Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! she said with a grin to the unknown woman standing at her door.
Hold on a sec, Emily! Someones at the frontdoor. Ill call back when I know who it is and what they want, Sarah replied, ending a chat with her longtime friend. Emily had just been recounting, in vivid detail, the hilariously chaotic birthday party of her motherinlaw, and Sarah was laughing so hard it felt like she was watching a sitcom on TV.
Sarah padded over to the door, peeked through the peephole and did a doubletake. Shed expected the usual neighbour, since strangers rarely manage to get into their secure block. Instead, a young woman she didnt recognise was standing there, looking a bit outofplace.
She decided not to open better to steer clear of strangers, especially with all the scams these days. Sarahs rule was simple: no chatting with unknown people. Con artists prey on naïveté, but she wasnt about to fall for it.
She grabbed her phone to get back to Emily, but the doorbell rang again. The lady outside was insistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Sarah was alone; her husband James had gone over to a mates to help with some gardening. She went back to the peephole, this time giving the stranger a closer look. Something about the woman was odd and a touch pitiable, yet Sarah didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to go away? Then I can finish my weekend in peace, she mused. Probably just lost or trying to sell something.
She swung the door open. The woman in the hallway straightened up, patting down her hair nervously before speaking.
Hi! Are you Sarah? she asked, twirling a scarf. Of course you are why do you ask?
Sarah thought, Scammers are getting cleverer. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Sarah said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger blurted, catching Sarah off guard.
Thats something, Sarah thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name definitely a con.
Youre here for James? Sarah asked, though she meant something else entirely.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is here, itll be harder for me, the woman replied casually.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Sarahs curiosity grew with each second.
What if he doesnt have what youre looking for? Sarah finally asked.
Maybe we should step inside. Its awkward discussing this in the hallway, the stranger suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you and I wont let strangers in. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Sarah snapped.
Do you really want me to spill the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Sarahs voice rose higher than she intended.
Just then, Mrs. Brown, the neighbour from flat 2B, stepped out of the lift. Sarah, are you alright? Why are you shouting?
Oh hey, Mrs. Brown! All good, just a bit of weather chat. Looks like rains on the way, Sarah tried to steer the conversation away.
Looks like it, Mrs. Brown replied, lingering near the door, clearly intrigued.
Come in, Sarah said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger inside.
Inside, the woman began eyeing the flat with interest, her gaze lingering on various bits and bobs.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Sarah warned, blocking the path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Maggie, the woman began, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Thats so cliché! Couldnt you think of something more original? Sarah retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats cliché about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband runs off, Maggie replied, trying to walk past Sarah.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fell for you? Sarah asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be standing here, Maggie insisted.
My husband doesnt know what love is, so youre dead wrong, Sarah said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr. James Whitaker cant take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Maggie declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So what do you want from me, Maggie? Sarah asked, still curious.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Maggie announced, standing tall.
So you want me to let my husband leave, even though he never mentioned a split? Are you sure youve got the right man? Sarah laughed now, amused.
Before Maggie could answer, the front door burst open and James walked in, clearly surprised to see a stranger in the hallway.
Maggie? What are you doing on a Saturday? Work? James asked, bewildered.
No, Im here for you, Sarah said, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something at work? James asked, still confused.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Sarah replied with a grin.
Maggie, flustered, grabbed her coat and started backing toward the door.
Youre leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Sarah joked.
But Maggie was already out the door.
What was that all about? James asked, utterly baffled.
You tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and saying youd live with her? Sarah asked, hands on her hips.
Seriously?! James exclaimed, looking stunned. I have no idea. She acted weird at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to that nonsense.
Well, you know Im not kidding. Women these days will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Sarah said, shaking her head.
James gave her an unsure look, then sighed deeply. Ill probably never understand what some people imagine. This is all so strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Youre right, Sarah replied with a soft smile. But Im not going to let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is our life, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling her into a hug. Thanks for having my back. I dont want any trouble. Im with you, and only you.
Sarah returned the embrace, feeling that despite the odd episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both sensed that, no matter what unexpected bumps came their way, their relationship was rock solid. Nothing could tear them apart that day.
