, Clare replied, her voice low. I could use someone right now.
Of course, he said, taking her hand. I think Megans going through a rough patchdivorce, no home. It doesnt excuse her, but it explains a lot.
Clare sighed. After Mum died, it was hard. We were close, but instead of supporting each other we drifted apart. She pushed to sell the house, as if it were just an asset. That home is the only thing that still ties me to her.
Harry squeezed her hand. Grief shows up differently for everyone. Maybe for Megan its a way to run from painful memories.
Maybe, Clare murmured. But lying, tricking me Im not sure I can forgive her yet.
Give yourself time, Harry advised. And her too. When the anger eases, you might be able to talk.
Perhaps, she admitted. First I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat in silence, the evening deepening outside. The flat, still echoing with Megans brief presence, grew quieter. Clare reflected on how twisted fate had becomeher sister, once her confidante, now almost an enemy. Yet an old schoolmate proved steadier than blood.
Thank you, Clare finally said, breaking the hush. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Harry smiled. Actually, I was thinking maybe we could go to the cinema this weekend? Or just a walk in the park?
Clares eyebrows rose, then she smiled back. Id like that.
A week later, Clares phone rang. The screen showed Megan. Her finger hovered over the end call button, but something made her answer.
Hello? Megans voice sounded tentative. Clare, we need to talk.
What about? Clare asked coolly.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Clare stayed silent, unsure how to respond.
Im in a tough spot right now, Megan continued, but that doesnt excuse me. I shouldnt have treated you that way.
You shouldnt have, Clare agreed.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, Megans voice cracked. I just hope one day you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
Clare took a deep breath. I dont know, Megan. I need time.
Of course, Megan replied quickly. I understand. Just know that I genuinely regret it.
After hanging up, Clare stared out the window, thinking of everything. Megan, despite all her flaws, was still the only close family left after their mothers death. Perhaps, with time, forgiveness could come. Not now. She needed to heal her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Harry: How about a walk in the park tomorrow? Looks like itll be fine weather.
Clare smiled and typed back: Sounds perfect.
Life went on, despite everything. Maybe one day she and Megan would rebuild their bond, but for now the priority was to value the people who truly stood by her in the dark and to let go of toxic ties, even when they were bound by blood.
Soon enough, the sisters would have another conversation. For now, Clare kept moving forward, learning to trust again and to find happinessno matter the obstacles.
