Nothing had changed
I stepped into the flat with a buoyant mood, a cardboard box cradling a small cake bought especially for Mum and Derek.
From somewhere deep within the walls drifted music, its rhythm muffled by lowkey murmurs.
The name my stepdad uttered made me freeze in the hallway.
How much longer must I endure your Ellie? Dereks voice rasped, irritated. Shes a stone stuck in my throat.
I held my breath, pressed against the wall, feeling my heart pound so hard I imagined the floor might hear it.
Dont make a fuss. Let her foot the bill for the birthday, then she can go on her way. For now, behave as quiet as a mouse, as low as the grass.
The words snatched the air from my lungs. My fingers clenched the cardboard so tightly the box nearly turned to a flimsy pancake.
Ah, so this is what they really want from me, a fleeting thought whispered.
I tiptoed toward the exit, trying to stay unseen. As the door clicked shut behind me I tumbled down the stairs in a clumsy, almost cartoonish roll.
Outside, the sun shone with the same harsh glare, yet the world had suddenly drained of colour. I sank slowly onto a bench in the small park opposite the houses.
The cake box rested on my knees, and I stared at it helplessly, trying to make sense of the oddity.
Five years of silence
Five long years I had not crossed the threshold of my parents house. I had not heard Mums voice, not seen her face.
And nowa phone call and an invitation to a birthday.
Derek had entered our lives when I was fifteen, a wiry teenager with a sly squint and a perpetual grin.
Ellie! hed shout, winking at Mum. Our slender one, bonethin, truly. The wind will carry her off first!
Mum would burst into laughter at his jokes, gazing at him with a reverence as if he were reciting the greatest truths of humanity.
Derek, youre a proper joker! shed clap. What a character!
I would sit, eyes fixed on my plate, trying to melt into the background.
Mum, hes overdoing it, I finally blurted one day.
Oh, youre being dainty, shed wave off. Its only jokes.
Each day Mum drifted farther from me, as if an invisible wall rose between us. I clung to memories of Dad, the man who always defended me, who believed in me.
Dad had been gone for two years, but he had arranged a modest savings account that received a monthly stipend for my education. My dream was simple: finish school, head up to Manchester, get into university, start a new life away from Derek and his jokes that turned my world upsidedown.
I believed. I waited.
Graduation
After the leavers dinner I floated as if on wings. School behind me, a fresh chapter ahead.
When I opened the flats door my breath caught. Ten strangers sat around a festive table.
The air was heavy with the scent of roast and something cloyingly sweet. Glasses chimed, laughter boomed.
Derek, perched at the head of the table with Mum beside him, was the first to notice me.
Ah, our graduate has graced us! he bellowed. Come, beauty, lets celebrate a double occasionyour school finish and my new boat!
I shuffled to the table, someone sliding a chair aside for me.
Ladies and gents, Derek gestured grandly, meet Ellie, my stepdaughter. Ive poured my soul into her, raised her as my own!
His mates nodded approvingly while I stood, fork trembling in my hand.
Images flashed: him making me wash his car in the freezing cold, laughing at my grades, insisting Id end up selling at the market after school.
Ellies a bit slow, Derek continued, Shes just finished school. Shell go to work, wont she, love?
I stayed mute, poking at the salad.
Come off it, Derek, a guest chortled. Let the girl study.
What will she study? Derek squinted, feigning intrigue. Work is king now. Ive already spoken to Mr. Hugheshell take her as a shop assistant. Standing behind a counter isnt exactly Newtons law.
The table erupted in giggles. Inside me, a kettle boiled.
Betrayal
When Mum slipped away to the kitchen, I followed.
Mum, I need to talk, I whispered.
She looked slightly tipsy, eyes glittering, movements loose.
Whats up? she asked, awkwardly stacking plates.
Im applying to university in Manchester, my voice trembled. I need the money from my account.
Mum froze, then turned slowly.
What money? she frowned.
The one Dad saved for my schooling.
Oh, that, she waved a hand as if dismissing a trifle. Theres no more of it.
The world slipped beneath my feet.
How can there be none? I whispered. There was
Its gone, she cut in. Derek needed to buy a boat. And look at this feast weve thrown.
I stared at her, not 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 Derek does so much for us. He deserves a boat and a holiday.
At that moment the man of the hour burst into the kitchen.
Ellie! he shouted. Ive sorted things with Mr. Hughes. From Monday youll be his cashier! He laughed boisterously.
I turned and slipped out of the kitchen, heading instead for my bedroom. My trembling hands tore open the dresser, rifling through boxes.
Where were Dads gifts? Gold earrings, a chain with a pendant, Grandmas ring
I found them hidden at the bottom of an old shoe box, untouched.
Dad hadnt made it to this point. The first few months in Manchester would have to be enough.
I sat on the bed, stared at Dads photograph on the nightstand.
Ill manage, Dad, I whispered. I promise.
An unexpected call
Five years rushed by like a single day. Manchester greeted me with rain, fog, and the warmth of new friends. University, a nightshift at a café, a cramped dorm room with a flatmate called Maisie. Life settled, and I tried not to look back.
Early Tuesday morning, my phone rangan unknown number. Usually I ignore such calls, but something made me press the green button.
Hello?
Ellie, love! Its Mum! Im so thrilled to hear you!
I stayed silent, gathering thoughts.
You there? she asked. Ellie, can you hear me?
Yes, I replied briefly. I hear you.
How are you? Hows life? her voice was oddly tender. I miss you so much, you cant imagine!
Five years I didnt think of you, and now Im missing you, a flash ran through my mind.
Everythings fine, I answered flatly. Studying, working.
Good for you, dear! she cooed. Im throwing a big birthday soonturning fifty, can you believe it?
Id love you to come.
I almost laughed at the suddenness.
Seriously? After everything?
Oh, stop dredging up the past, she said, a hint of irritation slipping in. Its all new. Everyone makes mistakes.
Im really sorry. I want us to be a family again.
I closed my eyes; Dereks smug grin floated before me.
Is Derek coming too? I asked.
Of course! she replied too quickly. He never stops asking about you. He worries.
Alright then, I said, surprising myself. Ill come.
Really? her voice trembled with genuine surprise. Oh, 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? Part of me still wanted to see Mum, maybe she had truly changed.
A week later I stood on the doorstep of my parents house. Mum flung the door open and threw her arms around me.
Darling, look at you! Gorgeous! she babbled.
We sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea, Mum chatting about neighbours, acquaintances, the odd bits of daily life.
Then, as if offhand, she added,
Ellie, I just realised my birthdays coming and Ive got no money at all, she said, eyes dropping.
I want a proper celebration, not like some bargainbin affair, but Derek you know how frugal he can be.
I took her hand, looked her in the eye.
Dont worry, Mum. Ill take care of everything.
Settling the score
After a while on a park bench, I straightened my back, resolved. Theyll get what they deserve, I muttered to myself.
Back inside, I slammed the flats door shut, making sure they heard.
A moment later Mum emerged, smile stretched tight.
Ellie! I was wondering where youd vanished to! she sang. Come in, lets have tea.
I returned her smile and handed her the cake box.
Here, a little treat, I said, voice brighter than usual. And I have a fantastic idea for your birthday!
What is it? Mums eyes lit up.
Ive booked a swanky country restaurant for your celebrationimagine fountains, live music! I declared. I even ordered a coach to ferry all the guests!
Mum clapped her hands like a child.
My goodness, Ellie, youre my golden girl! And Derek will love it, Im sure.
We settled at the kitchen, Mum rattling off the guest list. I listened halfheartedly, then slipped in, By the way, my friends granny, Svetla, is homeless. Im thinking of selling my halfshare of the flat to her.
Mums smile vanished, eyes narrowing.
Whats that about? she asked coldly.
Dont worry, I waved it off. You dont want to buy it yourself? Granny barely leaves her room, it wont bother anyone. Ill give you half the proceeds for living expenses.
Mums face shifted instantly.
How much are we talking about?
I named a figure that made her stare at the ceiling.
That much?! she gasped. Fine, let her move in then.
I fished a piece of paper from my bag, scribbled a rushed note.
Sign the sale notice, I said, nonchalantly.
Mum snatched the pen and, without reading, signed.
Great, I smiled. Now, what dress will you wear?
The birthday
The day was bright and warm. A large tourist coach had already parked outside our house, guests in festive attire spilling onto the curb. Derek strutted through the crowd, arms flailing, shouting about his new boat.
Spotting me, his grin widened.
Oh, heres our benefactor! he proclaimed. Ellie always knows how to thank us for a happy childhood!
Someone laughed; I offered a polite smile.
Everyone ready? I asked Mum.
Yes, darling, she replied. Arent you coming with us?
Ill hop in a taxi later, I said. I have a few things to settle first.
Such a caring daughter you are!
The guests boarded the coach. I had already arranged with the driver: half the fare now, the rest upon return. As the bus disappeared around the corner, I dialed.
Hello, Victor? This is Ellie. Could I view the flat today? As soon as possible, please.
I imagined the crowd, led by Mum and Derek, arriving at the countryside restaurant that nobody was really waiting for, phones dead, forced to share a return ride.
Half an hour later a broadshouldered man named Victor Steadman, a weightlifter, pulled up. He was friendly, though his gaze suggested hed lift more than just weights.
Everythings as agreed. Im moving in today, he said.
Wonderful, I replied, smiling. I think youll get along with the neighbours quickly.
When he left, I walked once more through the flat where Id grown up, memoriessweet and sourclinging to the walls. Dads photograph still sat on the shelf in my room; I slipped it into my bag.
Leaving, I pictured Dereks face when he learned about the new neighbour, and Mums realization that the restaurant would be empty and the money from my share would never reach her.
They say revenge is a dish best served cold. Yet as I closed the door to the flat I would never return to, a quiet warmth settled in my chest.
