Nothing had changed
I stepped into the flat with my spirits lifted, a box of cake clutched in my hands a cake bought especially for Mum and Brian.
From deep within the flat music drifted, under it muffled voices.
My name, called out by my stepdad, made me freeze in the hallway.
How much longer do I have to put up with your Emily? Brians voice sounded irritated. Shes a stone in my throat.
I held my breath, pressed against the wall.
My heart hammered so hard I thought they could hear it.
Dont get worked up. Let her pay for my anniversary and then get lost. For now, keep your voice down, quieter than a mouse.
The words stole my breath.
My fingers clenched so hard the cardboard box nearly turned into a flat pancake.
Right, so thats how it is exactly what they wanted from me, I thought.
I slipped toward the exit, trying to stay unnoticed.
The moment the door shut behind me I nearly tumbled down the stairs.
Outside the sun shone just as brightly, but the world suddenly lost all its colour.
I slowly sank onto a bench in the park opposite the houses.
The cake box rested in my lap and I stared at it hopelessly, trying to make sense of what had happened.
Five years of silence
Five long years I hadnt crossed the threshold of my parents house.
I hadnt heard Mums voice, hadnt seen her face.
And now a phone call and an invitation to an anniversary.
Brian entered our lives when I turned fifteen.
Small, with a sly squint and a permanent grin.
Emily! hed shout, winking at Mum. Our little beauty, skin and bone, Godbless her. Shell be swept away by the first wind!
Mum burst out laughing at his jokes. She looked at him with such admiration, as if he were spouting the greatest truths of humanity.
Brian, youre a character! shed clap. What a joker!
I sat with my eyes down on my plate, trying to disappear.
Mum, hes overstepping, I finally blurted one day.
Oh, youre such a child, she waved it off. Its just jokes.
Each day Mum drifted farther from me, as if an invisible wall had risen between us.
I clung to memories of Dad, who always protected me, who believed in me.
My biological father had been gone for two years, but he had planned for my future. He opened an account where a sum was deposited each month for my education. My dream was to finish school, move to Manchester, and get into university a fresh start without Brian and his jokes that turned my world upside down.
I believed. I waited.
Graduation
After the graduation evening I floated on air. School behind me! Ahead a new life Id longed for.
When I opened the flats door, I was taken aback. Around the festive table sat about a dozen strangers.
The air smelled of roasted meat and something sweet. Glasses clinked, laughter roared.
Brian, perched at the head of the table beside Mum, was the first to notice me.
Ah, our graduate has graced us! he boomed. Come over, gorgeous! Lets celebrate a double occasion your school finish and my new boat!
I walked uncertainly to the table. Someone moved aside, offering a seat.
Ladies and gentlemen, Brian gestured. This is Emily, my stepdaughter. Ive put my heart into her, raised her as my own!
His friends nodded, and I stood frozen with a fork in my hand.
Images flashed through my mind: him making me wash his car in the cold, mocking my grades, insisting that after school Id sell wares at the market.
Emilys a bit of a headcase, Brian went on. Shes just finished school. Now shell work, right, love?
I stayed silent, poking at the salad.
Come off it, Brian, a guest laughed. Let the girl study.
What does she study? Brian squinted. Works more important now. Ive already struck a deal with Mr. Hughes shell be a shop assistant in his store. Standing behind a counter isnt exactly Newtons law of motion.
The table erupted in laughter, and I felt my blood boil.
Betrayal
When Mum slipped off to the kitchen, I followed.
Mum, I need to talk, I said quietly.
She looked a little tipsy, her eyes glittering, movements loose.
What is it? she asked, setting a stack of plates on the table.
Im applying to university in Manchester, my voice trembled. I need the money from my account.
Mum froze, then turned slowly to me.
What money? she frowned.
The money Dad saved for my education, I repeated.
Oh, that, she waved a hand as if it were a trifle. Theres no more.
The world tilted beneath my feet.
How can there be none? I whispered. There was
Thats that, she cut in. Brian needed to buy a boat. And look at the feast weve thrown.
I stared at her, barely recognizing the mother who once read me bedtime stories.
You spent my money? I couldnt believe my ears.
Technically it was in my name, Mum shrugged. And Brian does so much for us. He deserves a boat and a holiday.
At that moment the cause of the celebration stormed into the kitchen.
Emily! he shouted. Ive sorted it with Mr. Hughes. From Monday youll be a cashier in his shop! He laughed loudly, pleased with himself.
I turned and left the kitchen, heading to my room.
With trembling hands I opened the dresser, rummaging through boxes.
Where were Dads gifts? Gold earrings, a chain with a pendant, Grandmothers ring
I found them hidden at the bottom of an old shoe box, untouched.
The stepdad hadnt arrived. It would be enough for the first months in Manchester.
I sat on the bed, looking at Dads photograph on the nightstand.
Ill manage, Dad, I whispered. I promise.
Unexpected call
Five years passed in a blur. Manchester greeted me with rain, fog, and the warmth of new friends.
University, a night shift at a café, a dorm room with flatmate Lucy.
Life settled, and I tried not to dwell on the past.
The phone rang early on a Tuesday. An unknown number.
I rarely answer strangers, but something made me press the green button.
Hello?
Emily! Darling! Its so lovely to hear your voice!
I stayed silent, gathering my thoughts.
Are you there? she asked. Emily, can you hear me?
Yes, I replied shortly. I hear you.
How are you? Hows life? her voice was unusually gentle. I miss you more than you can imagine!
Five years I didnt think of you, and now youre reaching out, I thought.
Its all fine, I said dryly. Studying, working.
Oh, youre wonderful! she cooed. Im about to celebrate my 50th birthday. Can you come?
I almost laughed at the sudden invitation.
Really? After everything?
Dont bring up old stuff, she said, a hint of irritation returning. Time heals. Everyone makes mistakes.
Im sorry for everything. I want us to be a family again.
I closed my eyes. Brians smug face with his perpetual grin flashed behind my lids.
Is Brian coming too? I asked.
Of course! she replied too quickly. He asks about you all the time. He worries.
Alright, I said, surprising myself. Ill come.
Really? she sounded genuinely surprised. Im so happy! When should I expect you?
In a week, I think.
After the call I stared out the window, wondering why Id agreed. What was I hoping to find? A part of me still wanted to see Mum. Maybe she had truly changed.
A week later I stood on the doorstep of the family flat. Mum flung the door open and hugged me tightly.
Darling, look at you! Such a beauty! she babbled.
We sat in the kitchen, sipping tea, and Mum talked about her life, neighbours, acquaintances.
Then, almost offhand, she added:
Emily, I just realised my anniversary is coming, and Ive got no money, she said, eyes dropping in guilt.
I want to celebrate properly, not like a pauper. But Brian you know he doesnt splash the cash.
I took her hand, looked into her eyes.
Dont worry, Mum. Ill cover it.
The net tightens
After sitting on a park bench and thinking everything through, I straightened my back and walked back into the house.
Theyll get what they deserve, I promised myself.
I slammed the door shut so they could hear it.
A moment later Mum emerged with a strained smile.
Emily! I was wondering where youd vanished to! Come in, have a cup of tea.
I smiled back and handed her the cake box.
Here, I thought Id treat you, I said, my voice unusually bright. And Mum, I have a brilliant idea!
What is it? her eyes lit up with curiosity.
Ive booked a lovely restaurant out of town for your anniversary think fountains, live music! I exclaimed. I even arranged a coach to bring and take all the guests!
Mum clapped her hands like a child.
God, Emily, youre my golden girl! she exclaimed, hugging me. And Brian will love it!
Yes, I think hell be thrilled.
We settled at the kitchen table, and Mum listed the guests shed invited. I listened halfheartedly until she slipped in:
By the way, my friends grandma has nowhere to live. Im thinking of selling my share of the flat to her.
Mums face changed instantly. The smile faded, eyes narrowed.
Whats that supposed to mean? she asked coldly.
Dont worry! I waved it off. She barely leaves her room. No one will mind. Ill give you half the proceeds for living expenses.
Mums expression softened, then hardened again.
How much are we talking about? she demanded.
I named a sum that made her eyes widen.
That much?! she gasped. Fine, let her move in then.
I pulled a piece of paper from my bag and began to write.
Sign the notice of sale, I said, barely caring about the wording.
Mum grabbed the pen and signed without reading.
Great, I smiled. Now lets think about what dress youll wear.
The reckoning
The anniversary day was sunny and warm.
A big coach already parked outside our house, guests in smart attire gathering.
Brian, in full parade mode, strode among them, gesturing loudly.
Spotting me, his face broke into a grin.
Oh, heres our benefactor! he shouted. Emily always knows how to repay us for a happy childhood!
Someone laughed, and I gave a polite smile.
Is everyone ready? I asked Mum.
Yes, dear, she replied. Arent you joining us?
Ill be there by taxi a bit later, I explained. I still have a few things to settle.
Oh, how caring of you! she teased.
The guests boarded the coach.
Id arranged with the driver: fifty percent paid up front, the rest after the return trip.
When the coach turned the corner, I pulled out my phone.
Hello, Victor? This is Emily. Could I view the flat today? Right now, if that works.
I imagined the crowd, led by Mum and Brian, arriving at the countryside restaurant that, of course, wasnt expecting anyone.
Theyd be calling me, while my phone would be dead, and theyd have to share a ride back.
Half an hour later a broadshouldered man my buyer, Victor Stevens, a weightlifter pulled up.
Friendly but with an intensity that said nothing was to be taken lightly.
Everything as agreed. Im moving in today.
Excellent, I replied, smiling. I think youll get along well with the neighbours.
He left, and I walked through the flat Id grown up in, memories flooding in both good and bad.
Dads photo still sat on my shelf. I slipped it into my bag.
Leaving the flat, I pictured Brians reaction when he learned about my new neighbour, and Mums face when she realised the restaurant would be empty and the money from my share would never reach her.
They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
But as I shut the door to the place I would never return to, a strange warmth settled in my chest.
Sometimes the greatest freedom comes not from winning a battle, but from walking away with your own dignity intact.
