Tom, can you believe it? Paul and Amy are coming for the weekend! Tom called, phone in hand, a grin spreading across his face.
Seriously? Its been ages five years maybe? Emily smiled back. Well, well have plenty to catch up on.
Yes, theyve been itching to get out of town. Paul kept moaning that everything in their hometown was getting worse. We managed to break away, but theyre still stuck in that swamp.
What about where theyll stay?
I offered them our flat straight away. Youre fine with that, arent you? Tom squinted playfully.
If theyve already decided without me, Im all for it. Lets give them a proper London weekendshow them the city, prove that a bit of effort and work can change things, Emily said, pride glinting in her eyes. They had both moved, settled, and were doing quite well. Many had said there was nothing for ordinary province folk to aim for.
The flat sparkled for the guests arrival. Emily scrubbed every surface, pulled fresh linen from the wardrobe to lay out in the lounge, even bought a new throw to keep the visitors warm, and added a couple of plush pillows for extra comfort. They were preparing for the friends as if they were close family.
Saturday morning the intercom buzzed. A minute later Paul and Amy stood in the hallway. Paul was in an old tracksuit that hadnt been fashionable in the capital for years; Amy wore baggy jeans and a tight tank top, looking irritable and scanning the corridor.
Hello! Come in, you dear guests, Tom said.
Wow, even better than I imagined, Paul joked, kicking off battered trainers and flashing holeriddled socks.
Amy slipped deeper into the flat, took a quick look around, then asked, Is this yours?
No, its ours. We bought it with a mortgage, Tom replied. Shall we head to the kitchen? Tea, coffee?
Coffee, Amy answered.
I could do with something stronger, Paul tapped Tom on the shoulder.
An hour later the atmosphere loosened. The friends swapped updates.
This place feels like a whole different world, Emily said.
The air even seems cleaner, and people smile more, Amy nodded.
Why wouldnt they smile here? Theres something worth living for, Paul added. Back home its all low wages and no work. Ugh.
Emily laid out a bowl of fruit and a homemade cake shed baked for the occasion.
Listen, Tom, Paul began over dinner, any openings at your firm? Im fed up with grinding for peanuts.
Ill keep an eye out, Tom said. Were actually recruiting right now. Ill mention you, but I cant promise anything.
Would you consider moving? With the kids? Emily asked, surprised.
Well Amy tasted the cake and thought. Wed love to, but you know, two kidsour eldest just started nursery. We fought hard for that spot and we dont have the cash for a move.
If need be, Paul could move first. We have a spare flat where two lads share a room. Theyre generally happy, Tom offered.
Emily caught a flicker of doubt in Toms eyes, but he quickly forced a smile, brushing it away.
I dont want to live apart, Amy murmured. Its a question of prospects and salary.
On Monday the couple left. Paul sent his résumé, Tom forwarded it, and within weeks things fell into place.
Paul landed a job quickly. Tom kept his word, speaking to his manager and recommending him. Paul got a probationary contractnot the top slot, but with a decent salary and room to advance.
Mate, I owe you one, Paul said one evening, dropping by with a bottle of red. This is my chance. Back home theres nothing. Lets make a fresh start.
No letting us down, Tom replied, uncorking the wine.
Emily watched from the doorway. At first everything seemed normal: Paul stopped by now and then, sipped tea, talked about the new role. He slept in the shared staff flat with his colleagues.
Paul, hows Amy? How are the kids? Emily asked out of habit.
The kids are great. I sent them money for new toys. Mum helps but Amy isnt thrilled Ive moved. Im glad, thoughsome peace from her constant nagging, Paul confessed after a few glasses.
Longdistance relationships are tricky, but youll miss each other, Emily said with a sigh.
A few weeks later Paul returned, this time with Amy and the children.
Were here for the weekend, Amy announced, as if it had been preplanned. Weve missed you! The kids havent seen dad in ages, and we havent caught up with you.
Emily was taken aback. It had been a year, maybe two, since theyd last met. Right come in then. Ive roasted a chicken, she said, gesturing to the kitchen. Where are you staying?
In a hotel, Amy sighed. Its pricey, but we cant afford anything else. We need to see each other now and then, otherwise Tom forgets what I look like and might bring someone home.
Which would you prefer, red or white? Tom asked, his hospitality becoming routine.
Oh, we wont stay long. Could you look after the kids for a bit? Paul and I need some time alone you cant really have a romantic evening in a onebedroom flat with kids around, Amy giggled.
Tom glanced at Emily, shrugged. He understood Paul but wasnt keen on babysitting strangers children.
We wont be long, honestly, Amy pleaded, hands clasped.
Fine, a quick help wont hurt. Go on, make yourselves at home. They say you can earn a good sum looking after kids maybe enough for a flat, Emily laughed, waving them off.
Paul and Amy left, the children staying with Tom and Emily. Nothing disastrous happened. The young couple felt a bit exhausted but also proud of themselves for not leaving friends in need.
The occasional helpout became a habit. Amy started coming almost every week, asking to mind the children for a few hours, a day, or an entire Saturday.
My husband works out of town, she would say. I need these visits. Its good practice for us, you know, without kids for a while. Emily grew irritated and, after the third request, finally said, Thats it.
The nursery is closed. We have plans.
Youre leaving? Amy pouted, then brightened. Great. Hand us the keys. Well stay a week or two. Hotels are a fortune, and my husband says my trips cost him too much.
No, we cant. Well be away for a day and then back. Where else would you expect us to put you? Emily replied.
You have two rooms. We wont be a bother. Were practically family.
The conversation nearly sparked a fight between Emily and Tom.
Did you hear what she said? She wants us to move so its convenient for them! Tom snapped.
Maybe shes stressedkids, moving houses maybe PMS, Emily tried to rationalise.
Shes arrogant! Were not obliged to host them. Im against it. Call Paul and tell his wife to stop being pushy.
Sounds wrong, Tom muttered.
Are they behaving well? Emily asked.
Tom shrugged. He called Paul, and Amy softened a bit. It seemed she was merely changing tactics, now texting Tom.
Hi. Could you do me a favour? I need to check his phone Hes not texting anyone, is he?
When Tom declined, Amy wrote again.
Then at least visit him. Look for any womens stuff in his room.
Tom seriously, talk to him. Im scared hes pulling away. I think someone else is in his life and he trusts you.
Tom initially replied tersely, then started ignoring her. Amy kept calling, sending voice notes, crying emojis, long texts.
Emily didnt know about this. Tom hid the messages, deleted them, sometimes left the room to speak privately.
One evening, while Tom was distracted with his phone, Emily peeked over his shoulder and saw a long message from Amy:
Go to him tomorrow. I think hes ignoring me. Im sure hes found someone. Check his phone if you can.
Emilys face flushed. What are you hiding? Is she a friend now? Are you spying on Paul?
Im not spying! Tom scrambled. She just wont stop texting, calling, complaining. I thought maybe I should help my friends wife?
Help? Shes using you like a errand boy and youre staying silent. You cant say noyouve given her permission, and now youre hiding it like a guilty cat! Shame on you.
Tom sighed, Youre right. I should have told you and ended this.
He erased the chats and blocked Amys number.
After that, Amy finally called Tom and he told her he would no longer take part in her investigations. She got angry, blamed Emily for ruining things, and warned she would tell Paul.
Know what? If you keep pestering me, Ill spill everything to Paul she threatened.
That finally made Amy back off.
Paul eventually learned of the texts from Emily. He was furious at how far things had gone and confronted Tom one night.
Its gone too far, mate. Shes meddling. I thought distance would help, but its just made things messy. Ill sort it out, Paul said.
Two months later Amy and Paul disappeared from their lives. Tom and Emily returned to their routine, took a holiday, visited their parents, and ran into Amy back in their hometown. She walked past without a word; later they heard she and Paul had split. Rumour had it Amy had found someone while Paul was in London, and his own wife had been unfaithful. Sometimes life turns out exactly the way you fear.
The whole episode taught them a simple truth: true friendship isnt measured by how much you accommodate anothers demands, but by the respect you keep for each others boundaries.
