Nothing has changed
I step into the flat with a buoyant mood, a cardboard box cradling a birthday cake I bought especially for Mum and Mark.
From deep within the flat faint music drifts, under it hushed voices.
My name, uttered by my stepdad, makes me freeze in the hallway.
How much longer must I put up with your Emily? Marks voice sounds irritated. Shes a knot in my throat.
I hold my breath, pressed against the wall. My heart pounds so hard I swear they could hear it.
Dont get worked up. Let her foot the bill for the anniversary, then go off. In the meantime, keep quiet as a mouse.
The words snatch the breath from my lungs. My fingers clench the cardboard so hard the box nearly crumples into a pancake.
Right, so thats how a thought flickers. Thats exactly what they expect from me.
I tiptoe toward the exit, trying to stay unseen. As the door shuts behind me I tumble down the stairs like a sack of potatoes.
Outside the sun shines just as brightly, but the world suddenly loses its colour. I slump onto a bench in the park opposite the houses.
The cake box rests on my knees, and I stare at it blankly, trying to grasp what just happened.
Five years of silence
Five long years I have not crossed the threshold of my parents house. I havent heard Mums voice, I havent seen her face.
Now a call and an invitation to an anniversary arrive.
Mark entered our lives when I turned fifteen a wiry kid with a sly squint and a perpetual grin.
Emily! he shouted, winking at Mum. Our slender one, bonethin, shell be blown away by the first gust!
Mum laughed at his jokes, looking at him as if he were delivering the greatest truths on earth.
Mark, youre a riot! she clapped. What a joker!
I sat with my eyes fixed on the plate, trying to become invisible.
Mum, hes overstepping, I finally blurted one day.
Oh, love, youre being dramatic, she waved me off. Its just jokes.
Each day Mum drifted farther from me, as if an invisible wall rose between us. I clung to memories of Dad, who always defended me and believed in me.
My biological father has been gone for two years, but he arranged a savings account that receives a monthly allowance for my education. I dreamed of finishing school, moving to Manchester, and getting into university starting a new life without Mark and his jokes that turned my world upside down. I believed and I waited.
Graduation
After the graduation party I feel like Im soaring on wings. School behind me, a fresh future ahead.
I open the flats door and am taken aback. Ten strangers sit around the festive table.
The air smells of roasted meat and something sugary. Glasses clink, laughter booms.
Mark, seated at the head of the table with Mum beside him, spots me first.
Ah, our graduate has arrived! he booms. Come over, lovely! Lets celebrate a double occasion your school finish and my new boat!
I walk toward the table, bewildered. Someone slides over, making room.
Everyone, meet Emily, my stepdaughter, Mark gestures at the gathered crowd. Ive poured my heart into her, raised her as my own!
His mates nod in understanding while I stand frozen, fork in hand.
Images flash: him forcing me to wash his car in freezing weather, mocking my grades, insisting Ill end up selling at the market after school.
Emily, youre a bit of a dreamer, Mark continues. Schools done. Time to work, right, love?
I stay silent, picking at the salad.
Oh, Mark, let the girl study, someone at the table laughs.
Study what? Mark squints. Works more important now. Ive already struck a deal with MrHughes shell be a shop assistant in his store. Standing behind a counter isnt exactly Newtons calculus.
The table erupts in laughter, and I feel a boil rising inside.
Betrayal
When Mum drifts to the kitchen, I follow her.
Mum, I need to talk, I whisper.
She looks a little tipsy, eyes glittering, movements carefree.
What is it? she awkwardly piles a stack of plates on the table.
Im applying to university in Manchester, my voice trembles. I need the money from my account.
Mum freezes, then turns slowly.
Which money? she frowns.
The savings Dad set aside for my education, I repeat.
Ah, those, she waves a hand as if brushing off a trifle. Theres no money left.
The world tilts beneath my feet.
How can that be? I whisper. There was
No, there isnt, she cuts in. Mark needed to buy a boat. And look at the feast weve thrown.
I stare at her, not recognizing the mother who used to read me bedtime stories.
You spent my money? I cant believe my ears.
Technically it was in my name, Mum shrugs. And Mark does so much for us. He deserves a boat and a holiday.
At that moment the man of the hour storms into the kitchen.
Emily! he shouts. Ive just made a deal with MrHughes. From Monday youll be a cashier in his shop! He bursts out laughing, pleased with himself.
I turn and silently exit the kitchen, heading to my bedroom. My trembling hands pull open the dresser drawers, rummaging through boxes.
Where are Dads gifts? Gold earrings, a pendant chain, Grandmas ring
I find them hidden at the bottom of an old shoe box, untouched.
Stepdad never made it. Enough for the first few months in Manchester.
I sit on the bed, gaze at Dads photograph on the nightstand.
Ill manage, Dad, I whisper. I promise.
Unexpected call
Five years flash by like a single day. Manchester greets me with rain, fog, and the warmth of new friends. University, a night shift at a café, a dorm room with flatmate Maya. Life settles, and I rarely think of the past.
My phone rings early Tuesday morning. An unknown number.
I rarely answer such calls, but something makes me press the green button.
Hello?
Emily! Darling! How wonderful to hear your voice!
I stay silent, gathering my thoughts.
Are you there? she asks. Emily, can you hear me?
Yes, I reply shortly. I hear you.
How are you? Hows life? her tone is oddly affectionate. I miss you so much, you have no idea!
Five years I didnt think of you, and now Im suddenly nostalgic, flashes through my mind.
Everythings fine, I answer dryly. Studying, working.
Oh, brilliant! she exclaims. Im planning my anniversary soon. Ill be turning fifty, can you imagine?
I smile at the absurdity.
Seriously? After everything?
Oh, stop dwelling on the past, she replies, a hint of irritation creeping in. Its all fresh. Everyone makes mistakes. Im truly sorry. I want us to be a family again!
I close my eyes, and Marks smug grin appears in my mind, that perpetual smirk.
And Mark? I ask. Does he want to see me too?
Of course! she answers too quickly. He asks about you all the time. Hes worried.
Fine, I say, surprising myself. Ill come.
Really? her voice trembles with genuine surprise. Oh, Im so happy! When should I expect you?
In a week, I think.
After hanging up, I stare out the window, wondering why I agreed, what I hope to find, whether I still want to see Mum, whether shes truly changed.
A week later I stand on the doorstep of my parents flat. Mum throws the door open and rushes into a hug.
Darling! Look at you! Youve grown into a beauty! she babbles.
We sit in the kitchen, sip tea, and she chats about neighbours, gossip, and everything else. Then, almost offhand, she adds:
Emily, Ive just realised my anniversary is coming, and Im flat broke, she admits, eyes downcast. Id love a proper celebration, but Mark you know how tight he is with money.
I take her hand, look into her eyes.
Dont worry, Mum. Ill take care of everything.
Settling the scores
After a moment on a park bench, I straighten my back and head back to the flat with resolve.
Theyll get what they deserve, I promise myself.
I slam the door shut so loudly they can hear it.
A second later Mum emerges, a strained smile painted on her face.
Emily! I thought youd vanished! she sings. Come in, lets have tea.
I smile back and hand her the cake box.
Here, a little treat, my voice sounds unusually bright. And Mum, I have a brilliant idea!
What is it? her eyes light up.
Ive booked a swanky country restaurant for your anniversary! I blurt out. Imagine a fountain, live music! Ive even arranged a coach to bring and fetch all the guests!
Mum claps her hands like a child.
Oh, Emily, youre my golden girl! she exclaims, hugging me. Mark will love it!
Hell be over the moon, I say.
We settle at the kitchen table and Mum lists the invitees. I halflisten, then, almost casually, add:
By the way, my friend Svetlas grandmother has nowhere to live. I thought Id sell her my halfshare of the flat.
Mums smile fades instantly, eyes narrowing.
Whats that about? she asks coolly.
Dont worry! I wave it off. You dont want to buy it yourself? Grandmas quiet, barely leaves her room. No one will mind. Ill give you half the proceeds for living expenses.
Mums face changes in an instant.
Well, if thats the case she says. How much are we talking about?
I name a figure that makes Mums eyes widen.
That much?! she exhales. Fine, then! Let grandma move in.
I pull a sheet of paper from my bag and start scribbling.
Sign the notice of sale, I say, as casually as possible.
Mum grabs the pen and, without reading, puts her signature down.
All set, I grin. Now lets pick a dress for your big night.
The day of the anniversary is sunny and warm. A large tourist coach is already parked outside our house, and guests in festive attire gather.
Mark, strutting like a parade leader, talks loudly and gestures wildly. Spotting me, his smile widens.
Ah, our benefactor! he shouts. Emily always knew how to thank us for a happy childhood!
Someone laughs, and I give a polite smile.
Everyone ready? I ask Mum.
Yes, dear, she replies. Arent you coming with us?
Ill arrive by taxi a little later, I explain. I still have a few things to sort out.
Oh, how caring you are!
The guests pile into the coach. Ive already arranged with the driver: fifty percent upfront, the rest on return.
When the coach disappears around the corner, I pull out my phone.
Hello, Victor? Good afternoon, this is Emily. Could I view the flat today? Right now, if that works.
I picture the crowd, led by Mum and Mark, arriving at the country restaurant that no one actually expects. I imagine them calling me, only to find my line dead, and having to chip in for the return journey.
Half an hour later a broadshouldered man in a tracksuit pulls up my buyer Victor Stanfield, a heavyweight lifter. Hes friendly but his stare says Ill make you sweat.
Everythings as agreed. Ill move in today, he says.
Perfect, I reply, smiling. Im sure youll get along with the neighbours quickly.
He leaves, and I walk once more through the flat that raised me, walls echoing with both good and bad memories. Dads photograph still sits on the shelf in my room; I slip it into my bag.
As I close the door behind me, I picture Marks face when he learns about the new neighbour, and Mums realization that no one will ever see the money from my share. They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
Yet as I shut the flats door for the last time, a strange warmth settles in my chest.
